Association of Gut Microbiota with Atherogenic Dyslipidemia, and Its Impact on Serum Lipid Levels after Bariatric Surgery

Gut microbiome and function are altered for individuals living in high fluoride concentration areas in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Endemic fluorosis refers to the condition when individuals are exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride ion due to living in a region characterized by elevated levels of fluorine in the drinking water, food, and/or air. In Pakistan, a substantial proportion of the population is thereby affected, posing a public health concern.

OBJECTIVES

Assessing how the gut microbiota and its metabolic profiles are impacted by chronic exposure to fluoride in drinking water (that caused Dental Fluorosis) as well as to perceive how this microbiota is connected to adverse health outcomes prevailing with fluoride exposure.

METHODS

Drinking water (n=27) and biological samples (n=100) of blood, urine and feces were collected from 70 high fluoride exposed (with Dental Fluorosis) and 30 healthy control (without Dental Fluorosis) subjects. Water and urinary fluoride concentrations were determined. Serum/plasma biochemical testing was performed. Fecal DNA extraction, 16S rRNA analysis of microbial taxa, their predicted metabolic function and fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) quantification were carried out.

RESULTS

The study revealed that microbiota taxonomic shifts and their metabolic characterization had been linked to certain host clinical parameters under the chronic fluoride exposure. Some sets of genera showed strong specificity to water and urine fluoride concentrations, Relative Fat Mass index and SCFAs. The SCFAs response in fluoride-exposed samples was observed to be correlated with bacterial taxa that could contribute to adverse health effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Microbial dysbiosis as a result of endemic fluorosis exhibits a structure that is associated with risk of metabolic deregulation and is implicated in various diseases. Our results may form the development of novel interventions and may have utility in diagnosis and monitoring.

Distribution and virulence of Escherichia coli harboring cyclomodulins and supplementary virulence genes isolates from clinical and environmental samples

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cyclomodulins (cdt, cnf, pks and cif) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from clinical and environmental samples, the presence of supplementary virulence genes (SVG), antibiotic resistance, and in vitro cytotoxicity. 413 E. coli were isolated from clinical (stool from obese subjects, normal weight subjects, children with diarrhea, and children without diarrhea; and urine from pregnant and non-pregnant women with urinary tract infections) and environmental (water and different foods) samples. PCR was performed to identify E. coli pathotypes, the four cyclomodulins, and 18 SVG; virulence score, cytotoxic assay, and antibiotic resistance assay were performed. Fifteen percent of E. coli were positive for cyclomodulins and were found in all isolation sources; however, in children with diarrhea, they were more frequent. The most frequent cyclomodulin was cdt. More DEC strains harbor cyclomodulins than non-DEC, and cyclomodulins were most frequent among aEPEC pathotype. SVG ehaC was associated with cyclomodulin-positive strains. Cyclomodulin-positive E. coli had a higher virulence score but no significant cytotoxic activity. They were slightly more resistant to antibiotics. In conclusion, cyclomodulins-positive E. coli was widely distributed in humans, food, and the environment, and they were associated with SVG ehaC, suggesting that these genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of the cyclomodulins. However, more research is needed.

Exploring of gut microbiota features in dyslipidemia and chronic coronary syndrome patients undergoing coronary angiography

Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) has a high mortality rate, and dyslipidemia is a major risk factor. Atherosclerosis, a cause of CCS, is influenced by gut microbiota dysbiosis and its metabolites. The objective of this study was to study the diversity and composition of gut microbiota and related clinical parameters among CCS patients undergoing coronary angiography and dyslipidemia patients in comparison to healthy volunteers in Thailand. CCS patients had more risk factors and higher inflammatory markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) than others. The alpha diversity was lower in dyslipidemia and CCS patients than in the healthy group. A significant difference in the composition of gut microbiota was observed among the three groups. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Prevotella, and Streptococcus was significantly increased while Roseburia, Ruminococcus, and Faecalibacterium were lower in CCS patients. In CCS patients, Lachnospiraceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Pediococcus were positively correlated with hs-CRP. In dyslipidemia patients, Megasphaera was strongly positively correlated with triglyceride (TG) level and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The modification of gut microbiota was associated with changes in clinical parameters involved in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in CCS patients.

Soil intake modifies the gut microbiota and alleviates Th2-type immune response in an ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse model

Background

A low-clean living environment (LCLE) can increase gut microbial diversity and prevent allergic diseases, whereas gut microbial dysbiosis is closely related to the pathogenesis of asthma. Our previous studies suggested that soil in the LCLE is a key factor in shaping intestinal microbiota. We aimed to explore whether sterilized soil intake as a prebiotic while being incubated with microbes in the air can attenuate mouse asthma inflammation by modifying gut microbiota.

Methods

16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbial composition, in combination with immune parameters measured in the lung and serum samples.

Results

16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed significant differences in the fecal microbiota composition between the test and control mice, with a higher abundance of Allobaculum, Alistipes, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001, which produce short-chain fatty acids and are beneficial for health in the test mice. Soil intake significantly downregulated the concentrations of IL-4 and IL-9 in serum and increased the expression of IFN-γ, which regulated the Th1/Th2 balance in the lung by polarizing the immune system toward Th1, alleviating ovalbumin-induced asthma inflammation. The effect of sensitization on gut microbiota was greater than that of air microbes and age together but weaker than that of soil.

Conclusions

Soil intake effectively reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in asthmatic mice, possibly by promoting the growth of multiple beneficial bacteria. The results indicated that the development of soil-based prebiotic products might be used for allergic asthma management, and our study provides further evidence for the hygiene hypothesis.

Causality of the gut microbiome and atherosclerosis-related lipids: a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization study

AIMS

Recent studies have indicated an association between intestinal flora and lipids. However, observational studies cannot indicate causality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potentially causal relationships between the intestinal flora and blood lipids.

METHODS

We performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between intestinal flora and blood lipids. Summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for the 211 intestinal flora and blood lipid traits (n = 5) were obtained from public datasets. Five recognized MR methods were applied to assess the causal relationship with lipids, among which, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) regression was used as the primary MR method. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the causal estimates.

RESULTS

The results indicated a potential causal association between 19 intestinal flora and dyslipidemia in humans. Genus Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae, Parasutterella, Terrisporobacter, Parabacteroides, Class Erysipelotrichia, Family Erysipelotrichaceae, and order Erysipelotrichales were associated with higher dyslipidemia, whereas genus Oscillospira, Peptococcus, Ruminococcaceae UCG010, Ruminococcaceae UCG011, Dorea, and Family Desulfovibrionaceae were associated with lower dyslipidemia. After using the Bonferroni method for multiple testing correction, Only Desulfovibrionaceae [Estimate = -0.0418, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9362-0.9826, P = 0.0007] exhibited stable and significant negative associations with ApoB levels. The inverse MR analysis did not find a significant causal effect of lipids on the intestinal flora. Additionally, no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy for IVs was observed in the analysis.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested a causal relationship between intestinal flora and dyslipidemia. These findings will provide a meaningful reference to discover dyslipidemia for intervention to address the problems in the clinic.

Christensenella minuta, a new candidate next-generation probiotic: current evidence and future trajectories

Background

As the field of probiotic research continues to expand, new beneficial strains are being discovered. The Christensenellaceae family and its newly described member, Christensenella minuta, have been shown to offer great health benefits. We aimed to extensively review the existing literature on these microorganisms to highlight the advantages of their use as probiotics and address some of the most challenging aspects of their commercial production and potential solutions.

Methods

We applied a simple search algorithm using the key words "Christensenellaceae" and "Christensenella minuta" to find all articles reporting the biotherapeutic effects of these microorganisms. Only articles reporting evidence-based results were reviewed.

Results

The review showed that Christensenella minuta has demonstrated numerous beneficial properties and a wider range of uses than previously thought. Moreover, it has been shown to be oxygen-tolerant, which is an immense advantage in the manufacturing and production of Christensenella minuta-based biotherapeutics. The results suggest that Christensenellaceae and Christensenella munita specifically can play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Furthermore, Christensenellaceae have been associated with weight management. Preliminary studies suggest that this probiotic strain could have a positive impact on metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, as well as inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusion

Christensenellaceae and Christensenella munita specifically offer immense health benefits and could be used in the management and therapy of a wide range of health conditions. In addition to the impressive biotherapeutic effect, Christensenella munita is oxygen-tolerant, which facilitates commercial production and storage.

Gut Microbiota Ecological and Functional Modulation in Post-Stroke Recovery Patients: An Italian Study

Ischemic stroke (IS) can be caused by perturbations of the gut-brain axis. An imbalance in the gut microbiota (GM), or dysbiosis, may be linked to several IS risk factors and can influence the brain through the production of different metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), indole and derivatives. This study examines ecological changes in the GM and its metabolic activities after stroke. Fecal samples of 10 IS patients were compared to 21 healthy controls (CTRLs). GM ecological profiles were generated via 16S rRNA taxonomy as functional profiles using metabolomics analysis performed with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Additionally fecal zonulin, a marker of gut permeability, was measured using an enzyme-linked immuno assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses and correlated with clinical features and biochemical variables using correlation and nonparametric tests. Metabolomic analyses, carried out on a subject subgroup, revealed a high concentration of fecal metabolites, such as SCFAs, in the GM of IS patients, which was corroborated by the enrichment of SCFA-producing bacterial genera such as Bacteroides, Christensellaceae, Alistipes and Akkermansia. Conversely, indole and 3-methyl indole (skatole) decreased compared to a subset of six CTRLs. This study illustrates how IS might affect the gut microbial milieu and may suggest potential microbial and metabolic biomarkers of IS. Expanded populations of Akkermansia and enrichment of acetic acid could be considered potential disease phenotype signatures.

Causal relationship between gut microbiota with subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization study

Background

Numerous studies have revealed associations between gut microbiota and adipose tissue. However, the specific functional bacterial taxa and their causal relationships with adipose tissue production in different regions of the body remain unclear.

Methods

We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study using aggregated data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for gut microbiota and adipose tissue. We employed methods such as inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode to assess the causal relationships between gut microbiota and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) as well as visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger regression intercept analysis, and MR-PRESSO were used to test for heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and outliers of the instrumental variables, respectively. Reverse MR was employed to evaluate the reverse causal relationships between SAT, VAT, and gut microbiota with significant associations.

Results

IVW results demonstrated that Betaproteobacteria were protective factors for SAT production (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.96, p = 0.005) and VAT production (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99, p = 0.030). Various bacterial taxa including Ruminococcaceae UCG002 (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99, p = 0.017), Methanobacteria class (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-1.00, p = 0.029), and Burkholderiales (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.98, p = 0.012) were associated only with decreased SAT production. Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10, p = 0.005), Eubacterium hallii group (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15, p = 0.028), Peptococcaceae (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17, p = 0.034), and Peptococcus (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.10, p = 0.047) were risk factors for SAT production. Meanwhile, Eubacterium fissicatena group (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-0.99, p = 0.019), Turicibacter (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.99, p = 0.022), and Defluviitaleaceae UCG011 (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99, p = 0.024) were protective factors for VAT production. Furthermore, Bacteroidetes (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17, p = 0.018), Eubacterium eligens group (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.19, p = 0.037), Alloprevotella (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.10, p = 0.038), and Phascolarctobacterium (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00-1.15, p = 0.042) were associated with VAT accumulation. Additionally, reverse MR revealed significant associations between SAT, VAT, and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group (IVW: OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.18-2.09, p = 0.002) as well as Betaproteobacteria (IVW: OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.29, p = 0.029), both acting as risk factors. Sensitivity analyzes during bidirectional MR did not identify heterogeneity or pleiotropy.

Conclusion

This study unveils complex causal relationships between gut microbiota and SAT/VAT, providing novel insights into the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of gut microbiota in obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Variations in the Relative Abundance of Gut Bacteria Correlate with Lipid Profiles in Healthy Adults

The gut microbiome is a versatile system regulating numerous aspects of host metabolism. Among other traits, variations in the composition of gut microbial communities are related to blood lipid patterns and hyperlipidaemia, yet inconsistent association patterns exist. This study aims to assess the relationships between the composition of the gut microbiome and variations in lipid profiles among healthy adults. This study used data and samples from 23 adult participants of a previously conducted dietary intervention study. Circulating lipid measurements and whole-metagenome sequences of the gut microbiome were derived from 180 blood and faecal samples collected from eight visits distributed across an 11-week study. Lipid-related variables explained approximately 4.5% of the variation in gut microbiome compositions, with higher effects observed for total cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins. Species from the genera Odoribacter, Anaerostipes, and Parabacteroides correlated with increased serum lipid levels, whereas probiotic species like Akkermansia muciniphila were more abundant among participants with healthier blood lipid profiles. An inverse correlation with serum cholesterol was also observed for Massilistercora timonensis, a player in regulating lipid turnover. The observed correlation patterns add to the growing evidence supporting the role of the gut microbiome as an essential regulator of host lipid metabolism.

Combined effect of microbially derived cecal SCFA and host genetics on feed efficiency in broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

Improving feed efficiency is the most important goal for modern animal production. The regulatory mechanisms of controlling feed efficiency traits are extremely complex and include the functions related to host genetics and gut microbiota. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as significant metabolites of microbiota, could be used to refine the combined effect of host genetics and gut microbiota. However, the association of SCFAs with the gut microbiota and host genetics for regulating feed efficiency is far from understood.

RESULTS

In this study, 464 broilers were housed for RFI measuring and examining the host genome sequence. And 300 broilers were examined for cecal microbial data and SCFA concentration. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) showed that four out of seven SCFAs had significant associations with genome variants. One locus (chr4: 29414391-29417189), located near or inside the genes MAML3, SETD7, and MGST2, was significantly associated with propionate and had a modest effect on feed efficiency traits and the microbiota. The genetic effect of the top SNP explained 8.43% variance of propionate. Individuals with genotype AA had significantly different propionate concentrations (0.074 vs. 0.131 μg/mg), feed efficiency (FCR: 1.658 vs. 1.685), and relative abundance of 14 taxa compared to those with the GG genotype. Christensenellaceae and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group were associated with feed efficiency, propionate concentration, the top SNP genotypes, and lipid metabolism. Individuals with a higher cecal abundance of these taxa showed better feed efficiency and lower concentrations of caecal SCFAs.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides strong evidence of the pathway that host genome variants affect the cecal SCFA by influencing caecal microbiota and then regulating feed efficiency. The cecal taxa Christensenellaceae and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group were identified as representative taxa contributing to the combined effect of host genetics and SCFAs on chicken feed efficiency. These findings provided strong evidence of the combined effect of host genetics and gut microbial SCFAs in regulating feed efficiency traits. Video Abstract.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation from Aged Mice Render Recipient Mice Resistant to MPTP-Induced Nigrostriatal Degeneration Via a Neurogenesis-Dependent but Inflammation-Independent Manner

Accumulating data support a crucial role of gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, gut microbiota vary with age and, thus, will affect PD in an age-dependent, but unknown manner. We examined the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) pretreatment, using fecal microbiota from young (7 weeks) or aged mice (23 months), on MPTP-induced PD model. Motor function, pathological changes, striatal neurotransmitters, neuroinflammation, gut inflammation and gut permeability were examined. Gut microbiota composition and metabolites, namely short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were analyzed. Neurogenesis was also evaluated by measuring the number of doublecortin-positive (DCX+) neurons and Ki67-positive (Ki67+) cells in the hippocampus. Expression of Cd133 mRNA, a cellular stemness marker, in the hippocampus was also examined. Mice who received FMT from young mice showed MPTP-induced motor dysfunction, and reduction of striatal dopamine (DA), dopaminergic neurons and striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels. Interestingly and unexpectedly, mice that received FMT from aged mice showed recovery of motor function and rescue of dopaminergic neurons and striatal 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), as well as decreased DA metabolism after MPTP challenge. Further, they showed improved metabolic profiling and a decreased amount of fecal SCFAs. High-throughput sequencing revealed that FMT remarkably reshaped the gut microbiota of recipient mice. For instance, levels of genus Akkermansia and Candidatus Saccharimonas were elevated in fecal samples of recipient mice receiving aged microbiota (AM + MPTP mice) than YM + MPTP mice. Intriguingly, both young microbiota and aged microbiota had no effect on neuroinflammation, gut inflammation or gut permeability. Notably, AM + MPTP mice showed a marked increase in DCX+ neurons, as well as Ki67+ cells and Cd133 expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) compared to YM + MPTP mice. These results suggest that FMT from aged mice augments neurogenesis, improves motor function and restores dopaminergic neurons and neurotransmitters in PD model mice, possibly through increasing neurogenesis.

Obesity, Bariatric Surgery and Obstructive Sleep Apnea-A Narrative Literature Review

The purpose of this review was to analyze the available literature on the subject of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. We searched for available articles for the time period from 2013 to 2023. Obesity is listed as one of the most important health issues. Complications of obesity, with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) listed among them, are common problems in clinical practice. Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for OSA, but OSA itself may contribute to worsening obesity. Bariatric surgery is a treatment of choice for severely obese patients, especially with present complications, and remains the only causative treatment for patients with OSA. Though improvement in OSA control in patients after bariatric surgery is well-established knowledge, the complete resolution of OSA is achieved in less than half of them. The determination of subpopulations of patients in whom bariatric surgery would be especially advantageous is an important issue of OSA management. Increasing the potential of non-invasive strategies in obesity treatment requires studies that assess the efficacy and safety of combined methods.

Gut Microbiota and Microbial Metabolism in Early Risk of Cardiometabolic Disease

Cardiometabolic disease comprises cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction and underlies the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, both within the United States and worldwide. Commensal microbiota are implicated in the development of cardiometabolic disease. Evidence suggests that the microbiome is relatively variable during infancy and early childhood, becoming more fixed in later childhood and adulthood. Effects of microbiota, both during early development, and in later life, may induce changes in host metabolism that modulate risk mechanisms and predispose toward the development of cardiometabolic disease. In this review, we summarize the factors that influence gut microbiome composition and function during early life and explore how changes in microbiota and microbial metabolism influence host metabolism and cardiometabolic risk throughout life. We highlight limitations in current methodology and approaches and outline state-of-the-art advances, which are improving research and building toward refined diagnosis and treatment options in microbiome-targeted therapies.

Long-term consumption of different doses of Grifola frondosa affects immunity and metabolism: correlation with intestinal mucosal microbiota and blood lipids

Grifola frondosa (GF) is an edible mushroom with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. In this study, the specific pathogen-free male mice were randomized into the normal (NM), low-dose GF (LGF), medium-dose GF (MGF), and high-dose GF (HGF) groups. The LGF, MGF, and HGF groups were fed with 1.425 g/(kg d), 2.85 g/(kg d), and 5.735 g/(kg d) of GF solution for 8 weeks. After feeding with GF solution, compared with the NM group, the thymus index was significantly increased in the LGF group, and TC, TG, and LDL of mice were significantly increased in the HGF group, while HDL was significantly decreased. Compared with the NM group, the uncultured Bacteroidales bacterium, Ligilactobacillus increased in the LGF group, and Candidatus Arthromitus increased in the MGF group. The characteristic bacteria of the HGF group included Christensenellaceae R7, unclassified Clostridia UCG 014, unclassified Eubacteria coprostanoligenes, and Prevotellaceae Ga6A1. Among them, Ligilactobacillus showed a negative correlation with HDL. Unclassified Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group and Ligilactobacillus showed a positive correlation with TG. In summary, our experiments evidenced that GF improves lipid metabolism disorders by regulating the intestinal microbiota, providing a new pathway for hypolipidemic using GF dietary.

Treatment of Dyslipidemia through Targeted Therapy of Gut Microbiota

Dyslipidemia is a multifaceted condition with various genetic and environmental factors contributing to its pathogenesis. Further, this condition represents an important risk factor for its related sequalae including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. Emerging evidence has shown that gut microbiota and their metabolites can worsen or protect against the development of dyslipidemia. Although there are currently numerous treatment modalities available including lifestyle modification and pharmacologic interventions, there has been promising research on dyslipidemia that involves the benefits of modulating gut microbiota in treating alterations in lipid metabolism. In this review, we examine the relationship between gut microbiota and dyslipidemia, the impact of gut microbiota metabolites on the development of dyslipidemia, and the current research on dietary interventions, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and microbiota transplant as therapeutic modalities in prevention of cardiovascular disease. Overall, understanding the mechanisms by which gut microbiota and their metabolites affect dyslipidemia progression will help develop more precise therapeutic targets to optimize lipid metabolism.

Correlation of Atherosclerotic Dyslipidemia with Long-Term Stroke Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

Atherosclerotic dyslipidemia (AD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke events, but the effect of AD among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between AD and long-term stroke recurrence in AIS patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 499 AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Stroke subtype was classified according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria, patients' clinical characteristics, and results from multiple diagnostic tests. The primary endpoint event was ischemic stroke recurrence; the time to first AIS recurrence was estimated using Kaplan‒Meier analysis and compared using the two-sided Log rank test. Cox univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the association between AD and long-term stroke recurrence.

Results

Of the 499 patients with AIS treated with rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis, 80 (16.0%) had AD, and 60 (12.0%) had a stroke recurrence event. Kaplan‒Meier analysis showed that the stroke recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with AD than in those without AD (p = 0.035, log rank test) and in the large-artery disease (LAD) subtype (p = 0.006, log rank test). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that AD (HR = 2.363, 95% CI: 1.294-4.314, P = 0.005) and atrial fibrillation (HR = 2.325, 95% CI: 1.007-5.366, P = 0.048) were associated with an increased risk of long-term stroke recurrence in AIS patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis. Furthermore, AD was associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence in patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis in the LAD subtype (HR = 3.122, 95% CI: 1.304-7.437, P = 0.011).

Conclusion

We found that AD increases the risk of long-term stroke recurrence in AIS patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis. This association may be stronger in the LAD subtype.

Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 Promotes Obesity Resistance in Mice

Alterations in the gut microbiome have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, in epidemiologic studies and studies of fecal transfer effects in germ-free mice. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of specific gut microbes on the phenotype of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). After eight weeks of HFD feeding, male C57BL/6J mice in the HFD group ranking in the upper and lower quartiles for body weight gain were considered obese prone and obese resistant, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to determine the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and fecal transplantation (FMT) was conducted to determine whether the microbiota plays a causal role in phenotypic variation. Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 was more abundant in the gut microbes of mice with a lean phenotype than in those with an obese phenotype. Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 was identified as the most significant biomarker for alleviating obesity by random forest analysis. In a correlation analysis of serum parameters and body weight, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 was positively associated with serum HDL-C levels and negatively associated with serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels. To conclude, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 was identified as a novel microbiome biomarker for obesity resistance, which may serve as a basis for understanding the critical gut microbes responsible for obesity resistance. Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 may serve as a target for microbiome-based diagnoses and treatments in the future.