Oral Administration of Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 with Cinnamomi Ramulus Extract Reduces Diet-Induced Obesity and Modulates Gut Microbiota

Potential herb‒drug interactions between anti-COVID-19 drugs and traditional Chinese medicine

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide. Effective treatments against COVID-19 remain urgently in need although vaccination significantly reduces the incidence, hospitalization, and mortality. At present, antiviral drugs including Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid^TM), Remdesivir, and Molnupiravir have been authorized to treat COVID-19 and become more globally available. On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for the treatment of epidemic diseases for a long history. Currently, various TCM formulae against COVID-19 such as Qingfei Paidu decoction, Xuanfei Baidu granule, Huashi Baidu granule, Jinhua Qinggan granule, Lianhua Qingwen capsule, and Xuebijing injection have been widely used in clinical practice in China, which may cause potential herb-drug interactions (HDIs) in patients under treatment with antiviral drugs and affect the efficacy and safety of medicines. However, information on potential HDIs between the above anti-COVID-19 drugs and TCM formulae is lacking, and thus this work seeks to summarize and highlight potential HDIs between antiviral drugs and TCM formulae against COVID-19, and especially pharmacokinetic HDIs mediated by metabolizing enzymes and/or transporters. These well-characterized HDIs could provide useful information on clinical concomitant medicine use to maximize clinical outcomes and minimize adverse and toxic effects.

Organic vegetable juice supplement alleviates hyperlipidemia in diet-induced obese mice and modulates microbial community in continuous colon simulation system

In this study, we investigated the effects of organic vegetable juice (OVJ) supplementation on modulating the microbial community, and how its consumption ameliorated blood-lipid profiles in diet-induced obese mice. Here, we studied the alleviating effect of hyperlipidemia via animal experiments using diet-induced obese mice and analyzed the effect of OVJ on the microbial community in continuous colon simulation system. OVJ consumption did not have a significant effect on weight loss but helped reduce the weight of the epididymis fat tissue and adipocytes. Additionally, blood-lipid profiles, such as triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose, were improved in the OVJ-fed group. Expression levels of genes related to lipid synthesis, including SREBP-1, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FAS, were significantly decreased. In addition, OVJ treatment significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. OVJ supplement influenced intestinal bacterial composition from phylum to genus level, including decreased Proteobacteria in the ascending colon in the phylum. At the family level, Akkermansia, which are associated with obesity, were significantly augmented in the transverse colon and descending colon compared to the control juice group. In addition, treatment with OVJ affected predicted lipid-metabolism-function genes related to lipid synthesis. These results suggest that OVJ supplementation may modulate gut microbial community and reduce the potential symptom of hyperlipidemia in diet-obese mice.

Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. Extract Promotes Human Dermal Papilla Cell Cytoprotective Effect and Hair Regrowth Rate in C57BL/6 Mice

Hair loss is a disease that requires accurate diagnosis and type-specific medical treatment. Many hair loss treatments have some side effects, such as hormone-related effects, so there is a need for safe and effective hair loss treatment. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 (HY7015) and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. (LT) extract on hair regrowth and protection. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the effects of HY7015 and/or LT extract on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) of cytoprotective functions such as proliferations, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and growth factor expressions. In animal experiments, we investigated hair regrowth rate, hair follicle formation and secretion of growth factors in telogenic C57BL/6 mice. We confirmed the cytoprotective effects of HY7015 and LT through regulations of proliferation, SOD and IL-1β in HFDPC. In mouse experiments, oral administration of HY7015 and LT promoted hair regrowth as well as hair follicle maturation in the dermal skin of C57BL/6 mice, and upregulated VEGF and IGF-1 growth factor levels in mouse serum. In summary, our data demonstrate that ingestions of HY7015 and LT can promote hair regrowth by enhancing cytoprotective effects and expressions of growth factors.

The pharmacological validation of the Xiao-Jian-Zhong formula against ulcerative colitis by network pharmacology integrated with metabolomics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is pathologically characterized by an immune response accommodative insufficiency and dysbiosis accompanied by persistent epithelial barrier dysfunction, and is divided into ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Its progression increases the susceptibility to colitis-associated cancer (CAC), as well as other complications. The Xiao-Jian-Zhong (XJZ) formula has a historical application in the clinic to combat gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The investigation aimed to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of XJZ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was diluted in drinking water and given to mice for a week to establish murine models of experimental colitis, and the XJZ solution was administered for two weeks. Network pharmacology analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to predict the therapeutic role of XJZ against UC and CAC. 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were conducted utilizing murine feces to examine the changes in the microbiome profile. Biochemical experiments were conducted to confirm the predicted functions.

RESULTS

XJZ treatment markedly attenuated DSS-induced experimental colitis progression, and the targets were enriched in inflammation, infection, and tumorigenesis, predicted by network pharmacology analysis. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the XJZ-targets were related to the survival probability in patients with colorectal cancer, underlying a potential therapeutic value in cancer intervention. Moreover, the XJZ therapy successfully rescued the decreased richness and diversity of microbiota, suppressed the potentially pathogenic phenotype of the gut microorganisms, and reversed the declined linoleic acid metabolism and increased cytochrome P450 activity in murine colitis models. Our in-vitro experiments confirmed that the XJZ treatment suppressed Caspase1-dependent pyroptosis and increased peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ(PPAR-γ) expression in the colon, facilitated the alternative activation of macrophages (Mφs), inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in intestinal organoids (IOs), thereby favoring the mucosal healing.

CONCLUSION

The XJZ formula is efficacious for colitis by a prompt resolution of inflammation and dysbiosis, and by re-establishing a microbiome profile that favors re-epithelization, and prevents carcinogenesis.

Effects of Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 on Overweight and the Gut Microbiota in Humans: Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Obesity and overweight are closely related to diet, and the gut microbiota play an important role in body weight and human health. The aim of this study was to explore how Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 supplementation alleviate obesity by modulating the human gut microbiome. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 72 individuals with overweight. Over a 12-week period, probiotic groups consumed 1 × 1010 colony-forming units of HY7601 and KY1032, whereas the placebo group consumed the same product without probiotics. After treatment, the probiotic group displayed a reduction in body weight (p < 0.001), visceral fat mass (p < 0.025), and waist circumference (p < 0.007), and an increase in adiponectin (p < 0.046), compared with the placebo group. Additionally, HY7601 and KY1032 supplementation modulated bacterial gut microbiota characteristics and beta diversity by increasing Bifidobacteriaceae and Akkermansiaceae and decreasing Prevotellaceae and Selenomonadaceae. In summary, HY7601 and KY1032 probiotics exert anti-obesity effects by regulating the gut microbiota; hence, they have therapeutic potential for preventing or alleviating obesity and living with overweight.

Supplementation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC 510 Modifies Microbiota Composition and Prevents Body Weight Gain Induced by Cafeteria Diet in Rats

Changes in functionality and composition of gut microbiota (GM) have been associated and may contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity and related diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate for the first time the impact of Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum IMC 510 in a rat model of diet-induced obesity, specifically in the cafeteria (CAF) diet. This diet provides a strong motivation to voluntary overeat, due to the palatability and variety of selected energy-dense foods. The oral administration for 84 days of this probiotic strain, added to the CAF diet, decreased food intake and body weight gain. Accordingly, it ameliorated body mass index, liver and white adipose tissue weight, hepatic lipid accumulation, adipocyte size, serum parameters, including glycemia and low-density lipoprotein levels, in CAF fed rats, potentially through leptin control. In this scenario, L. plantarum IMC 510 showed also beneficial effects on GM, limiting the microbial imbalance established by long exposure to CAF diet and preserving the proportion of different bacterial taxa. Further research is necessary to better elucidate the relationship between GM and overweight and then the mechanism of action by which L. plantarum IMC 510 modifies weight. However, these promising results prompt a clear advantage of probiotic supplementation and identify a new potential probiotic as a novel and safe therapeutic approach in obesity prevention and management.

Latilactobacillus curvatus: A Candidate Probiotic with Excellent Fermentation Properties and Health Benefits

Latilactobacillus curvatus is a candidate probiotic that has been included in the list of recommended biological agents for certification by the European Food Safety Authority. According to the published genomic information, L. curvatus has several genes that encode metabolic pathways of carbohydrate utilization. In addition, there are some differences in cell surface complex related genes of L. curvatus from different sources. L. curvatus also has several genes that encode bacteriocin production, which can produce Curvacin A and Sakacin P. Due to its ability to produce bacteriocin, it is often used as a bioprotective agent in fermented meat products, to inhibit the growth of a variety of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. L. curvatus exerts some probiotic effects, such as mediating the production of IL-10 by dendritic cells through NF-κB and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signals to relieve colitis in mice. This review is the first summary of the genomic and biological characteristics of L. curvatus. Our knowledge on its role in the food industry and human health is also discussed, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the development of applications of L. curvatus.

Wenyang Jieyu Decoction Alleviates Depressive Behavior in the Rat Model of Depression via Regulation of the Intestinal Microbiota

Background

Intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the occurrence and treatment of depression. This study investigated whether Wenyang Jieyu decoction (WYJYD) alleviates depressive behavior in the rat model via regulation of the intestinal microbiota.

Methods

Rat model of depression was established by stress stimulus. SD male rats were randomly allocated into normal control, model, model + low-dose WYJYD (1.89 g/kg/d), model + medium-dose WYJYD (3.08 g/kg/d), model + high-dose WYJYD (7.56 g/kg/d), and model + fluoxetine (3.33 mg/kg/d) groups. Behavioral changes were observed using forced swim test. Histopathological changes in hippocampal tissue were examined by HE staining. Indicators in serum were detected by ELISA. Indicators in hippocampal tissue were detected by qPCR and western blot. Microbiota distribution in feces was detected using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Compared with the model group, the immobility time in WYJYD and fluoxetine groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the cell structure was significantly improved. Compared with the model group, the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) levels in medium- and high-dose WYJYD groups and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in the high-dose WYJYD group were significantly increased (P < 0.05, all), and the fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), forkhead box protein G1 (FOXG1), and phospho-protein kinase B/protein kinase B (p-AKT/AKT) expressions were increased with WYJYD treatments. The Chao1 and ACE indices in high-dose WYJYD and the Simpson and Shannon indices in medium-dose WYJYD were significantly different than the model group. The similarity of the intestinal microbial community of each group after WYJYD treatment tended to be closer to the control group. Compared with the model group, as the dosage of WYJYD increased, the abundance of genera Coprococcus, Lachnospira, and rc4-4 was significantly increased, while the abundance of genera Desulfovibrio, Burkholderia, and Enterococcus was significantly decreased.

Conclusion

WYJYD may alleviate the depressive behavior of the rat model by regulating the intestinal microbiota and neurotransmitters.

Codium fragile Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolism by Modulating the Gut Microbiota in Mice

Codium fragile (CF) is a functional seaweed food that has been used for its health effects, including immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and anti-cancer activities, but the effect of CF extracts on obesity via regulation of intestinal microflora is still unknown. This study investigated anti-obesity effects of CF extracts on gut microbiota of diet-induced obese mice. C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet were given CF extracts intragastrically for 12 weeks. CF extracts significantly decreased animal body weight and the size of adipocytes, while reducing serum levels of cholesterol and glucose. In addition, CF extracts significantly shifted the gut microbiota of mice by increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreasing the abundance of Verrucomicrobia species, in which the portion of beneficial bacteria (i.e., Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Acetatifactor) were increased. This resulted in shifting predicted intestinal metabolic pathways involved in regulating adipocytes (i.e., mevalonate metabolism), energy harvest (i.e., pyruvate fermentation and glycolysis), appetite (i.e., chorismate biosynthesis) and metabolic disorders (i.e., isoprene biosynthesis, urea metabolism, and peptidoglycan biosynthesis). In conclusion, our study showed that CF extracts ameliorate intestinal metabolism in HF-induced obese mice by modulating the gut microbiota.

Phycocyanin Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Acute Intestinal Toxicity by Regulating the Effect of the Gut Microbiota on the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB Pathway

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome, including nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration, contributes to morbidity and mortality after medical or industrial radiation exposure, which seriously affects patient quality of life after treatment. No safe and effective radiation countermeasure has been approved for clinical therapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of phycocyanin (PC) against radiation-induced acute intestinal injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were orally administered 50 mg/kg PC once per day for 1 month before exposure to total-abdominal x-ray irradiation at a single dose of 12 Gy. The effects of PC on intestinal histopathology and integrity, gut microbiota, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), inflammatory cytokines, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling were evaluated.

RESULTS

Severe histopathological damage, such as intestinal mucosal epithelial cell apoptosis, necrosis, and nuclear rupture, was most clearly observed 24 hours after total-abdominal x-ray irradiation. Intestinal integrity was damaged by irradiation, which manifested in reduced levels of the tight-junction proteins Claudin-1, Occludin, and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1). PC pretreatment significantly ameliorated radiation-induced intestinal injury. PC also modulated the gut microbiota composition, increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria and decreasing that of harmful bacteria, which in turn lowered LPS levels and suppressed TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway activation. Finally, levels of corresponding inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6, were also downregulated.

CONCLUSION

PC protects against mouse intestinal injury from high-dose radiation by regulating the effect of the gut microbiota on the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway, suggesting PC as a promising natural radiation countermeasure.