Application of Kombucha Fermentation Broth for Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Processes

Treatment for sepsis and its complications in the clinic is primarily in the forms of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and antioxidant drugs. Kombucha, a traditional fermented beverage rich in tea polyphenols and organic acids, offers several benefits including bacteriostasis, anti-inflammation ability, and boosting the immune system. Currently, research on kombucha is primarily focused on its antibacterial and antioxidant properties; however, in-depth exploration of the involved mechanisms is lacking. Herein, turmeric, Paeoniae alba, and black tea were used as fermentation substrates to detect the bacteriostatic and antioxidant activities of the fermentation broth and evaluate its anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). The results showed that fermentation enhanced the antibacterial activity of turmeric against E. coli and S. aureus and that of Paeoniae alba against S. aureus. Turmeric black tea exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The fermentation broth of turmeric and turmeric black tea significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPSs. Our results showed that using turmeric and Paeoniae alba culture media as substrates can enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of fermentation broth and provide a new strategy for developing anti-inflammatory substances.

Fucoxanthin Ameliorates Sepsis via Modulating Microbiota by Targeting IRF3 Activation

To improve patient survival in sepsis, it is necessary to curtail exaggerated inflammatory responses. Fucoxanthin (FX), a carotenoid derived from brown algae, efficiently suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression via IRF3 activation, thereby reducing mortality in a mouse model of sepsis. However, the effects of FX-targeted IRF3 on the bacterial flora (which is disrupted in sepsis) and the mechanisms by which it impacts sepsis development remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate how FX-targeted IRF3 modulates intestinal microbiota compositions, influencing sepsis development. FX significantly reduced the bacterial load in the abdominal cavity of mice with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis via IRF3 activation and increased short-chain fatty acids, like acetic and propionic acids, with respect to their intestines. FX also altered the structure of the intestinal flora, notably elevating beneficial Verrucomicrobiota and Akkermansia spp. while reducing harmful Morganella spp. Investigating the inflammation-flora link, we found positive correlations between the abundances of Morganella spp., Proteus spp., Escherichia spp., and Klebsiella spp. and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) induced by CLP. These bacteria were negatively correlated with acetic and propionic acid production. FX alters microbial diversity and promotes short-chain fatty acid production in mice with CLP-induced sepsis, reshaping gut homeostasis. These findings support the value of FX for the treatment of sepsis.

Advances in Research on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Targets and Therapeutic Agents

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic multifaceted disease with multiple potential complications, the treatment of which can only delay and prolong the terminal stage of the disease, i.e., type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The World Health Organization predicts that diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death by 2030. Although many antidiabetic medicines have been successfully developed in recent years, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors, single-target drugs are gradually failing to meet the therapeutic requirements owing to the individual variability, diversity of pathogenesis, and organismal resistance. Therefore, there remains a need to investigate the pathogenesis of T2DM in more depth, identify multiple therapeutic targets, and provide improved glycemic control solutions. This review presents an overview of the mechanisms of action and the development of the latest therapeutic agents targeting T2DM in recent years. It also discusses emerging target-based therapies and new potential therapeutic targets that have emerged within the last three years. The aim of our review is to provide a theoretical basis for further advancement in targeted therapies for T2DM.

Research Progress of Macromolecules in the Prevention and Treatment of Sepsis

Sepsis is associated with high rates of mortality in the intensive care unit and accompanied by systemic inflammatory reactions, secondary infections, and multiple organ failure. Biological macromolecules are drugs produced using modern biotechnology to prevent or treat diseases. Indeed, antithrombin, antimicrobial peptides, interleukins, antibodies, nucleic acids, and lentinan have been used to prevent and treat sepsis. In vitro, biological macromolecules can significantly ameliorate the inflammatory response, apoptosis, and multiple organ failure caused by sepsis. Several biological macromolecules have entered clinical trials. This review summarizes the sources, efficacy, mechanism of action, and research progress of macromolecular drugs used in the prevention and treatment of sepsis.

Research Progress of DcR3 in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sepsis

Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), a soluble glycosylated protein in the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, plays a role in tumor and inflammatory diseases. Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the dysregulation of the response to infection. Currently, no specific drug that can alleviate or even cure sepsis in a comprehensive and multi-level manner has been found. DcR3 is closely related to sepsis and considerably upregulated in the serum of those patients, and its upregulation is positively correlated with the severity of sepsis and can be a potential biomarker for diagnosis. DcR3 alone or in combination with other markers has shown promising results in the early diagnosis of sepsis. Furthermore, DcR3 is a multipotent immunomodulator that can bind FasL, LIGHT, and TL1A through decoy action, and block downstream apoptosis and inflammatory signaling. It also regulates T-cell and macrophage differentiation and modulates immune status through non-decoy action; therefore, DcR3 could be a potential drug for the treatment of sepsis. The application of DcR3 in the treatment of a mouse model of sepsis also achieved good efficacy. Here, we introduce and discuss the progress in, and suggest novel ideas for, research regarding DcR3 in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.

Research Progress on Natural Small-Molecule Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious disease with high mortality and has been a hot research topic in medical research in recent years. With the continuous reporting of in-depth research on the pathological mechanisms of sepsis, various compounds have been developed to prevent and treat sepsis. Natural small-molecule compounds play vital roles in the prevention and treatment of sepsis; for example, compounds such as resveratrol, emodin, salidroside, ginsenoside, and others can modulate signaling through the NF-κB, STAT3, STAT1, PI3K, and other pathways to relieve the inflammatory response, immunosuppression, and organ failure caused by sepsis. Here, we discuss the functions and mechanisms of natural small-molecule compounds in preventing and treating sepsis. This review will lay the theoretical foundation for discovering new natural small-molecule compounds that can potentially prevent and treat sepsis.

Aloe-Emodin Ameliorates Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Sepsis

Sepsis remains a major challenge owing to its severe adverse effects and high mortality, against which specific pharmacological interventions with high efficacy are limited. Mitigation of hyperactive inflammatory responses is a key factor in enhancing the likelihood of survival in patients with sepsis. The Aloe genus has several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. The toxicological implications of aloe-emodin (AE), extracted from various Aloe species, remain uncertain in clinical contexts. However, AE has been shown to inhibit inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-induced mice, indicating its potential as a therapeutic approach for sepsis treatment. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of data regarding the therapeutic benefits of AE in the widely recognized cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis model, which is commonly used as the gold standard model for sepsis research. This study demonstrates the potential benefits of AE in the treatment of CLP-induced sepsis and investigates its underlying mechanism, along with the efficacy of postoperative AE treatment in mice with CLP-induced sepsis. The results of this study suggest that AE can mitigate sepsis in mice by diminishing systemic inflammation and regulating the gut microbiota. The study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of AE.

Research Progress on the Anti-Aging Potential of the Active Components of Ginseng

Aging is a cellular state characterized by a permanent cessation of cell division and evasion of apoptosis. DNA damage, metabolic dysfunction, telomere damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction are the main factors associated with senescence. Aging increases β-galactosidase activity, enhances cell spreading, and induces Lamin B1 loss, which further accelerate the aging process. It is associated with a variety of diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation. Ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-aging effects. The active components of ginseng, including saponins, polysaccharides, and active peptides, have antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective, and age-delaying effects. DNA damage is the main factor associated with aging, and the mechanism through which the active ingredients of ginseng reduce DNA damage and delay aging has not been comprehensively described. This review focuses on the anti-aging mechanisms of the active ingredients of ginseng. Furthermore, it broadens the scope of ideas for further research on natural products and aging.