Novel probiotic yeast from Miso promotes regulatory dendritic cell IL-10 production and attenuates DSS-induced colitis in mice

Dectin-1 as a therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses chronic inflammatory conditions of the distal gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This chapter explores the potential of Dendritic cell-associated C-type lectin-1 (Dectin-1), a pattern recognition receptor, as a therapeutic target for IBD. We delve into the multifaceted roles of Dectin-1 in immune response modulation, focusing on its interactions with the gut microbiota and immune system. Key sections include an examination of intestinal dysbiosis and its impact on IBD, highlighting the critical role of fungal dysbiosis and immune responses mediated by Dectin-1. The chapter discusses the dual functions of Dectin-1 in maintaining gut homeostasis and its contribution to disease pathogenesis through interactions with the gut's fungal community. Furthermore, the genetic and molecular mechanisms underpinning Dectin-1's role in IBD susceptibility are explored, alongside its signaling pathways and their effects on immune modulation. We also present therapeutic strategies targeting Dectin-1, including innovative drug delivery systems that leverage its natural binding affinity for β-glucans, enhancing targeted delivery to inflamed tissues. The chapter underscores the potential of dietary modulation of Dectin-1 pathways to restore gut microbiota balance and suggests future research directions to fully exploit Dectin-1's therapeutic potential in managing IBD. By elucidating the complex interplay between Dectin-1 and the gut microbiota, this chapter provides insights into novel therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating IBD symptoms and improving patient outcomes.

Probiotic Yeasts: A Developing Reality?

Yeasts are gaining increasing attention for their potential health benefits as probiotics in recent years. Researchers are actively searching for new yeast strains with probiotic properties (i.e, Debaryomyces hansenii; Kluyveromyces marxianus; Yarrowia lipolytica; Pichia hudriavzevii; and Torulaspora delbrueckii) from various sources, including traditional fermented foods, the human gut, and the environment. This exploration is expanding the pool of potential probiotic yeasts beyond the well-studied Saccharomyces boulardii. Research suggests that specific yeast strains possess properties that could be beneficial for managing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, skin disorders, and allergies. Additionally, probiotic yeasts may compete with pathogenic bacteria for adhesion sites and nutrients, thereby inhibiting their growth and colonization. They might also produce antimicrobial compounds that directly eliminate harmful bacteria. To achieve these goals, the approach that uses probiotics for human health is changing. Next-generation yeast probiotics are emerging as a powerful new approach in the field of live biotherapeutics. By using genetic engineering, scientists are able to equip these tools with specialized capabilities. However, most research on these probiotic yeasts is still in its early stages, and more clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety for various health conditions. This review could provide a brief overview of the situation in this field.

Probiotic Yeast from Miso Ameliorates Stress-Induced Visceral Hypersensitivity by Modulating the Gut Microbiota in a Rat Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Background/Aims

Recent studies indicate that probiotics, which have attracted attention as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, affect intestinal homeostasis. In this study, we investigated whether Zygosaccharomyces sapae (strain I-6), a probiotic yeast isolated from miso (a traditional Japanese fermented food), could improve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were exposed to water avoidance stress (WAS). The number of defecations during WAS and the visceral hypersensitivity before and after WAS were evaluated using colorectal distension. Tight junction changes were assessed by Western blotting. Some rats were fed with strain I-6 or β-glucan from strain I-6. Changes in the intestinal microbiota were analyzed. The effect of fecal microbiota transplantation after WAS was evaluated similarly. Caco-2 cells were stimulated with interleukin-1β and tight junction changes were investigated after coculture with strain I-6.

Results

The increased number of stool pellets and visceral hypersensitivity induced by WAS were suppressed by administering strain I-6. The decrease in tight junction protein occludin by WAS was reversed by the administration of strain I-6. β-Glucan from strain I-6 also suppressed those changes induced by WAS. In the rat intestinal microbiota, treatment with strain I-6 altered the β-diversity and induced changes in bacterial occupancy. Upon fecal microbiota transplantation, some symptoms caused by WAS were ameliorated.

Conclusions

These results suggest that traditional fermented foods such as miso in Japan are valuable sources of probiotic yeast candidates, which may be useful for preventing and treating stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity.

Dual function of fungi-derived cytokines in inflammatory bowel diseases: protection or inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition involving both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Recently, the role of intestinal fungal flora and their downstream immune pathways has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of IBD. Cytokines as primary immune mediators require a delicate balance for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Although most cytokines have a predictable role in either amplifying or attenuating inflammation in IBD, a few cytokines have shown a dual function in the inflammatory state of the intestine. Some of these dual-faced cytokines are also involved in mucosal anti-microbial defense pathways, particularly against intestinal fungal residents. Here, we reviewed the role of these cytokines in IBD pathogenesis to achieve a better understanding of the fungal interactions in the development of IBD.

Mechanistic insights into the role of probiotics in modulating immune cells in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a persistent inflammatory disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract, mainly the colon, which is defined by inflammatory responses and the formation of ulcers. Probiotics have been shown to directly impact various immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T and B cells. By interacting with cell surface receptors, they regulate immune cell activity, produce metabolites that influence immune responses, and control the release of cytokines and chemokines.

METHODS

This article is a comprehensive review wherein we conducted an exhaustive search across published literature, utilizing reputable databases like PubMed and Web of Science. Our focus centered on pertinent keywords, such as "UC," 'DSS," "TNBS," "immune cells," and "inflammatory cytokines," to compile the most current insights regarding the therapeutic potential of probiotics in managing UC.

RESULTS

This overview aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the effects of probiotics on immune cells in relation to UC. Probiotics have a crucial role in promoting the proliferation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are necessary for preserving immunological homeostasis and regulating inflammatory responses. They also decrease the activation of pro-inflammatory cells like T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells, contributing to UC development. Thus, probiotics significantly impact both direct and indirect pathways of immune cell regulation in UC, promoting Treg differentiation, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cell activation, and regulating cytokine and chemokine release.

CONCLUSION

Probiotics demonstrate significant potential in modulating the immune reactions in UC. Their capacity to modulate different immune cells and inflammation-related processes makes them a promising therapeutic approach for managing UC. However, further studies are warranted to optimize their use and fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects in UC treatment.

Whole β-glucan particle attenuates AOM/DSS-induced colorectal tumorigenesis in mice via inhibition of intestinal inflammation

Yeast β-glucan is a polysaccharide purified from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall, and its multiple biological activities are essential for immune regulation. However, the effect of β-glucan on the intestinal immune response during colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is unclear. Here, we explore the possible role of β-glucan in the development of CAC. Wild type (WT) mice with CAC induced by azoxmethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) had fewer tumors than untreated mice after oral β-glucan because of increased antitumor dendritic cells (DCs) in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in more CD8⁺ T cells and the production of related cytokines. β-glucan also increased resistance to DSS-induced chronic colitis by reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment. These data suggest that β-glucan improves experimental intestinal inflammation and delays the development of CAC. Therefore, β-glucan is feasible for treating chronic colitis and CAC in clinical practice.

MiRNA-374b-5p and miRNA-106a-5p are related to inflammatory bowel disease via regulating IL-10 and STAT3 signaling pathways

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Although the actual etiology of IBD remains unclear, growing evidence suggests that CD4+ T cells-associated cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17A, are crucial for the occurrence of IBD. It has been reported that there is a positive association between miRNAs and IBD development. In this study, we investigated the roles of hsa-miRNA-374b-5p(miRNA-374b-5p) and hsa-miRNA-106a-5p(miRNA-106a-5p) in regulating IBD development.

Methods

Serum was obtained from vein blood of IBD patients and healthy controls, qRT-PCR was performed to study the expression of miRNA-374b-5p and miRNA-106a-5p. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of overexpression or inhibition of miRNA-374b-5p on naïve CD4 + T cell subsets differentiation from vein blood of healthy controls by RT-qPCR, flow cytometry and western blot. And more the prediction and confirmation of the targeting genes of miRNA-374b-5p and miRNA-106a-5p were performed by bioinformatics softwares and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

The results showed that miRNA-106a-5p and miRNA-374b-5p were significantly overexpressed in IBD patients. MiRNA-374b-5p could enhance Th1/Th17 cell differentiation and was related to IBD pathogenesis. MiRNA-374b-5p overexpression induced the mRNA expression of IL-17A and IFN-γ, and suppressed that of IL-10 in T cells. MiRNA-374b-5p inhibition decreased the mRNA expression of IL-17A and IFN-γ, while upregulated that of IL-10 in T cells. These qPCR data were further verified at protein level by western blotting and flow cytometry. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assay indicated that miRNA-374b-5p was directly targeted by IL-10, a key anti-inflammatory cytokine for preventing the occurrence of IBD. Meanwhile, STAT3 was identified as a target gene of miRNA-106a-5p by DLR assays. Further analysis revealed that miRNA-374b-5p regulated JAK1 and STAT3 pathways in CD4+ T cells via IL-10/STAT3 axis. MiRNA-374b-5p overexpression remarkably decreased the mRNA expression and phosphorylated (ser-727) protein levels of STAT3, while miRNA-374b-5p inhibition had the opposite effects.

Conclusion

MiRNA-374b-5p and miRNA-106a-5p may contribute to IBD development by regulating IL-10/STAT3 signal transduction.

The health effects of soy: A reference guide for health professionals

Soy is a hotly debated and widely discussed topic in the field of nutrition. However, health practitioners may be ill-equipped to counsel clients and patients about the use of soyfoods because of the enormous, and often contradictory, amount of research that has been published over the past 30 years. As interest in plant-based diets increases, there will be increased pressure for practitioners to gain a working knowledge of this area. The purpose of this review is to provide concise literature summaries (400-500 words) along with a short perspective on the current state of knowledge of a wide range of topics related to soy, from the cholesterol-lowering effects of soy protein to the impact of isoflavones on breast cancer risk. In addition to the literature summaries, general background information on soyfoods, soy protein, and isoflavones is provided. This analysis can serve as a tool for health professionals to be used when discussing soyfoods with their clients and patients.

Microbiome First Medicine in Health and Safety

Microbiome First Medicine is a suggested 21st century healthcare paradigm that prioritizes the entire human, the human superorganism, beginning with the microbiome. To date, much of medicine has protected and treated patients as if they were a single species. This has resulted in unintended damage to the microbiome and an epidemic of chronic disorders [e.g., noncommunicable diseases and conditions (NCDs)]. Along with NCDs came loss of colonization resistance, increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, and increasing multimorbidity and polypharmacy over the life course. To move toward sustainable healthcare, the human microbiome needs to be front and center. This paper presents microbiome-human physiology from the view of systems biology regulation. It also details the ongoing NCD epidemic including the role of existing drugs and other factors that damage the human microbiome. Examples are provided for two entryway NCDs, asthma and obesity, regarding their extensive network of comorbid NCDs. Finally, the challenges of ensuring safety for the microbiome are detailed. Under Microbiome-First Medicine and considering the importance of keystone bacteria and critical windows of development, changes in even a few microbiota-prioritized medical decisions could make a significant difference in health across the life course.