Beneficial Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Gut microbiota contributes to protection against porcine deltacoronavirus infection in piglets by modulating intestinal barrier and microbiome

BACKGROUND

Gut microbiota plays a critical role in counteracting enteric viral infection. Our previous study demonstrated that infection of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) disturbs gut microbiota and causes intestinal damage and inflammation in piglets. However, the influence of gut microbiota on PDCoV infection remains unclear.

RESULTS

Firstly, the relationship between gut microbiota and disease severity of PDCoV infection was evaluated using 8-day-old and 90-day-old pigs. The composition of gut microbiota was significantly altered in 8-day-old piglets after PDCoV infection, leading to severe diarrhea and intestinal damage. In contrast, PDCoV infection barely affected the 90-day-old pigs. Moreover, the diversity (richness and evenness) of microbiota in 90-day-old pigs was much higher compared to the 8-day-old piglets, suggesting the gut microbiota is possibly associated with the severity of PDCoV infection. Subsequently, transplanting the fecal microbiota from the 90-day-old pigs to the 3-day-old piglets alleviated clinical signs of PDCoV infection, modulated the diversity and composition of gut microbiota, and maintained the physical and chemical barrier of intestines. Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed that the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) treatment upregulated the swine intestinal arginine biosynthesis, FMT significantly inhibited the inflammatory response in piglet intestine by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

PDCoV infection altered the structure and composition of the gut microbiota in neonatal pigs. FMT treatment mitigated the clinical signs of PDCoV infection in the piglets by modulating the gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier, downregulating the inflammatory response. The preventive effect of FMT provides novel targets for the development of therapeutics against enteropathogenic coronaviruses. Video Abstract.

Protocol for fecal microbiota transplantation: A microaerophilic approach for mice housed in a specific pathogen-free facility

Recently, studies have emerged exploring the potential application of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in pre-clinical settings. Here, we present a protocol for FMT for mice housed in a specific pathogen-free (SPF) facility. We describe steps for sample collection, microaerophilic processing of freshly collected fecal pellets, and administration through oral gavage. We then detail procedures for the engraftment of the bacterial community. This protocol focuses on age- and gender-matched, healthy donor mice using a mobile and cost-effective alternative to an anoxic cabinet.

The gut microbiota-immune-brain axis: Therapeutic implications

The microbiota-gut-brain axis has major implications for human health including gastrointestinal physiology, brain function, and behavior. The immune system represents a key pathway of communication along this axis with the microbiome implicated in neuroinflammation in health and disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms as to how the gut microbiota interacts with the brain, focusing on innate and adaptive immunity that are often disrupted in gut-brain axis disorders. We also consider the implications of these observations and how they can be advanced by interdisciplinary research. Leveraging an increased understanding of how these interactions regulate immunity has the potential to usher in a new era of precision neuropsychiatric clinical interventions for psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurological disorders.

Mechanism of Wuling powder modulating proBDNF/p75NTR/sortilin and BDNF/TrkB pathways in the treatment of ulcerative colitis complicated with depression

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colon. The most common psychological issue in UC patients is varying degrees of depression, which affects the condition and quality of life of UC patients and may lead to deterioration of the patient's condition. UC drugs combined with antianxiety and antidepression drugs can alleviate symptoms of both depression and UC. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) precursor (proBDNF)/p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR)/sortilin and BDNF/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signalling balance is essential for maintaining brain homeostasis and preventing the development of depressive behaviours.

AIM

To explore the mechanism by which Wuling powder regulates the proBDNF/p75NTR/sortilin and BDNF/TrkB pathways in the treatment of UC with depression.

METHODS

Depression was established in C57BL/6J mice via chronic restraint stress, and the UC model was induced with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). In the treatment stage, mesalazine (MS) was the basic treatment, Wuling powder was the experimental treatment, and fluoxetine was the positive control drug for treating depression. Changes in intestinal mucosal inflammation, behaviour, and the proBDNFp75NTR/sortilin and BDNF/TrkB pathways were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the depression groups, Wuling powder decreased the immobility time, increased the distance travelled in the central zone and the total distance travelled, and restored balance in the proBDNF/p75NTR/sortilin and BDNF/TrkB signalling pathways. In the DSS and chronic restraint stress + DSS groups, immobility time increased, distance travelled in the central zone and total distance travelled decreased, activity of the proBDNF/p75NTR/sortilin pathway was upregulated, and activity of the BDNF/TrkB pathway was downregulated, indicating that mice with UC often have comorbid depression. Compared with those of MS alone, Wuling powder combined with MS further decreased the colon histopathological scores and the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 mRNAs.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that Wuling powder may play an antidepressant role by regulating the balance of the proBDNF/p75NTR/sortilin and BDNF/TrkB signalling pathways and further relieve intestinal inflammation in UC.

Ulva lactuca polysaccharides combined with fecal microbiota transplantation ameliorated dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice

BACKGROUND

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) of healthy donors improves ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by restoring the balance of the gut microbiota. However, donors vary in microbial diversity and composition, often resulting in weak or even ineffective FMT. Improving the efficacy of FMT through combination treatment has become a promising strategy. Ulva lactuca polysaccharides (ULP) have been found to benefit host health by regulating gut microbiota. The effect of the combination of ULP and FMT in ameliorating UC has not yet been evaluated.

RESULTS

The present study found that supplementation with ULP combined with FMT showed better effects in ameliorating UC than supplementation with FMT alone. Results suggested that FMT or ULP combined with FMT alleviated the symptoms of UC in mice, as evidenced by prevention of body weight loss, improvement of disease activity index and protection of the intestinal mucus. Notably, ULP in combination with FMT was more effective than FMT in reducing levels of cytokines and related inflammatory enzymes. In addition, ULP combined with FMT effectively restored the dysbiosis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and further enriched probiotics (such as Bifidobacterium). The production of short-chain fatty acids, especially acetic acid, was also significantly enriched by ULP combined with FMT.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of ULP combined with FMT could significantly ameliorate DSS-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting inflammation and restoring dysbiosis of gut microbiota. These results suggested that ULP combined with FMT has potential application in ameliorating UC. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Combining vitamin E metabolite 13'-carboxychromanol and a lactic acid bacterium synergistically mitigates colitis and colitis-associated dysbiosis in mice

Synbiotics may be useful to mitigate intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Here we show that combining 13'-carboxychromanol (δT3-13'), a metabolite of vitamin E δ-tocotrienol (δT3) via omega-oxidation, and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremori (L. cremoris), but neither agent alone, significantly attenuated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced fecal bleeding and diarrhea, histologic colitis and interleukin 1β in mice. The combination of δT3-13'+L. cremoris also synergistically prevented DSS-caused compositional changes in gut microbiota and enriched beneficial bacteria including Lactococcus and Butyricicoccus. Interestingly, the anti-colitis effect correlated with the concentrations of δT3-13'-hydrogenated metabolite that contains 2 double bonds on the side chain (δT2-13'), instead of δT3-13' itself. Moreover, in contrast to δT3-13', combining δT3 and L. cremoris showed modest anti-colitis effects and did not prevent colitis-associated dysbiosis. In addition, ex vivo anaerobic incubation studies revealed that gut microbes selected by δT3-13' in the animal study could metabolize this compound to δT2-13' via hydrogenation, which appeared to be enhanced by L. cremoris. Overall, our study demonstrates that combining δT3-13' and L. cremoris can synergically prevent dysbiosis, and may be a novel synbiotic against colitis potentially via promoting δT3-13' metabolizers, which in turn contributes to superior beneficial effects of the combination.

Hizikia fusiforme polysaccharides synergized with fecal microbiota transplantation to alleviate gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is closely associated with disruptions in gut microbiota. Restoring balance to gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation has become a promising therapeutic approach for UC. However, challenges remain, including limited efficacy in some treatments. This study explores the synergistic effects and underlying mechanisms of Hizikia fusiforme polysaccharides (HFP) combined with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to improve UC symptoms. Seven-week-old C57/BL6J mice were induced with UC using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Supplementation with either FMT alone or in combination with HFP effectively alleviated UC symptoms, reduced colonic inflammation, and corrected gut microbiota imbalance. Notably, HFP combined with FMT yielded showed better effects in ameliorating DSS-induced UC in mice than did FMT alone. Enrichment of probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium, and upregulation of beneficial metabolites, such as betaine, were identified as potential mechanisms for the enhanced effects of HFP combined with FMT against DSS-induced UC. These findings suggest that the combination of Hizikia fusiforme polysaccharides with FMT has potential applications in rectifying dysbiosis and ameliorating inflammatory bowel diseases.

Buddlejasaponin IVb Alleviates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis through the Nrf2/GPX4 Pathway and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Buddlejasaponin IVb (BJP-IVb), a triterpenoid saponin derived from Pleurotus ostreatus, is abundant in bioactive constituents. However, its potential therapeutic benefits and underlying mechanism of action against ulcerative colitis (UC) remain elusive. Studies performed using a mouse model of colitis caused by dextran sulfate sodium showed that BJP-IVb helped reduce symptoms of UC, such as weight loss, a higher disease activity index, shorter colon length, and colon damage. It also repaired the intestinal barrier function and suppressed inflammation. BJP-IVb activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway, inhibited ferroptosis, and affected protein expression and oxidative indicators. The combined use of BJP-IVb and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 negated the effects of BJP-IVb. In Nrf2-KO mice, the protective effects of BJP-IVb were reversed. BJP-IVb inhibited ferroptosis via the Nrf2/GPX4 axis and alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis. In conclusion, our research validates the therapeutic and protective efficacy of BJP-IVb on ulcerative colits. Additionally, it offers new perspectives on preventing colitis by focusing on the metabolism of gut microbiota using natural substances.

The gut microbiota contributes to the infection of bovine viral diarrhea virus in mice

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is prevalent worldwide and causes significant economic losses. Gut microbiota is a large microbial community and has a variety of biological functions. However, whether there is a correlation between gut microbiota and BVDV infection and what kind of relation between them have not been reported. Here, we found that gut microbiota composition changed in normal mice after infecting with BVDV, but mainly the low abundance microbe was affected. Interestingly, BVDV infection significantly reduced the diversity of gut microbiota and changed its composition in gut microbiota-dysbiosis mice. Furthermore, compared with normal mice of BVDV infection, there were more viral loads in the duodenum, jejunum, spleen, and liver of the gut microbiota-dysbiosis mice. However, feces microbiota transplantation (FMT) reversed these effects. The data above indicated that the dysbiosis of gut microbiota was a key factor in the high infection rate of BVDV. It is found that the IFN-I signal was involved by investigating the underlying mechanisms. The inhibition of the proliferation and increase in the apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were also observed. However, FMT treatment reversed these changes by regulating PI3K/Akt, ERK, and Caspase-9/Caspase-3 pathways. Furthermore, the involvement of butyrate in the pathogenesis of BVDV was also further confirmed. Our results showed for the first time that gut microbiota acts as a key endogenous defense mechanism against BVDV infection; moreover, targeting regulation of gut microbiota structure and abundance may serve as a new strategy to prevent and control the disease.IMPORTANCEWhether the high infection rate of BVDV is related to gut microbiota has not been reported. In addition, most studies on BVDV focus on in vitro experiments, which limits the study of its prevention and control strategy and its pathogenic mechanism. In this study, we successfully confirmed the causal relationship between gut microbiota and BVDV infection as well as the potential molecular mechanism based on a mouse model of BVDV infection and a mouse model of gut microbiota dysbiosis. Meanwhile, a mouse model which is more susceptible to BVDV provided in this study lays an important foundation for further research on prevention and control strategy of BVDV and its pathogenesis. In addition, the antiviral effect of butyrate, the metabolites of butyrate-producing bacteria, has been further revealed. Overall, our findings provide a promising prevention and control strategy to treat this infectious disease which is distributed worldwide.

Effects of the combination of Lactobacillus helveticus and isomalto-oligosaccharide on survival, gut microbiota, and immune function in Apis cerana worker bees

The adult worker bees were fed sucrose syrup or sucrose syrup supplemented with Lactobacillus helveticus KM7, prebiotic isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO), or L. helveticus KM7 combined with IMO. Survival rate, gut microbiota, and gene expression of gut antimicrobial peptides in worker honey bees were determined. Administration of L. helveticus KM7 and IMO significantly increased the survival rate in worker bees relative to bees fed sucrose only. Then, higher concentration of both lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium in the gut and lower counts of gut fungi, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides-Porphyromonas-Prevotella were observed in bees fed the combination of KM7 and IMO compared with control bees. The combination of L. helveticus KM7 with IMO showed a greater or comparable modulating effect on those bacteria relative to either KM7 or IMO alone. Furthermore, the combination treatment of L. helveticus KM7 and IMO enhanced mRNA expression of antimicrobial peptide genes, including Abaecin, Defensin, and the gene encoding prophenoloxidase (PPO) in the gut compared with both control bees and those either L. helveticus KM7 or IMO alone. These results suggest that the combination of L. helveticus KM7 and IMO synergistically modifies the gut microbiota and immunity and consequently improves the survival rate of Apis cerana adult workers.

The Role of the Microbiome in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis-A Literature Review

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum. UC's pathogenesis involves colonic epithelial cell abnormalities and mucosal barrier dysfunction, leading to recurrent mucosal inflammation. The purpose of the article is to show the complex interplay between ulcerative colitis and the microbiome. The literature search was conducted using the PubMed database. After a screening process of studies published before October 2023, a total of 136 articles were selected. It has been discovered that there is a fundamental correlation of a robust intestinal microbiota and the preservation of gastrointestinal health. Dysbiosis poses a grave risk to the host organism. It renders the host susceptible to infections and has been linked to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, with particular relevance to conditions such as ulcerative colitis. Current therapeutic strategies for UC involve medications such as aminosalicylic acids, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressive agents, although recent breakthroughs in monoclonal antibody therapies have significantly improved UC treatment. Furthermore, modulating the gut microbiome with specific compounds and probiotics holds potential for inflammation reduction, while fecal microbiota transplantation shows promise for alleviating UC symptoms. This review provides an overview of the gut microbiome's role in UC pathogenesis and treatment, emphasizing areas for further research.

Fecal microbiota transplantation combined with prebiotics ameliorates ulcerative colitis in mice

Aim: To investigate the effect of treatment with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides on ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Materials & methods: A total of 90 mice, divided into nine groups, were administered FMT or prebiotics or combined treatment. The disease activity index scores, gut microbiota and inflammation factors were evaluated. Results: The treatment using FMT combined with galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides in a 9:1 ratio significantly reduced intestinal barrier damage and alleviated symptoms of UC. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and short-chain fatty acids were significantly increased after the combined treatment. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that FMT with prebiotics is a new method for UC treatment.

Roles of Gut Microbiota in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD)-one of the most common liver diseases - involves a wide range of disorders, including asymptomatic hepatic steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis (AH), liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Alcohol consumption induces a weakened gut barrier and changes in the composition of the gut microbiota. The presence of CYP2E1 and its elevated levels in the gastrointestinal tract after alcohol exposure lead to elevated levels of ROS and acetaldehyde, inducing inflammation and oxidative damage in the gut. At the same time, the influx of harmful molecules such as the bacterial endotoxin LPS and peptidogly from gut dysbiosis can induce intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage, further compromising the intestinal mucosal barrier. In this process, various oxidative stress-mediated post-translational modifications (PTMs) play an important role in the integrity of the barrier, eg, the presence of acetaldehyde will result in the sustained phosphorylation of several paracellular proteins (occludin and zona occludens-1), which can lead to intestinal leakage. Eventually, persistent oxidative stress, LPS infiltration and hepatocyte damage through the enterohepatic circulation will lead to hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatic fibrosis. In addition, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), bioengineered bacteria, gut-restricted FXR agonists and others are promising therapeutic approaches that can alter gut microbiota composition to improve ALD. In the future, there will be new challenges to study the interactions between the genetics of individuals with ALD and their gut microbiome, to provide personalized interventions targeting the gut-liver axis, and to develop better techniques to measure microbial communities and metabolites in the body.

Alcohol and the mechanisms of liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, covers a large spectrum of liver injuries ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenesis of ALD includes genetic and epigenetic alterations, oxidative stress, acetaldehyde-mediated toxicity and cytokine and chemokine-induced inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, immune damage, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. This review discusses the progress in the pathogenesis and molecular mechanism of ALD, which could provide evidence for further research on the potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.

Mechanism of Jiawei Zhengqi Powder in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Objective

Ulcerative colitis is an intestinal condition that severely affects the life quality of a patient. Jiawei Zhengqi powder (JWZQS) has some therapeutic benefits for ulcerative colitis. The current study investigated the therapeutic mechanism of JWZQS for ulcerative colitis using a network pharmacology analytical approach.

Methods

In this study, network pharmacology was used to investigate the potential mechanism of JWZQS in treating ulcerative colitis. The common targets between the two were identified, and a network map was created with the Cytoscape software. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses of JWZQS was performed using the Metascape database. Protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) was created to screen core targets and main components, and molecular docking was conducted between the main components and core targets. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected in animal experiments. Their effect on the NF-κB signaling pathway and the protective mechanism of JWZQS on the colon by tight junction protein were investigated.

Results

There were 2127 potential ulcerative colitis targets and 35 components identified, including 201 non-reproducible targets and 123 targets shared by drugs and diseases. Following the analysis, we discovered 13 significant active components and 10 core targets. The first 5 active ingredients and their corresponding targets were molecularly docked, and the results showed a high level of affinity. GO analysis showed that JWZQS participate in multiple biological processes to treat UC. KEGG analysis showed that JWZQS may be involved in regulating multiple pathways, and the NF-κB signaling pathway was selected for analysis and verification. JWZQS has been shown in animal studies to effectively inhibit the NF-κB pathway; reduce the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in colon tissue; and increase the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1.

Conclusion

The network pharmacological study provides preliminary evidence that JWZQS can treat UC through multiple components and targets. JWZQS has been shown in animal studies to effectively reduce the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, inhibit the phosphorylation of the NF-κB pathway, and alleviate colon injury. JWZQS can be used in clinical, but the precise mechanism of UC treatment requires further investigation.

Inflammation, Lifestyle Factors, and the Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis: Relevance to Depression and Antidepressant Action

Depression is considered a major public health concern, where existing pharmacological treatments are not equally effective across all patients. The pathogenesis of depression involves the interaction of complex biological components, such as the immune system and the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Adjunctive lifestyle-oriented approaches for depression, including physical exercise and special diets are promising therapeutic options when combined with traditional antidepressants. However, the mechanisms of action of these strategies are incompletely understood. Accumulating evidence suggests that physical exercise and specific dietary regimens can modulate both the immune system and gut microbiota composition. Here, we review the current information about the strategies to alleviate depression and their crosstalk with both inflammatory mechanisms and the gut microbiome. We further discuss the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a possible mediator for the adjunctive therapies for depression through inflammatory mechanisms. Finally, we review existing and future adjunctive strategies to manipulate the gut microbiota with potential use for depression, including physical exercise, dietary interventions, prebiotics/probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Reduces Pathology and Improves Cognition in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and neuroinflammation, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known treatment or cure. Global disease projections warrant an urgent and rapid therapeutic for the treatment of this devastating disease. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a widely accepted and safely used treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection and other metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. FMT has also been demonstrated to be a possible AD therapeutic. We examined the potential of FMT for the treatment of AD in a robust, mouse model of the disease and report that a brief, 7-day treatment regimen demonstrated 'plaque-busting' and behavior-modifying effects in treated 5xFAD mice. Importantly, we show that donor age plays an important role in the efficacy of the treatment and these findings warrant further investigation in human trials.

Clostridium butyricum and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum Attenuate the Development of Cardiac Fibrosis in Mice

Cardiac fibrosis is an integral aspect of every form of cardiovascular diseases, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is urgent to explore new effective drugs and treatments. In this paper, transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac fibrosis was significantly alleviated by a cocktail of antibiotics to clear the intestinal flora, indicating that the gut microbiota was associated with the disease process of cardiac fibrosis. We transplanted feces from sham-operated and TAC-treated mice to mice treated with a cocktail of antibiotics. We found that TAC-treated gut microbiota dysbiosis cannot cause cardiac fibrosis on its own. Interestingly, healthy fecal microbiota transplantation could alleviate cardiac fibrosis, indicating that targeted probiotics and related metabolite intervention may restore a normal microenvironment for the treatment or prevention of cardiac fibrosis. We used 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples and discovered that butyric acid-producing bacteria and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum were the dominant bacteria in the group with the lowest degree of cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, we demonstrated that sodium butyrate prevented the development of cardiac fibrosis. The effect of Clostridium butyricum (butyric acid-producing bacteria) was better than that of B. pseudolongum on cardiac fibrosis. Surprisingly, the cocktail of two probiotics had a stronger ability than a single probiotic. In conclusion, therapies targeting the gut microbiota and metabolites such as probiotics present new strategies for treating cardiovascular disease. IMPORTANCE Cardiac fibrosis is a basic process in cardiac remodeling. It is related to almost all types of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and has become an important global health problem. Basic research and a number of clinical studies have shown that myocardial fibrosis can be prevented and reversed to a certain extent. It is urgent to explore new effective drugs and treatments. We indicated a causal relationship between cardiac fibrosis and gut microbiota. Gut microbiota dysbiosis cannot cause cardiac fibrosis on its own. Interestingly, healthy fecal microbiota transplantation could alleviate cardiac fibrosis. According to our findings, the combined use of butyric acid-producing bacteria and B. pseudolongum can help prevent cardiac fibrosis. Therapies targeting the gut microbiota and metabolites, such as probiotics, represent new strategies for treating cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin–Microbiota Crosstalk in Intestinal Inflammation and Carcinogenesis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) are common diseases of the digestive system. Vitamin deficiencies and gut microbiota dysbiosis have a close relationship with the risk, development, and progression of IBD and CAC. There is a strong link between vitamins and the gut microbiome. Vitamins are extremely crucial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, promoting growth and development, metabolism, and innate immunity. Gut microbiota can not only influence the transport process of vitamins, but also produce vitamins to compensate for insufficient food intake. Emerging evidence suggests that oral vitamin supplementation can reduce inflammation levels and improve disease prognosis. In addition, improving the diet structure and consuming foods rich in vitamins not only help to improve the vitamin deficiency, but also help to reduce the risk of IBD. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and the application of vitamin-producing probiotics can better assist in the treatment of intestinal diseases. In this review, we discuss the interaction and therapeutic roles of vitamins and gut microbiota in IBD and CAC. We also summarize the methods of treating IBD and CAC by modulating vitamins. This may highlight strategies to target gut-microbiota-dependent alterations in vitamin metabolism in the context of IBD and CAC therapy.

Probiotic Cocktail Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation Through Improving Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Colitis Mice

The modulation of the gut microbiome has been widely suggested as a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we established a novel probiotic cocktail to investigate its therapeutic role in acute colitis mice. During dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, the mice were treated with the probiotic cocktail, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from a healthy mice donor, or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), respectively. The inflammatory responses were assessed by symptoms, serum inflammatory factors, and histological scoring. The intestinal barrier function was assessed by detecting tight junction proteins. Gut microbiota and its metabolites were further identified using 16S rDNA sequencing and a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Compared with FMT and 5-ASA treatment, the probiotic cocktail performed better in alleviating symptoms of colitis and decreasing disease activity score and mucosal inflammation. The probiotic cocktail also significantly decreased serum IL-17 level and increased JAM-1 expression in colon. The gut microbiota analysis confirmed that the beneficial effects of the probiotic cocktail were attributed to increasing anti-inflammatory bacteria Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Blautia, while decreasing pro-inflammatory bacteria Parasutterella. The targeted metabolome analysis further indicated a rise in the production of Bifidobacterium-related short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as propanoic acid and isobutyric acid after probiotics treatment. Taken together, the probiotic cocktail effectively alleviated intestinal inflammation through improving gut microbiota and metabolites in colitis mice, suggesting its great potential to be a novel therapeutic approach for IBD patients.

Alterations and Potential Applications of Gut Microbiota in Biological Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that is closely associated with dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota. Currently, biologic agents are the mainstream therapies for IBD. With the increasing incidence of IBD, limitations of biologic agents have gradually emerged during treatment. Recent studies have indicated that gut microbiota is highly correlated with the efficacy of biologic agents. This review focuses on alterations in both the components and metabolites of gut microbiota during biological therapy for IBD, systematically summarises the specific gut microbiota closely related to the clinical efficacy, and compares current predictive models for the efficacy of biologics, further highlighting the predictive value of intestinal microbiota. Based on the mechanistic analysis of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and biologic agents, a new therapeutic strategy, comprising a combination of FMT and biologics, has been proposed as a promising treatment for IBD with improved efficacy.

Protective Effect of Prim-O-Glucosylcimifugin on Ulcerative Colitis and Its Mechanism

Intestinal epithelial immune dysfunction or imbalance in the homeostasis of intestinal flora can lead to the occurrence or exacerbation of ulcerative colitis (UC). Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) is an extract of Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) Saposhnikov, which has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The present work discussed how the POG alternated ulcerative colitis (UC) along with its underlying mechanism. This was clarified by performing animal studies in a mice model, wherein UC was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). In vivo studies have found that POG increased clinical score, colonic length, and weight of mice in the ulcerative colitis model. It repaired the pathological injury of an intestinal mucosa within mice while inhibiting the inflammatory factor levels such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Meanwhile, by16SrDNA sequencing analysis, it was found that POG regulated the richness of intestinal microbiota structure and repaired the intestinal immune barrier by upregulating the expression levels of tight junction proteins Occludin, Claudin-3, and ZO-1. To further confirm the above results, we found in in vitro studies that POG also protected lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW264.7 cells. POG dramatically suppressed inflammatory factor production (including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) within LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the activation of ERK1/2, AKT, JNK1/2, IκB-α, P38, and P65 phosphorylation. In conclusion, POG plays a protective role against UC by inhibiting the activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways MAPK, AKT, and NF-κB; repairing the integrity of the intestinal barrier; and regulating the diversity and abundance of intestinal flora.

Acteoside, the Main Bioactive Compound in Osmanthus fragrans Flowers, Palliates Experimental Colitis in Mice by Regulating the Gut Microbiota

The present study investigated the effects of Osmanthus fragrans flowers and acteoside on murine colitis and the underlying mechanisms. The O. fragrans flower extract (OFE) and acteoside were administrated to chemically induced colitic mice. The results showed that OFE or acteoside ameliorates intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in colitic mice. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiome in colitic mice was also partly restored by OFE or acteoside, which was characterized by the alteration of the gut microbiome structure and the enrichment of beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron). Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced gut metabolome dysfunctions (e.g., sphingosine metabolism and amino acids metabolism) in colitic mice were also partly restored by OFE and acteoside. A fecal microbiota (FM) transplantation study suggested that, compared with the FM from the normal diet-dosed donor mice, the FM from the OFE- or acteoside-dosed donor mice significantly suppressed colitic symptoms.

Nonpharmacological Treatment Strategies for the Management of Canine Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy—A Narrative Review

Chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) refers to a heterogeneous group of idiopathic diseases of the dog characterised by persistent gastrointestinal (GI) clinical signs. If conventional dietary treatment alone would be unsuccessful, management of CIE is traditionally attained by the use of pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs. While being rather effective, however, these drugs are endowed with side effects, which may impact negatively on the animal’s quality of life. Therefore, novel, safe and effective therapies for CIE are highly sought after. As gut microbiota imbalances are often associated with GI disorders, a compelling rationale exists for the use of nonpharmacological methods of microbial manipulation in CIE, such as faecal microbiota transplantation and administration of pre-, pro-, syn- and postbiotics. In addition to providing direct health benefits to the host via a gentle modulation of the intestinal microbiota composition and function, these treatments may also possess immunomodulatory and epithelial barrier-enhancing actions. Likewise, intestinal barrier integrity, along with mucosal inflammation, are deemed to be two chief therapeutic targets of mesenchymal stem cells and selected vegetable-derived bioactive compounds. Although pioneering studies have revealed encouraging findings regarding the use of novel treatment agents in CIE, a larger body of research is needed to address fully their mode of action, efficacy and safety.

Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of Bone Broth in a Murine Model of Ulcerative Colitis

Background and Objectives: Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main triggers for the development of gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, the objective of the present work consisted of determining the nutrients present in the bone broth (BB) and evaluating their anti-inflammatory properties in a murine model of UC, induced by intrarectal administration of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), and acetic acid (AcOH). The BB was prepared from the femur of bovine cattle and cooked in distilled water for 8 h at 100 ± 2 °C. Materials and Methods: The BB was administered ad libitum to BALB/c mice for 10 days before the induction of UC. Colon samples were collected for histological analysis and determination of cytokine expression levels by qPCR. Results: It was found that amino acids (AA) are the main nutritional contribution of BB, 54.56% of these correspond to essential AA. The prophylactic administration of BB in the murine model of UC reduced histological damage, decreased the expression of IL-1β (61.12%), IL-6 (94.70%), and TNF-α (68.88%), and increased the expression of INF-γ (177.06%), IL-4 (541.36%), and IL-10 (531.97%). Conclusions: This study shows that BB has anti-inflammatory properties, and its consumption can decrease the symptoms of UC.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Protects the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier by Reconstructing the Gut Microbiota in a Murine Model of Sepsis

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has long been hypothesized to play an integral role in the pathophysiology of sepsis, and gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis may be the key factor. Previous studies have shown that the gut flora was significantly altered in critically ill patients. This study aimed to observe what kind of GM dysbiosis is in the early stage of sepsis and whether the application of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can reconstruct the GM of septic mice and restore its protective function on the intestinal mucosal barrier. The study investigated the effect of FMT on gut microbiota, mucosal barrier function, inflammatory response, and survival in a murine model of sepsis established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). It is found that FMT can not only reduce morbidity and mortality and restore the abundance and diversity of the gut flora in septic mice, but can also improve the intestinal barrier function by reducing epithelial cell apoptosis, improving the composition of the mucus layer, upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins, and reducing intestinal permeability and the inflammatory response. After FMT, Lachnospiraceae contributed the most to intestinal protection through enhancement of the L-lysine fermentation pathway. FMT offers a microbe-mediated survival advantage in a murine model of sepsis. Therefore, an improved understanding of the connection between microbiota, and systemic illness may yield new therapeutic strategies for patients with sepsis.

Review: Can early-life establishment of the piglet intestinal microbiota influence production outcomes?

The gastrointestinal tract microbiota is involved in the development and function of many body processes. Studies demonstrate that early-life microbial colonisation is the most important time for shaping intestinal and immune development, with perturbations to the microbiota during this time having long-lasting negative implications for the host. Piglets face many early-life events that shape the acquisition and development of their intestinal microbiota. The pork industry has a unique advantage in that the producer has a degree of control over what piglets are exposed to, providing conditions that allow for optimum piglet growth and development. An influx of publications within this area has occurred in recent times and with this, interest surrounding its application in pork production has increased. However, it can be difficult to distinguish which research is of most relevance to industry in terms of delivering repeatable and reliable production outcomes. In this review, we describe the literature surrounding research within pigs, predominantly during the preweaning period that has either provided solutions to industry problems or is generating information targeted at addressing relevant industry issues, with the focus being on studies demonstrating causation where possible. This review will provide a basis for the development of new studies targeted at understanding how to better support initial intestinal microbiota colonisation in order to improve piglet health and survival.

Early-Life Intervention Using Exogenous Fecal Microbiota Alleviates Gut Injury and Reduce Inflammation Caused by Weaning Stress in Piglets

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could shape the structure of intestinal microbiota in animals. This study was conducted to explore the changes that happen in the structure and function of microbiota caused by weaning stress, and whether early-life FMT could alleviate weaning stress through modifying intestinal microbiota in weaned piglets. Diarrheal (D) and healthy (H) weaned piglets were observed, and in the same farm, a total of nine litters newborn piglets were randomly allocated to three groups: sucking normally (S), weaned at 21 d (W), and early-life FMT + weaned at 21 d (FW). The results demonstrated that differences of fecal microbiota existed in group D and H. Early-life FMT significantly decreased diarrhea incidence of weaned piglets. Intestinal morphology and integrity were improved in the FW group. Both ZO-1 and occludin (tight junction proteins) of jejunum were greatly enhanced, while the zonulin expression was significantly down-regulated through early-life FMT. The expression of IL-6 and TNF-α (intestinal mucosal inflammatory cytokines) were down-regulated, while IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokines) was up-regulated by early-life FMT. In addition, early-life FMT increased the variety of the intestinal microbial population and the relative amounts of some beneficial bacteria such as Spirochaetes, Akkermansia, and Alistipes. Functional alteration of the intestinal microbiota revealed that lipid biosynthesis and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis were enriched in the FW group. These findings suggested that alteration of the microbiota network caused by weaning stress induced diarrhea, and early-life FMT alleviated weaning stress in piglets, which was characterized by decreased diarrhea incidence, improved intestinal morphology, reduced intestinal inflammation, and modified intestinal bacterial composition and function.

Contribution of Gut Microbiota to Immunological Changes in Alzheimer's Disease

Emerging evidence suggests that both central and peripheral immunological processes play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. The gut microbiota and its key metabolites are known to affect neuroinflammation by modulating the activity of peripheral and brain-resident immune cells, yet an overview on how the gut microbiota contribute to immunological alterations in AD is lacking. In this review, we discuss current literature on microbiota composition in AD patients and relevant animal models. Next, we highlight how microbiota and their metabolites may contribute to peripheral and central immunological changes in AD. Finally, we offer a future perspective on the translation of these findings into clinical practice by targeting gut microbiota to modulate inflammation in AD. Since we find that gut microbiota alterations in AD can induce peripheral and central immunological changes via the release of microbial metabolites, we propose that modulating their composition may alter ongoing inflammation and could therefore be a promising future strategy to fight progression of AD.

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign: Basic/Translational Science Research Priorities

Objectives:

Expound upon priorities for basic/translational science identified in a recent paper by a group of experts assigned by the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine.

Data Sources:

Original paper, search of the literature.

Study Selection:

By several members of the original task force with specific expertise in basic/translational science.

Data Extraction:

None.

Data Synthesis:

None.

Conclusions:

In the first of a series of follow-up reports to the original paper, several members of the original task force with specific expertise provided a more in-depth analysis of the five identified priorities directly related to basic/translational science. This analysis expounds on what is known about the question and what was identified as priorities for ongoing research. It is hoped that this analysis will aid the development of future research initiatives.

Single Donor FMT Reverses Microbial/Immune Dysbiosis and Induces Clinical Remission in a Rat Model of Acute Colitis

Deviation in the gut microbial composition is involved in various pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) can act as a promising approach to treat IBD by which changes in microbiome can be reversed and homeostasis restored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FMT on the remission of acute inflammatory response using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced rat colitis model. Faecal microbial communities were analysed using the 16S rRNA approach, and clinical manifestations together with histological/haematological/biochemical/immunological analyses were assessed. Our study demonstrated significant shifts in the dominant species of microbiota under inflammatory conditions induced by DSS and evident restoration effect of FMT treatment on microbial composition. These faecal microbial alterations in FMT-treated rats led to a relative restoration of colon length, and a significant decrease in both epithelium damage and disease severity, which was reflected in lower serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Haematological/biochemical parameters in DSS-treated animals showed signs of anaemia with a significant reduction in red blood cell count together with increasing levels of total bilirubin, creatinine and phosphorus suggesting potential protective effect of FMT. These results support FMT as a valuable therapeutic strategy to control inflammation during acute colitis.

Investigating causality with fecal microbiota transplantation in rodents: applications, recommendations and pitfalls

In recent years, studies investigating the role of the gut microbiota in health and diseases have increased enormously - making it essential to deepen and question the research methodology employed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in rodent studies (either from human or animal donors) allows us to better understand the causal role of the intestinal microbiota across multiple fields. However, this technique lacks standardization and requires careful experimental design in order to obtain optimal results. By comparing several studies in which rodents are the final recipients of FMT, we summarize the common practices employed. In this review, we document the limitations of this method and highlight different parameters to be considered while designing FMT Studies. Standardizing this method is challenging, as it differs according to the research topic, but avoiding common pitfalls is feasible. Several methodological questions remain unanswered to this day and we offer a discussion on issues to be explored in future studies.

Therapeutic Mechanism and Effect of Camptothecin on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Camptothecin (CPT) is a cytotoxic quinoline alkaloid isolated from the bark and branches of the Chinese tree Camptotheca acuminata. CPT inhibits topoisomerase I. It possesses various antitumor activities and is mainly used in the treatment of colon, ovarian, liver, and bone cancers as well as leukemia. CPT inhibits the expressions of inflammatory genes and can prevent death from chronic inflammation. Therefore, we investigated the effect of CPT treatment in ulcerative colitis (UC) using DSS-induced UC mouse model; after that, we explored its potential mechanisms. Here, we found that CPT exerted protection on DSS-induced UC in rats. In addition, the administration prominently reduced the disease activity index as well as colon length of the model rats and remarkably reduced the inflammatory cytokines. Further, CPT significantly reduced several vital proinflammatory proteins in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In summary, our findings demonstrate that CPT is hopefully to act as a therapeutic agent for UC.

Changes in serum inflammatory cytokine levels and intestinal flora in a self-healing dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis murine model

AIMS

Whether dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) animal models undergo self-healing remains unclear. Therefore, the study aim was to determine if these models have self-healing ability.

MAIN METHODS

UC was induced using 4% DSS in male KM mice. Histopathological and inflammatory cytokine were evaluated. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing.

KEY FINDINGS

Physiological and inflammatory cytokine changed obviously on days 4-14 of establishment and returned to normal levels by day 21. The degrees of inflammation and injury in pathological sections decreased within 14 days compared with those on day 7. Interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels fluctuated daily and were highest at 10 AM, 11 AM, and 8 PM, respectively. Intestinal flora disturbance was most obvious on days 7 and 14. The abundances of Lactobacillus and Alistipes decreased, whereas those of Streptococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Oscillibacter increased and mostly recovered by day 21. Lactobacillus and serum CRP level were negatively correlated with inflammation, whereas Streptococcus and Escherichia-Shigella were positively correlated with serum IL-6 level.

SIGNIFICANCE

The DSS-induced UC murine model was shown to undergo self-healing. Intestinal flora disturbance in the model were obvious from days 4 to 14 and had mostly recovered by day 21.

The protective effect and mechanism of pedunculoside on DSS (dextran sulfate sodium) induced ulcerative colitis in mice

Pedunculoside (PE) is derived from the bark of iron holly, a member of the holly family. Previous studies have shown that PE has anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, cholesterol-lowering and blood-pressure-lowering effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PE on ulcerative colitis and to explore its potential mechanisms. We treated a mouse model of ulcerative colitis induced by DSS (dextran sulfate sodium) with PE. The results showed that PE had an obvious effect on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis. PE significantly improved the colon length and clinical score in mice, and significantly inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines. In the LPS-induced inflammatory response of RAW264.7 macrophages, we also found that PE significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, P65, and P38 to reduce the production of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS. Furthermore, PE suppressed the LPS-induced transcriptional activities of nuclear factor P65 as well as the phosphorylation of P65. In addition, we also studied the effect of PE on LPS induced AKT/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways with primary peritoneal macrophages. In summary, PE has a beneficial effect on ulcerative colitis, and may be a potential natural product in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) Alleviates Experimental Colitis in Mice by Gut Microbiota Regulation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an increasing global burden and a predisposing factor to colorectal cancer. Although a number of treatment options are available, the side effects could be considerable. Studies on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as an IBD intervention protocol require further validation as the underlying mechanisms for its attenuating effects remain unclear. This study aims to demonstrate the ameliorative role of FMT in an ulcerative colitis (UC) model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and elucidate its relative mechanisms in a mouse model. It was shown that FMT intervention decreased disease activity index (DAI) levels and increased the body weight, colon weight and colon length of experimental animals. It also alleviated histopathological changes, reduced key cytokine expression and oxidative status in the colon. A down-regulated expression level of genes associated with NF-κB signaling pathway was also observed. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that FMT intervention restored the gut microbiota to the pattern of the control group by increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and decreasing the abundances of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. The relative abundances of the genera Lactobacillus, Butyricicoccus, Lachnoclostridium, Olsenella and Odoribacter were upregulated but Helicobacter, Bacteroides and Clostridium were reduced after FMT administration. Furthermore, FMT administration elevated the concentrations of SCFAs in the colon. In conclusion, FMT intervention could be suitable for UC control, but further validations via clinical trials are recommended.

The surviving sepsis campaign: basic/translational science research priorities

Objectives

Expound upon priorities for basic/translational science identified in a recent paper by a group of experts assigned by the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine.

Data sources

Original paper, search of the literature.

Study selection

This study is selected by several members of the original task force with specific expertise in basic/translational science. Data extraction and data synthesis are not available.

Conclusions

In the first of a series of follow-up reports to the original paper, several members of the original task force with specific expertise provided a more in-depth analysis of the five identified priorities directly related to basic/translational science. This analysis expounds on what is known about the question and what was identified as priorities for ongoing research. It is hoped that this analysis will aid the development of future research initiatives.

The gut microbiota contributes to the development of Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis in mice

Mastitis is one of the most prevalent diseases in dairy farming worldwide. The gut microbiota plays an important role in the regulation of systemic and local inflammatory diseases, such as mastitis. However, the regulatory mechanism of the gut microbiota on mastitis is still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the function and regulatory mechanisms of the gut microbiota in host defense against mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection. Increased blood-milk barrier permeability, and S. aureus-induced mastitis severity were observed gut microbiota-dysbiosis mice compared with those in control mice. Moreover, feces microbiota transplantation (FMT) to microbbiota-dysbiosis mice reversed these effects. Furthermore, established disruption of commensal homeostasis results in significantly increased abundance of pathogenic Enterobacter bacteria, while the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs)-producing bacterial phyla (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) was significantly reduced. However, FMT to gut microbiota-dysbiosis mice reversed these changes. In addition, dysbiosis reduced the levels of SCFAs, and administration of sodium propionate, sodium butyrate, and probiotics (butyrate-producing bacteria) reversed the changes in the blood-milk barrier and reduced the severity of mastitis induced by S. aureus. In conclusion, this new finding demonstrated that the gut microbiota acts as a protective factor in host defense against mastitis and that targeting the gut-mammary gland axis represents a promising therapeutic approach for mastitis treatment.

Pilot study of cytokine changes evaluation after fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with ulcerative colitis

AIMS

To evaluate the changes of serum cytokines levels after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) and the correlation with UC disease activity.

METHODS

Patients with active UC who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited, and received FMT from a single donor for three times with an interval of 2-3 months. Serum samples were collected before every FMT. Clinical responses to FMT were assessed according to the criteria of Mayo score. 41 serum cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were quantitatively detected. Changes in serum cytokines levels after FMT and their correlation with CRP, ESR and Mayo scores were investigated.

RESULTS

16 active UC patients were enrolled, and 14(87.5%) patients achieved clinical response to FMT. Compared with those before FMT, serum concentrations of IL-1Ra, IL-6, IP-10 and ENA-78 decreased significantly after the second FMT (P < 0.05), and serum concentrations of MEC, VCAM-1 and G-CSF decreased significantly after both the first and second FMT (P < 0.05). Serum levels of IL-6, IL-1Ra and VCAM-1 were all significantly positively correlated with CRP and ESR. Serum level of IP-10 was significantly positively correlated with CRP, ESR and Mayo score. Serum level of G-CSF was significantly positively correlated with Mayo score.

CONCLUSIONS

FMT may play a therapeutic role partly through modulating the host immune response. IL-6, IL-1Ra, IP-10, VCAM-1 and G-CSF may be biomarkers to evaluate the effect of FMT on UC.

Reply to Comment on Watanabe, A.; Kadota, Y.; Yokoyama, H.; Tsuruda, S.; Kamio, R.; Tochio, T.; Shimomura, Y.; Kitaura, Y. Experimental Determination of the Threshold Dose for Bifidogenic Activity of Dietary 1-Kestose in Rats. Foods 2020, 9, 4

The manuscript entitled "Comment on Experimental Determination of the Threshold Dose for Bifidogenic Activity of Dietary 1-Kestose in Rats" by Shen et al [...].

Abnormal Intestinal Microbiome in Medical Disorders and Potential Reversibility by Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

Reduction in diversity of the intestinal microbiome (dysbiosis) is being identified in many disease states, and studies are showing important biologic contributions of microbiome to health and disease. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is being evaluated as a way to reverse dysbiosis in diseases and disorders in an attempt to improve health. The published literature was reviewed to determine the value of FMT in the treatment of medical disorders for which clinical trials have recently been conducted. FMT is effective in treating recurrent C. difficile infection in one or two doses, with many healthy donors providing efficacious fecal-derived products. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), FMT may lead to remission in approximately one-third of moderate-to-severe illnesses with one study suggesting that more durable FMT responses may be seen when used once medical remissions have been achieved. Donor products differ in their efficacy in treatment of IBD. Combining donor products has been one way to increase the potential value of FMT in treating chronic disorders. FMT is being explored in a variety of clinical settings affecting different organ systems outside CDI, with positive preliminary signals, in treatment of functional constipation, immunotherapy-induced colitis, neurodegenerative disease, as well as prevention of cancer-related disorders like graft versus host disease and decolonization of patients with recurrent urinary tract infection due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Currently, intense research is underway to see how the microbiome products like FMT can be harnessed for health benefits.

Into the wild: microbiome transplant studies need broader ecological reality

Gut microbial communities (microbiomes) profoundly shape the ecology and evolution of multicellular life. Interactions between host and microbiome appear to be reciprocal, and ecological theory is now being applied to better understand how hosts and their microbiome influence each other. However, some ecological processes that underlie reciprocal host-microbiome interactions may be obscured by the current convention of highly controlled transplantation experiments. Although these approaches have yielded invaluable insights, there is a need for a broader array of approaches to fully understand host-microbiome reciprocity. Using a directed review, we surveyed the breadth of ecological reality in the current literature on gut microbiome transplants with non-human recipients. For 55 studies, we categorized nine key experimental conditions that impact the ecological reality (EcoReality) of the transplant, including host taxon match and donor environment. Using these categories, we rated the EcoReality of each transplant. Encouragingly, the breadth of EcoReality has increased over time, but some components of EcoReality are still relatively unexplored, including recipient host environment and microbiome state. The conceptual framework we develop here maps the landscape of possible EcoReality to highlight where fundamental ecological processes can be considered in future transplant experiments.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Prevents Intestinal Injury, Upregulation of Toll-Like Receptors, and 5-Fluorouracil/Oxaliplatin-Induced Toxicity in Colorectal Cancer

FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin), a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy regimen, is one of most common therapeutic regimens for colorectal cancer. However, intestinal mucositis is a common adverse effect for which no effective preventive strategies exist. Moreover, the efficacy and the safety of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) in cancer patients treated with anti-neoplastic agents are still scant. We investigated the effect of FMT on FOLFOX-induced mucosal injury. BALB/c mice implanted with syngeneic CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells were orally administered FMT daily during and two days after five-day injection of FOLFOX regimen for seven days. Administration of FOLFOX significantly induced marked levels of diarrhea and intestinal injury. FMT reduced the severity of diarrhea and intestinal mucositis. Additionally, the number of goblet cells and zonula occludens-1 decreased, while apoptotic and NF-κB-positive cells increased following FOLFOX treatment. The expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), MyD88, and serum IL-6 were upregulated following FOLFOX treatment. These responses were attenuated following FMT. The disrupted fecal gut microbiota composition was also restored by FMT after FOLFOX treatment. Importantly, FMT did not cause bacteremia and safely alleviated FOLFOX-induced intestinal mucositis in colorectal cancer-bearing mice. The putative mechanism may involve the gut microbiota TLR-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway in mice with implanted colorectal carcinoma cells.

Probiotic mixtures with aerobic constituent promoted the recovery of multi-barriers in DSS-induced chronic colitis

AIMS

Gut microbiota has been closely linked to the mucosal immune and been regarded as a reliable target for intestinal inflammation. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic roles of probiotic mixtures of Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis with (quadruple probiotics, P-qua) or without (triple probiotics, P-tri) aerobic Bacillus cereus in colitis, focusing on the multiple barrier functions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chronic colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in C57BL/6 mice. The probiotic mixtures P-qua or P-tri was gavage administrated respectively, while fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a positive control. The intestinal inflammation and functions of multiple barriers were assessed, including the mucus barrier, epithelial barrier and endothelial barrier known as gut-vascular barrier (GVB). Altered composition and diversity in gut microbiota were observed via sequencing analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

Both P-qua and P-tri relieved the intestinal inflammation and improved the functions of multiple barriers with increased integrity of mucous layer, enhanced transepithelial electrical resistance, declined epithelial and endothelial permeability to macromolecules in DSS-colitis. Aerobe-contained P-qua revealed a more active role in barrier recovering relative to P-tri, while FMT as a positive control seemed to get better results than pure probiotics. Indeed, P-qua was effective in rebuilding the structure and diversity of gut flora in DSS-colitis, especially increased abundance of Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides.

SIGNIFICANCE

Aerobe-contained P-qua was a powerful adjuvant therapy for chronic colitis, via restoring the intestinal microflora and recovering the multi-barriers in the inflamed gut.

Reproductive Senescence and Ischemic Stroke Remodel the Gut Microbiome and Modulate the Effects of Estrogen Treatment in Female Rats

Our previous work has shown that reproductively senescent (or middle-aged; 10-12-month-old) Sprague-Dawley female rats, that are naturally estrogen-deficient, have worse stroke outcomes as compared to normally estrous-cycling adult (5-6-month-old) females. Paradoxically, estrogen replacement to this middle-aged group exacerbates stroke outcomes, while it is neuroprotective in adult females. Recent studies reveal an important role for the gut microbiome and gut metabolites in cardiovascular health, including stroke outcomes. To determine whether gut dysbiosis underlies stroke severity in reproductive senescent females, and underlies the anomalous effects of estrogen on stroke, we compared the gut microbiota and gut metabolites pre and post stroke in (a) gonadally intact adult and middle-aged females, (b) in ovariectomized and estrogen-treated (OVX+E) adult and OVX+E middle-aged females, and (c) in middle-aged OVX+E females after fecal microbiome transfer. Our data show significant gut dysbiosis in reproductive senescent females at baseline and after stroke as indicated by an elevated ratio of the major phyla, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F:B), reduced alpha diversity, and significant shifts in beta diversity as compared with adult females. Specific bacterial families were also altered as a result of reproductive aging, as well as gut metabolites, including elevated serum endotoxin levels and decreased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), with a concomitant increase in IL-17A, indicating that reproductive senescence significantly affects gut communities under pathologic conditions. Despite the differences in gonadally intact adult and middle-aged females, estrogen-treated ovariectomized (OVX+E) females of either age group displayed no differences in the major phyla, but there was increased abundance in specific bacterial taxa, including Prevotella and Lactobacillus. The SCFA butyrate was significantly reduced at baseline in the middle-aged OVX+E females, while circulating endotoxin LPS were elevated in this group after stroke, suggesting that gut metabolites were differently affected by estrogen treatment in the two age groups. A fecal transfer from adult OVX+E females to middle-aged OVX+E females significantly reduced infarct volume, improved behavioral recovery and transiently reduced IL-17A expression. These data provide the first evidence that microbial gut communities and metabolites are altered by reproductive senescence in female rats at baseline and after stroke, and suggest that estrogen may impact stroke recovery differently in adult and reproductive senescent females due to an age-specific effect on gut microbiota and metabolites.

Microbiome dysbiosis and alcoholic liver disease☆

Microbiome dysbiosis is strongly associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Recent studies on comprehensive analyses of microbiome compositional and functional changes have begun to uncover the mechanistic relation between microbiome and the pathogenesis of ALD. Importantly, targeting the microbiome has become a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of ALD. In this review, we summarize the clinical evidence of microbiome dysbiosis in ALD patients, and experimental advances in microbiome and metabolomic functional changes in animals with different species and genetic backgrounds in ALD. We also summarize the studies in humanized intestinal microbiome and fecal microbiota transplantation in mice. We introduce new developments in the studies on the role of the circulating bacterial microbiome, oral bacterial microbiome and fungal microbiome in the development of ALD. We highlight the potential mechanisms by which microbiome dysbiosis contributes to ALD, including short chain fatty acid changes, bile acid metabolism, intestinal barrier function, release of bacterial and fungal products, and inflammation. In addition, we summarize the recent developments targeting the microbiome in prevention and treatment of ALD, including dietary nutrient interference, herbal medicine, antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, probiotics, engineered bacterial therapy, fecal transplantation and oral hygiene. Although recent preclinical studies have advanced our understanding of the microbiome and ALD, clinical studies, especially prospective studies with large samples, are needed to better understand the cause-effect of microbiome dysbiosis in ALD. Identifying new precision-based strategies targeting the microbiome are expected to be developed as more effective therapies in ALD.

Alcohol or Gut Microbiota: Who Is the Guilty?

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), a disorder caused by excessive alcohol intake represents a global health care burden. ALD encompasses a broad spectrum of hepatic injuries including asymptomatic steatosis, alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The susceptibility of alcoholic patients to develop ALD is highly variable and its progression to more advanced stages is strongly influenced by several hits (i.e., amount and duration of alcohol abuse). Among them, the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites have been recently identified as paramount in ALD pathophysiology. Ethanol abuse triggers qualitative and quantitative modifications in intestinal flora taxonomic composition, mucosal inflammation, and intestinal barrier derangement. Intestinal hypermeability results in the translocation of viable pathogenic bacteria, Gram-negative microbial products, and pro-inflammatory luminal metabolites into the bloodstream, further corroborating the alcohol-induced liver damage. Thus, the premise of this review is to discuss the beneficial effect of gut microbiota modulation as a novel therapeutic approach in ALD management.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Controls Murine Chronic Intestinal Inflammation by Modulating Immune Cell Functions and Gut Microbiota Composition

Different gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), have been linked to alterations of the gut microbiota composition, namely dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is considered an encouraging therapeutic approach for ulcerative colitis patients, mostly as a consequence of normobiosis restoration. We recently showed that therapeutic effects of FMT during acute experimental colitis are linked to functional modulation of the mucosal immune system and of the gut microbiota composition. Here we analysed the effects of therapeutic FMT administration during chronic experimental colitis, a condition more similar to that of IBD patients, on immune-mediated mucosal inflammatory pathways. Mucus and feces from normobiotic donors were orally administered to mice with established chronic Dextran Sodium Sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. Immunophenotypes and functions of infiltrating colonic immune cells were evaluated by cytofluorimetric analysis. Compositional differences in the intestinal microbiome were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Therapeutic FMT in mice undergoing chronic intestinal inflammation was capable to decrease colonic inflammation by modulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, antimicrobial peptides, and mucins. Innate and adaptive mucosal immune cells manifested a reduced pro-inflammatory profile in FMT-treated mice. Finally, restoration of a normobiotic core ecology contributed to the resolution of inflammation. Thus, FMT is capable of controlling chronic intestinal experimental colitis by inducing a concerted activation of anti-inflammatory immune pathways, mechanistically supporting the positive results of FMT treatment reported in ulcerative colitis patients.