Gut microbiota is associated with metabolic health in children with obesity

Gut microbiota and microbial metabolites are associated with body composition in 5-year-old children: A cross-sectional study in the Gen3G cohort

OBJECTIVE

To examine gut microbiota diversity, composition and metabolites in relation to overall mass (OM), fat mass (FM) and lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 5-year-old children.

METHODS

Mothers of the Gen3G cohort were enrolled prenatally in 2010-2013 in Quebec, Canada; 153 children from the cohort had data on gut microbiota and DXA scans at 5-6.4 years of age, and 140 also had plasma metabolite data. We characterized gut microbiota by 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing and metabolites by untargeted multiplatform mass spectrometry. We examined associations of microbial alpha diversity, beta diversity, composition (amplicon sequence variants; ASVs) and metabolites (microbial metabolites) with DXA measures, adjusting for age, sex, diet and drinking water.

RESULTS

Of the 153 children, 43.1% were female, and 96.1% self-identified as white. The median BMI was the 52nd percentile. Microbial richness (alpha diversity) was positively associated with OM, FM and LSTM. Of the 542 ASVs tested, 7 were associated with OM, 5 with FM and 4 with LSTM. One Veillonella ASV and two Blautia ASVs were significantly associated with all outcomes. Among 278 microbial metabolites, no metabolites were associated with FM, while glycoursodeoxycholate was associated with OM, and glycoursodeoxycholate, 3-hydroxybutyrate and gamma-glutamylalanine were associated with LSTM.

CONCLUSIONS

In 5-year-old children, gut microbiota alpha diversity, richness and specific gut microbes were associated with OM, FM and LSTM. Many of the associations followed a similar pattern for FM and LSTM, suggesting they may not be specific to adiposity but rather reflect overall growth.

Gut bacterial diversity in bovines infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. bovis: insights on tuberculosis pathogenesis

Bovine tuberculosis susceptibility and pathogenesis are influenced by host immunity, which may be modulated by the host microbiota. While intestinal microbiota composition affects pulmonary diseases in humans, its role in bovine tuberculosis remains unclear. This study explores the intestinal microbiota of cattle and its association with tuberculosis to better understand disease pathophysiology. A case-control study was conducted using small intestine content samples from cattle with and without tuberculosis, slaughtered in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. DNA extraction, 16S rRNA (V4) sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses assessed alpha and beta diversity, taxa characterization, differential abundance, and metabolic pathways. No significant differences in alpha and beta diversities between the groups were detected. However, the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio suggested dysbiosis associated with bovine tuberculosis. Differential abundance analysis showed that microorganisms belonging to the Bacillota phylum, the Eubacterium cellulosolvens group, Colidextribacter and Coprococcus genera were enriched in healthy cattle. Conversely, animals with tuberculosis showed higher abundances of Verrucomicrobiota phylum, Sphingomonadaceae and Eubacteriaceae families, and Solobacterium and Clostridia-UCG-014 genera. Moreover, metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate degradation were enriched in healthy animals, and biosynthetic pathways related to disease were enriched in tuberculosis animals. This study highlights associations between intestinal microbiota and bovine tuberculosis, providing insights into disease mechanisms.

Walnut-derived peptides combined with intermittent fasting alleviated obesity by modulating gut microbiota and liver metabolome in high-fat-diet-induced obesity mice

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity mechanism of walnut-derived peptides (WMP) combined with intermittent fasting (IF) through modulating the gut microbiota-liver metabolism axis in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, providing theoretical support for dietary intervention strategies.

METHODS

Fifty C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups (n = 10): normal diet, HFD, WMP, IF and WMP + IF, with an 8-week intervention. Biochemical analysis, 16S rRNA sequencing, and untargeted liver metabolomics were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

WMP + IF significantly alleviated hyperlipidemia, glucose metabolism disorders, insulin resistance, and visceral fat deposition in HFD mice, while suppressing systemic inflammation. Gut microbiota analysis revealed reduced abundance of Firmicutes, Kineothrix, and Dubosiella, along with a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio, whereas Bacteroidota and CAG-873 were enriched. Correlation analysis demonstrated positive associations between Firmicutes and obesity-related markers (lipid profiles, liver dysfunction, pro-inflammatory cytokines), while Bacteroidota exhibited negative correlations. Untargeted metabolomics identified upregulated levels of 16-hydroxypalmitic acid and 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13(S)-HODE), alongside activation of ABC transporters and galactose metabolism pathways. Notably, 13(S)-HODE showed negative correlations with Firmicutes, F/B ratio, and Kineothrix, but positive correlations with Bacteroidota and CAG-873.

CONCLUSION

The synergistic anti-obesity effects of WMP and IF are mediated through restoring gut microbial balance and reprogramming hepatic metabolic pathways. These findings highlight novel mechanisms involving the gut-liver axis, offering innovative strategies for obesity prevention through natural bioactive compounds combined with dietary interventions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Alteration of gut microbiota associated with hypertension in children

BACKGROUND

The association of disturbance in gut microbiota with hypertension (HTN) defined on three separate occasions among children and adolescents remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to compare the differences in gut microbiota composition and diversity between children with HTN and those with normal blood pressure (BP).

METHODS

Data and stool samples were collected from the second follow-up of a childhood cardiovascular health cohort study in 2021. 16 S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was conducted to determine the relative abundance of microbial taxa in 51 children aged 10-14 years with HTN and 51 children with normal BP.

RESULTS

Compared with children with normal BP, those with HTN had decreased gut microbiome diversity. At the genus level, after adjusting for the false discovery rate (FDR), the proportions of several gut microbiota such as Blautia (PFDR=0.042), Coprococcus (PFDR=0.042), Eubacterium_ventriosum_group (PFDR=0.027), Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (PFDR=0.027), and norank_f__Lachnospiraceae (PFDR=0.015) significantly decreased in children with HTN compared to those with normal BP. Receiver operating characteristic analysis, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were performed and showed that the genera norank_f__Lachnospiraceae and Dorea significantly enhanced the ability of body mass index to differentiate between children with HTN and those with normal BP (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.91-0.99; NRI > 0; IDI = 0.12, P < 0.05). Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States showed that the mean proportions of cofactors and vitamins metabolism pathway and the glycan anabolism pathway were higher in children with HTN.

CONCLUSIONS

Disturbances in the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota may contribute to the development of HTN in children. Gut microbiota biomarkers may be of significant importance in the early identification and diagnosis of childhood HTN.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Metabolic disruption by mycotoxins: focus on metabolic endpoints steatosis, adipogenesis and glucose metabolism in vivo and in vitro

Metabolic disruption encompasses the processes leading to adverse effects to major metabolic organs, such as liver and pancreas after exposure to e.g., environmental chemicals. As some mycotoxins act as endocrine disruptors, their structural similarity may lead to effects in lipid and glucose metabolism as well. Via systematic literature search, we mapped the potential of mycotoxins to cause metabolic disruption. Our systematic data search involved mycotoxin keywords combined with metabolic disruption keywords. The retrieved 31 studies revealed 24 in vivo studies, and 18 in vitro studies in total of 13 different mycotoxins. Most studied parameters were triglycerides from blood or liver, followed by total cholesterol and glucose or insulin levels. In vitro studies most often aimed to reveal mechanisms of metabolic disruption, but common metabolic parameters (lipid or cholesterol accumulation). In general, mycotoxin exposure showed a trend towards positive metabolic effects, such as reduction of blood triglycerides levels. Emodin was the most studied mycotoxin. Other mycotoxins were studied in one to three studies. Positive effects were also identified for equisetin, fumonisin B1, fumigaclavine C and ergostatrien-3-B-ol. Adverse effects (e.g. increased lipid deposition to liver) were identified for aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, citreoviridin, T-2 toxin and paxilline. As demonstrated by the evaluated in vivo and in vitro studies, mycotoxins seem to have more positive than negative effects on metabolism. However, based on the available data, a general conclusion on the role of mycotoxins as a group cannot be made.

Cyclosporine combined with dexamethasone regulates hepatic Abca1 and PPARα expression and lipid metabolism via butyrate derived from the gut microbiota

Immunosuppression often leads to drastic metabolic, hormonal, and physiological disorders. Changes in the gut microbiota are believed to be one of the factors contributing to these disorders, but the association remains uncertain. Clinical studies can be complicated by confounding variables, such as diet and other drivers of heterogeneity in human microbiomes. In this study, we identified pronounced gut microbiome signatures in rhesus macaques (RMs) with immunosuppression-induced lipid metabolism disorders following cyclosporine combined with dexamethasone. Furthermore, we observed similar changes in the gut microbiota of mice with immunosuppression-induced lipid metabolism disorders, which were associated with short-chain fatty acid metabolism. ELISA showed that immunosuppression significantly reduced the levels of butyric acid in both feces and serum of mice. Spearman correlation analysis identified a significant correlation between serum butyric acid levels and gut microbial dysbiosis induced by immunosuppression, particularly in relation to f_Lachnospiraceae, g_unidentified_Ruminococcaceae, and s_Clostridium leptum. Additionally, mice transplanted with gut microbiota from immunosuppressed mice exhibited hepatic lipid metabolism disorders, and RNA sequencing revealed significant downregulation of ABC transporters and PPARα in the liver, which was closely associated with lipid transport and metabolism, particularly Abca1. Moreover, butyric acid supplementation alleviated hepatic lipid metabolism disorders and upregulated the expression of Abca1 and PPARα in mice transplanted with immunosuppression-induced gut microbiota. Thus, we propose that the combination of cyclosporine and dexamethasone regulates the expression of hepatic Abca1 and PPARα by modulating the gut microbiota and its derived butyrate, particularly Lachnospiraceae and Clostridium leptum, further regulating hepatic lipid metabolism.

Unraveling Metabolic Syndrome in Youth: The Obesity Epidemic's Hidden Complication

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

One of the metabolic complications of obesity is known as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This narrative review aims to synthesize current research on MetS in young populations, identify knowledge gaps, and guide future studies and funding priorities. It provides evidence-based insights into screening, diagnosis, and treatment, offering practical guidance for healthcare professionals.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on obesity in MetS in PubMed and Google Academic electronic database. The search was performed using a combination of "obesity", "complications", "metabolic syndrome", "children", and "adolescents" keywords. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance and methodological rigor.

RESULTS

The lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria for MetS in children has led to inconsistencies in its definition across medical literature. Irrespective of the chosen diagnostic approach, the prevalence of MetS in children and adolescents has exhibited a concurrent rise with the increasing rates of obesity in this age group. The pathophysiology of MetS remains incompletely understood, with ongoing discussions on the interplay of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors. Screening for MetS is recommended for overweight and obese children.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing global, consensus-driven criteria that account for ethnicity, gender, and age would enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches. The prevention of excessive weight among children and adolescents stands as a paramount objective within modern society's healthcare system. Considering the complexity of the disease and the treatment, the team must be multidisciplinary.

Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota Diversity Across Different Digestive Tract Sites in Ningxiang Pigs

BACKGROUND

Microbial communities in the gastrointestinal tract play a critical role in nutrient absorption, metabolism, and overall health of animals. Understanding the structure and function of tissue-specific microbial communities in Ningxiang pigs is essential for optimizing their growth, development, and nutritional efficiency. However, the diversity and functional roles of microbiota in different nutrient absorption tissues remain underexplored.

METHODS

We collected samples from four key nutrient absorption tissues (NFC: Cecal Content, NFI: Ileal Content, NFL: Colonic Content, NFG: Gastric Content, N = 6) of Ningxiang pigs and performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze microbial community composition. Bioinformatics analyses included alpha and beta diversity assessments, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) for biomarker identification, and PICRUSt2-based functional prediction. Comparative metabolic abundance analysis was conducted to explore functional differences among tissues.

RESULTS

Alpha diversity indices (ACE, Chao1, Simpson, and Shannon) revealed significant differences in microbial richness and evenness among the four tissues. At the phylum level, Firmicutes dominated the microbiota, while Bacteroidota was prominent in NFC and NFL. LEfSe analysis identified tissue-specific dominant microbial groups, such as f_Prevotellaceae in NFC, o_Lactobacillales in NFG, f_Clostridiaceae in NFI, and f_Muribaculaceae in NFL. Functional profiling using PICRUSt2 showed that the microbiota was primarily involved in organismal systems (e.g., aging, digestion), cellular processes (e.g., cell growth, transport), environmental information processing (e.g., signaling), genetic information processing (e.g., transcription, translation), and metabolic regulation (e.g., amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism). Comparative metabolic abundance analysis highlighted distinct functional profiles across tissues, with significant differences observed in pathways related to the immune system, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, transcriptional and translational regulation, and aging.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that tissue-specific microbial communities in Ningxiang pigs exhibit distinct structural and functional characteristics, which are closely associated with nutrient absorption and metabolic regulation. These results provide valuable insights into the roles of microbiota in the growth and health of Ningxiang pigs and pave the way for future studies on microbe-mediated nutritional interventions.

Gut Microbiota and Neurotransmitter Regulation: Functional Effects of Four Traditional Chinese Fermented Soybean (Sojae Semen Praeparatum)

This study aims to evaluate the potential disease prevention and treatment functions of four types of traditional Chinese fermented Sojae Semen Praeparatum (SSP) by analyzing their nutritional active components and their effects on the gut microbiota. Raw soybeans and the four SSPs were administered as dietary supplements to normal SD rats for 6 weeks. Fecal samples were collected at weeks 0, 2, and 6 to assess changes in the gut microbiota. Our results revealed that different fermentation methods resulted in variations in soybean isoflavone content. Fermented soybeans promoted the growth of beneficial microorganisms associated with short-chain fatty acid production in the gut microbiota, such as Christensenellaceae_R_7_group, compared to unfermented soybeans. Supplementation with SSPs fermented with different processes increased the diversity of the rat gut microbiota, except for the fermented group of qingwenjiedu decoction (QW). The dominant gut microbiota in the fermented group of Artemisia Annuae Herba and Mori Folium (QS) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, while the dominant gut microbiota in the fermented group of Ephedrae Herba and Perillae Folium (MZ) showed antidepressant effects. In the neurotransmitter analysis, MZ reduced gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, the fermented group without Chinese medicine (DD) decreased dopamine levels, and both QS and QW increased norepinephrine levels. Correlation analysis highlighted connections between gut microbiota, neurotransmitters, and chemical levels. The results indicate that SSPs may contribute uniquely to health by maintaining intestinal balance and improving neurological disorders while predicting a potential association between neurotransmitters and gut microbiota by correlation analysis.

Personalized prediction of glycemic responses to food in women with diet-treated gestational diabetes: the role of the gut microbiota

We developed a prediction model for postprandial glycemic response (PPGR) in pregnant women, including those with diet-treated gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy women, and explored the role of gut microbiota in improving prediction accuracy. The study involved 105 pregnant women (77 with GDM, 28 healthy), who underwent continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for 7 days, provided food diaries, and gave stool samples for microbiome analysis. Machine learning models were created using CGM data, meal content, lifestyle factors, biochemical parameters, and microbiota data (16S rRNA gene sequence analysis). Adding microbiome data increased the explained variance in peak glycemic levels (GLUmax) from 34 to 42% and in incremental area under the glycemic curve (iAUC120) from 50 to 52%. The final model showed better correlation with measured PPGRs than one based only on carbohydrate count (r = 0.72 vs. r = 0.51 for iAUC120). Although microbiome features were important, their contribution to model performance was modest.

Water-Soluble Cellulose Acetate Changes the Intestinal Microbiota in Mice with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic disorder of the liver and affects many people worldwide. Intestinal bacteria are thought to be involved in the pathological progression of NAFLD; therefore, improving the intestinal microbiota may be important in controlling NAFLD. In this study, we assessed the effects of water-soluble cellulose acetate (WSCA) on the intestinal microbiota in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mouse model. Methods: NASH model (STAM mice) was created by streptozotocin injection and feeding the mice a high-fat diet. The serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. Intestinal bacterial populations were analyzed using paired-end sequencing of 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and internal transcribed spacer gene. Results: Our findings indicated that WSCA administration tends to improve the serum alanine aminotransferase and glucose levels in STAM mice and decreased the alpha diversity and altered the beta diversity of their intestinal microbiota. Additionally, WSCA intake resulted in an increase in the abundance of Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 and a decrease in the abundance of Enterobacter. Conclusions: WSCA intake can alter specific microbial compositions to improve blood glucose levels and liver functions and may improve the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

Protein restriction associated with high fat induces metabolic dysregulation without obesity in juvenile mice

Dysregulation of energy metabolism, including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and fatty liver have been reported in a substantial proportion of lean children. However, non-obese murine models recapitulating these features are lacking to study the mechanisms underlying the development of metabolic dysregulations in lean children. Here, we develop a model of diet-induced metabolic dysfunction without obesity in juvenile mice by feeding male and female mice a diet reflecting Western nutritional intake combined with protein restriction (mWD) during 5 weeks after weaning. mWD-fed mice (35% fat, 8% protein) do not exhibit significant weight gain and have moderate increase in adiposity compared to control mice (16% fat, 20% protein). After 3 weeks of mWD, juvenile mice have impaired glucose metabolism including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. mWD also triggers hepatic metabolism alterations, as shown by the development of simple liver steatosis. Both male and female mice fed with mWD displayed metabolic dysregulation, which a probiotic treatment with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WJL failed to improve. Overall, mWD-fed mice appear to be a good preclinical model to study the development of diet-induced metabolic dysfunction without obesity in juveniles.

Personalized identification of autism-related bacteria in the gut microbiome using explainable artificial intelligence

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social interaction and communication. Emerging evidence links ASD to gut microbiome alterations, suggesting that microbial composition may play a role in the disorder. This study employs explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to examine the contributions of individual microbial species to ASD. By using local explanation embeddings and unsupervised clustering, the research identifies distinct ASD subgroups, underscoring the disorder's heterogeneity. Specific microbial biomarkers associated with ASD are revealed, and the best classifiers achieved an AU-ROC of 0.965 ± 0.005 and an AU-PRC of 0.967 ± 0.008. The findings support the notion that gut microbiome composition varies significantly among individuals with ASD. This work's broader significance lies in its potential to inform personalized interventions, enhancing precision in ASD management and classification. These insights highlight the importance of individualized microbiome profiles for developing tailored therapeutic strategies for ASD.

Yoyo Dieting, Post-Obesity Weight Loss, and Their Relationship with Gut Health

Excessive body weight is associated with many chronic metabolic diseases and weight loss, so far, remains the gold standard treatment. However, despite tremendous efforts exploring optimal treatments for obesity, many individuals find losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight difficult. Weight loss is often not sustainable resulting in weight regain and subsequent efforts to lose weight. This cyclic pattern of weight loss and regain is termed "yoyo dieting" and predisposes individuals to obesity and metabolic comorbidities. How yoyo dieting might worsen obesity complications during the weight recurrence phase remains unclear. In particular, there is limited data on the role of the gut microbiome in yoyo dieting. Gut health distress, especially gut inflammation and microbiome perturbation, is strongly associated with metabolic dysfunction and disturbance of energy homeostasis in obesity. In this review, we summarise current evidence of the crosstalk between the gastrointestinal system and energy balance, and the effects of yoyo dieting on gut inflammation and gut microbiota reshaping. Finally, we focus on the potential effects of post-dieting weight loss in improving gut health and identify current knowledge gaps within the field, including gut-derived peptide hormones and their potential suitability as targets to combat weight regain, and how yoyo dieting and associated changes in the microbiome affect the gut barrier and the enteric nervous system, which largely remain to be determined.

VDR gene TaqI (rs731236) polymorphism affects gut microbiota diversity and composition in a Caucasian population

Background

The VDR gene is identified as a crucial host factor, influencing the gut microbiota. The current research focuses on an observational study that compares gut microbiota composition among individuals with different VDR gene TaqI polymorphisms in a Caucasian Spanish population. This study aims to elucidate the interplay between genetic variations in the VDR gene and the gut microbial composition.

Methods

87 healthy participants (57 men, 30 women), aged 18 to 48 years, were examined. Anthropometric measures, body composition, and dietary habits were assessed. VDR gene polymorphism TaqI rs731236 was determined using TaqMan assays. The V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced to study bacterial composition, which was analyzed using QIIME2, DADA2 plugin, and PICRUSt2. Statistical analyses included tests for normal distribution, alpha/beta diversity, ADONIS, LEfSe, and DESeq2, with established significance thresholds.

Results

No significant differences in body composition or dietary habits were observed based on VDR genotypes. Dietary intake analysis revealed no variations in energy, macronutrients, or fiber among the different VDR genotypes. Fecal microbiota analysis indicated significant differences in alpha diversity as measured by Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity index. Differential abundance analysis identified taxonomic disparities, notably in the genera Parabacteroides and Butyricimonas.

Conclusion

Overall, this study suggests potential associations between genetic variations in the VDR gene and the composition and function of gut microbiota.

Alterations in the gut microbiota community are associated with childhood obesity and precocious puberty

OBJECTIVE

To explore the distribution and differences in the intestinal microbiota in girls with obesity-related precocious puberty and the relationship between intestinal microbiota and obesity-related precocious puberty.

METHODS

16 S rRNA gene amplicons from fecal samples from girls with precocious puberty and obesity-complicated precocious puberty and healthy children were sequenced to define microbial taxa.

RESULTS

The α- and β-diversity indices of the microbiome significantly differed among the three groups. At the phylum level, the proportions of Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Bacteria, Campylobacterota, and Acidobacteriota were different. At the genus level, there were differences in Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Anaerostipes, Fusicatenibacter, Klebsiella, Lachnospiraceae, ErysipelotrichaceaeUCG-003, Prevotella9, Ruminococcus gnavus group, and Lachnoclostridium. Additionally, Bifidobacterium, Anaerostipes, Bacteroides, Candidatus Microthrix, Eubacterium hallii group, Klebsiella, and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003 were identified as bacterial biomarkers by LEfSe. Furthermore, Sellimonas, Intestinibacter, Anaerostipes, Ruminococcus gnavus group, and Oscillibacter were identified as the differential biomarkers by random forest. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the biomarkers with high predictive value for obesity-related precocious puberty. Spearman correlation analysis confirmed that Anaerostipes levels were negatively correlated with body weight, body mass index (BMI), bone age, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant correlation between obesity-associated precocious puberty and gut microbiota, especially the functional characteristics of the microbiome and its interactions, which can provide a theoretical basis for the clinical intervention of obesity and precocious puberty through the microbiome.

Molecular Mechanisms behind Obesity and Their Potential Exploitation in Current and Future Therapy

Obesity is a chronic disease caused primarily by the imbalance between the amount of calories supplied to the body and energy expenditure. Not only does it deteriorate the quality of life, but most importantly it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, leading to reduced life expectancy. In this review, we would like to present the molecular pathomechanisms underlying obesity, which constitute the target points for the action of anti-obesity medications. These include the central nervous system, brain-gut-microbiome axis, gastrointestinal motility, and energy expenditure. A significant part of this article is dedicated to incretin-based drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide and semaglutide), as well as the brand new dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist tirzepatide, all of which have become "block-buster" drugs due to their effectiveness in reducing body weight and beneficial effects on the patient's metabolic profile. Finally, this review article highlights newly designed molecules with the potential for future obesity management that are the subject of ongoing clinical trials.

Comparative study of the bacterial community of organic and conventional cow's milk

Agricultural practises such as conventional and organic farming can potentially affect the microbial communities in milk. In the present study, the bacterial diversity of milk was investigated using high-throughput sequencing on ten organic and ten conventional farms in the Azores, a region where milk production is largely based on year-round grazing systems. The microbiota of milk from both production systems was dominated by Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota and Bacteroidota. The organic milk showed greater heterogeneity between farms, as reflected in the dispersion of diversity indices and the large variation in the relative abundances of the dominant genera. In contrast, conventionally produced milk showed a high degree of similarity within each season. In the conventional production system, the season also had a strong influence on the bacterial community, but this effect was not observed in the organic milk. The LEfSe analysis identified the genus Iamia as significantly (p < 0.05) more abundant in organic milk, but depending on the season, several other genera were identified that distinguished organic milk from conventionally produced milk. Of these, Bacillus, Iamia and Nocardioides were associated with the soil microbiota in organic farming.

Associations of Infant Feeding, Sleep, and Weight Gain with the Toddler Gut Microbiome

This study examines how feeding, sleep, and growth during infancy impact the gut microbiome (GM) in toddlers. The research was conducted on toddlers (n = 36), born to Latina women of low-income with obesity. Their mothers completed retrospective feeding and sleeping questionnaires at 1, 6, and 12 months; at 36 months, fecal samples were collected. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene (V4 region) revealed that breastfeeding for at least 1 month and the introduction of solids before 6 months differentiated the GM in toddlerhood (Bray-Curtis, pseudo-F = 1.805, p = 0.018, and pseudo-F = 1.651, p = 0.044, respectively). Sleep had an effect across time; at 1 and 6 months of age, a lower proportion of nighttime sleep (relative to 24 h total sleep) was associated with a richer GM at three years of age (Shannon H = 4.395, p = 0.036 and OTU H = 5.559, p = 0.018, respectively). Toddlers experiencing rapid weight gain from birth to 6 months had lower phylogenetic diversity (Faith PD H = 3.633, p = 0.057). These findings suggest that early life nutrition, sleeping patterns, and growth rate in infancy may influence the GM composition. Further verification of these results with objective sleep data and a larger sample is needed.

Fecal bacteria-free filtrate transplantation is proved as an effective way for the recovery of radiation-induced individuals in mice

Background

Ionizing radiation can cause intestinal microecological dysbiosis, resulting in changes in the composition and function of gut microbiota. Altered gut microbiota is closely related to the development and progression of radiation-induced intestinal damage. Although microbiota-oriented therapeutic options such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have shown some efficacy in treating radiation toxicity, safety concerns endure. Therefore, fecal bacteria-free filtrate transplantation (FFT), which has the potential to become a possible alternative therapy, is well worth investigating. Herein, we performed FFT in a mouse model of radiation exposure and monitored its effects on radiation damage phenotypes, gut microbiota, and metabolomic profiles to assess the effectiveness of FFT as an alternative therapy to FMT safety concerns.

Results

FFT treatment conferred radioprotection against radiation-induced toxicity, representing as better intestinal integrity, robust proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines homeostasis, and accompanied by significant shifts in gut microbiome. The bacterial compartment of recipients following FFT was characterized by an enrichment of radioprotective microorganisms (members of family Lachnospiraceae). Furthermore, metabolome data revealed increased levels of microbially generated short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces of FFT mice.

Conclusions

FFT improves radiation-induced intestinal microecological dysbiosis by reshaping intestinal mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota configurations, and host metabolic profiles, highlighting FFT regimen as a promising safe alternative therapy for FMT is effective in the treatment of radiation intestinal injury.

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Christensenella strain resources, genomic/metabolomic profiling, and association with host at species level

The gut commensal bacteria Christensenellaceae species are negatively associated with many metabolic diseases, and have been seen as promising next-generation probiotics. However, the cultured Christensenellaceae strain resources were limited, and their beneficial mechanisms for improving metabolic diseases have yet to be explored. In this study, we developed a method that enabled the enrichment and cultivation of Christensenellaceae strains from fecal samples. Using this method, a collection of Christensenellaceae Gut Microbial Biobank (ChrisGMB) was established, composed of 87 strains and genomes that represent 14 species of 8 genera. Seven species were first described and the cultured Christensenellaceae resources have been significantly expanded at species and strain levels. Christensenella strains exerted different abilities in utilization of various complex polysaccharides and other carbon sources, exhibited host-adaptation capabilities such as acid tolerance and bile tolerance, produced a wide range of volatile probiotic metabolites and secondary bile acids. Cohort analyses demonstrated that Christensenellaceae and Christensenella were prevalent in various cohorts and the abundances were significantly reduced in T2D and OB cohorts. At species level, Christensenellaceae showed different changes among healthy and disease cohorts. C. faecalis, F. tenuis, L. tenuis, and Guo. tenuis significantly reduced in all the metabolic disease cohorts. The relative abundances of C. minuta, C. hongkongensis and C. massiliensis showed no significant change in NAFLD and ACVD. and C. tenuis and C. acetigenes showed no significant change in ACVD, and Q. tenuis and Geh. tenuis showed no significant change in NAFLD, when compared with the HC cohort. So far as we know, this is the largest collection of cultured resource and first exploration of Christensenellaceae prevalences and abundances at species level.

Nutritional Interventions, Probiotics, Synbiotics and Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Steatotic Liver Disease : Pediatric Fatty Liver and Probiotics

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major health problem worldwide, and the strongest determinant of liver disease in children. The possible influence of high-fat/low-fiber dietary patterns with microbiota (e.g., increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio), and ultimately with MASLD occurrence and progression has been elucidated by several association studies. The possible mechanisms through which microbes exert their detrimental effects on MASLD include gut vascular barrier damage, a shift towards non-tolerogenic immunologic environment, and the detrimental metabolic changes, including a relative reduction of propionate and butyrate in favor of acetate, endogenous ethanol production, and impairment of the unconjugated bile acid-driven FXR-mediated gut-liver axis. The impact of nutritional and probiotic interventions in children with MASLD is described.

Effect of red wheat, aleurone, and testa layers on colon cancer biomarkers, nitrosative stress, and gut microbiome composition in rats

We previously found greater reduction of colon cancer (CC) biomarkers for red wheat compared to white wheat regardless of refinement state. In the present study we examined whether the phenolic-rich aleurone and testa layers are drivers of chemoprevention by red wheat and their influence on gut microbiota composition using a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced CC rat model. Rats were fed a low-fat diet (16% of energy as fat), high-fat diet (50% of energy as fat), or high-fat diet containing whole red wheat, refined red wheat, refined white wheat, or aleurone- or testa-enriched fractions for 12 weeks. Morphological markers (aberrant crypt foci, ACF) were assessed after methylene blue staining and biochemical markers (3-nitrotyrosine [3-NT], Dclk1) by immunohistochemical determination of staining positivity within aberrant crypts. Gut microbiota composition was evaluated from 16S rRNA gene sequencing of DNA extracted from cecal contents. Relative to the high-fat diet, the whole and refined red wheat, refined white wheat, and testa-enriched fraction decreased ACF, while only the refined red wheat and aleurone-enriched fraction decreased 3-NT. No significant differences were observed for Dclk1. An increase in microbial diversity was observed for the aleurone-enriched fraction (ACE index) and whole red wheat (Inverse Simpson Index). The diet groups significantly modified overall microbiome composition, including altered abundances of Lactobacillus, Mucispirillum, Phascolarctobacterium, and Blautia coccoides. These results suggest that red wheat may reduce CC risk through modifications to the gut microbiota and nitrosative stress, which may be due, in part, to the influence of dietary fiber and the phenolic-rich aleurone layer.

The Influence of Probiotic Supplementation on the Obesity Indexes, Neuroinflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers, Gut Microbial Diversity, and Working Memory in Obese Thai Children

Obesity is a worldwide health problem with a complex interaction between gut microbiota and cognition. Several studies have demonstrated that probiotic treatments improve characteristics linked to obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the obesity indexes, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, gut microbiota, and working memory in obese children. Ten obese children were assigned to receive the probiotics (8 × 109 CFU of Lactobacillus paracasei HII01 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) for 12 weeks. Demographic data were recorded. Urine and fecal samples were collected to evaluate biomarkers related to obesity and cognition. Behavioral working memory was assessed using the visual n-back test. Electroencephalography was employed to measure electrical activity during the visual n-back test. All parameters were evaluated at the baseline and after 12 weeks. The results revealed that probiotic supplementation significantly altered some gut microbial metabolites, gut microbiota, total antioxidant capacity, and neuroinflammatory markers. However, no significant changes were observed in the visual n-back test or electroencephalographic recordings after 12 weeks. In conclusion, the use of probiotics might be an alternative treatment that could improve the gut microbial ecosystem and microbial metabolites, as well as host antioxidant and neuroinflammation levels. The preliminary results indicated that further detailed prolonged studies are needed in order to determine the beneficial effects of the studied probiotics.

Contribution of the microbiome for better phenotyping of people living with obesity

Obesity has reached epidemic proportion worldwide and in all ages. Available evidence points to a multifactorial pathogenesis involving gene predisposition and environmental factors. Gut microbiota plays a critical role as a major interface between external factors, i.e., diet, lifestyle, toxic chemicals, and internal mechanisms regulating energy and metabolic homeostasis, fat production and storage. A shift in microbiota composition is linked with overweight and obesity, with pathogenic mechanisms involving bacterial products and metabolites (mainly endocannabinoid-related mediators, short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, catabolites of tryptophan, lipopolysaccharides) and subsequent alterations in gut barrier, altered metabolic homeostasis, insulin resistance and chronic, low-grade inflammation. Although animal studies point to the links between an "obesogenic" microbiota and the development of different obesity phenotypes, the translational value of these results in humans is still limited by the heterogeneity among studies, the high variation of gut microbiota over time and the lack of robust longitudinal studies adequately considering inter-individual confounders. Nevertheless, available evidence underscores the existence of several genera predisposing to obesity or, conversely, to lean and metabolically health phenotype (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila, species from genera Faecalibacterium, Alistipes, Roseburia). Further longitudinal studies using metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics with exact characterization of confounders are needed in this field. Results must confirm that distinct genera and specific microbial-derived metabolites represent effective and precision interventions against overweight and obesity in the long-term.

Multi-omics approach to socioeconomic disparity in metabolic syndrome reveals roles of diet and microbiome

The epidemy of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is typically preceded by adoption of a "risky" lifestyle (e.g., dietary habit) among populations. Evidence shows that those with low socioeconomic status (SES) are at an increased risk for MetS. To investigate this, we recruited 123 obese subjects (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30) from Chicago. Multi-omic data were collected to interrogate fecal microbiota, systemic markers of inflammation and immune activation, plasma metabolites, and plasma glycans. Intestinal permeability was measured using the sugar permeability testing. Our results suggest a heterogenous metabolic dysregulation among obese populations who are at risk of MetS. Systemic inflammation, linked to poor diet, intestinal microbiome dysbiosis, and gut barrier dysfunction may explain the development of MetS in these individuals. Our analysis revealed 37 key features associated with increased numbers of MetS features. These features were used to construct a composite metabolic-inflammatory (MI) score that was able to predict progression of MetS among at-risk individuals. The MI score was correlated with several markers of poor diet quality as well as lower levels of gut microbial diversity and abnormalities in several species of bacteria. This study reveals novel targets to reduce the burden of MetS and suggests access to healthy food options as a practical intervention.

Preparation, structures, and biological functions of rhamnan sulfate from green seaweed of the genus Monostroma: A review

Rhamnan sulfate, a rhamnose-rich sulfated polysaccharide, is present in the cell walls of green seaweed belonging to the genus Monostroma. This macromolecule demonstrates promising therapeutic properties, including anti-coagulant, thrombolytic, anti-viral, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory activities, which hold potential applications in food and medical industries. However, rhamnan sulfate has not garnered as much attention from researchers as other seaweed polysaccharides, including alginate, carrageenan, and fucoidan. This review discusses the extraction and purification techniques of rhamnan sulfate, delves into its chemical structures and related elucidation approaches, and provides an overview of its biological functions. Future research should focus on the structure-activity relationship of rhamnan sulfate and the industrial preparation of rhamnan sulfate with a specific homogeneous structure to facilitate its practical applications.

Gender Influences Gut Microbiota among Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disease that affects approximately 11% of the general population. The gut microbiota, among other known factors, plays a substantial role in its pathogenesis. The study aimed to characterize the gut microbiota differences between patients with IBS and unaffected individuals, taking into account the gender aspect of the patients and the types of IBS determined on the basis of the Rome IV Criteria, the IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M, and IBS-U. In total, 121 patients with IBS and 70 unaffected individuals participated in the study; the derived stool samples were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The gut microbiota of patients with IBS was found to be more diverse in comparison to unaffected individuals, and the differences were observed primarily among Clostridiales, Mogibacteriaceae, Synergistaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Blautia spp., and Shuttleworthia spp., depending on the study subgroup and patient gender. There was higher differentiation of females' gut microbiota compared to males, regardless of the disease status. No correlation between the composition of the gut microbiota and the type of IBS was found. Patients with IBS were characterized by more diverse gut microbiota compared to unaffected individuals. The gender criterion should be considered in the characterization of the gut microbiota. The type of IBS did not determine the identified differences in gut microbiota.

Evidence for proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-associated dysbiosis in metabolically unhealthy obesity

Obesity adversely impacts millions of American adults by predisposing them to significant health risks and further complications. Obesity is differentiated into two groups: metabolically healthy and metabolically unhealthy. In contrast to metabolically healthy counterparts, obese individuals who are metabolically unhealthy display hallmark symptoms of metabolic syndrome (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) commonly occurs in all obese populations, as do poor dietary habits. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), due to their wide availability, are most often used to treat GERD-related heartburn and other symptoms. Here, we review the evidence on how poor diet as well as short- and long-term use of PPIs adversely affect the gastrointestinal microbiota to cause dysbiosis. Key components of dysbiosis-induced metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) associated with PPI use include "leaky gut," systemic low-grade inflammation, and reduced amounts of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate that promote metabolic health. The benefit of using probiotics to mitigate PPI-induced dysbiosis and MUO is also discussed.

Antibiotic Conditioning Shapes Pseudosterile Mouse Models by Deleting Colonic Microbes Rather than Small Intestinal Microbes

A simple model of alternative microbiota in the developing intestinal environment has been highly desirable for the study of health and disease in the gut. The pattern of antibiotic depletion of natural gut microbes is necessary for this model. However, the effects and loci of antibiotic deletion of gut microbes remain unclear. In this study, a mixture of three proven broad-spectrum antibiotics was selected to study their effects on microbial deletions in the jejunum, ileum, and colon of mice. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that antibiotics significantly reduced colonic microbial diversity, with limited effects on the jejunum and ileum. At the level of microbial genera, only 93.38% of Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia and 5.89% of Enterorhabdus were present in the colon after antibiotic treatment. However, such changes were not observed in the microbial composition of the jejunum and ileum. Our results suggest that the antibiotics depleted intestinal microorganisms by acting primarily in the colon and not in the small intestine (jejunum and ileum). IMPORTANCE Many studies have applied antibiotics to delete intestinal microbes to shape pseudosterile mouse models and further used for fecal microbial transplantation. However, few studies have explored the spatial location of antibiotic action in the intestine. This study shows that the selected antibiotics effectively deleted microbiota in the colon of mice, with limited effects on microbes in the jejunum and ileum. Our study provides guidance for the application of a mouse model of antibiotic deletion of intestinal microbes.

Childhood Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The global epidemic of youth-onset obesity is tightly linked to the rising burden of cardiometabolic disease across the lifespan. While the link between childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease is established, this contemporary review summarizes recent and novel advances in this field that elucidate the mechanisms and impact of this public health issue.

RECENT FINDINGS

The review highlights the emerging data supporting the relationship between childhood adverse events, social determinants of health, and systemic and institutional systems as etiological factors. We also provide updates on new screening and treatment approaches including updated nutrition and dietary guidelines and benchmarks for pediatric obesity screening, novel pharmacological agents for pediatric obesity and type 2 diabetes such as glucagon-like 1 peptide receptor agonists, and we discuss the long-term safety and efficacy data on surgical management of pediatric obesity. The global burden of pediatric obesity continues to rise and is associated with accelerated and early vascular aging especially in youth with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Socio-ecological determinants of risk mediate and moderate the relationship of childhood obesity with cardiometabolic disease. Recognizing the importance of neighborhood level influences as etiological factors in the development of cardiovascular disease is critical for designing effective policies and interventions. Novel surgical and pharmacological interventions are effective pediatric weight-loss interventions, but future research is needed to assess whether these agents, within a socio-ecological framework, will be associated with abatement of the pediatric obesity epidemic and related increased cardiovascular disease risk.

Shared and Distinct Gut Microbial Profiles in Saudi Women with Metabolically Healthy and Unhealthy Obesity

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence suggests a pivotal role for the gut microbiome in energy disequilibrium characteristic of obesity. The clinical utility of microbial profiling for the distinction between metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) remains ill-defined. We aim to probe microbial composition and diversity in young adult Saudi females with MHO and MUO. This observational study included anthropometric and biochemical measurements and shotgun sequencing of stool DNA for 92 subjects. α- and β-diversity metrics were calculated to determine the richness and variability in microbial communities, respectively. Results showed that Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium merycicum were less abundant in MUO compared to healthy and MHO groups. BMI was negatively correlated with B. adolescentis, B. longum, and Actinobacteria in MHO, while being positively correlated with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron in both MHO and MUO. Positive correlations between waist circumference and B. merycicum and B. thetaiotaomicron were observed in MHO and MUO, respectively. Compared to MHO and MUO groups, higher α-diversity was detected in healthy individuals who also had higher β-diversity compared to those with MHO. We conclude that modulation of the gut microbiome cohorts through prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation may be a promising preventive and therapeutic approach to obesity-associated disease.

HMOs Exert Marked Bifidogenic Effects on Children's Gut Microbiota Ex Vivo, Due to Age-Related Bifidobacterium Species Composition

Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms, thus conferring a health benefit. There is a growing awareness that interpersonal and age-dependent differences in gut microbiota composition impact prebiotic effects. Due to the interest in using human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) beyond infancy, this study evaluated how HMOs [2'Fucosyllactose (2'FL), Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), 3'Sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'Sialyllactose (6'SL)] and blends thereof affect the microbiota of 6-year-old children (n = 6) and adults (n = 6), compared to prebiotics inulin (IN) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The ex vivo SIFR® technology was used, given its demonstrated predictivity in clinical findings. First, HMOs and HMO blends seemed to maintain a higher α-diversity compared to FOS/IN. Further, while 2'FL/LNnT were bifidogenic for both age groups, 3'SL/6'SL and FOS/IN were exclusively bifidogenic for children and adults, respectively. This originated from age-related differences in microbiota composition because while 3'SL/6'SL stimulated B. pseudocatenulatum (abundant in children), FOS/IN enhanced B. adolescentis (abundant in adults). Moreover, all treatments significantly increased acetate, propionate and butyrate (only in adults) with product- and age-dependent differences. Among the HMOs, 6'SL specifically stimulated propionate (linked to Bacteroides fragilis in children and Phocaeicola massiliensis in adults), while LNnT stimulated butyrate (linked to Anaerobutyricum hallii in adults). Indole-3-lactic acid and 3-phenyllactic acid (linked to immune health) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (linked to gut-brain axis) were most profoundly stimulated by 2'FL and HMO blends in both children and adults, correlating with specific Bifidobacteriaceae. Finally, 2'FL/LNnT increased melatonin in children, while 3'SL remarkably increased folic acid in adults. Overall, age-dependent differences in microbiota composition greatly impacted prebiotic outcomes, advocating for the development of age-specific nutritional supplements. HMOs were shown to be promising modulators in the adult, and particularly the children's microbiota. The observed HMO-specific effects, likely originating from their structural heterogeneity, suggest that blends of different HMOs could maximize treatment effects.

Gut microbiota characteristics of Mongolian and Han populations in anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury: a population-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug-induced liver injury (ADLI) is complicated and remains unclear. We aimed to analyse the relationship between the characteristics of gut microbiota and ADLI in Mongolian and Han patients with pulmonary TB and identify the most notable bacteria related to the occurrence of liver injury in those populations.

METHODS

Patients with concurrent liver injury (LI) and no liver injury (ULI) before receiving first-line anti-TB drug treatment (T1) from the Han population in Tangshan and the Mongolian population in Inner Mongolia were selected as research subjects. At the time of liver injury (T2), stool samples were measured by bacterial 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing to analyse and compare the differences in the gut microbiota of the LI and ULI Mongolian and Han patients at T1 and T2 and identify the differences between those patients.

RESULTS

A total of 45 Mongolian and 37 Han patients were enrolled in our study. A dynamic comparison from T1 to T2 showed that the microbiota of the LI and ULI groups changed significantly from T1 to T2 in both the Mongolian and Han populations. However, there were commonalities and personality changes in the microbiota of the two ethnic groups.

CONCLUSION

Differences in gut microbes in ADLI were found among the Han and Mongolian patients in our study. Ekmania and Stenotrophomonas were related to the occurrence of ADLI in Mongolian patients, while Ekmania and Ruminococcus__gnavus_group were related to the occurrence of ADLI in the Han population.

Zusammenhang zwischen Darmmikrobiota und Stoffwechselgesundheit unter-sucht

Veränderungen der Zusammensetzung der Darmmikrobiota wurden bei adipösen Kindern in der Vergangenheit bereits beschrieben. Wenig ist allerdings darüber bekannt, inwieweit solche Dysbiosen mit der metabolischen Gesundheit in Zusammenhang stehen. M. Alcazar et al. haben diese Fragestellung nun in einer Studie adressiert und hierzu Ergebnisse vorgelegt.

Different gut microbiota in U.S. formula-fed infants consuming a meat vs. dairy-based complementary foods: A randomized controlled trial

Objective

This project aimed to evaluate the impact of meat- vs. dairy-based complementary foods on gut microbiota and whether it relates to growth.

Design

Full-term, formula-fed infants were recruited from the metro Denver area (Colorado, US) and randomized to a meat- or dairy-based complementary diet from 5 to 12 months of age. Infant's length and weight were measured, and stool samples were collected at 5, 10, and 12 months for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) quantification.

Results

Sixty-four infants completed the dietary intervention (n = 32/group). Weight-for-age Z (WAZ) scores increased in both groups and length-for-age Z scores (LAZ) increased in the meat group only, which led to a significant group-by-time interaction (P = 0.02) of weight-for-length Z (WLZ) score. Microbiota composition (Beta-diversity) differed between groups at 12 months (weighted PERMANOVA P = 0.01) and had a group-by-time interaction of P = 0.09. Microbial community richness (Chao1) increased in the meat group only. Genus Akkermansia had a significant group-by-time interaction and increased in the dairy group and decreased in the meat group. A significant fold change of butyric acid from 5 to 12 months was found in the meat group (+1.75, P = 0.011) but not in the dairy group. Regression analysis showed that Chao1 had a negative association with WLZ and WAZ. Several genera also had significant associations with all growth Z scores.

Conclusion

Complementary feeding not only impacts infant growth but also affects gut microbiota maturation. Complementary food choices can affect both the gut microbiota diversity and structures and these changes in gut microbiota are associated with infant growth.

Oral Prevalence of Akkermansia muciniphila Differs among Pediatric and Adult Orthodontic and Non-Orthodontic Patients

Akkermansia muciniphila (AM) is one of many highly abundant intestinal microbes that influences homeostasis and metabolic disorders and may also play a role in oral disorders. However, there is little evidence regarding the oral prevalence of this organism. Based upon this lack of evidence, the primary goal of this project is to survey an existing saliva repository to determine the overall prevalence of this organism and any associations with demographic or patient characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, race/ethnicity, orthodontic therapy). Using an approved protocol,, a total n = 141 pediatric samples from an existing saliva repository were screened using qPCR revealing 29.8% harbored AM with nearly equal distribution among males and females, p = 0.8347. Significantly higher percentages of pediatric, non-orthodontic patients were positive for AM (42.3%) compared with age-matched orthodontic patients (14.3%)-which were equally distributed among non-orthodontic males (42.1%) and non-orthodontic females (42.5%). In addition, analysis of the adult samples revealed that nearly equal percentages of males (18.2%) and females (16.7%) harbored detectable levels of salivary AM, p = 0.2035. However, a higher proportion of non-orthodontic adult samples harbored AM (21.3%) compared to orthodontic samples (12.8%, p = 0.0001), which was equally distributed among males and females. These results suggest that both age and the presence of orthodontic brackets may influence microbial composition and, more specifically, are associated with reduction in AM among both pediatric and adult populations from their baseline levels.

Bioactive compounds in childhood obesity and associated metabolic complications: Current evidence, controversies and perspectives

Obesity represents the most frequent chronic disease among children worldwide, with a significant global burden on society. Metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) can affect children since their first years of life, and novel therapeutic strategies to tackle metabolic complications are under investigation. This review focuses on bioactive compounds and their possible beneficial effects on obesity, particularly omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid, vitamin D, biotics, polysaccharide macromolecules, polyphenols, inositols, alpha lipoic acid, and bromelaine. Our aim is to summarize current evidence about bioactive compounds in the treatment of obesity, highlighting recent findings on their use in children and adolescents. Most studied molecules are omega-3 and vitamin D, despite the heterogeneity between the studies. Moreover, given the emerging interest in the gut-brain axis in the link between metabolic health and microbiota, various studies on prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics and polysaccharide macromolecules have been considered. Some preclinical studies seem to highlight a possible role of the polyphenols, even if their clinical evidence is still discussed. Lastly, we describe possible effects of inositols and alpha-lipoic acid. Despite some dietary supplements seem to be promising in overweight subjects, only in a few of them a dose/response efficacy has been found in the pediatric age. Innovative, well-designed and targeted clinical trials are then needed to prove the beneficial effects of these compounds that could support the standard behavioral therapy for obesity.

The Effect of Short-Term Consumption of Lactic Acid Bacteria on the Gut Microbiota in Obese People

Obesity is a problem of modern health care that causes the occurrence of many concomitant diseases: arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases. New strategies for the treatment and prevention of obesity are being developed that are based on using probiotics for modulation of the gut microbiota. Our study aimed to evaluate the bacterial composition of the gut of obese patients before and after two weeks of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii) intake. The results obtained showed an increase in the number of members of the phylum Actinobacteriota in the group taking nutritional supplements, while the number of phylum Bacteroidota decreased in comparison with the control group. There has also been an increase in potentially beneficial groups: Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Eubacterium, Anaerostipes, Lactococcus, Lachnospiraceae ND3007, Streptococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Lachnoclostridium. Along with this, a decrease in the genera was demonstrated: Faecalibacterium, Pseudobutyrivibrio, Subdoligranulum, Faecalibacterium, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and 2, Catenibacterium, Megasphaera, Phascolarctobacterium, and the Oscillospiraceae NK4A214 group, which contribute to the development of various metabolic disorders. Modulation of the gut microbiota by lactic acid bacteria may be one of the ways to treat obesity.