Tartary buckwheat protein prevented dyslipidemia in high-fat diet-fed mice associated with gut microbiota changes

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis F1-7 Alleviates Lipid Accumulation in Atherosclerotic Mice via Modulating Bile Acid Metabolites to Downregulate Intestinal FXR

The dysfunction of intestinal microbiota and bile acid metabolism is related to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This study we explored the mechanism of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis F1-7 (Bif. animalis F1-7), improving atherosclerosis by regulating the bile acid metabolism and intestinal microbiota in the ApoE-/- mice. The Bif. animalis F1-7 effectively reduced aortic plaque accumulation and improved the serum and liver lipid levels in atherosclerotic mice. The untargeted metabolomics revealed that Bif. animalis F1-7 reduced the glycine-conjugated bile acids and the levels of differential metabolite lithocholic acid (LCA) significantly. Downregulation of LCA decreased the intestinal levels of the farnesoid X-activated receptor (FXR) and regulated the bile acid metabolism through the FXR/FGF15/CYP7A1 pathway. Furthermore, the 16srRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that structural changes in intestinal microbiota with an increase in the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, Desulfovibrio, and a decrease in Dubosiella, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Turicibacter following the Bif. animalis F1-7 intervention. Correlation analysis showed that the changes in intestinal microbiota mentioned above were significantly correlated with bile acid metabolism in atherosclerotic mice. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the mechanisms by which Bif. animalis F1-7 regulates atherosclerosis.

Effects of Food Factors and Processing on Protein Digestibility and Gut Microbiota

Protein is an essential macronutrient. The nutritional needs of dietary proteins are met by digestion and absorption in the small intestine. Indigestible proteins are further metabolized in the gut and produce metabolites via protein fermentation. Thus, protein indigestibility exerts a wide range of effects on gut microbiota composition and function. This review aims to discuss protein digestibility, the effects of food factors, such as protein sources, intake level, and amino acid composition, and making meat analogues. Besides, it provides an inventory of antinutritional factors and processing techniques that influence protein digestibility and, consequently, the diversity and composition of intestinal microbiota. Future studies are warranted to understand the implication of plant-based analogues on protein digestibility and gut microbiota and to elucidate the mechanisms concerning protein digestibility to host gut microbiota using various omics techniques.

Dietary-Derived Exosome-like Nanoparticles as Bacterial Modulators: Beyond MicroRNAs

There is increasing evidence that food is an important factor that influences the composition of the gut microbiota. Usually, all the attention has been focused on nutrients such as lipids, proteins, vitamins, or polyphenols. However, a pivotal role in these processes has been linked to dietary-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (DELNs). While food macro- and micronutrient composition are largely well established, there is considerable interest in these DELNs and their cargoes. In this sense, traditionally, all the attention was focused on the proteins or miRNAs contained in these vesicles. However, it has been shown that DELNs would also carry other bioactive molecules with a key role in regulating biochemical pathways and/or interactions with the host's gut microbiome affecting intracellular communication. Due to the scarce literature, it is necessary to compile the current knowledge about the antimicrobial capacity of DELNs and its possible molecular mechanisms that will serve as a starting point. For this reason, in this review, we highlight the impact of DENLs on different bacteria species modulating the host gut microbiota or antibacterial properties. It could be concluded that DELNs, isolated from both plant and animal foods, exert gut microbiota modulation. However, the presence of miRNA in the vesicle cargoes is not the only one responsible for this effect. Lipids present in the DELNs membrane or small molecules packed in may also be responsible for apoptosis signaling, inhibition, or growth promoters.

Compound dark tea ameliorates obesity and hepatic steatosis and modulates the gut microbiota in mice

Dark tea is a fermented tea that plays a role in regulating the homeostasis of intestinal microorganisms. Previous studies have found that dark tea can improve obesity and has a lipid-lowering effect. In this study, green tea, Ilex latifolia Thunb (kuding tea) and Momordica grosvenori (Luo Han Guo) were added to a new compound dark tea (CDT), to improve the taste and health of this beverage. High-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice were treated with low- (6 mg/mL) or high- (12 mg/mL) concentrations of CDT for 18 weeks to assess their effect on lipid metabolism. Our results suggest that low- and high-concentrations of CDT could reduce body weight by 15 and 16% and by 44 and 38% of body fat, respectively, by attenuating body weight gain and fat accumulation, improving glucose tolerance, alleviating metabolic endotoxemia, and regulating the mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes. In addition, low concentrations of CDT were able to reduce the abundance of Desulfovibrio, which is positively associated with obesity, and increase the abundance of Ruminococcus, which are negatively associated with obesity. This study demonstrates the effect of CDT on ameliorating lipid metabolism and provides new insights into the research and development of functional tea beverages.

Relationship between Components, Intestinal Microbiota, and Mechanism of Hypoglycemic Effect of the Saggy Ink Cap Medicinal Mushroom (Coprinus Comatus, Agaricomycetes): A Review

Coprinus comatus is rich in a variety of nutrients, which has been reported to display a good hypoglycemic effect. However, there is no consensus on the hypoglycemic mechanism of this mushroom. Intestinal microbiota, a complex and intrinsic system, is closely related to metabolism. In this review, we discussed the potential relationship between certain components of C. comatus and intestinal microbiota to illustrate the possible hypoglycemic mechanism of C. comatus through intestinal microbiota. It will provide a new perspective for the study of hypoglycemic mechanism of C. comatus and promote the development and utilization of this mushroom.

Nutritional and bioactive characteristics of buckwheat, and its potential for developing gluten‐free products: An updated overview

In the present era, food scientists are concerned about exploiting functional crops with nutraceutical properties. Buckwheat is one of the functional pseudocereals with nutraceutical components used in the treatment of health-related diseases, malnutrition, and celiac diseases. As a preferred diet as a gluten-free product for celiac diseases, buckwheat is a good source of nutrients, bioactive components, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. The general characteristics and better nutritional profile of buckwheat than other cereal family crops were highlighted by previous investigations. In buckwheats, bioactive components like peptides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, d-fagomine, fagopyritols, and fagopyrins are posing significant health benefits. This study highlights the current knowledge about buckwheat and its characteristics, nutritional constituents, bioactive components, and their potential for developing gluten-free products to target celiac people (1.4% of the world population) and other health-related diseases.

Systematic Review of Human and Animal Evidence on the Role of Buckwheat Consumption on Gastrointestinal Health

BACKGROUND

Buckwheat is a commonly cultivated crop with growing evidence that it is beneficial to gastrointestinal (GI) health. This systematic review summarizes the role of buckwheat in modifying GI health outcomes and microbiomes.

METHODS

Four medical databases and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Clinical trials, observational studies, animal in vivo, and in vitro studies with human and animal GI-derived samples were included.

RESULTS

There were 32 studies (one randomized controlled trial [RCT], one non-randomized trial, 3 observational, 9 in vitro, and 18 animal in vivo studies) included. In preclinical studies, buckwheat extracts were observed to have cytotoxic potential against human-derived GI cancer cell lines. Animals fed with buckwheat had lower GI mucosal inflammation, higher alpha diversity in the GI microbiome, and higher levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids. Human evidence studies and clinical trials were limited and predominantly of moderate risk of bias. The majority of in vitro studies with GI-derived samples and in vivo studies were reliable without restrictions in study design.

CONCLUSION

In vivo and in vitro studies show that buckwheat may have potential GI benefits due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential; however, human evidence remains limited, and its impact on health in humans remains to be elucidated in future trials.

Kidney microbiota dysbiosis contributes to the development of hypertension

Gut microbiota dysbiosis promotes metabolic syndromes (e.g., hypertension); however, the patterns that drive hypertensive pathology and could be targeted for therapeutic intervention are unclear. We hypothesized that gut microbes might translocate to the kidney to trigger hypertension. We aimed to uncover their method of colonization, and thereby how to maintain blood pressure homeostasis. Using combined approaches based on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunofluorescence staining, electron microscopy analysis, bacterial cultures, species identification, and RNA-sequencing-based meta-transcriptomics, we first demonstrated the presence of bacteria within the kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and its normotensive counterpart, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs), and patients with hypertension. Translocated renal bacteria were coated with secretory IgA (sIgA) or remained dormant in the L-form. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.pn) was identified in the kidneys of germ-free (GF) mice following intestinal transplantation, which suggested an influx of gut bacteria into the kidneys. Renal bacterial taxa and their function are associated with hypertension. Hypertensive hosts showed increased richness in the pathobionts of their kidneys, which were partly derived from the gastrointestinal tract. We also demonstrated the indispensable role of bacterial IgA proteases in the translocation of live microbes. Furthermore, Tartary buckwheat dietary intervention reduced blood pressure and modulated the core renal flora-host ecosystem to near-normal states. Taken together, the unique patterns of viable and dormant bacteria in the kidney provide insight into the pathogenesis of non-communicable chronic diseases and cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., hypertension), and may lead to potential novel microbiota-targeted dietary therapies.

Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) Ameliorates Lipid Metabolism Disorders and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Jinqiao II, a newly cultivated variety of tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), has been reported to exhibit a higher yield and elevated levels of functional compounds compared to traditional native breeds. We aimed to investigate the potential of Jinqiao II tartary buckwheat to alleviate lipid metabolism disorders by detecting serum biochemistry, pathological symptoms, gene expression profiling, and gut microbial diversity. C57BL/6J mice were provided with either a normal diet; a high-fat diet (HFD); or HFD containing 5%, 10%, and 20% buckwheat for 8 weeks. Our results indicate that Jinqiao II tartary buckwheat attenuated HFD-induced hyperlipidemia, fat accumulation, hepatic damage, endotoxemia, inflammation, abnormal hormonal profiles, and differential lipid-metabolism-related gene expression at mRNA and protein levels in response to the dosages, and high-dose tartary buckwheat exerted optimal outcomes. Gut microbiota sequencing also revealed that the Jinqiao II tartary buckwheat elevated the level of microbial diversity and the abundance of advantageous microbes (Alistipes and Alloprevotella), lowered the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (Ruminococcaceae, Blautia, Ruminiclostridium, Bilophila, and Oscillibacter), and altered the intestinal microbiota structure in mice fed with HFD. These findings suggest that Jinqiao II tartary buckwheat might serve as a competitive candidate in the development of functional food to prevent lipid metabolic abnormalities.

Large scale text mining for deriving useful insights: A case study focused on microbiome

Text mining has been shown to be an auxiliary but key driver for modeling, data harmonization, and interpretation in bio-medicine. Scientific literature holds a wealth of information and embodies cumulative knowledge and remains the core basis on which mechanistic pathways, molecular databases, and models are built and refined. Text mining provides the necessary tools to automatically harness the potential of text. In this study, we show the potential of large-scale text mining for deriving novel insights, with a focus on the growing field of microbiome. We first collected the complete set of abstracts relevant to the microbiome from PubMed and used our text mining and intelligence platform Taxila for analysis. We drive the usefulness of text mining using two case studies. First, we analyze the geographical distribution of research and study locations for the field of microbiome by extracting geo mentions from text. Using this analysis, we were able to draw useful insights on the state of research in microbiome w. r.t geographical distributions and economic drivers. Next, to understand the relationships between diseases, microbiome, and food which are central to the field, we construct semantic relationship networks between these different concepts central to the field of microbiome. We show how such networks can be useful to derive useful insight with no prior knowledge encoded.

Effects of Oats, Tartary Buckwheat, and Foxtail Millet Supplementation on Lipid Metabolism, Oxido-Inflammatory Responses, Gut Microbiota, and Colonic SCFA Composition in High-Fat Diet Fed Rats

Coarse cereals rich in polyphenols, dietary fiber, and other functional components exert multiple health benefits. We investigated the effects of cooked oats, tartary buckwheat, and foxtail millet on lipid profile, oxido-inflammatory responses, gut microbiota, and colonic short-chain fatty acids composition in high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats. Rats were fed with a basal diet, HFD, oats diet (22% oat in HFD), tartary buckwheat diet (22% tartary buckwheat in HFD), and foxtail millet diet (22% foxtail millet in HFD) for 12 weeks. Results demonstrated that oats and tartary buckwheat attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in serum, and significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Romboutsia in colonic digesta. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that the changed bacteria were strongly correlated with oxidative stress and inflammation-related parameters. The concentration of the butyrate level was elevated by 2.16-fold after oats supplementation. In addition, oats and tartary buckwheat significantly downregulated the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ in liver tissue. In summary, our results suggested that oats and tartary buckwheat could modulate gut microbiota composition, improve lipid metabolism, and decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in HFD fed rats. The present work could provide scientific evidence for developing coarse cereals-based functional food for preventing hyperlipidemia.

Beneficial Effects of the Consumption of Hot-Water Extracts of Thinned Immature Mangos (Mangifera indica “Irwin”) on the Hypertriglyceridemia of Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

The thinned immature fruit of the mango tree (Mangifera indica “Irwin”) are regarded as waste products. In this study, we evaluated the effects of daily consumption of a hot-water extract of thinned immature mango fruits (TIMEx) on the dyslipidemia of apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. ApoE−/− mice and wild-type BALB/c mice were fed a 20% fat diet containing 0%, 0.1%, or 1.0% TIMEx for 8 weeks. Their body mass, food intake, and water consumption were unaffected by the TIMEx. The 1.0% TIMEx supplementation significantly reduced serum triglyceride, but not total cholesterol concentration. This effect was significant in ApoE−/− mice, but less marked under normal conditions in wild-type mice. In addition, the circulating concentrations of three hormones that regulate metabolism, resistin, leptin, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, were reduced by TIMEx consumption, which may be involved in its effect to prevent hypertriglyceridemia. However, none of the concentrations of TIMEx reduced the size of atherosclerotic plaque lesions. In conclusion, daily consumption of TIMEx ameliorates hypertriglyceridemia but not hypercholesterolemia in genetically predisposed mice.

The Beneficial Effect of Coarse Cereals on Chronic Diseases through Regulating Gut Microbiota

In recent years, chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disorders have been the leading causes of incapacity and death globally. Increasing evidence suggests that improvements of lifestyle habits and diet is the most commonly adopted strategy for the prevention of chronic disorders. Moreover, many dietary compounds have revealed health-promoting benefits beyond their nutritional effects. It is worth noting that diet plays an important role in shaping the intestinal microbiota. Coarse cereals constitute important sources of nutrients for the gut microbiota and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. Furthermore, the gut microbiota converts coarse cereals into functional substances and mediates the interaction between the host and these components. In this study, we summarize the recent findings concerning functional components of cereal grains and their potential chemopreventive activity via modulating the gut microbiota.

Sensory Attributes of Buckwheat Jelly (Memilmuk) with Mung Bean Starch Added to Improve Texture and Taste

Buckwheat contains more essential proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and diverse phytochemicals than wheat and rice. The aims of this study are to develop the descriptive sensory attributes and evaluate the consumer acceptability of six buckwheat jellies (memilmuk) with added mung bean starch and to analyze the relationship between their descriptive sensory attributes and consumer acceptability. Statistical analyses were performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares regression (PLSR). A total of 18 sensory attributes of buckwheat jelly, including appearance (brown, brightness, and roughness), odor/aroma (soymilk smell, grain smell, red bean porridge smell, and buckwheat tea smell), flavor or taste (savory flavor, plain taste, buckwheat taste, sweet taste, salty taste, and umami), and texture (squashed, dry, smooth, elasticity and stickiness) were developed. Consumer acceptability tests of six buckwheat jellies were conducted by 93 consumers evaluating for color, smell, savory taste, aftertaste, harmony with the sauce, overall liking, and would recommend or try again. Buckwheat jelly with 25% of mung bean starch (BJ_916) was the most favorable jelly sample among the six samples. All attributes except color, smell, and the savory taste of samples showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). BJ_916 showed a close relationship with a grain smell, elasticity, red bean porridge smell, and sweet taste of descriptive attributes and also all attributes of consumer acceptability. The determination of sensory attributes and consumer acceptability of buckwheat jelly will help to improve sensory characteristics to fulfill consumer needs and desires. Furthermore, this current study will help facilitate the expansion of the buckwheat consumption market.

Differences in the gut microbiota composition of rats fed with soybean protein and their derived peptides

Current studies regarding the effect of different nitrogen sources on gut microbiota have thus far disregarded the ability of probiotics and coliforms to compete for protein. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the utilization of soybean protein (SPro) and its derived peptides (SPep) by the gut microbiota of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The SPro and SPep prepared in this study showed extensive SPro molecular weight distribution, while that of SPep was minimal, ranging between 150 and 1000 Da and primarily consisting of two to five amino acids. The cecum microflora composition of the rats was determined via 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, showing that the SPro and SPep significantly increased the abundance and uniformity of the gut microbiota after 35 days of feeding. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratios of the SPep, SPro, and casein groups were 2.49 ± 0.60, 2.98 ± 1.12, and 2.59 ± 0.74, respectively. Although the rats fed with SPro and SPep displayed similar gut microbiome structures, SPep significantly promoted Lactobacillus and Phascolarctobacterium growth. The results showed that SPep significantly increased the diversity of the gut microbiota and elevated the probiotic proportion. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: SPro and SPep are two nutritious and high-quality nitrogen sources. The results showed that SPro and SPep regulated the structure of gut microbiota in rats, and the effect of SPep was better. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing SPep functional foods able to regulate gut microbiota and maintain health.

Effects of Tartary Buckwheat Protein on Gut Microbiome and Plasma Metabolite in Rats with High-Fat Diet

The prevalence of lipid metabolism diseases, mainly obesity, fatty liver, and hyperlipidemia, is increasing in the world. Tartary buckwheat is a kind of medicinal and edible crop, and clinical experiments have also confirmed that dietary Tartary buckwheat can effectively regulate lipid metabolism disorders. Tartary buckwheat protein (TBP), as the main active ingredient of Tartary buckwheat, has an effect of blood lipid reduction that has been widely reported. In this paper, we investigated the constituents of TBP and then evaluated the hypolipidemic effect of TBP in hyperlipidemia rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet for six weeks to induce hyperlipidemia and then given TBP orally for five weeks. The effects of TBP on body weight, serum lipids, liver lipids, liver oxidative stress, pathological organization, gut microbiota, and plasma metabolites were analyzed. At the serum level, TBP supplement significantly decrease the level of LDL-C and increase the level of HDL-C. At the liver level, it can reduce the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C. The potential mechanism of action is, on the one hand, to increase the abundance of the Lachnospiraceae and the Ruminococcaceae by modulating the gut microbiota, facilitating the productivity of short-chain fatty acids, and increasing fecal bile acid excretion and, on the other hand, may be related to the improvement of bile acid metabolism.

Krill Oil Combined with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis F1-7 Alleviates the Atherosclerosis of ApoE-/- Mice

There has been an increasing number of studies on the interaction between active substances and probiotics to improve disease. Both krill oil (KO) and probiotics have the effect of improving atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but the combined effect has not been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the improvement effect of KO combined with probiotics on atherosclerosis. The atherosclerotic plaque area of ApoE^−/− mice was detected after the intervention of KO, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis F1-7 (Bif. animalis F1-7), and KO combined with Bif. animalis F1-7. The results showed that Bif. animalis F1-7, KO, and KO combined with Bif. animalis F1-7 could significantly reduce the area of atherosclerotic plaque and improve the levels of serum lipids and inflammatory factors. They could regulate the farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1) pathway to reduce lipid accumulation. The intervention groups could also improve the inflammatory response by downregulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) pathway. The anti-inflammatory effect of the interaction group was significantly better than that of KO. It proved that Bif. animalis F1-7 might play a synergistic effect in the improvement of inflammation by KO to the alleviation of atherosclerosis.

Adzuki Bean Alleviates Obesity and Insulin Resistance Induced by a High-Fat Diet and Modulates Gut Microbiota in Mice

Adzuki bean consumption has many health benefits, but its effects on obesity and regulating gut microbiota imbalances induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) have not been thoroughly studied. Mice were fed a low-fat diet, a HFD, and a HFD supplemented with 15% adzuki bean (HFD-AB) for 12 weeks. Adzuki bean supplementation significantly reduced obesity, lipid accumulation, and serum lipid and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels induced by HFD. It also mitigated liver function damage and hepatic steatosis. In particular, adzuki bean supplementation improved glucose homeostasis by increasing insulin sensitivity. In addition, it significantly reversed HFD-induced gut microbiota imbalances. Adzuki bean significantly reduced the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B); enriched the occurrence of Bifidobacterium, Prevotellaceae, Ruminococcus_1, norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Alloprevotella, Muribaculum, Turicibacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Lachnoclostridium; and returned HFD-dependent taxa (Desulfovibrionaceae, Bilophila, Ruminiclostridium_9, Blautia, and Ruminiclostridium) back to normal status. PICRUSt2 analysis showed that the changes in gut microbiota induced by adzuki bean supplementation may be associated with the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, sulfur, and cysteine and methionine; and LPS biosynthesis; and valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation.

Application of metabolomics for revealing the interventional effects of functional foods on metabolic diseases

Metabolomics is an important branch of systems biology, which can detect changes in the body's metabolism before and after the intervention of functional foods, identify effective metabolites, and predict the interventional effects and the mechanism. This review summarizes the latest research outcomes regarding interventional effects of functional foods on metabolic diseases via metabolomics analysis. Since metabolomics approaches are powerful strategies for revealing the changes in bioactive compounds of functional foods during processing and storage, we also discussed the effects of these parameters on functional food metabolites using metabolomics approaches. To date, a number of endogenous metabolites related to the metabolic diseases after functional foods intervention have been discovered. Unfortunately, the mechanisms of metabolic disease-related molecules are still unclear and require further studies. The combination of metabolomics with other omics technologies could further promote its ability to fully understand the precise biological processes of functional food intervention on metabolic diseases.

Probiotics Stimulate Bone Formation in Obese Mice via Histone Methylations

Rationale: Manipulation of the gut microbiome can prevent pathologic bone loss. However, the effects of probiotics on mitochondrial epigenetic remodeling and skeletal homeostasis in the high-fat diet (HFD)-linked obesity remains to be explored. Here, we examined the impact of probiotics supplementation on mitochondrial biogenesis and bone homeostasis through the histone methylation mechanism in HFD fed obese mice.

Methods: 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to study the microbiota composition in the gut and microbial dysbiosis in obese mouse model. High resolution (microPET/CT) imaging was performed to demonstrate the obese associated colonic inflammation. Obese-associated upregulation of target miRNA in osteoblast was investigated using a microRNA qPCR array. Osteoblastic mitochondrial mass was evaluated using confocal imaging. Overexpression of mitochondrial transcription factor (Tfam) was used to investigate the glycolysis and mitochondrial bioenergetic metabolism using Tfam-transgenic (Tg) mice fed on HFD. The bone formation and mechanical strength was evaluated by microCT analysis and three-point bending analysis.

Results: High-resolution imaging (µ-CT) and mechanical testing revealed that probiotics induced a significant increase of trabecular bone volume and bone mechanical strength respectively in obese mice. Probiotics or Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) treatment directly to obese mice, prevents gut inflammation, and improved osteoblast mineralization. Mechanistically, probiotics treatment increases mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) expression in osteoblasts by promoting Kdm6b/Jmjd3 histone demethylase, which inhibits H3K27me3 epigenetic methylation at the Tfam promoter. Furthermore, Tfam-transgenic (Tg) mice, fed with HFD, did not experience obesity-linked reduction of glucose uptake, mitochondrial biogenesis and mineralization in osteoblasts.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the probiotics mediated changes in the gut microbiome and its derived metabolite, IPA are potentially be a novel agent for regulating bone anabolism via the gut-bone axis.

Bioactive compounds, health benefits, and industrial applications of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum)

Tartary buckwheat belongs to the family Polygonaceae, which is a traditionally edible and medicinal plant. Due to its various bioactive compounds, the consumption of Tartary buckwheat is correlated to a wide range of health benefits, and increasing attention has been paid to its potential as a functional food. This review summarizes the main bioactive compounds and important bioactivities and health benefits of Tartary buckwheat, emphasizing its protective effects on metabolic diseases and relevant molecular mechanisms. Tartary buckwheat contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoid glycosides, bioactive polysaccharides, and bioactive proteins and peptides, as well as D-chiro-inositol and its derivatives. Consumption of Tartary buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat-enriched products is linked to multiple health benefits, e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antihypertensive, and hepatoprotective activities. Especially, clinical studies indicate that Tartary buckwheat exhibits remarkable antidiabetic activities. Various tartary buckwheat -based foods presenting major health benefits as fat and blood glucose-lowering agents have been commercialized. Additionally, to address the safety concerns, i.e., allergic reactions, heavy metal and mycotoxin contaminations, the quality control standards for Tartary buckwheat and its products should be drafted and completed in the future.

Coarse Cereals and Legume Grains Exert Beneficial Effects through Their Interaction with Gut Microbiota: A Review

Coarse cereals and legume grains (CCLGs) are rich in specific macro- and functional elements that are considered important dietary components for maintaining human health. Therefore, determining the precise nutritional mechanism involved in exerting the health benefits of CCLGs can help understand dietary nutrition in a better manner. Evidence suggests that gut microbiota play a crucial role in the function of CCLGs via their complicated interplay with CCLGs. First, CCLGs modulate gut microbiota and function. Second, gut microbiota convert CCLGs into compounds that perform different functions. Third, gut microbiota mediate interactions among different CCLG components. Therefore, using gut microbiota to expound the nutritional mechanism of CCLGs is important for future studies. A precise and rapid gut microbiota research model is required to screen and evaluate the quality of CCLGs. The outcomes of such research may promote the rapid discovery, classification, and evaluation of CCLG resources, thereby opening a new opportunity to guide nutrition-based development of CCLG products.

Anti-diabetic effects of the soluble dietary fiber from tartary buckwheat bran in diabetic mice and their potential mechanisms

Background

Tartary buckwheat has beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the physiological effects of a soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from tartary buckwheat have rarely been studied, especially in vivo.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of SDF from tartary buckwheat bran on high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Design

The SDF of tartary buckwheat bran was collected according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists method 991.43. Diabetic mice were treated with high-fat diets supplemented with 0.5, 1, and 2% SDF for 8 weeks. Parameters related to glucose and lipid metabolism and relevant mechanisms, including the excretion of short-chain fatty acids and the glycemic signaling pathway in the liver, were investigated. In addition, the structural characterization of a purified polysaccharide from SDF of tartary buckwheat bran was illustrated.

Result

Supplementation with SDF in the diet resulted in reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, improved oral glucose tolerance, increased levels of liver glycogen and insulin, as well as improved lipid profiles in both the serum and liver, in diabetic mice. The amelioration of glucose and lipid metabolism by SDF was accompanied by an increase in the short-chain fatty acid levels in the cecum and co-regulated by hepatic adenosine-5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. A neutral tartary buckwheat polysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 19.6 kDa was purified from the SDF, which consisted mainly of glucose with α-glycosidic bonds.

Conclusions

The SDF of tartary buckwheat bran exhibits hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in diabetic mice, contributing to the anti-diabetic mechanisms of tartary buckwheat.

Breeding Buckwheat for Increased Levels and Improved Quality of Protein

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) and common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) are important sources of proteins with balanced amino-acid compositions, and thus of high nutritional value. The polyphenols naturally present in Tartary buckwheat and common buckwheat lower the true digestibility of the proteins. Digestion-resistant peptides are a vehicle for fecal excretion of steroids, and in this way, for bile acid elimination and reduction of cholesterol concentrations in serum. Buckwheat proteins are more effective compared to soy proteins for the prevention of gallstone formation. Tartary and common buckwheat grain that contains appropriate amounts of selenium-containing amino acids can be produced as functional food products. The protein-rich by-products of buckwheat are a good source of bioactive substances that can suppress colon carcinogenesis by reducing cell proliferation. The grain embryo is a rich source of proteins, so breeding buckwheat with larger embryos is a possible strategy to increase protein levels in Tartary and common buckwheat grain. However, chemical analysis of the grain is the most relevant criterion for assessing grain protein levels and quality.

Dietary intake of mixture coarse cereals prevents obesity by altering the gut microbiota in high-fat diet fed mice

Functional components including β-glucan, dietary fiber, resistant starch and polyphenols extracted from various coarse cereals have been reported to prevent high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity via modulating gut microbiota. In this study, millet, maize, oat, soybean, and purple potato were ultrafine comminuted, mixed, and then extruded for the preparation of puffed mixture coarse cereals. HFD was used to investigate the effects of mixture coarse cereals on obesity and gut microbiota in mice. The results showed that dietary intake of mixture coarse cereals could decrease body weight gain and fat accumulation, improve the blood glucose tolerance and serum lipids levels, reduce the systemic inflammation, and down-regulate the expression of hepatic lipogenic genes. In addition, the levels of SCFAs and the composition of gut microbiota were investigated. The results indicated that mixture coarse cereals could promote the release of SCFAs, enhance the diversity of gut microbiota, and increase the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which might contribute to the anti-obesity activity. Present work suggested that the mixture coarse cereals could be developed as a nutraceutical for the prevention of HFD-induced obesity.

Can pseudocereals modulate microbiota by functioning as probiotics or prebiotics?

Amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat, known as pseudocereals, have been consumed since ancient times and are considered sacred in most cultures. Their grains can be used as cereals for breakfast or mixed with other grains in meals and their health-enhancing effects have been investigated more in recent years. They have an antioxidant effect and their nutrient profiles are enriched with processing techniques such as sprouting and fermentation. Their suitability to different processing techniques and the rapid increase in microbiota researches highlighted the probiotic/prebiotic effects of pseudocereals. Using cultures or naturally fermented amaranth, quinoa and buckwheat exhibited good substrate properties for probiotic bacteria, especially for Lactobacillus strains. Studies have found that they reduce the number of pathogen microorganisms, increase the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids due to their prebiotic effects. Also the number of bacterial colonies do not change during the storage period and their organoleptic properties are revealed. It has been determined that pseudocereals decrease Ruminococcacea, Lachnospiraceae, Helicobacteracea, Clostridium, Escherichia and increase Peptoclostridium, Prevotellaceae, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Eubacteriaceae. Due to these effects, they are considered as good sources for synbiotic formulations to be developed for the treatment of dysbiosis, obesity, Celiac Disease, lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel diseases and inflammation-mediated chronic disorders.

Buckwheat proteins: functionality, safety, bioactivity, and prospects as alternative plant-based proteins in the food industry

The need for protein in human nutrition is rapidly increasing because of the increasing world population and consumer preference for high-protein foods. Plant proteins are gaining attention as sustainable means of meeting the global protein need due to their lower carbon footprint. Nonetheless, the food industry has neglected or underutilized many plant proteins, including buckwheat protein. Buckwheat is a pseudocereal and its groats contain beneficial components such as proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, and bioactive polyphenols. The protein quality of buckwheat seeds varies between the tartary and common buckwheat types; both are gluten-free and contain considerable amount of indispensable amino acids. This review provides a detailed discussion on the profile, amino acid composition, digestibility, allergenicity, functional properties, and bioactivity of buckwheat proteins. Prospects of processing buckwheat for improving protein digestibility and deactivating allergenic epitopes were also discussed. Based on the literature, buckwheat protein has a tremendous potential for utilization in structuring food products and developing peptide-based functional foods for disease prevention. Future research should develop new processing technologies for further improvement of the quality and functional properties of buckwheat protein in order to facilitate its utilization as an alternative plant-based protein toward meeting the global protein supply.

Impact of Protein Intake in Older Adults with Sarcopenia and Obesity: A Gut Microbiota Perspective

The continuous population increase of older adults with metabolic diseases may contribute to increased prevalence of sarcopenia and obesity and requires advocacy of optimal nutrition treatments to combat their deleterious outcomes. Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by age-induced skeletal-muscle atrophy and increased adiposity, may accelerate functional decline and increase the risk of disability and mortality. In this review, we explore the influence of dietary protein on the gut microbiome and its impact on sarcopenia and obesity. Given the associations between red meat proteins and altered gut microbiota, a combination of plant and animal-based proteins are deemed favorable for gut microbiota eubiosis and muscle-protein synthesis. Additionally, high-protein diets with elevated essential amino-acid concentrations, alongside increased dietary fiber intake, may promote gut microbiota eubiosis, given the metabolic effects derived from short-chain fatty-acid and branched-chain fatty-acid production. In conclusion, a greater abundance of specific gut bacteria associated with increased satiation, protein synthesis, and overall metabolic health may be driven by protein and fiber consumption. This could counteract the development of sarcopenia and obesity and, therefore, represent a novel approach for dietary recommendations based on the gut microbiota profile. However, more human trials utilizing advanced metabolomic techniques to investigate the microbiome and its relationship with macronutrient intake, especially protein, are warranted.

Protective Mechanism of Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Associated with Dyslipidemia in Mice Fed a High-Fat and High-Cholesterol Diet

This study aimed to investigate the protective mechanism of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with dyslipidemia in mice that were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFD). Results showed that oral supplementation of common buckwheat significantly improved physiological indexes and biochemical parameters related to dyslipidemia and NAFLD in mice fed with HFD. Furthermore, the HFD-induced reductions in fecal short-chain fatty acids were reversed by common buckwheat intervention, which also increased the fecal bile acid (BA) abundance compared with HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Liver metabolomics based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry demonstrated that common buckwheat supplementation made significant regulatory effects on the pentose phosphate pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, primary BA biosynthesis, and so forth. The results of high-throughput sequencing revealed that common buckwheat supplementation significantly altered the structure of the intestinal microbiota in mice fed with HFD. The correlations between lipid metabolic parameters and intestinal microbial phylotypes were also revealed by the heatmap and network. Additionally, common buckwheat intervention regulated the mRNA expressions of genes responsible for liver lipid metabolism and BA homeostasis, thus promoting BA synthesis and excretion. These findings confirmed that common buckwheat has the outstanding ability of improving lipid metabolism and could be used as a potential functional food for the prevention of NAFLD and hyperlipidemia.

You Are What You Eat-The Relationship between Diet, Microbiota, and Metabolic Disorders-A Review

The gut microbiota (GM) is defined as the community of microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses) colonizing the gastrointestinal tract. GM regulates various metabolic pathways in the host, including those involved in energy homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and bile acid metabolism. The relationship between alterations in intestinal microbiota and diseases associated with civilization is well documented. GM dysbiosis is involved in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders. Multiple factors modulate the composition of the microbiota and how it physically functions, but one of the major factors triggering GM establishment is diet. In this paper, we reviewed the current knowledge about the relationship between nutrition, gut microbiota, and host metabolic status. We described how macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fat) and different dietary patterns (e.g., Western-style diet, vegetarian diet, Mediterranean diet) interact with the composition and activity of GM, and how gut bacterial dysbiosis has an influence on metabolic disorders, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Pseudocereal grains: Nutritional value, health benefits and current applications for the development of gluten-free foods

Nowadays, consumers are more conscious of the environmental and nutritional benefits of foods. Pseudocereals grains, edible seeds belonging to dicotyledonous plant species, are becoming a current trend in human diets as gluten-free (GF) grains with excellent nutritional and nutraceutical value. Pseudocereals are a good source of starch, fiber, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals such as saponins, polyphenols, phytosterols, phytosteroids, and betalains with potential health benefits. The present review aims to summarize the nutritional quality and phytochemical profile of the three main pseudocereal grains: quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat. In addition, current evidence about their health benefits in animal models and human studies is also provided in detail. Based on the accumulating research supporting the inclusion of pseudocereals grains in the diet of celiac persons, this review discusses the recent advances in their application for the development of new GF products. Future directions for a wider cultivation and commercial exploitation of these crops are also highlighted.

Probiotics improved hyperlipidemia in mice induced by a high cholesterol diet via downregulating FXR

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis F1-7 (F1-7) could alleviate hyperlipidemia through LXR/NPC1L1 pathway and FXR/FGF15/CYP7A1 pathway.

Mechanism analysis of improved glucose homeostasis and cholesterol metabolism in high-fat-induced obese mice treated with La-SJLH001 via transcriptomics and culturomics

This study aimed to evaluate the functional and probiotic properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus SJLH001 (La-SJLH001) isolated from fermented food via mechanism analysis based on transcriptomics and culturomics. La-SJLH001 exhibited good tolerance to acid and bile salt conditions with anti-diabetic ability and cholesterol assimilation activity in vitro. Supplementation with La-SJLH001 also resulted in a significant reduction in host oral glucose and serum total cholesterol levels in vivo. Transcriptome profiles and qPCR analysis suggested that La-SJLH001 significantly regulated the transcription of key genes involved in glucose transportation, cholesterol metabolism, ion channels, and immune response, resulting in improved glucose homeostasis and cholesterol metabolism. La-SJLH001 significantly affected the structure of intestinal microbiota when analyzed by using culturomics coupled with MALDI-TOF MS. These results indicated that La-SJLH001 may be a mechanistic target for the control of diabetes with great potential in the application of probiotic products.

Impact of Buckwheat Fermented Milk Combined with High-Fat Diet on Rats' Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of buckwheat fermented milk on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Buckwheat fermented milk was made with Lactobacillus plantarum ST-Ⅲ, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Thirty-six males C57BL/6 rats (aged 3 weeks and with 9 to 12 g weight) were subjected to a 2-week adaptive period on a normal diet. After a week of acclimatization, the rats were randomly divided into three groups with 12 rats in each group. The high-fat diet with fermented milk (HFDFM) group received HFD supplemented with fermented milk, and the high-fat diet supplemented with buckwheat fermented milk (HFDBFM) group received HFD plus buckwheat fermented milk. Besides, the gavage dose was 0.4 mL/day. After the feedings, colon levels of cytokines and antioxidant indices of the liver, colon, and duodenum tissues were measured. The composition of intestinal flora of rats and the content of SCFAs were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. Supplementation with buckwheat fermented milk significantly inhibited the increases in lipopolysaccharide levels in colon and antioxidant indexes in the HFD-fed rats. In addition, buckwheat fermented milk could significantly enhance Firmicutes and decrease Bacteroidetes compared to HFDFM. In addition, SCFA concentrations in HFDBFM were higher than other groups. In conclusion, buckwheat fermented milk can alleviate the damage of HFD to intestinal flora of rats. It modulates microbiota composition and SCFA concentrations to balance the intestinal environment, which will benefit to rats' intestinal health. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study explored the effect of buckwheat fermented milk on the regulation of intestinal microflora and SCFAs in rats fed a high-fat diet. It provides new ideas for the development of buckwheat fermented food.

High fat diet modulates the protein content of nutrient transporters in the small intestine of mice: possible involvement of PKA and PKC activity

Aims

Chronic high fat consumption has been shown to modulate nutrient transporter content in the intestine of obese mice; however it is unclear if this regulation occurs before or after the establishment of obesity, and the underlying molecular mechanism requires elucidation.

Main methods

Towards this goal C57BL/6 mice were fed a low fat diet (LFD) or high fat diet (HFD), and specific protein and gene expression levels were assessed for up to 12 weeks. Similar experiments were also performed with leptin-deficient (Ob/Ob) mice.

Key findings

The results showed that the HFD group presented decreased GLUT2, PEPT1, FAT/CD36 and NPC1L1, and increased NHE3, MTTP and L-FABP content. Animals fed an HFD also presented enhanced lipid transporter gene expression of Slc27a4, Npc1l1, Cd36, Mttp and L-Fabp. Additionally, FAT/CD36 and NPC1L1 protein levels were reduced in both HFD-induced obese and Ob/Ob mice. Ob/Ob mice also exhibited increased Slc2a2 and Slc15a1 mRNAs expression, but the protein expression levels remained unchanged. The HFD also attenuated PKA and PKC activities. The inhibition of PKA was associated with decreased FAT/CD36 content, whereas increased L-FABP levels likely depend on CREB activation, independent of PKA. It is plausible that the HFD-induced changes in NPC1L1, MTTP and L-FABP protein content involve regulation at the level of transcription. Moreover, the changes in GLUT2 and PEPT1 content might be associated with low PKC activity.

Significance

The results indicated that an HFD is capable of reducing nutrient transporter content, possibly attenuating nutrient uptake into the intestine, and may represent a feedback mechanism for regulating body weight. Furthermore, the elevated levels of NHE3, L-FABP and MTTP may account for the increased prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia in obese individuals. All of these changes are potentially linked to reduced PKA or PKC activities.

Regulation of Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Endotoxemia with Dietary Factors

Metabolic endotoxemia is a condition in which blood lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels are elevated, regardless of the presence of obvious infection. It has been suggested to lead to chronic inflammation-related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), pancreatitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, it has attracted attention as a target for the prevention and treatment of these chronic diseases. As metabolic endotoxemia was first reported in mice that were fed a high-fat diet, research regarding its relationship with diets has been actively conducted in humans and animals. In this review, we summarize the relationship between fat intake and induction of metabolic endotoxemia, focusing on gut dysbiosis and the influx, kinetics, and metabolism of LPS. We also summarize the recent findings about dietary factors that attenuate metabolic endotoxemia, focusing on the regulation of gut microbiota. We hope that in the future, control of metabolic endotoxemia using dietary factors will help maintain human health.

Anti-inflammation effects of fucosylated chondroitin sulphate from Acaudina molpadioides by altering gut microbiota in obese mice

This study evaluated the possible prebiotic effects of dietary fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from Acaudina molpadioides (Am-CHS) on the modulation of the gut microbiota and the improvement in the risk factors for chronic inflammation in high fat diet-fed mice. The results showed that the Am-CHS treatment greatly modified the gut microbiota, including the decrease in Bacteroidetes, increase in Firmicutes, elevation in Lactobacillus (intestinal barrier protector) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group), and reduction in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) producer (Escherichia coli). This modulation inhibited inflammatory response, manifesting the decreases in circulating proinflammatory cytokines and their mRNA expression, and the increases in interleukin-10. Dietary Am-CHS caused reductions in serum and fecal LPS concentrations and inhibition of transcription of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its downstream proteins. In addition, there were increases in the portal levels of fecal SCFAs, which probably contributed to an increase in the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein in Am-CHS-treated mice. These results suggest that modulation of gut microbiota by Am-CHS can improve chronic inflammation by reducing LPS levels and TLR4 signaling. Modulation also appears to increase the levels of fecal SCFAs, which activates AMPK and finally leads to inflammation resistance.

Precision Nutrition and the Microbiome, Part I: Current State of the Science

The gut microbiota is a highly complex community which evolves and adapts to its host over a lifetime. It has been described as a virtual organ owing to the myriad of functions it performs, including the production of bioactive metabolites, regulation of immunity, energy homeostasis and protection against pathogens. These activities are dependent on the quantity and quality of the microbiota alongside its metabolic potential, which are dictated by a number of factors, including diet and host genetics. In this regard, the gut microbiome is malleable and varies significantly from host to host. These two features render the gut microbiome a candidate ‘organ’ for the possibility of precision microbiomics—the use of the gut microbiome as a biomarker to predict responsiveness to specific dietary constituents to generate precision diets and interventions for optimal health. With this in mind, this two-part review investigates the current state of the science in terms of the influence of diet and specific dietary components on the gut microbiota and subsequent consequences for health status, along with opportunities to modulate the microbiota for improved health and the potential of the microbiome as a biomarker to predict responsiveness to dietary components. In particular, in Part I, we examine the development of the microbiota from birth and its role in health. We investigate the consequences of poor-quality diet in relation to infection and inflammation and discuss diet-derived microbial metabolites which negatively impact health. We look at the role of diet in shaping the microbiome and the influence of specific dietary components, namely protein, fat and carbohydrates, on gut microbiota composition.