Butyric acid regulates progesterone and estradiol secretion via cAMP signaling pathway in porcine granulosa cells

Gut microbiome-driven regulation of sex hormone homeostasis: a potential neuroendocrine connection

The gut microbiome is known to have a bidirectional relationship with sex hormone homeostasis; however, its role in mediating interactions between the primary regulatory axes of sex hormones and their productions is yet to be fully understood. We utilized both conventionally raised and gnotobiotic mouse models to investigate the regulatory role of the gut microbiome on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Male and female conventionally raised mice underwent surgical modifications as follows: (1) hormonally intact controls; (2) gonadectomized males and females; (3) gonadectomized males and females supplemented with testosterone and estrogen, respectively. Fecal samples from these mice were used to colonize sex-matched, intact, germ-free recipient mice through fecal microbiota transplant (FMT). Serum gonadotropins, gonadal sex hormones, cecal microbiota, and the serum global metabolome were assessed. FMT recipients of gonadectomized-associated microbiota showed lower circulating gonadotropin levels than recipients of intact-associated microbiota, opposite to that of FMT donors. FMT recipients of gonadectomized-associated microbiota also had greater testicular weights compared to recipients of intact-associated microbiota. The gut microbiota composition of recipient mice differed significantly based on the FMT received, with the male microbiota having a more concerted impact in response to changes in the HPG axis. Network analyses showed that multiple metabolically unrelated pathways may be involved in driving differences in serum metabolites due to sex and microbiome received in the recipient mice. In sum, our findings indicate that the gut microbiome responds to the HPG axis and subsequently modulates its feedback mechanisms. A deeper understanding of interactions between the gut microbiota and the neuroendocrine-gonadal system may contribute to the development of therapies for sexually dimorphic diseases.

Metabolic disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome: from gut microbiota biodiversity to clinical intervention

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent gynecologic endocrine disorder characterized by menstrual irregularities, elevated androgen levels, and ovulatory dysfunction. Its etiology is multifactorial. Emerging evidence indicates that PCOS patients exhibit diminished gut microbiota (GM) diversity and altered microbial ratios, contributing to the metabolic derangements observed in these individuals. This review elucidates the role of GM in the pathogenesis and metabolic disorders of PCOS, encompassing insulin resistance (IR), hormonal imbalances, bile acid metabolic disorders, Interleukin-22-mediated immune dysregulation, and brain-gut axis disturbances. Additionally, it synthesizes current therapeutic strategies targeting the GM, aiming to furnish a theoretical framework for prospective clinical interventions.

Broadening horizons: microbiota as a novel biomarker and potential treatment for endometriosis

As a heterogeneous disease, endometriosis is associated with diagnostic delay. Delayed diagnosis, physical discomfort, hormone therapy, and inconvenience in daily life and work all contribute to a decreased quality of life for endometriosis patients. Early clinical diagnosis is highly important for the intervention and treatment of endometriosis. Currently, reliable non-invasive diagnostic methods are lacking, and laparoscopic examination combined with pathological diagnosis is considered the "gold standard" for definitively diagnosing endometriosis. An increasing number of studies have confirmed the correlation between endometriosis and microbial ecological changes. Microbial dysbiosis is an important factor in the development and progression of endometriosis. Certain key microbial species and their metabolites can induce functional alterations in endometrial cells through various mechanisms, often preceding the emergence of clinical symptoms. Endometriosis are chronic inflammatory diseases, with an immunoinflammatory response as the pathological foundation. The microbiome may participate in the pathological mechanisms of endometriosis through multiple pathways, including mediating inflammatory responses, regulating immune responses, participating in estrogen regulation, interfering with metabolic activities, and modulating the gut-brain axis. Therefore, the microbiome holds potential as an early non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic target for endometriosis patients. This study summarizes and analyses the correlations between microorganisms and their metabolites and the onset of endometriosis, aiming to provide novel insights into the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of endometriosis.

Dietary Short-Chain Fatty Acids Supplementation Improves Reproductive Performance and Gut Microbiota in Gilts

BACKGROUND

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have emerged as critical modulators of female reproductive function and host gut microbiota.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary SCFAs supplementation on reproductive performance and gut microbiota in gilts, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Eighty gilts (95 d old) were randomly assigned to either a control group (Ctrl, 40 gilts) receiving a basal diet, or a SCFAs treatment group (SCFAs, 40 gilts) receiving a basal diet supplemented with 0.13% sodium acetate, 0.11% sodium propionate, and 0.09% sodium butyrate. At third estrus, 13 gilts (6 from Ctrl and 7 from SCFAs) were killed for follicular development and gut microbiota analysis, whereas the remaining gilts completed gestation for reproductive performance assessment.

RESULTS

SCFAs group had higher total number born (11.97 compared with 9.44) and total number born alive (11.28 compared with 9.34) compared with Ctrl group (P < 0.05). SCFAs group had increased counts of secondary follicles (36.14 compared with 26.83), antral follicles (10.29 compared with 6.67), and corpus luteum (25.09 compared with 19.33), alongside had reduced atretic follicles (15.32 compared with 20.67) compared with Ctrl group (P < 0.05). Proteomic analysis revealed that SCFAs-induced differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were significantly enriched in the follicular development-related pathways (P < 0.05). Apoptosis-related DEPs positively correlated with follicular development indices (P < 0.05), consistent with the reduced apoptosis observed in ovarian granulosa cells of the SCFAs group. Additionally, SCFAs supplementation improved both the composition and alpha-diversity (P < 0.05) of gilts' gut microbiota. Furthermore, both the SCFAs-enriched bacteria and plasma SCFAs concentrations showed positive associations with gilts' follicular development indices (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary SCFAs supplementation enhances reproductive performance in gilts by promoting ovarian follicular maturation and optimizing gut microbiota composition.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Omega-3 PUFA Enriched Fish Oil During Late-Pregnancy and Lactation on Reproductive Performance, Immune Activity and Fecal Microbiota Composition in Postpartum Sows

Delayed or failed postpartum estrus can impede the reproductive performance of rebreeding dams. Our study aimed to test whether dietary fish oil can promote estrus return and improve fecal microbiota in multiparous sows. Forty-five sows were randomly allocated into three treatments: a basal diet, or a basal diet plus 30 or 60 g/day of fish oil from gestation day 90 to lactation day 21. Results showed that dietary fish oil significantly elevated circulating DHA in sows, without significant changes in litter size, litter weight, or backfat loss. Supplementation of fish oil (30 or 60 g/day) shortened the interval from weaning to estrus by 1.8 days and 1.67 days, respectively, associated with a significant boost of estradiol. Increases in prolactin and IgA were only significant in the high-dosage group. In addition, plasma MDA and antioxidant activities were up-regulated by fish oil, combined with elevated serum IL-1β and IL-6. Moreover, dietary fish oil significantly reduced serum zonulin, improved the Simpson index of fecal microbiota, and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 genera. In conclusion, dietary omega-3 PUFA-enriched fish oil provides a promising approach to aiding estrus return and reshaping fecal microbiota in post-weaning sows.

Lactational high weight loss impairs follicular development by causing mitochondrial dysfunction of ovarian cells in sows and mitigated by butyrate supplement

INTRODUCTION

In modern sows, lactational high weight loss (HWL), caused by the large litter size and inadequate feed intake, has a negative effect on follicular development after weaning, resulting in poor reproductive performance in the subsequent parity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This research aimed to explore the mechanism that sows HWL during lactation damages follicular development and attempt to improve the reproductive function by treating with butyrate.

METHOD

Four multiparous sister sows were chosen to build a HWL model for lactating sows through feed restriction during the final week of a 21-day lactation. Spatially transcriptomics (ST) and tissue immunofluorescent staining were then utilized for the antral follicles in the ovarian surface to search for differentially expressed genes and proteins among different cell types. Subsequently, the mouse assay, including immunofluorescent staining, transmission electron microscopy, hormone detection and western blot, were conducted to verify the findings in sows and investigate the effect of butyrate on the follicular development in HWL mice.

RESULTS

Based on the transcriptomic analysis, differentially expressed genes in granulosa cells, theca cells, and ovarian stromal cells were examined. The findings revealed that HWL disturbs the mitochondrial electron transport chain and steroidogenesis in all three cell types by downregulating the expression of NDUFB3, SDHB, CYCS, COX8A and CYP19A1, as well as upregulating the expression of STAR, CYP11A1 and CYP17A1. Furthermore, results from mouse assays demonstrated that HWL causes apoptosis and alters sex hormone secretion by impairing mitochondrial function and disordering the expression of steroidogenesis key enzymes in ovarian cells, while these effects were partially mitigated by butyrate treatment.

CONCLUSION

The mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal steroidogenesis induced by HWL during lactation in ovarian cells harm the follicular development of weaning sows, which could be alleviated by butyrate treatment.

A disturbed communication between hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis and gut microbiota in female infertility: is diet to blame?

Female infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Recent research has investigated the significant impact of gut microbiome dysbiosis on systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances, which can potentially impair fertility. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, also plays a significant role in regulating reproductive functions. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiome can influence brain functions and behavior, further emphasizing the importance of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in reproduction. Given their role as a major modulator of the gut microbiome, diet and dietary factors, including dietary patterns and nutrient intake, have been implicated in the development and management of female infertility. Hence, this review aims to highlight the impact of dietary patterns, such as the Western diet (WD) and Mediterranean diet (MD), and to decipher their modulatory action on the microbiota-gut-brain axis in infertile women. By contrasting the detrimental effects of WD with the therapeutic potential of MD, we emphasize the pivotal role of a balanced diet rich in nutrients in promoting a healthy gut microbiome. These insights underscore the potential of targeted dietary interventions and lifestyle modifications as promising strategies to enhance reproductive outcomes in subfertile women.

Gut feeling: Exploring the intertwined trilateral nexus of gut microbiota, sex hormones, and mental health

The complex interplay between the gut microbiota, sex hormones, and mental health is emerging as a pivotal factor in understanding and managing psychiatric disorders. Beyond their traditional roles, sex hormones exert profound effects on various physiological systems including the gut microbiota. Fluctuations in sex hormone levels, notably during the menstrual cycle, influence gut physiology and barrier function, shaping gut microbiota composition and immune responses. Conversely, the gut microbiota actively modulates sex hormone levels via enzymatic processes. This bidirectional relationship underscores the significance of the gut-brain axis in maintaining mental well-being. This review explores the multifaceted interactions between sex hormones, the gut microbiota, and mental health outcomes. We highlight the potential of personalized interventions in treating psychiatric disorders, particularly in vulnerable populations such as premenopausal women and individuals with depressive disorders. By elucidating these complex interactions, we aim to provide insights for future research into targeted interventions, enhancing mental health outcomes.

Causal effects between gut microbiota and endometriosis: a two-sample Mendelian randomisation study

BACKGROUND

Previous observational evidence has indicated the potential involvement of the gut microbiota (GM) in the development of endometriosis. However, the causal relationship of the association remains to be investigated.

METHOD

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of GM was obtained from the MiBioGen consortium, and GWAS for endometriosis data was from the FinnGen consortium. Initially, a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis was performed to identify specific bacteria associated with endometriosis. Inverse variance-weighted (IVW) was used as the main MR analysis to infer causal relationships. The other four popular MR methods including MR-Egger regression, weighted mode, weighted median, and simple mode were used for secondary confirmation. Subsequently, these selected bacteria were employed as exposure to investigate their causal effects on six sub-types of endometriosis. Furthermore, reverse MR analysis was implemented to evaluate the reverse causal effects. Cochran's Q statistics was used to test the heterogeneity of instrumental variables (IVs); MR-Egger regression was used to test horizontal pleiotropy; MR-PRESSO and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis were applied to find significant outliers.

RESULT

A total of 1131 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were collected as IVs for 196 GM taxa with endometriosis as the outcome. We identified 12 causal relationships between endometriosis and GM taxa including 1 phylum, 3 families, 2 orders, and 6 genera (Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Eubacterium ruminantium group, Faecalibacterium, Peptococcus, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Ruminococcaceae UCG005). Utilizing the Bonferroni method, we identified phylum Cyanobacteria as the strongest associated GM taxa. Subsequently, 6 significant causal effects were uncovered between the 12 selected specific GM and 6 sub-types of endometriosis. Meanwhile, no reverse causal relationship was found. Further, no horizontal pleiotropy and no significant outliers were detected in the sensitive analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This MR analysis revealed significant causal effects between GM and endometriosis and phylum Cyanobacteria had the strongest association.

The depletion of gut microbiome impairs the beneficial effect of Gui-Shen-Wan in restoring mice ovarian function and associated protein expression of ovarian tissues

Introduction

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), specifically Gui-Shen-Wan, has shown promise in restoring ovarian function among reproductive-age women who had impaired ovarian functions, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Recent studies highlight the pivotal role of the gut microbiome (GM) in mediating the therapeutic effects of TCM. However, it is unclear whether the GM contributes to Gui-Shen-Wan's therapeutic restoration of ovarian functions.

Methods

This study employed a mouse model with cyclophosphamide-induced decreased ovarian function (P_T and P_AT groups) and a control group without modeling. The P_AT group received a 7-day course of oral antibiotics to deplete the GM prior to a 20-day Gui-Shen-Wan treatment regimen.

Results

Both P_T and P_AT mice exhibited prolonged metestrus/diestrus phases compared to controls (p<0.05), indicating menstrual disruption post-modeling. Following 20 days of Gui-Shen-Wan treatment, P_T mice showed a shorter metestrus/diestrus phase (4 days) compared to P_AT mice (5 days) (p<0.05). Notably, P_T mice had a higher number of normal follicles(primitive/primary/secondary/antral follicles) in their ovaries post-treatment (median 15) compared to P_AT mice (median 8.5). Proteome analysis revealed that ovarian proteins enriched in P_T mice were primarily associated with oxidative phosphorylation and DNA replication pathways, suggesting GM-mediated enhancement of these processes.

Discussion

This study underscores the pivotal role of the GM in the therapeutic benefits of Gui-Shen-Wan, highlighting the potential for microbiome-targeted interventions in promoting beneficial effects of Gui-Shen-Wan on the restoration of decreased ovarian functions.

The Impact of High-Temperature Stress on Gut Microbiota and Reproduction in Siberian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)

Global warming has induced alterations in the grassland ecosystem, such as elevated temperatures and decreased precipitation, which disturb the equilibrium of these ecosystems and impact various physiological processes of grassland rodents, encompassing growth, development, and reproduction. As global warming intensifies, the repercussions of high-temperature stress on small mammals are garnering increased attention. Recently, research has highlighted that the composition and ratio of gut microbiota are not only shaped by environmental factors and the host itself but also reciprocally influence an array of physiological functions and energy metabolism in animals. In this research, we combined 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing with conventional physiological assessments, to elucidate the consequences of high-temperature stress on the gut microbiota structure and reproductive capacity of Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). The results were as follows: 1. The growth and development of male and female hamsters in the high-temperature group were delayed, with lower body weight and reduced food intake. 2. High temperature inhibits the development of reproductive organs in both female and male hamsters. 3. High temperature changes the composition and proportion of gut microbiota, reducing bacteria that promote reproduction, such as Pseudobutyricoccus, Ruminiclostridium-E, Sporofaciens, UMGS1071, and CAG_353. Consequently, our study elucidates the specific impacts of high-temperature stress on the gut microbiota dynamics and reproductive health of Siberian hamsters, thereby furnishing insights for managing rodent populations amidst global climatic shifts. It also offers a valuable framework for understanding seasonal variations in mammalian reproductive strategies, contributing to the broader discourse on conservation and adaptation under changing environmental conditions.

Gut microbiota modulation: a narrative review on a novel strategy for prevention and alleviation of ovarian aging

The global rise in life expectancy corresponds with a delay in childbearing age among women. Ovaries, seen as the chronometers of female physiological aging, demonstrate features of sped up aging, evidenced by the steady decline in both the quality and quantity of ovarian follicles from birth. The multifaceted pathogenesis of ovarian aging has kindled intensive research interest from the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors. Novel studies underscore the integral roles of gut microbiota in follicular development, lipid metabolism, and hormonal regulation, forging a nexus with ovarian aging. In this review, we outline the role of gut microbiota in ovarian function (follicular development, oocyte maturation, and ovulation), compile and present gut microbiota alterations associated with age-related ovarian aging. We also discuss potential strategies for alleviating ovarian aging from the perspective of gut microbiota, such as fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics.

Inhibition of inosine metabolism of the gut microbiota decreases testosterone secretion in the testis

Growing evidence indicates that gut microbiota is involved in the regulation of the host's sex hormone levels, such as through interfering with the sex hormone metabolism in the intestine. However, if gut microbiota or its metabolites directly influence the sex hormone biosynthesis in the gonad remains largely unknown. Our previous study showed that colistin, as a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, can significantly downregulate the serum testosterone levels and thus enhance the antitumor efficiency of anti-PD-L1 in male mice; however, the underlying mechanism for the regulation of the host's testosterone levels remains uninvestigated. In the present study, we analyzed the impact of colistin on the immune microenvironment of the testis as well as the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota in male mice. Our results showed that colistin has an impact on the immune microenvironment of the testis and can downregulate serum testosterone levels in male mice through inhibition of Akkermansia, leading to destroyed inosine metabolism. Supplement with inosine can restore testosterone secretion probably by prompting the recovery of the intestinal mucus barrier and the serum lipopolysaccharides levels. All these findings reveal a new pathway for the regulation of the host's sex hormone levels by gut microbiota.IMPORTANCEThis study demonstrates that exposure to even narrow-spectrum antibiotics may affect the host's testosterone levels by altering the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Our findings provide evidence that some specific gut bacteria have an impact on the sex hormone biosynthesis in the testis.

Gut microbiota and female health

The gut microbiota is recognized as an endocrine organ with the capacity to influence distant organs and associated biological pathways. Recent advancements underscore the critical role of gut microbial homeostasis in female health; with dysbiosis potentially leading to diseases among women such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer etc. Despite this, there has been limited discussion on the underlying mechanisms. This editorial explores the three potential mechanisms through which gut microbiota dysbiosis may impact the development of diseases among women, namely, the immune system, the gut microbiota-estrogen axis, and the metabolite pathway. We focused on approaches for treating diseases in women by addressing gut microbiota imbalances through probiotics, prebiotics supplementation, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Future studies should focus on determining the molecular mechanisms underlying associations between dysbiosis of gut microbiota and female diseases to realize precision medicine, with FMT emerging as a promising intervention.

The effect of the female genital tract and gut microbiome on reproductive dysfunction

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in the human body; they are present in various areas including the gut, mouth, skin, respiratory tract, and reproductive tract. The interaction between the microbiome and reproductive health has become an increasingly compelling area of study. Disruption of the female genital tract microbiome can significantly impact the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, increasing susceptibility to reproductive tract diseases such as vaginitis, chronic endometritis, endometrial polyps, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. The gut microbiome, considered an endocrine organ, plays a crucial role in the reproductive endocrine system by interacting with hormones like estrogen and androgens. Imbalances in the gut microbiome composition can lead to various diseases and conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and cancer, although research on their mechanisms remains limited. This review highlights the latest advancements in understanding the female genital tract and gut microbiomes in gynecological diseases. It also explores the potential of microbial communities in the treatment of reproductive diseases. Future research should focus on identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying the association between the microbiome and reproductive diseases to develop new and effective strategies for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment related to female reproductive organs.

Sequencing and culture-based characterization of the vaginal and uterine microbiota in beef cattle that became pregnant or remained open following artificial insemination

IMPORTANCE

Emerging evidence suggests that microbiome-targeted approaches may provide a novel opportunity to reduce the incidence of reproductive failures in cattle. To develop such microbiome-based strategies, one of the first logical steps is to identify reproductive microbiome features related to fertility and to isolate the fertility-associated microbial species for developing a future bacterial consortium that could be administered before breeding to enhance pregnancy outcomes. Here, we characterized the vaginal and uterine microbiota in beef cattle that became pregnant or remained open via artificial insemination and identified microbiota features associated with fertility. We compared similarities between vaginal and uterine microbiota and between heifers and cows. Using culturing, we provided new insights into the culturable fraction of the vaginal and uterine microbiota and their antimicrobial resistance. Overall, our findings will serve as an important basis for future research aimed at harnessing the vaginal and uterine microbiome for improved cattle fertility.

miR-10a-5p inhibits steroid hormone synthesis in porcine granulosa cells by targeting CREB1 and inhibiting cholesterol metabolism

During growth, proliferation, differentiation, atresia, ovulation, and luteinization, the morphology and function of granulosa cells (GCs) change. Estrogen and progesterone are steroid hormones secreted by GCs that regulate the ovulation cycle of sows and help maintain pregnancy. miR-10a-5p is highly expressed in GCs and can inhibit GC proliferation. However, the role of miR-10a-5p in the steroid hormone synthesis of porcine GCs is unclear. In this study, miR-10a-5p agomir or antagomir was transfected into GCs. Overexpression of miR-10a-5p in GCs inhibited steroid hormone secretion and significantly downregulated steroid hormone synthesis via 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1. Interference with miR-10a-5p had the opposite effect. Bodipy and Oil Red O staining showed that overexpression of miR-10a-5p significantly reduced the formation of lipid droplets. Overexpression significantly inhibited the content of total cholesterol esters in GCs. The mRNA and protein levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and scavenger receptor class B member 1 decreased significantly, and the opposite effects were seen by interference with miR-10a-5p. Bioinformatic analysis of potential targets identified cAMP-responsive element binding protein 1 as a potential target and dual-luciferase reporter system analysis confirmed that miR-10a-5p directly targets the 3' untranslated region. These findings suggest that miR-10a-5p inhibits the expression of 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 to inhibit the synthesis of steroid hormones in GCs. In addition, miR-10a-5p inhibits the cholesterol metabolism pathway of GCs to modulate steroid hormone synthesis.

The Gut Microbiota: a Novel Player in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroid is a common gynecological disorder that affects women of reproductive age and has emerged as a major public health concern. The symptoms have a negative influence on both their physical health and quality of life. The cost of treatment has a significant impact on the disease's burden. Even though its origin is uncertain, estrogen is thought to be a key player in fibroid pathophysiology. Many theories, including those based on genetic and environmental factors, explain what causes hyper-estrogenic condition in fibroid patients. One such possibility that is currently being explored is the hypothesis that an altered gut microbiome can contribute to the development of diseases characterized by estrogen dominance. Gut dysbiosis is often a "hot area" in the health sciences. According to a recent study, uterine fibroid patients have altered gut microbiome. A variety of risk factors influence both fibroid development and gut homeostasis. Diet, lifestyle, physical activity, and environmental contaminants have an impact on estrogen and the gut flora. A better understanding of uterine fibroids' pathophysiology is required to develop effective preventative and treatment options. A few ways by which the gut microbiota contributes to UF include estrogen, impaired immune function, inflammation, and altered gut metabolites. Therefore, in the future, while treating fibroid patients, various strategies to deal with changes in the gut flora may be advantageous. For developing suggestions for clinical diagnosis and therapy, we reviewed the literature on the relationship between uterine fibroids and the gut microbiota.

Association between gut microbiota and endometriosis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background

Recent studies have shown that an imbalance in gut microbiota (GM) may not always be associated with endometriosis (EMS). To investigate this further, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Methods

MR analysis was performed on genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of GM and EMS. Specifically, the MiBioGen microbiota GWAS (N = 18,340) was used as exposure. The FinnGen study GWAS (8,288 EMS cases and 68,969 controls) was used as outcome. We primarily used the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method to analyze the correlation and conducted a sensitivity analysis to verify its reliability.

Results

(1) MR analysis: The results of the IVW method confirmed that a total of 8 GM taxa were related to the risk of EMS. Class-Melainabacteria (p = 0.036), family-Ruminococcaceae (p = 0.037), and genus-Eubacteriumruminantium (p = 0.015) had a protective effect on EMS, whereas order-Bacillales (p = 0.046), family-Prevotellaceae (p = 0.027), genus-Anaerotruncus (p = 0.025), genus-Olsenella (p = 0.036) and genus-RuminococcaceaeUCG002 (p = 0.035) could increase the risk of EMS. (2) Sensitivity analysis: Cochrane's Q test (p > 0.05), MR-Egger intercept method (p > 0.05), and leave-one-out method confirmed the robustness of MR results.

Conclusion

This study performed a MR analysis on two large national databases and identified the association between 8 GM taxa and EMS. These taxa could potentially be utilized for indirectly diagnosing EMS and could lead to novel perspectives in research regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of EMS.

Short-chain fatty acid-butyric acid ameliorates granulosa cells inflammation through regulating METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification of FOSL2 in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation. Previous studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiome can affect the host tissue cells' mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. This study aimed to understand the role of intestinal flora in ovarian cells inflammation by regulating mRNA m6A modification particularly the inflammatory state in PCOS. The gut microbiome composition of PCOS and Control groups was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the short chain fatty acids were detected in patients' serum by mass spectrometry methods. The level of butyric acid was found to be decreased in the serum of the obese PCOS group (FAT) compared to other groups, and this was correlated with increased Streptococcaceae and decreased Rikenellaceae based on the Spearman's rank test. Additionally, we identified FOSL2 as a potential METTL3 target using RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq methodologies. Cellular experiments demonstrated that the addition of butyric acid led to a decrease in FOSL2 m6A methylation levels and mRNA expression by suppressing the expression of METTL3, an m6A methyltransferase. Additionally, NLRP3 protein expression and the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) were downregulated in KGN cells. Butyric acid supplementation in obese PCOS mice improved ovarian function and decreased the expression of local inflammatory factors in the ovary. Taken together, the correlation between the gut microbiome and PCOS may unveil crucial mechanisms for the role of specific gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Furthermore, butyric acid may present new prospects for future PCOS treatments.

Multi-omics analysis reveals gut microbiota-ovary axis contributed to the follicular development difference between Meishan and Landrace × Yorkshire sows

BACKGROUND

The mechanism by which Meishan (MS) sows are superior to white crossbred sows in ovarian follicle development remains unclear. Given gut microbiota could regulate female ovarian function and reproductive capacity, this study aimed to determine the role of gut microbiota-ovary axis on follicular development in sows.

METHODS

We compared the ovarian follicular development, gut microbiota, plasma metabolome, and follicular fluid metabolome between MS and Landrace × Yorkshire (L × Y) sows. A H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis model was used to evaluate the effects of multi-omics identified metabolites on the apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro.

RESULTS

Compared with L × Y sows, MS sows have greater ovary weight and improved follicular development, including the greater counts of large follicles of diameter ≥ 5 mm, secondary follicles, and antral follicles, but lesser atretic follicles. The ovarian granulosa cells in MS sows had alleviated apoptosis, which was indicated by the increased BCL-2, decreased caspases-3, and decreased cleaved caspases-3 than in L × Y sows. The ovarian follicular fluid of MS sows had higher concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and insulin like growth factor 1 than L × Y sows. Gut microbiota of MS sows formed a distinct cluster and had improved alpha diversity, including increased Shannon and decreased Simpson than those of L × Y sows. Corresponding to the enhanced function of carbohydrate metabolism and elevated short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces, the differential metabolites in plasma between MS and L × Y sows are also mainly enriched in pathways of fatty acid metabolism. There were significant correlations among SCFAs with follicular development, ovarian granulosa cells apoptosis, and follicular fluid hormones, respectively. Noteworthily, compared with L × Y sows, MS sows had higher follicular fluid SCFAs concentrations which could ameliorate H₂O₂-induced porcine granulosa cells apoptosis in vitro.

CONCLUSION

MS sows have more secondary and antral follicles, but fewer atretic follicles and apoptotic ovarian granulosa cells, as well as harbored a distinctive gut microbiota than L × Y sows. Gut microbiota may participate in regulating ovarian follicular development via SCFAs affecting granulosa cells apoptosis in sows.

Role of functional fatty acids in modulation of reproductive potential in livestock

Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources, but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways. The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years. Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development, oocyte maturation and embryo development, as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development, through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones, such as steroid hormones and prostaglandins. However, many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle, lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages. Therefore, an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establishment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.

miR-450-5p and miR-202-5p Synergistically Regulate Follicle Development in Black Goat

Follicle maturation is a complex biological process governed by numerous factors, and researchers have observed follicle development by studying the proliferation and apoptosis of follicular granulosa cells (GCs). However, the regulatory mechanisms of GCs proliferation and death during follicle development are largely unknown. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs, mRNAs, and microRNAs, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and small RNA-seq were performed on large (>10 mm) and small follicles (<3 mm) of Leizhou black goat during estrus. We discovered two microRNAs, miR-450-5p and miR-202-5p, which can target GCs in goats and may be involved in follicle maturation, and the effects of miR-450-5p and miR-202-5p on ovarian granulosa cell lines were investigated (KGN). Using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and flow cytometry, miR-202-5p overexpression could suppress the proliferation and induce apoptosis of GCs, whereas miR-450-5p overexpression induced the opposite effects. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-450-5p could directly target the BMF gene (a BCL2 modifying factor), and miR-202-5p targeted the BCL2 gene. A considerable rise in phosphorylated Akt (p-AKT) protein was observed following the downregulation of BMF by miR-450-5p mimics. After BMF gene RNAi therapy, a notable elevation in p-AKT was detected. Mimics of miR-202-5p inhibited BCL2 protein expression, significantly decreasing p-AMPK protein expression. These results imply that during the follicular development in black goats, the miR-450-5p-BMF axis favored GC proliferation on a wide scale, while the miR-202-5p-BCL2 axis triggered GC apoptosis.

Female reproductive dysfunctions and the gut microbiota

The gut microbiome is considered an endocrine organ that can influence distant organs and associated biological pathways. Recent advances suggest that gut microbial homeostasis is essential for reproductive health and that perturbations in the gut microbiota can lead to reproductive pathologies. This review provides an updated overview of the relationship between the gut microbiome and female reproductive diseases. Specifically, we highlight the most recent findings on the gut microbiome in gynecological pathologies including polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and endometrial cancer. Most studies revealed associations between altered gut microbial compositions and these reproductive diseases, though few have suggested cause-effect relationships. Future studies should focus on determining the molecular mechanisms underlying associations between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases. Understanding this bidirectional relationship could lead to the development of novel and effective strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat female reproductive organ-related diseases.

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Impact of Early Metabolic Impairment: Interplay between Dysbiosis and Adipose Inflammation

The evolving view of gut microbiota has shifted toward describing the colonic flora as a dynamic organ in continuous interaction with systemic physiologic processes. Alterations of the normal gut bacterial profile, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to a wide array of pathologies. Of particular interest is the cardiovascular-metabolic disease continuum originating from positive energy intake and high-fat diets. Accumulating evidence suggests a role for sex hormones in modulating the gut microbiome community. Such a role provides an additional layer of modulation of the early inflammatory changes culminating in negative metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, we will shed the light on the role of sex hormones in cardiovascular dysfunction mediated by high-fat diet-induced dysbiosis, together with the possible involvement of insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation. Insights into novel therapeutic interventions will be discussed as well. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Increasing evidence implicates a role for dysbiosis in the cardiovascular complications of metabolic dysfunction. This minireview summarizes the available data on the sex-based differences in gut microbiota alterations associated with dietary patterns leading to metabolic impairment. A role for a differential impact of adipose tissue inflammation across sexes in mediating the cardiovascular detrimental phenotype following diet-induced dysbiosis is proposed. Better understanding of this pathway will help introduce early approaches to mitigate cardiovascular deterioration in metabolic disease.

Identification of Estrus in Sows Based on Salivary Proteomics

The estrus cycle of multiparous Large White sows was divided into three stages to solve the problems of heavy workload and low accuracy of the traditional estrus identification method in pig production. Saliva protein was extracted from the oral saliva of multiparous sows. Label-free quantitative proteomics was used to detect salivary proteome, and MaxQuant software was used for quality control. Results showed that 246 proteins were identified in the three stages, where 40 proteins were significantly different (p < 0.05). The total proteins identified were enriched by STEM software and the protein function was annotated by using the ClueGO plug-in in the Cytoscape software. The results were enriched to eight different trends. The annotated items were related to protein synthesis and processing and estrogen response. Gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of differential proteins involved in the pathways and entries included oocyte meiosis, response to estradiol, and oogenesis. Further interaction analysis showed that an interaction occurred between P00355, F1SHL9, P28491, F1SDR7, F2Z558, F1RYY6, and F2Z5G3 proteins. The findings served as a basis for revealing the changes in salivary protein content in the sow estrus cycle and provided a reference for the development of an estrus identification kit/test strip in the next step.

Probiotics Interact With Lipids Metabolism and Affect Gut Health

Probiotics have attracted much attention due to their ability to modulate host intestinal microbe, participate in nutrient metabolism or immunomodulatory. Both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and bowel cancer are digestive system disease, which have become a global public health problem due to their unclear etiology, difficult to cure, and repeated attacks. Disturbed gut microbiota and abnormal lipid metabolism would increase the risk of intestinal inflammation. However, the link between lipid metabolism, probiotics, and IBD is unclear. In this review, we found that different lipids and their derivatives have different effects on IBD and gut microbes. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and their derivatives resolvin E1, resolvin D can inhibit oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species activate NFκB and MAPk pathway. While ω-6 PUFAs linoleic acid and arachidonic acid can be derived into leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which will aggravate IBD. Cholesterol can be converted into bile acids to promote lipid absorption and affect microbial survival and colonization. At the same time, it is affected by microbial bile salt hydrolase to regulate blood lipids. Low denstiy lipoprotein (LDL) is easily converted into oxidized LDL, thereby promoting inflammation, while high denstiy lipoprotein (HDL) has the opposite effect. Probiotics compete with intestinal microorganisms for nutrients or ecological sites and thus affect the structure of intestinal microbiota. Moreover, microbial short chain fatty acids, bile salt hydrolase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, etc. can affect lipid metabolism and IBD. In conclusion, probiotics are directly or indirectly involved in lipids metabolism and their impact on IBD, which provides the possibility to explore the role of probiotics in improving gut health.

Association Between Sex Hormone Levels and Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity-A Systematic Review

GOALS/BACKGROUND

Animal studies have highlighted how the microbiota acts in a sex-specific manner with sex hormones demonstrating an association with the composition and diversity of the microbiota. This systematic review aimed to gather the available scientific evidence to explore the association between sex hormones and gut microbiota composition and diversity, in humans.

STUDY

Four bibliographic databases were searched in July 2020 using terms related to "microbiota," "microflora," "sex hormones," "testosterone," and "estrogen." Human studies that investigated the correlation between sex hormones and the microbiota composition or diversity using next-generation sequencing were included.

RESULTS

A total of 10,468 records were screened with 13 studies included in this review. In healthy women, higher estrogen levels were found to be associated with a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, a lower abundance of Firmicutes, the Ruminococcaceae family and increased diversity. In healthy men, raised testosterone levels positively correlated with Ruminococcus, Acinetobacter, and an increased microbial diversity. Escherichia and Shigella spp. were correlated with raised testosterone in healthy women whereas Ruminococcus spp. was negatively associated with elevated testosterone levels. Women with altered testosterone/estrogen profiles (such as in polycystic ovary syndrome), had a differing gut microbiota compared with healthy women.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings gathered highlight an association between sex hormones and the gut microbiota composition/diversity and may contribute to the sex-based variations observed in disease pathogenesis. Factors such as age and medical conditions are implicated in the associations observed and should be accounted for in future studies. As the understanding of the complex symbiotic relationship between humans and their gut microbiota increases, microbiota modulation could be an attractive option for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Influence of warm acupuncture on gut microbiota and metabolites in rats with insomnia induced by PCPA

Background

Insomnia is the most common of the sleep disorders. Current pharmacotherapy treatment options are usually associated with adverse effects and withdrawal phenomena. Therapeutic alternatives with a more favorable safety profile for patients are needed. Mongolian medical warm acupuncture (MMWA) is an emerging therapeutic option for treating insomnia. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the anti-insomnia efficacy of the MMWA remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of the MMWA on the alterations of the gut microbiota and serum metabolome in rats with insomnia.

Results

We found that the relative abundances of gut bacteria and the concentrations of several serum metabolites were obviously altered in PCPA-induced insomnia rats. The MMWA treatment exerted an anti-insomnia effect. In addition, the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and the serum metabolites were ameliorated by the MMWA. Correlation analysis between the gut microbiota and metabolites suggested that the levels of Amide c18, Benzoyl chloride, Cytosine, and N, n-dimethylarginine were positively correlated with the relative abundance of Clostridium XlVa and Blautia, which characterized the insomnia rats. KEGG enrichment analysis identified the cAMP signaling pathway involving anti-insomnia effect of the MMWA. Moreover, the MMWA intervention significantly increased contents of butyrate in feces, while effectively inhibited the expression level of GAT-1 in brain tissues.

Conclusion

This study reveals that the MMWA intervention might have a major impact on the modulation of host gut microbiota and metabolites, which in turn have a crucial role in the regulation of the host’s signaling pathways associated with insomnia. The present study could provide useful ideas for the study of the intervention mechanisms of the MMWA in insomnia rat models.

Effects of dietary supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid on apparent digestibility and serum metabolome alterations of sheep in summer

To investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on the nutrition metabolism of sheep (36.72 ± 1.44 kg) in the summer, twenty-one sheep were randomly assigned to three treatments addressing LA supplementation: 0.00 (CTL), 600 (LA-L), and 900 (LA-H) mg/kg of dry matter (DM) per day for each sheep. Whole feces and urine collection methods were used to analyze apparent digestibility; ELISA kits to determine the hormones, antioxidant, and immune parameters in the blood; and serum metabolomics to detect and analyze small molecular substances. The results showed the DM intakes in the LA-L and LA-H groups were significantly increased by 8.22% and 8.02%, respectively, compared to that in the CTL group, and there was no significant effect on average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, nitrogen digestibility, calcium digestibility, and phosphorus digestibility. Regarding hormones, antioxidant, and immune indicators, the concentrations of triiodothyronine, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, HSP70, and IgA significantly increased after LA supplementation, while adrenaline and malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased. With the pairwise comparison of the three groups, metabolomics analysis identified 22 differential metabolites in the positive/negative modes, respectively, which suggested LA supplementation can significantly affect sheep's lipid, amino acid, and nucleic acid metabolism. Additionally, 3-indolepropionic acid, cinnamoylglycine, butyric acid, dodecanedioic acid, indoxyl sulfate, and pantothenic acid were the common differential metabolites with higher concentrations after LA supplementation. In summary, dietary supplementation of LA can increase the sheep's DMI, energy digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and immunity. These changes provide evidence to support the use of LA supplementation for livestock.

Vaginal microbiota differences associated with pelvic organ prolapse risk during late gestation in commercial sows

During the last decade, sow mortality due to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has increased. To better understand the biology associated with POP, sows were phenotypically assessed and assigned a perineal score (PS) based on presumed POP risk and categorized as PS1 (low), PS2 (moderate), or PS3 (high). The study objective was to identify changes in sow vaginal microbiota that may be associated with POP. The hypothesis is that vaginal microbiota differs between sows with variable risk for POP, and changes in microbiota during late gestation exist between sows with differing risk. Of the 2864 sows scored during gestation week 15, 1.0, 2.7, and 23.4% of PS1, PS2, and PS3 sows, respectively, subsequently experienced POP. Vaginal swabs subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed differences in community composition (Bray–Curtis; P < 0.05) and individual operational taxonomic unit (OTU) comparisons between vaginal microbiota of PS1 and PS3 sows at gestation week 15. Further, differences (P < 0.05) in community composition and OTUs (Q < 0.05) were observed in PS3 sows that either did or did not subsequently experience POP. Differences in community structure (alpha diversity measurements; P < 0.05), composition (P < 0.05), and OTUs (Q < 0.05) were observed in gestation week 12 sows scored PS1 compared to week 15 sows scored PS1 or PS3, suggesting that sow vaginal microbiota shifts during late gestation differently as POP risk changes. Collectively, these data demonstrate that sows with greater POP risk have unique vaginal microflora, for which a better understanding could aid in the development of mitigation strategies.

Butyrate drives the acetylation of histone H3K9 to activate steroidogenesis through PPARγ and PGC1α pathways in ovarian granulosa cells

Maintaining ovarian steroidogenesis is of critical importance, considering that steroid hormones are required for successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and proper development of embryos and fetuses. Investigating the mechanism that butyrate modulates the ovarian steroidogenesis is beneficial for understanding the impact of lipid nutrition on steroidogenesis. Herein, we identified that butyrate improved estradiol and progesterone synthesis in rat primary ovarian granulosa cells and human granulosa KGN cells and discovered the related mechanism. Our data indicated that butyrate was sensed by GPR41 and GPR43 in ovarian granulosa cells. Butyrate primarily upregulated the acetylation of histone H3K9 (H3K9ac). Chromatin immune-precipitation and sequencing (ChIP-seq) data of H3K9ac revealed the influenced pathways involving in the mitochondrial function (including cellular metabolism and steroidogenesis) and cellular antioxidant capacity. Additionally, increasing H3K9ac by butyrate further stimulated the PPARγ/CD36/StAR pathways to increase ovarian steroidogenesis and activated PGC1α to enhance mitochondrial dynamics and alleviate oxidative damage. The improvement in antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial dynamics by butyrate enhanced ovarian steroidogenesis. Collectively, butyrate triggers histone H3K9ac to activate steroidogenesis through PPARγ and PGC1α pathways in ovarian granulosa cells.

Genetically determined SCFA concentration modifies the association of dietary fiber intake with changes in bone mineral density during weight loss: The Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS LOST) trial

BACKGROUND

SCFAs are involved in regulation of body weight and bone health.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to examine whether genetic variations related to butyrate modified the relation between dietary fiber intake and changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in response to weight-loss dietary interventions.

METHODS

In the 2-y Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies trial, 424 participants with BMD measured by DXA scan were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets varying in macronutrient intakes. A polygenic score (PGS) was calculated based on 7 genetic variants related to the production of butyrate for 370 of the 424 participants.

RESULTS

SCFA PGS significantly modified the association between baseline dietary fiber intake and sex on 2-y changes in whole-body BMD (P-interaction = 0.049 and 0.008). In participants with the highest tertile of SCFA PGS, higher dietary fiber intake was related to a greater increase in BMD (β:  0.0022; 95% CI: 0.0009, 0.0035; P = 0.002), whereas no such association was found for participants in the lower tertiles. In the lowest tertiles of SCFA PGS, men showed a significant increase in whole-body BMD (β: 0.0280; 95% CI: 0.0112, 0.0447; P = 0.002) compared with women. In the highest tertile, no significant difference was found for the change in BMD between men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that genetic variants related to butyrate modify the relations of dietary fiber intake and sex with long-term changes in BMD in response to weight-loss diet interventions.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure induces female reproductive toxicity and alters the intestinal microbiota community structure and fecal metabolite profile in mice

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most commonly used plasticizers, and it is widely applied in various plastic products. DEHP is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) that has been shown to disrupt the function of reproductive system in females. Although many studies have shown that DEHP potentially causes female reproductive toxicity, including depletion of the primordial follicle and decreased sex hormone production, the specific mechanisms by which DEHP affects female reproduction remain unknown. In recent years, research focused on the intestinal flora has provided an idea to eliminate our confusion, and gut bacterial dysbiosis may contribute to female reproductive toxicity. In the present study, the feces of DEHP-exposed mice were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and untargeted global metabolite profiling of metabolomics. DEHP obviously causes reproductive toxicity, including the ovarian organ coefficient, estradiol level, histological features of the ovary and estrus. Furthermore, DEHP exposure alters the structure of the intestinal microbiota community and fecal metabolite profile in mice, suggesting that the reproductive toxicity may be caused by gut bacterial dysbiosis and altered metabolites, such as changes in the levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA). Additionally, it is well known that changes in gut microbiota and fecal metabolites cause inflammation and tissue oxidative stress, expectedly, we found oxidative stress in the ovary and systemic inflammation in DEHP exposed mice. Thus, based on our findings, DEHP exposure may cause gut bacterial dysbiosis and altered metabolite profiles, particularly SCFA profiles, leading to oxidative stress in the ovary and systemic inflammation to ultimately induce female reproductive toxicity.

Triazophos and its metabolite diethyl phosphate have different effects on endocrine hormones and gut health in rats

Organophosphorus pesticide (OP) residues present in food can be metabolized into diethylphosphate (DEP) in vivo. Epidemiological studies of OPs have usually focused on these metabolites, while animal studies mainly assessed the OPs. Here, we compared the health risks of a frequently detected OP, triazophos (TAP), and its major metabolite, DEP, in rats. Levels of serum lipids and, sex hormones were measured using immunoassay kits. Gut hormones and inflammatory cytokines were assessed using a multiplexing kit, and the gut microbiota was evaluated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. After a 24-week exposure period, both TAP and DEP significantly decreased serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and IL-6 (p < 0.05). However, DEP exposure had a stronger effect on serum estradiol (p < 0.05) than TAP, whereas only TAP inhibited the secretion of gut hormones. Both TAP and DEP enriched the pathogenic genera Oscillibacter, Peptococcus and Paraprevotella in the gut, and TAP also enriched enteritis-related genera Roseburia and Oscillibacter, which may affect the secretion of gut hormones. These findings indicate that the use of dialkyl phosphates as markers of OPs to examine the correlations of OP exposure with diseases may only provide partial information, especially for diseases related to gut health and the endocrine system.

Crude fiber modulates the fecal microbiome and steroid hormones in pregnant Meishan sows

The beneficial effects of dietary fiber on the reproductive performance and welfare of sows have been discussed broadly, but few researches examined the causal changes and the association of gut microbiota and the steroid hormones, the main regulators of reproductive function. To shed light on this, thirty-six Meishan sows were allocated into 2.5% crude fiber (CF) group and 7.5% CF group respectively for an entire farrowing interval. On the 90th day of gestation, the saliva and fresh stool of sows were individually collected in the morning (06:00-07:00) for steroid hormones, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbiome analysis. In addition, the parameter of pregnant behavioral and farrowing performance was recorded and evaluated. We observed that, as compared with the 2.5% CF treatment, 7.5% CF significantly increased the litter size (p = 0.01), reduced the stereotypic behaviors including sham chewing, rolling tongue and licking ground (p = 0.02, 0.04, 0.01) at later gestation stage, but increased lying time (p = 0.00). In coincide with this, 7.5% CF diet increased the salivary progesterone (p = 0.00), fecal estradiol and progesterone (p = 0.01, 0.02) level, fecal water and SCFAs content (p = 0.02, 0.03), decreased the salivary and fecal cortisol (p = 0.01, 0.00) level. Further, 7.5% CF diet increased the fecal microbiota richness (ACE, p = 0.04; Chao, p = 0.07) and diversity (Shannon, p = 0.01; Simpson, p = 0.04), the proportion of genus Ruminococcus, Butyrivibrio, Lactobacillus and Fibrobacter (p = 0.02, 0.05, 0.04, 0.00), whereas reduced the proportion of genus Clostridium, Streptococcus, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella (p = 0.00, 0.00, 0.04, 0.04). These results indicate that, fibrous diet can regulate the steroid hormones secretion and modulate the gut with more cellulose-degrading and probiotic bacterium, but less opportunistic pathogens, and this may contribute to the improvement of reproductive performance and welfare in sows.

Effects of Diethyl Phosphate, a Non-Specific Metabolite of Organophosphorus Pesticides, on Serum Lipid, Hormones, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) can be metabolized to diethyl phosphate (DEP) in the gut environment, which may affect the immune and endocrine systems and the microbiota. Correlations between OPs and diseases have been established by epidemiological studies, mainly based on the contents of their metabolites, including DEP, in the serum or urine. However, the effects of DEP require further study. Therefore, in this study, adult male rats were exposed to 0.08 or 0.13 mg/kg DEP for 20 weeks. Serum levels of hormones, lipids, and inflammatory cytokines as well as gut microbiota were measured. DEP significantly enriched opportunistic pathogens, including Paraprevotella, Parabacteroides, Alloprevotella, and Helicobacter, leading to a decrease in interleukin-6 (IL-6). Exposure to the high dose of DEP enriched the butyrate-producing genera, Alloprevotella and Intestinimonas, leading to an increase in estradiol and a resulting decrease in total triglycerides (TGs) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); meanwhile, DEP-induced increases in peptide tyrosine‒tyrosine (PYY) and ghrelin were attributed to the enrichment of short-chain fatty acid-producing Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Lactobacillus. These findings indicate that measuring the effects of DEP is not a proxy for measuring the effects of its parent compounds.