Vitamin D3 affects the gut microbiota in an LPS-stimulated systemic inflammation mouse model

1,25(OH)2D3 protected against LPS-induced acute lung injury through modulation of gut microbiota

This study investigated whether gut and lung microbiota mediated the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] against acute lung injury (ALI). We evaluated the impact of various 1,25(OH)2D3 doses on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and characterized microbial changes in both intestinal and pulmonary communities. Correlation between lung and gut microbiota was assessed. To further explore the role of intestinal flora, a depletion model was established using antibiotics (ABX). Our results indicated that 1,25(OH)2D3 alleviated LPS-induced ALI, as evidenced by reduced pathological damage, downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and suppressed TLR4/NF-κB and JNK pathways. LPS reduced α diversity and altered β diversity and composition of intestinal microbes, which were partially reversed by 1,25(OH)2D3 intervention. Notably, 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced gut microbiota diversity and elevated the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae genus. Importantly, depletion of gut flora with ABX eliminated the anti-inflammatory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3, including its inhibition of LPS-induced cytokine expressions and pathway activation. Although LPS did not significantly affect the diversity of lung microbiota, it seemed to change its composition and induced a significant correlation between intestinal and pulmonary microbial communities, which was attenuated by 1,25(OH)₂D₃. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the protective effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 against LPS-induced ALI might be partially mediated by gut microbiota, highlighting a potential mechanism for vitamin D's immunomodulatory activity in inflammatory lung disease.

Effect of electroacupuncture combined with Tuina therapy on gut microbiota in patients with knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic condition characterized by joint pain and dysfunction, driven by aging and obesity. Research indicates that the gut microbiota significantly influences KOA, potentially affecting inflammation and disease progression through the gut-joint axis. Traditional treatments like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs offer symptom relief but have adverse effects. Emerging therapies like electroacupuncture (EA) and Tuina (TN) have shown promise in alleviating pain and improving joint function by targeting the gut microbiota.

AIM

To clarify the efficacy of EA with TN in treating KOA and its effect on gut microbiota regulation.

METHODS

Sixty patients with KOA were allocated to EA or EA + TN (ET) group (n = 30 each). Seven acupoints were punctured. The ET group received TN after each EA session. Both groups completed 12 sessions. The visual analog scale (VAS) for assessing pain and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) for measuring pain intensity, joint stiffness, and functional capacity were employed to assess clinical outcomes. Pre- and post-treatment fecal specimens underwent 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing to analyze the gut microbiota.

RESULTS

The ET group showed higher rates of “effective” and “markedly effective” outcomes. The VAS score of the ET group remained significantly lower than that of the EA group (P < 0.001) immediately after treatment and 1 week post-treatment. The total WOMAC score (P < 0.001), pain (P = 0.191), stiffness (P = 0.015), and function scores (P < 0.001) decreased significantly in the ET group post-treatment. The gut microbiota analysis revealed no significant changes in alpha diversity in either group. Beta-diversity analysis indicated distinct patterns in the ET group before and after treatment. Significant changes in microbial abundance were detected in both groups, highlighting variations in Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes.

CONCLUSION

ET outperforms EA alone in improving KOA pain, stiffness, and function, potentially via gut microbiota modulation, intestinal barrier protection, and inflammation reduction.

Obesity, but Not Overweight, Is Associated with Increased Presepsin Levels in Infection-Free Individuals: An Exploratory Study

Background/Objectives: Intestinal dysbiosis and systemic inflammation are involved in the pathophysiology of obesity and its complications. Presepsin is a recently discovered inflammation marker, being the soluble form of the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor. Due to the imbalance of the gut flora and subsequent disruption of the intestinal barrier, circulating LPS levels have been found to be elevated in patients with metabolic diseases, even in the absence of infection. However, to date, no studies have evaluated whether obesity is associated with elevated presepsin levels. Methods: The present study included 81 participants (61.7% women, 27 with obesity, 34 with overweight, and 20 controls with normal body mass index), all free of infection and diabetes mellitus. Presepsin was measured in serum by ELISA, and its concentrations were compared between the groups. Results: The obesity group had higher presepsin levels compared to controls (8.09 vs. 4.45 ng/mL, p = 0.06). When participants with a history of cardiovascular disease were excluded from the analysis and adjusting for multiple confounders through a regression model, the obesity group had higher presepsin values than the overweight and control groups (5.84 vs. 3.32 ng/mL, p = 0.016). In contrast, the overweight group had lower concentrations than both the obesity group (p = 0.005) and the controls (p = 0.031). We did not find an association between presepsin and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (p = 0.368). Conclusions: Although the cross-sectional character of the study cannot demonstrate causal relationships, the results could potentially suggest that systemic inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity through the disruption of the intestinal barrier. However, the findings should only be seen as hypothesis-generating. The reduction in presepsin in the overweight state is an interesting finding that deserves further investigation.

Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharide alleviated intestinal injuries by mediating antioxidant ability and microbiota

Introduction

Polygonatum kingianum is a well-known medicinal herb with proven bioactivities; however, little is known about the effects of its polysaccharide on intestinal injuries in animals induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

A total of 30 Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were divided into control (CH), induced (MH), and treated (H) groups. Mice in group H were supplemented with 100 mg/kg Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharides, while groups C and M were treated with the same amount of normal saline by gavage for 18 days. On the 18th day animals in groups M and H were induced by LPS (10 mg/kg).

Results

The results showed the weight of mice in group MH significantly dropped (P < 0.0001), while mice in the PK group had a higher weight (P < 0.01). Pathological analysis found that the majority of the villi in mice induced by LPS were broken and short, while PK-treated animals had longer and considerably integrated villi. The villi length in groups CH (P < 0.0001) and H (P < 0.0001) was longer than that in group M, and the value of villi length/crypt depth in group MH was smaller than that in groups CH (P < 0.0001) and H (P < 0.0001), while the crypt depth in group MH was higher than in groups CH (P < 0.0001) and H (P < 0.0001). Serum inspection showed that MAD (P < 0.05), IL-1β (P < 0.05), IL-6 (P < 0.05), and TNF-α (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in group MH, while SOD (P < 0.001), T-AOC (P < 0.01), and GSH-Px (P < 0.01) were notably higher in groups CH and H. Microbiome sequencing of mice obtained 844,477 raw and 725,469 filtered reads. There were 2,407 ASVs detected in animals, and there were 312 and 328 shared ASVs between CH and MH, and CH and H, respectively. There were 5 phyla and 20genera of remarkable bacteria found among mice groups including genera of Escherichia, Pseudomonas_E, Mailhella, Paramuribaculum, NM07-P-09, Odoribacter, Nanosyncoccus, SFM01, Onthenecus, Clostridium_Q, UBA6985, Ructibacterium, UBA946, Lachnoclostridium_B, Evtepia, CAG-269, Limivicinus, Formimonas, Dehalobacterium, Dwaynesavagella, and UBA6985. We revealed that Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharide could alleviate intestinal injuries by promoting oxidation resistance, decreasing inflammatory responses, and accommodating the intestinal microbiota of mice.

Discussion

Our results suggest the possibility of developing novel therapies for intestinal diseases.

Vitamin D3/VDR alleviates double-stranded RNA virus -induced biliary epithelial cell damage by inhibiting autophagy

BACKGROUND

The increased apoptosis of bile duct epithelial cells (BECs) due to some damage factors is considered the initiating factor in the occurrence and progression of biliary atresia (BA). Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is thought to play a crucial role in maintaining the intrinsic immune balance and integrity of bile duct epithelial cells (BECs). To investigate the role of VDRs in the pathogenesis and progression of BA using in vitro and in vivo models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The VDR expression levels in intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells (IBDECs) in pediatric patients with BA were examined using immunohistochemical analysis. The correlation of the VDR levels with the incidence of refractory cholangitis after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) and the autologous liver survival time was analyzed. The levels of genes and proteins involved in related pathways were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. The secretory levels of inflammatory factors were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A BA mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal sequential injection of rhesus rotavirus (RRV). The role of VDR in the pathogenesis and progression of BA was examined using in vitro and in vivo models. Retrospective analysis of patients with BA to examine the therapeutic efficacy of VDR activators on BA.

RESULTS

15 pediatric BA patients exhibiting VDR downregulation in IBDECs showed a higher incidence of refractory cholangitis after Kasai portoenterostomy (p = 0.037) and a lower native liver survival time compare to 23 BA patients without VDR downregulation (p = 0.032). 1,25-VD3 inhibited the degree of autophagy induction in HIBECs by poly(I: C) (p < 0.05), mitigated poly(I: C)-induced BEC damage and apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy (p < 0.05). 1,25-VD3 significantly suppressed the poly(I: C)-induced downregulation of SRC (p < 0.05) and ERK1/2 phosphorylation (p < 0.05). 1,25-VD3 exert a protective effect against RRV-induced BEC damage by inhibiting autophagy in BA mouse model. The incidence of cholangitis and the native liver survival time after surgery in the calcitriol-treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group. (p = 0.033, p = 0.035, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

VDR activator mitigated dsRNA-induced BEC damage and apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy in vitro and in vivo. The 1,25-VD3/VDR/Src axis alleviated poly(I: C)-induced HIBEC damage and apoptosis through the PLA2/PKC/ERK pathway.

Alisma plantago-aquatica polysaccharides ameliorate acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by regulating hepatic metabolic profiles and modulating gut microbiota

Acetaminophen (APAP) has emerged as a predominant contributor to acute liver failure (ALF) in United States. Alismatis rhizoma, a commonly used traditional herbal medicine, contains small molecular components with extensive hepatoprotective activity. However, the specific role of Alismatis rhizoma polysaccharide (ARP) in liver protection remains unclear. ARP50 and ARP70, derived through graded alcohol precipitation and refinement, predominantly consisted of varying proportions of glucose, galactose, and arabinose. In vitro experiments on free radical scavenging demonstrated notable antioxidant capabilities of ARP50 and ARP70. To investigate the hepatoprotective effects, an APAP-induced acute liver injury (ALI) model was established in mice. ARP50 and ARP70 exerted dose-dependent therapeutic effects on APAP-induced liver injury. Further analysis of liver metabolites revealed that ARPs facilitated the reconstruction of the liver antioxidant system by modulating the metabolism network centered on l-glutamine. In addition, the abundance of gut microbiota was altered under the influence of ARPs. ARP50 significantly reduced the levels of Pseudarthrobacter and markedly increased the levels of Faecalibacterium，At the same time, ARP50 could increase the levels of acetic acid in the liver and serum. Meanwhile, ARP70 significantly increased the abundance of Dubosiella, Muribaculum, Ileibacterium, and Prevotellaceae UCG 001, while reducing the abundance of Escherichia Shigella and Pseudarthrobacter. The results indicated that ARPs could exert a protective effect against APAP-induced acute liver injury by reshaping the liver metabolic profile and modulating the gut microbiota.

Microbial Dynamics and Pathogen Control During Fermentation of Distiller Grains: Effects of Fermentation Time on Feed Safety

Determining the effects of fermentation duration on the microbial ecosystem, potential pathogenic risks, and metabolite generation during the fermentation of distilled grains is essential for safeguarding the safety and enhancing the nutritional profile of animal feed. This study investigates the effect of varying fermentation times (9, 30, and 60 days) on microbial diversity, pathogenic risk, and metabolite profiles in distiller grains using 16S rDNA sequencing and LC-MS-based metabolomics. The results showed that early fermentation (9-30 days) enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus pontis (p < 0.05), while pathogenic bacteria, like Serratia marcescens and Citrobacter freundii, were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed an increase in unsaturated fatty acids and the degradation of biogenic amines during early fermentation. However, prolonged fermentation (60 days) led to a resurgence of pathogenic bacteria and reduced the synthesis of essential metabolites. These findings suggest that fermentation duration must be optimized to balance microbial safety and nutrient quality, with 30 days being the optimal period to reduce pathogenic risks and enhance feed quality.

Mechanisms underlying delirium in patients with critical illness

Delirium is an acute, global cognitive disorder syndrome, also known as acute brain syndrome, characterized by disturbance of attention and awareness and fluctuation of symptoms. Its incidence is high among critically ill patients. Once patients develop delirium, it increases the risk of unplanned extubation, prolongs hospital stay, increases the risk of nosocomial infection, post-intensive care syndrome-cognitive impairment, and even death. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand how delirium occurs and to reduce the incidence of delirium in critically ill patients. This paper reviews the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of delirium in critically ill patients, with the aim of better understanding its pathophysiological processes, guiding the formulation of effective prevention and treatment strategies, providing a basis for clinical medication.

Micronutrient (iron, selenium, vitamin D) supplementation and the gut microbiome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Deficiencies in micronutrients persist as widespread global challenges, where supplementation remains a crucial therapeutic approach. This review aims to elucidate the intricate relationships between micronutrient supplementation - specifically iron, selenium (Se), and vitamin D (Vit D) - and gut microbiota composition, investigating their collective impact on host health and disease susceptibility.

RECENT FINDINGS

Maintaining balanced iron levels is essential for gut microbiota equilibrium and host health, as both iron deficiency and excess disrupt gut bacterial balance, affecting colon health. Se supplementation can restore and improve the gut microbial balance, influencing health outcomes not only in the gut but also in areas such as neuroprotection in the brain, testicular health, and metabolic syndrome. Clinical and experimental models demonstrate that Vit D modulates the gut microbiome, enhancing anti-inflammatory effects, supporting metabolic health, and potentially reducing the risk of gut-related behavioral changes and diseases.

SUMMARY

Findings of this review emphasize that balanced iron levels are essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiota composition and underscore the beneficial effects of Se and Vit D in modulating the gut microbiome. The interactions between micronutrients and the gut microbiome are complex but may have a broad spectrum of health outcomes.

D-beta-hydroxybutyrate up-regulates Claudin-1 and alleviates the intestinal hyperpermeability in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice

The hyperpermeability of intestinal epithelium is a key contributor to the occurrence and development of systemic inflammation. Although D-beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) exhibits various protective effects, whether it affects the permeability of intestinal epithelium in systemic inflammation has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of BHB on the intestinal epithelial permeability, the epithelial marker E-cadherin and the tight junction protein Claudin-1 in colon in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation mouse model. Intraperitoneal injection of LPS was used to induce systemic inflammation and BHB was given by oral administration. The permeability of intestinal epithelium, the morphological changes of colonic epithelium, the distribution and generation of colon E-cadherin, and the Claudin-1 generation and its epithelial distribution in colon were detected. The results confirmed the intestinal epithelial hyperpermeability and inflammatory changes in colonic epithelium, with disturbed E-cadherin distribution in LPS-treated mice. Besides, colon Claudin-1 generation was decreased and its epithelial distribution in colon was weakened in LPS-treated mice. However, BHB treatments alleviated the LPS-induced hyperpermeability of intestinal epithelium, attenuated the colonic epithelial morphological changes and promoted orderly distribution of E-cadherin in colon. Furthermore, BHB up-regulated colon Claudin-1 generation and promoted its colonic epithelial distribution and content in LPS-treated mice. In conclusion, BHB may alleviate the hyperpermeability of intestinal epithelium via up-regulation of Claudin-1 in colon in LPS-treated mice.

Link between the skin and autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurological disorder. Although the etiologies of ASD have been widely speculated, evidence also supports the pathogenic role of cutaneous inflammation in autism. The prevalence of ASD is higher in individuals with inflammatory dermatoses than in those without inflammatory diseases. Anti-inflammation therapy alleviates symptoms of ASD. Recent studies suggest a link between epidermal dysfunction and ASD. In the murine model, mice with ASD display epidermal dysfunction, accompanied by increased expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines in both the skin and the brain. Children with ASD, which develops in their early lifetime, also exhibit altered epidermal function. Interestingly, improvement in epidermal function alleviates some symptoms of ASD. This line of evidence suggests a pathogenic role of cutaneous dysfunction in ASD. Either an improvement in epidermal function or effective treatment of inflammatory dermatoses can be an alternative approach to the management of ASD. We summarize here the current evidence of the association between the skin and ASD.