Changes in intestinal immunity, gut microbiota, and expression of energy metabolism–related genes explain adenoma growth in bilberry and cloudberry-fed Apc Min mice

Berry supplementation in healthy volunteers modulates gut microbiota, increases fecal polyphenol metabolites and reduces viability of colon cancer cells exposed to fecal water- a randomized controlled trial

Diets high in red and processed meat and low in plant-based foods are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. We investigated whether berry supplementation can impact gut metabolism to counteract the presumably cancer promoting luminal environment sustained by high red and processed meat consumption. Altogether 43 healthy adults were randomized either into Meat group (150 g/d red and processed pork meat) or Meat & Berries group (150 g/d red and processed meat and 200 g/d of mixed berries). Fecal samples and 3-d food records were collected at baseline and at the end of the four-week intervention. Intakes of vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese, insoluble fiber, and the polyphenols available in the database were significantly higher in the Meat & Berries than Meat group. While between-group comparisons found no significant differences in the gut microbiota, the within-group analyses showed that the relative abundances of beneficial Roseburia and Faecalibacterium were decreased and an unclassified group of Peptostreptococcaceae increased significantly in the Meat group. In comparison to the Meat group, berry consumption resulted in higher fecal concentrations of p-coumaric and protocatechuic acids and lower viability of fecal water (FW) -treated CV1-P fibroblastoma and human colon adenocarcinoma HCA-7 and Caco-2 cells (P<.05 with 30% FW). Berry consumption provided protective nutrients and mitigated potentially unfavourable gut microbiota changes seen in the Meat group, increased fecal polyphenol metabolites, and reduced viability of FW-treated colon adenocarcinoma cells, collectively suggesting that berries may protect against colorectal cancer development.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Secondary Metabolites in Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis: A Narrative Review of Preclinical Studies

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Drug-induced dysbiosis, particularly from antibiotics, has emerged as a significant contributor to chronic diseases by disrupting gut microbiota composition and function. Plant-derived secondary metabolites, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, alkaloids, and saponins, show potential in mitigating antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. This review aims to consolidate evidence from preclinical studies on the therapeutic effects of secondary metabolites in restoring gut microbial balance, emphasizing their mechanisms and efficacy.

METHODS

A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, focusing on animal models treated with secondary metabolites for antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. The search terms included "gut microbiota", "antibiotics", and "secondary metabolites". Data extraction focused on microbial alterations, metabolite-specific effects, and mechanisms of action. Relevant findings were systematically analyzed and summarized.

RESULTS

Secondary metabolites demonstrated diverse effects in mitigating the impact of dysbiosis by modulating gut microbial composition, reducing inflammation, and supporting host biological markers. Polysaccharides and polyphenols restored the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increased beneficial taxa such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and suppressed pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia-Shigella. Metabolites such as triterpenoid saponins enhanced gut barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins, while alkaloids reduced inflammation by modulating proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β). These metabolites also improved short-chain fatty acid production, which is crucial for gut and systemic health. While antibiotic-induced dysbiosis was the primary focus, other drug classes (e.g., PPIs, metformin) require further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Plant-derived secondary metabolites show promise in managing antibiotic-induced dysbiosis by restoring microbial balance, reducing inflammation, and improving gut barrier function. Future research should explore their applicability to other types of drug-induced dysbiosis and validate findings in human studies to enhance clinical relevance.

Molecular crosstalk between polyphenols and gut microbiota in cancer prevention

A growing body of evidence suggests that cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In recent years, the molecular crosstalk between polyphenols and gut microbiota has emerged as a promising pathway for cancer prevention. Polyphenols, abundant in many plant-based foods, possess diverse bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The gut microbiota, a complex microbial community residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in a host's health and disease risks. This review highlights cancer suppressive and oncogenic mechanisms of gut microbiota, the intricate interplay between gut microbiota modulation and polyphenol biotransformation, and the potential therapeutic implications of this interplay in cancer prevention. Furthermore, this review explores the molecular mechanisms underpinning the synergistic effects of polyphenols and the gut microbiota, such as modulation of signaling pathways and immune response and epigenetic modifications in animal and human studies. The current review also summarizes the challenges and future directions in this field, including the development of personalized approaches that consider interindividual variations in gut microbiota composition and function. Understanding the molecular crosstalk could offer new perspectives for the development of personalized cancer therapies targeting the polyphenol-gut axis. Future clinical trials are needed to validate the potential role of polyphenols and gut microbiota as innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Impact of Food-Derived Bioactive Compounds on Intestinal Immunity

The gastrointestinal system is responsible for the digestion and the absorption of nutrients. At the same time, it is essentially involved in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. The strongest antigen contact in an organism takes place in the digestive system showing the importance of a host to develop mechanisms allowing to discriminate between harmful and harmless antigens. An efficient intestinal barrier and the presence of a large and complex part of the immune system in the gut support the host to implement this task. The continuous ingestion of harmless antigens via the diet requires an efficient immune response to reliably identify them as safe. However, in some cases the immune system accidentally identifies harmless antigens as dangerous leading to various diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and allergies. It has been shown that the intestinal immune function can be affected by bioactive compounds derived from the diet. The present review provides an overview on the mucosal immune reactions in the gut and how bioactive food ingredients including secondary plant metabolites and probiotics mediate its health promoting effects with regard to the intestinal immune homeostasis.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and its phenolic metabolites ameliorate intestinal diseases via modulating intestinal mucosal immune system: potential mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

The incidence of the intestinal disease is globally increasing, and the intestinal mucosa immune system is an important defense line. A potential environmental cause to regulate gut health is diet. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside is a natural plant bioactive substance that has shown rising evidence of improving intestinal disease and keeping gut homeostasis. This review summarized the intestinal protective effect of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in vivo and in vitro and discussed the potential mechanisms by regulating the intestinal mucosal immune system. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and phenolic metabolites inhibited the presence and progression of intestinal diseases and explained from the aspects of repairing the intestinal wall, inhibiting inflammatory reaction, and regulating the gut microbiota. Although the animal and clinical studies are inadequate, based on the accumulated evidence, we propose that the interaction of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside with the intestinal mucosal immune system is at the core of most mechanisms by which affect host gut diseases. This review puts forward the potential mechanism of action and targeted treatment strategies.

Microbiota-Associated Metabolites and Related Immunoregulation in Colorectal Cancer

A growing body of research has found close links between the human gut microbiota and colorectal cancer (CRC), associated with the direct actions of specific bacteria and the activities of microbiota-derived metabolites, which are implicated in complex immune responses, thus influencing carcinogenesis. Diet has a significant impact on the structure of the microbiota and also undergoes microbial metabolism. Some metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and indole derivatives, act as protectors against cancer by regulating immune responses, while others may promote cancer. However, the specific influence of these metabolites on the host is conditional. We reviewed the recent insights on the relationships among diet, microbiota-derived metabolites, and CRC, focusing on their intricate immunomodulatory responses, which might influence the progression of colorectal cancer.

Anticancer Effects of Lingonberry and Bilberry on Digestive Tract Cancers

Wild berries are part of traditional Nordic diets and are a rich source of phytochemicals, such as polyphenols. Various berry treatments have shown to interfere with cancer progression in vitro and in vivo. Here, we systematically reviewed the anticancer effects of two Nordic wild berries of the Vaccinium genus, lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), on digestive tract cancers. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches included four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CAB abstracts. Publications not written in English, case-reports, reviews, and conference abstracts were excluded. Moreover, studies with only indirect markers of cancer risk or studies with single compounds not derived from lingonberry or bilberry were not included. Meta-analysis was not performed. The majority (21/26) of studies investigated bilberry and colorectal cancer. Experimental studies on colorectal cancer indicated that bilberry inhibited intestinal tumor formation and cancer cell growth. One uncontrolled pilot human study supported the inhibitory potential of bilberry on colorectal cancer cell proliferation. Data from all 10 lingonberry studies suggests potent inhibition of cancer cell growth and tumor formation. In conclusion, in vitro and animal models support the antiproliferative and antitumor effects of various bilberry and lingonberry preparations on digestive tract cancers.

Effects of Anthocyanin on Intestinal Health: A Systematic Review

Intestinal health relies on the association between the mucosal immune system, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota. Bioactive components that affect the gut microbiota composition, epithelial physical barrier and intestinal morphology were previously studied. The current systematic review evaluated evidence of anthocyanin effects and the ability to improve gut microbiota composition, their metabolites and parameters of the physical barrier; this was conducted in order to answer the question: "Does food source or extract of anthocyanin promote changes on intestinal parameters?". The data analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines with the search performed at PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases for experimental studies, and the risk of bias was assessed by the SYRCLE tool. Twenty-seven studies performed in animal models were included, and evaluated for limitations in heterogeneity, methodologies, absence of information regarding allocation process and investigators' blinding. The data were analyzed, and the anthocyanin supplementation demonstrated positive effects on intestinal health. The main results identified were an increase of Bacteroidetes and a decrease of Firmicutes, an increase of short chain fatty acids production, a decrease of intestinal pH and intestinal permeability, an increase of the number of goblet cells and tight junction proteins and villi improvement in length or height. Thus, the anthocyanin supplementation has a potential effect to improve the intestinal health. PROSPERO (CRD42020204835).

Natural Polyphenols as Targeted Modulators in Colon Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Applications

Colon cancer commonly develops from long-term chronic inflammation in the intestine and seriously threatens human health. Natural polyphenols have been valued as a crucial regulator of nutrient metabolism and metabolic diseases, owing to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions and the ability to maintain a balance between gut microbes and their hosts. Notably, experimental and clinical evidence has shown that natural polyphenols could act as a targeted modulator to play a key role in the prevention or treatment of colon cancer. Thus, in this review, we summarized recent advances in the possible regulatory mechanism and the potential application of natural polyphenols in colon cancer, which might be regarded as a novel platform for the colon cancer management.

Diet-Derived Phytochemicals Targeting Colon Cancer Stem Cells and Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a fatal disease caused by the uncontrolled propagation and endurance of atypical colon cells. A person's lifestyle and eating pattern have significant impacts on the CRC in a positive and/or negative way. Diet-derived phytochemicals modulate the microbiome as well as targeting colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are found to offer significant protective effects against CRC, which were organized in an appropriate spot on the paper. All information on dietary phytochemicals, gut microbiome, CSCs, and their influence on CRC were accessed from the various databases and electronic search engines. The effectiveness of CRC can be reduced using various dietary phytochemicals or modulating microbiome that reduces or inverses the progression of a tumor as well as CSCs, which could be a promising and efficient way to reduce the burden of CRC. Phytochemicals with modulation of gut microbiome continue to be auspicious investigations in CRC through noticeable anti-tumorigenic effects and goals to CSCs, which provides new openings for cancer inhibition and treatment.

Interaction of dietary polyphenols and gut microbiota: Microbial metabolism of polyphenols, influence on the gut microbiota, and implications on host health

The human gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by a vast number of microorganisms that are called as the microbiota. Each individual harbors a unique gut microbial composition, this composition evolves throughout the host's lifetime and it is easily affected by internal or external changes. It has been shown that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host's health and as this complex community has the ability to interact with each other and with the host's immune system, the presence or absence of some major species can affect the homeostasis. Diet can be considered as one of the pivotal factors in modulating the functionality, integrity, and composition of the gut microbiota as the gastrointestinal tract is the first organ exposed to components of the diet. In this review, we have focused on the effects of polyphenols, key compounds of a healthy diet with several biological activities, on the gut microbial composition, their biotransformation by the gut microbiota, and the effect of their reciprocal interactions in human health and disease.

The role of gut microbiota for the activity of medicinal plants traditionally used in the European Union for gastrointestinal disorders

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many medicinal plants have been traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. According to the monographs published by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) at the European Medicines Agency, currently 44 medicinal plants are recommended in the European Union for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders based on traditional use. The main indications are functional and chronic gastrointestinal disorders, such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and typical effects of these plants are stimulation of gastric secretion, spasmolytic and carminative effects, soothing effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa, laxative effects, adstringent or antidiarrheal activities, and anti-inflammatory effects. A possible interaction with human gut microbiota has hardly been considered so far, although it is quite likely.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this review, we aimed to identify and evaluate published studies which have investigated interactions of these plants with the gut microbiome.

RESULTS

According to this survey, only a minor portion of the 44 medicinal plants considered in EMA monographs for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases has been studied so far with regard to potential interactions with gut microbiota. We could identify eight relevant in vitro studies that have been performed with six of these medicinal plants, 17 in vivo studies performed in experimental animals involving seven of the medicinal plants, and three trials in humans performed with two of the plants. The most robust evidence exists for the use of inulin as a prebiotic, and in this context also the prebiotic activity of chicory root has been investigated quite intensively. Flaxseed dietary fibers are also known to be fermented by gut microbiota to short chain fatty acids, leading to prebiotic effects. This could cause a health-beneficial modulation of gut microbiota by flaxseed supplementation. In flaxseed, also other compound classes like lignans and polyunsaturated fatty acids are present, that also have been shown to interact with gut microbiota. Drugs rich in tannins and anthocyanins also interact intensively with gut microbiota, since these compounds reach the colon at high levels in unchanged form. Tannins and anthocyanins are intensively metabolized by certain gut bacteria, leading to the generation of small, bioavailable and potentially bioactive metabolites. Moreover, interaction with these compounds may exert a prebiotic-like effect on gut microbiota. Gut microbial metabolization has also been shown for certain licorice constituents, but their potential effects on gut microbiota still need to be investigated in detail. Only a limited amount of studies investigated the interactions of essential oil- and secoiridoid-containing drugs with human gut microbiota. However, other constituents present in some of these drugs, like curcumin (curcuma), shogaol (ginger), and rosmarinic acid have been shown to be metabolized by human gut microbiota, and preliminary data also indicate potential gut microbiome modulatory effects. To conclude, the interaction with gut microbiota is still not fully investigated for many herbal drugs traditionally used for gastrointestinal disorders, which offers a vast field for future research.

The effects of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide on peripheral blood lymphocytes of chickens: Perspectives on inflammation, oxidative stress and energy metabolism

Excessive hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) affects poultry health. Exposure to air pollution induces inflammation, oxidative stress, energy metabolism dysfunction and adverse health effects. However, few detailed studies have been conducted on the molecular mechanisms of H₂S-induced injury in poultry. To understand how H₂S drives its adverse effects on chickens, twenty-four 14-day-old chickens were randomly divided into two groups. The chickens in the control group were raised in a separate chamber without H₂S, and the chickens in the treatment group were exposed to 30 ppm H₂S. After 14 days of exposure, peripheral blood samples were taken and the lymphocytes were extracted to detect inflammation, oxidative stress and energy metabolism in broilers. Overall, an increase in the inflammatory response was detected in the peripheral blood lymphocytes following H₂S exposure compared to the control group, and the expression levels of the heat shock proteins (HSPs) and the transcription factors nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were up-regulated in the H₂S group, which further suggested that H₂S induced an inflammatory response via the NF-κB pathway. Because of the activation of NF-κB, which is a major regulator of oxidative stress, we also observed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was elevated under H₂S exposure. In addition, we presumed that energy metabolism might be damaged due to the increased ROS production, and we found that H₂S down-regulated the expression levels of energy metabolism-related genes, which indicated the occurrence of energy metabolism dysfunction. Altogether, this study suggests that exposure to excessive atmospheric H₂S induces an inflammatory response, oxidative stress and energy metabolism dysfunction, providing a reference for comparative medicine.

Phytochemicals That Influence Gut Microbiota as Prophylactics and for the Treatment of Obesity and Inflammatory Diseases

Gut microbiota (GM) plays several crucial roles in host physiology and influences several relevant functions. In more than one respect, it can be said that you “feed your microbiota and are fed by it.” GM diversity is affected by diet and influences metabolic and immune functions of the host's physiology. Consequently, an imbalance of GM, or dysbiosis, may be the cause or at least may lead to the progression of various pathologies such as infectious diseases, gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, and even obesity and diabetes. Therefore, GM is an appropriate target for nutritional interventions to improve health. For this reason, phytochemicals that can influence GM have recently been studied as adjuvants for the treatment of obesity and inflammatory diseases. Phytochemicals include prebiotics and probiotics, as well as several chemical compounds such as polyphenols and derivatives, carotenoids, and thiosulfates. The largest group of these comprises polyphenols, which can be subclassified into four main groups: flavonoids (including eight subgroups), phenolic acids (such as curcumin), stilbenoids (such as resveratrol), and lignans. Consequently, in this review, we will present, organize, and discuss the most recent evidence indicating a relationship between the effects of different phytochemicals on GM that affect obesity and/or inflammation, focusing on the effect of approximately 40 different phytochemical compounds that have been chemically identified and that constitute some natural reservoir, such as potential prophylactics, as candidates for the treatment of obesity and inflammatory diseases.

Functional Anthocyanin-Rich Sausages Diminish Colorectal Cancer in an Animal Model and Reduce Pro-Inflammatory Bacteria in the Intestinal Microbiota

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common neoplasia in Europe, where it accounts for 28.2 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In an effort to decrease the incidence of this disease, various prevention measures are being studied, one of which are anthocyanin-rich foods. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidant flavonoids mainly found in flowers and colorful fruits and vegetables. These nutraceuticals have diverse biological functions once ingested, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antitumor functions. In order to test the preventive effect of these flavonoids against colorectal cancer, an animal model (Rattus norvegicus F344) was developed. In this model two doses of azoxymethane (10 mg/kg) and two treatments with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) were administered to the animals. For 20 weeks they were fed either control rat feed, control sausages, or functional sausages containing 0.1% (w/w) of anthocyanins from a mixture of dehydrated blackberries and strawberries. At the end of that period, the animals were sacrificed and their antioxidant plasma levels and digestive tract tissues were analyzed. The results revealed a statistically significant reduction in the number of colon tumors in the functional sausages cohort with respect to the control animals and an increase in the FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma) total antioxidant activity in that same cohort. Colon microbiota differences were also examined via metagenomics 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing, revealing a significant reduction in populations of the pro-inflammatory Bilophila wadsworthia. Therefore, the design of functional processed meat products, such as ones enriched with anthocyanins, may be an effective strategy for preventing inflammatory digestive diseases and colorectal cancer in human populations.