Metabolism of isoflavones and lignans by the gut microflora: a study in germ-free and human flora associated rats

A Gnotobiotic Mouse Model with Divergent Equol-Producing Phenotypes: Potential for Determining Microbial-Driven Health Impacts of Soy Isoflavone Daidzein

The implications of soy consumption on human health have been a subject of debate, largely due to the mixed evidence regarding its benefits and potential risks. The variability in responses to soy has been partly attributed to differences in the metabolism of soy isoflavones, compounds with structural similarities to estrogen. Approximately one-third of humans possess gut bacteria capable of converting soy isoflavone daidzein into equol, a metabolite produced exclusively by gut microbiota with significant estrogenic potency. In contrast, lab-raised rodents are efficient equol producers, except for those raised germ-free. This discrepancy raises concerns about the applicability of traditional rodent models to humans. Herein, we designed a gnotobiotic mouse model to differentiate between equol producers and non-producers by introducing synthetic bacterial communities with and without the equol-producing capacity into female and male germ-free mice. These gnotobiotic mice display equol-producing phenotypes consistent with the capacity of the gut microbiota received. Our findings confirm the model's efficacy in mimicking human equol production capacity, offering a promising tool for future studies to explore the relationship between endogenous equol production and health outcomes like cardiometabolic health and fertility. This approach aims to refine dietary guidelines by considering individual microbiome differences.

Multi-Anticancer Activities of Phytoestrogens in Human Osteosarcoma

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived bioactive compounds with estrogen-like properties. Their potential health benefits, especially in cancer prevention and treatment, have been a subject of considerable research in the past decade. Phytoestrogens exert their effects, at least in part, through interactions with estrogen receptors (ERs), mimicking or inhibiting the actions of natural estrogens. Recently, there has been growing interest in exploring the impact of phytoestrogens on osteosarcoma (OS), a type of bone malignancy that primarily affects children and young adults and is currently presenting limited treatment options. Considering the critical role of the estrogen/ERs axis in bone development and growth, the modulation of ERs has emerged as a highly promising approach in the treatment of OS. This review provides an extensive overview of current literature on the effects of phytoestrogens on human OS models. It delves into the multiple mechanisms through which these molecules regulate the cell cycle, apoptosis, and key pathways implicated in the growth and progression of OS, including ER signaling. Moreover, potential interactions between phytoestrogens and conventional chemotherapy agents commonly used in OS treatment will be examined. Understanding the impact of these compounds in OS holds great promise for developing novel therapeutic approaches that can augment current OS treatment modalities.

New Insights of Biological Functions of Natural Polyphenols in Inflammatory Intestinal Diseases

The intestine is critically crucial for nutrient absorption and host defense against exogenous stimuli. Inflammation-related intestinal diseases, including enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer (CRC), are heavy burdens for human beings due to their high incidence and devastating clinical symptoms. Current studies have confirmed that inflammatory responses, along with oxidative stress and dysbiosis as critical pathogenesis, are involved in most intestinal diseases. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites derived from plants, which possess convincible anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as regulation of intestinal microbiome, indicating the potential applications in enterocolitis and CRC. Actually, accumulating studies based on the biological functions of polyphenols have been performed to investigate the functional roles and underlying mechanisms over the last few decades. Based on the mounting evidence of literature, the objective of this review is to outline the current research progress regarding the category, biological functions, and metabolism of polyphenols within the intestine, as well as applications for the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases, which might provide ever-expanding new insights for the utilization of natural polyphenols.

Comparisons of Physicochemical Properties, Bacterial Diversities, Isoflavone Profiles and Antioxidant Activities on Household and Commercial doenjang

In this study, the physicochemical properties (pH, acidity, salinity, and soluble protein), bacterial diversities, isoflavone contents, and antioxidant activities of doenjang (fermented soy paste), household doenjang (HDJ), and commercial doenjang (CDJ), were assessed and compared. The values of pH 5.14-5.94 and acidity 1.36-3.03%, indicated a similar level in all doenjang. The salinity was high in CDJ at 12.8-14.6%, and the protein contents (25.69-37.54 mg/g) were generally high in HDJ. Forty-three species were identified from the HDJ and CDJ. The main species were verified to be Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (B. amyloliquefaciens), B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus sp. and Bacillus subtilis. Comparing the ratios of isoflavone types, the HDJ has an aglycone ratio of >80%, and 3HDJ indicates a ratio of isoflavone to aglycone of 100%. In the CDJ, except 4CDJ, glycosides account for a high proportion of more than 50%. The results of antioxidant activities and DNA protection effects were variedly confirmed regardless of HDJs and CDJs. Through these results, it is judged that HDJs have a variety of bacterial species compared to CDJs, and these are biologically active and converted from glycoside to aglycone. Bacterial distribution and isoflavone contents could be used as basic data.

Adding a polyphenol-rich fiber bundle to food impacts the gastrointestinal microbiome and metabolome in dogs

Introduction

Pet foods fortified with fermentable fibers are often indicated for dogs with gastrointestinal conditions to improve gut health through the production of beneficial post-biotics by the pet's microbiome.

Methods

To evaluate the therapeutic underpinnings of pre-biotic fiber enrichment, we compared the fecal microbiome, the fecal metabolome, and the serum metabolome of 39 adult dogs with well-managed chronic gastroenteritis/enteritis (CGE) and healthy matched controls. The foods tested included a test food (TF1) containing a novel pre-biotic fiber bundle, a control food (CF) lacking the fiber bundle, and a commercially available therapeutic food (TF2) indicated for managing fiber-responsive conditions. In this crossover study, all dogs consumed CF for a 4-week wash-in period, were randomized to either TF1 or TF2 and fed for 4 weeks, were fed CF for a 4-week washout period, and then received the other test food for 4 weeks.

Results

Meaningful differences were not observed between the healthy and CGE dogs in response to the pre-biotic fiber bundle relative to CF. Both TF1 and TF2 improved stool scores compared to CF. TF1-fed dogs showed reduced body weight and fecal ash content compared to either CF or TF2, while stools of TF2-fed dogs showed higher pH and lower moisture content vs. TF1. TF1 consumption also resulted in unique fecal and systemic metabolic signatures compared to CF and TF2. TF1-fed dogs showed suppressed signals of fecal bacterial putrefactive metabolism compared to either CF or TF2 and increased saccharolytic signatures compared to TF2. A functional analysis of fecal tryptophan metabolism indicated reductions in fecal kynurenine and indole pathway metabolites with TF1. Among the three foods, TF1 uniquely increased fecal polyphenols and the resulting post-biotics. Compared to CF, consumption of TF1 largely reduced fecal levels of endocannabinoid-like metabolites and sphingolipids while increasing both fecal and circulating polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles, suggesting that TF1 may have modulated gastrointestinal inflammation and motility. Stools of TF1-fed dogs showed reductions in phospholipid profiles, suggesting fiber-dependent changes to colonic mucosal structure.

Discussion

These findings indicate that the use of a specific pre-biotic fiber bundle may be beneficial in healthy dogs and in dogs with CGE.

The Interaction between Flavonoids and Intestinal Microbes: A Review

In recent years, research on the interaction between flavonoids and intestinal microbes have prompted a rash of food science, nutriology and biomedicine, complying with future research trends. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and human health, but once the intestinal flora dysregulation occurs, it may contribute to various diseases. Flavonoids have shown a variety of physiological activities, and are metabolized or biotransformed by gut microbiota, thereby producing new metabolites that promote human health by modulating the composition and structure of intestinal flora. Herein, this review demonstrates the key notion of flavonoids as well as intestinal microbiota and dysbiosis, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding about how flavonoids regulate the diseases by gut microbiota. Emphasis is placed on the microbiota-flavonoid bidirectional interaction that affects the metabolic fate of flavonoids and their metabolites, thereby influencing their metabolic mechanism, biotransformation, bioavailability and bioactivity. Potentially by focusing on the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota as well as their metabolites such as bile acids, we discuss the influence mechanism of flavonoids on intestinal microbiota by protecting the intestinal barrier function and immune system. Additionally, the microbiota-flavonoid bidirectional interaction plays a crucial role in regulating various diseases. We explain the underlying regulation mechanism of several typical diseases including gastrointestinal diseases, obesity, diabetes and cancer, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and guideline for the promotion of gastrointestinal health as well as the treatment of diseases.

Alleviation Effects of Microbial Metabolites from Resveratrol on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenolic stilbene, has been widely studied for its protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by modulating intestinal microbiota. The microbial metabolites after RSV supplement would contribute to the bioeffects of RSV, while their impacts on NAFLD were unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of the main microbial metabolites from RSV on lipid metabolism by combining in vitro and in vivo models. The mice were fed a high-fat diet and injected with RSV, 3-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid (3-HPP), and 4-HPP for 13 weeks (n = 6). Body weight, serum parameters, histological analysis, and gene expression involved in lipid metabolism were quantified. Our results suggested that 100 μM of 3-HPP and 4-HPP inhibited lipid accumulation more significantly than parent RSV in an oleic acid-induced HepG2 cell line. Furthermore, 3-HPP, 4-HPP, and RSV effectively reduced liver weight and body weight, improved hepatic steatosis, and alleviated systemic inflammation in NAFLD mice. In addition, the results of quantitative real-time PCR showed that 3-HPP and 4-HPP altered the expression of cholesterol influx and efflux genes to a stronger extent than RSV. These results indicate that 3-HPP and 4-HPP are effective in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism.

Soy isoflavone-specific biotransformation product S-equol in the colon: physiological functions, transformation mechanisms, and metabolic regulatory pathways

Epidemiological data suggest that regular intake of soy isoflavones may reduce the incidence of estrogen-dependent and aging-associated disorders. Equol is a metabolite of soy isoflavone (SI) produced by specific gut microbiota and has many beneficial effects on human health due to its higher biological activity compared to SI. However, only 1/3 to 1/2 of humans are able to produce equol in the body, which means that not many people can fully benefit from SI. This review summarizes the recent advances in equol research, focusing on the chemical properties, physiological functions, conversion mechanisms in vitro and vivo, and metabolic regulatory pathways affecting S-equol production. Advanced experimental designs and possible techniques in future research plan are also fully discussed. Furthermore, this review provides a fundamental basis for researchers in the field to understand individual differences in S-equol production, the efficiency of metabolic conversion of S-equol, and fermentation production of S-equol in vitro.

Interactions between Gut Microbiota and Polyphenols: New Insights into the Treatment of Fatigue

Fatigue seriously affects people's work efficiency and quality of life and has become a common health problem in modern societies around the world. The pathophysiology of fatigue is complex and not fully clear. To some degree, interactions between gut microbiota and host may be the cause of fatigue progression. Polyphenols such as tannin, tea polyphenols, curcumin, and soybean isoflavones relieve fatigue significantly. Studies have shown that the gut microbiota is able to convert these active compounds into more active metabolites through intestinal fermentation. However, the mechanism of anti-fatigue polyphenols is currently mainly analyzed from the perspective of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and changes in gut microbiota are rarely considered. This review focuses on gut microecology and systematically summarizes the latest theoretical and research findings on the interaction of gut microbiota, fatigue, and polyphenols. First, we outline the relationship between gut microbiota and fatigue, including changes in the gut microbiota during fatigue and how they interact with the host. Next, we describe the interactions between the gut microbiota and polyphenols in fatigue treatment (regulation of the gut microbiota by polyphenols and metabolism of polyphenols by the gut microbiota), and how the importance of potential active metabolites (such as urolithin) produced by the decomposition of polyphenols by gut microbiota is emerging. Based on the new perspective of gut microbiota, this review provides interesting insights into the mechanism of polyphenols in fatigue treatment and clarifies the potential of polyphenols as targets for anti-fatigue product development, aiming to provide a useful basis for further research and design.

Metabolomics profiles of premenopausal women are different based on O-desmethylangolensin metabotype

Urinary O-desmethylangolensin (ODMA) concentrations provide a functional gut microbiome marker of dietary isoflavone daidzein metabolism to ODMA. Individuals who do not have gut microbial environments that produce ODMA have less favourable cardiometabolic and cancer risk profiles. Urinary metabolomics profiles were evaluated in relation to ODMA metabotypes within and between individuals over time. Secondary analysis of data was conducted from the BEAN2 trial, which was a cross-over study of premenopausal women consuming 6 months on a high and a low soya diet, each separated by a 1-month washout period. In all of the 672 samples in the study, sixty-six of the eighty-four women had the same ODMA metabotype at seven or all eight time points. Two or four urine samples per woman were selected based on temporal metabotypes in order to compare within and across individuals. Metabolomics assays for primary metabolism and biogenic amines were conducted in sixty urine samples from twenty women. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis was used to compare metabolomics profiles. For the same ODMA metabotype across different time points, no profile differences were detected. For changes in metabotype within individuals and across individuals with different metabotypes, distinct metabolomes emerged. Influential metabolites (variables importance in projection score > 2) included several phenolic compounds, carnitine and derivatives, fatty acid and amino acid metabolites and some medications. Based on the distinct metabolomes of producers v. non-producers, the ODMA metabotype may be a marker of gut microbiome functionality broadly involved in nutrient and bioactive metabolism and should be evaluated for relevance to precision nutrition initiatives.

Synergic interactions between berry polyphenols and gut microbiota in cardiovascular diseases

Now a days, scientific community has been taking initiatives to decrease burden of metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and many others. Many nutraceuticals and functional food have a crucial function in preventing and decreasing burden of chronic diseases. Main purpose of the study was to relate association between mechanism of gut microbiota effecting cardiovascular diseases, moreover, to find out advantageous effects of berry polyphenols on gut microbiota and cardiovascular diseases. To summarize, we explore literature for beneficial effects of berry polyphenols by using multiple search engines including Google Scholar, Science Direct and PubMed. Original research article, review articles, experimental trials (human and animal studies) and abstract were also included in the current study based on relevancy to the characteristics of berries and their potential benefit on human health. This detailed review revealed that all classes of berries and their metabolites possess a definite impact on human health by preventing onset of chronic diseases by its anti-inflammatory property, thus, consider as one of the beneficial natural compounds that can be consumed on daily basis to prevent various disorders. There is also a positive association between berry polyphenols and modulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, furthermore, showed a relationship between gut microbiome and incidence of cardiovascular disease.

The Effect of Polyphenols on Kidney Disease: Targeting Mitochondria

Mitochondrial function, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondria dynamics, are essential for the maintenance of renal health. Through modulation of mitochondrial function, the kidneys are able to sustain or recover acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), nephrotoxicity, nephropathy, and ischemia perfusion. Therapeutic improvement in mitochondrial function in the kidneys is related to the regulation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, free radicals scavenging, decline in apoptosis, and inflammation. Dietary antioxidants, notably polyphenols present in fruits, vegetables, and plants, have attracted attention as effective dietary and pharmacological interventions. Considerable evidence shows that polyphenols protect against mitochondrial damage in different experimental models of kidney disease. Mechanistically, polyphenols regulate the mitochondrial redox status, apoptosis, and multiple intercellular signaling pathways. Therefore, this review attempts to focus on the role of polyphenols in the prevention or treatment of kidney disease and explore the molecular mechanisms associated with their pharmacological activity.

Gut Microbes in Gynecologic Cancers: Causes or Biomarkers and Therapeutic Potential

The human intestine is home to a variety of microorganisms. In healthy populations, the intestinal flora shares a degree of similarity and stability, and they have a role in the metabolism, immunological response, and physiological function of key organs. With the rapid advent of high-throughput sequencing in recent years, several researchers have found that dysbiosis of the human gut microflora potentially cause physical problems and gynecological malignancies among postmenopausal women. Besides, dysbiosis hinders tumor treatment. Nonetheless, the importance of maintaining homeostatic gut microbiota and the effective use of probiotics in the treatment of gynecological malignancies should not be disregarded. Moreover, intestinal flora regulation and the involvement of probiotics as well as associated biologically active substances in gynecological malignancies could be an adjuvant treatment modality related to surgery and chemoradiotherapy in the future. Herein, this article aims to review the potential relationship between gut microorganisms and postmenopausal status as well as gynecologic malignancies; then the relationship between gut microbes and early screening as well as therapeutic aspects. Also, we describe the role of probiotics in the prevention, treatment, and prognosis of gynecologic malignancies.

Microwave Microfluidic Sensor for Detection of High Equol Concentrations in Aqueous Solution

This paper presents a Peano fractal geometry complementary split ring resonator (PFCSRR) loaded microstrip transmission line with a microfluidic channel for equol (EQ) sensing in a high and wide range of concentrations in aqueous solution. The proposed sensor was designed based on a CSRR loaded microstrip line with a Peano fractal in the center of a CSRR and validated through simulation and experiment. The microfluidic channel was fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and installed to cover the sensing area. The free space, empty microfluidic channels, deionized (DI) water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and various concentrations of EQ were measured by a microwave sensor through sample-filled microfluidic channels. Detection of high levels of EQ was in the concentration range of 0.01 mM - 100 mM. The materials under test (MUTs) were measured in the frequency range of 1.0 GHz-3.5 GHz based on the magnitude of the transmission coefficient (S₂₁) and resonance frequency (F_r) at room temperature. The S₂₁ and F_r were recorded and analyzed by logarithmic concentrations of EQ for the determinant of the correlations between EQ concentration and S₂₁ and F_r. Principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering were used to analyze and classify groups of MUTs.

Dietary lignans, plasma enterolactone levels, and metabolic risk in men: exploring the role of the gut microbiome

BACKGROUND

The conversion of plant lignans to bioactive enterolignans in the gastrointestinal tract is mediated through microbial processing. The goal of this study was to examine the relationships between lignan intake, plasma enterolactone concentrations, gut microbiome composition, and metabolic risk in free-living male adults.

RESULTS

In 303 men participating in the Men's Lifestyle Validation Study (MLVS), lignan intake was assessed using two sets of 7-day diet records, and gut microbiome was profiled through shotgun sequencing of up to 2 pairs of fecal samples (n = 911). A score was calculated to summarize the abundance of bacteria species that were significantly associated with plasma enterolactone levels. Of the 138 filtered species, plasma enterolactone levels were significantly associated with the relative abundances of 18 species at FDR < 0.05 level. Per SD increment of lignan intake was associated with 20.7 nM (SEM: 2.3 nM) higher enterolactone concentrations among participants with a higher species score, whereas the corresponding estimate was 4.0 nM (SEM: 1.7 nM) among participants with a lower species score (P for interaction < 0.001). A total of 12 plasma metabolites were also significantly associated with these enterolactone-predicting species. Of the association between lignan intake and metabolic risk, 19.8% (95%CI: 7.3%-43.6%) was explained by the species score alone, 54.5% (95%CI: 21.8%-83.7%) by both species score and enterolactone levels, and 79.8% (95%CI: 17.7%-98.6%) by further considering the 12 plasma metabolites.

CONCLUSION

We identified multiple gut bacteria species that were enriched or depleted at higher plasma levels of enterolactone in men. These species jointly modified the associations of lignan intake with plasma enterolactone levels and explained the majority of association between lignan intake and metabolic risk along with enterolactone levels and certain plasma metabolites.

Maximizing the Estrogenic Potential of Soy Isoflavones through the Gut Microbiome: Implication for Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women

Soy isoflavones have been suggested as an alternative treatment for managing postmenopausal symptoms and promoting long-term health due to their structural similarity to mammalian estrogen and ability to bind to estrogen receptors. Among all soy isoflavones and their metabolites, (S)-equol is known for having the strongest estrogenic activity. Equol is a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein produced through intestinal bacterial metabolism. However, more than half of the human population is not able to produce equol due to the lack of equol-producing bacteria in their gastrointestinal tract. The interpersonal variations in the gut microbiome complicate the interpretation of data collected from humans. Furthermore, because rodents are efficient equol-producers, translatability between rodent models and humans is challenging. Herein, we first summarized the current knowledge of the microbial conversion of daidzein to equol, its relation to health, and proposed the need for developing model systems by which equol production can be manipulated while controlling other known confounding factors. Determining the necessity of equol-producing capacity within a gut microbial community when consuming soy as a functional ingredient, and identifying strategies to maximize equol production by modulating the gut microbiome, may provide future therapeutic approaches to improve the health of postmenopausal women.

“Osteomicrobiology”: The Nexus Between Bone and Bugs

A growing body of scientific evidence supports the notion that gut microbiota plays a key role in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes related to human health. Recent findings have now established that gut microbiota also contributes to the regulation of bone homeostasis. Studies on animal models have unraveled various underlying mechanisms responsible for gut microbiota-mediated bone regulation. Normal gut microbiota is thus required for the maintenance of bone homeostasis. However, dysbiosis of gut microbiota communities is reported to be associated with several bone-related ailments such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and periodontitis. Dietary interventions in the form of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics have been reported in restoring the dysbiotic gut microbiota composition and thus could provide various health benefits to the host including bone health. These dietary interventions prevent bone loss through several mechanisms and thus could act as potential therapies for the treatment of bone pathologies. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of how gut microbiota and its derived microbial compounds are associated with bone metabolism and their roles in ameliorating bone health. In addition to this, we also highlight the role of various dietary supplements like probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics as promising microbiota targeted interventions with the clinical application for leveraging treatment modalities in various inflammatory bone pathologies.

Dietary Isoflavones Alter Gut Microbiota and Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis to Reduce Inflammation

The etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is strongly affected by environmental factors such as diet and the gut microbiota. An isoflavone-rich (ISO) diet was previously shown to reduce the severity of MS in the animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Translation of this concept to clinical trial where dietary isoflavones may be recommended for MS patients will require preliminary evidence that providing the isoflavone-rich diet to people with MS (PwMS) who lack phytoestrogen-metabolizing bacteria has beneficial effects. We have previously shown that the gut microbiota of PwMS resembles the gut microbiota of mice raised under a phytoestrogen-free (phyto-free) diet in that it lacks phytoestrogen-metabolizing bacteria. To investigate the effects of phytoestrogens on the microbiota inflammatory response and EAE disease severity we switched the diet of mice raised under a phyto-free (PF) diet to an isoflavone-rich diet. Microbiota analysis showed that the change in diet from one that is ISO to one that is PF reduces beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium species. In addition we observed functional differences in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis pathways. Moreover LPS extracted from feces of mice fed an ISO diet induced increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines from bone marrow-derived macrophages relative to fecal-LPS isolated from mice fed a PF diet. Eventually mice whose diet was switched from a PF diet to an ISO diet trended toward reduced EAE severity and mortality. Overall we show that an isoflavone-rich diet specifically modulates LPS biosynthesis of the gut microbiota imparts an anti-inflammatory response and decreases disease severity.

Investigation of the metabolites of five major constituents from Berberis amurensis in normal and pseudo germ-free rats

Berberis amurensis (Berberidaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which is often used to treat hypertension, inflammation, dysentery and enteritis. It contains alkaloids, mainly including berberine, berbamine, magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine and palmatine. Berberis amurensis extracts (BAEs) is often orally taken. Oral herbs might be metabolized by intestinal bacteria in the small intestine. However, the interaction between the herb and the gut microbiota is still unknown. In the current study, UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with Metabolitepilot and Peakview software was used to identify the metabolites of BAEs in anti-biotic cocktail induced pseudo germ-free rats and normal rats. As a result, a total of 46 metabolites in normal rats were detected and its main metabolic pathways include demethylation, dehydrogenation, methylation, hydroxylation, sulfation and glucuronidation. Only 29 metabolites existed in pseudo germ-free rats. Dehydrogenated metabolites (M29, M30, M34 and M36), methylated metabolites (M33, M41 and M46) and other metabolites were not detected in pseudo germ-free rats. The result implied that the intestinal bacteria have an influence on the metabolism of BAEs. Furthermore, this investigation might contribute to the understanding of the metabolism of BAEs, and further promote its clinical application.

Gut microbiota as a target for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes: Mechanisms and dietary natural products

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is among the most remarkable public health concerns globally. Accumulating research evidence documents that alteration of gut microbiota has an indispensable role in the onset and progression of obesity and T2DM. A reduced microbial diversity is linked to insulin resistance and energy metabolism, especially for the rise of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Changes in metabolites followed by the gut dysbacteriosis are linked to the presence of T2DM. Moreover, endotoxin leakage and gut permeability caused by gut dysbacteriosis is more of a trigger for the onset and progression of T2DM. Research documents that natural products are remarkable arsenals of bioactive agents for the discovery of anti-T2DM drugs. Many studies have elucidated that the possible mechanisms of the anti-T2DM effects of natural products are remarkably linked to its regulation on the composition of gut microflora and the successive changes in metabolites directly or indirectly. This review presents a brief overview of the gut microbiota in T2DM and several relevant mechanisms, including short-chain fatty acids, biosynthesis and metabolism of branched-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, bile acid signaling, endotoxin leakage, and gut permeability, and describes how dietary natural products can improve T2DM via the gut microbiota.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract suppresses intestinal human breast cancer resistance protein expression in mice: Correlation with gut microbiota

In this study, we investigated the effects of treatment with Gingko biloba leaf extract (GLE) on intestinal transporter expression and gut microbiota composition in mice and the correlation between intestinal transporter expression and gut microbiota composition in mice. When GLE was orally administered to mice, intestinal BCRP expression was significantly suppressed. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that the maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve values of sulfasalazine were increased more than twice by treatment with GLE compared with those in the control group. GLE treatment significantly decreased the populations of Proteobacteria and Deferribacteres at the phylum level. Correlation analysis showed that BCRP expression was positively or negatively correlated with the composition of gut bacteria. In Caco-2 cells, GLE treatment did not affect BCRP expression, but treatment with the lysates of GLE-treated mouse feces significantly suppressed BCRP expression. These findings demonstrate that the suppression of intestinal BCRP expression following GLE treatment may occur through modulation of the gut microbiota composition. Thus, the present study suggests that modulation of gut microbiota composition may cause drug transporter-mediated herb-drug interactions.

Effect of the HXBM408 bacteria on rat intestinal bacterial diversity and the metabolism of soybean isoflavones

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the HXBM408 bacteria on the diversity of rat intestinal bacteria and the metabolism of soybean isoflavones. The control group was administered sterilized water and daidzein by gavage for 7 days. Conversely, the experimental group was administered HXBM408 solution and daidzein by gavage for 7 days. The content of the daidzein metabolite equol in rat feces in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05) on the 7th and 14th days. However, the content of daidzein and its metabolites in feces was not significantly different (P > 0.05). On the 7th day, the relative abundance of Streptococcus in the feces of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), but the difference disappeared over time (P > 0.05). In the intestinal digesta of rats, the proteobacteria of the experimental group was significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). HXBM408 can increase the degradation ability of soybean isoflavones in a short period after ingestion, increase the number of beneficial intestinal flora, and improve the structure of the flora.

Untargeted fecal metabolome analysis in obese dogs after weight loss achieved by feeding a high-fiber-high-protein diet

INTRODUCTION

In humans and companion animals, obesity is accompanied by metabolic derangements. Studies have revealed differences in the composition of the fecal microbiome between obese dogs and those with an ideal body weight.

OBJECTIVES

We have previously reported that the fecal microbiome in obese dogs changes after controlled weight reduction, induced by feeding a diet high in fiber and protein. Despite these findings, it is unclear if taxonomic differences infer differences at the functional level between obese dogs and those with an ideal body weight.

METHODOLOGY

Untargeted fecal metabolome analysis was performed on dogs with obesity before and after weight loss achieved by feeding a high-fiber-high-protein diet.

RESULTS

Fecal metabolome analysis revealed a total of 13 compounds that changed in concentration in obese dogs after weight loss. Of these compounds, metabolites associated with bacterial metabolism decreased after weight loss including purine, L-(-)-methionine, coumestrol, and the alkaloids 1-methylxanthine and trigonelline. Conversely, the polyphenols (-)-epicatechin and matairesinol and the quinoline derivatives 1,5-isoquinolinediol and 2-hydroxiquinoline increased after weight loss.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest differences in intestinal microbiome at the functional level after weight loss, but further studies are needed to determine the role of these compounds in the etiology of obesity and weight loss.

Understanding the Gastrointestinal Protective Effects of Polyphenols using Foodomics-Based Approaches

Plant polyphenols are rich sources of natural anti-oxidants and prebiotics. After ingestion, most polyphenols are absorbed in the intestine and interact with the gut microbiota and modulated metabolites produced by bacterial fermentation, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Dietary polyphenols immunomodulatory role by regulating intestinal microorganisms, inhibiting the etiology and pathogenesis of various diseases including colon cancer, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis. Foodomics is a novel high-throughput analysis approach widely applied in food and nutrition studies, incorporating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and integrating multi-omics technologies. In this review, we present an overview of foodomics technologies for identifying active polyphenol components from natural foods, as well as a summary of the gastrointestinal protective effects of polyphenols based on foodomics approaches. Furthermore, we critically assess the limitations in applying foodomics technologies to investigate the protective effect of polyphenols on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Finally, we outline future directions of foodomics techniques to investigate GI protective effects of polyphenols. Foodomics based on the combination of several analytical platforms and data processing for genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics studies, provides abundant data and a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between polyphenols and the GI tract at the molecular level. This contribution provides a basis for further exploring the protective mechanisms of polyphenols on the GI system.

Gut Microbiota: A Novel Regulator of Cardiovascular Disease and Key Factor in the Therapeutic Effects of Flavonoids

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors cannot fully explain the occurrence of the disease. In recent years, the relationship between gut microbiota and its metabolites and cardiovascular disease has been a hot study topic. The changes in gut microbiota and its metabolites are related to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and hypertension. The mechanisms by which gut microbiota and its metabolites influence cardiovascular disease have been reported, although not comprehensively. Additionally, following ingestion, flavonoids are decomposed into phenolic acids that are more easily absorbed by the body after being processed by enzymes produced by intestinal microorganisms, which increases flavonoid bioavailability and activity, consequently affecting the onset of cardiovascular disease. However, flavonoids can also inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, promote the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms, and maintain the balance of gut microbiota. Hence, it is important to study the relationship between gut microbiota and flavonoids to elucidate the protective effects of flavonoids in cardiovascular diseases. This article will review the role and mechanism of gut microbiota and its metabolites in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and hypertension. It also discusses the potential value of flavonoids in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease following their transformation through gut microbiota metabolism.

Evolving Interplay Between Dietary Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota-An Emerging Importance in Healthcare

Polyphenols are natural plant compounds and are the most abundant antioxidants in the human diet. As the gastrointestinal tract is the primary organ provided to diet sections, the diet may be regarded as one of the essential factors in the functionality, integrity, and composition of intestinal microbiota. In the gastrointestinal tract, many polyphenols remain unabsorbed and may accumulate in the large intestine, where the intestinal microbiota are most widely metabolized. When assuming primary roles for promoting host well-being, this intestinal health environment is presented to the effect of external influences, including dietary patterns. A few different methodologies have been developed to increase solvency and transport across the gastrointestinal tract and move it to targeted intestinal regions to resolve dietary polyphenols at the low bioavailability. Polyphenols form a fascinating community among the different nutritional substances, as some of them have been found to have critical biological activities that include antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anticarcinogenic activities. Besides, it affects metabolism and immunity of the intestines and has anti-inflammatory properties. The well-being status of subjects can also benefit from the development of bioactive polyphenol-determined metabolites, although the mechanisms have not been identified. Even though the incredible variety of health-advancing activities of dietary polyphenols has been widely studied, their effect on intestinal biology adaptation, and two-way relationship between polyphenols and microbiota is still poorly understood. We focused on results of polyphenols in diet with biological activities, gut ecology, and the influence of their proportional links on human well-being and disease in this study.

The Enzymatic Digestion of Pomaces From Some Fruits for Value-Added Feed Applications in Animal Production

With the noticed steady increase of global demand for animal proteins coupled with the current farming practices falling short in fulfilling the requested quantities, more attention is being paid for means and methods intended to maximize every available agricultural-resource in a highly sustainable fashion to address the above growing gap between production and consumers' demand. Within this regard, considerable efforts are being invested either in identifying new animal feed ingredients or maximizing the utilization of already established ones. The public preference and awareness of the importance of using waste products generated by fruit-dependent industries (juice, jams, spirits, etc.) has improved substantially in recent years where a genuine interest of using the above waste(s) in meaningful applications is solidifying and optimization-efforts are being pursued diligently. While many of the earlier reported usages of fruit pomaces as feedstuffs suggested the possibility of using minimally processed raw materials alone, the availability of exogenous digestive and bio-conversion enzymes is promising to take such applications to new un-matched levels. This review will discuss some efforts and practices using exogenous enzymes to enhance fruit pomaces quality as feed components as well as their nutrients' accessibility for poultry and swine production purposes. The review will also highlight efforts deployed to adopt numerous naturally derived and environmentally friendly catalytic agents for sustainable future feed applications and animal farming-practices.

Diet-Derived Antioxidants and Their Role in Inflammation, Obesity and Gut Microbiota Modulation

It is generally accepted that gut microbiota, inflammation and obesity are linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic/non-communicable pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and ageing-related disorders. In this scenario, oxidative stress plays a pivotal role. Evidence suggests that the global dietary patterns may represent a tool in counteracting oxidative stress, thus preventing the onset of diseases related to oxidative stress. More specifically, dietary patterns based on the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (i.e., Mediterranean diet) have been licensed by various national nutritional guidelines in many countries for their health-promoting effects. Such patterns, indeed, result in being rich in specific components, such as fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, whose beneficial effects on human health have been widely reported. This suggests a potential nutraceutical power of specific dietary components. In this manuscript, we summarize the most relevant evidence reporting the impact of dietary antioxidants on gut microbiota composition, inflammation and obesity, and we underline that antioxidants are implicated in a complex interplay between gut microbiota, inflammation and obesity, thus suggesting their possible role in the development and modulation of chronic diseases related to oxidative stress and in the maintenance of wellness. Do all roads lead to Rome?

Recognizing the Benefits of Pre-/Probiotics in Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Considering the Influence of Akkermansia muciniphila as a Key Gut Bacterium

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are diseases that can be influenced by the structure of gut microbiota, whose improvement is often neglected in metabolic pathology. This review highlights the following main aspects: the relationship between probiotics/gut microbes with the pathogenesis of MetS, the particular positive roles of Akkermansia muciniphila supplementation in the onset of MetS, and the interaction between dietary polyphenols (prebiotics) with gut microbiota. Therefore, an extensive and in-depth analysis of the often-neglected correlation between gut microbiota and chronic metabolic diseases was conducted, considering that this topic continues to fascinate and stimulate researchers through the discovery of novel strains and their beneficial properties.

Enterolignan Production in a Flaxseed Intervention Study in Postmenopausal US Women of African Ancestry and European Ancestry

Lignans are phytochemicals studied extensively as dietary factors in chronic disease etiology. Our goal was to examine associations between the gut microbiota and lignan metabolism and whether these associations differ by ethnicity. We conducted a flaxseed (FS) dietary intervention in 252 healthy, postmenopausal women of African ancestry (AA) and European ancestry (EA). Participants consumed ~10 g/d ground flaxseed for 6 weeks and provided overnight urine collections and fecal samples before and after intervention. The gut microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and differences in microbial community composition compared by ethnicity and intervention status. We observed a significant difference in the composition of the microbiota measured as beta diversity (p < 0.05) between AA and EA at baseline that was attenuated with FS consumption. Genera that were significantly associated with ENL production (e.g., Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Slackia, Senegalimassilia) were unique to each group. Bacteria (e.g., Fusobacteria, Pyramidobacter and Odoribacter) previously associated with colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease, both diet-related chronic diseases, were unique to either AA or EA and were significantly reduced in the FS intervention. This study suggests that ethnic variation in ENL metabolism may be linked to gut microbiota composition, and its impact on disease risk deserves future investigation.

Functional analysis of isoflavones using patient-derived human colonic organoids

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises two major subtypes, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease, which are multifactorial diseases that may develop due to genetic susceptibility, dysbiosis, or environmental factors. Environmental triggers of IBD include food-borne factors, and a previous nationwide survey in Japan identified pre-illness consumption of isoflavones as a risk factor for UC. However, the precise mechanisms involved in the detrimental effects of isoflavones on the intestinal mucosa remain unclear. The present study employed human colonic organoids (hCOs) to investigate the functional effect of two representative isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, on human colonic epithelial cells. The addition of genistein to organoid reformation assays significantly decreased the number and size of reformed hCOs compared with control and daidzein treatment, indicating an inhibitory effect of genistein on colonic cell/progenitor cell function. Evaluation of the phosphorylation status of 49 different receptor tyrosine kinases showed that genistein selectively inhibited phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR). We established a two-dimensional wound-repair model using hCOs and showed that genistein significantly delayed the overall wound-repair response. Our results collectively show that genistein may exert its detrimental effects on the intestinal mucosa via negative regulation of stem/progenitor cell function, possibly leading to sustained mucosal injury and the development of UC.

Functionality of Food Components and Emerging Technologies

This review article introduces nutrition and functional food ingredients, explaining the widely cited terms of bioactivity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability. The factors affecting these critical properties of food components are analyzed together with their interaction and preservation during processing. Ultimately, the effect of emerging (non-thermal) technologies on different food components (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, glucosinolates, polyphenols, aroma compounds, and enzymes) is discussed in spite of preserving their functional properties. Non-thermal technologies can maintain the bioavailability of food components, improve their functional and technological properties, and increase the recovery yields from agricultural products. However, the optimization of operational parameters is vital to avoid degradation of macromolecules and the oxidation of labile compounds.

Exercise and/or Genistein Treatment Impact Gut Microbiota and Inflammation after 12 Weeks on a High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet in C57BL/6 Mice

Genistein (Gen) and exercise (Exe) have been postulated as potential strategies to ameliorate obesity, inflammation, and gut microbiota (GM) with promising results. However, the impact of the combination of both Exe and Gen is yet to be investigated. We aimed to analyze the impacts of Exe, Gen, and their combined effects on GM and inflammation in mice after a 12-week high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFD). Eighty-three C57BL/6 mice were randomized to control, HFD, HFD + Exe, HFD + Gen, or HFD + Exe + Gen. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was analyzed with Illumina MiSeq. Serum samples were used to analyze interleukin (Il)-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha). The HFD + Exe and HFD + Exe + Gen treatments resulted in significantly greater microbial richness compared to HFD. All the treatments had a significantly different impact on the GM community structure. Ruminococcus was significantly more abundant after the HFD + Exe + Gen treatment when compared to all the other HFD groups. Exe + Gen resulted in serum Il-6 concentrations similar to that of controls. TNF-alpha concentrations did not differ by treatment. Overall, Exe had a positive impact on microbial richness, and Ruminococcus might be the driving bacteria for the GM structure differences. Exe + Gen may be an effective treatment for preventing HFD-induced inflammation.

Involvement of Gut Microbiota, Microbial Metabolites and Interaction with Polyphenol in Host Immunometabolism

Immunological and metabolic processes are inextricably linked and important for maintaining tissue and organismal health. Manipulation of cellular metabolism could be beneficial to immunity and prevent metabolic and degenerative diseases including obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Maintenance of a normal metabolism depends on symbiotic consortium of gut microbes. Gut microbiota contributes to certain xenobiotic metabolisms and bioactive metabolites production. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites have been shown to be involved in inflammatory activation of macrophages and contribute to metabolic diseases. Recent studies have focused on how nutrients affect immunometabolism. Polyphenols, the secondary metabolites of plants, are presented in many foods and beverages. Several studies have demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols. Many clinical trials and epidemiological studies have also shown that long-term consumption of polyphenol-rich diet protects against chronic metabolic diseases. It is known that polyphenols can modulate the composition of core gut microbiota and interact with the immunometabolism. In the present article, we review the mechanisms of gut microbiota and its metabolites on immunometabolism, summarize recent findings on how the interaction between microbiota and polyphenol modulates host immunometabolism, and discuss future research directions.

Soy food intake associates with changes in the metabolome and reduced blood pressure in a gut microbiota dependent manner

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Consumption of soy foods has been associated with protection against cardiometabolic disease, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. We hypothesized that habitual soy food consumption associates with gut microbiome composition, metabolite production, and the interaction between diet, microbiota and metabolites.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed dietary soy intake, plasma and stool metabolites, and gut microbiome data from two independent cross-sectional samples of healthy US individuals (N = 75 lean or overweight, and N = 29 obese). Habitual soy intake associated with several circulating metabolites. There was a significant interaction between soy intake and gut microbiome composition, as defined by gut enterotype, on metabolites in plasma and stool. Soy consumption associated with reduced systolic blood pressure, but only in a subset of individuals defined by their gut microbiome enterotype, suggesting that responsiveness to soy may be dependent on microbiome composition. Soy intake was associated with differences in specific microbial taxa, including two taxa mapping to genus Dialister and Prevotella which appeared to be suppressed by high soy intake We identified context-dependent effects of these taxa, where presence of Prevotella was associated with higher blood pressure and a worse cardiometabolic profile, but only in the absence of Dialister.

CONCLUSIONS

The gut microbiome is an important intermediate in the interplay between dietary soy intake and systemic metabolism. Consumption of soy foods may shape the microbiome by suppressing specific taxa, and may protect against hypertension only in individuals with soy-responsive microbiota.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY

NCT02010359 at clinicaltrials.gov.

The Impact of Dietary Supplementation of Whole Foods and Polyphenols on Atherosclerosis

The purpose of this review is to highlight current research on the benefits of supplementation with foods with a diverse polyphenol composition, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, oils, spices, and teas in blunting atherosclerosis. We searched PubMed for publications utilizing whole food or polyphenols prepared from whole foods in Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) or Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) knockout mice, and identified 73 studies in which plaque was measured. The majority of the studies reported a reduction in plaque. Nine interventions showed no effect, while three using Agaricus blazei mushroom, HYJA-ri-4 rice variety, and safrole-2', 3'-oxide (SFO) increased plaque. The mechanisms by which atherosclerosis was reduced include improved lipid profile, antioxidant status, and cholesterol clearance, and reduced inflammation. Importantly, not all dietary interventions that reduce plaque showed an improvement in lipid profile. Additionally, we found that, out of 73 studies, only 9 used female mice and only 6 compared both sexes. Only one study compared the two models (LDLR vs. ApoE), showing that the treatment worked in one but not the other. Not all supplementations work in both male and female animals, suggesting that increasing the variety of foods with different polyphenol compositions may be more effective in mitigating atherosclerosis.

Gut Microbiota and Liver Injury (I)-Acute Liver Injury

Over the last few decades, intestinal microbial communities have been considered to play a vital role in host liver health. Acute liver injury (ALI) is the manifestation of sudden hepatic injury and arises from a variety of causes. The studies of dysbiosis in gut microbiota provide new insight into the pathogenesis of ALI. However, the relationship of gut microbiota and ALI is not well understood, and the contribution of gut microbiota to ALI has not been well characterized. In this chapter, we integrate several major pathogenic factors in ALI with the role of gut microbiota to stress the significance of gut microbiota in prevention and treatment of ALI.

Colonization Potential to Reconstitute a Microbe Community in Pseudo Germ-Free Mice After Fecal Microbe Transplant From Equol Producer

Human intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in the conversion of isoflavones into equol. Usually, human microbiota-associated (HMA) animal models are used, since it is difficult to establish the mechanism and causal relationship between equol and microbiota in human studies. Currently, several groups have successfully established HMA animal models that produce equol through germ-free mice or rats; however, the HMA model of producing equol through pseudo germ-free mice has not been established. The objective of this study is to establish an HMA mice model for equol production through pseudo germ-free mice, mimicking the gut microbiota of an adult human equol producer. First, a higher female equol producer was screened as a donor from 15 volunteers. Then, mice were exposed to vancomycin, neomycin sulfate, metronidazole, and ampicillin for 3 weeks to obtain pseudo germ-free mice. Finally, pseudo germ-free mice were inoculated with fecal microbiota of the equol producer for 3 weeks to establish HMA mice of producing equol. The results showed that (i) the ability to produce equol was partially transferred from the donor to the HMA mice. (ii) Most of the original intestinal microbiota of mice were eliminated after broad-spectrum antibiotic administration. (iii) The taxonomy data from HMA mice revealed similar taxa to the donor sample, and the species richness returned to the level close to the donor. (iv) The family Coriobacteriaceae and genera Collinsella were successfully transferred from the donor to HMA mice. In conclusion, the HMA mice model for equol production, based on pseudo germ-free mice, can replace the model established by germ-free mice. The model also provides a basis for studying microbiota during the conversion from isoflavones into equol.

Impact of Short-Term Isoflavone Intervention in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Patients on Microbiota Composition and Metagenomics

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-20% of women of reproductive age worldwide and is associated with disorders of glucose metabolism. Hormone and metabolic signaling may be influenced by phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones. Their endocrine effects may modify symptom penetrance in PCOS. Equol is one of the most active isoflavone metabolites, produced by intestinal bacteria, and acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator.

METHOD

In this interventional study of clinical and biochemical characterization, urine isoflavone levels were measured in PCOS and control women before and three days after a defined isoflavone intervention via soy milk. In this interventional study, bacterial equol production was evaluated using the log(equol: daidzein ratio) and microbiome, metabolic, and predicted metagenome analyses were performed.

RESULTS

After isoflavone intervention, predicted stool metagenomic pathways, microbial alpha diversity, and glucose homeostasis in PCOS improved resembling the profile of the control group at baseline. In the whole cohort, larger equol production was associated with lower androgen as well as fertility markers.

CONCLUSION

The dynamics in our metabolic, microbiome, and predicted metagenomic profiles underline the importance of external phytohormones on PCOS characteristics and a potential therapeutic approach or prebiotic in the future.

Modulation of the human gut microbiota by phenolics and phenolic fiber-rich foods

The gut microbiota plays a prominent role in human health. Alterations in the gut microbiota are linked to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers. We know that diet plays an important role to initiate, shape, and modulate the gut microbiota. Long-term dietary patterns are shown to be closely related with the gut microbiota enterotypes, specifically long-term consumption of carbohydrates (related to Prevotella abundance) or a diet rich in protein and animal fats (correlated to Bacteroides). Short-term consumption of solely animal- or plant-based diets have rapid and reproducible modulatory effects on the human gut microbiota. These alterations in microbiota profile by dietary alterations can be due to impact of different dietary macronutrients, carbohydrates, protein, and fat, which have diverse modulatory effects on gut microbial composition. Food-derived phenolics, which encompass structural variants of flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, coumarins, stilbenes, ellagitannins, and lignans can modify the gut microbiota. Gut microbes have been shown to act on dietary fibers and phenolics to produce functional metabolites that contribute to gut health. Here, we discuss recent studies on the impacts of phenolics and phenolic fiber-rich foods on the human gut microbiota and provide an insight into potential synergistic roles between their bacterial metabolic products in the regulation of the intestinal microbiota.

Beneficial Effects of Dietary Polyphenols on High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Linking with Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Obesity is caused by an imbalance of energy intake and expenditure. It is characterized by a higher accumulation of body fat with a chronic low-grade inflammation. Many reports have shown that gut microbiota in the host plays a pivotal role in mediating the interaction between consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) and onset of obesity. Accumulative evidence has suggested that the changes in the composition of gut microbiota may affect the host's energy homeostasis, systemic inflammation, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. As one of the major components in human diet, polyphenols have demonstrated to be capable of modulating the composition of gut microbiota and reducing the HFD-induced obesity. The present review summarizes the findings of recent studies on dietary polyphenols regarding their metabolism and interaction with bacteria in the intestine as well as the underlying mechanisms by which they modulate the gut microbiota and alleviate the HFD-induced obesity.

Resveratrol and the Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Arterial Remodelling

Arterial remodelling refers to the alteration in the structure of blood vessel that contributes to the progression of hypertension and other cardiovascular complications. Arterial remodelling is orchestrated by the crosstalk between the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Vascular inflammation participates in arterial remodelling. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol that possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has beneficial effects in both the endothelium and VSMC. Resveratrol has been studied for the protective effects in arterial remodelling and gut microbiota, respectively. Gut microbiota plays a critical role in the immune system and inflammatory processes. Gut microbiota may also regulate vascular remodelling in cardiovascular complications via affecting endothelium function and VSMC proliferation. Currently, there is new evidence showing that gut microbiota regulate the proliferation of VSMC and the formation of neointimal hyperplasia in response to injury. The change in population of the gut microbiota, as well as their metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids) could critically contribute to VSMC proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration. Recent studies have provided strong evidence that correlate the effects of resveratrol in arterial remodelling and gut microbiota. This review aims to summarize recent findings on the resveratrol effects on cardiovascular complications focusing on arterial remodelling and discuss the possible interactions of resveratrol and the gut microbiota that modulate arterial remodelling.

Polyphenols: Modulators of Platelet Function and Platelet Microparticle Generation?

Platelets and platelet microparticles (PMPs) play a key role in the pathophysiology of vascular disorders such as coronary artery disease and stroke. In atherosclerosis, for example, the disruption of the plaque exposes endogenous agonists such as collagen, which activates platelets. Platelet hyper-activation and the high levels of PMPs generated in such situations pose a thrombotic risk that can lead to strokes or myocardial infarctions. Interestingly, dietary polyphenols are gaining much attention due to their potential to mimic the antiplatelet activity of treatment drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel that target the glycoprotein VI (GPVI)-collagen and cyclooxygenease-1 (COX-1)-thromboxane platelet activation pathways respectively. Platelet function tests such as aggregometry and flow cytometry used to monitor the efficacy of antiplatelet drugs can also be used to assess the antiplatelet potential of dietary polyphenols. Despite the low bioavailability of polyphenols, several in vitro and dietary intervention studies have reported antiplatelet effects of polyphenols. This review presents a summary of platelet function in terms of aggregation, secretion, activation marker expression, and PMP release. Furthermore, the review will critically evaluate studies demonstrating the impact of polyphenols on aggregation and PMP release.

Dietary Polyphenols and Gene Expression in Molecular Pathways Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder with various contributing factors including genetics, epigenetics, environment and lifestyle such as diet. The hallmarks of T2DM are insulin deficiency (also referred to as β-cell dysfunction) and insulin resistance. Robust evidence suggests that the major mechanism driving impaired β-cell function and insulin signalling is through the action of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced stress. Chronic high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) and hyperlipidaemia appear to be the primary activators of these pathways. Reactive oxygen species can disrupt intracellular signalling pathways, thereby dysregulating the expression of genes associated with insulin secretion and signalling. Plant-based diets, containing phenolic compounds, have been shown to exhibit remedial benefits by ameliorating insulin secretion and insulin resistance. The literature also provides evidence that polyphenol-rich diets can modulate the expression of genes involved in insulin secretion, insulin signalling, and liver gluconeogenesis pathways. However, whether various polyphenols and phenolic compounds can target specific cellular signalling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM has not been elucidated. This review aims to evaluate the modulating effects of various polyphenols and phenolic compounds on genes involved in cellular signalling pathways (both in vitro and in vivo from human, animal and cell models) leading to the pathogenesis of T2DM.