Lactobacillus acidophilus NX2-6 Improved High-Fat Diet-Induced Glucose Metabolism Disorder Independent of Promotion of Insulin Secretion in Mice

Highland Barley Improves DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in C57BL/6J Mice

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) increases with unhealthy eating habits. Both surgery and medication have the potential to treat the condition, but they may also have more negative effects. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of 20% and 40% doses of different highland barley (HB) components (whole grain, peeled, and bran) in a 2% dextran sulfate sodium induced UC mouse model. The results showed that supplementation with a 20% dose of peeled HB restored body weight, disease activity index, colon length, serum interleukin-1β and interleukin-10 levels, liver glutathione peroxidase content, and superoxide dismutase activity to normal levels in mice compared to UC mice. Moreover, the damage caused by UC to the mice's colon was significantly reduced, and the relative expression levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were all significantly downregulated. Additionally, it increased the abundance of Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, improving the balance of gut microbiota.

Microbiota-Based Intervention Alleviates High-Fat Diet Consequences Through Host-Microbe Environment Remodeling

A high-fat diet leads to metabolic disturbances, which are important factors in the development of obesity. Gut microbial composition and diversity are altered by a high-fat diet. In general, a high-fat diet resulted in increased Firmicutes abundance and decreased alpha diversity. Bile acids (BAs) are involved in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine and are also the metabolic substrates of microorganisms with bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. High-fat diets (HFDs) have been shown to alter gut microbiota composition and BA profiles in murine models. Similarly, probiotic supplementation reverses HFD-induced adverse effects. This review focuses on the energy composition characteristics of a high-fat diet and its effects on body weight, plasma lipid-related biochemical markers, changes in gut microbiome characteristics, and the important role of BAs. The regular mechanism by which a high-fat diet affects the intestinal microenvironment was attempted to be found.

Ameliorative effects of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. seed oil on hyperlipidemia rats associated with the regulation of gut microbiology and metabolomics

The mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) remain poorly unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. (T. kirilowii) seed oil rich in conjugated linolenic acid in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats, by the gut microbiome, cecum bile acids (BAs), and serum metabolomics. The results showed that T. kirilowii seed oil improved dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses in HFD-induced rats. Meanwhile, T. kirilowii seed oil inhibited sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) mediated fatty acid synthesis and upregulated cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1) mediated hepatic cholesterol metabolism to exert hypolipidemic effects. The administration of high dose T. kirilowii seed oil (THD) improved gut microbiota dysbiosis, increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria Romboutsia and unidentified_Oscillospiraceae, and decreased the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7 group, Phascolarctobacterium, and Bacteroides in HFD-induced rats. T. kirilowii seed oil reduced the accumulation of cecum primary BAs in HFD-induced rats. In addition, THD reversed the HFD-induced changes in 24 serum metabolites including leucine, isoleucine, acetylcarnitine, and glucose. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites revealed that valine, leucine and isoleucine metabolism, butanoate metabolism, citrate cycle, and glycolysis were potential metabolic pathways involved in the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of T. kirilowii seed oil. In conclusion, this study found that dietary T. kirilowii seed oil alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis and improved metabolic disorders in hyperlipidemic rats. This provides new insights into the anti-hyperlipidemic mechanism by which other families of PUFAs are derived from different plants.

Impact of Lactobacillaceae supplementation on the multi-organ axis during MASLD

The gut-liver axis plays a pivotal role in maintaining body homeostasis. Disruption of the gut-liver axis is linked to a multitude of diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Probiotic strains from the Lactobacillaceae family are commonly used to mitigate experimental MASLD. Over the years, numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these probiotics, often focusing on the outcome of liver disease. This review aims to further understand MASLD as a systemic metabolic dysfunction and to highlight the effects of probiotics on multi-organ axis, including organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, muscle, adipose tissue, and the immune system. We specifically discuss evidence on how supplementation with Lactobacillaceae strains may alleviate MASLD by not only restoring liver health but also by modulating the physiology of other organ systems.

Research advances in the therapy of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome refers to the pathological state of metabolic disorder of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and other substances in the human body. It is a syndrome composed of a group of complex metabolic disorders, whose pathogenesis includes multiple genetic and acquired entities falling under the category of insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammationand. It is a risk factor for increased prevalence and mortality from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases are the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, thus it is imperative to investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome on alleviating this substantial disease burden. Despite the increasing number of scientists dedicating themselves to researching metabolic syndrome in recent decades, numerous aspects of this condition remain incompletely understood, leaving many questions unanswered. In this review, we present an epidemiological analysis of MetS, explore both traditional and novel pathogenesis, examine the pathophysiological repercussions of metabolic syndrome, summarize research advances, and elucidate the mechanisms underlying corresponding treatment approaches.

Investigation of the hypoglycemic mechanism of the ShenQi compound formula through metabonomics and 16S rRNA sequencing

Introduction: Herbal formulations are renowned for their complex biological activities, acting on multiple targets and pathways, as evidenced by in vitro studies. However, the hypoglycemic effect and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Compound (SQ), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, remain elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the hypoglycemic effects of SQ and explore its mechanisms of action, focusing on intestinal flora and metabolomics. Methods: A Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model was established through a high-fat diet, followed by variable glucose and insulin injections to mimic the fluctuating glycemic conditions seen in diabetes. Results: An eight-week regimen of SQ significantly mitigated hyperglycemia, inflammation, and insulin resistance in these rats. Notably, SQ beneficially modulated the gut microbiota by increasing populations of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Akkermansia, while reducing and inhibiting harmful strains such as Ruminococcus and Phascolarctobacterium. Metabolomics analyses revealed that SQ intervention corrected disturbances in Testosterone enanthate and Glycerophospholipid metabolism. Discussion: Our findings highlight the hypoglycemic potential of SQ and its mechanisms via modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolic pathways, offering a theoretical foundation for the use of herbal medicine in diabetes management.

Prevention of high-fat-diet-induced obesity in mice by soluble dietary fiber from fermented and unfermented millet bran

Obesity-related diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension pose many risks to human health. Thus, mice on a high-fat diet were gavaged with millet bran (unfermented/fermented) soluble dietary fiber (RSDF/FSDF, 500 mg·kg-1) for 10 weeks in current research, and then evaluated the various biological indicators. These findings revealed that RSDF and FSDF supplements could prevent fat synthesis by inhibiting sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c gene expression. The RSDF supplements can also accelerate fat catabolism through enhanced the mRNA expression levels of adipose triglyceride lipase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. FSDF supplements can prevent obesity by decreasing 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase expression and increasing cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase expression. Moreover, FSDF also controls obesity development by lowering total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and bile acid levels in the liver. Notably, FSDF supplements can promote Bacteroides and Prevotella propagation; excretive propionic acid binds to free fatty acid receptor 2/3 and then stimulates intestinal epithelial cells to generate glucagon-like-peptide-1 and peptide YY, which can reduce food and energy intake and ultimately prevent obesity. All evidence suggests that FSDF supplements play a crucial role in preventing obesity.

Lactobacillus acidophilus-Fermented Jujube Juice Ameliorates Chronic Liver Injury in Mice via Inhibiting Apoptosis and Improving the Intestinal Microecology

SCOPE

Chronic liver diseases are clinically silent and responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Jujube has displayed various biological activities. Here, the therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus)-fermented jujube juice (FJJ) and the possible mechanism against chronic liver injury (CLI) in mice are further studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After the CCl4 -induced CLI mice are separately treated with L. acidophilus (LA), unfermented jujube juice (UFJJ), and FJJ, FJJ but not LA or UFJJ suppresses the liver index. By using H&E staining, immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR, and western blotting, it is shown that LA, UFJJ, and FJJ intervention ameliorate hepatocyte necrosis, inhibit the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory (NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and fibrosis-associated factors (TGF-β1, LXRα, and MMP2). Also, FJJ displays significant protection against mucosal barrier damage in CLI mice. Among the three interventions, FJJ exhibits the best therapeutic effect, followed by UFJJ and LA. Furthermore, FJJ improves dysbiosis in CLI mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that FJJ exhibits a protective effect against CCl4 -induced CLI mice by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress, regulating liver lipid metabolism, and improving gut microecology. Jujube juice fermentation with L. acidophilus can be a food-grade supplement in treating CLI and related liver diseases.

Berberine is a potential alternative for metformin with good regulatory effect on lipids in treating metabolic diseases

Metformin (MTF) and berberine (BBR) share several therapeutic benefits in treating metabolic-related disorders. However, as the two agents have very different chemical structure and bioavailability in oral route, the goal of this study is to learn their characteristics in treating metabolic disorders. The therapeutic efficacy of BBR and MTF was systemically investigated in the high fat diet feeding hamsters and/or ApoE^(-/-) mice; in parallel, gut microbiota related mechanisms were studied for both agents. We discovered that, although both two drugs had almost identical effects on reducing fatty liver, inflammation and atherosclerosis, BBR appeared to be superior over MTF in alleviating hyperlipidemia and obesity, but MTF was more effective than BBR for the control of blood glucose. Association analysis revealed that the modulation of intestinal microenvironment played a crucial role in the pharmacodynamics of both drugs, in which their respective superiority on the regulation of gut microbiota composition and intestinal bile acids might contribute to their own merits on lowering glucose or lipids. This study shows that BBR may be a good alternative for MTF in treating diabetic patients, especially for those complicated with dyslipidemia and obesity.

Current progress in the hypoglycemic mechanisms of natural polysaccharides

Unhealthy dietary pattern-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus poses a great threat to human health all over the world. Accumulating evidence has revealed that the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus is closely associated with the dysregulation of glucose metabolism and energy metabolism, serious oxidative stress, prolonged endoplasmic reticulum stress, metabolic inflammation and intestinal microbial dysbiosis. Most important of all, insulin resistance and insulin deficiency are two key factors inducing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nowadays, natural polysaccharides have gained increasing attention owing to their numerous health-promoting functions, such as hypoglycemic, energy-regulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and prebiotic activities. Therefore, natural polysaccharides have been used to alleviate diet-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus. Specifically, this review comprehensively summarizes the underlying hypoglycemic mechanisms of natural polysaccharides and provides a theoretical basis for the development of functional foods. For the first time, this review elucidates hypoglycemic mechanisms of natural polysaccharides from the perspectives of their regulatory effects on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Probiotic Yogurt Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Lipid Accumulation and Insulin Resistance in Mice via the Adiponectin Pathway

A high-fat diet (HFD) easily contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance. Obesity and insulin resistance have been clinical and public health challenges all over the world. Probiotic-fermented yogurt is one type of popular and functional beverage in people's daily lives. This study mainly explored the lipid- and glucose-lowering effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NX2-6-fermented yogurt (LA-Y) in HFD-fed mice. The results showed that LA-Y administration improved the lipid profile in the serum and liver, reduced fasting blood glucose levels, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Protein analysis showed that LA-Y treatment promoted fatty acid oxidation and suppressed de novo lipogenesis in the adipose tissue and liver. LA-Y effectively alleviated glucose metabolism disorders by activating the insulin signaling pathway, suppressing gluconeogenesis in the liver and muscle, reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum, and promoting glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in the small intestine. LA-Y supplementation also promoted fat browning via the adiponectin/AMPKα/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver and muscle by activating the adiponectin/AdipoR1/APPL1/AMPKα/PGC-1α pathway, leading to increased energy expenditure. Therefore, LA-Y may be a functional dairy food for preventing and alleviating diet-induced metabolic disorders.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Fmb14 prevents purine induced hyperuricemia and alleviate renal fibrosis through gut-kidney axis

Hyperuricemia is a critical threat to human health, and conventional medical treatment only aims to treat acute gouty arthritis. Purine diet-mediated chronic hyperuricemia and related syndromes are neglected in clinical therapeutics. In this study, the prevention ability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Fmb14, screened from Chinese yogurt, was evaluated in chronic purine-induced hyperuricemia (CPH) mice. After 12 weeks of Fmb14 administration, serum uric acid (SUA) in CPH mice decreased by 36.8 %, from 179.1 to 113.2 µmol/L, and the mortality rate decreased from 30 % to 10 %. The prevention role of Fmb14 in CPH was further investigated, and the reduction of uric acid by Fmb14 was attributed to the reduction of XOD (xanthine oxidase) in the liver and URAT1 in the kidney, as well the promotion of ABCG2 in the colon. Fmb14 administration Increased ZO-1 and Occludin expression in the colon and decreased fibrosis degree in the kidney indicated that Fmb14 administration had preventive effects through the gut-kidney axis in CPH. In specific, Fmb14 administration upregulated the diversity of gut microbiota, increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) by 35 % in colon materials and alleviated the inflammatory response by reducing biomarkers levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α at 11.6 %, 21.7 % and 26.5 % in serum, compared to CPH group, respectively. Additionally, 16 S rRNA sequencing showed 31.5 % upregulation of Prevotella, 20.5 % and 21.6 % downregulation of Ruminococcus and Suterella at the genus level, which may be a new gut microbial marker in hyperuricemia. In conclusion, Fmb14 ameliorated CPH through the gut-kidney axis, suggesting a new strategy to prevent hyperuricemia.

Effects of the Probiotic, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, as a Substitute for Antibiotics on the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota and Metabolomics Profile of Female Growing-Finishing Pigs

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LDB) is an approved feed additive on the Chinese ‘Approved Feed Additives’ list. However, the possibility of LDB as an antibiotic replacement remains unclear. Particularly, the effect of LDB on microbiota and metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) requires further explanation. This study aimed to identify the microbiota and metabolites present in fecal samples and investigate the relationship between the microbiota and metabolites to evaluate the potential of LDB as an antibiotic replacement in pig production. A total of 42 female growing-finishing pigs were randomly allocated into the antibiotic group (basal diet + 75 mg/kg aureomycin) and LDB (basal diet + 3.0 × 109 cfu/kg LDB) groups. Fecal samples were collected on days 0 and 30. Growth performance was recorded and assessed. 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based non-targeted metabolomics approaches were used to analyze the differences in microbiota and metabolites. Associations between the differences were calculated using Spearman correlations with the Benjamini−Hochberg adjustment. The LDB diet had no adverse effect on feed efficiency but slightly enhanced the average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake (p > 0.05). The diet supplemented with LDB increased Lactobacillus abundance and decreased that of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group spp. Dietary-supplemented LDB enhanced the concentrations of pyridoxine, tyramine, D-(+)-pyroglutamic acid, hypoxanthine, putrescine and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid and decreased the lithocholic acid concentration. The Lactobacillus networks (Lactobacillus, Peptococcus, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-004, Escherichia-Shigella, acetophenone, tyramine, putrescine, N-methylisopelletierine, N1-acetylspermine) and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group networks (Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Treponema_2, monolaurin, penciclovir, N-(5-acetamidopentyl)acetamide, glycerol 3-phosphate) were the most important in the LDB effect on pig GIT health in our study. These findings indicate that LDB may regulate GIT function through the Lactobacillus and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group networks. However, our results were restrained to fecal samples of female growing-finishing pigs; gender, growth stages, breeds and other factors should be considered to comprehensively assess LDB as an antibiotic replacement in pig production.