Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray Ameliorated High-Fructose Diet-Induced Neuroinflammation through the Promotion of the Integrity of the Intestinal Barrier and the Proliferation of Lactobacillus

Lycium ruthenicum Murray exosome-like nanovesicles alleviated Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms induced by Aβ protein in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans through the DAF-16 pathway

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is predominantly characterized by cholinergic dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, oxidative stress, and inflammation, primarily driven by amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides. This study investigates the protective effects of Lycium ruthenicum Murray-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (LELN) in AD models using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Findings showed that C. elegans effectively internalized LELN, which remained stable in vivo. Compared with untreated controls, treatment with 600 μg/mL LELN significantly extended the lifespan of CL4176 [myo-3p::Aβ1-42] and CL2006 [unc-54/Aβ1-42] worms by 34.78 % and 34.85 %, respectively, and delayed Aβ-induced paralysis by 52.42 % and 42.72 %, respectively. Furthermore, LELN increased the chemotaxis index of CL2355 [snb-1::Aβ1-42] worms from 11.11 % to 55.56 %. Mechanistically, LELN reduced the levels of Aβ oligomers and monomers via the DAF-16 pathway, consequently alleviating AD-like symptoms in transgenic C. elegans. The effects of LELN include inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity to mitigate cholinergic dysfunction, restoring mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate production to ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Collectively, these results highlight the protective role of LELN against Aβ-induced AD pathology and underscore their potential as a therapeutic candidate for AD treatment.

Isolation and Immunomodulatory Activity of Cyanidin-3-O-(3,6-O-dimalonyl-β-D-glucoside) from the Black Corncob (Zea mays L.) and its Effect on Gut Microbiota in Elderly Feces under Anaerobic Conditions in vitro

Black corn (Zea mays L.), native to Latin America, has been cultivated for millennia and holds significant cultural and culinary importance. While anthocyanins are well-characterized flavonoids in black corn, acylated derivatives remain insufficiently explored. Here, this study isolated a cyanidin derivative with two malonyl groups from black corncobs, identified as cyanidin-3-O-(3,6-O-dimalonyl-b-D-glucoside) (C3GdM) by mass spectrometry. The effects of C3GdM on the gut microbiota of the elderly and its immunomodulatory activity were examined in vitro. The findings revealed that C3GdM markedly improved gut microbiota composition, promoting beneficial bacteria growth such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while suppressing harmful bacteria like Escherichia/Shigella. Correspondingly, C3GdM elevated the levels of short-chain fatty acids in the feces of the elderly. Additionally, C3GdM upregulated genes associated with anti-inflammatory responses and antioxidant capacity in the elderly gut microbiota. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, C3GdM reduced nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6, along with their mRNA expression. Thus, C3GdM is a promising candidate for remodeling gut microbiota in the aging population.

Natural products: Harnessing the power of gut microbiota for neurological health

BACKGROUND

Neurological diseases are the primary cause of disability and death and impose substantial financial burdens. However, existing treatments only relieve symptoms and may cause many adverse effects. Natural products are a promising source of neurological therapeutic agents due to their excellent neuroprotective effect and safety. The gut microbiota has an essential impact on maintaining brain homeostasis via the gut-brain axis. Multiple investigations show that natural products offer neuroprotective effects by regulating gut microbiota-driven signaling networks.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to provide a systematic review of how natural products promote neurological health by harnessing the power of gut microbiota.

METHODS

The pre-January 1, 2024 literature was gathered from several databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, utilizing appropriate keywords. The gathered publications underwent a review process and were classified based on their study content, specifically focusing on the impact of natural products on gut microbiota and neurological health.

RESULTS

Here, we review how natural products promote neurological health by regulating the gut microbiota-brain axis. Specifically, we focus on the following areas. (1) Altering microorganism community structure, including increasing α-diversity and altering β-diversity. (2) Regulating the population of certain bacteria, including enriching beneficial microorganisms Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium, and inhibiting potentially hazardous microorganisms Bilophila, Klebsiella, and Helicobacter. (3) Regulating microbial neuroactive metabolites levels, including short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan and its derivatives, trimethylamine N-oxide, dopa/dopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, we review how natural products promote neurological health by regulating intestinal barrier homeostasis.

CONCLUSION

Natural products promote neurological health by harnessing the power of gut microbiota. This review will contribute to understanding how natural products promote neurological health by orchestrating the gut microbiota-brain axis.

Natural pigments in the food industry: Enhancing stability, nutritional benefits, and gut microbiome health

Natural pigments are increasingly favored in the food industry for their vibrant colors, fewer side effects and potential health benefits compared to synthetic pigments. However, their application in food industry is hindered by their instability under harsh environmental conditions. This review evaluates current strategies aimed at enhancing the stability and bioactivity of natural pigments. Advanced physicochemical methods have shown promise in enhancing the stability of natural pigments, enabling their incorporation into food products to enhance sensory attributes, texture, and bioactive properties. Moreover, recent studies demonstrated that most natural pigments offer health benefits. Importantly, they have been found to positively influence gut microbiota, in particular their regulation of the beneficial and harmful flora of the gut microbiome, the reduction of ecological dysbiosis through changes in the composition of the gut microbiome, and the alleviation of systemic inflammation caused by a high-fat diet in mice, suggesting a beneficial role in dietary interventions.

Aqueous Extract of Lycium ruthenicum Murray Attenuates Neuroinflammation in C57BL/6J Mice Induced by High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet Through Regulating Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism

The aqueous extract of Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRE) could attenuate neuroinflammation in mice induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD). Moreover, LRE could adjust bile acid (BA) metabolism and the gut microbiota. Behavioral tests revealed that LRE prevented HFFD-induced cognitive deficits. The treatment of LRE resulted in a decreased expression of inflammation-related mRNA of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, LRE ameliorated gut microbiota disorder caused by HFFD by markedly elevating the relative abundances of Streptococcus and probiotics such as Lactococcus. Concurrently, it reduced the relative abundances of Helicobacter and Clostridium_XIVa. The levels of tauroursodeoxycholic acid, known for its neuroprotective property, and taurocholic acid, recognized as an anti-inflammatory agent, were significantly enhanced in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex due to the treatment with LRE. In a word, LRE might have the potential to alleviate HFFD-induced cognitive dysfunction by modulating intestinal microbiota and promoting the synthesis of neuroprotective BAs.

A review of Lycium ruthenicum Murray: Geographic distribution tracing, bioactive components, and functional properties

Lycium ruthenicum (LRM), endemic to Northwest China, is known as hei goji or black goji and is renowned for its rich bioactive compounds. This review analyzes LRM's geographic distribution and traceability and highlights challenges and future developments in geographical traceability. The work also focuses on LRM's bioactive constituents, especially on anthocyanins and polysaccharides, demonstrating a clear clue for understanding their updated extraction methods, identification, and diverse bioactive activities, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and immunomodulation, which is beneficial to developing novel functional foods and new medical materials. Moreover, the paper elucidates advances in the potential application of LRM in food preservation, packaging, and other domains. Notably, we figure out gaps in LRM research, such as traceability technology and the proven efficacy of biological activities. This study provides a foundation for future perspectives on developing nutraceuticals and functional foods, disease treatment supplements, and green food packaging materials by bridging these gaps.

Response Surface Methodology Optimization of Exosome-like Nanovesicles Extraction from Lycium ruthenicum Murray and Their Inhibitory Effects on Aβ-Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in HT22 Cells

Exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) derived from plants are nanoscale vesicles isolated from edible plant sources. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM) has garnered growing attention for its dietary value and therapeutic benefits. In this study, a PEG6000-based method was developed to isolate LRM-ELNs. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction conditions to obtain the optimal extraction efficiency. When PEG6000 concentration was at 11.93%, relative centrifugal force was 9720 g, and incubation time was 21.12 h, the maximum LRM-ELN yield was 4.24 g/kg. This optimization process yielded LRM-ELNs with a particle size of 114.1 nm and a surface charge of -6.36 mV. Additionally, LRM-ELNs mitigated Aβ-induced apoptosis in HT22 cells by enhancing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lowering the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and reducing Cleaved Caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, LRM-ELNs alleviated Aβ-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells by promoting the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and upregulating the expression of HO-1 and NQO1. These findings indicate that LRM-ELNs exert protective effects against Aβ-induced damage in HT22 cells and may be considered as a potential dietary supplement for Alzheimer's disease prevention.

Lycium ruthenicum Murray derived exosome-like nanovesicles inhibit Aβ-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways

Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNs) are nano-sized vesicles extracted from edible plants. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM) has been gaining increasing attention due to its nutritional and medicinal value, but the ELNs in LRM has not been reported. In this study, LRM-ELNs were obtained, and the proteins, lipids, microRNAs (miRNAs) and active components in LRM tissues and LRM-ELNs was analyzed by LC-MS/MS, LC-MS, high-throughput sequencing techniques, and physical and chemical analysis. LRM-ELNs can be uptaken by PC12 cells through macropinocytosis and caveolin-mediated endocytosis primarily. Transcriptomic and western blot experiments indicate that LRM-ELNs can inhibit Aβ-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells through the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, with miRNAs playing a crucial role. These results indicate that LRM-ELNs have the protection effect on PC12 cells and can be considered as dietary supplements for alleviating neurodegenerative diseases.

Improvement of intestinal microbial structure in patients with cerebral infarction through in vitro fermentation of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray

Anthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum Murray can be degraded into metabolites by intestinal microorganisms and have a wide range of biological functions. However, there are limited studies on the effect of anthocyanins on the intestinal flora structure in patients with cerebral infarction. To explore the new probiotic effects of ACN, the gut microbiota present in fecal samples obtained from healthy volunteers and patients with acute cerebral infarction underwent in vitro fermentation analysis. The in vitro fermentation product of ACN with L. ruthenicum Murray can significantly increase the diversity of the gut flora in patients with cerebral infarction. It can also promote beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium) in the guts of patients with acute cerebral infarction (e.g. Bifidobacterium, Allisonella, and Prevotell), reduce the growth of potentially harmful bacteria (Dialister, Megamonas, and Clostridium), and increase the levels of SCFAs. This investigation demonstrated the capability of ACN in vitro fermentation to improve the gut microbiota structure in patients with cerebral infarction. This, in turn, furnishes new theoretical underpinnings for its potential development as a functional food component.

Alleviation of fluoride-induced colitis by tea polysaccharides: Insights into the role of Limosilactobacillus vaginalis and butyric acid

Endemic fluorosis has gained increasing attention as a public health concern, and the escalating risk of colitis resulting from excessive fluoride intake calls for effective mitigation strategies. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the alleviation of fluoride-induced colitis by Tea polysaccharides (TPS). Under conditions of excessive fluoride intake, significant changes were observed in the gut microbiota of rats, leading to aggravated colitis. However, the intervention of TPS exerted a notable alleviating effect on colitis symptoms. Antibiotic intervention and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments provided evidence that TPS-mediated relief of fluoride-induced colitis is mediated through its effects on the gut microbiota. Furthermore, TPS supplementation was found to modulate the structure of gut microbiota, enhance the relative abundance of Limosilactobacillus vaginalis in the gut microbiota, and promote the expression of short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) receptors in colonic tissue. Notably, L. vaginalis played a significant role in alleviating fluoride-induced colitis and facilitating the absorption of butyric acid in the rat colon. Subsequent butyric acid intervention experiments confirmed its remarkable alleviating effect on fluoride-induced colitis. Overall, these findings provide a potential preventive strategy for fluoride-induced colitis by TPS intervention, which is mediated by L. vaginalis and butyric acid.

Armillariella tabescens-derived polysaccharides alleviated Ɒ-Gal-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive injury through enterocerebral axis and activation of keap-1/Nrf2 pathway

The early symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases include oxidative stress disorder and accelerated inflammation levels. Edible fungi polysaccharides play essential roles in anti-neuroinflammation. We analyzed the regulatory mechanisms of polysaccharides from extracellular Armillariella tabescens (ATEP) in alleviating neuroinflammation in mice. Mice were induced with d-galactose and aluminum chloride to establish an animal model of Alzheimer's disease, then intragastrically treated with ATEP, which had been previously analyzed for its physicochemical properties. We assessed the critical characteristics of mice treated for neuroinflammation, including cognitive behavior, the anti-inflammatory potential of ATEP in hippocampal pathology and critical protein expression, and changes in fecal microbial composition and metabolites. ATEP intervened in oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and suppressing the Keap-1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Changing the Nrf2 content in the nucleus led to changes in the downstream oxidation-related enzymes, HO-1, NQO-1, iNOS, and COX-2, and the neuronal morphology in CA3 region of the hippocampus. Microbiome analysis revealed that ATEP remodeled the gut microbiotas and regulated the short-chain fatty acids-producing bacteria. Early intervention with ATEP via active dietary supplementation may promote neuroprotection.

An overview on the cellular mechanisms of anthocyanins in maintaining intestinal integrity and function

Structural and functional changes of the intestinal barrier, as a consequence of a number of (epi)genetic and environmental causes, have a main role in penetrations of pathogens and toxic agents, and lead to the development of inflammation-related pathological conditions, not only at the level of the GI tract but also in other extra-digestive tissues and organs. Anthocyanins (ACNs), a subclass of polyphenols belonging to the flavonoid group, are well known for their health-promoting properties and are widely distributed in the human diet. There is large evidence about the correlation between the human intake of ACN-rich products and a reduction of intestinal inflammation and dysfunction. Our review describes the more recent advances in the knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms through which ACNs can modulate the main mechanisms involved in intestinal dysfunction and inflammation, in particular the inhibition of the NF-κB, JNK, MAPK, STAT3, and TLR4 proinflammatory pathways, the upregulation of the Nrf2 transcription factor and the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins.

The Medicinal Species of the Lycium Genus (Goji Berries) in East Asia: A Review of Its Effect on Cell Signal Transduction Pathways

Natural plants contain numerous chemical compounds that are beneficial to human health. The berries from the Lycium genus are widely consumed and are highly nutritious. Moreover, their chemical constituents have attracted attention for their health-promoting properties. In East Asia, there are three varieties of the Lycium genus (Lycium barbarum L., Lycium chinense Miller, and L. ruthenicum Murray) that possess medicinal value and are commonly used for treating chronic diseases and improving metabolic disorders. These varieties are locally referred to as "red Goji berries" or "black Goji berries" due to their distinct colors, and they differ in their chemical compositions, primarily in terms of carotenoid and anthocyanin content. The pharmacological functions of these berries include anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-exercise fatigue effects. This review aims to analyze previous and recent studies on the active ingredients and pharmacological activities of these Lycium varieties, elucidating their signaling pathways and assessing their impact on the gut microbiota. Furthermore, the potential prospects for using these active ingredients in the treatment of COVID-19 are evaluated. This review explores the potential targets of these Lycium varieties in the treatment of relevant diseases, highlighting their potential value in drug development.

Protective Effects of Lycium ruthenicum Murray against Acute Alcoholic Liver Disease in Mice via the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Acute alcoholic liver disease (ALD) resulting from short-term heavy alcohol consumption has become a global health concern. Moreover, anthocyanins have attracted much attention for their ability to prevent oxidation and inflammation. The present work evaluates the protective effects of Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM) against ALD and explores the possible underlying mechanism involved. The total anthocyanin content in LRM was 43.64 ± 9.28 Pt g/100 g dry weight. Mice were orally administered 50, 125, or 375 mg LRM/kg body weight (BW) for 21 days. On days 18-21, mice were orally administered 15 mL of ethanol/kg BW. Markers of liver damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation were examined. Furthermore, the modulatory effect of LRM on Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway molecules was evaluated through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR) and immunohistochemistry analyses. The difference between the groups indicated that LRM improved liver histopathology and the liver index, decreased aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression, but elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-s-transferase levels. Moreover, LRM upregulated Nrf2 and Ho-1 but downregulated Nf-κb and Tnf-α genes at the transcript level. In summary, LRM alleviated ethanol-induced ALD in mice by reducing oxidative damage and associated inflammatory responses. LRM protects against ALD by reducing damage factors and enhancing defense factors, especially via the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway. Thus, LRM has application potential in ALD prophylaxis and treatment.

Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray Prevent High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Female Mice via Gut Microbiota-Related Bile Acids Metabolism

Objectives

Female obesity may be improved by the consumption of a high-polyphenolic-rich diet. Lycium ruthenicum Murray is a renowned edible plant, the fruit of which is abundant in anthocyanins and exhibits many biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of anthocyanins derived from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ACN) intervention on improving obesity by regulating the gut microbiota and bile acids (BAs) metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced female mice.

Methods

A total of 32 C57BL/6J female mice were divided into four distinct groups: the Ctrl group (fed a normal diet), Ctrl + ACN group (fed a normal diet plus 8 mg/mL extract of ACN), HFD group (fed a high-fat diet), and HFD + ACN group (fed a HFD plus 8 mg/mL extract of ACN).

Results

The findings showed that ACN significantly reduced the body weight, periovarian adipose mass, and adipocyte diameter, ameliorated lipid accumulation in the liver, and lowered the serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels in HFD-induced female mice. In addition, ACN exhibited a reversal of gut microbial dysbiosis in HFD-fed female mice, such as by enhancing the quantity of Lactobacillus and Allobaculum and reducing the abundance of Blautia and Faecalibaculum. Moreover, the results of fecal BAs showed that ACN led to a decrease in the ratio of primary to secondary BAs, mainly attributed to decreased levels of primary BAs, including CA, CDCA, αMCA, and HCA in HFD-induced female mice. Further analysis revealed that ACN may exert its anti-obesity effect by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus_ jonsonii and Lactobacillus_reuteri within the gut and subsequently affecting the metabolism of fecal HDCA and GUDCA.

Conclusion

These results indicated that ACN effectively inhibits HFD-induced obesity in female mice by regulating gut microbiota-related BA metabolism.

Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of two different sources of biodegradable microplastics and the influence on gut microbiota

Biodegradable plastics, were considered environmentally friendly, may produce more microplastic particles (MPs) within the same period and exert more pronounced adverse effects on human health than traditional non-biodegradable plastics. Thus, this study investigated the changes of two kinds of biodegradable MPs from different sources in the digestive tract by using simulated digestion and fermentation models in vitro, with particle size, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis, and their implications on the gut microbiota were detected by full-length bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) MPs exhibited stability in the upper gastrointestinal tract, while poly(lactic acid) (PLA) MPs were degraded beginning in the small intestine digestion phase. Both PCL and PLA MPs were degraded and oligomerized during colonic fermentation. Furthermore, this study highlighted the disturbance of the gut microbiota induced by MPs and their oligomers. PCL and PLA MPs significantly changed the composition and reduced the α-diversity of the gut microbiota. PCL and PLA MPs exhibited the same inhibitory effects on key probiotics such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Limosilactobacillus, Blautia, Romboutsia, and Ruminococcus, which highlighted the potential hazards of these materials for human health. In conclusion, this study illuminated the potential biodegradation of MPs through gastrointestinal digestion and the complex interplay between MPs and the gut microbiota. The degradable characteristic of biodegradable plastics may cause more MPs and greater harm to human health.

Gut-Modulating Agents and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a highly fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive wasting and paralysis of voluntary muscle. Despite extensive research, the etiology of ALS remains elusive, and effective treatment options are limited. However, recent evidence implicates gut dysbiosis and gut-brain axis (GBA) dysfunction in ALS pathogenesis. Alterations to the composition and diversity of microbial communities within the gut flora have been consistently observed in ALS patients. These changes are often correlated with disease progression and patient outcome, suggesting that GBA modulation may have therapeutic potential. Indeed, targeting the gut microbiota has been shown to be neuroprotective in several animal models, alleviating motor symptoms and mitigating disease progression. However, the translation of these findings to human patients is challenging due to the complexity of ALS pathology and the varying diversity of gut microbiota. This review comprehensively summarizes the current literature on ALS-related gut dysbiosis, focusing on the implications of GBA dysfunction. It delineates three main mechanisms by which dysbiosis contributes to ALS pathology: compromised intestinal barrier integrity, metabolic dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. It also examines preclinical evidence on the therapeutic potential of gut-microbiota-modulating agents (categorized as prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics) in ALS.

Water extract of goji berries improves neuroinflammation induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet based on the bile acid-mediated gut-brain axis pathway

The high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD) is a common diet in westernized societies, which worsens disturbances in gut microbiota and bile acid (BA) metabolism. Herein, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of the water extract of Lycium barbarum fruits (LBE) on gut microbiota and BA metabolism in mice with HFFD-induced neuroinflammation. The results showed that supplementation of LBE for 14 weeks remarkably ameliorated weight gain and insulin resistance and suppressed microglial activation and neural neuroinflammation induced by HFFD. The results of Morris water maze and Y-maze tests demonstrated that LBE attenuated HFFD-induced cognitive impairment. Moreover, LBE elevated hepatic BA biosynthesis and excretion of BAs and increased elimination of BAs via the feces. Notably, LBE supplementation resulted in the enrichment of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, the 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that LBE could modulate the structure of gut microbiota, and in the meantime decrease the relative abundance of Clostridium_XlVa, which is associated with BA homeostasis. Additionally, LBE exerted neuroprotective effects involving the increment of Lactococcus, known as a potentially beneficial bacterium. These results demonstrated that LBE could ameliorate neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in HFFD-induced mice through the gut-liver-brain axis, which might be due to the regulation of BA homeostasis and gut microbiota in mice.

Comparison of Neuroprotection and Regulating Properties on Gut Microbiota between Selenopeptide Val-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-SeMet and Its Native Peptide Val-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Met In Vitro and In Vivo

Selenopeptides are promising candidates for intervening in neuroinflammation; however, the key role of selenium (Se) in selenopeptides remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we compared the neuroprotective effects of selenopeptide Val-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-SeMet (namely, Se-P1) and its native peptide Val-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Met (namely, P1). Our results demonstrate that Se-P1 treatment exhibits superior antioxidant and antineuroinflammatory effects in PC12 cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injured mice compared to P1. Moreover, the administration of Se-P1 and P1 resulted in a shift in the gut microbiota composition. Notably, during LPS-induced injury, Se-P1 treatment demonstrated greater stability in maintaining gut microbiota composition compared to P1 treatment. Specifically, Se-P1 may have a positive impact on gut microbiota dysbiosis by modulating inflammatory-related bacteria such as enhancing Lactobacillus abundance while reducing that of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Furthermore, the alteration of metabolites induced by Se-P1 treatment exhibited a significant correlation with gut microbiota, subsequently modulating the inflammatory-related metabolic pathways including histidine metabolism, lysine degradation, and purine metabolism. These findings suggest that organic Se contributes to the bioactivities of Se-P1 in mitigating neuroinflammation in LPS-injured mice compared to P1. These findings hold significant value for the development of potential preventive or therapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative diseases and introduce novel concepts in selenopeptide nutrition and supplementation recommendations.

Galactooligosaccharide or 2'-Fucosyllactose Modulates Gut Microbiota and Inhibits LPS/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Prevent DSS-Induced Colitis Aggravated by a High-Fructose Diet in Mice

A high-fructose diet (HFrD) has been reported to exacerbate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. 2'-Fucosyllactose (FL) and galactooligosaccharide (GOS) have been shown, respectively, to have preventive and ameliorative effects on colitis, while limited research has explored whether GOS and FL may be equally protective or preventive in mice with HFrD. Here, we evaluated the protective effects of FL and GOS on colitis exacerbated by feeding HFrD and explored the underlying mechanisms. DSS-induced colitis was studied in four randomized C57BL/6J male mice (n = 8 mice/group). Among them, three groups were fed with HFrD, and two received either GOS or FL treatment, respectively. Gut microbial composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Intestinal barrier integrity and inflammatory pathway expression were measured using qPCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot methods. Compared to the HFrD group, GOS or FL treatment increased the α-diversity of the gut microbiota, reduced the relative abundance of Akkermansia, and increased the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), respectively. Compared with the HFrD group, GOS or FL treatment improved the loss of goblet cells and the reduction of tight junction protein expression, thereby improving intestinal barrier integrity. Also, GOS or FL inhibited the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and oxidative stress to suppress the inflammatory cascade compared with the HFrD group. These findings suggest that GOS or FL intake can alleviate HFrD-exacerbated colitis, with no significant difference observed between GOS and FL treatments.