Inulin Attenuates Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability and Alleviates Behavioral Disorders by Modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway in Mice with Chronic Stress

The pivotal role of microglia in injury and the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to a series of pathological changes, including vascular spasm, cellular apoptosis, blood-brain barrier damage, cerebral edema, and white matter injury. Microglia, which are the key immune cells in the central nervous system, maintain homeostasis in the neural environment, support neurons, mediate apoptosis, participate in immune regulation, and have neuroprotective effects. Increasing evidence has shown that microglia play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of subarachnoid hemorrhage and affect the process of injury and the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Moreover, microglia play certain neuroprotective roles in the recovery phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Several approaches aimed at modulating microglia function are believed to attenuate subarachnoid hemorrhage injury. This provides new targets and ideas for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, an in-depth and comprehensive summary of the role of microglia after subarachnoid hemorrhage is still lacking. This review describes the activation of microglia after subarachnoid hemorrhage and their roles in the pathological processes of vasospasm, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, blood-brain barrier disruption, cerebral edema, and cerebral white matter lesions. It also discusses the neuroprotective roles of microglia during recovery from subarachnoid hemorrhage and therapeutic advances aimed at modulating microglial function after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Currently, microglia in subarachnoid hemorrhage are targeted with TLR inhibitors, nuclear factor-κB and STAT3 pathway inhibitors, glycine/tyrosine kinases, NLRP3 signaling pathway inhibitors, Gasdermin D inhibitors, vincristine receptor α receptor agonists, ferroptosis inhibitors, genetic modification techniques, stem cell therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine. However, most of these are still being evaluated at the laboratory stage. More clinical studies and data on subarachnoid hemorrhage are required to improve the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Sea Cucumber Hydrolysates Alleviate Cognitive Deficits in D-Galactose-Induced C57BL/6J Aging Mice Associated with Modulation of Gut Microbiota

As the global elderly population is rising, concerns about cognitive decline and memory loss are becoming urgent. This study evaluated the potential of sea cucumber hydrolysates (SCH) from Stichopus japonicus in alleviating cognitive deficits using a D-galactose-induced murine aging model. The effects of SCH on behavior, hippocampal morphology, gut microbiota, hippocampal cholinergic system, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and neuroinflammatory pathways were investigated. Results showed that SCH ameliorated learning and memory deficits and reduced neuronal damage in aging mice. SCH also modulated gut microbiota, along with increased fecal short-chain fatty acids levels. Functional prediction revealed that alterations in gut microbiota were related to signal transduction. Further, SCH enhanced hippocampal cholinergic function through elevating acetylcholine (ACh) levels and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and activated BDNF signaling, consistent with predictions of gut microbiota function. Restoration of cholinergic homeostasis and transmission of the BDNF pathway might contribute to the inhibition of hippocampal neuroinflammation via suppressing microglial activation and the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. In summary, SCH attenuated cognitive deficits through suppressing neuroinflammation, which might be correlated with the signal transduction caused by regulating gut microbiota. Further validation will be conducted through microbiota depletion and fecal microbiota transplantation. These findings suggest that SCH is a promising functional component for counteracting aging-related cognitive deficits.

Astrocytic FABP7 Alleviates Depression-Like Behaviors of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Mice by Regulating Neuroinflammation and Hippocampal Spinogenesis

Fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7) is prominently expressed in astrocytes and is a critical regulator of inflammatory responses. Accumulating evidence suggests that FABP7 is crucial in neuropsychological disease through the modulation of spinogenesis. Nonetheless, the impact of FABP7 on depressive disorders and the underlying mechanisms is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the antidepressant properties of FABP7 using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced model of depression and possible mechanisms. Our results revealed that depressive-like behavior induced by CUMS was associated with decreased levels of FABP7 protein in the hippocampus (HP). Furthermore, the overexpression of FABP7 in the HP mitigated the depressive-like behavior and increased the expression of its downstream target caveolin-1 (Cav-1). FABP7 overexpression in the HP specifically regulates the expression of the astrocyte marker protein GFAP, as well as the blood-brain barrier (BBB)-associated proteins AQP4, CLDN-5, occludin, and LRP1. Notably, the CUMS-induced upregulation of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6 was also significantly reversed by FABP7 overexpression in the HP. This intervention also led to increased levels of postsynaptic proteins, including PSD95 and GluA1, as well as an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and enhanced neuronal dendritic spine density. The findings indicate that FABP7 exerts antidepressant-like properties by inhibiting inflammation, regulating spinogenesis, and modulating BBB-related proteins.

Implications of neurogenesis in depression through BDNF: rodent models, regulatory pathways, gut microbiota, and potential therapy

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with a profound impact on global health, necessitating a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology. This review synthesizes current evidence linking neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampal region, with MDD. Accumulating data showed a significant reduction of neurogenesis in the hippocampal region of both MDD patients and various MDD rodent models. We highlight the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its associated signaling pathways in regulating neurogenesis and depressive symptoms. Additionally, the influence of gut microbiota on the neurogenesis in depression is presented, offering a novel perspective on environmental modulation of neurogenesis. This review also underscores the potential antidepressant interventions targeting neurogenesis and BDNF's regulation, such as therapeutic benefits of environmental enrichment, physical activity, and pharmacological agents in enhancing neurogenesis and alleviating depressive symptoms. Together, this systemic review provides a foundation for future research aiming at developing personalized treatments by targeting neurogenesis in MDD, potentially leading to novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

High-fat diet and chronic restraint stress exacerbate anxiety-depressive behaviors via astrocytic A1 phenotype transformation

Obesity and depression are likely to co-occur. However, there are few reports on the relationship between obesity and depression. We aimed to investigate the effect of high-fat diet combined with chronic restraint stress on depressive-like behaviors, focusing on the phenotypic transformation of astrocytes. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four equal groups: control, high-fat diet (HFD), chronic restraint stress (CRS) and HFD + CRS groups. They were subjected to an 8-week high-fat diet and 3-week restraint stress stimulation. In vitro, palmitic acid (PA) and corticosterone (Cort) were used to mimic HFD and CRS respectively on C8-D1A astrocytes. Our results showed that HFD aggravates anxiety and depression-like behaviors and learning and memory deficits induced by CRS, as reflected by sucrose preference, forced swimming test, tail suspension tests, open field test and the Morris water maze. The expression level of C3 protein in the hippocampus of the mice in the HFD + CRS group was three times that of the CON group. HFD combined with CRS significantly inhibited the protein expression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Consistent with the results of animal experiments, the results of the in vitro experiments showed that the protein expressions of A1 astrocytes marker in C8-D1A astrocytes were much higher in the PA + Cort group. And the protein expressions the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-associated proteins were obviously lower in the PA + Cort group. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin pathway agonist SKL2001 treatment decreased the A1 astrocytes marker expressions in C8-D1A astrocytes, and improves the anxiety and depression-like behaviors and learning and memory deficits in HFD mice combined with CRS. This study suggested that HFD combined with CRS could promote the transformation of astrocytes into A1 type and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may be involved in this process.

Amomum tsao-ko crevost et lemaire ameliorates depression-like behaviors and hippocampal inflammation by inhibiting microglia activation and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway in diabetic mice with depression

Diabetic depression may be closely related to hippocampal inflammation. We hypothesized that Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire (A. tsao-ko) might ameliorate depression-like behavior and glucose intolerance by modulating hippocampal inflammation. UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS was used to identified the constituents in the ethanol extract of A. tsao-ko (EEAT). Then a diabetic depression (DD) model was established and treated for 4 weeks. Depression-like behaviors were assessed using the open field test, sucrose preference test and tail suspension test. The neuronal injury was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining. Oral glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin Alc, fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were used to evaluate the effects of EEAT on glucose metabolism. Serum lipids, neurotransmitters, neuroendocrine and inflammation levels were detected by biochemical kits and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Activation of microglia markers was detected by immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to detect the effect of EEAT on the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB protein expression. 48 chemical components were identified from EEAT. Animal experiments showed that EEAT improved the levels of glucose and lipid metabolism, alleviated depression-like behaviors, decreased the level of neurotransmitters and increased the secretion of neuroendocrine-related hormones. The activation of microglia and immunofluorescence intensity of neurogenesis also improved. At the same time, the expression of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB proteins in the inflammatory pathway was also inhibited. EEAT had effects on improving DD symptoms, which may be achieved by down-regulating the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB protein expression.

Quinoa Saponin Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Behavioral Disorders in Mice by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation, Modulating Gut Microbiota, and Counterbalancing Intestinal Inflammation

Triterpenoids derived from plants are a promising class of natural antidepressants. This research focused on the therapeutic potential of quinoa saponin (QS) in alleviating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in mice. The most abundant saponin fraction, QS-3, was isolated from QS extracts, and its major saponin components and chemical structure were elucidated. Six pentacyclic triterpene saponins and three tetracyclic triterpene saponins were identified in QS-3, with phytolaccagenin and oleanolic acid being the dominant sapogenins. In vivo studies demonstrated that QS significantly mitigated LPS-induced anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in mice, enhanced the levels of neurotrophic proteins, key synaptic proteins, and neurotransmitters, and restored synaptic function and neuronal damage. Furthermore, QS inhibited neuroinflammation by curtailing the activity of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and modulating microglial phenotypes. Notably, QS also ameliorated colonic inflammation by promoting gut microbiota homeostasis and increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, which contributed to the improvement of anxiety and depressive behaviors in mice. Our findings suggest that QS holds potential as a natural dietary supplement for the treatment and prevention of anxiety and depression, possibly through its modulation of gut-brain axis dynamics and suppression of the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

Effects of Chlorpyrifos on gut dysbiosis and barriers integrity in women with a focus on pregnancy and prebiotic intervention: Insights from advanced in vitro human models

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a commonly used organophosphate pesticide, poses potential risks to human health, particularly affecting the gut microbiota (GM), intestinal barrier (IB), and blood-brain barrier (BBB). CPF-induced gut dysbiosis compromises the integrity of both the IB and the BBB, leading to increased intestinal permeability, inflammation, and bacterial translocation, all of which may impact neurological health. Although CPF's effects on the GM are documented, limited research explores how these impacts differ in women, particularly during pregnancy. To address this gap, this study investigates CPF's effects using three advanced human in vitro models: the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) to mimic the gut environment of women of child-bearing age and pregnant women, a Caco-2 model for the IB, and a BBB model to assess CPF's effects and the protective role of the prebiotic inulin. Microbiological analyses of SHIME® supernatants, including bacterial culture and quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and CPF metabolites, were conducted to assess gut composition and pesticide degradation. We also examined the effects of CPF-induced dysbiosis on IB and BBB permeability to FITC-Dextran, focusing on bacterial translocation after 4 h of exposure to CPF-treated SHIME® supernatants. Our results revealed significant intestinal imbalance, marked by an increase in potentially pathogenic bacteria in the GM of both non-pregnant and pregnant women exposed to CPF. This dysbiosis led to a significant shift in SCFAs ratio and increased IB permeability and bacterial translocation across the IB, but not the BBB. Notably, inulin supplementation restored GM balance and prevented bacterial translocation, highlighting its potential as a preventive measure against CPF-induced dysbiosis. This study enhances our understanding of the health risks associated with CPF exposure in women, with implications for maternal and fetal health, and underscores the importance of considering physiological states such as pregnancy in toxicological research.

Effect of proanthocyanidins on cognitive improvement in thyroxin-induced aging mice

As the population ages, functional dietary supplements are increasingly used to reduce age-related diseases, especially in the field of cognitive impairment. In this study, a thyroxine (Th)-induced aging model was established, and the effect of proanthocyanidins (Pc) on cognitive impairment of aging mice was evaluated based on cognitive ability, neuroinflammation and immune level. The results showed that Pc significantly reduced AchE activity compared to the Model group, improving learning deficits and spatial memory in aged mice (P < 0.01). Further study showed that Pc could maintain the organism's redox balance, markedly increasing T-AOC, GSH, and SOD levels (P < 0.01) while reducing MPO and MDA levels (P < 0.01). Pc also improved systemic inflammation, raising the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine PF4 and significantly lowering pro-inflammatory factors in the blood (P < 0.01). In the DG region of the hippocampus, Pc effectively repaired nerve damage, inhibited the over-activation of microglia and astrocytes, down-regulated GFAP and IBA-1 proteins (P < 0.01), and then reduced neuroinflammation. Additionally, Pc supplementation also significantly increased the levels of WBC, Lymph, Mid, and Gran in aged mice (P < 0.01), aiding in the recovery of leukocyte counts. At the same time, the CD3+ level and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly increased (P < 0.01) to maintain the dynamic balance of lymphocyte subsets in aging mice and enhance the immune capacity of aging mice. The study revealed that Pc, as a dietary supplement, can effectively alleviate cognitive impairment in the elderly population. This provides a new dietary nutrition supplement strategy for the health of the aging population.

Structure-anti-inflammatory activity relationship of garlic fructans in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis: Impact of chain length

The present study identified the protective effects of garlic oligo/poly-saccharides of different chain lengths against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and elucidated the structure-function relationships. The results showed that oral intake of garlic oligo/poly-saccharides decreased disease activity index, reduced colon shortening and spleen enlargement, and ameliorated pathological damage in the mouse colon. The dysregulation of colonic pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines was significantly alleviated, accompanied by up-regulated antioxidant enzymes, blocked TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway, enhanced intestinal barrier integrity, and restored SCFA production. Garlic oligo/poly-saccharides also reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis in colitic mice by expanding beneficial bacteria and suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria. High-molecular-weight polysaccharides exhibited stronger alleviating effects on DSS-induced colitic symptoms in mice than low-molecular-weight oligo/poly-saccharides did, probably due to their greater ability to be fermented in the colon. Taken together, this study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of garlic oligo/poly-saccharides and revealed that high-molecular-weight polysaccharide fractions were more effective in alleviating DSS-induced colitis.

From Structure to Function: How Prebiotic Diversity Shapes Gut Integrity and Immune Balance

The microbiota stability, diversity, and composition are pillars for an efficient and beneficial symbiotic relationship between its host and itself. Microbial dysbiosis, a condition where a homeostatic bacterial community is disturbed by acute or chronic events, is a predisposition for many diseases, including local and systemic inflammation that leads to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and some types of cancers. Classical dysbiosis occurs in the large intestine. During this period, pathogenic strains can multiply, taking advantage of the compromised environment. This overgrowth triggers an exaggerated inflammatory response from the human immune system due to the weakened integrity of the intestinal barrier. Such inflammation can also directly influence higher polyp formation and/or tumorigenesis. Prebiotics can be instrumental in preventing or correcting dysbiosis. Prebiotics are molecules capable of serving as substrates for fermentation processes by gut microorganisms. This can promote returning the intestinal environment to homeostasis. Effective prebiotics are generally specific oligo- and polysaccharides, such as FOS or inulin. However, the direct effects of prebiotics on intestinal epithelial and immune cells must also be taken into consideration. This interaction happens with diverse prebiotic nondigestible carbohydrates, and they can inhibit or decrease the inflammatory response. The present work aims to elucidate and describe the different types of prebiotics, their influence, and their functionalities for health, primarily focusing on their ability to reduce and control inflammation in the intestinal epithelial barrier, gut, and systemic environments.

The therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine in depression: focused on the modulation of neuroplasticity

Depression, a mood disorder characterized by a persistent low mood and lack of enjoyment, is considered the leading cause of non-fatal health losses worldwide. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt to external or internal stimuli, resulting in functional and structural changes. This process plays a crucial role in the development of depression. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows significant potential as a complementary and alternative therapy for neurological diseases, including depression. However, there has been no systematic summary of the role of neuroplasticity in the pathological development of depression and TCM Interventions currently. This review systematically summarized recent literature on changes in neuroplasticity in depression and analyzed the regulatory mechanisms of active metabolites in TCM and TCM formulas on neuroplasticity in antidepressant treatment. Additionally, this review discussed the limitations of current research and the application prospects of TCM in regulating neuroplasticity in antidepressant research.

Let food be your medicine - dietary fiber

Dietary fiber (DF) cannot be digested and absorbed by the digestive tract, nor can it provide the energy needed to be burned for metabolic activities. Therefore, from the 1950s to the 1980s, DF received little attention in nutrition studies. With in-depth research and developments in global nutrition, people have gradually paid attention to the fact that DF occupies an essential position in the structure of nutrition, and it can ensure the healthy development of human beings. As early as 390 B.C., the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates proposed, "Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food". This concept has been more systematically validated in modern scientific research, with numerous epidemiological studies showing that the dietary intake of DF-rich foods such as whole grains, root vegetables, legumes, and fruits has the potential to regulate the balance of the gut microbiota and thereby prevent diseases. However, the crosstalk between different types of DF and the gut microbiota is quite complex, and the effects on the organism vary. In this paper, we discuss research on DF and the gut microbiota and related diseases, aiming to understand the relationship between all three better and provide a reference basis for the risk reduction of related diseases.

Chronic Stress-Induced Neuroinflammation: Relevance of Rodent Models to Human Disease

The brain is the central organ of adaptation to stress because it perceives and determines threats that induce behavioral, physiological, and molecular responses. In humans, chronic stress manifests as an enduring consistent feeling of pressure and being overwhelmed for an extended duration. This can result in a persistent proinflammatory response in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS), resulting in cellular, physiological, and behavioral effects. Compounding stressors may increase the risk of chronic-stress-induced inflammation, which can yield serious health consequences, including mental health disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding the neuroinflammatory response in rodent models of chronic stress-a relationship that is continually being defined. Many studies investigating the effects of chronic stress on neuroinflammation in rodent models have identified significant changes in inflammatory modulators, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and toll-like receptors (TLRs), and cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. This suggests that these are key inflammatory factors in the chronic stress response, which may contribute to the establishment of anxiety and depression-like symptoms. The behavioral and neurological effects of modulating inflammatory factors through gene knockdown (KD) and knockout (KO), and conventional and alternative medicine approaches, are discussed.

Prebiotics modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis and ameliorate anxiety and depression-like behavior in HFD-fed mice

Previous research has demonstrated that Prebiotics can influence the composition of the gut microbiota, consequently impacting mood regulation. This study aimed to assess the effects of Prebiotics, specifically Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) on neuroinflammation, depression, and anxiety-like behavior in a mouse model fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Initially, mice were divided into two groups: a control group on a standard diet (n = 15) and a group on an HFD for 18 weeks (n = 45). By the 13th week, the HFD group was further divided into experimental groups: Control (n = 15), HFD (n = 15), HFD receiving Prebiotics (n = 15), and HFD receiving Fluoxetine (n = 15). From the 13th week onward, the HFD + Prebiotics group received both the high-fat diet and a combination of FOS and GOS, while the HFD + Fluoxetine group received Fluoxetine in their drinking water. In the 18th week, all mice underwent tests to evaluate behavior, including the Tail Suspension Test (TST), Forced Swimming Test (FST), Sucrose Preference Test (SPT), and the Plus Maze Test (PMT), after which they were euthanized. Mice on the HFD exhibited increased body weight, abdominal size, blood glucose, triglyceride levels, cholesterol, insulin, HOMA index, and higher serum IL-1β. These obese mice also displayed an increased number of microglia and astrocytes, activation of the TLR4 pathway, and elevated levels of neuroinflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2. Moreover, obese mice showed increased activation of the IDO pathway and decreased levels of NMDA receptors. Additionally, markers of neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, such as PSD, SAP 102, CREB-p, and BDNF, were lower. Treatment with FOS and GOS reversed symptoms of depression and anxiety in mice subjected to HD. This improvement in behavior resulted from a reduction in dysbiosis with an increase in acetate-producing bacteria (B. acidifaciens and B. dorei) and intestinal permeability, leading to a decrease in chronic peripheral and central inflammation. Furthermore, the modulation of the gut-brain axis by FOS and GOS promoted elevated acetate and GPR43 levels in the brain and a reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, positively impacting signaling pathways of neuronal proliferation and survival in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

Protective Effects of Inulin on Stress-Recurrent Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract and is closely associated with the homeostasis of the gut microbiota. Inulin, as a natural prebiotic, displays anti-inflammatory activity and maintains equilibrium of the intestinal microbiota. In this study, our research aimed to explore the potential of inulin in enhancing intestinal immunity and reducing inflammation in stress-recurrent IBD. In this study, a co-culture intestinal epithelium model and a stress-recurrent IBD mouse model was used to examine the protective effects of inulin. It was observed that inulin digesta significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (CXCL8/IL8 and TNFA) and increased MUC2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells. In vivo, our findings showed that Inulin intake significantly prevented IBD symptoms. This was substantiated by a decrease in serum inflammatory markers (IL-6, CALP) and a downregulation of inflammatory cytokine (Il6) in colon samples. Additionally, inulin intake led to an increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in cecal contents and a reduction in the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (CHOP, BiP). Our results highlight that inulin can improve stress-recurrent IBD symptoms by modulating microbiota composition, reducing inflammation, and alleviating ER stress. These findings suggested the therapeutic potential of inulin as a dietary intervention for ameliorating stress-recurrent IBD.

Inulin: Unveiling its potential as a multifaceted biopolymer in prebiotics, drug delivery, and therapeutics

In recent years, inulin has gained much attention as a promising multifunctional natural biopolymer with numerous applications in drug delivery, prebiotics, and therapeutics. It reveals a multifaceted biopolymer with transformative implications by elucidating the intricate interplay between inulin and the host, microbiome, and therapeutic agents. Their flexible structure, exceptional targetability, biocompatibility, inherent ability to control release behavior, tunable degradation kinetics, and protective ability make them outstanding carriers in healthcare and biomedicine. USFDA has approved Inulin as a nutritional dietary supplement for infants. The possible applications of inulin in biomedicine research inspired by nature are presented. The therapeutic potential of inulin goes beyond its role in prebiotics and drug delivery. Recently, significant research efforts have been made towards inulin's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties for their potential applications in treating various chronic diseases. Moreover, its ability to reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses opens new avenues for treating conditions such as autoimmune disorders and gastrointestinal ailments. This review will attempt to illustrate the inulin's numerous and interconnected roles, shedding light on its critical contributions to the advancement of healthcare and biomedicine and its recent advancement in therapeutics, and conclude by taking valuable insights into the prospects and opportunities of inulin.

Efficacy of an inulin-based treatment on intestinal colonization by multidrug-resistant E. coli: insight into the mechanism of action

Inulin, an increasingly studied dietary fiber, alters intestinal microbiota. The aim of this study was to assess whether inulin decreases intestinal colonization by multidrug resistant E. coli and to investigate its potential mechanisms of action. Mice with amoxicillin-induced intestinal dysbiosis mice were inoculated with extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli (ESBL-E. coli). The combination of inulin and pantoprazole (IP) significantly reduced ESBL-E. coli fecal titers, whereas pantoprazole alone did not and inulin had a delayed and limited effect. Fecal microbiome was assessed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and qPCR. The efficacy of IP was predicted by increased abundance of 74 taxa, including two species of Adlercreutzia. Preventive treatments with A. caecimuris or A. muris also reduced ESBL-E. coli fecal titers. Fecal microbiota of mice effectively treated by IP was enriched in genes involved in inulin catabolism, production of propionate and expression of beta-lactamases. They also had increased beta-lactamase activity and decreased amoxicillin concentration. These results suggest that IP act through production of propionate and degradation of amoxicillin by the microbiota. The combination of pantoprazole and inulin is a potential treatment of intestinal colonization by multidrug-resistant E. coli. The ability of prebiotics to promote propionate and/or beta-lactamase producing bacteria may be used as a screening tool to identify potential treatments of intestinal colonization by multidrug resistant Enterobacterales.

Treatment of preterm brain injury via gut-microbiota-metabolite-brain axis

BACKGROUND

Brain injury in preterm infants potentially disrupts critical structural and functional connective networks in the brain. It is a major cause of neurological sequelae and developmental deficits in preterm infants. Interesting findings suggest that the gut microbiota (GM) and their metabolites contribute to the programming of the central nervous system (CNS) during developmental stages and may exert structural and functional effects throughout the lifespan.

AIM

To summarize the existing knowledge of the potential mechanisms related to immune, endocrine, neural, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) mediated by GM and its metabolites in neural development and function.

METHODS

We review the recent literature and included 150 articles to summarize the mechanisms through which GM and their metabolites work on the nervous system. Potential health benefits and challenges of relevant treatments are also discussed.

RESULTS

This review discusses the direct and indirect ways through which the GM may act on the nervous system. Treatment of preterm brain injury with GM or related derivatives, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, dietary interventions, and fecal transplants are also included.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes mechanisms underlying microbiota-gut-brain axis and novel therapeutic opportunities for neurological sequelae in preterm infants. Optimizing the initial colonization and microbiota development in preterm infants may represent a novel therapy to promote brain development and reduce long-term sequelae.

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis: pharmacological mechanisms of antidepressant active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine

Depression is characterized by prominent indicators and manifestations, such as anhedonia, which refers to the inability to experience pleasure, and persistent feelings of hopelessness. In clinical practice, the primary treatment approach involves the utilization of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related pharmacological interventions. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that these agents are associated with significant adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) adopts a multifaceted approach, targeting diverse components, multiple targets, and various channels of action. TCM has potential antidepressant effects. Anomalies in adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) constitute a pivotal factor in the pathology of depression, with the regulation of AHN emerging as a potential key measure to intervene in the pathogenesis and progression of this condition. This comprehensive review presented an overview of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of active ingredients found in TCM. Through examination of recent studies, we explored how these ingredients modulated AHN. Furthermore, we critically assessed the current limitations of research in this domain and proposed novel strategies for preclinical investigation and clinical applications in the treatment of depression in future.