Obesity prevalence in relation to gut microbial environments capable of producing equol or O-desmethylangolensin from the isoflavone daidzein

Host-dependent alteration of the gut microbiota: the role of luminal microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that play gene expression regulatory roles in eukaryotes. MiRNAs are also released in body fluids, and in the intestine, they are found in the lumen and feces. Here, together with exogenous dietary-derived miRNAs, they constitute the fecal miRNome. Several miRNAs were identified in the feces of healthy adults, including, as shown here, core miRNAs hsa-miR-21-5p and hsa-miR-1246. These miRNAs are important for intestinal homeostasis. Recent evidence suggests that miRNAs may interact with gut bacteria. This represents a new avenue to understand host-bacteria crosstalk in the gut and its role in health and disease. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on fecal miRNAs, their representation across individuals, and their effects on the gut microbiota. It also discusses existing evidence on potential mechanisms of uptake and interaction with bacterial genomes, drawing from knowledge of prokaryotic small RNAs (sRNAs) regulation of gene expression. Finally, we review in silico and experimental approaches for profiling miRNA-mRNA interactions in bacterial species, highlighting challenges in target validation. This work emphasizes the need for further research into host miRNA-bacterial interactions to better understand their regulatory roles in the gut ecosystem and support their exploitation for disease prevention and treatment.

Deciphering the influence of gut and oral microbiomes on menopause for healthy aging

Menopause is characterized by the cessation of menstruation and a decline in reproductive function, which is an intrinsic component of the aging process. However, it has been a frequently overlooked field of women's health. The oral and gut microbiota, constituting the largest ecosystem within the human body, are important for maintaining human health and notably contribute to the healthy aging of menopausal women. Therefore, a comprehensive review elucidating the impact of the gut and oral microbiota on menopause for healthy aging is of paramount importance. This paper presents the current understanding of the microbiome during menopause, with a particular focus on alterations in the oral and gut microbiota. Our study elucidates the complex interplay between the microbiome and sex hormone levels, explores microbial crosstalk dynamics, and investigates the associations between the microbiome and diseases linked to menopause. Additionally, this review explores the potential of microbiome-targeting therapies for managing menopause-related diseases. Given that menopause can last for approximately 30 years, gaining insights into how the microbiome and menopause interact could pave the way for innovative interventions, which may result in symptomatic relief from menopause and an increase in quality of life in women.

Urinary Equol and Equol-Predicting Microbial Genera Are Favorably Associated with Body Fat Measures among Chinese Adults

BACKGROUND

Many studies have investigated the intake of dietary isoflavones in relation to obesity risk, whereas the association using objective biomarkers of isoflavones, particularly equol (a gut-derived metabolite of daidzein with greater bioavailability than other isoflavones) has been less studied. In addition, the associations between equol and gut microbiota profile at the population level remain to be fully characterized.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify equol-predicting microbial species and to investigate the associations of equol-predicting microbial species and urinary excretion of isoflavones including glycitein, genistein, daidzein, and equol with diverse obesity markers in free living-individuals.

METHODS

In this 1-y longitudinal study of 754 community-dwelling adults, urinary isoflavones, fecal microbiota, height, weight, and circumferences of waist and hip were measured at baseline and again after 1 y. Liver fat [indicated by the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)] and other body composition were also measured after 1 y. Linear models and linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the associations for single measure and repeated measures, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 305 participants (median age: 50 y, IQR, 37-59 y) including 138 males and 167 females, higher urinary excretion of equol was associated with lower CAP (β = -0.013, P < 0.001) and body fat mass (β= -0.014, P = 0.046). No association was found between any other urinary isoflavones and obesity markers (all P > 0.05). We identified 21 bacterial genera whose relative abundance were positively associated with urinary equol concentrations (all Pfalsediscovery rate < 0.05), and constructed an equol-predicting microbial score to reflect the overall equol-producing potential of host gut microbiota. This score was inversely associated with CAP (β = -0.040, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

High urinary equol concentrations and equol-predicting microbial species could be favorably associated with liver fat and other obesity markers.

The Influence of Intestinal Microbiota on BDNF Levels

The regulation of neurogenesis, the complex process of producing and differentiating new brain tissue cells, is influenced by a complex interaction of internal and external factors. Over the past decade, extensive research has been conducted on neurotrophins and their key role in adult neurogenesis, as well as their impact on diseases such as depression. Among neurotrophins, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been the subject of comprehensive studies on adult neurogenesis, and scientific evidence supports its necessity for neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of the hippocampus. A novel area of research is the emerging role of gut microbiota as a significant contributor to neurogenesis and neurotrophin production. Studies have shown that reduced BDNF levels can lead to mood disorders, which are observed in intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the composition and quantity of the intestinal microbiota. There is evidence in the literature that there is a link between brain function and gut microbiota. Physical activity, and especially the regularity and intensity of exercise, is important in relation to the level of BDNF and the intestinal microbiota. Probiotics, prebiotics and physical activity may have a positive effect on the intestinal microbiota, and therefore also on the level of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Precision Nutrition for Management of Cardiovascular Disease Risk during Menopause

BACKGROUND

Women can spend up to 40% of their lives in the postmenopausal state. As women begin to transition into menopause, known as perimenopause, changes in hormonal concentrations and body composition dramatically increase overall cardiometabolic risk. Dietary patterns and interventions can be utilized to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) and some dietary patterns over others may be more beneficial due to their specific effects on the health aspects of menopause. In this narrative review, we summarize key cardiovascular alterations that occur during the menopause transition and explore current dietary recommendations to address CVD risk as well as explore the new frontier of precision nutrition and the implications for nutrition prescription during menopause.

SUMMARY

Popular dietary interventions for CVD such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean diet (MED) have limited data in women following menopause. However, both diets improve CVD risk biomarkers of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as lower oxidative stress and inflammation and improve endothelial function. As the menopause transition increases the risk for developing metabolic syndrome, insulin insensitivity, and dyslipidemia, the DASH diet and MED may be impactful dietary strategies for mediating CVD risk in menopausal women. However, these are "one-size-fits-all" approaches that neglect individual characteristics such as genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Precision nutrition considers individual factors for nutrition prescription, spanning from evaluating food intake preferences and behaviors to deep phenotyping. Data from a large-scale investigation of the menopause transition suggests nutritional strategies that address postprandial glycemic responses, and the gut microbiome may attenuate some of the unfavorable effects of menopause on CVD risk factors.

KEY MESSAGES

Considering menopause, women are a clinical population that would greatly benefit from precision nutrition. Future research should explore the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in a precision nutrition framework to modify the DASH diet and MED to address adverse effects that occur during the menopause transition are vital for supporting women's health as they age.

Gut microbiota-metabolite interactions meditate the effect of dietary patterns on precocious puberty

Precocious puberty, a pediatric endocrine disorder classified as central precocious puberty (CPP) or peripheral precocious puberty (PPP), is influenced by diet, gut microbiota, and metabolites, but the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Our study found that increased alpha-diversity and abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria led to elevated levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, contributing to precocious puberty. The integration of specific microbiota and metabolites has potential diagnostic value for precocious puberty. The Prevotella genus-controlled interaction factor, influenced by complex carbohydrate consumption, mediated a reduction in estradiol levels. Interactions between obesity-related bacteria and metabolites mediated the beneficial effect of seafood in reducing luteinizing hormone levels, reducing the risk of obesity-induced precocious puberty, and preventing progression from PPP to CPP. This study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota and metabolites in the onset, development and clinical classification of precocious puberty and warrants further investigation.

Chronic consumption of orange juice modifies urinary excretion of flavanone gut-derived metabolites through gut microbiota modulation

The metabolism and absorption of citrus flavanones are intrinsically linked to the gut microbiota, creating a bidirectional relationship where these compounds influence the microbiome, and in turn, the microbiota affects their metabolism. This study evaluates the effect of acute and chronic consumption of orange juice (OJ) on the urinary excretion of gut-derived flavanone metabolites and the gut microbiota. Health volunteers ingested 500 mL of OJ for 60 days in a single-arm human intervention study. Blood and feces were collected at baseline and after 60 days, with an additional 24-hour urine collection after a single dose on day 1 and day 63. LC-MS/MS analyzed urinary flavanone metabolites, while 16S rRNA sequencing characterized gut microbiota. Total urinary hesperetin conjugates excretion significantly decreased over 60 days, while gut-derived total phenolic acids, particularly three hydroxybenzoic acids, increased. Moreover, the heterogeneity of the total amount of flavanone conjugates, initially categorizing individuals into high-, medium- and low- urinary excretor profiles, shifted towards medium-excretor, except for five individuals who remained as low-excretors. This alteration was accompanied by a decrease in intestinal β-glucosidase activity and a shift in the relative abundance of specific genera, such as decreases in Blautia, Eubacterium hallii, Anaerostipes, and Fusicatenibacter, among which, Blautia was associated with higher urinary flavanone conjugates excretion. Conversely, an increase in Prevotella was observed. In summary, chronic OJ consumption induced transient changes in gut microbiota and altered the metabolism of citrus flavanones, leading to distinct urinary excretion profiles of flavanone metabolites.

(Poly)phenol-related gut metabotypes and human health: an update

Dietary (poly)phenols have received great interest due to their potential role in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases. In recent years, a high inter-individual variability in the biological response to (poly)phenols has been demonstrated, which could be related to the high variability in (poly)phenol gut microbial metabolism existing within individuals. An interplay between (poly)phenols and the gut microbiota exists, with (poly)phenols being metabolised by the gut microbiota and their metabolites modulating gut microbiota diversity and composition. A number of (poly)phenol metabolising phenotypes or metabotypes have been proposed, however, potential metabotypes for most (poly)phenols have not been investigated, and the relationship between metabotypes and human health remains ambiguous. This review presents updated knowledge on the reciprocal interaction between (poly)phenols and the gut microbiome, associated gut metabotypes, and subsequent impact on human health.

Association between lignan polyphenol bioavailability and enterotypes of isoflavone metabolism: A cross-sectional analysis

Lignan polyphenols derived from plants are metabolized by bacteria in the gut to mammalian lignans, such as enterolactone (ENL) and enterodiol (END). Mammalian lignan intake has been reported to be associated with obesity and low blood glucose levels. However, the factors that are responsible for individual differences in the metabolic capacity for ENL and END are not well understood. In the present study, the effects of enterotypes of isoflavone metabolism, equol producers (EQP) and O-desmethylangolensin producers (O-DMAP), on lignan metabolism were examined. EQP was defined by urinary daidzein (DAI) and equol concentrations as log(equol/DAI) ≥ -1.42. O-DMAP was defined by urinary DAI and O-DMA concentrations as O-DMA/DAI > 0.018. Isoflavone and lignan concentrations in urine samples from 440 Japanese women were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metabolic enterotypes were determined from the urinary equol and O-DMA concentrations. Urinary END and ENL concentrations were compared in four groups, combinations of EQP (+/-) and O-DMAP (+/-). The urinary lignan concentration was significantly higher in the O-DMAP/EQP group (ENL: P<0.001, END: P<0.001), and this association remained significant after adjusting for several background variables (END: β = 0.138, P = 0.00607 for EQP and β = 0.147, P = 0.00328 for O-DMAP; ENL: β = 0.312, P<0.001 for EQP and β = 0.210, P<0.001 for O-DMAP). The ENL/END ratio was also highest in the O-DMAP/EQP group, indicating that equol and O-DMA metabolizing gut bacteria may be involved in lignan metabolism. In conclusion, urinary lignan concentrations were significantly higher in groups containing either EQP or O-DMAP than in the non-EQP/non-O-DMAP group. The variables and participants in this study were limited, which the possibility of confounding by other variables cannot be ruled out. However, there are no established determinants of lignan metabolism to date. Further research is needed to determine what factors should be considered, and to examine in different settings to confirm the external validity.

Alterations in lung and gut microbiota reduce diversity in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Although the incidence of nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD), a chronic infectious disease, is increasing, lung and gut microbiota dysbiosis in NTM patients has rarely been studied and was therefore the focus of this study.

METHODS

We analyzed the microbiota diversity in sputum and stool samples from 10 healthy subjects and 10 patients with NTM-PD through sequencing of the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. In NTM-PD patients, we comparatively evaluated the microbiota diversity according to the body mass index (BMI), with BMI ≤ 18.5 kg/m2 defined as "underweight" and BMI > 18.5 kg/m2 as "others."

RESULTS

The sputum microbiota from NTM-PD patients tended to have lower index values of amplicon sequence variant richness, Shannon evenness, and beta diversity than those from the control group. Furthermore, NTM-PD patients with a low BMI had a lower microbiota diversity than patients with high BMI. Fecal samples from NTM-PD patients also significantly differed in alpha and beta diversity compared with the control group and exhibited a diversity pattern similar to that found in sputum samples.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal that the lung and gut microbiota of patients with NTM-PD exhibit an altered distribution and reduced richness and diversity.

Microbial endocrinology: the mechanisms by which the microbiota influences host sex steroids

Recent progress in microbial endocrinology has propelled this field from initially providing correlational links to defining the mechanisms by which microbes influence systemic sex hormones. Importantly, the interaction between the gut-resident bacteria and host-secreted hormones has been shown to be critical for host development as well as hormone-mediated disease progression. This review investigates how microbes affect active sex hormone levels, with a focus on gut-associated bacteria hormonal modifications and the resulting host physiological status. Specifically, we focus on the ability of the microbiota to reactivate estrogens and deactivate androgens and thereby influence systemic levels of host hormones in a clinically significant manner.

The Role of Choline, Soy Isoflavones, and Probiotics as Adjuvant Treatments in the Prevention and Management of NAFLD in Postmenopausal Women

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition among postmenopausal women that can lead to severe liver dysfunction and increased mortality. In recent years, research has focused on identifying potential lifestyle dietary interventions that may prevent or treat NAFLD in this population. Due to the complex and multifactorial nature of NAFLD in postmenopausal women, the disease can present as different subtypes, with varying levels of clinical presentation and variable treatment responses. By recognizing the significant heterogeneity of NAFLD in postmenopausal women, it may be possible to identify specific subsets of individuals who may benefit from targeted nutritional interventions. The purpose of this review was to examine the current evidence supporting the role of three specific nutritional factors-choline, soy isoflavones, and probiotics-as potential nutritional adjuvants in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD in postmenopausal women. There is promising evidence supporting the potential benefits of these nutritional factors for NAFLD prevention and treatment, particularly in postmenopausal women, and further research is warranted to confirm their effectiveness in alleviating hepatic steatosis in this population.

Altered gut microbiota profile in patients with perimenopausal panic disorder

Introduction

Females in the perimenopausal period are susceptible to mood disorders. Perimenopausal panic disorder (PPD) is characterized by repeated and unpredictable panic attacks during perimenopause, and it impacts the patient's physical and mental health and social function. Pharmacotherapy is limited in the clinic, and its pathological mechanism is unclear. Recent studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota is strongly linked to emotion; however, the relation between PPD and microbiota is limitedly known.

Methods

This study aimed to discover specific microbiota in PPD patients and the intrinsic connection between them. Gut microbiota was analyzed in PPD patients (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 40) by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

The results showed reduced α-diversity (richness) in the gut microbiota of PPD patients. β-diversity indicated that PPD and healthy controls had different intestinal microbiota compositions. At the genus level, 30 species of microbiota abundance had significantly different between the PPD and healthy controls. In addition, HAMA, PDSS, and PASS scales were collected in two groups. It was found that Bacteroides and Alistipes were positively correlated with PASS, PDSS, and HAMA.

Discussion

Bacteroides and Alistipes dysbiosis dominate imbalanced microbiota in PPD patients. This microbial alteration may be a potential pathogenesis and physio-pathological feature of PPD. The distinct gut microbiota can be a potential diagnostic marker and a new therapeutic target for PPD.

Clinical Experiences and Mechanism of Action with the Use of Oxytocin Injection at Parturition in Domestic Animals: Effect on the Myometrium and Fetuses

Oxytocin is a key hormone for parturition and maternal traits in animals. During the peripartum period, the levels of endogenous oxytocin dictate physiological events such as myometrial contractions, prostaglandin production with the subsequent increase in oxytocin receptors, and the promotion of lactation when administered immediately after birth. While this hormone has some benefits regarding these aspects, the exogenous administration of oxytocin has been shown to have detrimental effects on the fetus, such as asphyxia, meconium staining, ruptured umbilical cords, and more dystocia cases in females. This review aims to analyze the main effects of oxytocin on myometrial activity during parturition, and its potential favorable and negative administration effects reflected in the fetus health of domestic animals. In conclusion, it is convenient to know oxytocin's different effects as well as the adequate doses and the proper moment to administrate it, as it can reduce labor duration, but it can also increase dystocia.

Interaction between gut microbiota and sex hormones and their relation to sexual dimorphism in metabolic diseases

Metabolic diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), are now a widespread pandemic in the developed world. These pathologies show sex differences in their development and prevalence, and sex steroids, mainly estrogen and testosterone, are thought to play a prominent role in this sexual dimorphism. The influence of sex hormones on these pathologies is not only reflected in differences between men and women, but also between women themselves, depending on the hormonal changes associated with the menopause. The observed sex differences in gut microbiota composition have led to multiple studies highlighting the interaction between steroid hormones and the gut microbiota and its influence on metabolic diseases, ultimately pointing to a new therapy for these diseases based on the manipulation of the gut microbiota. This review aims to shed light on the role of sexual hormones in sex differences in the development and prevalence of metabolic diseases, focusing on obesity, MetS and T2D. We focus also the interaction between sex hormones and the gut microbiota, and in particular the role of microbiota in aspects such as gut barrier integrity, inflammatory status, and the gut-brain axis, given the relevance of these factors in the development of metabolic diseases.

Gut microbiota and acylcarnitine metabolites connect the beneficial association between equol and adiposity in adults: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Many studies have investigated the effects of soy isoflavones on weight control, but few have focused on the role of equol, a gut-derived metabolite of daidzein with greater bioavailability than other soy isoflavones.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the association of equol production with obesity and explored the mediating roles of equol-related gut microbiota and microbial carnitine metabolites.

METHODS

This 6.6-y prospective study included 2958 Chinese adults (2011 females and 947 males) aged 60.6 ± 6.0 y (mean ± SD) at baseline. Urinary equol and isoflavones were measured using HPLC-tandem MS. BMI, percentage fat mass (%FM), and serum triglycerides (TGs) were assessed every 3 y. Metagenomics sequencing and assessment of carnitine metabolites in feces were performed in a subsample of 897 participants.

RESULTS

Urinary equol, but not daidzein and genistein, was independently and inversely associated with the obesity-related indicators of BMI, %FM, and a biomarker (TGs). Equol producers (EPs) had lower odds of adiposity conditions and a reduced risk of 6.6-y obesity progression than non-EPs among total participants. Gut microbial analyses indicated that EPs had higher microbiome species richness (P = 3.42 × 10-5) and significantly different β-diversity of gut microbiota compared with the non-EP group (P = 0.001), with 20 of 162 species differing significantly. EPs (compared with non-EPs) had higher abundances of Alistipes senegalensis and Coprococcus catus but lower abundances of Ruminococcus gnavus (false discovery rate <0.05). Among the 7 determined fecal acylcarnitine metabolites, palmitoylcarnitine, oleylcarnitine 18:1, and stearylcarnitine were inversely associated with EPs but positively correlated with obesity conditions and progression. Path analyses indicated that the beneficial association between equol and obesity might be mediated by gut microbiota and decreased production of 3 acylcarnitines in feces.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a beneficial association between equol and obesity, mediated by the gut microbiome and acylcarnitines, in adults.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03179657.

Age matters: Microbiome depletion prior to repeat mild traumatic brain injury differentially alters microbial composition and function in adolescent and adult rats

Dysregulation of the gut microbiome has been shown to perpetuate neuroinflammation, alter intestinal permeability, and modify repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (RmTBI)-induced deficits. However, there have been no investigations regarding the comparative effects that the microbiome may have on RmTBI in adolescents and adults. Therefore, we examined the influence of microbiome depletion prior to RmTBI on microbial composition and metabolome, in adolescent and adult Sprague Dawley rats. Rats were randomly assigned to standard or antibiotic drinking water for 14 days, and to subsequent sham or RmTBIs. The gut microbiome composition and metabolome were analysed at baseline, 1 day after the first mTBI, and at euthanasia (11 days following the third mTBI). At euthanasia, intestinal samples were also collected to quantify tight junction protein (TJP1 and occludin) expression. Adolescents were significantly more susceptible to microbiome depletion via antibiotic administration which increased pro-inflammatory composition and metabolites. Furthermore, RmTBI induced a transient increase in 'beneficial bacteria' (Lachnospiraceae and Faecalibaculum) in only adolescents that may indicate compensatory action in response to the injury. Finally, microbiome depletion prior to RmTBI generated a microbiome composition and metabolome that exemplified a potentially chronic pathogenic and inflammatory state as demonstrated by increased Clostridium innocuum and Erysipelatoclostridium and reductions in Bacteroides and Clostridium Sensu Stricto. Results highlight that adolescents are more vulnerable to RmTBI compared to adults and dysbiosis prior to injury may exacerbate secondary inflammatory cascades.

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.

Menopause is associated with postprandial metabolism, metabolic health and lifestyle: The ZOE PREDICT study

BACKGROUND

The menopause transition is associated with unfavourable alterations in health. However, postprandial metabolic changes and their mediating factors are poorly understood.

METHODS

The PREDICT 1 UK cohort (n=1002; pre- n=366, peri- n=55, and post-menopausal females n=206) assessed phenotypic characteristics, anthropometric, diet and gut microbiome data, and fasting and postprandial (0-6 h) cardiometabolic blood measurements, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data. Differences between menopausal groups were assessed in the cohort and in an age-matched subgroup, adjusting for age, BMI, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use, and smoking status.

FINDINGS

Post-menopausal females had higher fasting blood measures (glucose, HbA1c and inflammation (GlycA), 6%, 5% and 4% respectively), sugar intakes (12%) and poorer sleep (12%) compared with pre-menopausal females (p<0.05 for all). Postprandial metabolic responses for glucose_2hiauc and insulin_2hiauc were higher (42% and 4% respectively) and CGM measures (glycaemic variability and time in range) were unfavourable post- versus pre-menopause (p<0.05 for all). In age-matched subgroups (n=150), postprandial glucose responses remained higher post-menopause (peak_0-2h 4%). MHT was associated with favourable visceral fat, fasting (glucose and insulin) and postprandial (triglyceride_6hiauc) measures. Mediation analysis showed that associations between menopause and metabolic health indicators (visceral fat, GlycA_360mins and glycaemia (peak_0-2h)) were in part mediated by diet and gut bacterial species.

INTERPRETATION

Findings from this large scale, in-depth nutrition metabolic study of menopause, support the importance of monitoring risk factors for type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in mid-life to older women to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with oestrogen decline.

FUNDING

Zoe Ltd.

Production of indole and hydrogen sulfide by the oxygen-tolerant mutant strain Clostridium sp. Aeroto-AUH-JLC108 contributes to form a hypoxic microenvironment

In this study, the oxygen-tolerant mutant strain Clostridium sp. Aeroto-AUH-JLC108 was found to produce indole when grown aerobically. The tnaA gene coding for tryptophanase responsible for the production of indole was cloned. The tnaA gene from Aeroto-AUH-JLC108 is 1677 bp and has one point mutation (C36G) compared to the original anaerobic strain AUH-JLC108. Phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequence showed significant homology to that of TnaA from Flavonifractor. Furthermore, we found that the tnaA gene also exhibited cysteine desulfhydrase activity. The production of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) was accompanied by decrease in the amount of the dissolved oxygen in the culture medium. Similarly, the amount of indole produced by strain Aeroto-AUH-JLC108 obviously decreased the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in BHI liquid medium. The results demonstrated that production of indole and H₂S helped to form a hypoxic microenvironment for strain Aeroto-AUH-JLC108 when grown aerobically.

Polyphenol and Tannin Nutraceuticals and Their Metabolites: How the Human Gut Microbiota Influences Their Properties

Nutraceuticals have been receiving increasing attention in the last few years due to their potential role as adjuvants against non-communicable chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.). However, a limited number of studies have been performed to evaluate the bioavailability of such compounds, and it is generally reported that a substantial elevation of their plasma concentration can only be achieved when they are consumed at pharmacological levels. Even so, positive effects have been reported associated with an average dietary consumption of several nutraceutical classes, meaning that the primary compound might not be solely responsible for all the biological effects. The in vivo activities of such biomolecules might be carried out by metabolites derived from gut microbiota fermentative transformation. This review discusses the structure and properties of phenolic nutraceuticals (i.e., polyphenols and tannins) and the putative role of the human gut microbiota in influencing the beneficial effects of such compounds.

Diet Containing Soy Protein Concentrate With Low and High Isoflavones for 9 Weeks Protects Against Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Steatosis Using Obese Zucker Rats

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is one of the main liver diseases in the US and the world which often is related to obesity. Previously, we reported short- and long-term consumption of soy protein isolate diet with high isoflavones can reduce liver steatosis in the male and female obese Zucker rat model. However, the effects of high vs. low soy isoflavones on NAFLD is less known. The objectives of the present study were to examine the role of isoflavones levels in soy protein concentrate diets on protection against NAFLD in an obese rat model. Forty-two 6-week old lean (L, n = 21) and obese (O, n = 21) Zucker rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary groups: casein diet (C = control), soy protein concentrate with low isoflavones (LIF), or soy protein concentrate with high isoflavones (HIF) for 9 weeks. Rats were weighed twice weekly. After 9 weeks, rats were sacrificed and samples of livers were taken for histopathological analysis. Serums were collected to measure ALT and AST levels. Results indicate that obese rats gained significantly more weight than lean rats for all three diet groups (P < 0.001). No significant difference in body weight between LC, LLIF and LHIF was noted. However, the OLIF and OHIF rats gained significantly more weight than OC rats (P < 0.001). Liver steatosis scores were significantly greater in obese rats compared to lean rats (P < 0.001). The OLIF and OHIF-fed rats had significantly reduced steatosis scores than OC rats (P = 0.013 and P < 0.001, respectively). The serum ALT levels were significantly greater in OC, OLIF and OHIF compared to LC, LLIF and LHIF, respectively (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.011). AST serum levels were greater in OC and OLIF compared to LC and LLIF, respectively (P = 0.001 and P = 0.022). In summary, we found that soy protein concentrate with isoflavones protects against liver steatosis and the protection is greater with a higher concentration of isoflavones.

All Polyphenols Are Not Created Equal: Exploring the Diversity of Phenolic Metabolites

Dietary intake of plant polyphenols is significant, and many of them enter a human body as a highly diverse pool of ring-fission phenolic metabolites arising from digestion and microbial catabolism of the parental structures. Difficulty in designing the uniform intervention studies and limited tools calibrated to detect and quantify the inherent complexity of phenolic metabolites hindered efforts to establish and validate protective health effects of these molecules. Here, we highlight the recent findings that describe novel complex downstream metabolite profiles with a particular focus on dihydrophenolic (phenylpropanoic) acids of microbial origin, ingested and phase II-transformed methylated phenolic metabolites (methylated sinks), and small phenolic metabolites derived from the breakdown of different classes of flavonoids, stilbenoids, and tannins. There is a critical need for precise identification of the individual phenolic metabolite signatures originating from different polyphenol groups to enable future translation of these findings into break-through nutritional interventions and dietary guidelines.

The impact of the gut microbiota on the reproductive and metabolic endocrine system

As the gut microbiota exerts various effects on the intestinal milieu which influences distant organs and pathways, it is considered to be a full-fledged endocrine organ. The microbiota plays a major role in the reproductive endocrine system throughout a woman's lifetime by interacting with estrogen, androgens, insulin, and other hormones. Imbalance of the gut microbiota composition can lead to several diseases and conditions, such as pregnancy complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and cancer; however, research on the mechanisms is limited. More effort should be concentrated on exploring the potential causes and underlying the mechanisms of microbiota-hormone-mediated disease, and providing novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.As the gut microbiota exerts various effects on the intestinal milieu which influences distant organs and pathways, it is considered to be a full-fledged endocrine organ. The microbiota plays a major role in the reproductive endocrine system throughout a woman's lifetime by interacting with estrogen, androgens, insulin, and other hormones. Imbalance of the gut microbiota composition can lead to several diseases and conditions, such as pregnancy complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and cancer; however, research on the mechanisms is limited. More effort should be concentrated on exploring the potential causes and underlying the mechanisms of microbiota-hormone-mediated disease, and providing novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Main drivers of (poly)phenol effects on human health: metabolite production and/or gut microbiota-associated metabotypes?

Despite the high human interindividual variability in response to (poly)phenol consumption, the cause-and-effect relationship between some dietary (poly)phenols (flavanols and olive oil phenolics) and health effects (endothelial function and prevention of LDL oxidation, respectively) has been well established. Most of the variables affecting this interindividual variability have been identified (food matrix, gut microbiota, single-nucleotide-polymorphisms, etc.). However, the final drivers for the health effects of (poly)phenol consumption have not been fully identified. At least partially, these drivers could be (i) the (poly)phenols ingested that exert their effect in the gastrointestinal tract, (ii) the bioavailable metabolites that exert their effects systemically and/or (iii) the gut microbial ecology associated with (poly)phenol metabolism (i.e., gut microbiota-associated metabotypes). However, statistical associations between health effects and the occurrence of circulating and/or excreted metabolites, as well as cross-sectional studies that correlate gut microbial ecologies and health, do not prove a causal role unequivocally. We provide a critical overview and perspective on the possible main drivers of the effects of (poly)phenols on human health and suggest possible actions to identify the putative actors responsible for the effects.

Soy and Frequent Dairy Consumption with Subsequent Equol Production Reveals Decreased Gut Health in a Cohort of Healthy Puerto Rican Women

The U.S. Hispanic female population has one of the highest breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality rates, while BC is the leading cause of cancer death in Puerto Rican women. Certain foods may predispose to carcinogenesis. Our previous studies indicate that consuming combined soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, and glycitein) promotes tumor metastasis possibly through increased protein synthesis activated by equol, a secondary dietary metabolite. Equol is a bacterial metabolite produced in about 20-60% of the population that harbor and exhibit specific gut microbiota capable of producing it from daidzein. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of equol production in Puerto Rican women and identify the equol producing microbiota in this understudied population. Herein, we conducted a cross-sectional characterization of equol production in a clinically based sample of eighty healthy 25-50 year old Puerto Rican women. Urine samples were collected and evaluated by GCMS for the presence of soy isoflavones and metabolites to determine the ratio of equol producers to equol non-producers. Furthermore, fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota characterization on a subset of women using next generation sequencing (NGS). We report that 25% of the participants were classified as equol producers. Importantly, the gut microbiota from equol non-producers demonstrated a higher diversity. Our results suggest that healthy women with soy and high dairy consumption with subsequent equol production may result in gut dysbiosis by having reduced quantities (diversity) of healthy bacterial biomarkers, which might be associated to increased diseased outcomes (e.g., cancer, and other diseases).

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?

Association of equol with obesity in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

Equol, which is an active metabolite of isoflavone, has a beneficial impact on metabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. However, the effect of equol on obesity remains uncertain. This study was performed to determine the association between equol and obesity in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

We evaluated 386 women in their 50s-60s who underwent health check-ups from February 2018 to January 2019 at Watari Hospital Health Center in Fukushima, Japan. Overweight and visceral obesity were defined as a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and waist circumference ≥ 90 cm, respectively. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their ordinary lifestyle. Participants were defined as equol producers when urinary equol level was 1.0 μM or more. The proportion of individuals with obesity (overweight and visceral obesity) and lifestyle factors were compared between equol producers and nonproducers. In addition, the association between equol and obesity was examined using logistic regression analysis with adjustment for lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

Of the 386 participants, 106 (27.5%) women were equol producers. The proportions of women who were overweight (13.2% vs 25.7%) and had visceral obesity (6.6% vs 20.7%) were significantly lower in the equol-producing group than in the nonproducing group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that equol production was significantly associated with overweight (odds ratio =0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.25-0.88) and visceral obesity (odds ratio =0.30, 95% confidence interval: 0.13-0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

Equol is significantly associated with obesity in postmenopausal women.

Isomaltooligosaccharide and Bacillus regulate the duration of farrowing and weaning-estrous interval in sows during the perinatal period by changing the gut microbiota of sows

This study investigated the effects of isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and Bacillus in perinatal diets on the duration of farrowing and post-weaning estrus, serum reproductive hormone concentrations, and gut microbiota and its metabolites of sows. Multiparous sows (n = 130) were fed diets without IMO (control, CON group), or diets containing only IMO (IMO group), IMO and Bacillus subtilis (IMOS group), IMO and Bacillus licheniformis (IMOL group), and IMO and B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (IMOSL group), respectively. The results indicate that the duration of farrowing and post-weaning estrus was shorter in sows in the IMOS, IMOL, and IMOSL groups, and the weaning-estrous interval was lower in sows in the IMOL greoup. In addition, the lowest fecal score was observed in the IMOL group during d 106 to 112 of gestation. Sows in most of the treatment groups had a higher concentration of serum prolactin and prostaglandin at farrowing, but a lower serum concentration of estradiol, oxytocin, and progesterone on d 18 of lactation than sows in the CON group. The treatment groups had a higher abundance of Candidatus Methanoplasma and Bacillus and a lower abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in their feces at farrowing. Furthermore, the treatment groups had higher concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in feces at farrowing and a higher concentration of branched fatty acids in feces on d 18 of lactation. Furthermore, the abundance of Bacillus in feces was positively correlated with serum prostaglandin concentrations and fecal total SCFA of sows at farrowing, but was negatively correlated with the duration of farrowing. Overall, dietary IMO and Bacillus supplementation affected the concentration of serum reproductive hormones and the duration of farrowing and post-weaning estrus, and the gut microbiota is a key factor.

Relationship between gut microbiota and host-metabolism: Emphasis on hormones related to reproductive function

It has been well recognized that interactions between the gut microbiota and host-metabolism have a proven effect on health. The gut lumen is known for harboring different bacterial communities. Microbial by-products and structural components, which are derived through the gut microbiota, generate a signaling response to maintain homeostasis. Gut microbiota is not only involved in metabolic disorders, but also participates in the regulation of reproductive hormonal function. Bacterial phyla, which are localized in the gut, allow for the metabolization of steroid hormones through the stimulation of different enzymes. Reproductive hormones such as progesterone, estrogen and testosterone play a pivotal role in the successful completion of reproductive events. Disruption in this mechanism may lead to reproductive disorders. Environmental bacteria can affect the metabolism, and degrade steroid hormones and their relevant compounds. This behavior of the bacteria can safely be implemented to eliminate steroidal compounds from a polluted environment. In this review, we summarize the metabolism of steroid hormones on the regulation of gut microbiota and vice-versa, and also examined the significant influence this process has on various events of reproductive function. Altogether, the evidence suggests that steroid hormones and gut microbiota exert a central role in the modification of host bacterial action and impact the reproductive efficiency of animals and humans.

Gut microbiota and metabolic marker alteration following dietary isoflavone-photoperiod interaction

Introduction

The interaction between isoflavones and the gut microbiota has been highlighted as a potential regulator of obesity and diabetes. In this study, we examined the interaction between isoflavones and a shortened activity photoperiod on the gut microbiome.

Methods

Male mice were exposed to a diet containing no isoflavones (NIF) or a regular diet (RD) containing the usual isoflavones level found in a standard vivarium chow. These groups were further divided into regular (12L:12D) or short active (16L:8D) photoperiod, which mimics seasonal changes observed at high latitudes. White adipose tissue and genes involved in lipid metabolism and adipogenesis processes were analysed. Bacterial genomic DNA was isolated from fecal boli, and 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing was performed.

Results

NIF diet increased body weight and adipocyte size when compared to mice on RD. The lack of isoflavones and photoperiod alteration also caused dysregulation of lipoprotein lipase (Lpl), glucose transporter type 4 (Glut-4) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg) genes. Using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, we found that mice fed the NIF diet had a greater proportion of Firmicutes than Bacteroidetes when compared to animals on the RD. These alterations were accompanied by changes in the endocrine profile, with lower thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in the NIF group compared to the RD. Interestingly, the NIF group displayed increased locomotion as compared to the RD group.

Conclusion

Together, these data show an interaction between the gut bacterial communities, photoperiod length and isoflavone compounds, which may be essential for understanding and improving metabolic health.

The role of the gut microbiome and diet in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, with a prevalence that is increasing in parallel with the global rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and multifactorial, involving environmental, genetic and metabolic factors. The role of the diet and the gut microbiome is gaining interest as a significant factor in NAFLD pathogenesis. Dietary factors induce alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome (dysbiosis), commonly reflected by a reduction of the beneficial species and an increase in pathogenic microbiota. Due to the close relationship between the gut and liver, altering the gut microbiome can affect liver functions; promoting hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This review summarises the current evidence supporting an association between NAFLD and the gut microbiome and dietary factors. The review also explores potential underlying mechanisms underpinning these associations and whether manipulation of the gut microbiome is a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent or treat NAFLD.

Insight into Polyphenol and Gut Microbiota Crosstalk: Are Their Metabolites the Key to Understand Protective Effects against Metabolic Disorders?

Lifestyle factors, especially diet and nutrition, are currently regarded as essential avenues to decrease modern-day cardiometabolic disorders (CMD), including obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Many groups around the world attribute these trends, at least partially, to bioactive plant polyphenols given their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. In fact, polyphenols can prevent or reverse the progression of disease processes through many distinct mechanisms. In particular, the crosstalk between polyphenols and gut microbiota, recently unveiled thanks to DNA-based tools and next generation sequencing, unravelled the central regulatory role of dietary polyphenols and their intestinal micro-ecology metabolites on the host energy metabolism and related illnesses. The objectives of this review are to: (1) provide an understanding of classification, structure, and bioavailability of dietary polyphenols; (2) underline their metabolism by gut microbiota; (3) highlight their prebiotic effects on microflora; (4) discuss the multifaceted roles of their metabolites in CMD while shedding light on the mechanisms of action; and (5) underscore their ability to initiate host epigenetic regulation. In sum, the review clearly documents whether dietary polyphenols and micro-ecology favorably interact to promote multiple physiological functions on human organism.

Genetic Polymorphisms, Mediterranean Diet and Microbiota-Associated Urolithin Metabotypes can Predict Obesity in Childhood-Adolescence

Environmental and genetic factors are associated with pandemic obesity since childhood. However, the association of overweight-obesity with these factors, acting as a consortium, has been scarcely studied in children. We aimed here to assess the probabilities of being overweighed-obese in a randomly recruited cohort of Spanish children and adolescents (n = 415, 5−17 years-old) by estimating the odds ratios for different predictor variables, and their relative importance in the prediction. The predictor variables were ethnicity, age, sex, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (KIDMED), physical activity, urolithin metabotypes (UM-A, UM-B and UM-0) as biomarkers of the gut microbiota, and 53 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 43 genes mainly related to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. A proportional-odds logistic ordinal regression, validated through bootstrap, was used to model the data. While every variable was not independently associated with overweight-obesity, however, the ordinal logistic model revealed that overweight-obesity prevalence was related to being a young boy with either UM-B or UM-0, low KIDMED score and high contribution of a consortium of 24 SNPs, being rs1801253-ADRB1, rs4343-ACE, rs8061518-FTO, rs1130864-CRP, rs659366-UCP2, rs6131-SELP, rs12535708-LEP, rs1501299-ADIPOQ, rs708272-CETP and rs2241766-ADIPOQ the top-ten contributing SNPs. Additional research should confirm and complete this model by including dietary interventions and the individuals’ gut microbiota composition.

Endocrine Disruptors in Food: Impact on Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Diseases

Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) have been associated with the increased incidence of metabolic disorders. In this work, we conducted a systematic review of the literature in order to identify the current knowledge of the interactions between EDCs in food, the gut microbiota, and metabolic disorders in order to shed light on this complex triad. Exposure to EDCs induces a series of changes including microbial dysbiosis and the induction of xenobiotic pathways and associated genes, enzymes, and metabolites involved in EDC metabolism. The products and by-products released following the microbial metabolism of EDCs can be taken up by the host; therefore, changes in the composition of the microbiota and in the production of microbial metabolites could have a major impact on host metabolism and the development of diseases. The remediation of EDC-induced changes in the gut microbiota might represent an alternative course for the treatment and prevention of metabolic diseases.

Where to Look into the Puzzle of Polyphenols and Health? The Postbiotics and Gut Microbiota Associated with Human Metabotypes

The full consensus on the role of dietary polyphenols as human-health-promoting compounds remains elusive. The two-way interaction between polyphenols and gut microbiota (GM) (i.e., modulation of GM by polyphenols and their catabolism by the GM) is determinant in polyphenols' effects. The identification of human metabotypes associated with a differential gut microbial metabolism of polyphenols has opened new research scenarios to explain the inter-individual variability upon polyphenols consumption. The metabotypes unequivocally identified so far are those involved in the metabolism of isoflavones (equol and(or) O-desmethylangolesin producers versus non-producers) and ellagic acid (urolithin metabotypes, including producers of only urolithin-A (UM-A), producers of urolithin-A, isourolithin-A, and urolithin-B (UM-B), and non-producers (UM-0)). In addition, the microbial metabolites (phenolic-derived postbiotics) such as equol, urolithins, valerolactones, enterolactone, and enterodiol, and 8-prenylnaringenin, among others, can exert differential health effects. The knowledge is updated and position is taken here on i) the two-way interaction between GM and polyphenols, ii) the evidence between phenolic-derived postbiotics and health, iii) the role of metabotypes as biomarkers of GM and the clustering of individuals depending on their metabotypes (metabotyping) to explain polyphenols' effects, and iv) the gut microbial metabolism of catecholamines to illustrate the intersection between personalized nutrition and precision medicine.

Phytoestrogens and NAFLD: Possible Mechanisms of Action

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) includes a variety of changes including nonalcoholic fatty liver, cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), which are associated with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and multifactorial. Many studies have shown that estrogen has a protective effect on premenopausal women with metabolic disorders and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Estrogen supplements may, at least in theory, prevent the development and progression of NAFLD. Phytoestrogen is extracted from plants, especially legumes, whose molecular structure and biological activity are similar to those of mammals estrogen, therefore it could replace the role of estrogen and prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions to estrogen. In this article, we review the published literature related to phytoestrogens and NAFLD as well as suggest the possible mechanisms that may underlie the association between phytoestrogens and NAFLD.

Circulating Metabolites Originating from Gut Microbiota Control Endothelial Cell Function

Cardiovascular functionality strictly depends on endothelial cell trophism and proper biochemical function. Any condition (environmental, pharmacological/toxicological, physical, or neuro-humoral) that changes the vascular endothelium has great consequences for the organism's wellness and on the outcome and evolution of severe cardiovascular pathologies. Thus, knowledge of the mechanisms, both endogenous and external, that affect endothelial dysfunction is pivotal to preventing and treating these disorders. In recent decades, significant attention has been focused on gut microbiota and how these symbiotic microorganisms can influence host health and disease development. Indeed, dysbiosis has been reported to be at the base of a range of different pathologies, including pathologies of the cardiovascular system. The study of the mechanism underlying this relationship has led to the identification of a series of metabolites (released by gut bacteria) that exert different effects on all the components of the vascular system, and in particular on endothelial cells. The imbalance of factors promoting or blunting endothelial cell viability and function and angiogenesis seems to be a potential target for the development of new therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the circulating factors identified to date, either directly produced by gut microbes or resulting from the metabolism of diet derivatives as polyphenols.

Contribution of plant food bioactives in promoting health effects of plant foods: why look at interindividual variability?

Purpose

Research has identified plant-based diets as the most protective for our health; it is now essential to focus on good food associations and the beneficial constituents in plant foods. From a growing body of evidence, some categories of food phytochemicals are increasingly considered to play a crucial role in the cardiometabolic health effects associated with plant food consumption. However, the heterogeneity in responsiveness to plant food bioactive intake that is frequently observed in clinical trials can hinder the identification of the effects of these compounds in specific subpopulations and likely lead to underestimating their actual contribution to the health effects of their food sources.

Results

The magnitude and the main factors responsible for this between-subject variation in response to the consumption of the major families of food phytochemicals have been poorly documented so far. Thus, research efforts in this area must be developed. More importantly, capturing the interindividual variability in response to plant food bioactive intake, together with identifying the main determinants involved, is a crucial step that will enable the development and production of plant food products, thereby satisfying the nutritional needs and conferring benefits to different categories of populations.

Conclusion

The development of a science-based personalised nutrition approach focusing on plant foods rich in specific bioactive compounds could contribute to alleviating the dramatic burden of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Plant food bioactives represent a tremendous potential for innovation in the field of food, nutrition, and health.

The role of phytochemicals in the health benefits of plant-based foods has been underestimated so far.

A full consideration of plant food bioactives in future preventive strategies implies research that tackles the factors responsible for interindividual variability.

A better understanding of interindividual variability in response to plant food bioactives is needed to:

Refine dietary recommendations towards foods that are particularly rich in specific bioactives.

Broaden perspectives for the food industry to develop strategies for future personalised food products targeted to specific consumer groups.

Caulis Spatholobi Ameliorates Obesity through Activating Brown Adipose Tissue and Modulating the Composition of Gut Microbiota

Obesity is associated with disrupted energy homeostasis and intestinal dysbiosis. Caulis Spatholobi, traditional Chinese medicine for herbal therapy, contains a wide range of bioactive compounds and has a specific pharmacological function. However, its effects on obesity and related metabolic disorder have remained largely unexplored. In this study, we showed that the water extract of Caulis Spatholobi (WECS) has a significant effect in inhibiting body weight gain, decreasing adiposity, maintaining glucose homeostasis, reducing insulin resistance and improving hepatic steatosis in diet-introduced obesity (DIO) mice. Besides, the administration of WECS significantly increased the expression levels of genes involved in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation and thermogenesis in DIO mice. Also, the activation of BAT treated with WECS was also confirmed in BAT primary cells. Mechanisms, the improvement of glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance may be related to the upregulated MAPK and AMPK pathways in white adipose tissue (WAT) and BAT. Notably, WECS also improved the obesity-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, which induced an increase of anti-obesity and anti-diabetes related bacteria genus. In conclusion, Caulis Spatholobi can ameliorate obesity through activating brown adipose tissue and modulating the composition of gut microbiota. Our findings provide a novel perspective on Chinese medicine applications and provide a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Effects of Phytoestrogens on the Developing Brain, Gut Microbiota, and Risk for Neurobehavioral Disorders

Many pregnant and nursing women consume high amounts of soy and other plant products that contain phytoestrogens, such as genistein (GEN) and daidzein. Infants may also be provided soy based formulas. With their ability to bind and activate estrogen receptors (ESR) in the brain, such compounds can disrupt normal brain programming and lead to later neurobehavioral disruptions. However, other studies suggest that maternal consumption of soy and soy based formulas containing such phytoestrogens might lead to beneficial behavioral effects. Select gut microbes might also convert daidzein and to a lesser extent genistein to even more potent forms, e.g., equol derivatives. Thus, infant exposure to phytoestrogens may result in contrasting effects dependent upon the gut flora. It is also becoming apparent that consumption or exposure to these xenoestrogens may lead to gut dysbiosis. Phytoestrogen-induced changes in gut bacteria might in turn affect the brain through various mechanisms. This review will consider the evidence to date in rodent and other animal models and human epidemiological data as to whether developmental exposure to phytoestrogens, in particular genistein and daidzein, adversely or beneficially impact offspring neurobehavioral programming. Consideration will be given to potential mechanisms by which such compounds might affect neurobehavioral responses. A better understanding of effects perinatal exposure to phytoestrogen can exert on brain programming will permit pregnant women and those seeking to become pregnant to make better-educated choices. If phytoestrogen-induced gut dysbiosis contributes to neurobehavioral disruptions, remediation strategies may be designed to prevent such gut microbiota alterations and thereby improve neurobehavioral outcomes.

Dietary Flavonoids for Immunoregulation and Cancer: Food Design for Targeting Disease

Flavonoids, one of the most abundant phytochemicals in a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, have been recognized as possessing anti-proliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic activities. Numerous cellular and animal-based studies show that flavonoids can function as antioxidants by preventing DNA damage and scavenging reactive oxygen radicals, inhibiting formation of DNA adducts, enhancing DNA repair, interfering with chemical damage by induction of Phase II enzymes, and modifying signaling pathways. Recent evidence also shows their ability to regulate the immune system. However, findings from clinical trials have been mixed with no clear consensus on dose, frequency, or type of flavonoids best suited to elicit many of the beneficial effects. Delivery of these bioactive compounds to their biological targets through "targeted designed" food processing strategies is critical to reach effective concentration in vivo. Thus, the identification of novel approaches that optimize flavonoid bioavailability is essential for their successful clinical application. In this review, we discuss the relevance of increasing flavonoid bioavailability, by agricultural engineering and "targeted food design" in the context of the immune system and cancer.

Synthetic Flavonoids as Novel Modulators of Platelet Function and Thrombosis

Cardiovascular diseases represent a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the world, and specifically, thrombotic conditions such as heart attacks and strokes are caused by unwarranted activation of platelets and subsequent formation of blood clots (thrombi) within the blood vessels during pathological circumstances. Therefore, platelets act as a primary therapeutic target to treat and prevent thrombotic conditions. Current treatments are limited due to intolerance, and they are associated with severe side effects such as bleeding complications. Hence, the development of novel therapeutic strategies for thrombotic diseases is an urgent priority. Flavonoids are naturally occurring plant-derived molecules that exert numerous beneficial effects in humans through modulating the functions of distinct cell types. However, naturally occurring flavonoids suffer from several issues such as poor solubility, lipophilicity, and bioavailability, which hinder their efficacy and potency. Despite these, flavonoids act as versatile templates for the design and synthesis of novel molecules for various therapeutic targets. Indeed, several synthetic flavonoids have recently been developed to improve their stability, bioavailability, and efficacy, including for the modulation of platelet function. Here, we provide insight into the actions of certain natural flavonoids along with the advantages of synthetic flavonoids in the modulation of platelet function, haemostasis, and thrombosis.

Isoflavone daidzein regulates immune responses in the B6C3F1 and non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice

Daidzein (DAZ), a dominant isoflavone in various natural products such as soybeans, has been gaining attention due to the beneficial health effects (e.g., protection against cancer and diabetes) of its metabolites. Our major hypothesis was that dietary exposure to the soy phytoestrogen DAZ could modulate the immune responses toward a protective effect and lead to improved metabolic functions (such as glucose metabolism). In this study, we applied complementary mouse models, the hybrid B6C3F1 and inbred type 1 diabetes prone non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, to investigate if DAZ exposure modulated the immune responses. The animals were orally administered DAZ at various physiological doses (2-20 mg/kg body weight) during adulthood. DAZ significantly altered the relative organ weights in female B6C3F1 mice and decreased the B cell population (represented by CD3-IgM+), while the T cell populations (represented by CD3+IgM-, CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+) were increased. In addition, DAZ dosing produced a decrease in the percentage of late apoptotic thymocytes. However, the activities cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells were not altered in the B6C3F1 mice. In NOD mice, the blood glucose level and glucose tolerance were not affected by DAZ exposure, but DAZ modulated the antibody production, as shown by increased levels of IgG2b in NOD females and IgG1 in NOD males. Further, DAZ increased CD8+CD25+ splenocytes in NOD females. Taken together, DAZ induced an immunomodulatory effect in both NOD and B6C3F1 mouse strains; however, minimal effects on glucose homeostasis were observed.

Cardiovascular sexual dimorphism in a diet-induced type 2 diabetes rodent model, the Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus)

Background

The Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) is an emerging laboratory model of type 2 diabetes. When fed standard rodent chow, the majority of males progress from hyperinsulinemia by 2 months to hyperglycemia by 6 months, while most females remain at the hyperinsulinemia-only stage (prediabetic) from 2 months onward. Since diabetic cardiomyopathy is the major cause of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related mortality, we examined whether sexual dimorphism might entail cardiac functional changes. Our ultimate goal was to isolate the effect of diet as a modifiable lifestyle factor.

Materials and methods

Nile rats were fed either standard rodent chow (Chow group) or a high-fiber diet previously established to prevent type 2 diabetes (Fiber group). Cardiac function was determined with echocardiography at 12 months of age. To isolate the effect of diet alone, only the small subset of animals resistant to both hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia were included in this study.

Results

In males, Chow (compared to Fiber) was associated with elevated heart rate and mitral E/A velocity ratio, and with lower e’-wave velocity, isovolumetric relaxation time, and ejection time. Of note, these clinically atypical types of diastolic dysfunction occurred independently of body weight. In contrast, females did not exhibit changes in cardiovascular function between diets.

Conclusions

The higher prevalence of T2DM in males correlates with their susceptibility to develop subtle diastolic cardiac dysfunction when fed a Western style diet (throughout most of their lifespan) despite no systemic evidence of metabolic syndrome, let alone T2DM.

Opposing effects of S-equol supplementation on metabolic and behavioral parameters in mice fed a high-fat diet

Phytoestrogens, such as daidzein and genistein, may be used to treat various hormone-dependent disorders. Daidzein can be metabolized by intestinal microbes to S-equol. However, not all individuals possess bacteria producing this metabolite, resulting in categorization of equol vs nonequol producers. Past human and rodent studies have suggested that supplementation of this compound might yield beneficial metabolic and behavioral effects. We hypothesized that administration of S-equol to diet-induced obese male and female mice would mitigate potential diet-induced metabolic and comorbid neurobehavioral disorders. To test this possibility, we placed 5-week-old C57 mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) to mimic the diet currently consumed by many Western adults. Animals were randomly assigned to S-equol supplementation (10 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle control group. After 4 weeks on HFD with or without S-equol supplementation, metabolic and behavioral phenotyping was performed. Although the initial hypothesis proposed that S-equol treatment would improve metabolic and neurobehavioral outcomes, this supplementation instead exacerbated aspects of HFD-induced metabolic disease, as indicated by suppressed physical activity in treated individuals, reduced energy expenditure in treated males, and serum chemistry changes (hyperglycemia in treated individuals; hyperinsulinemia and hypoleptinemia in treated males). Conversely, S-equol individuals exhibited less anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors, as evidenced by increased exploratory time in the elevated plus maze by treated males and increased time spent mobile in the tail suspension test for treated individuals. In summary, S-equol may be beneficial in mitigating depression and anxiety disorders in individuals, but for indeterminate reasons, supplementation may worsen facets of metabolic disorders in obese individuals.

The gut microbiota urolithin metabotypes revisited: the human metabolism of ellagic acid is mainly determined by aging

Understanding individuals' response to dietary bioactives is crucial for personalized nutrition. We report here for the first time in a Caucasian cohort (5-90 years, n = 839) that aging is the main factor that determines the gut microbiota involved in the ellagic acid-ellagitannin metabolism (urolithin metabotypes), with potential consequences for human health.