Activation of Short and Long Chain Fatty Acid Sensing Machinery in the Ileum Lowers Glucose Production in Vivo

Incorporating Postbiotics into Intervention for Managing Obesity

Obesity is reaching global epidemic proportions worldwide, posing a significant burden on individual health and society. Altered gut microbiota is considered a key factor in the pathogenesis of many diseases, producing metabolites that contribute to the health-beneficial properties of postbiotics. Postbiotics, bioactive microbial components derived from probiotics, are emerging as a valuable strategy in modern medicine and a promising alternative for managing obesity without the need for live bacteria. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the potential health benefits of postbiotics, particularly in relation to obesity, which represents an important health challenge. Despite the encouraging insights into the health benefits of postbiotics, we highlight the need for further research to clarify the mechanisms and the specific roles of different postbiotic components. Integrating postbiotics into health interventions has the potential to enhance preventive care and significantly improve health outcomes in at-risk populations.

Short-term exposure to ciprofloxacin and microplastic leads to intrahepatic cholestasis, while long-term exposure decreases energy metabolism and increases the risk of obesity

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics are pervasive pollutants that may pose a risk to human health. Studies have shown that both MPs and antibiotics adversely affect lipid metabolism and increase the risk of obesity. However, it remains unclear whether combined exposure to these pollutants intensify the cumulative detrimental effect on obesity and metabolism. This study demonstrated the impact of exposure to polystyrene MPs (PS, 25 nm) and ciprofloxacin (CIP), both individually and combined, for 30 d and 90 d on the hepatic metabolism of male C57BL/6J mice. The results showed that mice exposed to PS and CIP for either 30 d or 90 d exhibited lipid metabolism disorders such as increased body weight, enlarged adipocytes, triglyceride accumulation in the liver, and higher HDL-C. Differentially expressed hepatic proteins were identified via proteomic analysis. The findings indicated that exposure for 30 d caused abnormal bile acid (BA) secretion in the liver and inhibited the BA secretion pathway, which resulted in intrahepatic cholestasis. Furthermore, exposure for 90 d resolved cholestasis and reduced the overall number of differentially expressed proteins. Intestinal pathology revealed more severe damage after exposure for 30 d, while 90 d exposure decreased the adverse effect. Combined CIP and PS exposure caused damage to the organism. However, the adaptive capacity of the organism during prolonged exposure mitigated the damage caused by both, but did not imply the complete eradication of adverse effects. This study found that 90 d exposure to PS and CIP resulted in weight gain, possibly due to changes in the gut flora and suppressed energy metabolism. These results indicated that simultaneous exposure to CIP and PS exacerbated the adverse impact on the liver, causing short-term intrahepatic cholestasis. Prolonged exposure reduced the energy metabolism in the body, exhibiting varied toxicity outcomes and mechanisms at different exposure durations. This study offers novel insights into the effect of MPs and antibiotic CIP exposure on metabolic abnormalities and provides a scientific basis for assessing these risks. It also emphasizes that the adverse effect resulting from 30 d (short-term) toxic exposure may not persist and that long-term chronic toxicity needs warrants.

Neutrophil Depletion Reduced the Relative Abundance of Unsaturated Long-Chain Fatty Acid Synthesis Microbiota and Intestinal Lipid Absorption

As immune cells, neutrophils serve as the first line of defense against infections; however, the mechanism by which neutrophils regulate lipid metabolism is unknown. The neutrophil depletion group was treated with 100 μg InVivoMAb anti-mouse Ly6G 6 times, whereas the control group mice were intraperitoneally injected with the same quantity of InVivoMAb rat IgG2a. Body fat content, triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the jejunum and ileum, as well as 9 long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) in the intestinal contents were significantly decreased. Furthermore, genes involved in the absorption of lipids in each segment of the intestine also showed decreased expression. Neutrophil-depletion and control models were administered 25 μCi of 3H-cholesterol by gavage. The distribution of 3H cholesterol in the intestinal segment, heart, liver, serum, and feces was not altered by anti-Ly6G antibodies. Metagenomics was applied to investigate uncultured microorganisms in the intestinal contents to identify bacteria containing lipid metabolism genes. At the species level, 12 bacteria were involved in unsaturated LCFA synthesis, among which 2 increased and 10 decreased. The overall relative abundance of these bacteria decreased from 3.102% to 0.734%. Many genes involved in lipid metabolism were also reduced as a result, such as fatty acid synthase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. In conclusion, neutrophil depletion does not affect intestinal lipid absorption in the diet but leads to a decrease in the overall relative abundance of gut bacteria involved in unsaturated LCFA synthesis. Consequently, intestinal lipid synthesis and absorption are reduced.

Expression of free fatty acid receptor 2 in normal and neoplastic tissues

OBJECTIVE

Little information is available concerning protein expression of the free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), especially in tumours. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to comprehensively characterise the expression profile of FFAR2 in a large series of human normal and neoplastic tissues using immunohistochemistry thus providing a basis for further in-depth investigations into its potential diagnostic or therapeutic importance.

METHODS

We developed a novel rabbit polyclonal anti-FFAR2 antibody, 0524, directed against the C-terminal region of human FFAR2. Antibody specificity was confirmed via Western blot analyses and immunocytochemistry using the FFAR2-expressing cell line BON-1 and FFAR2-specific small interfering RNA as well as native and FFAR2-transfected HEK-293 cells. The antibody was then used for immunohistochemical analyses of various formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of normal and neoplastic human tissues.

RESULTS

In normal tissues, FFAR2 was mainly present in distinct cell populations of the cerebral cortex, follicular cells and C cells of the thyroid, cardiomyocytes of the heart, bronchial epithelia and glands, hepatocytes and bile duct epithelia of the liver, gall bladder epithelium, exocrine and β-cells of the endocrine pancreas, glomerular mesangial cells and podocytes as well as collecting ducts of the kidney, intestinal mucosa (particularly enteroendocrine cells), prostate epithelium, seminiferous tubules of the testicles, and placental syncytiotrophoblasts. In neoplastic tissues, FFAR2 was particularly prevalent in papillary thyroid carcinomas, parathyroid adenomas, and gastric, colon, pancreatic, hepatocellular, cholangiocellular, urinary bladder, breast, cervical, and ovarian carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

We generated and characterised a novel rabbit polyclonal anti-human FFAR2 antibody that is well-suited for visualising FFAR2 expression in human routine pathology tissues. This antibody is also suitable for Western blot and immunocytochemistry experiments. To our knowledge, this antibody enabled the first broad FFAR2 protein expression profile in various normal and neoplastic human tissues.

Dietary inclusion of Clostridium butyricum cultures alleviated impacts of high-carbohydrate diets in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

A 60-d feeding trial was conducted to explore the potential regulatory effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum cultures (CBC) supplementation in high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) on carbohydrate utilisation, antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota of largemouth bass. Triplicate groups of largemouth bass (average weight 35·03 ± 0·04 g), with a destiny of twenty-eight individuals per tank, were fed low-carbohydrate diet and HCD supplemented with different concentration of CBC (0 %, 0·25 %, 0·50 % and 1·00 %). The results showed that dietary CBC inclusion alleviated the hepatic glycogen accumulation induced by HCD intake. Additionally, the expression of hepatic ampkα1 and insulin signaling pathway-related genes (ira, irb, irs, p13kr1 and akt1) increased linearly with dietary CBC inclusion, which might be associated with the activation of glycolysis-related genes (gk, pfkl and pk). Meanwhile, the expression of intestinal SCFA transport-related genes (ffar3 and mct1) was significantly increased with dietary CBC inclusion. In addition, the hepatic antioxidant capacity was improved with dietary CBC supplementation, as evidenced by linear decrease in malondialdehyde concentration and expression of keap1, and linear increase in antioxidant enzyme activities (total antioxidative capacity, total superoxide dismutase and catalase) and expression of antioxidant enzyme-related genes (nrf2, sod1, sod2 and cat). The analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA V3-4 region indicated that dietary CBC inclusion significantly reduced the enrichment of Firmicutes and potential pathogenic bacteria genus Mycoplasma but significantly elevated the relative abundance of Fusobacteria and Cetobacterium. In summary, dietary CBC inclusion improved carbohydrate utilization, antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota of largemouth bass fed HCD.

Small intestinal CaSR-dependent and CaSR-independent protein sensing regulates feeding and glucose tolerance in rats

Proteins activate small intestinal calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and/or peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) to increase hormone secretion1-8, but the effect of small intestinal protein sensing and the mechanistic potential of CaSR and/or PepT1 in feeding and glucose regulation remain inconclusive. Here we show that, in male rats, CaSR in the upper small intestine is required for casein infusion to increase glucose tolerance and GLP1 and GIP secretion, which was also dependent on PepT1 (ref. 9). PepT1, but not CaSR, is required for casein infusion to lower feeding. Upper small intestine casein sensing fails to regulate feeding, but not glucose tolerance, in high-fat-fed rats with decreased PepT1 but increased CaSR expression. In the ileum, a CaSR-dependent but PepT1-independent pathway is required for casein infusion to lower feeding and increase glucose tolerance in chow-fed rats, in parallel with increased PYY and GLP1 release, respectively. High fat decreases ileal CaSR expression and disrupts casein sensing on feeding but not on glucose control, suggesting an ileal CaSR-independent, glucose-regulatory pathway. In summary, we discover small intestinal CaSR- and PepT1-dependent and -independent protein sensing mechanisms that regulate gut hormone release, feeding and glucose tolerance. Our findings highlight the potential of targeting small intestinal CaSR and/or PepT1 to regulate feeding and glucose tolerance.

Impact of breastfeeding and other early-life factors on the development of the oral microbiome

The oral cavity is home to the second most diverse microbiome in the human body. This community contributes to both oral and systemic health. Acquisition and development of the oral microbiome is a dynamic process that occurs over early life; however, data regarding longitudinal assembly of the infant oral microbiome is scarce. While numerous factors have been associated with the composition of the infant oral microbiome, early feeding practices (breastfeeding and the introduction of solids) appear to be the strongest determinants of the infant oral microbiome. In the present review, we draw together data on the maternal, infant, and environmental factors linked to the composition of the infant oral microbiome, with a focus on early nutrition. Given evidence that breastfeeding powerfully shapes the infant oral microbiome, the review explores potential mechanisms through which human milk components, including microbes, metabolites, oligosaccharides, and antimicrobial proteins, may interact with and shape the infant oral microbiome. Infancy is a unique period for the oral microbiome. By enhancing our understanding of oral microbiome assembly in early life, we may better support both oral and systemic health throughout the lifespan.

The effects of acarbose treatment on cardiovascular risk factors in impaired glucose tolerance and diabetic patients: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Acarbose (ACB) seems to be an effective drug in the management of cardiovascular risk factors. However, no previous meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been done to evaluate the effects of ACB on cardiovascular risk factors on impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). We comprehensively searched electronic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed for RCTs for related keywords up to September 2022. A random-effects model was used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The pooled analysis demonstrated that ACB treatment had a significant effect on fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD = -3.55 mg/dL; 95%CI: -6.29, -0.81; p = 0.011), fasting insulin (WMD = -6.73 pmoL/L; 95%CI: -10.37, -3.10; p < 0.001), HbA1c [WMD = -0.32%; 95%CI: -0.45, -0.20; p < 0.001], body weight (WMD = -1.25 kg; 95%CI: -1.79, -0.75; p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (WMD = -0.64 kg/m2; 95%CI: -0.92, -0.37; p < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (WMD = -2.70 pg/mL, 95%CI: -5.25, -0.16; p = 0.037), leptin (WMD = -1.58 ng/mL; 95%CI: -2.82, -0.35; p = 0.012), alanine transaminase (ALT) (WMD = 0.71 U/L; 95%CI: -0.31, 1.85; p = 0.164), triglyceride (TG) (WMD = -13.89 mg/dL; 95%CI: -20.69, -7.09; p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = -2.26 mg/dL; 95%CI: -4.18, -0.34; p = 0.021), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD = -1.29 mmHg; 95%CI: -2.44, -0.15; p = 0.027), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD = 0.02 mmHg; 95%CI: -0.41, 0.45; p = 0.925) in an intervention group, compared with a placebo group. The non-linear dose-response analysis showed that ACB reduces the TC in trial duration by >50 weeks, and 180 mg/day is more effective for the decrement of CRP. ACB can improve lipid profiles, glycemic indices, anthropometric indices, and inflammatory markers in T2D, T1D, and IGT patients.

The emerging role of the small intestinal microbiota in human health and disease

The human gut microbiota continues to demonstrate its importance in human health and disease, largely owing to the countless number of studies investigating the fecal microbiota. Underrepresented in these studies, however, is the role played by microbial communities found in the small intestine, which, given the essential function of the small intestine in nutrient absorption, host metabolism, and immunity, is likely highly relevant. This review provides an overview of the methods used to study the microbiota composition and dynamics along different sections of the small intestine. Furthermore, it explores the role of the microbiota in facilitating the small intestine in its physiological functions and discusses how disruption of the microbial equilibrium can influence disease development. The evidence suggests that the small intestinal microbiota is an important regulator of human health and its characterization has the potential to greatly advance gut microbiome research and the development of novel disease diagnostics and therapeutics.

Central and peripheral regulations mediated by short-chain fatty acids on energy homeostasis

The human gut microbiota influences obesity, insulin resistance, and the subsequent development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The gut microbiota digests and ferments nutrients resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which generate various beneficial metabolic effects on energy and glucose homeostasis. However, their roles in the central nervous system (CNS)-mediated outputs on the metabolism have only been minimally studied. Here, we explore what is known and future directions that may be worth exploring in this emerging area. Specifically, we searched studies or data in English by using PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Human Metabolome Database. Studies were filtered by time from 1978 to March 2022. As a result, 195 studies, 53 reviews, 1 website, and 1 book were included. One hundred and sixty-five of 195 studies describe the production and metabolism of SCFAs or the effects of SCFAs on energy homeostasis, glucose balance, and mental diseases through the gut-brain axis or directly by a central pathway. Thirty of 195 studies show that inappropriate metabolism and excessive of SCFAs are metabolically detrimental. Most studies suggest that SCFAs exert beneficial metabolic effects by acting as the energy substrate in the TCA cycle, regulating the hormones related to satiety regulation and insulin secretion, and modulating immune cells and microglia. These functions have been linked with AMPK signaling, GPCRs-dependent pathways, and inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs). However, the studies focusing on the central effects of SCFAs are still limited. The mechanisms by which central SCFAs regulate appetite, energy expenditure, and blood glucose during different physiological conditions warrant further investigation.

Intestinal Microbiota-Derived Short Chain Fatty Acids in Host Health and Disease

Intestinal microbiota has its role as an important component of human physiology. It produces metabolites that module key functions to establish a symbiotic crosstalk with their host. Among them, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by intestinal bacteria during the fermentation of partially and non-digestible polysaccharides, play key roles in regulating colon physiology and changing intestinal environment. Recent research has found that SCFAs not only influence the signal transduction pathway in the gut, but they also reach tissues and organs outside of the gut, through their circulation in the blood. Growing evidence highlights the importance of SCFAs level in influencing health maintenance and disease development. SCFAs are probably involved in the management of host health in a complicated (positive or negative) way. Here, we review the current understanding of SCFAs effects on host physiology and discuss the potential prevention and therapeutics of SCFAs in a variety of disorders. It provides a systematic theoretical basis for the study of mechanisms and precise intake level of SCFAs to promote human health.

The Gut Microbiome: Connecting Diet, Glucose Homeostasis, and Disease

Type 2 diabetes rates continue to rise unabated, underscoring the need to better understand the etiology and potential therapeutic options available for this disease. The gut microbiome plays a role in glucose homeostasis, and diabetes is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. Given that consumption of a Western diet is associated with increased metabolic disease, and that a Western diet alters the gut microbiome, it is plausible that changes in the gut microbiota mediate the dysregulation in glucose homeostasis. In this review, we highlight a few of the most significant mechanisms by which the gut microbiome can influence glucose regulation, including changes in gut permeability, gut-brain signaling, and production of bacteria-derived metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and bile acids. A better understanding of these pathways could lead to the development of novel therapeutics to target the gut microbiome in order to restore glucose homeostasis in metabolic disease. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Medicine, Volume 73 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

An adaptable and non-invasive method for tracking Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis 420 in the mouse gut

Probiotic strains from the Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus genera improve health outcomes in models of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Yet, underlying mechanisms governing these improved health outcomes are rooted in the interaction of gut microbiota, intestinal interface, and probiotic strain. Central to defining the underlying mechanisms governing these improved health outcomes is the development of adaptable and non-invasive tools to study probiotic localization and colonization within the host gut microbiome. The objective of this study was to test labeling and tracking efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis 420 (B420) using a common clinical imaging agent, indocyanine green (ICG). ICG was an effective in situ labeling agent visualized in either intact mouse or excised gastrointestinal (GI) tract at different time intervals. Quantitative PCR was used to validate ICG visualization of B420, which also demonstrated that B420 transit time matched normal murine GI motility (~8 hours). Contrary to previous thoughts, B420 did not colonize any region of the GI tract whether following a single bolus or daily administration for up to 10 days. We conclude that ICG may provide a useful tool to visualize and track probiotic species such as B420 without implementing complex molecular and genetic tools. Proof-of-concept studies indicate that B420 did not colonize and establish residency align the murine GI tract.

Exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and exercise: short-chain fatty acids and their role in metabolism

The human body is host to a multitude of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other species in the intestine, collectively known as the microbiota. Dietary carbohydrates which bypass digestion and absorption are broken down and fermented by the microbiota to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Previous research has established the role of SCFAs in the control of human metabolic pathways. In this review, we evaluate SCFAs as a metabolic regulator and how they might improve endurance performance in athletes. By looking at research conducted in animal models, we identify several pathways downstream of SCFAs, either directly modulating metabolic pathways through second messenger pathways or through neuronal pathways, that contribute to energy utilisation. These pathways contribute to efficient energy metabolism and are thus key to maximising substrate utilisation in endurance exercise. Future research may prove the usefulness of targeted dietary interventions allowing athletes to maximise their performance in competition.

The metabolic impact of small intestinal nutrient sensing

The gastrointestinal tract maintains energy and glucose homeostasis, in part through nutrient-sensing and subsequent signaling to the brain and other tissues. In this review, we highlight the role of small intestinal nutrient-sensing in metabolic homeostasis, and link high-fat feeding, obesity, and diabetes with perturbations in these gut-brain signaling pathways. We identify how lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, initiate gut peptide release from the enteroendocrine cells through small intestinal sensing pathways, and how these peptides regulate food intake, glucose tolerance, and hepatic glucose production. Lastly, we highlight how the gut microbiota impact small intestinal nutrient-sensing in normal physiology, and in disease, pharmacological and surgical settings. Emerging evidence indicates that the molecular mechanisms of small intestinal nutrient sensing in metabolic homeostasis have physiological and pathological impact as well as therapeutic potential in obesity and diabetes.

The gastrointestinal tract participates in maintaining metabolic homeostasis in part through nutrient-sensing and subsequent gut-brain signalling. Here the authors review the role of small intestinal nutrient-sensing in regulation of energy intake and systemic glucose metabolism, and link high-fat diet, obesity and diabetes with perturbations in these pathways.

Peripheral and central regulation of insulin by the intestine and microbiome

Blood glucose and insulin homeostasis is disrupted during the progression of type 2 diabetes. Insulin levels and action are regulated by both peripheral and central responses that involve the intestine and microbiome. The intestine and its microbiota process nutrients and generate molecules that influence blood glucose and insulin. Peripheral insulin regulation is regulated by gut-segment-dependent nutrient sensing and microbial factors such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids that engage G-protein-coupled receptors. Innate immune sensing of gut-derived bacterial cell wall components and lipopolysaccharides also alter insulin homeostasis. These bacterial metabolites and postbiotics influence insulin secretion and insulin clearance in part by altering endocrine responses such as glucagon-like peptide-1. Gut-derived bacterial factors can promote inflammation and insulin resistance, but other postbiotics can be insulin sensitizers. In parallel, activation of small intestinal sirtuin 1 increases insulin sensitivity by reversing high fat-induced hypothalamic insulin resistance through a gut-brain neuronal axis, whereas high fat-feeding alters small intestinal microbiome and increases taurochenodeoxycholic acid in the plasma and the dorsal vagal complex to induce insulin resistance. In summary, emerging evidence indicates that intestinal molecular signaling involving nutrient sensing and the host-microbe symbiosis alters insulin homeostasis and action. Gut-derived host endocrine and paracrine factors as well as microbial metabolites act on the liver, pancreas, and the brain, and in parallel on the gut-brain neuronal axis. Understanding common nodes of peripheral and central insulin homeostasis and action may reveal new ways to target the intestinal host-microbe relationship in obesity, metabolic disease, and type 2 diabetes.

The role of short-chain fatty acids in the interplay between gut microbiota and diet in cardio-metabolic health

The gut microbiota plays an important role in cardio-metabolic diseases with diet being among the strongest modulators of gut microbiota composition and function. Resistant dietary carbohydrates are fermented to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by the gut bacteria. Fiber and omega-3 rich diets increase SCFAs production and abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria. Likewise, SCFAs can improve gut barrier integrity, glucose, and lipid metabolism, regulate the immune system, the inflammatory response, and blood pressure. Therefore, targeting the gut microbiota with dietary strategies leading to increased SCFA production may benefit cardio-metabolic health. In this review, we provide an overview of the association between diet, SCFAs produced by the gut microbiota and cardio-metabolic diseases. We first discuss the association between the human gut microbiota and cardio-metabolic diseases, then investigate the role of SCFAs and finally explore the beneficial effects of specific dietary interventions that can improve cardio-metabolic outcomes through boosting the SCFA production.

The Prospect for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Combined with Exercise and Synbiotics: A Perspective

Change in gut microbiome diversity (the so-called dysbiosis) is correlated with insulin resistance conditions. Exercise is typically the first management for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is generally well-known for improving glucose regulation. The new prebiotics and probiotics, like synbiotics, designed to target specific diseases, require additional studies. While the effectiveness of exercise combined with synbiotics seems promising, this review discusses these agents' possibility of increasing the gut microbiota's diversity. Therefore, they could enhance short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). In particular, the synbiotic interaction on gut microbiota, the exercise mechanism in improving gut microbiota, and the prospect of the synergistic effect of the combination of synbiotic and exercise to improve insulin sensitivity are addressed.

The role of short-chain fatty acids in immunity, inflammation and metabolism

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are carboxylic acids with carbon atom numbers less than 6, which are important metabolites of gut microbiome. Existing research shows that SCFAs play a vital role in the health and disease of the host. First, SCFAs are the key energy source for colon and ileum cells, and affect the intestinal epithelial barrier and defense functions by regulating related gene expression. Second, SCFAs regulate the function of innate immune cells to participate in the immune system, such as macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells. Third, SCFAs can also regulate the differentiation of T cells and B cells and the antigen-specific adaptive immunity mediated by them. Besides, SCFAs are raw materials for sugar and lipid synthesis, which provides a theoretical basis for studying the potential role of SCFAs in regulating energy homeostasis and metabolism. There are also studies showing that SCFAs inhibit tumor cell proliferation and promote apoptosis. In this article, we summarized in detail the role of SCFAs in immunity, inflammation and metabolism, and briefly introduced the role of SCFAs in tumor cell survival. It provides a systematic theoretical basis for the study of SCFAs as potential drugs to promote human health.

Small intestinal taurochenodeoxycholic acid-FXR axis alters local nutrient-sensing glucoregulatory pathways in rats

Objective

The mechanism of nutrient sensing in the upper small intestine (USI) and ileum that regulates glucose homeostasis remains elusive. Short-term high-fat (HF) feeding increases taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA; an agonist of farnesoid X receptor (FXR)) in the USI and ileum of rats, and the increase of TCDCA is prevented by transplantation of microbiota obtained from the USI of healthy donors into the USI of HF rats. However, whether changes of TCDCA-FXR axis in the USI and ileum alter nutrient sensing remains unknown.

Methods

Intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed in rats that received USI or ileal infusion of nutrients (i.e., oleic acids or glucose) via catheters placed toward the lumen of USI and/or ileum, while mechanistic gain- and loss-of-function studies targeting the TCDCA-FXR axis or bile salt hydrolase activity in USI and ileum were performed.

Results

USI or ileum infusion of nutrients increased glucose tolerance in healthy but not HF rats. Transplantation of healthy microbiome obtained from USI into the USI of HF rats restored nutrient sensing and inhibited FXR via a reduction of TCDCA in the USI and ileum. Further, inhibition of USI and ileal FXR enhanced nutrient sensing in HF rats, while inhibiting USI (but not ileal) bile salt hydrolase of HF rats transplanted with healthy microbiome activated FXR and disrupted nutrient sensing in the USI and ileum.

Conclusions

We reveal a TCDCA-FXR axis in both the USI and ileum that is necessary for the upper small intestinal microbiome to govern local nutrient-sensing glucoregulatory pathways in rats.

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Upper small intestinal infusion of oleic acid or glucose increases glucose tolerance in healthy but not HF-fed rats.

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Ileal infusion of oleic acid or glucose increases glucose tolerance in healthy but not HF-fed rats.

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Upper small intestinal healthy microbiome transplant enhances nutrient sensing and inhibits FXR via reduced TCDCA levels.

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Inhibition of FXR in the upper small intestine or ileum enhances oleic acid sensing to increase glucose tolerance.

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Inhibition of upper small intestinal bile salt hydrolase negates oleic acid sensing and activates FXR in the small intestine.

Free Fatty Acid Receptors 2 and 3 as Microbial Metabolite Sensors to Shape Host Health: Pharmacophysiological View

The role of the gut microbiome in human health is becoming apparent. The major functional impact of the gut microbiome is transmitted through the microbial metabolites that are produced in the gut and interact with host cells either in the local gut environment or are absorbed into circulation to impact distant cells/organs. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major microbial metabolites that are produced in the gut through the fermentation of non-digestible fibers. SCFAs are known to function through various mechanisms, however, their signaling through free fatty acid receptors 2 and 3 (FFAR2/3; type of G-coupled protein receptors) is a new therapeutic approach. FFAR2/3 are widely expressed in diverse cell types in human and mice, and function as sensors of SCFAs to change several physiological and cellular functions. FFAR2/3 modulate neurological signaling, energy metabolism, intestinal cellular homeostasis, immune response, and hormone synthesis. FFAR2/3 function through Gi and/or Gq signaling, that is mediated through specific structural features of SCFAs-FFAR2/3 bindings and modulating specific signaling pathway. In this review, we discuss the wide-spread expression and structural homologies between human and mice FFAR2/3, and their role in different human health conditions. This information can unlock opportunities to weigh the potential of FFAR2/3 as a drug target to prevent human diseases.

Hepatic Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Responses Induced by Cecal Infusion of Sodium Propionate in a Fistula Pig Model

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major products of the microbial fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates. SCFAs are known to improve the host metabolism, but their underlying mechanism of action remains elusive. In this study, 16 growing pigs were infused with saline or sodium propionate solution (25 mL, 2 mol/L) through a cecal fistula twice a day during a 28 day experimental period. The results showed that the cecal infusion of the SCFA propionate decreased serum and liver triglyceride levels and increased serum PYY secretion in growing pigs. Hepatic metabolomics identified 12 metabolites that were significantly altered by propionate. These included decreased levels of lipid metabolism-related stearic acid and glycerol-2-phosphate; increased levels of TCA cycle components including malic acid, fructose-6-phosphate, and succinic acid; and decreased levels of the amino acid metabolism products aspartic acid and serine. Hepatic transcriptomics demonstrated that propionate inhibited fatty acid synthesis and promoted the lipid metabolic process. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that propionate accelerated gluconeogenesis and decreased glycolysis. Taken together, these data support a role of the SCFA propionate on host lipid and glucose metabolism.

The gut microbiota and the brain-gut-kidney axis in hypertension and chronic kidney disease

Crosstalk between the gut microbiota and the host has attracted considerable attention owing to its involvement in diverse diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly associated with hypertension and is characterized by immune dysregulation, metabolic disorder and sympathetic activation, which are all linked to gut dysbiosis and altered host-microbiota crosstalk. In this Review, we discuss the complex interplay between the brain, the gut, the microbiota and the kidney in CKD and hypertension and explain our brain-gut-kidney axis hypothesis for the pathogenesis of these diseases. Consideration of the role of the brain-gut-kidney axis in the maintenance of normal homeostasis and of dysregulation of this axis in CKD and hypertension could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. In addition, the discovery of unique microbial communities and their associated metabolites and the elucidation of brain-gut-kidney signalling are likely to fill fundamental knowledge gaps leading to innovative research, clinical trials and treatments for CKD and hypertension.

Effects of a Lactulose-Rich Diet on Fecal Microbiome and Metabolome in Pregnant Mice

Lactulose, a safe and beneficial molecule, can be used in food as a prebiotic and as an osmotic laxative during pregnancy. This work evaluated the effects of dietary lactulose on the gut microenvironment of pregnant mice using the fecal microbiota and metabolomic profiling. After 2 weeks of feeding, the Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides abundances in the mouse feces were significantly increased in the LAC-high (the diet supplemented with 15% lactulose) group. A total of 15 metabolites, including 1-monoolein, glucose-6-phosphate, and short-chain fatty acids, were increased significantly in the LAC-high group. The serum glucose and total cholesterol concentrations were significantly decreased, while the progesterone level was significantly increased in the lactulose-fed mice. In the LAC-high group, the colonic pH and intestinal permeability were decreased, while the immunoglobulins in the colonic epithelial cells and the small intestinal absorption capacity were significantly increased. These findings indicated that lactulose supplementation benefitted pregnancy performance in mice.

Evaluation of the effects of four media on human intestinal microbiota culture in vitro

The human intestinal microbiota has an important role in the maintenance of human health and disease pathogenesis. The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of four media on human intestinal microbiota metabolite and composition changes, we performed in vitro batch culture using intestinal microbiota samples from three fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) donors. After 48 h culture, gut microbiota medium (GMM) had the highest production of acetic acid (73.00 ± 7.56 mM) and propionic acid (16.79 ± 1.59 mM), bacterial growth media (BGM) had the highest production of butyric acid (13.39 ± 0.56 mM). In addition, brain heart infusion (BHI) promoted (p < 0.05) the growth of Bacteroidetes, especially Bacteroides after 48 h, GMM resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in Actinobacteria and increased the beneficial genus Bifidobacterium, fastidious anaerobe broth (FAB) increased Firmicutes population, and BGM promoted the growth of Escherichia-Shigella and Akkermansia. The results suggest that four media had different effects on the human intestinal microbiota metabolism and composition in vitro. These results may facilitate the culture of bacteria from the human intestinal microbiota.

The Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 in Energy Homeostasis

Energy homeostasis is coordinated by bidirectional communication pathways between the brain and peripheral organs, including adipose tissue, muscle, the pancreas, liver, and gut. Disruption of the integrated chemical, hormonal, and neuronal signals that constitute the gut-brain axis significantly contributes to disorders of metabolism and body weight. Initial studies of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a gut hormone released in response to the ingestion of nutrients, focused on its incretin actions to improve postprandial glucose homeostasis by enhancing meal-induced insulin secretion. However, GLP-1 is also a key player in the gut-brain regulatory axis with multiple effects on appetite and energy metabolism outside of its peripheral glucoregulatory actions. In this review, we explore the function of GLP-1 as a component of the gut-brain axis in the regulation of energy homeostasis, and consider the implications of this role for the development of therapeutic treatment options for obesity.

Review article: short chain fatty acids as potential therapeutic agents in human gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders

BACKGROUND

Butyrate, propionate and acetate are short chain fatty acids (SCFA), important for maintaining a healthy colon and are considered as protective in colorectal carcinogenesis. However, they may also regulate immune responses and the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Consequently, their importance in a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases is emerging.

AIMS

To review the physiology and metabolism of SCFA in humans, cellular and molecular mechanisms by which SCFA may act in health and disease, and approaches for therapeutic delivery of SCFA.

METHODS

A PubMed literature search was conducted for clinical and pre-clinical studies using search terms: 'dietary fibre', short-chain fatty acids', 'acetate', 'propionate', 'butyrate', 'inflammation', 'immune', 'gastrointestinal', 'metabolism'.

RESULTS

A wide range of pre-clinical evidence supports roles for SCFA as modulators of not only colonic function, but also multiple inflammatory and metabolic processes. SCFA are implicated in many autoimmune, allergic and metabolic diseases. However, translating effects of SCFA from animal studies to human disease is limited by physiological and dietary differences and by the challenge of delivering sufficient amounts of SCFA to the target sites that include the colon and the systemic circulation. Development of novel targeted approaches for colonic delivery, combined with postbiotic supplementation, may represent desirable strategies to achieve adequate targeted SCFA delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a large array of potential disease-modulating effects of SCFA. Adequate targeted delivery to the sites of action is the main limitation of such application. The ongoing development and evaluation of novel delivery techniques offer potential for translating promise to therapeutic benefit.

Microbial Fermentation of Starch: Its Impact on the Range of Acceptable Carbohydrate Intake

Starch, a major source of carbohydrates in human nutrition, is extensively hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract of children and adults. A small fraction of the ingested starch reaches the cecum and colon where it is fermented by the gut microbiome into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and other products. Recent data in humans and in animal models have demonstrated the extensive effects of short-chain fatty acids on whole body energy metabolism, appetite, insulin resistance, fatty acid oxidation, fat accretion, obesity, and diabetes. Clear discernible effects of SCFA on the rates of production of glucose, its oxidation and uptake in the fasting state were, however, not observed. In the fed state, the effects on glucose metabolism are related to the effects of SCFA on insulin sensitivity, possibly the consequence of their influence on lipid metabolism. The suggested limits of carbohydrate intake were based upon the kinetics and metabolism of glucose in the basal state and on the responses to glucose administration. It is postulated that in healthy subjects, the present data do not suggest any significant impact of microbial fermentation of starch on the range of acceptable intake of carbohydrates.

Physiological and therapeutic regulation of glucose homeostasis by upper small intestinal PepT1-mediated protein sensing

High protein feeding improves glucose homeostasis in rodents and humans with diabetes, but the mechanisms that underlie this improvement remain elusive. Here we show that acute administration of casein hydrolysate directly into the upper small intestine increases glucose tolerance and inhibits glucose production in rats, independently of changes in plasma amino acids, insulin levels, and food intake. Inhibition of upper small intestinal peptide transporter 1 (PepT1), the primary oligopeptide transporter in the small intestine, reverses the preabsorptive ability of upper small intestinal casein infusion to increase glucose tolerance and suppress glucose production. The glucoregulatory role of PepT1 in the upper small intestine of healthy rats is further demonstrated by glucose homeostasis disruption following high protein feeding when PepT1 is inhibited. PepT1-mediated protein-sensing mechanisms also improve glucose homeostasis in models of early-onset insulin resistance and obesity. We demonstrate that preabsorptive upper small intestinal protein-sensing mechanisms mediated by PepT1 have beneficial effects on whole-body glucose homeostasis.

High protein diets are known to improve metabolic parameters including adiposity and glucose homeostasis. Here the authors demonstrate that preabsorptive upper small intestinal protein-sensing mechanisms mediated by peptide transporter 1 improve glucose homeostasis by inhibiting hepatic glucose production.

Lactobacillus gasseri in the Upper Small Intestine Impacts an ACSL3-Dependent Fatty Acid-Sensing Pathway Regulating Whole-Body Glucose Homeostasis

Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL)-dependent upper small intestinal lipid metabolism activates pre-absorptive pathways to regulate metabolic homeostasis, but whether changes in the upper small intestinal microbiota alter specific fatty acid-dependent pathways to impact glucose homeostasis remains unknown. We here first find that upper small intestinal infusion of Intralipid, oleic acid, or linoleic acid pre-absorptively increases glucose tolerance and lowers glucose production in rodents. High-fat feeding impairs pre-absorptive fatty acid sensing and reduces upper small intestinal Lactobacillus gasseri levels and ACSL3 expression. Transplantation of healthy upper small intestinal microbiota to high-fat-fed rodents restores L. gasseri levels and fatty acid sensing via increased ACSL3 expression, while L. gasseri probiotic administration to non-transplanted high-fat-fed rodents is sufficient to restore upper small intestinal ACSL3 expression and fatty acid sensing. In summary, we unveil a glucoregulatory role of upper small intestinal L. gasseri that impacts an ACSL3-dependent glucoregulatory fatty acid-sensing pathway.

Effects of infant formula composition on long-term metabolic health

Early nutrition may have long-lasting metabolic impacts in adulthood. Even though breast milk is the gold standard, most infants are at least partly formula-fed. Despite obvious improvements, infant formulas remain perfectible to reduce the gap between breastfed and formula-fed infants. Improvements such as reducing the protein content, modulating the lipid matrix and adding prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, are discussed regarding metabolic health. Numerous questions remain to be answered on how impacting the infant formula composition may modulate the host metabolism and exert long-term benefits. Interactions between early nutrition (composition of human milk and infant formula) and the gut microbiota profile, as well as mechanisms connecting gut microbiota to metabolic health, are highlighted. Gut microbiota stands as a key actor in the nutritional programming but additional well-designed longitudinal human studies are needed.

Metformin Alters Upper Small Intestinal Microbiota that Impact a Glucose-SGLT1-Sensing Glucoregulatory Pathway

The gut microbiota alters energy homeostasis. In parallel, metformin regulates upper small intestinal sodium glucose cotransporter-1 (SGLT1), but whether changes of the microbiota or SGLT1-dependent pathways in the upper small intestine mediate metformin action is unknown. Here we report that upper small intestinal glucose sensing triggers an SGLT1-dependent pathway to lower glucose production in rodents. High-fat diet (HFD) feeding reduces glucose sensing and SGLT1 expression in the upper small intestine. Upper small intestinal metformin treatment restores SGLT1 expression and glucose sensing while shifting the upper small intestinal microbiota partly by increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus. Transplantation of upper small intestinal microbiota from metformin-treated HFD rats to the upper small intestine of untreated HFD rats also increases the upper small intestinal abundance of Lactobacillus and glucose sensing via an upregulation of SGLT1 expression. Thus, we demonstrate that metformin alters upper small intestinal microbiota and impacts a glucose-SGLT1-sensing glucoregulatory pathway.

A Fatty Acids Mixture Reduces Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Infant Rats Mediated by GABAA Receptors

Fatty acids (C6-C18) found in human amniotic fluid, colostrum, and maternal milk reduce behavioral indicators of experimental anxiety in adult Wistar rats. Unknown, however, is whether the anxiolytic-like effects of fatty acids provide a natural mechanism against anxiety in young offspring. The present study assessed the anxiolytic-like effect of a mixture of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and linoleic acid in Wistar rats on postnatal day 28. Infant rats were subjected to the elevated plus maze, defensive burying test, and locomotor activity test. Diazepam was used as a reference anxiolytic drug. A group that was pretreated with picrotoxin was used to explore the participation of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors in the anxiolytic-like effects. Similar to diazepam, the fatty acid mixture significantly increased the frequency of entries into and time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus maze and decreased burying behavior in the defensive burying test, without producing significant changes in spontaneous locomotor activity. These anxiolytic-like effects were blocked by picrotoxin. Results suggest that these fatty acids that are contained in maternal fluid may reduce anxiety-like behavior by modulating GABAergic neurotransmission in infant 28-day-old rats.

Bile acids and bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery, specifically Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), are the most effective and durable treatments for morbid obesity and potentially a viable treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D). The resolution rate of T2D following these procedures is between 40 and 80% and far surpasses that achieved by medical management alone. The molecular basis for this improvement is not entirely understood, but has been attributed in part to the altered enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. In this review we highlight how bile acids potentially contribute to improved lipid and glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure after these procedures. The impact of altered bile acid levels in enterohepatic circulation is also associated with changes in gut microflora, which may further contribute to some of these beneficial effects. We highlight the beneficial effects of experimental surgical procedures in rodents that alter bile secretory flow without gastric restriction or altering nutrient flow. This information suggests a role for bile acids beyond dietary fat emulsification in altering whole body glucose and lipid metabolism strongly, and also suggests emerging roles for the activation of the bile acid receptors farnesoid x receptor (FXR) and G-protein coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5) in these improvements. The limitations of rodent studies and the current state of our understanding is reviewed and the potential effects of bile acids mediating the short- and long-term metabolic improvements after bariatric surgery is critically examined.

Immunologic impact of the intestine in metabolic disease

Obesity and diabetes are associated with increased chronic low-grade inflammation and elevated plasma glucose levels. Although inflammation in the fat and liver are established features of obesity-associated insulin resistance, the intestine is emerging as a new site for immunologic changes that affect whole-body metabolism. Specifically, microbial and dietary factors incurred by diet-induced obesity influence underlying innate and adaptive responses of the intestinal immune system. These responses affect the maintenance of the intestinal barrier, systemic inflammation, and glucose metabolism. In this Review we propose that an understanding of the changes to the intestinal immune system, and how these changes influence systemic immunity and glucose metabolism in a whole-body integrative and a neuronal-dependent network, will unveil novel intestinal pathologic and therapeutic targets for diabetes and obesity.

Targeting the gastrointestinal tract to treat type 2 diabetes

The rising global rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity present a significant economic and social burden, underscoring the importance for effective and safe therapeutic options. The success of glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, along with the potent glucose-lowering effects of bariatric surgery, highlight the gastrointestinal tract as a potential target for diabetes treatment. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that the gut plays a prominent role in the ability of metformin to lower glucose levels. As such, the current review highlights some of the current and potential pathways in the gut that could be targeted to improve glucose homeostasis, such as changes in nutrient sensing, gut peptides, gut microbiota and bile acids. A better understanding of these pathways will lay the groundwork for novel gut-targeted antidiabetic therapies, some of which have already shown initial promise.