Analysis of 16S rRNA genes reveals reduced Fusobacterial community diversity when translocating from saliva to GI sites

The potential of EGCG in modulating the oral-gut axis microbiota for treating inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurrent chronic intestinal disorder that includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Its pathogenesis involves intricate interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, native intestinal microorganisms, and the intestinal immune system via the oral-gut axis. The strong correlation observed between oral diseases and IBD indicates the potential involvement of oral pathogenic microorganisms in IBD development. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting the proliferation, translocation, intestinal colonization and exacerbated intestinal inflammation of oral microorganisms within the oral-gut axis may partially alleviate IBD. Tea consumption has been identified as a contributing factor in reducing IBD, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the primary bioactive compound used for IBD treatment. However, the precise mechanism by which EGCG mediates microbial crosstalk within the oral-gut axis remains unclear. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse oral microorganisms implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and elucidate their colonization pathways and mechanisms. Subsequently, we investigated the antibacterial properties of EGCG and its potential to attenuate microbial translocation and colonization in the gut, emphasizing its role in attenuating exacerbations of IBD. We also elucidated the toxic and side effects of EGCG. Finally, we discuss current strategies for enhancing EGCG bioavailability and propose novel multi-targeted nano-delivery systems for the more efficacious management of IBD. This review elucidates the role and feasibility of EGCG-mediated modulation of the oral-gut axis microbiota in the management of IBD, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of EGCG in the treatment of IBD and the development of prospective treatment strategies.

Complete genome sequence of Fusobacterium vincentii strain TDC100 isolated from an apical periodontitis lesion

This study reports the complete genome sequence of Fusobacterium vincentii strain TDC100. The complete circular chromosome of strain TDC100 was obtained and assembled using a combination of short- and long-read sequencing.

Effect of Preoperative Oral Antibiotics and Mechanical Bowel Preparations on the Intestinal Flora of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Single-Center Prospective Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

 In the last few decades, considerable progress has been made in controlling surgical site infections (SSIs) using a combination of mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation. However, the number of bacteria present after bowel preparation has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the bacterial cultures of intestinal fluid samples from patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer after preoperative bowel preparation.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was designed as a pilot study at a single center. We enrolled 25 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer between March 2021 and February 2022 at our institution.

RESULTS

The rate of bacterial culture positivity was 56.0%. The most abundant bacterium was Escherichia coli (44.0%). The positivity rates for E. coli on the right and left sides were 54.5% and 35.7%, respectively (P = 0.60). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between a low American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score and E. coli positivity on the right side (P = 0.031). In the left-sided group, female sex and large tumor size were significantly associated with E. coli positivity (P = 0.036 and 0.049, respectively). Superficial SSI occurred in the patient in the left-sided group, but E. coli was negative.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the importance of understanding intestinal fluid contamination and its relationship to infection risk. Future prospective multicenter studies should be conducted to determine the association between intestinal bacteria and different types of preoperative preparation.

Leveraging existing 16S rRNA microbial data to identify diagnostic biomarker in Chinese patients with gastric cancer: a systematic meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Gastric cancer is a significant and growing health problem in China. Studies have revealed significant differences in gastric microbiota between patients with gastric cancer and non-cancerous patients, suggesting that microbiota may play a role in tumorigenesis. In this meta-analysis, existing 16S rRNA microbial data were analyzed to find combinations consisting of five genera, which had good efficacy in distinguishing gastric cancer from non-cancerous patients in multiple types of samples. These results lend support to the use of microbial markers in detecting gastric cancer. Moreover, these biomarkers are plausible candidates for further mechanistic research into the role of the microbiota in tumorigenesis.

Fusobacterium sphaericum sp. nov. , isolated from a human colon tumor, is prevalent in various human body sites and induces IL-8 secretion from colorectal cancer cells

Cancerous tissue is a largely unexplored microbial niche that provides a unique environment for the colonization and growth of specific bacterial communities, and with it, the opportunity to identify novel bacterial species. Here, we report distinct features of a novel Fusobacterium species, F. sphaericum sp. nov. ( Fs ), isolated from primary colon adenocarcinoma tissue. We acquire the complete, closed genome of this organism and phylogenetically confirm its classification into the Fusobacterium genus. Phenotypic and genomic analysis of Fs reveal that this novel organism is of coccoid shape, rare for Fusobacterium members, and has species-distinct gene content. Fs displays a metabolic profile and antibiotic resistance repertoire consistent with other Fusobacterium species. In vitro, Fs has adherent and immunomodulatory capabilities, as it intimately associates with human colon cancer epithelial cells and promotes IL-8 secretion. Analysis of the prevalence and abundance of Fs in ∼1,750 human metagenomic samples shows that it is a moderately prevalent member of the human oral cavity and stool. Intriguingly, analysis of ∼1,270 specimens from patients with colorectal cancer demonstrate that Fs is significantly enriched in colonic and tumor tissue as compared to mucosa or feces. Our study sheds light on a novel bacterial species that is prevalent within the human intestinal microbiota and whose role in human health and disease requires further investigation.

The interplay between oral microbiota, gut microbiota and systematic diseases

Over the past two decades, the importance of microbiota in health and disease has become evident. The human gut microbiota and oral microbiota are the largest and second-largest microbiome in the human body, respectively, and they are physically connected as the oral cavity is the beginning of the digestive system. Emerging and exciting evidence has shown complex and important connections between gut microbiota and oral microbiota. The interplay of the two microbiomes may contribute to the pathological processes of many diseases, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and so on. In this review, we discuss possible routes and factors of oral microbiota to affect gut microbiota, and the contribution of this interplay between oral and gut microbiota to systemic diseases. Although most studies are association studies, recently, there have been increasing mechanistic investigations. This review aims to enhance the interest in the connection between oral and gut microbiota, and shows the tangible impact of this connection on human health.

Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key pathogenic factor and microbial biomarker for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most prevalent cancers, has complex etiology. The dysbiosis of intestinal bacteria has been highlighted as an important contributor to CRC. Fusobacterium nucleatum, an oral anaerobic opportunistic pathogen, is enriched in both stools and tumor tissues of patients with CRC. Therefore, F. nucleatum is considered to be a risk factor for CRC. This review summarizes the biological characteristics and the mechanisms underlying the regulatory behavior of F. nucleatum in the tumorigenesis and progression of CRC. F. nucleatum as a marker for the early warning and prognostic prediction of CRC, and as a target for prevention and treatment, is also described.

Regulatory effects of oral microbe on intestinal microbiota and the illness

Over the past decade, the association between oral health, intestinal microbiota, and systemic diseases has been further validated. Some oral microbial species have been isolated from pathological intestine mucosa or feces and identified as biomarkers for intestinal diseases. A small proportion of oral microbiome passes through or colonizes the lower gastrointestinal tract, even in healthy individuals. Opportunistic pathogens from the oral cavity may expand and participate in the occurrence and progression of intestinal diseases when the anatomical barrier is disrupted. These disruptors interact with the intestinal microbiota, disturbing indigenous microorganisms, and mucosal barriers through direct colonization, blood circulation, or derived metabolite pathways. While interacting with the host's immune system, oral-derived pathogens stimulate inflammation responses and guide the transition of the intestinal microenvironment from a healthy state to a pre-disease state. Therefore, the oral-gut microbiome axis sheds light on new clinical therapy options, and gastrointestinal tract ecology balance necessitates simultaneous consideration of both oral and gut microbiomes. This review summarizes possible routes of oral microbes entering the intestine and the effects of certain oral bacteria on intestinal microbiota and the host's immune responses.

Tumour microbiomes and Fusobacterium genomics in Vietnamese colorectal cancer patients

Perturbations in the gut microbiome have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), with the colonic overabundance of Fusobacterium nucleatum shown as the most consistent marker. Despite its significance in the promotion of CRC, genomic studies of Fusobacterium is limited. We enrolled 43 Vietnamese CRC patients and 25 participants with non-cancerous colorectal polyps to study the colonic microbiomes and genomic diversity of Fusobacterium in this population, using a combination of 16S rRNA gene profiling, anaerobic microbiology, and whole genome analysis. Oral bacteria, including F. nucleatum and Leptotrichia, were significantly more abundant in the tumour microbiomes. We obtained 53 Fusobacterium genomes, representing 26 strains, from the saliva, tumour and non-tumour tissues of six CRC patients. Isolates from the gut belonged to diverse F. nucleatum subspecies (nucleatum, animalis, vincentii, polymorphum) and a potential new subspecies of Fusobacterium periodonticum. The Fusobacterium population within each individual was distinct and in some cases diverse, with minimal intra-clonal variation. Phylogenetic analyses showed that within four individuals, tumour-associated Fusobacterium were clonal to those isolated from non-tumour tissues. Genes encoding major virulence factors (Fap2 and RadD) showed evidence of horizontal gene transfer. Our work provides a framework to understand the genomic diversity of Fusobacterium within the CRC patients, which can be exploited for the development of CRC diagnostic and therapeutic options targeting this oncobacterium.

Outer Membrane Vesicles From Fusobacterium nucleatum Switch M0-Like Macrophages Toward the M1 Phenotype to Destroy Periodontal Tissues in Mice

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory oral disease that affects nearly 50% of all adults. Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is known to be involved in the formation and development of periodontitis. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) harboring toxic bacterial components are continuously released during F. nucleatum growth and regulate the extent of the inflammatory response by controlling the functions of immune and non-immune cells in tissues. Macrophages are important immune cells in periodontal tissue that resist pathogen invasion and play an important role in the pathophysiological process of periodontitis. However, the role of the interaction between F. nucleatum OMVs and macrophages in the occurrence and development of periodontitis has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of F. nucleatum OMVs on the polarization of macrophages and the roles of this specific polarization and F. nucleatum OMVs in the pathophysiology of periodontitis. The periodontitis model was established by inducing ligation in C57BL/6 mice as previously described. Micro-CT, RT-qPCR, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and tartrate acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining assays were performed to analyze the periodontal tissue, alveolar bone loss, number of osteoclasts and expression of inflammatory factors in gingival tissue. The changes in the state and cytokine secretion of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) stimulated by F. nucleatum OMVs were observed in vivo by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, Western blot and ELISA. Mouse gingival fibroblasts (MGFs) were isolated and then cocultured with macrophages. The effects of F. nucleatum OMVs on the proliferation and apoptosis of MGFs were analyzed by flow cytometry and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. The periodontitis symptoms of mice in the F. nucleatum OMVs + ligation group were more serious than those of mice in the simple ligation group, with more osteoclasts and more inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) being observed in their gingival tissues. M0 macrophages transformed into M1 macrophages after the stimulation of BMDMs with F. nucleatum OMVs, and the M1 macrophages then released more inflammatory cytokines. Analysis of the coculture model showed that the MGF apoptosis and LDH release in the inflammatory environment were increased by F. nucleatum OMV treatment. In conclusion, F. nucleatum OMVs were shown to aggravate periodontitis, alveolar bone loss and the number of osteoclasts in an animal model of periodontitis. F. nucleatum OMVs promoted the polarization of macrophages toward the proinflammatory M1 phenotype, and the inflammatory environment further aggravated the toxicity of F. nucleatum OMVs on MGFs. These results suggest that M1 macrophages and F. nucleatum OMVs play roles in the occurrence and development of periodontitis.

A newly developed PCR-based method revealed distinct Fusobacterium nucleatum subspecies infection patterns in colorectal cancer

Fusobacterium nucleatum, which has four subspecies (nucleatum, animalis, vincentii and polymorphum), plays an important role in promoting colorectal cancer (CRC). However, as there is no efficient method of differentiating these subspecies in the context of a rich gut microbiota, the compositions in CRC remain largely unknown. In this study, a PCR-based differentiation method enabling profiling of F. nucleatum infection in CRC at the subspecies level was developed. Based on the analysis of 53 F. nucleatum genomes, we identified genetic markers specific to each subspecies and designed primers for the conserved sequences of those markers. The PCR performance of the primers was tested with F. nucleatum and non-nucleatum Fusobacterium strains, and complete consistence with taxonomy was achieved. Additionally, no non-specific amplification occurred when using human DNA. The method was then applied to faecal (n = 58) and fresh-frozen tumour tissue (n = 100) samples from CRC patients, and wide heterogeneity in F. nucleatum subspecies compositions in the gut microbiota among CRC patients was observed. Single-subspecies colonization was common, whereas coexistence of four subspecies was rare. Subspecies animalis was most prevalent, while nucleatum was not frequently detected. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the pathogenicity of F. nucleatum at the subspecies level and the method developed has potential for clinical and epidemiological use.

Fusobacterium nucleatum secretes amyloid-like FadA to enhance pathogenicity

Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is a Gram-negative oral commensal, prevalent in various human diseases. It is unknown how this common commensal converts to a rampant pathogen. We report that Fn secretes an adhesin (FadA) with amyloid properties via a Fap2-like autotransporter to enhance its virulence. The extracellular FadA binds Congo Red, Thioflavin-T, and antibodies raised against human amyloid β42. Fn produces amyloid-like FadA under stress and disease conditions, but not in healthy sites or tissues. It functions as a scaffold for biofilm formation, confers acid tolerance, and mediates Fn binding to host cells. Furthermore, amyloid-like FadA induces periodontal bone loss and promotes CRC progression in mice, with virulence attenuated by amyloid-binding compounds. The uncleaved signal peptide of FadA is required for the formation and stability of mature amyloid FadA fibrils. We propose a model in which hydrophobic signal peptides serve as "hooks" to crosslink neighboring FadA filaments to form a stable amyloid-like structure. Our study provides a potential mechanistic link between periodontal disease and CRC and suggests anti-amyloid therapies as possible interventions for Fn-mediated disease processes.