A dietary carbohydrate - gut Parasutterella - human fatty acid biosynthesis metabolic axis in obesity and type 2 diabetes

Gut microbiota and serum metabolite signatures along the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence: Implications for early detection and intervention

AIM

Our study focuses on the microbial and metabolomic profile changes during the adenoma stage, as adenomas can be considered potential precursors to colorectal cancer through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Identifying possible intervention targets at this stage may aid in preventing the progression of colorectal adenoma (CRA) to malignant lesions. Furthermore, we evaluate the efficacy of combined microbial and metabolite biomarkers in detecting CRA.

METHODS

Fecal metagenomic and serum metabolomic analyses were performed for the discovery of alterations of gut microbiome and metabolites in CRA patients (n = 26), Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (n = 19), Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) patients (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 20). Finally, analyzing the associations between gut microbes and metabolites was performed by a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

Our analysis present that CRA patients differ significantly in gut microflora and serum metabolites compared with healthy controls, especially for Lachnospiraceae and Parasutterella. Its main metabolite, butyric acid, concentrations were raised in CRA patients compared with the healthy controls, indicating its role as a promoter of colorectal tumorigenesis. α-Linolenic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine represented the other healthy metabolite for CRA. Combining five microbial and five metabolite biomarkers, we differentiated CRA from CRC with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.85 out of this performance vastly superior to the specificity recorded by traditional markers CEA and CA199 in such differentiation of these conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study underlines significant microbial and metabolic alterations in CRA with a novel insight into screening and early intervention of its tumorigenesis.

In-depth multiomic characterization of the effects of obesity in high-fat diet-fed mice

High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice have been widely used in the clinical investigation of obesity. However, the long-term effect of HFD on gut microbiota and metabolites, plasma and liver metabolomics, colonic and liver transcriptomics remain largely unknown. In this study, 6-week-old C57BL/6J male mice fed with HFD for 14 weeks showed increased obesity-related indexes including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, total triglyceride, free fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, IL-6, and TNFα. Furthermore, microbial diversity and richness were also significantly decreased. In the colon, genes involved in tryptophan metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, cholesterol metabolism, and lipid localization and transport, were upregulated. While in the liver, MAPK signaling and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis were upregulated. Metabolomic analyses revealed decreased levels of glycerophospholipids and fatty acyl, but increased amino acids, coenzymes and vitamins, and organic acids in the colon, suggesting high absorption of oxidized lipids, while acyl-carnitine, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and oxidized lipids were reduced in the liver, suggesting a more active lipid metabolism. Finally, correlation analyses revealed a positive correlation between gut microbiota and metabolites and the expression of genes associated with lipid localization, absorption, and transport in the colon, and nutrients and energy metabolism in the liver. Taken together, our results provide a comprehensive characterization of long-term HFD-induced obesity in mice.

Gut microbiome composition and metabolic activity in women with diverticulitis

The etiopathogenesis of diverticulitis, among the most common gastrointestinal diagnoses, remains largely unknown. By leveraging stool collected within a large prospective cohort, we performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolomics profiling among 121 women diagnosed with diverticulitis requiring antibiotics or hospitalizations (cases), matched to 121 women without diverticulitis (controls) according to age and race. Overall microbial community structure and metabolomic profiles differed in diverticulitis cases compared to controls, including enrichment of pro-inflammatory Ruminococcus gnavus, 1,7-dimethyluric acid, and histidine-related metabolites, and depletion of butyrate-producing bacteria and anti-inflammatory ceramides. Through integrated multi-omic analysis, we detected covarying microbial and metabolic features, such as Bilophila wadsworthia and bile acids, specific to diverticulitis. Additionally, we observed that microbial composition modulated the protective association between a prudent fiber-rich diet and diverticulitis. Our findings offer insights into the perturbations in inflammation-related microbial and metabolic signatures associated with diverticulitis, supporting the potential of microbial-based diagnostics and therapeutic targets.

Microbial Features Linked to Medication Strategies in Cardiometabolic Disease Management

Human gut microbiota are recognized as critical players in both metabolic disease and drug metabolism. However, medication-microbiota interactions in cardiometabolic diseases are not well understood. To gain a comprehensive understanding of how medication intake impacts the gut microbiota, we investigated the association of microbial structure with the use of single or multiple medications in a cohort of 134 middle-aged adults diagnosed with cardiometabolic disease, recruited from Alberta's Tomorrow Project. Predominant cardiometabolic prescription medication classes (12 total) were included in our analysis. Multivariate Association with Linear Model (MaAsLin2) was employed and results were corrected for age, BMI, sex, and diet to evaluate the relationship between microbial features and single- or multimedication use. Highly individualized microbiota profiles were observed across participants, and increasing medication use was negatively correlated with α-diversity. A total of 46 associations were identified between microbial composition and single medications, exemplified by the depletion of Akkermansia muciniphila by β-blockers and statins, and the enrichment of Escherichia/Shigella and depletion of Bacteroides xylanisolvens by metformin. Metagenomics prediction further indicated alterations in microbial functions associated with single medications such as the depletion of enzymes involved in energy metabolism encoded by Eggerthella lenta due to β-blocker use. Specific dual medication combinations also had profound impacts, including the depletion of Romboutsia and Butyriciocccus by statin plus metformin. Together, these results show reductions in bacterial diversity as well as species and microbial functional potential associated with both single- and multimedication use in cardiometabolic disease.

Gut microbiota in relationship to diabetes mellitus and its late complications with a focus on diabetic foot syndrome: A review

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting glucose metabolism. The pathophysiological reactions underpinning the disease can lead to the development of late diabetes complications. The gut microbiota plays important roles in weight regulation and the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and diabetic neuropathy are all associated with a microbial imbalance in the gut. Modern technical equipment and advanced diagnostic procedures, including xmolecular methods, are commonly used to detect both quantitative and qualitative changes in the gut microbiota. This review summarises collective knowledge on the role of the gut microbiota in both types of diabetes mellitus and their late complications, with a particular focus on diabetic foot syndrome.

Gut microbially produced tryptophan metabolite melatonin ameliorates osteoporosis via modulating SCFA and TMAO metabolism

Osteoporosis (OP) is a severe global health issue that has significant implications for productivity and human lifespan. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been demonstrated to be closely associated with OP progression. Melatonin (MLT) is an important endogenous hormone that modulates bone metabolism, maintains bone homeostasis, and improves OP progression. Multiple studies indicated that MLT participates in the regulation of intestinal microbiota and gut barrier function. However, the promising effects of gut microbiota-derived MLT in OP remain unclear. Here, we found that OP resulted in intestinal tryptophan disorder and decreased the production of gut microbiota-derived MLT, while administration with MLT could mitigate OP-related clinical symptoms and reverse gut microbiota dysbiosis, including the diversity of intestinal microbiota, the relative abundance of many probiotics such as Allobaculum and Parasutterella, and metabolic function of intestinal flora such as amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and energy metabolism. Notably, MLT significantly increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and decreased trimethylamine N-oxide-related metabolites. Importantly, MLT could modulate the dynamic balance of M1/M2 macrophages, reduce the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and restore gut-barrier function. Taken together, our results highlighted the important roles of gut microbially derived MLT in OP progression via the "gut-bone" axis associated with SCFA metabolism, which may provide novel insight into the development of MLT as a promising drug for treating OP.

Effects of the prenatal and postnatal nurturing environment on the phenotype and gut microbiota of mice with polycystic ovary syndrome induced by prenatal androgen exposure: a cross-fostering study

The gut microbiome is implicated in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and prenatal androgen exposure is involved in the development of PCOS in later life. Our previous study of a mouse model of PCOS induced by prenatal dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exposure showed that the reproductive phenotype of PCOS appears from puberty, followed by the appearance of the metabolic phenotype after young adulthood, while changes in the gut microbiota was already apparent before puberty. To determine whether the prenatal or postnatal nurturing environment primarily contributes to these changes that characterize prenatally androgenized (PNA) offspring, we used a cross-fostering model to evaluate the effects of changes in the postnatal early-life environment of PNA offspring on the development of PCOS-like phenotypes and alterations in the gut microbiota in later life. Female PNA offspring fostered by normal dams (exposed to an abnormal prenatal environment only, fostered PNA) exhibited less marked PCOS-like phenotypes than PNA offspring, especially with respect to the metabolic phenotype. The gut microbiota of the fostered PNA offspring was similar to that of controls before adolescence, but differences between the fostered PNA and control groups became apparent after young adulthood. In conclusion, both prenatal androgen exposure and the postnatal early-life environment created by the DHT injection of mothers contribute to the development of PCOS-like phenotypes and the alterations in the gut microbiota that characterize PNA offspring. Thus, both the pre- and postnatal environments represent targets for the prevention of PCOS and the associated alteration in the gut microbiota in later life.

Causality of the gut microbiome and atherosclerosis-related lipids: a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization study

AIMS

Recent studies have indicated an association between intestinal flora and lipids. However, observational studies cannot indicate causality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potentially causal relationships between the intestinal flora and blood lipids.

METHODS

We performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between intestinal flora and blood lipids. Summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for the 211 intestinal flora and blood lipid traits (n = 5) were obtained from public datasets. Five recognized MR methods were applied to assess the causal relationship with lipids, among which, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) regression was used as the primary MR method. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the causal estimates.

RESULTS

The results indicated a potential causal association between 19 intestinal flora and dyslipidemia in humans. Genus Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae, Parasutterella, Terrisporobacter, Parabacteroides, Class Erysipelotrichia, Family Erysipelotrichaceae, and order Erysipelotrichales were associated with higher dyslipidemia, whereas genus Oscillospira, Peptococcus, Ruminococcaceae UCG010, Ruminococcaceae UCG011, Dorea, and Family Desulfovibrionaceae were associated with lower dyslipidemia. After using the Bonferroni method for multiple testing correction, Only Desulfovibrionaceae [Estimate = -0.0418, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9362-0.9826, P = 0.0007] exhibited stable and significant negative associations with ApoB levels. The inverse MR analysis did not find a significant causal effect of lipids on the intestinal flora. Additionally, no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy for IVs was observed in the analysis.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested a causal relationship between intestinal flora and dyslipidemia. These findings will provide a meaningful reference to discover dyslipidemia for intervention to address the problems in the clinic.

Fecal dysbiosis and inflammation in intestinal-specific Cftr knockout mice on regimens preventing intestinal obstruction

Chronic intestinal inflammation is a poorly understood manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF), which may be refractory to ion channel CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy. People with CF exhibit intestinal dysbiosis, which has the potential for stimulating intestinal and systemic inflammation. CFTR is expressed in organ epithelia, leukocytes, and other tissues. Here, we investigate the contribution of intestinal epithelium-specific loss of Cftr [iCftr knockout (KO)] to dysbiosis and inflammation in mice treated with either of two antiobstructive dietary regimens necessary to maintain CF mouse models [polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxative or a liquid diet (LiqD)]. Feces collected from iCftr KO mice and their wild-type (WT) sex-matched littermates were used to measure fecal calprotectin to evaluate inflammation and to perform 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the gut microbiome. Fecal calprotectin was elevated in iCftr KO relative to WT mice that consumed either PEG or LiqD. PEG iCftr KO mice did not show a change in α diversity versus WT mice but demonstrated a significant difference in microbial composition (β diversity) with included increases in the phylum Proteobacteria, the family Peptostreptococcaceae, four genera of Clostridia including C. innocuum, and the mucolytic genus Akkermansia. Fecal microbiome analysis of LiqD-fed iCftr KO mice showed both decreased α diversity and differences in microbial composition with increases in the Proteobacteria family Enterobacteriaceae, Firmicutes families Clostridiaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae, and enrichment of Clostridium perfringens, C. innocuum, C. difficile, mucolytic Ruminococcus gnavus, and reduction of Akkermansia. It was concluded that epithelium-specific loss of Cftr is a major driver of CF intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation with significant similarities to previous studies of pan Cftr KO mice.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Chronic intestinal inflammation is a manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease caused by loss of the anion channel CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that is expressed in many tissues. This study shows that intestinal epithelial cell-specific loss of CFTR [inducible Cftr knockout (KO)] in mice is sufficient to induce intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation. Experiments were performed on mice consuming two dietary regimens routinely used to prevent obstruction in CF mice.

Gluten-Free Diet Alters the Gut Microbiome in Women with Autoimmune Thyroiditis

The gut microbiome may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Diet has a critical impact on the gut microbiome, and it has been shown that a gluten-free diet can negatively affect its composition. A gluten-free diet is popular among patients, and therefore the aim of this study was to check whether it affects thyroid function and gut microbiome composition in AIT. Thirty-one women with AIT complied with a gluten-free diet for 8 weeks. After the first 4 weeks, participants were divided into two groups: the first group received gluten in capsules and the other one-rice starch (placebo). Blood and stool samples were examined before diet (T0), after 4 weeks (T1) and after 8 weeks of diet (T2). The only significant difference in blood parameters was observed between T1 and T2 in the placebo group for the thyroid peroxidase antibody level. After the first 4 weeks, a significant increase in Desulfobacterota, Proteobacteria, Prevotella and Parasutterella and a significant decrease in Actinobacteriota, Coriobacteriaceae and Bifidobacterium were observed. The detected microbiome alterations may indicate increasing inflammation; however, further research is required, and for now, a gluten-free diet should be used cautiously in AIT.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis and decreased levels of acetic and propionic acid participate in glucocorticoid-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder

Long-term/high-dose glucocorticoid (GC) use results in glycolipid metabolism disorder, which severely limits its clinical application. The role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in GC-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder remains unclear. Our previous human study found that obvious gut microbiota dysbiosis characterized by an increasing abundance of Proteobacteria and a decreased abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Faecalibacterium were observed in patients with endogenous hypercortisolism. In this study, we established a mouse model of GC-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder (Dex group) and found that the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Parasuttrerella were increased, while the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Faecalibacterium, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group were decreased significantly in the Dex group. Compared with the control group, serum total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetic acid, propionic acid, and GLP-1 levels were all decreased in the Dex group. The mRNA expression of the GPR41 receptor and Pcsk1 in the colon was significantly decreased in the Dex group. Furthermore, GC-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder could be alleviated by depletion of the gut microbiota or fecal bacteria transplantation with control bacteria. The abundances of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and the serum GLP-1 levels were significantly increased, while the abundances of Proteobacteria and Parasutterella were significantly decreased after fecal bacteria transplantation with control bacteria. Our work indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis and decreased levels of serum acetic acid and propionic acid may participate in GC-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder. These findings may provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment of GC-induced metabolic disorders.IMPORTANCEThe role of the gut microbiota in glucocorticoid (GC)-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder remains unclear. In our study, gut microbiota dysbiosis characterized by an increased abundance of Proteobacteria/Parasuttrerella and a decreased abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group was observed in mice with GC-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder. Some bacteria were shared in our previous study in patients with endogenous hypercortisolism and the mouse model used in the study. Furthermore, the depletion of the gut microbiota and fecal bacteria transplantation with control bacteria could alleviate GC-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder. Plasma acetic acid, propionic acid, and GLP-1 and the mRNA expression of the GPR41 receptor and Pcsk1 in the colon were decreased significantly in mice with GC-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder, which indicated that the gut microbiota/SCFA/GPR41/GLP-1 axis may participate in GC-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder. Our findings indicate that the gut microbiota may serve as a novel therapeutic target for GC-related metabolic disorders.

Multi-omics analysis on the mechanism of the effect of Isatis leaf on the growth performance of fattening sheep

Introduction

This study evaluated the effects of Isatis Leaf (ISL) on the growth performance, gastrointestinal tissue morphology, rumen and intestinal microbiota, rumen, serum and urine metabolites, and rumen epithelial tissue transcriptome of fattening sheep.

Methods

Twelve 3.5-month-old healthy fattening sheep were randomly divided into two groups, each with 6 replicates, and fed with basal diet (CON) and basal diet supplemented with 80 g/kg ISL for 2.5 months. Gastrointestinal tract was collected for histological analysis, rumen fluid and feces were subjected to metagenomic analysis, rumen fluid, serum, and urine for metabolomics analysis, and rumen epithelial tissue for transcriptomics analysis.

Results

The results showed that in the ISL group, the average daily gain and average daily feed intake of fattening sheep were significantly lower than those of the CON group (P < 0.05), and the rumen ammonia nitrogen level was significantly higher than that of the CON group (P < 0.01). The thickness of the reticulum and abomasum muscle layer was significantly increased (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the addition of ISL modified the composition of rumen and fecal microorganisms, and the relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter and Centipeda was significantly upregulated in rumen microorganisms, The relative abundance of Butyrivibrio, Saccharofermentans, Mogibacterium, and Pirellula was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). In fecal microorganisms, the relative abundance of Papillibacter, Pseudoflavonifractor, Butyricicoccus, Anaerovorax, and Methanocorpusculum was significantly upregulated, while the relative abundance of Roseburia, Coprococcus, Clostridium XVIII, Butyrivibrio, Parasutterella, Macellibacteroides, and Porphyromonas was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). There were 164, 107, and 77 different metabolites in the rumen, serum, and urine between the ISL and CON groups (P < 0.05). The differential metabolic pathways mainly included thiamine metabolism, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, taurine and taurine metabolism, beta-Alanine metabolism and riboflavin metabolism. These metabolic pathways were mainly involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and immune function in fattening sheep. Transcriptome sequencing showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in cellular physiological processes, development, and immune regulation.

Conclusion

In summary, the addition of ISL to the diet had the effect of increasing rumen ammonia nitrogen levels, regulating gastrointestinal microbiota, promoting body fat metabolism, and enhancing immunity in fattening sheep.

Natural Changbai mineral water reduces obesity risk through regulating metabolism and gut microbiome in a hyperuricemia male mouse model

Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a kind of small molecular natural mineral water, C-cell mineral water on hyperuricemia male mice metabolism condition. A 13-week drinking water intervention study was conducted in Uox-knockout mice (KO). The hepatic metabolite profiling and related genes expression were detected by UPLC-TOF-MS and transcriptomic, and the gut microbiota of KO mice was determined by metagenomics sequencing. Results showed that the body weight of mice fed with C-cell water was remarkably lower than that of control mice on D 77 and D 91. Hepatic metabolite profiling revealed a shift in the pathway of glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and biosynthesis of cofactors in KO mice fed with C-cell mineral water. Increased energy metabolism levels were related to increased hepatic expression of genes responsible for coenzyme metabolism and lipid metabolism. Gut microbiota was characterized by increasing activity of beneficial bacteria Blautia, and reducing activity of pathobiont bacteria Parasutterella. These genera have been reported to be associated with obesity. Small molecular mineral-rich natural water ingestion regulates metabolism and gut microbiota, protecting against obesity induced by hyperuricemia through mediating a microbiota-liver axis.

Potential roles of HSYA in attenuating sepsis-induced liver injury through multi-omics analysis

Liver injury is a strong independent predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis, in which gut dysbiosis plays a crucial role. Hydroxyl safflower yellow A (HSYA), an important component of safflower, has been used to treat liver injury in animal models. However, its role in sepsis-induced liver dysfunction and the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we first discussed the discrepancy in the gut microbiota between the cecal ligation puncture (CLP) and HSYA groups using 16 S RNA sequencing. Our data demonstrated that HSYA supplementation significantly decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Campylobacterota, and further decreased the abundance of Bacteroidota, suggesting that the protective effects of HSYA against sepsis-induced liver injury may be partially attributed to the alteration of these bacteria. In addition, the metabolomic data identified 823 differentially expressed metabolites associated with sepsis-induced liver injury. After HSYA supplementation, the levels of 56 metabolites were restored to sham-like levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 4990 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the sham and CLP groups, and after HSYA injection, 1613 genes were modulated. Comprehensive analysis demonstrated that the enrichment pathways of the 903 DEGs mainly focused on inflammatory responses, amino acid metabolism, and Lipid reactions. In conclusion, our study revealed the potential mechanism of action of HSYA in sepsis-induced liver injury through a comprehensive analysis of 16 S RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and transcriptomics, thus providing a theoretical basis for further clinical applications of HSYA.

The attenuating effect of fermented soymilk on DSS-induced colitis in mice by suppressing immune response and modulating gut microbiota

Fermented soymilk (FSM) as a new plant-based yoghurt has attracted attention for its nutritional and health benefits. The aim of this research is to explore the effect of consuming FSM before and during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on intestinal immune response, and to assess whether fermentation and sucrose can improve the anti-inflammatory activity of soymilk (SM) and FSM, and finally clarify their effect on the gut microbiota and levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Consuming FSM in advance can effectively alleviate weight loss and bloody stools in mice with colitis and is associated with a 27% colon length repair rate. It can also prevent spleen and liver enlargement, inhibit immune response and oxidative stress, and increase the expression of the tight junction protein occludin gene (60%). Meanwhile, intaking FSM during IBD reduced weight loss, prevented liver damage, and repaired colon injury. In addition, fermentation enhance the inhibitory effects of FSM on colitis, whereas adding 3% sucrose to FSM had no effect on its intervention in colitis. Analysis of the composition of the gut microbiota in mice showed that the intake of FSM reduced the relative abundance of the pathogenic bacteria Parasutterella, Turicibater, and Bacteroide by 75%, 62%, and 50%, respectively, and increased the relative abundance of the beneficial bacteria Akkermansiaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Alloprevotella, and Dubosella by 28%, 50%, 80%, and 63%, respectively. It further restored the levels of SCFAs in the mouse intestine. The results provide a scientific basis for FSM as a natural anti-inflammatory food that can improve inflammatory intestinal microbiota imbalance and promote gut health.

Longitudinal analysis of the gut microbiome in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa: microbiome-related factors associated with clinical outcome

There is mounting evidence regarding the role of gut microbiota in anorexia nervosa (AN). Previous studies have reported that patients with AN show dysbiosis compared to healthy controls (HCs); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear, and data on influencing factors and longitudinal course of microbiome changes are scarce. Here, we present longitudinal data of 57 adolescent inpatients diagnosed with AN at up to nine time points (including a 1-year follow-up examination) and compare these to up to six time points in 34 HCs. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to investigate the microbiome composition of fecal samples, and data on food intake, weight change, hormonal recovery (leptin levels), and clinical outcomes were recorded. Differences in microbiome composition compared to HCs were greatest during acute starvation and in the low-weight group, while diminishing with weight gain and especially weight recovery at the 1-year follow-up. Illness duration and prior weight loss were strongly associated with microbiome composition at hospital admission, whereas microbial changes during treatment were associated with kilocalories consumed, weight gain, and hormonal recovery. The microbiome at admission was prognostic for hospital readmission, and a higher abundance of Sutterella was associated with a higher body weight at the 1-year follow-up. Identifying these clinically important factors further underlines the potential relevance of gut microbial changes and may help elucidate the underlying pathophysiology of gut-brain interactions in AN. The characterization of prognostically relevant taxa could be useful to stratify patients at admission and to potentially identify candidate taxa for future supplementation studies aimed at improving AN treatment.

Landscape of gut microbiota and metabolites and their interaction in comorbid heart failure and depressive symptoms: a random forest analysis study

IMPORTANCE

There is increasing evidence that alterations in gut microbial composition and function are associated with cardiovascular or psychiatric disease. Therefore, it is meaningful to investigate the taxonomic and functional characterization of the microbiota in HF patients who also have depressive symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, Cloacibacillus and alpha-tocopherol were determined as new diagnostic markers. Furthermore, intestinal microecosystem disorders are closely linked to depressive symptoms in HF patients, providing a new reference viewpoint for understanding the gut-heart/brain axis.

Microbiota regulation by different Akebia trifoliata fruit juices upon human fecal fermentation in vitro

Three different Akebia trifoliata fruit juices were prepared, and their effects on modulation of human fecal microbiota were elucidated through an anaerobic fermentation in vitro. Results indicated that the introduction of inoculatedly-fermented Akebia trifoliata fruit juice promoted short-chain fatty acids productivity. Fecal microbiota analysis demonstrated up-regulations for abundances of Limosilactobacillus, Megamonas, Bifidobacterium, and Escherichia_Shigella, and down-regulations for numbers of Bacteroides, Prevotella_9, Parasutterella, and Sutterella. Correlation analysis confirmed relationships among sample components, short-chain fatty acids productivity, and microbial abundances, suggesting that sugars and organic acids stimulated growth of Actinobacteriota and suppressed proliferation of Proteobacteria, thus uncovering the underlying mechanism for the better ability of inoculatedly-fermented Akebia trifoliata fruit juice to regulate microbiota structure. Besides, clusters of orthologous groups of proteins analysis indicated that metabolite biosynthesis, energy metabolism, homeostasis maintenance and other physiological functions were ameliorated.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01308-y.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 alleviates D-galactose-induced brain aging in mice by the regulation of the gut microbiota

Aging is characterized by a decline in biological functions, leading to various health issues. There is significant interest in mitigating age and age-related health issues. Gut microbiota has emerged as a crucial target for combating aging and influencing host health. This study evaluated the anti-aging effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 in mice and the role of the gut microbiota in mediating its effects. Aging was induced in mice using D-galactose, and L. plantarum CCFM8661 was orally administered for 8 weeks to evaluate its effects on age-related decline and the gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that supplementation with L. plantarum CCFM8661 effectively alleviated cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in the aging brain, as well as liver oxidation and bone damage, and impaired intestinal barrier function in aging mice. Furthermore, L. plantarum CCFM8661 modulated the gut microbiota of aging mice, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, and influenced the functionality of the gut microbiota to promote the production of active metabolites. These findings suggest that L. plantarum CCFM8661 has a mitigating effect on organismal aging, especially brain aging.

Aqueous Extract of Brassica rapa L.'s Impact on Modulating Exercise-Induced Fatigue via Gut-Muscle Axis

Exercise-induced fatigue is a common physiological response to prolonged physical activity, often associated with changes in gut microbiota and metabolic responses. This study investigates the potential role of Brassica rapa L. in modulating these responses. Using an animal model subjected to chronic exercise-induced stress, we explored the effects of Brassica rapa L. on fatigue-related biomarkers, energy metabolism genes, inflammatory responses, intestinal integrity, and gut microbiota composition. Our findings revealed that Brassica rapa L. exhibits significant antioxidant activity and effectively modulates physiological responses to fatigue. It influences gene expression related to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in muscle tissue through the AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathway. Furthermore, Brassica rapa L. has been found to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infection and suppressing the activation of the NF-κB pathway. It also maintains intestinal integrity and controls Gram-negative bacterial growth. A correlation analysis identified several pathogenic bacteria linked with inflammation and energy metabolism, as well as beneficial probiotic bacteria associated with improved energy metabolism and reduced inflammation. These findings underscore Brassica rapa L.'s potential for managing prolonged exercise-induced fatigue, paving the way for future therapeutic applications. The results highlight its impact on gut microbiota modulation and its role in nutrition science and sports medicine.

Pterostilbene Enhances Thermogenesis and Mitochondrial Biogenesis by Activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway to Prevent Western Diet-Induced Obesity

SCOPE

Sirtuin 1/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha (SIRT1/PGC-1α) pathway activation is known to promote thermogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Pterostilbene (PSB) and pinostilbene (PIN), the methylated analogs of resveratrol, are potential candidates to enhance thermogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis.

METHOD AND RESULTS

A model of Western diet-induced obesity in mice is designed. Either PSB or PIN is supplemented in the diet for 16 weeks. Both samples can significantly reduce body weight gain but only PSB can decrease inguinal adipose tissue weight. Besides, both samples can promote lipolysis but only PSB supplementation activates the SIRT1/PGC-1α/SIRT3 pathway to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenesis in the inguinal adipose tissue. In addition, although both samples exert a modulatory effect on gut microbiota but significant increments in fecal isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid are only observed in the PSB group, functioning as gut microbial metabolites.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these findings suggest PSB and PIN as potential candidates for the improvement of obesity and gut microbiota dysbiosis. With its higher stability, PSB exerts a greater effect than PIN by promoting thermogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis via SIRT1 activation.

Longitudinal Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Underlies Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain

Olanzapine is one of the most effective medicines available for stabilizing schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, it has been reported to show the greatest propensity for inducing body weight gain and producing metabolic side effects, which cause a great burden in patients with psychiatric disorders. Since the gut microbiota has a profound impact on the initiation and development of metabolic diseases, we conducted a longitudinal study to explore its role in olanzapine-induced obesity and metabolic abnormalities. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with different doses of olanzapine, and metabolic and inflammatory markers were measured. Olanzapine significantly induced body weight gain (up to a 2.1-fold change), which was accompanied by hepatic inflammation and increased plasma triglyceride levels (up to a 2.9-fold change), as well as gut microbiota dysbiosis. Subsequently, fuzzy c-means clustering was used to characterize three clusters of longitudinal trajectories for microbial fluctuations: (i) genera continuing to increase, (ii) genera continuing to decrease, and (iii) genera temporarily changing. Among them, Enterorhabdus (r = 0.38), Parasutterella (r = 0.43), and Prevotellaceae UCG-001 (r = 0.52) positively correlated with body weight gain. In addition, two MetaCyc metabolic pathways were identified as associated with olanzapine-induced body weight gain, including the superpathway of glucose and xylose degradation and the superpathway of l-threonine biosynthesis. In conclusion, we demonstrate that olanzapine can directly alter the gut microbiota and rapidly induce dysbiosis, which is significantly associated with body weight gain. This may suggest gut microbiota targets in future studies on metabolic abnormalities caused by olanzapine. IMPORTANCE Olanzapine is one of the most effective second-generation antipsychotics for stabilizing schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, olanzapine has multiple drug-induced metabolic side effects, including weight gain. This study provides insight to the gut microbiota target in olanzapine-induced obesity. Specifically, we explored the longitudinal gut microbiota trajectories of female Sprague-Dawley rats undergoing olanzapine treatment. We showed that olanzapine treatment causes a dynamic alteration of gut microbiota diversity. Additionally, we identified three genera, Parasutterella, Enterorhabdus, and Prevotellaceae UCG-001, that may play an important role in olanzapine-induced obesity. In this case, the supply or removal of specific elements of the gut microbiota may represent a promising avenue for treatment of olanzapine-related metabolic side effects.

Gut microbiota-metabolic axis insight into the hyperlipidemic effect of lotus seed resistant starch in hyperlipidemic mice

We investigated the hyperlipidemic effect of different doses of lotus seed resistant starch (low-, medium and high-dose LRS, named as LLRS, MLRS and HLRS, respectively) in hyperlipidemic mice using gut microbiota-metabolic axis compared to high-fat diet mice (model control group, MC). Allobaculum was significantly decreased in LRS groups compared to MC group, while MLRS promoted the abundance of norank_f_Muribaculaceae and norank_f_Erysipelotrichaceae. Moreover, supplementation of LRS promoted cholic acid (CA) production and inhibited deoxycholic acid compared to MC group. Among, LLRS promoted formic acid, MLRS inhibited 20-Carboxy-leukotriene B4, while HLRS promoted 3, 4-Methyleneazelaic acid and inhibited Oleic acid and Malic acid. Finally, MLRS regulate microbiota composition, and this promoted cholesterol catabolism to form CA, which inhibited serum lipid index by gut microbiota-metabolic axis. In conclusion, MLRS can promote CA and inhibit medium chain fatty acids, so as to play the best role in lowering blood lipids in hyperlipidemia mice.

Protective Effects of Bacteriocin-Producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on Intestinal Barrier of Mice

Bacteriocins are crucial metabolites of probiotics that display beneficial functions. The intestinal barrier is an important target on which probiotics exert their intestinal health activity. However, the impacts of bacteriocin-producing probiotics on the intestinal barrier are unclear. In this study, the effects of bacteriocin-producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Q7 and L. plantarum F3-2 on the intestinal barrier of mice were explored. It was shown that L. plantarum Q7 promoted the expression of mucin MUC2 to enhance the protection provided by the intestinal mucus layer. L. plantarum Q7 up-regulated the gene expression of intestinal tight junction proteins ZO-1 and JAM-1 significantly, and L. plantarum F3-2 up-regulated ZO-1 and Claudin-1 markedly, which exhibited tight junction intestinal barrier function. The two strains promoted the release of IgA and IgG at varying degrees. The antimicrobial peptide gene RegIIIγ was up-regulated markedly, and the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines appeared to exhibit an upward trend with L. plantarum Q7 treatment, so as to enhance intestinal immune regulation function. Furthermore, L. plantarum Q7 and L. plantarum F3-2 increased the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Muribaculaceae, inhibited the growth of the harmful bacteria Parabacteroides, and facilitated the synthesis of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which seemed to favor the prevention of metabolic diseases. Our results suggested that L. plantarum Q7 and L. plantarum F3-2 showed strain specificity in their protective effects on the intestinal chemical, physical, immunological and biological barriers of mice, which provided theoretical support for the selective utilization of bacteriocin-producing strains to regulate host health.

Fecal Dysbiosis and Inflammation in Intestinal-Specific Cftr Knockout Mice on Regimens Preventing Intestinal Obstruction

Chronic intestinal inflammation is a poorly understood manifestation of Cystic Fibrosis (CF), which may be refractory to ion channel CFTR modulator therapy. People with CF exhibit intestinal dysbiosis which has potential for stimulating intestinal and systemic inflammation. CFTR is expressed in organ epithelia and in the leukocyte population. Here, we investigate the contribution of intestinal epithelial-specific loss of Cftr (iCftr KO) to dysbiosis and inflammation in mice treated with either of two anti-obstructive dietary regimens necessary to maintain CF mouse models (PEG laxative or a liquid diet, LiqD). Feces collected from iCftr KO mice and their wildtype (WT) sex-matched littermates were used to measure fecal calprotectin and to perform 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the gut microbiome. Fecal calprotectin was elevated in iCftr KO relative to WT samples of mice consuming either PEG or LiqD. PEG iCftr KO mice did not show a change in α-diversity versus WT but demonstrated a significant difference in microbial composition (β-diversity) with increases in phylum Proteobacteria , family Peptostreptococcaceae , four genera of Clostridia including C. innocuum , and mucolytic genus Akkermansia . Fecal microbiome analysis of LiqD iCftr KO mice showed both decreased α-diversity and differences in microbial composition with increases in Proteobacteria family Enterobacteriaceae , Firmicutes families Clostridiaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae , and enrichment of Clostridium perfringens , C. innocuum , C. difficile , mucolytic Ruminococcus gnavus , and reduction of Akkermansia . It was concluded that epithelial-specific loss of Cftr is a major driver of CF intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation with significant similarities to previous studies of global Cftr KO mice.

New and noteworthy

Chronic intestinal inflammation is a manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease caused by loss of the anion channel CFTR that is expressed in many tissues. This study shows that intestinal epithelial cell-specific loss of CFTR (iCftr KO) in mice is sufficient to induce intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation. Studies were performed on mice consuming either dietary regimen (PEG laxative or liquid diet) routinely used to prevent obstruction in CF mice.

Dealcoholized muscadine wine was partially effective in preventing and treating dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and restoring gut dysbiosis in mice

Muscadine wine has a unique polyphenol profile consisting of anthocyanins, ellagic acids, and flavonols. This study aims to compare the prevention, treatment, and combined activity (P + T) of dealcoholized muscadine wine (DMW) on DSS-induced colitis in mice and its impact on the gut microbiome. Male C57BL/6 mice in the healthy and colitis group received an AIN-93M diet for 28 days. In the prevention, treatment, and P + T (prevention + treatment) groups, mice received an AIN-93M diet containing 2.79% (v/w) DMW on days 1-14, 15-28, and 1-28, respectively. Except for mice in the healthy group, all mice were given water with 2.5% (w/v) DSS on days 8-14 to induce colitis. DMW in all three receiving groups reduced myeloperoxidase activity, histology scores, and phosphorylation of Iκb-α in the colon. Colon shortening, serum IL-6, and colonic mRNA of TNF-α were blunted only in the P + T group. Gut permeability was reduced in the treatment and P + T groups. DMW in P + T group showed higher activity to increase microbiome evenness, modulate β-diversity, elevate the cecal content of SCFAs, and enrich SCFA-producing bacteria, including Lactobacillaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Peptococcaceae. This was accompanied by a decrease in pathogenic Burkholderiaceae in mice. This study suggests that muscadine wine has partial preventive and therapeutic effects against inflammatory bowel disease. The combination of prevention and treatment using DMW showed better activities than either prevention or treatment.

Multi-omics analyses reveal relationships among polyphenol-rich oolong tea consumption, gut microbiota, and metabolic profile: A pilot study

Convincing evidence has suggested the health potentials of oolong tea (OT) on gut microbiota homeostasis; however, limited population-based studies exist regarding the effect of OT consumption on human gut microbial and metabolic profile. This pilot study explored gut microbial and metabolic changes in healthy adults with a 3-week oolong tea intake. Our findings showed that OT treatment significantly altered gut microbial diversity (Shannon index, 5.4±0.1 vs. 5.7±0.1 pre- and post-OT treatment), reorganized gut microbiota composition, enriched Bacteroides and Prevotella, decreased Megamonas, and improved gastrointestinal function. Also, gut microbes from overweight subjects with BMI >23.9 exhibited greater responses to OT treatment compared with normal-weight counterparts. Metabolomic analysis identified OT intake-induced 23 differential metabolites and 10 enriched metabolic pathways. This study may provide new insights into the association among OT intervention, host gut microbiome and metabolic profile, and improve the knowledge of clinical strategies and personalized nutrition.

Antibiotic Conditioning Shapes Pseudosterile Mouse Models by Deleting Colonic Microbes Rather than Small Intestinal Microbes

A simple model of alternative microbiota in the developing intestinal environment has been highly desirable for the study of health and disease in the gut. The pattern of antibiotic depletion of natural gut microbes is necessary for this model. However, the effects and loci of antibiotic deletion of gut microbes remain unclear. In this study, a mixture of three proven broad-spectrum antibiotics was selected to study their effects on microbial deletions in the jejunum, ileum, and colon of mice. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that antibiotics significantly reduced colonic microbial diversity, with limited effects on the jejunum and ileum. At the level of microbial genera, only 93.38% of Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia and 5.89% of Enterorhabdus were present in the colon after antibiotic treatment. However, such changes were not observed in the microbial composition of the jejunum and ileum. Our results suggest that the antibiotics depleted intestinal microorganisms by acting primarily in the colon and not in the small intestine (jejunum and ileum). IMPORTANCE Many studies have applied antibiotics to delete intestinal microbes to shape pseudosterile mouse models and further used for fecal microbial transplantation. However, few studies have explored the spatial location of antibiotic action in the intestine. This study shows that the selected antibiotics effectively deleted microbiota in the colon of mice, with limited effects on microbes in the jejunum and ileum. Our study provides guidance for the application of a mouse model of antibiotic deletion of intestinal microbes.

Combination of Lactobacillus fermentum NS9 and aronia anthocyanidin extract alleviates sodium iodate-induced retina degeneration

It is important to explore the effective approaches to prevent dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, significantly decreased full-field electroretinograms wave amplitudes and disordered retina structures were detected in rat retinas of sodium iodate induced dry AMD model. Six a- and b-wave amplitudes and the antioxidant activities were significantly increased, and the outer nuclear layer thickness was significantly improved in the rat retinas treated with the combination of Lactobacillus fermentum NS9 (LF) and aronia anthocyanidin extract (AAE) compared with the model. The effects were much better than the treatment with AAE alone. The proteomics analysis showed the expressions of α-, β- and γ-crystallins were increased by 3-8 folds in AAE treated alone and by 6-11 folds in AAE + LF treatment compared with the model, which was further confirmed by immuno-blotting analysis. Analysis of gut microbial composition indicated that higher abundance of the genus Parasutterella and species P. excrementihominis was found in the AAE + LF treatment compared with the other groups. The results indicated that the combined treatment of AAE + LF is a potential way to prevent the retina degeneration which is significantly better than the AAE treated alone.

Microbiota-Liver-Bile Salts Axis, a Novel Mechanism Involved in the Contrasting Effects of Sodium Selenite and Selenium-Nanoparticle Supplementation on Adipose Tissue Development in Adolescent Rats

Adolescence is a period during which body composition changes deeply. Selenium (Se) is an excellent antioxidant trace element related to cell growth and endocrine function. In adolescent rats, low Se supplementation affects adipocyte development differently depending on its form of administration (selenite or Se nanoparticles (SeNPs). Despite this effect being related to oxidative, insulin-signaling and autophagy processes, the whole mechanism is not elucidated. The microbiota-liver-bile salts secretion axis is related to lipid homeostasis and adipose tissue development. Therefore, the colonic microbiota and total bile salts homeostasis were explored in four experimental groups of male adolescent rats: control, low-sodium selenite supplementation, low SeNP supplementation and moderate SeNPs supplementation. SeNPs were obtained by reducing Se tetrachloride in the presence of ascorbic acid. Supplementation was received orally through water intake; low-Se rats received twice more Se than control animals and moderate-Se rats tenfold more. Supplementation with low doses of Se clearly affected anaerobic colonic microbiota profile and bile salts homeostasis. However, these effects were different depending on the Se administration form. Selenite supplementation primarily affected liver by decreasing farnesoid X receptor hepatic function, leading to the accumulation of hepatic bile salts together to increase in the ratio Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. In contrast, low SeNP levels mainly affected microbiota, moving them towards a more prominent Gram-negative profile in which the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Muribaculaceae was clearly enhanced and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased. This bacterial profile is directly related to lower adipose tissue mass. Moreover, low SeNP administration did not modify bile salts pool in serum circulation. In addition, specific gut microbiota was regulated upon administration of low levels of Se in the forms of selenite or SeNPs, which are properly discussed. On its side, moderate-SeNPs administration led to great dysbiosis and enhanced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, being considered toxic. These results strongly correlate with the deep change in adipose mass previously found in these animals, indicating that the microbiota-liver-bile salts axis is also mechanistically involved in these changes.

The effects of pectin on the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in mice fed with a high fat diet and exposed to low-dose antibiotics

A sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and antibiotic use among other environmental factors have been associated with an increased incidence of metabolic disorders and inflammation, as well as gut dysbiosis. Pectin is an edible polysaccharide that exists widely in the cell wall of plants. Our previous study has shown that pectin with various degrees of esterification displayed different effects on preventing acute colitis and regulating the gut microbiome and serum metabolome. This study aimed to further explore the differential effects of pectin with various degrees of esterification on mice simultaneously treated with a high-fat diet and low-dose antibiotics. The results showed that low-esterified pectin L102 improved the biomarkers of metabolic disorders including blood glucose and body weight. The high-esterified pectin H121 and the low-esterified pectin L13 ameliorated inflammatory markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). The enrichment of probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus by pectin L102, reduction of conditional pathogens such as Klebsiella by pectin L13, and changes in circulating metabolites like L-tryptophan and 3-indoleacrylate by all three types of pectins were detected. These data provide evidence for a differential effect of different types of pectin on the gut microbiota and metabolic health.

Physical activity-induced alterations of the gut microbiota are BMI dependent

Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of chronic metabolic disease including obesity. Increasing physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health and to be associated with a distinct gut microbiota composition in trained athletes. However, the impact of PA on the gut microbiota is inconclusive for individuals performing PA in their day-to-day life. This study examined the role of PA and hand-grip strength on gut microbiome composition in middle-aged adults (40-65 years, n = 350) with normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2 ) and overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2 ) body mass index (BMI). PA was recorded using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and hand-grip strength was measured using a dynamometer. Serum samples were assessed for lipidomics while DNA was extracted from fecal samples for microbiome analysis. Overweight participants showed a higher concentration of triacylglycerols, and lower concentrations of cholesteryl esters, sphingomyelin, and lyso-phosphotidylcholine lipids (p < .05) compared with those with normal BMI. Additionally, overweight participants had a lower abundance of the Oscillibacter genus (p < .05). The impact of PA duration on the gut microbiome was BMI dependent. In normal but not overweight participants, high PA duration showed greater relative abundance of commensal taxa such as Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria phyla, as well as Collinsella and Prevotella genera (p < .05). Furthermore, in males with normal BMI, a stronger grip strength was associated with a higher relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and F. prausnitzii (p < .05) compared with lower grip strength. Taken together, data suggest that BMI plays a significant role in modeling PA-induced changes in gut microbiota.

Metabolism of eriocitrin in the gut and its regulation on gut microbiota in mice

Introduction

Eriocitrin, found in lemon fruit, has shown a wide range of biological properties. Herein, we investigated the intestinal metabolic profile of eriocitrin in colon, and the regulation of dietary intervention of eriocitrin on gut microbiota.

Methods

We performed ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS), 16S rDNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography-mass (GC-MS) on colon contents from the eriocitrin group (n=6), and compared them with control participants (n=6).

Results

A total of 136 flavonoids were found in colon contents, including eriocitrin and its six metabolites (eriodictyol, homoeriodictyol, hesperetin, eriodictyol-3'-O-glucoside, hesperetin-7-O-glucoside and eriodictyol-7-O-(6″-O-galloyl) glucoside). Moreover, dietary intervention of eriocitrin significantly alters the beta diversity of the gut microbiota, the probiotics such as Lachnospiraceae_UCG_006 were significantly enriched, and the production of butyrate, valerate and hexanoate in the colon pool of short-chain fatty acids were significant increased. The spearman's association analysis performed some intestinal bacteria may be involved in the metabolism of eriocitrin.

Discussion

Collectively, our results preliminarily suggest the metabolism of eriocitrin in the gut, demonstrating alterations of eriocitrin in gut microbiota, which warrants further investigation to determine its potential use in food and biomedical applications.

Intestinal microbial composition changes induced by Lactobacillus plantarum GBL 16, 17 fermented feed and intestinal immune homeostasis regulation in pigs

In this study, Rubus coreanus (R. coreanus) byproducts with high polyphenol content were fermented with R. coreanus-derived lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum GBL 16 and 17). Then the effect of R. coreanus-derived lactic acid bacteria fermented feed (RC-LAB fermented feed) with probiotics (Bacillus subtills, Aspergillus oryzae, Yeast) as a feed additive for pigs on the composition of intestinal microbes and the regulation of intestinal immune homeostasis was investigated. Seventy-two finishing Berkshire pigs were randomly allotted to four different treatment groups and 18 replicates. RC-LAB fermented feed with probiotics increased the genera Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Mitsuokella, Prevotella, Bacteroides spp., Roseburia spp., and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which are beneficial bacteria of the digestive tract of pigs. Also, RC-LAB fermented feed with probiotics decreased the genera Clostridium, Terrisporobacter, Romboutsia, Kandleria, Megasphaera and Escherichia, which are harmful bacteria. In particular, the relative abundance of the genera Lactobacillus and Streptococcus increased by an average of 8.51% and 4.68% in the treatment groups and the classes Clostridia and genera Escherichia decreased by an average of 27.05% and 2.85% in the treatment groups. In mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and spleens, the mRNA expression of transcription factors and cytokines in Th1 and Treg cells increased and the mRNA expression of Th2 and Th17 transcription factors and cytokines decreased, indicating a regulatory effect on intestinal immune homeostasis. RC-LAB fermented feed regulates gut immune homeostasis by influencing the composition of beneficial and detrimental microorganisms in the gut and regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells.

Cohort profile: the Food Chain Plus (FoCus) cohort

The Food Chain Plus (FoCus) cohort was launched in 2011 for population-based research related to metabolic inflammation. To characterize this novel pathology in a comprehensive manner, data collection included multiple omics layers such as phenomics, microbiomics, metabolomics, genomics, and metagenomics as well as nutrition profiling, taste perception phenotyping and social network analysis. The cohort was set-up to represent a Northern German population of the Kiel region. Two-step recruitment included the randomised enrolment of participants via residents’ registration offices and via the Obesity Outpatient Centre of the University Medical Center Schleswig–Holstein (UKSH). Hence, both a population- and metabolic inflammation- based cohort was created. In total, 1795 individuals were analysed at baseline. Baseline data collection took place between 2011 and 2014, including 63% females and 37% males with an age range of 18–83 years. The median age of all participants was 52.0 years [IQR: 42.5; 63.0 years] and the median baseline BMI in the study population was 27.7 kg/m² [IQR: 23.7; 35.9 kg/m²]. In the baseline cohort, 14.1% of participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus, which was more prevalent in the subjects of the metabolic inflammation group (MIG; 31.8%). Follow-up for the assessment of disease progression, as well as the onset of new diseases with changes in subject’s phenotype, diet or lifestyle factors is planned every 5 years. The first follow-up period was finished in 2020 and included 820 subjects.

Dietary Supplementation with Sea Buckthorn Berry Puree Alters Plasma Metabolomic Profile and Gut Microbiota Composition in Hypercholesterolemia Population

Sea buckthorn berries have been reported to have beneficial effects on plasma lipid profile and cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intervention with sea buckthorn berry puree on plasma metabolomics profile and gut microbiota in hypercholesterolemic subjects. A total of 56 subjects with hypercholesterolemia consumed 90 g of sea buckthorn berry puree daily for 90 days, and plasma metabolomic profile was studied at 0 (baseline), 45, and 90 days of intervention by using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR). Gut microbiota composition was analyzed at the baseline and after 90 days of supplementation by using high-throughput sequencing. The plasma metabolic profile was significantly altered after 45 days of intervention as compared to the baseline (day 0). A clear trend of returning to the baseline metabolomic profile was observed in plasma when the intervention extended from 45 days to 90 days. Despite this, the levels of several key plasma metabolites such as glucose, lactate, and creatine were lowered at day 90 compared to the baseline levels, suggesting an improved energy metabolism in those patients. In addition, intervention with sea buckthorn puree enriched butyrate-producing bacteria and other gut microbes linked to lipid metabolisms such as Prevotella and Faecalibacterium while depleting Parasutterella associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease. These findings indicate that sea buckthorn berries have potential in modulating energy metabolism and the gut microbiota composition in hypercholesterolemic patients.

Recombinant Bifidobacterium longum Carrying Endostatin Protein Alleviates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis and Colon Cancer in Rats

Bifidobacterium has been widely administrated orally as probiotics to prevent pathogen colonization and modulate the gut microbiome balance. Endostatin is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis and has been shown to inhibit tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. At present, the combination of endostatin and chemotherapeutic drugs has been regarded as a promising antitumor treatment strategy. In this study, we selected a safe strain of Bifidobacterium longum as a delivery system to transport endostatin to the gastrointestinal tract and explored their combined effect on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated cancer. The results indicated that B. longum-Endo relieved dextran sulfate sodium-induced body weight loss, diarrhea, colon shortening, and epithelium damage. Long-term oral administration of B. longum-Endo significantly decreased tumor formation rate, tumor number, and tumor size. Moreover, the effect of B. longum-Endo on gut microbiota dysbiosis was also confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The levels of potentially beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum, and Parabateroides, were increased in the B. longum-Endo group compared to the model and B. longum groups. Meanwhile, levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria including Desulfovibrio, Helicobacter, and Enterorhabdus were decreased. Taken together, these results suggested that oral administration of recombinant B. longum-Endo strain may be a promising therapeutic strategy for IBD and colitis-associated cancer.

The Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Metabolism and Gut Microbiota: A Real-Life Study

The metabolic benefits of time-restricted eating (TRE) in humans are statistically significant but not clinically relevant. Few data are available about the effects of TRE on the gut microbiota. We compared the effects of a TRE regimen (<12 h feeding; n = 25) with a time-unrestricted (TUE) regimen (>12 h feeding; n = 24), on the clinical and dietary variables and gut-microbiota composition in patients with obesity, who were subjected for 12 weeks to the same caloric restriction. Median weight loss was 4.0 kg and 2.2 kg in the TRE and TUE groups, respectively, with a between-group borderline difference (p = 0.049). No significant between-group difference was found in other dietary, anthropometric, or laboratory variables. There were no substantial between-group differences in alpha and beta diversity or gut-microbiota composition. The TRE group showed a significant increase in the frequency of Lachnospiraceae, Parasutterella, and Romboutsia at the study’s end. A TRE regimen induced small changes both in metabolic/dietary variables and in the gut-microbiota composition, with respect to the TUE. The microbial changes we have found were of uncertain clinical significance.

Differential Effects of Obesity, Hyperlipidaemia, Dietary Intake and Physical Inactivity on Type I Versus Type IV Allergies

Background: Alongside metabolic diseases (esp. obesity), allergic disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent. Since both obesity and allergies are highly impacted by environmental determinants, with this study we assessed the potential link between metabolic implications and two distinct types of allergies. Methods: Using cross-sectional data from the German FoCus cohort, n = 385 allergy cases, either hay fever (=type I allergy, n = 183) or contact allergy (=type IV allergy, n = 202) were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (1:1 ratio, in total n = 770) regarding their metabolic phenotype, diet, physical activity, sleep, gut microbial composition, and serum metabolite profile using suitable BMI-adjusted models. Results: Obesity and metabolic alterations were found significantly more prevalent in subjects with allergies. In fact, this relation was more pronounced in contact allergy than hay fever. Subsequent BMI-adjusted analysis reveals particular importance of co-occurring hyperlipidaemia for both allergy types. For contact allergy, we revealed a strong association to the dietary intake of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, particularly α-linolenic acid, as well as the enrichment of the corresponding metabolic pathway. For hay fever, there were no major associations to the diet but to a lower physical activity level, shorter duration of sleep, and an altered gut microbial composition. Finally, genetic predisposition for hyperlipidaemia was associated to both contact allergy and hay fever. Conclusions: Reflected by higher allergy prevalence, our findings indicate an impaired immune response in obesity and hyperlipidaemia, which is differentially regulated in type I and type IV allergies by an unfavourable lifestyle constellation and subsequent microbial and metabolic dysfunctions.

Roles of gut microbiota and metabolites in overweight and obesity of children

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is an increasing public health problem. Pediatric overweight and obesity result from multiple factors, including genetic background, diet, and lifestyle. In addition, the gut microbiota and their metabolites play crucial roles in the progression of overweight and obesity of children. Therefore, we reviewed the roles of gut microbiota in overweight/obese children. The relationship between pediatric overweight/obesity and gut metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, medium-chain fatty acids, amino acids, amines, and bile acids, are also summarized. Targeting gut microbiota and metabolites might be a promising strategy for interventions aimed at reducing pediatric overweight/obesity.