Lactobacillus acidophilus inhibits the TNF-α-induced increase in intestinal epithelial tight junction permeability via a TLR-2 and PI3K-dependent inhibition of NF-κB activation

Angiogenic Factors and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and impaired epithelial barrier function. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis in IBD pathogenesis. This review explores the intricate relationship between blood vessels and the intestinal epithelial barrier, emphasizing how aberrant vascularization contributes to barrier dysfunction and disease progression. In IBD, excessive angiogenesis is driven by hypoxia, immune cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, further perpetuating inflammation and tissue damage. Key angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), are upregulated in IBD, promoting pathological vessel formation. These newly formed vessels are often immature and hyperpermeable, exacerbating leukocyte recruitment and inflammatory responses. Given the pivotal role of angiogenesis in IBD, anti-angiogenic therapies have emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy. Preclinical and clinical studies targeting VEGF and other angiogenic pathways have shown promise in reducing inflammation and promoting mucosal healing. This review summarizes current knowledge on vascular-epithelial interactions in IBD, the mechanisms driving pathological angiogenesis, and the therapeutic potential of anti-angiogenic approaches, providing insights for future research and treatment development.

Enhanced bioactivity of honeysuckle-Cassia seeds extracts through Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis co-fermentation: Impact on alcoholic liver disease and gut microbiota

This study investigated the hepatoprotective potential of Honeysuckle-Cassia seeds extracts co-fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis against alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Through network pharmacology analysis, 209 overlapping targets between Honeysuckle-Cassia seeds bioactive components and ALD-related targets were identified, with 39 core targets subsequently determined. Comparative analysis of aqueous extract (AE), Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation broth (LAF), and mixed bacteria fermentation broth (MBF) revealed that MBF significantly enhanced the content of bioactive compounds: total polysaccharides (72.6 ± 3.8 mg/g), flavonoids (34.7 ± 2.5 mg/g), and saponins (15.2 ± 1.1 mg/g), representing 275 %, 72 %, and 62 % increases over AE, respectively (p < 0.05). In a murine ALD model, MBF intervention (12.5 mL/kg, 30 days) significantly reduced serum markers of liver injury (ALT: 35 %, AST: 28 %, TC: 42 %, TG: 39 %; (p < 0.05) and hepatic oxidative stress (MDA ↓52 %, GSH ↑156.55 %, SOD ↑76.71 %). Mechanistically, MBF suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) by 40-50 % while elevating anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-4, IL-10, PGE2) 1.6-2.0-fold via AMPK/ACC/SREBP1c signaling modulation. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that MBF restored α-diversity indices (Shannon ↑10.06 %, ACE ↑32.34 %) and reversed alcohol-induced dysbiosis by enriching Lachnospiraceae and Blautia while suppressing Alloprevotella. Structural degradation of plant residues (SEM) confirmed microbial synergy in releasing insoluble-bound phytochemicals (100-400 m/z range). These findings validate co-fermentation as a potent strategy to amplify the hepatoprotective and microbiota-modulating activities of traditional herbs, offering a scientific foundation for developing functional foods against ALD.

Weissella confusa alleviates experimental colitis in mice by regulating inflammatory pathways and gut microbiota

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition with no cure. Probiotics may offer a new strategy for the treatment of IBD. Weissella confusa has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant beneficial effects in animal models. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of W. confusa at host cellular level and their effect on the gut microbiota are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of W. confusa Wc1982 on inflammation and gut microbiota alterations in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis mouse model.

Method

Female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control, DSS, and Wc1982 groups (n = 6/group). The Wc1982 group was given continuous gavage of W. confusa Wc1982 for 14 days with the last 7 days also treated with 3% DSS. Disease phenotypes including daily body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length and histological changes were evaluated. The composition of colon flora, α-diversity and β-diversity were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The colonic gene expression profile was analyzed by RNA-seq, and serum and colonic proinflammatory cytokines were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the differences among groups, and Spearman rank test was used to calculate the correlation between species relative abundance and pro-inflammatory markers.

Results

Compared with DSS group, W. confusa Wc1982 significantly improved the disease phenotypes of colitis mice including decreased DAI and pathological score and reduced colon shortening, decreased colonic IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and serum lipopolysaccharide (p < 0.05), and downregulated the expression of key genes of IL-17 pathway (Lcn2, Mmp3, Mmp13, Ptgs2; p < 0.05). W. confusa Wc1982 modified the gut microbiota community of colitis mice, with increased α-diversity, increased abundance of W. confusa and Akkermansia muciniphila, and decreased abundance of Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Supplementation with W. confusa Wc1982 offers a promising strategy for alleviating colitis.

Gut Microbiota Metabolites and Chronic Diseases: Interactions, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies

The gut microbiota, shaped by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and genetics, plays a pivotal role in regulating host metabolism, immune function, and overall health. The diversity and balance of the gut microbiota are closely linked to the onset and progression of various chronic diseases. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that alterations in the composition, function, and metabolites of the gut microbiota are significantly associated with cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure; metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease; and gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Despite substantial advances in microbiome research, challenges remain in fully elucidating the causal relationships between the gut microbiota and disease, as well as in translating these insights into clinical applications. This review aims to investigate the regulatory pathways via which the gut microbiota affects cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and gastrointestinal disease. Additionally, it highlights emerging strategies for the prevention and treatment of these chronic conditions, focusing on microbiota-targeted therapies and personalized dietary interventions as promising approaches for improving health outcomes.

Probiotics and prebiotics: new treatment strategies for oral potentially malignant disorders and gastrointestinal precancerous lesions

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and gastrointestinal precancerous lesions (GPLs) are major public health concerns because of their potential to progress to cancer. Probiotics, prebiotics, and engineered probiotics can positively influence the prevention and management of OPMDs and GPLs. This review aims to comprehensively review the application status of probiotics, prebiotics and engineered probiotics in OPMDs and GPLs, explore their potential mechanisms of action, and anticipate their future clinical use.

Curcumin Alleviates DON-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Disruption by Improving Ribotoxic Stress-Associated p38 Pathway-Mediated TJ Injury, Apoptosis, and Cell Cycle Arrest

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a pervasive ribotoxic stressor that induces intestinal epithelial barrier disruption by impairing tight junctions (TJs) and causing cellular damage. Curcumin (CUR), known for its enteroprotective properties and low toxicity, has been shown to attenuate DON-induced intestinal epithelial barrier injury. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we established in vivo and in vitro models using 30 male Kunming mice and IPEC-J2 cells to investigate the mechanisms by which CUR alleviates DON-induced intestinal epithelial barrier injury. The results showed that CUR markedly reduced DON-induced increases in intestinal permeability by restoring TJ protein expression (Claudin-4 and occludin) and preventing fiber-shaped actin (F-actin) contraction. CUR also attenuated DON-induced apoptosis by downregulating p53 and caspase activation and alleviated the G1 cell cycle arrest by reducing p21 expression. Mechanistically, CUR inhibited the activation of the ribosomal stress response (RSR)-associated p38 pathway, evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of p38, GSK3β, and ATF-2. The p38 activator dehydrocorydaline reversed CUR's protective effects. In conclusion, CUR alleviates DON-induced intestinal epithelial barrier disruption by improving RSR-associated p38 pathway-mediated TJ injury, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. These findings highlight the potential of CUR as a therapeutic agent for mitigating mycotoxin-induced intestinal dysfunction and suggest new avenues for drug target discovery.

Clostridium scindens promotes gallstone formation by inducing intrahepatic neutrophil extracellular traps through CXCL1 produced by colonic epithelial cells

Cholelithiasis is one of the most common diseases of the biliary system. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the liver play an important role in accelerating the formation of gallstones. The upstream mechanism of NETs formation remains unclear. In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to screen the differential gut microbiota in mice with gallstones. Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen the differentially expressed core genes and signalling pathways of Clostridium scindens that acted on human colonic epithelial cells. Western blotting was used to verify the protein expression of TLR2 and the NF-κB pathway. RT-PCR was used to verify the mRNA expression of TLR2, CXCL1 and the NF-κB pathway. ELISA was used to verify CXCL1 expression in the supernatant or portal vein blood of mice. Immunofluorescence was used to detect NETs formation in cocultured neutrophils in vitro or in mouse livers. Clostridium scindens was the key differential strain in the formation of gallstones in mice. After treatment with Clostridium scindens, both in vitro and in vivo, the expression of TLR2 was upregulated, the secretion of CXCL1 was increased by regulating the NF-κB pathway. Finally, the formation of NETs and stones was significantly increased. This study reveals a new mechanism of the gut-liver immune axis in the formation of gallstones. Clostridium scindens acts on colonic epithelial cells through TLR2 to regulate the NF-κB pathway and increase the secretion of CXCL1. CXCL1 enters the liver via the portal vein and increases the formation of NETs in the liver, thereby accelerating gallstone formation.

Engineered Probiotic-Based Biomaterials for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition affecting the intestines, marked by immune-mediated inflammation. This disease is known for its recurrent nature and the challenges it presents in treatment. Recently, probiotic have gained attention as a promising alternative to traditional small molecular drugs and monoclonal antibody chemotherapies for IBD. Probiotic, recognized as a "living" therapeutic agent, offers targeted treatment with minimal side effects and the flexibility for biological modifications, making them highly effective for IBD management. This comprehensive review presents the latest advancements in engineering probiotic-based materials, ranging from basic treatment mechanisms to the modification techniques used in IBD management. It delves deep into how probiotic produces therapeutic effects in the intestinal environment and discusses various strategies to enhance probiotic's efficacy, including genetic modifications and formulation improvements. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges, practical application conditions, and future research directions of probiotic-based therapies in IBD treatment, providing insights into their feasibility and potential clinical implications.

Assessment of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) therapeutic and prophylactic role in rats experimentally infected with Blastocystis subtype 3 (ST3)

Blastocystis, an eukaryote, inhabits the intestinal tract of humans and animals worldwide. Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), a probiotic, has been reported to be effective against blastocystosis. The present study evaluated the therapeutic and prophylactic effectiveness of L. acidophilus compared to metronidazole (MTZ) in rats experimentally infected with Blastocystis subtype 3 (ST3). Four groups of Blastocystis ST3-infected rats received MTZ, L. acidophilus, both MTZ and L. acidophilus, or prophylactic L. acidophilus. Non-infected and infected control groups were included. The effectiveness of treatment and prevention was evaluated using parasitological monitoring, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical staining for TNF-α and IgA expression, and immunological testing for TNF-α and IL-10. In the L. acidophilus-treated group, a 76% reduction in the mean fecal parasitic count and a 67% clearance in the intestinal wash were achieved aligning closely with outcomes observed in the MTZ-treated group. An immunomodulatory impact via upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and downregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was demonstrated as well. Combined administration of MTZ and L. acidophilus exhibited superior efficacy with a 99% decrease in the mean fecal parasitic count and a 98% decrease in the intestinal fluid parasitic count. Additionally, the lowest TNF-α and the highest IL-10 serum levels. Prophylactic use of L. acidophilus for 7 days neither prevented infection nor reduced its severity. Furthermore, no significant differences were detected in serum levels of TNF-α and IL-10 following post-prophylaxis and post-treatment with L. acidophilus. Accordingly, L. acidophilus might be recommended as an adjuvant treatment alongside MTZ for improved efficacy against blastocystosis.

Vaccination of mice with Trichinella spiralis C-type lectin elicited the protective immunity and enhanced gut epithelial barrier function

BACKGROUND

C-type lectin (CTL) plays an important act in parasite adhesion, host's cell invasion and immune escape. Our previous studies showed that recombinant Trichinella spiralis C-type lectin (rTsCTL) mediated larval invasion of enteral mucosal epithelium. The aim of this study was to investigate protective immunity produced by vaccination with rTsCTL and its effect on gut epithelial barrier function in a mouse model.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDING

The ELISA results showed that subcutaneous vaccination of mice with rTsCTL elicited a systemic humoral response (high levels of serum IgG, IgG1/IgG2a and IgA) and significant gut mucosal sIgA responses. The levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN-γ/IL-4) secreted from spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches were distinctly increased at 6 weeks following vaccination (P < 0.05). At one week after challenge, the numbers of goblet cells and expression level of Muc2, Muc5ac and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in gut tissues of vaccinated mice were obviously decreased, while expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) was evidently increased, compared to the infected PBS group. It is interesting that expression levels of gut epithelial tight junctions (TJs; occludin, claudin-1 and E-cad) were prominently elevated and intestinal permeability was interestingly declined in vaccinated mice. The rTsCTL-vaccinated mice exhibited a 51.69 and 48.19% reduction of intestinal adult and muscle larva burdens, respectively. The female fecundity in rTsCTL vaccinated mice was reduced by 40.51%. These findings indicated that rTsCTL vaccination impeded larval invasion and improved gut epithelial integrity and barrier function, reduced worm burdens, and relieved gut and muscle inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination of mice with rTsCTL elicited an obvious protective immunity against larval challenge, impeded larval invasion of gut mucosa, enhanced gut epithelial integrity and barrier function, reduced worm burdens; it also alleviated gut and muscle inflammation. TsCTL might be a novel candidate target molecule for anti-Trichinella vaccines.

Protective effect of a newly probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri LY2-2 on DSS-induced colitis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the role of a newly isolated strain L.reuteri LY2-2 in colitis in mice and explored the underlying mechanisms. METHODS L.

REUTERI

LY2-2 was orally administered to mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) treatment was used as the drug control.

RESULTS

The results showed that the disease severity of colitis mice was significantly alleviated. The intestinal inflammation was restricted by synergistically reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting TLR4-NF-κB signaling, restoring the abnormal immune response, and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Of note, L.reuteri LY2-2 showed great potential in modulating macrophages polarization in colonic tissues. Moreover, the gut dysbiosis was improved. The potentially pro-inflammatory pathogenic bacteria such as Helicobacter and Romboutsia decreased and the probiotics including L.rhamnosus and L.plantarum increased. Interestingly, the above pathological indexes in the L.reuteri LY2-2 group were better than those in the 5-ASA group.

CONCLUSION

L.reuteri LY2-2 had a better protective effect on DSS-induced colitis via its anti-inflammatory and microbiota-balancing properties, which supports the potential value of this probiotic against colitis. These results contribute to product development of functional probiotics for colitis and provide valuable insights for their mechanisms of biological function to affect human health status.

Trichinellaspiralis C-type lectin mediates larva invasion of gut mucosa via binding to syndecan-1 and damaging epithelial integrity in mice

C-type lectin (CTL) plays a vital role in parasite adhesion, invading host's cells and immune escape. The objective of this research was to explore whether recombinant T. spiralis CTL (rTsCTL) binding with syndecan-1 damages intestine epithelial integrity and mediates T. spiralis intrusion in mice. The results showed that rTsCTL interacted with syndecan-1 and activated STAT3 pathway in gut epithelium, decreased tight junctions (TJs) expressions and damaged gut epithelium integrity, promoted T. spiralis intrusion, and increased expression level of inflammatory cytokine and mucin. The syndecan-1 inhibitor (β-xyloside) and STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitor (Stattic) significantly suppressed syndecan-1 expression and STAT3 pathway activation, reduced the expression levels of TJs, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), Muc2 and Muc5ac, and declined intestinal permeability in T. spiralis-infected mice. These results revealed that the inhibitors suppressed T. spiralis invasion and development in gut mucosa, decreased intestinal adult burdens and relieved gut inflammation. These findings further testified that the in vivo binding of TsCTL with syndecan-1 destroyed enteral mucosal epithelial integrity and promoted T. spiralis intrusion of gut mucosa via activating STAT3 pathway and decreasing TJs expression. TsCTL could be deemed as a promising vaccine target to interrupt T. spiralis infection.