The Impact of Microbiota-Immunity-Hormone Interactions on Autoimmune Diseases and Infection

Targeting gut-immune-heart modulate cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction

The gut microbiota interacts with the host to regulate disease and health status. An increasing number of studies have recognized the bidirectional regulation between gut microbiota and immune cells, which plays a significant role in the etiology and prognosis of diseases. Gut microbiota is also a crucial regulatory factor in cardiovascular diseases. After acute myocardial infarction, myocardial and endothelial damage rapidly triggers an inflammatory response, activating the immune system and disrupting the gut microbiota ecology, thereby affecting cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction and potentially leading to heart failure. We have elucidated the regulatory mechanisms of complex intercellular networks in the immune system during cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction. Furthermore, this research examines the roles and mechanisms of gut microbiota, immune cells, and gut metabolites in relation to cardiac remodeling and heart failure after myocardial infarction. Finally, we discuss the potential of targeting gut immune cells as an effective approach to prevent and treat heart failure after acute myocardial infarction in the future, through methods such as dietary regulation, probiotic supplementation, and microbiota transplantation.

The Role of Metabolic Syndrome in Psoriasis Treatment Response: A One-Year Comparative Analysis of PASI Progression

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Psoriasis is a chronic dermatological condition with systemic implications, especially with metabolic syndrome (MS). This study evaluated the vicious cycle where obesity and MS exacerbate systemic inflammation that complicates the efficacy of psoriasis therapies by examining the PASI score over a one-year period. Patients were classified into two subgroups: those with psoriasis alone (PSO) and those with both psoriasis and metabolic syndrome (PSO-MS).

METHODS

A total of 150 patients, half of whom also concomitantly presented with metabolic syndrome, received biologic therapies comprising anti-IL-17, anti-IL-23, and anti-TNF-a, or methotrexate, with PASI scores assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

All treatments showed significant reductions in PASI; however, patients with PSO showed more marked reductions in PASI score than those in the PSO-MS group. Anti-IL-17 treatments produced the greatest sustained long-term improvements, whereas anti-IL-23 produced prompt early improvements. Increases in BMI and leptin concentrations were associated with a modest rate of reduction in PASI score, underlining the impact of obesity and metabolic dysfunction on treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of managing comorbidities such as MS in the treatment of psoriasis, as the interplay between systemic inflammation and metabolic health further complicates therapeutic outcomes.

Dynamic Alterations of the Intestinal Microbiota of Fifth-Instar Silkworms (Bombyx mori) Fed an Artificial Diet or Mulberry Leaves

Intestinal microbes are known to impact the growth and development of insects. However, there are few reports on the intestinal microbiota of silkworms (Bombyx mori). The present study used Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the changes over time in the intestinal bacteriome of fifth-instar silkworms fed mulberry leaf (MB) or artificial diet (AD). The results showed that the intestinal microbiota richness was significantly higher, before the 4th day of the fifth instar, in the silkworms fed AD rather than MB, while the richness was consistent between the AD and MB groups directly before cocooning. Proteobacteria was the most dominant phylum in MBs, AD, and the silkworm intestinal bacteriome, regardless of sex, feed type, or date, except that Firmicutes was the most dominant phylum for females on the 6th day of the fifth instar. Acinetobacter was the dominant genus in silkworms fed MB, while Enterococcus was the dominant genus in silkworms fed AD. Only 3.62% of the intestinal microbiota of silkworms fed MB was derived from MB, while 13.71% of the intestinal microbiota of silkworms fed AD was derived from AD. Thus, both bacterial communities were dominated by bacteria of unknown origin (non-feed sources). In the correlation network analysis, the silkworms fed AD appeared to have more complex interactions than the silkworms fed MB. Proteobacteria was the phylum most closely related to silkworm cocoon quality and feeding efficiency. Pantoea was the genera most closely related to cocoon quality and silkworm feeding efficiency in silkworms fed MB. AD had a significant impact on the predicted functions of the intestinal microbiota. There were significant differences in all six KEGG level 1 functions and all BugBase (except for Gram_Positive) phenotypes between silkworms fed AD or MB. The BugBase "Aerobic" phenotype was significantly higher in females compared to males, in both the AD and MB groups, while the "Oxidative_Stress_Tolerant" phenotype was the opposite. Overall, the findings suggest that the diversity, community structure, and predicted functions of intestinal bacteria in silkworms were significantly influenced by feed type. The study provides insights into the complex silkworm intestinal bacterial diversity and a foundation for probiotic screening.

Oral Health and "Modern" Digestive Diseases: Pathophysiologic and Etiologic Factors

In the contemporary era of medicine, exploring the complexity of the human body and its intricate interactions has become a central concern for health researchers. The main purpose of this article is to summarize the current understanding of relevant pathophysiological factors such as chronic inflammation, dysbiosis (microbial imbalance), and metabolic disorders, as well as etiological factors including dietary habits, lifestyle choices, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and genetic predispositions, as well as to emphasize potential avenues for upcoming studies and their medical significance. Additionally, this article aims to assess the potential impact of integrated treatment approaches on patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between gastroenterologists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans that address both oral and digestive health issues simultaneously. Among the branches with a significant impact on general well-being are oral cavity health and digestive diseases, which have been the subject of intensive research in recent decades. In this context, analysis of the current state of knowledge on oral cavity disorders in relation to "modern" digestive diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) becomes essential for a deeper understanding of the interconnections between oral and digestive health. The temporal overlap or succession, whether preceding or following, of oral manifestations and digestive disorders should be taken seriously by both gastroenterologists and dentists to facilitate early diagnosis and explain to patients the correlation between these two body systems. In summary, this article underscores the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between oral and digestive health, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches to improve patient outcomes and guide future research.

Exploring the Exposome Spectrum: Unveiling Endogenous and Exogenous Factors in Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases

The exposome encompasses all endogenous and exogenous exposure individuals encounter throughout their lives, including biological, chemical, physical, psychological, relational, and socioeconomic factors. It examines the duration and intensity of these types of exposure and their complex interactions over time. This interdisciplinary approach involves various scientific disciplines, particularly toxicology, to understand the long-term effects of toxic exposure on health. Factors like air pollution, racial background, and socioeconomic status significantly contribute to diseases such as metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, infertility, and cancer. Advanced analytical methods measure contaminants in biofluids, food, air, water, and soil, but often overlook the cumulative risk of multiple chemicals. An exposome analysis necessitates sophisticated tools and methodologies to understand health interactions and integrate findings into precision medicine for better disease diagnosis and treatment. Chronic exposure to environmental and biological stimuli can lead to persistent low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, respiratory diseases, autoimmune conditions, and depression. These NCDs are influenced by smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol abuse, all shaped by genetic, environmental, and social factors. Dietary patterns, especially ultra-processed foods, can exacerbate inflammation and alter gut microbiota. This study investigates the exposome's role in the prevention, development, and progression of NCDs, focusing on endogenous and exogenous factors.