Dietary Supplementation with Vitamin D, Fish Oil or Resveratrol Modulates the Gut Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Microbial effects of cold-pressed Sacha inchi oil supplementation in rats

Oil supplements have various benefits for metabolism, particularly Sacha inchi oil (SI), which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as ω-3 and fat-soluble vitamins. However, the impacts of oil supplements on gut health remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of an SI supplement with those of lard oil (LO), known for its high saturated fatty acid content, and a normal diet on gut health in male Sprague Dawley rats for 12 consecutive weeks. Fecal DNA was used to assess gut microbiota diversity and species abundance, diversity, and function prediction. Colon tissue from each rat was examined for colon crypt depth and histology. Rats administered the LO supplement exhibited higher dysbiosis than those administered the SI supplement, with the LO supplement influencing the relative abundance of various bacteria at the genus level. A KEGG analysis was conducted to examine the effects on metabolic pathways, revealing that the SI supplement promoted carbohydrate metabolism while reducing immune system activity. In contrast, the LO supplement increased replication, repair, and translation activities. A histological analysis of the colon tissues showed no significant alterations in crypt depth or lesions in all groups, indicating that neither supplement induced adverse structural changes in the gut. The results of this study suggest that SI supplementation modulates the gut microbiota, thereby enhancing gut health and metabolic function.

Correlation Analysis of the Transcriptome and Gut Microbiota in Salmo trutta Resistance to Aeromonas salmonicida

Aeromonas salmonicida is a major pathogenic bacterium that poses a significant threat to salmonid fish. Yadong County, located in the Xizang Autonomous Region, is renowned for its characteristic industry of Salmo trutta aquaculture. In recent years, the outbreak of Bacterial Gill Disease (BGD) has led to substantial economic losses for S. trutta farmers. Our prior research identified A. salmonicida as one of the primary culprits behind BGD. To mitigate the impact of A. salmonicida on S. trutta, we conducted a comprehensive study aimed at identifying genes associated with resistance to A. salmonicida. This involved transcriptome sequencing and 16S rRNA sequencing of intestinal flora, providing valuable insights for the study of disease resistance in S. trutta. In this study, we identified 324 genera with 5171 ASVs in the susceptible group and 293 genera with 5669 ASVs in the resistant group. Notably, Methylobacterium and Sphingomonas were common bacteria present in the salmon's gut, and their proportions remained relatively stable before and after infection. Shewanella, with its antagonistic relationship with Aeromonas, may play a crucial role in the salmon's defense against A. salmonicida. Several related genes were identified, including angptl4, cipcb, grasp, ccr9a, sulf1, mtmr11, B3GNT3, mt2, PLXDC1, and ank1b.

The effect of vitamin D3 and omega-3 combination, taken orally, on triglycerides, lining of intestine, and the biodiversity of gut microbiota in healthy rats

AIM

The gut microbiota plays a key role in host health. An intake of omega-3 and vitamin D3 in a separate manner is vital for maintaining good health of gut microbiota and controlling some illness manifestations. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential change in biodiversity of the gut microbiome in healthy rats supplemented with vitamin D3, omega-3 alone and their combination and to reflect onto the triglyceride levels in serum and fecal samples.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the 16S rRNA gene Miseq Illumina NGS, and monitoring triglyceride levels in serum and fecal samples coupled with several clinical parameters, we examined the effect of orally taken combination of omega-3 and vitamin D3 alongside the separate intake of supplements on gut microbiota in 24 healthy white Wistar rats for six weeks. The study findings showed that combination treatment encouraged the growth of opportunistic Clostridia class during day 21 and 42 of treatment by 7.7 and 7.4 folds, respectively, exhibited incomplete absorption levels for both supplements when used concomitantly, demonstrated a damaging effect on the gut intestinal lining wall thickness (126 µm) when compared to control group (158  µm), increasing lumen diameter (400 µm), and showed higher triglyceride level in fecal samples.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that omega-3 and vitamin D3 supplements as combination intake reveal unfavorable effects, thus, it is advised to conduct further in-depth studies to clarify the presence or absence of any chemical interaction between both supplements' molecules and to investigate based on human model to attain a superior perspective.

Cold-pressed perilla seed oil: Investigating its protective influence on the gut-brain axis in mice with rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease

Perilla seed oil, derived from a regional plant native to northern Thailand, undergoes cold-pressing to analyze its bioactive components, notably alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA, constituting approximately 61% of the oil, serves as a precursor for therapeutic omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, with neurodegenerative disease benefits and anti-inflammatory responses. This study administered different concentrations of perilla seed oil to male C57BL/6 mice, categorized as low dose (LP 5% w/w), middle dose (MP 10% w/w), and high dose (HP 20% w/w), along with a fish oil (FP 10% w/w) diet. An experimental group received soybean oil (5% w/w). Over 42 days, these diets were administered while inducing Parkinson's disease (PD) with rotenone injections. Mice on a high perilla seed oil dose exhibited decreased Cox-2 expression in the colon, suppressed Iba-1 microglia activation, reduced alpha-synuclein accumulation in the colon and hippocampus, prevented dopaminergic cell death in the substantia nigra, and improved motor and non-motor symptoms. Mice on a middle dose showed maintenance of diverse gut microbiota, with an increased abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacteria). A reduction in bacteria correlated with PD (Turicibacter, Ruminococcus, and Akkermansia) was observed. Results suggest the potential therapeutic efficacy of high perilla seed oil doses in mitigating both intestinal and neurological aspects linked to the gut-brain axis in PD.

Transcriptome analysis reveals high concentration of resveratrol promotes lipid synthesis and induces apoptosis in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

Resveratrol has been reported to promote immunity and decrease oxidative stress, but which demonstrates biphasic effects relied on the use concentration. In this study, the effects of diet supplement with a relative high concentration of resveratrol (0.32 mg/kg) on metabolism, antioxidation and apoptosis of liver were investigated in Siberian sturgeon. The results showed that resveratrol significantly increased the lipid synthesis and the apoptosis, but did not either activate the antioxidant NRF2/KEAP1 pathway or enhance the antioxidant enzyme activity. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant changes in regulatory pathways related to glycolipid, including PPAR signaling pathway, Insulin signaling pathway, Fatty acid biosynthesis, and Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis. In addition, resveratrol significantly increased the lipid synthesis genes (accα and fas), fatty acid transport gene (fatp 6) and gluconeogenesis gene (gck), but decreased the survival-promoting genes (gadd45β and igf 1). These findings highlight a significant effect of resveratrol on glycolipid metabolism in Siberian sturgeon. Moreover, this study also demonstrated that 0.32 mg/kg resveratrol has physiological toxicity to the liver of Siberian sturgeon, indicating that this dose is too high for Siberian sturgeon. Thus, our study provides a valuable insight for future research and application of resveratrol in fish.

The use of vitamin D for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

As vitamin D (VD) plays an essential role in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), this systematic review aimed to update the participation of this vitamin in the prevention or remission of these diseases. This review has included studies in MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The authors have followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis) guidelines. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty-two randomized clinical trials were selected. In total, 1,209 patients were included in this systematic review: 1034 received only VD and 175 received VD in combination with calcium. The average doses of VD supplementation were from oral 400 IU daily to 10,000 IU per kilogram of body weight. Single injection of 300,000 IU of VD was also used. Several studies have shown the crucial role that VD plays in the therapeutic approach of IBD due to its effects on the immune system. It effectively decreased inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IFN-γ (p<0.05) and provided a reduction in disease activity assessed through different scores such as Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) (p<0.05) and Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index (UCDAI) (p<0.05). Unfortunately, the available clinical trials are not standardized for of doses and routes of administration. Existing meta-analyses are biased because they compare studies using different doses or treatments in combination with different drugs or supplements such as calcium. Even though VD has crucial effects on inflammatory processes, there is still a need for standardized studies to establish how the supplementation should be performed and the doses to be administered.

An efficient co-delivery system based on multilayer structural nanoparticles for programmed sequential release of resveratrol and vitamin D3 to combat dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice

Multilayer structural nanoparticles (MSNPs) fabricated by layer-by-layer self-assembly were used for the co-encapsulation of resveratrol (Res) and vitamin D3 (Vd). Res and Vd co-encapsulated MSNPs (Res-Vd-MSNPs) were evaluated by appearance, morphology, particle size, ζ potential and encapsulation efficiency (EE). The results showed that Res-Vd-MSNPs were spherical in shape with a particle size of 625.4 nm and a surface charge of +26.1 mV. The EE of Res and Vd was as high as 93.6 % and 90.8 %, respectively. Res-Vd-MSNPs exhibited better stability and lower degradation rate in simulated gastric fluid, allowing the programmed sequential release of Vd and Res in simulated intestinal fluid and simulated colonic fluid, which was also confirmed by in vivo fluorescence imaging of mice. In addition, Res-Vd-MSNPs effectively alleviated the clinical symptoms of dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, including weight loss, diarrhea and fecal bleeding, and it especially exerted a preventive effect on DSS-induced colon tissue damage and colon shortening. Furthermore, Res-Vd-MSNPs suppressed the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and ameliorated DSS-induced oxidative damage, decreased colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) activities and elevated glutathione (GSH) level in DSS-treated mice. This study illustrated that MSNPs were potential carriers for developing the co-delivery system for the synergistic prevention and treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Resveratrol alleviates DSS-induced IBD in mice by regulating the intestinal microbiota-macrophage-arginine metabolism axis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global disease with a growing public health concern and is associated with a complex interplay of factors, including the microbiota and immune system. Resveratrol, a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, is known to relieve IBD but the mechanism involved is largely unexplored.

METHODS

This study examines the modulatory effect of resveratrol on intestinal immunity, microbiota, metabolites, and related functions and pathways in the BALB/c mice model of IBD. Mouse RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was used to further explore the involvement of the macrophage-arginine metabolism axis. The treatment outcome was assessed through qRT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and fecal 16S rDNA sequencing and UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS.

RESULTS

Results showed that resveratrol treatment significantly reduced disease activity index (DAI), retained mice weight, repaired colon and spleen tissues, upregulated IL-10 and the tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin 1, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Resveratrol reduced the number of dysregulated metabolites and improved the gut microbial community structure and diversity, including reversing changes in the phyla Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, increasing 'beneficial' genera, and decreasing potential pathogens such as Lachnoclostridium, Acinobacter, and Serratia. Arginine-proline metabolism was significantly different between the colitis-treated and untreated groups. In the colon mucosa and RAW264.7 macrophage, resveratrol regulated arginine metabolism towards colon protection by increasing Arg1 and Slc6a8 and decreasing iNOS.

CONCLUSION

This uncovers a previously unknown mechanism of resveratrol treatment in IBD and provides the microbiota-macrophage-arginine metabolism axis as a potential therapeutic target for intestinal inflammation.

Manipulating Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment: Clinical and Natural Product Interventions Explored

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease, that includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), having progressively increasing global incidence. Disturbed intestinal flora has been highlighted as an important feature of IBD and offers promising strategies for IBD remedies. A brief overview of the variations occurring in intestinal flora during IBD is presented, and the role of the gut microbiota in intestinal barrier maintenance, immune and metabolic regulation, and the absorption and supply of nutrients is reviewed. More importantly, we review drug research on gut microbiota in the past ten years, including research on clinical and natural drugs, as well as adjuvant therapies, such as Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and probiotic supplements. We also summarize the interventions and mechanisms of these drugs on gut microbiota.

Comparison and enrichment of sn-2 palmitoyl triacylglycerols (OPO/OPL) in fish oil for its potential application as human milk fat substitutes

Triacylglycerols (TAG) are differences in fatty acid distributions between infant formula and human milk. In this study, fish oil (Tilapia, Golden pompano, Tiger grouper, and Basa) showed the potential as the source of human milk fat substitutes by comparing TAG profiles with infant formula and human milk. The total lipids and TAG of fish were concentrated in the by-products of fish (head and viscera) and contained high levels of palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Compared with infant formula, fish oil was closer to human milk in sn-2 fatty acid distribution, and sn-2 palmitic acid level in fish oil exceeded 52 % of total palmitic acid, Golden pompano head was the highest (64.46 %). Further research showed that the content of sn-2 palmitoyl TAG (OPO and OPL dominated) increased from 157.16 mg/g TAG to 305.18 mg/g TAG by isopropanol enrichment (solid-liquid ratio: 1:4, temperature: -12 °C, time: 4 h).

Role of in vitamin D in irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 10%-22% of adults. Its development is closely related to the gut microbiota, and the inflammatory and immune responses triggered by the gut microbiota can lead to IBS. Vitamin D (VD) effectively treats IBS with fewer side effects by improving gut microbiota, immune regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. In the future, it is necessary to carry out epidemiological studies on the relationship between VD and IBS, clinical studies on the efficacy of supplementing VD to improve IBS, and animal studies on the mechanism of VD improving IBS. Therefore, this paper discussed the relationship between VD and IBS.

The microbiome as a major function of the gastrointestinal tract and its implication in micronutrient metabolism and chronic diseases

The composition and function of microbes harbored in the human gastrointestinal lumen have been underestimated for centuries because of the underdevelopment of nucleotide sequencing techniques and the lack of humanized gnotobiotic models. Now, we appreciate that the gut microbiome is an integral part of the human body and exerts considerable roles in host health and diseases. Dietary factors can induce changes in the microbial community composition, metabolism, and function, thereby altering the host immune response, and consequently, may influence disease risks. An imbalance of gut microbiome homeostasis (i.e., dysbiosis) has been linked to several chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, and diabetes. Remarkable progress has recently been made in better understanding the extent to which the influence of the diet-microbiota interaction on host health outcomes in both animal models and human participants. However, the exact causality of the gut microbiome on the development of diseases is still controversial. In this review, we will briefly describe the general structure and function of the intestine and the process of nutrient absorption in humans. This is followed by a summarization of the recent updates on interactions between gut microbiota and individual micronutrients, including carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, folate, iron, and zinc. In the opinion of the authors, these nutrients were identified as representative of vitamins and minerals with sufficient research on their roles in the microbiome. The host responses to the gut microbiome will also be discussed. Future direction in microbiome research, for example, precision microbiome, will be proposed.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis and its modulation in the therapy of depression: comparison of efficacy of conventional drugs and traditional Chinese medicine approaches

Depression is a common and severe mental disease that places a heavy burden on human society, which can lead to decreased cognitive function, energy loss, insomnia, and even suicide. Although medication plays an important role in improving the symptoms of depression, approximately one third of people with depression do not significantly benefit from medication and experience various adverse reactions. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that gut microbes play an important role in the occurrence and development of depression. There have been illuminating studies previously conducted on the relationship between antidepressant chemicals, traditional Chinese medicine, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). Therefore, in this review, we summarize the role of the MGBA in the occurrence and development of depression, especially the important role of the MGBA in the mechanism of action of antidepressants. Modulation of the MGBA is proposed to enhance the efficacy of antidepressant drugs and reduce their side effects and disease recurrence, so as to provide a new method for the treatment of depression.

EPA and DHA differentially coordinate the crosstalk between host and gut microbiota and block DSS-induced colitis in mice by a reinforced colonic mucus barrier

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon with a continuously remitting and relapsing course. Its etiology is closely related to abnormal interactions between host and gut microbiota. The mucus barrier lining the gastrointestinal tract is necessary to coordinate host and gut microbiota interaction by nourishing and modulating the microbiota. Differential effects of the anti-inflammatory fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on UC progression in mice were firstly addressed by our previous work; here, the mechanism for their respective effects were further uncovered from host-microbiome crosstalk based on mucus barrier modulation to pave the way for UC therapy. Methods: Assessment of the disease activity index and histopathology score was conducted in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis pre-treated with different doses of EPA and DHA. Mucin generation, glycosylation and secretion were evaluated by a combination of electron microscopy, specific mucous staining, and qPCR. Western blotting was used to analyze the underlying molecular events. Fecal short chain fatty acids were detected using gas chromatography, and the gut microbial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Compared with DHA, the more potent inhibitory effect of high dose EPA on DSS-induced colitis was reconfirmed, which was underlain by a reinforced mucus layer as indicated by increased mucin granule release, mucus layer stratification and markedly upregulated expression of the key modulators involved in goblet cell differentiation. In turn a remarkably enhanced mucus barrier in the EPA group functioned to modulate the gut microbiome, as demonstrated by the enriched abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes and mucin-degrading bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila producing acetic and propionic acids. Conclusions: EPA and DHA differentially coordinate the interaction between the host and the gut microbiota and relieve mucus barrier disruption in DSS-induced colitis. EPA may develop into a promising adjunctive therapy for UC.

Diet, Sun, Physical Activity and Vitamin D Status in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) malabsorption may lead to a vitamin D deficiency and calcium–phosphate misbalance. However, the reports on the vitamin D status in children with IBD are few and ambiguous. Here, we are presenting complex analyses of multiple factors influencing 25OHD levels in IBD children (N = 62; Crohn’s disease n = 34, ulcerative colitis n = 28, mean age 14.4 ± 3.01 years, F/M 23/39) and controls (n = 47, mean age 13.97 ± 2.57, F/M 23/24). Additionally, calcium–phosphate balance parameters and inflammatory markers were obtained. In children with IBD disease, activity and location were defined. Information about therapy, presence of fractures and abdominal surgery were obtained from medical records. All subjects were surveyed on the frequency and extent of exposure to sunlight (forearms, partially legs for at least 30 min a day), physical activity (at least 30 min a day) and diet (3 days diary was analyzed with the program DIETA 5). The mean 25OHD level was higher in IBD patients compared to controls (18.1 ng/mL vs. 15.5 ng/mL; p = 0.03). Only 9.7% of IBD patients and 4.25% of controls had the optimal vitamin D level (30–50 ng/mL). Despite the higher level of 25OHD, young IBD patients showed lower calcium levels in comparison to healthy controls. There was no correlation between the vitamin D level and disease activity or location of gastrointestinal tract lesions. Steroid therapy didn’t have much influence on the vitamin D level while vitamin D was supplemented. Regular sun exposure was significantly more common in the control group compared to the IBD group. We found the highest concentration of vitamin D (24.55 ng/mL) with daily sun exposure. There was no significant correlation between the vitamin D level and frequency of physical activity. The analysis of dietary diaries showed low daily intake of vitamin D in both the IBD and the control group (79.63 vs. 85.14 IU/day). Pediatric patients, both IBD and healthy individuals, require regular monitoring of serum vitamin D level and its adequate supplementation.