Habitual Diet Pattern Associations with Gut Microbiome Diversity and Composition: Results from a Chinese Adult Cohort

Associations of microbiome pathophysiology with social activity and behavior are mediated by epigenetic modulations: Avenues for designing innovative therapeutic strategies

A number of investigations have shown that gut microbiome influences humans' ability to communicate with others, and impairments in social interactions are linked to alterations in gut microbiome composition and diversity, via epigenetic mechanisms. This article reviews the links among gut microbiome, social behavior, and epigenetic shifts relevant to gut microbiome-derived metabolites. First, we discuss how different social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, diet, environmental chemicals, migration, ecological conditions, and seasonal changes may influence gut microbiome composition, diversity, and functionality, along with epigenetic alterations and thereby affect social behavior. Next, we consider how gut microbiome-derived metabolites, diet, probiotics, and fecal microbiome transplantation may reduce impairments in social interactions through the adjustment of epigenetic aberrations (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs expression) which may suppress or increase gene expression patterns. Finally, we present the potential benefits and unresolved challenges with the use of gut microbiome-targeted therapeutics in reducing social deficits.

Associations of plant-based foods, red and processed meat, and dairy with gut microbiome in Finnish adults

PURPOSE

Population-based studies on the associations of plant-based foods, red meat or dairy with gut microbiome are scarce. We examined whether the consumption of plant-based foods (vegetables, potatoes, fruits, cereals), red and processed meat (RPM) or dairy (fermented milk, cheese, other dairy products) are related to gut microbiome in Finnish adults.

METHODS

We utilized data from the National FINRISK/FINDIET 2002 Study (n = 1273, aged 25-64 years, 55% women). Diet was assessed with 48-hour dietary recalls. Gut microbiome was analyzed using shallow shotgun sequencing. We applied multivariate analyses with linear models and permutational ANOVAs adjusted for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

Fruit consumption was positively (beta = 0.03, SE = 0.01, P = 0.04), while a dairy subgroup including milk, cream and ice-creams was inversely associated (beta=-0.03, SE 0.01, P = 0.02) with intra-individual gut microbiome diversity (alpha-diversity). Plant-based foods (R2 = 0.001, P = 0.03) and dairy (R2 = 0.002, P = 0.01) but not RPM (R2 = 0.001, P = 0.38) contributed to the compositional differences in gut microbiome (beta-diversity). Plant-based foods were associated with several butyrate producers/cellulolytic species including Roseburia hominis. RPM associations included an inverse association with R. hominis. Dairy was positively associated with several lactic producing/probiotic species including Lactobacillus delbrueckii and potentially opportunistic pathogens including Citrobacter freundii. Dairy, fermented milk, vegetables, and cereals were associated with specific microbial functions.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a potential association between plant-based foods and dairy or their subgroups with microbial diversity measures. Furthermore, our findings indicated that all the food groups were associated with distinct overall microbial community compositions. Plant-based food consumption particularly was associated with a larger number of putative beneficial species.

Effects of Synbiotic Administration on Gut Microbiome and Fecal Bile Acids in Dogs with Chronic Hepatobiliary Disease: A Randomized Case-Control Study

Alteration in the gut microbiome in human patients with chronic liver disease is a well-known pathophysiological mechanism. Therefore, it represents both a diagnostic and therapeutical target. Intestinal dysbiosis has also been identified in dogs with chronic liver disease, but clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of synbiotic administration are lacking. Thirty-two dogs with chronic hepatobiliary disease were equally randomized into two groups: one treated with a synbiotic complex for 4-6 weeks (TG) and one untreated control group (CG). All dogs underwent clinical evaluation, complete anamnesis, bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, fecal bile acids, and gut microbiome evaluation at T0-T1 (after 4-6 weeks). Treated dogs showed a significant reduction in ALT activity (p = 0.007) and clinical resolution of gastrointestinal signs (p = 0.026) compared to control dogs. The synbiotic treatment resulted in a lower increase in Enterobacteriaceae and Lachnospiraceae compared to the control group but did not affect the overall richness and number of bacterial species. No significant changes in fecal bile acids profile were detected with synbiotic administration. Further studies are needed to better evaluate the effectiveness of synbiotic administration in these patients and the metabolic pathways involved in determining the clinical and biochemical improvement.

Lifestyle Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

The incidence of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is on the upswing in the USA. These conditions often lead to higher healthcare costs due to the complex nature of diagnosis and the need for specialized medical interventions, surgical procedures, and prolonged medical management. The economic ramification encompasses direct healthcare expenses and indirect costs related to productivity losses, disability, and potential long-term care requirements. Increasing evidence underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing and managing these conditions. Lifestyle medicine employs evidence-based interventions to promote health through six key pillars: embracing a whole-food, plant-predominant dietary pattern; regular physical activity; ensuring restorative sleep; managing stress effectively; removing harmful substances; and fostering positive social connections. This review provides a comprehensive overview of lifestyle interventions for managing and preventing the development of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Long-Term Changes to the Microbiome, Blood Lipid Profiles and IL-6 in Female and Male Swedish Patients in Response to Bariatric Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Lipid metabolism dysregulation is a critical factor contributing to obesity. To counteract obesity-associated disorders, bariatric surgery is implemented as a very effective method. However, surgery such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is irreversible, resulting in life-long changes to the digestive tract. The aim of the present study was to elucidate changes in the fecal microbiota before and after RYGB in relation to blood lipid profiles and proinflammatory IL-6. Here, we studied the long-term effects, up to six years after the RYGB procedure, on 15 patients' gut microbiomes and their post-surgery well-being, emphasizing the biological sex of the patients. The results showed improved health among the patients after surgery, which coincided with weight loss and improved lipid metabolism. Health changes were associated with decreased inflammation and significant alterations in the gut microbiome after surgery that differed between females and males. The Actinobacteriota phylum decreased in females and increased in males. Overall increases in the genera Prevotella, Paraprevotella, Gemella, Streptococcus, and Veillonella_A, and decreases in Bacteroides_H, Anaerostipes, Lachnoclostridium_B, Hydrogeniiclostridium, Lawsonibacter, Paludicola, and Rothia were observed. In conclusion, our findings indicate that there were long-term changes in the gut microbiota after RYGB, and shifts in the microbial taxa appeared to differ depending on sex, which should be investigated further in a larger cohort.

Association of Long-Term Habitual Dietary Fiber Intake since Infancy with Gut Microbiota Composition in Young Adulthood

BACKGROUND

Dietary fiber is an important health-promoting component of the diet, which is fermented by the gut microbes that produce metabolites beneficial for the host's health.

OBJECTIVES

We studied the associations of habitual long-term fiber intake from infancy with gut microbiota composition in young adulthood by leveraging data from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project, an infancy-onset 20-y dietary counseling study.

METHODS

Fiber intake was assessed annually using food diaries from infancy ≤ age 20 y. At age 26 y, the first postintervention follow-up study was conducted including food diaries and fecal sample collection (N = 357). Cumulative dietary fiber intake was assessed as the area under the curve for energy-adjusted fiber intake throughout the study (age 0-26 y). Gut microbiota was profiled using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid amplicon sequencing. The primary outcomes were 1) α diversity expressed as the observed richness and Shannon index, 2) β diversity using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity scores, and 3) differential abundance of each microbial taxa with respect to the cumulative energy-adjusted dietary fiber intake.

RESULTS

Higher cumulative dietary fiber intake was associated with decreased Shannon index (β = -0.019 per unit change in cumulative fiber intake, P = 0.008). Overall microbial community composition was related to the amount of fiber consumed (permutational analysis of variation R2 = 0.005, P = 0.024). The only genus that was increased with higher cumulative fiber intake was butyrate-producing Butyrivibrio (log2 fold-change per unit change in cumulative fiber intake 0.40, adjusted P = 0.023), whereas some other known butyrate producers such as Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum were decreased with higher cumulative fiber intake.

CONCLUSIONS

As early-life nutritional exposures may affect the lifetime microbiota composition and disease risk, this study adds novel information on the associations of long-term dietary fiber intake with the gut microbiota. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00223600.

Gut Microbiome of Patients With Breast Cancer in Vietnam

PURPOSE

Gut microbiota play an important role in human health, including cancer. Cancer and its treatment, in turn, may alter the gut microbiome. To understand this complex relationship, we profiled the gut microbiome of 356 Vietnamese patients with breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Stool samples were collected before chemotherapy, with 162 pre- and 194 postsurgery. The gut microbiome was measured by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Associations of gut microbial diversity, taxa abundance, and gut microbiome health index (GMHI) with sociodemographic, clinical factors, and tumor characteristics were evaluated.

RESULTS

Postsurgery samples were associated with significantly lower α- and β-diversities (P < .001) and showed significant differences in the abundance of 15% of 2,864 investigated taxa (false discovery rate [FDR] <0.1) compared with presurgery samples. An unhealthy gut microbiome was prevalent among patients with breast cancer, with a mean GMHI of -0.79 and -2.81 in pre- and postsurgery stool samples, respectively. In an analysis of 162 presurgery stool samples, diagnosis delay was significantly associated with lower α-diversity, variation in β-diversity, an increased abundance of species Enorma massiliensis, and a decreased abundance of Faecalicoccus pleomorphus. High intake of fiber was significantly associated with lower α-diversity and a higher abundance of species belonging to Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, and Bacteroides gena (FDR < 0.1). We did not find that cancer stage and subtype, menopausal status, comorbidity, antibiotic use during 3 months before stool collection, or physical activity was significantly associated with α- and β-diversities or GMHI although a few significant differences were observed in taxa abundance.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that diagnosis delay, high fiber intake, and breast cancer surgery, which is always followed by antibiotic prophylaxis in Vietnam, led to a less diverse and unhealthy gut microbiome among patients with breast cancer.

The Weissella and Periweissella genera: up-to-date taxonomy, ecology, safety, biotechnological, and probiotic potential

Bacteria belonging to the genera Weissella and Periweissella are lactic acid bacteria, which emerged in the last decades for their probiotic and biotechnological potential. In 2015, an article reviewing the scientific literature till that date on the taxonomy, ecology, and biotechnological potential of the Weissella genus was published. Since then, the number of studies on this genus has increased enormously, several novel species have been discovered, the taxonomy of the genus underwent changes and new insights into the safety, and biotechnological and probiotic potential of weissellas and periweissellas could be gained. Here, we provide an updated overview (from 2015 until today) of the taxonomy, ecology, safety, biotechnological, and probiotic potential of these lactic acid bacteria.

Beyond Diet and Exercise: The Impact of Gut Microbiota on Control of Obesity

Obesity, a widespread health concern characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat, is a complex condition influenced by genetics, environment, and social determinants. Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of gut microbiota in obesity, highlighting its pivotal involvement in various metabolic processes. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, interacts with the host in a myriad of ways, impacting energy metabolism, appetite regulation, inflammation, and the gut-brain axis. Dietary choices significantly shape the gut microbiota, with diets high in fat and carbohydrates promoting the growth of harmful bacteria while reducing beneficial microbes. Lifestyle factors, like physical activity and smoking, also influence gut microbiota composition. Antibiotics and medications can disrupt microbial diversity, potentially contributing to obesity. Early-life experiences, including maternal obesity during pregnancy, play a vital role in the developmental origins of obesity. Therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiota, including prebiotics, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, bacterial consortium therapy, and precision nutrition, offer promising avenues for reshaping the gut microbiota and positively influencing weight regulation and metabolic health. Clinical applications of microbiota-based therapies are on the horizon, with potential implications for personalized treatments and condition-based interventions. Emerging technologies, such as next-generation sequencing and advanced bioinformatics, empower researchers to identify specific target species for microbiota-based therapeutics, opening new possibilities in healthcare. Despite the promising outlook, microbiota-based therapies face challenges related to microbial selection, safety, and regulatory issues. However, with ongoing research and advances in the field, these challenges can be addressed to unlock the full potential of microbiota-based interventions.

The Role of Nutrition in Chronic Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, six out of every ten adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease, and about four in ten have two or more chronic diseases [...].

Dietary Fiber Intake and Gut Microbiota in Human Health

Dietary fiber is fermented by the human gut microbiota, producing beneficial microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids. Over the last few centuries, dietary fiber intake has decreased tremendously, leading to detrimental alternations in the gut microbiota. Such changes in dietary fiber consumption have contributed to the global epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. The responses of the gut microbiota to the dietary changes are specific to the type, amount, and duration of dietary fiber intake. The intricate interplay between dietary fiber and the gut microbiota may provide clues for optimal intervention strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases. In this review, we summarize current evidence regarding dietary fiber intake, gut microbiota modulation, and modification in human health, highlighting the type-specific cutoff thresholds of dietary fiber for gut microbiota and metabolic outcomes.