Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Oat Beta-Glucan Regulated Fatty Acid Profiles along the Gut-Liver-Brain Axis of Mice Fed with High Fat Diet and Demonstrated Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potentials

In vitro safety and functional characterization of the novel Bacillus coagulans strain CGI314

Introduction

Bacillus coagulans species have garnered much interest in health-related functional food research owing to their desirable probiotic properties, including pathogen exclusion, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and food fermentation capabilities coupled with their tolerance of extreme environments (pH, temperature, gastric and bile acid resistance) and stability due to their endosporulation ability.

Methods

In this study, the novel strain Bacillus coagulans CGI314 was assessed for safety, and functional probiotic attributes including resistance to heat, gastric acid and bile salts, the ability to adhere to intestinal cells, aggregation properties, the ability to suppress the growth of human pathogens, enzymatic profile, antioxidant capacity using biochemical and cell-based methods, cholesterol assimilation, anti-inflammatory activity, and attenuation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced disruption of the intestinal-epithelial barrier.

Results

B. coagulans CGI314 spores display resistance to high temperatures (40°C, 70°C, and 90°C), and gastric and bile acids [pH 3.0 and bile salt (0.3%)], demonstrating its ability to survive and remain viable under gastrointestinal conditions. Spores and the vegetative form of this strain were able to adhere to a mucous-producing intestinal cell line, demonstrated moderate auto-aggregation properties, and could co-aggregate with potentially pathogenic bacteria. Vegetative cells attenuated LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in HT-29 intestinal cell lines and demonstrated broad antagonistic activity toward numerous urinary tract, intestinal, oral, and skin pathogens. Metabolomic profiling demonstrated its ability to synthesize several amino acids, vitamins and short-chain fatty acids from the breakdown of complex molecules or by de novo synthesis. Additionally, B. coagulans CGI314's strong antioxidant capacity was demonstrated using enzyme-based methods and was further supported by its cytoprotective and antioxidant effects in HepG2 and HT-29 cell lines. Furthermore, B. coagulans CGI314 significantly increased the expression of tight junction proteins and partially ameliorated the detrimental effects of H2O2 induced intestinal-epithelial barrier integrity.

Discussion

Taken together these beneficial functional properties provide strong evidence for B. coagulans CGI314 as a promising potential probiotic candidate in food products.

Utilization of Food-Derived β-Glucans to Prevent and Treat Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease nowadays. Currently, there is no officially approved drug to treat NAFLD. In view of the increasing global prevalence of NAFLD and an absence of treatments, the development of effective treatments is of utmost importance. β-glucan, a natural bioactive polysaccharide, has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in NAFLD prevention and treatment. This review solely focuses on gathering the published preclinical animal studies that demonstrated the anti-liver injury, anti-steatotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and antioxidant activities of β-glucan. The impact of β-glucan on gut microbiota and its metabolites including short-chain fatty acids and bile acids as the underlying mechanism for its bioactive beneficial effect on NAFLD is also explored. Given the limited knowledge of β-glucan on anti-fibrotic activity, bile acid metabolism, and gut microbiota function, additional relevant research is highly encouraged to lay a solid foundation for the use of food-derived β-glucan as a functional food for NAFLD. It is envisaged that further investigation of food-derived β-glucan in human clinical studies should be carried out for its wider utilization.

The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health and Related Gut-Skin Axis: A Review

Aging skin, wrinkles, pigmentation, and dryness are problems that plague people, and researchers are working to solve them. Recent studies have shown that intestinal microbiota homeostasis can influence skin health, demonstrating the existence of a gut-skin axis. Recently, improving skin health through probiotic interventions has been proposed, and micro-ecological skin care is becoming a popular concept. By regulating skin health and gut-skin axis interactions, probiotics can be used as potential management tools to suppress and improve skin diseases in multiple ways, including decreasing oxidative stress, suppressing inflammatory responses, and keeping immune effects. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the application and mechanisms of probiotic-mediated gut microbiota homeostasis in skin care and to offer a theoretical basis for the application of probiotics in skin care.

Interaction of beta-glucans with gut microbiota: Dietary origins, structures, degradation, metabolism, and beneficial function

Beta-glucan (BG), a polysaccharide comprised of interfacing glucose monomers joined via beta-glycosidic linkages, can be defined as a type of dietary fiber with high specificity based on its interaction with the gut microbiota. It can induce similar interindividual microbiota responses, thereby having beneficial effects on the human body. In this paper, we review the four main sources of BG (cereals, fungi, algae, and bacteria) and their differences in structure and content. The interaction of BG with gut microbiota and the resulting health effects have been highlighted, including immune enhancement, regulation of serum cholesterol and insulin levels, alleviation of obesity and improvement of cognitive disorders. Finally, the application of BG in food products and its beneficial effects on the gut microbiota of consumers were discussed. Although some of the mechanisms of action remain unclear, revealing the beneficial functions of BG from the perspective of gut microbiota can help provide theoretical support for the development of diets that target the regulation of microbiota.

Potassium cobalt hexacyanoferrate as a peroxidase mimic for electrochemical immunosensing of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

In this paper, the potassium cobalt hexacyanoferrate (II), K₂CoFe(CN)₆, with peroxidase-like activity was used for the fabrication of a novel label-free Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) electrochemical immunosensor. The K₂CoFe(CN)₆ nanocubes were made by a simple hydrothermal method and followed by low-temperature calcination. In addition to structural characterization, the peroxidase-mimicking catalytic property of the material was confirmed by a chromogenic reaction. It is known that H₂O₂ can oxidize electroactive thionine molecules under the catalysis of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). In this nanozyme-based electrochemical immunoassay, due to the steric hindrance, the formation of immune-complex of LGG and LGG antibody on the modified GCE inhibits the catalytic activity of the peroxidase mimics of K₂CoFe(CN)₆ and thus reduced the current signal. Therefore, the developed electrochemical immunosensor achieved quantitative detection of LGG. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of the sensor was obtained from 10¹ to 10⁶ CFU mL^-1 with a minimum detection limit (LOD) of 12 CFU mL^-1. Furthermore, the immunosensor was successfully applied in the quantitative detection of LGG in dairy product samples with recoveries ranging from 93.2% to 106.8%. This protocol presents a novel immunoassay method, which provides an alternative implementation pathway for the quantitative detection of microorganisms.

Therapeutic strategies of small molecules in the microbiota-gut-brain axis for alcohol use disorder

The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is important in maintaining the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS) and is regulated by the CNS environment and signals from the peripheral tissues. However, the mechanism and function of the MGBA in alcohol use disorder (AUD) are still not completely understood. In this review, we investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the onset of AUD and/or associated neuronal deficits and create a foundation for better treatment (and prevention) strategies. We summarize recent reports focusing on the alteration of the MGBA in AUD. Importantly, we highlight the properties of small-molecule short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), neurotransmitters, hormones, and peptides in the MGBA and discusses their usage as therapeutic agents against AUD.

Bee Pollen and Probiotics' Potential to Protect and Treat Intestinal Permeability in Propionic Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism

Rodent models may help investigations on the possible link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gut microbiota since autistic patients frequently manifested gastrointestinal troubles as co-morbidities. Thirty young male rats were divided into five groups: Group 1 serves as control; Group 2, bee pollen and probiotic-treated; and Group 3, propionic acid (PPA)-induced rodent model of autism; Group 4 and Group 5, the protective and therapeutic groups were given bee pollen and probiotic combination treatment either before or after the neurotoxic dose of PPA, respectively. Serum occludin, zonulin, lipid peroxides (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase, and gut microbial composition were assessed in all investigated groups. Recorded data clearly indicated the marked elevation in serum occludin (1.23 ± 0.15 ng/mL) and zonulin (1.91 ± 0.13 ng/mL) levels as potent biomarkers of leaky gut in the PPA- treated rats while both were normalized to bee pollen/probiotic-treated rats. Similarly, the high significant decrease in catalase (3.55 ± 0.34 U/dL), GSH (39.68 ± 3.72 µg/mL), GST (29.85 ± 2.18 U/mL), and GPX (13.39 ± 1.54 U/mL) concomitant with a highly significant increase in MDA (3.41 ± 0.12 µmoles/mL) as a marker of oxidative stress was also observed in PPA-treated animals. Interestingly, combined bee pollen/probiotic treatments demonstrated remarkable amelioration of the five studied oxidative stress variables as well as the fecal microbial composition. Overall, our findings demonstrated a new approach to the beneficial use of bee pollen and probiotic combination as a therapeutic intervention strategy to relieve neurotoxic effects of PPA, a short-chain fatty acid linked to the pathoetiology of autism.

Assessing the Safety and Probiotic Characteristics of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus X253 via Complete Genome and Phenotype Analysis

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is a generalist that can adapt to different ecological niches, serving as a valuable source of probiotics. The genome of L. rhamnosus X253 contains one chromosome and no plasmids, with a size of 2.99 Mb. Both single-copy orthologous gene-based phylogenetic analysis and average nucleotide identity indicated that dairy-derived L. rhamnosus X253 was most closely related to the human-intestine-derived strain L. rhamnosus LOCK908, rather than other dairy strains. The adaptation of L. rhamnosus X253 and the human-intestine-derived strain L. rhamnosus GG to different ecological niches was explained by structural variation analysis and COG annotation. Hemolytic assays, API ZYM assays, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed to validate risk-related sequences such as virulence factors, toxin-encoding genes, and antibiotic-resistance genes in the genomes of L. rhamnosus X253 and GG. The results showed that L. rhamnosus GG was able to use L-fucose, had a higher tolerance to bile salt, and adhered better to CaCo-2 cells. In contrast, L. rhamnosus X253 was capable of utilizing D-lactose, withstood larger quantities of hydrogen peroxide, and possessed excellent antioxidant properties. This study confirmed the safety and probiotic properties of L. rhamnosus X253 via complete genome and phenotype analysis, suggesting its potential as a probiotic.

The Role of Probiotics in Skin Photoaging and Related Mechanisms: A Review

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the primary pathogenetic factor in skin photoaging. It can disrupt cellular homeostasis by damaging DNA, inducing an inflammatory cascade, immunosuppression, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, resulting in a variety of dermatologic conditions. The skin microbiome plays an important role in the homeostasis and maintenance of healthy skin. Emerging evidence has indicated that highly diverse gut microbiome may also have an impact on the skin health, referred to as the gut-skin axis (GSA). Oral and topical probiotics through modulating the skin microbiome and gut-skin microbial interactions could serve as potential management to prevent and treat the skin photoaging by multiple pathways including reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting ECM remodeling, inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction, and maintaining immune homeostasis. In this review, the effects of oral and topical probiotics in skin photoaging and related mechanisms are both described systematically and comprehensively.

Synbiotics and Their Antioxidant Properties, Mechanisms, and Benefits on Human and Animal Health: A Narrative Review

Antioxidants are often associated with a variety of anti-aging compounds that can ensure human and animal health longevity. Foods and diet supplements from animals and plants are the common exogenous sources of antioxidants. However, microbial-based products, including probiotics and their derivatives, have been recognized for their antioxidant properties through numerous studies and clinical trials. While the number of publications on probiotic antioxidant capacities and action mechanisms is expanding, that of synbiotics combining probiotics with prebiotics is still emerging. Here, the antioxidant metabolites and properties of synbiotics, their modes of action, and their different effects on human and animal health are reviewed and discussed. Synbiotics can generate almost unlimited possibilities of antioxidant compounds, which may have superior performance compared to those of their components through additive or complementary effects, and especially by synergistic actions. Either combined with antioxidant prebiotics or not, probiotics can convert these substrates to generate antioxidant compounds with superior activities. Such synbiotic-based new routes for supplying natural antioxidants appear relevant and promising in human and animal health prevention and treatment. A better understanding of various component interactions within synbiotics is key to generating a higher quality, quantity, and bioavailability of antioxidants from these biotic sources.

Coarse cereals modulating chronic low-grade inflammation: review

Chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) is closely associated with various chronic diseases. Researchers have paid attention to the comprehensive application and development of food materials with potential anti-inflammatory activity. Owing to their abundant nutrients and biological activities, coarse cereals have emerged as an important component of human diet. Increasing evidence has revealed their potential protective effects against CLGI in chronic conditions. However, this property has not been systematically discussed and summarized. In the present work, numerous published reports were reviewed to systematically analyze and summarize the protective effects of coarse cereals and their main active ingredients against CLGI. Their current utilization state was investigated. The future prospects, such as the synergistic effects among the active compounds in coarse cereals and the biomarker signatures of CLGI, were also discussed. Coarse cereals show promise as food diet resources for preventing CLGI in diseased individuals. Their active ingredients, including β-glucan, resistant starch, arabinoxylan, phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols and lignans, function against CLGI through multiple possible intracellular signaling pathways and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, coarse cereals play a crucial role in the food industry due to their health effects on chronic diseases and are worthy of further development for possible application in modulating chronic inflammation.

Exploration of the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Photoaging Effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum XJC60

Although lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were shown to be effective for preventing photoaging, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Accordingly, we examined the anti-photoaging potential of 206 LAB isolates and discovered 32 strains with protective activities against UV-induced injury. All of these 32 LABs exhibited high levels of 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl, as well as hydroxyl free radical scavenging ability (46.89–85.13% and 44.29–95.97%, respectively). Genome mining and metabonomic verification of the most effective strain, Limosilactobacillus fermentum XJC60, revealed that the anti-photoaging metabolite of LAB was nicotinamide (NAM; 18.50 mg/L in the cell-free serum of XJC60). Further analysis revealed that LAB-derived NAM could reduce reactive oxygen species levels by 70%, stabilize the mitochondrial membrane potential, and increase the NAD⁺/NADH ratio in UV-injured skin cells. Furthermore, LAB-derived NAM downregulated the transcript levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in skin cells. In vivo, XJC60 relieved imflammation and protected skin collagen fiber integrity in UV-injured Guinea pigs. Overall, our findings elucidate that LAB-derived NAM might protect skin from photoaging by stabilizing mitochondrial function, establishing a therotical foundation for the use of probiotics in the maintenance of skin health.

Usefulness of Probiotics in the Management of NAFLD: Evidence and Involved Mechanisms of Action from Preclinical and Human Models

The present review aims at analyzing the current evidence regarding probiotic administration for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) management. Additionally, the involved mechanisms of action modulated by probiotic administration, as well as the eventual limitations of this therapeutic approach and potential alternatives, are discussed. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that the administration of single-strain probiotics and probiotic mixtures effectively prevents diet-induced NAFLD. In both cases, the magnitude of the described effects, as well as the involved mechanisms of action, are comparable, including reduced liver lipid accumulation (due to lipogenesis downregulation and fatty acid oxidation upregulation), recovery of gut microbiota composition and enhanced intestinal integrity. Similar results have also been reported in clinical trials, where the administration of probiotics proved to be effective in the treatment of NAFLD in patients featuring this liver condition. In this case, information regarding the mechanisms of action underlying probiotics-mediated hepatoprotective effects is scarcer (mainly due to the difficulty of liver sample collection). Since probiotics administration represents an increased risk of infection in vulnerable subjects, much attention has been paid to parabiotics and postbiotics, which seem to be effective in the management of several metabolic diseases, and thus represent a suitable alternative to probiotic usage.

Bacillus toyonensis SAU-19 and SAU-20 Isolated From Ageratina adenophora Alleviates the Intestinal Structure and Integrity Damage Associated With Gut Dysbiosis in Mice Fed High Fat Diet

This study was performed to identify potential probiotic endophytes from Ageratina adenophora and evaluate their ameliorating effects on gut injury and integrity damage associated with microbiota dysbiosis in mice fed high fat diet. Using morphological and biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique, two bacteria endophytes were identified as strains of Bacillus toyonensis and were named Bacillus toyonensis SAU-19 (GenBank No. MW287198) and Bacillus toyonensis SAU-20 (GenBank No. MW287199). Sixty (60) mice were divided into five groups, group 1 was the negative control fed normal diet (NS), group 2 was fed High fat diet (HF), Group 3 was fed High fat diet + 106 Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG), group 4 was fed High fat + 106 Bacillus toyonensis SAU-19 and group 5 fed High fat diet + 106 Bacillus toyonensis SAU-20. After 35 days, histological and immunohistochemistry examination were performed in the ileum tissues. Furthermore, DAO and antioxidants activities were measured in serum, mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins (occludin and ZO-1) and inflammation related cytokines (IL-1β, TFN-α, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10) in the ileum tissues as well as sIgA levels and total bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Lactobacillus) in the small intestine and cecum content. The results showed an increase in the DAO activity, oxidative stress parameter (MDA), pro-inflammation cytokines (IL-1β, TFN-α, IL-2), reduce immunity (sIgA), and destroyed intestinal structure and integrity (reduce tight junction proteins) in the high fat diet group and this was associated with destruction of the gut microbiota composition (increasing pathogenic bacteria; E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and reducing beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillus spp.) in mice (P < 0.05). However, the administration of Bacillus toyonensis SAU-19 and SAU-20 reverted these effects. Our findings indicated that, Bacillus toyonensis SAU-19 and SAU-20 isolated from A. adenophora could prevent the excess weight gain from high fat diet feeding, improved antioxidant status and alleviated the intestine integrity damage as well as reduce the population of enteric bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and S. aureus and increasing the population of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus in the gut of mice fed high fat diet, therefore, can serve as a potential probiotics in humans and animals.

Restoring Oat Nanoparticles Mediated Brain Memory Function of Mice Fed Alcohol by Sorting Inflammatory Dectin-1 Complex Into Microglial Exosomes

Microglia modulate pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic activities. Edible plant-derived factors improve brain function. Current knowledge of the molecular interactions between edible plant-derived factors and the microglial cell is limited. Here an alcohol-induced chronic brain inflammation model is used to identify that the microglial cell is the novel target of oat nanoparticles (oatN). Oral administration of oatN inhibits brain inflammation and improves brain memory function of mice that are fed alcohol. Mechanistically, ethanol activates dectin-1 mediated inflammatory pathway. OatN is taken up by microglial cells via β-glucan mediated binding to microglial hippocalcin (HPCA) whereas oatN digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) prevents assess of oatN β-glucan to dectin-1. Subsequently endocytosed β-glucan/HPCA is recruited in an endosomal recycling compartment (ERC) via interaction with Rab11a. This complex then sequesters the dectin-1 in the ERC in an oatN β-glucan dependent manner and alters the location of dectin-1 from Golgi to early endosomes and lysosomes and increases exportation of dectin-1 into exosomes in an Rab11a dependent manner. Collectively, these cascading actions lead to preventing the activation of the alcoholic induced brain inflammation signing pathway(s). This coordinated assembling of the HPCA/Rab11a/dectin-1 complex by oral administration of oatN may contribute to the prevention of brain inflammation.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supernatant promotes intestinal mucin production through regulating 5-HT4R and gut microbiota

LGGs promoted intestinal MUC2 production through regulating S100A10/5-HT4R and the gut microbiota.

Enumeration of Probiotic Strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) Using Viability Real-time PCR

Probiotic health benefits are strain specific and are dose dependent. Hence, administering the correct strains, at the recommended doses is essential to achieve probiotic health benefits. Reliable methods are needed to facilitate probiotic strain identification and enumeration. Plate count methods are the most commonly used methods for probiotic enumeration. However, these methods are time-consuming, laborious, highly variable, and non-specific. Here, we developed a real-time PCR method for enumeration of a commonly used strain, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. The method utilizes PMAxx as a viability dye to enumerate viable cells only. Optimization of viability treatment showed that PMAxx at a final concentration of 50 μM was effective in inactivating DNA from dead cells, and that bead beating for 5 min at 3000 rpm was effective in liberating DNA. The assay demonstrated high efficiency between 93 and 102%, with R² values > 0.99. The assay showed high precision with relative standard deviation (RSD%) below 2.3%. Assay performance was compared to a plate count method in which there was a strong correlation between both methods (Pearson r = 0.8443). This method offers a 10 × shorter time for results and a higher precision compared to plate count methods. Furthermore, this method enables specific enumeration of L. rhamnosus GG in multi-strain products, which is not possible to achieve using plate count methods. This novel method facilitates faster and more accurate enumeration of L. rhamnosus GG as a raw ingredient as well as in finished products which enables better quality assurance and efficacy of probiotics for consumers.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Gut Microbiota and Attenuate Inflammatory in DSS-Induced Colitis Mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease. Probiotics have a potential beneficial effect on the prevention of UC onset and relapse in clinical trials. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (L. rhamnosus GG) have shown clinical benefits on UC patients, however, the precise mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of extracellular vesicles released from L. rhamnosus GG (LGG-EVs) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and propose the underlying mechanism of LGG-EVs for protecting against colitis. The results showed that LGG-EVs could prevent colonic tissue damage and shortening of the colon (p < 0.01), and ameliorate intestinal inflammation by inhibiting TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 axis activation. Consistently, the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2) were suppressed effectively upon LGG-EVs treatment (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA sequencing showed that LGG-EVs administration could reshape the gut microbiota in DSS-induced colitis mice, which further alters the metabolism pathways of gut microbiota. These findings propose a novel perspective of L. rhamnosus GG in attenuating inflammation mediated by extracellular vesicles and offer consideration for developing oral gavage of LGG-EVs for colitis therapies.

Multiple Antioxidative and Bioactive Molecules of Oats (Avena sativa L.) in Human Health

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are rich in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamins (B, C, E, and K), amino acids, and antioxidants (beta-carotene, polyphenols, chlorophyll, and flavonoids). β-glucan and avenanthramides improve the immune system, eliminate harmful substances from the body, reduce blood cholesterol, and help with dietary weight loss by enhancing the lipid profile and breaking down fat in the body. β-glucan regulates insulin secretion, preventing diabetes. Progladins also lower cholesterol levels, suppress the accumulation of triglycerides, reduce blood sugar levels, suppress inflammation, and improve skin health. Saponin-based avanacosidase and functional substances of flavone glycoside improve the immune function, control inflammation, and prevent infiltration in the skin. Moreover, lignin and phytoestrogen prevent hormone-related cancer and improve the quality of life of postmenopausal women. Sprouted oats are rich in saponarin in detoxifying the liver. The literatures have been reviewed and the recent concepts and prospects have been summarized with figures and tables. This review discusses recent trends in research on the functionality of oats rather than their nutritional value with individual immunity for self-medication. The oat and its acting components have been revisited for the future prospect and development of human healthy and functional sources.

The impact of gut microbiota metabolites on cellular bioenergetics and cardiometabolic health

Recent research demonstrates a reciprocal relationship between gut microbiota-derived metabolites and the host in controlling the energy homeostasis in mammals. On the one hand, to thrive, gut bacteria exploit nutrients digested by the host. On the other hand, the host utilizes numerous products of gut bacteria metabolism as a substrate for ATP production in the colon. Finally, bacterial metabolites seep from the gut into the bloodstream and interfere with the host’s cellular bioenergetics machinery. Notably, there is an association between alterations in microbiota composition and the development of metabolic diseases and their cardiovascular complications. Some metabolites, like short-chain fatty acids and trimethylamine, are considered markers of cardiometabolic health. Others, like hydrogen sulfide and nitrite, demonstrate antihypertensive properties. Scientific databases were searched for pre-clinical and clinical studies to summarize current knowledge on the role of gut microbiota metabolites in the regulation of mammalian bioenergetics and discuss their potential involvement in the development of cardiometabolic disorders. Overall, the available data demonstrates that gut bacteria products affect physiological and pathological processes controlling energy and vascular homeostasis. Thus, the modulation of microbiota-derived metabolites may represent a new approach for treating obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Improvement of Metabolic Syndrome in High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice by Yeast β-Glucan Is Linked to Inhibited Proliferation of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus in Gut Microbiota

There is growing evidence that prevention of metabolic syndrome (MS) by dietary fibers is intricately linked to gut microbiota. In the present work, the mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and orally treated with yeast β-glucan to further examine the effects of β-glucan on MS and gut microbiota and the potential relationship between gut microbiota and its activity. After intervention for 10 weeks, it was found that the treatment of yeast β-glucan could significantly improve the HFD-induced MS. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma including IL-6 and IL-1β were decreased. Yeast β-glucan could regulate the diversity and composition of HFD-induced gut microbiota. Moreover, the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus, having significant positive correlation with metabolic changes, were decreased by β-glucan, which might play a critical role in attenuation of MS. Our findings suggest that yeast β-glucan shows promising application as a prebiotic for preventing MS and regulating gut microbiota.