Canagliflozin attenuates kidney injury, gut-derived toxins, and gut microbiota imbalance in high-salt diet-fed Dahl salt-sensitive rats

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of canagliflozin (20 mg/kg) on Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rat gut microbiota and salt-sensitive hypertension-induced kidney injury and further explore its possible mechanism.

METHODS

Rats were fed a high-salt diet to induce hypertension and kidney injury, and physical and physiological indicators were measured afterwards. This study employed 16S rRNA sequencing technology and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolic profiling combined with advanced differential and association analyses to investigate the correlation between the microbiome and the metabolome in male DSS rats.

RESULTS

A high-salt diet disrupted the balance of the intestinal flora and increased toxic metabolites (methyhistidines, creatinine, homocitrulline, and indoxyl sulfate), resulting in severe kidney damage. Canagliflozin contributed to reconstructing the intestinal flora of DSS rats by significantly increasing the abundance of Corynebacterium spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Facklamia spp., Lactobacillus spp., Ruminococcus spp., Blautia spp., Coprococcus spp., and Allobaculum spp. Moreover, the reconstruction of the intestinal microbiota led to significant changes in host amino acid metabolite concentrations. The concentration of uremic toxins, such as methyhistidines, creatinine, and homocitrulline, in the serum of rats was decreased by canagliflozin, which resulted in oxidative stress and renal injury alleviation.

CONCLUSION

Canagliflozin may change the production of metabolites and reduce the level of uremic toxins in the blood circulation by reconstructing the intestinal flora of DSS rats fed a high-salt diet, ultimately alleviating oxidative stress and renal injury.

Magnesium-L-threonate treats Alzheimer's disease by modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00029/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff Disturbances in the microbiota-gut-brain axis may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Magnesium-L-threonate has recently been found to have protective effects on learning and memory in aged and Alzheimer's disease model mice. However, the effects of magnesium-L-threonate on the gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease remain unknown. Previously, we reported that magnesium-L-threonate treatment improved cognition and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in a double-transgenic line of Alzheimer's disease model mice expressing the amyloid-β precursor protein and mutant human presenilin 1 (APP/PS1). Here, we performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze changes in the microbiome and serum metabolome following magnesium-L-threonate exposure in a similar mouse model. Magnesium-L-threonate modulated the abundance of three genera in the gut microbiota, decreasing Allobaculum and increasing Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter. We also found that differential metabolites in the magnesium-L-threonate-regulated serum were enriched in various pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The western blotting detection on intestinal tight junction proteins (zona occludens 1, occludin, and claudin-5) showed that magnesium-L-threonate repaired the intestinal barrier dysfunction of APP/PS1 mice. These findings suggest that magnesium-L-threonate may reduce the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease through the microbiota-gut-brain axis in model mice, providing an experimental basis for the clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Serum albumin levels and risk of atrial fibrillation: a Mendelian randomization study

Objective

Although several observational studies have linked serum albumin to cardiovascular disease and considered it as an important biomarker, little is known about whether increasing or maintaining serum albumin levels can effectively improve the prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation. Therefore, this study aims to further explore the causal relationship between serum albumin and atrial fibrillation and its potential mechanism.

Method

Using data from large-scale genome-wide association studies, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and a mediation MR analysis, using serum albumin as the exposure variable and atrial fibrillation as the outcome variable. We included 486 serum metabolites as potential mediating factors. To increase the robustness of the analysis, we applied five statistical methods, including inverse variance weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode. Validate the MR results using Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization method.

Result

The results of the MR analysis indicate a significant inverse association between genetically predicted serum albumin concentration (g/L) and the risk of atrial fibrillation (Beta = -0.172, OR = 0.842, 95% CI: 0.753-0.941, p = 0.002). Further mediation MR analysis revealed that serum albumin may mediate the causal relationship with atrial fibrillation by affecting two serum metabolites, docosatrienoate and oleate/vaccenate, and the mediating effect was significant. In addition, all our instrumental variables showed no heterogeneity and level-multiplicity in the MR analysis. To verify the stability of the results, we also conducted a sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method, and the results further confirmed that our findings were robust and reliable. Finally, we conducted a validation using the Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization method, which demonstrated the reliability of our causal inference results.

Conclusion

This study strongly demonstrates the causal relationship between serum albumin and reduced risk of atrial fibrillation through genetic methods, and reveals the key mediating role of two serum metabolites in this relationship. These findings not only provide a new perspective for our understanding of the role of serum albumin in atrial fibrillation, but also provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment strategies of atrial fibrillation.

Maternal dietary fatty acid composition and content prior to and during pregnancy and lactation influences serum profile, liver phenotype and hepatic miRNA expression in young male and female offspring

This study aimed to investigate whether modifying the pre-gestational lipid content could mitigate metabolic damage in offspring from dams exposed to a high-fat (HF) diet before conception and during pregnancy and lactation, with a focus on sex-specific outcomes. Specific effects of maternal normolipidic diets on offspring were also assessed. Female Wistar rats received control (C) or HF diets before conception. During pregnancy and lactation, females were distributed in five groups: C-C, HF-HF, HF-C, HF-saturated (HF-S) or HF-polyunsaturated n-3 group (HF-P). Saturated and PUFA n-3 diets were normolipidic. In 21-day-old offspring, corporal parameters, adiposity, serum metabolites, OGTT, liver phenotype, and miR-34a-5p hepatic expression were determined. Pre-gestational HF diet impaired glycemic response in females, independent of any change in body weight. Female and male offspring from dams continuously exposed to HF diet exhibited hyperglycemia, increased adiposity, and disrupted serum lipid profiles. Male offspring showed increased hepatic fat accumulation and miR-34a-5p expression. Shifting maternal dietary lipid content to normolipidic diets restored offspring's phenotype; however, decreased SIRT-1, IRβ and IRS-1 expression in offspring from dams exposed to HF diet before conception suggested early indicators of glucose metabolism damage. Our findings indicated a pronounced metabolic impact on males. In conclusion, glucose tolerance impairment in females before conception disturbed intrauterine environment, influencing in offspring's phenotype. Modifying maternal dietary lipid content mitigated effects of pre-gestational HF diet exposure on young offspring. Nevertheless, decreased hepatic levels of critical insulin signaling proteins indicated that independently of the maternal diet, pre-existing HF diet-induced glucose intolerance before conception may adversely program the offspring's phenotype.

The relationship between human blood metabolites and preeclampsia-eclampsia: A Mendelian randomization study

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious complications of pregnancy, leading to high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. During pregnancy, there are changes in relevant serum metabolites in women. However, it remains unclear if these serum metabolites contribute to the development of associated disorders during pregnancy. Therefore, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study to explore the causal relationship between serum metabolites and preeclampsia and eclampsia. We utilized the inverse variance weighted model as our primary analysis approach. We complemented this with sensitivity analyses, including the heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out analysis, to ensure the robustness of our findings. Furthermore, we conducted linkage disequilibrium score regression, multivariable Mendelian randomization, and metabolic pathway analysis to further explore the genetic data. The Mendelian randomization analysis has identified γ-glutamylglutamine, inosine, and isoleucine 10 metabolites that are significantly associated with preeclampsia, and γ-glutamylglutamine and phenylacetate 8 metabolites that may potentially contribute to the development of eclampsia. Notably, γ-glutamylglutamine has been found to have a causal relationship with both preeclampsia and eclampsia. In the multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis, our research findings suggest that both isoleucine and X-14304-leucylalanine directly impact preeclampsia within the context of amino acids and peptides. Moreover, our observations reveal that carbohydrates can also have a direct effect on preeclampsia. Importantly, it should be emphasized that only 3-lactate in amino acids has been shown to have a direct influence on eclampsia. This research has the potential to enhance our understanding of the biological variances related to disease status, providing a foundation for future investigations.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG Improves Periodontal Bone Repair via Gut-Blood Axis in Hyperlipidemia

Periodontal bone regeneration remains a clinical challenge, and hyperlipidemia can aggravate alveolar bone resorption. Probiotics have recently been reported to improve bone mass. We aimed to determine the role of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in periodontal bone regeneration improvement within the context of periodontitis with hyperlipidemia. A Sprague Dawley rat model for periodontitis, hyperlipidemia, and periodontal fenestration defect was constructed (n = 36) and administered LGG gavage for 6 wk (the rats were subsequently sacrificed). Fecal microbiota from donor rats 3 wk after LGG gavage was transplanted into recipient rats to evaluate the role of LGG-modulated gut microbiota in periodontal bone regeneration. Regenerated bone mass was detected using micro-computerized tomography and hematoxylin and eosin stain. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Serum metabolites were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (6 wk after LGG gavage). The pro-osteogenic effects of screened serum metabolite were verified in vitro on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). We found that the bone mineral density, bone volume (BV), trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and trabecular thickness of the regenerated periodontal bone increased after LGG gavage (P < 0.05) but had little effect on oral flora. After LGG gavage, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Collinsella in the gut of donors were significantly changed, and these differences were maintained in recipients, who also showed increased trabecular thickness of the regenerated periodontal bone (P < 0.05). These key genera were correlated with BV/TV and BV (P < 0.05). In addition, LGG gavage significantly regulated bone-related blood metabolites, of which selenomethionine promoted BMMSC osteogenesis. Notably, selenomethionine was associated with key gut genera (P < 0.05). Collectively, LGG improved periodontal bone regeneration in the context of periodontitis with hyperlipidemia by modulating gut microbiota and increasing pro-osteogenic metabolites in the blood. These results reveal new insights into the use of probiotics to promote periodontal bone regeneration via the gut-blood-bone axis.

Effects of Supplementation with Oregano Essential Oil during Late Gestation and Lactation on Serum Metabolites, Antioxidant Capacity and Fecal Microbiota of Sows

A total of 20 healthy white × landrace sows were evenly and randomly divided into two groups, and fed basal diets unsupplemented or supplemented with 500 g/t Meriden-Stim® from day 100 of gestation until day 21 of lactation. Serum and fecal samples were collected from the sows on the final day for subsequent analysis. Compared to the control group, there were no significant differences in the sows' performances; however, an increase was observed in the piglets' weight at weaning (p = 0.08). Moreover, oregano essential oil (OEO) significantly reduced the levels of urea (UREA) (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (p < 0.05) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) in serum. In terms of antioxidant indexes in serum, the catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels showed significant increases (p < 0.05) while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level exhibited a decrease tendency (p = 0.09). 16S rRNA analysis identified the specific bacteria taxa in feces. OEO significantly decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at the phylum level (p < 0.05). At the genus level, OEO significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Prevotellaceae UCG 003 and UCG 005, while decreasing that of Escherichia-Shigella (p < 0.05). Taken together, OEO supplementation in maternal diets during late gestation and lactation improved serum metabolites, antioxidant capacity and regulated the intestinal-flora balance of sows, thereby tending to increase the piglets' weight at weaning.

Metabolomics analysis reveals novel serum metabolite alterations in cancer cachexia

Background

Cachexia is a body wasting syndrome that significantly affects well-being and prognosis of cancer patients, without effective treatment. Serum metabolites take part in pathophysiological processes of cancer cachexia, but apart from altered levels of select serum metabolites, little is known on the global changes of the overall serum metabolome, which represents a functional readout of the whole-body metabolic state. Here, we aimed to comprehensively characterize serum metabolite alterations and analyze associated pathways in cachectic cancer patients to gain new insights that could help instruct strategies for novel interventions of greater clinical benefit.

Methods

Serum was sampled from 120 metastatic cancer patients (stage UICC IV). Patients were grouped as cachectic or non-cachectic according to the criteria for cancer cachexia agreed upon international consensus (main criterium: weight loss adjusted to body mass index). Samples were pooled by cachexia phenotype and assayed using non-targeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Normalized metabolite levels were compared using t-test (p < 0.05, adjusted for false discovery rate) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Machine-learning models were applied to identify metabolite signatures for separating cachexia states. Significant metabolites underwent MetaboAnalyst 5.0 pathway analysis.

Results

Comparative analyses included 78 cachectic and 42 non-cachectic patients. Cachectic patients exhibited 19 annotable, significantly elevated (including glucose and fructose) or decreased (mostly amino acids) metabolites associating with aminoacyl-tRNA, glutathione and amino acid metabolism pathways. PLS-DA showed distinct clusters (accuracy: 85.6%), and machine-learning models identified metabolic signatures for separating cachectic states (accuracy: 83.2%; area under ROC: 88.0%). We newly identified altered blood levels of erythronic acid and glucuronic acid in human cancer cachexia, potentially linked to pentose-phosphate and detoxification pathways.

Conclusion

We found both known and yet unknown serum metabolite and metabolic pathway alterations in cachectic cancer patients that collectively support a whole-body metabolic state with impaired detoxification capability, altered glucose and fructose metabolism, and substrate supply for increased and/or distinct metabolic needs of cachexia-associated tumors. These findings together imply vulnerabilities, dependencies and targets for novel interventions that have potential to make a significant impact on future research in an important field of cancer patient care.

The causal association between serum metabolites and lung cancer based on multivariate Mendelian randomization

This study seeks to understand the causal association between serum metabolites and different lung cancer types, an area yet to be extensively studied. We Used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) approach, utilizing 486 blood metabolites as exposures and 3 distinct lung cancer types genome-wide association studies datasets as outcomes. We employed inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode to estimate causal effects. We performed sensitivity analyses using Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO). Linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) analysis was conducted on the selected metabolites, and common confounding single nucleotide polymorphisms were eliminated using the human genotype-phenotype association Database. Metabolic pathway analysis was performed with MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software. Subsequently, a multivariate Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to ascertain independent risk exposures. Our findings suggest independent risk factors for specific types of lung cancer: 7-methylxanthine and isoleucine for lung adenocarcinoma, cysteine and 1-arachidonoylglycerophosphocholine are identified as independent protective and risk factors for squamous lung cancer. Undecanoate (11:0) with Linoleate (18:2n6) showed a protective effect for small cell lung cancer. Additionally, 11 metabolic pathways were associated with lung cancer. This novel perspective offers a multidimensional understanding of lung cancer phenotypes, providing valuable guidance for identifying and screening of diverse lung cancer phenotypes.

MRSL: a causal network pruning algorithm based on GWAS summary data

Causal discovery is a powerful tool to disclose underlying structures by analyzing purely observational data. Genetic variants can provide useful complementary information for structure learning. Recently, Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have provided abundant marginal causal relationships of traits. Here, we propose a causal network pruning algorithm MRSL (MR-based structure learning algorithm) based on these marginal causal relationships. MRSL combines the graph theory with multivariable MR to learn the conditional causal structure using only genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) summary statistics. Specifically, MRSL utilizes topological sorting to improve the precision of structure learning. It proposes MR-separation instead of d-separation and three candidates of sufficient separating set for MR-separation. The results of simulations revealed that MRSL had up to 2-fold higher F1 score and 100 times faster computing time than other eight competitive methods. Furthermore, we applied MRSL to 26 biomarkers and 44 International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD10)-defined diseases using GWAS summary data from UK Biobank. The results cover most of the expected causal links that have biological interpretations and several new links supported by clinical case reports or previous observational literatures.

Integrated Microbiome and Serum Metabolome Analysis Reveals Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms of the Average Daily Weight Gain of Yorkshire Pigs

The average daily weight gain (ADG) is considered a crucial indicator for assessing growth rates in the swine industry. Therefore, investigating the gastrointestinal microbiota and serum metabolites influencing the ADG in pigs is pivotal for swine breed selection. This study involved the inclusion of 350 purebred Yorkshire pigs (age: 90 ± 2 days; body weight: 41.20 ± 4.60 kg). Concurrently, serum and fecal samples were collected during initial measurements of blood and serum indices. The pigs were categorized based on their ADG, with 27 male pigs divided into high-ADG (HADG) and low-ADG (LADG) groups based on their phenotype values. There were 12 pigs in LADG and 15 pigs in HADG. Feces and serum samples were collected on the 90th day. Microbiome and non-targeted metabolomics analyses were conducted using 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Pearson correlation, with Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) adjustment, was employed to assess the associations between these variables. The abundance of Lactobacillus and Prevotella in LADG was significantly higher than in HADG, while Erysipelothrix, Streptomyces, Dubosiella, Parolsenella, and Adlercreutzia in LADG were significantly lower than in HADG. The concentration of glutamine, etiocholanolone glucuronide, and retinoyl beta-glucuronide in LADG was significantly higher than in HADG, while arachidonic acid, allocholic acid, oleic acid, phenylalanine, and methyltestosterone in LADG were significantly lower than in HADG. The Lactobacillus-Streptomyces networks (Lactobacillus, Streptomyces, methyltestosterone, phenylalanine, oleic acid, arachidonic acid, glutamine, 3-ketosphingosine, L-octanoylcarnitine, camylofin, 4-guanidinobutyrate 3-methylcyclopentadecanone) were identified as the most influential at regulating swine weight gain. These findings suggest that the gastrointestinal tract regulates the daily weight gain of pigs through the network of Lactobacillus and Streptomyces. However, this study was limited to fecal and serum samples from growing and fattening boars. A comprehensive consideration of factors affecting the daily weight gain in pig production, including gender, parity, season, and breed, is warranted.

Genetically predicted causality between gut microbiota, blood metabolites, and intracerebral hemorrhage: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Background

Recent research linked changes in the gut microbiota and serum metabolite concentrations to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the potential causal relationship remained unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to estimate the effects of genetically predicted causality between gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and ICH.

Methods

Summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and ICH were obtained separately. Gut microbiota GWAS (N = 18,340) were acquired from the MiBioGen study, serum metabolites GWAS (N = 7,824) from the TwinsUK and KORA studies, and GWAS summary-level data for ICH from the FinnGen R9 (ICH, 3,749 cases; 339,914 controls). A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to explore the causal effects between gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and ICH. The random-effects inverse variance-weighted (IVW) MR analyses were performed as the primary results, together with a series of sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of the results. Besides, a reverse MR was conducted to evaluate the possibility of reverse causation. To validate the relevant findings, we further selected data from the UK Biobank for analysis.

Results

MR analysis results revealed a nominal association (p < 0.05) between 17 gut microbial taxa, 31 serum metabolites, and ICH. Among gut microbiota, the higher level of genus Eubacterium xylanophilum (odds ratio (OR): 1.327, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.154-1.526; Bonferroni-corrected p = 7.28 × 10-5) retained a strong causal relationship with a higher risk of ICH after the Bonferroni corrected test. Concurrently, the genus Senegalimassilia (OR: 0.843, 95% CI: 0.778-0.915; Bonferroni-corrected p = 4.10 × 10-5) was associated with lower ICH risk. Moreover, after Bonferroni correction, only two serum metabolites remained out of the initial 31 serum metabolites. One of the serum metabolites, Isovalerate (OR: 7.130, 95% CI: 2.648-19.199; Bonferroni-corrected p = 1.01 × 10-4) showed a very strong causal relationship with a higher risk of ICH, whereas the other metabolite was unidentified and excluded from further analysis. Various sensitivity analyses yielded similar results, with no heterogeneity or directional pleiotropy observed.

Conclusion

This two-sample MR study revealed the significant influence of gut microbiota and serum metabolites on the risk of ICH. The specific bacterial taxa and metabolites engaged in ICH development were identified. Further research is required in the future to delve deeper into the mechanisms behind these findings.

Compound chenpi tea consumption reduces obesity-related metabolic disorders by modulating gut microbiota and serum metabolites in mice

BACKGROUND

Compound chenpi tea (CCT) is a popular herbal beverage made from citri reticulatae pericarpium, Ganoderma lucidum, and pu-erh tea. This study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effect of CCT in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and to explore the potential mediators by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and serum metabolomic analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that CCT supplementation can effectively reduce diet-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Further analyses revealed that CCT could reverse the changes of 28 metabolites induced by HFD, mainly affecting, amino acid metabolism, gut microbiota metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. CCT could also alleviate the intestinal dysbiosis by decreasing the abundance of Romboutsia, Gemella, [Eubacterium]_fissicatena_group, and Faecalibaculum, and increasing the abundance of Oscillibacter, Blautia, and Acetatifactor.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings demonstrated that CCT supplementation modulated gut microbiota and obesity-related metabolic disorders in mice. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

1H NMR Serum Metabolomic Change of Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) Is Associated with Alcoholic Liver Disease Progression

Without early detection and treatment, chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). With this in mind, we exploit the recent concept of the liver-gut axis and analyze the serum profile of ALD patients for identification of microbiome-derived metabolites that can be used as diagnostic biomarkers for onset of ALD. 1H-NMR was used to analyze serum metabolites of 38 ALD patients that were grouped according to their Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores (CTP): class A (CTP-A; 19), class B(CTP-B; 10), and class C (CTP-C; 9). A partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and a variable importance of projection (VIP) score were used to identify significant metabolites. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and correlation heatmap were used to evaluate the predictability of identified metabolites as ALD biomarkers. Among 42 identified metabolites, 6 were significantly correlated to exacerbation of ALD. As ALD progressed in CTP-C, the levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), malate, tyrosine, and 2-hydroxyisovalerate increased, while isobutyrate and isocitrate decreased. Out of six metabolites, elevated levels of TMAO and its precursors (carnitine, betaine, choline) were associated with severity of ALD. This indicates that TMAO can be used as an effective biomarker for the diagnosis of ALD progression.

Modulation Effects of Sargassum pallidum Extract on Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic effect of the extract from Sargassum pallidum (SPPE) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. SPPE treatment alleviated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance (IR), liver and pancreatic tissue damage, hyperlipidemia and hepatic oxidative stress resulting from T2DM. SPPE reversed phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCK) and hexokinase (HK) activities to improve gluconeogenesis and glycogen storage in the liver. Furthermore, SPPE modulated glucose metabolism by regulating the levels of mRNA expression involving the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/G6pase/GLUT2 pathway and could inhibit fatty acid synthesis by reducing the gene expression levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 (ACC-1). A 16 sRNA analysis indicated that SPPE treatment also reversed gut dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides and Lactobacillus) and suppressing the proliferation of harmful bacteria (Enterococcus and Helicobacter). Untargeted metabolomics results indicated that histidine metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis were significantly influenced by SPPE. Thus, SPPE may be applied as an effective dietary supplement or drug in the management of T2DM.

Human Serum and Salivary Metabolomes: Diversity and Closeness

Saliva, which contains molecular information that may reflect an individual's health status, has become a valuable tool for discovering biomarkers of oral and general diseases. Due to the high vascularization of the salivary glands, there is a molecular exchange between blood and saliva. However, the composition of saliva is complex and influenced by multiple factors. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationships between the salivary and serum metabolomes to gain a comprehensive view of the metabolic phenotype under physiological conditions. Using 1H-NMR spectroscopy, we obtained the serum metabolite profiles of 20 healthy young individuals and compared them with the metabolomes of parotid, submandibular/sublingual, and whole-saliva samples collected concurrently from the same individuals using multivariate and univariate statistical analysis. Our results show that serum is more concentrated and less variable for most of the shared metabolites than the three saliva types. While we found moderate to strong correlations between serum and saliva concentrations of specific metabolites, saliva is not simply an ultrafiltrate of blood. The intense oral metabolism prevents very strong correlations between serum and salivary concentrations. This study contributes to a better understanding of salivary metabolic composition, which is crucial for utilizing saliva in laboratory diagnostics.

Integrated Macrogenomics and Metabolomics Explore Alterations and Correlation between Gut Microbiota and Serum Metabolites in Adult Epileptic Patients: A Pilot Study

Epilepsy (EP) is a complex brain disorder showing a lot of unknows reasons. Recent studies showed that gut microbiota can influence epilepsy via the brain-gut axis. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which gut microbiota affects adult epilepsy still remains unclear. In this study, fecal and serum samples were obtained from patients with epilepsy and normal controls. Using an integrated analysis, sequencing was performed by macrogenomics and high-throughput targeted metabolomics with various bioinformatics approaches. The macrogenomic sequencing revealed significant changes in microbial structure in patients suffering from epilepsy. For example, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria showed an increase in the patients with epilepsy, whereas that of Firmicutes decreased. In addition, the patients with epilepsy had significantly differential metabolite profiles compared to normal controls, and five clusters with 21 metabolites, mainly containing the upregulation of some fatty acids and downregulation of some amino acids. Tryptophan (AUC = 91.81, p < 0.0001), kynurenine (AUC = 79.09, p < 0.01) and 7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z-Docosatetraenoic acid (AUC = 80.95, p < 0.01) may be used as potential diagnostic markers for epilepsy. Differential serum metabolites have effects on tryptophan metabolism, iron death and other pathways. Furthermore, a multiomic joint analysis observed a statistically significant correlation between the differential flora and the differential serum metabolites. In our findings, a macrogenomic analysis revealed the presence of dysregulated intestinal flora species and function in adult epileptic patients. Deeper metabolomic analyses revealed differences in serum metabolites between patients with epilepsy and healthy populations. Meanwhile, the multiomic combination showed connection between the gut microbes and circulating metabolites in the EP patients, which may be potential therapeutic targets.

Stall-Feeding of Sheep on Restricted Grazing: Effects on Performance and Serum Metabolites, Ruminal Fermentation, and Fecal Microbiota

This study investigated the effects of three feeding systems, indoor feeding (CONT), indoor feeding with time-restricted grazing artificial pasture (4 h/day, G4H), and indoor feeding with an eight-hour daily grazing artificial pasture (G8H), on the growth performance, serum metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and fecal microbiota composition of lambs. Average daily gain showed a tendency (p = 0.081) to be higher for the G4H group compared with the CONT group. Moreover, feeding systems did not have a significant effect on most of the serum biochemical indicators in lambs. Concentrations of serum glutathione peroxidase and immunoglobulins (IgA, gG, and IgM) were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the CONT group. Additionally, a tendency towards higher levels of volatile fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate was found in animals of the G4H group compared to the CONT group. Furthermore, fecal microbiota composition was altered in G4H and G8H groups, resulting in the increased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, as well as the decreased relative abundance of Ruminobacter compared with the CONT group. Overall, these results suggest that indoor feeding with restricted grazing time does not significantly affect fattening performance or rumen fermentation but enhances antioxidation and immune function activity and also alters fecal microbiota composition.

Serum Metabolome Signatures Characterizing Co-Infection of Plasmodium falciparum and HBV in Pregnant Women

Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection is on the rise among pregnant women in northern Ghana. Mono-infection with either of these two pathogens results in unique metabolic alterations. Thus, we aimed to explicate the effects of this co-infection on the metabolome signatures of pregnant women, which would indicate the impacted metabolic pathways and provide useful prognostic or diagnostic markers. Using an MS/MS-based targeted metabolomic approach, we determined the serum metabolome in pregnant women with P. falciparum mono-infection, HBV mono-infection, P. falciparum, and HBV co-infection and in uninfected (control) women. We observed significantly decreased sphingolipid concentrations in subjects with P. falciparum mono-infection, whereas amino acids and phospholipids were decreased in subjects with HBV mono-infection. Co-infections were found to be characterized distinctively by reduced concentrations of phospholipids and hexoses (mostly glucose) as well as altered pathways that contribute to redox homeostasis. Overall, PC ae C40:1 was found to be a good discriminatory metabolite for the co-infection group. PC ae C40:1 can further be explored for use in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria and chronic hepatitis B co-morbidity as well as to distinguish co-infections from cases of mono-infections.

Unraveling the Potential of Orange Pulp for Improving Laying Rate, Egg Quality, Oxidative Stability, Fatty Acids Composition, and Reproductive Tract Morphology of Laying Hens

The current study aimed to demonstrate the effects of dietary dried orange pulp (DOP) on the laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant status, yolk fatty acid composition, serum biochemistry, and reproductive tract morphology of laying hens. A total of 200 Lohman Brown Lite laying hens were randomly allotted into 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates each. The experimental treatment groups were the control group, a basal diet containing 50 g DOP/kg feed (DOP_5%), a basal diet containing 70 g DOP/kg feed (DOP_7%), and a basal diet containing 100 g DOP/kg feed (DOP_10%). Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA following a completely randomized design, and the incremental levels of dietary DOP were tested by orthogonal polynomial contrasts. The body weight gain, feed intake, egg production%, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio of laying hens fed the DOP_7% and DOP_10% diets were greater (p < 0.01) than those fed the control diet. Eggs obtained from the DOP_7% and DOP_10% groups had a heavier shell weight% and shell thickness, as well as a greater yolk color score (p < 0.01; linear, p < 0.01). Dietary DOP improved the egg yolk concentrations of PUFA, n-3 PUFA, and n-6 PUFA (linear, p < 0.001; quadratic, p < 0.05), whereas the content of SFA was reduced (p < 0.001; linear, p < 0.001). The egg yolk cholesterol and triglyceride levels were linearly decreased (p < 0.001) with the inclusion of DOP in the diets of hens. After storage for 40 days, the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the egg yolk were reduced, whereas the glutathione peroxidase content was increased (p < 0.01) due to dietary DOP. The DOP_7% and DOP_10% hens had an obvious reduction in the levels of serum total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and MDA, whereas high-density lipoprotein and GPx levels were increased (p < 0.01) compared with those fed the control diet. The relative weights of the ovary, oviduct, uterus, and follicle of hens receiving diets containing 7% and 10% DOP were heavier (p < 0.01) than those of the control hens. Moreover, the number of large yellow follicles was increased (p < 0.001; linear, p < 0.001) in the hens-fed diets containing 7% and 10% DOP. In conclusion, dietary DOP at up to 100 g/kg of feed improves laying performance, health status, antioxidant capacity, egg nutritive value, and egg shelf life in laying hens.

Effects on Diabetic Mice of Consuming Lipid Extracted from Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica): Gut Microbiota Analysis and Serum Metabolomics

Millet and its components have received much extensive attention for their health benefits in mitigating metabolic diseases. Foxtail millet is rich in phytochemicals, including oil. However, the hypoglycemic capacity of foxtail millet oil has yet to be fully investigated. The present study explored the effects of consuming this oil as the lipid extract of foxtail millet (LEFM) on intestinal microbiota composition and metabolic function in diabetic mice. After eight weeks of LEFM supplementation, the blood glucose, insulin resistance index, and lipid accumulation of diabetic mice were significantly decreased. In addition, LEFM feeding modulated gut microbiota composition, reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella, Peptococcus, and norank_f_Oscillospiraceae), induced a bloom of probiotics, especially short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (Adlercreutzia, Faecalibaculum, and Bifidobacterium), and increased SCFAs concentration. LEFM treatment altered serum metabolite levels, for instance, greatly increasing the levels of l-carnitine and l-glutamine and reducing S-acetyldihydrolipoamide-E and sphingosine. Overall, improvements in gut microbiota and metabolic function were associated with the hypoglycemic potential of LEFM.

Ensiling Sorghum with Urea, Aerobic Exposure and Effects on Intake, Digestibility, Ingestive Behaviour and Blood Parameters of Feedlot Lambs

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ensiling sorghum silage with urea and amending the aerobic exposure nutrients intake and apparent digestibility, ingestive behaviour and blood serum metabolites of feedlot lambs. Forty uncastrated crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês lambs, aged 150 ± 15 days and with an initial body weight of 21.73 ± 2.40 kg, were used. Animals were assigned in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Thus, six silage diets were produced with various urea addition levels (UA: 0 and 5 g/kg on a natural matter basis) and periods of aerobic exposure of silages (PAE: 0, 24 and 48 h). An effect was observed for nutrient intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) and total digestive nutrients TDN (g/day) and for the total apparent digestibility of DM, OM and CP. There was an interaction effect between urea levels and aerobic exposure for ether extract (EE) and NDFap intakes (g/kg) and nonfibrous carbohydrate (NFC) digestibility (g/kg) (p = 0.012). The addition of 5 g/kg of urea to sorghum ensilage improved the digestibility parameters without changing dry matter intake and ingestive behaviour. The addition or not of urea does not change the blood parameters of the animals.

The Effects of Temperature and Humidity Index on Growth Performance, Colon Microbiota, and Serum Metabolome of Ira Rabbits

This study investigates the effects of different THI values on growth performance, intestinal microbes, and serum metabolism in meat rabbits. The results showed that there were significant differences in THI in different location regions of the rabbit house. The high-THI group (HG) could significantly reduce average daily gain and average daily feed intake in Ira rabbits (p < 0.05). The low-THI group (LG) significantly increased the relative abundance of Blautia (p < 0.05). The HG significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and reduced bacterial community interaction (p < 0.05). The cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, and toll-like receptor signaling pathway in each rabbit's gut were activated when the THI was 26.14 (p < 0.05). Metabolic pathways such as the phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolisms were activated when the THI was 27.25 (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the TRPV3 and NGF genes that were associated with heat sensitivity were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). In addition, five metabolites were found to be able to predict THI levels in the environment with an accuracy of 91.7%. In summary, a THI of 26.14 is more suitable for the growth of meat rabbits than a THI of 27.25, providing a reference for the efficient feeding of meat rabbits.

Integrated microbiome and metabolome analysis reveals the interaction between intestinal flora and serum metabolites as potential biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Globally, liver cancer poses a serious threat to human health and quality of life. Despite numerous studies on the microbial composition of the gut in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), little is known about the interactions of the gut microbiota and metabolites and their role in HCC. This study examined the composition of the gut microbiota and serum metabolic profiles in 68 patients with HCC, 33 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 34 healthy individuals (NC) using a combination of metagenome sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The composition of the serum metabolites and the structure of the intestinal microbiota were found to be significantly altered in HCC patients compared to non-HCC patients. LEfSe and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis were used to identify two key species (Odoribacter splanchnicus and Ruminococcus bicirculans) and five key metabolites (ouabain, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholate, theophylline, and xanthine) associated with HCC, which then were combined to create panels for HCC diagnosis. The study discovered that the diagnostic performance of the metabolome was superior to that of the microbiome, and a panel comprised of key species and key metabolites outperformed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in terms of diagnostic value. Spearman's rank correlation test was used to determine the relationship between the intestinal flora and serum metabolites and their impact on hepatocarcinogenesis and progression. A random forest model was used to assess the diagnostic performance of the different histologies alone and in combination. In summary, this study describes the characteristics of HCC patients' intestinal flora and serum metabolism, demonstrates that HCC is caused by the interaction of intestinal flora and serum metabolites, and suggests that two key species and five key metabolites may be potential markers for the diagnosis of HCC.

Fatty acid composition on diet and carcasses, growth, body indices and profile serum of Asian redtail catfish ( Hemibagrus nemurus) fed a diet containing different levels of EPA and DHA

Background: The Asian redtail catfish Hemibagrus nemurus is a promising commercial aquaculture freshwater big-sized Bagridae catfish across Asian countries such as the Mekong, Malay Peninsula, and Indonesia. This study analysed the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) supplementation in diets on changes in fatty acid compositions in feed and fish meat, lipid quality (atherogenic index and thrombogenic index), growth rate, body indicators, and serum metabolites of Hemibagrus nemurus juveniles . Methods: A total of 180 Asian redtail catfish (initial weight 54.80 ± 2.72 g) were fed four levels (0, 3,150, 6,300, and 9,450 mg of EPA+DHA/kg feed) sourced from fish oil. Diets were fed in triplicate in freshwater tarpaulin ponds, with 15 fish per tarpaulin pond. During the experiment, fish were fed 3% per day of the biomass weight. Results: Categorically, there were significant differences in the composition of fatty acids in the feed and fish meat. The atherogenic index was between 1.76 and 1.84, and the thrombogenic index was between 0.81 and 0.89 in all fish meat. Growth performance was significantly different between diets, while body indices did not make a significant difference between diets. The fish meat EPA and DHA showed positive linear relationships with diet EPA (p <0.001, r ² = 90%) and DHA diet (p<0.001, r ²= 85%). Serum metabolites among treatments D2 and D3 diet-fed feed for 60 days did not significantly differ. Glucose (GLU) levels had moderate relationships with triglycerides (TAG) ( r ²= 65%), and GLU levels strongly correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ( r ²= 81%). Conclusions: Based on diets and whole-body carcass compositions, growth performance, and serum metabolites, Asian redtail catfish fed a diet containing 6,300 mg of EPA+DHA/kg feed are best for food safety.

Nanosecond pulse effectively ablated hepatocellular carcinoma with alterations in the gut microbiome and serum metabolites

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) have emerged as a new treatment for cancer. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of nsPEFs in the treatment of HCC and analyze the alterations in the gut microbiome and serum metabonomics after ablation. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: healthy control mice (n = 10), HCC mice (n = 10), and nsPEF-treated HCC mice (n = 23). Hep1-6 cell lines were used to establish the HCC model in situ. Histopathological staining was performed on tumor tissues. The gut microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Serum metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomic analysis. Spearman's correlation analysis was carried out to analyze the correlation between the gut microbiome and serum metabonomics. Results: The fluorescence image showed that nsPEFs were significantly effective. Histopathological staining identified nuclear pyknosis and cell necrosis in the nsPEF group. The expression of CD34, PCNA, and VEGF decreased significantly in the nsPEF group. Compared with normal mice, the gut microbiome diversity of HCC mice was increased. Eight genera including Alistipes and Muribaculaceae were enriched in the HCC group. Inversely, these genera decreased in the nsPEF group. LC-MS analysis confirmed that there were significant differences in serum metabolism among the three groups. Correlation analysis showed crucial relationships between the gut microbiome and serum metabolites that are involved in nsPEF ablation of HCC. Conclusion: As a new minimally invasive treatment for tumor ablation, nsPEFs have an excellent ablation effect. The alterations in the gut microbiome and serum metabolites may participate in the prognosis of HCC ablation.

Acute cannabidiol treatment enhances social interaction in adult male mice

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating phytochemical from Cannabis sativa that is increasingly used to manage pain. The potential for CBD to ameliorate dimensional behavior symptoms occurring in multiple psychiatric disorders was suggested, including social interaction impairments. To test this hypothesis, adult male BTBRT+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model of idiopathic autism exhibiting social preference deficits and restrictive repetitive behaviors, were acutely treated with vehicle or 0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg CBD. Social interaction preference was assessed 50 min after treatment, followed by social novelty preference at 60 min, marble burying at 75 min and social dominance at 120 min. CBD (10 mg/kg) enhanced BTBR social interaction but not social novelty preference, marble burying or dominance, with serum levels = 29 ± 11 ng/mg at 3 h post-injection. Next, acute 10 mg/kg CBD was compared to vehicle treatment in male serotonin transporter (SERT) knock-out mice, since SERT deficiency is an autism risk factor, and in their wildtype background strain controls C57BL/6J mice. CBD treatment generally enhanced social interaction preference and attenuated social novelty preference, yet neither marble burying nor dominance was affected. These findings show acute treatment with as little as 10 mg/kg purified CBD can enhance social interaction preference in male mice that are otherwise socially deficient.

Cross-sectional study: New approach for diagnostic identification of non-robust older adult

SCOPE

The aging biomarkers are alternatives and none of them could act as a strong predictor of frailty during the progression of aging. Several studies revealed the relationship between metabolites and frailty or gut microbiota and frailty. However, the connection between metabolites and gut microbiota in non-robust older adults hasn't been discussed yet. Our study aims to combine the findings of serum metabolites and gut microbiota in non-robust subjects as a possible diagnostic biomarker.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Frailty-related assessments were conducted to ensure the discrimination of non-robustness. The serum and fecal were collected for serum metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis. Robust and non-robust subjects showed very different gut microbial compositions. Among the gut microbial differences, Escherichia/Shigella and its higher taxonomic ranks were found to have the most discriminative abundance among compared groups. More importantly, the abundance of Escherichia/Shigella was found to be positively correlated (p<0.05) with the level of discriminant metabolites, such as serum oxoglutarate, glutamic acid, and 1-methyladenosine.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the obvious interrelation between gut microbiota and serum metabolites in non-robust older adults. Besides, our findings suggested that Escherichia/Shigella could be a potential biomarker candidate for robustness sub-phenotypic identification. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Metabolomic Profiling of Bipolar Disorder by 1H-NMR in Serbian Patients

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. It has a prevalence of 60 million people worldwide, and it is among the top 20 diseases with the highest global burden. The complexity of this disease, including diverse genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors, and diagnoses based on the subjective recognition of symptoms without any clinical test of biomarker identification create significant difficulties in understanding and diagnosing BD. A ¹H-NMR-based metabolomic study applying chemometrics of serum samples of Serbian patients with BD (33) and healthy controls (39) was explored, providing the identification of 22 metabolites for this disease. A biomarker set including threonine, aspartate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, serine, and mannose was established for the first time in BD serum samples by an NMR-based metabolomics study. Six identified metabolites (3-hydroxybutyric acid, arginine, lysine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and glycerol) are in agreement with the previously determined NMR-based sets of serum biomarkers in Brazilian and/or Chinese patient samples. The same established metabolites (lactate, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, glutamine, glutamate, glucose, and choline) in three different ethnic and geographic origins (Serbia, Brazil, and China) might have a crucial role in the realization of a universal set of NMR biomarkers for BD.

Influences of Glyphosate Contaminations and Concentrate Feed on Performance, Blood Parameters, Blood Cell Functionality and DNA Damage Properties in Fattening Bulls

Glyphosate (GLY), the active substance in non-selective herbicides, is often found in ruminant feed. The present feeding study aimed to investigate the effects of GLY-contaminated rations and different concentrate feed proportions (CFP) on the health of fattening German Holstein bulls. Bulls were grouped by low (LC) or high (HC) CFP with (GLY_LC, GLY_HC) or without GLY-contaminations (CON_LC, CON_HC) in their rations. Intakes (dry matter, water) and body weight were documented continuously lasting over an average range from 392.2 ± 60.4 kg to 541.2 ± 67.4 kg (mean ± SD). Blood samples collected at the trial's beginning, and after 7 and 15 weeks, were analyzed for hematological and clinical-chemical traits, functional properties of leukocytes, redox parameters and DNA damage. The average GLY exposures of 128.6 (GLY_HC), 213.7 (GLY_LC), 1.3 (CON_HC) and 2.0 µg/kg body weight/d (CON_LC) did not lead to GLY effects for most of the assessed parameters relating to animal health and performance. CFP and time displayed marked influences on most of the experimental parameters such as higher dry matter intake and average daily gain in HC compared with the LC groups. GLY effects were rather weak. However, the observed interactive effects between GLY and CFP and/or time occurring in an inconsistent manner are likely not reproducible. Finally, all animals remained clinically inconspicuous, which brings into question the physiological relevance of putative GLY effects.

The Effect of Epimedium Isopentenyl Flavonoids on the Broiler Gut Health Using Microbiomic and Metabolomic Analyses

Epimedium (EM), also known as barrenwort, is a traditional medicinal plant rich in isopentenyl flavonols, which have beneficial biological activities and can improve human and animal health, but its mechanism is still unclear. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) were used to analyse the main components of EM, and isopentenyl flavonols such as Epimedin A, B, and C as well as Icariin were the major components of EM. Meanwhile, broilers were selected as model animals to illuminate the mechanism of Epimedium isopentenyl flavonols (EMIE) on gut health. The results showed that supplementation with 200 mg/kg EM improved the immune response, increased cecum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactate concentrations, and improved nutrient digestibility in broilers. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that EMIE altered the composition of cecal microbiome, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Candidatus Soleaferrea and Lachbospiraceae NC2004 group and Butyricioccus) and reducing that of harmful bacteria (UBA1819, Negativibacillus, and Eisenbergiella). Metabolomic analysis identified 48 differential metabolites, of which Erosnin and Tyrosyl-Tryptophan were identified as core biomarkers. Erosnin and tyrosyl-tryptophan are potential biomarkers to evaluate the effects of EMIE. This shows that EMIE may regulate the cecum microbiota through Butyricicoccus, with changes in the relative abundance of the genera Eisenbergiella and Un. Peptostreptococcaceae affecting the serum metabolite levels of the host. EMIE is an excellent health product, and dietary isopentenyl flavonols, as bioactive components, can improve health by altering the microbiota structure and the plasma metabolite profiles. This study provides the scientific basis for the future application of EM in diets.

Beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus hsryfm 1301 fermented milk on rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A growing stream of research suggests that probiotic fermented milk has a good effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This work aimed to study the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus hsryfm 1301 fermented milk (fermented milk) on rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet. The results showed that the body weight and the serum levels of total cholesterol, total glyceride, low-density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, free fatty acid, and reactive oxygen species were significantly increased in rats fed a high-fat diet (M) for 8 wk, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased. However, the body weight and the serum levels of total cholesterol, total glyceride, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, free fatty acid, reactive oxygen species, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were significantly decreased with fermented milk (T) for 8 wk, and the number of fat vacuoles in hepatocytes was lower than that in the M group. There were significant differences in 19 metabolites in serum between the M group and the C group (administration of nonfermented milk) and in 17 metabolites between the T group and the M group. The contents of 7 different metabolites, glycine, glycerophosphocholine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, thioetheramide-PC, d-aspartic acid, oleic acid, and l-glutamate, were significantly increased in the M group rat serum, and l-palmitoyl carnitine, N6-methyl-l-lysine, thymine, and 2-oxadipic acid were significantly decreased. In the T group rat serum, the contents of 8 different metabolites-1-O-(cis-9-octadecenyl)-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, acetylcarnitine, glycine, glycerophosphocholine, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, d-aspartic acid, oleic acid, and l-glutamate were significantly decreased, whereas creatinine and thymine were significantly increased. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that 50 metabolic pathways were enriched in the M/C group and T/M group rat serum, of which 12 metabolic pathways were significantly different, mainly distributed in lipid metabolism, amino acid, and endocrine system metabolic pathways. Fermented milk ameliorated inflammation, oxygenation, and hepatocyte injury by regulating lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolic pathways, and related metabolites in the serum of rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Role of kisspeptin in polycystic ovarian syndrome: A metabolomics study

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a pathophysiological disease affecting reproductive and metabolic indicators. Research has shown that kisspeptin might be involved in the regulation of pituitary hormone secretion and energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum kisspeptin levels and abnormal metabolism in PCOS.

METHODS

Fifty patients with PCOS and 50 control patients were recruited for this study. Serum kisspeptin levels were measured via ELISA. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics was used to study the changes in serum metabolism between the PCOS and control groups.

RESULTS

Serum kisspeptin levels were significantly elevated in individuals with PCOS compared with those in healthy controls (p = 0.011) and positively correlated with LH, T, FFA, BA, and LEP levels (p < 0.05). Significantly dysregulated expression of several metabolites was observed in the intergroup comparisons of the high-kisspeptin PCOS, low-kisspeptin PCOS, and healthy control groups. These primarily consisted of lipid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolites, among which palmitic acid and N-formylkynurenine levels were lower in the high-kisspeptin group than in controls. Metabolite set enrichment analysis was also performed based on metabolites in the KEGG database. The results showed that owing to the differences in kisspeptin concentrations in individuals with PCOS, there was a significant difference in amino acid and pyruvate metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Kisspeptin could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of PCOS and plays an important role in metabolic regulation in individuals with PCOS. In addition, metabolomics provides a promising method for the study of metabolic abnormalities in individuals with PCOS, which might contribute to our understanding of its mechanisms.

A comparison of associations of body mass index and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measured percentage fat and total fat with global serum metabolites in young women

OBJECTIVE

Body mass index (BMI) does not directly measure adiposity, whereas dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) provides valid direct estimates of adiposity. Therefore, this study evaluated usefulness of BMI as a measure of adiposity in serum metabolomics studies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of 202 women aged 25 to 29 years in the Dietary Intervention Study in Children Follow-Up Study. Heights and weights were measured, and body composition was quantified using clinical DXA protocols. Serum metabolomic profiling was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Partial correlations of BMI, percentage fat (%FAT), and total fat (TOTFAT) with log transformed serum metabolites were calculated.

RESULTS

There was significant overlap in the 93 metabolites that correlated with BMI, %FAT, and/or TOTFAT; 9 differently correlated with BMI and %FAT, whereas 15 differently correlated with BMI and TOTFAT. Even for these metabolites, absolute differences were modest. Metabolite set enrichment analysis identified diacylglycerol and sphingolipid metabolism as overrepresented among metabolites significantly correlated with all three measures of adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI can be a good proxy for DXA measured %FAT and TOTFAT in descriptive metabolomic studies of healthy, young White women. Larger studies in more diverse populations are needed to endorse more generalized conclusions.

Effects of Supplementation with Bee Pollen and Propolis on Growth Performance and Serum Metabolites of Rabbits: A Meta-Analysis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of bee pollen (BP) and propolis (PRO) supplementation on rabbits' productive performance and serum metabolites through a meta-analysis. Sixteen peer-reviewed publications were included in the data set. The rabbit strains used in the studies included in the data set were New Zealand White, V-line, Rex, and V-line crosses. Weighted mean differences (WMD) between treatments supplemented with BP or PRO and control treatments were used to assess the magnitude of the effect. BP supplementation decreased (p < 0.001) daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR); however, increased (p < 0.001) average daily gain (ADG) and hot carcass yield (HCY). PRO supplementation reduced DFI (p = 0.041) and FCR (p < 0.001), and increased ADG (p < 0.001) and HCY (p = 0.005). In blood serum, BP supplementation increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC; p = 0.002) and decreased serum creatinine concentration (p = 0.049). Likewise, decreased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected in response to BP supplementation (p < 0.05). PRO supplementation increased the TAC in blood serum (p = 0.018); however, decreased serum concentrations of AST, ALT, and MDA were observed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, BP or PRO supplementation can be used as a natural growth promoter in rabbits, and both can also improve rabbits' antioxidant status. However, BP or PRO supplementation does not affect rabbits' renal or hepatic health status.

Intermittent dilution of dietary digestible lysine lowers the incidence of white striping by suppressing the growth, lipid synthesis, and muscle damage in broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

White striping (WS) is a myopathy of breast muscle (Pectoralis major) that affects the quality and consumer acceptance of breast fillets of broiler chickens. Previous studies have shown that intermittent dilution of dietary nutrients suppresses the development of WS on the breast muscle of broiler chickens. However, the mechanism by which these interventions reduce the occurrence of WS remains inconclusive. In this study, we adopted intermittent reduction of dietary digestible lysine (dLys) density or metabolizable energy (ME) and amino acid (AA) density using chemical and fatty acid composition of breast fillets, and blood metabolites to understand the mechanism while histopathology and immunohistochemistry of breast muscles were used for confirmation.

RESULTS

Occurrence of WS was lower in broiler chickens fed 85% dLys diets in comparison with other groups. Crude protein and ether extract in breast meat of 85% dLys groups were greater (P < 0.001) and lower (P = 0.010), respectively. Serum concentrations of lipid metabolites and enzymes were lower in broiler chickens fed 85% dLys diets than control group (P < 0.05). Feeding 85% dLys diets had low degree of myodegeneration and necrosis, inflammation, lipid deposition, infiltration of T-lymphocyte (CD3+) and macrophages (Iba-1+), and low expression of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) than other groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Dilution of dietary dLys to 85% of the required quantities reduces the development of WS in broiler chickens by slowing the growth, lipid synthesis, and muscle damage confirmed by lower extent of histopathological lesions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Combined microbiome and metabolome analysis of gut microbiota and metabolite interactions in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Background

The pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is unclear, and it turned out to be involved in biological processes, such as autoimmunity, autoallergy, inflammation, and coagulation. The gut microbiota plays an important role in immune and inflammatory diseases. However, the relationship between chronic spontaneous urticaria and the gut microbiota remains unknown.

Methods

The stool and serum samples were taken from 15 CSU patients and 15 normal controls. Changes in the composition of gut microbiota and serum metabolism in CSU patients and normal controls were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics.

Results

The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that compared with normal controls, CSU patients had increased α-diversity of gut microbiota and significant differences in β-diversity. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes increased and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria decreased in CSU patients compared with healthy controls. At the genus level, six kinds of bacteria were significantly enriched in CSU patients and five in normal controls. Metabolomic analysis revealed altered levels of metabolites such as unsaturated fatty acids and purines. Correlation analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites showed that Lachnospira was negatively correlated with arachidonic acid, and Gemmiger was also negatively correlated with (±)8-HETE.

Conclusion

This study suggests that changes in gut microbiota and metabolites may play a role in immune and inflammatory pathways in the pathogenesis of CSU patients.

Alterations and correlations of gut microbiota, fecal, and serum metabolome characteristics in a rat model of alcohol use disorder

Background

Growing evidence suggests the gut microbiota and metabolites in serum or fecal may play a key role in the process of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the correlations of gut microbiota and metabolites in both feces and serum in AUD subjects are not well understood.

Methods

We established a rat model of AUD by a chronic intermittent ethanol voluntary drinking procedure, then the AUD syndromes, the gut microbiota, metabolomic profiling in feces and serum of the rats were examined, and correlations between gut microbiota and metabolites were analyzed.

Results

Ethanol intake preference increased and maintained at a high level in experimental rats. Anxiety-like behaviors was observed by open field test and elevated plus maze test after ethanol withdraw, indicating that the AUD rat model was successfully developed. The full length 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed AUD significantly changed the β-diversity of gut microbial communities, and significantly decreased the microbial diversity but did not distinctly impact the microbial richness. Microbiota composition significantly changed in AUD rats, such as the abundance of Romboutsia and Turicibacter were significantly increased, whereas uncultured_bacterium_o_Mollicutes_RF39 was decreased. In addition, the untargeted metabolome analysis revealed that many metabolites in both feces and serum were altered in the AUD rats, especially involved in sphingolipid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. Finally, multiple correlations among AUD behavior, gut microbiota and co-changed metabolites were identified, and the metabolites were directly correlated with the gut microbiota and alcohol preference.

Conclusion

The altered metabolites in feces and serum are important links between the gut microbiota dysbiosis and alcohol preference in AUD rats, and the altered gut microbiota and metabolites can be potentially new targets for treating AUD.

Metabolomics analysis reveals serum biomarkers in patients with diabetic sarcopenia

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic sarcopenia (DS) is characterized by muscle atrophy, slower nerve conduction, reduced maximum tension generated by skeletal muscle contraction, and slower contraction rate. Hence, DS can cause limb movement degeneration, slow movement, reduced balance, reduced metabolic rate, falls, fractures, etc. Moreover, the relevant early biological metabolites and their pathophysiological mechanism have yet to be characterized.

METHOD

The current cross-sectional study employed serum metabolomics analysis to screen potential noninvasive biomarkers in patients with diabetic sarcopenia. A total of 280 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study (n = 39 sarcopenia [DS], n = 241 without sarcopenia [DM]). Ten patients were randomly selected from both groups. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

A total of 632 differential metabolites were identified, including 82 that were significantly differentially abundant (P < 0.05, VIP > 1, FC > 1.2 or FC < 0.8). Compared with the DM group, the contents of pentadecanoic acid, 5'-methylthioadenosine (5'-MTA), N,N-dimethylarginine (asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA), and glutamine in the DS group were significantly increased, while that of isoxanthohumol was decreased.

DISCUSSION

Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, pentadecanoic acid, 5'-MTA, ADMA, and glutamine may serve as potential biomarkers of DS. Moreover, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and the mammalian target of the rapamycin signaling pathway were found to potentially have important regulatory roles in the occurrence and development of DS (P < 0.05). Collectively, the differential metabolites identified in this study provide new insights into the underlying pathophysiology of DS and serve as a basis for therapeutic interventions.

Serum metabolites as early detection markers of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in Chinese patients

Background

Biomarkers of different stages and grades of bladder cancer (BC) are important in clinical work. The objective of our study was to investigate new biomarkers of early-stage BC with liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) using serum samples.

Methods

A total of 215 cases were included in our study, including 109 healthy adults as the control group and 106 non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients as the NMIBC group. Serum samples were collected from BC patients in the early stage, called NMIBC, and healthy people before surgery. We used LC-HRMS to distinguish the NMIBC group from the control group and the low-grade NMIBC group from the control group.

Results

An apparent difference between the NMIBC group and the control group was visualized by unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA). Metabolite panels for 16-hydroxy-10-oxohexadecanoic acid, PGF2a ethanolamide, sulfoglycolithocholate, and threoninyl-alanine were used to distinguish the two groups. The area under the curve (AUC) of the panels was 0.985, and the sensitivity and specificity were 98.63% and 98.59%, respectively. To distinguish the low-grade NMIBC group from the control group, serum metabolic profiling differences between the low-grade NMIBC group and control group samples were also analyzed. Metabolite panels of L-octanoylcarnitine, PGF2a ethanolamide, and threoninyl-alanine showed good discrimination performance. The AUC of the panels was 0.999, and the sensitivity and specificity were 97.8% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

Metabolomics analysis of serum samples can distinguish the NMIBC group from the control group, particularly the early-stage low-grade NMIBC group.

Sex-Specific Associations of Red Meat and Processed Meat Consumption with Serum Metabolites in the UK Biobank

Red meat consumption has been found to closely related to cardiometabolic health, with sex disparity. However, the specific metabolic factors corresponding to red meat consumption in men and women have not been examined previously. We analyzed the sex-specific associations of meat consumption, with 167 metabolites using multivariable regression, controlling for age, ethnicity, Townsend deprivation index, education, physical activity, smoking, and drinking status among ~79,644 UK Biobank participants. We also compared the sex differences using an established formula. After accounting for multiple testing with false discovery rate < 5% and controlling for confounders, the positive associations of unprocessed red meat consumption with branched-chain amino acids and several lipoproteins, and the inverse association with glycine were stronger in women, while the positive associations with apolipoprotein A1, creatinine, and monounsaturated fatty acids were more obvious in men. For processed meat, the positive associations with branched-chain amino acids, several lipoproteins, tyrosine, lactate, glycoprotein acetyls and inverse associations with glutamine, and glycine were stronger in women than in men. The study suggests that meat consumption has sex-specific associations with several metabolites. This has important implication to provide dietary suggestions for individuals with or at high risk of cardiometabolic disease, with consideration of sex difference.

High-risk genotypes for type 1 diabetes are associated with the imbalance of gut microbiome and serum metabolites

Background

The profile of gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and lipids of type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients with different human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes remains unknown. We aimed to explore gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and lipids signatures in individuals with T1D typed by HLA genotypes.

Methods

We did a cross-sectional study that included 73 T1D adult patients. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the HLA haplotypes they carried: those with any two of three susceptibility haplotypes (DR3, DR4, DR9) and without any of the protective haplotypes (DR8, DR11, DR12, DR15, DR16) were defined as high-risk HLA genotypes group (HR, n=30); those with just one or without susceptibility haplotypes as the non-high-risk HLA genotypes group (NHR, n=43). We characterized the gut microbiome profile with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and analyzed serum metabolites with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

Study individuals were 32.5 (8.18) years old, and 60.3% were female. Compared to NHR, the gut microbiota of HR patients were characterized by elevated abundances of Prevotella copri and lowered abundances of Parabacteroides distasonis. Differential serum metabolites (hypoxanthine, inosine, and guanine) which increased in HR were involved in purine metabolism. Different lipids, phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines, decreased in HR group. Notably, Parabacteroides distasonis was negatively associated (p ≤ 0.01) with hypoxanthine involved in purine metabolic pathways.

Conclusions

The present findings enabled a better understanding of the changes in gut microbiome and serum metabolome in T1D patients with HLA risk genotypes. Alterations of the gut microbiota and serum metabolites may provide some information for distinguishing T1D patients with different HLA risk genotypes.

Psychophysiological Responses of Humans during Seed-Sowing Activity Using Soil Inoculated with Streptomyces rimosus

Electroencephalogram (EEG) responses and serum metabolite levels were used to investigate the effects of horticultural activities (seed-sowing) on the psychophysiological aspects of adults based on the presence or absence of the soil microorganism Streptomyces rimosus. In this case, 31 adults were subjected to seed-sowing activities using S. rimosus inoculated (experimental group) and medium (control group) soils. EEG was measured to analyze the resulting psychophysiological response, and blood samples (5 mL) were collected. The relative gamma power (RG), relative high beta (RHB), and SEF 50 and SEF 90 were significantly higher in the right than in the left occipital lobe (p < 0.05). In both occipital lobes, ratios of SMR to theta (RST), mid beta to theta (RMT), and SMR-mid beta to theta (RSMT) were high (p < 0.05). GC-TOF-MS-based serum metabolite analysis detected 33 metabolites. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed a lower content of amino acids (except aspartic acid), lipids, and C6 sugar monomers after the activity (p < 0.05). Aminomalonic acid was decreased, and aspartic acid was increased (p < 0.05). This study confirmed a positive effect on improving the concentration and attention of adults when seed-sowing activity was performed using S. rimosus-inoculated soil.

Higher Concentration of Dietary Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Complex Reduces Heat Stress-Associated Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Alteration in the Blood of Holstein and Jersey Steers

This study investigated the influence of high concentrations of dietary minerals on reducing heat stress (HS)-associated oxidative stress and metabolic alterations in the blood of Holstein and Jersey steers. Holstein steers and Jersey steers were separately maintained under a 3 × 3 Latin square design during the summer conditions. For each trial, the treatments included Control (Con; fed basal TMR without additional mineral supplementation), NM (NRC recommended mineral supplementation group; [basal TMR + (Se 0.1 ppm + Zn 30 ppm + Cu 10 ppm) as DM basis]), and HM (higher than NRC recommended mineral supplementation group; [basal TMR + (Se 3.5 ppm + Zn 350 ppm + Cu 28 ppm) as DM basis]). Blood samples were collected at the end of each 20-day feeding trial. In both breeds, a higher superoxide dismutase concentration (U/mL) along with lower HSP27 (μg/L) and HSP70 (μg/L) concentrations were observed in both mineral-supplemented groups compared to the Con group (p < 0.05). The HM group had significantly higher lactic acid levels in Jersey steers (p < 0.05), and tended to have higher alanine levels in Holstein steers (p = 0.051). Based on star pattern recognition analysis, the levels of succinic acid, malic acid, γ-linolenic acid, 13-methyltetradecanoic acid, and tyrosine decreased, whereas palmitoleic acid increased with increasing mineral concentrations in both breeds. Different treatment groups of both breeds were separated according to the VIP scores of the top 15 metabolites through PLS−DA analysis; however, their metabolic trend was mostly associated with the glucose homeostasis. Overall, the results suggested that supplementation with a higher-than-recommended concentration of dietary minerals rich in organic Se, as was the case in the HM group, would help to prevent HS-associated oxidative stress and metabolic alterations in Holstein and Jersey steers.

Identification of Single and Combined Serum Metabolites Associated with Food Intake

Assessment of dietary intake is challenging. Traditional methods suffer from both random and systematic errors; thus objective measures are important complements in monitoring dietary exposure. The study presented here aims to identify serum metabolites associated with reported food intake and to explore whether combinations of metabolites may improve predictive models. Fasting blood samples and a 4-day weighed food diary were collected from healthy Swedish subjects (n = 119) self-defined as having habitual vegan, vegetarian, vegetarian + fish, or omnivore diets. Serum was analyzed for metabolites by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Associations between single and combined metabolites and 39 foods and food groups were explored. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for prediction models. In total, 24 foods or food groups associated with serum metabolites using the criteria of rho > 0.2, p < 0.01 and AUC ≥ 0.7 were identified. For the consumption of soybeans, citrus fruits and marmalade, nuts and almonds, green tea, red meat, poultry, total fish and shellfish, dairy, fermented dairy, cheese, eggs, and beer the final models included two or more metabolites. Our results indicate that a combination of metabolites improve the possibilities to use metabolites to identify several foods included in the current diet. Combined metabolite models should be confirmed in dose−response intervention studies.

Gut dysbiosis impairs hippocampal plasticity and behaviors by remodeling serum metabolome

Accumulating evidence suggests that gut microbiota as a critical mediator of gut-brain axis plays an important role in human health. Altered gut microbial profiles have been implicated in increasing the vulnerability of psychiatric disorders, such as autism, depression, and schizophrenia. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the association remain unknown. Here, we modified the gut microbiome with antibiotics in newborn mice, and found that gut microbial alteration induced behavioral impairment by decreasing adult neurogenesis and long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission, and altering the gene expression profile in hippocampus. Reconstitution with normal gut flora produced therapeutic effects against both adult neurogenesis and behavioral deficits in the dysbiosis mice. Furthermore, our results show that circulating metabolites changes mediate the effect of gut dysbiosis on hippocampal plasticity and behavior outcomes. Elevating the serum 4-methylphenol, a small aromatic metabolite produced by gut bacteria, was found to induce autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behavior impairment and hippocampal dysfunction. Together our finding demonstrates that early-life gut dysbiosis and its correlated metabolites change contribute to hippocampal dysfunction and behavior impairment, hence highlight the potential microbiome-mediated therapies for treating psychiatric disorders.

Effects of Dietary Lysine Levels on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Serum Metabolites, and Meat Quality of Baqing Pigs

This study was carried out to determine the Lys requirements of Baqing pigs and the effects of different dietary lysine levels on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, and carcass and meat traits. A total of 120 castrated Baqing pigs were selected by body weight and randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with six replicate pens (4 pigs per pen, castrated) per treatment in a randomized complete block design. Five diets in mash form were formulated to contain SID Lys at 0.56%, 0.68%, 0.80%, 0.92%, and 1.04% of diet in phase 1 (20−40 kg), at 0.45%, 0.54%, 0.63%, 0.72%, and 0.81% of diet in phase 2 (40−60 kg), and at 0.39%, 0.47%, 0.55%, 0.63%, and 0.71% of diet in phase 3 (60−90 kg), respectively. The results showed that the bodyweight of pigs was not affected by dietary SID Lys content during each period. However, the addition of dietary SID Lys linearly reduced F/G in the first period and quadratically increased ADG during the second period (p < 0.05). The digestible energy (DE) was increased linearly and quadratically in the first phases with the dietary increased SID Lys levels, while DE was reduced in the third and second phases (p < 0.05). Increasing SID Lys contents linearly increased the serum TG concentration and quadratically decreased the serum GLU concentration, while linearly reducing the serum HDLC concentration of first period pigs (p < 0.05). Serum concentrations of TP, TG, TC, and LDLC were increased linearly with the increasing dietary SID Lys levels in the second period (p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of Lys increased quadratically, and histidine increased linearly with the increased dietary SID Lys levels (p < 0.05). Compared with the treatment three group, dietary SID Lys addition content at treatment four increased the shear force of the longissimus dorsi muscle (p < 0.05), but it did not affect the other carcass and meat traits. The optimal SID Lys requirement of 20−40 kg, 40−60 kg, and 60−90 kg of Baqing pigs fed corn−soybean meal-based diets is estimated to be 0.92%, 0.66%, and 0.55% of the diets by the quadratic curve models, respectively.

Annexin-A1 deficiency attenuates stress-induced tumor growth via fatty acid metabolism in mice: an Integrated multiple omics analysis on the stress- microbiome-metabolite-epigenetic-oncology (SMMEO) axis

Background: High emotional or psychophysical stress levels have been correlated with an increased risk and progression of various diseases. How stress impacts the gut microbiota to influence metabolism and subsequent cancer progression is unclear.

Methods: Feces and serum samples from BALB/c ANXA1^+/+ and ANXA1^-/- mice with or without chronic restraint stress were used for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and GC-MS metabolomics analysis to investigate the effect of stress on microbiome and metabolomics during stress and breast tumorigenesis. Breast tumors samples from stressed and non-stressed mice were used to perform Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) and RNAseq analysis to construct the potential network from candidate hub genes. Finally, machine learning and integrated analysis were used to map the axis from chronic restraint stress to breast cancer development.

Results: We report that chronic stress promotes breast tumor growth via a stress-microbiome-metabolite-epigenetic-oncology (SMMEO) axis. Chronic restraint stress in mice alters the microbiome composition and fatty acids metabolism and induces an epigenetic signature in tumors xenografted after stress. Subsequent machine learning and systemic modeling analyses identified a significant correlation among microbiome composition, metabolites, and differentially methylated regions in stressed tumors. Moreover, silencing Annexin-A1 inhibits the changes in the gut microbiome and fatty acid metabolism after stress as well as basal and stress-induced tumor growth.

Conclusions: These data support a physiological axis linking the microbiome and metabolites to cancer epigenetics and inflammation. The identification of this axis could propel the next phase of experimental discovery in further understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis caused by physiological stress.

Characteristics of Serum Metabolites and Gut Microbiota in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Disturbance of circulating metabolites and disorders of the gut microbiota are involved in the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, there is limited research on the relationship between serum metabolites and gut microbiota, and their involvement in DKD. In this study, using an experimental DKD rat model induced by combining streptozotocin injection and unilateral nephrectomy, we employed untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to explore the relationship between the metabolic profile and the structure and function of gut microbiota. Striking alterations took place in 140 serum metabolites, as well as in the composition and function of rat gut microbiota. These changes were mainly associated with carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. In these pathways, isomaltose, D-mannose, galactonic acid, citramalic acid, and prostaglandin B2 were significantly upregulated. 3-(2-Hydroxyethyl)indole, 3-methylindole, and indoleacrylic acid were downregulated and were the critical metabolites in the DKD model. Furthermore, the levels of these three indoles were restored after treatment with the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Tangshen Formula. At the genera level, g_Eubacterium_nodatum_group, g_Lactobacillus, and g_Faecalibaculum were most involved in metabolic disorders in the progression of DKD. Notably, the circulating lipid metabolites had a strong relationship with DKD-related parameters and were especially negatively related to the mesangial matrix area. Serum lipid indices (TG and TC) and UACR were directly associated with certain microbial genera. In conclusion, the present research verified the anomalous circulating metabolites and gut microbiota in DKD progression. We also identified the potential metabolic and microbial targets for the treatment of DKD.

Glutamate Supplementation Improves Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and Serum Metabolites in Heat-Stressed Hu Sheep

This study evaluated the effect of glutamate supplementation on the physiological parameters of heat-stressed Hu sheep. Forty-eight male Hu sheep with an average initial body weight of 17.74 ± 0.17 kg were randomly divided into two groups: The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet and a treatment group (GLU) was fed a basal diet + 3 g/head/day of L-glutamate. There were six replications in each group with four sheep in each replication for a 90 days feeding test. Growth performance, serum biochemistry, and serum hormones were measured during phase 1 (1–30 days), phase 2 (31–60 days), and phase 3 (61–90 days) of the experiment; rumen fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and slaughter performance were measured at the end of the experimental periods. There were no differences in growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and immune indices between CON and GLU during phases 1 and 2. However, a higher average daily gain (ADG), a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI), and a lower F:G ratio (ADFI/ADG) were observed in GLU during phase 3 (p < 0.05). Serum levels of glutamate, globulin, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and growth hormone in GLU were higher than those in CON only on day 90 (p < 0.05). Serum levels of heat shock protein 70, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, corticosterone, triiodothyronine, and tetraiodothyronine in GLU were lower than those in CON on day 90 (p < 0.05). At the end of the experiment, ruminal pH, microbial crude protein, ammonia nitrogen, and isovalerate concentrations in GLU were higher than those in CON (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein in GLU was higher than those in CON (p < 0.05). There were no differences in carcass traits and organ indices but spleen weight and spleen index tended to be higher in GLU. In conclusion, dietary glutamate supplementation improved rumen fermentation, increased nutrition digestibility and metabolism, enhanced immunity, and promoted growth performance of heat-stressed Hu sheep. This suggests that a longer period of glutamate supplementation (not less than 60 days) at a level of 3 g/head/day is beneficial to Hu sheep under heat stress.