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PloS One 2023Studies based on the bacterial diversity present in Mansonia spp. are limited; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial diversity in females and...
Studies based on the bacterial diversity present in Mansonia spp. are limited; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial diversity in females and larvae of Mansonia spp., describe the differences between the groups identified, and compare the microbiota of larvae from different collection sites. Sequences of the 16S rRNA region from the larvae and females of Mansonia spp. were analyzed. Diversity analyzes were performed to verify the possible bacterial differences between the groups and the collection sites. The results showed Pseudomonas was the most abundant genus in both females and larvae, followed by Wolbachia in females and Rikenellaceae and Desulfovibrio in larvae. Desulfovibrio and Sulfurospirillum, sulfate- and sulfur-reducing bacteria, respectively, were abundant on the larvae. Aminomonas, an amino acid-degrading bacterium, was found only in larvae, whereas Rickettsia was identified in females. Bacterial diversity was observed between females and larvae of Mansonia and between larvae from different collection sites. In addition, the results suggest that the environment influenced bacterial diversity.
Topics: Female; Animals; Larva; Brazil; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Culicidae; Bacteria
PubMed: 38011160
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293946 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2024In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi-zhi-wei-tong granule (QZWT) significantly reduced the major gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi-zhi-wei-tong granule (QZWT) significantly reduced the major gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
AIM OF THE STUDY
We aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of QZWT treated chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNAG) and to elucidate its potential mechanism.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The composition of QZWT was analysed by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The CNAG mice model was established by chronic restraint stress (CRS) in combination with iodoacetamide (IAA). Morphological staining was utilized to reveal the impact of QZWT on stomach and gut integrity. RT‒qPCR and ELISA were used to measure proinflammatory cytokines in the stomach, colon tissues and serum of CNAG mice. Next-generation sequencing of 16 S rDNA was applied to analyse the gut microbiota community of faecal samples. Finally, we investigated the faecal bile acid composition using GC‒MS.
RESULTS
Twenty-one of the compounds from QZWT were successfully identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS analysis. QZWT enhanced gastric and intestinal integrity and suppressed inflammatory responses in CNAG mice. Moreover, QZWT treatment reshaped the gut microbiota structure by increasing the levels of the Akkermansia genus and decreasing the populations of the Desulfovibrio genus in CNAG mice. The alteration of gut microbiota was associated with gut bacteria BA metabolism. In addition, QZWT reduced BAs and especially decreased conjugated BAs in CNAG mice. Spearman's correlation analysis further confirmed the links between the changes in the gut microbiota and CNAG indices.
CONCLUSIONS
QZWT can effectively inhibited gastrointestinal inflammatory responses of CNAG symptoms in mice; these effects may be closely related to restoring the balance of the gut microbiota and regulating BA metabolism to protect the gastric mucosa. This study provides a scientific reference for the pathogenesis of CNAG and the mechanism of QZWT treatment.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Qi; Lipid Metabolism; Bile Acids and Salts; Gastritis
PubMed: 37838294
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117304 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Sep 2023Penthorum chinense Pursh (P. chinense) has been traditionally used as hepatoprotective food and medicine for hundreds of years due to its significant antioxidant and...
Penthorum chinense Pursh (P. chinense) has been traditionally used as hepatoprotective food and medicine for hundreds of years due to its significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of action of P. chinense in type 2 diabetes mellitus were not fully understood. In this study, we found that P. chinense extract (PCP) supplementation resulted in reduced body weight and hyperglycemia, improved pancreatic tissue injury and insulin sensitivity, and decreased inflammatory cytokines expression in spontaneously diabetic db/db mice. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples showed that PCP administration decreased the abundance of Firmicutes and increased the proportion of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. Moreover, Muribaculum, Barnesiella, Prevotella, and Mucinivorans were enriched, with Desulfovibrio and Lactobacillus lowered at the genus level in db/db mice with PCP supplementation. These results suggested that PCP may ameliorate hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiota in db/db mice.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Pancreas; Hyperglycemia; Insulin Resistance
PubMed: 37689643
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04136-z -
Animal Bioscience May 2024This study investigated the impact of Aspergillus niger lysing polysaccharide monooxygenase (AnLPMO) on in vitro rumen microbial fermentation of rice straw.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the impact of Aspergillus niger lysing polysaccharide monooxygenase (AnLPMO) on in vitro rumen microbial fermentation of rice straw.
METHODS
AnLPMO was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyzed the surface structure of rice straw after AnLPMO treatment. Two in vitro experiments, coupled with 16S high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR techniques, assessed the influence of AnLPMO on rumen microbial fermentation of rice straw.
RESULTS
AnLPMO exhibited peak activity at 40 °C and pH 6.5, with a preference for rice straw xylan hydrolysis, followed by Avicel. AnLPMO application led to the fractional removal of cellulose and hemicelluloses and a notable reduction in the levels of carbon elements and C-C groups present on the surface of rice straw. Compared to the control (no AnLPMO), supplementing AnLPMO at 1.1 U-2.0 U significantly enhanced in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD, P < 0.01), total gas production (P < 0.01), and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFA, P < 0.01), acetate (P < 0.01), and ammonia-N (P < 0.01). Particularly, the 1.4 U AnLPMO group showed a 14.8% increase in IVDMD. In the second experiment, compared to deactivated AnLPMO (1.4 U), supplementing bioactive AnLPMO at 1.4 U increased IVDMD (P = 0.01), total gas production (P = 0.04), and concentrations of total VFA (P < 0.01), propionate (P < 0.01), and ammonia-N (P < 0.01), with a limited 9.6% increase in IVDMD. Supplementing AnLPMO stimulated the growth of ruminal bacterial taxa facilitating fiber degradation, including Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Succinivibrio, Rikenellaceae_RC9_Gut_Group, Prevotelaceae_UCG-003, Desulfovibrio, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens, Prevotella bryantii, P. ruminicola, and Treponema bryantii.
CONCLUSION
These findings highlight AnLPMO's potential as a feed additive for improving rice straw utilization in ruminant production.
PubMed: 38754847
DOI: 10.5713/ab.24.0026 -
Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia-Tang regulates liver-gut axis to ameliorate Metabolic Syndrome in HFD-fed mice.Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jan 2024Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, and abnormal blood lipid levels, is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases....
BACKGROUND
Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, and abnormal blood lipid levels, is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases. Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia-Tang decoction (GT) was first described in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, the earliest traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monograph on diagnosis and treatment of miscellaneous diseases in China. According to TCM precepts, based on its ability to activate yang to release stagnation, activate qi to reduce depression, remove phlegm, and broaden the chest, GT has been used for more than 2,000 years to treat cardiovascular ailments. However, the molecular bases of its therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to identify lipid- and glucose-related hepatic genes differentially regulated by GT, and to assess GT impact on gut microbiota composition, in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
ApoE/ mice were fed with an HFD for 24 weeks, with or without concurrent GT supplementation, to induce MetS. At the study's end, body weight, visceral fat weight, blood lipid levels, and insulin sensitivity were measured, and histopathological staining was used to evaluate hepatosteatosis and intestinal barrier integrity. Liver transcriptomics was used for analysis of differentially expressed genes in liver and prediction of relevant regulatory pathways. Hepatic lipid/glucose metabolism-related genes and proteins were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Gut microbial composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
RESULTS
GT administration reduced MetS-related liver steatosis and weight gain, promoted insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, and beneficially modulated gut microbiota composition by decreasing the relative abundance of g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and increasing the relative abundance of g_Alistipes. Liver transcriptomics revealed that GT regulated the expression of genes related to lipid and glucose metabolism (Pparγ, Igf1, Gpnmb, and Trem2) and of genes encoding chemokines/chemokine receptors (e.g. Cxcl9 and Cx3cr1). Significant, positive correlations were found for Ccr2, Ccl4, Ccr1, and Cx3cr1 and the g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and between Cxcl9, Ccr2, Ccl4, and Cx3cr1 and g_Desulfovibrio. GT treatment downregulated the protein expressions of SCD1 and CX3CR1 and upregulated the expression of PCK1 protein.
CONCLUSION
GT supplementation alleviates HFD-induced MetS in mice by improving hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. The anti-metabolic syndrome effects of GT may be related to the regulation of the gut-liver axis.
PubMed: 38901285
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155320 -
MSphere Oct 2023The Materials Corrosion Test (MaCoTe) at the Underground Research Laboratory in Grimsel, Switzerland, assesses the microbiology and corrosion behavior of engineered...
The Materials Corrosion Test (MaCoTe) at the Underground Research Laboratory in Grimsel, Switzerland, assesses the microbiology and corrosion behavior of engineered barrier components of a deep geological repository (DGR) for long-term disposal of high-level nuclear waste. Diversity and temporal changes of bentonite-associated microbial community profiles were assessed under DGR-like conditions for compacted Wyoming MX-80 bentonite (1.25 g/cm and 1.50 g/cm targeted dry densities) exposed to natural groundwater. Using culture-dependent and molecular techniques, samples taken from the outside layer of 5-year borehole modules revealed up to 66% and 23% of 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated with and respectively. Putatively involved in sulfate reduction, these taxa were almost undetectable within the bentonite core. Instead, microbial profiles of the inner bentonite core were similar to uncompacted bentonite used to pack modules years earlier, and were consistent with a previously published 1-year time point, revealing no detectable microbial growth. Abundances of culturable aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophic bacteria in the uncompacted bentonite were relatively low, with less than 1,000 and 100 colony-forming units (CFUs) per gram dry weight, respectively. Nearly 5 years after emplacement, culturable heterotrophic bacterial CFUs and sulfate-reducing bacteria did not change significantly inside the bentonite core. Phospholipid fatty acid data indicated similar lipid abundance, and corresponding cell abundance estimates, for inner 5-year MaCoTe bentonite samples compared to those previously obtained for 1-year incubations. Collectively, our results provide complementary evidence for microbial stability inside highly compacted bentonite exposed to conditions that mimic engineered barrier components of a deep geological repository. IMPORTANCE The long-term safety of a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel is dependent on the performance of the engineered and natural barriers. Microbial activity can produce chemical species that can influence the corrosion of the disposal containers for used nuclear fuel. Although previous studies have evaluated the microbiology of compacted bentonite clay within subsurface environments, these have been limited to relatively short incubations (i.e., 1 year). The current study provides a unique 5-year perspective that reinforces previous findings of growth inhibition for bentonite clay exposed to subsurface conditions.
Topics: Bentonite; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Clay; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Microbiota; Sulfates
PubMed: 37772811
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00048-23 -
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2024The diversity and composition of the oral and gut microbiota of depressed rats were analyzed to explore the microbiological etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD).
PURPOSE
The diversity and composition of the oral and gut microbiota of depressed rats were analyzed to explore the microbiological etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD).
METHODS
The depressed rat model was established by inducing chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After the establishment of the model, body weight measurements and behavioral tests were conducted. The diversity and composition of oral and gut microbiota were analyzed using 16SrRNA sequencing.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in the alpha and beta diversity of the oral microbiota of rats in the CUMS and control groups. The top three most abundant genera in the oral microbiota were , , and . Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that the abundance of decreased and that of Psychrotrophs increased in the CUMS group, and the differences were statistically significant. The top three most abundant genera in the gut microbiota were and . LEfSe analysis showed that the abundance of decreased in the CUMS group, and the difference was statistically significant. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to analyze the differential microbiota and depression-like behavior, which showed that differential microbiota significantly correlated with body weight, total distance traveled, average speed, and number of rearing. Spearman correlation analysis of oral and gut differential microbiota demonstrated a strong positive correlation between in the oral cavity and in the intestine (=0.64-0.73, <0.01); along with a strong negative correlation between in the oral cavity and , in the intestine(=-0.51--0.72, <0.05).
CONCLUSION
Significant differences were observed in the diversity and composition of oral and gut microbiota between the CUMS depression model and control groups. Modulating the oral and gut microbiota may have positive effects on MDD.
PubMed: 38344423
DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S448940 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024This study employs a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to systematically evaluate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and oral...
UNLABELLED
This study employs a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to systematically evaluate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and oral cavity cancer (OCC).
OBJECTIVE
To address the challenge in establishing the causal relationship between gut microbiota and OCC, we applied a systematic MR analysis.
METHODS
Utilizing GWAS data from the MiBioGen consortium (18,340 individuals) and UK Biobank (n = 264,137), we selected instrumental variables and employed MR-Egger, weighted median, IVW, and weighted mode analyses. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy were assessed using Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger intercept test.
RESULTS
Our findings indicate, at the order level, (OR = 0.9990, 95% CI = 0.9980-1.0000, = ), (OR = 1.0009, 95% CI = 1.0001-1.0018, = ), and (OR = 0.9979, 95% CI = 0.9962-0.9995, = ) exhibit causality on OCC in the Weighted median, IVW, and MR-Egger analyses, respectively. At the family level, (OR = 1.0012, 95% CI = 1.0004-1.0019, = ) and (OR = 0.9970, 95% CI = 0.9948-0.9992, = ) show causality on OCC in IVW and MR-Egger analyses. At the genus level, (IVW, OR = 0.9987, 95% CI = 0.9980-0.9995, = ; MR-Egger, OR = 0.9978, 95% CI = 0.9962-0.9995, = ), (IVW, OR = 1.0008, 95% CI = 1.0001-1.0015, = ), (IVW, OR = 0.9995, 95% CI = 0.9990-1.0000, = ), group (IVW, OR = 1.0005, 95% CI = 1.0000-1.0009, = ), and (IVW, OR = 0.9994, 95% CI = 0.9989-0.9999, = ) are implicated in causing OCC in related analyses.
CONCLUSION
Our study identifies order, family, genus, and group as causally increasing OCC risk. In contrast, order, order, family, genus, genus, and genus are causally associated with a decreased OCC risk. However, further investigations are essential to delineate an optimal gut microbiota composition and unravel the underlying mechanisms of specific bacterial taxa in OCC pathophysiology.
PubMed: 38884080
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1389678 -
Chinese Herbal Medicines Jan 2024The mild-natured and bitter-flavored traditional Chinese medicines (MB-TCMs) are an important class of TCMs that have been widely used in clinical practice and... (Review)
Review
The mild-natured and bitter-flavored traditional Chinese medicines (MB-TCMs) are an important class of TCMs that have been widely used in clinical practice and recognized as safe long-term treatments for chronic diseases. However, as an important class of TCMs, the panorama of pharmacological effects and the mechanisms of MB-TCMs have not been systemically reviewed. Compelling studies have shown that gut microbiota can mediate the therapeutic activity of TCMs and help to elucidate the core principles of TCM medicinal theory. In this systematic review, we found that MB-TCMs commonly participated in the modulation of metabolic syndrome, intestinal inflammation, nervous system disease and cardiovascular system disease in association with promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria , , , , as well as inhibiting the proliferation of harmful bacteria , , and . These alterations, correspondingly, enhance the generation of protective metabolites, mainly including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acid (BAs), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), indole and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and inhibit the generation of harmful metabolites, such as proinflammatory factors trimethylamine oxide (TAMO) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to further exert multiplicative effects for the maintenance of human health through several different signaling pathways. Altogether, this present review has attempted to comprehensively summarize the relationship between MB-TCMs and gut microbiota by establishing the TCMs-gut microbiota-metabolite-signaling pathway-diseases axis, which may provide new insight into the study of TCM medicinal theories and their clinical applications.
PubMed: 38375054
DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2023.08.001 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Evidence from our lab and others indicates the vascular effects of dietary blueberries. In the present study, we determined dietary blueberries' dose- and time-dependent...
Evidence from our lab and others indicates the vascular effects of dietary blueberries. In the present study, we determined dietary blueberries' dose- and time-dependent effects on diabetic vasculature and their association with gut microbes. Seven-week-old / diabetic male mice were fed a diet supplemented with ± freeze-dried wild blueberry powder (FD-BB) for 4, 8, or 12 weeks (three cohorts). Diets contained 0%, 1.23%, 2.46%, and 3.7% of FD-BB, equivalent to 0, ½, 1, and 1.5 human servings of wild blueberries, respectively. The non-diabetic / mice fed a standard diet served as controls. Metabolic parameters, vascular inflammation, and gut microbiome were assessed. Dietary supplementation of 3.7% FD-BB improved vascular inflammation in diabetic mice without improving systemic milieu in all three cohorts. Blueberries improved diabetes-induced gut dysbiosis depending on blueberry dosage and treatment duration. Spearman's correlation indicated that the opportunistic microbes and commensal microbes were positively and negatively associated with indices of vascular inflammation, respectively. Dietary blueberries reduced the opportunistic microbe that was positively associated with vascular inflammation (), and increased the commensal microbe that was negatively associated with vascular inflammation (). Dietary blueberries could be a potential adjunct strategy to beneficially modulate gut microbes and improve vascular complications in diabetes.
PubMed: 37627522
DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081527