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Chinese Medical Journal Jan 2024Links between alterations in gut microbiota composition and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have previously been reported. This study aimed to examine the microbiota...
BACKGROUND
Links between alterations in gut microbiota composition and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have previously been reported. This study aimed to examine the microbiota in the nasal cavity of ALS.
METHODS
Sixty-six ALS patients and 40 healthy caregivers who live in close proximity with patients were enrolled. High throughput metagenomic sequencing of the 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) gene V3-V4 region of nasal microbiota was used to characterize the alpha and beta diversity and relative abundance of bacterial taxa, predict function, and conduct correlation analysis between specific taxa and clinical features.
RESULTS
The nasal microbiome of ALS patients showed lower alpha diversity than that of corresponding healthy family members. Genera Gaiella , Sphingomonas , Polaribacter _1, Lachnospiraceae _NK4A136_group, Klebsiella , and Alistipes were differentially enriched in ALS patients compared to controls. Nasal microbiota composition in ALS patients significantly differed from that in healthy subjects (unweighted UniFrac P = 0.001), while Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes dominated healthy nasal communities at the phylum level, whereas Actinobacteria was the predominant phylum and Thermoleophilia was the predominant class in ALS patients. Genus Faecalibacterium and Alistipes were positively correlated with ALS functional rating scale revised (ALSFRS-R; rs = 0.349, P = 0.020 and rs = 0.393, P = 0.008), while Prevotella -9 and Bacteroides operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were positively associated with lung function (FVC) in ALS patients ( rs = 0.304, P = 0.045, and rs = 0.300, P = 0.048, respectively). Prevotella -1 was positively correlated with white blood cell counts (WBC, rs = 0.347, P = 0.021), neutrophil percentage (Neu%, rs = 0.428, P = 0.004), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, rs = 0.411, P = 0.006), but negatively correlated with lymphocyte percentage (Lym%, rs = -0.408, P = 0.006). In contrast, Streptococcus was negatively associated with Neu% ( rs = -0.445, P = 0.003) and NLR ( rs = -0.436, P = 0.003), while positively associated with Lym% ( rs = 0.437, P = 0.003). No significant differences in nasal microbiota richness and evenness were detected among the severe and mild ALS patients.
CONCLUSIONS
ALS is accompanied by altered nasal microbial community composition and diversity. The findings presented here highlight the need to understand how dysbiosis of nasal microbiota may contribute to the development of ALS.
Topics: Humans; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Feces; Microbiota; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Bacteria; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 37482646
DOI: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000002701 -
PeerJ 2022Dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) provide water for handpieces, air/water syringes, and mouth-rinse water outlets. DUWL contamination can negatively affect the operating...
BACKGROUND
Dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) provide water for handpieces, air/water syringes, and mouth-rinse water outlets. DUWL contamination can negatively affect the operating environment and public health. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the bacterial concentrations and microbial composition in the DUWLs from different dental specialties.
METHODS
We collected 350 5-mL dental water samples (from high-speed handpieces, air/water syringes, and mouth-rinse water outlets) from 60 dental chair units (DCUs) at a dental hospital to determine the bacterial concentrations by culture methods. Meanwhile, to investigate the diversity and community structure of microbe in the DUWLs, 17 high-quality DNA from 60 250-mL air/water syringe water samples, which were collected from the same 60 DCUs, were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing.
RESULTS
The median bacterial concentration was 166 (31.5, 672.5) CFU/mL and the range was 0-3,816,000 CFU/mL. Only 42.6% of the water samples had bacterial concentrations below 100 CFU/mL. The Kruskal-Wallis -test revealed that the water samples from three dental specialties had significantly different bacterial concentrations ( = 27.441, < 0.01). High-throughput sequencing results showed significant differences in bacterial community structure between periodontics and the other two dental specialties. In the samples from three dental specialties, 508 OTUs were detected, with 160, 182 and 176 OTUs unique to the periodontics, endodontics and prosthodontics specialties, respectively. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) suggested that Hydrocarboniphaga, Zoogloea, Aquabacterium, and Hydrogenophaga were enriched in the periodontics specialty; Acinetobacter, Geothrix, and Desulfovibrio were enriched in the prosthodontics specialty; and Alistipes, Clostridium XIVa, and Serratia were enriched in the endodontics specialty. Seven potentially human-pathogenic genera (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Ochrobactrum, Rhizobium, Brevundimonas, and Methylobacterium) with relative abundance exceeding 1% were also detected in the DUWLs.
CONCLUSIONS
The bacterial concentrations and microbial composition were influenced by different dental specialties, so a validated disinfection protocol should be used to control DUWL contamination in different dental specialties.
Topics: Humans; Equipment Contamination; Bacteria; Disinfection; Microbiota; Biofilms
PubMed: 35036099
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12723 -
BMC Microbiology Sep 2023The coexistence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may largely increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. However, there is no clear consensus on the...
BACKGROUND
The coexistence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may largely increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. However, there is no clear consensus on the association between hypertension and the risk of diabetes. Gut microbiota plays important roles in the development of hypertension and T2DM, but whether there is difference between hypertension patients with or without T2DM has not been explored yet.
METHODS
We recruited 101 hypertension patients in this study (72 patients without T2DM named HT group and 29 patients with T2DM named HT-T2DM group). Their blood samples were collected for testing clinical characteristics and fecal samples were tested for bacterial DNA using 16 S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing targeting the V3 and V4 region. The data of 40 samples were downloaded from project PRJNA815750 as health control (HC group) in this study. The community composition and structure of the microbiome, taxonomic difference, co-occurrence network and functional enrichment were analyzed by alpha/beta diversity, LEfSe, Fruchterman Reingold's algorithm and PICRUSt2 functional analysis, respectively.
RESULTS
Alpha and beta diversity analysis showed significant differences in microbial community richness and composition among the three groups. The HC group had a significantly higher Simpson index and a distinct microbiota community compared to the HT and HT-T2DM groups, as demonstrated by significant differences in unweighted and weighted UniFrac distances. The LEfSe analysis identified specific taxa that had significantly different abundance among the groups, such as Bacteroides uniformis, Blautia wexlerae, Alistipes putredinis, and Prevotella stercorea in the HC group, Prevotella copri and Phascolarctobacterium faecium in the HT group, and Klebsiella pneumoniae in the HT-T2DM group. Co-occurrence network analysis indicates that Prevotella copri, Mediterraneibacter gnavus, Alistipes onderdonkii and some unidentified species act as key nodes in the network. Differentially functional pathway identified by PICRUSt2 were concentrated in nutrition and energy metabolism, as well as the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study found significant differences in microbial community richness, composition, and function among the healthy controls, hypertension patients with and without T2DM. Some specific taxa may explain this difference and serve as potential therapeutic targets for hypertension, T2DM, and their coexistence.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; East Asian People; Hypertension
PubMed: 37689641
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02967-x -
Microbiology Spectrum May 2024Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most predominant subtypes of esophageal cancer. The characteristics of the gut microbiome and its metabolites...
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most predominant subtypes of esophageal cancer. The characteristics of the gut microbiome and its metabolites from patients with ESCC have not been adequately studied and discussed. In this study, 40 fecal samples (20 from ESCC patients and 20 from healthy controls) were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The data sets were analyzed individually and synthesized using various bioinformatics methods. Alpha and beta diversity indicated significant differences in microbial diversity and abundance between ESCC and healthy control feces. At the genus level, the abundance of , , and was significantly increased in ESCC. At the genus level, linear discriminant analysis effect size identified two biomarkers: and . Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed 307 differential metabolites between ESCC and healthy control feces, with indoles and derivatives, tropane alkaloids, lipids, and lipid-like molecules in higher relative abundance in ESCC feces than in healthy control feces. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that unsaturated fatty acids (FAs), ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathway were significantly associated with differential metabolite. Phenylethanolamine and despropionyl p-fluoro fentanyl could be used as reliable biomarkers to differentiate ESCC from healthy control. The correlation analysis showed that may be involved in the synthesis of fatty acyl, carboxylic acids and derivatives, benzenes and substituted derivatives, organic oxygenates, and indoles and derivatives as metabolites. and may be involved in the degradation of indoles and derivatives. , , and may be involved in the synthesis of indoles and derivatives with strong contributions. There is an intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the levels of several metabolites (e.g., fatty acyls, carboxylic acids and derivatives, indoles, and derivatives). Microbial-associated metabolites can be used as diagnostic biomarkers in therapeutic exploration. Further analysis revealed that , , , and might promote ESCC by regulating the synthesis of indoles and their derivatives. The results of this study provide favorable evidence for the early diagnosis of ESCC and subsequent individualized treatment and targeted interventions.IMPORTANCEWe describe for the first time the differences in fecal microbiome composition and metabolites between patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and healthy controls by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The results of this study provide a favorable basis for the early diagnosis of ESCC and subsequent targeted interventional therapy.
Topics: Humans; Feces; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Metabolomics; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Esophageal Neoplasms; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Bacteria; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Biomarkers, Tumor; Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38497715
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04012-23 -
International Urogynecology Journal Sep 2021Growing literature details the critical importance of the microbiome in the modulation of human health and disease including both the gastrointestinal and genitourinary...
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Growing literature details the critical importance of the microbiome in the modulation of human health and disease including both the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Rectovaginal fistulae (RVF) are notoriously difficult to manage, many requiring multiple attempts at repair before correction is achieved. RVF involves two distinct microbiome communities whose characteristics and potential interplay have not been previously characterized and may influence surgical success.
METHODS
In this pilot study, rectal and vaginal samples were collected from 14 patients with RVF. Samples were collected preoperatively, immediately following surgery, 6-8 weeks postoperatively and at the time of any fistula recurrence. Amplification of the 16S rDNA V3-V5 gene region was done to identify microbiota. Data were summarized using both α-diversity to describe species richness and evenness and β-diversity to characterize the shared variation between communities. Differential abundance analysis was performed to identify microbial taxa associated with recurrence.
RESULTS
The rectal and vaginal microbiome in patients undergoing successful fistula repair was different than in those with recurrence (β-diversity, p = 0.005 and 0.018, respectively) and was characterized by higher species diversity (α-diversity, p = 0.07 and p = 0.006, respectively). Thirty-one taxa were enriched in patients undergoing successful repair to include Bacteroidetes, Alistipes and Rikenellaceae as well as Firmicutes, Subdoligranulum, Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 and NK4A214 group.
CONCLUSIONS
Microbiome characteristics associated with fistula recurrence have been identified. The association of higher vaginal diversity with a favorable outcome has not been previously described. Expansion of this pilot project is needed to confirm findings. Taxa associated with successful repair could be targeted for subsequent therapeutic intervention.
Topics: Female; Humans; Microbiota; Pilot Projects; Rectovaginal Fistula; Rectum
PubMed: 33175227
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04580-2 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2022The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is alarmingly increasing worldwide, urgently calling for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms in order to...
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is alarmingly increasing worldwide, urgently calling for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms in order to step up prevention and improve therapeutic approaches. It is becoming evident that the gut microbiota seem to have an endless capacity to impact T2D. In this study, we profile the gut microbiome patterns in T2D patients from Romania, by using quantitative Real-Time PCR and next generation sequencing. We enrolled a total of 150 individuals (105 T2D patients, 50 of them without metformin treatment and 45 healthy volunteers). The levels of potentially beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria were significantly reduced, while potentially pathogenic microorganisms such as and were enriched in T2D patients. We evaluated the correlation between clinical parameters and gut microbiota and identified the genera Bacteroides, , , and as possible detrimental factors in T2D. Our findings suggest that the gut microbiota may be a potential target in novel approaches to halt the development of T2D-associated complications.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Microbiota; Metformin; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Bacteroidetes
PubMed: 36499348
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315023 -
Microorganisms Sep 2023Depression is a leading cause of disease worldwide. The association between gut microbiota and depression has barely been investigated in the Japanese population. We...
Depression is a leading cause of disease worldwide. The association between gut microbiota and depression has barely been investigated in the Japanese population. We analyzed Iwaki health check-up data collected from 2017 to 2019 and constructed generalized linear mixed models. The independent variable was the relative abundance of each of the 37 gut microbiota genera that were reported to be associated with depression. The dependent variable was the presence of depression assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Potential confounders, including grip strength, gender, height, weight, smoking, and drinking habits, were adjusted in the regression models. Nine genera's regression coefficients (, , , , , , , , and ) showed statistical significance after multiple comparisons adjustment. Among these nine gut bacteria genera, , , , , , and were reported to be associated with butyrate production in the intestine. Our results indicate that gut microbiotas may influence the depression condition of the host via the butyrate-producing process.
PubMed: 37764129
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092286 -
Journal of Crohn's & Colitis Jul 2023Crohn's disease [CD] is a major subtype of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] with increasing incidence and prevalence. Results of studies using available small and large...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Crohn's disease [CD] is a major subtype of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] with increasing incidence and prevalence. Results of studies using available small and large animal models are often poorly translatable to patients, and few CD models show small intestinal pathology. Due to its similarities to humans, the pig has emerged as a highly suitable translational disease model, particularly for testing novel nutritional and technological interventions. Our goal was to develop a physiologically relevant porcine CD model to facilitate translation of findings and interventions towards the clinic.
METHODS
We generated pigs bearing a 93-bp deletion of the adenosine-uracil-rich element [ARE] and a constitutive-decay element within the 3' untranslated region of the TNF gene. Comparative analysis of physiological, molecular, histological and microbial characteristics was performed between wild-type, TNFΔARE/+ and TNFΔARE/ΔARE animals. Alterations in the microbiome were compared to the TNFΔARE mouse model and IBD patients.
RESULTS
TNF ΔARE pigs recapitulate major characteristics of human CD, including ulcerative transmural ileocolitis, increased abundance of proinflammatory cytokines, immune cell infiltration and dysbiotic microbial communities. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed enrichment in members belonging to Megasphaera, Campylobacter, Desulfovibrio, Alistipes and Lachnoclostridum in faecal or mucosa-associated bacteria compared to wild-type littermates. Principal components analysis clustering with a subset of TNFΔARE/+ mice and human IBD patients suggests microbial similarity based on disease severity.
CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate that the TNFΔARE pig resembles a CD-like ileocolitis pathophenotype recapitulating human disease. The ability to conduct long-term studies and test novel surgical procedures and dietary interventions in a physiologically relevant model will benefit future translational IBD research studies.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Swine; Crohn Disease; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Ileitis; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
PubMed: 36821422
DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad034 -
Nutrients May 2023Changes in the composition and ratio of the flora during colitis have been found to potentially affect ovarian function through nutrient absorption. However, the...
Changes in the composition and ratio of the flora during colitis have been found to potentially affect ovarian function through nutrient absorption. However, the mechanisms have not been fully explored. To investigate whether colitis-induced dysbacteriosis of the intestinal flora affects ovarian function, mice were given dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) through drinking water. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to clarify the composition and proportion of bacterial flora as well as gene expression changes in the colon. Changes in follicle type, number, and hormone secretion in the ovary were detected. The results showed that 2.5% DSS could induce severe colitis symptoms, including increased inflammatory cell infiltration, severe damage to the crypt, and high expression of inflammatory factors. Moreover, vitamin A synthesis metabolism-related genes , , , , and were significantly decreased, as well as the levels of the steroid hormone synthase-related proteins STAR and CYP11A1. The levels of estradiol, progesterone, and Anti-Mullerian hormone as well as the quality of oocytes decreased significantly. The significantly changed abundances of , , , and some other flora had potentially important roles. DSS-induced colitis and impaired vitamin A absorption reduced ovarian function.
Topics: Female; Mice; Animals; Vitamin A; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Colitis; Colon; Hormones; Dextran Sulfate; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 37299390
DOI: 10.3390/nu15112425 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2022This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of low-carbohydrate diet (LC) and incorporated high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous...
OBJECTIVE
This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of low-carbohydrate diet (LC) and incorporated high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on gut microbiota, and the associations between changes in gut microbiota and cardiometabolic health-related profiles.
METHODS
Fifty overweight/obese Chinese females (age 22.2 ± 3.3 years, body mass index 25.1 ± 3.1 kg/m) were randomized to the groups of LC, LC and HIIT (LC-HIIT, 10 repetitions of 6-s sprints and 9-s rest), and LC and MICT group (LC-MICT, cycling at 50-60% V̇O for 30 min). The LC-HIIT and LC-MICT experienced 20 training sessions over 4 weeks.
RESULTS
The 4-week LC intervention with/without additional training failed to change the Shannon, Chao 1, and Simpson indexes ( > 0.05), LC increased genus, and LC-HIIT reduced genus after intervention ( < 0.05). Groups with extra exercise training increased short-chain fatty acid-producing genus ( < 0.05) and reduced type 2 diabetes-related genus ( < 0.05) compared to LC. ( = -0.335) and ( = 0.334) were associated with changes in body composition ( < 0.05). Changes in , , and genera were positively associated with blood pressure (BP) changes ( = 0.392-0.445, < 0.05), whereas the changes in , , and genera were negatively associated with BP changes ( = -0.567 to -0.362, < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
LC intervention did not change the α-diversity and overall structure of gut microbiota. Combining LC with exercise training may have additional benefits on gut physiology. Specific microbial genera were associated with LC- and exercise-induced regulation of cardiometabolic health.
PubMed: 35592627
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.884550