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Frontiers in Microbiology 2024In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of Yinhuapinggan granules (YHPGs) in influenza-infected mice. We also examined how YHPGs affect the composition of the...
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of Yinhuapinggan granules (YHPGs) in influenza-infected mice. We also examined how YHPGs affect the composition of the intestinal flora and associated metabolites.
METHODS
We used the nasal drip method to administer the influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1 to ICR mice. Following successful model construction, the mice were injected with 0.9% sterile saline and low (5.5 g/kg), medium (11 g/kg), and high (22 g/kg) doses of YHPGs. The pathological changes in the lungs and intestines were evaluated by gavage for 5 consecutive days. Detection of sIgA, IL-6, TNF-α, INF-γ, and TGF-β cytokine levels in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression of the tight junction proteins claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the colon. To assess the influence of YHPGs on the intestinal microbiota, feces were obtained from the mice for 16s rRNA sequencing, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured in the feces.
RESULTS
By reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the relative expression of claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1 in colon tissues, YHPGs had a protective effect in tissues from the lungs and colon. When YHPGs were administered to mice with IAV infection, the relative abundance of , , , , , and increased, whereas the relative abundance of decreased.
CONCLUSION
The therapeutic mechanism of YHPGs against IAV infection in mice may be underpinned by modulation of the structural composition of colonic bacteria and regulation of SCFA production.
PubMed: 38741735
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1394304 -
Pharmacological Research Jun 2024In recent years several experimental observations demonstrated that the gut microbiome plays a role in regulating positively or negatively metabolic homeostasis....
In recent years several experimental observations demonstrated that the gut microbiome plays a role in regulating positively or negatively metabolic homeostasis. Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a Tryptophan catabolic product mainly produced by C. Sporogenes, has been recently shown to exert either favorable or unfavorable effects in the context of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. We performed a study to delineate clinical and multiomics characteristics of human subjects characterized by low and high IPA levels. Subjects with low IPA blood levels showed insulin resistance, overweight, low-grade inflammation, and features of metabolic syndrome compared to those with high IPA. Metabolomics analysis revealed that IPA was negatively correlated with leucine, isoleucine, and valine metabolism. Transcriptomics analysis in colon tissue revealed the enrichment of several signaling, regulatory, and metabolic processes. Metagenomics revealed several OTU of ruminococcus, alistipes, blautia, butyrivibrio and akkermansia were significantly enriched in IPA group while in IPA group Escherichia-Shigella, megasphera, and Desulfovibrio genus were more abundant. Next, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with IPA in a mouse model may recapitulate the observations of human subjects, at least in part. We found that a short treatment with IPA (4 days at 20/mg/kg) improved glucose tolerance and Akt phosphorylation in the skeletal muscle level, while regulating blood BCAA levels and gene expression in colon tissue, all consistent with results observed in human subjects stratified for IPA levels. Our results suggest that treatment with IPA may be considered a potential strategy to improve insulin resistance in subjects with dysbiosis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Female; Middle Aged; Insulin Resistance; Indoles; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Metabolomics; Mice; Adult; Metabolic Syndrome; Comorbidity; Muscle, Skeletal; Multiomics
PubMed: 38734193
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107207 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Apr 2024This study investigated the efficacy of a composite probiotics composed of , , and in alleviating oxidative stress in weaned piglets and pregnant sows. Evaluations of...
This study investigated the efficacy of a composite probiotics composed of , , and in alleviating oxidative stress in weaned piglets and pregnant sows. Evaluations of growth, oxidative stress, inflammation, intestinal barrier, and fecal microbiota were conducted. Results showed that the composite probiotic significantly promoted average daily gain in piglets ( < 0.05). It effectively attenuated inflammatory responses ( < 0.05) and oxidative stress ( < 0.05) while enhancing intestinal barrier function in piglets ( < 0.01). Fecal microbiota analysis revealed an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as , , , , and in piglet feces and , , , and in sow feces, with a decrease in harmful bacteria such as and in sow feces upon probiotic supplementation. Correlation analysis indicated significant negative associations of with inflammation and oxidative stress in piglet feces, while and showed significant positive associations. In sow feces, , , , and exhibited significant negative associations, while showed a significant positive association. Therefore, the composite probiotic alleviated oxidative stress in weaned piglets and pregnant sows by modulating fecal microbiota composition.
PubMed: 38731362
DOI: 10.3390/ani14091359 -
Characterization of the Bottlenecks and Pathways for Inhibitor Dissociation from [NiFe] Hydrogenase.Journal of Chemical Information and... May 2024[NiFe] hydrogenases can act as efficient catalysts for hydrogen oxidation and biofuel production. However, some [NiFe] hydrogenases are inhibited by gas molecules...
[NiFe] hydrogenases can act as efficient catalysts for hydrogen oxidation and biofuel production. However, some [NiFe] hydrogenases are inhibited by gas molecules present in the environment, such as O and CO. One strategy to engineer [NiFe] hydrogenases and achieve O- and CO-tolerant enzymes is by introducing point mutations to block the access of inhibitors to the catalytic site. In this work, we characterized the unbinding pathways of CO in the complex with the wild-type and 10 different mutants of [NiFe] hydrogenase from using τ-random accelerated molecular dynamics (τRAMD) to enhance the sampling of unbinding events. The ranking provided by the relative residence times computed with τRAMD is in agreement with experiments. Extensive data analysis of the simulations revealed that from the two bottlenecks proposed in previous studies for the transit of gas molecules (residues 74 and 122 and residues 74 and 476), only one of them (residues 74 and 122) effectively modulates diffusion and residence times for CO. We also computed pathway probabilities for the unbinding of CO, O, and H from the wild-type [NiFe] hydrogenase, and we observed that while the most probable pathways are the same, the secondary pathways are different. We propose that introducing mutations to block the most probable paths, in combination with mutations to open the main secondary path used by H, can be a feasible strategy to achieve CO and O resistance in the [NiFe] hydrogenase from .
Topics: Hydrogenase; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Carbon Monoxide; Desulfovibrio; Enzyme Inhibitors; Mutation; Oxygen; Protein Conformation
PubMed: 38728115
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00187 -
Geobiology 2024Microbial sulfate reduction is central to the global carbon cycle and the redox evolution of Earth's surface. Tracking the activity of sulfate reducing microorganisms...
Microbial sulfate reduction is central to the global carbon cycle and the redox evolution of Earth's surface. Tracking the activity of sulfate reducing microorganisms over space and time relies on a nuanced understanding of stable sulfur isotope fractionation in the context of the biochemical machinery of the metabolism. Here, we link the magnitude of stable sulfur isotopic fractionation to proteomic and metabolite profiles under different cellular energetic regimes. When energy availability is limited, cell-specific sulfate respiration rates and net sulfur isotope fractionation inversely covary. Beyond net S isotope fractionation values, we also quantified shifts in protein expression, abundances and isotopic composition of intracellular S metabolites, and lipid structures and lipid/water H isotope fractionation values. These coupled approaches reveal which protein abundances shift directly as a function of energy flux, those that vary minimally, and those that may vary independent of energy flux and likely do not contribute to shifts in S-isotope fractionation. By coupling the bulk S-isotope observations with quantitative proteomics, we provide novel constraints for metabolic isotope models. Together, these results lay the foundation for more predictive metabolic fractionation models, alongside interpretations of environmental sulfur and sulfate reducer lipid-H isotope data.
Topics: Sulfur Isotopes; Desulfovibrio vulgaris; Proteomics; Proteome; Energy Metabolism; Metabolome; Bacterial Proteins; Oxidation-Reduction; Sulfates
PubMed: 38725144
DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12600 -
Food & Function May 2024In the presented study, natural rice containing high resistant starch content was used as a raw material to produce rice resistant starch (RRS) through enzymatic...
Physiochemical characterization and ameliorative effect of rice resistant starch modified by heat-stable α-amylase and glucoamylase on the gut microbial community in T2DM mice.
In the presented study, natural rice containing high resistant starch content was used as a raw material to produce rice resistant starch (RRS) through enzymatic hydrolysis with heat-stable α-amylase and glucoamylase. The chemical composition, structural characteristics and glycemic index (GI) of RRS were evaluated. The effects of RRS at different doses on the body weight, serum biochemical levels, pathological indexes, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut and the intestinal microbial composition in T2DM mice were investigated. The results of physiochemical characterization indicated that, relative to rice flour, RRS mainly comprising resistant starch had higher crystallinity (25.85%) and a more stable structure, which contributed to its lower digestibility and decreased GI . Compared with the model control group, 1 g per kg BW and 2 g per kg BW oral gavage dosages of RRS effectively enhanced the SCFA productivity in the T2DM mouse gut, as well as alleviating T2DM symptoms, involving an increase in body weight, reduction in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase, and an increase in serum insulin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Besides, 1 g per kg BW and 2 g per kg BW dosages of RRS mitigated T2DM-induced pancreas damage. Furthermore, up-regulation in the abundance of probiotics (, , ) and down-regulation in the number of harmful bacteria (, , ) were observed in all RRS-treated groups. In summary, this work suggested that RRS prepared using heat-stable α-amylase and glucoamylase could be a potential functional component for amelioration of T2DM applied in the fields of food and pharmaceutics.
Topics: Animals; Oryza; Mice; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Glucan 1,4-alpha-Glucosidase; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; alpha-Amylases; Male; Starch; Blood Glucose; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Resistant Starch; Hot Temperature; Bacteria; Humans
PubMed: 38722000
DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05456j -
Acta Crystallographica. Section F,... May 2024Molybdenum- or tungsten-dependent formate dehydrogenases have emerged as significant catalysts for the chemical reduction of CO to formate, with biotechnological...
Molybdenum- or tungsten-dependent formate dehydrogenases have emerged as significant catalysts for the chemical reduction of CO to formate, with biotechnological applications envisaged in climate-change mitigation. The role of Met405 in the active site of Desulfovibrio vulgaris formate dehydrogenase AB (DvFdhAB) has remained elusive. However, its proximity to the metal site and the conformational change that it undergoes between the resting and active forms suggests a functional role. In this work, the M405S variant was engineered, which allowed the active-site geometry in the absence of methionine S interactions with the metal site to be revealed and the role of Met405 in catalysis to be probed. This variant displayed reduced activity in both formate oxidation and CO reduction, together with an increased sensitivity to oxygen inactivation.
Topics: Desulfovibrio vulgaris; Formate Dehydrogenases; Catalytic Domain; Crystallography, X-Ray; Oxidation-Reduction; Models, Molecular; Formates; Carbon Dioxide; Bacterial Proteins
PubMed: 38699971
DOI: 10.1107/S2053230X24003911 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common systemic disorder related to endocrine disorders, affecting the fertility of women of childbearing age. It is associated...
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common systemic disorder related to endocrine disorders, affecting the fertility of women of childbearing age. It is associated with glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, altered gut microbiota, and insulin resistance. Modern treatments like pioglitazone, metformin, and spironolactone target specific symptoms of PCOS, while in Chinese medicine, moxibustion is a common treatment. This study explores moxibustion's impact on PCOS by establishing a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model. Thirty-six specific pathogen-free female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a normal control group (CTRL), a PCOS model group (PCOS), a moxibustion treatment group (MBT), and a metformin treatment group (MET). The MBT rats received moxibustion, and the MET rats underwent metformin gavage for two weeks. We evaluated ovarian tissue changes, serum testosterone, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fasting insulin levels. Additionally, we calculated the insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). We used 16S rDNA sequencing for assessing the gut microbiota, H NMR spectroscopy for evaluating metabolic changes, and Spearman correlation analysis for investigating the associations between metabolites and gut microbiota composition. The results indicate that moxibustion therapy significantly ameliorated ovarian dysfunction and insulin resistance in DHEA-induced PCOS rats. We observed marked differences in the composition of gut microbiota and the spectrum of fecal metabolic products between CTRL and PCOS rats. Intriguingly, following moxibustion intervention, these differences were largely diminished, demonstrating the regulatory effect of moxibustion on gut microbiota. Specifically, moxibustion altered the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of and , as well as decreasing the abundance of . Concurrently, we also noted that moxibustion promoted an increase in levels of short-chain fatty acids (including acetate, propionate, and butyrate) associated with the gut microbiota of PCOS rats, further emphasizing its positive impact on gut microbes. Additionally, moxibustion also exhibited effects in lowering FBG, testosterone, and fasting insulin levels, which are key biochemical indicators associated with PCOS and insulin resistance. Therefore, these findings suggest that moxibustion could alleviate DHEA-induced PCOS by regulating metabolic levels, restoring balance in gut microbiota, and modulating interactions between gut microbiota and host metabolites.
Topics: Animals; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Female; Moxibustion; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats; Disease Models, Animal; Insulin Resistance; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Blood Glucose; Insulin; Metformin; Testosterone; Ovary
PubMed: 38665877
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1328741 -
Microbiological Research Jul 2024Increasing studies have focused on the relationship between Desulfovibrio bacteria (DSV) and host health in recent years. However, little is known about the mechanisms... (Review)
Review
Increasing studies have focused on the relationship between Desulfovibrio bacteria (DSV) and host health in recent years. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which DSV affects host health and the strategies to accurately regulate DSV numbers. This review mainly presents the relationship between DSV and host health, potential modulatory strategies, and the potential mechanisms affecting host health. Evidence suggests that DSV can both promote host health and induce the occurrence and development of disease, and these effects are closely related to its metabolites (e.g., HS and short-chain fatty acids) and biofilm. DSV abundance in the intestine is influenced by probiotics, prebiotics, diet, lifestyle, and drugs.
Topics: Desulfovibrio; Humans; Probiotics; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Biofilms; Intestines; Prebiotics; Animals; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Hydrogen Sulfide; Diet
PubMed: 38663233
DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127725 -
FEMS Microbiology Ecology May 2024The dihydrogen (H2) sector is undergoing development and will require massive storage solutions. To minimize costs, the conversion of underground geological storage...
The dihydrogen (H2) sector is undergoing development and will require massive storage solutions. To minimize costs, the conversion of underground geological storage sites, such as deep aquifers, used for natural gas storage into future underground hydrogen storage sites is the favored scenario. However, these sites contain microorganisms capable of consuming H2, mainly sulfate reducers and methanogens. Methanogenesis is, therefore expected but its intensity must be evaluated. Here, in a deep aquifer used for underground geological storage, 17 sites were sampled, with low sulfate concentrations ranging from 21.9 to 197.8 µM and a slow renewal of formation water. H2-selected communities mainly were composed of the families Methanobacteriaceae and Methanothermobacteriaceae and the genera Desulfovibrio, Thermodesulfovibrio, and Desulforamulus. Experiments were done under different conditions, and sulfate reduction, as well as methanogenesis, were demonstrated in the presence of a H2 or H2/CO2 (80/20) gas phase, with or without calcite/site rock. These metabolisms led to an increase in pH up to 10.2 under certain conditions (without CO2). The results suggest competition for CO2 between lithoautotrophs and carbonate mineral precipitation, which could limit microbial H2 consumption.
Topics: Methane; Groundwater; Natural Gas; Hydrogen; Sulfates; Methanobacteriaceae; Carbon Dioxide; Bacteria; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Water Microbiology
PubMed: 38658197
DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae066