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Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience 2024Patients who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience chronic and sometimes debilitating sequelae. Recent reports have illustrated both acute and long-term...
INTRODUCTION
Patients who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience chronic and sometimes debilitating sequelae. Recent reports have illustrated both acute and long-term dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal microbiome with significant alterations in composition and predicted functional consequences.
METHODS
Working with participants from past research, metagenomic stability of the TBI- associated fecal microbiome (FMB) was evaluated by custom qPCR array comparing a fecal sample from 2015 to one collected in 2020. Metatranscriptomics identified differently expressed bacterial genes and biochemical pathways in the TBI FMB. Microbiota that contributed the largest RNA amounts identified a set of core bacteria most responsible for functional consequences of the TBI FMB.
RESULTS
A remarkably stable FMB metagenome with significant similarity (two-tail Spearman nonparametric correlation < 0.001) was observed between 2015 and 2020 fecal samples from subjects with TBI. Comparing the 2020 TBI FMB metagenome to FMBs from healthy controls confirmed and extended the dysbiotic genera and species. Abundance differences between average TBI and healthy FMBs revealed . spp., spp., spp., and Ordoribacter spp. were significantly different. Functionally, the genus contributed the highest percentage of RNA sequences in control FMBs followed by the genus as the second highest contributor. In the TBI FMB, the genus contributed the most RNA followed by the genus. and were distinct in the top 10 contributing genera in the TBI FMB while and were unique to the top 10 in controls. Comparing RNA profiles, TBI samples had ∼1.5 fold more expressed genes with almost 700 differently expressed genes (DEGs) mapped to over 100 bacterial species. Bioinformatic analysis associated DEGs with pathways led identifying 311 functions in the average TBI FMB profile and 264 in the controls. By average profile comparison, 30 pathways had significantly different abundance ( < 0.05, -test) or were detected in >80% of the samples in only one of the cohorts (binary distinction).
DISCUSSION
Functional differences between TBI and healthy control FMBs included amino acid metabolism, energy and carbon source usage, fatty acid metabolism, bacterial cell wall component production and nucleic acid synthesis and processing pathways. Together these data shed light on the functional consequences of the dysbiotic TBI FMB decades after injury.
PubMed: 38544523
DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1341808 -
Nutrients Mar 2024Oral iron supplementation is the first-line treatment for addressing iron deficiency, a concern particularly relevant to women who are susceptible to sub-optimal iron...
Oral iron supplementation is the first-line treatment for addressing iron deficiency, a concern particularly relevant to women who are susceptible to sub-optimal iron levels. Nevertheless, the impact of iron supplementation on the gut microbiota of middle-aged women remains unclear. To investigate the association between iron supplementation and the gut microbiota, healthy females aged 40-65 years ( = 56, BMI = 23 ± 2.6 kg/m) were retrospectively analyzed from the Alberta's Tomorrow Project. Fecal samples along with various lifestyle, diet, and health questionnaires were obtained. The gut microbiota was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Individuals were matched by age and BMI and classified as either taking no iron supplement, a low-dose iron supplement (6-10 mg iron/day), or high-dose iron (>100 mg/day). Compositional and functional analyses of microbiome data in relation to iron supplementation were investigated using various bioinformatics tools. Results revealed that iron supplementation had a dose-dependent effect on microbial communities. Elevated iron intake (>100 mg) was associated with an augmentation of Proteobacteria and a reduction in various taxa, including , , , , , and . Metagenomic prediction further suggested the upregulation of iron acquisition and siderophore biosynthesis following high iron intake. In conclusion, adequate iron levels are essential for the overall health and wellbeing of women through their various life stages. Our findings offer insights into the complex relationships between iron supplementation and the gut microbiota in middle-aged women and underscore the significance of iron dosage in maintaining optimal gut health.
Topics: Middle Aged; Humans; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Iron; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Retrospective Studies; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38542697
DOI: 10.3390/nu16060786 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024This study aimed to explore the immunomodulatory effects and mechanism of a sodium hyaluronate health drink in immunosuppressed mice. The results showed that the sodium...
This study aimed to explore the immunomodulatory effects and mechanism of a sodium hyaluronate health drink in immunosuppressed mice. The results showed that the sodium hyaluronate health drink could improve thymus atrophy, repair spleen cell damage, promote the release of IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum, restore immune deficiency, and enhance immune function. In addition, 16s rRNA sequencing results of intestinal flora showed that different doses of health drink had different effects on the intestinal flora of mice. The low-dose group of mice showed a significant up-regulation of the abundance of and promoted the formation of a new genus , while the medium- and high-dose group up-regulated the abundance of and , and stimulated the production of the new genus . Sodium hyaluronate health drink may enhance the immune function of mice by changing the composition and abundance of intestinal flora, which provided a theoretical basis for the subsequent product development.
PubMed: 38540831
DOI: 10.3390/foods13060842 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024(TM) is a kind of medicinal and edible homologous plant which is included in the catalogue of feed raw materials in China. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
(TM) is a kind of medicinal and edible homologous plant which is included in the catalogue of feed raw materials in China. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides and other active substances, and shows many benefits to livestock, poultry and aquatic products. The study aimed to assess the potential of TM aqueous extract (TMAE) as a substitute for poultry AGPs.
METHODS
A total of 240 one-day-old Arbor Acker broilers were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a basal diet (Con) supplemented with 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg TMAE (Low, Medium, and High groups). The growth performance of the broilers was measured on day 21 and day 42. At the end of the trial, the researchers measured slaughter performance and collected serum, liver, spleen, ileum, and intestinal contents to investigate the effects of TMAE on serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, immune function, organ coefficient, intestinal morphology, flora composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
RESULTS
The results showed that broilers treated with TMAE had a significantly higher average daily gain from 22 to 42 days old compared to the Con group. Various doses of TMAE resulted in different levels of improvement in serum chemistry. High doses increased serum alkaline phosphatase and decreased creatinine. TMAE also increased the antioxidant capacity of serum, liver, and ileum in broilers. Additionally, middle and high doses of TMAE enhanced the innate immune function of the liver (IL-10) and ileum (Occludin) in broilers. Compared to the control group, the TMAE treatment group exhibited an increase in the ratio of villi length to villi crypt in the duodenum. TMAE increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as and Lactobacillus, while reducing the accumulation of harmful bacteria, such as and . The cecum's SCFAs content increased with a medium dose of TMAE. Supplementing broiler diets with TMAE at varying doses enhanced growth performance and overall health. The most significant benefits were observed at a dose of 1000 mg/kg, including improved serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity of the liver and ileum, immune function of the liver and ileum, and increased SCFAs content. , and are potentially dominant members of the intestinal microflora.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, TMAE is a promising poultry feed additive and 1000 mg/kg is an effective reference dose.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Chickens; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Poultry; Taraxacum
PubMed: 38529273
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354040 -
Environment International Apr 2024Environmental toxicants (ETs) are associated with adverse health outcomes. Here we hypothesized that exposures to ETs are linked with obesity and insulin resistance...
Environmental toxicants (ETs) are associated with adverse health outcomes. Here we hypothesized that exposures to ETs are linked with obesity and insulin resistance partly through a dysbiotic gut microbiota and changes in the serum levels of secondary bile acids (BAs). Serum BAs, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and additional twenty-seven ETs were measured by mass spectrometry in 264 Danes (121 men and 143 women, aged 56.6 ± 7.3 years, BMI 29.7 ± 6.0 kg/m) using a combination of targeted and suspect screening approaches. Bacterial species were identified based on whole-genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) of DNA extracted from stool samples. Personalized genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) of gut microbial communities were developed to elucidate regulation of BA pathways. Subsequently, we compared findings from the human study with metabolic implications of exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in PPARα-humanized mice. Serum levels of twelve ETs were associated with obesity and insulin resistance. High chemical exposure was associated with increased abundance of several bacterial species (spp.) of genus (Anaerotruncus, Alistipes, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Dorea, Eubacterium, Escherichia, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Subdoligranulum, and Veillonella), particularly in men. Conversely, females in the higher exposure group, showed a decrease abundance of Prevotella copri. High concentrations of ETs were correlated with increased levels of secondary BAs including lithocholic acid (LCA), and decreased levels of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). In silico causal inference analyses suggested that microbiome-derived secondary BAs may act as mediators between ETs and obesity or insulin resistance. Furthermore, these findings were substantiated by the outcome of the murine exposure study. Our combined epidemiological and mechanistic studies suggest that multiple ETs may play a role in the etiology of obesity and insulin resistance. These effects may arise from disruptions in the microbial biosynthesis of secondary BAs.
Topics: Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Obesity; Middle Aged; Female; Male; Dysbiosis; Environmental Pollutants; Animals; Environmental Exposure; Mice; Bile Acids and Salts; Aged
PubMed: 38522229
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108569 -
Behavioural Brain Research May 2024Depression is a psychiatric disorder and the treatment of depression is an urgent problem that need to be solved. Gastrodin (GAS) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine from...
PURPOSE
Depression is a psychiatric disorder and the treatment of depression is an urgent problem that need to be solved. Gastrodin (GAS) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine from an orchid and is used for neurological diseases, including depressive disorders.
METHODS
To assess the effect of GAS on gut microbiota of depressive mice, we established a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced mouse model, and GAS was administered to one group of the mice. Animal behavior experiments were used to detect depressive-like behaviors, and 16 S rRNA gene analysis was applied to detect the gut microbiota of each group. All raw sequences were deposited in the NCBI Sequence Read Archive under accession number SRP491061.
RESULTS
GAS treatment significantly improved depressive-like behaviors as well as the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota. The depressive-like behaviors of the CUMS-GAS group were improved in different degrees compared with the CUMS group. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of the gut microbiota showed that the makeup of the gut microbiota in mice changed dramatically in the CUMS-GAS group, compared with the CUMS group, Bacteroides (LDA = 3.94, P < 0.05) were enriched in the CUMS-GAS group at the genus level. In comparison to the CUMS group, the CUMS-GAS group had a greater concentration numbers of Lactobacillus, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Bacteroides, Psychrobacter, and Alistipes.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggested that GAS improved depressive-like behaviors in mice and impacted the microbial composition of the gut. Our research indicated that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota may be affected by GAS treatment, which improved depressive-like behaviors in the CUMS-induced mouse model of depression.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Depression; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Behavior, Animal; Stress, Psychological; Benzyl Alcohols; Glucosides
PubMed: 38521360
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114968 -
Molecular and Cellular Probes Jun 2024The effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) on serum metabolites and intestinal microbiota in rats after liver trauma were discussed.
OBJECTIVE
The effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) on serum metabolites and intestinal microbiota in rats after liver trauma were discussed.
METHODS
Adult Wistar Albino rats were assigned into control, model (liver trauma), MSCs, and MSC-exos groups (n = 6). The study examined changes in the inflammatory environment in liver tissues were analyzed by histological examination and analysis of macrophage phenotypes. Alterations in serum metabolites were determined by untargeted metabonomics, and gut microbiota composition was characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing. Correlations between specific gut microbiota, metabolites, and inflammatory response were calculated using Spearman correlation analysis.
RESULTS
Rats with liver trauma after MSCs and MSC-exos treatment exhibited attenuated inflammatory infiltration and necrosis in liver tissues. MSCs and MSC-exos treatment reduced the proportion of M1 macrophages, accompanied by a decrease in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Furthermore, MSCs and MSC-exos treatment expanded the proportion of M2 macrophages, accompanied by an increase in arginase-1 (Arg-1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels. The beneficial effects of MSC-exo treatment on rats with liver trauma were superior to those of MSC treatment. The composition and abundance of the gut microbiota and metabolites were altered in pathological rats, whereas MSC and MSC-exo intervention partially restored specific gut microbiota and metabolite alterations. At the phylum level, alterations in Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota were observed after MSC and MSC-exo intervention. At the genus level, Intestinimonas, Alistipes, Aerococcus, Faecalibaculum, and Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group were the main differential microbiota. 6-Methylnicotinamide, N-Methylnicotinamide, Glutathione, oxidized, ISOBUTYRATE, ASCORBATE, EICOSAPENTAENOATE, GLYCEROL 3-PHOSPHATE, and Ascorbate radical were selected as important differential metabolites. There was a clear correlation between Ascorbate, Intestinimonas/Faecalibaculum and inflammatory cytokines.
CONCLUSION
MSC-exos promoted the repair of tissue damage in rats with liver trauma by regulating serum metabolites and intestinal microbiota, providing new insights into how MSC-exos reduced inflammation in rats with liver trauma.
Topics: Animals; Exosomes; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Liver; Rats, Wistar; Rats; Male; Wound Healing; Macrophages; Inflammation
PubMed: 38518900
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2024.101958 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2024Health behaviors, such as diet and exercise, are actions individuals take that can potentially impact gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the gut microbiota. Little is...
Associations Between Health Behaviors, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Gut Microbiota in a Cross-Sectional Sample of Cancer Survivors: Secondary Analysis from the Chemo-Gut Study.
BACKGROUND
Health behaviors, such as diet and exercise, are actions individuals take that can potentially impact gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the gut microbiota. Little is known about how health behaviors impact GI symptoms and the gut microbiota after anti-cancer therapies.
METHODS
This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study that investigated relationships between GI symptoms, gut microbiota, and patient-reported outcomes in adult cancer survivors. Gut microbiota was assessed from stool samples using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. GI symptoms and health behaviors were measured via self-report. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and correlation analyses are reported.
RESULTS
A total of 334 cancer survivors participated, and a subsample of 17 provided stool samples. Most survivors rated their diet as moderately healthy (55.7%) and reported engaging in low intensity exercise (53.9%) for ≤5 h/week (69.1%). Antibiotic use was associated with more belly pain, constipation, and diarrhea ( < .05). Survivors consuming a healthier diet had fewer symptoms of belly pain ( = .03), gas/bloating ( = .01), while higher protein consumption was associated with less belly pain ( = .03). Better diet health was positively correlated with abundance, and negatively with abundance ( < .05). Greater exercise frequency positively correlated with abundance of , and ( < .05).
CONCLUSION
Results provide evidence for associations between antibiotic use, probiotic use, dietary health behaviors, and GI symptoms. Diet and exercise behaviors are related to certain types of bacteria, but the direction of causality is unknown. Dietary-based interventions may be optimally suited to address survivors' GI symptoms by influencing the gut microbiota. Larger trials are needed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cancer Survivors; Diet; Pain; Health Behavior; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38517129
DOI: 10.1177/15347354241240141 -
MSphere Apr 2024Preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy-specific syndrome, has been associated with the gut bacteriome. Here, to investigate the impact of the gut virome on the development of...
Preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy-specific syndrome, has been associated with the gut bacteriome. Here, to investigate the impact of the gut virome on the development of PE, we identified over 8,000 nonredundant viruses from the fecal metagenomes of 40 early-onset PE and 37 healthy pregnant women and profiled their abundances. Comparison and correlation analysis showed that PE-enriched viruses frequently connected to species enriched in PE. By contrast, bacteria linked to PE-depleted viruses were often the Bacteroidaceae members such as spp., spp., spp., and . In terms of viral function, PE-depleted viruses had auxiliary metabolic genes that participated in the metabolism of simple and complex polysaccharides, sulfur metabolism, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and peptidoglycan biosynthesis, while PE-enriched viruses had a gene encoding cyclic pyranopterin monophosphate synthase, which seemed to be special, that participates in the biosynthesis of the molybdenum cofactor. Furthermore, the classification model based on gut viral signatures was developed to discriminate PE patients from healthy controls and showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.922 that was better than that of the bacterium-based model. This study opens up new avenues for further research, providing valuable insights into the PE gut virome and offering potential directions for future mechanistic and therapeutic investigations, with the ultimate goal of improving the diagnosis and management of PE.IMPORTANCEThe importance of this study lies in its exploration of the previously overlooked but potentially critical role of the gut virome in preeclampsia (PE). While the association between PE and the gut bacteriome has been recognized, this research takes a pioneering step into understanding how the gut virome, represented by over 8,000 nonredundant viruses, contributes to this condition. The findings reveal intriguing connections between PE-enriched viruses and specific gut bacteria, such as the prevalence of species in individuals with PE, contrasting with bacteria linked to PE-depleted viruses, including members of the Bacteroidaceae family. These viral interactions and associations provide a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play in PE.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Virome; Adult; Metagenomics; Feces; Bacteria; Viruses; Metagenome
PubMed: 38506520
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00676-23 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Previous studies have indicated that diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome leads to a disorder of small intestine contents and mucosal microbiota. However, the...
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have indicated that diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome leads to a disorder of small intestine contents and mucosal microbiota. However, the relationship of TMA-lyase (CutC) activity and TMAO with diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome remains unexplored. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between cecal microbiota and choline TMA-lyase (CutC) activity, as well as the correlation between trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), inflammatory index, and CutC activity.
METHOD
Twenty SPF-grade male KM mice were randomly divided into the normal group (CN) and the diarrhea model group (CD). Diarrhea mouse models were established by adenine combined with administration. CutC activity, TMAO, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were detected, and the cecal content microbiota was sequenced.
RESULT
After 14 days, diarrhea occurred in the CD group. Compared with the CN group, there was no significant change in the activity of CutC in the small intestine of the CD group, while the activity of CutC in the cecum was significantly increased, and the levels of TMAO, IL-6, and TNF-α showed a significant increase. The Chao1 index, Observed_species index, Shannon index, and Simpson index all exhibited a decreasing trend. The main changes at the bacterial genus level were , , , , , and . The results of LEfSe analysis, random forest analysis and ROC curve analysis revealed , , , , , , , , , , and as characteristic bacteria in the CD group. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between cecal CutC activity and , and a significant positive correlation with and . The level of TMAO was significantly positively correlated with CutC activity and IL-6.
CONCLUSION
Diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome significantly affects the physiological status, digestive enzyme activity, CutC activity, TMAO levels, and inflammatory response in mice. Additionally, there are changes in the composition and function of cecal microbiota, indicating an important impact of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome on the host intestinal microbiota balance. The occurrence of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome may be associated with dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota, increased CutC activity, elevated TMAO levels, and heightened inflammatory factor levels.
PubMed: 38500584
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1354823