Changes In Gut Microbiota Composition Research Articles

Gut-Skin Axis: Unravelling the Link Between Gut Microbiome and Chronic Kidney Disease-Related Skin Lesions.

It is well known that skin lesions are among the most common complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which significantly impact the patient's quality of life. Research has demonstrated that gut and skin lesions are closely interconnected and affect each other. This interaction is referred to as the "gut-skin axis" and the intestinal microbiota plays a critical role in this interaction. Changes in gut microbiota composition and function are associated with the development of skin diseases, which are part of the "gut-skin axis". Presently, preliminary results have been demonstrated in basic and clinical research on CKD skin lesions. With further research, the "gut-skin axis" theory can provide new ideas for treating CKD skin lesions and may become a potential treatment target.

Significance of Gut Microbiota on Graves' Disease.

Growing research proves gut microbiota and thyroid autoimmunity are linked. Graves' disease (GD), as an autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), is attributed to the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) autoantibodies that bind to the thyroid follicular endothelial cells. It is well known that genetic factors, environmental factors, and immune disorders count for much in the development of GD. So far, the pathogenesis of GD is not elucidated. Emerging research reveals that the change in gut microbiota composition and its metabolites are related to GD. The gut microbial diversity is reduced in GDs compared with healthy controls (HCs). Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes account for a large proportion at the genus level. It is found that phyla Bacteroidetes increased while phyla Firmicutes decreased in Graves' Disease patients (GD patients). Moreover, gut microbiota modulates the immune system to produce cytokines through bacterial metabolites. This article aims to find out the relation between gut microbiota dysbiosis and the development of GD. As more molecular pathways of bacterial metabolites are revealed, targeting microbiota is expected to the treatment of GD.

Alterations of the gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids in women undergoing assisted reproduction.

The community structure of gut microbiota changes during pregnancy, which also affects the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the distribution of gut microbiota composition and metabolite SCFA levels are poorly understood in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). To evaluate the changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolic SCFAs in women who received assisted reproduction treatment. Sixty-three pregnant women with spontaneous pregnancy (SP) and nine with ART pregnancy were recruited to provide fecal samples. Gut microbiota abundance and SCFA levels were determined by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The ART group showed decreased alpha diversity (the species richness or evenness in a sample). The principal coordinates analysis (a method of analysing beta diversity) showed significant difference in gut microbiota between the ART group versus the SP group (unweighted UniFrac distance, R2=0.04, P=0.003). Proteobacteria, Blautia and Escherichia-Shigella were enriched in the ART group, whereas the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal bacteria Faecalibacterium was lower than in the SP group. Different modes of conception were associated with several SCFAs (valeric acid (r=-0.280; P=0.017); isocaproic acid (r=-0.330; P=0.005); caproic acid (r=-0.336; P=0.004)). Significantly different SCFAs between the two groups were synchronously associated with the differential gut microbiota. The diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and the levels of SCFAs in women undergoing ART decreased. The application of ART shaped the microbial composition and metabolism, which may provide critical information for understanding the biological changes that occur in women with assisted reproduction.

Laminaria japonica polysaccharide alleviates type 2 diabetes by regulating the microbiota-gut-liver axis: A multi-omics mechanistic analysis

The hypoglycemic effects of low-molecular-weight Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJO) were investigated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice, focusing on its effect on the microbiome, metabolome, and transcriptome. The findings demonstrated that LJO significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and inflammatory factors. Additionally, LJO induced changes in gut microbiota composition and increased the concentrations of cecal short-chain fatty acids. Analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics data revealed that LJO primarily altered the endocrine and digestive systems, signal transduction, and lipid metabolism. It led to a decrease in palmitic acid levels and an increase in glutathione levels. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay suggested that LJO upregulated Irs1 expression, consequently reducing insulin resistance. These findings strongly suggest that LJO holds promise in ameliorating T2DM and may serve as a potential dietary supplement for patients with T2DM.

Chinese Yam and Its Active Components Regulate the Structure of Gut Microbiota and Indole-like Metabolites in Anaerobic Fermentation In Vitro.

As a medicinal and edible plant, Chinese yam (CY) can promote the enrichment of intestinal probiotics. Mucilage polysaccharides, diosgenin and taxifolin are the dominant components of CY. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the impact of Chinese yam on gut microbiome structure and metabolism is attributable to its components. In the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colon fermentation system, the changes in gut microbiota composition and function were determined by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the levels of bacterial metabolites including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and indole-like metabolites were detected by gas chromatography and an enzyme-linked immunoassay. The results show that CY, mucilage polysaccharides, diosgenin and taxifolin could increase the microbial diversity index. Furthermore, probiotics including Lactobacillus and Bacteroides were significantly increased, while harmful bacteria such as Escherichia and Proteus declined. CY could increase the production of SCFAs including acetic acid and butyric acid. Of note, CY and diosgenin displayed similar impacts on enhancing the abundance of Clostridium and promoting the production of indole-3-lactic acid and lactic acid. These findings provide evidence supporting Chinese yam as a natural food to regulate intestinal health. Diosgenin as a component of CY contributes mostly to the impact on regulating intestinal flora.

Flavonoids and the gut microbiota: A promising frontier for colorectal cancer prevention and intervention

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a formidable global health challenge, with increasing incidence rates and significant mortality. Flavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in various dietary sources, exert multifaceted effects on gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, inflammation mitigation, and gut barrier enhancement. Moreover, they demonstrate promise in countering DNA damage induced by microbial toxins and modulating metabolic processes. Animal studies and clinical trials revealed changes in gut microbiota composition in CRC. However, the translational application of flavonoids to treat CRC through modifying gut microbiota requires further research. This review paper delves into the intricate relationship between flavonoids, and gut microbiota, with a particular focus on their potential in CRC prevention. This paper discusses the complex mechanisms through which flavonoids influence CRC development and highlights their potential in shaping dietary strategies for cancer prevention. In the midst of the rising CRC burden, flavonoids offer a hopeful link between dietary choices and improved health outcomes, paving the way for a healthier, cancer-free future.

Longitudinal dynamics of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of acute graft-versus-host disease.

The gut microbiota has been reported to be associated with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Dynamic surveillance of the microbiota is required to understand the detailed pathogenesis involved in the process of aGvHD. Fecal samples were collected prospectively at four timepoints, including pre-HSCT (T1), graft infusion (T2), neutrophil engraftment (T3), and 30 days after transplantation (T4). Fecal samples were profiled by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to assess the microbiota composition. From the T1 to T4 timepoint, the diversity of the gut microbiota decreased, and the dominant species also changed, with a decrease in the obligate anaerobic bacteria and a shift toward a "pathogenic community". Compared with non-aGvHD patients, aGvHD patients had a lower abundance of Roseburia at T1 and a higher abundance of Acinetobacter johnsonii at T2. Furthermore, Acinetobacter johnsonii was negatively correlated with the secretion of IL-4 and TNF-α. At T3, Rothia mucilaginos was demonstrated to be linked with a decreased risk of aGvHD, which was accompanied by decreased secretion of IL-8. At T4, higher abundances of Lactobacillus paracasei and Acinetobacter johnsonii were identified to be related with aGvHD. Lactobacillus paracasei was associated with the downregulation of IL-10, and Acinetobacter johnsonii was associated with the downregulation of IL-2 and TNF-α. Dynamic changes in gut microbiota composition and related cytokines were found to be related to aGvHD, including pathogenic or protective changes. These findings suggested that manipulation of gut microbiota at different timepoints might be a promising avenue for preventing or treating this common complication.

Seasonal variations of airborne microbial diversity in waste transfer stations and preventive effect on Streptococcus pneumoniae induced pulmonary inflammation

Environment, location, and season are important factors that influence the microbiological community, yet, little research on airborne microorganisms in waste transfer stations (WTSs). Here, the airborne bacterial and fungal communities at four WTSs during different seasons were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. The bacteria were isolated by cultural method and screened bacterium alleviate inflammation induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) by regulating gut microbiome. The results revealed that collected bioaerosols from the WTSs varied significantly by location and season. Proteobacteria and Pseudomonadota are prevalent in summer and winter, respectively. Ascomycota was predominant in two seasons. Hazard quotients for adults from four WTSs were below one. Three selected potential probiotics were formulated into a microbial preparation with a carrier that effectively prevented inflammation in bacterial and animal experiments. The expression levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in Pre group (0.11, 0.17, and 0.48-fold) were significantly lower than Spn group (2.75, 1.71, and 5.01-fold). These mechanisms are associated with changes in gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels, such as affecting Lachnospiraceae lachnospira abundance and acetic acid content. This study provides insights into the potential application of probiotics derived from WTSs as an alternative approach to preventing respiratory infections.

The composition and function of the gut microbiota of Francois' langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) depend on the environment and diet.

The microbiota is essential for the extraction of energy and nutrition from plant-based diets and may have facilitated primate adaptation to new dietary niches in response to rapid environmental shifts. In this study, metagenomic sequencing technology was used to analyze the compositional structure and functional differences of the gut microbial community of Francois' langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) under different environmental and dietary conditions. The results showed that in terms of the composition of the gut microbial community, there were significant differences among the gut microbiota of Francois' langurs (anthropogenic disturbed populations, wild populations, and captive populations) under different environmental and dietary conditions. The microbial communities with the highest abundance in Francois' langurs were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum in anthropogenic disturbed Francois' langurs and the least abundant in captive Francois' langurs. The abundance of Bacteroidetes was highest in captive Francois' langurs. In the analysis and comparison of alpha diversity, the diversity of the gut microbiota of Francois' langurs affected by anthropogenic disturbance was the highest. The significant differences in gut microbiota between Francois' langurs in different environments and different diets were further supported by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), with the disturbance group having a gut microbiota more similar to the wild group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional annotation analysis indicated a high abundance of functional genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, replication and repair, cofactor and vitamin metabolism, and other amino acid metabolism pathways. Additionally, the functional genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism pathways were significantly enriched in the gut microbial community of Francois' langurs that were anthropogenic disturbed and captive. The gut microbiota of the Francois' langurs exhibited potential plasticity for dietary flexibility, and long-term food availability in captive populations leads to changes in gut microbiota composition and function. This study explored the composition and function of the gut microbiota of Francois' langurs and provided a scientific basis for understanding the physiological and health status of Francois' langurs, effectively protecting the population of wild Francois' langurs and reintroducing captive Francois' langurs into the wild.

Compositional changes in fecal microbiota in a new Parkinson's disease model: C57BL/6-Tg(NSE-haSyn) mice

BackgroundThe gut–brain axis (GBA) in Parkinson's disease (PD) has only been investigated in limited mice models despite dysbiosis of the gut microbiota being considered one of the major treatment targets for neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, this study examined the compositional changes of fecal microbiota in novel transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing human α-synuclein (hαSyn) proteins under the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) to analyze the potential as GBA model.ResultsThe expression level of the αSyn proteins was significantly higher in the substantia nigra and striatum of NSE-hαSyn Tg mice than the Non-Tg mice, while those of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were decreased in the same group. In addition, a decrease of 72.7% in the fall times and a 3.8-fold increase in the fall number was detected in NSE-hαSyn Tg mice. The villus thickness and crypt length on the histological structure of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract decreased in NSE-hαSyn Tg mice. Furthermore, the NSE-hαSyn Tg mice exhibited a significant increase in 11 genera, including Scatolibacter, Clostridium, Feifania, Lachnoclostridium, and Acetatifactor population, and a decrease in only two genera in Ligilactobacillus and Sangeribacter population during enhancement of microbiota richness and diversity.ConclusionsThe motor coordination and balance dysfunction of NSE-hαSyn Tg mice may be associated with compositional changes in gut microbiota. In addition, these mice have potential as a GBA model.

Alterations in the gut microbiota of toddlers with cow milk protein allergy treated with a partially hydrolyzed formula containing synbiotics: A nonrandomized controlled interventional study.

Formulas containing intact cow milk protein are appropriate alternatives when human milk (HM) is not feasible. However, for babies with a physician-diagnosed cow milk protein allergy (CMPA), hydrolyzed formulas are needed. We conducted a 3-month, open-label, nonrandomized concurrent controlled trial (ChiCTR2100046909) between June 2021 and October 2022 in Qingdao City, China. In this study, CMPA toddlers were fed with a partially hydrolyzed formula containing synbiotics (pHF, n = 43) and compared with healthy toddlers fed a regular intact protein formula (IF, n = 45) or HM (n = 21). The primary endpoint was weight gain; the secondary endpoints were changes in body length and head circumference of both CMPA and healthy toddlers after 3-month feeding; and the exploratory outcomes were changes in gut microbiota composition. After 3 months, there were no significant group differences for length-for-age, weight-for-age, or head circumference-for-age Z scores. In the gut microbiota, pHF feeding increased its richness and diversity, similar to those of IF-fed and HM-fed healthy toddlers. Compared with healthy toddlers, the toddlers with CMPA showed an increased abundance of phylum Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, class Clostridia, and Bacteroidia, and a decreased abundance of class Negativicutes, while pHF feeding partly eliminated these original differences. Moreover, pHF feeding increased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid producers. Our data suggested that this pHF partly simulated the beneficial effects of HM and shifted the gut microbiota of toddlers with CMPA toward that of healthy individuals. In conclusion, this synbiotic-containing pHF might be an appropriate alternative for toddlers with CMPA.

Functional profiling of gut microbial and immune responses toward different types of dietary fiber: a step toward personalized dietary interventions

ABSTRACT Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining gut and overall health. The objective of this study was to investigate whether different types of dietary fiber elicited specific changes in gut microbiota composition and the production of short-chain fatty acids. To test this, a longitudinal crossover study design was employed, in which healthy adult women consumed three distinct dietary fiber supplements: Inulin (fructo-oligosaccharide), Vitafiber (isomalto-oligosaccharide), and Fibremax (mixture of different fiber) during a one-week intervention period, followed by a 2-week washout period. A total of 15 g of soluble fiber was consumed daily for each supplement. Samples were collected before and after each intervention to analyze the composition of the gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing and fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids measured using nuclear magnetic resonance. Phenotypic changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied in subsets of participants with higher SCFA levels post-intervention using spectral flow cytometry. The results revealed substantial stability and resilience of the overall gut bacterial community toward fiber-induced changes. However, each supplement had specific effects on gut bacterial alpha and beta diversity, SCFA production, and immune changes. Inulin consistently exerted the most pronounced effect across individuals and certain taxa were identified as potential indicators of SCFA production in response to inulin supplementation. This distinguishing feature was not observed for the other fiber supplements. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings. Overall, our study implies that personalized dietary fiber intervention could be tailored to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria to maximize SCFA production and associated health benefits.

Shengjiang Xiexin decoction mitigates murine Clostridium difficile infection through modulation of the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe overuse of antibiotics has resulted in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) as a significant global public health concern. Studies have shown that imbalances in gut microbiota and metabolism play a vital role in the onset of CDI. Shengjiang Xiexin decoction (SJT), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula widely employed in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, demonstrates effectiveness in addressing murine CDI. However, the precise mechanistic role of SJT in CDI treatment remains uncertain, particularly regarding its impact on gut microbiota and intestinal metabolism. Thus, further investigation is imperative to shed light on these mechanisms. Aim of the studyThis study aims to thoroughly investigate the therapeutic potential of SJT in the treatment of CDI, while also examining its impact on the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. By employing a mouse model, we aspire to uncover novel insights that could pave the way for the development of more effective strategies in combating CDI. Materials and methodsWe developed a mouse model for CDI and assessed SJT's potential as a therapeutic agent through pharmacological analyses. Our study employed high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA to identify changes in gut microbiota composition and untargeted metabolomics analysis to evaluate SJT's intervention on intestinal metabolism. We also conducted targeted analysis of bile acid metabolism to examine the specific effects of SJT. Finally, the growth-inhibitory effect of SJT on C. difficile was confirmed through ex vivo cultivation of the pathogen using cecal contents, supporting its potential role in treating CDI by modulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. ResultsIn pharmacological studies, SJT was found to effectively reduce the levels of A&B toxins and alleviate colonic inflammation in CDI mice. Mechanistically, SJT demonstrated a mild increase in the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota. However, its most significant impact was observed in the substantial improvement of the structural composition of the gut microbiota. Specifically, SJT decreased the abundance of gut Polymorphs and Firmicutes while restoring the proportions of family Trichophyton and Bacteroides_S24-7 spp (P < 0.001). Moreover, SJT not only decreased the levels of primary bile acids but also elevated the levels of secondary bile acids. Notably, it enhanced the conversion of taurocholic acid (TCA) to deoxycholic acid (DCA), leading to a balanced bile acid metabolism. Finally, cecal contents of SJT-treated mice showed a significant reduction in the growth of C. difficile, underscoring the therapeutic potential of SJT via modulation of gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. ConclusionSJT demonstrates remarkable efficacy in treating CDI in mice by not only effectively combating the infection but also restoring the intricate balance of gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. Furthermore, promising indications suggest that SJT may have the potential to prevent CDI recurrence. These findings underscore the comprehensive therapeutic value of SJT in managing CDI. Moving forward, we plan to transition from the laboratory to clinical settings to conduct further studies, validating our conclusions on SJT's efficacy.

Mitigating cognitive impairment in aging mice: Exploring the therapeutic potential of ischelium

To deeply explore the intervention effects of ischelium on the cognitive memory decline in naturally aging mice and its potential mechanisms, we randomly divided mice into four groups: young control group (C), elderly group (M), ischelium low-dose group (L), and ischelium high-dose group (H). The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. We employed the Y-maze test, open field test, and conditioned fear test to evaluate the memory functions of each group. Through HE staining and electron microscopy, we observed morphological changes in the mouse hippocampus. RT-PCR was used to detect changes in the expression of factors related to cognitive function in the hippocampus of elderly mice. We analyzed the changes in the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and the inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α using elisa. Additionally, we examined the enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and MDA in the hippocampus and analyzed the compositional changes of gut microbiota in mice using 16S technology. Our results indicate that ischelium effectively ameliorates cognitive impairments in elderly mice.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy induces sex-specific dysbiosis in mice

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal cord impairment in elderly populations. It describes a spectrum of disorders that cause progressive spinal cord compression, neurological impairment, loss of bladder and bowel functions, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. The gut microbiota has been recognized as an environmental factor that can modulate both the function of the central nervous system and the immune response through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Changes in gut microbiota composition or microbiota-producing factors have been linked to the progression and development of several pathologies. However, little is known about the potential role of the gut microbiota in the pathobiology of DCM. Here, DCM was induced in C57BL/6 mice by implanting an aromatic polyether material underneath the C5-6 laminae. The extent of DCM-induced changes in microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of the fecal samples. The immune cell composition was assessed using flow cytometry. To date, several bacterial members have been identified using BLAST against the largest collection of metagenome-derived genomes from the mouse gut. In both, female and males DCM caused gut dysbiosis compared to the sham group. However, dysbiosis was more pronounced in males than in females, and several bacterial members of the families Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae were significantly altered in the DCM group. These changes were also associated with altered microbe-derived metabolic changes in propionate-, butyrate-, and lactate-producing bacterial members. Our results demonstrate that DCM causes dynamic changes over time in the gut microbiota, reducing the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, and lactate-producing bacteria to a lesser extent. Genome-scale metabolic modeling using gapseq successfully identified pyruvate-to-butanoate and pyruvate-to-propionate reactions involving genes such as Buk and ACH1, respectively. These results provide a better understanding of the sex-specific molecular effects of changes in the gut microbiota on DCM pathobiology.

New insights into the molecular basis of alcohol abstinence and relapse in alcohol-associated liver disease.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains a significant public health concern, affecting around 5% of adults worldwide. Novel pathways of damage have been described during the last years, providing insight into the mechanism of injury due to alcohol misuse beyond the direct effect of ethanol byproducts on the liver parenchyma and neurobehavioral mechanisms. Thus, the gut-liver-brain axis and immune system involvement could be therapeutic targets for AUD. In particular, a change in gut microbiota composition and function, especially bile acid homeostasis, and these changes can improve after alcohol cessation. Alcohol can also directly disrupt intestinal and blood-brain barriers. Activation of the immune system can be triggered by intestinal barrier dysfunction and translocation of bacteria, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (such as lipopolysaccharide), cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. These factors in turn promote liver and brain inflammation and progression of liver fibrosis. Other involved mechanisms include oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and the release of extracellular vesicles and miRNA from hepatocytes. Potential therapeutic targets include gut microbiota (probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation), neuroinflammatory pathways, as well as neuroendocrine pathways, e.g.: the ghrelin system (ghrelin receptor blockade), incretin mimetics (GLP-1 analogs), and the mineralocorticoid receptor system (spironolactone). In addition, support with psychological and behavioral treatments is essential to address the multiple dimensions of AUD. In the future, a personalized approach considering these novel targets can contribute to significantly decreasing the alcohol-related burden of disease.

Enteroendocrine cells and gut hormones as potential targets in the crossroad of the gut-kidney axis communication.

Recent studies suggest that disruptions in intestinal homeostasis, such as changes in gut microbiota composition, infection, and inflammatory-related gut diseases, can be associated with kidney diseases. For instance, genomic investigations highlight how susceptibility genes linked to IgA nephropathy are also correlated with the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Conversely, investigations demonstrate that the use of short-chain fatty acids, produced through fermentation by intestinal bacteria, protects kidney function in models of acute and chronic kidney diseases. Thus, the dialogue between the gut and kidney seems to be crucial in maintaining their proper function, although the factors governing this crosstalk are still emerging as the field evolves. In recent years, a series of studies have highlighted the significance of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) which are part of the secretory lineage of the gut epithelial cells, as important components in gut-kidney crosstalk. EECs are distributed throughout the epithelial layer and release more than 20 hormones in response to microenvironment stimuli. Interestingly, some of these hormones and/or their pathways such as Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1), GLP-2, gastrin, and somatostatin have been shown to exert renoprotective effects. Therefore, the present review explores the role of EECs and their hormones as regulators of gut-kidney crosstalk and their potential impact on kidney diseases. This comprehensive exploration underscores the substantial contribution of EEC hormones in mediating gut-kidney communication and their promising potential for the treatment of kidney diseases.

Exploring the human gut microbiota targets in relation to the use of contemporary antidepressants

BackgroundAntidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly prescribed for depression treatment. Animal studies have shown that antidepressants can influence gut microbiota composition and specific bacterial taxa. We aimed to investigate the association between antidepressant use and human gut microbiota composition and functional pathway. MethodsWe collected information on antidepressant use, demographic, food patterns, and clinical characteristics through questionnaires and medical records. The gut microbiota profiles of 271 depressive patients were carried out through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Patients were categorized based on different types of antidepressant use groups for gut microbiota comparisons. MaAsLin2 was performed to evaluate microbiota composition across groups. PICRUSt2 was used to predict microbiota functional pathways. ResultsPatients taking SSRIs or SNRIs had a lower microbiota diversity. We found seven taxa abundances (Turicibacter, Barnesiella, Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group, Romboutia, Akkermansia, Dialister, Romboutia and Fusicatenibacter) differed in patients with various types of antidepressants compared with those without antidepressant treatments (p < 0.05). Turicibacter inversely correlated with depression severity in SSRIs or SNRI users (r = −0.43, p < 0.05). Top identified pathways were related to compound fermentation and biosynthesis in microbiota function. ConclusionAntidepressant usage, especially SSRIs and SNRIs, associates with changes in gut microbiota composition and specific taxa. Given our study's preliminary cross-sectional nature, further research is warranted to comprehend the relationship between antidepressant use, treatment response, and gut microbiota, aiming to enhance therapeutic interventions in the future.

Gut Microbiota Patterns in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Assessment Using Three Analysis Methods.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting nearly 25% of the global adult population. Increasing evidence suggests that functional and compositional changes in the gut microbiota may contribute to the development and promote the progression of NAFLD. 16S rRNA gene next-generation sequencing is widely used to determine specific features of the NAFLD microbiome, but a complex system such as the gut microbiota requires a comprehensive approach. We used three different approaches: MALDI-TOF-MS of bacterial cultures, qPCR, and 16S NGS sequencing, as well as a wide variety of statistical methods to assess the differences in gut microbiota composition between NAFLD patients without significant fibrosis and the control group. The listed methods showed enrichment in Collinsella sp. and Oscillospiraceae for the control samples and enrichment in Lachnospiraceae (and in particular Dorea sp.) and Veillonellaceae in NAFLD. The families, Bifidobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Enterococcaceae (particularly Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis), were also found to be important taxa for NAFLD microbiome evaluation. Considering individual method observations, an increase in Candida krusei and a decrease in Bacteroides uniformis for NAFLD patients were detected using MALDI-TOF-MS. An increase in Gracilibacteraceae, Chitinophagaceae, Pirellulaceae, Erysipelatoclostridiaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Comamonadaceae, and a decrease in Acidaminococcaceae in NAFLD were observed with 16S NGS, and enrichment in Fusobacterium nucleatum was shown using qPCR analysis. These findings confirm that NAFLD is associated with changes in gut microbiota composition. Further investigations are required to determine the cause-and-effect relationships and the impact of microbiota-derived compounds on the development and progression of NAFLD.

White hyacinth bean polysaccharide ameliorates diabetes via microbiota-gut-brain axis in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats

Gut played a potent role in onset and progression of metabolic disorders, presenting an exciting direction for diabetes prevention. Here, the anti-diabetic effects of White hyacinth bean polysaccharides (WHBP) were observed, including the reduction of blood glucose levels and improvement of intestinal impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Further data concerning intestinal protection suggested that WHBP restored intestinal barrier, as evidenced by inhibition of intestinal pathological damage, up-regulation of Zonula occluden-1 expression and manipulation of the redox system in T2DM rats. Moreover, WHBP-mediated anti-diabetic effects were in parallel with the adjustment of changes in gut microbiota composition of T2DM rats. Meanwhile, hypersecretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and corticosterone levels, which were critical coordinators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, were suppressed in T2DM rats exposed to WHBP, indicating that WHBP-mediated health benefits were referring to regulate brain feedback in reduction of HPA axis. Concomitantly, further suggested and expanded on gut-brain communication by data of microbial metabolites short-chain fatty acids, mediators of gut-brain interactions, were remarkably raised in cecum contents of T2DM rats subjected to WHBP. Collectively, WHBP performed anti-diabetic effects were associated with control of microbiota-gut-brain axis implicated in intestinal barrier, HPA axis, gut microbiota and their metabolites.