Characterization Of Microbiota Research Articles

The Associations Among Gut Microbiota, Branched Chain Amino Acids, and Parkinson's Disease: Mendelian Randomization Study.

In experimental and observational studies, the characteristics of gut microbiota have been associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), among which metabolic pathways played an important role. However, the causality remained unclear. Herein, we aimed to determine the potential impact of gut microbiota and gut microbiota-derived metabolites on PD risk using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. We included as exposures gut microbial taxa abundance and gut-derived metabolites (branched chain amino acids [BCAAs]), with PD as the outcome. In addition, we explored whether BCAAs act as a mediating factor in the pathway from gut microbiota to PD. We found evidence of a causality of 15 microbial taxa and PD before and after sensitivity analyses, but not after multiple testing correction. There was significant association between BCAAs levels and the risk of PD, especially isoleucine (OR = 0.995, 95% CI 0.992-0.999, p = 0.004, pFDR = 0.012). In addition, the causality of gut microbiota and BCAAs was also explored that the increased g_Coprococcus abundance can result in the decrease in isoleucine level (OR = 1.046; 95% CI, 1.009-1.085; p = 0.016). Our findings indicated suggestive association between gut microbiota and its metabolites and PD. Furthermore, higher BCAAs levels were associated with the decreased PD risk. This study may provide new targets for PD treatment, such as dietary BCAAs supplementation.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CCFM1029 in Parkinson's disease: Insights from behavioral, neurophysiological, gut microbiota, and microbial metabolites analysis

AbstractThe pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is closely related to the gut microbiota, and microecological therapies based on gut probiotics have received widespread attention, among which Bifidobacterium has been demonstrated to have a potential neuroprotective effect, but specific mechanisms have been lacking in the investigation. Here, we show that Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CCFM1029 significantly inhibited LPS‐induced inflammatory responses in microglia and alleviated 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced motor dysfunction, dopaminergic neuronal damage, and neuroinflammation in PD mice. Subsequently, the mechanism of action of CCFM1029 in PD was systematically elucidated by the neurochemical and biochemical analysis in PD mice, together with microbiomic and metabolomic analysis. It was found that CCFM1029 intervention restores dysbiosis in the gut microbiota linked to PD and reverses alterations in microbial metabolites. We established the interactions among the gut microbiota, metabolites, and brain by integrating behavioral and neurophysiological data with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolomic characteristics. We found that CCFM1029 intervention increases levels of the beneficial gut microbial metabolites indole‐3‐acrylic acid and short‐chain fatty acid (acetic and butyric acid) and decreases levels of the neuroinflammation‐associated metabolite N‐acetylhistamine. To summarize, our findings suggest CCFM1029 as a novel dietary supplement can prevent and mitigate the progression of PD through the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis.

Correlation Analysis of Characteristics of Intestinal Microbiota and Cytokine Levels in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the characteristics of the intestinal microbiota and cytokine levels in individuals with different degrees of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) as well as to investigate intestinal microbiota imbalances in patients with OSAHS and the associated mechanisms. Based on their sleep apnea hypopnea index (AHI), a total of 37 adults were assigned to a control group, a mild OSAHS group, or a moderate-to-severe OSAHS group. Fecal samples were collected to characterize the intestinal microbiota using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), while blood samples were collected to detect levels of interleukin-17a (IL-17a), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in each group. 1. There was no significant difference in the Shannon index among the three groups (P > 0.05). The three groups showed significant difference in the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bifidobacterium adolescentis (with F values of 3.955 and 7.24, respectively, P < 0.05), while showed no significant difference in the relative abundance of B. pseudocatenulatum, Bifidobacterium longum, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae (P > 0.05). 2. The three groups showed significant difference in the expression of serum IL-17A and TNF-α levels (with F values of 18.119 and 10.691, respectively, P < 0.05), while showed no significant difference in the expression of IL-10, IL-6, and CRP levels (P > 0.05). 3. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the relative abundance of F. prausnitzii was correlated with changes in BMI and AHI (with β values of 2.585 and -0.157, respectively, P < 0.05), while the relative abundance of B. adolescentis was correlated with changes in IL-17a (with β value of -0.161, P < 0.05). The study revealed a significant correlation between intestinal microbiota abundance and cytokine levels, suggesting that gut microbiota disruption in OSAHS patients may be linked to systemic chronic inflammation.

The fecal microbiota of Holstein cows is heritable and genetically correlated to dairy performances.

The fecal microbiota of ruminants constitutes a diversified community that has been phenotypically associated with a variety of host phenotypes, such as production and health. To gain a better understanding of the complex and interconnected factors that drive the fecal bacterial community, we have aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of the diversity and composition of the fecal microbiota, including heritabilities, genetic correlations among taxa, and genetic correlations between fecal microbiota features and host phenotypes. To achieve this, we analyzed a large population of 1,875 Holstein cows originating from 144 French commercial herds and routinely recorded for production, somatic cell score, and fertility traits. Fecal samples were collected from the animals and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with reads classified into Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). The estimated α- and β-diversity indices (i.e., Observed Richness, Shannon index, Bray-Curtis and Jaccard dissimilarity matrices) and the abundances of ASVs, genera, families and phyla, normalized by centered-log ratio (CLR), were considered as phenotypes. Genetic parameters were calculated using either univariate or bivariate animal models. Heritabilities estimates, ranging from 0.08 to 0.31 for taxa abundances and β-diversity indices, highlight the influence of the host genetics on the composition of the fecal microbiota. Furthermore, genetic correlations estimated within the microbial community and between microbiota features and host traits reveal the complex networks linking all components of the fecal microbiota together and to their host, thus strengthening the holobiont concept. By estimating the heritabilities of microbiota-associated phenotypes, our study quantifies the impact of the host genetics on the fecal microbiota composition. In addition, genetic correlations between taxonomic groups and between taxa abundances and host performance suggest potential applications for selective breeding to improve host traits or promote a healthier microbiota.

Causal Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Leukemia: Future Perspectives.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the human gastrointestinal tract. Numerous studies have shown a strong association between the gut microbiota and the emergence and progression of various diseases. Leukemia is one of the most common hematologic malignancies. Although standardized protocols and expert consensus have been developed for routine diagnosis and treatment, limitations remain due to individual differences. Nevertheless, a large number of studies have established a link between the gut microbiota and leukemia, with disturbances in the gut microbiota directly or indirectly affecting the development of leukemia. However, the causal relationship between the two remains unclear, and studying and exploring the causal relationship may open up entirely new avenues and protocols for use in the prevention and/or treatment of leukemia, offering new insights into diagnosis and treatment. In this review, the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and leukemia is explored in depth, including causal associations, metabolite effects, therapeutic applications, and complications. Based on the characteristics of the gut microbiota, the future applications and prospects of gut microbiota are discussed to provide useful information for clinical treatment of leukemia.

Comparative analysis of fecal microbiota between diarrhea and non-diarrhea piglets reveals biomarkers of gut microbiota associated with diarrhea

Diarrhea poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of weaned piglets, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality and economic loss in the pig industry. However, the structural characteristics of the gut microbiota and the key genera associated with early diarrhea in piglets within large-scale production systems are poorly understood. To identify the biomarkers of gut microbiota associated with diarrhea in piglets, we collected 250 fecal samples from 3 large-scale farms as discovery cohorts to investigate the differences in the microbial community structure and the specific genera alteration between the healthy piglets and diarrhea piglets. The Chao1 and ACE indices were obviously lower in the diarrhea piglets compared to healthy ones (P < 0.01). Principal coordinate analysis showed significant differences in the distance matrix of gut microbiota between the healthy and diarrhea piglets. Eighty-five genera were differentially enriched between healthy and diarrhea piglets. Notably, Treponema, Sphaerochaeta, Escherichia-Shigella, Slackia, and Staphylococcus were identified as potential biomarkers of diarrhea susceptibility; Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Prevotella_9, Olsenella, Dorea, and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group were found to be beneficial for maintaining the intestinal homeostasis. These differentially enriched genera of healthy and diarrhea piglets were further confirmed in the validation cohort. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and intervention of diarrhea in weaned piglets.

CHIKV infection drives shifts in the gastrointestinal microbiome and metabolites in rhesus monkeys

BackgroundMany studies have demonstrated the association between intestinal microbiota and joint diseases. The “gut-joint axis” also has potential roles in chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. Pro-inflammatory arthritis after CHIKV infection might disrupt host homeostasis and lead to dysbacteriosis. This study investigated the characteristics of fecal and gut microbiota, intestinal metabolites, and the changes in gene regulation of intestinal tissues after CHIKV infection using multi-omics analysis to explore the involvement of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of CHIKV infection.ResultsCHIKV infection increases the systemic burden of inflammation in the GI system of infected animals. Moreover, infection-induced alterations in GI microbiota and metabolites may be indirectly involved in the modulation of GI and bone inflammation after CHIKV infection, including the modulation of inflammasomes and interleukin-17 inflammatory cytokine levels.ConclusionOur results suggest that the GI tract and its microbes are involved in the modulation of CHIKV infection, which could serve as an indicator for the adjuvant treatment of CHIKV infection.AFFfAffYoiCj9mCxSF8PoJVideo

Characterization of gut microbiota in the Uyghur osteopenia population

The objectives of this study were to investigate the composition of gut microbiota and its relationship with bone loss in the Uyghur osteopenia population, identify potential disease-related taxa and collect information for the prevention and treatment of osteopenia in different people by regulating gut microbiota. We selected Uyghur residents, measured their heel BMD, collected faeces and general information, grouped them by BMD level, obtained faecal 16S rRNA sequences, and compared and analysed the differences between the groups. This study showed that the numbers of OTUs and species in the gut microbiota in the osteopenia group were higher than those in the control. At the phylum level, Erysipelotrichia was more abundant in the osteopenia group. At the genus level, Phascolarctobacterium was less abundant, and Ruminiclostridium_5 was more abundant in the osteopenia group compared to the control. Phascolarctobacterium and Z-score were positively correlated, and Ruminiclostridium_5 was negatively correlated with T and Z score. The different composition of the gut microbiota in Uyghur osteopenia patients and controls found in this study fills a knowledge gap in this ethnic group. The relationship between Uyghur osteopenia and BMD-associated bacterial genera deserves further exploration.

Characterizing Gut Microbiota in Older Chinese Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Cognitive impairment is a clinical manifestation that occurs in the course of dementia like Alzheimer's disease. The association between cognitive impairment and gut microbiota is unclear. We aimed to identify gut microbiota characteristics and key gut microbiota biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment in a relatively large cohort of older adults in China. A total of 229 adults aged ≥60 years from Shenzhen, China were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Participants were divided into cognitive impairment (CI) and no cognitive impairment (NCI) groups according to the results of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Diversity analysis and network analysis were used to characterize the gut microbiota between the two groups. The linear discriminant analysis effect size method and machine learning approaches were sequentially performed to identify gut microbiota biomarkers. The relationship between biomarkers and lifestyle factors was explored using Transformation-based redundancy analysis (tb-RDA). A total of 74 CI participants and 131 NCI participants were included in the analysis. The CI group demonstrated lower α-diversity compared to the NCI group (Shannon: 2.798 versus 3.152, p < 0.001). The density of the gut microbiota interaction network was lower in the CI group (0.074) compared to the NCI group (0.081). Megamonas, Blautia, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Veillonella were key biomarkers for CI. The tb-RDA revealed that increased fruit intake and exercise contribute to a higher abundance of Megamonas, Blautia, and Veillonella. We identified a significantly reduced abundance of certain beneficial gut microbiota in older Chinese adults with cognitive impairment.

A comprehensive catalog encompassing 1376 species-level genomes reveals the core community and functional diversity of anammox microbiota

Research on the microbial community and function of the anammox process for environmentally friendly wastewater treatment has achieved certain success, which may mean more universal insights are needed. However, the comprehensive understanding of the anammox process is constrained by the limited taxonomic assignment and functional characterization of anammox microbiota, primarily due to the scarcity of high-quality genomes for most organisms. This study reported a global genome catalog of anammox microbiotas based on numerous metagenomes obtained from both lab- and full-scale systems. A total of 1376 candidate species from 7474 metagenome-assembled genomes were used to construct the genome catalog, providing extensive microbial coverage (averaged of 92.40 %) of anammox microbiota. Moreover, a total of 64 core genera and 44 core species were identified, accounting for approximately 64.25 % and 43.97 %, respectively, of anammox microbiota. The strict core genera encompassed not only functional bacteria (e.g., Brocadia, Desulfobacillus, Zeimonas, and Nitrosomonas) but also two candidate genera (UBA12294 and OLB14) affiliated with the order Anaerolineales. In particular, core denitrifying bacteria with observably taxonomic diversity exhibited diverse functional profiles; for instance, the potential of carbohydrate metabolism in Desulfobacillus and Zeimonas likely improves the mixotrophic lifestyle of anammox microbiota. Besides, a noteworthy association was detected between anammox microbiota and system type. Microbiota in coupling system exhibited complex diversity and interspecies interactions by limiting numerous core denitrifying bacteria. In summary, the constructed catalog substantially expands our understanding of the core community and their functions of anammox microbiota, providing a valuable resource for future studies on anammox systems.

Culture-Independent Characterization of Citrus Rhizospheric Bacterial and Fungal Microbiota from Piura, Peru

The “limón sutil” (Citrus aurantifolia) has been widely cultivated and well established for many years in Piura, northwestern Peru, because of its exceptional climate and soil conditions. However, decline and death of C. aurantifolia trees caused by different phytopathogens remain a common problem which has been observed in the last decades. It is known that the microbiota of soil plays an important role with their host and could be the starting point to understand the causes of citrus decline. In this study, we identified through culture-independent methods the bacterial and fungal microbiota associated to C. aurantifolia, C. jambhiri and C. volkameriana rhizospheres in the main areas of Piura. By using a 16S rRNA and ITS-metabarcoding analysis, we evaluated the taxonomic diversity between healthy trees and with decline symptoms and how this diversity could influence the health status of citrus trees. More than 600 and 200 bacterial and fungal ASVs were identified, respectively. Our metabarcoding analysis was able to identify Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota and Acidobacteriota prokaryotic phyla, while fungal phyla included Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Glomeromycota. In addition, there were differences between microbial diversity indices in rhizospheres evaluated. Finally, bacterial and fungal genera were shared among the different citrus rhizospheres. These results have allowed us to obtain a preliminary identification of microbiota in the citrus rhizospheres of healthy trees and with decline symptoms.

Associations of gut microbiota features and circulating metabolites with systemic inflammation in children

ObjectiveGut microbes and microbe-dependent metabolites (eg, tryptophan-kynurenine-serotonin pathway metabolites) have been linked to systemic inflammation, but the microbiota-metabolite-inflammation axis remains uncharacterised in children. Here we investigated whether gut microbiota features...

Correlation Between Gut Microbiota Composition and Serum Interleukin 17 (IL-17) in Mice With Type 2 Diabetes and Experimental Periodontitis.

Objective To preliminarily explore the composition characteristics of gut microbiota in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and experimental periodontitis, and their correlation with serum IL-17 levels, aiming to provide new insights and evidence for related experimental studies. Methods A total of 42 SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly selected, with 24 used for T2DM modeling. Successfully modeled T2DM mice were divided into the T2DM group (ND group, n=8) and T2DM with experimental periodontitis group (PD group, n=8). Non-T2DM mice were divided into the blank control group (NC group, n=8) and the experimental periodontitis group (NP group, n=8). After modeling, body weight and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured weekly. Each group of mice underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and an insulin tolerance test (ITT). Six weeks after modeling experimental periodontitis, serum IL-17 levels were measured using ELISA, intestinal inflammation was assessed using HE staining, and gut microbiota composition in cecal contents was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing to determine its correlation with serum IL-17 levels. Results FPG in the PD group was higher than in the ND group, with a statistically significant difference in the 12th week (p<0.05). The glucose tolerance level in the PD group was lower than in the ND group (p<0.01). Compared with the NC group, other groups showed varying degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration in the intestinal mucosa, and serum IL-17 levels were lower in both the ND and PD groups compared to the NC group (p<0.01), with the PD group also lower than the NP group (p<0.01). The Shannon and Pielou-e indices of gut microbiota in the PD group were significantly lower than those in the NP group (p<0.05). In terms of microbiota composition, Firmicutes were increased in both the ND and PD groups compared to the NC and NP groups (p<0.05), while Bacteroidetes were decreased (p<0.05). Proteobacteria were increased in the PD group compared to the ND group (p<0.05). The abundance of Bacteroidetes and the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio was moderately positively correlated with serum IL-17 levels (p<0.01) and moderately negatively correlated with blood glucose levels (p<0.01); serum IL-17 levels were strongly negatively correlated with blood glucose levels (p<0.01). Conclusion Comorbidity of experimental periodontitis and T2DM may exacerbate glucose metabolism impairment in T2DM mice by increasing the abundance of Proteobacteria and intestinal mucosal damage. Serum IL-17 levels may serve as an indicator of gut microbiota dysbiosis in T2DM mice with experimental periodontitis.

Effect of oral metformin on gut microbiota characteristics and metabolite fractions in normal-weight type 2 diabetic mellitus patients.

To analyze the effect of oral metformin on changes in gut microbiota characteristics and metabolite composition in normal weight type 2 diabetic patients. T2DM patients in the cross-sectional study were given metformin for 12 weeks. Patients with unmedicated T2DM were used as a control group to observe the metrics of T2DM patients treated with metformin regimen. 16S rDNA high-throughput gene sequencing of fecal gut microbiota of the study subjects was performed by llumina NovaSeq6000 platform. Targeted macro-metabolomics was performed on 14 cases of each of the gut microbiota metabolites of the study subjects using UPLC-MS/MS technology. Correlations between the characteristics of the gut microbiota and its metabolites, basic human parameters, glycolipid metabolism indicators, and inflammatory factors were analyzed using spearman analysis. Glycolipid metabolism indexes and inflammatory factors were higher in normal-weight T2DM patients than in the healthy population (P<0.05), but body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and inflammatory factor concentrations were lower in normal-weight T2DM patients than in obese T2DM patients (P<0.05). Treatment with metformin in T2DM patients improved glycolipid metabolism, but the recovery of glycolipid metabolism was more pronounced in obese T2DM patients. None of the differences in α-diversity indexes were statistically significant (P>0.05), and the differences in β-diversity were statistically significant (P <0.05). Community diversity and species richness recovered after metformin intervention compared to before, and were closer to the healthy population. We found that Anaerostipes/Xylose/Ribulose/Xylulose may play an important role in the treatment of normal-weight T2DM with metformin by improving glycemic lipids and reducing inflammation. And Metformin may play a role in obese T2DM through Romboutsia, medium-chain fatty acids (octanoic acid, decanoic acid, and dodecanoic acid). Gut microbial dysbiosis and metabolic disorders were closely related to glucose-lipid metabolism and systemic inflammatory response in normal-weight T2DM patients. Metformin treatment improved glucose metabolism levels, systemic inflammation levels in T2DM patients, closer to the state of healthy population. This effect may be mediated by influencing the gut microbiota and microbial host co-metabolites, mainly associated with Anaerostipes and xylose/Ribulose/Xylulose. Metformin may exert its effects through different pathways in normal-weight versus obese T2DM patients.

Exploring the associations between gut microbiota composition and SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine response in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Over 7 million deaths attributed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by 6 May 2024 underscore the urgent need for effective vaccination strategies. However, individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been identified as particularly vulnerable and display compromised immune responses to vaccines. Concurrently, increasing evidence suggests that the composition and diversity of gut microbiota, crucial regulators of immune function, may influence the efficacy of vaccines. Against this backdrop, our study explores the complex interplay among SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccination, T2DM, and host microbiota. We discover that T2DM compromises the initial immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine, and this response is positively correlated with specific features of the gut microbiota, such as alpha diversity. We also demonstrate that the vaccination itself induces alterations in the composition and structure of the gut microbiota. These findings illuminate potential links between the gut microbiota and vaccine efficacy in individuals with T2DM, offering valuable insights that could enhance vaccine responses in this high-risk population.

Correlation between gut microbiota characteristics and non-small cell lung cancer based on macrogenomics sequencing

ObjectiveNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy experience disturbances in the gut microbiota. This study intends to find out the correlation between gut microbiota and clinical indices before and after radiotherapy for NSCLC.MethodsTen patients with primary NSCLC were screened, and plasma and fecal samples were collected before and after radiotherapy, respectively. Inflammatory indices in plasma were detected. Genomic DNA was extracted from fecal specimens and sequenced on on Illumina HiSeq2000 sequencing platform. Thee sequenced data were subjected to Metagenome assembly, gene prediction, species annotation, and gene function analysis to study and analyze gut microbiota and metabolic functions. The correlation between the diversity of gut microbiota and the clinical indicators of NSCLC patients was evaluated, and the changes of gut microbiota before and after radiotherapy were observed.ResultsThe diversity of gut microbiota in NSCLC patients did not correlate with smoking, pathology, and inflammatory markers. The abundance of phylum (p)_Bacteroidetes increased; p_Firmicutes and p_Bacteroidetes accounted for the highest proportion in NSCLC patients, and the abundance of both was dominantly exchanged after radiotherapy. There was a decrease in genus (g)_Bifidobacterium after radiotherapy in NSCLC patients. There was no significant correlation between the diversity of gut microbiota after radiotherapy and radiotherapy sensitivity, and the structural composition and abundance of gut microbiota remained stable.ConclusionThe diversity of gut microbiota is altered after radiotherapy in NSCLC patients, showing an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria.

Examination of sex-specific interactions between gut microbiota and host metabolism after 12-week combined polyphenol supplementation in individuals with overweight or obesity

ABSTRACT Polyphenols exert beneficial effects on host metabolism, which may be mediated by the gut microbiota. We investigated sex-specific differences in microbiota composition and interactions with cardiometabolic parameters after polyphenol supplementation in individuals with overweight/obesity. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 19 women and 18 men with normal glucose tolerance and body mass index >25 kg/m2 received epigallocatechin-3-gallate and resveratrol (EGCG+RES, 282 + 80 mg/d) or placebo supplements for 12 weeks. Fecal microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, V3-V4 region), in vivo whole-body fat oxidation (indirect calorimetry), and mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized skeletal muscle fibers (SkM-Ox; ex vivo respirometry) were determined pre- and post-intervention. Overall, EGCG+RES supplementation did not affect gut microbiota composition. Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae UCG-002, Subdoligranulum, and Lachnospiraceae UCG-004 were more abundant, while Veillonella, Tyzzerella 4, Clostridium innocuum group, Ruminococcus gnavus group, Escherichia-Shigella, and an uncultured Ruminococcaceae family genus were less abundant in women compared to men. In women, only baseline Eubacterium ventriosum group abundance correlated with EGCG+RES-induced changes in SkM-Ox. In men, low Dorea, Barnsiella, Anaerotruncus, Ruminococcus, Subdoligranulum, Coprococcus, Eubacterium ventriosum group, Ruminococcaceae UCG-003, and a Ruminococcaceae family genus abundance, and high Blautia abundance at baseline were associated with improvements in SkM-Ox. Changes in whole-body fat oxidation were not associated with gut microbiota features. We conclude that baseline microbiota composition predicts changes in SkM-Ox as a result of EGCG+RES supplementation in men but not in women. Men may be more prone to diet-induced, gut microbiota-related improvements in cardiometabolic health. These sex-differences should be further investigated in future precision-based intervention studies.

Comparison and characterization of the bacterial microbiota and SIgA production in different gastrointestinal segments in horses.

In the gastrointestinal mucosa, there is a close cooperation between secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and the composition of the microbiota, which aims to maintain homeostasis as well as act as a protective barrier. The purpose of this study was to determine the composition of microbiota and SIgA production in different parts of the digestive tract (small intestine, cecum, colon and rectum) of nine healthy horses and its reflection in the feces. For this purpose, we determined: the composition of the microbiome (by next-generation Sequencing of Hypervariable Regions V3-V4 and V7-V9 of the 16S rRNA gene analysis), the amount of SIgA in the intestinal content samples (by ELISA), as well as the number of IgA-producing cells (IgA+) in the tissue samples (by immohistochemical analysis). Significant differences were observed between the small intestine and the large colon in the composition and diversity of the microbiome, as well as the number of IgA + cells in the mucosal lamina propria and the abundance of SIgA in the intestinal lumen. The small intestine in relation to the large colon is characterised by fewer IgA + cells, more SIgA in the intestinal contents and a less diverse microbiome. However, the cecum appears to be the third separate ecosystem, with a high number of IgA + cells and a diverse microbiome. The fecal sample reflects the current state of the large colon, both in terms of the microbiome and SIgA content; however, it is not known to what extent it may be influenced by dysbiosis in other parts of the digestive tract.

Ningxiang Pig-Derived Microbiota Affects the Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota, and Serum Metabolome of Nursery Pigs.

The gut microbiota is crucial for maintaining the host's intestinal homeostasis and metabolism. This study investigated the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Ningxiang pigs on the growth performance, fecal microbiota, and serum metabolites of the same-old DLY pigs. The results indicated that the average daily gain of FMT pigs was significantly greater than that of the control (CON) group. Compared to the CON group, the FMT group significantly improved the apparent digestibility of crude fiber, crude ash, gross energy, and calcium of the pigs. The analysis of serum antioxidant status revealed that the activities of total superoxide dismutase and catalase in the serum of pigs in the FMT group were significantly elevated, whereas the level of malondialdehyde was significantly reduced. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the Ningxiang pig-derived microbiota altered the fecal microbiota structure and modulated the diversity of the gut microbiota in the DLY pigs. Untargeted LC-MS metabolomics demonstrated that pigs in the FMT group exhibited distinct metabolomic profiles compared to those in the CON group. Significant changes were observed in key metabolites involved in amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, a correlation analysis between serum differential metabolites and the gut microbiota revealed that the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Corynebacterium was highly correlated with lipid compounds. In conclusion, Ningxiang pig-derived microbiota can alleviate oxidative stress and enhance growth performance in DLY pigs by modulating their gut microbiota and metabolic features.

Characterization of bovine vaginal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing: associations with host fertility, longevity, health, and production

Due to their potential impact on the host’s phenotype, organ-specific microbiotas are receiving increasing attention in several animal species, including cattle. Specifically, the vaginal microbiota of ruminants is attracting growing interest, due to its predicted critical role on cows’ reproductive functions in livestock contexts. Notably, fertility disorders represent a leading cause for culling, and additional research would help to fill relevant knowledge gaps. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the vaginal microbiota of a large cohort of 1171 female dairy cattle from 19 commercial herds in Northern France. Vaginal samples were collected using a swab and the composition of the microbiota was determined through 16S rRNA sequencing targeting the V3–V4 hypervariable regions. Initial analyses allowed us to define the core bacterial vaginal microbiota, comprising all the taxa observed in more than 90% of the animals. Consequently, four phyla, 16 families, 14 genera and a single amplicon sequence variant (ASV) met the criteria, suggesting a high diversity of bacterial vaginal microbiota within the studied population. This variability was partially attributed to various environmental factors such as the herd, sampling season, parity, and lactation stage. Next, we identified numerous significant associations between the diversity and composition of the vaginal microbiota and several traits related to host’s production and reproduction performance, as well as reproductive tract health. Specifically, 169 genera were associated with at least one trait, with 69% of them significantly associated with multiple traits. Among these, the abundances of Negativibacillus and Ruminobacter were positively correlated with the cows’ performances (i.e., longevity, production performances). Other genera showed mixed relationships with the phenotypes, such as Leptotrichia being overabundant in cows with improved fertility records and reproductive tract health, but also in cows with lower production levels. Overall, the numerous associations underscored the complex interactions between the vaginal microbiota and its host. Given the large number of samples collected from commercial farms and the diversity of the phenotypes considered, this study marks an initial step towards a better understanding of the intimate relationship between the vaginal microbiota and the dairy cow’s phenotypes.