Colonic Vessels Research Articles

Gut production of GABA by a probiotic formula: an in vitro study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of a probiotic formula on the production of neuroactive compounds in different parts of the colon in batch culture and in vitro gut simulator experiments. Thirteen lactic acid bacterial strains, belonging to the species Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus thermophilus, were characterised for their in vitro ability to produce neurotransmitters. L. brevis P30021 and L. plantarum P30025 were selected based on their capability to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine in vitro. A probiotic formulation with potential psychobiotic activity was prepared and tested in a batch culture of human microbiota monitoring the formation of GABA and acetylcholine. Samples of the three colonic tracts were taken from the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbiota (SHIME®) evaluating the production of GABA and other neurotransmitters by LC-MS. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by GC and microbiota composition by 16S rRNA gene sequencing were also determined. Probiotic supplementation led to the formation of GABA and acetylcholine with a decrease in glutamate concentrations in the in vitro batch fermentation. Production of GABA after the treatment with probiotics was confirmed in the SHIME® short-term experiment. No differences in short-chain fatty acids were observed up to 72h of fermentation. Different microbiota composition was found in the three different parts of the colon, with a higher abundance of Veillonellaceae in the ascending colon vessels. The probiotic-exposed microbiota showed higher levels of Bacteroides, a gut microbe associated with anti-inflammatory activities and a potential GABA producer. Results demonstrate the impact of the tested probiotic formula on gut microbiota structure and GABA production. In conclusion, the probiotic treatment changed the microbiota composition and increased neuroactive metabolites production, indicating promising potential as psychobiotics, even if further clinical evidence is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these probiotics in improving mental health.

Gitar balıklarında (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) Vibrio hepatarius kaynaklı subakut enteritik septisemi

Common guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos) are an endangered species and are placed on the red list of “Critically Endangered, CR” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Guitarfish are kept in captivity and are protected in public aquaria globally, but there is limited information about the diseases for this species. In this research, mortalities (14%) observed in common guitarfish in a public aquarium are reported. Severe hemorrhagic lesions on the ventral body side and reduced feed intake were observed in the affected animals. Two guitarfish were referred for necropsy, microbiological and histopathological examination. Macroscopic findings included severe ecchymotic hemorrhages in the ventral body, bloating of the gastrointestinal tract due to invasive mass, and hyperemia of the colon vessels and obstruction of the colon lumen. Histopathological examination revealed degenerations and necrosis in the liver, desquamation of intestinal villi, severe mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis in distal intestine, severe bacterial aggregates in different organs, pancreatitis, vasculitis, and filamentous bacteria-like structures. Vibrio hepatarius was isolated and identified with multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA); multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that the agent belonged to a novel sequence type, 247. After the first description of V. hepatarius in wild healthy adults of Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) from Ecuador, this is the first report of deaths due to V. hepatarius observed in common guitarfish kept in captivity in a public aquarium.

The digestive fate of beef versus plant-based burgers from bolus to stool

Ultra-processed, plant-based burgers (PB) and traditional comminuted-beef burgers (BB) share similar organoleptic characteristics, yet a knowledge gap exists in understanding how consumption of these divergent physical structures alters the lipemic response and gut microbiota. PB, comprised of highly refined ingredients, is formulated with no intact whole food structure, while BB entraps lipids throughout the myofibrillar protein network. PB presented significantly higher free fatty acid (FFA) bioaccessibility (28.2 ± 4.80 %) compared to BB (8.73 ± 0.52 %), as obtained from their FFA release profiles over digestion time after characterizing them with a modified logistic model (SLM), using the simulated TIM Gastro-Intestinal Model (TIM-1). Additionally, the rate of lipolysis, k, obtained from the SLM for PB (90% CI [0.0175, 0.0277] min−1) was higher than for BB (90% CI [0.0113, 0.0171] min−1). Using the Simulated Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®), the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) was significantly higher for PB than BB; and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed Clostridium and Citrobacter were more highly represented in the microbial community for the PB feed, whereas BB feed differentially enriched Megasphaera, Bacteroides, Alistipes, and Blautia at the genus level. Additionally, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was altered (p < 0.05) site-specifically in each colon vessel, which could be attributed to the available substrates and changes in microbial composition. Total SCFAs were significantly higher for PB in the ascending colon (AC) and descending colon (DC) but higher for BB only in the transverse colon (TC). This research illustrates the crucial role of meat analog physical structure in modulating nutritional aspects beyond food composition alone.

Cadaveric and CT angiography study of vessels around the transverse colon mesentery

BackgroundLaparoscopic and robotic surgery for transverse colon cancer are difficult due to complex fusion of the foregut and midgut and variation of the vessels of the transverse colon. Although the vessels of the right colon have been investigated, middle colic artery (MCA) variation and the relationship with vessels around the transvers colon are unknown. We investigated variation of the MCA using computed tomography angiography (CTA) and cadaver specimen and the relationship between the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and MCA using CTA. The classification of vessels around the transverse colon may lead to safer and reliable surgery.MethodsThis study included 505 consecutive patients who underwent CTA in our institution from 2014 to 2020 and 44 cadaver specimens. Vascular anatomical classifications and relationships were analyzed using CT images.ResultsThe MCA was defined as the arteries arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) that flowed into the transverse colon at the distal ends. The classifications were as follows: type I, branching right and left from common trunk; type II, the right and left branches bifurcated separately from the SMA; and type III, the MCA branched from a vessel other than the SMA. Type II was subclassified into two subtypes, type IIa with one left branch and type IIb with two or more left branches from SMA. In the CTA and cadaver studies, respectively, the classifications were as follows: type I, n = 290 and n = 31; type IIa, n = 211 and n = 13; type IIb, n = 3 and n = 0; and type III, n = 1 and n = 0. We classified the relationship between the MCA and left side of the SMV into three types: type A, a common trunk runs along the left edge of the SMV (n = 173; 59.7%); type B, a right branch of the MCA runs along the left edge of the SMV (n = 116; 40.0%); and type C, the MCA runs dorsal of the SMV (n = 1; 0.3%).ConclusionsThis study revealed that The MCA branching classifications and relationship between the SMV and MCA. Preoperative CT angiography may be able to reliably identify vessel variation, which may be useful in clinical practice.

A Spore-Based Probiotic Containing Five Strains of Bacillus Had No Notable Effect on the Recovery of the Activity and Composition of the Baby Gut Microbiota Following Antibiotic Treatment in an In Vitro Model

Antibiotic use causes dysbiosis; probiotic treatment may mitigate these effects by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and restoring a healthy gut microbiota. The effects of a probiotic formulation (MegaSporeBiotic™; Bacillus indicus [HU36], Bacillus subtilis [HU58], Bacillus coagulans [SC208], Bacillus licheniformis [SL307], and Bacillus clausii [SC109]) on the microbial community activity and composition of the baby gut microbiome were evaluated using the in vitro gut model, the mucosal simulator of the human intestinal microbial system (M-SHIME®), and fecal samples from four babies aged 6–24 months. Established Baby-Quad-M-SHIME® proximal colon vessels (control period) were treated with 75 mg amoxicillin:clavulanic acid (2:1) for five days (antibiotic period) and then with/without daily MegaSporeBiotic™ (2 weeks; follow-up period). Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis was confirmed by significantly decreased SCFA levels and changes in the microbial community composition in the antibiotic vs. the control periods. SCFA levels recovered for both untreated and treated chambers during the follow-up period; recovery was similar among donors. There were few differences in microbial community composition between untreated and treated chambers during the follow-up period. MegaSporeBiotic™ supplementation following antibiotic-induced dysbiosis had little effect on the recovery of the microbial community activity or composition of the baby gut microbiota. Future studies evaluating simultaneous antibiotic and probiotic treatment may be of interest.

Anatomy of Subpancreatic Transverse Colon Vessel and Its Clinical Significance: An Observational Study.

PurposeTo observe and count the probability of presence and the anatomy of the vessel arising via the inferior margin of the pancreas and traveling within the transverse mesocolon, and analyze its clinical significance.MethodsPatients who underwent radical operation for transverse colon cancer or descending colon cancer from January 2020 to November 2021 and a nonspecific cadaver were included in this study. We observed and recorded intraoperatively for the probability of presence and the anatomy of the vessel arising via the inferior margin of the pancreas and traveling within the transverse mesocolon. And its property was determined by tissue slice.ResultsA total of 84 patients were included, of which, the vessel was observed in 72 (85.7%) patients, and its property was confirmed by tissue slice of one patient after surgery. The vessel was also observed in a nonspecific cadaver. Originating from transverse pancreatic artery, often one, occasionally two, rarely three vessels arose via the inferior margin of pancreas and supplied the left transverse colon. Artery and vein parallel ran, and it was difficult to separate them due to their small diameter, but the vessels may thicken under certain conditions for increasing blood supply.ConclusionThe vessel, which is not yet reported and named in the literature, can be called the subpancreatic transverse colon vessel, which has a high probability of presence in humans and may be of great significance to human physiological anatomy, surgery, and oncology, and deserves recognition and attention from surgeons.

Vascular Anatomy and Variants: Knowledge during Laparoscopic Right Colectomy

From the review of the literature and clinical data, it is clear that the anatomy of the vessels of the right colon is remarkably variable, especially those of Henle branch. This justifies why the laparoscopic colectomy (LRC) plus complete mesocolon excision (CME) is often difficult to perform with the conversion rate due to the lesion of the vessels. The objective of this study was to retrospectively review the videos and literature of the right laparoscopic colectomy plus CME to highlight the greatest number of vascular variations of the right colon, to record them, and to highlight the methods by which cope with these variations during surgery.

Computed Tomography Colonography Angiography (CTC-A) prior to colectomy for cancer: A new tool for surgeons.

The pre-operative work-up for non-metastatic colon cancer includes colonoscopy and thoraco-abdomino-pelvic computed tomography (CT) with intravenous (IV) contrast. Colonoscopic determination of the anatomical location of the tumor may be erroneous, particularly with a long redundant colon (dolichocolon), and the search for synchronous colon neoplasms is limited when the endoscope cannot traverse the tumor-bearing segment. While computed tomography colonography angiography (CTC-A) makes it possible to assess distant tumor metastasis, it remains limited for the assessment of loco-regional extension. CTC-A requires specific colonic preparation, controlled colonic insufflation with CO2, and an injection of IV contrast. CTC-A provides a 3-D view of the overall morphology of the colon and precisely localizes the site of the colonic tumor. Merging the images of the colon with those of mesenteric and colonic vessels provides a representation of anatomical vascular variations. This information could help the surgeon to better plan the colectomy. The use of two-dimensional images of CTC-A with sections perpendicular to the major axis of the tumor-bearing colonic segment can provide precise information on the degree of parietal extension and be useful in evaluating the value of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

Trans oral Thyroidectomy technique via anterior vestibular approach (TOETVA) with video.

The pre-operative work-up for non-metastatic colon cancer includes colonoscopy and thoraco-abdomino-pelvic computed tomography (CT) with intravenous (IV) contrast. Colonoscopic determination of the anatomical location of the tumor may be erroneous, particularly with a long redundant colon (dolichocolon), and the search for synchronous colon neoplasms is limited when the endoscope cannot traverse the tumor-bearing segment. While computed tomography colonography angiography (CTC-A) makes it possible to assess distant tumor metastasis, it remains limited for the assessment of loco-regional extension. CTC-A requires specific colonic preparation, controlled colonic insufflation with CO2, and an injection of IV contrast. CTC-A provides a 3-D view of the overall morphology of the colon and precisely localizes the site of the colonic tumor. Merging the images of the colon with those of mesenteric and colonic vessels provides a representation of anatomical vascular variations. This information could help the surgeon to better plan the colectomy. The use of two-dimensional images of CTC-A with sections perpendicular to the major axis of the tumor-bearing colonic segment can provide precise information on the degree of parietal extension and be useful in evaluating the value of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy With Complete Mesocolic Excision and Central Vascular Ligation Using a Right Colon Rotation Technique (Flip-Flap Method).

Background: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (Lap-RHC) with complete mesocolic excision (CME) and central vascular ligation (CVL) is technically challenging. A standardized procedure is thus needed to minimize technical hazards. Technique: We have developed the "flip-flap method," comprising repeated inversion and restoration of the mobilized right colon according to the anatomical complexity and vascularity in Lap-RHC, and showed that this technique is safe, feasible, and useful in terms of CME and CVL. Our study included 30 consecutive patients who underwent Lap-RHC using the flip-flap method between April 2018 and December 2020. The short-term surgical outcomes suggested this method was safe and feasible. We report herein the surgical procedure for this flip-flap method. The hepatic flexure is mobilized, then the ileocecal vessels are divided, and the cecum is separated from the retroperitoneal space. The mobilized right colon is rotated to the left of the superior mesenteric vein, continuing to separate the mesentery from right to left, and the right colic vessels are divided. If division of the right colic vessels is technically difficult, the inverted right colon is restored to its original position, and the right colon vessels are divided. Finally, the transverse mesenteric fat is dissected along the left edge of the superior mesenteric artery to the inferior border of the pancreas. Conclusions: We consider that the most useful point of this technique is the ability to develop an optimal operative field according to the anatomical complexity and vascularity of the individual, securing CME without unexpected bleeding or damage to other organs.

Modulation of human gut microbiota composition and metabolites by arabinogalactan and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BB536 in the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®)

• Arabinogalactan (AG) gave higher amounts of SCFA, A. muciniphila and F. prausnitzii than starch . • The SCFA changes induced by the AG/ B. longum combination continued after B. longum supplementation. • The AG/ B. longum combination increased AG degradation, butyrate and F. prausnitzii . • The effect of the AG/ B. longum combination was dependent on the colon region. The Mucosal-Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) was used to differentiate the gut microbial fermentation of arabinogalactan (AG) and starch before (T1), during (T2), and after (T3) one-week Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BB536 supplementation. Adding 10 g/L of either AG or starch to the basal medium (T1) promoted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in three successive SHIME colon vessels. AG fermentation (T1) resulted in higher total SCFAs ( P < 0.05) and luminal live Faecalibacterium prausnitzii ( P < 0.0001) in the transverse colon than starch fermentation (T1). Compared to AG fermentation alone (T1), B. longum supplementation (T2) significantly enhanced butyrate production ( P < 0.05) and the abundance of luminal live F. prausnitzii ( P < 0.0001) in the transverse colon. The results indicate that combining a potential prebiotic and a probiotic strain increases SCFA production and particular gut commensals which could have a beneficial effect on gut health.

Differential fermentation of raw and processed high-amylose and waxy maize starches in the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®)

This study aimed to evaluate the colonic fermentation profiles of both high-amylose and waxy maize starches in raw, cooked, and cooked-cooled forms, as measured by changes in short-chain fatty acid production and microbiota composition, using the Mucosal-Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME). Adding starch (6 g/L) to basal feed promoted butyrate production in SHIME proximal and distal colon vessels. The cooked high-amylose starch induced the highest butyrate production in both colon vessels, while the cooked waxy starch induced the highest butyrate production in the distal but not the proximal colon vessel. All starch preparations increased Bifidobacteriaceae abundance in the proximal colon vessel (2- to 6-fold) and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The cooked high-amylose starch increased Akkermansiaceae abundance in the distal (2-fold) but not the proximal colon vessel. The results indicate the cooking and cooling effect on starch fermentation outcome in successive colon regions depends on the starch amylose content.

Crohn Disease

The role of surgery in the management of Crohn disease has undergone a dramatic evolution over the past 50 years. Currently, surgical treatment of Crohn disease is seldom performed in the emergency setting; it is nearly always performed after failed medical therapy. The general indications for surgical treatment are described and include specific attention to complications of the disease, including obstruction, symptomatic fistulas, abscess formation, cancer or dysplasia, and failure to grow. The special considerations of surgical therapy are also described, including pregnancy, the marking of stoma sites, and the choice of incision, which may involve laparoscopy. Surgical management of Crohn disease is evaluated in terms of therapy at specific sites, including esophageal, gastric, and duodenal disease; jejunoileal disease; ileocolic disease; colonic disease; and anal disease. Chemoprophylaxis is also described, as is surveillance and behavioral modification. Tables outline the Vienna Classification System, Crohn Disease Activity Index, Harvey-Bradshaw Index, extraintestinal manifestations, and the medical treatment of Crohn disease. Figures show endoscopic images of Crohn disease, computed tomographic enterography, a capsule endoscopy showing large Crohn structures, surgery rates over time, caput medusa, an example of stenotic ileocolic Crohn disease, an enterocutaneous fistula, Heineke-Mikulicz strictureplasty, Finney strictureplasty, a fibrotic stricture, an example of a large ulcer, pyoderma gangrenosum, a sigmoid colon stricture, toxic megacolon, and vessel loops for drainage of abscesses. This review contains 15 figures, 5 tables, and 76 references.

Ileo-right colonic reconstruction preserving all four colonic vessels after esophagectomy for cancer.

When colonic graft is used as an esophageal substitute after esophagectomy, one or two feeding vessels of the colon are cut to obtain sufficient length, the graft is passed via the subcutaneous route, and microvascular anastomosis is often used to avoid fatal complications. Sixteen consecutive ileo-right colonic reconstructions via the posterior mediastinal or retrosternal route with preservation of all four colonic vessels were performed in the past eight years. We presented the surgical technique and evaluation of this surgical method. In 15 out of 16 consecutive cases, the graft could be pulled up to the neck through the posterior mediastinal or retrosternal route while preserving all four colonic vessels. Reconstruction was not possible in one patient because of ileocolic vessel injury during colonic mobilization. Anastomotic leakage occurred in three patients, but all were minor and were treated conservatively. There were no patients with graft necrosis resulting from insufficient blood supply. Ileo-right colonic reconstruction with preservation of all four colonic vessels through the posterior mediastinal or retrosternal route is a safe and feasible procedure and is considered the first choice for colonic reconstruction as an esophageal substitute.

In vitro colonic fermentation of a plant sterol-enriched beverage in a dynamic-colonic gastrointestinal digester

The impact of a plant sterol-enriched beverage on the sterol metabolism, organic acid production and microbiota composition was evaluated by means of a dynamic gastrointestinal and colonic fermentation model. After one week of fermentation, an absence of sterol metabolites was reported, in accordance with the lack of microbiota related to their metabolism. Although total organic acid content was lower in the ascending colon (AC) compared to the transversal (TC) and descending colon (DC) (28–57 mmol/L vs. 55-87 and 44–64 mmol/L, respectively), its increments, with respect to the initial value, were higher (2-fold vs. 1.6- and 1.5-fold). Increments of acetate, butyrate and propionate were observed in all colon vessels, whereas lactate production was only observed in the AC at the first hours of fermentation. Results showed a progressive increase in microbial species richness and evenness from the AC to the DC. Beverage fermentation also modulated certain members of the microbiota: Bifidobacterium (within 24 h) and Megasphaera genera were stimulated, and Mitsuokella was reduced in AC, while the growth of Klebsiella genus was promoted and Bacteroidetes phylum decreased in TC and DC. These results show that the beverage modulates the microbial community and activity, which could be physiologically relevant to the host.

Effect of Bifidobacterium crudilactis and 3′-sialyllactose on the toddler microbiota using the SHIME® model

The important changes in diet during the first years of life strongly modulate the intestinal microbiota of young children. Among in vitro digestive models, the simulator of human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME®) model, seems particularly adapted to study the effects of prebiotics and/or probiotics on the dynamic microbiota of toddlers.The main purpose of this study was to investigate different formulations with prebiotic (3′-sialyllactose: 3′SL) and probiotic (Bifidobacterium crudilactis FR/62/b/3) effects on young child microbiota using the SHIME® model. The ascending (AC), transverse (TC) and descending (DC) colons of the SHIME® model were inoculated with feces from 3 donors aged between 1 and 2 years, in three separate vessels. After two weeks of microbiota stabilization, four treatments of one week (prebiotic, probiotic, synbiotic and cell-free spent media from the synbiotic) were administered.In all the colon vessels, the short chain fatty acid analyses, determined using high-performance liquid chromatography highlighted a ratio acetate/propionate/butyrate proportion of 5:19:6, situated between infant and adult normal values. As already observed in other validated studies focusing on the SHIME® model, the 16S rDNA sequencing highlighted a low richness and diversity in the AC, while the microbial communities in the TC and the DC remained similar to each other. Although some bacteria involved in biofilm development have been identified (Stenotrophomonas, Megasphera and Enterobacter), specific bacterial populations, proper to each colon were developed. Some bacteria associated to the upper intestinal tract, such as Lactobacillus and Veillonella genera, seemed to grow easily in the AC. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting the hsp60 gene confirmed the ability of bifidobacteria to survive in this toddler model. In addition, the synbiotic treatment tended to a bifidogenic effect (P < 0.1). On the other hand, the feces of the donors and the content of the three colon vessels were filtered and placed in contact with Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 43890 to evaluate the modulation of virulence gene expression using reverse transcription PCR. Finally, filtered supernatants from donor feces significantly up-regulated the expression of the luxS gene of E. coli O157:H7 (P = 0.013).In conclusion, despite the presence of biofilms, the toddler SHIME® model used in his study shared characteristics found both in adults and infants. Although additional investigations should be performed, combining 3′SL and B. crudilactis FR/62/b/3 could lead to a beneficial effect on infant microbiota by favoring bifidobacterial presence. Finally, the filtrated supernatant from young child feces could be able to modulate the quorum sensing mechanism for E. coli O157:H7.

Four cases of laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid colon and rectal cancer with persistent descending mesocolon

BackgroundPersistent descending mesocolon (PDM) is a congenital anomaly associated with the failure of fixation of the descending colon to the lateral abdominal wall. In the laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer, it has been noticed that there are extensive adhesions and a distinctive anatomy of colonic vessels in cases with PDM. Therefore, it is necessary to have sufficient knowledge about PDM so that it can be appropriately treated during surgery.Case presentationCase 1—a 79-year-old man underwent laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer. Preoperative barium enema (BE) revealed that the sigmoid colon was located at the right side of the abdomen. An enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed that the common trunk of the left colic artery (LCA) and the first sigmoid colonic artery (S1) branched from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Case 2—a 68-year-old man underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer synchronously. BE showed that the descending colon ran from the splenic flexure to medial caudal side. An enhanced CT showed that the distance from the LCA to the marginal artery was 1.0 cm. Case 3—a 68-year-old man underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. BE showed that the descending colon ran to the medial caudal side. An enhanced CT showed that the mesentery of the descending colon was comparatively shortened. Case 4—a 60-year-old man underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer. An enhanced CT showed that the descending colon ran to the medial caudal side and predicted that the LCA and S1 formed a common trunk and branched radially from the IMA. We reported four cases with PDM recognized preoperatively as above. Three cases had a shortening of the mesocolon. While dissecting the vessels, although special attention was required to maintain the blood flow to the intestine, none of these cases developed any complications during the postoperative course.ConclusionsWe considered that it is important to have positional awareness of the LCA and the marginal artery to perform the laparoscopic surgery safely when a colorectal cancer with PDM is diagnosed preoperatively using imaging methods.

A toddler SHIME® model to study microbiota of young children.

The 'first 1000 days of life' determine the gut microbiota composition and can have long-term health consequences. In this study, the simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME®) model, which represents the main functional sections of the digestive tract, was chosen to study the microbiota of young children. The aim of this study was to reproduce the digestive process of toddlers and their specific colonic environment. The ascending, transverse and descending colons of SHIME® model were inoculated with feces from three donors aged between 1 and 2 years-old, in three separate runs. For each run, samples from colon vessels were collected at days 14, 21 and 28 after microbiota stabilization period. Short chain fatty acid concentrations determined by HPLC showed that microbiota obtained in SHIME® model shared characteristics between adults and infants. In addition, microbial diversity and bacterial populations determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were specific to each colon vessel. In conclusion, the SHIME® model developed in this study seemed well adapted to evaluate prebiotic and probiotic impact on the specific microbiota of toddlers, or medicine and endocrine disruptor metabolism. Moreover, this study is the first to highlight some biofilm development in in vitro gastrointestinal modelling systems.

Effect of fermented sausages with probiotic Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 on gut microbiota using dynamic colonic model

Considering the importance of nutrition in maintaining health conditions, this study is aimed at evaluating the effect of the consumption of a potentially probiotic sausage, with reduction of curing salts and fat, fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 into the gut microbiota, using the simulator of the human microbial ecosystem (SHIME®). The SHIME® experiment was performed using the probiotic sausage for two weeks. The gut microbiota composition was monitored weekly in all colon vessels by plate counts and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Samples of the colonic contents were evaluated microbiologically by plate counts and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and chemically by the production of SCFA (acetate, propionate and butyrate) and ammonium ions (NH+4). It was observed that the consumption of the potentially probiotic sausage can result in a reduced count of Lactobacillus spp. (colon vessels 3, 4 and 5), Bacteroides spp. (colon vessel 5) and Enterobacteriaceae (colon vessels 4 and 5) and increased levels of ammonium ions. The butyric and propionic acids increased (P < 0.05) while acetic acid decreased (P < 0.05) in treatment period. The PCR-DGGE analysis suggested that probiotic sausage increased the microbiota diversity during the treatment phase. Overall, the findings showed that potentially probiotic sausage represents a healthier alternative of fermented meat, with a positive effect on the microbial diversity and metabolite production.

Bacillus subtilis HU58 and Bacillus coagulans SC208 Probiotics Reduced the Effects of Antibiotic-Induced Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in An M-SHIME® Model.

Benefits associated with probiotic use have been reported; however, the mechanisms behind these benefits are poorly understood. The effects of a probiotic formulation (MegaDuo™) containing Bacillus coagulans SC208 and Bacillus subtilis HU58 on intestinal permeability and immune markers was assessed using a combination of the in vitro gut model, the mucosal simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (M-SHIME®), and an in vitro inflammatory bowel disease-like Caco-2/THP1 co-culture model in both healthy and antibiotic-induced dysbiosis conditions. Established M-SHIME® proximal colon vessels were treated with/without clindamycin (1 week) and then with/without daily MegaDuo™ treatment (2 weeks). The mucosal and luminal microbial communities were sampled weekly. Suspensions were removed from the proximal colon vessels after 1 and 2 weeks of MegaDuo™ treatment and added to the co-culture system. Transepithelial resistance (membrane barrier function), cytokine/chemokine release, and NFκB activity were then measured. Under conditions of antibiotic-induced dysbiosis, suspensions from MegaDuo™ treated vessels showed reduced gut membrane barrier damage and decreased levels of TNFα and IL-6 compared with suspensions from untreated vessels; no appreciable differences were observed under healthy conditions. MegaDuo™ treatment had no effect on NFκB activity of THP1-Blue™ cells. The potential benefits of MegaDuo™ treatment appeared most evident after 2 weeks of treatment.