Diversity Of Intestinal Bacteria Research Articles

Potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an oligophagous pest that damages potatoes. Intestinal microorganisms play important roles in regulating the life activities of host insects. The gut of PTM is rich in microbials, but it is unclear that the dynamics of the structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria in the different development period of potato tuber moth. In this study, the dynamics of the intestinal bacterial community across the whole life cycle of PTM were evaluated using single molecule real-time sequencing. The intestinal microbiota of PTM is predominantly composed of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and it is different with the difference of development stages. Wolbachia endosymbionts were the dominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in eggs and the first-instar larvae. Enterococcus mundtii was the dominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in the second, third, and the fourth instar larvae, as well as in both male and female pupae. Moreover, the predominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in female adults is Enterobacter ludwigii, while the dominant bacterial species is Serratia rubidaea in male adults. Principal component analysis and non-metric Multi-dimensional scaling analysis confirmed the differences in intestinal symbiotic bacteria structure at different developmental stages. In addition, after reintroducing the bacteria following antibiotic treatment, it was found that the antibiotics significantly inhibited the development of the potato tuber moth, whereas the gut bacteria appeared to facilitate its growth. The findings of this study will enhance our understanding of intestinal microorganisms on the development of their host insects across the life cycle. Moreover, it will establish a foundation for elucidating the physiological functions of key microorganisms in the intestinal tract of the potato tuber moth, while also offering new insights and strategy to the biological control of this pest.

Alcoholic liver fibrosis (ALF) developed from long-term excessive alcohol consumption, which causes inflammatory reactions, lipid accumulation and cirrhosis. An imbalance in gut microbiota is a crucial driving factor for liver fibrosis through the gut-liver axis. This study aimed to explore the effect of physcion on ALF associated with HMGB1/NLRP3 pathways and gut microbiota. C57BL/6 mice were used to establish animal model of ALF, LX-2 cells were used to establish alcohol-activated cell model, the intestinal contents of the mice were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Physcion effectively ameliorated ALF-induced inflammation, collagen deposition, lipid accumulation by SirT1, AMPK phosphorylation and SREBP1 expression. Moreover, pyroptosis-related proteins (Caspase-1, IL-1β, GSDMD) were significantly reduced after physcion treatment. Interestingly, the diversity of intestinal bacteria and the abundance in physcion treatment mice was significantly higher, while the abundance of harmful bacteria was significantly lower than that in ALF mice. Importantly, it was found that physcion inhibit HMGB1/NLRP3 pathways both in vivo and in vitro, and suppress accumulation of extracellular matrix by inhibiting Collagen-I and α-SMA to finally reverse hepatic stellate cells activation. Continuous administration of HMGB1 and NLRP3 inhibitors showed hepato-protection in alcohol-activated LX-2 model. siRNA-mediated knock-down in LX-2 cells of HMGB1 significantly impaired physcion-mediated protection. Regulation of the HMGB1/NLRP3 pathway recovered hepatic injury and further contributed to physcion's beneficial effects. Taken together, the results reveal that physcion diminishes HMGB1/NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis and that this diminishment is hepato-protective against ALF.

BackgroundGut microbes have been used to predict CRC risk. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) has been recommended for population screening of CRC.ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) on gut microbes.MethodsFecal samples from 107 healthy individuals (FOBT-negative) and 111 CRC patients (39 FOBT-negative and 72 FOBT-positive) were included for 16 S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Based on the results of different FOBT, the community structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria in healthy individuals and CRC patients were analyzed. Characteristic gut bacteria were screened, and various machine learning algorithms were applied to construct CRC risk prediction models.ResultsThe gut microbiota of healthy people and CRC patients with different fecal occult blood were mapped. There was no statistical difference in diversity between CRC patients with negative FOBT and positive FOBT. Bacteroides, Blautia and Escherichia-Shigella were more correlated to healthy individuals, while Streptococcus showed higher correlation with CRC patients with negative FOBT. The accuracy of CRC risk prediction model based on the support vector machines (SVM) algorithm was the highest (89.71%). Subsequently, FOBT was included as a characteristic element in the model construction, and the prediction accuracy of the model was all increased. Similarly, the CRC risk prediction model based on SVM algorithm had the highest accuracy (92%).ConclusionFOB affects the community composition of gut microbes. When predicting CRC risk based on gut microbiome, considering the influence of FOBT is expected to improve the accuracy of CRC risk prediction.

This study aimed to preliminarily explore the composition and diversity of intestinal bacteria in Erinaceus amurensis during breeding period, aiding in the field rescue and population conservation efforts of Erinaceus amurensis. This also provides foundational data for further research on the prevention and screening of Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases and the experimental animalization of wild Erinaceus amurensis. Between April and July 2023, we collected 13 fresh fecal samples from Erinaceus amurensis at the Sishan Forest Farm in Jidong County, Heilongjiang Province, situated within the Wandashan Mountain range. Utilizing metagenomic sequencing technology, we conducted a comparative analysis of the gut microbiota composition and diversity in wild Erinaceus amurensis across different genders and between adult and fetal individuals within the same habitat. Our results revealed significant differences (P < 0.01) in the classification and diversity of gut microbiota between genders and between adult and fetal Erinaceus amurensis. Specifically, the dominant bacterial groups in the gut of Erinaceus amurensis were Pseudomonas, Proteobacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae. In male and female Erinaceus amurensis, the dominant bacterial groups were Pseudomonas, Bacteroides, and Firmicutes, with variations in bacterial abundance and diversity. While male and female Erinaceus amurensis exhibited similar microbial compositions, they displayed significant differences in specific bacterial classifications. The dominant bacterial group in fetal Erinaceus amurensis was Proteobacteria, which demonstrated lower diversity and abundance compared to the adult group. Furthermore, the types and abundance of pathogenic or opportunistic pathogens in the gut of fetal Erinaceus amurensis and male Erinaceus amurensis were higher than those in female Erinaceus amurensis. The analysis of experimental results indicates that Erinaceus amurensis in this region either have or are at risk of developing inflammation related to the intestinal and urinary tracts, as well as skin-related issues. Consequently, it is advised that forestry and wildlife conservation personnel in this area prioritize treatment against these specific pathogens when conducting rescue operations for Erinaceus amurensis in the wild.

This study investigates the impact of different diets on fish growth and bacterial community structure present in the intestine of goldfish (Carassius auratus) and their aquaculture water under recirculating water conditions. We assumed that different types of diet would form different intestinal microbiota that may affect host growth. Using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing, we analyzed bacterial communities in goldfish fed with formulated pellet feed, Tubifex worms (Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri), and an alternating diet of both. Over a 14-day feeding trial, no significant differences in juvenile goldfish growth were observed between groups. After 7 days, diet changes significantly influenced the abundance and diversity of intestinal bacteria, with the alternating diet notably enhancing bacterial diversity in both the intestines and water. However, these differences in bacterial diversity decreased by day 14. The results indicate that diet type affects microbial community diversity in the intestines and water of goldfish, and that goldfish intestines maintain a stable core bacterial community structure. This highlights the potential for optimizing diet types to enhance microbial health and stability in aquaculture systems and, in addition, provides an important scientific basis for alternative diets in goldfish aquaculture in the industry.

The yak (Bos grunniens) exhibits exceptional regional adaptability, enabling it to thrive in the distinctive ecological niches of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Its survival relies on the intricate balance of its intestinal microbiome, essential for adapting to harsh environmental conditions. Despite the documented significance of bacteria and fungi in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and supporting immune functions, there is still a substantial gap in understanding how the composition and functionality of yak gut microbiota vary along altitude–temperature gradients. This study aims to fill this gap by employing 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing techniques to analyze and compare the intestinal microbiome of yaks residing at different elevations and exposed to varying temperatures. The findings demonstrate subtle variations in the diversity of intestinal bacteria and fungi, accompanied by significant changes in taxonomic composition across various altitudes and temperature gradients. Notably, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota emerged as the dominant phyla across all groups, with Actinobacteriota exhibiting the highest proportion (35.77%) in the LZF group. Functional prediction analysis revealed significant associations between the LZF group and metabolic pathways related to amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis. This suggests a potential role for actinomycetes in enhancing nutrient absorption and metabolism in yaks. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the microbiota of yaks may enhance energy metabolism and catabolism by modulating the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidota ratio, potentially mitigating the effects of temperature variations. Variations in gut bacterial and fungal communities among three distinct groups were analyzed using metagenomic techniques. Our findings indicate that microbial genera exhibiting significant increases in yaks at lower altitudes are largely beneficial. To sum up, our research investigated the changes in gut bacterial and fungal populations of yaks residing across diverse altitude and temperature ranges. Moreover, these results enhance comprehension of gut microbial makeup and variability, offering perspectives on the environmental resilience of dry lot feeding yaks from a microbial angle.

Objective: To explore the relationship between gut microbiota and its metabolite dysregulation and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly male C57BL/6J mice after laparotomy exploration. Methods: A total of 48 specific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6J mice, aged 16-17 months, were divided into two groups by random number table method: control group (n=24) and operation group (n=24). Mice in the operation group were induced with 1.4% isoflurane for 15 minutes, followed by a 10 minutes exploratory laparotomy anesthetized with 1.4% isoflurane and 100% oxygen, and anesthesia continued for 2 hours after surgery. Mice in control group were put in 100% oxygen for 2 hours. Feces and venous blood samples of both groups were collected 48 hours after surgery. Changes in the abundance and diversity of intestinal bacteria in the feces were detected by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Functional changes of fecal metabolic profiles were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS) metabolomics and differential metabolite functions were analyzed. The serum level of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cognitive function of the mice was detected by Morris water maze test 3 days after operation. Results: The postoperative escape latency of mice in control group and operation group was (22.0±4.9) and (35.0±5.1) s, and the target quadrant residence time was (26.0±3.7) and (16.0±2.9) s, respectively. Compared with the control group, the postoperative escape latency of mice in the operation group was prolonged (P=0.035), and the residence time in the target quadrant was reduced (P=0.006). The difference of intestinal flora between the two groups was comparable. The expression levels of Escherichia coli, shigella and clostridium in the operation group were up-regulated, while the expression levels of rumen bacteria and butyricobacteria were down-regulated. Fecal metabolic profiles of mice in control group and operation group were obtained by LC/MS, and 14 and 21 different metabolites were screened in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. The different metabolites in positive ion mode were glutamic acid, 2-indoleic acid, kynuuric acid and glyceraldehyde. The negative ion pattern differential metabolites are methionine, aspartic acid, L-threonine, tyrosyl-threonine and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid. The identified differential metabolite pathways are mainly involved in amino acid, fatty acid and tryptophan metabolism and nucleotide synthesis. There were no significant differences in serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The dysregulated changes of gut microbiota and its metabolites are correlated with the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly male C57BL/6J mice. Anesthesia and surgery alter the structure of mice intestinal bacteria on the level of abundance, and change the metabolic balance and feces metabolomic phenotype.

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from sea cucumber Stichopus chloronotus alleviate the intestinal barrier injury and oxidative stress damage in vitro and in vivo

Does intestinal bacteria diversity drive multi-dimensional sheep (Ovis aries) health?

The gut microbiota has emerged as a potential regulator of thyroid homeostasis and disease. Recent studies suggest that the composition and diversity of intestinal bacteria can impact thyroid stimulating hormone levels, thyroid hormone synthesis &amp; metabolism and the risk of thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis. However, the mechanisms through which the gut microbiota influences the thyroid remain poorly understood. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the role of the gut-thyroid microbiome axis in thyroid physiology and pathophysiology. Studies investigating the association of gut dysbiosis with altered thyroid function and disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were discussed. Potential mechanisms through which gut bacteria may influence thyroid hormone levels and autoimmunity, such as interference with autoantigen presentation, induction of inflammation, and production of metabolites were evaluated. The impact of dietary and probiotic interventions targeting the gut microbiota for managing thyroid disease is assessed. Future research directions focusing on delineating key bacteria influencing thyroid health, characterizing longitudinal microbiota changes in thyroid conditions, and identifying novel microbiota-based therapies are proposed. A deeper understanding of the gut-thyroid axis may lead to microbiota-targeted strategies for managing thyroid disorders.

The Shimanami Leaf®, produced at Innoshima Island in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, is a leafy vegetable that does not require pesticide use and has a high nutritional value. Although the leaf has abundant dietary fiber and other nutrients, reports on its biological regulatory functions are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of Shimanami leaf intake on bowel movement and gut microbiota in mice. We examined the effects of Shimanami leaves on fecal weight, fecal water content, and intestinal microbiota composition. On day 10 of administration, the Shimanami leaf-treated group exhibited significantly higher fecal weight and water content than the control group. Next-generation sequencing analysis revealed that the ingestion of Shimanami leaf increased the abundances and diversity of intestinal bacteria, including members from Lactococcus, Streptococcus, and Muribaculaceae. Our findings suggest that Shimanami leaf supplementation improves bowel movement and promotes defecation.

Experimental liver injury with hepatocelluar necrosis and abnormal liver tests is caused by exposure to heavy metals (HMs) like aluminum, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, thallium, titanium, vanadium, and zinc. As pollutants, HMs disturb the ecosystem, and as these substances are toxic, they may affect the health of humans and animals. HMs are not biodegradable and may be deposited preferentially in the liver. The use of animal models can help identify molecular and mechanistic steps leading to the injury. HMs commonly initiate hepatocellular overproduction of ROS (reactive oxygen species) due to oxidative stress, resulting in covalent binding of radicals to macromolecular proteins or lipids existing in membranes of subcellular organelles. Liver injury is facilitated by iron via the Fenton reaction, providing ROS, and is triggered if protective antioxidant systems are exhausted. Ferroptosis syn pyroptosis was recently introduced as mechanistic concept in explanations of nickel (Ni) liver injury. NiCl2 causes increased iron deposition in the liver, upregulation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) protein and mRNA expression levels, downregulation of glutathione eroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) protein, and mRNA expression levels. Nickel may cause hepatic injury through mitochondrial damage and ferroptosis, defined as mechanism of iron-dependent cell death, similar to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity but likely distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Under discussion were additional mechanistic concepts of hepatocellular uptake and biliary excretion of mercury in exposed animals. For instance, the organic anion transporter 3 (Oat3) and the multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) were involved in the hepatic handling of mercury. Mercury treatment modified the expression of Mrp2 and Oat3 as assessed by immunoblotting, partially explaining its impaired biliary excretion. Concomitantly, a decrease in Oat3 abundance in the hepatocyte plasma membranes was observed that limits the hepatic uptake of mercury ions. Most importantly and shown for the first time in liver injury caused by HMs, titanium changed the diversity of gut microbiota and modified their metabolic functions, leading to increased generation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). As endotoxins, LPS may trigger and perpetuate the liver injury at the level of gut-liver. In sum, mechanistic and molecular steps of experimental liver injury due to HM administration are complex, with ROS as the key promotional compound. However, additional concepts such as iron used in the Fenton reaction, ferroptosis, modification of transporter systems, and endotoxins derived from diversity of intestinal bacteria at the gut-liver level merit further consideration.

The fermentation of grape seed meal, a non-conventional feed resource, improves its conventional nutritional composition, promotes the growth and development of livestock and fat metabolism by influencing the structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria. In this study, the nutritional components of Fermented grape seed meal (FGSM) and their effects on the growth performance, carcass quality, serum biochemistry, and intestinal bacteria of yellow feather broilers were investigated. A total of 240 male 14-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly selected and divided into four groups, with three replicates of 20 chickens each. Animals were fed diets containing 0% (Group I), 2% (Group II), 4% (Group III), or 6% (Group IV) FGSM until they were 56 days old. The results showed that Acid soluble protein (ASP) and Crude protein (CP) contents increased, Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents decreased, and free amino acid content increased in the FGSM group. The non-targeted metabolome identified 29 differential metabolites in FGSM, including organic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and monosaccharides. During the entire trial period, Average daily gain (ADG) increased and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased in response to dietary FGSM supplementation (p < 0.05). TP content in the serum increased and BUN content decreased in groups III and IV (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the serum TG content in group III and the abdominal fat rate in group IV were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The results of gut microbiota analysis showed that FGSM could significantly increase the Shannon and Simpson indices of broilers (35 days). Reducing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes significantly altered cecal microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.05). By day 56, butyric acid content increased in the cecal samples from Group III (p < 0.05). In addition, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between broiler growth performance, abdominal fat percentage, SCFAs, and gut microbes. In summary, the addition of appropriate levels of FGSM to rations improved broiler growth performance and reduced fat deposition by regulating gut microbes through differential metabolites and affecting the microbiota structure and SCFA content of the gut.

BackgroundSini Decoction (SND), a classic Chinese medicine prescription, has been proved to have a good effect on heart failure (HF), whereas its underlying mechanism is still unclear. In order to explore the therapeutic mechanism of SND, we combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze the composition of gut microflora in rats with HF.Material and methodsTwenty Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups (n = 5): normal group, model group, SND treatment group (SNT group), and metoprolol (Met) treatment group (Meto group). All the rats except the normal group were intraperitoneally injected with doxorubicin (concentration 2 mg/mL, dose 0.15 mL/100 g) once a week to induce HF. After successfully modeling, SND and Met were gavaged to rats, respectively. After the treatment period, blood was collected for hematological analyses, myocardial tissue and colon tissues were collected for Hematoxylin–Eosin (H&E) staining, and mucosal scrapings were collected for Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing.ResultsEchocardiographic results suggested that both left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) in Model rats decreased compared with normal rats. The results of H&E staining showed that compared with the model group, the structures of myocardial tissue and colon tissue in the SNT group and Meto group showed a recovery trend. Alpha results showed that the model group had higher species diversity and richness compared with the normal group. After treatment, the richness and diversity of intestinal bacteria in the SNT group were significantly restored, and Met also showed the effect of adjusting bacterial diversity, but its effect on bacterial richness was not ideal. At the Family level, we found that the number of several bacteria associated with HF in the model group increased significantly. Excitingly, SND and Met had shown positive effects in restoring these HF-associated bacteria. Similarly, the results of Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) showed that both SND and Met could reduce the accumulation of bacteria in the model group caused by HF.ConclusionCollectively, SND can improve HF by regulating the intestinal flora. This will provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of patients with HF.

Toxicity of Pb continuous and pulse exposure on intestinal anatomy, bacterial diversity, and metabolites of Pelophylax nigromaculatus in pre-hibernation

The intestinal environment plays important roles in mucosal barrier homeostasis and intestinal inflammation, as clarified in studies using experimental animals but not in humans. We investigated whether environmental changes in the fecal stream cause phenotypic changes in the human mucosal barrier. We obtained human ileal samples after fecal stream diversions in patients with rectal cancer or Crohn's disease. We investigated the bacterial load and diversity in the human defunctioned ileum, defined as the anal side of the ileum relative to the ileostomy. We also examined the epithelium and lamina propria cell phenotypes in the defunctioned ileum. After fecal stream diversion, bacterial loads decreased significantly in the defunctioned ileum. Based on the Chao1, Shannon, and observed species indices, the diversity of mucosa-associated microbiota was lower in the defunctioned ileum than in the functional ileum. Moreover, the healthy defunctioned ileum showed reductions in villous height, goblet cell numbers, and Ki-67+ cell numbers. Additionally, interferon-γ+, interleukin-17+, and immunoglobulin A+ cell abundance in the lamina propria decreased. After the intestinal environment was restored with an ileostomy closure, the impaired ileal homeostasis recovered. The defunctioned ileum samples from patients with Crohn's disease also showed reductions in interferon-γ+ and interleukin-17+ cell numbers. Fecal stream diversion reduced the abundance and diversity of intestinal bacteria. It also altered the intestinal mucosal barrier, similar to the alterations observed in germ-free animals. In patients with Crohn's disease, Th1 and Th17 cell numbers were attenuated, which suggests that the host-microbiome interaction is important in disease pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT Activation of the NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway has been associated with fibrosis in other organs. An imbalance in intestinal bacteria is an important driving factor of liver fibrosis through the liver-gut axis. This study aimed to explore whether the effect of ursolic acid (UA) on liver fibrosis was associated with the NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and intestinal bacteria. Wild-type (WT), NLRP3−/- , and NOX4−/- mice and AP-treated mice were injected with CCI4 and treated with or without UA. The intestinal contents of the mice were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. UA alleviated liver fibrosis, which manifested as decreases in collagen deposition, liver injury, and the expression of fibrosis-related factors, and the expression of NOX4 and NLRP3 was significantly inhibited by UA treatment. Even after CCI4 injection, liver damage and fibrosis-related factors were significantly decreased in NLRP3−/-, NOX4−/- , and AP-treated mice. Importantly, the expression of NLRP3 was obviously inhibited in NOX4−/- and AP-treated mice. In addition, the diversity of intestinal bacteria and the abundance of probiotics in NLRP3−/- and NOX4−/- mice was significantly higher than those in WT mice, while the abundance of harmful bacteria in NLRP3−/- and NOX4−/- mice was significantly lower than that in WT mice. The NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway plays a crucial role in liver fibrosis and is closely associated with the beneficial effect of UA. The mechanism by which the NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway is involved in liver fibrosis may be associated with disordered intestinal bacteria.

The diversity of intestinal bacteria in geese correlates with environmental conditions, rearing methods, and consumed feeds. The intestinal bacteria composition is useful for the absorption of nutrition, improving the metabolism, and may be related to the immune system. This study was conducted to examine the intestinal bacteria composition and the diversity of maintained goose in aviaries and barns. This research was an observational exploratory. Five geese were taken purposively from local breeders in Gunungpati District, Semarang City. A total of 5 g of intestinal contents from each sample was used for microbial genome isolation. Then, the genome was amplified to collect 16S rRNA gene region V3-V4. The amplicons were then sequenced using the next generation sequencing (NGS) method (Illumina high-throughput sequencing; paired-end reads) and analyzed using QIIME2 to identify bacterial species. In addition, GC-MS was performed to identify and measure fatty acid contents in the intestinal. The results showed that both rearing and caged goose contained nine phyla of intestinal bacteria. The number of intestinal bacteria of barn geese (SU) reached 32,748 Operational Taxonomy Units (OTU); higher than aviary geese (SK), which was 11,646 OTU. The intestinal bacteria community in barn geese was approved by Phylum TM7 (Saccharibacteria candidate) (53.18%), followed by Firmicutes (32.51%) and Bacteriodetes (5.42%). Whereas on SK Firmicutes was compiled 49.3 4% of total OTU, TM7 (S. candidate) up to 21.17%, and Actinobacteria up to 15.99 %. The abundance of TM7 may contribute to high 9,12-octadecadienoic acid production, while Firmicutes was related to the high production of oleic acid. Based on these data, the reared geese had a more abundant diversity of bacteria than the caged one.

BackgroundThe gut microbiota participates in the metabolism of substances and energy, promotes the development and maturation of the immune system, forms the mucosal barrier, and protects the host from pathogen attacks. Although the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones is still not clear, studies have suggested that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in their formation.MethodsMicrobial DNA from faeces of normal control patients and those of patients with calculi was subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing to detect gene expression changes in intestinal microbes. ELISA kits were used to measure free bile acids, secondary bile acids and coprostanol according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The relationship between flora and their metabolites was then analysed.ResultsIn the gallstone group, the diversity of intestinal bacteria and the abundances of certain phylogroups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), especially Firmicutes (p < 0.05), the largest phylum represented by the gut microbiota. This study found an increase in free bile acids (p < 0.001) and secondary bile acids (p < 0.01) in the enterohepatic circulation. Bile salt hydrolase activity was not related to the abundances of BSH-active bacteria. 7a-dehydroxylating gut bacteria were significantly increased (p < 0.01), whereas cholesterol-lowering bacteria were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The Ruminococcus gnavus group could be used as a biomarker to distinguish the gallstone group from the control group.ConclusionWe conclude that intestinal flora imbalance affects bile acid and cholesterol metabolism and is associated with gallstone formation.

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