Fecal Colonization Research Articles

Virulence Potential of ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated during the Perinatal Period.

The aim of the study was to investigate the virulence factors in Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) derived from the perinatal fecal colonization flora of mothers and their newborns in a Chinese obstetric ward. Rectal swabs were obtained from mothers prenatally and from their newborns postnatally, and analyzed for ESBL-producing Escherichia coli. The isolates were then whole-genome sequenced. Maternal and neonatal colonization by ESBL-producing E. coli in a Chinese obstetric ward was 18% (31/177) and 5% (9/170), respectively. Fecal ESBL-producing isolates exhibited a significantly lower frequency of virulence factors compared with invasive E. coli. Providing balanced information on screening results is essential, along with conducting a risk assessment for antibiotic treatment strategies. · High ESBL E. coli colonization rates in mothers and neonates perinatally. · Fecal ESBL-producing E. coli showed fewer virulence traits.. · ESBL-producing E. coli knowledge may prompt antibiotic overuse..

Dietary nitrate maintains homeostasis of oxidative stress and gut microbiota to promote flap survival in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats

BackgroundRandom-pattern skin flaps are commonly used to repair skin tissue defects in surgical tissue reconstruction. However, flap necrosis in the distal area due to ischemia injury is still challenging for its applications in plastic surgery. The complications of diabetes will further increase the risk of infection and necrosis.MethodsThis study induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats with a high-fat diet and STZ. The survival rate of the skin flap was observed by adding inorganic sodium nitrate to drinking water. Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the damage to the skin flap. The nitrate content was measured by total nitric oxide and nitrate/nitrite parameter assay. Dihydroethidium and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays were used to value oxidative stress. Rat colon feces were collected for 16s rRNA gene sequence.ResultsOur studies showed that nitrate administration leads to anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. Nitrate directly increased the survival area of skin flaps in diabetic rats and mean blood vessel density by enhancing angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and reducing oxidative stress. The 16s rRNA sequence revealed that nitrate may regulate the homeostasis of the gut microbiota and re-store energy metabolism.ConclusionDietary nitrate has been shown to maintain the homeostasis of oxidative stress and gut microbiota to promote flap survival in rats with T2DM.

Bariatric Surgery Is Associated with Lower Concentrations of Fecal Secondary Bile Acids and Their Metabolizing Microbial Enzymes: A Pilot Study.

Excess body fat elevates colorectal cancer risk. While bariatric surgery (BRS) induces significant weight loss, its effects on the fecal stream and colon biology are poorly understood. Specifically, limited data exist on the impact of bariatric surgery (BRS) on fecal secondary bile acids (BA), including lithocholic acid (LCA), a putative promotor of colorectal carcinogenesis. This cross-sectional case-control study included 44 patients with obesity; 15 pre-BRS (controls) vs. 29 at a median of 24.1months post-BRS.We examined the fecal concentrations of 11 BA by liquid chromatography and gene abundance of BA-metabolizing bacterial enzymes through fecal metagenomic sequencing. Differences were quantified using non-parametric tests for BA levels and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) for genes encoding BA-metabolizing enzymes. Total fecal secondary BA concentrations trended towards lower levels post- vs. pre-BRS controls (p = 0.07). Individually, fecal LCA concentrations were significantly lower post- vs. pre-BRS (8477.0 vs. 11,914.0 uM/mg, p < 0.008). Consistent with this finding, fecal bacterial genes encoding BA-metabolizing enzymes, specifically 3-betahydroxycholanate-3-dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.391) and 3-alpha-hydroxycholanate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.52), were also lower post- vs. pre-BRS controls (LDA of - 3.32 and - 2.64, respectively, adjusted p < 0.0001). Post-BRS fecal BA concentrations showed significant inverse correlations with weight loss, a healthy diet quality, and increased physical activity. Concentrations of LCA, a secondary BA, and bacterial genes needed for BA metabolism are lower post-BRS. These changes can impact health and modulate the colorectal cancer cascade. Further research is warranted to examine how surgical alterations and the associated dietary changes impact bile acid metabolism.

A novel clinically relevant human fecal microbial transplantation model in humanized mice.

The intact immune system of mice exhibits resistance to colonization by exogenous microorganisms, but the gut microbiota profiles of the humanized mice and the patterns of human fecal microbiota colonization remain unexplored. Humanized NCG (huNCG) mice were constructed by injected CD34 +stem cells. 16S rRNA sequencing and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) technologies were used to detect the differences in microbiota and selective colonization ability for exogenous community colonization among three mice cohorts (C57BL/6J, NCG, and huNCG). Flow cytometry analysis showed that all huNCG mice had over 25% hCD45 +in peripheral blood. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that compared with NCG mice, the gut microbiota of huNCG mice were significantly altered. After FMT, the principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) showed that the gut microbial composition of huNCG mice (huNCG-D9) was similar to that of donors. The relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were significantly increased in huNCG mice compared to NCG mice. Further comparison of ASV sequences revealed that Bacteroides plebeius, Bacteroides finegoldii, Escherichia fergusonii, Escherichia albertii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella variicola exhibited higher abundance and stability in huNCG mice after FMT. Furthermore, PICRUSt2 analysis showed that huNCG mice had significantly enhanced metabolism and immunity. This study demonstrated that humanized mice are more conducive to colonization within the human gut microbiota, which provides a good method for studying the association between human diseases and microbiota.IMPORTANCEThe gut microbiota and biomarkers of humanized mice are systematically revealed for the first time. The finding that human fecal microbiota colonize humanized mice more stably provides new insights into the study of interactions between immune responses and gut microbiota.

Sustained mucosal colonization and fecal metabolic dysfunction by Bacteroides associates with fecal microbial transplant failure in ulcerative colitis patients

Fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) offers promise for treating ulcerative colitis (UC), though the mechanisms underlying treatment failure are unknown. This study harnessed longitudinally collected colonic biopsies (n = 38) and fecal samples (n = 179) from 19 adults with mild-to-moderate UC undergoing serial FMT in which antimicrobial pre-treatment and delivery mode (capsules versus enema) were assessed for clinical response (≥ 3 points decrease from the pre-treatment Mayo score). Colonic biopsies underwent dual RNA-Seq; fecal samples underwent parallel 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic sequencing as well as untargeted metabolomic analyses. Pre-FMT, the colonic mucosa of non-responsive (NR) patients harbored an increased burden of bacteria, including Bacteroides, that expressed more antimicrobial resistance genes compared to responsive (R) patients. NR patients also exhibited muted mucosal expression of innate immune antimicrobial response genes. Post-FMT, NR and R fecal microbiomes and metabolomes exhibited significant divergence. NR metabolomes had elevated concentrations of immunostimulatory compounds including sphingomyelins, lysophospholipids and taurine. NR fecal microbiomes were enriched for Bacteroides fragilis and Bacteroides salyersiae strains that encoded genes capable of taurine production. These findings suggest that both effective mucosal microbial clearance and reintroduction of bacteria that reshape luminal metabolism associate with FMT success and that persistent mucosal and fecal colonization by antimicrobial-resistant Bacteroides species may contribute to FMT failure.

Selenium deficiency induces irritable bowel syndrome: Analysis of UK Biobank data and experimental studies in mice

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients exhibit significantly lower levels of serum selenium (Se) compared to healthy controls. This study integrates a prospective cohort analysis and animal experiments to investigate Se deficiency as a potential risk factor for IBS. Using data from the UK Biobank, a longitudinal analysis was conducted to explore the associations between dietary Se intake and the risk of incident IBS. In animal study, C57BL/6 mice were fed diets with normal (0.2 ppm) or low (0.02 ppm) Se levels to assess the impacts of Se deficiency on IBS symptoms. Furthermore, we performed 16 S rRNA sequencing, untargeted colonic fecal metabolomics analysis, and colon transcriptome profiling to uncover the regulatory mechanisms underlying Se deficiency-induced IBS. The analysis of UK Biobank data revealed a significant correlation between low dietary Se levels and an increased incidence of IBS. In the experimental study, a low Se diet induced IBS symptoms, evidenced by elevated abdominal withdrawal reflex scores, colon inflammation, and severe pathological damage to the colon. Additionally, the low Se diet caused disturbances in gut microbiota, characterized by an increase in Faecalibaculum and Helicobacter, and a decrease in Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia. Combined colonic fecal metabolomics and colon transcriptome analysis indicated that Se deficiency might trigger IBS through disruptions in pathways related to "bile excretion", "steroid hormone biosynthesis", "arachidonic acid metabolism", and "drug metabolism-cytochrome P450". These findings underscore the significant adverse effects of Se deficiency on IBS and suggest that Se supplementation should be considered for IBS patients.

Assessment of handwashing impact on detection of SARS-CoV-2, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli on hands in rural and urban settings of Côte d'Ivoire during COVID-19 pandemic.

Handwashing is the first line of hygiene measures and one of the oldest methods of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Despite its efficacy in the health system, handwashing is often inadequately practiced by populations. This study aimed to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on hands as indicators of lack of hand hygiene during COVID 19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Taabo and urban Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) from January to September 2021. A total of 384 participants from 384 households were included in the study. The total households were distributed proportionally within various municipalities in the two study areas according to the number of households in each municipality, based on data of the National Institute of Statistics from the 2014 general population census. Hand swabbing of the 384 participants within households (320 in Abidjan and 64 in Taabo) was performed for the enumeration of E. coli and S aureus, using laboratory standard method and for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. A binary logistic regression model was built with the outcome variable presence of Staphylococcus spp. on hands of respondents that was categorized into binary variables, Staphylococcus spp. (1 = presence, 0 = absence) for the Risk Ratio estimation. Place of living, sex, handwashing, education and age group were used to adjust the model to observe the effects of these explanatory variables. No presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected on the hands of respondents in both sites. However, in urban Abidjan, only Staphylococcus spp. (Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) was found on the hands of 233 (72.8%, 95%CI: 67.7-77.4) respondents with the average load of 0.56 CFU/ Cm2 (95% CI, 0.52-0.60). Meanwhile, in rural Taabo, Staphylococcus spp. (Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) and E. coli were found on the hands of 40 (62.5%, 95%CI: 50.3-73.3) and 7 (10.9%, 95%CI: 5.4-20.9) respondents with the respective average load of 0.49 CFU/ Cm2 (95% CI, 0.39-0.59) and 0.08 CFU/ Cm2 (95% CI, 0.03-0.18). Participants living in rural Taabo were less likely to have Staphylococcus spp. on their hands (RR = 0.811; 95%IC: 0.661-0.995) compared to those living in urban Abidjan. No SARS-CoV-2 was detected on the hands of participants in both sites, suggesting that our study did not show direct transmission through hands. No E. coli was found in urban Abidjan while E. coli was found on the hands of participants in rural Taabo indicating poor hand washing and disinfection practices in rural Taabo. Living in urban Abidjan is statistically associated to having Staphylococcus spp. on hands. Further studies are necessary especially to understand to what extent the presence of Staphylococcus spp. on hands indicates a higher infection or fecal colonization rates in the case of E. coli.

Genetic- and fiber-diet-mediated changes in virulence factors in pig colon contents and feces and their driving factors.

Virulence factors (VFs) are key factors for microorganisms to establish defense mechanisms in the host and enhance their pathogenic potential. However, the spectrum of virulence factors in pig colon and feces, as well as the influence of dietary and genetic factors on them, remains unreported. In this study, we firstly revealed the diversity, abundance and distribution characteristics of VFs in the colonic contents of different breeds of pigs (Taoyuan, Xiangcun and Duroc pig) fed with different fiber levels by using a metagenomic analysis. The analysis resulted in the identification of 1,236 virulence factors, which could be grouped into 16 virulence features. Among these, Taoyuan pigs exhibited significantly higher levels of virulence factors compared to Duroc pigs. The high-fiber diet significantly reduced the abundance of certain virulence factor categories, including iron uptake systems (FbpABC, HitABC) and Ig protease categories in the colon, along with a noteworthy decrease in the relative abundance of plasmid categories in mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Further we examined VFs in feces using absolute quantification. The results showed that high-fiber diets reduce fecal excretion of VFs and that this effect is strongly influenced by MGEs and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In vitro fermentation experiments confirmed that acetic acid (AA) led to a decrease in the relative abundance of VFs (p < 0.1). In conclusion, our findings reveal for the first time how fiber diet and genetic factors affect the distribution of VFs in pig colon contents and feces and their driving factors. This information provides valuable reference data to further improve food safety and animal health.

Fecal microbiota colonization dynamics in dairy heifers associated with early-life rumen microbiota modulation and gut health.

Early-life modulation of rumen microbiota holds promise for enhancing calf growth, health, and long-term production in ruminants. However, limited attention has been given to the impact of rumen microbiota modulation on the establishment of hindgut microbiota. In this study, fecal microbiota development was examined in identical twin calves for 12 months. The treatment group (T-group) received adult cow fresh rumen liquid inoculum during the pre-weaning period, while the control group did not (C-group). The effects of inoculum were assessed on calf gut health and as microbial seeding route into the hindgut. The early rumen modulation had no effect on age-related fecal microbiota development. The fecal bacterial community evolved gradually following dietary changes and categorized into pre-weaning and post-weaning communities. Bacterial richness increased with age and stabilized at month 9, while between-sample variation reduced in post-weaning samples. Archaeal load in fecal samples increased after month 4, while archaeal richness increased and stabilized in both groups by month 9. Between-sample similarity was higher during the pre-weaning period, with increased dissimilarity from month 4 onward. Anaerobic fungi were detected in feces at month 4, with richness peaking at month 7. Before month 6, fungal community composition distinctly differed from mature communities. When colostrum, calf rumen, and donor inoculum were evaluated as seeding sources for hindgut colonization, the calf's own rumen was identified as the primary seeding source for fecal bacteria and fungi. Colostrum was a source for several bacteria detected in feces, but these were of temporary importance until weaning. The donor inoculum had limited impact on gut health as diarrhea rates were similar between the T-group and C-group. In conclusion, early-life microbiota modulation shows potential in ruminant development. However, a more targeted approach with bacteria adapted to the hindgut environment may be necessary to modulate hindgut effectively. This research contributes to our understanding of the complex relationship between gut microbiota and calf health and growth.

Esmolol increases the fecal abundance of Lactobacillus in a rat model of sepsis

BackgroundDisorders of the gut microbiome could be responsible for the progression of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. In this study, we examined the effect of esmolol on the gut microbiome in a rat model of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).MethodsThe animals (n = 32) were randomly divided into 3 groups: Sham group (sham operation + normal saline treatment, n = 8), CLP group (cecal ligation and puncture + normal saline treatment, n = 12), and CLP + ESM group (cecal ligation and puncture + esmolol treatment, n = 12). After 24 h, feces in the colon were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and nitric oxide analysis. In addition, colon was removed for immunohistochemical staining of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).ResultsFour rats in the CLP group and two rats in the CLP + ESM group died. The abundance of Lactobacillus in the CLP + ESM group was higher than CLP group (P = 0.048). In the linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis, Norank f Muribaculaceae, Escherichia–Shigella and Lactobacillus were the predominant bacteria in the Sham group, CLP group and CLP + ESM group, respectively. The iNOS expression in colonocytes stained by brown in the CLP group were much more than Sham group (P = 0.001). Compared to CLP group, the iNOS expression in colonocytes reduced after esmolol treatment (P = 0.013). The concentration of nitric oxide in colon feces was different in Sham group, CLP group and CLP + ESM group (1.31 ± 0.15μmmol/l vs. 1.98 ± 0.27μmmol/l vs. 1.51 ± 0.14μmmol/l, P = 0.001). In addition, the concentration of nitric oxide in CLP group was higher than Sham group (P = 0.001) or CLP + ESM group (P = 0.001).ConclusionsEsmolol increased the fecal abundance of Lactobacillus in a rat model of sepsis. Moreover, esmolol reduced the iNOS expression of colonocytes and the nitric oxide concentration of colon feces.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cellular dynamics and therapeutic effects of astragaloside IV in slow transit constipation.

The cellular characteristics of intestinal cells involved in the therapeutic effects of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) for treating slow transit constipation (STC) remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the dynamics of colon tissue cells in the STC model and investigate the effects of AS-IV treatment by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). STC mouse models were developed using loperamide, with subsequent treatment using AS-IV. Colon tissues and feces were collected for scRNA-seq and targeted short-chain fatty acid quantification. We integrated scRNA-seq data with network pharmacology to analyze the effect of AS-IV on constipation. AS-IV showed improvement in defecation for STC mice induced by loperamide. Notably, in STC mice, epithelial cells, T cells, B cells, and fibroblasts demonstrated alterations in cell proportions and aberrant functions, which AS-IV partially rectified. AS-IV has the potential to modulate the metabolic pathway of epithelial cells through its interaction with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). AS-IV reinstated fecal butyrate levels and improved energy metabolism in epithelial cells. The proportion of naïve CD4+T cells is elevated in STC, and the differentiation of these cells into regulatory T cells (Treg) is regulated by B cells and fibroblasts through the interaction of ligand-receptor pairs. AS-IV treatment can partially alleviate this trend. The status of fibroblasts in STC undergoes alterations, and the FB_C4_Adamdec1 subset, associated with angiogenesis and the Wingless-related integration (Wnt) pathway, emerges. Our comprehensive analysis identifies perturbations of epithelial cells and tissue microenvironment cells in STC and elucidates mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of AS-IV.

DOP43 Histologic improvement, attenuation of inflammation and microbiome modulation by engineered high acetate producing Saccharomyces boulardii in DSS-induced colitis

Abstract Background The probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (Sb) may be optimized for therapeutic use in ulcerative colitis by enhancing its acetate production, as acetate is a key factor for its probiotic efficacy and was shown to have anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective effects in vitro (Deleu, 2023). Therefore, higher acetate producing Sb strains have been engineered which were preclinically evaluated in an acute DSS mice model of colitis. Methods Nine-week-old female C57/Bl6 mice (N=120) were allocated to 12 treatment groups receiving drinking water or 2.75% DSS in combination with PBS (control), Baker’s yeast (non-probiotic control), SDH1 (no-acetate Sb), ENT (transient acetate strain-probiotic Enterol control), SbP (high acetate Sb) and ENT3 (extra high acetate Sb). Disease activity including weight loss, diarrhoea and the presence of occult blood were scored daily. On day 7, the DSS groups were transferred to regular drinking water and on day 14 mice were sacrificed. Colonic tissue and faeces (0, 9, 14d) were collected for resp. histology, RNA, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Results Disease activity in DSS subgroups (Fig.A), determined by the area under the curve, was lower for SbP compared to PBS and Baker’s yeast (both p&amp;lt;0.05). Sb SDH1 showed higher disease activity compared to the Sb strains ENT, SbP and ENT3 (all p&amp;lt;0.05). At sacrifice, the macroscopic damage score in DSS was lower for SbP and ENT3 (both p&amp;lt;0.05) compared to Sb SDH1, and the colon weight/length-ratio was decreased for ENT and SbP compared to Sb SDH1 (resp. p=0.06 and p=0.08). Higher histologic inflammation was noted in the non- or transient-acetate producing strains on DSS compared to healthy PBS control (all p&amp;lt;0.05), whereas this increase was not observed for both high-acetate producing strains SbP and ENT3 on DSS (p=NS) indicating a production dependent response. Anti-inflammatory findings were confirmed by transcriptomic analysis of differentially expressed genes e.g. decreased expression of Tnf, Il1b and S100a8/9, predominantly expressed as calprotectin, upon stimulation with the highest acetate producing strain ENT3 (all adj.p&amp;lt;0.1; except PBS adj.p=0.16). Subsequent, microbial analysis showed a superior effect of ENT3 in maintaining a stable alpha diversity (p=0.58, Fig.E), which was not observed for the other strains. Conclusion Engineered high acetate producing Sb strains attenuated DSS-induced colitis, with its anti-inflammatory effects further supported by transcriptomic analysis and superiority in maintaining a stable microbiome composition. Together with our previous in vitro work in patient-derived organoids, these data indicate a role for high-acetate producing Sb- in attenuating intestinal inflammation.

Fecal carriage and genetic characteristics of carbapenem-resistant enterobacterales among adults from four provinces of China.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) is a global concern. This study investigated the prevalence of fecal colonization carriage and clonal dissemination of CRE among population in four provinces of China. A total of 685 stool samples were collected from four provinces in China. Among these samples, 141 and 544 were obtained from healthy and hospitalized individuals, respectively. The overall fecal carriage rate was 9.6% (65/685) with 4.26% (95% CI: 0.9-7.6) in healthy individuals and 10.84% (95% CI: 8.2-13.5) in hospitalized patients. The highest prevalence was in Henan province (18.35%, 95% CI: 9%-18.7%). Sixty-six CRE isolates were identified in Escherichia coli (56.06%, 37/66), Klebsiella (15.15%, 10/66), Citrobacter (13.63%, 9/66), Enterobacter (12.12%, 8/66), and Atlantibacter (1.51%, 1/66). All CRE strains carried carbapenemase genes and multiple antibiotics resistance genes, blaNDM-5 (77.27%, 51/66) was the most common carbapenemase gene, followed by blaNDM-1 (19.69%, 13/66). Antibiotic resistance genes, including blaIMP-4, and the colistin colistin resistance (mcr-1) gene were also identified. All CRE isolates belonged to different sequence types (STs). ST206 (36.84%, 14/38) in E. coli and ST2270 (60%, 6/10) in Klebsiella were significantly dominant clones. The results indicated the prevalence of CRE fecal carriage among adults of China, mostly blaNDM-producing E coli, which pose significant challenges for clinical management. Screening for CRE colonization is necessary to control infection.

Extraction of Mucin from Rodent Feces and Determination of O-Linked Oligosaccharide Chain Equivalent Derived from Fecal Mucin.

Since the core protein of mucin in the digesta of the stomach and small intestine, which is less affected by bacteria, remains intact, mucin content can be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, the mucin core protein in bacteria-rich colon digesta and feces is partially hydrolyzed by bacterial enzymes and not fully recognized by mucin antibodies, so mucin cannot be accurately quantified by ELISA. This method quantifies the glycan content linked to the mucin core protein and expresses mucin content in the colon digesta and feces as the equivalent of O-linked oligosaccharide chain. Although mucin glycans are also hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria, this method is a more accurate and simple way to measure mucin content in the digesta of the large intestine and feces than the ELISA method.

Torreya grandis Kernel Oil Alleviates Loperamide-Induced Slow Transit Constipation via Up-Regulating the Colonic Expressions of Occludin/Claudin-1/ZO-1 and 5-HT3R/5-HT4R in BALB/c Mice.

Torreya grandis kernel has traditionally been used to remove intestinal parasites and increases intestinal motility. However, the effect of Torreya grandis kernel oil (TKO) on constipation has not yet been investigated. Therefore, mouse model is used to investigate the effect of TKO on slow transit constipation (STC) and its possible mechanism. The effects of TKO on intestinal motility of STC mice are evaluated by fecal weight, fecal water content, colon length, defecation test, and intestinal propulsion test. The mechanism of TKO alleviating STC is explored by detecting biochemical analysis, histological analysis, western blot, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and gut microbiota analysis. The results reveal that TKO effectively promotes defecation and intestinal motility, increases the level of endothelin-1, and restores the histopathological morphology of the colon under LOP pretreatment. The expression levels of occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) mRNA and protein are up-regulated in mice receiving TKO treatment. The colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine 3R/4R (5-HT3R/5-HT4R) expressions are also increased by TKO supplementation. Additionally, TKO rescues LOP-caused disorders of the gut microbiota. Consumption of TKO is beneficial to STC recovery, and it can alleviate LOP-induced STC by up-regulating the colonic expressions of Occludin/Claudin-1/ZO-1 and 5-HT3R/5-HT4R.

Diagnostic accuracy of multimodal noninvasive follow-up for pediatric ulcerative colitis: A single-center prospective study.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often requiring endoscopic evaluations, which can be uncomfortable and costly, especially for children. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a noninvasive approach combining fecal calprotectin (FCP), colonic ultrasonography (US), and colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) compared with standard ileocolonoscopy in pediatric UC. UC children were enrolled and underwent FCP and US on Day 0, followed by CCE on Day 1 and ileocolonoscopy on Day 2. All procedures were performed by operators who were blinded to the patient's clinical history and all test results. The accuracy for disease activity and extension of each technique and their combination was assessed and compared. Tolerability and safety were also evaluated. Thirty-two patients were enrolled (15 males, mean age 13.2 ± 3.2 years). CCE showed a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100% in detecting colonic inflammation, with positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% and 92%, respectively. US demonstrated a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 92%, with PPV and NPV of 94% and 79%. The combination of FCP, US, and CCE achieved 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity, with PPV of 100% and NPV of 92%. The noninvasive approach was better tolerated than colonoscopy (p < 0.05), and no serious adverse events were reported. The noninvasive approach combining fecal calprotectin (FCP), ultrasonography, and colon capsule endoscopy demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and better tolerability compared with standard ileocolonoscopy in pediatric ulcerative colitis follow-up. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the reproducibility of this noninvasive approach.

Gut Microbiome and Metabolomics Study of Selenium-Enriched Kiwifruit Regulating Hyperlipidemia in Mice Induced by a High-Fat Diet.

Our previous study showed that as a substitute for statins, selenium-enriched kiwifruit (Se-Kiwi) might reduce blood lipids and protect the liver in Kunming mice, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Metabolic regulation of mammalian intestinal microflora plays an important role in obesity and related diseases induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Here, samples of serum, liver, colon, and fresh feces from the Se-Kiwi-treated hyperlipidemia C57BL/6J mouse model were collected. Based on metabolome (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS) and gut microbiome (16S rDNA) analyses as well as the integrative analysis of physiological and biochemical indices and pathological data of mice, we aimed to systematically illustrate the gut microbiome and metabolomics mechanism of Se-Kiwi in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice. As a result, Se-Kiwi can significantly increase the abundance of potentially beneficial gut bacteria such as Parabacteroides, Bacteroides, and Allobaculum in the colon and improve hyperlipidemia by regulating the digestion and absorption of vitamins, pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, and other metabolic pathways, which have been confirmed by the following fecal microbiota transplantation experiment. This process was significantly regulated by the Ada, Gda, Pank1, Ppara, Pparg, and Cd36 genes. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of selenium-enriched functional foods in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Total alditols from Cistanche deserticola attenuate functional constipation by regulating bile acid metabolism

Headings ethnopharmacological relevanceFunctional constipation (FC), characterized by chronic constipation, significantly impacts physiological function and induces psychological stress in patients. However, current clinical treatment options for FC are currently limited. Cistanche deserticola, a traditional Chinese medicine that promotes intestinal moisture and bowel relaxation, contains cistanche total alditol extract (CTAE) as its primary active extract. However, the production of CTAE, its overall efficacy, and potential mechanisms for treating FC have yet to been investigated. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to reveal the overall efficacy and potential mechanism of action of CTAE in rats with FC using a combination of stable preparation, pharmacodynamics, non-targeted metabolomics, bile acid metabolomics, and western blotting. Materials and methodsFourteen batches of CTAE underwent quality testing. A rat model of FC was developed using diphenoxylate tablets. The comprehensive pharmacodynamic effects of CTAE on FC were evaluated using fecal characteristics (wet weight, dry weight, and water content), intestinal transmission (colonic EMG amplitude, colonic EMG frequency, propulsion length, and propulsion rate), serum and colon biochemical indicators, distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and pathological examination. Non-targeted metabolomics was performed to assess the changes in endogenous metabolite profiles induced by CTAE. Bile acid metabolomics and western blotting analyses were employed to validate the potential mechanisms of action of CTAE. ResultsCTAE, with a total content of betaine, mannitol, D-fructose, glucose, and sucrose of (75.67 ± 3.73) %, significantly enhanced intestinal transit, regulated neurotransmitters, increased the expression of c-kit in ICC, and alleviated intestinal inflammation in rats with FC. Non-targeted metabolomics revealed that CTAE significantly alleviated FC-induced metabolic disorders, mainly the biosynthesis of primary bile acids. Targeted metabolomic analysis confirmed that CTAE regulated FC-induced bile acid disorders. Western-blotting results confirmed that CTAE increased the expression of CYP8B1, FGF15, TGR5, and FXR, thereby modulating bile acid synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. ConclusionCTAE demonstrates significant therapeutic effects on FC, primarily through the regulation of bile acid synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. These findings provide a promising foundation for the development and clinical application of novel CATE-based drugs.

Association of the Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus Complex With Colorectal Neoplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Invasive infection with Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBSEC) bacteria is associated with underlying colorectal neoplasia. However, the link between intestinal or fecal colonization with SBSEC isolates or antibody responses to SBSEC members and colorectal cancer is not thoroughly investigated in the literature. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for case-control studies as well as retrospective or prospective cohort studies reporting an association between SBSEC bacteria and colorectal neoplasia. We identified 22 studies (15 case-control and 7 cohort) that met our inclusion criteria. Among the cohort studies, patients with SBSEC bacteremia were 3.73 times more likely to have underlying colorectal cancer compared with individuals with no bacteremia (relative risk [RR], 3.73; 95% CI, 2.79-5.01), whereas the risk of underlying colorectal adenoma in patients with SBSEC bacteremia was not significantly increased (RR, 5.00; 95% CI, 0.83-30.03). In case-control studies, patients with colorectal cancer were 2.27 times more likely to have evidence of intestinal or fecal colonization with SBSEC isolates (odds ratio [OR], 2.27; 95% CI, 1.11-4.62) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody responses to SBSEC antigens (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.06-4.86) compared with controls. Patients with colorectal adenoma were not more likely to be colonized with SBSEC isolates compared with controls (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.55-2.25). Apart from the well-established association of SBSEC bacteremia and underlying colorectal cancer, intestinal or fecal colonization with SBSEC isolates and IgG antibody responses to SBSEC antigens were higher in patients with colorectal cancer compared with controls. Neither bacteremia from SBSEC isolates nor colonization with SBSEC bacteria was associated with underlying colorectal adenoma.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation against Gut Colonization Using a Multidrug-Resistant Organism

Background: Fecal microbiota transplantation against gut colonization using a multidrug-resistant organism is a technique used to treat infections through normalizing the gut microbiota via fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with confirmed colonization by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) or vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) based on a fecal culture test within the past one week. In this study, we aimed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this technique. Methods: The safety and effectiveness were assessed via a systematic review. A literature search was conducted using five Korean databases, such as KoreaMed, and international databases,including Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Results:Main results are described here. From the studies retrieved using the aforementioned search strategy, the remaining 581 studies were screened using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the selection of nine studies for further consideration. In terms of safety, many studies reported deaths and adverse reactions associated with different causes. Fewer studies reported the rate of colonization; however, the effect of colony rate was inconsistent when compared to no treatment group. Additionally, none of the studies assessed the recurrence rate, a decrease in the prevalence of diseases related to infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria, and the quality of life.Conclusion: Fecal bacterial colonization for the decolonization of intestinal multidrug-resistant bacteria was evaluated using a technique that requires further research as there is insufficient literature evidence to validate its safety and efficacy in treating infections through normalizing the intestinal flora of patients with confirmed colonization by CRE or VRE.