The intricate interplay between chronic psychological stress and periodontitis, mediated by oral microbiota and macrophage polarization, remains largely enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that chronic restraint stress (CRS) exacerbates periodontitis by inducing oral microbial dysbiosis and a consequential shift in host metabolism. Clinical observations reveal a significant correlation between depressive symptoms and the severity of periodontitis, which is underpinned by a distinct oral microbiome. Crucially, fecal microbiota transplantation from CRS-exposed mice into germ-free mice was sufficient to transmit the heightened periodontitis phenotype, establishing a causal role for the stress-altered microbiota. Metabolomic profiling identified a depletion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in stressed, ligature-induced periodontitis mice. Mechanistically, supplementation with EPA ameliorates periodontitis by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the pro-inflammatory M1 polarization of macrophages. Our findings unveil a novel gut-oral axis mediated by microbiota and metabolites under stress, and position the omega-3 fatty acid EPA as a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating stress-aggravated inflammatory disorders.

This study reveals a novel gut microbiota-CD8+ T cell axis driving immunosuppression in colorectal cancer. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing identified significant gut dysbiosis in CRC patients, with marked enrichment of Phocaeicola and Bacteroides. Single-cell transcriptomics uncovered substantial T cell depletion and elevated CTLA4+PD1+ immune cells within the tumour microenvironment. Critically, spatial transcriptomics demonstrated co-localization of CTLA4+CD8+ T cells with tumour cells, indicating direct immunosuppressive interactions. Functional validation confirmed CTLA4 overexpression impairs CD8+ T cell effector capacity, accelerating CRC cell proliferation and invasion. Invivo models demonstrated that faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) promoted CTL activation, reduced Bacteroides abundance, decreased the formation of CD8+CTLA4+ T cells and ameliorated CRC symptoms. Additionally, CTLA4 knockdown inhibited tumour growth and metastasis. These findings establish a mechanistic pathway: gut dysbiosis induces chronic inflammation, triggering CTLA4 upregulation on CD8+ T cells to promote T cell exhaustion and tumour immune evasion. The study provides immunological evidence for targeting the microbiota-CTLA4 axis in CRC immunotherapy.

Gut microbiome-modulating therapies are potential strategies for managing liver cirrhosis (LC), yet head-to-head comparisons to determine the optimal intervention are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate and rank the therapeutic efficacy of these therapies on liver function and disease progression in patients with LC. We searched major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from January 1, 2000, to December 30, 2024. Interventions included probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) versus placebo or standard care. Primary outcomes were hepatic function indicators; secondary outcomes included inflammatory markers. Data were analyzed using random-effects frequentist network meta-analyses. The study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251000506). Seventeen studies comprising 1051 individuals were included. Synbiotics demonstrated the most significant efficacy among all interventions, showing superior reduction in blood ammonia levels compared to placebo (Mean Difference (MD): -5.57), probiotics, and prebiotics. Prebiotics showed significant differences in lowering endotoxin levels compared to placebo (MD: -3.29) and probiotics. Furthermore, relative to placebo, prebiotics significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (MD: -2.30) and interleukin-6 levels (MD: -4.60). This network meta-analysis advances current knowledge by establishing an evidence-based hierarchy of efficacy. Synbiotics are most effective for reducing blood ammonia, whereas prebiotics demonstrate superior efficacy in lowering endotoxin and inflammatory markers. These results support a personalized therapeutic approach: prioritizing synbiotics for patients with hyperammonemia, and prebiotics for those characterized by systemic inflammation. Future high-quality RCTs are needed to standardize specific strain combinations.

The decline in ovarian function with age affects fertility and is associated with increased risk of age-related diseases, including osteoporosis and dementia. Notably, earlier menopause is linked to shorter lifespan, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian aging remain poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests the gut microbiota may influence ovarian health. Here we show that ovarian aging is associated with distinct gut microbial profiles in female mice and that the gut microbiome can directly influence ovarian health. Using fecal microbiota transplantation from young or estropausal female mice, we demonstrate that heterochronic microbiota transfer remodels the ovarian transcriptome, reduces inflammation-related gene expression and induces transcriptional features consistent with ovarian rejuvenation. These molecular changes are accompanied by enhanced ovarian health and increased fertility. Integrating metagenomics-based causal mediation analyses with serum untargeted metabolomics, we identify candidate microbial species and metabolites that may contribute to the observed effects. Our findings reveal a direct link between the gut microbiota and ovarian health.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although alterations in the gut microbiota have been linked to CKD progression, its exact involvement in CKD-associated AF remians unclear. We amis to investigate the role of gut microbiota in the development of CKD-associated AF, and to uncover potential mechanisms that could serve as effective targets for prevention and treatment. A rat model of CKD was induced by an adenine-enriched diet. 16S rRNA sequencing and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) were utilized to study the involvement of gut microbiota. AST-120, gut barrier protectants and mono-colonization experiments were performed to investigate potential mechanism. CKD rats exhibited gut microbiota dysbiosis and a significantly increased susceptibility to AF. FMT from CKD rats transferred this heightened AF susceptibility to healthy recipient rats, linked to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Mechanistically, gut dysbiosis in CKD patients leads to elevated IS levels, causing gut barrier dysfunction and increased circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Elevated LPS activates atrial TLR4 receptors, triggering NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which contributes to AF pathogenesis. Treatment with the IS scavenger AST-120 or gut barrier protectants successfully prevented CKD-associated AF. Furthermore, supplementation with Lactobacillus gasseri reduced circulating IS levels and mitigated AF susceptibility in CKD rats. This study demonstrates that gut dysbiosis-driven elevation of IS and subsequent activation of the atrial NLRP3 inflammasome are key mechanisms in CKD-associated AF. Modulating the gut microbiota could provide a new therapeutic strategy for CKD-associated AF.

Dietary Ethanolamine Increases Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Adenosine signaling driven by the gut microbiota underlies chronic alcohol-induced anesthetic resistance.

Qing Hua Yu Du formula ameliorates alcoholic hepatic fibrosis by regulating MAPK/TLR4-MyD88 inflammatory pathways, restoring hepatic metabolism and modulating gut microbiota.

Dietary carboxymethylcellulose metabolite promotes heart allograft rejection through induction of pro-inflammatory macrophages via lysophosphatidic acid.

Cancer is a major health concern, with its incidence rate continuing to increase. There is growing interest in the microbiota and its role in carcinogenesis, as it significantly influences physiological and pathological processes. Various aspects of the microbiome have been shown to have both anti-tumor and pro-tumor effects. Advances in techniques such as high-throughput DNA sequencing have greatly improved our understanding of microbial populations in the human and canine gut. We aimed to (1) characterize the intestinal microbiota of healthy dogs and dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs), (2) assess changes in the intestinal microbiota of dogs undergoing electrochemotherapy (ECT) combined with gene electrotransfer (GET) of the IL-12 plasmid (IL-12), and (3) explore possible associations with the expression of immune markers Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and Granzyme B (GZMB) in MCT tissue. Stool samples were collected from healthy dogs (n = 24) and dogs with MCTs (n = 24) before and after ECT and IL-12 GET. DNA was extracted from the samples, and shallow shotgun sequencing was performed. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the tumors to assess the expression of PD-1, PD-L1, and GZMB. The dysbiosis index, alpha diversity, and beta diversity did not differ between groups. Regarding microbial composition, Bifidobacterium animalis, Corynebacterium variabile, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus equinus, Streptococcus intermedius, Clostridium thermobutyricum, Megasphaera elsdenii, and Anaerobiospirillum sp. were found in lower relative abundance in feces of dogs with MCTs, while Bacteroides togonis, Lactobacillus amylolyticus, Prevotella sp. CAG:279, and Megamonas hypermegale were more abundant compared to healthy dogs. Our study provides further insight into the composition of the gut microbiota in dogs with MCTs, where ECT and IL-12 GET did not lead to major shifts. We were unable to establish any association between the expression of immune markers and the microbiota.

Astaxanthin alleviates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice associated with Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis independently of gut microbiota modulation.

Taurine modulates gut microbiota and attenuates inflammation in a rotenone-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharides improve microcystin-LR-induced intestinal damage in tadpoles by regulating the interaction between microbiota and intestine.

The Akkermansia muciniphila-tryptophan metabolism-aromatic hydrocarbon receptor axis mediates the protective effect of Schisandra chinensis pectin polysaccharide against colitis.

Quyushengxin formula restores the integrity of intestinal barrier by regulating the gut microbiota to ameliorate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

Gut microbiota: origin or panacea for all ills? Immune and metabolic diseases, nutrition, and microbiota-based interventions.

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics are used in equine practice. Understanding veterinarians' perceptions and practices is crucial for effective implementation. (1) Evaluate the prevalence, usage patterns and perceived effectiveness of probiotics and FMT among equine veterinarians in France and Belgium. (2) Assess their knowledge, practices and influencing factors across demographics and settings. (3) Explore links between FMT protocols and treatment satisfaction. Cross-sectional survey. An online survey collected demographic data and responses on the use of probiotics and FMT. Analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression models. Ninety-six equine veterinarians participated, practicing in Belgium (52.1%), France (39.6%) or both (8.3%). Probiotic use was reported by 82.1%, more frequent in field than clinical practice (odds ratio [OR]=3.61, 95% CI [1.09, 12.02], p=0.036) and in France than Belgium (OR=5.08, 95% CI [1.44, 17.94], p=0.012). Probiotics were used for chronic diarrhoea (88.0%), acute diarrhoea (67.6%) and inflammatory bowel diseases (45.9%). Most veterinarians (83.3%) defined probiotics well, but 16.7% misidentified non-probiotic products. FMT was used by 76.0%, mainly occasionally and therapeutically, more in clinical than field practice (OR=4.79, 95% CI [1.03, 22.27], p=0.046). In theory, 58.3% prioritized infection-free donors, but only 22.5% tested donors before FMT, mostly using coprology (93.8%). Those who tested donors reported higher perceived efficacy (p=0.0029). Potential selection bias, as participation was voluntary. Generalizability might be limited by focus on France and Belgium. Sample size, while informative, should be expanded. Probiotics and FMT were commonly used therapeutically by equine veterinarians in France and Belgium. Although probiotic use was widespread, some misunderstandings remained. FMT protocols varied, with donor faeces often untested. Treatment satisfaction was generally positive but estimated success rates varied. Standardized FMT protocols are needed to improve outcomes and consistency.

The gut microbiota dysbiosis in geriatric multimorbidity: Pharmacotherapeutic implications, pathophysiological mechanisms, and precision modulation strategies.

The impact of curcumin on the gut microbiota of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Curcuma longa L. on the gut microbiota of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This was a secondary analysis of data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients received 100 mL of orange juice, 12 grams of carrot, and 2.5 grams of Curcuma longa L. three times a week after the HD session (Curcuma group) or the same juice without added curcumin (control group) for 12 weeks. The fecal microbiota composition was estimated using short-read sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene on the Illumina platform. Eleven patients participated in this study, five in the curcumin group (66.7% male, 59 ± 16.7 years old, HD vintage of 97 ± 62.6 months, BMI 25.3 ± 2.9 kg/m2) and six in the control group (60% male, 57.5 ± 12.5 years old, HD vintage of 48.3 ± 32.2 months, BMI 25.2 ± 3.1 kg/m2). Supplementation with Curcuma longa L. extract did not modify alpha biodiversity or the taxonomic composition of individuals at the phylum, family, and genus levels. Supplementation with 2.5 g of Curcuma longa L. extract three times per week for 12 weeks was inefficient in modulating the gut microbiota of CKD patients undergoing HD. These results should be interpreted taking into account the small sample size, and future studies with larger cohorts are encouraged.

In vitro digestion stability of a Bifidobacterium-derived extracellular polysaccharides and its prebiotic potential in gut microbiota modulation.