Gut Bifidobacteria Research Articles

Comparative assessment of phenotypic markers in patients with chronic inflammation: Differences on Bifidobacterium concerning liver status.

The relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and low-grade metabolic inflammation (MI) with the microbiota is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of these diseases and developing effective therapeutic interventions. In this context, it has been observed that the gut microbiota plays a key role in the immune regulation and inflammation contributing to the exacerbation through inflammatory mediators. This research aimed to describe similarities/differences in anthropometric, biochemical, inflammatory, and hepatic markers as well as to examine the putative role of gut microbiota concerning two inflammatory conditions: SLE and MI. Data were obtained from a cohort comprising adults with SLE and MI. Faecal samples were determined by 16S technique. Statistical analyses compared anthropometric and clinical variables, and LEfSe and MetagenomeSeq were used for metagenomic data. An interaction analysis was fitted to investigate associations of microbiota with fatty liver index (FLI) depending on the inflammatory condition. Participants with low-grade MI showed worse values in anthropometry and biochemicals compared with patients with SLE. The liver profile of patients with MI was unhealthier, while no relevant differences were found in most of the inflammatory markers between groups. LEfSe analysis revealed an overrepresentation of Bifidobacteriaceae family in SLE group. An interactive association between gut Bifidobacterium abundance and type of disease was identified for FLI values, suggesting an effect modification of the gut microbiota concerning liver markers depending on the inflammatory condition. This study found phenotypical and microbial similarities and disparities between these two inflammatory conditions, evidenced in clinical and hepatic markers, and showed the interactive interplay between gut Bifidobacterium and liver health (measured by FLI) that occur in a different manner depending on the type of inflammatory disease. These results underscore the importance of personalized approaches and individual microbiota in the screening of different inflammatory situations, considering unique hepatic and microbiota profiles.

The Function and Mechanism of Laminaripentaose Prepared from Curdlan for the Amelioration of the Cognitive Dysfunctions in Obese Mice.

Functional oligosaccharides induce specific alterations in gut microbiota, potentially providing physiological benefits. However, the effects of laminaripentaose (LPA) on metabolic syndrome and the mechanism underlying it have not been intensively investigated yet. This study aimed to determine the effects of LPA on obesity and obesity-induced cognition impairment in mice. C57BL/6N mice fed with a high-fat diet received an LPA treatment for 12 weeks. An antibiotic intervention was further applied to evaluate the effects of the gut microbiota on cognitive functions. LPA treatment (500 mg/kg) reduced the weight gain by 32.4%. Furthermore, LPA improved memory functions and reduced hippocampal insulin resistance and neuronal injury. LPA markedly reduced systemic low-grade inflammation and intestinal barrier injury. Moreover, LPA increased gut beneficial bacteria, and Butyricimonas and Bifidobacterium were increased by 94.0 and 422.7%, respectively, accompanied by increased fecal short-chain fatty acids. Interestingly, antibiotic cocktail treatment abrogated the beneficial effects of LPA on cognition, which further suggests that LPA may attenuate obesity-induced cognition impairment via the gut-brain axis. Our findings provide the first evidence for the potential of dietary LPA to prevent obesity and obesity-associated complications.

Gestational administration of Bifidobacterium dentium results in intergenerational modulation of inflammatory, metabolic, and social behavior

Prenatal stress (PNS) profoundly impacts maternal and offspring health, with enduring effects including microbiome alterations, neuroinflammation, and behavioral disturbances such as reductions in social behavior. Converging lines of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggest that PNS disrupts tryptophan (Trp) metabolic pathways and reduces gut Bifidobacteria, a known beneficial bacterial genus that metabolizes Trp. Specifically, previous work from our lab demonstrated that human prenatal mood disorders in mothers are associated with reduced Bifidobacterium dentium in infants at 13 months. Given that Bifidobacterium has been positively associated with neurodevelopmental and other health benefits and is depleted by PNS, we hypothesized that supplementing PNS-exposed pregnant dams with B. dentium would ameliorate PNS-induced health deficits. We measured inflammatory outputs, Trp metabolite levels and enzymatic gene expression in dams and fetal offspring, and social behavior in adult offspring. We determined that B. dentium reduced maternal systemic inflammation and fetal offspring neuroinflammation, while modulating tryptophan metabolism and increasing kynurenic acid and indole-3-propionic acid intergenerationally. Additional health benefits were demonstrated by the abrogation of PNS-induced reductions in litter weight. Finally, offspring of the B. dentium cohort demonstrated increased sociability in males primarily and increased social novelty primarily in females. Together these data illustrate that B. dentium can orchestrate interrelated host immune, metabolic and behavioral outcomes during and after gestation for both dam and offspring and may be a candidate for prevention of the negative sequelae of stress.

Effects of Physical Exercise on the Microbiota in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Recent studies have underscored the significant role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBS. Physical exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, has been proposed to alleviate IBS symptoms by modulating the gut microbiota. Aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, and cycling, has been shown to enhance the diversity and abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that possess anti-inflammatory properties and support gut barrier integrity. Studies involving IBS patients participating in structured aerobic exercise programs have reported significant improvements in their gut microbiota's composition and diversity, alongside an alleviation of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating. Additionally, exercise positively influences mental health by reducing stress and improving mood, which can further relieve IBS symptoms via the gut-brain axis. Long-term exercise interventions provide sustained benefits, maintaining the gut microbiota's diversity and stability, supporting immune functions, and reducing systemic inflammation. However, exercise programs must be tailored to individual needs to avoid exacerbating IBS symptoms. Personalized exercise plans starting with low-to-moderate intensity and gradually increasing in intensity can maximize the benefits and minimize risks. This review examines the impact of various types and intensities of physical exercise on the gut microbiota in IBS patients, highlighting the need for further studies to explore optimal exercise protocols. Future research should include larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods, and examine the synergistic effects of exercise and other lifestyle modifications. Integrating physical exercise into comprehensive IBS management plans can enhance symptom control and improve patients' quality of life.

Abstract Tu041: Gut microbiome Bifidobacterium is associated with improvement in severity of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Background: Heart failure (HF) has been associated with dysregulated gut microbiome. However, less is understood about how gut microbiome alterations relate to changes in HF severity. We sought to understand how gut microbial shifts and associated host signatures related to changes in clinical status of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: Twenty-six adults with HFrEF were recruited and completed 2 study visits approximately 6 months apart. At each visit they provided stool sample for microbiome profiling (metagenomic sequencing), and fasting blood samples for untargeted metabolomics (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry) and cytokine assay (Luminex antibody-conjugated bead capture). Subjects also completed dietary surveys. Clinical improvement was measured as between-visit change in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Results: Between-visit NYHA class improved in 6 individuals; 20 patients remained stable or worsened. After accounting for demographics, body mass index, and diet, genus Bifidobacterium was significantly enriched in the improved group and increased over time (Figure 1). Bifidobacterium was directly associated with circulating malonic acid, which is implicated in cardio-protection and cardiomyocyte regeneration, and with indole-3-propionate (IPA), anti-inflammatory gut microbial metabolite of dietary tryptophan (Figure 2). There was also a positive correlation between Bifidobacterium and IL10, a major anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays a role in cardiac remodeling. Conclusion: Bifidobacterium was independently associated with longitudinal improvement in functional status in patients with HFrEF. Additionally, Bifidobacterium correlated with circulating IPA, malonic acid, and IL10. Our findings support (1) gut Bifidobacterium as a potential biomarker of clinical improvement in HFrEF and a possible new therapeutic target, and (2) potential downstream mediators through which Bifidobacterium may regulate HF pathophysiology.

Dietary Inulin to Improve SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Response in Kidney Transplant Recipients: The RIVASTIM-Inulin Randomised Controlled Trial.

Kidney transplant recipients are at an increased risk of hospitalisation and death from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and standard two-dose vaccination schedules are typically inadequate to generate protective immunity. Gut dysbiosis, which is common among kidney transplant recipients and known to effect systemic immunity, may be a contributing factor to a lack of vaccine immunogenicity in this at-risk cohort. The gut microbiota modulates vaccine responses, with the production of immunomodulatory short-chain fatty acids by bacteria such as Bifidobacterium associated with heightened vaccine responses in both observational and experimental studies. As SCFA-producing populations in the gut microbiota are enhanced by diets rich in non-digestible fibre, dietary supplementation with prebiotic fibre emerges as a potential adjuvant strategy to correct dysbiosis and improve vaccine-induced immunity. In a randomised, double-bind, placebo-controlled trial of 72 kidney transplant recipients, we found dietary supplementation with prebiotic inulin for 4 weeks before and after a third SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccine to be feasible, tolerable, and safe. Inulin supplementation resulted in an increase in gut Bifidobacterium, as determined by 16S RNA sequencing, but did not increase in vitro neutralisation of live SARS-CoV-2 virus at 4 weeks following a third vaccination. Dietary fibre supplementation is a feasible strategy with the potential to enhance vaccine-induced immunity and warrants further investigation.

Understanding How Pre- and Probiotics Affect the Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Health.

The gut microbiome, a complex assembly of microorganisms, significantly impacts human health by influencing nutrient absorption, the immune system, and disease response. These microorganisms form a dynamic ecosystem that is critical to maintaining overall well-being. Prebiotics and probiotics are pivotal in regulating gut microbiotacomposition. Prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria, and promote their growth, while probiotics help maintain balance within the microbiome. This intricate balance extends to several aspects of health, including maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier, regulating immune responses, and producing metabolites crucial for metabolic health. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has been linked to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Impaired gut barrier function, endotoxemia, and low-grade inflammation are associated with toll-like receptors influencing pro-inflammatory pathways. Short-chain fatty acids derived from microbial fermentation modulate anti-inflammatory and immune system pathways. Prebiotics positively influence gut microbiota, while probiotics, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, may improve metabolic outcomes, such as glycemic control in diabetes. It is important to consider strain-specific effects and study variability when interpreting these findings, highlighting the need for further research to optimize their therapeutic potential. The aim of this report is therefore to review the role of the gut microbiota in metabolic health and disease and the effects of prebiotics and probiotics on the gut microbiome and their therapeutic role, integrating a broad understanding of physiological mechanisms with a clinical perspective.

Global research trend and hotspot in the low FODMAP diet: a bibliometric analysis

HighlightsThe low FODMAP diet is the most recommended dietary intervention for the clinical management of IBS symptoms.Bibliometrics analysis provides a comprehensive perspective and direction on global research trend and hotspot in the low FODMAP diet research.The restriction stage of the low FODMAP diet is superior to other dietary therapies for IBS in terms of symptom response, but it has a negative impact on the abundance of gut Bifidobacteria and diet quality.Identification of biomarkers to predict response to the low FODMAP diet has become the current research hotspot.Large, well-designed clinical research studies are needed in the future to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of the low FODMAP diet, including FODMAP reintroduction and personalization stages.

Effect of Selenium-Yeast supplementation on gut microbiome, intestinal histomorphology and immunity in broilers

Selenium-yeast was mixed with the basal diet of treatment groups of birds at the dose rate of 0.15 mg/kg diet in treatment-I (T-I), 0.225 mg/kg in treatment-II (T-II) and 0.30 mg/kg in treatment-III (T-III) group. The body weight and weekly weight gain increased and, feed conversion ratio improved significantly (p<0.05) in the T-III group as compared to control group. The number of goblet cells, lymphatic nodules in the intestine was more in treated birds. The villi height and crypts depth and their ratio were significantly highest in T-III group. Bursal morphology significantly improved and the number of Hassall’s corpuscle, macrophages and plasma cells were more frequent in treated birds. Among the lymphoglandular organs, the maximum IL-10 positive cells were found in the caecum and Bursa of Fabricius (BF). Among the groups, T-III group showed weak to nil IL-10 reaction. When compared between the days, BF and spleen showed better IL-10 positive reaction on 7th day but in caecal tonsil and thymus, the better reaction was on 35th day. The expression of IL-10 in the lymphoglandular organs was significantly (p<0.05) lower and T-III had minimum expression. T-II and T-III groups were better than T-I and control groups for enhancing humoral immunity against Newcastle disease virus, reduction of gut Escherichia coli, Salmonella and increased gut Bifidobacterium spp. In conclusion, supplementation of Se-yeast to the poultry diet at the dose rate 0.30 mg/kg improved the growth performance and guts microbial health, and enhanced the immunity of poultry birds.

Gut Bifidobacterium longum is associated with better native liver survival in patients with biliary atresia

The gut microbiome plays an important role in liver diseases, but its specific impact on biliary atresia (BA) remains to be explored. We aimed to investigate the microbial signature in the early life of patients with BA and to analyze its influence on long-term outcomes. Fecal samples (n= 42) were collected from infants with BA before and after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). The stool microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing and compared with that of age-matched healthy controls (HCs). Shotgun metagenomic sequencing analysis was employed to confirm the bacterial composition in 10 fecal samples before KPE. The correlation of the microbiome signature with liver function and long-term outcomes was assessed. In the 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing analysis of fecal microbiota, the alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed significant differences between HCs and patients with BA before and after KPE. The difference in microbial composition analyzed by linear discriminant analysis and random forest classification revealed that the abundance of Bifidobacterium longum (B.longum) was significantly lower in patients before and after KPE than in HCs. The abundance of B.longum was negatively correlated with the gamma-glutamyltransferase level after KPE (p <0.05). Patients with early detectable B. longum had significantly lower total and direct bilirubin 3 months after KPE (p <0.005) and had a significantly lower liver transplantation rate (hazard ratio: 0.16, 95% CI 0.03-0.83, p= 0.029). Shotgun metagenomic sequencing also revealed that patients with BA and detectable B. longum had reduced total and direct bilirubin after KPE. The gut microbiome of patients with BA differed from that of HCs, with a notable abundance of B.longum in early infancy correlating with better long-term outcomes. Bifidobacterium longum (B.longum) is a beneficial bacterium commonly found in the human gut. It has been studied for its potential impacts on various health conditions. In patients with biliary atresia, we found that a greater abundance of B.longum in the fecal microbiome is associated with improved clinical outcomes. This suggests that early colonization and increasing B.longum levels in the gut could be a therapeutic strategy to improve the prognosis of patients with biliary atresia.

Age and aging process alter the gut microbes.

Gut microbes and age are both factors that influence the development of disease. The community structure of gut microbes is affected by age. To plot time-dependent gut microbe profiles in individuals over 45 years old and explore the correlation between age and gut microbes. Fecal samples were collected from 510 healthy individuals over 45 years old. Shannon index, Simpson index, Ace index, etc. were used to analyze the diversity of gut microbes. The beta diversity analysis, including non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), was used to analyze community distribution. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and random forest (RF) algorithm were used to analyze the differences of gut microbes. Trend analysis was used to plot the abundances of characteristic gut microbes in different ages. The individuals aged 45-49 had the highest richness of gut bacteria. Fifteen characteristic gut microbes, including Siphoviridae and Bifidobacterium breve, were screened by RF algorithm. The abundance of Ligiactobacillus and Microviridae were higher in individuals older than 65 years. Moreover, the abundance of Blautia_A massiliensis, Lubbockvirus and Enterocloster clostridioformis decreased with age and the abundance of Klebsiella variicola and Prevotella increased with age. The functional genes, such as human diseases and aging, were significantly different among different aged individuals. The individuals in different ages have characteristic gut microbes. The changes in community structure of gut microbes may be related to age-induced diseases.

Dynamics of the Gut Microbiota and Faecal and Serum Metabolomes during Pregnancy-A Longitudinal Study.

Normal pregnancy involves numerous physiological changes, including changes in hormone levels, immune responses, and metabolism. Although several studies have shown that the gut microbiota may have an important role in the progression of pregnancy, these findings have been inconsistent, and the relationship between the gut microbiota and metabolites that change dynamically during and after pregnancy remains to be clarified. In this longitudinal study, we comprehensively profiled the temporal dynamics of the gut microbiota, Bifidobacterium communities, and serum and faecal metabolomes of 31 women during their pregnancies and postpartum periods. The microbial composition changed as gestation progressed, with the pregnancy and postpartum periods exhibiting distinct bacterial community characteristics, including significant alterations in the genera of the Lachnospiraceae or Ruminococcaceae families, especially the Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-003. Metabolic dynamics, characterised by changes in nutrients important for fetal growth (e.g., docosatrienoic acid), anti-inflammatory metabolites (e.g., trans-3-indoleacrylic acid), and steroid hormones (e.g., progesterone), were observed in both serum and faecal samples during pregnancy. Moreover, a complex correlation was identified between the pregnancy-related microbiota and metabolites, with Ruminococcus1 and Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 making important contributions to changes in faecal and serum metabolites, respectively. Overall, a highly coordinated microbiota-metabolite regulatory network may underlie the pregnancy process. These findings provide a foundation for enhancing our understanding of the molecular processes occurring during the progression of pregnancy, thereby contributing to nutrition and health management during this period.

NOVEL INSIGHTS FROM THE GUT-JOINT AXIS: MICROBIAL CONTRIBUTION TO SKELETAL HOMEOSTASIS

Osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) are leading causes of musculoskeletal dysfunction in elderly, with chondrocyte senescence, inflammation, oxidative stress, subcellular organelle dysfunction, and genomic instability as prominent features. Age-related intestinal disorders and gut dysbiosis contribute to host tissue inflammation and oxidative stress by affecting host immune responses and cell metabolism. Not surprisingly, the development of OP and OA correlate with dysregulations of the gut microflora in rodents and humans. Intestinal microorganisms produce metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, and liposaccharides, affecting mitochondrial function, metabolism, biogenesis, autophagy, and redox reactions in chondrocytes to regulate joint homeostasis. Modulating the abundance of specific gut bacteria, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, by probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation appears to suppress age-induced chronic inflammation and oxidative damage in musculoskeletal tissue and holds potential to slow down OP development. The talk will highlight treatment options with probiotics or metabolites for modulating the progression of OA and OP.

Effects of short-term, high-dose cocoa-derived flavanol supplementation on gut microbiota composition: secondary findings from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study

Abstract Cocoa-derived flavanols (CDF) may act as prebiotics. However, evidence is inconsistent, and the duration and dose of CDF intake needed to elicit any prebiotic effect are undefined. This randomized, double-blind, crossover study determined the effects of short-term, high-dose dietary supplementation with CDF versus matched placebo on gut microbiota composition in 8 healthy adults. A single faecal sample was collected 8 d after supplementation with 900 mg/d CDF or placebo. Gut microbiota composition and Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. abundance were measured as secondary outcomes by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) amplicon sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. No between-treatment differences in the relative or absolute abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. (Cohen’s d = 0.89, P = 0.22) or Lactobacillus spp. (Cohen’s d = 0.42, P = 0.65) were detected. Shannon diversity (Cohen’s d = 0.38, P = 0.04) and overall community richness (Cohen’s d = 0.34, P = 0.06) were lower following CDF supplementation versus placebo, but no between-treatment differences in β-diversity or taxa relative abundances were observed. Findings are not consistent with a clear prebiotic effect of this short-term, high-dose CDF supplementation strategy relative to placebo.

Gut microbiota and sleep: Interaction mechanisms and therapeutic prospects.

Sleep is crucial for wellness, and emerging research reveals a profound connection to gut microbiota. This review explores the bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and sleep, exploring the mechanisms involved and the therapeutic opportunities it presents. The gut-brain axis serves as a conduit for the crosstalk between gut microbiota and the central nervous system, with dysbiosis in the microbiota impairing sleep quality and vice versa. Diet, circadian rhythms, and immune modulation all play a part. Specific gut bacteria, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, enhance sleep through serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid production, exemplifying direct microbiome influence. Conversely, sleep deprivation reduces beneficial bacteria, exacerbating dysbiosis. Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and fecal transplants show therapeutic potential, backed by animal and human research, yet require further study on safety and long-term effects. Unraveling this intricate link paves the way for tailored sleep therapies, utilizing microbiome manipulation to improve sleep and health. Accelerated research is essential to fully tap into this promising field for sleep disorder management.

Comparison of prebiotic activity of dietary sialoglycoprotein and N-acetylneuraminic acid: Sialylation is a key factor

Sialoglycoproteins, rich in sialic acid, are dietary mucins with potential effects on human nutrition and health. This study examined the influence of sialoglycoprotein from edible bird's nest (EBN), desialylated edible bird's nest (ABN), and N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) on the proliferation of probiotics and fecal bacteria from pregnant women in vitro. EBN and Neu5Ac, compared with ABN, were more effective in promoting the growth of beneficial gut microbiota, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. EBN, with intact sialic acid, markedly enhanced the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila. Within 24 h, EBN stimulated short-chain fatty acid production during in vitro fermentation of fecal samples from healthy and late-stage pregnant women. EBN also modulated the microbial community, decreasing the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae and Klebsiella, and increasing the abundance of beneficial genera, such as Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium. Notably, EBN was superior to ABN in suppressing pathogenic bacteria and promoting probiotic proliferation. In contrast, monomeric Neu5Ac failed to decrease Klebsiella populations and increased Enterococcus faecium in fecal samples from elderly pregnant women. Overall, protein-bound Neu5Ac exhibited greater prebiotic activity than the free monomeric form.

Effects of hydrolyzed collagen alone or in combination with fish oil on the gut microbiome in patients with major burns

Burns are associated with gut dysbiosis. Collagen peptides and omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) are suggested to improve wound healing and the inflammatory response. These are also correlated with microbiome colonization. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of hydrolyzed collagen alone or in combination with fish oil on specific species of the gut microbiome in patients with major burns. In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 57 adults (aged 18–60 years) with 20–45% total body surface area burns were randomised into three groups to receive either 40 gr hydrolyzed collagen +10 ml sunflower oil, 40 g hydrolyzed collagen +10 ml fish oil or placebo, divided into two daily drinks, for two weeks. Gut bacteria were measured using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. The mean concentration of Bifidobacterium was significantly reduced in the control (P = 0.002) and collagen (P = 0.005) groups compared with the baseline values, whereas no significant change was observed in the collagen omega-3 group. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio decreased significantly in the collagen group (p = 0.002) after supplementation compared to baseline . No significant changes in concentration of Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, and F.prausnitzii were observed between or within the study groups. Two weeks of supplementation with collagen and omega-3 FAs in patients with major burns did not result in a significant difference in the concentration of bacteria measured between the study groups. However, the addition of omega-3 FAs prevented a significant reduction in gut Bifidobacterium. Future studies are suggested to investigate the potential efficacy of these nutrients in improving the gut microbiota and clinical outcomes in major burns. Registration numberIRCT20131125015536N9

Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of beer using the simgi® model. Investigation of colonic phenolic metabolism and impact on human gut microbiota

Beer is a source of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols, which can reach the large intestine and interact with colonic microbiota. However, the effects of beer consumption in the gastrointestinal function have scarcely been studied. This paper reports, for the first time, the in vitro digestion of beer and its impact on intestinal microbiota metabolism. Three commercial beers of different styles were subjected to gastrointestinal digestion using the simgi® model, and the digested fluids were further fermented in triplicate with faecal microbiota from a healthy volunteer. The effect of digested beer on human gut microbiota was evaluated in terms of microbial metabolism (short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and ammonium ion), microbial diversity and bacterial populations (plate counting and 16S rRNA gene sequencing). Monitoring beer polyphenols through the different digestion phases showed their extensive metabolism, mainly at the colonic stage. In addition, a higher abundance of taxa related to gut health, especially Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Mitsuokella and Succinilasticum at the genus level, and the Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae families were found in the presence of beers. Regarding microbial metabolism, beer feeding significantly increased microbial SCFA production (mainly butyric acid) and decreased ammonium content. Overall, these results evidence the positive actions of moderate beer consumption on the metabolic activity of colonic microbiota, suggesting that the raw materials and brewing methods used may affect the beer gut effects.

The Association between Gestational Diabetes and the Microbiome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Gestational diabetes, affecting about 10% of pregnancies, is characterized by impaired glucose regulation and can lead to complications for health of pregnant women and their offspring. The microbiota, the resident microbes within the body, have been linked to the development of several metabolic conditions. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to summarize the evidence on the differences in microbiota composition in pregnant women with gestational diabetes and their offspring compared to healthy pregnancies. A thorough search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and data from 21 studies were analyzed utilizing 41 meta-analyses. In the gut microbiota, Bifidobacterium and Alistipes were found to be more abundant in healthy pregnancies, while Roseburia appears to be more abundant in gestational diabetes. The heterogeneity among study findings regarding the microbiota in the meconium is considerable. The placental microbiota exhibited almost no heterogeneity, with an increased abundance of Firmicutes in the gestational diabetes group and a higher abundance of Proteobacteria in the control. The role of the microbiota in gestational diabetes is reinforced by these findings, which additionally point to the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies. To completely comprehend the interactions between gestational diabetes and the microbiome, standardizing methodologies and further research is necessary.

Effects of the Phytocompound Combination against Dysbiosis Induced by AGE-Rich High-fat Diet in Mice

Background and Aims: The composition of the Microbiota can be influenced by various lifestyle and environmental factors, including diet. We designed a study to investigate the improving effects of plant extract, the combination of turmeric, ginger, boswellia, and cat’s claw on the abundance of key members of the gut microbiota, Bacteroidetes, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii), Firmicutes and Bifidobacterium in mice treated with advanced glycation end products (AGE) rich high-fat diet (HFD).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Eighteen 2-month age male C57BL/6 mice were adopted to a regular diet for 1 week and then fed with an HFD or regular diet. After 8 weeks of diet, animals received plant extract concurrently with HFD for 8 weeks. Stools were taken, DNA of stool samples was extracted, and qPCR of 16s rDNA universal primers was performed. Then the effect of plant extract on dysbiosis induced by AGE-rich HFD was accessed.&#x0D; Results: Our results revealed the frequencies of Bacteroidetes (p=0.001), A. muciniphila (p= 0.0005), F. prausnitzii (p&lt;0.0001), and Bifidobacterium (p= 0.0008) were reduced, whereas the frequency of Firmicute was increased in the AGE-rich HFD group. A significant increase in the F/B ratio was observed in the HFD group than in the regular diet group (p= 0.0003). plant extract reduced the F/B ratio and improved gut microbiota homeostasis. &#x0D; Conclusion: Plant extract restored gut microbiota patterns in HFD-treated mice. It seems more studies are required to prove the application of plant extracts for modulating the gut microbiota as a promising new biomarker with potential for therapeutic applications.