Human Gastrointestinal Tract Research Articles

Gastrointestinal tract organoids as novel tools in drug discovery.

Organoids, characterized by their high physiological attributes, effectively preserve the genetic characteristics, physiological structure, and function of the simulated organs. Since the inception of small intestine organoids, other organoids for organs including the liver, lungs, stomach, and pancreas have subsequently been developed. However, a comprehensive summary and discussion of research findings on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) organoids as disease models and drug screening platforms is currently lacking. Herein, in this review, we address diseases related to GIT organoid simulation and highlight the notable advancements that have been made in drug screening and pharmacokinetics, as well as in disease research and treatment using GIT organoids. Organoids of GIT diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and Helicobacter pylori infection, have been successfully constructed. These models have facilitated the study of the mechanisms and effects of various drugs, such as metformin, Schisandrin C, and prednisolone, in these diseases. Furthermore, GIT organoids have been used to investigate viruses that elicit GIT reactions, including Norovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and rotavirus. Previous studies by using GIT organoids have shown that dasabuvir, gemcitabine, and imatinib possess the capability to inhibit viral replication. Notably, GIT organoids can mimic GIT responses to therapeutic drugs at the onset of disease. The GIT toxicities of compounds like gefitinib, doxorubicin, and sunset yellow have also been evaluated. Additionally, these organoids are instrumental for the study of immune regulation, post-radiation intestinal epithelial repair, treatment for cystic fibrosis and diabetes, the development of novel drug delivery systems, and research into the GIT microbiome. The recent use of conditioned media as a culture method for replacing recombinant hepatocyte growth factor has significantly reduced the cost associated with human GIT organoid culture. This advancement paves the way for large-scale culture and compound screening of GIT organoids. Despite the ongoing challenges in GIT organoid development (e.g., their inability to exist in pairs, limited cell types, and singular drug exposure mode), these organoids hold considerable potential for drug screening. The use of GIT organoids in this context holds great promises to enhance the precision of medical treatments for patients living with GIT diseases.

Prevalence of Blastocystis hominis in patients with diabetes mellitus in Balad City , Salahaddin Province, Iraq

Blastocystis sp. is anaerobic,global, eukaryotic, found in the human gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of the current study is to estimate the prevalence of B. hominis infection in people with diabetes mellitus. This study is conducted on a total of three hundred (300) individuals, ranging between 4 and 70 years, included (150) diabetic group and (150) non diabetic group. Samples are taken between November 2022 and May 2023. The practical portion and the collection of samples have been done in laboratories of General Balad Hospital in Balad City; Salahadin; Iraq. The study include the collection of 2 ml of venous blood, which is used to measure the HbA1c ratio with stool sample. This is used to examine the presence or absence of B.hominis by microscopic examination after it had been cultured. Modified Jones' Medium has reportedly been used for Blastocystis sp. in vitro culture. Only 80 diabetic patients (50 male, 30 female) were infected with B.hominis after the laboratory diagnosis, and only 50 people (13 male, 37 female) among the healthy participants have B.hominis. This study demonstrate that the DM group had a higher prevalence of this protozoan than the non-DM group. Also, it notice that there is a link between the presence of Blastocystis and other participant characteristics (risk factors). Most results in the present study are display a highly significant difference between both genders, residence, source of drinking water and keeping animals (p<0.05),but there is no statistically correlation with infection by this parasite among the classes of age and educational level (p>0.05).

Isolation and Detection of UreC and UreR of Proteus mirabilis in Gastrointestinal Samples from Patients with Crohn's Disease in Iraq

Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative facultative anaerobe bacillus isolated from the human gastrointestinal tract that has recently been linked to Crohn's disease (CD) recurrence after bowel resection. CD is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth and anus. Inflammation, ulcers, and other damage to the digestive tract lining characterize it. In the current study, CD patients as well as controls provided 79 biopsy samples of both sexes and ages from the Teaching Hospital Gastroenterology and Hepatology, medical city, Baghdad, from October 2022 to March 2023, to detect Proteus mirabilis P. mirablis bacteria, as well as the results of biochemical tests and the Vitek 2 system. P. mirablis was subjected to a PCR assay using particular primers that targeted the genes ureR and Urease C (ureC), which encode for the urease enzyme, a virulence factor in Proteus species.

THE METHOD OF HYDRODYNAMIC MODELING USING A CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK

Context. Solving hydrodynamic problems is associated with high computational complexity and therefore requires considerable computing resources and time. The proposed approach makes it possible to significantly reduce the time for solving such problems by applying a combination of two improved modeling methods.
 Objective. The goal is to create a comprehensive hydrodynamic modeling method that requires significantly less time to determine the dynamics of the velocity field by using the modified lattice Boltzmann method and the pressure distribution by using a convolutional neural network.
 Method. A method of hydrodynamic modeling is proposed, which realizes the synergistic effect arising from the combination of the improved lattice Boltzmann method and a convolutional neural network with a specially adapted structure. The essence of the method consists of implementing a sequence of iterations, each of which simulates the process of changing parameters when moving to the next time layer. Each iteration includes a predictor step and a corrector step. At the predictor step, the lattice Boltzmann method works, which allows us to obtain the field of fluid velocities in the working area at the next time layer using the field of velocities at the previous layer. At the corrector step, we apply an improved convolutional neural network trained on a previously created data set. Using a neural network allows us to determine the pressure distribution on a new time layer with a predetermined accuracy. After adding the fluid compressibility correction on the new time layer, we get a refined value of the velocity field, which can be used as initial data for applying the lattice Boltzmann method at the next iteration. Calculations stop when the specified number of iterations is reached.
 Results. The operation of the proposed method was studied on the example of modeling fluid movement in a fragment of the human gastrointestinal tract. The simulation results showed that the time spent implementing the simulation process was reduced by 6–7 times while maintaining acceptable accuracy for practical tasks.
 Conclusions. The proposed hydrodynamic modeling method with a convolutional neural network and the lattice Boltzmann method significantly reduces the time and computing resources required to implement the modeling process in areas with complex geometry. Further development of this method will make it possible to implement real-time hydrodynamic modeling in threedimensional domains.

Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis in Neuro-Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review of Case-Control Studies.

The human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has a rich and pre-programmed microbiome. This microbiome is essential for physiological functions such as digestion, immunity, metabolism, and structural integrity, andof prime concern to us in conducting this study is the nervous system communication. This two-way communication between the GIT and central nervous system (CNS) is known as the gut-brain axis (GBA) and has implications for neurocritical disease. A change in any factor relating to this microbiome is known as gut dysbiosis; this can lead to aberrant communication through the GBA and in turn, can contribute to disease states. The primary objectiveof this study is to determine the cause-specific dysbiotic organisms in neuro-critically ill patients and their effects. We performed this study by searching published literature as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies that defined gastrointestinal dysbiosis in neuro-critically ill patients were retrieved using Boolean search from 2000 to 2023 via PubMed and Google Scholar and narrowed the results down to five prospectivecase-control studies. We performed their quality assessment. The results concludedthat in neurocritical illnesses such as encephalitis, brain tumors, intracerebral hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke, fluctuations in specific microbiota correlated with disease severity and prognosis. Moreover, the inhabiting population of dysbiotic organisms in neuro-critically ill patients were different in different diseases and there were no similarities in the composition of gut microbiota in these diseases.Taking stroke patients as an example; increased Enterobacteriaceae and lower Lachnospiraceae microbiome levels were found in patients with a higher stroke dysbiosis index (SDI). Those patients who developed stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) displayed higher levels of Enterococcus species. In conclusion, dysbiosis has a major effect on neuro-critically ill patients' disease states and dysbiotic organisms can be used as a biomarker for disease.Further prospective studieson this topic are warranted for potential neurological and prognostic correlations.

Detection of H. pylori outer membrane protein (HopQ) biomarker using electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor with polypyrrole nanotubes and carbon nanotubes nanocomposite on screen-printed carbon electrode

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is classified as a class I carcinogen that colonizes the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The detection at low concentrations is crucial in combatting H. pylori. HopQ protein is located on H. pylori's outer membrane and is expressed at an early stage of contamination, which signifies it as an ideal biomarker. In this study, we presented the development of an electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for the ultra-sensitive detection of HopQ at low concentrations. The sensor employed polypyrrole nanotubes (PPy-NTs) and carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) nanocomposite. PPy-NTs were chosen for their excellent conductivity, biocompatibility, and redox capabilities, simplifying sample preparation by eliminating the need to add redox probes upon measurement. MWCNT-COOH provided covalent binding sites for HopQ antibodies (HopQ-Ab) on the biosensor surface. Characterization of the biosensor was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), complemented by numerical semiempirical quantum calculations. The results demonstrated a dynamic linear range of 5 pg/mL to 1.063 ng/mL and an excellent selectivity, with the possibility of excluding interference using EIS data, specifically charge transfer resistance and double-layer capacitance as multivariants for the calibration curve. Using two EIS components, the limit of detection is calculated to be 2.06 pg/mL. The biosensor was tested with a spiked drinking water sample and showed a signal recovery of 105.5% when detecting 300 pg/mL of HopQ. This novel H. pylori biosensor offers reliable, simple, portable, and rapid screening of the bacteria.

Stromal Hücrelerin Tarihçesi: İnterstisyel Cajal Hücrelerinden Telositlere - İnsan Telositlerine ve Olası İşlevlerine Kısa Bir Bakış

In the organ microenvironment stromal cells make up an essential population, however research on them has been very limited. The stroma mainly consists of fibroblasts that reside together with mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, neurons, adipocytes, immune cells etc. The different morphologies and functional properties of stromal cells have led to subclassification of different cell types in connective tissue. Among them are the interstitial cells of Cajal and telocytes. Telocytes are one of the newer cells known for their small cell bodies and long telopods and have been recently identified in the connective tissue of many organs. Telocytes are strategically positioned near nerve endings, around blood capillaries and in close relation with particular cells. The network of telocytes is engaged in integrating information from multiple sources and coordinating the tissue homeostasis in response to the tissues local functional requirements. Extracellular vesicles provide a means of bidirectional communication, and their secretome appears to control the mechanisms of stem cell differentiation. Telocytes have been identified in various organs, specifically in human heart, lungs, brain, eye, thyroid, skeletal muscles, skin, salivary glands, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and organs of the male and female urogenital system. Additionally, given the heterogeneity of the organs in which telocytes are found, and their capability to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of various diseases, the concept of "telocytopathies" has emerged. In conclusion, telocytes are increasingly becoming a focal point for the understanding of idiopathic diseases that affect humans as well as the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and they have the potential to contribute to regenerative medicine.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Healthy Dogs and Cats in South Korea.

Enterococcus spp. are typically found in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. However, they have the potential to produce opportunistic infections that can be transmitted to humans or other animals, along with acquired antibiotic resistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis isolates obtained from companion animal dogs and cats in Korea during 2020-2022. The resistance rates in E. faecalis towards most of the tested antimicrobials were relatively higher than those in E. faecium isolated from dogs and cats. We found relatively higher resistance rates to tetracycline (65.2% vs. 75.2%) and erythromycin (39.5% vs. 49.6%) in E. faecalis isolated from cats compared to those from dogs. However, in E. faecium, the resistance rates towards tetracycline (35.6% vs. 31.5%) and erythromycin (40.3% vs. 35.2%) were comparatively higher for dog isolates than cats. No or very few E. faecium and E. faecalis isolates were found to be resistant to daptomycin, florfenicol, tigecycline, and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was higher in E. faecalis recovered from cats (44%) and dogs (33.9%) than in E. faecium isolated from cats (24.1%) and dogs (20.5%). Moreover, MDR patterns in E. faecalis isolates from dogs (27.2%) and cats (35.2%) were shown to encompass five or more antimicrobials. However, E. faecium isolates from dogs (at 13.4%) and cats (at 14.8%) were resistant to five or more antimicrobials. Taken together, the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci in companion animals presents a potential public health concern.

Multidirectional associations between the gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease, updated information from the perspectives of humoral pathway, cellular immune pathway and neuronal pathway.

The human gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by a diverse range of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which form a vast and complex ecosystem. It has been reported that the microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in regulating host neuroprotective function. Studies have shown that patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, and experiments involving germ-free mice and fecal microbiota transplantation from PD patients have revealed the pathogenic role of the gut microbiota in PD. Interventions targeting the gut microbiota in PD, including the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, have also shown efficacy in treating PD. However, the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease remains intricate. This study reviewed the association between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and PD from the perspectives of humoral pathway, cellular immune pathway and neuronal pathway. We found that the interactions among gut microbiota and PD are very complex, which should be "multidirectional", rather than conventionally regarded "bidirectional". To realize application of the gut microbiota-related mechanisms in the clinical setting, we propose several problems which should be addressed in the future study.

Bioactive Dairy-Fermented Products and Phenolic Compounds: Together or Apart.

Fermented dairy products (e.g., yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk) are significant in the dairy industry. They are less immunoreactive than the raw materials from which they are derived. The attractiveness of these products is based on their bioactivity and properties that induce immune or anti-inflammatory processes. In the search for new solutions, plant raw materials with beneficial effects have been combined to multiply their effects or obtain new properties. Polyphenols (e.g., flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes) are present in fruit and vegetables, but also in coffee, tea, or wine. They reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, or inflammation. Hence, it is becoming valuable to combine dairy proteins with polyphenols, of which epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) show a particular predisposition to bind to milk proteins (e.g., α-lactalbumin β-lactoglobulin, αs1-casein, and κ-casein). Reducing the allergenicity of milk proteins by combining them with polyphenols is an essential issue. As potential 'metabolic prebiotics', they also contribute to stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract. In silico methods, mainly docking, assess the new structures of conjugates and the consequences of the interactions that are formed between proteins and polyphenols, as well as to predict their action in the body.

Advances in the axenic isolation methods of Blastocystis sp. and their applications.

Blastocystis sp. is a prevalent protistan parasite found globally in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and various animals. This review aims to elucidate the advancements in research on axenic isolation techniques for Blastocystis sp. and their diverse applications. Axenic isolation, involving the culture and isolation of Blastocystis sp. free from any other organisms, necessitates the application of specific media and a series of axenic treatment methods. These methods encompass antibiotic treatment, monoclonal culture, differential centrifugation, density gradient separation, micromanipulation and the combined use of culture media. Critical factors influencing axenic isolation effectiveness include medium composition, culture temperature, medium characteristics, antibiotic type and dosage and the subtype (ST) of Blastocystis sp. Applications of axenic isolation encompass exploring pathogenicity, karyotype and ST analysis, immunoassay, characterization of surface chemical structure and lipid composition and understanding drug treatment effects. This review serves as a valuable reference for clinicians and scientists in selecting appropriate axenic isolation methods.

The human gastrointestinal tract and the significance of intestinal probiotics

The human gastrointestinal tract comprises of mouth, pharynx, esophagus and stomach, the small intestines, large intestines and the anus.

Congenital neurosyphilis in neonatal sepsis by Leclercia adecarboxylata: a case report

Introduction: Sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. In accordance with the development of diagnostic testing, various pathogens have been found to cause neonatal sepsis, ranging from common to even rarer pathogens. Leclercia adecarboxylata is a Gram-negative bacillus rarely found in neonatal sepsis and was previously found predominantly in environmental settings and the human gastrointestinal tract as commensal bacteria. We describe a rare case of Leclercia adecarboxylata in neonatal sepsis with congenital neurosyphilis. Case Description: We present a male neonate born from a positive syphilis serological test mother, presented with sepsis manifestation. Blood culture reveals growth of Leclercia adecarboxylata. The patient received both therapeutic regimens of antibiotics for sepsis and congenital syphilis. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis also performed revealed suggestive of congenital neurosyphilis. The patient passed away due to multiple organ failure. Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis and congenital neurosyphilis present with identical manifestations; therefore, appropriate recognition and comprehensive management should be done

Exploring the antimicrobial potential of 4,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone (THF) against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus gallinarum infections: in vitro and in silico investigations

Enterococcus gallinarum and other Enterococcus species commonly inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract. While the pathogenicity of Enterococcus gallinarum remains incompletely understood, its infections are alarmingly severein humans, as evidenced by numerous cases. Formerly, Vancomycin was the preferred drug, but recent findings indicate that clinical isolates of Enterococcus gallinarum are resistant, leading to the emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) strains. The escalation of drug resistance is often linked to overexpressed virulence factors, some of which are implicated in biofilm formation in Enterococcus infections. Henceforth, this research investigates the potential of phytocompounds to combat E. gallinarum infection, employing both in vitro and in silico methodologies. In vitro techniques were employed to assess the efficacy of various phytocompounds, ultimately identifying 4,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone (THF) as particularly effective in inhibiting microbial growth. THF displayed over 80% antibacterial activity at 200 µg/ml against E. gallinarum. Subsequent qualitative and quantitative hemolysin assays implicated hemolysin as a target of THF. Molecular docking analysis of THF and Hemolysin A revealed a strong binding affinity. Notably, residues Asn18, Asp85, and His199 formed hydrogen bonds, while His22 and His86 were involved in robust π-π stacking and π-cation interactions with THF. Overall, this study highlights THF's potential in combating E. gallinarum infections.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Liberation of host heme by Clostridioides difficile-mediated damage enhances Enterococcus faecalis fitness during infection.

Clostridioides difficile and Enterococcus faecalis are two pathogens of great public health importance. Both bacteria colonize the human gastrointestinal tract where they are known to interact in ways that worsen disease outcomes. We show that the damage associated with C. difficile infection (CDI) releases nutrients that benefit E. faecalis. One particular nutrient, heme, allows E. faecalis to use oxygen to generate energy and grow better in the gut. Understanding the mechanisms of these interspecies interactions could inform therapeutic strategies for CDI.

Structural and Functional Analyses of the Flavoprotein Disulfide Reductase FN0820 of Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Escherichia coli RclA and Staphylococcus aureus MerA are part of the Group I flavoprotein disulfide reductase (FDR) family and have been implicated in the contribution to bacterial pathogenesis by defending against the host immune response. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a pathogenic, anaerobic Gram-negative bacterial species commonly found in the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we discovered that the F. nucleatum protein FN0820, belonging to the Group I FDR family, exhibited a higher activity of a Cu2+-dependent NADH oxidase than E. coli RclA. Moreover, FN0820 decreased the dissolved oxygen level in the solution with higher NADH oxidase activity. We found that L-tryptophan and its analog 5-hydroxytryptophan inhibit the FN0820 activities of NADH oxidase and the concomitant reduction of oxygen. Our results have implications for developing new treatment strategies against pathogens that defend the host immune response with Group I FDRs.

Discovery and Characterization of a Dual-Function Peptide Derived from Bitter Gourd Seed Protein Using Two Orthogonal Bioassay-Guided Fractionations Coupled with In Silico Analysis.

The hydrolysate of bitter gourd seed protein, digested by the combined gastrointestinal proteases (BGSP-GPs), exhibited the most potent inhibition on angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) with an IC50 value of 48.1 ± 2.0 µg/mL. Using two independent bioassay-guided fractionations, fraction F5 from reversed-phase chromatography and fraction S1 from strong cation exchange chromatography exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory (ACEI) activity. Three identical peptides were simultaneously detected from both fractions and, based on the in silico appraisal, APLVSW (AW6) was predicted as a promising ACEI peptide. Their dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) inhibitory (DPP4I) activity was also explored. The IC50 values of AW6 against ACE and DPP4 were calculated to be 9.6 ± 0.3 and 145.4 ± 4.4 µM, respectively. The inhibitory kinetics and intermolecular interaction studies suggested that AW6 is an ACE competitive inhibitor and a DPP4 non-competitive inhibitor. The quantities of AW6 in BGSP-GP hydrolysate, fractions F5 and S1, were also analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Notably, AW6 could resist hydrolysis in the human gastrointestinal tract according to the result of the simulated gastrointestinal digestion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first discovery and characterization of a dual-function (ACEI and DPP4I activities) peptide derived from bitter gourd seed protein.

Bifidobacteria in Fermented Dairy Foods: A Health Beneficial Outlook.

Bifidobacteria, frequently present in the human gastrointestinal tract, play a crucial role in preserving gut health and are mostly recognized as beneficial probiotic microorganisms. They are associated with fermenting complex carbohydrates, resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids, bioactive peptides, exopolysaccharides, and vitamins, which provide energy and contribute to gut homeostasis. In light of these findings, research in food processing technologies has harnessed probiotic bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria for the formulation of a wide range of fermented dairy products, ensuring their maximum survival and contributing to the development of distinctive quality characteristics and therapeutic benefits. Despite the increased interest in probiotic dairy products, introducing bifidobacteria into the dairy food chain has proved to be complicated. However, survival of Bifidobacterium species is conditioned by strain of bacteria used, metabolic interactions with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), fermentation parameters, and the temperature of storage and preservation of the dairy products. Furthermore, fortification of dairy foods and whey beverages with bifidobacteria have ability to change physicochemical and rheological properties beyond economic value of dairy products. In summary, this review underscores the significance of bifidobacteria as probiotics in diverse fermented dairy foods and accentuates their positive impact on human health. By enhancing our comprehension of the beneficial repercussions associated with the consumption of bifidobacteria-rich products, we aim to encourage individuals to embrace these probiotics as a means of promoting holistic health.

Culture-dependent screening of endospore-forming clostridia in infant feces

BackgroundOnly a few studies dealt with the occurrence of endospore-forming clostridia in the microbiota of infants without obvious health complications.MethodsA methodology pipeline was developed to determine the occurrence of endospore formers in infant feces. Twenty-four fecal samples (FS) were collected from one infant in monthly intervals and were subjected to variable chemical and heat treatment in combination with culture-dependent analysis. Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and characterized with biochemical assays.ResultsMore than 800 isolates were obtained, and a total of 21 Eubacteriales taxa belonging to the Clostridiaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae families were detected. Clostridium perfringens, C. paraputrificum, C. tertium, C. symbiosum, C. butyricum, and C. ramosum were the most frequently identified species compared to the rarely detected Enterocloster bolteae, C. baratii, and C. jeddahense. Furthermore, the methodology enabled the subsequent cultivation of less frequently detectable gut taxa such as Flavonifractor plautii, Intestinibacter bartlettii, Eisenbergiella tayi, and Eubacterium tenue. The isolates showed phenotypic variability regarding enzymatic activity, fermentation profiles, and butyrate production.ConclusionsTaken together, this approach suggests and challenges a cultivation-based pipeline that allows the investigation of the population of endospore formers in complex ecosystems such as the human gastrointestinal tract.

Does the Human Gut Virome Contribute to Host Health or Disease?

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors eukaryotic and prokaryotic viruses and their genomes, metabolites, and proteins, collectively known as the "gut virome". This complex community of viruses colonizing the enteric mucosa is pivotal in regulating host immunity. The mechanisms involved in cross communication between mucosal immunity and the gut virome, as well as their relationship in health and disease, remain largely unknown. Herein, we review the literature on the human gut virome's composition and evolution and the interplay between the gut virome and enteric mucosal immunity and their molecular mechanisms. Our review suggests that future research efforts should focus on unraveling the mechanisms of gut viruses in human homeostasis and pathophysiology and on developing virus-prompted precision therapies.