Improved Gut Microbiota Research Articles

Clinical evidence on nutrological management and gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel diseases: a systematic review

Introduction: The main risk factor for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a positive family history. Crohn's disease (CD) can affect individuals aged 15 to 40 and 50 to 80 years, with a higher percentage in women. Ulcerative colitis (UC) can start at any age. Metabolism encompasses the interactions between diet, the microbiome, and cellular enzymatic processes that generate the chemical pathways necessary to sustain life. Endogenous metabolites and dietary nutrients can directly influence epigenetic enzymes. Epigenetic modifications to DNA and histone proteins alter cell fate by controlling chromatin accessibility and downstream gene expression patterns. Objective: It was to highlight the main interactions between nutrition and gut microbiota in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Methods: The present study followed the international systematic review model (PRISMA). This study was carried out from July to September 2024. It included randomized controlled, prospective, and retrospective studies published from 2013 to 2023. The Cohen test was performed to calculate the Effect Size and the inverse error standard (precision or sample size) for the risk of bias (Funnel Plot). Results and Conclusion: A total of 30 articles were found, and 17 clinical studies on the modulation of diet to control IBD were included in this study. These studies have shown reductions in persistent gut symptoms, improved gut microbiota, reduced markers of inflammation, and improved quality of life. Diet has an important role in controlling and even remitting IBD. The studies were homogeneous in results, with X2 = 82.5%, which increases the reliability of clinical results on the importance of diet in modulating IBD.

Qinggan Yipi capsule ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in rats by down-regulating the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway and improving gut microbiota imbalance

Background and objectiveQinggan Yipi Capsule (QgYp) is a hospital preparation that has been used for many years in the treatment of chronic liver diseases. However, the mechanism of QgYp in ameliorating hepatic fibrosis (HF) remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the anti-liver fibrosis effect of QgYp and its mechanism of action.MethodsThis study uses a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced HF rat model and TGF-β1 stimulated HSC-T6 cell line (rat HSCs) as experimental models. The therapeutic effects were evaluated through pathology, biochemical tests, and ELISA. The therapeutic mechanism of QgYp for HF was predicted through network pharmacology. The expression of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 related proteins was detected by qPCR analysis and Western blot analysis. The composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsHistopathological analysis, serum biochemical tests, and ELISA measurements showed that QgYp effectively decreased the levels of ALT, AST, HA, LN, PCIII, and IV-C while improving collagen deposition and hepatocyte necrosis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis screened HF-related genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and TGF-β1. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that QgYp significantly affects TGF-β signaling pathway. In addition, the results of qPCR and Western blot analysis from both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that QgYp significantly downregulated the expression of proteins and mRNA associated with the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. The 16S rDNA gene sequencing results showed that QgYp can increase the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in HF rats and alter the composition of the gut microbiota.ConclusionQgYp could effectively ameliorate HF, and this effect might be connected to the downregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway, the suppression of HSCs activation, and regulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis.

CXCR3 inhibition ameliorates mitochondrial function to restrict oxidative damage via NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and improves the gut microbiota in mice.

Nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated ferritinophagy contributes to maintain intracellular iron balance by regulating ferritin degradation, which is essential for redox homeostasis. CXC-motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress and autophagy. However, its role in modulating intestinal oxidative damage through ferritinophagy and the gut microbiota remains unclear. In this study, the impact of CXCR3 inhibition on intestine oxidative damage, ferritinophagy, and the gut microbiota, as well as mitochondrial quality control was investigated both in vivo and in vitro. The results show that CXCR3 inhibition by AMG487 relieves Diquat-induced intestinal damage, enhances the expression of tight junction proteins, and enhances antioxidant capacity in mice. Simultaneously, CXCR3 inhibition improves gut microbiota composition, and promotes NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy. Mechanistically, the effects of CXCR3 inhibition on ferritinophagy are explored in IPEC-J2 cells. Co-localization and interaction between CXCR3 and NCOA4 were observed. Downregulation of NCOA4-medicated ferritinophagy leads to increase the expression of tight junction proteins, reduces iron levels, restricts ROS accumulation, and enhances GPX4 expression. Moreover, CXCR3 suppression facilitates mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial fusion, increases antioxidative capacity, as well as resulting in elevation of tight junction proteins. These findings suggest that CXCR3 inhibition reverses Diquat-induced intestinal oxidative damage, enhances mitochondrial function, and improves gut microbiota composition by elevating NCOA4-medicated ferritinophagy, which implies that CXCR3 may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention targeting iron metabolism for treating intestinal diseases.

Integrative multi-omics analysis reveals liver-gut axis adaptation in high-altitude goats.

The liver-gut axis is an important regulatory axis for the host's metabolic functions. The study of liver gene expression, changes in metabolic products and the regulation of gut microbial communities in plateau animals under harsh environments can reveal the mechanisms by which Tibetan goats adapt to the plateau environment. This study employs transcriptome, metabolome and metagenomic analyses to reveal the differences in genes, metabolism, and gut microbiota between Jianzhou big-eared goats (JBG) and Xizang cashmere goats (TCG), which is of significant importance for improving survival models of high-altitude ruminants. The results showed that there were 553 DEGs in the liver of JBG and TCG. Hepatic metabolomic analysis revealed significant differences in metabolic activity between the JBG and TCG groups, with notable increases in glycerophospholipid and retinol metabolic pathways. The gut microbiota, including Andreesenia, Dielma, Oscillibacter, Agrobacterium, Hyella and Thermosinus, interact with liver metabolites and can regulate the high-altitude adaptability of goats. This study reveals that TCG enhance immune regulation and energy utilization efficiency by regulating liver gene expression, modulating metabolic pathways, and improving gut microbiota, thereby helping TCG maintain healthy survival capabilities in hypoxic and high-radiation environments.

Ligilactobacillus salivarius LZZAY01 accelerated autophagy and apoptosis in colon cancer cells and improved gut microbiota in CAC mice.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the malignant tumors globally, with high morbidity and mortality rates. The mainstay treatment of CRC includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, these treatments are associated with a high recurrence rate, poor prognosis, and highly toxic side effects. The probiotics have the potential to prevent CRC, and they display a favorable safety performance. Probiotics could provide a potential strategy to prevent and treat CRC. The impact of LZZAY01 on cancer cell lines CT-26, HCT-116, and SW-620 was evaluated by conducting cytotoxicity and clonogenicity tests. A model of colitis-associated cancer (CAC) was established in C57BL/6j mice following induction with AOM/DSS. The levels of autophagy and apoptosis proteins, tight junction proteins, and inflammatory factors were detected by western blotting, immunofluorescence assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High-throughput sequencing of gut 16S rRNA was performed to analyze the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiome. LZZAY01, a new strain of Ligilactobacillus salivarius, was certified by an evolutionary tree and average nucleotide identity. LZZAY01 enhanced autophagy and apoptosis in CT-26, HCT-116, and SW-620 cell lines. It preserved the integrity of the intestinal barrier by regulating the tight junction protein ZO-1 and claudin-1. The tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were reduced by LZZAY01. The abundance and diversity of the intestinal microbiota were enhanced, especially the beneficial bacterial species maintaining the balance of the intestinal flora such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. L. salivarius LZZAY01 improved CAC via suppressing the growth of colon cancer cells, promoting autophagy and apoptosis, enhancing intestinal tight junctions, reducing intestinal barrier degradation, modifying the gut microbiota abundance, and decreasing inflammatory reactions.IMPORTANCEAlthough similar probiotics have been shown to have anticancer potential in colorectal cancer (CRC), there is a paucity of research related to the preventive function of probiotics against CRC. And there are fewer studies about the mechanism of probiotics' preventive effects on CRC. The regulation of tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis by the active ingredients of probiotics may be one of the mechanisms of their prevention of CRC. In this study, we explored the effects of L. salivarius LZZAY01 on autophagy and apoptosis of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and proposed a possible mechanism for the prevention of CRC by probiotics.

Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Atherosclerotic Effects of EGCG.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease and the primary pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol compound in green tea, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its protective effects against AS. EGCG possesses properties that lower lipid levels, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, enhance plaque stability, and promote the recovery of endothelial function. The regulatory mechanisms of EGCG in AS primarily involve inhibiting apoptosis, modulating autophagy, improving gut microbiota, and regulating the Nrf2 and inflammatory signaling pathways. This review summarizes the role of EGCG in the prevention and treatment of AS and its potential mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for future research directions and therapeutic applications.

Butyrate Supplementation Improves Intestinal Health and Growth Performance in Livestock: A Review.

Butyrate supplementation has gained considerable attention for its potential benefits in livestock, particularly concerning intestinal health and growth performance. This review synthesizes recent research on the diverse roles of butyrate, across various livestock species. As a short-chain fatty acid, butyrate is known for enhancing intestinal development, improving immune function, and modulating microbial diversity. Studies indicate that butyrate supports gut barrier integrity, reduces inflammation, and optimizes feed efficiency, especially during the critical weaning and post-weaning periods in calves, piglets, and lambs. Supplementation with butyrate in livestock has been shown to increase average daily gain (ADG), improve gut microbiota balance, promote growth, enhance gut health, boost antioxidant capacity, and reduce diarrhea. Additionally, butyrate plays a role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression through histone acetylation, influencing tissue development and immune modulation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been demonstrated across various species, positioning butyrate as a potential therapeutic agent in animal nutrition. This review suggests that optimizing butyrate supplementation strategies to meet the specific needs of each species may yield additional benefits, establishing butyrate as an important dietary additive for enhancing growth performance and health in livestock.

Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites as Modulators of Vascular Complications in Diabetes

Review Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites as Modulators of Vascular Complications in Diabetes Meng Duan 1,2,3,†, Jielu Wen 1,2,†, Anning Chen 1,2,† and Sifan Chen 1,2,* 1 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China 2 Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, China 3 Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China * Correspondence: chensf26@mail.sysu.edu.cn † These authors contributed equally to this work. Received: 8 November 2024; Revised: 29 November 2024; Accepted: 24 December 2024; Published: 7 January 2025 Abstract: With the global rise in population and aging, along with the increasing burden of overweight and obesity, the prevalence of diabetes is expected to surge dramatically. Microvascular and macrovascular complications are the leading causes of death among patients with type 2 diabetes. Recent advancements have provided evidence suggesting that gut microbiota directly or indirectly regulate vascular function. This review focuses on the complex interactions between gut microbiota and its metabolites and vascular complications of diabetes. In particular, we highlight the novel therapeutic effects of interventions such as probiotics, dietary modifications, and fecal microbiota transplantation in improving gut microbiota composition and reducing the risk of vascular complications in diabetes. These findings not only provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms of diabetic vascular complications but also reveal ideas for guiding the formulation of future treatment strategies.

Tartary Buckwheat Bran and Fructus Aurantii Combination (TBB-FA): A Promising Therapeutic Approach for Functional Dyspepsia via Modulation of Gut Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Purine Signaling Pathway.

This study evaluates the therapeutic impact of Fructus aurantii (FA) stir-baked with tartary buckwheat bran (TBB) on functional dyspepsia (FD), employing a reserpine at the dose of 5 mg/kg to rats. FA, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is processed with TBB to enhance its gastrointestinal motility benefits. The study's objectives were to assess the impact of this preparation on intestinal flora, SCFA levels, and metabolomic profiles in FD. Rats were divided into groups receiving different treatments, with the TBB-FA group showing a 7.15-33.2 times increase in fecal SCFA levels, specifically propionate and butyrate, compared to the Fructus aurantii (FA) stir-baked with wheat bran (WB) group (WB-FA) (p < 0.05). Metabolomics identified 23 serum and 11 intestinal mucosal biomarkers associated with FD, predominantly linked to the purine metabolic pathway. Results indicated a significant positive correlation (r ≥ 0.7) between the abundance of Bacteroides and the expression of propionate and isobutyrate in fecal samples post-TBB-FA treatment. This suggests that TBB-FA may enhance beneficial gut bacteria and SCFA production, potentially modulating the purinergic signaling pathway, which is implicated in gastrointestinal motility. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that TBB-FA could be a promising therapeutic approach for FD by improving gut microbiota and SCFA levels and highlights the purinergic signaling pathway as a novel target for treatment. The findings pave the way for further research into the integration of traditional Chinese medicine and modern therapeutic strategies for FD.

Comparative analysis of barley dietary fiber fermented with and without Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 in promoting gut health and regulating hepatic energy metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

A previous study has revealed that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lp. plantarum) dy-1 fermentation changed the structural properties and in vitro fecal fermentation characteristics of barley dietary fiber. However, the health-promoting effects of fermented dietary fiber in vivo remained unclear. This study was aimed at comparing the ameliorative effects of barley dietary fiber fermented with or without Lp. plantarum dy-1 on lipid metabolism, gut microbiota composition and hepatic energy metabolism. After a twelve-week intervention, fermented barley dietary fiber (FBDF) reduced the body weight and fat accumulation in liver and epididymal white adipose tissue, improved HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and glucose intolerance, and increased short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, exhibiting effects that were better than those of raw barley dietary fiber (RBDF). FBDF supplementation improved the gut microbiota composition, specifically enhancing the abundance of probiotic and SCFA-producing bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Muribaculaceae, while RBDF exhibited regulatory effects on harmful bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella and Desulfovibrionaceae). Additionally, FBDF up-regulated the expression of genes related to energy metabolic processes, such as aerobic respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, inhibited the genes related to lipid biosynthetic metabolism, and improved the activities of hepatic energy metabolism-related enzymes, demonstrating effects that were better than those of RBDF. Therefore, this study indicated the potential of using FBDFs as healthy food resources to prevent obesity or as prebiotics to improve gut microbiota.

Substituting animal protein with black soymilk reduces advanced glycation end product level and improves gut microbiota composition in obese prediabetic individuals: a randomized crossover intervention trial.

Prediabetes (PreDM) and obesity increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Individuals with these conditions often consume diets higher in animal protein than in plant protein, which are associated with elevated levels of dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGEs). Increased dAGE intake has been linked to blood glucose abnormalities, oxidative stress, and dysbiosis of the microbiota, all of which exacerbate metabolic disorders. Black soybeans, as a plant-based protein source, contain substantially lower levels of dAGEs compared with pork. This study aimed to investigate the effects of substituting animal protein with black soybeans on advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels, oxidative stress, and the gut microbiota in individuals with both PreDM and obesity. This study was a randomized crossover intervention trial conducted over 16 weeks. We recruited men and women aged 20-64 years with both prediabetes and obesity. This study had four periods: 0-4 weeks for the run-in period, 4-8 weeks and 12-16 weeks for the pork or black soymilk intervention period, and 8-12 weeks for the wash-out period. During the intervention period, the participants consumed pork or black soymilk with similar protein content as their dietary protein source. The participants maintained 3 day dietary records, and we measured anthropometric items and collected blood and fecal samples for analysis. The results showed that partially substituting pork with black soymilk as a dietary protein source for 4 weeks significantly reduced dAGE intake. The black soymilk group also exhibited significantly lower blood AGE fluorescence intensity, oxidative stress, and levels of glycative stress markers. Furthermore, black soymilk consumption significantly increased the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing genera compared with pork consumption. In conclusion, partially substituting dietary pork with black soymilk may reduce serum AGE levels, reduce oxidative and glycation stress, and increase the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing microbiota in individuals with both PreDM and obesity. Registration number of Clinical Trial: NCT05290519 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Novel Insight into the Modulatory Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Targeting Gut Microbiota: A Review.

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is clinically characterized by high rates of morbidity, disability, mortality, and recurrence as well as high economic burden. The clinical manifestations of CIRI are often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as intestinal bacterial dysbiosis and gastrointestinal bleeding. Gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CIRI, and its potential biological effects have received extensive attention. The gut microbiota not only affects intestinal barrier function but also regulates gastrointestinal immunity and host homeostasis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a multi-component and multi-targeted drug, has shown remarkable effects and few adverse reactions in the prevention and treatment of CIRI. Notably, the effect of TCM on CIRI by regulating gut microbiota and maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis has gradually become a hot topic. This review summarizes the functional role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of CIRI and the therapeutic effects of TCM on CIRI by improving gut microbiota dysbiosis, affecting gut microbiota metabolism, and maintaining host immunity. The active ingredients of TCM used for the treatment of CIRI in relevant studies were saponins, triterpenoids, phenolics, and alkaloids. In addition, the clinical effects of TCM used to treat CIRI were briefly discussed. This review established the clinical significance and development prospects of TCM-based CIRI treatments and provided the necessary theoretical support for the further development of TCM resources for the treatment of CIRI.

Gut Commensal Barnesiella Intestinihominis Ameliorates Hyperglycemia and Liver Metabolic Disorders.

Recent studies have highlighted the role of the gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Improving gut microbiota dysbiosis can be a potential strategy for the prevention and management of T2D. Here, this work finds that the abundance of Barnesiella intestinihominis is significantly decreased in the fecal of T2D patients from 2-independent centers. Oral treatment of live B. intestinihominis (LBI) considerably ameliorates hyperglycemia and liver metabolic disorders in HFD/STZ-induced T2D models and db/db mice. LBI-derived acetate has similar protective effects against T2D. Mechanistically, acetate enhances fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) through inhibition of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) to increase H3K27 acetylation at the FGF21 promoter. The screening puerarin from Gegen Qinlian decoction in a gut microbiota-dependent manner improved hyperglycemia and liver metabolic disorders by promoting the growth of B. intestinihominis. This study suggests that gut commensal B. intestinihominis and puerarin, respectively have the potential as a probiotic and prebiotic in the treatment of T2D.

Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Regulating Gut Health and Maintaining Healthy Normal Flora of Animals

Animals' gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors complex microbiota crucial for digestion, immunity, and overall health. Disruptions in this microbial ecosystem, such as dysbiosis, can lead to various health issues, including reduced immunity and poor nutritional absorption. This study explored the role of prebiotics and probiotics in modulating gut health and maintaining healthy microbial balance in animals. The effects of prebiotics, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, were investigated through experimental design. The findings from a randomized controlled trial on rats showed that prebiotics promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. At the same time, probiotics helped restore microbial equilibrium during dysbiosis. Both treatments were associated with improved gut microbiota diversity, enhanced immune responses, and reduced gastrointestinal complications. Notably, the combined application of prebiotics and probiotics exhibited a synergistic effect, emphasizing their potential as noninvasive and cost-effective solutions for promoting gut health. This study highlights the importance of prebiotics and probiotics as therapeutic interventions to maintain normal gut flora and improve animal well-being in veterinary and livestock management. These insights contribute to the ongoing search for sustainable and effective animal health and husbandry strategies, particularly in light of growing concerns about antibiotic resistance in agricultural systems. These results also underscore the need for further research on combining prebiotics and probiotics to optimize gut health across different animal species

Amelioration of Inflammation in Rats with Experimentally Induced Asthma by Spenceria ramalana Trimen Polyphenols via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease that affects millions globally and poses a serious public health challenge. Current therapeutic strategies, including corticosteroids, are constrained by variable patient responses and adverse effects. In this study, a polyphenolic extract derived from the Tibetan medicinal plant Spenceria ramalana Trimen (SRT) was employed and shown to improve experimentally (ovalbumin + cigarette smoke, OVA + CS) induced asthma in rats. Initially, the potential therapeutic mechanism of the polyphenolic components in SRT on OVA + CS-induced asthma was predicated by network pharmacology analysis. Subsequently, in vivo experiments identified that SRT polyphenols exhibit significant anti-asthmatic activities, primarily mediated by lowering inflammatory cell counts such as the WBC (white blood cell), eosinophils, and neutrophils, decreasing the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and TNF-α), alleviating lung histological damage (reduced inflammation, collagen deposition, and mucus secretion), and enhancing the epithelial barrier integrity (upregulation of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1). Additionally, SRT polyphenols downregulated the PI3K/Akt (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B) signaling pathway, improved gut microbiota disruption, and regulated fecal metabolites (glucose-6-glutamate, PS (16:0/0:0), 8-aminocaprylic acid, galactonic acid, Ascr#10, 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid, phosphodimethylethanolamine, muramic acid, 9-oxohexadeca-10e-enoic acid, and sedoheptulose) in asthmatic rats. In conclusion, SRT polyphenols exerted multifaceted protective effects against OVA + CS-induced asthma in rats, highlighting their potential value in preventing asthma via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

The prebiotic potential of dietary onion extracts: shaping gut microbial structures and promoting beneficial metabolites.

Onions are well-known vegetables that offer various health benefits. This study explores the impact of onion extracts on gut microbiome using an in vitro fecal incubation model and metabolome analysis. Fecal samples were collected from 19 healthy donors and incubated in the presence or absence of onion extracts for 24 h. To reduce inter-individual variability in the gut microbiome, we employed enterotyping based on baseline fecal microbiota: 14 subjects with a Bacteroides-dominant type (enterotype B) and 5 subjects with Prevotella-dominant type (enterotype P). Alpha diversity was significantly reduced in the onion-treated group compared to the non-treated control group in both Bacteroides- and Prevotella-dominant types. However, significant structural differences in bacterial communities were observed based on weighted UniFrac distance. Notably, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium_388775, Feacalibacterium, and Fusicatenibacter, were overrepresented in response to onion extracts in enterotype B. Furthermore, genes related to butyrate production were significantly overrepresented in the onion-treated group within enterotype B. Consistent with the enriched taxa and the predicted metabolic pathways, SCFAs and their related metabolites were significantly enriched in the onion-treated group. Additionally, tryptophan metabolism-derived metabolites, including indolelactate (ILA) and indolepropionate (IPA), were elevated by 4- and 32-fold, respectively, in the onion-treated group compared to the control group. In vitro growth assays showed an increase in lactobacilli strains in the presence of onion extracts. These results provide evidence that onion extracts could serve as promising prebiotics by altering gut microbial structure and promoting the production of beneficiary metabolites, including SCFAs and indole derivatives, and enhancing the growth of probiotics.IMPORTANCEThis study is significant as it provides compelling evidence that onion extracts have the potential to serve as effective prebiotics. Utilizing an in vitro fecal incubation model and enterotyping to reduce inter-individual variability, the research demonstrates how onion extracts can alter gut microbial structure and promote the production of beneficial metabolites, including SCFAs and indole derivatives like ILA and IPA. Additionally, onion extract treatment enhances the growth of beneficial probiotics. The findings underscore the potential of onion extracts to improve gut health by enriching specific beneficial bacteria and metabolic pathways, thereby supporting the development of functional foods aimed at improving gut microbiota composition and metabolic health.

Protective effects of Sulforaphene on kidney damage and gut dysbiosis in high-fat diet plus streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most serious and prevalent complications associated with diabetes. Consequently, antidiabetic drugs or foods potentially protecting the kidneys are of significant therapeutic value. Sulforaphene (SFE) is a natural isothiocyanate derived from radish seeds, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, no studies have investigated on the ability of SFE to prevent or treat DN. This study established a high-fat diet combined with a streptozotocin-induced type II diabetes mellitus mouse model. We administered SFE treatment to examine its protective effects on renal and intestinal homeostasis in DN mice. After 4weeks of treatment, SFE (50mg/kg b.w.) not only reduced blood glucose concentration (20.3%, P<0.001), kidney to body weight ratio (26.2%, P<0.01), and levels of serum total cholesterol (40.6%, P<0.001), triglycerides (38.2%, P<0.01), creatinine (36.7%, P<0.01), and urea nitrogen (45.0%, P<0.001) in DN mice compared to control mice but also increased the kidney superoxide dismutase (72.7%, P<0.001), catalase (51.1%, P<0.001), and glutathione peroxidase activities (31.6%, P<0.01), as well as glutathione levels (39.2%, P<0.01) in comparison to DN mice. Furthermore, SFE decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (55.4%, P<0.01), 4-hydroxyalkenals (36.9%, P<0.001), malondialdehyde (42.6%, P<0.001), and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (26.3%, P<0.001), accompanied by a meliorating kidney morphological abnormalities. Notably, a reduction in renal inflammatory factors was also observed in SFE-treated DN mice compared to untreated DN mice, particularly in the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 factors (54.8%, P<0.001). Western blotting results indicated that SFE significantly down-regulated the protein expression of TLR4 and MyD88 (1.9, 1.7-fold, P<0.001). Additionally, SFE improved gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis and intestinal homeostasis, as evidenced by increased expression of antimicrobial peptides and tight junction proteins in colon tissue. SFE appeared to enhance the proliferation of probiotics, such as Bacteroidota, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and norank_f__Muribaculaceae, while also decreasing harmful bacteria to a greater extent compared to STZ treatment. These findings suggest that SFE modulates GM and improves intestinal homeostasis, providing a theoretical basis for its use in the treatment of DN.

Brown rice-based diet substitution to improve gut microbiota profile, short chain fatty acid levels, and metabolic markers of type 2 diabetes patients

Gut microbiota plays a significant role in controlling type 2 diabetes (T2D). Brown rice (BR) has higher fiber and magnesium contents, and also a lower glycemic index than white rice (WR), thus might be potentially able to improve gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), and metabolic markers. This study aimed to compare gut microbiota profile, SCFA level, and changes in anthropometric and laboratory metabolic markers of T2D patients given 12 weeks of BR and WR-based diet. This experimental pre-post test design study enrolled 17 female-diabetic patients with oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) using purposive sampling methods. Subjects were given a BR-based diet for 12 weeks, followed by washing-out for 2 weeks, and a WR-based diet for 12 weeks. Gut microbiota profiles and SCFA were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and gas chromatography (GC). After BR intervention, subjects had a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes, lower Bacteroidetes, higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, and higher levels of butyrate compared to WR. Moreover, BR significantly improved anthropometric and laboratory metabolic markers and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (p&lt;0.05). T2D patients given a BR-based diet for 12 weeks had better gut microbiota profiles, butyrate levels, anthropometric and laboratory metabolic markers, and insulin resistance.

Fructo-oligosaccharides Alleviated Ulcerative Colitis via Gut Microbiota-Dependent Tryptophan Metabolism in Association with Aromatic Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation in Mice.

Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) is a typical prebiotic with intestinal health-promoting effects. Here, we explored the anticolitis activity of FOS and clarified the underlying mechanisms. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice were gavaged with FOS (400 mg/kg) for 37 days, and administration of FOS alleviated DSS-induced colitis symptoms. Besides, FOS improved gut microbiota dysbiosis and modulated the intestinal microbiota-controlled tryptophan metabolic pathways. Targeted metabolomic results showed that FOS significantly increased the colonic levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and subsequently increased the expressions of aromatic hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) in the colon and further promoted the expressions of interleukin-22 (IL-22) and intestinal tight junction proteins in the colitis mice. These findings for the first time highlight a novel anticolitis mechanism of FOS by alleviating intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and modulating microbial tryptophan metabolism to promote IAA and IPA production for triggering AhR/IL-22 axis activation.

Impact of Plant-Based School Meals on Gut Bifidobacterium spp. Abundance and Health Outcomes in Schoolchildren from Bahia, Brazil.

Plant-based diets have been linked to various health benefits, including an improved gut microbiota composition, potentially influencing non-communicable diseases. This study investigates the impact of a school meal intervention on the gut microbiota, specifically the abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. (BIF), in Brazilian schoolchildren. A quasi-experimental intervention was conducted in 2019 across four municipalities in the semi-arid region of Bahia, Brazil. The Sustainable School Program aimed to replace animal-based and ultra-processed foods with plant-based options. Clinical, dietary, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected at the beginning and end of the school year. Fecal samples were analyzed for BIF abundance using RT-PCR. The intervention improved anthropometric and laboratory outcomes, including increased serum hemoglobin levels and reduced LDL-cholesterol. Despite these benefits, no significant change in BIF abundance was observed. However, a negative correlation between BIF abundance and waist-to-height ratio was found. While the intervention positively affected several health parameters, it did not significantly alter BIF abundance. Nevertheless, the abundance of BIF may explain some of these positive outcomes. The findings highlight the potential of plant-based diets to improve overall health, but suggest that further research is needed to understand the role of the gut microbiota in these outcomes. Future studies should explore the influence of factors such as physical activity on the gut microbiota and health.