Analysis Of Intestinal Microbiota Research Articles

Comparative analysis of intestinal structure, enzyme activity, intestinal microbiota and gene expression in different segments of pufferfish (Takifugu Obscurus)

The structure of fish intestines does not have a clear regional division, while the function of the intestines may be related to their structure. Therefore, in this study, the delimitation of intestinal segments in pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) was achieved by morphological analysis. Subsequently, enzyme activity, intestinal microbiota, and gene expression were examined to compare the differences among the pufferfish various segments. According to four morphological parameters: height of mucosa folds (HF), width of mucosa folds (WF), thickness of muscularis (TM), and cross-sectional area (CSA), the pufferfish's intestine was divided into anterior intestine (AI), middle intestine (MI), and posterior intestine (PI). The activity levels of amylase, lipase, and trypsin in the AI and MI were significantly higher than these in the PI. According to the analysis of 16S rDNA, the dominant microbiota at the phylum level in the different segments were Epsilonbacteraeota, Spirochaetes, and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, there were variations observed in the relative abundance of Brevinema, Mycobacterium, Bradyrhizobium, and Microvirga. α diversity analysis revealed that the richness indexes (Ace and Chao1) were the lowest in the MI, while β diversity analysis revealed significant difference in intestinal microbial community composition among the three intestinal segments. Furthermore, RNA-Seq was used to identify differential expression genes (DEGs) and biological pathways among the different intestinal segments. The DEGs between the AI and MI were enriched in pancreatic secretion and protein digestion and absorption, those between AI and PI were involved in ascorbate and aldarate metabolism and glutathione metabolism, and those between MI and PI were involved in steroid biosynthesis, fat digestion and absorption, vitamin digestion and absorption, and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. In conclusion, the presented results compare and analyze the differences in various intestinal segments of pufferfish, which will be conductive to future exploration of the functions of these different segments.

Effect of Dietary Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Responses, Immunological Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus)

The potential effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) were evaluated in coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus). Five APS levels (0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.20%) were added to the diet of coral trout, and a 56-day growth trial (initial weight 18.62 ± 0.05 g) was conducted. Dietary APS enhanced growth performance, with the highest improvement observed in fish fed the 0.15% APS diet. This concentration also enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immunomodulation of the fish by regulating the expression of genes associated with antioxidant enzymes and immune responses. Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that APS supplementation significantly increased the Chao1 index and relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes and Bacillus). A high level of APS (0.20%) did not provide additional benefits for growth and health compared to a moderate level (0.15%). These findings indicate that an optimal APS dose promotes growth, enhances antioxidant activity, supports immune function, and improves intestinal microbiota in coral trout. Based on a cubic regression analysis of the specific growth rate, the optimal APS level for the maximal growth of coral trout was determined to be 0.1455%.

Effects of Interactions between Feeding Patterns and the Gut Microbiota on Pig Reproductive Performance.

The feeding mode is an important factor affecting the reproductive performance of pigs. The composition and expression of the intestinal microbiota are closely related to the physiological and biochemical indicators of animals. Therefore, to explore the impact of different feeding patterns on the reproductive performance of pigs, this study collected reproductive performance data from 1607 Yorkshire pigs raised under different feeding patterns and conducted a fixed-effect variance analysis. Among them, 731 were in the artificial feeding (AM) group and 876 were in the feeding station feeding (SM) group. Additionally, 40 Yorkshire sows in the late gestation period were randomly selected from each feeding mode for intestinal microbiota analysis. The results of the analysis showed that, in the AM group, both the number of birth deformities (NBD) and the number of stillbirths (NSB) were significantly greater than they were in the SM group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the total number born (TNB) in the AM group was significantly lower than that in the SM group (p < 0.05). The results of the intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that at the phylum level, there were significant differences in nine bacterial taxa between the AM and SM groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of a variety of beneficial bacteria related to reproductive performance in the SM group was significantly greater than that in the AM group. Finally, fecal metabolomic analysis revealed that the contents of butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and isobutyric acid, which are associated with reproductive performance, in the feces of sows in the SM group were significantly higher than those in the AM group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that different feeding methods can affect the gut microbiota composition of Yorkshire pigs and further influence the reproductive performance of pigs through the gut microbiota-metabolic product pathway. The results of this study provide valuable insights for further exploring the relationships between feeding modes, intestinal microbial composition, and host phenotypes.

Effect of fruits granola (Frugra®) consumption on blood pressure reduction and intestinal microbiome in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of death in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Blood pressure (BP) and uremic toxins are well-known risk factors for CVDs, which are influenced by diet. Dietary fiber supplementation in patients undergoing HD may reduce the risk of CVDs by improving lipid profiles and inflammatory status and lowering the levels of the uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS). In this study, we investigated the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and risk factors for CVDs, such as BP and serum IS, in patients undergoing HD who consumed fruits granola (FGR). The study participants were selected from patients undergoing HD at the Izu Nagaoka Daiichi Clinic and consumed FGR for 2 months. Body composition and blood samples were tested at months 0, 1, 2 and fecal samples were collected at months 0 and 2 for intestinal microbiota analysis. FGR consumption decreased systolic and diastolic BP, estimated salt intake, and serum IS levels and improved the stool characteristics according to the Bristol Stool Form Scale (N = 24). Gut microbiota analysis showed an increase in the alpha diversity and abundance of Blautia and Neglecta. The abundance of lactic acid- and ethanol-producing bacteria also significantly increased, whereas the abundance of indole-producing bacteria significantly decreased. FGR consumption could be a useful tool for salt reduction, fiber supplementation, and improvement of the intestinal environment, thus contributing to improvement of BP and the reduction of other risk factors for CVDs in patients undergoing HD.

Analysis of the characteristics of intestinal microbiota in patients with different severity of obstructive sleep apnea

Intestinal microbiota imbalance plays an important role in the progression of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and is considered to be the main mediator that triggers metabolic comorbidities. Here, we analyzed the changes in intestinal microbiota in patients with different severities of OSA based on apnea hypopnea index (AHI) classification, and explored the role of intestinal microbiota in the severity of OSA. This study included 19 healthy volunteers and 45 patients with OSA [5 ≤ AHI < 15 (n = 14), 15 ≤ AHI < 30 (n = 13), AHI ≥ 30 (n = 18)]. Relevant sleep monitoring data and medical history data were collected, and microbial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The diversity analysis of intestinal microbiota among different groups of people was conducted, including alpha diversity, beta diversity, species diversity, and marker species as well as differential functional metabolic pathway prediction analysis. With the increase of AHI classification, the alpha diversity in patients with OSA significantly decreased. The results revealed that the severity of OSA is associated with differences in the structure and composition of the intestinal microbiota. The abundance of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (such as Bacteroides, Ruminococcacea, and Faecalibacterium) in severe OSA is significantly reduced and a higher ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. Random forest analysis showed that Parabacteroides was a biomarker genus with important discriminatory significance. The differential metabolic pathway prediction function shows that the main function of maintaining intestinal microbiota homeostasis is biosynthetic function. Our results show that the differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota in patients with different severities of OSA are mainly related to short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. These changes may play a pathological role in OSA combined with metabolic comorbidities.

A discovery in traditional Chinese medicine compatibility: Cinnabaris suppresses the Strychni Semen-induced neurotoxicity in Shang-Ke-Jie-Gu tablet

BackgroundCinnabaris, as a commonly used mineral drugs, is a classic sedative medicine. Shang-Ke-Jie-Gu tablet is a famous Chinese patent medicine with Cinnabaris, However, the function of Cin in the prescription hasn't been clarified. PurposeOur study evaluated the toxicity of Shang-Ke-Jie-Gu tablet (SK) with or without Cinnabaris, and illuminate the related mechanisms that why cinnabaris is necessary. MethodsThe toxicity of SK and Cin free Shang-Ke-Jie-Gu tablet (CFSK) was evaluated by physical and behavioral tests and histological examinations. The detoxificaion mechanism of Cin on Strychni Semen (SS)-induced neurotoxicity in SK was performed based on the analysis of intestinal absorption, liver metabolism, serum metabolomics, and gut microbiota. The mercury accumulation of SK was assayed using human hair by ICP-MS. ResultsCin was found to inhibit the neurotoxicity of SS in SK. Our study shows that Cin could inhibit SS's absorption in small intestine and promote its metabolism in the liver. A serum metabolomics study showed that taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling pathway were associated with Cin attenuation. Association analysis with gut microbiota suggested that Cin could downregulate four key metabolites, including 12‑hydroxy arachidonic acid, GM4(d18:1/18:0), C16 sphinganine, and LysoPC(18:1(11Z)/0:0), by downregulating Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136 and upregulating Prevotella to inhibit the toxic effects of SS. In addition, the danger of mercury poisoning in a longer time administration of SK was evaluated using human hair, and no visible increase in mercury was observed. ConclusionAs a new discovery in compatibility, Cin was proved to be capable of inhibiting the neurotoxicity not only in SK but also in Cin-SS combination, displaying vital roles in Traditional Chinese Medicines.

Effects of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and intestinal microflora of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

IntroductionAs the aquaculture industry intensifies to enhance production efficiency and capacity, the risk of disease outbreaks in high-density systems, such as those for largemouth bass, has escalated. This necessitates the exploration of novel strategies for disease prevention and control. Studies have shown that Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide (AMP) possesses the functions of promoting growth and enhancing immune capacity, making it a potential feed additive in animal production.MethodsThis study aimed to assess the impact of AMP on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal flora structure of largemouth bass. A total of 360 healthy largemouth bass (mean weight: 15.25 ± 1.29 g) were randomly assigned to four groups, each with three replicates. The groups were fed diets supplemented with 0% (Group D, control group), 0.4% (Group A), 0.8% (Group B), or 1.2% (Group C) AMP for 42 days.ResultsThe results showed that the addition of an appropriate amount of AMP in the feed significantly improved the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of largemouth bass, reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and enhanced growth performance. AMP reduced the levels of AST and ALT, indicating a hepatoprotective effect on largemouth bass, with significant differences from the control group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). AMP also improved the intestinal microbiota composition of largemouth bass, positively affecting intestinal health. The analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed 1,288 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in the intestine of largemouth bass in Group B, dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. In contrast, Group C (1.2%) had 920 ASVs, with Fusobacteriota and Firmicutes as the major components, while the relative abundance of Firmicutes was lower, showing significant differences from the control Group D. The functional analysis of intestinal microbiota based on KEGG showed significant differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) among the four groups in Carbon metabolism, Biosynthesis of amino acids, and Metabolic pathways.DiscussionThe study concludes that the inclusion of AMP at 0.8% – 1.2% in the feed can enhance the growth performance and intestinal health of largemouth bass, offering a promising strategy for disease prevention and control in intensive aquaculture settings.

Hyposalinity elicits physiological responses and alters intestinal microbiota in Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegelii.

Global warming significantly impacts aquatic ecosystems, with changes in the salt environment negatively affecting the physiological responses of fish. We investigated the impact of hyposalinity on the physiological responses and intestinal microbiota of Sebastes schlegelii under the context of increased freshwater influx due to climate change. We focused on the osmoregulatory capacity, oxidative stress responses, and alterations in the intestinal microbiome of S. schlegelii under low-salinity conditions. Our findings revealed compromised osmoregulatory capacity in S. schlegelii under low-salinity conditions, accompanied by the activation of oxidative stress responses, indicating physiological adaptations to cope with environmental stress. Specifically, changes in Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity in gill tissues were associated with decreased osmoregulatory capacity. Furthermore, the analysis of the intestinal microbiome led to significant changes in microbial diversity. Exposure to low-salinity environments led to dysbiosis, with notable decreases in the relative abundance of Gammaproteobacteria at the class level and specific genera such as Enterovibrio, and Photobacterium. Conversely, Bacilli classes, along with genera like Mycoplasma, exhibited increased proportions in fish exposed to low-salinity conditions. These findings underscore the potential impact of environmental salinity changes on the adaptive capacity of fish species, particularly in the context of aquaculture. Moreover, they highlight the importance of considering both physiological and microbial responses in understanding the resilience of aquatic organisms to environmental stress. Additionally, they highlight the importance of intestinal microbiota analyses in understanding the immune system and disease management in fish.

Combination of herbal extracts regulates growth performance, liver and intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota in Acrossocheilus fasciatus

In the present study, the herbal extracts (RPTS) composed of Rheum palmatum: Schisandra sphenanthera: Terminalia chebula: Punica granatum with a weight ratio of 1.07: 3.00: 1.18: 1.38, was evaluated through a bacteriostatic assay in vitro. Afterwards, a 56-day feeding trial was operated to assess the impact of dietary RPTS at the dose of 0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 g·Kg−1 feed (entitled as Con, RPTS010, RPTS025, RPTS050, RPTS100 group, respectively) on the performance of Acrossocheilus fasciatus fingerlings. The results revealed that dietary RPTS at the dose of 2.5 g·Kg−1 feed remarkably improved the specific growth rate (SGR), and the gastrointestinal trypsin activity, as well as the catalase (CAT) activities, while slightly increased the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the fish liver. Histological examination indicated that dietary high dose of RPTS (5.0 and 10.0 g·Kg−1 feed) could induce hepatic cell vacuolization and reduce the intestinal villi density of fish. Furthermore, the analysis of intestinal microbiota showed that Bacteroidota, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the three dominant phylum in all experimental groups, while the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio exhibited a trend of initially decreasing followed by rising, with the supplementation level of RPTS increase. Additionally, the LEfSe analysis revealed that Cetobacterium was the most impacted species, which notably increased in RPTS025 group. Collectively, this study unveiled that the impact of dietary RPTS on fish performance was in a dose-dependent manner, and dietary RPTS at the dose of 2.5 g·Kg−1 feed could potentially enhance growth performance, digestive and antioxidant capacity, and positively modulate the intestinal microflora, without significantly impact liver health of A. fasciatus.

Signals from intestinal microbiota mediate the crosstalk between the lung-gut axis in an influenza infection mouse model.

Introduction: The influenza virus primarily targets the respiratory tract, yet both the respiratory and intestinal systems suffer damage during infection. The connection between lung and intestinal damage remains unclear. Our experiment employs 16S rRNA technology and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) to detect the impact of influenza virus infection on the fecal content and metabolites in mice. Additionally, it investigates the effect of influenza virus infection on intestinal damage and its underlying mechanisms through HE staining, Western blot, Q-PCR, and flow cytometry. Our study found that influenza virus infection caused significant damage to both the lungs and intestines, with the virus detected exclusively in the lungs. Antibiotic treatment worsened the severity of lung and intestinal damage. Moreover, mRNA levels of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and Interferon-b (IFN-b) significantly increased in the lungs post-infection. Analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed notable shifts in composition after influenza infection, including increased Enterobacteriaceae and decreased Lactobacillaceae. Conversely, antibiotic treatment reduced microbial diversity, notably affecting Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Metabolomics showed altered amino acid metabolism pathways due to influenza infection and antibiotics. Abnormal expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in the colon disrupted the balance between helper T17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the intestine. Mice infected with the influenza virus and supplemented with tryptophan and Lactobacillus showed reduced lung and intestinal damage, decreased Enterobacteriaceae levels in the intestine, and decreased IDO1 activity. Overall, influenza infection caused damage to lung and intestinal tissues, disrupted intestinal microbiota and metabolites, and affected Th17/Treg balance. Antibiotic treatment exacerbated these effects. Supplementation with tryptophan and Lactobacillus improved lung and intestinal health, highlighting a new understanding of the lung-intestine connection in influenza-induced intestinal disease.

Effects of Mink-Origin Enterococcus faecium on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Intestinal Microbiota of Growing Male Minks.

The purpose of this experiment was to explore the effects of dietary Enterococcus faecium (EF) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal microbiota of growing male minks. A total of 60 male Regal White minks at 12 weeks of age were randomly assigned to two groups, each with 15 replicates of two minks per replicate. The minks in two groups were fed the basal diets and the basal diets with viable Enterococcus faecium (more than 107 cfu/kg of diet), respectively. Compared with the minks in control, Enterococcus faecium minks had heavier body weight (BW) at week 4 and week 8 of the study (p < 0.05), greater average daily gain (ADG), and a lower feed/gain ratio (F/G) of male minks during the initial 4 weeks and the entire 8-week study period (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Enterococcus faecium increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and dry matter (DM) compared to the control (p < 0.05). Moreover, Enterococcus faecium enhanced the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (p < 0.05). The results also confirmed that Enterococcus faecium increased the levels of serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and the concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in the jejunal mucosa while decreasing the interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in the jejunal mucosa (p < 0.05). Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that Enterococcus faecium increased the species numbers at the OUT level. Compared with the control, Enterococcus faecium had significant effects on the relative abundance of Paraclostridium, Brevinema, and Comamonas (p < 0.05). The results showed that Enterococcus faecium could improve the growth performance, increase the antioxidant capacity, improve the immunity of growing male minks, and also modulate the gut microbiota.

Analysis of Intestinal Bacterial Microbiota in Individuals with and without Chronic Low Back Pain.

Low back pain is a health problem that represents the greatest cause of years lived with disability. This research seeks to evaluate the bacterial composition of the intestinal microbiota of two similar groups: one with chronic low back pain (PG) and the control group (CG). Clinical data from 73 participants and bacterial genome sequencing data from stool samples were analyzed. There were 40 individuals in PG and 33 in CG, aged between 20 and 50 years and with a body mass index of up to 30 kg/m2. Thus, the intragroup alpha diversity and intergroup beta diversity were analyzed. The significant results (p < 0.05) showed greater species richness in PG compared to CG. Additionally, a greater abundance of the species Clostridium difficile in PG was found along with 52 species with significantly different average relative abundances between groups (adjusted p < 0.05), with 36 more abundant species in PG and 16 in CG. We are the first to unveil significant differences in the composition of the intestinal bacterial microbiota of individuals with chronic low back pain who are non-elderly, non-obese and without any other serious chronic diseases. It could be a reference for a possible intestinal bacterial microbiota signature in chronic low back pain.

Mathematical Modeling of Vedolizumab Treatment's Effect on Microbiota and Intestinal Permeability in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.

Growing evidence suggests that impaired gut permeability and gut microbiota alterations are involved in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs), which include Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). Vedolizumab is an anti-α4β7 antibody approved for IBD treatment, used as the first treatment or second-line therapy when the first line results in inadequate effectiveness. The aim of this study is to develop a mathematical model capable of describing the pathophysiological mechanisms of Vedolizumab treatment in IBD patients. In particular, the relationship between drug concentration in the blood, colonic mucosal permeability and fecal microbiota composition was investigated and modeled to detect and predict trends in order to support and tailor Vedolizumab therapies. To pursue this aim, clinical data from a pilot study on a cluster of 11 IBD patients were analyzed. Enrolled patients underwent colonoscopy in three phases (before (t0), after 24 weeks of (t1) and after 52 weeks of (t2 ) Vedolizumab treatment) to collect mucosal biopsies for transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) evaluation (permeability to ions), intestinal permeability measurement and histological analysis. Moreover, fecal samples were collected for the intestinal microbiota analysis at the three time points. The collected data were compared to those of 11 healthy subjects at t0, who underwent colonoscopy for screening surveillance, and used to implement a three-compartmental mathematical model (comprising central blood, peripheral blood and the intestine). The latter extends previous evidence from the literature, based on the regression of experimental data, to link drug concentration in the peripheral blood compartment with Roseburia abundance and intestinal permeability. The clinical data showed that Vedolizumab treatment leads to an increase in TEER and a reduction in intestinal permeability to a paracellular probe, improving tissue inflammation status. Microbiota analysis showed increasing values of Roseburia, albeit not statistically significant. This trend was adequately reproduced by the mathematical model, which offers a useful tool to describe the pathophysiological effects of Vedolizumab therapy on colonic mucosal permeability and fecal microbiota composition. The model's satisfactory predictive capabilities and simplicity shed light on the relationship between the drug, the microbiota and permeability and allow for its straightforward extension to diverse therapeutic conditions.

Intestinal epithelial Cldn-7 regulates intestinal inflammation by altering the gut microbiota

Background and aimTight junctions maintain gut homeostasis by forming a physical barrier that protects the gut from invasion by microbiota. Cldn-7 is an important component involved in this protection, but the relationship between Cldn-7, intestinal inflammation, and gut microbiota has not been clarified. Here, we hypothesize that Cldn-7 depletion affects intestinal inflammation by altering the gut microbiota. MethodsBased on the induced intestinal condition of Cldn-7 knockout mice (Cldn7fl/fl;villin-CreaERT2), we established the intestinal flora depletion model and colitis model by antibiotic drinking and feeding with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). The environment of Cldn-7 gene deletion mice was changed by co-housing experiment. AB-PAS staining and Muc2 were used to detect the effect of co-housing and Cldn-7 deficiency on the mucus layer after flora depletion. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of intestinal inflammatory factors and AMPs in mice. Feces were collected and proportions of microbiota were analyzed by 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing. ResultsMice in the co-housing experiment had altered intestinal microbiota, including diversity, composition, and functional prediction, compared to controls. Intestinal inflammation was restored to some extent following altered intestinal microbiota. The intestinal inflammation caused by Cldn-7 deficiency and susceptibility to DSS could be reduced after antibiotic administration compared to controls, in terms of phenotype, pathological changes, inflammatory factors, mucus barrier, and expression of AMPs. ConclusionsIn analyses of intestinal tissues, colitis induction, and gut microbiota in mice with intestinal disruption of Cldn-7, we found this protein to prevent intestinal inflammation by regulating the gut microbiota. Cldn-7might therefore be an important mediator of host–microbiome interactions. Our research has revealed that Cldn-7 plays an indispensable role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis by regulating the gut microbiota and impacting intestinal inflammation. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Efficacy of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66 and Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02 in Enhancing Explosive Strength and Endurance: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Probiotics are posited to enhance exercise performance by influencing muscle protein synthesis, augmenting glycogen storage, and reducing inflammation. This double-blind study randomized 88 participants to receive a six-week intervention with either a placebo, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66, Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02, or a combination of both strains, combined with a structured exercise training program. We assessed changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), exercise performance, and gut microbiota composition before and after the intervention. Further analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of probiotics on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), muscle integrity, and inflammatory markers in the blood, 24 and 48 h post-intervention. The results demonstrated that all probiotic groups exhibited significant enhancements in exercise performance and attenuation of muscle strength decline post-exercise exhaustion (p < 0.05). Notably, PL-02 intake significantly increased muscle mass, whereas LY-66 and the combination therapy significantly reduced body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed an increase in beneficial bacteria, especially a significant rise in Akkermansia muciniphila following supplementation with PL-02 and LY-66 (p < 0.05). Overall, the combination of exercise training and supplementation with PL-02, LY-66, and their combination improved muscle strength, explosiveness, and endurance performance, and had beneficial effects on body composition and gastrointestinal health, as evidenced by data obtained from non-athlete participants.

Regulating effect of Qifu Yin on intestinal microbiota in mice with memory impairment induced by scopolamine hydrobromide

Ethnopharmacological relevanceQifu Yin (QFY) originates from “Jingyue Quanshu · Volume 51 · New Fang Bazhen · Buzhen” a work by Zhang Jingyue, a distinguished Chinese medical practitioner from the Ming Dynasty. QFY is composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, and Polygalae Radix. QFY is frequently employed to address memory loss and cognitive impairment stemming from vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and related conditions. Our findings indicate that QFY can mitigate nerve cell damage. Moreover, the study explores the impact of QFY on the calcium ion pathway and sphingolipid metabolism in mice with myocardial infarction, presenting a novel perspective on QFY's mechanism in ameliorating myocardial infarction through lipidomics. While this research provides an experimental foundation for the clinical application of QFY, a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of its improvement mechanism remains imperative. Aim of the studyTo clarify the regulatory mechanism of QFY on intestinal microecology in mice with memory impairment (MI). Material and methodsThe memory impairment mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine hydrobromide. Kunming (KM) mice were randomly divided into blank group, Ginkgo tablet group (0.276 g/kg), QFY high, medium and low dose groups (17.2 g/kg, 8.6 g/kg, 4.3 g/kg). The effect on memory ability was evaluated by open field and step-down behavioral experiments. The morphological changes of nerve cells in the hippocampus of mice were observed by pathological method. The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the brain tissue of mice were detected. The expression levels of CREB, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Recombinant Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) in the hippocampus of mice were determined using immunohistochemistry. The expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) related factors in the serum of mice was analyzed by ELISA. The levels of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mRNA in the hippocampus were detected by quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The intestinal feces of mice were collected, and the 16 S rDNA technology was used to detect the changes in intestinal microbiota microecological structure of feces in each group. ResultsBehavioral experiments showed that the high-dose QFY group exhibited a significant increase in exercise time (P<0.05) and a decrease in diagonal time (P<0.05) compared to the model group. The medium-dose group of QFY showed a reduction in diagonal time (P<0.05). Additionally, the latency time significantly increased in the medium and high-dose groups of QFY (P<0.01). The number of errors in the low, medium and high dose groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01). The nerve cells in the CA1 and CA3 regions of QFY-treated mice demonstrated close arrangement and clear structure. Furthermore, the content of SOD significantly increased (P<0.01) and the content of MDA significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the low and high-dose QFY groups. The content of CAT in the medium-dose group significantly increased (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant reduction in the number of APP expression particles in the CA1 and CA3 regions of all QFY groups. Moreover, BDNF expression significantly increased in the medium and high-dose groups, while CREB expression significantly increased in the low and medium-dose groups of QFY within the CA1 and CA3 regions. Serum analysis revealed significant increases in CREB content in the low, medium, and high dose groups of QFY (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.05), and decreases in NMDAR content across all QFY dose groups (P<0.01). PCR analysis showed a significant decrease in the contents of ASK1 and JNK in the medium-dose group (P<0.01). Microecological analysis of intestinal microbiota demonstrated a significant restoration trend in the relative abundance of Fusobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Verrucomicrobia (P<0.01 or P<0.05) at the phylum level in the QFY groups. At the genus level, Akkermansia, Paramuribaculum, Herminiimonas, Erysipelatoclostridium and other genera in the QFY groups showed a significant trend of relative abundance restoration (P<0.01 or P<0.05). ConclusionQFY can improve the memory of MI animals induced by scopolamine hydrobromide by restoring the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota and regulating related indexes in serum and brain tissue.

Comparison of gut microbiota immunity and pathology in specific-pathogen-free chickens with glandular and muscular gastritis using different methods.

The objective of this study is to review different methods to screen for the optimal model for preventing and treating chicken glandular and muscular gastritis syndrome. Twenty-four 40-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were randomly allocated into four groups (N = 6): polyethylene glycol + ammonium chloride group (M1 group), acetic acid + rhubarb group (M2 group), polyethylene glycol + rhubarb group (M3 group), and control group. The control group had free access to water, while the remaining groups received different doses of molding reagents added to their drinking water. The animal models were assessed based on clinical manifestations, histopathology findings, serological analysis, and composition of intestinal microbiota to establish an optimal approach for constructing an avian model of glandular and muscular gastritis. The SPF chickens in each model group exhibited typical symptoms of glandular and muscular gastritis, poor spirit, yellow loose stools with undigested feed, and enlargement and ulceration of the glandular and muscular stomach. Among these groups, the M3 group had the highest incidence rate of 100%. Compared to the control group, the body weight and body temperature of the chicken in the three model groups were reduced, and the glandular and muscular stomachs and duodenum showed different degrees of bleeding, mucosal abscission, and other pathological injuries. Additionally, the levels of serum IL-2 and α-amylase activity decreased while the content of IL-4 increased. After conducting 16s rDNA sequencing, it was observed that the abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 was significantly increased in the model group compared to the control group. Conversely, there was a notable decrease in the levels of Megamonas and Lactobacillus, which are speculated to be associated with arachidonic acid metabolism, the NF-κB signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathways. The combination of polyethylene glycol and rhubarb emerged as the most effective method for establishing the glandular and muscular gastritis model in SPF chickens. This constructed chicken model displayed distinct signs of damage to the glandular and muscular stomach, inflammatory response, and disturbance in the intestinal flora, thereby providing a foundation for future research on the prevention and treatment of this syndrome.

Metabolomics combined with intestinal microbiota analysis to reveal the effects of Inonotus hispidus on chronic kidney disease caused by high-protein diet

In recent years, the global incidence of chronic kidney disease caused by popular high-protein diet is on the rise. As a traditional edible and medicinal fungus in Asian countries, Inonotus hispidus has been proved to have a variety of biological activities. In this study, a mouse model of chronic kidney disease was established, and the effect of Inonotus hispidus on chronic kidney disease induced by high protein diet was clarified by the comprehensive strategy of metabonomics and intestinal microbiota analysis. We found that Inonotus hispidus fermentation broth may alleviate renal damage by regulating glycerol phospholipid metabolism and bile acid metabolism, and its fermentation broth can reverse the intestinal microbiota imbalance caused by high-protein diet. In addition, through analysis, it is found that high-protein diet can down-regulate the level of Farnesoid X receptor in the kidney, resulting in lipid accumulation and a series of pathological changes in the kidney. We believe that Inonotus hispidus has the potential to become a new type of safe and effective functional food for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

Safety and efficacy evaluation of halicin as an effective drug for inhibiting intestinal infections.

Halicin, the first antibacterial agent discovered by artificial intelligence, exerts broad-spectrum antibacterial effects and has a unique structure. Our study found that halicin had a good inhibitory effect on clinical isolates of drug-resistant strains and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). The safety of halicin was evaluated by acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity and subchronic toxicity studies. The results of acute toxicity test indicated that halicin, as a low-toxicity compound, had an LD50 of 2018.3mg/kg. The results of sperm malformation, bone marrow chromosome aberration and cell micronucleus tests showed that halicin had no obvious genotoxicity. However, the results of the 90-day subchronic toxicity test indicated that the test rats exhibited weight loss and slight renal inflammation at a high dose of 201.8mg/kg. Teratogenicity of zebrafish embryos showed that halicin had no significant teratogenicity. Analysis of intestinal microbiota showed that halicin had a significant effect on the intestinal microbial composition, but caused a faster recovery. Furthermore, drug metabolism experiments showed that halicin was poorly absorbed and quickly eliminated in vivo. Our study found that halicin had a good therapeutic effect on intestinal infection model of C. perfringens. These results show the feasibility of developing oral halicin as a clinical candidate drug for treating intestinal infections.

Combined intestinal microbiota and transcriptomic analysis to investigate the effect of different stocking densities on the ability of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to utilize Chlorella sorokiniana

Aiming to investigate the impact of different stocking densities on the ability of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to utilize Chlorella sorokiniana (CHL), a 3 × 2 factorial design stocking experiment was used in this study. Specifically, shrimp was fed with two dietary protein sources (fishmeal [FM] and CHL) at low (LSD; 100 per m3), medium (MSD; 200 per m3) and high (HSD; 300 per m3) stocking densities for 8 weeks. The growth performance and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus (1.0 × 107 CFU/mL) of shrimp decreased with the increase of stocking density, but dietary CHL improved this result. Differences between the CHL and FM groups for V. parahaemolyticus resistance were significant only under high-density conditions (P < 0.05). Significant interactions between stocking density and protein source were found on the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phenol oxidase (PO), and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hepatopancreas and the activities of intestinal amylase, most of which were significantly different between CHL and FM groups only at high stocking density (P < 0.05). Analysis of 16S rDNA sequencing showed that dietary CHL increased the alpha diversity of intestinal microbiota, inhibited the colonization of pathogenic bacteria and enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Transcriptomic results showed that at high stocking densities, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the FM vs CHL group were mostly upregulated and primarily enriched in immune and metabolic related pathways including Toll, immune deficiency (Imd) and glycolysis–gluconeogenesis pathways. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlation between the top ten intestinal bacteria at the genus level and markedly enriched DEGs, also more were detected under high density situations. In conclusion, CHL has great potential as a novel protein source in the intensive farming of shrimp.