Intestinal Microbiota Disorders Research Articles

Rhubarb Alleviates Acute Lung Injury by Modulating Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Mice.

Intestinal microbiota disorders can aggravate pulmonary inflammation during acute lung injury (ALI). As a traditional Chinese herb, Rhubarb can regulated the gut microbiota. Therefore, this study was conducted to test the hypothesis that rhubarb alleviates gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation. Feces were collected from patients with ALI to detect the gut microbiota using 16S rDNA sequencing. Subsequently, a mouse model of ALI was established using lipopolysaccharide to investigate changes in the gut microbiota, the peripheral blood was attained for detecting the Th17/Treg cell ratio and the serum level of HDAC6 and HDAC9, and the effect of rhubarb treatment on the gut microbiota and Th17/Treg ratio were also evaluated. The results indicated that both the Firmicutes phylum decreased and the Bacteroidetes phylum increased were identified in patients with ALI, which induced the alternation of histone metabolites. The mice models also showed a similar imbalance in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio at phylum of level. Rhubarb treatment alleviated the damaged lung tissue, accelerated Alistipes, Clostridium, and Lactobacillus proliferation at the level of genus, increased the level of HDAC6 in both the mice lung tissue and serum, and markedly reduced the Treg cells and increased the Th17 cells in the spleen tissue. The study suggested that both patients and mouse models with ALI presented gut microbiota dysbiosis, and lead to a Th17/Treg cell imbalance in ALI mouse. Rhubarb promoted Alistipes, Clostridium, and Lactobacillus proliferation, increased the HDAC6 concentration, restored the Th17/Treg cell balance, and protected against ALI.

Correction of intestinal microbial composition disturbances as a potential link in complex therapy of patients with COVID-19

The article reflects the potential for correcting intestinal microbiota disorders in the complex therapy of patients with COVID-19. It has been noted that the inclusion of dietary fiber in the diet contributes to protection against disruption of the integrity of the intestinal barrier and may limit bacterial translocation into the systemic circulation. The possibility of using psyllium (Mucofalk) is reflected, the action of which is realized both through its sorption, cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in viral lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, and through stimulation of the own beneficial intestinal microbiota. The paper presents studies of the prospects for the use of probiotics, synbiotics in the complex therapy of patients with COVID-19. Detailed data are provided on the mechanisms of the positive effect of short-chain fatty acid preparations on reducing the severity of the disease in patients with COVID-19. It was noted that taking the drug Zacofalk leads to a significant increase in its own butyrate-producing microbiota (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii) and suppression of the growth of opportunistic flora with pro-inflammatory activity. The results of a recent study are presented showing that in patients with a mild course of COVID infection with respiratory and intestinal symptoms, the administration of Zakofalk for 30 days (3 tablets per day) led to significantly faster stool normalization (by day 7), persistent normalization of the frequency and consistency of stools by the 21st day and a significantly more pronounced regression of bloating and abdominal pain, as well as a decrease in the risk of developing post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome.

Современные спорообразующие пробиотики в лечении нарушений микробиоценоза кишечника: эффективность и безопасность

Приведены данные литературы, характеризующие механизмы действия, эффективность и безопасность спорообразующих бактерий, которые используются в качестве пробиотиков. Изложено влияние пробиотика-биоэнтеросептика энтерожермины, содержащей полиантибиотикорезистентные споры штамма Bacillus clausii, на нарушения микрофлоры кишечника, состояние иммунной системы. Положительными особенностями энтерожермины являются таксономическая идентификация, эффект самоэлиминации, антибиотико-резистентность, высокий профиль безопасности и возможность применения с целью профилактики побочных эффектов со стороны желудочно-кишечного тракта, обусловленных приѐмом антибиотиков и химиотерапевтических средств.

Is it necessary to correct the intestinal microbiota disorders in chronic pancreatitis?

The frequency of intestinal microbiota disorders in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is extremely high and can reach 97%. The bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO) and the syndrome of increased epithelial permeability (SPEP), developing against the background of excretory insufficiency of the pancreas, affect the severity of the clinical picture of the disease, reduce the effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy and generally contribute to the further progression of CP.The article presents a modern view on the mechanisms of the formation of SIBO and SPEP in CP. There is their aggravating effect on the course of the disease and the aggravation of disorders of the digestive and absorption processes that accompany them is shown and analyzed in the article.For decontamination of conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic flora, increasing the number and metabolic activity of indigenous microflora in patients with CP, the use of a non-absorbable broad-spectrum antibiotic rifaximin is effective. In order to restore the barrier function of the gastrointestinal mucosa, the drug of choice is rebamipid, a universal cytoprotector that affects all three levels of epithelial tissue protection (preepithelial, epithelial and subepithelial).Conclusion. CP is characterized by the complexity of its etiology and pathogenesis. Bacterial factors, in particular, SIBO and SPEP, play an essential role in the development of inflammatory changes in the pancreas. In the complex therapy of CP, it is advisable to take measures aimed at correcting disorders of the intestinal microbiota.

Astilbin fromSmilax glabraRoxb. alleviates high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction

Overweight, obesity, and related diseases are currently the major public health problems worldwide. Astilbin, extracted from the rhizome of Smilax glabra Roxb., is known to have significant anti-inflammatory activity and hepatoprotective effect. Studies have shown that it can inhibit adipogenesis in adipocytes in vitro; however, the intervention benefits of astilbin against obesity and related diseases along with its associated mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to demonstrate the impact of astilbin consumption on the overall biochemical pattern of high-fat diet (HFD) mice by using a combined multi-omics approach. Our data indicated that astilbin reduced body weight, insulin resistance, and inflammation in mice fed an HFD. Astilbin improved HFD-induced gut microbial dysbiosis by decreasing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, by increasing beneficial bacteria such as Alistipes and Muribaculum and decreasing harmful bacteria including Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group, Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002, and Lachnospiraceae UCG-008, resulting in enhanced intestinal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Meanwhile, astilbin protected the integrity of the intestinal barrier in HFD mice, increased short-chain fatty acid levels, and reduced metabolic endotoxemia. We further showed that astilbin attenuated hepatic lipid droplet aggregation and triglyceride accumulation in HFD mice, affected glutamate metabolism-related pathways, and enhanced hepatic ATP transduction pathways and attenuated xanthine metabolism pathways in mice, which were positively correlated with the abundance of Alistipes and negatively correlated with Ruminococcaceae UCG-003. The results highlighted that astilbin could be used as a prebiotic for the prevention of "gut-liver axis" damage and metabolic disruption in obese individuals.

Hawk tea prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice by activating the AMPK/ACC/SREBP1c signaling pathways and regulating the gut microbiota.

Scope: Hawk tea, a non-Camellia tea, is an ancient tea drink from southwest China and has been proven to exhibit significant hypoglycaemic and lipid-lowering effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Hawk tea extract (HTE) can improve obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in a mouse model and to determine whether its anti-obesity effects are related to improvements in lipid metabolism and the gut microbiota. Methods and results: We tested the ability of HTE to prevent obesity and regulate gut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice fed with a HFD. We found that HTE significantly reduced body weight, fat deposition, serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and significantly increased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) induced by HFD. HTE also increased the levels of AMPK and ACC phosphorylation, up-regulated the expression of CPT-1, and downregulated the expression of SREBP1c and FAS. In addition, the administration of HTE significantly altered the composition of the gut microbiota, reduced the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides-vulgatus, and Faecalibaculum_rodentium, and decreased the relative abundance of Desulfovibrionaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Conclusions: Collectively, our data demonstrate that HTE can prevent HFD-induced obesity by regulating the AMPK/ACC/SREBP1c signaling pathways and the gut microbiota.

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine Mixture 919 Syrup on Regulation of the Ghrelin Pathway and Intestinal Microbiota in Rats With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

As a manifestation of metabolic syndrome in the liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the top cause of liver disease in many countries. Recent studies have shown that intestinal microbiota disorder plays an important role in the occurrence and development of NAFLD and that regulating intestinal microbiota provides a new option for NAFLD treatment. In addition, research indicates that risk of NAFLD increases as body mass index rises, and interventions that reduce body weight and change diet can help to lower the incidence of NAFLD. Studies have found that 919 syrup may effectively treat NAFLD in rats by improving liver function and lipid metabolism and regulating body weight and feed intake, however, its potential toxicity and the specific mechanism by which it controls this disease require further exploration. This study assesses both the toxicity of 919 syrup and its regulatory effect on the appetite-related Ghrelin pathway and intestinal microbiota of rats with NAFLD. Results indicate that 919 syrup has no obvious side-effects on body weight, feed intake, blood glucose level, hepatorenal function, and liver tissue structure of normal rats. Moreover, 919 syrup can reverse abnormal changes to expression of Ghrelin pathway genes related to appetite in both the brain and stomach and repair alterations to the intestinal microbiota in rats with NAFLD. This herbal medicine is a safe and promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of NAFLD.

Effect of gut microbiota from Henoch-Sch\xf6nlein Purpura patients on acid-sensitive ion channel 3 expression and intestinal motility in germ-free rats

BackgroundIt has been proven that gut microbiota alterations are involved in the development of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP). However, the pathogenesis of HSP hasn’t been eluciated. This study was to investigate the impact of gut microbiota from HSP on ASIC3 expression and interactions between microbiota and ASIC3 expression in the development of HSP.MethodsFeces collected from HSP and healthy children at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were made into fecal microbial solutions. Germ-free rats were randomly assigned to either the control or HSP groups. The HSP group of rats were administered the fecal microbiota solution of HSP children, while the control group rats were administered the fecal microbiota solution of healthy children. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) and intestinal propulsion rate of the rats were used to determine visceral sensitivity. Composition of the gut microbiota of HSP children was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ASIC3 expression in the colon was ascertained through qRT-PCR as well as western blotting analysis.ResultsThe results showed a reduction in the number of species and abundance in the intestinal microbiota of children with HSP. Visceral sensitivity and intestinal propulsion rate of HSP group rats increased significantly, compared with the control group. Colon ASIC3 mRNA and protein levels in the HSP group were found to be upregulated. The microbiota dysbiosis of HSP patients could stimulate ASIC3 expression in the colon of Germ-free rats, which in turn affected intestinal motility.ConclusionsThese results suggested that HSP children had intestinal microbiota disorder, which might affect gut motility by down-regulating colon ASIC3 expression in rats.

Growth performance, intestinal microbiota and immune response of grass carp fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing faba bean extracts

Functionally active components of faba bean (Vicia faba, FB) are known to improve the muscle texture and growth performance of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), but this has not yet been proven by feeding trials using isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets. Here, we formulated isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing four types of FB extracts and examined their effects on the weight gain, textural quality, intestinal microbiota, metabolic enzymes and immune response of grass carp by a 100-day feeding trial. An isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diet with no FB extracts (control) and whole FB were also used. Compared to the control, the FB water extract diet increased weight gain, muscle hardness and chewiness, intestinal microbiota diversity, the activity of metabolic enzymes including lipase (LP), glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-P), acetyl-CoA and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) (P < 0.05). The FB alcohol extract diet also increased weight gain, intestinal microbiota diversity, but the total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) contents were also increased (P < 0.05). The FB protein extract and FB residues diets had negative and no effects on weight gain, respectively, and caused intestinal microbiota disorder. FB water and alcohol extracts enhanced intestinal amino acids metabolism, whereas FB water extract and residues enhanced intestinal carbohydrate metabolism. These results further extend previous findings that FB water and alcohol extracts contain most functionally active components of FB, opening up the possibility that these extracts can be used as functional feed additives for freshwater fish.

Exosomes as a New Delivery Vehicle in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a type of chronic relapsing inflammatory disease. The pathogenesis of IBD is still unclear, which may involve environmental factors, genetic factors, intestinal microbiota disorder, and abnormal immune responses. Exosomes (30–150 nm) are found in various body fluids, including blood, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication and regulate cell biological activity by carrying non-coding RNAs, proteins, and lipids. There is evidence that exosomes are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. In view of the important roles of exosomes in the pathogenesis of IBD, this work systematically reviews the latest research progress of exosomes in IBD, especially the roles of exosomes as non-coding RNA delivery systems in the pathogenesis of IBD, including a disordered immune response, barrier function, and intestinal microbiota. The review will help to clarify the pathogenesis of IBD and explore new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for patients with IBD.

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Fuzhuan Brick Tea Polysaccharide Improved Ulcerative Colitis in Association with Gut Microbiota-Derived Tryptophan Metabolism.

Fuzhuanbrick tea (FBT) has attracted wide attention because of its substantial nutritional value. This article first studied the protective mechanism of FBT polysaccharide (FBTP) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing technology and metabonomics. It was demonstrated that the administration of FBTP by oral gavage (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg·bw) could decrease the disease activity index (DAI), prevent colon shortening, and alleviate colon tissue damage and inflammation in mice with UC. Interestingly, FBTP relieved the intestinal microbiota disorder caused by UC and contributed to the proliferation of beneficial microbiota, such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia, followed by a significant increase in the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Furthermore, FBTP dramatically altered tryptophan metabolism and elevated the fecal contents of indole-3-acetaldehyde (IAld) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). It was also found that FBTP significantly increased the colonic expressions of aromatic hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) and interleukin-22 (IL-22) and further promoted the expressions of intestinal tight junction (TJ) proteins ZO-1 and occludin in the colitis mice. Cumulatively, these findings suggest that FBTP can relieve UC by regulating intestinal flora disorders, promoting microbial metabolism, and repairing the intestinal barrier.

High Red Meat Intake Exacerbates Dextran Sulfate-Induced Colitis by Altering Gut Microbiota in Mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious hazard to public health, but the precise etiology of the disease is unclear. High intake of red meat diet is closely related to the occurrence of IBD. In this study, we investigated whether the high intake of red meat can increase the sensitivity of colitis and the underlying mechanism. Mice were fed with different levels of red meat for 8 weeks and then the colonic contents were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Then 3% dextran sulfate sodium was used to induce colitis in mice. We observed the severity of colitis and inflammatory cytokines. We found that high-dose red meat caused intestinal microbiota disorder, reduced the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Faecalibaculum, Blautia and Dubosiella, and increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Alistipes. This in turn leads to an increase in colitis and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Moreover, we found that high red meat intake impaired the colon barrier integrity and decreased the expression of ZO-1, claudin, and occludin. We also found high red meat intake induced the production of more inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6 and inflammatory inducible enzymes such as COX-2 and iNOS in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. These results suggest that we should optimize the diet and reduce the intake of red meat to prevent the occurrence of IBD.

Features of intestinal microbiota disorders in the development of metabolic disorders in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

We discussed about the term intestinal permeability like as the mucosal barrier a single structural and functional conception that includes the layer of mucus, the indigenous microbiota and the epithelium of the mucosa in this publication. Information was presented about the role of the microbiota, the composition of intestinal mucus, epithelial cells and proteins of tight junctions which lead to various metabolic diseases. The complex pathogenetic interactions are formed between the intestinal mucosal barrier, metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases. The complex researches and modification of this interactions will allow to create personalized approaches and to prevent of these diseases.

Fecal transplantation alleviates acute liver injury in mice through regulating Treg/Th17 cytokines balance

Changes in intestinal microecology during acute liver failure (ALF) directly affect the occurrence and development of the disease. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and the key immune cells. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to determine whether ALF can balance Th17/Treg cytokines. The relationship between gut microbiota and clinical indicators was analyzed. BALB/c mice were treated with d-galactosamine (d-GalN) to induce a murine ALF model. FMT to d-GalN mice was conducted to test for liver function indicators. Results showed that the proportions of Lachnospiraceae, Prevotella, S24-7, Odoribacter and Rikenellaceae in d-GalN mice with intestinal microbiota disorder were restored after FMT. Further, CIA analysis showed that bacteria had a covariant relationship with clinical indicators. Microbiota could account for changes in 49.9% of the overall clinical indicators. Adonis analysis showed that Ruminococcus, and Enterococcus have a greater impact on clinical indicators. FMT down-regulated the expression of IL-17A, TNF-α, and TGF-β, while up-regulated IL-10 and IL-22. Transplantation of feces from Saccharomyces boulardii donor mice improved GalN-induced liver damage. These findings indicate that FMT attenuates d-GalN-induced liver damage in mice, and a clinical trial is required to validate the relevance of our findings in humans, and to test whether this therapeutic approach is effective for patients with ALF.

Nutritional supplement for indigenous intestinal microflora: manufacturing, quality and effectiveness evaluation

The pharmaceutical composition of a nutritional supplement, which has a profound effect on the maintenance and development of the indigenous intestinal microflora, has been scientifically proven. The nutritional supplement is obtained by combining the encapsulation technology with the pellet technology to ensure that the pharmaceutical composition remains intact and the product appeals to consumers. The combination of encapsulation and pellet technology is highly beneficial to the manufacturing process as the delivery of the ingredients, which are very different in absorption and penetration rates, is improved, controlled and becomes very site-specific, while at the same time offering even distribution. The quality of the nutritional supplement has been proven and the product complies with the compulsory sanitary-hygienic and sanitarytoxicological regulations for dietary supplements. Clinical trials for the new nutritional supplement were performed to ensure the safety and the effectiveness of the product. Sixty volunteers aged from 33 to 72 were involved in the clinical trials. All of the volunteers were diagnosed with different intestinal microbiota disorders, among them a decreased number of microbial symbionts (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, Escherichia coli (Lac +), the presence of Klebsiella pnenmoniae and opportunistic pathogens like Candida alticans. Patients with intestinal microbiota disorders were prescribed to take 1 capsule of the nutritional supplement twice a day for a period of 30 days together with other medicine prescribed to improve the biocenosis. Having taken part in the clinical trials, nearly 90% of patients, who had previously experienced such symptoms as bloating, gas, different abdominal pains, cramping, diarrhoea and constipation, demonstrated microbiota restoration, along with the overall health improvement. Considering the findings of the clinical trials, it should be noted that the use of ‘Panbiom’ nutritional supplement can play an important role in keeping the immune system healthy, with short chain fatty acids becoming the main focus of attention. Short chain fatty acids are the key to stimulating the immune response, as they support the regulatory T cells, prevent pathological changes and lessen the symptoms. The nutritional supplement composition and the manufacturing process were developed and tested at the scientific research-to-production facilities of Art-Life Scientific Production Association in Tomsk. All the mandatory documentation was obtained and fully complies with the requirements for nutritional supplements.

Involvement of intestinal dysbiosis in the etiopathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder: a bibliographic review

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with phenotypic heterogeneity and variable symptomatic course of partly unknown etiology. The prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in autism leads to investigate the role that intestinal microbiota may have as a causal factor and to propose specific therapeutic interventions. The role of microbiota in brain development and function, demonstrated in animal models, justifies its investigation in this neuropsychiatric disorder. The aim was to investigate the relationship between altered microbiota composition and autism spectrum disorder, and to assess the therapeutic role of prebiotics, probiotics and fecal transplantation in this neurodevelopmental disorder. A literature review was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar to select relevant articles related to the topic that were published between January 2012 and April 2020. Thirty-five relevant articles were selected. In 23 of them, significant differences were found in the composition and diversity of the microbiota in children with ASD, as well as in the biomolecules involved in certain metabolic pathways. The other 12 investigations reported gastrointestinal and behavioral improvements after therapeutic intervention. It is reasonable to state that there is enough evidence to support the existence of a relationship between intestinal microbiota and autism spectrum disorders. This fact should be explored in depth to assess the etiopathogenic burden of dysbiosis and the possible therapeutic tools.

Characteristics of intestinal dysbiosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective — to determine the features of the quantitative composition of the intestinal microbiota in patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and their relationship with metabolic parameters.Materials and methods. The study included 114 patients with NAFLD (42 men (36.84 %) and 72 women (63.16 %), aged 51.52 [47.31; 58.22] years). All patients underwent a quantitative determination of the composition of the colon Microbiota by real‑time PCR using the Colonoflor‑16 test system, manufactured by Alfalab (RF).Results. In patients with NAFLD, the following trends have been revealed: decrease in the number of Lactobacillus spp. (85.9 %), increased content of Enterobacter spp/Citrobacter spp. (50.9 %) and Bacteroides fragilis group (33.3 %) against the background of an increase in bacterial mass (35.1 %), as well as Bifidobacterium spp. (21.1 %), Escherichia coli (24.6 %), Parvimonasmicra (19.3 %), Clostridium perfringens(24.6 %). The changes in the gut microbiome were associated with an increased degree of liver steatosis and metabolic disorders. With the increase of the degree of hepatocytes fatty infiltration, the increased bacterial mass was observed on account of the raised quantity of bacteria from the Bacteroides fragilis group and Enterobacter spp. and Citrobacter spp. pool. At the same time the decreased quantity of Lactobacillus spp. was specific for the I and II degrees of steatosis. The weak direct correlation has been established between the changes of intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders (Bacteroides fragilis content, insulin levels, НОМА index, levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol). The number representatives of Enterobacter spp./Citrobacter spp. pool directly correlated with НОМА index, levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins’ cholesterol and steatosis degree).Conclusions. In patients with NAFLD, decrease in the number of Lactobacillus spp., increased content of Enterobacter spp./Citrobacter spp. and Bacteroides fragilis group have been revealed against the background of an increase in bacterial mass. With the increase of the degree of hepatocytes fatty infiltration, the increased bacterial mass was observed on account of the raised quantity of bacteria from the Bacteroides fragilis group and Enterobacter spp. and Citrobacter spp. pool. The weak direct correlation has been established between the changes of intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders.

Dietary Ginsenoside T19 Supplementation Regulates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism via AMPK and PI3K Pathways and Its Effect on Intestinal Microbiota.

Ginseng, as a functional food, is widely used worldwide because of its multifarious benefits. Studies have verified that 25-hydroxyl-protopanaxatriol (T19) is a new ginsenoside from ginseng, which had an important inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in vitro. This study aims to assess the regulation of T19 against glycolipid metabolism by insulin-resistant HepG2 cells and diabetes mice induced with high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ). T19 effectively lowered the levels of blood glucose and lipid, alleviated insulin resistance, and improved histological pathology of liver and pancreas. Further study demonstrated that regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase- and phosphoinositide-3-kinase-signaling pathways was involved in the potential mechanism of T19 efficiency. Simultaneously, high-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA revealed that T19 remarkably ameliorated the high-fat diet/STZ-induced disorders of intestinal microbiota by decreasing the value of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, and remarkably raised the relative abundance of the Lachnospiraceae family, which are the beneficial bacteria that can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. The results may provide clues for further understanding the mechanism of T19 in regulating glycolipid metabolism, and may provide a scientific basis for ginseng as a potential dietary food to prevent metabolic diseases.

Metabolic syndrome and pregnancy. Is there a gastroenterological trace?

In recent years, in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MS), great importance has been attached to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and violation of the intestinal microbial-tissue complex. This review summarizes current data on possible pathophysiological mechanisms that link NAFLD, pregnancy, and intestinal microbiota disorders. The clinical consequences of NAFLD influence on pregnancy and development of obstetric complications and adverse perinatal outcomes are analyzed.