Composition Of Intestinal Microflora Research Articles

Stress and recovery of yellowtail kingfish (Seriola aureovittata) during Sea-land relay transportation: Biochemical, microecological and transcriptomic responses

Sea-land relay transportation (SRT) is a key part of the “land-based greenhouse + offshore net cage” mariculture system for yellowtail kingfish. In this study, the physiological status of yellowtail kingfish during SRT was assessed by determining serum biochemical indexes (levels of cortisol, glucose, and malondialdehyde (MDA), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)), the composition of intestinal microflora, and the liver transcriptome before (control), during, and after transportation (T1 and T2) and after recovery for 6 hours (6 h), 12 hours (12 h), 1 day (D1), 3 days (D3), and 7 days (D7). The results show that the serum cortisol and glucose levels, MDA level, and activities of SOD and CAT significantly increased during transportation, and decreased to similar levels to those in the control after 1 day of recovery. Bacteria including Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, and Comamonas accounted for more than 91 % of the microbial community in the gut of yellowtail kingfish, and these genera were associated with changes in serum glucose levels, indicating that they may help to alleviate the effects of transportation stress. Analyses of liver transcriptome data showed that significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the T2, D1, D3 and D7 groups were significantly enriched in the “Protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)” pathway. At the end of transportation (T2 group), the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway was activated, with up-regulation of hsp40, hsp70, and hsp90α. The transcript levels of these genes gradually returned to levels similar to those in the control during the recovery period. At the first day of recovery, the unfolded protein response imposed stress upon the ER, accompanied by significant down-regulation of PEPK and Calmin and significant up-regulation of CRT. The DEGs in the D3 group were enriched in the “ER”, “Steroid biosynthesis”, “Fatty acid degradation”, “PPAR signaling”, and “Fat digestion and absorption” pathways, whereas the number of DEGs related to lipid metabolism and stress pathways was significantly decreased in the D7 group. Our results indicate that hsp70 and hsp90α can be used as stress markers, and hsp40 can be used as a physio-metabolic recovery marker for yellowtail kingfish. These results show that, although serum indices recovered 24 hours after transportation, up to 3 days after transportation is an important period for recovery from transportation stress at the transcriptome level. “Protein processing in the ER pathway” is an important pathway regulating stress and recovery in yellowtail kingfish.

Effects of microplastics on typical macrobenthos in sargassum ecosystems

Recently, microplastics (MPs) have attracted extensive attention to their wide distribution and potential toxicity in ecosystems. However, there was a lack of research focused on MPs in seaweed bed ecosystems. This study investigated the distribution and toxicity of MPs in macrobenthos in Sargassum ecosystem. According to the in-situ investigation results, the abundance of MPs in the sediment was 0.9–2.3 items/g, the indoor microcosmic experiment was constructed. After exposure to MPs (0, 2, and 20 items/g) for 30 days, the abundance of MPs in macrobenthos exhibits a concentration-dependent increase. However, there was no significant bioaccumulation of MPs at the trophic level. The indoor toxicity test revealed that MPs induced oxidative stress and altered intestinal microflora composition in macrobenthos, even at actual environmental concentrations (2 items/g). It may result in a perturbation of the organism's homeostatic equilibrium. High-concentration (20 items/g) MPs had a greater impact on alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in Mollusks. The increase in AKP activity could be indicative of an adaptive mechanism in some macrobenthos while the decline in AKP activity might signal a decrease in their survival. These results elucidated the fate of MPs in ecosystem and the ecological risks of MPs to large benthic animals on model environmental conditions.

Day and Night Reversed Feeding Aggravates High-Fat Diet-Induced Abnormalities in Intestinal Flora and Lipid Metabolism in Adipose Tissue of Mice

BackgroundThe incongruity between dietary patterns and the circadian clock poses an elevated risk for metabolic health issues, particularly obesity and associated metabolic disorders. The intestinal microflora engages in regulating various physiological functions of the host through its metabolites. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the impact of reversed feeding schedules during the day and night on intestinal flora and lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. MethodsMice aged 8–10 wk were subjected to either daytime or nighttime feeding and were administered a control or high-fat diet for 18 wk. At the end of the experiment, various assessments were conducted, including analysis of serum biochemic indices, histologic examination, evaluation of gene and protein expression in adipose tissue, and scrutiny of changes in intestinal microbial composition. ResultsThe results showed that day-night reversed feeding caused an increase in fasting blood glucose and exacerbated the high-fat diet-induced weight gain and lipid abnormalities. The mRNA expression levels of Leptin and Dgat1 were increased by day-night reversed feeding, which also reduced the expression level of adiponectin under the high-fat diet. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the protein concentrations of PPARγ, SREBP1c, and CD36. Inverted feeding schedules led to a reduction in intestinal microbial diversity, an increase in the abundance of inflammation-related bacteria, such as Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002, and a suppression of beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Anaeroplasma, Bifidobacterium, Carnobacterium, and Odoribacter. Acinetobacter exhibited a significant negative correlation with Leptin and Fasn, suggesting potential involvement in the regulation of lipid metabolism. ConclusionsThe results elucidated the abnormalities of lipid metabolism and intestinal flora caused by day-night reversed feeding, which exacerbates the adverse effects of a high-fat diet on lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora. This reversal in feeding patterns may disrupt both intestinal and lipid metabolism homeostasis by altering the composition and abundance of intestinal microflora in mice.

Potential role of short-chain fatty acids in irritable bowel syndrome in overweight and obese individuals

Due to increasing prevalence of functional diseases of the colon in obese patients, the mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota affects the development of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the setting of metabolic activity of adipose tissue should be investigated. The quantitative and qualitative changes in the pool of synthesized short-chain fatty acids, which have a multidirectional impact on the colonic motility is one of the key mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota affects the occurrence and features of the course of irritable bowel syndrome. But as regards the issue of whether individual short-chain fatty acids have an impact on the severity of abdominal pain and characteristics of colonic motility dysfunction, it remains a subject of discussions. The study of the mechanisms of impact of short-chain fatty acids on the development and progression of obesity deserves special attention. Increased serum and faecal short-chain fatty acid levels in obese patients can either be a result of changes in the intestinal microflora composition associated with special eating habits and lifestyle, or have an independent effect on the development of obesity in individuals due to intestinal microflora composition disorders that have been already developed. Due to special features of the course of irritable bowel syndrome associated with overweight and obesity, studying the intestinal microbiota composition and the short-chain fatty acids produced by it in this cohort of IBS patients is of particular interest. This publication has been prepared to describe and systematize the possible mechanisms of impact of short-chain fatty acids on the development of abdominal pain and impaired colonic motility in IBS patients with overweight and obesity. The literature search was conducted in the databases Embase, PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords “irritable bowel syndrome”, “obesity”, “short-chain fatty acids”, “gut microbiota”.

Influence of increasing acclimation temperature on growth, digestion, antioxidant capacity, liver transcriptome and intestinal microflora of Ussruri whitefish Coregonus ussuriensis Berg

For effective restoration, conservation of Ussruri whitefish Coregonus ussuriensis Berg and coping with global climate change, effects of environmental temperature on Ussruri whitefish urgently need to be explored. In current study, the effects of different acclimation temperatures on the growth, digestive physiology, antioxidant ability, liver transcriptional responses and intestinal microflora patterns of Ussruri whitefish were investigated. Ussruri whitefish (15.20 g ± 1.23 g) were reared for 42 days under different acclimation temperatures, i.e., 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 and 25 °C, respectively. Result first determined 28 °C as the semi-lethal temperature in order to design the temperature gradient test. Highest main gain rate (MGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were observed in fish group having acclimation temperature of 19 °C. Significantly decrease (P < 0.05) in triglyceride (TG) content appeared at 19 °C as compared to the 10 °C and 13 °C temperature groups. 19 °C notablely increased protease activities of stomach and intestine and intestinal lipase and amylase activities. 19 °C group obtained the highest activities of chloramphnicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The intestinal microflora composition was most conducive to maintaining overall intestinal health when the temperature was 19 °C, compared to 10 °C and 25 °C. Ussruri whitefish exposed to 10 °C and 25 °C possessed the lower Lactobacillus abundance compared to exposure to 19 °C. Temperature down to 10 °C or up to 25 °C, respectively, triggered cold stress and heat stress, which leading to impairment in intestinal digestion, liver antioxidant capacity and intestinal microflora structure. Liver transcriptome response to 10 °C, 19 °C and 25 °C revealed that Ussruri whitefish might require the initiation of endoplasmic reticulum stress to correct protein damage from cold-temperature and high-temperature stress, and it was speculated that DNAJB11 could be regarded as a biomarker of cold stress response.Based on the quadratic regression analysis of MGR and SGR against temperature, the optimal acclamation temperature were, respectively, 18.0 °C and 18.1 °C. Our findings provide valuable theoretical insights for an in-depth understanding of temperature acclimation mechanisms and laid the foundation for conservation and development of Ussruri whitefish germplasm resources.

A CLINICAL REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC BIOMARKERS AND THE ROLE OF THE GUT MICROBIOTA IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS

The purpose of this work is to clarify the latest opinions of clinicians about the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of necrotic enterocolitis, as well as the role of microflora in the pathogenesis of this pathology. Material and methods. Search Strategy: A literature search was conducted in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science (Thomson Reuters), Scopus, Cochrane Library, SpringerLink, and EBSCOhost ScienceDirect. The search spanned 20 years, from 2000 to 2020. In this review, we included 39 articles on this topic, which were available in full text and analyzed through critical evaluation. Results.According to the literature, necrotizing enterocolitis is primarily attributed to prematurity, compounded by the disruption of intestinal microflora composition due to artificial feeding, leading to an inflammatory reaction in the immature intestine. Delayed detection of the initial signs of necrotizing enterocolitis exacerbates treatment outcomes. In clinical practice, two main dilemmas in necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosis arise. Firstly, distinguishing early necrotizing enterocolitis from sepsis can be challenging, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Secondly, the optimal timing for surgical intervention remains unclear. Conclusion. There is a need to elucidate the latest opinions of clinicians regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis, including the role of microflora in its pathogenesis. Treatment strategies should integrate various models of clinical prognosis and biomarkers to accurately diagnose and tailor therapy for necrotizing enterocolitis.

Influence of environmental factors and diet on inflammatory bowel diseases – a review of the literature

Introduction and objectiveInflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, causes a number of bothersome symptoms that contribute to the deterioration of patients' quality of life both physically and psychologically. Therapy methods based on pharmacotherapy in IBD often remain insufficient in the treatment of these disorders, so other factors affecting the course of IBD are being sought. The purpose of this review is to present risk and prevention factors for the development of inflammatory bowel disease based on diet and environmental factors. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledgeThe review has identified a number of factors that influence IBD. One of these is smoking, which shows a commonly detrimental effect on CD, while it has a protective effect in UC patients. Antibiotic therapy, by disrupting the composition of the endogenous intestinal microflora, contributes to an increased risk of IBD exacerbations. A review of the literature on surgical interventions does not allow a clear conclusion. Stress and psychiatric disorders increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting the anti-inflammatory action of the vagus nerve increase the risk of IBD exacerbations. A healthy and balanced diet is an important aspect in the treatment of UC and CD. Scientific societies unanimously recognize breastfeeding and its effect on the development of the intestinal microflora as an important protective factor. On the other hand, introducing an elimination diet without a food intolerance confirmed by a blood test is unjustified and harmful. SummaryAwareness of the risk factors for development and exacerbations in IBD patients is crucial. Further research into the impact of diet and environmental factors may support pharmacological treatment in achieving therapeutic success in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Effects of baculovirus infection on intestinal microflora of BmNPV resistant and susceptible strain silkworm.

Bombyx moriL. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a serious pathogen causing huge economic losses to sericulture. There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota of silkworms plays a critical role in shaping host responses and interactions with viral infection. However, little is known about the differences in the composition and diversity of intestinal microflora, especially with respect to silkworm strain differences and BmNPV infection-induced changes. Here, we aim to explore the differences between BmNPV-resistant strain A35 and susceptible strain P50 silkworm and the impact of BmNPV infection on intestinal microflora in different strains. The 16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that the fecal microbial populations were distinct between A35 and P50 and were significantly changed post BmNPV infection in both strains. Further analysis showed that the BmNPV-resistant strain silkworm possessed higher bacterial diversity than the susceptible strain, and BmNPV infection reduced the diversity of intestinal flora assessed by feces in both silkworm strains. In response to BmNPV infection, the abundance of Muribaculaceae increased in P50 and decreased in A35, while the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae decreased in P50 and increased in A35. These results indicated that BmNPV infection had various effects on the abundance of fecal microflora in different silkworm strains. Our findings not only broadened the understanding of host-pathogen interactions but also provided theoretical help for the breeding of resistant strains and healthy rearing of silkworms based on symbiotic bacteria.

Carrageenan as a Potential Factor of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Carrageenan is a widely used food additive and is seen as a potential candidate in the pharmaceutical industry. However, there are two faces to carrageenan that allows it to be used positively for therapeutic purposes. Carrageenan can be used to create edible films and for encapsulating drugs, and there is also interest in the use of carrageenan for food printing. Carrageenan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide gum. Depending on the type of carrageenan, it is used in regulating the composition of intestinal microflora, including the increase in the population of Bifidobacterium bacteria. On the other hand, the studies have demonstrated the harmfulness of carrageenan in animal and human models, indicating a direct link between diet and intestinal inflammatory states. Carrageenan changes the intestinal microflora, especially Akkermansia muciniphilia, degrades the mucous barrier and breaks down the mucous barrier, causing an inflammatory reaction. It directly affects epithelial cells by activating the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) pathway. The mechanism is based on activation of the TLR4 receptor, alterations in macrophage activity, production of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of innate immune pathways. Carrageenan increases the content of Bacteroidetes bacteria, also causing a reduction in the number of short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria. The result is damage to the integrity of the intestinal membrane and reduction of the mucin layer. The group most exposed to the harmful effects of carrageenan are people suffering from intestinal inflammation, including Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Beneficial effects of the butanoic acid derivative tributyrin on the growth, immunity and intestinal health of large mouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Tributyrin (TB) is a novel butanoic acid derivative with potent bioactive functions. In this study, an eight-week feeding trial aimed to investigate the effects of dietary TB on the growth, immunity and intestinal health of large mouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Five experimental diets containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 g/kg tributyrin were formulated and were regarded as TB0 (control), TB0.5, TB1.0, TB1.5 and TB2.0, respectively. Quadruplicate groups (four tanks per group, 30 fish per tank) of juvenile M. salmoides (initial weight: 20.00 ± 1.00 g) were fed to apparent satiation two times daily. After the feeding trial,Aeromonas hydrophila challenge tests were conducted and the A. hydrophila strains were subsequently sampled. As a result, the weight gain rate (WGR) was increased in the TB supplementation groups, and the TB1.5 group obtained the highest value. Furthermore, TB administration improved immune function. The content of serum complement 4 in the TB1.5 group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Increase of lysozyme activity and immunoglobulin M were significant in TB1.0 group than the control group. After A. hydrophila injection, TB1.0, TB1.5 and TB2.0 groups presented markedly higher survival rates than did the control group. Additionally, TB markedly enhanced the activities of amylase and lipase in the gut. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that TB could affect the intestinal microflora composition. Compared to those in the control group, the abundance of Fusobacteria were lower in the TB1.0 and TB1.5 groups. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that TB can improve the growth, immunity and intestinal health of M. salmoides, and the optimal dietary level of TB is determined to be 0.15%.

The anti-colorectal cancer effect and metabolites of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAgrimonia pilosa Ledeb. (Rosaceae, A. pilosa) has been used in traditional medicine in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries for treatment of acute and chronic enteritis and diarrhea. Secondary metabolites have been isolated and tested for biological activities. It remains unclear in terms of its potential components of anti-colorectal cancer properties. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to how extracts from A. pilosa and their components influenced tumor microenvironment and the colorectal tumor growth in vivo on AOM/DSS induced colorectal cancer mice, the metabolites of A. pilosa was also been studied. Materials and methodsDifferent methods have been used to extract different parts of A. pilosa. And the anti-proliferation effect of these extracts on colon cancer cells have been tested. The components of A. pilosa and its metabolites in vivo were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) effects of A. pilosa and its components in vivo were studied on AOM/DSS induced CRC mice. The effects of constituents of A. pilosa on the composition of immune cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) were analyzed by flow cytometry. 16 S rDNA technology was used to analyze the effect of administration on the composition of intestinal microflora. Pathological section staining was used to compare the morphological changes and molecular expression of intestinal tissue in different groups. ResultsThe constituent exists in root of A. pilosa showed the strongest anti-proliferation ability on colon cancer cells in vitro. The extract from the root of A. pilosa could attenuate the occurrence of colorectal tumors induced by AOM/DSS in a concentration-dependent manner. Administration of the extract from the root of A. pilosa could affect the proportion of γδT cells, tumor associated macrophages and myeloid derived suppressor cells in TME, increasing the proportion of anti-tumor immune cells and decrease the immunosuppressive cells in the TME to promote the anti-tumor immune response. The administration of the extract adjusted the composition of gut microbiota and its components Agrimoniin and Agrimonolide-6-o-glucoside showed the strongest anti-CRC effect in vivo with adjusting the gut microbiota differently. ConclusionsThe extract from root of A. pilosa showed anti-colorectal cancer effects in vivo and in vitro, affecting the composition of gut microbiota and the anti-tumor immune response. Within all components of A. pilosa, Agrimoniin and Agrimonolide-6-o-glucoside showed remarkable anti-CRC efficiency in vivo and in vitro. Besides, the metabolites of extract from root of A. pilosa in gastrointestinal tract mainly composed of two parts: Agrimonolide-related metabolites and Urolithins. The extract from root of A. pilosa could contribute to potential drugs for assisting clinical anti-colon cancer therapy.

Comparative analysis of intestinal intestinal microflora of rainbow trout selected from various fish farms of the republic Karelia

The microbiocenosis of the intestines of fish is represented by the abdominal and parietal microflora, which has complex functional connections with each other and with the intestinal wall. The purpose of the study was to identify the features of the biodiversity of the intestinal intestinal microflora of rainbow trout grown in fish farms in Karelia. The study of intestinal intestinal microflora of rainbow trout was carried out on the basis of fish farms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, geographically located in the water area of 4 reservoirs, characterized by a complex of hydrological, hydrochemical and hydrobiological characteristics. These are the Kondopoga Bay of Lake Onega, the Rautalakhti Bay of Lake Ladoga, Kroshnozero and Lake Nasonovskoye. For statistical processing of the data obtained based on the results of a comparative analysis of the intestinal intestinal microflora of the studied groups of rainbow trout, the compilation of a variation series, the calculation of the average value of the studied trait and the average standard error were used. The object of the study to study the composition of intestinal intestinal microflora was the rainbow trout Parasalmo mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) of the Rofor breed. Microbiological analysis has shown that the qualitative and quantitative variability of the gut microbiome differs depending on the trout growing environment. 14 functional groups of bacteria were identified: cellulolytics, bacilli, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, selenomonas, actinobacteria, enterobacteria, fusobacteria, peptococci, staphylococci, campylobacteria, pathogenic clostridia, pasteurella and pseudomonas. The proportion of cellulolytics (Eubacteriaceae, Clostridiaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Bacteroidetes, etc.) varied from 49.1 to 55.3%; bacilli – from 0.9 to 8.7%, lactobacilli – from 5.0 to 13.7%.

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone can improve intestinal structure and microflora composition of diabetic zebrafish

This study focused on Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) and explored its effects on the intestinal tissue structure, short-chain fatty acid production, gut microbiota, and intestinal tissue oxidative stress in a diabetic zebrafish model with insulin resistance. By analyzing the relationship between gut microbiota changes and glucose metabolism, it revealed the mechanism through which NHDC improves insulin resistance by modulating the gut microbiota. The results indicate that NHDC intervention has a protective effect on the intestinal barrier in diabetic zebrafish, improving lipid metabolism disturbances, and enhancing intestinal antioxidant capacity. Regarding community diversity, NHDC treatment increased the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in diabetic zebrafish. In terms of gut microbiota composition, NHDC treatment reduced the abundance of the inflammation-associated Proteobacteria while increasing the relative abundance of the Fusobacteria, thereby maintaining the stability of the zebrafish gut microbiota. Furthermore, NHDC treatment also increased the abundance of the Prevotella, which is beneficial for increasing glycogen storage and inhibiting liver gluconeogenesis. Therefore, we speculate that NHDC may regulate the production of SCFAs and reduce the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines by reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Plesiomonas, and Aeromonas, while increasing the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Fusobacteria. The changes in the abundance of these microbiota members are involved in processes such as inflammation stress, glycogen storage, and gluconeogenesis, collectively promoting the improvement of insulin resistance in diabetic zebrafish by NHDC.

Prospects and application of solid-state fermentation in animal feed production – a review

Abstract Animal feed production has recently received significant attention in the food and livestock sectors due to its high nutritional value and substantial environmental potential. Extensive studies have been conceded to explore the effects of solid fermented feeds on different growth stages of animals but also on the health status of animals, the quality of animal products, and the composition of intestinal microflora to replace non-fermented feed production. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date existing trends, recent developments, and prospects of solid-state fermentation (SSF) practices for the production of animal feeds. Studies on enhancing nutritional factors by increasing the crude protein content, enzymes, and antioxidant activity of feed using physical processing methods on agro-industrial waste such as rapeseed meal, cottonseed, wheat bran, soybean meal, and legumes by mainly SSF are reviewed and discussed thoroughly.

Influence of various sources of amino acids on composition of intestinal microflora of meat chickens and roosters of parent herd of cross “Smena 9”

Relevance. The intensin’s microbiota plays a crucial role in feed digestion and nutrient digestion in farm poultry, influencing zootechnical performance.The aim of the study was to compare the effect of the addition of lysine and methionine in various forms to the diet on the composition of the intestinal microflora of chickens and roosters of the «Smena 9» cross, as well as to establish a connection between the composition of microflora in different diets with the zootechnical indicators of birds.Methods. Physiological reseach were carried out on meat chickens of the Plimutrock breed and roosters of the Cornish breed of the parent herd of the domestic cross “Smena 9” selection of the “Smena” SSC. 4 groups were formed (control 1A and experimental 2A-4A) such as of 9 laying heads and 4 groups of 9 rooster heads (control 1B and experimental 2B-4B). Analysis of samples of the contents of blind processes of the intestine of birds was carried out by PCR.Results. As shown by the quantitative PCR method, the studied feeding factors: various sources of lysine and methionine and a 5% reduced level of metabolic energy of feed had a different effect on the composition of the microflora of chickens and roosters of the parent stock of the new cross «Smena 9». For example, with a decrease in the level of metabolic energy in the diets of chickens, there was a decrease from 1.2 to 5.0 times in such representatives of the normoflora as Bacteroidetes and Eubacteriaceae, compared with similar groups with a basic amount of metabolic energy (p &lt; 0.05). When lysine was introduced into the diet in the form of monochlorohydrate and DL-methionine, a decrease in the weight of ovaries with an oviduct by 6.9 g was noted against the background of a decrease in the level of metabolic energy compared with the corresponding group with a base content of metabolic energy (p ≤ 0.05), whereas when using lysine in the form of sulfate and methionine in the form of a hydroxyanalog of methionine, a similar effect was reduced not noted (p &gt; 0.05). At the same time, shifts in the composition of microflora against the background of changes in diets did not have any connection with the studied zootechnical parameters in chickens and roosters.

Mogroside Alleviates Diabetes Mellitus and Modulates Intestinal Microflora in Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

Mogroside, the main component of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey (Cucurbitaceae) is a natural product with hypoglycemic and intestinal microbiota regulating properties. However, whether the alteration of intestinal microbiota is associated with the antidiabetic effect of mogroside remains poorly understood. This study investigated the mechanism underlying the hypoglycemic effect of mogroside in regulating intestinal flora and attenuating metabolic endotoxemia. Kunming mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced by high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin were randomly divided into model, pioglitazone (2.57 mg/kg) and mogroside (200, 100, and 50 mg/kg) groups. After 28 d of administration, molecular changes related to glucose metabolism and metabolic endotoxemia in mice were evaluated. The levels of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNAs were measured, and the composition of intestinal microflora was determined by 16s ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing. The results showed that mogroside treatment significantly improved hepatic glucose metabolism in T2DM mice. More importantly, mogroside treatment considerably reduced plasma endotoxin (inhibition rate 65.93%, high-dose group) and inflammatory factor levels, with a concomitant decrease in CD14 and TLR4 mRNA levels. Moreover, mogroside treatment reduced the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria (the inhibition rate of Proteobacteria was 85.17% in the low-dose group) and increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (growth rate up to 40.57%, high-dose group) in the intestines of diabetic mice. This study reveals that mogroside can relieve T2DM, regulating intestinal flora and improving intestinal mucosal barrier, indicating that mogroside can be a potential therapeutic agent or intestinal microbiota regulator in the treatment of T2DM.

Change in chemical composition and enhancement of intestinal microflora of acid hydrolyzed polysaccharides from Zizyphus jujube and Sterculia lychnophora

The homology between food and medicine has been a successful and well-accepted concept in traditional medicine, where people believe that beneficial naturally available substances can be replenished via diet to promote health. In this study, the polysaccharides in jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) and dried boat-fruited Sterculia seeds (Sterculia lychnophora) were extracted using different methods (water, acid, and alkaline extraction), and their physicochemical properties and compositions were investigated. Additionally, the effects of polysaccharides on the growth of known intestinal bacteria were investigated using in vitro incubation. The results showed that the acid and alkaline extraction methods resulted in the highest yields of polysaccharides with a high uronic acid content and satisfactory antioxidant activity. The water-extracted polysaccharides exhibited a suitable viscosity. Moreover, the water-extracted polysaccharides were acid-hydrolyzed for 2–6 h, followed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to obtain acidic hydrolyzed polysaccharides with a wide range of molecular weights and high carbohydrate contents. Subsequently, five known strains of intestinal bacteria cultured with the acidic hydrolyzed polysaccharides from jujube fruits and pandahai (10 mg/mL) were found to proliferate in Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and Propionibacterium freudenreichir in 0–48 h cultures. However, further evidence is required to validate these results, either in gastrointestinal simulations or animal models.

Effects of Alpinia officinarum stems and leaves extract on growth performance, non-specific immunity, and intestinal microflora of Litopenaeus vannamei

This study was to investigate the effects of Alpinia officinarum Hance stems and leaves extract (AOE) on the growth, non-specific immunity, intestinal microflora of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). A total of 540 juvenile L. vannamei (2.69 ± 0.03 g) were randomly divided into six groups, and feed experiment with diet supplement of 0 g/kg (CG), 0.1 g/kg (AO-1), 0.2 g/kg (AO-2), 0.3 g/kg (AO-3), 0.5 g/kg (AO-4) and 0.7 g/kg(AO-5) AOE was carried out for 8 weeks, respectively. Compared with the control group (CG), the WGR and SGR of the AO-1, AO-3, and AO-4 groups were significantly increased. Crude protein content in the muscle of L. vannamei in AO-2 was significantly increased, while the water content was significantly decreased. The crude lipid content of each extract group was significantly decreased. Compared with the control group, activities of GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC in the cell-free hemolymph of AO-3 group were significantly enhanced, and the MDA content of each extract group was significantly decreased. Activities of CAT, SOD, and T-AOC in the hepatopancreas of AO-2 group were significantly increased. Gene expression levels of lvcat, lvgsh-px, and lvmn-sod in AO-3 group were obviously higher than those in the control group, while lvpropo expression was dramatically higher in AO-2 and AO-3 groups. Moreover, AOE addition in feed changed the composition and species abundance of intestinal microflora of L. vannamei at phylum and genus levels. Through α diversity analysis, the biodiversity of the flora was improved, while β diversity analysis changed the similarity of the flora between the control and addition groups. Therefore, addition of 0.2–0.3 g/kg AOE could improve the growth, immunity and optimize the composition of intestinal microorganisms of L. vannamei.

Changes and correlation analysis of intestinal microflora composition, inflammatory index, and skeletal muscle mass in elderly patients with sarcopenia.

This study aimed to explore the alterations in characteristics of intestinal flora, inflammatory factors and skeletal muscle mass in elderly patients affected by sarcopenia, as well as the correlation among the three, in order to provide a reference for the early identification, intervention, and treatment of sarcopenia in elderly patients. A total of 206 elderly patients (≥60 years old) admitted to the Geriatric Outpatient Department of China Resources Wugang General Hospital were included in this study as the research participants. The differences in the general data, laboratory examination and intestinal flora in patients between the two groups were statistically analyzed, and the correlation between intestinal flora composition and skeletal muscle mass index, grip and inflammatory factors was also determined. The normal group and sarcopenia group exhibited a significant difference in the composition of the intestinal flora (P < 0.05). The abundance of Escherichia-Shigella between the two groups was negatively correlated with the patient's relative skeletal muscle mass index and positively correlated with the interleukin-6 (IL-6) level; moreover, Lacchnospira abundance was positively correlated with relative skeletal muscle mass index; Lactobacillus and Roseburia abundance were negatively correlated with IL-6; and Lactobacillus, Lachnospira, and Eubacterium_rectale_group were positively correlated with grip, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Overall, it was found that elderly patients with sarcopenia have intestinal flora disorders, and the abundance of such flora was negatively correlated with the relative skeletal muscle mass index, which was positively correlated with the IL-6 level. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 140-146.

The role of intestinal microbiota in the development of arterial hypertension: mechanisms and therapeutic targets

The intestinal microbiota not only mediates the influence of a number of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases on the body, but can also play an active role in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) by changing the permeability of the intestinal epithelial barrier and the production of vasoactive metabolites. At the same time, the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the influence of intestinal microbiota on BP levels is at an early stage. The review analyzes the scientific literature on the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of arterial hypertension (HTN), describes the key mechanisms of the prohypertensive action of intestinal microbiota metabolites, and presents data on new approaches to the treatment of HTN based on effects on the composition and function of intestinal microflora. BP levels are affected by molecules whose concentration in the blood is directly or indirectly related to the activity of intestinal microflora. These bioactive molecules can be divided into two groups — those formed by cells of the human immune system as a result of stimulation by the microbiota and those formed enzymatically as a result of the metabolic activity of the microbiota itself. The first group includes molecular mechanisms associated with immune activation and systemic inflammatory response, and the second group includes short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide, bile acids, uremic toxins and biogenic amines. HTN is accompanied by specific changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and in recent years, researchers have established cause-and-effect relationships between certain enterotypes and the development of HTN. Moreover, established HTN itself causes changes in the intestinal microbiome profile. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating the influence of microbiota on BP may serve as the basis for the development of new approaches to the treatment of HTN.