Fecal Lactobacillus Research Articles

Effects of Free or Immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 on Corinthian Currants on Gut Microbiome of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a dietary intervention including free or immobilized cells of the presumptive probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 on Corinthian currants, a food with beneficial impact in the condition of Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), on the microbiome composition of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): healthy animals, which received the free (H_FP) or the immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 cells (H_IPC), and diabetic animals, which received the free (D_FP) or the immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 cells(D_IPC) for 4 weeks (109 cfu/day, in all groups). At the end of the dietary intervention, the D_IPC group exerted a lower concentration of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta compared to D_FP. Consumption of immobilized P. acidilactici ORE5 cells on Corinthian currants by diabetic animals led to increased loads of fecal lactobacilli and lower Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and Escherichia coli levels, while Actinobacteria phylum, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium genera abundances were increased, and fecal lactic acid was elevated. Overall, the results of the present research demonstrated that functional ingredients could ameliorate gut dysbiosis present in T1DM and could be used to design dietary patterns aiming at T1DM management. However, well-designed clinical trials are necessary, in order to confirm the beneficial effects in humans.

Zonulin — effective biomarker for the diagnosis of intestinal lesions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in COVID‑19

The SARS‑CoV‑2 virus mainly attacks the respiratory system, but can also affect several organs, in particular, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain in the early stages of the disease. Intestinal dysfunction leads to a change in intestinal microorganisms and an increase in the content of inflammatory cytokines. Liver dysfunction is also relatively common in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). Objective — to investigate the efficacy of zonulin in determining intestinal damage in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with COVID‑19. Materials and methods. The study included 76 patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who had complaints indicating intestinal disorders during the outpatient stage of follow‑up after ­COVID‑19. From the anamnesis, it was found that all examined patients had a confirmed diagnosis of infection with SARS‑CoV‑2 virus. All patients had a mostly mild course of COVID‑19, which did not require hospitalization. Patients with NAFLD were divided into two groups depending on defecation violation: group I — 36 patients who, after an acute respiratory infection caused by the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, developed periodic diarrhea (on average, in (38.7±5.2) days after a negative PCR result for SARS‑CoV‑2 virus); group II — 40 patients with constipation, which began to bother on average in (86.9±7.4) days after a negative PCR result. The control group included 20 practically healthy individuals. The level of zonulin was determined in blood serum and faeces by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. Patients underwent faecal culture to assess the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora. Results. During the anthropometric examination, overweight and first‑degree obesity were detected more frequently in patients of both groups: overweight was diagnosed most frequently in patients of group I (38.9%) and first‑degree obesity in patients of group II (35.0%). The microbiological examination of faeces in both groups of patients revealed a decrease in the number of bifidus and lactobacilli, as well as Enterococcus and E. coli with normal enzymatic properties. In group I patients, Citrobacter and Staphylococcus were statistically significantly (p <0.05) more often detected in increased concentrations in faeces, whereas in group II patients Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium were detected (p <0.05). Significant changes were found in the analysis of zonulin levels in both serum and faeces in patients with NAFLD after COVID‑19. Serum zonulin levels in patients of group I increased 6.5‑fold, and in patients of group II—8.6‑fold (p <0.001). An increase in the concentration of zonulin in the faeces was also detected — by 7.5 and 9.7 times, respectively (p <0.001). A correlation was established between the level of zonulin in both blood serum and faeces and a decrease in the number of bifidus and lactobacilli in faeces in patients of both groups. Also, a strong correlation was found between the number of Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium and a medium intensity correlation between the number of Staphylococcus in the faeces in patients of group ІІ. In patients of group І, a correlation was found between the number of Staphylococcus and Citrobacter. The level of zonulin (both in blood serum and faeces) directly depended on changes in body mass index in the patients we examined, namely, overweight in patients of group І and obesity of the first degree in patients of group ІІ. Conclusions. In patients with NAFLD after COVID19, changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora were found in the intestinal lesions, including a decrease in the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, as well as an increase in the content of Staphylococcus and Citrobacter in the faeces in patients with predominant diarrhoea and Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium in patients with predominant constipation. An increase in the level of zonulin in the blood serum and faeces in patients with NAFLD after ­COVID‑19 was detected. A more pronounced deviation from the norm was found in patients of group ІІ (with complaints of constipation). A direct correlation was established between the level of zonulin in the blood serum and faeces and changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora, as well as an increase in body mass index in patients with NAFLD after ­COVID‑19.

PSIX-10 Effects of Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 on macronutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs subjected to an abrupt diet change

Abstract Probiotic use in dogs is increasing, with spore-forming Bacillus species gaining interest due to their viability during processing, storage, and in the gastrointestinal tract. B. subtilis is known for its adaptable metabolism that may be useful in pets subjected to abrupt dietary changes. The objective of this study was to determine dietary apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs supplemented with B. subtilis ATCC PTA-122264. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois IACUC prior to experimentation. Dogs [n = 12; 6 ± 1 yr; 8.71 ± 0.91 kg body weight (BW)] were used in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design (n = 12/group) and fed to maintain BW. In each 42-d experimental period, dogs were allotted to one of three treatments: Control (kibble diet only), Low [kibble diet + 1×109 colony-forming units (CFU) of B. subtilis], and High (kibble diet + 5×109 CFU of B. subtilis). After a 22-d adaptation phase, a 5-d fecal collection phase was followed by a blood collection phase. On d 28, dogs were abruptly changed to a canned diet and fed for 14 d, with fecal samples collected on d 30 (2 d post change), 34 (6 d post change), 38 (10 d post change), and 42 (14 d post change). Fecal microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2. All other data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P < 0.05 being considered significant. B. subtilis supplementation of the kibble diet did not influence food or energy intake, fecal output, ATTD, most serum metabolites, hematology, fecal characteristics, fecal bacterial alpha and beta diversity indices, and dysbiosis index, demonstrating the safety of the strain in dogs. However, fecal Streptococcus and Blautia abundances were higher in High dogs than Low or Control dogs, while E. coli abundance was less in Low dogs than High and Control dogs. The abrupt change to a canned diet led to significant alterations in fecal characteristics, dysbiosis index, and bacterial abundances, which were not influenced by B. subtilis supplementation. Bacterial alpha diversity measures were affected, with observed ASV (amplicon sequence variants) and the Fisher Index reducing, and the Shannon Index increasing by dietary change. The abrupt dietary change caused a distinct shift in microbial communities, as evidenced by principal coordinates analysis plots. The relative abundances of various fecal bacterial taxa, including Bifidobacterium, Faecalibaculum, Turicibacter, and Lactobacillus were decreased, while Collinsella, Ruminococcus gnavus group, and Escherichia-Shigella were increased with the dietary change. Our data support the notion that daily supplementation of 1 – 5×109 CFU of B. subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 in healthy dogs is safe and does not affect markers of general health and fecal characteristics, warranting further exploration.

Fluctuations in lactobacillus and coliforms population in faeces of piglets and antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains isolated from stool samples of piglets

Fluctuations in lactobacillus and coliforms population in faeces of piglets and antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains isolated from stool samples of piglets

Influence of Northern Wild Rice on Gut Dysbiosis and Short Chain Fatty Acids: Correlation with Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers in Mice on High Fat Diet.

Wild rice (WLD) attenuated hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and chronic inflammation in mice receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) versus white rice (WHR), but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. We examined the influence of HFD + WLD on gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the correlation with metabolic or inflammatory markers in mice versus HFD + WHR. C57BL/6J mice received HFD + 26 g weight (wt) % WHR or WLD or 13 g wt% WHR + 13 g wt% WLD (WTWD) for 12 weeks. Plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers after overnight fasting were lower, and the abundances of fecal Lactobacillus gasseri and propionic acid were higher in HFD + WLD-fed mice than in HFD + WHR-fed mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of HFD + WTWD were weaker than HFD + WLD but were greater than those in HFD + WHR-fed mice. Abundances of fecal Lactobacillus gasseri and propionic acid in mice receiving HFD + WLD were higher than those in mice fed with HFD + WHR. The abundances of fecal L. gasseri and propionic acid negatively correlated with metabolic and inflammatory markers. The findings of the present study suggest that WLD attenuated metabolic and inflammatory disorders in mice on HFD. Interactions between WLD components and gut microbiota may upregulate fecal SCFAs, and the latter may be attributed to the benefits of WLD on metabolism and inflammation in mice on HFD.

Effect of Dietary Addition of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seed on Growth Performance, Haemato-Biochemical Profile and Faecal Microbiota of Kankrej Calves

The experiment was conducted during the month of February and March, 2023 at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India to evaluate the effect of dietary addition of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed on growth performance, haemato-biochemical profile and faecal microbiota of Kankrej calves. Eighteen Kankrej calves were randomly divided into three treatment groups, viz. Basal diet (control), Basal diet+5 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation and Basal diet+10 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation for a period of 60 days. Results revealed that there was numerically higher body weight gains were observed in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily than the control, the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05) among the treatment groups. The mean faecal counts (log10 cfu g-1 in fresh faeces) of lactobacillus were increased, while coliform were reduced in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily as compared to control group. There was no effect (p>0.05) on the haemoglobin, haematocrit, total erythrocytes count and total leucocytes count among the treatment groups. No difference (p>0.05) was found in serum levels of total proteins, albumin, globulin, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT and AST concentrations among the treatment groups. It may be concluded that dietary fennel seed powder supplementation in calves improved growth performance and had beneficial effect on faecal microbiota with higher faecal lactobacillus count and lower faecal coliform count. Fennel seed supplementation did not affect haemato-biochemical profile of calves.

Relationship Between Vaginal and Gut Microbiome on Stress and Depression in Pregnancy [ID 2683607

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy is a period of significant stress and weight gain; however, the effect of the vaginal and gut microbiome on pregnancy, depression, stress, and the neonate is not completely understood. METHODS: An IRB-approved prospective cohort study was performed for pregnant individuals and their neonates. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) surveys were administered in the antepartum and postpartum patient, vaginal and fecal microbiome samples were collected, and neonate umbilical cord blood and fecal specimens were also collected. Using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing, fecal and vaginal community composition was characterized. Additionally, possible covariates such as body mass index, cohabitation status, educational attainment, dietary intake, public/private insurance status, chronic health conditions, and pregnancy complications were captured. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 35 pregnant individuals, average age 30 years, and half primiparous. Increased early pregnancy stress (PSS greater than or equal to 14) was associated with increased abundance of fecal taxa, and increased stress from late pregnancy through postpartum was associated with increased abundance of fecal microbial pathogens. Depressed participants (CES-D greater than or equal to 16) experienced steeper decreases in prenatal vaginal microbiome diversity. In late pregnancy, maternal stress and depression scores were associated with elevated maternal inflammatory markers (CCL2). At delivery, neonatal umbilical CCL2 concentration was negatively correlated with relative abundance of maternal fecal lactobacilli. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the relationship between stress and depression in pregnancy, the microbiome of the pregnant patient, and inflammatory markers in the pregnant patient and the neonate.

Screening for potential warning biomarkers in cows with ketosis based on host-microbiota co-metabolism analysis.

The risk of ketosis is assessed by monitoring changes in plasma metabolites and cow behavior during the peripartum period. However, little is known about changes in the fecal bile acid and microbiota of cows before parturition. Therefore, this study clarified the bile acid profile and screened potential warning biomarkers in heifers 7 days before calving. Ninety healthy cows were tracked in the transition period, and plasma and feces were collected 7 days before calving, on calving day, and 7 days after calving. The cows were divided into ketosis and healthy groups based on the blood β-hydroxybutyric acid levels from day 7 after calving. The levels of serum biochemical indices were measured at three time points using commercial kits. Ten cows in the ketosis group (KET-7) and 10 healthy cows (HEA-7) were randomly selected 7 days before calving for metabolome and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. No significant differences in serum energy-related indices were observed 7 days before calving. The major bile acids in the feces of the KET-7 group were non-conjugated secondary bile acids (UnconSBA). Differential bile acids were primarily derived from UnconSBA. The potential ketosis warning metabolite in feces for 7 days before delivery was isodeoxycholic acid. The abundance of Rikenellaaceae-RC9-gut-group in the KET-7 group increased, whereas the abundance of Oscillospiraceae UCG-010 bacteria significantly decreased. Lactobacillus and Prevotella-9 in feces were potential warning biomarkers for ketosis in dairy cows 7 days before calving. The variation in differential bile acids in the plasma, consistent with the feces, was mainly derived from UnconSBA. Lithocholic acid in the plasma was a potential ketosis warning metabolite 7 days before delivery. Ketotic cows experienced bile acid metabolism disorders 7 days before calving, and the gut microbiota was closely related to bile acid metabolism disorders. Future studies should investigate the relationship between secondary bile acids and the development of ketosis.

Chicory root powder included as a prebiotic in different cereal-based diets for dogs: Influences on gut health, metabolic and immunological status

The present experiment was conducted to study the influence of chicory root powder as a prebiotic on gut health, metabolic, and immunological status of dogs fed with different cereal-based diets. Sixteen Labrador dogs, fed either a wheat (WT) or sorghum (SG) based diet, each without (C) or with (P) supplemental chicory root powder at 10 g/kg diet, were divided into four equal groups namely WT-C, WT-P, SG-C and SG-P. The digestibility of DM, OM, and total carbohydrates was significantly (p < 0.05) higher with the SG-C diet than with the other diets. Faecal ammonia was reduced (p = 0.002) in the WT-P group; however, there were no differences (p > 0.05) observed in the faecal pH and contents of lactate, acetate, propionate and total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The faecal lactobacilli population was higher (p = 0.001) in both the prebiotic-supplemented groups with a similar trend (p = 0.079) for bifidobacteria. Coliform counts were reduced (p = 0.002) in prebiotic-supplemented diets irrespective of cereals. There were significant (p < 0.05) variations in haemoglobin and haematocrit values among the dietary groups. The delayed-type hypersensitivity response to intradermal phytohemagglutinin (PHA-P) was higher (p<0.001) in both the prebiotic-supplemented groups; a similar trend was evident in the humoral immune response measured as antibody response to sheep erythrocytes. The peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations of CD4+ and CD8+ varied with prebiotic supplementation of the sorghum-based diet. Overall, the findings implies that tailoring the dietary composition to include specific cereals may optimize the beneficial effects of prebiotics in supporting canine health.

Chemotherapy-induced microbiota exacerbates the toxicity of chemotherapy through the suppression of interleukin-10 from macrophages

ABSTRACT The gut microbiota has been shown to influence the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy, thereby affecting treatment outcomes. Understanding the mechanism by which microbiota affects chemotherapeutic toxicity would have a profound impact on cancer management. In this study, we report that fecal microbiota transplantation from oxaliplatin-exposed mice promotes toxicity in recipient mice. Splenic RNA sequencing and macrophage depletion experiment showed that the microbiota-induced toxicity of oxaliplatin in mice was dependent on macrophages. Furthermore, oxaliplatin-mediated toxicity was exacerbated in Il10 -/- mice, but not attenuated in Rag1 -/- mice. Adoptive transfer of macrophage into Il10 -/- mice confirmed the role of macrophage-derived IL-10 in the improvement of oxaliplatin-induced toxicity. Depletion of fecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium was associated with the exacerbation of oxaliplatin-mediated toxicity, whereas supplementation with these probiotics alleviated chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Importantly, IL-10 administration and probiotics supplementation did not attenuate the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapy. Clinically, patients with colorectal cancer exposed to oxaliplatin exhibited downregulation of peripheral CD45+IL-10+ cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that microbiota-mediated IL-10 production influences tolerance to chemotherapy, and thus represents a potential clinical target.

Effects of fermented soymilk with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei YIT 9029 on gut microbiota and defecation habits: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Previous studies have demonstrated that soymilk and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei YIT 9029 (strain Shirota: LcS) each beneficially affect the gut microbiota and defecation habits. To investigate the effects of daily consumption of fermented soymilk containing LcS (FSM), we conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 112 healthy Japanese adults with a low faecal Bifidobacterium count. They consumed 100ml FSM or placebo (unfermented soymilk base) once daily for 4 weeks. Their gut microbiota was analysed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and faecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and urinary putrefactive products were assessed during the pre- and post-consumption periods. Defecation habits were examined weekly using a subjective questionnaire. In the post-consumption period, living LcS were not detected in two subjects in the FSM group (n= 57) but were detected in one subject in the SM group (n= 55). The FSM group had a significantly higher number and relative abundance of faecal lactobacilli compared with the placebo group. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, alpha-diversity of microbiota, and concentrations of acetate and total SCFAs in faeces were significantly increased in the FSM group, although no significant differences were detected between the groups. The number of defecations and defecation days per week significantly increased in both groups. Subgroup analysis of 109 subjects, excluding 3 with inconsistent LcS detection (2 and 1 subjects in the FSM and SM groups, respectively), revealed that the FSM group (n= 55) had significantly greater increases in faecal acetate concentration compared with the SM group (n= 54) and significant upregulation of pathways related to energy production or glucose metabolism in the gut microbiota. These findings suggest that daily FSM consumption improves the gut microbiota and intestinal environment in healthy adults and may help to maintain health and prevent diseases. Registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) clinical trials registry under: UMIN 000035612.

Effects of partial replacement of fishmeal with dried porcine soluble on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, and fecal score in weaning pig

Dried porcine solubles (DPSs) are the by-product obtained during the extraction of heparin from the porcine mucosa of the small intestine. The effects of partially replacing fishmeal with DPS in weaning pig diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial count, and fecal score were investigated here. A total of 70 crossbred ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc) weaning pigs were divided into two dietary treatment groups: dietary treatments, CON: 3% fishmeal; DPS: 1.5% fishmeal and 1.5% DPSs. Average daily gain was tended to increase ( p &lt; 0.10) in weaning pigs fed DPS compared to the CON group in week 2. The digestibility of dry matter was tended to improve ( p &lt; 0.10) in weaning pigs fed DPS diet group in week 2 and week 5. Fecal Lactobacillus count was tended to increase ( p &lt; 0.10) and Escherichia coli was tended to decrease ( p &lt; 0.10) in weaning pigs fed DPSs compared to the weaning pigs fed CON at week 5 of the feeding trial. Our findings suggest that partially replacing fishmeal with DPSs in weaning pig diets can have beneficial effects on the growth performance through the tendency to improve dry matter digestibility and fecal microbiota.

Microbial Mechanistic Insight into the Role of Yeast-Derived Postbiotics in Improving Sow Reproductive Performance in Late Gestation and Lactation Sows.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of supplementing Yeast-derived postbiotics (Y-dP) to the diet of sows during late pregnancy and lactation on fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in sows and their offspring weaned piglets, as well as the relationship between gut microbiota and SCFA, serum cytokines, and sow reproductive performance. A total of 150 sows were divided into three groups: control diet (CON), CON + Y-dP 1.25 g/kg, and CON + Y-dP 2 g/kg. The results showed that supplementing 0.125% Y-dP to the diet of sows can increase the content of isobutyric acid (IBA) in the feces of pregnant sows and reduce the content of butyric acid (BA) in the feces of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). The fecal microbiota of pregnant sows β diversity reduced and piglet fecal microbiota β diversity increased (p < 0.05). Y-dP significantly increased the abundance of Actinobacteria and Limosilactobacilli in the feces of pregnant sows (p < 0.05), as well as the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota, and Fusobacteriota in the feces of piglets (p < 0.05). The abundance of Bacteroidota in the feces of pregnant sows is positively correlated with propionic acid (PA) (r > 0.5, p < 0.05). The abundance of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group was positively correlated with Acetic acid (AA), PA, Valerate acid (VA), and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) in the feces of pregnant sows (r > 0.5, p < 0.05), and Bacteroidota and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group were negatively correlated with the number of stillbirths (r < -0.5, p < 0.05). The abundance of Lactobacillus and Holdemanella in piglet feces was positively correlated with TVFA in feces and negatively correlated with IgA in serum (r > 0.5, p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Y-dP to the diet of sows from late gestation to lactation can increase the chao1 index and α diversity of fecal microorganisms in sows during lactation, increase the abundance of Actinobacteria and Limosilactobacilli in the feces of sows during pregnancy, and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes in piglet feces, thereby improving intestinal health. These findings provide a reference for the application of Y-dP in sow production and a theoretical basis for Y-dP to improve sow production performance.

The effect of supplementation with a multi-species synbiotic on serum lipid profile, abundance of beneficial gut bacteria and firmicutes to bacteroidetes ratio in patients with dyslipidemia; a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

BackgroundDysbiosis an imbalance of gut microbiota (GM) may contribute to the development of metabolic disorders including dyslipidemia. Synbiotics have been suggested to modulate GM composition and in turn, they may alter lipid metabolism. We aimed to evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on serum lipid profile, abundance of dominant gut bacteria, and also the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in adults with dyslipidemia. MethodsFifty-six adults with dyslipidemia were enrolled in a randomized, clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either synbiotic or placebo sachets for 12 weeks. Each synbiotic sachet contains (a total dose of 3 ×1010 colony forming units, CFU/gram) six species of probiotic microorganisms with 5-gram inulin and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) in equal amounts as prebiotics. Serum lipid profile, fecal bacteria abundance, dietary intake, physical activity level (PAL), and anthropometric measures, were assessed at the baseline and after intervention. ResultsNo significant changes were observed in participants' dietary intake, PA, and anthropometric indices within and between groups after 12 weeks of intervention. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) showed a significant increase (p = 0.0008), while no significant change in other lipid profile components was observed. The abundance of fecal Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium was significantly increased in the synbiotic group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.032 respectively). However, 12 weeks of synbiotic supplementation didn’t affect F/B Ratio (p = 0.43) at the end of the study. ConclusionsTwelve weeks of supplementation with multi-species synbiotic may improve HDL-C and enhance the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria in patients with dyslipidemia.

Effects of different wheat bran fermentation sources on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum antioxidant capacity and fecal microbiota in growing pigs.

The present study aimed to evaluate the application of different wheat bran fermentation sources in growing pigs. A total of 320 pigs (43 ± 0.21 kg), were randomly allocated to 5 groups in a 21-d trial. The control group was fed a basal diet (CON) containing raw wheat bran, and the other four treatments were fed the diets in which the raw wheat bran in the basal diet was substituted with Aspergillus niger (WBA), Bacillus licheniformis (WBB), Candida utilis (WBC), and Lactobacillus plantarum (WBL) fermented wheat bran, respectively. The results showed that compared to the CON group, the crude fiber and pH values were decreased (p < 0.05), while the gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), and lactic acid values were increased (p < 0.05) in all the wheat bran fermented by different strains. Compared with other treatments, feeding B. licheniformis fermented wheat bran had higher final weight, average daily gain, as well as lower feed-to-gain ratio. Compared with CON group, pigs fed with fermented wheat bran diets had higher dry matter, CP, and GE availability, serum total protein, albumin and superoxide dismutase levels, and fecal Lactobacillus counts, as well as lower malondialdehyde level and fecal Escherichia coli count. Collectively, our findings suggested that feeding fermented wheat bran, especially B. licheniformis fermented wheat bran, showed beneficial effects on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum antioxidant capacity, and the gut microbiota structure of growing pigs.

Altered Gut Microbiota and Short-chain Fatty Acids in Chinese Children with Constipated Autism Spectrum Disorder

Gastrointestinal symptoms are more prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than in typically developing (TD) children. Constipation is a significant gastrointestinal comorbidity of ASD, but the associations among constipated autism spectrum disorder (C-ASD), microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are still debated. We enrolled 80 children, divided into the C-ASD group (n = 40) and the TD group (n = 40). In this study, an integrated 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach was applied to explore the association of the gut microbiota and SCFAs in C-ASD children in China. The community diversity estimated by the Observe, Chao1, and ACE indices was significantly lower in the C-ASD group than in the TD group. We observed that Ruminococcaceae_UCG_002, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG_003, Phascolarctobacterium, Megamonas, Ruminiclostridium_5, Parabacteroides, Prevotella_2, Fusobacterium, and Prevotella_9 were enriched in the C-ASD group, and Anaerostipes, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ralstonia, Eubacterium_eligens_group, and Ruminococcus_1 were enriched in the TD group. The propionate levels, which were higher in the C-ASD group, were negatively correlated with the abundance of Lactobacillus taxa, but were positively correlated with the severity of ASD symptoms. The random forest model, based on the 16 representative discriminant genera, achieved a high accuracy (AUC = 0.924). In conclusion, we found that C-ASD is related to altered gut microbiota and SCFAs, especially decreased abundance of Lactobacillus and excessive propionate in faeces, which provide new clues to understand C-ASD and biomarkers for the diagnosis and potential strategies for treatment of the disorder. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn; trial registration number ChiCTR2100052106; date of registration: October 17, 2021).

Effects of different levels of organic chromium and selenomethionine cocktails in broilers.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in physiological processes by regulating the antioxidant defense system and enhancing immunity. Chromium is an essential mineral involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and also plays a role in maintaining normal insulin function. Based on these advantages, we hypothesized that the addition of selenomethionine (SeMet) and organic chromium (OC) to broiler diets would increase Se deposition, antioxidant capacity and immune response in meat. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of OC and SeMet on growh performance, nutrients digestibility, blood profiles, intestinal morphology, meat quality characteristics, and taxonomic analysis of broilers. A total of 168 one-day-old broiler chicken (Arbor Acres) were randomly allotted to 3 groups based on the initial body weight of 37.33 ± 0.24 g with 7 replicate per 8 birds (mixed sex). The experiments period was 28 days. Dietary treatments were folloewd: Basal diets based on corn-soybean meal (CON), basal diet supplemented with 0.2 ppm OC and 0.2 ppm SeMet (CS4), and basal diet supplemented with 0.4 ppm OC and 0.4 ppm SeMet (CS8). Supplementation of OC and SeMet did not affect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility. However, CS8 supplementation increased in duodenum villus height and villus height : crypt depth, and increased in breast meat Se deposition. In addition, CS8 group showed higher uric acid and total antioxidant status than CON group. Taxonomic analysis at phylum level revealed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes of CS4 and CS8 were lower than CON group. In genus level, the relative abundance of fecal Lactobacillus and Enterococcus of CS4 and CS8 groups were higher than CON group. In short, 0.4 ppm OC and 0.4 ppm SeMet supplementation to broiler diet supporitng positive gut microbiome change, also enhancing antioxidant capacity, and Se deposition in breast meat.

PSIII-19 Effect of Dietary Clay Mineral and Organic Selenium Supplementation on Broilers

Abstract Selenium is an essential trace element that has several important biological roles in humans, including regulation of the antioxidant defense system, improving immunity, and maintaining body homeostasis. However, in countries with densely populated populations around the world, selenium intake is less than the recommended daily intake due to a lack of selenium in the soil. So, we hypothesized that the addition of organic selenium and clay minerals to broiler feed would increase selenium concentration in the meat as well as antioxidant capacity and immune response. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of clay minerals and organotaselenium on growth performance, digestibility, intestinal morphology, blood characteristics, fecal microbiome, foot-pad dermatitis and meat quality characteristics of broilers. A total of 168 1-d old broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were randomly assigned to 3 groups based on the initial body weight (37.33 ± 0.24 g) with 7 replicate per 8 birds (mixed sex). The experiments period was 28 d. Dietary treatments were: basal diets based on corn-soybean meal (Control group), basal diet supplemented with 1000 ppm zeolite and 0.2 ppm seleno-methionine (Treatment 1), and basal diet supplemented with 1000 ppm zeolite and 0.4 ppm seleno-methionine (Treatment 2). Supplementation of zeolite and seleno-methionine did not affect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, foot-pad dermatitis. However, increasing level of seleno-metionine showed linear increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in villus height/crypt depth ratio of duodenum and selenium concentration in breast meat. Also, increasing level of seleno-methionine showed linear decrease (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in blood uric acid. Total genomic DNA was used to assess the fecal microbiota diversity and composition using the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. There were differences in alpha diversity and beta diversity in fecal microbiomes among treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Taxonomic analysis at phylum level revealed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 were significantly less than control group. In genus level, the relative abundance of fecal Lactobacillus and Enterococcus of Treatment groups were greater than control group. In short, 1000 ppm zeolite and 0.4 ppm seleno-methionine supplementation to broiler diet supported positive gut microbime change, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, and concentration of selenium in muscle.

Effect of Probiotic Dose Escalation on Gut Microbiota and Clinical Outcomes in Preterm Infants-A Systematic Review.

Probiotics are known to decrease incidences of necrotising enterocolitis, feeding intolerance, late-onset sepsis, and mortality in preterm infants. Administering an adequate dose is important for optimizing the benefits and safety of probiotics. We conducted a systematic review to assess the effect of probiotic dose escalation on clinical outcomes and gut microbiota in preterm neonates. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, EMCARE, Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and MedNar databases in July 2023. Three studies were included. In one of the randomized studies (n = 149, gestation 27 to 33 weeks), no significant differences in faecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts and clinical outcomes were seen between the high- and low-dose groups. There was a trend towards increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in the high-dose group. In the other randomized study (n = 120, birth weight 500 to 2000 gm), smaller infants (500 to 1000 gm) required higher doses to display Lactobacillus in their faeces. The cohort study (n = 12, gestation < 33 weeks) showed a trend towards an increase in faecal abundance of bifidobacteria and bacterial diversity in the B. infantis group with increasing dose/time. Limited evidence suggests a higher dose might improve gut colonization in preterm infants. Further studies are urgently needed to address this gap in the knowledge considering the increasing use of probiotics for preterm infants.

Dried Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Meal Inclusion in the Diets of Broilers Affects Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Nutrients Digestibility, Fecal Microbiota and Economics

The availability of suitable feedstuffs for poultry nutrition is a significant challenge faced by the global poultry production industry. This issue has been exacerbated by the shift towards using grains for biofuel production, leading to a subsequent rise in feedstuff prices. The study aimed to assess the impact of different levels of dried date wastes in the diet of broiler chicks on their growth, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota and economics. A total of 240 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308/Ross 308 FF) were divided into five experimental groups and fed 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% of dietary date meal (DDM). The formulated diets were provided to chicks for a duration of 35 days. The findings of the study indicated that chicks fed with a diet containing 9% dried dates exhibited a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher increase in body weight compared to the control group by the end of the study period. Additionally, dressing percentage, carcass weight, leg weight and breast weight were notably higher (p &lt; 0.05) among birds that consumed the 9% dried dates diet. Moreover, the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract showed a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in birds that were fed a 9% dried dates diet. Furthermore, DDM at 9% experienced significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher levels of Lactobacillus and decreased (p &lt; 0.05) the level of E. coli count. Similarly, economically, birds supplemented with 9% DDM exhibited significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher profit compared to the control. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that broiler chicks fed with a diet including 9% dried date waste experienced improved growth performance, enhanced carcass quality, supported digestibility of nutrients, elevated the count of fecal Lactobacillus, reduced E. coli count and economics.