Diversity Of Microbiota Research Articles

Exploring the Role of Gut Microbiota Diversity in Early Childhood Stunting: A Multi-Center Longitudinal Study

Early childhood stunting is a significant global health issue with profound implications for children's physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. While factors like nutrition, environment, and genetics have been extensively studied, the role of gut microbiota diversity in the mechanisms underlying stunting remains not well understood. This multi-center longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the relationship between gut microbiota diversity and the incidence of stunting in early childhood. The analysis of stool samples revealed that stunted children exhibited lower gut microbiota diversity compared to their non-stunted counterparts. Longitudinal growth tracking further demonstrated that children with higher initial gut microbiota diversity experienced more favorable growth trajectories. The study also found that gut microbiota diversity remained an independent predictor of stunting, even after accounting for socioeconomic, dietary, and environmental factors. These findings suggest that strategies to enhance gut microbiota diversity, such as probiotics or prebiotics, could be integrated into existing nutritional programs to combat stunting. The study's implications highlight the need for holistic approaches that consider the complex interplay between gut health and early childhood development.

Effects of Social Group Housing on the Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Captive Sub-Adult Giant Pandas.

Wild giant pandas are inherently solitary creatures, however, the ex-situ conservation efforts significantly alter the living circumstances of their captive counterparts. Following the breeding period, giant pandas in captivity may be maintained in social groups. Currently, there is a lack of research on the effects of group housing on the physiology, behavior, and gut microbiota of captive giant pandas. This study divided six captive giant pandas into two groups following the breeding period. By comparing the behavior, physiology, and microorganisms of the two groups, we aim to investigate the behavioral responses and physiological adaptation mechanisms exhibited by captive giant pandas in a "group living" state. Our findings indicate that sub-adult giant pandas housed in group settings exhibit a significantly longer duration of playing behavior (including interactive and non-interactive play) compared to their counterparts housed separately (p < 0.001) while also demonstrating a significantly lower duration of stereotyped behavior than their separately housed counterparts. Additionally, an analysis of urine cortisol and heart rate variability between the two groups revealed no significant differences. Simultaneously, the group housing strategy markedly elevated the β diversity of gut microbiota in sub-adult giant pandas. In conclusion, the group-rearing model during the sub-adult stage has been shown to significantly alter the behavioral patterns of captive giant pandas. In conclusion, within the present captive setting, the group-rearing approach during the sub-adult stage proved to be less distressing for adult captive giant pandas.

Immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms research of deer antler water extract (DAWE) on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressive mice based on metabolomics and microbiomics

Deer antler has been a staple food for millennia, yet its precise immunomodulatory mechanisms remain unexplored. In our study, we systematically investigated the effects and mechanisms of deer antler water extract (DAWE) on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressive mice. We identified various bioactive components in DAWE, including monosaccharides, nucleosides, phospholipids, amino acids, lipids, and organic acids. Following 14 days of administration of DAWE (260 mg/kg) significantly enhanced immunity in immunosuppressed mice, alleviating spleen injury, boosting immune cell proliferation, and increasing immunoactive substances production. Moreover, DAWE effectively mitigated intestinal barrier damage by promoting goblet cell and IgA-secreting cell proliferation and upregulating the expression of occludin-1 and claudin-1. Additionally, DAWE modulated gut microbiota diversity, composition, and metabolic activity. The metabonomic analysis highlighted the pivotal role of glutamine and glutamate metabolic pathways in DAWE's immune regulatory effects. These findings provide valuable insights into DAWE as a potential immunomodulator and functional food, warranting further exploration in clinical applications.

Autofluorescence for the Visualization of Microorganisms in Biodeteriorated Materials in the Context of Cultural Heritage.

Microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, cyanobacteria, and algae, frequently colonize the surfaces of cultural heritage materials. These biological agents can cause biodeterioration through various mechanisms, resulting in aesthetic alteration, physical disruption, or compromise of mechanical integrity. To assess the presence and diversity of microorganisms, a combination of microscopy techniques is commonly used in conjunction with results from both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. However, microbial populations are often underestimated. To address this issue, microorganisms can be detected by their intrinsic fluorescence, which can be observed via fluorescence microscopy. This approach facilitates the mapping of the spatial arrangement of microorganisms and the understanding of colonization patterns, thereby complementing established imaging techniques and providing insight into the interactions of microbial communities with the substrate. Given the limited research in this area, we examine the potential of microorganism autofluorescence as a molecular tool for investigating biodeterioration in artistic and architectural heritage, with a particular focus on paper and stone materials. Identifying and understanding the diverse microbiota that may be present is crucial for developing tailored and effective preventive measures and conservation treatments, as some of the species discovered may pose significant risks to both artifacts and human health.

424. EFFECT OF GUT MICROBIOTA ON THE RESPONSE TO NEOADJUVANT IMMUNOTHERAPY COMBINED WITH CHEMOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract Background To explore the impact of gut microbiota diversity on the efficacy of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients, aiming to identify microbial markers for predicting treatment outcomes. Methods In this study, we prospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who were scheduled to undergo neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy; stool specimens were collected before the first cycle, the second cycle of immunotherapy, and at the time of preoperative disease evaluation. To examine the gut microbiota's composition and abundance, we employed the 16S rDNA sequencing technique. The sequencing data were preprocessed with FLASH and Uparse software, and species annotation was performed using the SSUrRNA database. Microbiota analysis was conducted using the R language, and group differences were assessed using appropriate statistical methods. Results In this study, 43 patients (totally 122 stool samples) with neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled from December 2020 to January 2022. 16S rDNA sequencing results suggested that patients in the sensitive group had higher total fecal microbiota diversity than those in the drug-resistant group, and a notable variation in the structure of the microbiota was detected between the two groups. During treatment, the results did not show any significant statistical difference in the number of species (alpha diversity) in the sensitive group compared to the resistant group, although there was a trend towards a higher number of species in the pre-treatment sensitive group. As the treatment progressed, starting from the second cycle of treatment, the sensitive group had a higher alpha diversity than the resistant group. And we found that Bray-Curtis distance assessment of beta diversity showed that the difference between the sensitive and resistant groups also became more pronounced as treatment progressed. At the phylum level, the gut flora composition of the sensitive group remained relatively stable as treatment progressed, while the microbial diversity of the resistant group appeared to decrease. At the genus level, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia and Ruminococcus were more abundant in the immunotherapy-sensitive group; whereas Ligilactobacillus and Escherichia-Shigella was more rich in the immunotherapy-resistant group. The prediction model based on the baseline differences of gut microbiota in the two groups using a random forest method can be applied to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion There are differences in species diversity and microbiota structure between the sensitive and resistant groups of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients receiving immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, and the predictive model, which is based on the microbiota differences between the two groups before treatment, could be clinically relevant in predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral tolerance to dietary antigens and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells.

Immune tolerance to foods develops in the intestine upon food ingestion and is essential to prevent IgE-mediated food allergy and gut inflammation. In homeostasis, the intestine is a tolerogenic environment that favors the formation of food-specific Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. A tolerogenic intestinal environment depends on colonization by diverse microbiota and exposure to solid foods at a critical period in early life. These early immune responses lead to the induction of antigen-specific Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in draining mesenteric lymph nodes. These peripherally induced regulatory cells circulate and seed the lamina propria of the gut, exerting suppressive function systemically and locally in the intestine. Successful establishment of a tolerogenic intestinal environment in early life sets the stage for oral tolerance to new antigens in adult life.

Dietary regulation of gut bacteria in the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas and Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Feed composition affects the gut bacterial community in aquatic species, but little is known about how diet type impacts gut microbiota in molluscan bivalves. This study investigates the impact of feed composition on the gut bacterial community in two commercially important bivalves: Pacific oyster Magallana gigas and Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Oysters and mussels were fed with two types of marine algae, live Isochrysis galbana (microalgae) and the dried seaweed powder Ulva sp. (macroalgae) under a laboratory condition for two months. The V1–V2 region of the 16S rDNA was sequenced through an Illumina MiSeq platform to compare the gut bacterial community of oysters and mussels at the start and the end of the feeding trial. Feed composition directly impacted both alpha and beta diversities of gut microbiota, but the degree of the impact differed between bivalve species. The difference in the gut bacterial assemblages of oysters and mussels in the pre- and post-feeding trials indicated that the diet type and host species shape the composition of gut bacteria. Spirochaeta was absent in mussel guts during the pre- and post-feeding trials but was present in oysters, revealing host specificity in colonizing gut bacteria. The results suggest that the diet type and host species can significantly impact the gut bacterial community structure. This study confirms that diet can modulate gut microbial composition in marine filter-feeding organisms, but the extent of dietary modulation depends on feed type and host species.

Abstract P382: The protective role of elevated oral microbial levels in adult hypertension: NHANES 2009-2012

Background and Objective: Accumulating evidence has linked periodontal disease with hypertension, yet the relationship between the diversity of oral microbiota and blood pressure remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the association between characteristics of oral microbiome diversity and hypertension in the general population. Methods: The data were extracted from the 2009-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), where we included participants aged 20 years or older who had indicators of hypertension. Participants with conditions such as pregnancy, periodontal disease, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and cancer were excluded from the analysis. Oral microbiome α-diversity in adults was analyzed through oral rinse samples, encompassing measures such as observed amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity, the Shannon-Wiener Index, and the Simpson Index. Differences in oral microbiome α-diversity among various hypertension groups were described using weighted mean values. The association between oral microbiome α-diversity and hypertension was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Between 2009 and 2012, among 3,228 participants (weighted mean [SE] age, 36.54 [0.64] years; 1,408 males [weighted 43.62%]), there were 601 cases of hypertension (increasing to 771 when adopting the new diagnostic criteria for hypertension). Significant differences were observed in the levels of oral microbiota α-diversity among different hypertension groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed an independent association between levels of oral microbiome α-diversity and the risk of hypertension, after controlling for confounding factors. For each one-standard deviation (SD) increase in ASVs and Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity, the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.95) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75-0.95), respectively. This association persisted across varying diagnostic criteria for hypertension. Conclusions: Our findings indicate diverse oral microbiomes among hypertension groups, where greater α-diversity inversely correlates with hypertension risk, independent of diagnostic criteria. This implicates oral microbiota dysbiosis, potentially from environmental factors, as an additional hypertension risk factor, emphasizing the oral microbiome's potential in hypertension development.

The fecal microbiota of Holstein cows is heritable and genetically correlated to dairy performances.

The fecal microbiota of ruminants constitutes a diversified community that has been phenotypically associated with a variety of host phenotypes, such as production and health. To gain a better understanding of the complex and interconnected factors that drive the fecal bacterial community, we have aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of the diversity and composition of the fecal microbiota, including heritabilities, genetic correlations among taxa, and genetic correlations between fecal microbiota features and host phenotypes. To achieve this, we analyzed a large population of 1,875 Holstein cows originating from 144 French commercial herds and routinely recorded for production, somatic cell score, and fertility traits. Fecal samples were collected from the animals and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with reads classified into Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). The estimated α- and β-diversity indices (i.e., Observed Richness, Shannon index, Bray-Curtis and Jaccard dissimilarity matrices) and the abundances of ASVs, genera, families and phyla, normalized by centered-log ratio (CLR), were considered as phenotypes. Genetic parameters were calculated using either univariate or bivariate animal models. Heritabilities estimates, ranging from 0.08 to 0.31 for taxa abundances and β-diversity indices, highlight the influence of the host genetics on the composition of the fecal microbiota. Furthermore, genetic correlations estimated within the microbial community and between microbiota features and host traits reveal the complex networks linking all components of the fecal microbiota together and to their host, thus strengthening the holobiont concept. By estimating the heritabilities of microbiota-associated phenotypes, our study quantifies the impact of the host genetics on the fecal microbiota composition. In addition, genetic correlations between taxonomic groups and between taxa abundances and host performance suggest potential applications for selective breeding to improve host traits or promote a healthier microbiota.

Seasonal variation in the stomach microbiota of two sympatrically breeding Pygoscelis penguin species at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands.

The gut microbiomes of Antarctic penguins are important for the fitness of the host birds and their chicks. The compositions of microbial communities in Antarctic penguin guts are strongly associated with the birds' diet, physiological adaptation and phylogeny. Whilst seasonal changes in food resources, distribution and population parameters of Antarctic penguins have been well addressed, little research is available on the stability or variability of penguin stomach microbiomes over time. Here, we focused on two Pygoscelis penguin species breeding sympatrically in the maritime Antarctic and analysed their stomach contents to assess whether penguin gut microbiota differed over three austral summer breeding seasons. We used a high-throughput DNA sequencing approach to study bacterial diversity in stomach regurgitates of Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarctica) penguins that have a similar foraging regime on Signy Island (South Orkney Islands). Our data revealed significant differences in bacterial alpha and beta diversity between the study seasons. We also identified bacterial genera that were significantly associated with specific breeding seasons, diet compositions, chick-rearing stages and sampling events. This study provides a baseline for establishing future monitoring of penguin gut microbiomes in a rapidly changing environment.

Effects of a xylitol-casein complex on insulin resistance and gut microbiota composition in high-fat-diet + streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus mice

This study investigated the effects of a xylitol-casein non-covalent complex (XC) on parameters related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), in addition to related changes in gut microbiome composition and functions. High-fat-diet (HFD) + streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM mice were treated with xylitol (XY), casein (CN), and XC, after which fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota composition and diversity analyses based on 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and multivariate statistics. XC decreased body weight and improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, pancreas impairment, blood lipid levels, and liver function in T2DM mice compared to XY- and CN-treated mice. Furthermore, XC modulated the α-diversity, β-diversity and gut microbiota composition. Based on Spearman’s correlation analysis, the relative abundances of Alistipes, Bacteroides, and Faecalibaculum were positively correlated and those of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Turicibacter were negatively correlated with the phenotypes related to the improvement of T2DM. In conclusion, we found that XC alleviated insulin resistance by restoring the gut microbiota of T2DM mice. Our results provide strong evidence for the beneficial effects of XC on T2DM and motivation for further investigation in animal models and, eventually, human trials.

Associations of Intermittent Hypoxia Burden with Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Adult Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Clinical studies focusing on the association between the gut microbiota and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are limited. This study aimed to explore the relationship between intermittent hypoxia and the composition of gut microbiota in adults by analyzing the differences in the characteristics and functional distribution of gut microbiota between patients with different severities of OSA and healthy individuals. A cohort of 113 individuals from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University underwent overnight polysomnography from July 2019 to August 2021. The individuals included 16 healthy controls and 97 patients with OSA, categorized by the apnea-hypopnea index into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Fecal samples were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region to assess gut microbiota composition and function. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the association between clinical indicators and microbiota markers. In patients with OSA, the gut microbiota diversity and the abundance of specific microbes that produce short-chain fatty acids decreased (P<0.05). The phyla Verrucomicrobia and Candidatus Saccharibacteria, genera Gemmiger and Faecalibacterium, and the species Gemmiger formicilis exhibited decreasing abundance with increasing OSA severity. Correlation analysis revealed a robust association between the proportion of total sleep time, characterized by nighttime blood oxygen saturation below 90%, and the alterations in the gut microbiota, demonstrating that elevated levels of desaturation are correlated with pronounced microbiota dysbiosis (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the intermittent hypoxia exhibited by patients with OSA may be related to alterations in the composition and structure of the gut microbiota. Our results demonstrate the importance of monitoring hypoxia indicators in future clinical practice.

Comparison of the Intestinal Microbiota Composition and Function of Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) Cultured in Ponds and Rice Fields

The growth environment significantly influences the intestinal microbiota of aquatic organisms. We investigated the composition and functional differences in the intestinal microbiota of red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) in rice fields (RB) and ponds (PB) by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The results indicate that the Shannon, Simpson, Sobs, Chao1, and ACE indices of PB are all higher than those of RB, demonstrating greater diversity and richness of intestinal microbiota. The dominant phyla in the intestinal microbiota of the Cherax quadricarinatus were Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, and Firmicutes. Tenericutes and Proteobacteria were significantly more abundant in the RB than in the PB, while Planctomycetes and Firmicutes were significantly more abundant in the PB than in the RB. The results of network correlation analysis indicate that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes exhibit strong connectivity with other microbial groups in the gut microbiota of Cherax quadricarinatus, showing significant centrality. They play an important role in the interactions within the gut microbiota community. The dominant bacterial genera in the Cherax quadricarinatus’s gut were Citrobacter, Candidatus_Bacilloplasma, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. The abundance of the genus Clostridium was significantly higher in the PB than in the RB, whereas the abundance of Candidatus_Hepatoplasma and Vibrio was significantly lower in the PB than in the RB. The prediction function of KEGG enrichment showed that the abundance of Amino acid metabolism, Biosynthesis of Other Secondary Metabolites, Transport and Catabolism, Cancers, and Nervous System, Substance Dependence were significantly higher in the PB, while the infectious diseases pathway was enriched in the RB. In summary, our results revealed significant differences in the composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota in the Cherax quadricarinatus between rice paddy and pond farming environments. The intestinal microbiota of the Cherax quadricarinatus grown in pond environments exhibit higher diversity and stability, manifested by an increase in beneficial bacteria abundance and a decrease in opportunistic pathogens. These findings significantly improve understanding of the complex relationship among Cherax quadricarinatus, intestinal microbiota, and the environment.

Impact of Gut Microbiota on Aging and Frailty: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

Aging is a natural, complex, and individual process that focuses on the progressive decay of the body and a decrease in cell function that begins in approximately the sixth decade of life and ends with death. Current scientific evidence shows that the aging process is mostly related to genetic load and varies because of the environment. Therefore, aging can be adjusted through the intervention of factors that control homeostasis in genetic, biochemical, and immunological processes, including those involving the gut microbiota. Indeed, the diversity of the gut microbiota decreases during aging, based on the presence of modifications in the hormonal, immunological, and operational processes of the gastrointestinal tract. These modifications lead to a state of dysbiosis. However, altering bacterial communities remains complicated due to the great diversity of factors that influence their modification. Alterations caused by the aging process are known to foster dysbiosis and correspond to conditions that determine the degree of frailty in senior citizens. Consequently, the microbial structure can be used as a biomarker for geriatric care in the promotion of healthy aging.

Impacts of Whole-Grain Soft Red, Whole-Grain Soft White, and Refined Soft White Wheat Flour Crackers on Gastrointestinal Inflammation and the Gut Microbiota of Adult Humans.

Consumption of whole-grain wheat has been associated with positive health outcomes, but it remains unclear whether different types of wheat elicit varying effects on the gut microbiome and intestinal inflammation. The objectives of this research were to investigate the effect of two whole-grain wheat flours versus refined wheat flour on the diversity of the human gut microbiota, as well as on butyrate production capacity and gastrointestinal inflammation, using one-week dietary interventions. For this study, 28 participants were recruited, with ages ranging from 18 to 55 years and a mean BMI of 26.0 kg/m2. For four weeks, participants were provided 80 g daily servings of different wheat crackers: Week A was a run-in period of crackers made from soft white wheat flour, Week B crackers were whole-grain soft white wheat flour, Week C crackers were a wash-out period identical to Week A, and Week D crackers were whole-grain soft red wheat flour. At the end of each week, participants provided fecal samples that were analyzed for markers of intestinal inflammation, including lipocalin and calprotectin, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and quantitative real-time PCR. The primary outcome, gut bacterial community alpha and beta diversity, was similar across timepoints. Three taxa significantly differed in abundance following both whole-grain wheat flour interventions: Escherichia/Shigella and Acidaminococcus were significantly depleted, and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group was enriched. Secondary outcomes determined that protein markers of intestinal inflammation and genes related to putative butyrate production capacity were similar throughout the study period, with no significant changes. Lipocalin concentrations ranged from 14.8 to 22.6 ng/mL while calprotectin ranged from 33.2 to 62.5 ng/mL across all 4 weeks. The addition of wheat crackers to the adult human subjects' usual diet had a minimal impact on their gastrointestinal inflammation or the gut microbiota.

Comparison of the Skin Microbiota in the Periocular Region between Patients with Inflammatory Skin Diseases and Healthy Participants: A Preliminary Study.

(1) Background: Periocular or periorbital dermatitis is a common term for all inflammatory skin diseases affecting the area of skin around the eyes. The clear etiopathogenesis of periocular dermatitis is still not fully understood. Advances in molecular techniques for studying microorganisms living in and on our bodies have highlighted the microbiome as a possible contributor to disease, as well as a promising diagnostic marker and target for innovative treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the composition and diversity of the skin microbiota in the periocular region between healthy individuals and individuals affected by the specific entity of periocular dermatitis. (2) Methods: A total of 35 patients with periocular dermatitis and 39 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. After a skin swab from the periocular region was taken from all participants, DNA extraction and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using Illumina NovaSeq technology were performed. (3) Results: Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium were the most abundant bacterial genera in the microbiota of healthy skin. Analysis of alpha diversity revealed a statistically significant change (p < 0.05) in biodiversity based on the Faith's PD index between patients and healthy individuals. We did not observe changes in beta diversity. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) revealed that Rothia, Corynebacterium, Bartonella, and Paracoccus were enriched in patients, and Anaerococcus, Bacteroides, Porphyromonas, and Enhydrobacter were enriched in healthy controls. (4) Conclusions: According to the results obtained, we assume that the observed changes in the bacterial microbiota on the skin, particularly Gram-positive anaerobic cocci and skin commensals of the genus Corynebacterium, could be one of the factors in the pathogenesis of the investigated inflammatory diseases. The identified differences in the microbiota between healthy individuals and patients with periocular dermatitis should be further investigated.

Alterations of gut microbiome in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

A growing body of evidence has elucidated that the gut microbiota has a crucial impact on the pathophysiological process of atopic diseases. Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eCRSwNP) is a local atopic disease of the systemic immune response. Alterations in the gut microbiome in eCRSwNP patients remain largely undefined. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed in a cross-sectional study of 17 eCRSwNP patients, 9 noneCRSwNP patients and 13 healthy controls, and gut microbiota DNA sequencing between each pair of groups was compared using bioinformatic methods. Compared with that of healthy controls, the gut microbiomes of eCRSwNP patients were characterised by a distinct overall microbial composition. However, no significant differences were found in the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota between patients and healthy controls. The distinct differences in microbial composition were significantly correlated with the severity of disease. At the genus level, the abundance of Faecalibacterium positively correlated with Lund-Mackay CT scores. Similarly, the abundance of Turicibacter positively correlated with the percentage of tissue eosinophils. We found alterations in the gut microbiome in eCRSwNP patients, and the alterations in the gut microbiome were correlated with the severity of disease.

Association between Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health and Obesity Status in Cats.

Obesity is a major public health concern in both humans and animals, leading to several metabolic complications. Recent human studies have classified obesity into two phenotypes, metabolically healthy (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy (MUO) obesity based on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. MHO cases lack these risk factors and are protected from metabolic complications of obesity, whereas MUO cases exhibit the opposite characteristics. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted the possible role of the gut microbiome in determining metabolic health of obese individuals. However, studies on the association between the gut microbiome and obesity and metabolic abnormalities in cats are limited. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between metabolic health phenotypes and gut microbiota composition and diversity in obese cats. We investigated hormone and serum biochemistry parameters and composition of the gut microbiota in non-obese (NO), MHO, and MUO groups. The abundances of Bifidobacteriaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, and Veillonellaceae were significantly higher in the obese versus NO group, showing a positive correlation with body mass index. The abundance of Ruminococcaceae was significantly higher in the MUO versus NO group, showing a positive correlation with triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. However, obesity, whether MHO or MUO, had only a minimal impact on fecal microbiota. Therefore, further studies are warranted to investigate whether gut microbiota could be a beneficial tool for the treatment or management of this condition.

High-Salt Diet and Intestinal Microbiota: Influence on Cardiovascular Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Salt, or sodium chloride, is an essential component of the human diet. Recent studies have demonstrated that dietary patterns characterized by a high intake of salt can influence the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota, and may play a pivotal role in the etiology and exacerbation of certain diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this review is to synthesize the effects of elevated salt consumption on the gut microbiota, including its influence on gut microbial metabolites and the gut immune system. Additionally, this review will investigate the potential implications of these effects for the development of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. The findings of this study offer novel insights and avenues for the management of two common conditions with significant clinical implications.

A comprehensive catalog encompassing 1376 species-level genomes reveals the core community and functional diversity of anammox microbiota

Research on the microbial community and function of the anammox process for environmentally friendly wastewater treatment has achieved certain success, which may mean more universal insights are needed. However, the comprehensive understanding of the anammox process is constrained by the limited taxonomic assignment and functional characterization of anammox microbiota, primarily due to the scarcity of high-quality genomes for most organisms. This study reported a global genome catalog of anammox microbiotas based on numerous metagenomes obtained from both lab- and full-scale systems. A total of 1376 candidate species from 7474 metagenome-assembled genomes were used to construct the genome catalog, providing extensive microbial coverage (averaged of 92.40 %) of anammox microbiota. Moreover, a total of 64 core genera and 44 core species were identified, accounting for approximately 64.25 % and 43.97 %, respectively, of anammox microbiota. The strict core genera encompassed not only functional bacteria (e.g., Brocadia, Desulfobacillus, Zeimonas, and Nitrosomonas) but also two candidate genera (UBA12294 and OLB14) affiliated with the order Anaerolineales. In particular, core denitrifying bacteria with observably taxonomic diversity exhibited diverse functional profiles; for instance, the potential of carbohydrate metabolism in Desulfobacillus and Zeimonas likely improves the mixotrophic lifestyle of anammox microbiota. Besides, a noteworthy association was detected between anammox microbiota and system type. Microbiota in coupling system exhibited complex diversity and interspecies interactions by limiting numerous core denitrifying bacteria. In summary, the constructed catalog substantially expands our understanding of the core community and their functions of anammox microbiota, providing a valuable resource for future studies on anammox systems.