Microecology Research Articles

Update of the Rome IIII( criteria for functional constipation

The Rome IIII( criteria were released in May 2016. Based on the development of brain-intestinal axis theory, intestinal microecology, pharmacogenomics and social psychology, the Rome IIII( criteria revise the definition, diagnostic criteria, clinical evaluation process, and treatments of functional constipation (FC). The revisions are as follows: (1) Definition: FC and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome are considered to be on a continuum rather than as independent entities. (2) Diagnostic criteria: the Bristol stool scale type 1, type 2 and spontaneous bowel movements are added in the diagnostic criteria, respectively, refining the criteria for stool consistency and frequency. (3) Clinical evaluation process: the Rome IIII( criteria specifies the clinical assessment procedure for FC. The aim is to exclude organic disease, to detect the structural changes of the combination, to determine the type of guidance therapy, and to reduce unnecessary checks to improve diagnostic efficiency. (4) Pathophysiologic mechanism: much more newly investigated mechanisms are added, including the risk factors, genetics, inadequate colonic propulsion and defecation disorder. (5) Treatment: the treatment regimen summarizes the evidence-based medical evidence of new drugs, such as secretagogues and bile acid transport inhibitors, and evaluates the safety of all the new and old drugs. Compared to the Rome III( standard, the diagnosis of FC will be more stringent and efficient, and the treatment options will be more standardized and reasonable with the Rome IIII(.

Promotion of basic research in efficacy enhancement of chronic constipation

The incidence of chronic constipation increases year by year, but it is underestimated in affecting the health of patients. Clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic intractable constipation is difficult, owing to the diversity of clinical manifestations and the unclear pathogenesis. The basic research is expected to identify the pathophysiological mechanism of chronic intractable constipation in the future, which can find out a ultimate solution approach and improve clinical efficacy. At present there are several basic research ways attracting our attention, including enteric nervous system (such as nerve cells, intestinal neurotransmitters, intestinal sensory nerve regulation mechanism), intestinal smooth muscle cells, Cajal interstitial cells and sacral neuromodulation and intestinal microecology. Although current basic researches are still very preliminary, but they have laid foundations of clinical drug development and application of new technology.

Relationship between respiratory microecology and disease in neonates

Microbes are widespread in human body.Although the respiratory tract interfaces with the environment, the lung is thought to be a sterile environment in the traditional sense.High throughput sequencing technology has been developed in more fields which provides a new way to reveal the relationship between the microbiota in respiratory tract and the health and disease of human body.Further, there appears to be a complex interaction between the development of the gastrointestinal and respiratory microbiota in the regulation of immune function.The contribution of the dynamic change of microbiota in respiratory disease of the newborn is unknown.This article summarizes the microbial influence on the development of respiratory disease and the function of the respiratory microbiome. Key words: Microbiome; Respiratory tract; Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Acute respiratory infection; Bronchial asthma

Role of gut microbiome in metabolic surgery for metabolic syndrome

There are differents of intestinal microecology in patients with metabolic syndrome compared with the normal population.The metabolic surgery in the treatment of metabolic syndrome has high curative effect, and the intestinal flora postoperative tends to normal. Fat polysaccharide, short-chain fatty acids, bile acids and glucagon-like peptide 1, trimethylamine N-oxide are involved in the process of remission after metabolic surgery.This paper is a literature review on the characteristics of intestinal flora in metabolic diseases, the changes of gut microbiome after the bariatric surgery, and the relationship between these rules and those indexes. Key words: Metabolic diseases; Obesity; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Metabolic surgery; Gut microbiome

Research progress of the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and fungus

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal inflammatory disease with unknown etiology, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). At present, as the global incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is increasing year by year, the role of the intestinal micro ecology in disease evolution has attracted more and more attention, and as an important part of gut microbes system, the intestinal fungus' changes and effects in disease states are unclear. This paper reviews on the intestinal fungus in the occurrence, development of inflammatory bowel disease from the composition and distribution of the intestinal fungus and its relationship with the gut bacteria, and the immune reaction. Key words: Inflammatory bowel diseases/MI/TH; Fungi; Mycoses/TH; Review

Eukaryotic Microbial Communities Associated with Rock- dwelling Foliose Lichens: A Functional Morphological and Microecological Analysis

Lichens are widely recognized as important examples of a fungal-algal or fungal-cyanophyte symbiosis; and in some cases they are a major food source for some animal grazers such as caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ), especially in the Arctic during winter. However, relatively little is known about the ecology of their co-associated bacterial and protistan communities. This is one of the first reports of an analysis of microbial communities associated with rock-dwelling foliose lichens ( Flavoparmelia sp.), including a more detailed analysis of the microbial communities associated with segments of the shield-like, radially arranged lobes. Samples were taken from lichens on granite boulders beneath an oak and maple tree stand on the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Campus, Palisades, N.Y. The bacteria and protist members of the lichen associated microbial communities are comparable to recently reported associations for foliose lichens growing on tree bark at the same locale, including the presence of large myxomycete plasmodial amebas, heterotrophic nanoflagellates, and naked and testate amebas. To obtain evidence of possible differences in the microecology of different portions of each radial lobe, three segments of the radial lobe in the shield-like lichen were sampled: 1) inner, more mature, central segment; 2) middle section linking the central and peripheral segments; and 3) outer, peripheral, usually broader, less closely attached segment. The mean densities (number/g) and biomasses (µg/g) of bacteria and heterotrophic nanoflagellates were highest in the older central segment and lowest in the peripheral segment of the radial lobes, especially when expressed on moist weight basis. Large myxomycete plasmodial amebas were typically located in the outermost segment of the radial lobe. The proportion of vannellid amebas ( Vannella spp. and Cochliopodium spp.) were significantly more abundant in the samples of the inner lobes compared to non-vannellid amebas that were more prevalent in the outer lobes. The outer segment of the thallus lobe was typically more spongiose and absorbed more water per unit weight (based on a wet/dry-weight ratio) than the innermost segment. In general, patterns of densities and taxonomic composition of bacteria and eukaryotic microbes intergraded from the inner most segment to the outer part of each lobe – indicating a possible microecological gradient, coincident with the age-related and morphological radial gradations of the lobe. Overall, the evidence shows that the radial variation in the morphology and age-related variables of the three lobe segments may affect the microenvironment of the lobe segments and hence influence the organization of the microbial communities within each segment.

Efficacy and clinical observation of Shenling Baizhu Pill in treating irritable bowel syndrome

Objective To observe the clinic efficacy of Shenling Baizhu Pill on patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Methods Ninety patients with IBS were collected and divided into Chinese patent medicine group and western medicine group by random number method,45 patients in each group,the Chinese patent medicine group received Shenling Baizhu pill group treatment,the western medicine group was gave Smectite Powder treatment.The changes of clinical symptoms,intestinal tract microorganism and serum inflammatory factor of patients were observed and compared between two groups before and after treatment.The clinical symptoms was evaluated by questionnaire,the Lactobacillus,Bifidobacterium,enterobacteria and yeast were determined by cultivation,the levels of IL-10,IL-18 and TNF-αwere detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Two groups before treatment of anaerobic bacteria in feces reduction,aerobic bacteria increased serum IL-18 and TNF-alpha content,increased,the content of IL-10 decreased.Shenling Baizhu Pill intervention for 8 weeks in patients with intestinal anaerobic bacteria[(B/E 1.07±0.49)]and serum IL-10 [(43.65±9.52)mg/L]content increased,aerobic bacteria[(B/E 1.07±0.49)],IL-18[(82.06±21.07)mg/L] and TNF-alpha[(28.44±10.20)mg/L]decreased.The IL-18 decreased the most,was different with the western medicine group,there was a statistical significance(t=9.926,P<0.01).Two groups had no bad reaction. Conclusion Shenling Baizhu Pill can effectively regulates and improves the intestinal micro-environment,promote the growth of intestinal probiotics and remodeling the intestinal function of biological barrier, decrease the levels of proinflammatory factors and rise the anti-inflammatory factors level,which has a good clinic effect in treating IBS. Key words: Shenling Baizhu Pill; Irritable bowel syndrome; Intestinal microecology

Effects of whole grain-bean mixed staple food on intestinal microecology and metabolic parameters of obese people

Objective To investigate the effects of whole grain-bean mixed staple food on intestinal microecology, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters of obese people. Methods Totally 87 obese people were divided with random number table into whole grain-bean mixed staple food group (test group) and refined grains staple food group (control group). Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist/hip ratio (WHR), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and colony count of intestinal flora (bacillus bifidus, lactobacillus, clostridium perfringens, enterobacteria, enterococcus, bacteroides) were measured at baseline and 3 months after intervention. Results Ten people were excluded from this research, 6 in the test group and 4 in the control group. After 3 months of dietary intervention, BW, BMI, WC, HC, and WHR were significantly lower in the test group than in the control group [(69.45±7.07) kg vs. (72.42±5.79) kg, P=0.000; (26.08±1.48) kg/m2vs. (27.27±0.81) kg/m2,P=0.000; (82.48±9.30) cm vs. (86.96±4.93) cm, P=0.000; (90.08±6.57) cm vs. (92.42±6.67) cm, P=0.000; 0.92±0.11vs. 0.95±0.10, P=0.003]. The levels of FPG, TC, and LDL-C in the test group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(4.92±0.75) mmoL/L vs. (5.41±1.21) mmoL/L, P=0.037; (3.85±1.13) mmoL/L vs. (4.38±1.26) mmoL/L, P=0.046; (3.55±1.04) mmoL/L vs. (4.16±1.40) mmoL/L, P=0.033]; the level of HDL-C in the test group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(1.13±0.37) mmoL/L vs. (0.92±0.26) mmoL/L, P=0.004]. The colony counts of intestinal bacillus bifidus, lactobacillus, and bacteroides in the test group were significantly higher than in the control group [(7.94±0.58) lg CFU/g vs. (6.95±0.38) lg CFU/g, P=0.000; (7.67±0.46) lg CFU/g vs. (6.96±0.57) lg CFU/g, P=0.000; (5.53±0.44) lg CFU/g vs. (4.80±0.23) lg CFU/g, P=0.000], while the colony count of clostridium perfringens was significantly lower than in the control group [(4.40±0.49) lg CFU/g vs. (5.11±0.63) lg CFU/g, P=0.000]. Conclusions In obese people, whole grain-bean mixed staple food can improve anthropometric parameters, some lipid metabolic parameters, and intestinal flora. The underlying mechanism may involve promoting the survival and proliferation of probiotics, thereby improving glucose and lipid metabolism. Key words: Whole grain; Bean; Dietary fiber; Obesity; Intestinal microecology

Intestinal microbiota and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

The intestinal microbiota is composed of beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria in the body as the ecological environment,which is the largest,most complex microecosystem.There is emerging evidence that appropriate colonization process of intestinal microbes contributes to development of intestinal structure and function and maturation of immune system,which determines the risk of intestinal diseases.More and more studies focus on the relationship between intestinal microecology or probiotics and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).This article reviews the composition and function of neonatal intestinal microbiota,the intestinal microflora in the pathogenesis and mechanism of NEC and preventive effects of probiotics on NEC. Key words: Necrotizing enterocolitis; Microecology; Probiotics; Neonate

Advances in non-cultivation technology of microorganism and study on intestinal microecology

Advances in non-cultivation technology of microorganism and study on intestinal microecology

Relationship of IL-6 ,TGF-β,matrix metalloproteinase-7 in peritoneal fluid and endometriosis

Objective To evaluate the expression of IL-6,TGF-β,matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in the peritoneal fluid of different stage of endometriosis (EMs) patients.Methods Peritoneal fluid samples from female without EMs (n =35) and 45 patients with EMs (36 cases with stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ;9 cases with stage Ⅲ,Ⅳ)were obtained for detectionof IL-6,TGF-β,MMP-7byELISA.Results TheconcentrationofIL-6,TGF-β,MMP-7 was (736.5 ± 526.6) ng/L,(936.5 ± 523.5)ng/L and (5.63 ± 1.98) μg/L in EMs patients,which were higher than those in control group (P ＜ 0.01).The concentration of IL-6,MMP-7 was (948.6 ± 485.4) ng/L,(8.69 ± 1.23) μg/L in stage Ⅲ,Ⅳgroup,and (453.6 ± 256.8) rng/L,(4.23 ± 1.08) μg/L in stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ group,there were significant differences between the two groups (P ＜ 0.05).The concentration of MMP-7 was positively correlated with IL-6(r =0.789,P ＜0.01),and was negatively correlated with TGF-β(r =-0.458,P ＜0.05).Conclusion IL-6,TGF-β,MMP-7 may play roles in microecology immune imbalance and the development of EMs. Key words: Endometriosis ; Peritoneal Lavge; Matrixmetalloproteinases-7 ; IL-6 ; TGF-β

Identification and quantitation of conjunctival aerobic bacterial flora from healthy residents at different ages in Southwest China

To identify and quantitate conjunctival aerobic bacterial flora from healthy residents of three age groups in Chongqing city, Southwest China. Samples taken with moist swabs from the lower fornix of bilateral eyes of 33 children (9.85 ± 0.57 years old), 31 youths (21.23 ± 0.88 years old), and 30 elders (72.97 ± 4.94 years old) respectively were tested for bacterial cultures. Positive cultures were identified and colony forming units (CFUs) were counted. Bacterial quantity was expressed as the number of CFUs divided by the weight difference of each sample transport swab-tube measured before and after the sample collection. The elders showed a higher isolation frequency (93.33%) of conjunctival aerobic bacteria than that of children (45.45%) and youths (50.00%), (P<0.01). Corynebacterium diphtheroid, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the elders all had a greater percentage. The elders also had a larger number of aerobic bacteria species per eye than did children and youths (P<0.01). Children showed a lower quantity of conjunctival aerobic bacterial flora than that of the other two groups (P<0.01). C. diphtheroid was the most numerous isolate from all the subjects. The quantity of C. diphtheroid became larger when residents grew older. S. epidermidis was the second most numerous bacteria in the groups of children and elders, and the elder group had a greater number of S. epidermidis than the children group (P<0.01). The number of species and quantity of conjunctival aerobic bacterial flora from the elders were larger than those from children and youths, which should be of concern to an ophthalmologist. Key words: Conjunctival sac, aerobic bacteria, age, quantitative analysis, microecology.

Influence of ecoimmunonutrition supplement on intestinal mucosa morphology and gut barrier function in rats after operative stress

To investigate the effects of ecoimmunonutrition supplement on intestinal microecology, epithelial tight junctions, and barrier function in rats with surgical stress. Seventy SD rats after surgical trauma were randomly divided into four groups:(1) placebo group,(2)total parenteral nutrition(TPN) group,(3)enteral nutrition(EN) group and (4)ecoimmunonutrition (EEN)group respectively. Rats received isocaloric and isonitrogenous nutrition. Nutrients were administered via the neck vein and the needle jejunostomy for five days. The homogenated tissues of liver, lung, and mesenteric lymph nodes were cultured to determine the bacterial translocation rate. The transmembrane binding proteins(occludin) was measured by immunohistochemistry. The ultrastructure and morphology of intestinal epithelial tight junctions in the intestine were observed by electron microscope. The feces in cecum was cultured for anaerobic bacterial growth and analysed. The amounts of lactobacteria and bifidobacteria in EEN group were significantly higher than those in TPN group(P<0.05). The expression levels of occludin in the intestine was significantly higher in EEN group than that in TPN and EN group. Furthermore, the intestinal epithelial tight junction and microvilli of EEN group were more intact compared with those of TPN group. The bacterial translocation rates of liver, lung and mesenteric lymph nodes were significantly lower in EEN and EN group than those in TPN group(P<0.05). Application of ecoimmunonutrition can protect intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with operative stress, increase the expression of occludin, maintain the gut epithelial tight junction, and eliminate gut bacterial translocation.

Microecological investigation of vaginal microflora in women with varying degree gynecologic symptoms in clinics

To investigate the microecological status of vaginal microflora in the women with different vaginal symptoms. From March 2006 to October 2007, 6982 cases with varying degree vaginal symptoms including pruritus, increaseed leucorrhea, the leucorrhea having unusual smell, in the gynecology outpatient department were studied. The vagina secretions were examined in terms of the pH value, the hydrogen peroxide test, and Gram dyeing inspection of vaginal bacteria and microecology appraisal for colony's density, the multiplicity, the superiority fungus, and the inflammatory response. Among 6982 patients, normal vaginal microecology was identified in 750 (10.74%, 750/6982); abnormal microecology was found in 6232 (89.26%, 6232/6982); bacterial vaginosis (BV) was detected in 729 (10.44%, 729/6982); vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was in 1527 (21.87%, 1527/6982). Ninety five patients (1.36%, 95/6982) were with both BV and VVC. Abnormal bacteria colonies were found in 1229 (17.60%, 1229/6982), and others were found in 2652 (37.98%, 2652/6982). The vaginal microecology in the women with different vaginal symptoms can be either normal or abnormal. Microecology clinical evaluation system can assess the vaginal microecosystem.

The change of intestinal microecology in rats after orthotopic liver transplantation

To investigate the intestinal microflora status and bacterial translocation in rats after liver transplantation. Male Brown-Norway (BN) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: group I (n = 8) for liver transplantation; group II (n = 8) for simulated liver transplantation; group III (n = 8) for sham operation and group IV (n = 8) for normal group. Caecal bacterial counts, plasma endotoxin, intestinal mucosal ultrastructure and bacterial translocation to liver, spleen, kidney, and mesenteric lymph node were studied 24 h after surgery. The numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus per gram of wet feces were significantly decreased in group I compare with those in the group III and group IV, while Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus counts were increased markedly compare with those in the group III and group IV, but no different was found between group I and group II. Impaired intestinal mucosa integrity were found in the group I and group II. In group I, the levels of plasma endotoxin increased after the transplantation when compare with group III and group IV. Increased incidence of bacterial translocation to liver, spleen and mesenteric lymph node were also observed after the transplantation (compare with those in the group IV, P < 0.01; compare with those in the group III, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, separately). The increased rate of the bacterial translocation in liver was also found in transplantation group as compare with group II (P < 0.05). Liver transplantation may lead to disturbance of intestinal microflora and impairment of intestinal mucosal barrier function, and this dysfunction might be caused by the process of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in transplantation.

Study on the Relationship between Feature of Pharynx Flora and the TCM Syndrome Type of Acute Upper Respiratory Infection

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between microecological balance and the syndrome type of acute upper respiratory infection.Methods The nature and quantity of pharyngeal flora were assayed in 31 cases of wind-cold acute upper respiratory infection and 36 cases of wind-heat acute upper respiratory infection,with 30 healthy cases served in control group.Results There was a significant rise of concentration of pharynx flora in acute upper respiratory infection than that in control group,whereas there was a significant decrease of diversity of pharynx flora in acute upper respiratory infection than that in control.Conclusion Imbalance of pharyngeal micro-ecology is one of the major factors leading to acute upper respiratory infection,manifested as insufficiency of genuine Qi failure in guarding. Key words: Acute upper respiratory infection ; Pharynx flora ; Microecology ; TCM type of syndrome ;

The Syndrome of "Spleen Qi Deficiency" in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Intestinal Microecology

The Syndrome of "Spleen Qi Deficiency" in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Intestinal Microecology

One-day bowel preparation with sodium phosphate prior to colorectal surgery: a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial

To investigate the feasibility and safety of one-day bowel preparation for colorectal surgery. Forty patients undergone colorectal surgery were divided randomly into the Control group and the Experimental group and received 3-day magnesium sulfate and 1-day sodium phosphate bowel preparations before the operation, respectively. The levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum electrolytes, and anaerobe counts in the stool prior and post bowel preparation were examined. The general status, surgical complications, and structure of intestinal mucosa in the patients were observed after the operation. There was no significant difference in the anastomoses healing, infectious complications, serum tests and intestinal mucosa structures between the two groups. Less diarrhea occurred prior and post the surgery in the experimental group, and they felt better with the bowel preparation. The anaerobe counts in stool were higher after the bowel preparation than before in both groups. One-day bowel preparation with sodium phosphate is a safe and reliable method for colorectal surgery. The shortening of preparation time can reduce the degrees of uncomfortable feeling and disruptions of intestinal micro-ecology and barrier.

4. The microecology of school‐community links

(1997). 4. The microecology of school‐community links. Journal of Education Policy: Vol. 12, No. 1-2, pp. 29-36.

Micro-ecology

Micro-ecology