Floristic Structure Research Articles

Effects of triglyceride and ethyl ester forms of EPA on hepatic lipid metabolism in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

In this study, the beneficial effects of EPA in ethyl esters (EE) and triacylglycerides (TAG) forms on high fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were studied and compared. Results indicated that both EPA-TAG and EPA-EE can alleviate pathological features of NAFLD, such as hepatic lipid accumulation and lobular inflammation, with a more pronounced protective effects observed in EPA-TAG treated mice. The integrated hepatic transcriptomic, metabolic and gut microbiota profiles suggest that EPA-TAG and EPA-EE improved hepatic steatosis by suppression of food intake and lipogenesis, promotion of lipid and phospholipid PUFA remodeling, ketogenesis and fatty acids oxidation, possibly via activating the AMPK/adipocytokine signaling pathway. The protective effect of EPA was also associated with the regulation of intestinal flora structure. In general, EPA-TAG was found to be more effective than EPA-EE in preventing HFD-induced NAFLD by reducing appetite, improving hepatic lipid metabolism, increasing energy expenditure, and enhancing gut-liver cross-talk.

Safflower polysaccharide ameliorates acute ulcerative colitis by regulating STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathways and repairing intestinal barrier function

This study is to investigate the effect of SPS on the UC model. An animal model of UC induced by DSS was developed using C57BL/6 mice. The body weight was recorded every day, and the symptoms related to UC were detected. H&E staining, AB-PAS staining and PSR staining were used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the colon. Inflammation and mucosal barrier indicators were detected by qRT-PCR, and the 16 S rRNA sequence was used to detect the intestinal flora. SPS can significantly prevent and treat DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in animals. SPS significantly improved clinical symptoms, alleviated pathological damage, inhibited the infiltration of intestinal inflammatory cells. SPS treatment can protect goblet cells, enhance the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins, inhibit the expression of antimicrobial peptides, thereby improving intestinal barrier integrity. The prevention and treatment mechanism of SPS may be related to the inhibition of STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway to regulate intestinal barrier function. In particular, SPS also significantly adjusted the structure of intestinal flora, significantly increasing the abundance of Akkermansia and Limosilactobacillus and inhibiting the abundance of Bacteroides. Overall, SPS has a significant therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis mice, and is expected to play its value effectively in clinical treatment.

Hemp seeds attenuate loperamide-induced constipation in mice

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disease that seriously affects human physical and mental health. Studies have reported that hemp seeds can improve constipation, however the specific mechanism is still unclear. This study investigates that hemp seed (HS) and its water-ethanol extract (HSE) attenuates loperamide-induced constipation in mice. The research results show that: the fecal water content and small intestinal transit rate of mice in the hemp seed group and hemp seed hydroalcoholic extract group were significantly increased compared with MC group, and the first red feces defecation time was significantly shortened; HS and HSE significantly influence serum levels of Gastrin (Gas), motilin (MTL), substance P (SP), and endothelin (ET), potentially mediating their effects on gastrointestinal motility. HS and HSE can improve colon inflammation in constipated mice with H&E staining. Compared with the model of constipation group, the content of short-chain fatty acids in the HS group and HSE group increased significantly. Gut microbiome studies have shown that the structure and abundance of intestinal flora are altered. HS and HSE changed the abundance of Odoribacter, Bacteroide, Lactobacillus and Prevotella. Together, these results suggest that HS have the potential to stimulate the proliferation of beneficial gut microbes and promote intestinal motility, thereby improving gut health and relieving symptoms of constipation.

Supplementation of Crataegi fructus alleviates functional dyspepsia and restores gut microbiota in mice

IntroductionFunctional dyspepsia (FD), also known as non-ulcerative dyspepsia, is a common digestive system disorder.MethodsIn this study, an FD model was established using hunger and satiety disorders combined with an intraperitoneal injection of L-arginine. Indices used to evaluate the efficacy of hawthorn in FD mice include small intestinal propulsion rate, gastric residual rate, general condition, food intake, amount of drinking water, gastric histopathological examination, and serum nitric oxide (NO) and gastrin levels. Based on the intestinal flora and their metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the mechanism of action of Crataegi Fructus (hawthorn) on FD was studied. The fecal microbiota transplantation test was used to verify whether hawthorn altered the structure of the intestinal flora.ResultsThe results showed that hawthorn improved FD by significantly reducing the gastric residual rate, increasing the intestinal propulsion rate, the intake of food and drinking water, and the levels of gastrointestinal hormones. Simultaneously, hawthorn elevated substance P and 5-hydroxytryptamine expression in the duodenum, reduced serum NO levels, and increased vasoactive intestinal peptide expression in the duodenum. Notably, hawthorn increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria and SCFA-producing bacteria in the intestines of FD mice, decreased the abundance of conditional pathogenic bacteria, and significantly increased the SCFA content in feces.DiscussionThe mechanism by which hawthorn improves FD may be related to the regulation of intestinal flora structure and the production of SCFAs.

[Investigation of the effects and mechanisms of berberine on a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome: based on intestinal flora analysis].

Objective: To examine the impact of berberine on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in mice, and to investigate the effects of berberine on the intestinal flora and the intestinal flora on PCOS. Methods: A mouse model of PCOS was established by administering dehydroepiandrosterone in combination with high fat diet, and the mouse model was given a berberine treatment. The study consisted of a blank control group (C group), a PCOS model group (M group) and a berberine treatment group (T group). During the experiment, the mice were closely monitored through timed body weight measurements and estrous cycle monitoring; intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test were done. Upon completion of the pharmacological intervention, the wet weights of liver, ovary and fat deposits of mice were assessed and subjected to HE staining to confirm the success of PCOS modeling and the efficacy of berberine. Additionally, fecal samples were analyzed for intestinal flora through 16S rRNA analysis. Results: The PCOS model was established successfully, berberine alleviated the disturbance of estrous cycle in mice, and significantly alleviated fat accumulation and metabolic abnormalities of glucose in mice. The cross-sectional area of fat pad cells in T group was (2 858±146) μm², which was significantly lower than that in M group [(9 518±347) μm²], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The blood glucose levels in T group were significantly lower than those in M group (P<0.05). The composition and structure of intestinal flora in mice of M group with PCOS (compared with C group) and in mice of T group after berberine intervention (compared with M group) were significantly altered. However, alpha diversity did not change significantly among three groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Berberine could alleviate PCOS by intervening in the alterations of gut microbiota.

Vegetation–edaphic correlation and importance value index in himalayan ‘ecotone’ temperate conifer forest using the multivariate technique

Himalayan ‘Ecotone’ temperate conifer forest is the cradle of life for human survival and wildlife existence. In spite of the importance of these areas, they have not been studied in depth. This study aimed to quantify the floristic structure, important value index (IVI), topographic and edaphic variables between 2019 and 2020 utilizing circular quadrant method (10 m x 10 m). The upper-storey layer consisted of 17 tree species belongs to 12 families and 9 orders. Middle-storey shrubs comprised of 23 species representing 14 families and 12 orders. A total of 43 species of herbs, grasses, and ferns were identified from the ground-storey layer, representing 25 families and 21 orders. Upper-storey vegetation structure was dominated by Pinus roxburghii (22.45 %) and middle-storey by Dodonaea viscosa (7.69 %). However, the ground layer vegetation was diverse in species composition (43 species) and distribution. The floral vegetation structure was encompassing of three floral communities which were diverse in IVI, such as, in Piro–Aial (Group 2), Pinus roxburghii (54.46 x 15.94) had the highest IVI value, followed by Pinus wallichiana (45.21 x 14.85) in Piwa–Quin (Group 3) and Ailanthus altissima (22.84 x 19.25) in Aial–Qugal (Group 1). However, the IVI values for Aesculus indica, Celtis australis, and Quercus incana in Aial–Qugal (Group 1) were not determined due to low detection rate. Nevertheless, eleven of these species showed 0 IVI values in Piro–Aial (Group 2) and Piwa–Quin (Group 3). CCA ordination biplot illustrated the significant differences among floral communities and its distribution, which impacted by temperature, rainfall, soil pH, altitude, and topographic features. Ward's agglomerative clustering finding reflected 'Ecotone' temperate conifer forest is rich and diverse floristic structure.

Membrane-anchoring selenophene viologens for antibacterial photodynamic therapy against periodontitis via restoring subgingival flora and alleviating inflammation

Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged as a promising strategy for treating periodontitis. However, the weak binding of most photosensitizers to bacteria and the hypoxic environment of periodontal pockets severely hamper the therapeutic efficacy. Herein, two novel oxygen-independent photosensitizers are developed by introducing selenophene into viologens and modifying with hexane chains (HASeV) or quaternary ammonium chains (QASeV), which improve the adsorption to bacteria through anchoring to the negatively charged cell membrane. Notably, QASeV binds only to the bacterial surface of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum due to electrostatic binding, but HASeV can insert into their membrane by strong hydrophobic interactions. Therefore, HASeV exhibits superior antimicrobial activity and more pronounced plaque biofilm disruption than QASeV when combined with light irradiation (MVL-210 photoreactor, 350–600 nm, 50 mW/cm2), and a better effect on reducing the diversity and restoring the structure of subgingival flora in periodontitis rat model was found through 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The histological and Micro-CT analyses reveal that HASeV-based aPDT has a better therapeutic effect in reducing periodontal tissue inflammation and alveolar bone resorption. This work provides a new strategy for the development of viologen-based photosensitizers, which may be a favorable candidate for the aPDT against periodontitis.

Wallace melon juice fermented with Lactobacillus alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice through modulating gut microbiota and the metabolism.

Fermented foods have shown promise in preventing or treating ulcerative colitis (UC) via regulating intestinal flora and correcting metabolic disorders. However, the prevention effect of fermented Wallace melon juice (FMJ) on UC is unclear. In this study, the effects of FMJ on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC were investigated via 16S rRNA sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics. The results showed that FMJ was effective in alleviating the symptoms of UC, reducing histological damage and oxidative stress, decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. After FMJ treatment, the level of propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid increased by 14.1%, 44.4%, and 52.4% compared to DSS-induced UC mice. Meanwhile, the levels of harmful bacteria such as Oscillospira, Bacteroidetes, and Erysipelotrichaceae and Clostridium decreased, while the levels of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium increased. Fecal metabolomics analysis identified 31 differential metabolites, which could regulate metabolic disorders in UC mice by controlling the primary bile acid biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis pathway. Additionally, the abundances of butyric acid, bile acids, and pantothenic acid were positively correlated with Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and other beneficial bacteria (R2 >0.80, p<0.01). The results indicated that FMJ played a role in regulating the structure of intestinal flora, which in turn helped in repairing metabolic disorders and alleviated colitis inflammation.

The combination of Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides and cisplatin enhances the anti liver cancer effect and improves intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders

Polysaccharides are commonly used as low-toxicity anticancer active substances to enhance the chemotherapeutic effect of cisplatin and reduce toxicity. Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides have been shown to have hepatoprotective effects; however, their anticancer effects in combination with cisplatin and their mechanisms have not been reported. An acidic polysaccharide from Brassica rapa L. (BRCPe) using hydroalcohol precipitation-assisted sonication was Characterized. The effects of BRCPe combined with cisplatin treatment on tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model were investigated. The impact of the combined treatment on the composition of intestinal flora, levels of short-chain fatty acids and endogenous metabolites in tumor mice were analyzed based on macrogenomic and metabolomic data Our results showed that the BRCPe combined with low-dose Cisplatin group showed better inhibitory activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth in terms of tumor volume, tumor weight, and tumor suppression rate compared with the BRCPe and Cisplation alone group, and reduced the side effects of cisplatin-induced body weight loss, immune deficiency, and liver injury. Furthermore, BRCPe combined with cisplatin was found to induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell through the activation of the caspase cascade reaction. In addition, the intervention of BRCPe were observed to modulate the composition, structure and functional structure of intestinal flora affected by cisplatin. Notably, Lachnospiraceae bacteria, Lactobacillus murinus, Muribaculaceae, and Clostridiales bacteria were identified as significant contributors to microbial species involved in metabolic pathways. Moreover, BRCPe effectively regulate the metabolic disorders in cisplatin-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mice. In conclusion, BRCPe could potentially function as an adjuvant or dietary supplement to augment the effectiveness of cisplatin chemotherapy through the preservation of a more efficient intestinal microenvironmental homeostasis.

Dietary ethylenediamine dihydroiodide mitigated Escherichia coli O78-induced immune and intestinal damage of ducks via suppression of NF-κB signal

This study investigated the effect of Ethylenediamine dihydroiodide (EDDI) on growth performance, immune function and intestinal health of meat ducks challenged with Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). A total of 360 one-day-old Cherry Valley ducks with similar body weight were randomly allocated to 6 treatments (6 floor cages, 10 birds/cage). A 3 × 2 factor design was used with 3 dietary iodine levels (0, 8, 16 mg/kg in the form EDDI and whether APEC was challenged or not at 7-day-old ducks. The feeding period lasted for 20 d. The results showed that the addition of EDDI reduced APEC-induced decrease of the 20-d weight loss of meat ducks (P < 0.05), and alleviated the inflammatory response of liver tissue induced by APEC challenge in meat ducks. In terms of immune function, EDDI supplementation reduced the immune organ index and increased the immune cell count of meat ducks, reduced the level of endotoxins in the serum of meat ducks (P < 0.05), as well as inhibited the expression levels of liver and spleen inflammatory factors and TLR signaling pathway related genes induced by APEC (P < 0.05). In terms of intestinal health, EDDI inhibited APEC-induced decreases in ZO-3 genes expression and increases in IL-1β and TNF-α expression, increased relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the cecum and content of metabolites. Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between liver inflammatory factors and TLR4 signaling pathway genes, and there might be a significant correlation between intestinal microbial flora and other physiological indexes of meat ducks, which indicated that EDDI could reduce the damage to immune function and intestinal health caused by APEC challenge through regulating the structure of intestinal flora. Collectively, our findings suggest that the EDDI can promote growth performance, improve immune function and the intestinal barrier in APEC-challenged meat ducks, which may be related to the suppression of NF-κB signal.

Cellulolytic Bacillus cereus produces a variety of short-chain fatty acids and has potential as a probiotic.

Short-chain fatty acids are crucial constituents of the intestinal tract, playing an important and beneficial role in preserving the functional integrity of the intestinal barrier and modulating both immune responses and the structure of the intestinal flora. In the intestine, short-chain fatty acids are mainly produced by bacterial fermentation of cellulose. Therefore, we believe that safe and efficient cellulolytic bacteria have the potential to be novel probiotics. In this study, we systematically evaluated the safety and biological characteristics of the cellulolytic bacterium B. cereus CL2 and provide evidence for its use as a probiotic.

Mechanism of Guangdong Shenqu in regulating intestinal flora in mice with food stagnation and internal heat based on 16S rDNA sequencing

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Guangdong Shenqu (GSQ) on intestinal flora structure in mice with food stagnation through 16S rDNA sequencing. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to control, model, GSQ low-dose (GSQL), GSQ medium-dose (GSQM), GSQ high-dose (GSQH), and lacidophilin tablets (LAB) groups, with each group containing 10 mice. A food stagnation and internal heat mouse model was established through intragastric administration of a mixture of beeswax and olive oil (1:15). The control group was administered normal saline, and the model group was administered beeswax and olive oil to maintain a state. The GSQL (2 g/kg), GSQM (4 g/kg), GSQH (8 g/kg), and LAB groups (0.625 g/kg) were administered corresponding drugs for 5 d. After administration, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to assess gut microbiota in mouse fecal samples. ResultsThe model group exhibited significant intestinal flora changes. Following GSQ administration, the abundance and diversity index of the intestinal flora increased significantly, the number of bacterial species was regulated, and α and β diversity were improved. GSQ administration increased the abundance of probiotics, including Clostridia, Lachnospirales, and Lactobacillus, whereas the abundance of conditional pathogenic bacteria, such as Allobaculum, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Bacteroides decreased. Functional prediction analysis indicated that the pathogenesis of food stagnation and GSQ intervention were primarily associated with carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, among other metabolic pathways. ConclusionThe digestive mechanism of GSQ may be attributed to its role in restoring diversity and abundance within the intestinal flora, thereby improving the composition and structure of the intestinal flora in mice and subsequently influencing the regulation of metabolic pathways.

Integration of metagenome and metabolome analysis reveals the correlation of gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and inflammation in Coilia nasus under air exposure stress and salinity mitigation

Due to the strong response to air exposure, high mortality was occurred in Coilia nasus. Previous studies reported that 10 ‰ NaCl could significantly reduce mortality in C. nasus under air exposure. To investigate the mechanisms that 10 ‰ NaCl can alleviate stress, community structure and metabolism of the intestinal flora of C. nasus were detected via metagenome and metabolome. In this study, C. nasus were divided into control group (C), air exposure group without 10 ‰ NaCl (AE), and air exposure group with 10 ‰ NaCl (AES). After air exposure stress and salinity mitigation, the mortality, intestinal microorganisms, metabolites, and physiological biomarkers were analyzed. The results showed that the mortality rate of C. nasus was reduced after salinity reduction; the antioxidant capacity was elevated compared to the AE group; and anti-inflammatory capacity was increased in the AES group compared to the AE group. Metagenomic sequencing results showed that the levels of harmful bacteria (E. coli, Aeromonas) in the Candida nasus gut increased after air exposure; beneficial bacteria (Actinobacteria, Corynebacteria) in the C. nasus gut increased after salinity reduction. Metabolomics analyses showed that AE decreased the expression of beneficial metabolites and increased the expression of harmful metabolites; AES increased beneficial metabolites and decreased harmful metabolites. Correlation analysis showed that in the AE group, beneficial metabolites were negatively correlated with oxidative stress and inflammatory response, while harmful metabolites were positively correlated with oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and were associated with bacterial communities such as Gillisia, Alkalitalia, Avipoxvirus, etc.; the correlation of metabolites with oxidative stress and inflammatory response was opposite to that of AE in the case of AES, and was associated with Lentilactobacillus, Cyanobacterium, and other bacterial communities. Air exposure caused damage to Candida rhinoceros and 10 ‰ salinity was beneficial in alleviating C. nasus stress. These results will provide new insights into methods and mechanisms to mitigate stress in fish.

Study on the intervention effect of Epimedium before and after suet-oil-processed on kidney yang deficiency rats based on intestinal flora and fecal metabolomics

Epimedium is a Chinese herbal medicine commonly used in clinical practice to reinforce yang. Previous studies have shown that Epimedium fried with suet oil based has the best effect on warming kidney and promoting yang. Evidence suggests a relationship between kidney yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS) and metabolic disorders of the intestinal microflora. However, the specific interaction between KYDS and the intestinal microbiome, as well as the internal regulatory mechanism of the KYDS intestinal microbiome regulated by Epimedium fried with suet oil, remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of different processed products of Epimedium on intestinal microflora and metabolites in rats with kidney yang deficiency, and to reveal the processing mechanism of Epimedium fried with suet oil warming kidney and helping yang. 16S rRNA and LC-MS/MS technology were used to detect fecal samples. Combined with multivariate statistical analysis, differential intestinal flora and metabolites were screened. Then the content of differential bacteria was then quantified using quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR. Furthermore, the correlation between differential bacterial flora and metabolites was analyzed using Spearman's method. The study found that the composition of intestinal flora in rats with kidney yang deficiency changed compared to healthy rats. Epimedium fried with suet oil could increase the levels of beneficial bacteria, while significantly reducing the levels of harmful bacteria. Real-time quantitative PCR results were consistent with 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Fecal metabolomics revealed that KYDS was associated with 30 different metabolites, involving metabolic pathways steroid hormone biosynthesis etc. Moreover, differential bacteria were closely correlated with potential biomarkers. Epimedium could improve metabolic disorders associated with KYDS by acting on the intestinal flora, with Epimedium fried with suet oil demonstrating the most effective regulatory effect. Its potential mechanism may involve the regulation of abnormal metabolism and the impact on the diversity and structure of the intestinal flora.

Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM54 alters the metabolomic profiles of yogurt and the co-fermented yogurt improves the gut microecology of human adults

Gut microbiota imbalance could lead to various diseases, making it important to optimize the structure of flora in adults. Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM54 is a bacteriocin and folic acid producing Lactobacillus strain. Herein ZFM54 was used as the potentialy probiotic bacterium to ferment milk together with a yogurt starter. We optimized the fermentation conditions and the obtained yogurts were then subjected to volatile and non-volatile metabolome analysis, showing that ZFM54 cannot only improve the acidity, water holding capacity and live lactic acid bacteria counts, but also improve many volatile acid contents and increase some beneficial non-volatile metabolites such as N-ethyl glycine and L-Lysine, endowing the yogurt with more flavor and better function. The regulatory effects of the co-fermented yogurt on intestinal microecology of volunteers were investigated by 16S rRNA sequencing and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis after a continuous consuming the yogurt of 2-week, showing better effect to increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Ruminococcus and Alistipes, decrease harmful bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella and Enterobacter), and enhance the production of SCFAs (acetate, propionate and butyric acid) than the control yogurt. In conclusion, L. paracasei ZFM54 can significantly improve the health benefits of yogurt, laying the foundation for its commercial application in improving gut microbiota.

Floristic structure and diversity of agro-sylvopastoral systems of Batha in Chad

The study was carried out in the agroforestry zone of Batha province in Chad. The aim was to assess the structure and floristic characteristics of woody stands. To do this, a survey of woody plant was carried out in 2500 m2 (50 m x 50 m) quadrangular plots. A total of 210 individuals were determined, 35 for each land-use system. The results show that the woody flora is rich and diverse, with 33 species distributed into 24 genera and 15 families. The Fabaceae-Capparaceae families dominated in terms of genera and species. 11 species are ecologically important, while 6 families have a family index value greater than or equal to 10%. The Shannon Weaver diversity index and Piélou equitability are less than 2.5 bits and 0.5 bit, indicating that the agroforestry systems of Batha province have low diversity and a more or less irregular distribution of vegetation. The woody stands are dominated by Faidherbia albida, Balanites aegyptiaca, Tamarindus indica and Mangifera indica. The ecological services of these agroforestry systems will be assessed in the coming studies.

Correlation between the bacterial flora and sensory quality of Bayannur sour porridge

In this study, the bacterial flora structure, sensory quality and culturable lactic acid bacteria resources of sour porridge in Bayannur area were analyzed. Furthermore, these bacterial sequencing data were combined with the high-throughput sequencing data of Ordos sour porridge to analyze the microbiota differences. MiSeq results showed that Lactiplantibacillus, Acetobacter, Lacticaseibacillus, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus were the main bacterial genera in sour porridge. Further comparative analysis showed that the average relative abundance of 7 dominant bacteria genera was significantly higher in sour porridge from Bayannur area (P < 0.05). Electronic nose and electronic tongue demonstrated that the primary volatile flavor substances in sour porridge were terpene compounds, and the change in taste characteristics was mainly reflected in the sour taste index. Correlation showed that most of LAB genera and Acetobacter were positively correlated with the formation of aromatic compounds. Pure culture showed that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were the dominant LAB in sour porridge. Overall, certain differences in the bacterial flora of sour porridge from different regions were identified, with Lactiplantibacillus, Acetobacter, Lacticaseibacillus, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus being characteristic of sour porridge in Bayannur area. Moreover, some LAB genera and Acetobacter were found to have a positive effect on flavor formation in sour porridge.

A tailored series of engineered yeasts for the cell-dependent treatment of inflammatory bowel disease by rational butyrate supplementation

ABSTRACT Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disruption are considered essential characteristics in inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). Reasonable butyrate supplementation can help patients regulate intestinal flora structure and promote mucosal repair. Here, to restore microbiota homeostasis and butyrate levels in the patient’s intestines, we modified the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce butyrate. We precisely regulated the relevant metabolic pathways to enable the yeast to produce sufficient butyrate in the intestine with uneven oxygen distribution. A series of engineered strains with different butyrate synthesis abilities was constructed to meet the needs of different patients, and the strongest can reach 1.8 g/L title of butyrate. Next, this series of strains was used to co-cultivate with gut microbiota collected from patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. After receiving treatment with engineered strains, the gut microbiota and the butyrate content have been regulated to varying degrees depending on the synthetic ability of the strain. The abundance of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus increased, while the abundance of harmful bacteria like Candidatus Bacilloplasma decreased. Meanwhile, the series of butyrate-producing yeast significantly improved trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in mice by restoring butyrate content. Among the series of engineered yeasts, the strain with the second-highest butyrate synthesis ability showed the most significant regulatory and the best therapeutic effect on the gut microbiota from IBD patients and the colitis mouse model. This study confirmed the existence of a therapeutic window for IBD treatment by supplementing butyrate, and it is necessary to restore butyrate levels according to the actual situation of patients to restore intestinal flora.

Contribution of military training areas for the conservation of calcareous grasslands

Calcareous grasslands are habitats of high conservation value. These rich habitats are declining notably due to agriculture and habitat fragmentation. In France, calcareous grasslands may be found on Military Training Areas (MTA), which protect them from intensive agriculture and urban development. By analysing their floristic structure and composition, the aim of this publication is to determine the conservation status of grassland on two French MTAs, following a gradient of intensity of military use called “militarisation gradient” in the rest of the publication. Vegetation characteristics appeared different according to the level of military activities. The level of military activity increases the average height of vegetation and the proportion of bare ground as well as the heterogeneity of the environment. Also, military activities and their related management, favour rich and diversified grasslands in a good conservation status, even if it could be improved by some adapted management methods. They also allow the creation of a mosaic of habitats within the grasslands with the presence of overgrown areas. Thus, MTAs appeared to present good potential for preserving of remaining calcareous grassland.

Ethanol extracts of Isochrysis zhanjiangensis alleviate acute alcoholic liver injury and modulate intestinal bacteria dysbiosis in mice.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is responsible for 3.3 million deaths per annum. Efficacious therapeutic modalities or drug treatments for ALD have not yet been found, so it is urgent to seek new agents for preventing ALD and its related disease. Many experiments have indicated that modulating the gut microbiota and regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4 )/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) inflammatory pathway can provide a new target for prevention and treatment of ALD. Marine microalgae have their natural metabolic pathways to synthesize various of bioactive compounds as promising candidates for hepatoprotection. In this study, we investigated ethanol extracts from Isochrysis zhanjiangensis (EEIZ) to evaluate their ability to alleviate acute alcoholic liver injury, regulate TLR4 /NF-κB inflammatory pathway and modulate intestinal bacteria dysbiosis in mice for ALD treatment. In the acute ALD mouse model, EEIZ reduced levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triacylglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, while increasing the level of high-density lipoprotein. Besides, TLR4 , myeloid differentiation factor 88, NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α expression levels in liver tissue were effectively downregulated by EEIZ. Furthermore, treatment with EEIZ enhanced intestinal homeostasis and significantly alleviated the damage caused by alcohol. EEIZ showed effective hepatoprotective activity against alcohol-induced acute liver injury in mice as it could alleviate hepatocyte damage, suppress the TLR4 /NF-κB inflammatory pathway and regulate the intestinal flora structure. EEIZ could be a good candidate for preventing acute alcoholic liver injury. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.