Search Results (13,457)

The human gut microbiota constitutes a complex community of microorganisms residing within the gastrointestinal tract, encompassing a vast array of species that play crucial roles in health and disease. The disease processes involved in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are now increasingly established to result in dysregulation of gut microbiota composition and function. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with poor clinical outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with ESKD, particularly individuals receiving dialysis. Prior studies highlighted various factors that affect gut microbiota dysbiosis in CKD and ESKD. These include, but are not limited to, uraemic toxin accumulation, chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, medications, and dietary restrictions and nutritional status. There is a lack of studies at present that focus on the evaluation of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the context of dialysis. Knowledge on gut microbiota changes in this context is important for determining their impact on dialysis-specific and overall outcomes for this patient cohort. More importantly, evaluating gut microbiota composition can provide information into potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Identification of specific microbial signatures may result in further development of personalised treatments to improve patient outcomes and mitigate complications during dialysis. Optimising gut microbiota through various therapeutic approaches, including dietary adjustments, probiotics, prebiotics, medications, and faecal transplantation, have previously demonstrated potential in multiple medical conditions. It remains to be seen whether these therapeutic approaches are effective within the dialysis setting. Our review aims to evaluate evidence relating to alterations in the gut microbiota of patients undergoing dialysis. A growing body of evidence pointing to the complex yet significant relationship which surrounds gut microbiota and kidney health emphasises the importance of gut microbial balance to improve outcomes for individuals receiving dialysis. Full article

Background: Fasting potentially alters the aging process induced by obesity by regulating telomere integrity, which is related to longevity genes. However, the impact of periodic fasting (PF) on the expression of longevity genes, particularly Forkhead Box O Transcription Factors (FOXO3a) and the Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT), is not fully understood. This study aimed to analyze the effects of PF, specifically on FOXO3a, hTERT expression, and other associated factors. Methods: A quasi-experimental 10-day study was conducted in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. This study consisted of an intervention group (PFG), which carried out PF for ten days using a daily 12 h time-restricted eating protocol, and a control group (CG), which had daily meals as usual. FOXO3a and hTERT expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time qPCR. A paired t-test/Wilcoxon test, independent t-test/Mann–Whitney U-test, and Spearman’s correlation test were used for statistical analysis. Result: Thirty-six young men participated in this study. During the post-test period, FOXO3a expression in the PFG increased 28.56 (±114.05) times compared to the pre-test, but the difference was not significant. hTERT expression was significantly higher in both the CG and PFG. The hTERT expression in the PFG was 10.26 (±8.46) times higher than in the CG, which was only 4.73 (±4.81) times higher. There was also a positive relationship between FOXO and hTERT in the CG. Conclusions: PF significantly increased hTERT expression in the PFG; however, no significant increase was found in FOXO3a expression. PF regimens using the 12 h time-restricted eating approach may become a potential strategy for preventing obesity-induced premature aging by regulating longevity gene expression. Full article

In rice, symbiotic N₂ fixation via nodule bacteroids does not take place naturally. Although N₂ fixation by endophytic and associative diazotrophs has been reported in rice, the main organs and seasonal regulation for the N₂ fixation have not been elucidated. In this study, seasonal changes in nitrogenase (acetylene reduction) activity and carbohydrate contents in elongated culm (EC), unelongated stem (US), and crown root (CR) were investigated in manure compost (MC)- and chemical fertilizer (CF)-applied rice. Nitrogenase activity increased after rooting (June) and reached the highest activity in US of MC-applied rice at panicle initiation (August). The sucrose content in EC continued to increase after rooting regardless of the applied materials, whereas the glucose content in US increased after rooting only in CF-applied rice, suggesting higher consumption of glucose in US of MC-applied rice. There were significant differences among bacterial microbiota in EC, US, and CR at panicle initiation. In addition, Clostridia class anaerobes were more abundant in US of MC-applied rice than in EC and CR of MC-applied rice. Such difference was not observed in US of CF-applied rice. These results suggest the suitability of US of MC-applied rice at panicle initiation as a site of N₂ fixation under anaerobic conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by difficulty maintaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While the cause of this disorder is still unclear, recent studies have stated that heredity is important in the development of ADHD. This is linked to a few comorbidities, including depression, criminal behavior, and anxiety. Although genetic factors influence ADHD symptoms, there are also non-genetic factors, one of which is oxidative stress (OS), which plays a role in the pathogenesis and symptoms of ADHD. This review aims to explore the role of OS in ADHD and its connection to antioxidant enzyme levels, as well as the gut–brain axis (GBA), focusing on diet and its influence on ADHD symptoms, particularly in adults with comorbid conditions. Methods: The literature search included the main available databases (e.g., Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar). Articles in the English language were taken into consideration and our screening was conducted based on several words such as “ADHD”, “oxidative stress”, “diet”, “gut–brain axis”, and “gut microbiota.” The review focused on studies examining the link between oxidative stress and ADHD, the role of the gut–brain axis, and the potential impact of dietary interventions. Results: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development and manifestation of ADHD symptoms. Studies have shown that individuals with ADHD exhibit reduced levels of key antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as a diminished total antioxidant status (TOS) compared to healthy controls. Additionally, there is evidence of a close bidirectional interaction between the nervous system and gut microbiota, mediated by the gut–brain axis. This relationship suggests that dietary interventions targeting gut health may influence ADHD symptoms and related comorbidities. Conclusions: Oxidative stress and the gut–brain axis are key factors in the pathogenesis of ADHD, particularly in adults with comorbid conditions. A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to more targeted treatments, including dietary interventions, to mitigate ADHD symptoms. Further research is required to explore the therapeutic potential of modulating oxidative stress and gut microbiota in the management of ADHD. Full article

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural polyphenol with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the exact role of it in regulating intestinal health under oxidative stress is not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary CGA supplementation on the intestinal health of weaned piglets under oxidative stress, and to explore its regulatory mechanism. Twenty-four piglets were randomly divided into two groups and fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg CGA (CGA). CGA reduced the diarrhea rate, increased the villus height in the jejunum, and decreased the crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of the weaned piglets (p < 0.05). Moreover, CGA increased the protein abundance of Claudin-1, Occludin, and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). In addition, CGA increased the mRNA expression of pBD2 in the jejunum, and pBD1 and pBD2 in the ileum (p < 0.05). The results of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that CGA altered the ileal microbiota composition and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus pontis (p < 0.05). Consistently, the findings suggested that the enhancement of the intestinal barrier in piglets was associated with increased concentrations of T-AOC, IL-22, and sIgA in the serum and T-AOC, T-SOD, and sIgA in the jejunum, as well as T-AOC and CAT in the ileum caused by CGA (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, CGA decreased the concentrations of MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and jejunum and IL-1β and IL-6 in the ileum (p < 0.05). Importantly, this study found that CGA alleviated intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in the piglets by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. These findings showed that CGA enhances the intestinal health of weaned piglets by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and activating the Nrf2 pathway. Full article

Background: In the last two decades, the consumption of plant-based dairy substitutes in place of animal-based milk has increased in different geographic regions of the world. Dairy substitutes of vegetable origin have a quantitative composition of macronutrients such as animal milk, although the composition of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as bioactive components, is completely different from that of animal milk. Many milk components have been shown to have relevant effects on the intestinal microbiota. Methods: Therefore, the aim of this review is to compare the effects obtained by previous works on the composition of the gut microbiota after the ingestion of animal milk and/or vegetable beverages. Results: In general, the results obtained in the included studies were very positive for animal milk intake. Thus, we found an increase in gut microbiota richness and diversity, increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids, and beneficial microbes such as Bifidobacterium, lactobacilli, Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae or Blautia. In other cases, we found a significant decrease in potential harmful bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Erysipelotrichaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae or Clostridium perfingens after animal-origin milk intake. Vegetable beverages have also generally produced positive results in the gut microbiota such as the increase in the relative presence of lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium or Blautia. However, we also found some potential negative results, such as increases in the presence of potential pathogens such as Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella and Fusobacterium. Conclusions: From the perspective of their effects on the intestinal microbiota, milks of animal origin appear to be more beneficial for human health than their vegetable substitutes. These different effects on the intestinal microbiota should be considered in those cases where the replacement of animal milks by vegetable substitutes is recommended. Full article

All eight pangolin species, especially captive Manis pentadactyla, are critically endangered and susceptible to various pathogenic microorganisms, causing mass mortality. They are involved in the complement system, iron transport system, and inflammatory factors. M. pentadactyla exhibited a higher abundance of opportunistic pathogens, Moraxella, which potentially evaded complement-mediated immune response by reducing C5 levels and counteracting detrimental effects through transferrin neutralization. In addition, we found that the major structure of C5a, an important inflammatory factor, was lacking in M. javanica. In brief, this study revealed the differences in immune factors and microbiome between M. javanica and M. pentadactyla, thus providing a theoretical basis for subsequent immunotherapy. Full article

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) history on Crohn’s disease (CD) is unknown. This investigation aimed to examine the effect of COVID-19 history on the disease course, oral-gut microbiota, and serum metabolomics in patients with CD. In this study, oral-gut microbiota and serum metabolomic profiles in 30 patients with CD and a history of mild COVID-19 (positive group, PG), 30 patients with CD without COVID-19 history (negative group, NG), and 60 healthy controls (HC) were assessed using 16S rDNA sequencing and targeted metabolomics. During follow-up, the CD activity index showed a stronger decrease in the PG than in the NG (p = 0.0496). PG patients demonstrated higher α-diversity and distinct β-diversity clustering in both salivary and fecal microbiota compared to NG and HC individuals. Notably, the gut microbiota composition in the PG patients showed a significantly greater similarity to that of HC than NG individuals. The interaction between oral and intestinal microbiota in the PG was reduced. Moreover, serum metabolome analysis revealed significantly increased anti-inflammatory metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and N-Acetylserotonin, among PG patients; meanwhile, inflammation-related metabolites such as arachidonic acid were significantly reduced in this group. Our data suggest that the gut microbiota mediates a potential beneficial effect of a mild COVID-19 history in CD patients. Full article

GoodBiome™ Foods are functional foods containing a probiotic (Bacillus subtilis HU58™) and prebiotics (mainly inulin). Their effects on the human gut microbiota were assessed using ex vivo SIFR^® technology, which has been validated to provide clinically predictive insights. GoodBiome™ Foods (BBM/LCM/OSM) were subjected to oral, gastric, and small intestinal digestion/absorption, after which their impact on the gut microbiome of four adults was assessed (n = 3). All GoodBiome™ Foods boosted health-related SCFA acetate (+13.1/14.1/13.8 mM for BBM/LCM/OSM), propionate (particularly OSM; +7.4/7.5/8.9 mM for BBM/LCM/OSM) and butyrate (particularly BBM; +2.6/2.1/1.4 mM for BBM/LCM/OSM). This is related to the increase in Bifidobacterium species (B. catenulatum, B. adolescentis, B. pseudocatenulatum), Coprococcus catus and Bacteroidetes members (Bacteroides caccae, Phocaeicola dorei, P. massiliensis), likely mediated via inulin. Further, the potent propionogenic potential of OSM related to increased Bacteroidetes members known to ferment oats (s key ingredient of OSM), while the butyrogenic potential of BBM related to a specific increase in Anaerobutyricum hallii, a butyrate producer specialized in the fermentation of erythritol (key ingredient of BBM). In addition, OSM/BBM suppressed the pathogen Clostridioides difficile, potentially due to inclusion of HU58™ in GoodBiome™ Foods. Finally, all products enhanced a spectrum of metabolites well beyond SCFA, including vitamins (B3/B6), essential amino acids, and health-related metabolites such as indole-3-propionic acid. Overall, the addition of specific ingredients to complex foods was shown to specifically modulate the gut microbiome, potentially contributing to health benefits. Noticeably, our findings contradict a recent in vitro study, underscoring the critical role of employing a physiologically relevant digestion/absorption procedure for a more accurate evaluation of the microbiome-modulating potential of complex foods. Full article

Alterations to intestinal microbiota are assumed to occur in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aims to analyze the association of fecal microbiota composition, body composition, and lipid characteristics in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). In our cross-sectional study, patients with CD were enrolled and blood and fecal samples were collected. Clinical and endoscopic disease activity and body composition were assessed and laboratory tests were made. Fecal bacterial composition was analyzed using the shotgun method. Microbiota alterations based on obesity, lipid parameters, and disease characteristics were analyzed. In this study, 27 patients with CD were analyzed, of which 37.0% were obese based on visceral fat area (VFA). Beta diversities were higher in non-obese patients (p < 0.001), but relative abundances did not differ. C. innocuum had a higher abundance at a high cholesterol level than Bacillota (p = 0.001, p = 0.0034). Adlercreutzia, B. longum, and Blautia alterations were correlated with triglyceride levels. Higher Clostridia (p = 0.009) and B. schinkii (p = 0.032) and lower Lactobacillus (p = 0.035) were connected to high VFA. Disease activity was coupled with dysbiotic elements. Microbiota alterations in obesity highlight the importance of gut microbiota in diseases with a similar inflammatory background and project therapeutic options. Full article

Shrimp is one of the most important aquaculture industries. Therefore, we determined the effect of nitrifying-probiotic bacteria on water quality, growth, survival, immune response, and intestinal microbiota of Litopenaeus vannamei cultured without water exchange. In vitro, only Bacillus licheniformis used total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrites, and nitrates since nitrogen bubbles were produced. TAN decreased significantly in the treatments with B. licheniformis and Pediococcus pentosaceus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, but no differences were observed in nitrites. Nitrates were significantly higher in the treatments with bacteria. The final weight was higher only with bacilli and bacilli and LAB treatments. The survival of shrimp in the bacterial treatments increased significantly, and superoxide anion increased significantly only in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) treatment. The activity of phenoloxidase decreased significantly in the treatments with bacteria compared to the control. Shrimp treated with bacilli in the water showed lower species richness. The gut bacterial community after treatments was significantly different from that of the control. Linoleic acid metabolism was positively correlated with final weight and superoxide anion, whereas quorum sensing was correlated with survival. Thus, bacilli and LAB in the water of hyperintensive culture systems act as heterotrophic nitrifers, modulate the intestinal microbiota and immune response, and improve the growth and survival of shrimp. This is the first report on P. pentosaceus and L. mesenteroides identified as nitrifying bacteria. Full article

Understanding drug release in the colon is fundamental to developing efficient treatments for colon-related diseases, while unraveling the relationship between the colonic microbiota and excipients is crucial to unveiling the effect of biomaterials on the release of drugs. In this contribution, the bio-release of ibuprofen (encapsulated in acetylated and palmitoylated agave fructans) was evaluated by fermentation with lactic acid bacteria in simulated physicochemical (pH and temperature) colon conditions. It was observed that the size of the acyl chain (1 in acetyl and 15 in palmitoyl) was critical both in the growth of the microorganisms and in the release of the drug. For example, both the bacterial growth and the release of ibuprofen were more favored with acetylated fructan microspheres. Among the microorganisms evaluated, Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus brevis showed great potential as probiotics useful to release drugs from modified fructans. The production of short-chain fatty acids (lactic, acetic, and propionic acids) in the course of fermentations was also determined, since such molecules have a positive effect both on colon-related diseases and on the regulation of the intestinal microbiota. It was found that a higher concentration of acetate is related to a lower growth of bacteria and less release of ibuprofen. Full article

Rabbit meat production faces challenges due to the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases in rabbits, exacerbated by restrictions on antibiotic use in European animal production. Marine macroalgae, rich in bioactive compounds such as soluble polysaccharides, represent promising solutions to this problem. However, research on the effects of macroalgae and the underlying mechanisms in rabbits is limited, especially in commercial settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Saccharina latissima (dehydrated) and Ulva lactuca (dehydrated and hydrolyzed extract) on rabbit on growth performance and gut health in a commercial farm context. A total of 96 litters (8 rabbits/litter) of crossbred rabbits weaned at 33 days of age were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups (control, Saccharina latissima dehydrated, Ulva lactuca dehydrated and Ulva lactuca hydrolyzed extract; 24 replicates/treatment) and monitored from weaning to slaughter at 61 days of age. The key indicators of gut health were assessed 14 days post-weaning by counting coccidia, isolating specific microflora and examining histological samples. Additionally, the relevant intestinal markers (microbiome composition, mucin content and gene expression related to immune response and tight junction proteins) were determined in order to elucidate the potential mechanisms involved. The inclusion of macroalgae in the diet did not influence growth performance of the animals. S. latissima had a positive effect in reducing coccidia counts (p = 0.10) and improving mucosal morphology (p < 0.001), which can possibly be attributed to modulation of the microbiota and improved mucosal functionality. Ulva lactuca had a favorable effect on gut tight junction proteins (p < 0.001), enhancing intestinal barrier function. These findings suggest the potential of macroalgae to modify the intestinal microbiome by reducing the presence of inflammatory bacteria. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms involved and optimize macroalgae supplementation in rabbit nutrition for enhanced gut health. Full article

Glucose, a primary energy source derived from animals’ feed ration, is crucial for their growth, production performance, and health. However, challenges such as metabolic stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota disruption during animal production practices can potentially impair animal glucose metabolism pathways. Phytochemicals, probiotics, prebiotics, and trace minerals are known to change the molecular pathway of insulin-dependent glucose metabolism and improve glucose uptake in rodent and cell models. These compounds, commonly used as animal feed additives, have been well studied for their ability to promote various aspects of growth and health. However, their specific effects on glucose uptake modulation have not been thoroughly explored. This article focuses on glucose metabolism is on discovering alternative non-pharmacological treatments for diabetes in humans, which could have significant implications for developing feed additives that enhance animal performance by promoting insulin-dependent glucose metabolism. This article also aims to provide information about natural materials that impact glucose uptake and to explore their potential use as non-antibiotic feed additives to promote animal health and production. Further exploration of this topic and the materials involved could provide a basis for new product development and innovation in animal nutrition. Full article

Moringa oleifera Lam. (moringa) is a plant native to India, used as a nutritional and medicinal supplement in many cultures around the world. Moringa has been linked to maintaining metabolic homeostasis and is often marketed as a weight loss supplement and a potential remedy for diseases such as diabetes. Here, we investigate how moringa, a ‘superfood’ with predicted protective effects against chronic diseases such as diabetes, influences the nutritional physiology and microbiome composition of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We administered moringa as a dietary supplement to Drosophila, and quantified key nutritional indices: glucose, triacylglyceride, and protein levels, and fly weight. We showed that dietary moringa supplementation significantly reduced fly glucose levels by up to ~30% and resulted in substantial restructuring of Drosophila microbiota composition, altering both gut and intracellular bacterial populations. The effect of moringa on fly glucose levels is specific because other nutritional indices, namely, triacylglyceride and protein levels and fly weight, were not significantly affected by dietary moringa supplementation. This study highlights the importance of moringa as a modulator of host glucose metabolism. Full article