Immunologically Relevant Aspects of Foods—Probiotics and Nutrigenomics

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 May 2024) | Viewed by 3760

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, 1010 Wien, Austria
Interests: microbial ecology; food microbiology; nutrition; epigenetic; diabetes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adequate nutrition is essential during the course of our lives and it impacts us even before we are born. By now, it is well known that the diets of parents and even the grandparents leave an epigenetic imprint on the offspring, which can have long-lasting effects on health. Many food compounds, for instance, folic acid and vitamin B12, have a direct influence on epigenetic mechanisms, in particular, DNA methylation, and have been shown to affect the immune response. Whereas poor nutrition and nutrient deficiency have harmful effects on immune function, some specific food compounds exhibit important functions as modulators of health.

Through understanding the mechanisms of interaction between nutrients, the immune system, health, and disease prevention approaches could be optimized.

In this Special Issue of Life, we encourage researchers to explore the role of diet, especially its immunologically relevant components such as probiotics, in modulating gene expression and epigenetics.

Dr. Berit Hippe
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • probiotics
  • prebiotics
  • nutrigenomics
  • epigenetics
  • microRNA
  • DNA methylation
  • diet
  • nutrients
  • functional foods
  • immune system
  • immune modulators

Published Papers (3 papers)

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20 pages, 10882 KiB  
Article
Lifestyle-Driven Variations in Nutrimiromic MicroRNA Expression Patterns across and beyond Genders
by Angelika Pointner, Ulrike D. B. Krammer, Elena Tomeva, Ulrich Magnet, Berit Hippe, Ursula Jacob and Alexander G. Haslberger
Life 2024, 14(3), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14030390 - 15 Mar 2024
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Abstract
The importance of diet and lifestyle in maintaining overall health has long been recognised. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key players in the intricate interplay between health and disease. This study, including 305 participants, examined the role of miRNAs from capillary blood as [...] Read more.
The importance of diet and lifestyle in maintaining overall health has long been recognised. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key players in the intricate interplay between health and disease. This study, including 305 participants, examined the role of miRNAs from capillary blood as indicators of individual physiological characteristics, diet, and lifestyle influences. Key findings include specific miRNAs associated with inflammatory processes and dietary patterns. Notably, miR-155 was associated with subjects with metabolic diseases and upregulated in age. Additionally, the study revealed diet-related miRNA expressions: high consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains correlated with increased levels of miR-let-7a and miR-328, both implicated in anti-inflammatory pathways, and decreased expression of pro-inflammatory miR-21. In the context of smoking, we found a significant decrease in miRNA-142, known for its downregulation in lung cancer. We observed a sex-biased expression of various miRNAs with significant upregulation of miR-151a in females and a higher expression of miR-155 in ageing females, representing a possible mechanism for the increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. In conclusion, the study underscores the significant influence of lifestyle, nutrition, and sex on miRNA profiles. Circulating miRNAs demonstrate significant potential as biomarkers in personalized medicine, highlighting their utility in tailoring healthcare to individual needs. Full article
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13 pages, 544 KiB  
Article
Epigenetic Aspects of a New Probiotic Concept—A Pilot Study
by Nina Okuka, Verena Schuh, Ulrike Krammer, Snezana Polovina, Mirjana Sumarac-Dumanovic, Neda Milinkovic, Ksenija Velickovic, Brizita Djordjevic, Alexander Haslberger and Nevena Dj. Ivanovic
Life 2023, 13(9), 1912; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13091912 - 14 Sep 2023
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Abstract
Several studies report the important role of an altered gut microbiota in the development of obesity, highlighting the potential use of probiotics in the treatment of obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a novel probiotic approach on [...] Read more.
Several studies report the important role of an altered gut microbiota in the development of obesity, highlighting the potential use of probiotics in the treatment of obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a novel probiotic approach on the expression of specific miRNAs and mRNAs associated with obesity in combination with the hypocholesterolemic octacosanol. Twenty overweight/obese women participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study and were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (daily one capsule containing Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM9843), Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, and 40 mg octacosanol; N = 12) and the placebo group (N = 8). Changes in lipid parameters and expression of miRNAs and mRNAs were assessed before (T0) and after the 12-week intervention (T1). After the intervention, the expression of miR-155-5p (9.38 ± 0.85 vs. 8.38 ± 1.06, p = 0.05) and miR-24-3p (3.42 ± 0.38 vs. 2.71 ± 0.97, p = 0.031) showed significant decreases in the intervention group when compared to the control group. At T1, the expression of miR-155-5p (8.69 ± 1.31 vs. 9.3 ± 0.85, p = 0.04), miR-125b-5p (5.41 ± 1.18 vs. 5.99 ± 1.36, p = 0.049), and TNF-α (10.24 ± 1.66 vs. 11.36 ± 1.12, p = 0.009) were significantly decreased in the intervention group. No changes in lipids and anthropometric parameters were observed. The novel probiotic approach had a positive effect on regulating the expression of certain miRNAs and mRNAs important for regulating inflammation and adipogenesis, which are essential for obesity onset and control. Full article
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12 pages, 789 KiB  
Systematic Review
Butyrate- and Beta-Hydroxybutyrate-Mediated Effects of Interventions with Pro- and Prebiotics, Fasting, and Caloric Restrictions on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Marian Breuling, Elena Tomeva, Nevena Ivanovic and Alexander Haslberger
Life 2024, 14(7), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070787 - 21 Jun 2024
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Abstract
To examine the butyrate- and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)-modulated effects of pre- and probiotic interventions, fasting, and caloric restriction interventions, a systematic literature review was carried out with a subsequent meta-analysis. Three pre-and probiotic intervention randomized control trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. A [...] Read more.
To examine the butyrate- and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)-modulated effects of pre- and probiotic interventions, fasting, and caloric restriction interventions, a systematic literature review was carried out with a subsequent meta-analysis. Three pre-and probiotic intervention randomized control trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. A significant increase in butyrate (standardized mean difference (SMD) [confidence interval (CI)] 0.34; [0.02–0.67]) and an improvement in depression scores (SMD [CI] 0.15, [−0.35–0.70]) through pre- and probiotic interventions were shown in the meta-analysis. The intervention duration of the included studies ranged from three days to four weeks, with the examined population being healthy adults. Butyrate was measured in either plasma or feces, and the depression score was obtained under the Swedish core affect scale, the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), or the depression, anxiety, and stress scale—21 items (DASS-21). In addition to butyrate, the total SCFA concentration also seems to be positively associated with pre- and probiotic administration (SMD [CI] 0.55 [0.15–0.95]). Despite the significant short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and butyrate concentration changes, no significant correlation between butyrate and depression or between SCFAs and depression could be shown through linear regression models. Nevertheless, the regression coefficient b1 = 1.57 (p = 0.17) for butyrate suggests a strong, positive connection between butyrate and depression. Additionally, three studies were qualitatively analyzed, examining fasting as an intervention and revealing a connection between fasting, BHB, and depression. The association between fasting, BHB, and depression or mood elevation appeared to be related to BHB concentrations, which may be due to the similar biochemical properties of BHB and butyrate. Furthermore, caloric restrictions as alternatives to fasting were proposed as potential long-term interventions. Full article
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