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Microorganisms
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Intestinal Dysbiosis
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Intestinal Dysbiosis

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Gut Microbiota".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 7738

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Merra

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Interests: microbiota; microbiome; leaky gut; diet; inflammation; obesity; microbes; bacteria
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The human gut flora is a highly diverse ecosystem of trillions of bacteria that live in our digestive tract and is often referred to as the microbiota or gut flora but is colloquially categorized into "good" or "bad" bacteria. As the name suggests, good bacteria help protect our health while bad bacteria harm us. When the balance between good and bad bacteria is "off balance," it is called a dysbiosis.

Dysbiosis is associated with multiple systemic diseases. For example, an imbalance of intestinal flora can cause irritable bowel syndrome. Imbalances in the gut microbiota contribute to the development or progression of a range of rheumatic diseases; including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's Syndrome, etc.; by affecting the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses. Gut flora interacts bidirectionally with the nervous system via the flora–gut–brain axis. At present, the research on gut microbiota is still in its infancy, and there are relatively few studies on causality and mechanisms. This Special Issue welcomes original research articles and review articles related to recent discoveries concerning interactions between intestinal dysbiosis and diseases.

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Merra
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • gut flora
  • intestinal flora
  • dysbiosis
  • inflammatory bowel diseases
  • leaky gut

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 7062 KiB  
Article
AG1®, a Novel Synbiotic, Maintains Gut Barrier Function following Inflammatory Challenge in a Caco-2/THP1-Blue™ Co-Culture Model
by Philip A. Sapp, Jeremy R. Townsend, Trevor O. Kirby, Marlies Govaert, Cindy Duysburgh, Lynn Verstrepen, Massimo Marzorati, Tess M. Marshall and Ralph Esposito
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071263 - 21 Jun 2024
Viewed by 916
Abstract
Nutritional interventions to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) permeability are of significant interest to physically active adults and those experiencing chronic health conditions. This in vitro study was designed to assess the impact of AG1, a novel synbiotic, on GI permeability following an inflammatory challenge. [...] Read more.
Nutritional interventions to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) permeability are of significant interest to physically active adults and those experiencing chronic health conditions. This in vitro study was designed to assess the impact of AG1, a novel synbiotic, on GI permeability following an inflammatory challenge. Interventions [AG1 (vitamins/minerals, pre-/probiotics, and phytonutrients) and control (control medium)] were fed separately into a human GI tract model (stomach, small intestine, and colon). In the colonic phase, the GI contents were combined with fecal inocula from three healthy human donors. GI permeability was evaluated with transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in a Caco-2 (apical)/THP1-Blue™ (basolateral) co-culture model. The apical side received sodium butyrate (positive control) or Caco-2 complete medium (negative control) during baseline testing. In the 24 h experiment, the apical side received colonic simulation isolates from the GI model, and the basolateral side was treated with Caco-2 complete medium, then 6 h treatment with lipopolysaccharide. TEER was assessed at 0 h and 24 h, and inflammatory markers were measured at 30 h in triplicate. Paired samples t-tests were used to evaluate endpoint mean difference (MD) for AG1 vs. control. TEER was higher for AG1 (mean ± SD: 99.89 ± 1.32%) vs. control (mean ± SD: 92.87 ± 1.22%) following activated THP1-induced damage [MD: 7.0% (p < 0.05)]. AG1 maintained TEER similar to the level of the negative control [−0.1% (p = 0.02)]. No differences in inflammatory markers were observed. These in vitro data suggest that acute supplementation with AG1 might stimulate protective effects on GI permeability. These changes may be driven by SCFA production due to the pre-/probiotic properties of AG1, but more research is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Dysbiosis)
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18 pages, 4613 KiB  
Article
Integrated Analysis of the Transcriptome and Microbial Diversity in the Intestine of Miniature Pig Obesity Model
by Wenjing Qi, Siran Zhu, Lingli Feng, Jinning Liang, Xiaoping Guo, Feng Cheng, Yafen Guo, Ganqiu Lan and Jing Liang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020369 - 10 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1559
Abstract
Obesity, a key contributor to metabolic disorders, necessitates an in-depth understanding of its pathogenesis and prerequisites for prevention. Guangxi Bama miniature pig (GBM) offers an apt model for obesity-related studies. In this research, we used transcriptomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to discern [...] Read more.
Obesity, a key contributor to metabolic disorders, necessitates an in-depth understanding of its pathogenesis and prerequisites for prevention. Guangxi Bama miniature pig (GBM) offers an apt model for obesity-related studies. In this research, we used transcriptomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to discern the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within intestinal (jejunum, ileum, and colon) tissues and variations in microbial communities in intestinal contents of GBM subjected to normal diets (ND) and high-fat, high-carbohydrate diets (HFHCD). After a feeding duration of 26 weeks, the HFHCD-fed experimental group demonstrated notable increases in backfat thickness, BMI, abnormal blood glucose metabolism, and blood lipid levels alongside the escalated serum expression of pro-inflammatory factors and a marked decline in intestinal health status when compared to the ND group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a total of 1669 DEGs, of which 27 had similar differences in three intestinal segments across different groups, including five immune related genes: COL6A6, CYP1A1, EIF2AK2, NMI, and LGALS3B. Further, we found significant changes in the microbiota composition, with a significant decrease in beneficial bacterial populations within the HFHCD group. Finally, the results of integrated analysis of microbial diversity with transcriptomics show a positive link between certain microbial abundance (Solibacillus, norank_f__Saccharimonadaceae, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and unclassified_f__Butyricicoccaceae) and changes in gene expression (COL6A6 and NMI). Overall, HFHCD appears to co-contribute to the initiation and progression of obesity in GBM by aggravating inflammatory responses, disrupting immune homeostasis, and creating imbalances in intestinal flora. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Dysbiosis)
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Review

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24 pages, 978 KiB  
Review
The Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in IBD
by Fabrizio Fanizzi, Ferdinando D’Amico, Isadora Zanotelli Bombassaro, Alessandra Zilli, Federica Furfaro, Tommaso Lorenzo Parigi, Clelia Cicerone, Gionata Fiorino, Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet, Silvio Danese and Mariangela Allocca
Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091755 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 412
Abstract
Gut microbiota dysbiosis has a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, prompting the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches like fecal microbiota transplantation, which involves the transfer of fecal microbiota from a healthy donor to a recipient with the aim of [...] Read more.
Gut microbiota dysbiosis has a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, prompting the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches like fecal microbiota transplantation, which involves the transfer of fecal microbiota from a healthy donor to a recipient with the aim of restoring a balanced microbial community and attenuating inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation may exert beneficial effects in inflammatory bowel disease through modulation of immune responses, restoration of mucosal barrier integrity, and alteration of microbial metabolites. It could alter disease course and prevent flares, although long-term durability and safety data are lacking. This review provides a summary of current evidence on fecal microbiota transplantation in inflammatory bowel disease management, focusing on its challenges, such as variability in donor selection criteria, standardization of transplant protocols, and long-term outcomes post-transplantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Dysbiosis)
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23 pages, 2546 KiB  
Review
Pre- to Postbiotics: The Beneficial Roles of Pediatric Dysbiosis Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
by Roberta Ottria, Ornella Xynomilakis, Silvana Casati and Pierangela Ciuffreda
Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081582 - 2 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1253
Abstract
Probiotics are “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amount, confer health benefits on the host”. They can be found in certain foods like yogurt and kefir and in dietary supplements. The introduction of bacterial derivatives has not only contributed to disease control [...] Read more.
Probiotics are “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amount, confer health benefits on the host”. They can be found in certain foods like yogurt and kefir and in dietary supplements. The introduction of bacterial derivatives has not only contributed to disease control but has also exhibited promising outcomes, such as improved survival rates, immune enhancement, and growth promotion effects. It is interesting to note that the efficacy of probiotics goes beyond the viability of the bacteria, giving rise to concepts like paraprobiotics, non-viable forms of probiotics, and postbiotics. Paraprobiotics offer various health benefits in children with intestinal dysbiosis, contributing to improved digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being. In this review, the potential of these therapeutic applications as alternatives to pharmacological agents for treating pediatric intestinal dysbiosis will be thoroughly evaluated. This includes an analysis of their efficacy, safety, long-term benefits, and their ability to restore gut microbiota balance, improve digestive health, enhance immune function, and reduce inflammation. The aim is to determine if these non-pharmacological interventions can effectively and safely manage intestinal dysbiosis in children, reducing the need for conventional medications and their side effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Dysbiosis)
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10 pages, 208 KiB  
Review
The Relationship between Exposome and Microbiome
by Giuseppe Merra, Paola Gualtieri, Giada La Placa, Giulia Frank, David Della Morte, Antonino De Lorenzo and Laura Di Renzo
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1386; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071386 - 8 Jul 2024
Viewed by 674
Abstract
Currently, exposome studies include a raft of different monitoring tools, including remote sensors, smartphones, omics analyses, distributed lag models, etc. The similarity in structure between the exposome and the microbiota plus their functions led us to pose three pertinent questions from this viewpoint, [...] Read more.
Currently, exposome studies include a raft of different monitoring tools, including remote sensors, smartphones, omics analyses, distributed lag models, etc. The similarity in structure between the exposome and the microbiota plus their functions led us to pose three pertinent questions from this viewpoint, looking at the actual relationship between the exposome and the microbiota. In terms of the exposome, a bistable equilibrium between health and disease depends on constantly dealing with an ever-changing totality of exposures that together shape an individual from conception to death. Regarding scientific knowledge, the exposome is still lagging in certain areas, like the importance of microorganisms in the equation. The human microbiome is defined as an aggregate assemblage of gut commensals that are hosted by our surfaces related to the external environment. Commensals’ resistance to a variety of environmental exposures, such as antibiotic administration, confirms that a layer of these organisms is protected within the host. The exposome is a conceptual framework defined as the environmental component of the science-inspired systems ideology that shifts from a specificity-based medical approach to reasoning in terms of complexity. A parallel concept in population health research and precision public health is the human flourishing index, which aims to account for the numerous environmental factors that affect individual and population well-being beyond ambient pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Dysbiosis)
15 pages, 3222 KiB  
Review
The Importance of Maintaining and Improving a Healthy Gut Microbiota in Athletes as a Preventive Strategy to Improve Heat Tolerance and Acclimatization
by Sergi Cinca-Morros and Jesús Álvarez-Herms
Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061160 - 6 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1495
Abstract
Exposure to passive heat (acclimation) and exercise under hot conditions (acclimatization), known as heat acclimation (HA), are methods that athletes include in their routines to promote faster recovery and enhance physiological adaptations and performance under hot conditions. Despite the potential positive effects of [...] Read more.
Exposure to passive heat (acclimation) and exercise under hot conditions (acclimatization), known as heat acclimation (HA), are methods that athletes include in their routines to promote faster recovery and enhance physiological adaptations and performance under hot conditions. Despite the potential positive effects of HA on health and physical performance in the heat, these stimuli can negatively affect gut health, impairing its functionality and contributing to gut dysbiosis. Blood redistribution to active muscles and peripheral vascularization exist during exercise and HA stimulus, promoting intestinal ischemia. Gastrointestinal ischemia can impair intestinal permeability and aggravate systemic endotoxemia in athletes during exercise. Systemic endotoxemia elevates the immune system as an inflammatory responses in athletes, impairing their adaptive capacity to exercise and their HA tolerance. Better gut microbiota health could benefit exercise performance and heat tolerance in athletes. This article suggests that: (1) the intestinal modifications induced by heat stress (HS), leading to dysbiosis and altered intestinal permeability in athletes, can decrease health, and (2) a previously acquired microbial dysbiosis and/or leaky gut condition in the athlete can negatively exacerbate the systemic effects of HA. Maintaining or improving the healthy gut microbiota in athletes can positively regulate the intestinal permeability, reduce endotoxemic levels, and control the systemic inflammatory response. In conclusion, strategies based on positive daily habits (nutrition, probiotics, hydration, chronoregulation, etc.) and preventing microbial dysbiosis can minimize the potentially undesired effects of applying HA, favoring thermotolerance and performance enhancement in athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Dysbiosis)
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