Nutrients

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20 pages, 21152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ketogenic Diet Exacerbates L-Arginine-Induced Acute Pancreatitis and Reveals the Therapeutic Potential of Butyrate

by He Xia, Jing Guo, Jian Shen, Shiman Jiang, Shengyi Han and Lanjuan Li

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4427; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204427 - 18 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3271

Abstract

The ketogenic diet (KD) has emerged as a popular weight-loss regimen in recent years. However, it has been confirmed to elicit a mild inflammatory response in the intestinal epithelium and exacerbate various digestive disorders. The severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) is closely associated [...] Read more.

The ketogenic diet (KD) has emerged as a popular weight-loss regimen in recent years. However, it has been confirmed to elicit a mild inflammatory response in the intestinal epithelium and exacerbate various digestive disorders. The severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) is closely associated with the permeability of the intestinal epithelium and gut microbiota, yet the impact of KD on acute pancreatitis remains unclear. In this study, we induced acute pancreatitis using L-arginine in mice fed with KD. The consumption of KD resulted in an elevation of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), accompanied by upregulated cytokines (IL-1a, IL-5, IL-12, MIP-1a, and Rantes) and dysfunction of the intestinal barrier both in control and AP groups. The bloom of Lachnospirales and Erysipelotrichales was observed as a specific profile of gut microbiota in KD-fed mice with AP, along with downregulation of carbohydrate metabolism and depletion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Antibiotic decontamination reduced the cytokine storm and tissue necrosis but did not significantly improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier in KD-fed mice with AP. The overgrowth of Mycoplasmatales in feces and Enterobacterales in colonic tissue appears to explain the limitation of antibiotic treatment to aggravate acute pancreatitis. Butyrate supplementation attenuated the depletion of SCFAs, promoted the intestinal barrier, and reduced the necrotic area in AP mice. The bloom of Bacteroidales and the correlated increase in tryptophan metabolism explain the therapeutic potential of butyrate supplements for acute pancreatitis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the ketogenic diet exacerbates acute pancreatitis through its impact on the gut microbiota and subsequent disruption of the intestinal barrier, while butyrate supplementation reverses this effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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21 pages, 8619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Menaquinone-7 on the Bone Health of Growing Rats under Calcium Restriction: New Insights from Microbiome-Metabolomics

by Ya Yuan, Ignatius Man-Yau Szeto, Na Li, Hua Yang, Yunzheng Zhou, Biao Liu, Fang He, Lishi Zhang, Sufang Duan and Jinyao Chen

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3398; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153398 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2069

Abstract

Insufficient calcium intake during growth is a global public health concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary menaquinone-7 (MK-7) on bone accrual in growing Sprague–Dawley rats under calcium restriction. Following 13 weeks of treatment, various bone quality [...] Read more.

Insufficient calcium intake during growth is a global public health concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary menaquinone-7 (MK-7) on bone accrual in growing Sprague–Dawley rats under calcium restriction. Following 13 weeks of treatment, various bone quality parameters, including microarchitecture, were measured. Fecal and cecal samples were subjected to microbiome (16S rRNA gene sequencing) analyses, while metabolomics analysis of the cecum and humerus samples was analyzed based on UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS. We found that calcium deficiency diminished the richness of the microbiome and disrupted microbiome composition, accompanied by an elevation in the relative abundance of Parasutterella. Furthermore, calcium insufficiency escalated the level of isovaleric acid and modified the metabolic profiles. MK-7 supplementation significantly increased the cortical thickness, cortical bone area, and the calcium content of the femur. Apart from improving bone calcium deposition and diminishing bone resorption, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of MK on bone quality also involve the modulation of the host’s metabolic pathways and the composition of gut microbiota. The gut–bone axis holds promise as an efficacious target for ameliorating calcium deficiency in children’s bone quality, and MK-7 is a promising dietary supplement from this perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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21 pages, 5353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gut Microbiota Perturbation in Early Life Could Influence Pediatric Blood Pressure Regulation in a Sex-Dependent Manner in Juvenile Rats

by Yang Yang, Jinxing Li, Zhimo Zhou, Simou Wu, Jincheng Zhao, Wen Jia, Meixun Liu, Xi Shen, Fang He and Ruyue Cheng

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2661; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122661 - 7 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1757

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate whether gut dysbiosis induced by ceftriaxone in early life could influence pediatric blood pressure regulation in childhood with or without exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD). Sixty-three newborn pups of Sprague-Dawley rats were administered ceftriaxone sodium or [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to investigate whether gut dysbiosis induced by ceftriaxone in early life could influence pediatric blood pressure regulation in childhood with or without exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD). Sixty-three newborn pups of Sprague-Dawley rats were administered ceftriaxone sodium or saline solution until weaning at 3 weeks, and the rats were fed a HFD or regular diet from 3 to 6 weeks. Tail-cuff blood pressure, the expression levels of genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the colon and prefrontal cortex, and the composition of fecal microbiota were analyzed. Ceftriaxone treatment significantly increased the diastolic blood pressure of male rats at 3 weeks. At 6 weeks, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly increased only in ceftriaxone treated male rats fed with HFD. The RAS showed increased activation in the kidney, heart, hypothalamus, and thoracic and abdominal aorta of male rats, but only in the kidney, heart, and hypothalamus of female rats. HFD-fed female rats showed a decreased level of IL-6 in the colon. α diversity of gut microbiota decreased and the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio increased in both male and female rats at 3 weeks; however, these parameters recovered to various degrees in female rats at 6 weeks. These results revealed that early-life gut dysbiosis induced by antibiotics combined with a HFD in childhood could be involved in pediatric blood pressure regulation and an increase in SBP in juvenile rats, and these effects occurred in a sex-dependent manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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19 pages, 3557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Both Saccharomyces boulardii and Its Postbiotics Alleviate Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice, Association with Modulating Inflammation and Intestinal Microbiota

by Xinge Xu, Jingwei Wu, Yuxin Jin, Kunlun Huang, Yuanyuan Zhang and Zhihong Liang

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061484 - 20 Mar 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3415

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of Saccharomyces boulardii and its freeze-dried and spray-dried postbiotics on the intervention and potential mechanism of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. [Methods] After the acclimation period of C67BL/6J mice, a colitis model was constructed by [...] Read more.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Saccharomyces boulardii and its freeze-dried and spray-dried postbiotics on the intervention and potential mechanism of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. [Methods] After the acclimation period of C67BL/6J mice, a colitis model was constructed by applying 2% DSS for 7 d, followed by 7 d of intervention. Subsequently, the disease activity index (DAI), organ index, colon length, colon HE staining of pathological sections, ELISA for blood inflammatory factors (Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α), Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to determine the levels of colonic inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α), Occludin gene expression, and intestinal flora were assessed to evaluate the protective effects of S. boulardii and its postbiotics on colitis in mice. Results: Compared with the DSS group, S. boulardii and the postbiotics interventions effectively improved colonic shortening and tissue damage, increased the expression of intestinal tight junction protein, reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, increased the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors, and maintained the homeostasis of intestinal microorganisms. Postbiotics intervention is better than probiotics. Conclusions: S. boulardii and its postbiotics can effectively alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice through modulating host immunity and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Postbiotics are promising next-generation biotherapeutics for ulcerative colitis treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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14 pages, 5124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intestinal Dysbiosis in Rats: Interaction between Amoxicillin and Probiotics, a Histological and Immunohistochemical Evaluation

by Maria-Cătălina Matei-Lațiu, Adrian-Florin Gal, Vasile Rus, Victoria Buza, Cristian Martonos, Călin Lațiu and Laura-Cristina Ștefănuț

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051105 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2317

Abstract

Gastrointestinal microbiota can be easily altered by common treatments, such as antibiotic therapy. However, the dysmicrobism induced by such a treatment may be counteracted by the administration of different beneficial microbes, such as probiotics. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the interaction between [...] Read more.

Gastrointestinal microbiota can be easily altered by common treatments, such as antibiotic therapy. However, the dysmicrobism induced by such a treatment may be counteracted by the administration of different beneficial microbes, such as probiotics. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the interaction between intestinal microbiota, antibiotic therapy, and sporulated bacteria, correlated with the evolution of growth indices. Twenty-five Wistar rats, females, were divided into five groups. Amoxicillin and a probiotic combination of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Pediococcus acidilactici were administered according to each group’s purpose. The conventional growth indices were calculated and histological and immunohistochemical assessments were realized from intestinal samples. The results of the conventional growth indices suggested a beneficial effect when the antibiotic therapy was accompanied by probiotics, while for the groups where the dysmicrobism was present, the values for feed conversion ratio were negative. These findings were supported by the microscopic aspects of the intestinal mucosa, which suggested a decreased absorption capacity due to significant morphological changes. Moreover, the immunohistochemical reaction of the inflammatory cells from intestinal lamina propria was intensely positive for the same affected groups. However, for the control group and the group with antibiotic and probiotic treatment, the immunopositivity was significantly decreased. Probiotics based on bacillus spores administered simultaneously with the antibiotic offered the best restoration of the gut microbiota, a fact suggested by the absence of intestinal lesions, a normal food conversion ratio, and low expression of TLR4 and LBP immunomarkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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17 pages, 2520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Depression, Anxiety Symptoms and Gut Microbiota in Chinese Elderly with Functional Constipation

by Jiajing Liang, Yueming Zhao, Yue Xi, Caihong Xiang, Cuiting Yong, Jiaqi Huo, Hanshuang Zou, Yanmei Hou, Yunfeng Pan, Minchan Wu, Qingqing Xie and Qian Lin

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5013; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235013 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3885

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and gut microbiota in elderly patients with FC. Methods: in this cross-sectional study, a total of 198 elderly participants (85 male and 113 female) aged over 60 years were recruited. The study was [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and gut microbiota in elderly patients with FC. Methods: in this cross-sectional study, a total of 198 elderly participants (85 male and 113 female) aged over 60 years were recruited. The study was conducted in Changsha city, China. The participants completed an online questionnaire, including The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), The Patient Assessment of Symptoms (PAC-SYM), and The Patient Assessment of Quality of Life (PAC-QoL). We selected the 16S rDNA V3 + V4 region as the amplification region and sequenced the gut microbiota using the Illumina Novaseq PE250 high-throughput sequencing platform. Results: in total, 30.3% of patients with constipation had depression, while 21.3% had anxiety. The relative abundance of intestinal microbiota in the normal group was higher than that in the anxiety and depression group. According to LEfSe analysis, the relative abundance of g_Peptoniphilus and g_Geobacter in the people without depression and anxiety was higher. The relative abundance of g_Pseudoramibacter-Eubacterium and g_Candidatus-Solibacter in the depression group was lower, and the relative abundance of g_Bacteroides and g_Paraprevotella, g_Cc_115 in the anxiety group was higher. In addition, according to the correlation analysis, g_Aquicella and g_Limnohabitans were negatively correlated with constipation symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Conclusions: this study found that gut microbiota composition may be associated with a higher incidence of anxiety and depression in patients with FC, thus providing insight into the mechanisms that ameliorate mood disorders in patients with FC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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13 pages, 2437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 on the Improvement of Bowel Movement in Loperamide-Treated SD Rats

by Soo-Min Jung, Ae-Wha Ha, Su-Jin Choi, Se-Young Kim and Woo-Kyoung Kim

Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3710; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183710 - 8 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3424

Abstract

Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 (B. coagulans SNZ 1969) is a spore-forming bacterium reported to be effective in attenuating constipation. However, there is no study on whether B. coagulans SNZ 1969 could improve constipation through mucin secretion and changes in intestinal hormones. To [...] Read more.

Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 (B. coagulans SNZ 1969) is a spore-forming bacterium reported to be effective in attenuating constipation. However, there is no study on whether B. coagulans SNZ 1969 could improve constipation through mucin secretion and changes in intestinal hormones. To address this knowledge gap, rats were orally administrated with various treatments for four weeks. The normal control (NOR) group received saline only. There were four constipation-induced groups. The LOP group received only loperamide (LOP), a constipation-inducing agent. The BIS group received both LOP and Bisacodyl (BIS, a constipation treatment agent). The SNZ-L group received both LOP and B. coagulans SNZ 1969 at 1 × 10⁸ CFU/day. The SNZ-H group received LOP and B.coagulans SNZ 1969 at 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day. As indicators of constipation improvement, fecal pellet weight, fecal water content, gastrointestinal transit time, and intestinal motility were measured. Mucus secretion in the colon was determined by histological colon analysis and mucin-related gene expressions. Gastrointestinal (GI) hormones were also measured. SNZ-L and SNZ-H groups showed significantly increased fecal weights, fecal water contents, and intestinal motility than the LOP group. SNZ-L and SNZ-H groups also showed higher secretion of mucin in the colon and mRNA expression levels of Mucin 2 and Aquaporin 8 than the LOP group. The SNZ-H group showed significantly increased substance P but significantly decreased somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide than the LOP group. The results of this study suggest that B. coagulans SNZ 1969 intake could attenuate constipation through mucin secretion and alteration of GI hormones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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14 pages, 2744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Health-Promoting Effects of Two Candidate Probiotics Isolated from Infant Feces Using an Immune-Based Screening Strategy

by Huijing Liang, Xiaolei Ze, Silu Wang, Yimei Wang, Chenrui Peng, Ruyue Cheng, Fengling Jiang, Simou Wu, Ruikun He, Fang He, Xuguang Zhang and Xi Shen

Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3651; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173651 - 3 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2822

Abstract

Commensal microorganisms in the human gut are a good source of candidate probiotics, particularly those with immunomodulatory effects that may improve health outcomes by regulating interactions between the gut microbiome and distal organs. Previously, we used an immune-based screening strategy to select two [...] Read more.

Commensal microorganisms in the human gut are a good source of candidate probiotics, particularly those with immunomodulatory effects that may improve health outcomes by regulating interactions between the gut microbiome and distal organs. Previously, we used an immune-based screening strategy to select two potential probiotic strains from infant feces in China, Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 (207-1) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 207-27 (207-27). In this study, the in vitro immunological effects and potential in vivo general health benefits of these two strains were evaluated using Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) as the control. The results showed that 207-1 and 207-27 significantly and differentially modulated the cytokine profiles of primary splenic cells, while did not induce abnormal systemic immune responses in healthy mice. They also modulated the gut microbiota composition in a strain-dependent manner, thus decreasing Gram-negative bacteria and increasing health-promoting taxa and short-chain fatty acid levels, particularly butyric acid. Conclusively, 207-1 and 207-27 shaped a robust gut environment in healthy mice in a strain-specific manner. Their potential immunomodulatory effects and other elite properties will be further explored using animal models of disease and subsequent clinical trials. This immune-based screening strategy is promising in efficiently and economically identifying elite candidate probiotics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 563 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Disease with a Thousand Faces and the Human Microbiome—A Physiopathogenic Intercorrelation in Pediatric Practice

by Vasile Valeriu Lupu, Lacramioara Ionela Butnariu, Silvia Fotea, Ionela Daniela Morariu, Minerva Codruta Badescu, Iuliana Magdalena Starcea, Delia Lidia Salaru, Alina Popp, Felicia Dragan, Ancuta Lupu, Adriana Mocanu, Tatiana Chisnoiu, Alexandru Cosmin Pantazi and Elena Jechel

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3359; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153359 - 28 Jul 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2028

Abstract

Numerous interrelationships are known in the literature that have the final effect of unmasking or influencing various pathologies. Among these, the present article aims to discuss the connection between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the human microbiome. The main purpose of this work [...] Read more.

Numerous interrelationships are known in the literature that have the final effect of unmasking or influencing various pathologies. Among these, the present article aims to discuss the connection between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the human microbiome. The main purpose of this work is to popularize information about the impact of dysbiosis on the pathogenesis and evolutionary course of pediatric patients with SLE. Added to this is the interest in knowledge and awareness of adjunctive therapeutic means that has the ultimate goal of increasing the quality of life. The means by which this can be achieved can be briefly divided into prophylactic or curative, depending on the phase of the condition in which the patient is. We thus reiterate the importance of the clinician acquiring an overview of SLE and the human microbiome, doubled by in-depth knowledge of the physio-pathogenic interactions between the two (in part achieved through the much-studied gut-target organ axes—brain, heart, lung, skin), with the target objective being that of obtaining individualized, multimodal and efficient management for each individual patient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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18 pages, 345 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Footprint of Microbiome in Pediatric Asthma—A Complex Puzzle for a Balanced Development

by Ancuta Lupu, Elena Jechel, Cristina Maria Mihai, Elena Cristina Mitrofan, Silvia Fotea, Iuliana Magdalena Starcea, Ileana Ioniuc, Adriana Mocanu, Dragos Catalin Ghica, Alina Popp, Dragos Munteanu, Maria Oana Sasaran, Delia Lidia Salaru and Vasile Valeriu Lupu

Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3278; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143278 - 24 Jul 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2214

Abstract

Considered to be of greater complexity than the human genome itself, the microbiome, the structure of the body made up of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, has proven to play a crucial role in the context of the development of pathological processes [...] Read more.

Considered to be of greater complexity than the human genome itself, the microbiome, the structure of the body made up of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, has proven to play a crucial role in the context of the development of pathological processes in the body, starting from various infections, autoimmune diseases, atopies, and culminating in its involvement in the development of some forms of cancer, a diagnosis that is considered the most disabling for the patient from a psychological point of view. Therefore, being a cornerstone in the understanding and optimal treatment of a multitude of ailments, the body’s microbiome has become an intensively studied subject in the scientific literature of the last decade. This review aims to bring the microbiome–asthma correlation up to date by classifying asthmatic patterns, emphasizing the development patterns of the microbiome starting from the perinatal period and the impact of pulmonary dysbiosis on asthmatic symptoms in children. Likewise, the effects of intestinal dysbiosis reflected at the level of homeostasis of the internal environment through the intestine–lung/vital organs axis, the circumstances in which it occurs, but also the main methods of studying bacterial variability used for diagnostic purposes and in research should not be omitted. In conclusion, we draw current and future therapeutic lines worthy of consideration both in obtaining and maintaining remission, as well as in delaying the development of primary acute episodes and preventing future relapses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

13 pages, 1075 KiB

Open AccessReview

Intermittent Fasting and Physical Exercise for Preventing Metabolic Disorders through Interaction with Gut Microbiota: A Review

by Li Zhang, Yuanshang Wang, Ying Sun and Xin Zhang

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2277; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102277 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7377

Abstract

Metabolic disorders entail both health risks and economic burdens to our society. A considerable part of the cause of metabolic disorders is mediated by the gut microbiota. The gut microbial structure and function are susceptible to dietary patterns and host physiological activities. A [...] Read more.

Metabolic disorders entail both health risks and economic burdens to our society. A considerable part of the cause of metabolic disorders is mediated by the gut microbiota. The gut microbial structure and function are susceptible to dietary patterns and host physiological activities. A sedentary lifestyle accompanied by unhealthy eating habits propels the release of harmful metabolites, which impair the intestinal barrier, thereby triggering a constant change in the immune system and biochemical signals. Noteworthy, healthy dietary interventions, such as intermittent fasting, coupled with regular physical exercise can improve several metabolic and inflammatory parameters, resulting in stronger beneficial actions for metabolic health. In this review, the current progress on how gut microbiota may link to the mechanistic basis of common metabolic disorders was discussed. We also highlight the independent and synergistic effects of fasting and exercise interventions on metabolic health and provide perspectives for preventing metabolic disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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18 pages, 2515 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sulfur Metabolism of the Gut Microbiome and Colorectal Cancer: The Threat to the Younger Generation

by Ji-Yeon Moon, Bong-Hyeon Kye, Seung-Hyun Ko and Ri Na Yoo

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1966; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081966 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3097

Abstract

Colorectal cancer diagnosed in individuals under 50 years old is called early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), and its incidence has been rising worldwide. Simultaneously occurring with increasing obesity, this worrisome trend is partly explained by the strong influence of dietary elements, particularly fatty, meaty, [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer diagnosed in individuals under 50 years old is called early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), and its incidence has been rising worldwide. Simultaneously occurring with increasing obesity, this worrisome trend is partly explained by the strong influence of dietary elements, particularly fatty, meaty, and sugary food. An animal-based diet, the so-called Western diet, causes a shift in dominant microbiota and their metabolic activity, which may disrupt the homeostasis of hydrogen sulfide concentration. Bacterial sulfur metabolism is recognized as a critical mechanism of EOCRC pathogenesis. This review evaluates the pathophysiology of how a diet-associated shift in gut microbiota, so-called the microbial sulfur diet, provokes injuries and inflammation to the colonic mucosa and contributes to the development of CRC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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16 pages, 4248 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Effects of Probiotics/Synbiotics on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Jinhao Mu, Xian Guo, Yanbing Zhou and Guoxia Cao

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061375 - 12 Mar 2023

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7168

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is prevalent with lasting health implications for the mother and offspring. Medical therapy is the foundation of GDM management, for achieving optimal glycemic control often requires treatment with insulin or metformin. Gut dysbiosis is a feature of GDM [...] Read more.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is prevalent with lasting health implications for the mother and offspring. Medical therapy is the foundation of GDM management, for achieving optimal glycemic control often requires treatment with insulin or metformin. Gut dysbiosis is a feature of GDM pregnancies, therefore, dietary manipulation of the gut microbiota may offer a new avenue for management. Probiotics are a relatively new intervention, which can reduce the mother’s blood sugar levels and, furthermore, adjust glucose and lipid metabolism in both mother and offspring. Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the effect of probiotics/synbiotics on glucose and lipid metabolism in women with GDM. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the electronic databases Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBOSCO, published between 1 January 2012 and 1 November 2022. A total of 11 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were analyzed. The indicators included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting serum insulin (FSI), the homoeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TG), the mean weight at end of trial, and gestational weight gain (GWG). Results: Compared with the placebo, probiotics/synbiotics were associated with a statistically significant improvement in FPG (MD = −2.33, 95% CI = −4.27, −0.40, p = 0.02), FSI (MD = −2.47 95% CI = −3.82, −1.12, p = 0.0003), HOMA-IR (MD = −0.40, 95% CI = −0.74, −0.06, p = 0.02), and TC (MD = −6.59, 95% CI = −12.23,−−0.95, p = 0.02), while other factors had no significant difference. The subgroup analysis revealed that the kind of supplement led to heterogeneity for FPG and FSI, while heterogeneity was not found for others. Conclusion: Probiotics/synbiotics could control glucose and lipid metabolism in pregnant women with GDM. There was a significant improvement in FPG, FSI, HOMA-IR, and TC. The use of specific probiotic supplementation may be a promising prevention and therapeutic strategy for GDM. However, due to the heterogeneity among existing studies, further studies are warranted to address the limitations of existing evidence and better inform the management of GDM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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29 pages, 1214 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut-on-a-Chip for the Analysis of Bacteria–Bacteria Interactions in Gut Microbial Community: What Would Be Needed for Bacterial Co-Culture Study to Explore the Diet–Microbiota Relationship?

by Ki Won Lee, Jin Song Shin, Chan Min Lee, Hea Yeon Han, Yun O, Hye Won Kim and Tae Jin Cho

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051131 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3424

Abstract

Bacterial co-culture studies using synthetic gut microbiomes have reported novel research designs to understand the underlying role of bacterial interaction in the metabolism of dietary resources and community assembly of complex microflora. Since lab-on-a-chip mimicking the gut (hereafter “gut-on-a-chip”) is one of the [...] Read more.

Bacterial co-culture studies using synthetic gut microbiomes have reported novel research designs to understand the underlying role of bacterial interaction in the metabolism of dietary resources and community assembly of complex microflora. Since lab-on-a-chip mimicking the gut (hereafter “gut-on-a-chip”) is one of the most advanced platforms for the simulative research regarding the correlation between host health and microbiota, the co-culture of the synthetic bacterial community in gut-on-a-chip is expected to reveal the diet–microbiota relationship. This critical review analyzed recent research on bacterial co-culture with perspectives on the ecological niche of commensals, probiotics, and pathogens to categorize the experimental approaches for diet-mediated management of gut health as the compositional and/or metabolic modulation of the microbiota and the control of pathogens. Meanwhile, the aim of previous research on bacterial culture in gut-on-a-chip has been mainly limited to the maintenance of the viability of host cells. Thus, the integration of study designs established for the co-culture of synthetic gut consortia with various nutritional resources into gut-on-a-chip is expected to reveal bacterial interspecies interactions related to specific dietary patterns. This critical review suggests novel research topics for co-culturing bacterial communities in gut-on-a-chip to realize an ideal experimental platform mimicking a complex intestinal environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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21 pages, 1475 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gastrointestinal Microbiome and Multiple Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review

by Chengting Chang, Xingzhu Yuan, Xingxia Zhang, Xinrong Chen and Ka Li

Nutrients 2022, 14(18), 3726; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183726 - 9 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3707

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of the gastrointestinal microbiome on human health outcomes. To clarify the evidence for a link between the gastrointestinal microbiome and a variety of health outcomes in humans, we conducted an all-encompassing review [...] Read more.

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of the gastrointestinal microbiome on human health outcomes. To clarify the evidence for a link between the gastrointestinal microbiome and a variety of health outcomes in humans, we conducted an all-encompassing review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews that included 195 meta-analyses containing 950 unique health outcomes. The gastrointestinal microbiome is related to mortality, gastrointestinal disease, immune and metabolic outcomes, neurological and psychiatric outcomes, maternal and infant outcomes, and other outcomes. Existing interventions for intestinal microbiota (such as probiotics, fecal microbiota transplant, etc.) are generally safe and beneficial to a variety of human health outcomes, but the quality of evidence is not high, and more detailed and well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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13 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessReview

Probiotic as a Potential Gut Microbiome Modifier for Stroke Treatment: A Systematic Scoping Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

by Chatuthanai Savigamin, Chatpol Samuthpongtorn, Nuttida Mahakit, Tanawin Nopsopon, Julia Heath and Krit Pongpirul

Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3661; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173661 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3671

Abstract

Background: Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for stroke are essential but can be costly or harmful, whereas probiotics are a promising alternative. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the in vitro and in vivo evidence of probiotics on stroke-related neurological, biochemical, and histochemical outcomes. [...] Read more.

Background: Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for stroke are essential but can be costly or harmful, whereas probiotics are a promising alternative. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the in vitro and in vivo evidence of probiotics on stroke-related neurological, biochemical, and histochemical outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) up to 7 May 2021. Titles and abstracts were screened and assessed by two independent reviewers. The initial screening criteria aimed to include studies using probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics both in vitro and in vivo for the prevention and/or treatment of stroke. Results: Of 6293 articles, 4990 passed the initial screen after excluding duplication articles, of which 36 theme-related full texts were assessed and 13 were included in this review. No in vitro studies passed the criteria to be included in this review. Probiotics can ameliorate neurological deficits and show their anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative properties. Decreased loss of cerebral volume and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis were revealed in histopathological evidence. Conclusions: There are potential cognitive benefits of probiotic supplementation, especially among animal models, on decreasing cerebral volume, increasing neurological score, and decreasing the inflammatory response. However, further investigation is needed to validate these conclusions in various populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiota and Health)

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