Search Results (9)

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies and remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Emerging evidence implicates the microbiota to be a potential contributor to its pathogenesis and progression. This review summarizes emerging evidence of microbial alterations across various body niches in breast cancer patients, including gut, breast tissue, nipple aspirate fluid (NAF), oral cavity, skin, urinary and reproductive tracts, and blood. Reductions in commensal taxa such as Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Lachnospira, Akkermansia, and Sphingomonas, along with an increase in pro-inflammatory genera like Prevotella, Fusobacterium, and Desulfovibrio, may promote breast tumor development and progression through multiple pathways including modulation of estrogen metabolism, production of microbial metabolites, and immunoregulation. The presence of cross-niche overlaps and possible translocation of microbiota between niches through the bloodstream suggests the existence of a complex interconnected oral–gut–breast microbiota axis. Progress in the field will depend on integrative multi-omics, translational approaches, and longitudinal studies to give a clearer mechanistic understanding of microbiota–host interactions to develop feasible microbiota-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in breast cancer. Full article

Oviductal inflammation (OI) significantly reduces the egg production and economic returns in poultry farming. While Lactobacillus crispatus (LAC) is effective against inflammation, its role in treating or preventing oviductal inflammation is understudied. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic mechanisms of LAC on oviductal inflammation, with a focus on reproductive tract health, microbiome, gene expression, and cytokine levels. This study involved 24 Jingfen No. 6 laying hens aged 60 weeks, divided into four groups: the CON, OI, OI + LAC, and OI + heat-killed Lactobacillus crispatus (HLAC) groups. And it included a 10-day adaptation, a 7-day period for the development of OI using inflammation-inducing drugs (the control received saline), followed by an 8-day treatment in which the CON and OI groups received 1 mL of MRS broth daily, and the OI + LAC and OI + HLAC groups were treated with live and heat-killed Lactobacillus crispatus (10⁹ CFUs/mL), respectively, with six hens in each group. This study showed that Lactobacillus crispatus supplementation significantly reduced the oviductal inflammation and atrophy in the hens, with the affected hens showing markedly lower egg production rates (p < 0.001) compared to the control and treated groups (OI + HLAC and OI + LAC). The daily intake of fresh (OI + LAC, p = 0.076) or heat-killed (OI + HLAC, p < 0.01) Lactobacillus crispatus notably enhanced the feed conversion efficiency. The OI group suffered significant ovarian damage and vascular rupture, more so than the CON group, while Lactobacillus crispatus supplementation mitigated this damage. The IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in the OI group compared to those in the OI + LAC group (p < 0.05), with a significant reduction in the TNF-α levels in the latter (p < 0.001). The supplementation improved the microbial composition in the cecum, isthmus, and shell gland, enriching the cecum with beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococcus_torques_group and Megamonas. This approach fostered ovarian health and follicle differentiation and preserved the epithelial cell barrier function in the shell gland, reducing inflammatory damage in the genital tract. This dual efficacy underscores the role of the probiotic in diminishing oviductal inflammation, regardless of its state. Full article

The intestinal microbiota, comprised of bacteria, archaea, and phages, inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of the organism. Male reproductive sterility is currently a prominent topic in medical research. Increasing research suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis can result in various reproductive health problems. This article specifically investigates the impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis on male reproductive infertility development. Gut microbiota imbalances can disrupt the immune system and immune cell metabolism, affecting testicular growth and sperm production. This dysfunction can compromise the levels of hormones produced and secreted by the endocrine glands, affecting male reproductive health. Furthermore, imbalance of the gut microbiota can disrupt the gut–brain–reproductive axis, resulting in male reproductive infertility. This article explores how the imbalance of the gut microbiota impacts male reproductive infertility through immune regulation, endocrine regulation, and interactions of the gut–brain–reproductive axis, concluding with recommendations for prevention and treatment. Full article

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a candidate probiotic that has been included in the list of recommended biological agents for certification by the European Food Safety Authority. It has been found to be widely present in acidic-gruel, yogurt, cheese, kefir, kimchi, and so on. In this article, we have reviewed both preclinical and human studies related to the health promoting effects of L. plantarum that have been published for the past decade. We found that L. plantarum could significantly improve intestinal function, oral as well as skin health, promote neuro as well as immune regulation, and be effective against metabolic diseases, etc. L. plantarum primarily enters the body through the oral cavity and acts on the gastrointestinal tract to effectively improve the intestinal flora. It can affect the female reproductive endocrine system through interaction with estrogen, androgen, insulin, and other hormones, as well as improve the body’s allergic reaction and immunity by regulating Th1/Th2 response. Several prior reports also suggest that this Gram-positive bacterium can promote production and secretion of key neurotransmitters and neural activators in the intestinal tract by regulating the intestinal flora by directly or indirectly affecting the gut–brain axis through modulation of vagus nerve, cytokines, and microbial metabolites, thus relieving stress and anxiety symptoms in adults. This review is the first report describing the health promoting effects of L. plantarum, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the development of various beneficial applications of L. plantarum. Full article

Despite the extensive research conducted on ruminal methanogens and anti-methanogenic intervention strategies over the last 50 years, most of the currently researched enteric methane (CH₄) abatement approaches have shown limited efficacy. This is largely because of the complex nature of animal production and the ruminal environment, host genetic variability of CH₄ production, and an incomplete understanding of the role of the ruminal microbiome in enteric CH₄ emissions. Recent sequencing-based studies suggest the presence of methanogenic archaea in extra-gastrointestinal tract tissues, including respiratory and reproductive tracts of cattle. While these sequencing data require further verification via culture-dependent methods, the consistent identification of methanogens with relatively greater frequency in the airway and urogenital tract of cattle, as well as increasing appreciation of the microbiome–gut–organ axis together highlight the potential interactions between ruminal and extra-gastrointestinal methanogenic communities. Thus, a traditional singular focus on ruminal methanogens may not be sufficient, and a holistic approach which takes into consideration of the transfer of methanogens between ruminal, extra-gastrointestinal, and environmental microbial communities is of necessity to develop more efficient and long-term ruminal CH₄ mitigation strategies. In the present review, we provide a holistic survey of the methanogenic archaea present in different anatomical sites of cattle and discuss potential seeding sources of the ruminal methanogens. Full article

The gut microbiota (GM) is a complex and dynamic population of microorganisms living in the human gastrointestinal tract that play an important role in human health and diseases. Recent evidence suggests a strong direct or indirect correlation between GM and both male and female fertility: on the one hand, GM is involved in the regulation of sex hormone levels and in the preservation of the blood–testis barrier integrity; on the other hand, a dysbiotic GM is linked to the onset of pro-inflammatory conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS, which are often associated with infertility. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is one of the main causes of GM dysbiosis, with important consequences to the host health and potential transgenerational effects. This perspective article aims to show that the negative effects of EDCs on reproduction are in part due to a dysbiotic GM. We will highlight (i) the link between GM and male and female fertility; (ii) the mechanisms of interaction between EDCs and GM; and (iii) the importance of the maternal–fetal GM axis for offspring growth and development. Full article

The microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of ruminants have a mutualistic relationship with the host that influences the efficiency and health of the ruminants. The GIT microbiota interacts with the host immune system to influence not only the GIT, but other organs in the body as well. The objective of this review is to highlight the importance of the role the gastrointestinal microbiota plays in modulating the health of a host through communication with different organs in the body through the microbiome-gut-organ axes. Among other things, the GIT microbiota produces metabolites for the host and prevents the colonization of pathogens. In order to prevent dysbiosis of the GIT microbiota, gut microbial therapies can be utilized to re-introduce beneficial bacteria and regain homeostasis within the rumen environment and promote gastrointestinal health. Additionally, controlling GIT dysbiosis can aid the immune system in preventing disfunction in other organ systems in the body through the microbiome-gut-brain axis, the microbiome-gut-lung axis, the microbiome-gut-mammary axis, and the microbiome-gut-reproductive axis. Full article

The female reproductive tract hosts a specific microbiome, which plays a crucial role in sustaining equilibrium and good health. In the majority of reproductive women, the microbiota (all bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other single-celled organisms within the human body) of the vaginal and cervical microenvironment are dominated by Lactobacillus species, which benefit the host through symbiotic relationships, in comparison to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, which may contain a low-biomass microbiome with a diverse mixture of microorganisms. Although disruption to the balance of the microbiota develops, the altered immune and metabolic signaling may cause an impact on diseases such as cancer. These pathophysiological modifications in the gut–uterus axis may spark gynecological cancers. New information displays that gynecological and gastrointestinal tract dysbiosis (disruption of the microbiota homeostasis) can play an active role in the advancement and metastasis of gynecological neoplasms, such as cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. Understanding the relationship between microbiota and endometrial cancer is critical for prognosis, diagnosis, prevention, and the development of innovative treatments. Identifying a specific microbiome may become an effective method for characterization of the specific microbiota involved in endometrial carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to summarize the current state of knowledge that describes the correlation of microbiota with endometrial cancer with regard to the formation of immunological pathologies. Full article

The human microbiota is composed of trillions of microbial cells inhabiting the oral cavity, skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, airways, and reproductive organs. The gut microbiota is composed of dynamic communities of microorganisms that communicate bidirectionally with the brain via cytokines, neurotransmitters, hormones, and secondary metabolites, known as the gut microbiota–brain axis. The gut microbiota–brain axis is suspected to be involved in the development of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. AD is an irreversible, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuroinflammation. Microglia and astrocytes, the resident immune cells of the CNS, play an integral role in AD development, as neuroinflammation is a driving factor of disease severity. The gut microbiota–brain axis is a novel target for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics to modulate critical neuroimmune and metabolic pathways. Potential therapeutics include probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary intervention. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of the gut microbiota–brain axis and neuroinflammation in the onset and development of Alzheimer’s disease, limitations of current research, and potential for gut microbiota–brain axis targeted therapies. Full article