Search Results (474)

The gut microbiome has a significant role in general health and well-being. Novel types of prebiotics, such as fungal polysaccharides, show potential for the formulation of new synbiotic formulations. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of the prebiotic effects of such compounds. This study investigated the prebiotic properties of fungal glucan extracts from Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, employing a novel high-throughput method based on optical density measurements. This approach enabled the simultaneous screening of the effects of multiple extracts on six different strains of probiotic bacteria. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of the extracts on the growth dynamics (the duration of the lag phase and the growth rate) of probiotic strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Lacticaseibacillus and on pathogenic bacteria. Fungal polysaccharide supplementation, particularly with their β-glucans, significantly shortened the lag phase by an average of 7–8 h in all tested strains and increased the growth rate by 2-fold in four strains of lactic acid bacteria. Different magnitudes of effects were observed across the various strain–extract combinations. This study lays the groundwork for elucidating the mechanism by which fungal β-glucans stimulate growth in probiotic bacteria and for the rapid screening of optimal combinations for formulating innovative synbiotics. Full article

Objective: This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the current evidence on the role of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics—collectively referred to as “biotics”—in modulating the human gut microbiota and enhancing intestinal epithelial integrity. Findings: Biotics exert their beneficial effects through several mechanisms, including by promoting the growth of beneficial microbes, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), strengthening the gut barrier, and regulating immune responses. Prebiotics selectively stimulate beneficial bacteria, probiotics introduce live microorganisms with therapeutic functions, synbiotics combine the strengths of both, and postbiotics offer non-viable microbial components and metabolites that mimic probiotic benefits with enhanced safety profiles. Each type of biotic demonstrates unique and complementary effects across a range of conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, constipation, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Implications: As disruptions in the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier are increasingly linked to chronic and immune-mediated diseases, leveraging biotics offers promising avenues for personalized nutrition, preventive healthcare, and adjunct therapies. The integration of biotics into clinical and dietary strategies may significantly contribute to improving gastrointestinal and systemic health. Full article

Fruits and vegetables represent important dietary sources of soluble dietary fiber (SDF), a functionally essential component that contributes substantially to human health maintenance. The molecular structure of SDFs in fruits and vegetables is influenced by food processing techniques, which can contribute to improving the physiological activities of SDFs and promoting health benefits. This article presents a systematic review of the effects of common processing methods mainly involving drying, heating, powdering, fermentation, etc., on the structural and nutritional properties of SDFs, particularly focused on structural changes in molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and functional groups, as well as nutritional functions including obesity prevention, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties, etc. Processing-induced structure variations in SDFs inevitably change their fermentability and gelling ability, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and the production of short-chain fatty acids, enhance immunity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This highlights the prebiotic efficacy and metabolic disease intervention potential of processing methods to moderate SDFs by altering their structure. This paper comparatively summarizes the effects of physical, physicochemical, and biological processing technologies on the common structural and nutritional properties of SDFs, aiming to provide theoretical guidance for the application of SDFs in the food industry. This paper not only provides a theoretical basis for the precise application of SDFs in functional foods but also reveals the potential mechanisms involved in regulating the structure of SDFs through processing technology to achieve nutritional intervention in metabolic diseases, which is an important guiding value for the development of food ingredients with specific health effects. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a major global health burden, with prevalence rates escalating due to rapid urbanization, economic growth, and the obesity epidemic. Despite intensive research, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood, with emerging evidence suggesting multifactorial origins involving genetic, epigenetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Methods: This review synthesizes current epidemiological data on T2DM prevalence, risk factors, and demographic patterns from 1990 to 2017, and discusses projected trends through 2030. We examine the role of intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis in T2DM pathogenesis, highlighting key mechanistic insights. Furthermore, we analyze recent findings on the role of butyrate, a major short-chain fatty acid, in preserving gut integrity and its potential therapeutic effects on metabolic health. Results: Global T2DM prevalence has risen markedly across all age groups, with particularly high rates in Western Europe and Pacific Island nations. Disruption of the intestinal barrier (“leaky gut”) and gut microbiota alterations contribute significantly to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, which are pivotal features in T2DM development. Butyrate plays a central role in maintaining epithelial barrier function, modulating immune responses, and regulating glucose metabolism. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that sodium butyrate supplementation improves gut integrity, reduces systemic endotoxemia, and ameliorates metabolic parameters. Emerging clinical evidence suggests benefits of sodium butyrate, particularly when combined with prebiotic fibers, in improving glycemic control and reducing inflammatory markers in T2DM patients. Conclusions: Gut barrier integrity and microbiota composition are critical factors in T2DM pathogenesis. Sodium butyrate shows promise as a complementary therapeutic agent in T2DM management, although further large-scale, long-term clinical trials are required to confirm its efficacy and safety. Targeting gut health may represent a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of T2DM. Full article

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are recognized prebiotics with extensive applications in animal nutrition. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of chlortetracycline (CTC) supplementation alongside GOS on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and microbiota composition in weaned piglets. A total of 72 weaned piglets [(Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] with an initial body weight of 7.64 ± 0.15 kg were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: a corn–soybean meal-based diet (CON), a corn–soybean meal-based diet supplemented with chlortetracycline (CTC) at 75 mg/kg, and a diet with 1500 mg/kg GOS. The experiment spanned 14 days, divided into early (1–7 days) and late (7–14 days) stages. The results indicated that the GOS group exhibited a significant increase in body weight (BW) by day 14 and improved average daily gain (ADG) from day 1 to 14, alongside a decreased feed-to-gain ratio and diarrhea incidence (p < 0.05). Notably, GOS supplementation enhanced the villus height of the jejunum and increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth compared to the CON group, although no significant differences were observed between GOS and AntB groups. Additionally, the number of goblet cells in the colonic crypts increased significantly with GOS supplementation. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed an increased relative abundance of Firmicutes in the GOS group, coupled with a decrease in Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetota. Beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium were significantly enriched, while potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Treponema, were reduced. In summary, dietary GOS supplementation can enhance beneficial microbiota while diminishing harmful species, thereby improving intestinal morphology and growth performance in weaned piglets. Consequently, GOS emerges as a promising alternative to in-feed antibiotics in contemporary animal husbandry. Full article

The skin microbiome is a focus for innovative skincare. This study investigated topical semi-solid balm formulations of Micrococcus luteus Q24, a live skin-native probiotic, to enhance skin quality parameters such as hydration, pores, pigmentation, wrinkles and dryness. Firstly, the compatibility and growth-promoting effects of prebiotics and functional actives on M. luteus Q24 were evaluated, identifying oil-based actives, including vitamin E and pomegranate seed oil, that significantly boosted bacterial growth compared to oatmeal, the sole effective prebiotic tested. Subsequently, a pilot cosmetic trial assessed two M. luteus Q24-enriched balms on healthy adults utilising a cutting-edge AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven skin analyser device. Balm B significantly reduced keratin levels, wrinkles, and pore size, and increased hydration, while Balm A effectively reduced spots and keratin. After 4 days of application, Balm A showed mean percentage reductions of 80% in pores, 20% in spots, 60% in wrinkles, and 100% in keratin scores, while Balm B exhibited mean percentage reductions of 100% in pores, 50% in spots, 67% in wrinkles, and 80% in keratin, with a 100% increase in hydration score. Both balms demonstrated compatibility and efficacy, highlighting the potential of M. luteus Q24 in improving skin parameters. These findings suggest that balms optimise the benefits of skin-specific probiotics for microbiome-friendly skincare. Future research with larger, placebo-controlled trials is needed to substantiate these preliminary findings. Full article

Intestinal development is a critical determinant of growth and overall health in pigs. Accumulating evidence underscores the significant influence of intestinal microbiota on essential physiological functions and systemic health. Dietary nutrients play a pivotal role in regulating both intestinal development and the composition of intestinal microbiota. Optimal early-life nutrient provision ensures proper intestinal growth and functional maturation, with maternal nutrition emerging as a key factor shaping intestinal development during fetal and neonatal stages. This review synthesizes recent studies on maternal nutrient intake—encompassing protein, energy, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and prebiotics—and their effects on intestinal growth and health of offspring. Emerging multi-omics evidence has revealed that gestational and lactational nutrition dynamically coordinates offspring intestinal development through vertical microbial transmission and epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation. These processes further regulate intestinal barrier maturation, mucosal immunity, and enteroendocrine signaling. Collectively, this review emphasizes that enhancing maternal nutrition can promote postnatal growth by enhancing intestinal development and early microbial colonization in piglets. Further research is crucial to determining the optimal nutritional strategies during the perinatal period. Full article

Prebiotics are food ingredients that result in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefits upon host health. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are prebiotic fibers made from xylan. Commercial XOS are mixtures of oligosaccharides containing β-1,4–linked xylose residues. Though they are widely added to foods at different doses, the molecular mechanisms of the catabolism and growth promotion of XOS in the innate gut microbes Lactobacillus spp. remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the growth-promoting effect using a human fecal isolate, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain B20 (Lb. plantarum B20). Assays of bacterial growth and lactic acid production showed stronger growth promotion of XOS than other oligosaccharides did, in a dose- and fraction-dependent pattern. Using the Lb. plantarum strain SK151 genome as a reference, bioinformatic analysis failed to identify any previously characterized genes responsible for the uptake and catabolism of XOS. However, transcriptomic analysis of Lb. plantarum B20 yielded numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during fermentation of XOS. Among these, an oligopeptide ABC transporter (RS03575-03595, composed of five proteins) and a hydrolase (RS06170) were significantly upregulated. Molecular docking analysis indicated that the substrate-binding protein RS03575 may mediate the import of XOS into the cell. Enzymatic assays further demonstrated that RS06170 possesses β-xylosidase activity and can effectively degrade XOS. In addition, functional enrichment analysis suggested that the growth-promoting effect of XOS may be attributed to the upregulation of genes involved in cellular component biogenesis and cell division, potentially through modulation of ribosome function and carbohydrate metabolism in Lb. plantarum B20. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which XOS promote growth and highlight potential targets for enhancing prebiotic–probiotic interactions. Full article

Expanding the range of healthy food products is one of the most promising areas in the field of food science. In recent years, there has been an active development of the global trend of functional nutrition aimed at strengthening general health, as well as preventing common non-communicable diseases and metabolic disorders. Chocolate, occupying a leading position among confectionery products, continues to demonstrate a steady growth in consumption on a global scale, which is due to its unique taste and sensory and functional properties. Modern trends in the food industry are aimed at further improving the composition and properties of chocolate, which makes it a promising object for scientific research and innovative developments. This review is devoted to the systematization and study of modern research aimed at developing functional types of chocolate that meet the principles of healthy nutrition. The paper considers the potential of bioactive components, such as polyphenols, probiotics, prebiotic components, dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and plant extracts, for use in the functionalization of chocolate. These compounds have pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective properties. Particular attention is paid to the role of bioactive components of cocoa and chocolate in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases, strengthening the cardiovascular system, improving cognitive functions, and normalizing the composition of intestinal microbiota. In addition, promising areas in the field of production technologies and innovative solutions aimed at creating functional types of chocolate with improved consumer properties are considered. The relevance of these developments is due to the growing demand for food products that combine high taste qualities and functionality, which opens up new opportunities for health-oriented nutrition. Full article

The by-products of passion fruit are typically discarded during processing, contributing to resource waste and environmental harm. These residues are rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols, compounds linked to health benefits, including blood sugar regulation, improved lipid profiles, gut microbiome balance, and weight management. Beyond their nutritional value, these by-products possess dual functional roles in food systems: their bioactive components act as natural fortifiers and health-promoting agents. Recent studies indicate they can enhance food quality by improving water retention and texture while serving as prebiotics to promote beneficial gut bacteria growth. This dual functionality supports both food innovation and metabolic health, particularly in reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes. To advance research and industry applications, this review synthesizes recent findings on the nutritional properties of passion fruit by-products and their use in food products such as dairy, pasta, and meat. The analysis aims to guide the sustainable utilization of these underrated resources and expand their role in functional food development. Full article

Gastrointestinal health is critical to the productivity and welfare of pigs. The transition from milk to plant-based feeds represents an intestinal challenge at wean that can result in dysbiosis and pathogen susceptibility. Prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are non-digestible carbohydrates that can reach the hind gut to promote gut health, either by enhancing the abundance of beneficial members of the intestinal microbiota or via direct interaction with the gut epithelium. Amongst the changes in the intestinal microbiota, GOS and XOS promote populations of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus. SCFAs benefit the host by providing nutritional support for the gut, enhance intestinal barrier function and regulate inflammatory responses. By modifying the indigenous microbiota, prebiotics offer a sustainable alternative to the use of antimicrobial growth promoters that have led to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and represent a growing threat to public health. This review examines microbial and cellular mechanisms whereby prebiotic feed supplements can support the development of a diverse and robust microbiota associated with a healthy and productive digestive system over the lifetime of the animal, and which is in sharp contrast to the development of dysbiosis often associated with existing antimicrobial treatments. The application of prebiotic feed supplements should be tailored to their modes of action and the developmental challenges in production, such as the provision of GOS to late gestational sows, GOS and XOS to pre-weaning piglets and GOS and XOS to growing/fattening pigs. Full article

Pyracantha fortuneana, an underutilized wild plant, has been found to have a high nutritional value. This study used simulated digestion and fecal fermentation models to investigate the digestive properties of the purified acidic pectin polysaccharide of Pyracantha fortuneana and its impact on the gut microbiota and metabolites. Pyracantha fortuneana polysaccharide (PFP) is mainly composed of rhamnose (Rha), galacturonic acid (GalA), glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), and arabinose (Ara), with a molecular weight (Mw) of 851.25 kDa. Following simulated digestion, the Mw of PFP remained consistent. The reduced sugar content showed minimal change, suggesting that PFP exhibits resistance to gastrointestinal digestion and can effectively reach the colon. Following fecal fermentation, the molecular weight, monosaccharide, and carbohydrate contents of PFP decreased, while the short-chain fatty acid content increased. This suggests that PFP is susceptible to degradation by microorganisms and can be metabolized into acetic acid and n-butyric acid, contributing to the regulation of intestinal health. Meanwhile, PFP promotes the reproduction of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides, Dialister, and Dysgonomonas, inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria like Proteus, and generates metabolites such as thiamine, leonuriside A, oxoadipic acid, S-hydroxymethylglutathione, and isonicotinic acid, which exert beneficial effects on human health. These results indicate that PFP has great potential in regulating the gut microbiota and generating beneficial metabolites to promote intestinal functional health and can be used as a prebiotic to prevent diseases by improving intestinal health. Full article

This study evaluates the potential role of two extracts derived from green and roasted coffee in managing Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The phytochemical analysis revealed that the roasted coffee extract (RCE) contains higher levels of flavonoids and tannins, while the green coffee extract (GCE) seems to be richer in phenolic acids. No differences in the antioxidant activity of both extracts were observed. The study demonstrated that GCE exhibits stronger prebiotic potential by significantly enhancing the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria when compared to the untreated sample. Both extracts inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, with RCE demonstrating a better performance than other commercial treatments for T2D. Glucose uptake assays on yeast cells demonstrated that both extracts enhance glucose transport, particularly at low glucose concentrations, reducing supernatant glucose levels by 60–80%. Notably, GCE maintained its effectiveness even at the highest glucose concentrations tested. These findings suggest that coffee extracts, particularly GCE, may be useful as nutraceuticals for potentially regulating glucose metabolism and gut microbiota in T2D management. Full article

Estrogen receptors (ERs) play a critical role in breast cancer (BC) development and progression, with ERα being oncogenic and ERβ exhibiting tumor-suppressive properties. The interaction between ER signaling and other molecular pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, influences tumor growth and endocrine resistance. Emerging research highlights the role of prebiotics in modulating gut microbiota, which may influence estrogen metabolism, immune function, and therapeutic responses in BC. This review explores the impact of prebiotics on estrogen receptor modulation, gut microbiota composition, immune regulation, and metabolic pathways in breast cancer. The potential of prebiotics as adjunctive therapies to enhance treatment efficacy and mitigate chemotherapy-related side effects is discussed. A comprehensive analysis of recent preclinical and clinical studies was conducted, examining the role of prebiotics in gut microbiota modulation, immune regulation, and metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer. The impact of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived from prebiotic fermentation on epigenetic regulation and endocrine resistance was also evaluated. Prebiotics were found to modulate the gut microbiota-estrogen axis, reduce inflammation, and influence immune responses. SCFAs demonstrated selective estrogen receptor downregulation and metabolic reprogramming, suppressing tumor growth. Synbiotic interventions mitigate chemotherapy-related side effects, improving the quality of life in breast cancer patients. Prebiotics offer a promising avenue for breast cancer prevention and therapy by modulating estrogen metabolism, immune function, and metabolic pathways. Future clinical trials are needed to validate their efficacy as adjunctive treatments in breast cancer management. Full article

This study investigated whether the supplementation of prebiotic inulin to gestating sows programmatically affects offspring growth performance and meat quality while exploring its epigenetic effects through histone acetylation modulation. After mating, sixty multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; parity 2–3) were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with inulin (0% vs. 1.5%) and fat (0% or 5%) supplementation until farrowing. Post-weaning, five litters (10 piglets per litter) per treatment were selected and maintained in their original litter for fattening under standardized feeding. The results demonstrated that maternal inulin supplementation during gestation accomplished the following: (1) Increased offspring liver index by 13.4% at weaning and 6.8% at finishing (p < 0.05) while reducing the finishing-phase backfat thickness by 11.6% (p < 0.01), with a significant inulin × fat interaction attenuating fat-induced abdominal lipid accumulation at weaning (p = 0.05). (2) Decreased longissimus dorsi muscle lightness (L*) by 4.5% in finishing pigs (p = 0.02) without altering the other meat quality parameters. (3) Suppressed offspring liver lipid deposition at birth and finishing (p < 0.05), concomitant with upregulated hepatic PGC-1α and CPT1A expression (p < 0.05). (4) Elevated neonatal serum butyrate by 15.6% (p = 0.06) while inhibiting hepatic histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and enhancing histone H3/H4 acetylation (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that maternal inulin supplementation during gestation mitigates offspring hepatic lipid deposition through butyrate-mediated epigenetic regulation, where microbial-derived butyrate from inulin fermentation inhibits HDAC activity, enhances histone acetylation levels, and upregulates fatty acid β-oxidation gene expression. This study provides novel mechanistic insights into how maternal dietary fiber nutrition programs offspring development through epigenetic reprogramming. Full article