RESUMEN
Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the common chronic complications of diabetes mellitus, which has developed into the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in adults worldwide. Compound Qilian tablets (CQLT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) developed for treating DR, but its mechanism is still unclear. This study explored the mechanism of action of CQLT in treating DR through metabolomics and intestinal microbiota. Methods: Histopathologic examination of the pancreas and retina of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the expression levels of retinal nerve damage indicators ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Rat fecal samples were tested by LC-MS metabolomics to search for potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways for CQLT treatment of DR. Characteristic nucleic acid sequences of rat intestinal microbiota from each group were revealed using 16S rDNA technology to explore key microbes and related pathways for CQLT treatment of DR. At the same time, we investigated the effect of CQLT on the gluconeogenic pathway. Results: After CQLT intervention, islet cell status was improved, Iba-1 and GFAP expression were significantly decreased, and abnormal retinal microvascular proliferation and exudation were ameliorated. Metabolomics results showed that CQLT reversed 20 differential metabolites that were abnormally altered in DR rats. Intestinal microbiota analysis showed that treatment with CQLT improved the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora. Functional annotation of metabolites and intestinal flora revealed that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism were the main pathways for CQLT in treating DR. According to the results of correlation analysis, there were significant correlations between Iba-1, GFAP, and intestinal microbiota and metabolites affected by CQLT. In addition, we found that CQLT effectively inhibited the gluconeogenesis process in diabetic mice. Conclusion: In conclusion, CQLT could potentially reshape intestinal microbiota composition and regulate metabolite profiles to protect retinal morphology and function, thereby ameliorating the progression of DR.
RESUMEN
Environmental pollution poses a significant challenge to the poultry industry, leading to substantial losses and adverse effects on the health, production, and performance of avian species. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring natural compounds with potential protective effects against cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity. Luteolin (LUT), a flavonoid found in various plants, has been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. In this study, Su green shell grass chickens were divided into 4 groups: control, LUT (150 mg LUT), Cd (100 mg CdCl2), and Cd + LUT (100 mg CdCl2 + 150 mg LUT) groups for 1 month, respectively. The present study revealed that LUT maintained the morphology and functional activity of the liver and intestine. LUT alleviated Cd-induced impairment in the liver and intestinal biochemical indicators, suppressed Cd-induced liver fibrosis, mitigated liver and intestinal tissue damage. Additionally, LUT reduced oxidative stress and regulated the Cd-induced impairment in trace elements of the liver and intestine. Furthermore, LUT reduced Cd-induced liver inflammation, restored Cd-induced intestinal barrier function, and normalized Cd-induced serum proteins, including changes in the content of glutamyltranspeptidase. Moreover, LUT maintained Cd-induced disruption of gut microbiota and alleviated bacterial dysbiosis. Overall, these findings suggest that LUT holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating the adverse effects of Cd-induced toxicity in poultry, by preserving liver and intestinal health, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and restoring gut microbiota balance.
RESUMEN
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are severe complications of pregnancy with high morbidity and are a major cause of increased maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is a lack of effective early diagnostic indicators and safe and effective preventive strategies for HDP in clinical practice, except for monitoring maternal blood pressure levels, the degree of proteinuria, organ involvement and fetal conditions. The intestinal microbiota consists of the gut flora and intestinal environment, which is the largest microecosystem of the human body and participates in material and energy metabolism, gene expression regulation, immunity regulation, and other functions. During pregnancy, due to changes in hormone levels and altered immune function, the intestinal microecological balance is affected, triggering HDP. A dysregulated intestinal microenvironment influences the composition and distribution of the gut flora and changes the intestinal barrier, driving beneficial or harmful bacterial metabolites and inflammatory responses to participate in the development of HDP and promote its malignant development. When the gut flora is dysbiotic and affects blood pressure, supplementation with probiotics and dietary fiber can be used to intervene. In this review, the interaction between the intestinal microbiota and HDP was investigated to explore the feasibility of the gut flora as a novel biomarker of HDP and to provide a new strategy and basis for the prevention and treatment of clinical HDP.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Probióticos , Humanos , Embarazo , Femenino , Probióticos/uso terapéutico , Hipertensión Inducida en el Embarazo/microbiología , Disbiosis , Animales , Fibras de la DietaRESUMEN
In contemporary society, the increasing number of pet-owning households has significantly heightened interest in companion animal health, expanding the probiotics market aimed at enhancing pet well-being. Consequently, research into the gut microbiota of companion animals has gained momentum, however, ethical and societal challenges associated with experiments on intelligent and pain-sensitive animals necessitate alternative research methodologies to reduce reliance on live animal testing. To address this need, the Fermenter for Intestinal Microbiota Model (FIMM) is being investigated as an in vitro tool designed to replicate gastrointestinal conditions of living animals, offering a means to study gut microbiota while minimizing animal experimentation. The FIMM system explored interactions between intestinal microbiota and probiotics within a simulated gut environment. Two strains of commercial probiotic bacteria, Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, along with a newly isolated strain from domestic dogs, Lactobacillus acidophilus SLAM AK001, were introduced into the FIMM system with gut microbiota from a beagle model. Findings highlight the system's capacity to mirror and modulate the gut environment, evidenced by an increase in beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium and a decrease in the pathogen Clostridium. The study also verified the system's ability to facilitate accurate interactions between probiotics and commensal bacteria, demonstrated by the production of short-chain fatty acids and bacterial metabolites, including amino acids and gamma-aminobutyric acid precursors. Thus, the results advocate for FIMM as an in vitro system that authentically simulates the intestinal environment, presenting a viable alternative for examining gut microbiota and metabolites in companion animals.
RESUMEN
Water temperature is an abiotic factor influencing fish metabolism and physiological responses. As poikilothermic creatures, fish are notable sensitivity to fluctuations in water temperature, which also significantly influences intestinal microbial proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of both low (8 °C) and high (28 °C) water temperatures on oxidative stress and the intestinal microbiota of Chromis notata, a species that has recently migrated northward owing to changes in sea water temperature. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lysozyme activities, as well as changes in the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbiota. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, specifically SOD and CAT, in C. notata exposed to low and high temperatures, showed an increase compared to the control group (maintained at 18 °C). Moreover, liver H2O2 levels exhibited a significant increase over time. Conversely, plasma lysozyme activity significantly decreased in groups subjected to low and high water temperatures compared to the control group. Analyzing changes in the intestinal microbiota, we observed an increase in the proportion of Firmicutes but a decrease in Proteobacteria, which are known for their role in immune enhancement, in C. notata exposed to both low and high water temperatures. We propose that alterations in water temperature impact the antioxidant enzyme activity of C. notata, leading to compromised immune responses and disruption of the biological balance of the intestinal microbiota, potentially affecting the host's survival.
RESUMEN
This study aimed to investigate the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on the growth performance and intestinal health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four diets were formulated with UA supplementation at 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, defined as the control (CON), UA250, UA500, and UA1000, respectively. After an 8-week feeding experiment, the results showed that, in the UA500 group, the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR) increased, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and hepatosomatic index decreased. Total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity exhibited a significant increase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased. An intestinal histological analysis revealed an improvement in the intestinal structural integrity of the UA500 group. The mRNA relative expression levels of physical barrier-related genes [occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occluden-1 (zo-1)] were upregulated. The mRNA relative expression of interlenkin 10 (il-10) increased, and the mRNA relative expression of interlenkin 1ß (il-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α) significantly decreased. The abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria decreased, and the abundance of Tenericutes increased. The abundance of Mycoplasma, Cyanobium, and Staphylococcus decreased, while the abundance of Clostridium increased. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of UA significantly enhanced the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass while improving intestinal barrier function through its influence on the abundance of intestinal flora, such as Tenericutes, Firmicutes, and Mycoplasma. Optimal dietary UA levels for largemouth bass were determined to be between 498 and 520 mg/kg based on quadratic regression analyses of WGR, SGR, and FCR or T-SOD and MDA content.
RESUMEN
The oil derived from Psidium guajava seeds (TKSO) exhibits an abundance of diverse unsaturated fatty acids, notably oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids, conferring substantial health advantages in addressing metabolic irregularities and human diseases. This research endeavor focused on elucidating the impacts of TKSO on colonic inflammatory responses and intestinal microbiota alterations in a murine model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), demonstrated that substantial supplementation with TKSO reduces the severity of colitis induced by DSS. Furthermore, TKSO effectively attenuated the abundance and expression of proinflammatory mediators while augmenting the expression of tight junction proteins in DSS-challenged mice. Beyond this, TKSO intervention modulated the intestinal microbial composition in DSS-induced colitis mice, specifically by enhancing the relative presence of Lactobacillus, Norank_f_Muribaculaceae, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, while concurrently diminishing the abundance of Turicibacter. Additionally, an analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) revealed noteworthy elevations in acetic, propionic, isobutyric, and butyric acids, and total SCFAs levels in TKSO-treated mice. In summary, these findings underscore the potential of TKSO to reduce the severity of colitis induced by DSS in mice through intricate modulation of the intestinal microbiota, metabolite profiles, and intestinal barrier repair, thereby presenting a promising avenue for the development of therapeutic strategies against intestinal inflammatory conditions.
RESUMEN
Ganoderma lucidum, used in East Asia for its health benefits, contains ganoderic acids (GA) which have various pharmacological activities but are limited by poor water solubility and low oral bioaccessibility. This study synthesized and characterized ganoderic acids loaded zein-chitosan nanoparticles (GA-NPs), and investigated its advantages in alleviating alcoholic liver injury (ALI) in mice model. The GA-NPs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (92.68%), small particle size (177.20 nm), and a +29.53 mV zeta potential. The experimental results of alcohol-induced liver injury mouse model showed that GA-NPs significantly improved liver metabolic function, reduced alcohol-induced liver oxidative stress in liver by decreasing lactate dehydrogenase activity and malondialdehyde level, while increasing the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes and alcohol dehydrogenase. Moreover, GA-NPs were favorable to ameliorate intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice exposed to alcohol by increasing the proportion of probiotics such as Romboutsia, Faecalibaculum, Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter, etc., which were highly correlated with the improvement of liver function. Furthermore, GA-NPs modulated the mRNA expression related to ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Conclusively, this study revealed that GA-NPs have stronger hepatoprotective effects than non-encapsulated ganoderic acids on alleviating ALI by regulating intestinal microbiota and liver metabolism.
RESUMEN
Despite the rapid development of research on aquatic environment microbiota, limited attention has been paid to exploring the complex interactions between microbial communities and aquatic environments. Particularly, the mechanisms underlying fish diseases based on such dynamic interactions remain unknown. This study aimed to address the gap by conducting microbiome and co-occurrence network analyses on the typical freshwater aquaculture systems. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing results revealed significant differences in the microbiota between the disease and healthy groups. Notably, disease mortality varied consistently with the gradient of relative abundance of Proteobacteria (intestine, R2 = 0.46, p < 0.05) and Cyanobacteria (gill, R2 = 0.67, p < 0.01), indicating their potential use as diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, the elevated hepatosomatic index, NO3-N, COD and TC (sediment) were directly correlated with diseases (r > 0.54, p < 0.01). Mean concentrations of NO3-N, COD and TC were elevated by 78.87%, 25.63% and 44.2%, respectively, in ponds where diseases occurred. Quantitative analysis (qPCR) revealed that Aeromonas sobria infected hosts through a potential pathway of "sediment (4.4 × 105 copy number/g)-water (1.1 × 103 copy number/mL)-intestine (1.2 × 106 copy number/g)". Similarly, the potential route for Aeromonas veronii was sediment (4.9 × 106 copy number/g) to gill (5.1 × 105 copy number/g). Additionally, the complexity of microbial networks in the intestine, water, and sediment was significantly lower in the disease group, although no similar phenomenon was observed in the gill microbial network. In summary, these findings reveal that elevated concentrations of crucial environmental factors disrupt the linkages within microbiota, fostering the growth of opportunistic bacteria capable of colonizing fish gut or gills. This offers new insights into potential mechanisms by which environmental factors cause disease in fish.
RESUMEN
The heavy metal lead (Pb) pollution in marine environment has been widely concerned. The liver and intestine are important for the health of fish. In this study, the grouper were exposed to 1 µg/L Pb for 14 days, and the physiological homeostasis changes were explored via gut-liver axis. The results showed that Pb stress caused liver morphological changes, oxidative stress, and the accumulation and peroxidation of the lipids. The liver metabolism were disturbed, especially amino acid metabolism and the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. Pb stress also caused intestinal mucosal ablation, tight junction dysfunction and inflammatory response. Additionally, intestinal microbial diversity was decreased, and the community composition was altered especially several bacteria genera (Ruminococcus UCG-005, Ruminococcus UCG-014, Oscillibacter, and Streptococcus) were significantly correlated with the physiological indexes and metabolites of the liver. These results reveal that Pb stress negatively affect the physiological homeostasis of the grouper via gut-liver axis.
Asunto(s)
Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Homeostasis , Plomo , Hígado , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Animales , Plomo/toxicidad , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/toxicidad , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo , Lubina/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Pomacea canaliculata is one of the most successful invader in worldwide, adversely affecting native ecosystem through direct predation or indirect competition, while the mechanism of indirect effects on native species remain poorly understood. To clarify the effects of P. canaliculata on the native near-niche species, Bellamya purificata, a widespread freshwater gastropod in China, was selected as the research subject. The changes of mortality, histology, antioxidant system as well as the intestinal flora diversity of B. purificata were explored in present study. The results showed that the median lethal dose of P. canaliculata culture solution for B. purificata was 23.76 ind/L and a concentration-dependent damage of both the gonad and hepatopancreas were observed, the gonadal villi were dissolved and the hepatopancreas cells were broken at 20 ind/L. Furthermore, different concentrations of P. canaliculata culture solution leading to the antioxidant damage on the enzyme or non-enzyme systems of B. purificata at various degrees. Additionally, a decrease in the diversity of the intestinal flora was observed, accompanied by an increase in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Aeromonas after the exposure of the culture solution of P. canaliculata. Last, after being recovered in freshwater for 24 h, the antioxidant damage of B. purificata and the disturbance of intestinal flora diversity were still not recovered especially in the high concentration group. The indirect competitive mechanism of P. canaliculata culture solution on B. purificata were explored from the aspects of tissue, biochemical level and intestinal flora, which enriched the research of P. canaliculata invasion on native snails in China, and provided new insights for the study of the invasion strategy of P. canaliculata.
Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Caracoles , Animales , Caracoles/microbiología , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Hepatopáncreas/microbiología , Hepatopáncreas/metabolismo , Hepatopáncreas/patología , Especies Introducidas , ChinaRESUMEN
Mastitis is a common mammalian disease occurring in the mammary tissue and poses a major threat to agriculture and the dairy industry. Hordenine (HOR), a phenylethylamine alkaloid naturally extracted from malt, has various pharmacological effects, but its role in mastitis is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of HOR and its underlying mechanism in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response model of mouse mammary epithelial cells (EpH4-Ev) and mouse mastitis model. The experimental results showed that HOR attenuated LPS-induced mammary tissue damage (from 3.75 ± 0.25 to 1.75 ± 0.25) and restored the integrity of the blood-milk barrier. Further mechanistic studies revealed that HOR inhibited LPS-induced overactivation of the TLR4-MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and activated the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Additionally, HOR altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota in mice, ultimately reducing the extent of inflammatory injury (from 3.33 ± 0.33 to 0.67 ± 0.33) and upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-3). The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis in the rational use of HOR for the prevention and treatment of mastitis and the maintenance of mammalian mammary gland health.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality. Previously, we screened a walnut meal peptide FDWLR (PEP) with significant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity. The present study further investigated the anti-hypertensive effects of PEP in vivo using spontaneously hypertensive rats. RESULTS: The results indicated that PEP reduced blood pressure and the indices in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (decreased by 15.36%), angiotensin II (Ang II) (decreased by 31.56%), angiotensinogen (AGT) (decreased by 58.84%) and aldosterone (ALD) (decreased by 18.27%), whereas NO levels increased by 54.96%. The pathological analysis showed that PEP relieved cardiac and renal damage. PEP also alleviated oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in the heart and kidney. Mechanistically, PEP mitigated cardiac and renal damage by simultaneously regulating ACE-Ang II-AT1R and the ACE2-Ang (1-7)-MAS axis. Additionally, PEP increased the levels of short chain fatty acids by 224.16% and improved gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of Prevotella, Phascolarctobacterium, Clostridium_sensu_stricto and Bifidobacterium, at the same time as decreasing Bacteroides and Alistipes abundances. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that PEP prevented hypertension and associated heart and kidney damage by modulating the RAAS system and gut microbiota, which is valuable in guiding future development and optimal utilization of walnut meal. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
RESUMEN
The human microbiota represents the community and diverse population of microbes within the human body, which comprises approximately 100 trillion micro-organisms. They exist in the human gastrointestinal tract and various other organs and are now considered virtual body organs. It is mainly represented by bacteria but also includes viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Although there is a heritable component to the gut microbiota, environmental factors related to diet, drugs, and anthropometry determine the composition of the microbiota. Besides the gastrointestinal tract, the human body also harbours microbial communities in the skin, oral and nasal cavities, and reproductive tract. The current review demonstrates the role of gut microbiota and its involvement in processing food, drugs, and immune responses. The discussion focuses on the implications of human microbiota in developing several diseases, such as gastrointestinal infections, metabolic disorders, malignancies, etc., through symbiotic relationships. The microbial population may vary depending on the pathophysiological condition of an individual and thus may be exploited as a therapeutic and clinical player. Further, we need a more thorough investigation to establish the correlation between microbes and pathophysiology in humans and propose them as potential therapeutic targets.
RESUMEN
The present study identified the protective effects of garlic oligo/poly-saccharides of different chain lengths against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and elucidated the structure-function relationships. The results showed that oral intake of garlic oligo/poly-saccharides decreased disease activity index, reduced colon shortening and spleen enlargement, and ameliorated pathological damage in the mouse colon. The dysregulation of colonic pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines was significantly alleviated, accompanied by up-regulated antioxidant enzymes, blocked TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway, enhanced intestinal barrier integrity, and restored SCFA production. Garlic oligo/poly-saccharides also reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis in colitic mice by expanding beneficial bacteria and suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria. High-molecular-weight polysaccharides exhibited stronger alleviating effects on DSS-induced colitic symptoms in mice than low-molecular-weight oligo/poly-saccharides did, probably due to their greater ability to be fermented in the colon. Taken together, this study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of garlic oligo/poly-saccharides and revealed that high-molecular-weight polysaccharide fractions were more effective in alleviating DSS-induced colitis.
Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios , Colitis , Sulfato de Dextran , Fructanos , Ajo , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Animales , Colitis/inducido químicamente , Colitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Colitis/patología , Ajo/química , Ratones , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/química , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Masculino , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Fructanos/farmacología , Fructanos/química , Colon/efectos de los fármacos , Colon/patología , Colon/metabolismo , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Citocinas/metabolismo , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Peso Molecular , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Traditional fermented foods are known to offer cardiovascular health benefits. However, the potential of fermented Chinese chives (FCC) in reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. This study employed anaerobic fermentation to investigate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) P470 from FCC. The results indicated that L. plantarum P470 enhanced hydroxyl radical scavenging and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264.7 macrophages in the fecal fermentation supernatant of CHD patients. These effects were attributed to the modulation of gut microbiota and metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Specifically, L. plantarum P470 increased the abundance of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus while decreasing Escherichia-Shigella, Enterobacter, Veillonella, Eggerthella, and Helicobacter in CHD patient fecal samples. Furthermore, L. plantarum P470 regulated the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid metabolism. These findings suggest that L. plantarum P470 from FCC can improve the fecal physiological status in patients with CHD by modulating intestinal microbiota, promoting SCFA production, and regulating lipid metabolism.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedad Coronaria , Ácidos Grasos Volátiles , Heces , Alimentos Fermentados , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Lactobacillus plantarum , Humanos , Heces/microbiología , Enfermedad Coronaria/microbiología , Ratones , Animales , Alimentos Fermentados/microbiología , Ácidos Grasos Volátiles/metabolismo , Ácidos Grasos Volátiles/análisis , Masculino , Fermentación , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Células RAW 264.7 , Anciano , Probióticos/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Antibiotics are widely used in the breeding production of Bamei pigs, affecting the quality and safety of pork and causing enormous harm to human health, the environment, and public health. The use of probiotic fermented feed to replace antibiotic feed is one of the solutions, which has the potential to improve the intestinal microbiota, promote animal growth, and enhance immunity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fermented feed with Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum QP28-1a or Bacillus (B.) subtilis QB8a on feed, growth performance, gut microbiota, and immunity of weaned piglets. A total of 60 freshly weaned piglets from the Tibetan Plateau were randomly divided into five groups and fed basal feed, L. plantarum fermented feed, B. subtilis fermented feed, mixed fermented feed, and antibiotic fermented feed for 60 days, respectively. The results showed fermented feed supplemented with L. plantarum QP28-1a or B. subtilis QB8a significantly lowered the pH of the feed (P < 0.05), produced lactic acid and acetic acid, inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria in the feed, and reduced the feed conversion rate in the group fed mixed fermented feed (P < 0.05). The fermented feed increased the α-diversity and prominently altered the ß-diversity of the intestinal microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Turicibacter and decreasing the relative abundance of conditional pathogens such as Streptococcus and Clostridium, improving the intestinal microbiota of the Bamei piglets. Notably, the mixed fermented feed improved the immunity of Bamei piglets by modulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory-related signaling pathways. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the increased expression of immune-related cytokines may be associated with a significant enrichment of Lactobacillus, Prevotellaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Ruminococcaceae in the gut. In conclusion, the probiotic fermented feed maintained an acidic environment conducive to suppressing pathogens, reduced the feed conversion ratio, optimized the intestinal microbiota, improved immunity, and alleviated intestinal inflammation that may be caused by weaning, demonstrating the excellent application prospects of L. plantarum QP28-1a and B. subtilis QB8a fermented feed in the feeding of Bamei piglets.
RESUMEN
In this study, Amomum longiligulare polysaccharide 1 (ALP1) is used to chelate with magnesium (Mg) to synthesize the ALP1-Mg (II) complex (ALP1-Mg). Based on Box-Behnken response surface design, the optimum technological conditions are 22 mg mL-1 trisodium citrate, 2.10 mol L-1 MgCl2, reaction at 70 °C for 2.9 h, resulting in a maximum Mg content of 2.13%. Next, the physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of ALP1 and ALP1-Mg are characterized, and the results show that the morphology, conformation, crystallinity, and thermal stability of ALP1-Mg are changed. In addition, dietary supplementation of 500 mg kg-1 ALP1-Mg significantly reduces the feed conversion ratio during the grower (15-35 d). Meanwhile, the villus height/crypt depth of the duodenum and ileum are significantly increased, and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus is significantly elevated. Taken together, the results suggest that ALP1-Mg is a potential growth-promoting feed additive.
RESUMEN
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by disrupting the mucosal barrier and subsequently leading to the dysregulation of the gut microbiome. Therefore, ROS scavengers present a promising and comprehensive strategy for the effective IBD treatment. In the current work, we explored the therapeutic potential of cerium dioxide (CeO2) nano-enzyme, which is well-known for their potent antioxidant properties and capability to mimic natural antioxidant enzymes in the regulation of oxidative stress. We developed a novel enteric-coated nanomedicine (CeO2@S100) aiming at improving the oral delivery efficacy of CeO2 in the complex gastrointestinal environment. CeO2@S100 is composed of a CeO2 nanoparticle core and a protective polyacrylic acid resin shell (Eudragit S100), ensuring targeted delivery of the core specifically at inflamed intestinal sites due to the negative surface charge. In vivo experiments revealed CeO2@S100 significantly alleviates the IBD by balancing oxidative stress and regulating gut microbiota in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse colitis model. The uncomplicated synthesis of CeO2@S100 highlights its promise for clinical use, presenting an effective and safe approach to managing IBD.
RESUMEN
Intestinal microbiota imbalance plays an important role in the progression of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and is considered to be the main mediator that triggers metabolic comorbidities. Here, we analyzed the changes in intestinal microbiota in patients with different severities of OSA based on apnea hypopnea index (AHI) classification, and explored the role of intestinal microbiota in the severity of OSA. This study included 19 healthy volunteers and 45 patients with OSA [5 ≤ AHI < 15 (n = 14), 15 ≤ AHI < 30 (n = 13), AHI ≥ 30 (n = 18)]. Relevant sleep monitoring data and medical history data were collected, and microbial composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The diversity analysis of intestinal microbiota among different groups of people was conducted, including alpha diversity, beta diversity, species diversity, and marker species as well as differential functional metabolic pathway prediction analysis. With the increase of AHI classification, the alpha diversity in patients with OSA significantly decreased. The results revealed that the severity of OSA is associated with differences in the structure and composition of the intestinal microbiota. The abundance of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (such as Bacteroides, Ruminococcacea, and Faecalibacterium) in severe OSA is significantly reduced and a higher ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. Random forest analysis showed that Parabacteroides was a biomarker genus with important discriminatory significance. The differential metabolic pathway prediction function shows that the main function of maintaining intestinal microbiota homeostasis is biosynthetic function. Our results show that the differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota in patients with different severities of OSA are mainly related to short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. These changes may play a pathological role in OSA combined with metabolic comorbidities.