Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Nutrients Edit a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Special Issue "Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome"

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers
Planned Papers

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Prebiotics and Probiotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2023 | Viewed by 25173

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jonathan Jacobs

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. The Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
2. Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
Interests: intestinal microbiome; host-microbiome interactions; brain-gut-microbiome axis; intestinal inflammation; obesity; diet and microbiome
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The gut microbiota encompasses a diverse collection of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and protozoans residing in the lumen and mucus layers of the small intestine and colon. There is rapidly growing recognition of the importance of the combined metabolic activity of the gut microbiome, which acts on dietary and host-derived inputs, for host physiologic processes across organ systems. This includes but is not limited to digestion/absorption, gastrointestinal motility, drug metabolism, immune responses, glucose homeostasis, lipid storage, and even behavior. Perturbations of the microbiome have the potential to alter these physiologic relationships in ways that can contribute to pathophysiology in diverse disease states, including gastrointestinal, metabolic, inflammatory, oncologic, and neurobehavioral disorders.

For this Special Issue, we invite the submission of articles that address the role of the gut microbiota in regulating the physiologic properties of their host in health and disease settings. We welcome original research articles and review articles addressing topics within this theme using data derived from either human or animal model studies.

Dr. Jonathan Jacobs
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

intestinal microbiome
host-microbiome interactions
diet-microbiome interactions
gastrointestinal physiology
metabolism
immune system regulation

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

Open AccessArticle

Mixed Nuts as Healthy Snacks: Effect on Tryptophan Metabolism and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

and

Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030569 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6744

Abstract

We recently demonstrated that the consumption of mixed tree nuts (MTNs) during caloric restriction decreased cardiovascular risk factors and increased satiety. Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism has been indicated as a factor in cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the effect of MTNs on Trp metabolism and the link to cardiovascular risk markers. Plasma and stool were collected from 95 overweight individuals who consumed either MTNs (or pretzels) daily as part of a hypocaloric weight loss diet for 12 weeks followed by an isocaloric weight maintenance program for an additional 12 weeks. Plasma and fecal samples were evaluated for Trp metabolites by LC–MS and for gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing. Trp–kynurenine metabolism was reduced only in the MTNs group during weight loss (baseline vs. week 12). Changes in Trp–serotonin (week 24) and Trp–indole (week 12) metabolism from baseline were increased in the MTNs group compared to the pretzel group. Intergroup analysis between MTN and pretzel groups does not identify significant microbial changes as indicated by alpha diversity and beta diversity. Changes in the relative abundance of genus Paludicola during intervention are statistically different between the MTNs and pretzel group with p < 0.001 (q = 0.07). Our findings suggest that consumption of MTNs affects Trp host and microbial metabolism in overweight and obese subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Bacillus amyloliquifaciens-Supplemented Camel Milk Suppresses Neuroinflammation of Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in a Mouse Model by Regulating Inflammatory Markers

Hairul Islam Mohamed Ibrahim

Abdullah Sheikh

Hany Ezzat Khalil

and

Ashraf Khalifa

Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030550 - 20 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1165

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a distinct autoimmune neuroinflammatory disorder, affects millions of people worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. Changes in the gut microbiome are linked to the development of neuroinflammation via mechanisms that are not fully understood. Prebiotics and probiotics in camel milk that has been fermented have a variety of health benefits. In this study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-supplemented camel milk (BASY) was used to assess its preventive effect on MS symptoms in a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-immunized C57BL6J mice model. To this end, MOG-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was established and the level of disease index, pathological scores, and anti-inflammatory markers of BASY-treated mice using macroscopic and microscopic examinations, qPCR and immunoblot were investigated. The results demonstrate that BASY significantly reduced the EAE disease index, increased total microbial load (2.5 fold), and improved the levels of the short-chain fatty acids propionic, butyric and caproic acids in the diseased mice group. Additionally, myeloperoxidase (MPO) proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β) were regulated by BASY treatment. Significant suppression of MPO and VCAM levels were noticed in the BASY-treated group (from 168 to 111 µM and from 34 to 27 pg/mL, respectively), in comparison to the EAE group. BASY treatment significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory progression related transcripts, and inflammatory progression protein markers. In conclusion, BASY significantly reduced the symptoms of EAE mice and may be used to develop a probiotic-based diet to promote host gut health. The cumulative findings of this study confirm the significant neuroprotection of BASY in the MOG-induced mice model. They could also suggest a novel approach to the treatment of MS-associated disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Fecal and Tissue Microbiota Are Associated with Tumor T-Cell Infiltration and Mesenteric Lymph Node Involvement in Colorectal Cancer

and

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020316 - 09 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1173

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with alterations of the fecal and tissue-associated microbiome. Preclinical models support a pathogenic role of the microbiome in CRC, including in promoting metastasis and modulating antitumor immune responses. To investigate whether the microbiome is associated with lymph node metastasis and T cell infiltration in human CRC, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of feces, tumor core, tumor surface, and healthy adjacent tissue collected from 34 CRC patients undergoing surgery (28 fecal samples and 39 tissue samples). Tissue microbiome profiles—including increased Fusobacterium—were significantly associated with mesenteric lymph node (MLN) involvement. Fecal microbes were also associated with MLN involvement and accurately classified CRC patients into those with or without MLN involvement. Tumor T cell infiltration was assessed by immunohistochemical staining of CD3 and CD8 in tumor tissue sections. Tumor core microbiota, including members of the Blautia and Faecalibacterium genera, were significantly associated with tumor T cell infiltration. Abundance of specific fecal microbes including a member of the Roseburia genus predicted high vs. low total and cytotoxic T cell infiltration in random forests classifiers. These findings support a link between the microbiome and antitumor immune responses that may influence prognosis of locally advanced CRC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Biotin Deficiency Induces Intestinal Dysbiosis Associated with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease-like Phenotype

and

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020264 - 04 Jan 2023

Viewed by 4426

Abstract

Biotin is an essential vitamin and critical cofactor in several metabolic pathways, and its deficiency has been linked to several disorders including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We previously reported that biotin deficiency (BD) in mice, whether modeled through intestine-specific deletion of biotin transporter (SMVT-icKO) or through a biotin-deficient diet, resulted in intestinal inflammation consistent with an IBD-like phenotype. To assess whether the gut microbiome is associated with these BD-induced changes, we collected stool and intestinal samples from both of these mouse models and utilized them for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We find that both diet-mediated and deletion-mediated BD result in the expansion of opportunistic microbes including Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Helicobacter, at the expense of mucus-resident microbes including Akkermansia. Additionally, microbiome dysbiosis resulting from diet-mediated BD precedes the onset of the IBD-like phenotypic changes. Lastly, through the use of predictive metagenomics, we report that the resulting BD-linked microbiome perturbations exhibit increased biotin biosynthesis in addition to several other perturbed metabolic pathways. Altogether, these results demonstrate that biotin deficiency results in a specific microbiome composition, which may favor microbes capable of biotin synthesis and which may contribute to intestinal inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Open AccessArticle

Variation in the Early Life and Adult Intestinal Microbiome of Intra-Uterine Growth Restricted Rat Offspring Exposed to a High Fat and Fructose Diet

Liesbeth V. Maggiotto

and

Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010217 - 01 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1333

Abstract

Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is a risk factor for many adult-onset chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. These diseases are associated with intestinal microbiome perturbations (dysbiosis). The establishment of an intestinal microbiome begins in utero and continues postnatally (PN). Hypercaloric diet-induced dysbiosis is a major driver of childhood obesity. We hypothesized that different postnatal diets superimposed on IUGR will alter the postnatal intestinal microbiome. We compared four experimental rat groups: (1) Ad lib fed regular chow diet pre- and postnatally (CON), (2–3) IUGR induced by maternal caloric restriction prenatally followed postnatally (PN) by either (2) the control diet (IUGR-RC) or (3) High-Fat-high-fructose (IUGR-HFhf) diet, and lastly (4) HFhf ad lib pre- and postnatally (HFhf). Fecal samples were collected from dams and male and female rat offspring at postnatal day 2, 21, and adult day 180 for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Maternal diet induced IUGR led to dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome at PN21. Postnatal HFhf diet significantly reduced microbial diversity and worsened dysbiosis reflected by an increased Gammaproteobacteria/Clostridia ratio. Dysbiosis arising from a mismatch between IUGR and a postnatal HFhf diet may contribute to increased risk of the IUGR offspring for subsequent detrimental health problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Altered Gastric Microbiota and Inflammatory Cytokine Responses in Patients with Helicobacter pylori-Negative Gastric Cancer

and

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 4981; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14234981 - 23 Nov 2022

Viewed by 968

Abstract

The role of the gastric mucosal microbiome in Helicobacter pylori-negative gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the microbial alterations and host inflammatory cytokine responses in H. pylori-negative GC. Gastric mucosal samples were obtained from 137 H. pylori-negative patients with GC (n = 45) and controls (chronic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia, n = 92). We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing (n = 67), a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to determine the relative mRNA expression levels of TNF (tumor necrosis factor), IL1B (interleukin 1 beta), IL6 (interleukin 6), CXCL8 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8), IL10 (interleukin 10), IL17A (interleukin 17A), TGFB1 (transforming growth factor beta 1) (n = 113), and the correlation analysis between sequencing and expression data (n = 47). Gastric mucosal microbiota in patients with GC showed reduced diversity and a significantly different composition compared to that of the controls. Lacticaseibacillus was significantly enriched, while Haemophilus and Campylobacter were depleted in the cancer group compared to the control group. These taxa could distinguish the two groups in a random forest algorithm. Moreover, the combined relative abundance of these taxa, a GC microbiome index, significantly correlated with gastric mucosal IL1B expression, which was elevated in the cancer group. Overall, altered gastric mucosal microbiota was found to be associated with increased mucosal IL1B expression in H. pylori-negative GC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Roseburia intestinalis and Its Metabolite Butyrate Inhibit Colitis and Upregulate TLR5 through the SP3 Signaling Pathway

and

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3041; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153041 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1597

Abstract

The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is unclear, but it is generally believed to be closely related to an imbalance in gut microbiota. Roseburia intestinalis (R. intestinalis) might play a key role in suppressing intestinal inflammation, but the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effect is unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of R. intestinalis and Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) in relieving mouse colitis. We found that R. intestinalis significantly upregulated the transcription of TLR5 in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and improved colonic inflammation in a colitis mouse model. The flagellin of R. intestinalis activated the release of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10, TGF-β) and reduced inflammation in IECs. Furthermore, butyrate, the main metabolic product secreted by R. intestinalis, regulated the expression of TLR5 in IECs. Our data show that butyrate increased the binding of the transcription factor Sp3 (specificity protein 3) to the TLR5 promoter regions, upregulating TLR5 transcription. This work provides new insight into the anti-inflammatory effects of R. intestinalis in colitis and a potential target for UC prevention and treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbial-Derived Short Chain Fatty Acids: Impact on Adipose Tissue Physiology

Karolline S. May

and

Laura J. den Hartigh

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020272 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1903

Abstract

Obesity is a global public health issue and major risk factor for pathological conditions, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, hepatic steatosis, and certain types of cancer. These metabolic complications result from a combination of genetics and environmental influences, thus contributing to impact whole-body homeostasis. Mechanistic animal and human studies have indicated that an altered gut microbiota can mediate the development of obesity, leading to inflammation beyond the intestine. Moreover, prior research suggests an interaction between gut microbiota and peripheral organs such as adipose tissue via different signaling pathways; yet, to what degree and in exactly what ways this inter-organ crosstalk modulates obesity remains elusive. This review emphasizes the influence of circulating gut-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) i.e., acetate, propionate, and butyrate, on adipose tissue metabolism in the scope of obesity, with an emphasis on adipocyte physiology in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we discuss some of the well-established mechanisms via which microbial SCFAs exert a role as a prominent host energy source, hence regulating overall energy balance and health. Collectively, exploring the mechanisms via which SCFAs impact adipose tissue metabolism appears to be a promising avenue to improve metabolic conditions related to obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessReview

Microbiome Therapeutics for Food Allergy

Diana A. Chernikova

Matthew Y. Zhao

and

Jonathan P. Jacobs

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5155; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235155 - 03 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2434

Abstract

The prevalence of food allergies continues to rise, and with limited existing therapeutic options there is a growing need for new and innovative treatments. Food allergies are, in a large part, related to environmental influences on immune tolerance in early life, and represent a significant therapeutic challenge. An expanding body of evidence on molecular mechanisms in murine models and microbiome associations in humans have highlighted the critical role of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of food allergies. As such, the gut microbiome is a rational target for novel strategies aimed at preventing and treating food allergies, and new methods of modifying the gastrointestinal microbiome to combat immune dysregulation represent promising avenues for translation to future clinical practice. In this review, we discuss the intersection between the gut microbiome and the development of food allergies, with particular focus on microbiome therapeutic strategies. These emerging microbiome approaches to food allergies are subject to continued investigation and include dietary interventions, pre- and probiotics, microbiota metabolism-based interventions, and targeted live biotherapeutics. This exciting frontier may reveal disease-modifying food allergy treatments, and deserves careful study through ongoing clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Impact of Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic Supplements and Yogurt Consumption on the Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia among Adults: A Systematic Review

and

Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4937; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224937 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2442

Abstract

Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation and yogurt consumption (a probiotic food) alter gut microbial diversity, which may influence colorectal carcinogenesis. This systematic review evaluates the existing literature on the effect of these nutritional supplements and yogurt consumption on colorectal neoplasia incidence among adults. We systematically identified ten randomized controlled trials and observational studies in adults age ≥ 18 without baseline gastrointestinal disease. Prebiotics included inulin, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, and β-glucans. Probiotics included bacterial strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, and Escherichia coli. Synbiotic supplements, a mixture of both prebiotic and probiotic supplements, and yogurt, a commonly consumed dietary source of live microbes, were also included. We defined colorectal neoplasia as colorectal adenomas, sessile serrated polyps, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Overall, findings suggest a moderate decrease in risk of adenoma and CRC for high levels of yogurt consumption compared to low or no consumption. Prebiotic supplementation was not associated with colorectal neoplasia risk. There was some evidence that probiotic supplementation may be associated with lower risk of adenomas but not with CRC incidence. Higher yogurt consumption may be associated with lower incidence of colorectal neoplasia. We found little evidence to suggest that prebiotic or probiotic supplements are associated with significant decreases in CRC occurrence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Oat consumption and microbiota modulation: an integrative review
Authors: Giovanna A Fabiano; Leila Shinn; Adriane EC Antunes
Affiliation: School of Applied Sciences (FCA/UNICAMP, Brazil); Life Sciences, PepsiCo R&D, Chicago, IL, United States; School of Applied Sciences (FCA/UNICAMP, Brazil)
Abstract: -

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Special Issue "Modulation of Host Physiology and Pathophysiology by the Gut Microbiome"

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Planned Papers

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI