Search Results (8,311)

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an important factor in female infertility and is often associated with oxidative stress. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs), derived from the degradation of alginate, have been demonstrated to have protective effects against various oxidative stress-related diseases. However, the impact of AOSs on POI has not been previously explored. The current study explored the effects of AOSs on ovarian dysfunction in a mouse model of POI induced by D-galactose (D-gal). Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: the control (CON), POI model (D-gal), and low-, medium-, and high-dose AOS groups (AOS-L, 100 mg/kg/day; AOS-M, 150 mg/kg/day; AOS-H, 200 mg/kg/day). For 42 consecutive days, mice in the D-gal, AOS-L, AOS-M, and AOS-H groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of D-gal (200 mg/kg/day), whereas those in the CON group received equivalent volumes of sterile saline. Following D-gal injection, AOSs were administered via gavage at the specified doses; mice in the CON and D-gal groups received sterile saline instead. AOS treatment markedly improved estrous cycle irregularities, normalized serum hormone levels, reduced granulosa cell apoptosis, and increased follicle counts in POI mice. Moreover, AOSs significantly reduced ovarian oxidative stress and senescence in POI mice, as indicated by lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), higher activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased protein expression of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), nitrotyrosine (NTY), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and p16 in ovarian tissue. Analysis of the gut microbiota through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbiota composition and SCFA levels (acetic acid and total SCFAs) between control and D-gal-induced POI mice. These differences were largely alleviated by AOS treatment. AOSs changed the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of Ligilactobacillus and decreasing the abundance of Clostridiales, Clostridiaceae, Marinifilaceae, and Clostridium_T. Additionally, AOSs mitigated the decline in acetic acid and total SCFA levels observed in POI mice. Notably, the total SCFA level was significantly correlated with the abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Marinifilaceae, and Clostridium_T. In conclusion, AOS intervention effectively mitigates ovarian oxidative stress, restores gut microbiota homeostasis, and regulates the microbiota–SCFA axis, collectively improving D-gal-induced POI. Therefore, AOSs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for POI management. Full article

While the gut microbiota of obese children in Mexico has been studied, its relationship with depressive and anxiety symptoms in obese adults remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to describe the gut microbiota profile of Mexican adults with obesity and its association with depression and anxiety. We sequenced the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from stool samples of obese adults categorized into four groups: control (OCG), with depressive symptoms (OD), with anxiety symptoms (OAx), or with both (ODAx). Alpha diversity was assessed using t-tests, beta diversity was assessed with PERMANOVA, and taxonomic differences was assessed with LEfSe. Associations between bacterial genera and clinical variables were analyzed using the Maaslin2 library. Bacteroidota was the most prevalent phylum, and Prevotella was the dominant enterotype across all groups. Although overall diversity did not differ significantly, 30 distinct taxonomic biomarkers were identified among groups as follows: 4 in OCG (Firmicutes), 5 in OD (Firmicutes, Bacteroidota), 13 in OAx (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteroidota, Proteobacteria), and 8 in ODAx (Firmicutes). This is the first study to identify distinct gut microbiota profiles in obese Mexican adults with depressive and anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest important microbial biomarkers for improving the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in obesity. Full article

The deterioration of uterine calcium transport capacity induced by aging is a common problem for late-laying period hens, causing decline in eggshell quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects and possible regulatory mechanisms of dietary puerarin (PU) on calcium transport and eggshell quality in aged hens. Two hundred eighty-eight Hubbard Efficiency Plus broiler breeder hens (50-week-old) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments containing 0, 40, or 200 mg/kg puerarin (PU), with 8 replicates of 12 birds each, for an 8-week trial. The results demonstrated that dietary PU ameliorated the eggshell thickness and strength, which in turn reduced the broken egg rate (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that PU improved uterus morphology and increased epithelium height in the uterus (p < 0.05). Antioxidative capacity was significantly improved via upregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX1 mRNA expression in the uterus (p < 0.05), along with enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, and decreased levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, PU treatment reduced the apoptotic index of the uterus, followed by a significant decrease in expression of pro-apoptotic genes Caspase3 and BAX and the rate of BAX/BCL-2. Additionally, calcium content in serum and uterus, as well as the activity of Ca²⁺-ATPase in the duodenum and uterus, were increased by dietary PU (p < 0.05). The genes involved in calcium transport including ERα, KCNA1, CABP-28K, and OPN in the uterus were upregulated by PU supplementation (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary PU supplementation could reverse the age-related decline in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota within the uterus (p < 0.05). Overall, dietary PU can improve eggshell quality and calcium transport through enhanced antioxidative defenses and mitigation of age-related uterine degeneration. Full article

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is frequently accompanied by gastrointestinal disturbances, dietary selectivity, and altered stress responses, with growing evidence pointing to gut–brain axis involvement. While intestinal microbiota has been extensively studied, the role of the oral microbiota remains underexplored. This study investigates the associations between oral microbiota composition and behavioral, gastrointestinal, dietary, and neuroendocrine parameters in children with ASD. A total of 45 children aged 2–18 years comprised the study group. Data collection included oral swabs for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, salivary cortisol sampling, dietary records, and standardized behavioral assessments using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. A total of 363 microbial species across 11 phyla were identified. Significant correlations were observed between specific bacterial taxa and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), dietary patterns, salivary cortisol rhythms, and functioning. Children with FGIDs, food selectivity, or macronutrient imbalances exhibited enriched pro-inflammatory taxa (e.g., Selenomonas, Megasphaera), whereas those with typical cortisol secretion or higher adaptive functioning showed greater microbial diversity and abundance of health-associated genera (e.g., Bifidobacterium dentium). These findings suggest that oral microbiota profiles may reflect systemic physiological and neurobehavioral traits in children with ASD. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and support the development of microbiota-targeted interventions. Full article

Alopecia, a prevalent dermatological disorder affecting over half of the global population, is strongly associated with psychological distress. Extracts from Periplaneta americana (L. PA), a medicinal insect resource, exhibit pharmacological activities (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, microcirculation improvement) that align with core therapeutic targets for alopecia. This study aimed to systematically investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of PA extracts in promoting hair regeneration. A strategy combining network pharmacology prediction and in vivo experiments was adopted. The efficacy of a Periplaneta americana extract was validated by evaluating hair regrowth status and skin pathological staining in C57BL/6J mice. Transcriptomics, metabolomics, RT-qPCR, and 16s rRNA techniques were integrated to dissect the underlying mechanisms of its hair-growth-promoting effects. PA-011 significantly promoted hair regeneration in depilated mice via multiple mechanisms: enhanced skin superoxide dismutase activity and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression; modulated FOXO/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and restored skin microbiota homeostasis; and accelerated transition of hair follicles from the telogen to anagen phase. PA-011 exerts hair-promoting effects through synergistic modulation of FOXO/PI3K/AKT signaling and the skin microbiome. As a novel therapeutic candidate, it warrants further systematic investigation for clinical translation. Full article

Soil salinization is a major constraint to global crop productivity, highlighting the need to identify salt tolerance genes and their molecular mechanisms. Here, we integrated mRNA and miRNA profile analyses to investigate the molecular basis of salt tolerance of an elite Brassica napus cultivar S268. Time-course RNA-seq analysis revealed dynamic transcriptional reprogramming under 215 mM NaCl stress, with 212 core genes significantly enriched in organic acid degradation and glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism pathways. Combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and RT-qPCR validation, five candidate genes (WRKY6, WRKY70, NHX1, AVP1, and NAC072) were identified as the regulators of salt tolerance in rapeseed. Haplotype analysis based on association mapping showed that NAC072, ABI5, and NHX1 exhibited two major haplotypes that were significantly associated with salt tolerance variation under salt stress in rapeseed. Integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis and RT-qPCR identified three regulatory miRNA-mRNA pairs (bna-miR160a/BnaA03.BAG1, novel-miR-126/BnaA08.TPS9, and novel-miR-70/BnaA07.AHA1) that might be involved in S268 salt tolerance. These results provide novel insights into the post-transcriptional regulation of salt tolerance in B. napus, offering potential targets for genetic improvement. Full article

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a neurobiological disorder with a high prevalence in the children’s population. The aim of the present review was to assess the current evidence on the use of salivary biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD. Materials and methods: A search was conducted on the electronic databases PUBMED/Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus for the retrieval of articles concerning the study topic. Results: A total of 22 studies have been included in the present review considering 21 articles identified from databases and 1 article included using a manual search. A wide range of biomarkers have been proposed for early detection of ASD diseases including nonspecific inflammation markers like interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), oxidative stress markers like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, hormones such as cortisol and oxytocin, various microRNAs including miR-21, miR-132 and miR-137, and exosomes. The techniques used for biomarke detection may vary according to molecule type and concentration. Conclusions: salivary biomarkers could represent a potential useful tool for the primary detection of several systemic diseases including ASD, taking advantage of non-invasiveness and cost-effective capability compared to other biofluid-based diagnostic techniques. Full article

Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia species are emerging tick-borne pathogens that cause zoonotic diseases, including rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis in both human and animal populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of these pathogens in cattle-associated ticks from Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, China. Through molecular characterization using multilocus sequence analysis (16S rRNA, gltA, groEL, and ompA genes), we analyzed 392 Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected from March to September in 2022. The PCR results showed that eight Rickettsiales bacteria were detected, including two species of Rickettsia (51/392, 13.0%), four species of Anaplasma (52/392, 13.3%), and two species of Ehrlichia (70/392, 17.9%). Notably, the circulation of multiple pathogen species within R. microplus populations demonstrates significant microbial diversity in this region. Further consideration and investigation should be given to the possible occurrence of rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis in humans and domestic animals. Our study provides critical baseline data for developing targeted surveillance strategies and informing public health interventions against tick-borne diseases in southeastern China. Full article

This study evaluated the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding in assessing fish communities in two urban lakes (First Lake and Second Lake) in Zagreb, Croatia, following IAS removal. Water samples were collected in April and June 2024 and analyzed using MiFish primers targeting the 12S rRNA gene. The results indicated that the cleanup efforts were largely successful, as several IAS previously recorded in these lakes were not detected (Ameiurus melas, Lepomis gibbosus, and Hypophthalmichthys spp.). However, some others persisted in low relative abundances, such as grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva), and prussian/crucian carp (Carassius sp.). Species composition differed between lakes, with common carp (Cyprinus carpio) dominating Maksimir First Lake, while chub (Squalius cephalus) was prevalent in Maksimir Second Lake. Unexpected eDNA signals from salmonid and exotic species suggest potential input from upstream sources, human activity, or the nearby Zoo Garden. These findings underscore the utility of eDNA metabarcoding in biodiversity monitoring and highlight the need for continuous surveillance and adaptive management strategies to ensure long-term IAS control. Full article

(1) The beach areas of Galveston, Texas, USA are heavily used for recreational activities and often experience elevated fecal indicator bacteria levels, representing a potential threat to ecosystem services, human health, and tourism-based economies that rely on suitable water quality. (2) During the span of 15 months (March 2022–May 2023), water samples that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-accepted alternative Beach Action Value (BAV) for enterococci of 104 MPN/100 mL were analyzed via microbial source tracking (MST) through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The Bacteroides HF183 and DogBact as well as the Catellicoccus LeeSeaGull markers were used to detect human, dog, and gull fecal sources, respectively. The qPCR MST data were then utilized in a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to assess human health risks. Additionally, samples collected in July and August 2022 were sequenced for 16S rRNA and matched with fecal sources through the Bayesian SourceTracker2 program. (3) Overall, 26% of the 110 samples with enterococci exceedances were positive for at least one of the MST markers. Gull was revealed to be the primary source of identified fecal contamination through qPCR and SourceTracker2. Human contamination was detected at very low levels (<1%), whereas dog contamination was found to co-occur with human contamination through qPCR. QMRA identified Campylobacter from canine sources as being the primary driver for human health risks for contact recreation for both adults and children. (4) These MST results coupled with QMRA provide important insight into water quality in Galveston that can inform future water quality and beach management decisions that prioritize public health risks. Full article

We report a case of catheter-associated bloodstream infection caused by a putative novel species in the genus Erwinia, identified using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A female adolescent receiving long-term home parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter (CVC) presented with a fever. Gram-negative rods were isolated from two CVC-derived blood culture sets, while peripheral cultures remained negative. Conventional identification methods, including VITEK 2, Phoenix M50, MALDI-TOF MS, and 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing, failed to achieve species-level identification. WGS was performed on the isolate using Illumina MiSeq. Genomic analysis revealed a genome size of 5.39 Mb with 56.8% GC content and high assembly completeness. The highest average nucleotide identity (ANI) was 90.3% with Pantoea coffeiphila, and ≤85% with known Erwinia species, suggesting that it represents a distinct taxon. Phylogenetic analyses placed the isolate within the Erwinia clade but separate from any known species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed broad susceptibility. This case highlights the utility of WGS for the identification of rare or novel organisms not captured by conventional methods and expands the clinical spectrum of Erwinia species. While the criteria for species delineation were met, the phenotypic characterization remains insufficient to formally propose a new species. Full article

Triatoma pallidipennis, the main vector of Chagas disease in central Mexico, hosts a diverse and complex gut bacterial community shaped by environmental and physiological factors. To gain insight into these microbes’ dynamics, we characterised the gut bacterial communities of wild and insectary insects under different feeding and Trypanosoma cruzi infection conditions, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We identified 91 bacterial genera across 8 phyla, with Proteobacteria dominating most samples. Wild insects showed greater bacterial diversity, led by Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas, while insectary insects exhibited lower diversity and were dominated by Arsenophonus. The origin of the insects, whether they were reared in the insectary (laboratory) or collected from wild populations, was the principal factor structuring the gut microbiota, followed by feeding and T. cruzi infection. A stable core microbiota of 12 bacterial genera was present across all conditions, suggesting key functional roles in host physiology. Co-occurrence and functional enrichment analyses revealed that feeding and infection induced condition-specific microbial interactions and metabolic pathways. Our findings highlight the ecological plasticity of the triatomine gut microbiota and its potential role in modulating vector competence, providing a foundation for future microbiota-based control strategies. Full article

The gross benefit of feeding multi-species probiotics has been reported, but the effect on the gut microbiota in pre-weaned dairy calves has not been elucidated. To address this gap, a randomized controlled trial was conducted in California, USA, to investigate the effect of feeding probiotics on the fecal microbiota of pre-weaned dairy calves. A total of 30 neonatal calves were randomly assigned to either the probiotic (PRO) or control (CON) treatment. Fecal samples were collected at four age timepoints: days 7, 14, 21, and 42. Fecal bacterial population was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Differential abundance analysis was conducted to investigate the difference between the PRO and CON treatments, and diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves in each PRO and CON group. The PRO group had decreased Clostridium perfringens and Fusobacterium varium compared to the CON at 7 days of age. At 7 days of age, diarrheic calves in CON had more abundant F. varium compared to non-diarrheic calves, but there was no difference between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves in the PRO group. In conclusion, probiotics administration decreased the population of pathogenic bacteria in feces from pre-weaned dairy calves on Day 7 of age. However, the treatment did not have an impact on bacterial diversity. These results suggest that the administration of probiotics has the potential to control gastrointestinal pathogens. Full article

The potent and selective ‘genetic zipper’ method for insect pest control consists of three essential components: an antisense DNA (the finder), its complementary mature rRNA or pre-rRNA of the pest (the target), and the host’s endogenous DNA-guided rRNase (the degrader). Although this approach has been validated, the spectrum of effective rRNA targets remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we report for the first time the insecticidal efficacy of a novel oligonucleotide insecticide, Eriola-11, which targets the mitochondrial 16S rRNA of the woolly apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann. We hypothesized that the antisense-mediated silencing of mitochondrial rRNA would impair aphid viability and lead to physiological disruptions associated with mitochondrial energy metabolism. Eriola-11 was applied either once or twice (with a 24 h interval) to aphid-infested plants, and aphid mortality was recorded over 14 days. Mitochondrial 16S rRNA expression levels were quantified using molecular assays, and the degradation kinetics of Eriola-11 were assessed in aphid tissue homogenates. Results showed significant insecticidal activity, with 67.55% mortality after a single treatment and 83.35% after two treatments. Treated aphids exhibited the loss of their characteristic white woolly wax covering, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA expression was reduced 0.66-fold relative to the control. Additionally, Eriola-11 was fully degraded by aphid DNases from tissue homogenates within 3 h, highlighting its rapid biodegradability. These findings establish mitochondrial 16S rRNA as a viable target for antisense insecticides and expand the catalogue of potential rRNA-based targets, offering a promising avenue for environmentally sustainable pest control strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by small intestinal enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion, often associated with gut dysbiosis. The most effective treatment is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), which alleviates symptoms. This study uniquely integrates taxonomic, functional, and resistance profiling to evaluate the gut microbiota of women with CD on a GFD. Methods: To evaluate the long-term impact of a GFD, this study analyzed the gut microbiota of 10 women with CD on a GFD for over a year compared to 10 healthy controls with unrestricted diets. Taxonomic diversity (16S rRNA gene sequencing and the analysis of α and β-diversity), metabolic functionality (Biolog EcoPlates^®), and antibiotic resistance profiles (Cenoantibiogram) were assessed. Results: Metagenomic analysis revealed no significant differences in taxonomic diversity but highlighted variations in the abundance of specific bacterial genera. Women with CD showed increased proportions of Bacteroides, Streptococcus, and Clostridium, associated with inflammation, but also elevated levels of beneficial genera such as Roseburia, Oxalobacter, and Paraprevotella. Despite no significant differences in metabolic diversity, higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in women in the healthy control group suggest that dietary substrates in unrestricted diets may promote the proliferation of fast-growing bacteria capable of rapidly developing and disseminating antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Conclusions: These findings indicate that prolonged adherence to a GFD in CD supports remission of gut dysbiosis, enhances microbiota functionality, and may reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the importance of dietary management in CD. Full article