Search Results (5,435)

This study aims to investigate the effects of low-energy diets (LE) supplemented with Lactobacillus reuteri postbiotics (HSY) on growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens. A total of 2400 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks with an average initial body weight of 46.10 ± 0.04 g were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 12 pens and 50 broiler chickens/pen for 39 days. Treatments were (1) CTR (basal diet), (2) LE (CTR-70 kcal ME/kg), (3) HSY (CTR + 0.5 kg/t HSY), and (4) LEHSY (LE + 0.5 kg/t HSY). LE increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers (p = 0.03) without altering ADG, ADFI, and final BW. Supplementation with HSY significantly reduced the FCR of broilers (p = 0.001). HSY upregulated the activities of amylase and trypsin in jejunal digesta (p < 0.01). Furthermore, LE upregulated the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes such as Mucin-2, Claudin-1 and Occludin, and HSY upregulated the expression of Claudin-1 (p < 0.05). LE upregulated the expression of nutrient transport carriers such as SGLT1 and TRPV6 (p < 0.01), and HSY upregulated the expression of TRPV6 (p < 0.01). LE upregulated the expression of immune-related genes such as MHC-II (p = 0.002), and HSY upregulated the expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, and TGF-β (p < 0.05). LE and HSY both downregulated the expression of intestinal lipid metabolism-related genes like ACC, while upregulating the expression of FABP4 (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the HSY increased the Chao1 index of the jejunal microbiota and enriched beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus avium. LE and HSY both increased the concentrations of propionic and butyrate (p < 0.05). In summary, HSY can improve gut health and mitigate the negative impact of low-energy treatment on broiler growth performance by increasing the content of endogenous enzymes in the jejunum, improving gut microbiota structure, and increasing the content of short-chain fatty acids in the jejunum. Full article

Previously, the role of decreased biodiversity of gut microbiota in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was demonstrated, but the objective criteria for assessing the representation of microorganisms associated with hyperandrogenemia (HA) were limited. A total of 175 premenopausal women (26 women with PCOS and HA and 149 women without HA, including 19 healthy controls) were recruited during the Eastern Siberia PCOS Epidemiology and Phenotype (ESPEP) Study (2016–2019). Methods included a questionnaire survey, clinical examination, pelvic U/S, blood and feces sampling. Gut microbiome was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing of the V1–V3 of the variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene (Illumina MiSeq, San Diego, CA, USA). Amplicon libraries of 16S rDNA were processed using the QIIME2 bioinformatics pipeline. All data were analyzed using R 3.6.3. The gut microbiocenosis in women with HA was characterized by a higher representation of Lactobacillus and a lower prevalence of the Clostridia class. For Faecalibacterium, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and [Eubacterium] eligens group the cut-off values of their relative presence, associated with HA, were estimated as: ≤0.043%, ≤0.039%, and ≤0.02%, respectively. Conclusions: Women with PCOS-associated HA demonstrate a lower prevalence, predominantly, of Clostridia class gut microorganisms, compared with those without any forms of HA. The study presents the quantitative criteria for assessing the representation of gut microorganisms, negatively associated with hyperandrogenic phenotypes of PCOS. The threshold values proposed may be useful to justify the administration of probiotics in PCOS patients with HA. Full article

The cervicovaginal microbiome (CVMB) is pivotal in maintaining the homeostasis of the lower female genital tract and has emerged as a significant modulator of cervical carcinogenesis. Although persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is a prerequisite for the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and subsequent cervical carcinoma, it remains insufficient alone to drive oncogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in the CVMB composition profoundly impact HPV persistence, local immune responses, and disease progression. A vaginal microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus species, most notably Lactobacillus crispatus, correlates with low microbial diversity, robust immune regulation, and facilitated HPV clearance. Conversely, microbial dysbiosis—characterized by Lactobacillus depletion and a concomitant proliferation of anaerobic taxa, typical of Community State Type (CST) IV and Lactobacillus iners-dominated profiles—is strongly associated with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial barrier compromise, and an elevated risk of CIN progression. This review synthesizes current evidence regarding the multifaceted interactions among the cervicovaginal microbiome, HPV pathogenesis, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress in the etiology of CIN. Elucidating these intricate host–microbiome dynamics may precipitate the discovery of novel microbiome-derived biomarkers, ultimately informing innovative prophylactic and therapeutic interventions for cervical cancer. Full article

This systematic review aimed to synthesize experimental evidence on the anticancer effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) and its derivatives against colorectal cancer (CRC) cell models. Eligible studies investigated probiotics, postbiotics, or bioactive compounds derived from L. rhamnosus with an in vitro component; studies relying solely on in vivo animal models, clinical trials, or observational designs were excluded. PubMed and Scopus were searched to identify relevant studies. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified QUIN tool, and extracted data were tabulated. Owing to incomplete numerical data, meta-analysis was not feasible, and the results were synthesized accordingly. Seventeen studies were included. L. rhamnosus and its derivatives reduced CRC cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest. Reported mechanisms included upregulation of Bax, caspase-3/9, and p53; downregulation of Bcl-2/Bcl-xl; inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling; reduced invasion and migration; increased reactive oxygen species; and immunomodulatory effects. Key limitations were heterogeneity in interventions, dosages, exposure periods, and cell lines, along with incomplete reporting, which precluded quantitative synthesis. Overall, preclinical evidence indicates multimodal anticancer effects of L. rhamnosus in CRC models; however, standardized reporting and translational research are required. Full article

Objective: Based on previous findings on the Lingguizhugan (LGZG)-mediated gut–liver axis, this study clarifies the therapeutic mechanisms of LGZG in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with a focus on the gut microbiota–bile acid–TGR5 (GPBAR1) axis. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce MASLD, followed by 4-week LGZG intervention (21.57 g/kg/day, oral gavage). Metabolic phenotypes, gut microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing), serum/hepatic bile acids (targeted metabolomics), and molecular targets (qPCR/Western blot) were analyzed. Results: LGZG significantly alleviated HFD-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis, while enhancing whole-body energy expenditure (increased oxygen consumption (VO₂), and heat production (p < 0.05). It also reduced serum ALT (p < 0.001) and AST levels (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, LGZG remodeled the gut microbiota, specifically increasing Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A236_group while decreasing Lactobacillus. This shift inhibited the intestinal FXR-Fgf15 axis, concurrently activating the hepatic alternative bile acid synthesis pathway (upregulating CYP27A1 and CYP7B1 protein expression; p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Consequently, systemic accumulation of non-12α-hydroxylated bile acids (non-12-OH BAs) such as hyocholic acid (HCA) and 7-ketolithocholic acid (7-ketoLCA) occurred—known TGR5 agonists and intestinal FXR antagonists. These changes elevated serum GLP-1 levels (p < 0.05) and activated adipose TGR5-cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling. The metabolic benefits primarily originated from non-12-OH BAs enrichment and TGR5-mediated adipose browning, not hepatic FXR activation. Conclusions: Our findings show that LGZG ameliorates MASLD by remodeling bile acid profiles via intestinal FXR-Fgf15 axis inhibition and hepatic alternative synthesis pathway activation. This study highlights the TGR5-targeting properties of LGZG, providing a mechanistic basis for its therapeutic use in metabolic disorders. Full article

The industrial application of starter cultures requires stable physiological and genetic performance. In this study, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were continuously subcultured. Physiological stability was assessed through colony morphology, fermentation activity, and growth profiling. Genetic stability was evaluated through comparative genomics of carbohydrate metabolism networks and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The results showed that after 2000 generations, the cellular morphology of the strains remained intact. Additionally, the strains exhibited enhanced growth performance and fermentation capability. The Gompertz model revealed that adapted S. thermophilus A37 and L. bulgaricus B29 exhibited shortened lag phases, increased maximum specific growth rates, and high stationary-phase cell densities. Phenotypic microarray and comparative genomics revealed that S. thermophilus mainly used mono- and disaccharides, with impaired ribose metabolism due to the absence of the rbsk gene in the pentose phosphate pathway. In contrast, L. bulgaricus metabolized diverse oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols, and plant-derived substrates. Additionally, it effectively catabolized ribose through the phosphoketolase pathway and possessed a trehalose degradation cluster. All strains exhibited genomic stability, with SNPs revealing fewer than 21 variations per isolate. This study provides an important theoretical foundation for evaluating the stability of fermentation starter cultures. Full article

Background: Oxygen–ozone (O₂–O₃) therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for discogenic lumbar pain. Although rare, spinal infections—specifically spondylodiscitis—have been reported following intradiscal injections. To date, Lactobacillus iners has not been described as a causative agent in this context. Case Presentation: A 55-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with progressive lumbosciatica and elevated inflammatory markers three months after intradiscal O₂–O₃ therapy. MRI revealed L4–L5 spondylodiscitis with paravertebral involvement. Surgical biopsy confirmed L. iners as the pathogen. She underwent decompression and received targeted intravenous antibiotics, achieving full clinical and radiological recovery. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus to identify reports of spondylodiscitis following oxygen–ozone therapy. Six cases were included based on predefined inclusion criteria. Results: The 8 identified cases involved a range of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus beta-haemolyticus, Escherichia coli, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Mycobacterium abscessus, and Streptococcus intermedius, and one culture-negative infection. Clinical presentations varied from radiculopathy to sepsis. Management strategies encompassed both conservative (antibiotics alone) and surgical approaches, depending on neurological status and abscess formation. Outcomes were favorable in all cases except one fatality. Conclusions: This report is the first to describe L. iners spondylodiscitis in an immunocompetent patient following O₂–O₃ therapy. Clinicians should vigilantly evaluate post-infiltration spinal infections, maintain a low threshold for imaging and biopsy, and implement pathogen-targeted antibiotic regimens, with surgical intervention as needed. Full article

Amid growing concerns about climate change and its potential impacts on food security and malnutrition, there is a need for climate-smart crops to help mitigate these challenges. African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) are considered climate-smart neglected or underutilised species (NUS) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). These legumes are rich in nutrients, comprising fats, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as essential micronutrients. However, their use is constrained by the presence of antinutritive factors (ANFs) such as oxalates, tannins, and phytates, which reduces mineral bioaccessibility and protein digestibility. Fermentation provides a cost-effective means of effectively reducing these antinutrients, thereby making these crops more mainstream due to their enhanced bioavailability and bioactivity. This review summarises the impact of diverse microbes and fermentation techniques on the bioavailability of essential nutrients in Bambara groundnut and African yam bean. The importance of pre-treatment steps such as soaking, germination, dehulling, and thermal treatment will also be discussed. By synthesising recent studies, the review explores the mechanisms by which fermentation degrades the ANFs, enhances nutrient bioavailability and improves protein digestibility from these crops. This review explores the pivotal roles of fermenting microbes, such as species of Lactobacillus and Bacillus, during the process of biotransformation. Full article

The global prevalence of obesity continues to rise, posing serious risks to human health largely because obesity itself leads to metabolic disorders of carbohydrate and lipids. Currently, effective and healthy interventions for lowering blood glucose, reducing blood lipids, and promoting weight loss remain limited due to the complexity of obesity development. Lactobacillus plantarum (GDMCC 1.140) was shown to promote catabolic processes and reduce hepatic lipid accumulation in largemouth bass fed with high-starch feed (HSF) in our previous study; however, molecular mechanisms underlying the function of this probiotic remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of L-carnosine, one of metabolites produced by Lactobacillus plantarum, on carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms in an obesity model of zebrafish, which was induced by HSF. Histopathological analyses of livers from different groups indicated that a dietary supplement with L-carnosine can alleviate hepatic impairment and reduce lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes of obese zebrafish. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that L-carnosine supplementation can reverse the expression of about 70 HSF-induced genes, mainly gene-specific transcription regulators and metabolite interconversion enzymes. Furthermore, approximately 250 HSF-inhibited genes were found to be up-regulated by L-carnosine, reaching levels comparable to those in normal-starch feed (NSF) zebrafish. These genes, targeted by L-carnosine and inhibited by HSF, are highly enriched in GO terms such as lipid metabolic process, small molecule metabolic process, and cellular response to chemical stimulus, with monocarboxylic acid metabolic process, modified amino acid metabolic process and aldehyde metabolic process following, and in KEGG pathways of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolisms, such as pentose and glucuronate interconversions, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, glycerolipid metabolism, pentose phosphate pathways, fatty acid degradation, beta-alanine metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism. These findings provide functional and molecular evidence that L-carnosine can ameliorate HSF-induced disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emerges and circulates across interconnected human, animal, food, and environmental reservoirs; however, food fermentation systems remain underexplored as indicators of local AMR pressure, even though artisanal dairy fermentations may function as natural sentinels of AMR. In this study, we used an artisanal dairy fermentation chain as a One Health model to investigate whether environmentally exposed lactobacilli can reflect stage-associated shifts in resistance. A total of 1.085 isolates representing 16 Lactobacillus species were recovered from the same artisanal dairy matrix at two fermentation stages: day 5 (“Tyrovolia”; n = 518) and day 30 (“Kopanisti”; n = 567). Susceptibility to 14 antibiotics was evaluated by broth micro-dilution, and L. acidophilus was further screened for selected resistance genes. Overall resistance increased significantly from 69.88% (362/518) at day 5 to 77.25% (438/567) at day 30 (p = 0.0059), while multidrug resistance rose from 37.57% to 60.73% of resistant isolates (p < 0.001). Across the 224 species–antibiotic combinations examined, 129 (57.58%) showed an increased upper MIC limit at day 30, and resistance increased significantly for 9 of the 14 antibiotics tested, with the largest rises observed for metronidazole (RR = 7.67), chloramphenicol (RR = 5.74), quinupristin/dalfopristin (RR = 4.11), vancomycin (RR = 2.78), and trimethoprim (RR = 2.43). In contrast, erythromycin and oxytetracycline resistance declined significantly at the ripened stage. In L. acidophilus, 21 resistance genes were detected in 14/70 day-5 isolates and 19 genes in 13/71 day-30 isolates, but marked genotype–phenotype discordance was observed, including matrix-dependent expression patterns for tetM, ermB, and blaTEM. Collectively, these findings show that environmentally exposed artisanal dairy fermentations can enrich resistance phenotypes and may serve as sensitive sentinels of AMR dynamics at the human–animal–environment interface. Full article

Background/Objectives: The gut–brain axis is increasingly recognized as a critical modulator of cognitive function. This study investigated the neurotoxic effects of combined exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the antiretroviral drug zidovudine (ZDV) in a mouse model, and evaluated the protective potential of two probiotic interventions: Bacillus subtilis and a mixture of lactobacilli. Methods: Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM). Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and intestinal morphology was examined histologically. Gene expression of neuroinflammatory markers and mitophagy-related genes in brain tissue was quantified by RT-PCR. Plasma levels of cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) were measured as a marker of mitochondrial damage. Results: Combined LPS + ZDV exposure induced systemic inflammation, impaired spatial memory, damaged the intestinal mucosa, and caused dysbiosis characterized by an increase in pro-inflammatory Muribaculaceae. In the brain, LPS + ZDV significantly upregulated Tnfa expression, confirming neuroinflammation. Bacillus subtilis administration prevented cognitive deficits, maintained Tnfa at control levels, and significantly reduced Il1b and Il6 expression compared to the LPS + ZDV group. This was accompanied by activation of the PINK1/PTEN-dependent mitophagy pathway, prevention of cf-mtDNA release, and restoration of gut microbial diversity. In contrast, the Lactobacilli mixture not only failed to improve outcomes but was associated with exacerbated intestinal damage, more pronounced cognitive dysfunction, and no reduction in neuroinflammatory markers. Conclusions: Combined exposure to LPS and ZDV induces gut–brain axis dysfunction characterized by neuroinflammation, cognitive impairment, intestinal damage, and dysbiosis. Bacillus subtilis effectively preserves cognitive function through activation of PINK1/PTEN-dependent mitophagy and suppression of neuroinflammation, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for cognitive impairments associated with gut–brain axis dysfunction. The contrasting effects of the lactobacilli mixture underscore the critical importance of strain-specificity in probiotic interventions. Full article

This study investigates the effects of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) on intestinal microbial composition and metabolic activity in piglets using two complementary approaches: in vitro fermentation and in vivo dietary supplementation with coated Neu5Ac. In vitro fermentation results demonstrated that Neu5Ac stimulates higher production of formate and acetate by piglet intestinal microbiota compared with other human milk-derived monosaccharides (p < 0.05). In vivo feeding trials showed that dietary coated Neu5Ac significantly increased microbial α-diversity and altered the overall microbial composition in both the jejunum and colon (p < 0.05). For instance, coated Neu5Ac reduced the relative abundances of ASV1 Clostridium and ASV17 Clostridium in the jejunum, while raising the relative abundances of ASV3 Veillonella, ASV4 Veillonella, ASV7 Lactobacillus salivarius, ASV11 Actinobacillus porcitonsillarum in the jejunum, and ASV41 Xylanibacter in the colon (p < 0.05). Furthermore, coated Neu5Ac significantly elevated formate and acetate concentrations in the jejunum (p < 0.05) and exhibited a trend toward increased acetate levels in the colon (0.05 < p < 0.1). Collectively, using piglets as a model, this study demonstrates that Neu5Ac facilitates the intestinal colonization of beneficial microbes (e.g., Lactobacillus), leading to enhanced production of microbial metabolites, particularly formate and acetate, which may contribute to improved gut homeostasis in early life. Full article

Wuzhishan pigs are a typical Chinese indigenous miniature pig breed, with thin skin and high amino acid content in muscle; slow weight gain and long feeding phases limit their value. As the primary digestive and absorptive organ, the intestine is crucial for growth, yet current studies on its development are limited. This study aimed to investigate intestinal physiological differences in Wuzhishan pigs across four phases (pre-weaning: 7, 14 days; weaning: 35, 38, 45 days; fattening: 70, 100 days; maturity: 180, 240 days) by evaluating intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, gut microbiota diversity via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metabolite characteristics via metabolomic analysis. Results showed poor intestinal morphology and enzyme activity during weaning, significant ileal and colonic microbial diversity differences across phases, increased beneficial bacteria with age, and enriched opportunistic pathogens (Streptococcus, Romboutsia, Terrisporobacter) during weaning; weaning also had lower lipid metabolites, correlated with decreased Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Muribaculaceae. Fattening enhanced amino acid metabolism, with increased Lactobacillus correlated with higher amino acids and muscle-related metabolites, while maturity increased immune-related metabolites (e.g., pyridoxine) in the vitamin B6 pathway. These results explain delayed rapid weight gain in Wuzhishan pigs and provide a theoretical basis for maintaining intestinal stability and production performance. Full article

This study investigated the effects of compound microbial fermented feed on the growth performance, intestinal architecture, microbiota composition, and metabolic profiles of weaned piglets. Fifty-four weaned piglets were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: a control group (basal diet), a 50% fermented feed group (T1), and a 100% fermented feed group (T2), for a 33-day feeding period. The results indicated that both T1 and T2 diets significantly improved final body weight and average daily gain (ADG), while decreasing the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) compared with the control (p < 0.05). Morphological assessment revealed that the T1 group significantly elevated the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and increased the density of goblet cells in the cecum and colon (p < 0.05). Multi-omics analysis indicated that fermented feed significantly reshaped the gut microbiota structure (p < 0.05), characterized by the enrichment of beneficial taxa, including Oscillospiraceae and Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05), and the modulation of nucleotide and bile acid metabolism. Furthermore, correlation analysis identified significant linkages between the abundance of jejunal Oscillospiraceae and colonic/cecal Lactobacillus with growth performance, intestinal morphology, and key metabolites. This finding systematically elucidates the mechanisms by which compound microbial fermented feed promotes growth and intestinal health in weaned piglets via microbiota-mediated pathways, offering a robust scientific framework for the development of antibiotic-free nutritional strategies. Full article

Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common in children and represent one of the main reasons for pediatric consultations. Although generally benign, pediatric RTIs can lead to medical complications and significant socioeconomic burden. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement intended to support the immune system in reducing the rate and severity of pediatric RTIs. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of a food supplement based on vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (Pegaso^® Immuno Junior). A daily dose was administered for approximately 60 days within a three-month period to children aged 3–10 years with at least four RTI episodes in the previous year. RTI frequency, illness days, days with fever, cough, and rhinitis, and antipyretic and antibiotic use per episode were recorded over four months. Results: A total of 110 children completed the study. Compared with the placebo, the active supplement significantly reduced the mean number of RTI episodes per child (2.41 ± 0.84 vs. 4.13 ± 1.66; RR = 0.745, 95% CI 0.583–0.953) as well as the number of illness days, days with fever, cough, and rhinitis, and days with antipyretic or antibiotic use. The supplement was well-tolerated. Conclusions: The patented supplementation based on vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (Pegaso^® Immuno Junior), taken over a three-month period, may reduce the frequency and severity of RTIs in children aged 3–10 years. Full article