Search Results (298)

Tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) significantly affects tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena) crops worldwide, with its feeding patterns being closely associated with its gut microbiota. We aimed to compare the cultivable gut bacteria of T. absoluta larvae fed on tomato and eggplant to investigate their role in host adaptation. Gut bacteria were cultivated on Luria–Bertani broth, nutrient agar, and Brain Heart Infusion media under different temperature conditions, followed by morphology- and 16S rRNA-based identification. Notably, both feeding groups revealed distinct gut bacterial community structures. Tomato-fed larvae harbored bacteria spanning eight species, five genera, four families, and two phyla. In contrast, eggplant-fed larvae exhibited greater microbial diversity, encompassing 15 species, 10 genera, 9 families, and 3 phyla, including unique genera such as Pseudomonas and Pectobacterium, which was attributed to the host plant contribution. Enterococcus mundtii was the most dominant bacterium, and species such as Bacillus wiedmannii and Micrococcus luteus were most thermotolerant. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of multi-condition culture approaches for thoroughly characterizing insect gut microbiota and underscore the role of host plants in pest adaptability by modulating gut microbial communities, providing new insights for developing sustainable control strategies utilizing “plant–insect–microorganism” interactions. Full article

The aim of this pilot study was to comprehensively evaluate the gut microbiota, mycobiome, and metabolomic profile of six 4-month-old crossbred pigs (A–F) originating from the same litter and from a specific breeding facility intended for preclinical transplantation experiments, in order to assess their physiological uniformity and identify potential health-related risks prior to inclusion in a kidney transplantation study. The results demonstrated an overall high degree of microbial and metabolic uniformity among the animals, confirming the stability and suitability of the selected breeding source for experimental purposes. At the same time, several individual differences of potential clinical relevance were observed. Animals A, E, and F exhibited signs of microbial and metabolic imbalance, including reduced diversity, increased oxidative activity, and the presence of potentially pathogenic taxa (Porphyromonadaceae bacterium DJF B175, Aspergillus). In contrast, animals B, C, and D showed a balanced metabolic and microbial profile without pathological deviations. The obtained results highlight the importance of preoperative assessment of the gut bacteriome, mycobiome, and metabolome when selecting animals for transplantation experiments. Such a selective screening approach may contribute to the early identification of physiological deviations, reduction of interindividual variability, and increased reliability and translational potential of preclinical studies. Full article

Lignin is one of the primary biomass resources in nature; however, its highly stable structure makes it difficult to degrade and utilise. As efficient decomposers of lignocellulosic biomass, termites rely on their gut microbiota for digestion. Consequently, termite guts harbour abundant and specialized lignin-degrading microorganisms. In this study, we isolated a bacterium from the termite gut and identified it as Bacillus cereus BC-8. The laccase activity of B. cereus BC-8 reached the maximum of 87.8 U/L at 72 h, and the lignin degradation rate reached 33.66% within 7 days. Furthermore, we analyzed the structural changes in lignin after treatment with this bacterial strain. Field emission scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that the surface structural integrity of lignin was significantly disrupted after treatment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that B. cereus BC-8 affected the side chains and aromatic skeleton structures of lignin. Thermogravimetric analysis further revealed that B. cereus BC-8 disrupted the primary inter-unit β-O-4 ether bonds of lignin. Whole-genome sequencing of B. cereus BC-8 revealed a genome length of 5,374,773 bp and a GC content of 35.34%. Functional gene annotation revealed that the B. cereus BC-8 genome contains genes encoding various lignin-degrading enzymes (laccase, cytochrome P450, and vanillin oxidase) and their auxiliary factors, along with the phenylalanine and benzoic acid metabolic pathways, which are associated with lignin degradation. In conclusion, B. cereus BC-8 can break down the side chains, aromatic skeletons, and β-O-4 ether bonds of lignin molecules, demonstrating excellent lignin degradation ability. At the molecular level, this study elucidates the key genes and metabolic pathways related to lignin degradation in the genome of B. cereus BC-8. Full article

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), are characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and involve complex interactions of genetic, environmental, and immune factors. Enterococcus faecalis, a gut commensal bacterium, has been implicated in IBD pathogenesis. This study investigated the effects of monocolonization with a UC-derived E. faecalis strain on acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in germ-free (GF) mice, focusing on epithelial injury, inflammatory markers, hematologic indices, and bacterial translocation. In DSS-treated mice, monocolonization was associated with modest and mixed effects, including a higher colitis-related disease activity score, reduced anemia, increased fecal albumin and a trend towards reduced fecal calprotectin. Despite translocation of E. faecalis to mesenteric lymph nodes, no systemic dissemination was observed. Histological analysis revealed broadly similar inflammatory patterns between DSS-treated groups, with slightly more epithelial injury observed in colonized mice. These findings suggest that E. faecalis may influence discrete aspects of DSS injury in a strain-dependent and context-specific manner, rather than broadly altering overall disease severity. This study highlights the utility of GF models for examining strain-specific host–microbe interactions and underscores that individual bacterial isolates may exert heterogeneous and selective effects on acute colitis. Further research is needed to elucidate these complex mechanisms. Full article

The effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on intestinal histomorphology, barrier integrity, antioxidant parameters, and gut microbiota in heat-stressed rabbits were assessed in this study. One hundred and twenty weaned New Zealand rabbits were assigned to three groups: control (CON) at 25 ± 1 °C, heat stress (HS) at 35 ± 1 °C, and HS with CGA supplementation (HS + CGA) at 35 ± 1 °C. Rabbits in the CON and HS groups were fed a basic diet, while those in the HS + CGA group receive the basic diet added with 800 mg/kg CGA. HS induced intestinal oxidative stress, impaired intestinal morphology and barrier function, and altered the gut microbiota. CGA supplementation mitigated HS-induced increases in serum diamine oxidase and D-lactate levels, and intestinal malondialdehyde content (p < 0.05), and countered HS-induced reductions in intestinal superoxide dismutase activity, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and claudin-1 and ZO-1 mRNA expressions (p < 0.05). In addition, HS decreased the abundances of Akkermansia and uncultured_bacterium_g__Akkermansia and increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and uncultured_bacterium_g__unclassified_o_Clostridia_UCG-014 abundance as well as the abundance of bacterial functions related to animal_parasites_or_symbionts and human_pathogens_all. HS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis was significantly restored by CGA supplementation. The findings indicated that dietary 800 mg/kg CGA supplementation effectively safeguarded intestinal health in rabbits under high temperatures. Full article

Background/Objectives: High-fat diets (HFDs) are widely used to induce obesity, but cost-effective and reproducible formulations remain challenging. Moreover, the reversibility of metabolic and gut microbiota alterations following HFD withdrawal is not fully understood. This study evaluated a low-cost HFD model in mice and investigated metabolic, oxidative, and gut microbiota changes during a subsequent 12-week dietary normalization phase. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a standard diet (CTN) or a lard-supplemented HFD for 12 weeks (Phase 1), followed by 12 weeks dietary normalization to a standard diet (Phase 2). Body weight, adiposity, blood glucose, biochemical parameters, and oxidative markers were assessed. Fecal samples were analyzed for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing), and predicted functions using FAPROTAX and PICRUSt2. Results: The HFD significantly increased body weight, abdominal circumference, the Lee index, and adipose tissue mass compared to CTN. Following diet normalization, both groups exhibited weight loss, but the previously obese mice maintained a higher Lee index and distinct lipid and uric acid profiles. No hepatic oxidative stress was detected after normalization. SCFA profiles underwent a temporal shift: CTN showed higher fecal acetate, while HFD mice exhibited elevated butyrate. Functional prediction revealed one pathway associated with an unclassified Rickettsiales bacterium that was exclusively found in HFD mice. The CTN group exhibited a higher abundance of the thiamine diphosphate formation pathway (PWY-7357), suggesting enhanced oxidative metabolism. Conclusions: This low-cost HFD successfully induced obesity and dysbiosis. Dietary normalization resulted in a partial modulation of metabolic and microbial balance, thereby highlighting host–microbe metabolic plasticity. Full article

Christensenella minuta, a Gram-negative, strictly anaerobic gut bacterium, has emerged as a promising next-generation probiotic due to its strong association with leanness and metabolic health. This review synthesizes current evidence on its multifaceted benefits, including the regulation of lipid and glucose homeostasis via bile acid modulation and short-chain fatty acid production, immunomodulation through NF-κB pathway inhibition, and the enhancement of gut-barrier integrity. Additionally, C. minuta demonstrates protective roles in liver injury, gut–brain-axis communication, and polycystic ovary syndrome via butyrate-mediated mechanisms. However, challenges such as oxygen sensitivity during production, strain-specific effects, and limited long-term safety data hinder clinical translation. Future research must prioritize optimized cultivation, rigorous clinical trials, and strain-level characterization to harness its full therapeutic potential for metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Full article

This review summarizes the interactions between three major bacterial groups, Rickettsia sp., Bartonella sp. and Yersinia pestis, the flea vectors and the diverse gut microbiota of fleas and highlights open questions. The focus is on the plague pathogen, Y. pestis, which adapted to transmission by fleas several thousand years ago. This caused one of the deadliest infectious diseases known to mankind, and the three pandemics resulted in an estimated 200 million deaths. In the vector, Y. pestis resists the adverse conditions, like other numerous bacterial species. Rickettsia sp. and Bartonella sp. as well as Y. pestis induce specific changes in the microbiota. The presence of bacteria in the ingested blood activates the production of antimicrobial proteins and reactive oxygen species, which normally have no effect on the development of Y. pestis. This bacterium infects mammals by different modes, first by an early-phase transmission and then by biofilm-mediated blockage of the foregut. Both interfere with blood ingestion and lead to reflux or regurgitation of intestinal contents containing Y. pestis into the bite site. Blockage of the gut leads to more attempts to ingest blood, increasing the risk of transmission. The lifespan of the fleas is also reduced. As Y. pestis is still endemic in wildlife in many regions of the world and human infections continue to occur in limited areas, studies of the interactions are needed to find new ways to control the disease. Full article

The increase in the world population and consequent rise in food demand have led to the extensive use of chemical pesticides, causing environmental and health concerns. In response, biological control methods, particularly those involving microbial agents, have emerged as sustainable alternatives within integrated pest management. This study highlights the potential of Lysinibacillus fusiformis as a biocontrol agent against the dipteran Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), a pest responsible for damaging soft-skinned fruits. Experimental treatments using vegetative cells, spores, and secondary metabolites of L. fusiformis on D. suzukii larvae demonstrated significant larvicidal effects, accompanied by observable changes in gut morphology under microscopy. Moreover, preliminary immunological assays showed the interference of this bacterium with the host immune system. All the results indicate the suitability of L. fusiformis for its possible integration into sustainable agricultural practices, although additional research is required to understand its applicability in the field. Full article

Background: Steamed Panax notoginseng saponins (SPNSs) can alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced anemia. However, the hepatointestinal effects of SPNSs and their role in ameliorating cyclophosphamide-induced anemia remain unexplored. Objective: To elucidate the hepatointestinal effects of SPNSs and their role in ameliorating cyclophosphamide-induced anemia. Methods: Blood samples were collected and analyzed on days 7 and 14. Liver tissues and small intestinal villi structures were observed via HE staining. Liver and colon content metabolites were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Liver proteins were analyzed by using an Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer. Colon content microbiota composition was assessed via metagenomics. Signaling pathway protein expression was analyzed via Western blotting (WB). Results: SPNSs significantly increased the red blood cell (RBC) count and hemoglobin (HGB) level by day 14 and alleviated hepatointestinal damage. Hepatic metabolomics revealed: the most abundant metabolites were fatty acids and stachyose on day 7 and amino acid and arachidonic acid derivatives on day 14. KEGG analysis implicated cAMP signaling. Proteomics revealed upregulated immune-related proteins and enhanced PI3K pathway activity (WB-validated). Colon content metabolomics showed increased daidzein, 3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl) propanoic acid, γ-CEHC, and adenosine in SPNS groups on day 14. Metagenomics indicated differential abundances of Heminiphilus faecis, Phocaeicola sartorii, and s-bacterium_J10.2018 on day 14. Multiomics integration demonstrated significant correlations between hepatic metabolites, hematopoietic proteins, colon content metabolites, and probiotic bacteria. Conclusions: SPNS alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced hepato-intestinal injury in anemic mice by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing hepato-intestinal immune defense. Additionally, SPNSs ameliorate anemia in cyclophosphamide-treated mice by activating the cAMP/PI3K/AKT pathway, promoting hepatocyte proliferation, and increasing hematopoietic protein expression. Full article

Bacteroides fragilis is a usually beneficial colonizer of the human gut that can also act as an opportunistic pathogen, causing infection and contributing to the development and progression of important diseases. The production and secretion of the B. fragilis toxin (BFT), the main virulence factor of this bacterium, distinguishes enterotoxigenic (ETBF) from non-toxigenic (NTBF) strains. Although NTBF does not produce the BFT, certain strains can exhibit unexpected pathogenic characteristics. The complex interactions between B. fragilis and the other intestinal bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in healthcare settings, highlights its ambivalent role of benefactor and pathogen. In fact, although B. fragilis plays a part in preventing colonization and infection due to C. difficile (CDI), both these anaerobic bacteria can contribute to the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most prevalent malignant tumors of the digestive tract. This review provides an overview of the dual nature of B. fragilis, focusing on the peculiarities of ETBF and NTBF, delving into B. fragilis interaction with C. difficile and impacts on the host. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poor glycemic control is reaching an epidemic prevalence globally. It is associated with significantly morbid health concerns including retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Probiotics have shown promise in reducing health complications associated with poor blood glucose control. We tested a novel approach to designing a precision probiotic cocktail for improving blood glucose homeostasis. Methods: We tested the in vitro glucose consumption rate of twelve mouse microbiome bacterial strains and selected three with the greatest glucose consumption for the probiotic cocktail. The in vivo metabolic impact of ingesting the selected probiotic cocktail was evaluated in twelve C57BL/6J male mice fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks. Results: Compared to a control group, the probiotic group (L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, and L. salivarius) exhibited significantly lower blood glucose levels, body weight, and body fat percentage. Moreover, the probiotic cocktail also demonstrated the ability to reduce serum insulin, total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio. For further mechanistic investigation, untargeted metabolomics analyses uncovered overall downregulations in energy substrates and producing pathways like gluconeogenesis, acylcarnitine synthesis, glycolysis, the mitochondrial electron transport chain, the TCA cycle, and the building blocks for ATP formation. Partial least squares-discriminant analyses also confirmed clear group differences in metabolic activity. 16S rRNA sequencing from extracted gut microbiota also showed significant increases in Faith’s phylogenetic diversity, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 609-strain, and the genus Muribaculaceae as well as group β-diversity differences after probiotic intake. Conclusions: As such, we successfully developed a blend of three probiotics to effectively reduce blood glucose levels in male mice, which could further mitigate adverse health effects in the host. Full article

The interaction between gut microbiota and C. jejuni in the guts of broiler chickens is essential for the bacterium’s growth and potential pathogenicity. Recent findings highlighted the significance of modifying gut microbiota in relation to higher C. jejuni colonization rates and improved immune responses. This study suggested that a varied and balanced microbiota aids in decreasing and preventing C. jejuni proliferation via mechanisms including competitive exclusion, the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, and the modulation of the chicken immune response. C. jejuni demonstrates adaptability in the gut environment by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting others, improving the way it acquires nutrients, and modifying the transcriptional response of its virulence factors. The dynamic nature of these microbiota communities has caused differences in the results of how gut microbiota and C. jejuni proliferation interact. Understanding the relationships between gut microbiota and C. jejuni is critical for developing strategies to mitigate the impact of C. jejuni in broiler chickens. This review compiles information on the relationships between gut microbiota and C. jejuni proliferation in broiler chickens and offers commentary on how the findings could improve gut health and food safety. Full article

Streptococcus thermophilus is a Gram-positive, homofermentative lactic acid bacterium classified within the Firmicutes phylum, recognized for its probiotic properties and significant role in promoting human health. This review consolidates existing understanding of its metabolic pathways, functional metabolites, and diverse applications, highlighting evidence-based insights to enhance scientific integrity. S. thermophilus predominantly ferments lactose through the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway, resulting in L(+)-lactic acid as the primary end-product, along with secondary metabolites including acetic acid, formic acid, and pyruvate derivatives. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are composed of repeating units of glucose, galactose, rhamnose, and N-acetylgalactosamine. They display strain-specific molecular weights ranging from 10 to 2000 kDa and contribute to the viscosity of fermented products, while also providing antioxidant and immunomodulatory benefits. Aromatic compounds such as acetaldehyde and phenylacetic acid are products of amino acid catabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, playing a significant role in the sensory characteristics observed in dairy fermentations. Bacteriocins, such as thermophilins (e.g., Thermophilin 13, 110), exhibit extensive antimicrobial efficacy against pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus. Their activity is modulated by quorum-sensing mechanisms that involve the blp gene cluster, and they possess significant stability under heat and pH variations, making them suitable for biopreservation applications. In food applications, S. thermophilus functions as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) starter culture in the production of yogurt and cheese, working in conjunction with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus to enhance acidification and improve texture. Specific strains have been identified to mitigate lactose intolerance, antibiotic-related diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel diseases through the modulation of gut microbiota, the production of short-chain fatty acids, and the inhibition of Helicobacter pylori. The genome, characterized by a G + C content of approximately 37 mol%, facilitates advancements in Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas technology and heterologous protein expression, with applications extending to non-dairy fermentations and the development of postbiotics. This review emphasizes the adaptability of S. thermophilus, showcasing the variability among strains and the necessity for thorough preclinical and clinical validation to fully utilize its potential in health, sustainable agriculture, and innovation. It also addresses challenges such as susceptibility to bacteriophages and limitations in proteolytic activity. Full article

Chelerythrine (CHE) is the main active component of Chelidonium majus L., possessing excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the protective effects of CHE against liver injury and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of CHE on acute liver injury (ALI) and explore its underlying mechanisms. Mice were orally administered with or without CHE (15 and 30 mg/kg) treatment for 7 days, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen (APAP, 350 mg/kg). After 24 h, serum, liver, and fecal samples were collected. Then, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metabolomics, and transcriptomics approaches were employed to investigate the protective effects of CHE against ALI. Finally, we elucidated the role of CHE in restoring gut microbiota and metabolic disorders in the context of ALI. The results showed that CHE significantly inhibited ALT and AST levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore, CHE counteracted APAP-induced alterations in IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO, MDA, H₂O₂, CAT, SOD, and GSH (p < 0.05). These results indicate that CHE possesses antioxidant properties and inhibits inflammatory factors, thereby protecting the organism from APAP-induced ALI. CHE treatment significantly altered gut microbiota composition, particularly increasing levels of the beneficial bacterium Barnesiella intestinihominis (p < 0.05). In addition, CHE reversed metabolic disturbances and inhibited oxidative and inflammatory signaling pathways. These findings suggest that CHE is a natural hepatoprotective agent that prevents ALI by modulating gut microbiota, related metabolites, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study provides new insights into CHE as a potential therapeutic approach for ALI. Full article