Search Results (156)

Systemic hypoxia influences the state of the intestinal epithelial barrier and the microbiome; however, the role of the initial tolerance of the organism to oxygen deficiency in the development of these changes remains poorly studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the colon histophysiological features and the gut microbiome in rats that were tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia under intermittent hypoxic exposure of varying severity. In male Wistar rats, tolerance to oxygen deficiency was determined according to the Hif1a, Epas1, and Hif3a expression levels in peripheral blood leukocytes, after which they were subjected to intermittent hypoxic exposure at an “altitude” of 5000 m or 7000 m for 1 h daily for 21 days. Subsequently, the state of the intestinal epithelial barrier was assessed using histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical methods, and the microbiota composition was analyzed by PCR. Under normoxic conditions, in comparison with rats that are tolerant to hypoxia, susceptible animals demonstrated a greater volume fraction of goblet cells and a low abundance of Parabacteroides spp. Intermittent hypoxic exposure induced multidirectional changes depending on the initial tolerance and the severity of the regimen. In tolerant-to-hypoxia animals, an increase in the goblet cells volume fraction was detected after the exposure at the 5000 m “altitude”, while at an “altitude” of 7000 m, a decrease in the number of cells in the lamina propria of the mucosa and Clostridium perfringens gr. abundance, as well as a reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, was observed. In susceptible-to-hypoxia animals, a higher abundance of Clostridium perfringens gr. in comparison with tolerant rats was revealed after the exposure at an “altitude” of 7000 m, with no structural changes in the intestinal wall. Thus, intermittent hypoxic exposure led to a rearrangement of the gut microbiome and the morphofunctional characteristics of the intestinal barrier, and the severity of these changes depended on the initial tolerance of the organism to oxygen deficiency and the severity of the hypoxic regime, which should be taken into account when conducting biomedical research. Full article

Using plant byproducts as bioactive sources for in ovo injection (IOI) can enhance embryo development. This study evaluated the effects of air cell IOI of sweet orange peel (SP), pomegranate peel (PP), and olive leaf (OL) aqueous extracts on embryonic days 10 and 18, assessing chicken hatching and post-hatch performance up to 42 days of age. Nine hundred eggs were assigned to 10 treatments. Each treatment had three replicates (n = 30 eggs/replicate) with a 5 × 2 factorial design (uninjected negative control, injection with distilled water as positive control, or injection with 1% SP, PP, or OL on day 10 or 18 of embryogenesis). Compared to the negative control, the results revealed that in ovo-injected substances (IOSs) did not alter hatchability but significantly decreased pipped-chick percentage, the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, malondialdehyde, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels. However, IOSs were found to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, liveability, and final body weight. Specifically, SP maximised hatch weight, gut length, and thymus weight, whilst decreasing eggshell conductance and uric acid. SP and OL reduced liver enzyme activities, whereas PP lowered creatinine. Compared to day 10, IOI on day 18 improved hatchability, packed cell volume, SOD activity, liveability, and organ development. In conclusion, IOI with SP or OL, particularly on day 18 of incubation, is recommended to improve antioxidant status, biochemical indices, and cumulative body weight. Full article

The vagus nerve (innervating the gut from esophagus to proximal colon) and sacral nerve (innervating distal colon and rectum) are key parasympathetic regulators of gastrointestinal (GI) function. While vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown therapeutic potential in upper GI disorders, its role in modulating distal colon and rectal function remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of VNS on distal colon transit and rectal tone in rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with stimulation electrodes at the cervical or auricular vagal afferent nerve. VNS was applied with varying frequencies, pulse widths, and amplitudes. Rectal tone was assessed using a barostat device, and distal colon transit was evaluated using bead expulsion. Nitrergic and cholinergic contributions were examined using L-NAME and nNOS expression, and acetylcholine ELISA and ChAT expression, respectively. Central pathways were investigated by immunofluorescence staining of c-fos and ChAT in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Sacral efferent pathway was assessed by chemogenetic inhibition of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) and Barrington nucleus (BN/PMC). VNS (5 Hz, 0.1 and 0.5 ms, 0.5 mA) significantly increased rectal volume, indicating relaxation, and accelerated distal colon transit. L-NAME abolished VNS-induced rectal relaxation, while nNOS expression in the rectum was upregulated, confirming nitrergic mediation. Distal colon transit was associated with increased acetylcholine release and ChAT expression, highlighting cholinergic involvement. VNS enhanced c-fos and ChAT-positive neurons in the NTS, suggesting central integration of vagal afferent signals. Chemogenetic inhibition of DMV and BN attenuated rectal relaxation, indicating that VNS effects are mediated via a vagal–NTS–sacral pathway. VNS modulates distal colon transit and rectal tone through coordinated nitrergic and cholinergic signaling and central vagal-to-sacral circuits. These findings reveal functional crosstalk between vagal and sacral parasympathetic pathways and provide mechanistic insight into potential VNS therapy for lower GI disorders. Full article

Yellow bells (Tecoma stans) is a popular ornamental flowering plant used in public spaces. Its flowers are considered a medicinal herb rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using dried yellow bells flower (YB) as a dietary supplement for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Nile tilapia (0.74 ± 0.01 g body weight) were divided into six groups for an eight-week feeding trial, during which their diets were supplemented with 5 different levels by weight of YB: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%. The control group received a non-supplemented diet. Parameters related to growth, feed utilization, skin and fillet coloration, gut functionality, fillet quality, blood parameters, and whole-body composition were observed. Survival, feed utilization, and skin and fillet coloration were unaffected by YB supplementation, and growth performance was generally maintained up to 8% dietary inclusion. However, at 4 to 6% YB intestinal cellulase activity and gastrointestinal radical-scavenging activities were significantly increased, while amylase and protease activities, and the amylase/trypsin ratio, were maintained. Fillet quality was improved at 4% YB, with higher myosin and total myofibrillar protein contents but without changes in RNA, total protein, or RNA/protein ratio. At moderate YB inclusion levels, white blood cell counts were lower and packed cell volume and hemoglobin levels were higher, indicating improved physiological status. Whole-body crude protein and ash were increased at higher YB levels, whereas moisture and lipid were unchanged. Overall, dietary inclusion of around 4% YB was associated with favorable improvements in gut functionality, fillet quality, blood parameters, and whole-body composition in Nile tilapia. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) derived from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua residues on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced intestinal injury in mice. A total of 60 C57BL/6 mice (6–8 weeks old; body weight, 23.8 ± 0.5 g) were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 10 per group): a control group (CON), a CTX model group (CTX), a levamisole-treated positive control group (PC), and low-, medium-, and high-dose SDF groups (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively). Mice received oral administration of SDF or an equal volume of water for 21 consecutive days and were intraperitoneally injected with CTX (80 mg/kg body weight) on days 19–21 to induce intestinal injury. The results demonstrate that SDF possessed a porous, sponge-like network structure and comprised multiple monosaccharides. SDF intervention, particularly at medium and high doses, significantly attenuated CTX-induced body weight loss and immune organ atrophy; restored villus height and the villus-to-crypt ratio; increased the numbers of goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes; elevated intestinal levels of sIgA, β-defensins, and lysozyme; and reduced serum levels of LPS, D-lactic acid, and DAO (p < 0.05). In conclusion, SDF derived from Polygonatum cyrtonema effectively mitigates CTX-induced intestinal injury by enhancing intestinal mucosal immunity and preserving intestinal barrier integrity, thereby highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient for promoting gut health. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementing with an essential oil blend and ascorbic acid on performance, semen characteristics, antioxidant status, gut microbiota, immunity, and gene expression in heat-stressed male rabbits. One hundred and forty male New Zealand White rabbits, aged 6 months, were randomly distributed into four dietary groups: the control group receiving basal feed (CON), the group receiving an essential oil blend (EOB, 200 mg/kg), the group receiving ascorbic acid (ASA, 1000 mg/kg), and the group receiving an essential oil blend and ascorbic acid (MAO). The experimental period lasted for eight weeks. The MAO mixture supported rabbits’ tolerance to heat stress by enhancing stress markers, as demonstrated by decreased glucose and HSP70 and increased triiodothyronine (T3). In addition, increased body weight, carcass weight, and nutrient digestibility, but reduced mortality rate, were observed in rabbits fed the MAO mixture. Additionally, semen density and volume, as well as sperm progressive motility and normality, were enhanced in rabbits fed the MAO mixture. Furthermore, MAO mixture supplementation decreases plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, urea, and creatinine levels, while raising HDL and total protein levels. Adding MAO mixture contributed to an increase in plasma SOD and GPx levels, as well as seminal fluid TAC and GSH levels. Additionally, the incorporation of MAO increases IgA, IgG, and IL-10 levels while decreasing IL-6 and TNF-α levels. Adding the MAO mixture reduced C. perfringens and E. coli, as well as increased the expression of the MUC-2, CAT-1, and CLDN-1 genes. Combining an essential oil blend and ascorbic acid may contribute to improvements in performance, semen quality, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and gut health in heat-stressed male rabbits. Full article

Background: Rome IV criteria promote a symptom-based (“positive”) diagnosis of pediatric disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBIs). In clinical practice, however, organic gastrointestinal diseases may mimic DGBIs and lead to diagnostic revision after further evaluation. We aimed to quantify the diagnostic stability of an initial Rome IV-oriented functional diagnosis in a tertiary pediatric outpatient setting and to identify symptom phenotypes associated with a higher likelihood of later organic reclassification. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study (2014–14 May 2021) based on outpatient chart review. Eligible patients were children and adolescents aged 0–18 years with an initial Rome IV-oriented functional diagnosis. Diagnostic reassessment was based on follow-up data, available laboratory and instrumental investigations, and/or response to exclusion therapies. Final diagnoses after reassessment were categorized as functional only, organic, or mixed. Groups were compared using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: The cohort included 220 males (50.0%) and 220 females (50.0%), with a mean age of 8.86 ± 4.65 years. After reassessment, 343/440 (77.95%) remained functional, 73/440 (16.59%) were reclassified as organic, and 24/440 (5.45%) were classified as mixed. Final diagnosis differed by GI tract involvement (p = 0.001) and by symptom cluster (p = 0.001). Upper GI/dyspepsia-spectrum presentations showed the highest organic yield (27.03%), followed by lower abdominal pain/IBS-spectrum presentations (19.61%). Diarrhea and vomiting/cyclic vomiting each showed 16.67% organic diagnoses (mixed: 10.0% and 7.14%, respectively), whereas constipation showed the greatest diagnostic stability (98.89% functional; 1.11% organic). Functional confirmation rates were similar before and during the pandemic (77.71% vs. 78.70%; p = 0.756). Monthly case volume was higher in 2020–2021 (6.29 vs. 4.61 cases/month). Conclusions: In this tertiary cohort, about one in six children initially diagnosed with a functional disorder were later found to have an organic disease, and an additional 5% had mixed organic–functional presentations. Diagnostic revision was associated with presenting phenotype, with the highest organic yield observed in dyspepsia/upper GI presentations and the lowest in constipation. These findings support symptom-stratified evaluation and follow-up alongside Rome IV criteria. Full article

The gut microbiome plays a central role in human health, and probiotics are widely used to support microbial balance, though their efficacy depends on multiple factors. This study assessed the potential of commercial probiotics Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, Weizmannia coagulans and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus by evaluating in vitro gastrointestinal kinetics, pharmaceutical stability, and antioxidant effects in chamomile tea. Growth across a broad pH range was modeled kinetically, while survival and inactivation were quantified in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Antibiotic and antifungal susceptibility was determined using disk diffusion, and antioxidant activity of fortified chamomile tea was assessed via DPPH radical scavenging. Results revealed distinct strain-dependent responses. S. cerevisiae var. boulardii and W. coagulans showed the highest gastrointestinal tolerance. The increase in fluid volume reduced survival during the gastric phase but improved survival in the intestinal phase, reflecting different stress responses. Antimicrobial susceptibility also varied, with S. cerevisiae var. boulardii exhibiting the highest resistance. Probiotic fortification enhanced chamomile tea’s antioxidant capacity, particularly for S. cerevisiae var. boulardii and L. rhamnosus. These findings provide quantitative insight into strain- and volume-dependent gastrointestinal performance, guiding the optimization of capsule formulations and the development of clean-label products combining probiotic and antioxidant benefits. Full article

Antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, are essential for mammal physiology. Significant research made on the gut–brain axis has produced volumes of evidence indicating that some plant-derived phenolic compounds can reach brain cells to exert protective effects on them, mainly by maintaining and/or restoring redox homeostasis. Their systemic uptake and transport might be determined by the phenolic’s physicochemical properties, along with complex interactions with protein transporters and carriers, including GLUT, SGLT1, ABC transporters (P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein), albumin, fibrinogen, organic anion and cation transporters, and MATE1. The present work focuses on the chemical interactions and transport pathways of some phenolic compounds to reach brain cells. Full article

Background/Objectives: Western and Mediterranean diets have divergent effects on the brain. The gut microbiome may mediate diet effects, and specific microbes may be particularly significant contributors to these processes. Oscillospira, a genus of gut-dwelling bacteria, has been implicated as a key microbial target. Other peripheral contributors may include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), insulin resistance, and microbial translocation. Methods: We determined the effects of long-term (31 months, ~9 human years) consumption of a Mediterranean or Western-type diet on Oscillospira abundance, fecal SCFAs, plasma BCAAs, soluble CD14 (sCD14), and insulin responses in a randomized trial of 38 middle-aged female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). We determined diet effects and associations between dependent variables. For variables that were affected by diet composition and significantly associated with Oscillospira, we tested whether Oscillospira abundance mediated the effects of diet. Results: The Mediterranean diet resulted in higher Oscillospira (p = 0.004) and SCFAs (acetate p = 0.002; propionate p = 0.049) and lower BCAAs (isoleucine p = 0.035; leucine p = 0.007; valine p < 0.001). The Western diet increased insulin resistance (p = 0.040) and WM loss (p = 0.011). Oscillospira abundance was negatively associated with BCAAs (leucine p = 0.007; valine p = 0.005) and insulin resistance (insulin AUC: p = 0.024; increase in insulin AUC from pretreatment: p = 0.020), with trends for isoleucine (p = 0.066) and sCD14 (p = 0.103). Oscillospira abundance was positively associated with acetate (p = 0.032) and WM volume changes (p = 0.012). Oscillospira abundance significantly mediated the effects of diet on white matter volume changes (p = 0.020) and on insulin resistance (insulin AUC: p = 0.012 at study end; increase in insulin AUC during study: p = 0.020), presenting potential pathways through which diet may influence the brain. Conclusions: These findings suggest that diet-driven differences in Oscillospira are linked to metabolic regulation and white matter integrity, and Oscillospira may mediate the relationships. The results highlight a potential role for diet–microbiome interactions in shaping metabolic and brain aging trajectories. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early-life skeletal growth is critical for achieving optimal peak bone mass. This study aimed to investigate whether synbiotic supplementation with 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Hi188 (Hi188) influences bone development in growing mice and its potential association with gut microbial modulation. Methods: Three-week-old BALB/c mice were orally supplemented with 2′-FL, Hi188, or their combinations at low and medium doses for 7 weeks. Bone length, microarchitecture and mechanical properties were analyzed. Serum bone turnover markers and osteogenic gene expression were analyzed by ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively. Gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were analyzed by 16S-rRNA sequencing and GC-FID, respectively. Correlation associations among microbial taxa, SCFAs, and skeletal parameters were also assessed. Results: Medium-dose synbiotic supplementation significantly increased tibial and spine length without altering body weight or intestinal histology. Trabecular bone density and volume fraction were elevated, accompanied by reduced trabecular separation and improved mechanical strength. Serum BALP levels were increased and TRACP-5b levels were reduced, together with upregulation of osteogenesis- and matrix-related genes. Synbiotic treatment also modulated gut microbial composition, enriched SCFA-associated taxa, and significantly enhanced total and individual SCFA levels. Correlation analyses revealed selective associations among specific microbial taxa, SCFAs, and skeletal structural and molecular parameters. Conclusions: Medium doses of synbiotic supplementation were associated with improved skeletal growth and bone quality during development, alongside coordinated modulation of bone remodeling and gut microbial metabolic activity. These findings suggest its potential as a functional nutritional strategy for supporting early bone health. Full article

Water-soluble pectin (WSP) is a soluble dietary fiber with a high esterification degree and certain viscosity and emulsifying properties. It has diverse bioactivities—including antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant mechanisms of water-soluble pectin, and the in vivo effects of intestinal antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota composition in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀). In an experiment involving feeding fish with WSP added to the diet, the addition of 600 mg/kg WSP promoted the activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px in the grouper intestinal tract, thereby enhancing the antioxidant properties. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Actinomycetes and Armatimonadetes decreased significantly. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Vibrio and Subdoligranulum increased significantly. In addition, antioxidant genes, inflammatory factor genes, immune genes, apoptosis genes, and genes of specific transmembrane proteins may participate in the regulation and improvement of the hybrid grouper intestinal tract. (CAT, MnSOD, and GPX), (TNF-α, IL-β, IL-6, and TGF-β), (MHC2, TLR3, KEAP1, and IKK-α), (C3, C8, C9, and P53), and (Claudin-3a, Occludin, ZO-1, and ZO-3) may regulate the intestinal function of hybrid grouper. Therefore, adding an appropriate volume of WSP to the diet is beneficial for the intestinal health of hybrid groupers. Full article

The increasing popularity of carnivore and animal-based diets among athletes has generated substantial interest, despite limited direct scientific evidence supporting their efficacy and safety in sport-specific contexts. This narrative review critically evaluates the current evidence and examines the physiological, performance, and health-related implications of these dietary models in athletic populations. These dietary models, characterized by the partial or complete exclusion of plant-derived foods, are often promoted on the basis of mechanistic arguments, anecdotal reports, and extrapolations from research on ketogenic and very low-carbohydrate diets. However, their physiological relevance, long-term health implications, and compatibility with the demands of athletic training remain poorly defined. This narrative review provides a critical perspective on the current evidence related to carnivore and animal-based diets in sport, integrating findings from studies on low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, high-protein, and elimination-based dietary patterns. The analysis focuses on metabolic adaptations, body composition, exercise performance, gastrointestinal function, micronutrient adequacy, hormonal responses, and potential long-term health risks. Particular attention is given to the distinction between metabolic adaptations and functional performance outcomes, as well as to the high interindividual variability in dietary responses. The available evidence suggests that while carbohydrate restriction may induce specific metabolic adaptations, such as increased fat oxidation, these changes do not consistently translate into improved performance, particularly in high-intensity or high-volume training contexts. Moreover, the highly restrictive nature of carnivore and animal-based diets raises concerns about micronutrient deficiencies, alterations in the gut microbiota, changes in the lipid profile, and potential effects on eating behaviours, particularly in competitive athletic populations. Given the absence of well-controlled, long-term intervention studies in athletes, carnivore and animal-based diets cannot currently be recommended as safe or optimal nutritional strategies for sports performance. Rather than representing viable alternatives to established sports nutrition guidelines, these dietary models may be better understood as experimental or short-term tools within highly controlled research or diagnostic frameworks. Future research should prioritize rigorous, sport-specific study designs, long-term safety outcomes, and personalized approaches that account for individual metabolic and physiological variability. Full article

The lemur tree frog (Agalychnis lemur), a critically endangered species, can benefit from ex situ conservation programs; however, managing amphibians under human care presents challenges, including the provision of appropriate nutrition. House crickets (Acheta domesticus), a common feeder insect, have an inverse calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P; 0.15:1) and low calcium content (<0.3%). While gut-loading crickets with an 8% calcium diet can improve their calcium concentrations, no study has assessed the effects of dietary calcium on bone development in Agalychnis spp. Moreover, no study has examined how diet impacts the gut–skin axis and skin microbiome of these frogs. This study examined how crickets gut-loaded with either a 1.3% or 8% calcium diet affected lemur tree frog bone density and skin microbiome. We hypothesized that frogs consuming the 8% calcium diet would exhibit significantly higher Hounsfield units (HU; bone density) over time, as measured by micro-computed tomography (mCT), and that dietary calcium concentration would have no effect on skin bacterial and fungi microbiomes. Eleven juvenile lemur tree frogs underwent mCT scans at baseline and 90 and 180 days. Total body volume of interest analysis showed a significant increase in HU in the 8% calcium group compared to the 1.3% group (F = 9.9, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference noted in the alpha or beta diversities for the bacterial and fungal microbiomes between dietary groups. This study provides the first evidence of dietary calcium’s impact on bone density in lemur tree frogs, offering valuable insights for improving ex situ management of this species. Full article

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are found in the olfactory sensory organs (antennae and maxillary palps) and/or gustatory sensory organs (labellum and legs) and have long been accepted to function through the binding of odorants. However, the same CSPs are also expressed in many tissues other than olfactory and gustatory organs, such as the gut, brain, fat body, wing, epidermis, Corpora allata, salivary gland, pheromone gland, prothoracic gland, etc. In this report, we suggest renaming the “chemosensory protein (CSP)” the “4-Cysteine Soluble Protein (4CSP)”. This paradigm and nomenclature shift is based on molecular characteristics, genomic mining, tissue distribution, and functional roles beyond those related to olfaction. We examined prior studies on this protein gene family to bolster the renaming, highlighting the most recent findings that we ascribe to “pleiotropic properties” and evolutionary relevance rather than smell. The scope of the report, per se, is broad, and this is especially true given the volume of data that has been gathered on 4CSP expressed in ways that are not consistent with the olfactory paradigm. Statements outlining the many chemosensory properties of 4CSPs, particularly how they activate olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), are currently scarce, if they exist at all. Many debates currently focus on 4CSPs’ non-chemosensory functions, which are backed by a multitude of evidence, from gene evolution to tissue distribution. Therefore, strong arguments in favor of renaming chemosensory proteins are becoming evident here, outweighing the drawbacks. Full article