Search Results (106)

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), the most potent and widespread mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, poses a significant global threat to food safety and human health, with chronic exposure strongly linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While physical and chemical detoxification approaches exist, their limitations have led to an increased interest in biological strategies, particularly probiotic interventions. In this review, we synthesize current in vivo and clinical evidence on the ability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria—including Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC705, Lactococcus lactis, and selected Bifidobacterium species—to reduce AFB₁ absorption and toxicity. We summarize mechanistic insights into cell wall adsorption, gut microbiota modulation, intestinal barrier protection, and antioxidant enhancement. Clinical trials have shown reductions in AFB₁ biomarkers following probiotic supplementation, supporting their translational potential for human health. However, clinical evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and variability in endpoints. Collectively, this review consolidates mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical findings to position probiotic lactic acid bacteria as promising biological countermeasures against AFB1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Full article

Resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol with lipid metabolism-regulating properties, also demonstrates remarkable efficacy in strengthening intestinal barrier integrity. In order to elucidate the mechanism by which RES ameliorates intestinal damage and lipid metabolism disturbances in Megalobrama amblycephala under a high-fat (HF) diet, a conventional diet (CON), an HF diet (HF), or an HF diet supplemented with 0.6, 3, or 6 g/kg RES (HF + 0.06%, 0.3%, or 0.6% RES) was fed to fish. After 8 weeks, RES supplementation in the HF diet significantly improved the growth performance and alleviated hepatic lipid deposition. Microbiota profiling revealed RES improved intestinal barrier function by reducing α-diversity, Actinobacteria and Bosea abundances, and enriching Firmicutes abundance. RES also maintained the integrity of the intestinal physical barrier and inhibited the inflammatory response. MeRIP-seq analysis indicated that RES modulated intestinal mRNA m⁶A methylation by upregulating methyltransferase-like 3 (mettl3) and downregulating fat mass and obesity-associated gene (fto) and Alk B homolog 5 (alkbh5). Combined RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq data revealed that RES alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) by upregulating the m⁶A methylation and gene level of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70). Correlation analyses identified significant associations between intestinal microbiota composition and ERS, tight junction, and inflammation. In summary, RES ameliorates lipid dysregulation via a synergistic mechanism involving intestinal microbiota, m⁶A modification, ERS, barrier function, and inflammatory response. Full article

Human milk, especially colostrum, is a biologically complex fluid with potent protective properties against gastrointestinal disturbances in infants. Among intestinal protozoa transmitted via the fecal–oral route, this review focuses on Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica, as the protective role of milk-derived factors against these parasites is the most extensively documented. Its protective effects result from a wide range of bioactive components, including mucins, lactoferrin, human milk oligosaccharides, melatonin, and secretory IgA, which support the integrity of the intestinal barrier, regulate immune responses, and inhibit the adhesion and activity of pathogens. The composition of human milk can be influenced by maternal factors such as nutritional status, stress, sleep quality, and physical activity, which may modulate its immunological potential. Dietary intake of micronutrients, fermentable fibers, and fermented foods also appears to play a role in shaping the milk’s protective properties. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms by which selected milk components contribute to the defense against protozoan infections in early life and considers how maternal health and lifestyle may affect the effectiveness of these protective mechanisms. Full article

Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and steatohepatitis associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) are on the rise and pose serious health challenges worldwide. In recent years, researchers have gained a better understanding of the important role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of these diseases. Intestinal dysbiosis can contribute to the occurrence of increased intestinal permeability, inflammation and reduced numbers of commensal bacteria. In obesity, these changes contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation and deregulated metabolism. In MASLD, gut microbiota dysbiosis can promote liver fibrosis and impair bile acid metabolism, while in T2DM, they are associated with impaired glycemic control and insulin resistance. Regular physical activity has a positive effect on the composition of the gut microbiota, increasing its diversity, modulating its metabolic functions, strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest that exercise and microbiota-targeted interventions may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. Full article

The gut microbiota, dominated by bacteria from the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria phyla, plays an essential role in fermenting indigestible carbohydrates, regulating metabolism, synthesizing vitamins, and maintaining immune functions and intestinal barrier integrity. Dysbiosis is associated with obesity development. Shifts in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, particularly an increase in Firmicutes, may promote enhanced energy storage, appetite dysregulation, and increased inflammatory processes linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the relationship between the development and treatment of obesity and overweight and the gut microbiota. Current evidence suggests that probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can influence gut microbiota composition and metabolic parameters, including body weight and BMI. The most promising effects are observed with probiotic supplementation, particularly when combined with prebiotics, although efficacy depends on strain type, dose, and duration. Despite encouraging preclinical findings, FMT has shown limited and inconsistent results in human studies. Diet and physical activity are key modulators of the gut microbiota. Fiber, plant proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids support beneficial bacteria, while diets low in fiber and high in saturated fats promote dysbiosis. Aerobic exercise increases microbial diversity and supports growth of favorable bacterial strains. While microbiota changes do not always lead to immediate weight loss, modulating gut microbiota represents an important aspect of obesity prevention and treatment strategies. Further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these interventions. Full article

This study multidimensionally investigates the comprehensive effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP)-fermented feed on growth performance, intestinal health, and metabolic regulation in Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai). The results demonstrate that LP fermentation significantly alters feed’s physical properties and nutritional profile, softening texture, increasing viscosity, and emitting an acidic aroma. Notably, it enhanced contents of cis-9-palmitoleic acid, α-linolenic acid (ALA), and functional amino acids (GABA, L-histidine, and L-asparagine), indicating that fermentation optimized ω-3 fatty acid accumulation and amino acid profiles through the modulation of fatty acid metabolic pathways, thereby improving feed biofunctionality and stress-resistant potential. Further analyses revealed that fermented feed markedly improved intestinal morphology in abalone, promoting villus integrity and upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin) to reinforce intestinal barrier function. Concurrently, it downregulated inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-16) while upregulating anti-inflammatory factors (TLR4) and antioxidant-related genes (NRF2/KEAP1 pathway), synergistically mitigating intestinal inflammation and enhancing antioxidant capacity. Sequencing and untargeted metabolomics unveiled that fermented feed substantially remodeled gut microbiota structure, increasing Firmicutes abundance while reducing Bacteroidetes, with the notable enrichment of beneficial genera such as Mycoplasma. Metabolite profiling highlighted the significant activation of lipid metabolism, tryptophan pathway, and coenzyme A biosynthesis. A Spearman correlation analysis identified microbiota–metabolite interactions (such as Halomonas’ association with isethionic acid) potentially driving growth performance via metabolic microenvironment regulation. In conclusion, LP-fermented feed enhances abalone growth, immune response, and aquaculture efficiency through multi-dimensional synergistic mechanisms (nutritional optimization, intestinal homeostasis regulation, microbiota–metabolome crosstalk), providing critical theoretical foundations for aquafeed development and probiotic applications in aquaculture. Full article

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are microbial metabolites involved in immune regulation, energy metabolism, and intestinal barrier integrity. Among them, the role of hexanoic acid (C6), predominantly derived from dietary sources, remains poorly understood in chronic heart failure (CHF) and sarcopenia. A total of 636 patients with confirmed CHF were screened between 2019 and 2021. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 114 patients, with 74 meeting the inclusion criteria for analysis. Plasma levels of SCFAs—including butanoic, propanoic, isobutyric, 2- and 3-methylbutanoic, hexanoic, pentanoic, and 4-methylpentanoic acids—were measured using HPLC-MS/MS. Muscle strength, mass, and physical performance were assessed using handgrip dynamometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and SPPB, respectively. All patients showed elevated SCFA levels compared to reference values. Butanoic acid levels exceeded reference values by 32.8-fold, propanoic acid by 10.9-fold, and hexanoic acid by 1.09-fold. Patients with plasma hexanoic acid levels above the 50th percentile had a seven-fold increased mortality risk (OR = 7.10; 95% CI: 1.74–28.9; p < 0.01). Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed significantly lower survival in this group (p = 0.00051). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 41.2 ± 7.5%, and the mean SPPB score was 6.1 ± 1.8, indicating impaired physical performance. Elevated plasma hexanoic acid is associated with poor prognosis in CHF patients with sarcopenia. These findings suggest that C6 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in this population. Full article

Feed fermented by various strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) produces distinct biologically active substances. This study systematically evaluates the growth performance, gut microbiota modulation, and immune response parameters in Muscovy ducks fed with LP81-fermented diets (LP81-FF) compared to conventional regimens. Our findings demonstrate that LP81-FF elicits dose-dependent improvements in Muscovy duck production parameters. Through a 70-day feeding trial, LP81-FF administration reduced feed intake by 3.1% and improved the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 9.18% and 6.65% (p < 0.05) compared to conventional feed. Systemic antioxidant capacity analysis revealed 25.99% elevation in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), accompanied by 14.37% and 30.79% increases in serum IgG and IgM levels, respectively. Immune organ indices showed dose-responsive enhancement, with the high-dose group (HD) achieving 47.27% and 28.92% increases in thymus and bursa of Fabricius indices (p < 0.05). Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that LP81-FF optimized the intestinal microbial community structure of Muscovy ducks by promoting the abundance of Bacteroides, Butyricicoccus, and Ruminococcus (beneficial bacteria) (p < 0.05), while inhibiting the increase of Escherichia-Shigella and Rothia (harmful bacteria). It also promoted the secretion of beneficial metabolites such as Glutaric acid and 2,6-Diaminohexanoic acid in the intestine, inhibited the production of harmful substances dominated by Fexofenadine, and enhanced the strength of physical barrier-related factors such as intestinal mucosa villi and goblet cell count. These multi-omics insights establish that LP81-FF enhances growth performance through coordinated modulation of gut–liver axis homeostasis, mucosal immunity activation, and microbial-metabolic network optimization. Our results position LP81-FF as a sustainable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in waterfowl production systems. Full article

The existing body of evidence has highlighted gut microbiota as a versatile regulator of body wellness affecting not only multiple physiological metabolisms but also the function of remote organs. Emerging studies revealed a reciprocal relationship between physical exercise and intestinal microbiota, suggesting that physical exercise could enhance gut health, including regulating intestinal barrier integrity, increasing microbial diversity, and promoting beneficial microbial metabolism. Furthermore, the beneficial outcomes of exercise on the intestine may also promote brain health through the gut–brain axis. Diet is an important factor in boosting exercise performance and also greatly impacts the structure of gut microbiota. Abundant research has reported that diet alongside exercise could exert beneficial effects on metabolism, immune regulation, and the neuropsychiatric system. In this paper, we used a narrative review, primarily searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Elsevier, to review the existing research on how moderate-intensity exercise promotes gut health, and we introduced the effects of exercise on the nervous system through the gut–brain axis. We also proposed dietary strategies targeting the regulation of gut microbiota to provide guidelines for boosting brain health. This review highlights that moderate exercise and a healthy diet promote gut and brain health. Full article

The Intestinal system of nursery pigs is not fully matured and is easily disturbed by dietary composition and nutritional content. Probiotic-fermented feed has emerged as a beneficial dietary form for nursery pigs and is widely utilized in the livestock and poultry industries. However, there are limited reports regarding the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented feed on intestinal health and growth performance in nursery pigs. In this study, we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum NX69-fermented soybean by multi-omics approaches on intestinal health and growth performance in nursery pigs. The results demonstrated that NX69-fermented soybean meal increased small intestinal villus height, the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (V/C), and the number of goblet cells per unit length. Additionally, it enhanced the mRNA of intestinal mucosal barrier factors ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin in nursery pigs. Further research revealed that NX69-fermented soybean meal increased the diversity of the intestinal microbiota structure, elevated the abundance of core microbiota such as Alloprevotella, Prevotellaceae, and Megasphaera in the cecum, and increased the abundance of genera such as Megasphaera, Faecalibacterium, and Ruminococcus, which are known to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum. Correlation analysis indicated that the core microbiota were positively correlated with intestinal physical barriers, including villus length and the V/C ratio, as well as with the mRNA level of intestinal mucosal barrier factors ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin. Furthermore, they were positively correlated with differential metabolites such as Ginkgetin, Formiminoglutamic acid, Naringenin, and Hydroxyisocaproic acid. These findings suggest that NX69-fermented soybean meal can enhance the intestinal mucosal barrier in nursery pigs by increasing the abundance of core microbiota that produce SCFAs and then promoting intestinal health and improving growth performance, indicating promising application prospects. Full article

Music as an environmental factor can maintain intestinal health in animals, but it is unclear whether this effect is influenced by the tones of the music. In this study, 100 Kunming white mice were randomly divided into control group (C group) with no music, and three music groups were exposed to Mozart K.448 in D, A and G tone (D group, A group and G group), respectively. To study the effects of different tones of Mozart K.448 on intestinal barrier and intestinal microbiota, mice were given musical stimulation from 1 to 63 days of age. The results showed that no apparent abnormalities were observed in the structure of ileum among groups. The mRNA expression levels of genes related to intestinal physical barrier (Claudin-1, Claudin-12, ZO-2, Mucin2, ZO-1 and Claudin-5) were significantly higher in music groups than those in C group (p < 0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of intestinal barrier genes in D group were the highest (p < 0.05). The levels of intestinal mucosal permeability (DAO and D-lactate) in D group were significantly lower than those in other groups (p < 0.05). Ileum HSP60 mRNA level in D group were significantly lower than that in other groups (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression level of IgA was significantly higher in music groups than C group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of IgG were significantly higher in D group than other groups (p < 0.05). Music stimulation increased the abundance of beneficial microbiota, such as Lactobacillus and Sporosarcina (p < 0.05). Mozart K.448 can strengthen intestinal barrier function to reduce intestinal permeability and improve intestinal immunity, while also having a positive significance in promoting the colonization of beneficial intestinal microbiota. In addition, the effect of tone D was more significant. Full article

Background: Chronic stress is associated with detrimental effects on physical health, such as chronic restraint stress (CRS), which can damage the intestinal tract. Although tryptophan has many benefits in maintaining intestinal health, the underlying mechanism of its protective effects against stress-induced intestinal injury remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we constructed a CRS model by using a behavioral restraint device in which mice were restrained for 6 h per day over 14 days and investigated the effects, as well as the potential mechanism of a high-tryptophan diet (0.4% tryptophan), on CRS-induced intestinal injury using scanning electron microscopy, 16S rRNA sequencing, and LC-MS. Results: A 0.4% tryptophan diet (fed ad libitum for 24 days) attenuated CRS-induced pathologies, including weight loss, elevated corticosterone, intestinal barrier injury, increased permeability, and epithelial apoptosis. Tryptophan modulated the gut microbiota composition in CRS-induced mice, increasing the abundance of Bacteroidota and decreasing the abundance of Firmicutes, as well as enhancing metabolic function through pathways identified by KEGG analysis. Additionally, tryptophan restored the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, and valeric acids. Correlation analyses showed interactions between tryptophan, intestinal permeability, SCFAs, and gut microbiota. Conclusions: Tryptophan supplementation attenuates CRS-induced intestinal injury by modulating intestinal barrier integrity and gut microbiota homeostasis, and the beneficial effects are largely associated with the SCFA-mediated regulation of intestinal permeability and microbiota-associated energy metabolism. Full article

Due to the high mortality rate in chicks caused by pullorum disease (PD) and the drawbacks of antibiotic resistance, the poultry industry is increasingly interested in using natural herbal antimicrobial agents as alternatives, with cinnamaldehyde (CA) being a focus due to its multitarget and synergistic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of CA on restoring intestinal physical integrity, intestinal microbial barrier, and intestinal metabolism in a laboratory model of Salmonella pullorum (S. pullorum) infection in chicks. Thirty-six chicks were divided into six groups. The S.P and CA groups were infected with 5 × 10⁸ CFU/mL, 0.5 mL S. pullorum, while the CON group received an equal-volume saline injection. The CA group was treated with 100 mg/kg CA, and the others received phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Samples were collected 24 h after the last treatment. Intestinal physical integrity was assessed by H&E staining, and ELISA was used to measure inflammatory factors. In situ hybridization (ISH) and RT-qPCR were used to measure the expression of tight-junction protein mRNA. The microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the ileal contents, and metabolite analysis was performed on the intestinal contents. After CA treatment, the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α was reduced, and IL-10 was increased (p < 0.05). H&E staining showed that the intestinal structure was partially restored after treatment. ISH results showed that the fluorescence intensity indicating gene expression status was low in the S.P group and high in the CA group, indicating reduced intestinal permeability. RT-qPCR showed that CA up-regulated the mRNA expression of tight-junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin-1, and zo-1, p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that Salmonella was significantly enriched in the S.P group (LDA score > 2.0, p < 0.05), while specific genera were significantly more abundant in the treated groups. Untargeted sequencing of intestinal contents showed that key metabolites (butyrate, alanine, glutamate, cholesterol, and propionate) in the CA group were significantly changed compared with the S.P group (p < 0.05). CA treatment was the most effective method for reducing PD intestinal colonization and maintaining better intestinal homeostasis, possibly by regulating intestinal microbiota and metabolic functions. Full article

Introduction: Diverticular disease, once considered a rare geriatric gastrointestinal condition, has now become a prevalent disorder associated with increased morbidity and healthcare costs. The spectrum of complications from diverticular disease ranges from incidental findings to more serious issues such as bleeding and diverticulitis. Symptomatic diverticular disease represents a significant economic burden in the western world. Diabetes mellitus is a major global health issue. As global aging accelerates, geriatric syndromes such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and diverticular disease (DD) are becoming increasingly prevalent. Understanding their interplay is critical, particularly within the geriatric population. Both conditions are linked to lifestyle, dietary habits, and changes in gut physiology. Additionally, age-related alterations in the gut microbiome and immune system make this association more complex, contributing to morbidity and healthcare burdens in older adults. The primary aim of this review is to provide an update on the association between diabetes mellitus and diverticular disease. Methods: This narrative review explores the association between diabetes mellitus and diverticular disease. Relevant articles were identified by searching major databases. Results: Risk factors for diverticular disease include insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, smoking, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, lack of physical activity, a low-fibre diet, and a high-carbohydrate diet. These risk factors are also associated with the development of diabetes mellitus. Major population studies indicate that diabetes can either increase the risk of diverticular disease or have a neutral impact. A complication of diabetes mellitus includes impaired intestinal peristalsis and enteric nervous system dysfunction, which can ultimately lead to the formation of intestinal diverticula. High-calorie foods low in fibre are a staple in the diets of many type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, contributing to gut dysbiosis. A detrimental consequence of dysbiosis is a breach in the protective intestinal barrier, which promotes the development of diverticulosis. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus may be associated with diverticular disease, and the risk factors that contribute to diabetes mellitus can also be linked to diverticular disease. Further studies are needed to explore the complex relationship between diabetes mellitus and diverticular disease. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent chronic liver condition marked by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatic tissue. This disorder can lead to a range of pathological outcomes, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and cirrhosis. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms driving MASLD initiation and progression remain incompletely understood. Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are pivotal in the “multiple parallel hit model”, contributing to hepatic cell death and tissue damage. Gut microbiota plays a substantial role in modulating hepatic oxidative stress through multiple pathways: impairing the intestinal barrier, which results in bacterial translocation and chronic hepatic inflammation; modifying bile acid structure, which impacts signaling cascades involved in lipidic metabolism; influencing hepatocytes’ ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death; regulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) metabolism; and activating platelet function, both recently identified as pathogenetic factors in MASH progression. Moreover, various exogenous factors impact gut microbiota and its involvement in MASLD-related oxidative stress, such as air pollution, physical activity, cigarette smoke, alcohol, and dietary patterns. This manuscript aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview focused on the intricate interplay between gut microbiota, lipid peroxidation, and MASLD pathogenesis, offering insights into potential strategies to prevent disease progression and its associated complications. Full article