Search Results (5,382)

Background/Objectives: Recent research highlights Vitis vinifera seeds as a rich source of bioactive proanthocyanidins (PACs) with antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Poorly absorbed PACs are metabolized by gut microbiota into active phenolic metabolites. This pilot study in ulcerative colitis patients assessed grape seed extract effects on microbiota, zonulin-related permeability, and quality of life. Methods: This prospective pilot study, conducted at the University Hospital of Padua, evaluated the effects of an eight-week treatment with proanthocyanidins (ECOVITIS^®) on gut microbiota, intestinal permeability (zonulin), and well-being in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission (IBDQ). Fecal and serum samples were collected at T0 and T1. Microbiota analysis was performed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing (QIIME2), zonulin was quantified using an ELISA kit for pre-haptoglobin gene2 (pre-HP2), and HP1/HP2 genotyping was conducted by quantitative PCR. Statistical analyses (Wilcoxon, ALDEx2, PERMANOVA) assessed microbial diversity and taxonomic changes between pre- and post-treatment samples. Results: Twenty-five ulcerative colitis patients completed the study. IBDQ scores significantly improved after treatment (mean Δ = +11.2, p < 0.001), especially in the 11 best IBDQ responders (Δ = +24.2, p < 0.001). Microbiota analysis showed increased Lachnospiraceae and Sutterellaceae in responders, while overall diversity remained unchanged. Zonulin levels were unaffected. Conclusions: PAC treatment improved quality of life in ulcerative colitis patients, as shown by increased IBDQ scores. Serum zonulin levels remained unchanged. Microbiota analysis revealed enrichment of Lachnospiraceae and Sutterellaceae families, suggesting beneficial modulation. Limitations include lack of metabolic assessment and a control group, and caution is needed in interpreting zonulin measurements. Full article

To address the challenge of low nitrogen removal efficiency, particularly the difficulty in meeting total nitrogen (TN) discharge standards during low-temperature seasons and intermittent emission modes in conventional aquaculture wastewater treatment, this study proposed the novel application of bioretention systems. Biochar and sponge iron were used as fillers to construct three bioretention systems: biochar-based (B-BS), sponge iron-based (SI-BS), and a composite system (SIB-BS), for evaluating their nitrogen removal performance for aquaculture wastewater treatment. Experimental results demonstrated that under intermittent flooding conditions at 8.0–13.0 °C and increasing TN loading (9.48 mg/L–31.13 mg/L), SIB-BS maintained stable TN removal (79.7–86.7%), outperforming B-BS and SI-BS (p < 0.05). Under continuous inflow (influent TN = 8.4 ± 0.5 mg/L) at 8.0–13.0 °C, SIB-BS achieved significantly lower effluent TN (2.57 ± 1.5 mg/L) than B-BS (5.6 ± 1.6 mg/L) and SI-BS (5.0 ± 1.5 mg/L) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, when the temperature ranged from 8.0 to 26.3 °C, SIB-BS exhibited a more stable and efficient denitrification ability. Mechanistic investigations revealed that coupling biochar with sponge iron promoted denitrifying microbial activity and enhanced the functional potential for nitrogen transformation (p < 0.05). Specifically, biochar provided porous attachment sites and improved mass transfer, while sponge iron supplied readily available Fe²⁺ as an electron donor; their combination buffered iron oxidation and facilitated Fe²⁺-mediated electron transfer. At low temperature, SIB-BS further stimulated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secretion, strengthened biofilm stability without causing blockage, and improved the protective interactions between fillers, thereby increasing metabolic efficiency and sustaining TN removal under variable loading. This study provided a technical reference for the efficient denitrification of aquaculture wastewater. Full article

Steviol glycosides (SGs) are high-intensity, zero-calorie natural sweeteners with demonstrated safety and potential health benefits, positioning them as ideal sucrose substitutes for metabolic disorder management. However, their broad application is limited by inherent drawbacks such as bitterness, low solubility, and inefficient production systems. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in SG research, covering their sources, properties, and bioactivities. A particular focus is placed on innovative bioproduction strategies—including enzyme engineering, metabolic pathway optimization, and sustainable extraction techniques. Strategies to overcome these challenges through sensory-function enhancement—including formulation and structural modification—are discussed. Furthermore, it highlights emerging trends like microbial chassis-based production and next-generation sweetener design, providing actionable insights for overcoming industrial bottlenecks. By integrating multidisciplinary advances in bioengineering, sensory science, and sustainable processing, this review offers a forward-looking perspective on the development and application of SGs as functional sweeteners in the global food industry. Full article

The search for new therapeutic principles is essential for treating relapsed/refractory (r/r) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Novel principles include genome-agnostic differentiation induction, controlling AML-triggering inflammation, potentiating the immune response and ‘normalizing’ AML metabolism. This review summarizes data from a phase I study (10 patients, pts) and three case reports reporting 7 pts on the treatment of r/r AML by reprogramming AML hallmarks using APA, low-dose azacitidine, pioglitazone (PPARα/γ agonist) and all-trans retinoic acid. APA reprograms the r/r AML phenotype in patients with clinically and molecularly/genetically unfavorable risk profiles (17 pts, 16 refractory, one relapsed) in a genome-agnostic manner, restoring the plasticity of AML hallmarks, thereby improving immune surveillance, attenuating inflammation-triggered promotion of AML and distant microbial inflammation (healing of fungal pneumonia during induction of complete remission (CR) with APA), while normalizing leukemia metabolism (restoring phagocytosis and ROS production in leukemic neutrophils). APA induces complete remission (CR) in 10 pts (59%), with only modest hematotoxicity following CR induction. This allows treatment to be carried out in an outpatient setting, including for elderly and comorbid patients. Triple transcriptional modulation, facilitated by epigenetic modelling with azacitidine, targets reprogramming of non-oncogene addiction networks in AML, re-establishing functionally active, closely interrelated myeloid hallmarks and AML cell death genome-agnostically. Full article

Background: Bile acids participate in several metabolic processes, and disturbances in their circulating profiles are commonly observed in type 2 diabetes. In a cohort of older adults, individuals with diabetes exhibited markedly lower concentrations of metabolites derived from lithocholic acid. These findings prompted further evaluation of the metabolic effects of lithocholic acid. Methods: We assessed the actions of lithocholic acid in a mouse model of diabetes induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Fasting glucose, insulin levels, lipid parameters, and measures of insulin resistance were evaluated. Gut microbial composition, short-chain fatty acids, fecal enzyme activities, intestinal barrier markers, and bile acid patterns were analyzed. In vitro assays examined the direct effects of lithocholic acid on A. muciniphila and bile acid metabolism. Results: Lithocholic acid supplementation lowered fasting glucose and insulin levels and improved insulin resistance. It shifted the gut microbial community toward a healthier structure, increased the abundance of A. muciniphila, and raised short-chain fatty acid concentrations. Fecal bile salt hydrolase and β-glucuronidase activity declined, and intestinal barrier markers improved. Lithocholic acid enhanced TGR5 expression and reduced FXR signaling in the ileum. In vitro, physiologically relevant concentrations promoted A. muciniphila growth and altered microbial bile acid metabolism. Conclusions: Lithocholic acid influences the interactions among gut microbes, bile acid pathways, and host metabolic regulation. These findings suggest that this compound may have value as a dietary component that supports metabolic health in type 2 diabetes. Full article

Research has demonstrated that incorporating nitrate into animal feed can effectively decrease methane production in ruminants, though its impact on carcass characteristics and meat attributes in Hu sheep requires further investigation. This experiment examined how a dietary inclusion of 3% calcium nitrate (CN) influenced slaughter parameters, meat properties, gut microbial populations, and host gene regulation in Hu sheep. The study involved sixty healthy male Hu sheep aged 120 days with comparable body weights (31.11 ± 3.39 kg), randomly allocated into two groups: a control group receiving standard feed (CON) and a CN-supplemented group. The trial lasted 60 days, including a 15-day adaptation period and a 45-day formal trial period. They were housed individually and fed twice daily (at 8:00 and 18:00). The findings revealed that CN supplementation notably reduced the water loss rate in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LD), elevated meat color brightness, and enhanced the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly n-6 PUFA, along with the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio. Conversely, it reduced the levels of saturated fatty acids such as myristic acid (C14:0) and oleic acid (C18:1n9t). Additionally, the treatment boosted ruminal Ammoniacal nitrogen content and total short-chain fatty acid production, thereby contributing to energy metabolism in the animals. Microbiological examination demonstrated that CN supplementation led to a decrease in Fibrobacterota and Methanobrevibacter populations within the ruminal environment, while promoting the growth of Proteobacteria in the duodenal region. The gene expression profiling of digestive tract tissues showed an increased activity in nitrogen processing genes (including CA4) and oxidative phosphorylation pathways (such as ATP6), indicating an improved metabolic efficiency and acid–base homeostasis in the host animals. These findings demonstrate that CN-enriched diets enhance the carcass characteristics of Hu sheep by modifying intramuscular lipid profiles through gastrointestinal microbial community restructuring and metabolic pathway adjustments. Such modifications affect energy utilization and acid–base equilibrium, ultimately impacting muscle characteristics and adipose tissue distribution, presenting viable approaches for eco-friendly livestock farming practices. Full article

Gut microbial communities perform a multitude of physiological functions for their hosts; however, the drivers and distribution patterns of microbiota in wild animals remain largely underexplored. Our understanding of how these microbial communities are structured across hosts in natural environments—especially within a single host species remains limited. Here, we characterized the gut microbial communities of four species of ocean fish using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to investigate the structural and functional features of these microbial communities across different fish species. By comparing the gut microbiota compositions of blue sharks (Prionace glauca), bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), sickle pomfret (Taractichthys steindachneri), and mackerel (Scomber japonicus), we identified several microbial taxa—including Photobacterium, Pelomonas, Ralstonia, and Rhodococcus—that were consistently detected across all samples, indicating they likely constitute a “common microbiota”. However, the relative abundances of these taxa varied significantly among species, with Photobacterium exhibiting the highest diversity. Blue sharks and bigeye tuna harbored relatively few dominant microbial species, but the abundance of these dominant bacteria was remarkably high, and inter-individual differences in microbial composition were pronounced. In contrast, mackerel and sickle pomfret contained a greater variety of dominant genera, each with low relative abundance, and inter-individual differences within the same species were minimal. Functionally, metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and microbial metabolism represent the predominant functional categories of the intestinal microbiota in marine fish, with only minor interspecific differences observed. In contrast, biosynthesis of amino acids, ABC transporters, and two-component systems are the key functional pathways that exhibit significant variations across different fish species. Collectively, these findings reveal differences in gut microbial stability among different fish hosts. Such variations may be associated with the hosts’ energy utilization needs, and changes in the gut microbiota play a critical role in shaping the diverse survival strategies of these fish species. Full article

In severely saline-alkali soils, surface salt accumulation caused by intense water evaporation results in elevated salinity, low organic matter content, and suppressed microbial activity, collectively impairing plant physiological metabolism and growth. Superabsorbent polymers hold significant potential for ameliorating saline-alkali soils by regulating soil water–salt dynamics. Biochar, a carbon-rich organic material, plays a pivotal role in enhancing soil organic matter storage, whereas vermicompost, a microbiologically active organic amendment, contributes substantially to improving soil microbial functions. Therefore, this study developed a novel superabsorbent polymer reinforced with vermicompost and biochar (VB-SAP) and further investigated its effects on metabolic pathways associated with enhanced S. cannabina stress resistance in severely saline-alkali soils. The results showed that VB-SAPs significantly increased soil water and organic matter contents by 10.9% and 38.7% (p < 0.05), respectively, and decreased topsoil salinity of saline soils by 44.9% (p < 0.05). The application of VB-SAP altered the soil bacterial community structure and increased the complexity of the bacterial co-occurrence network, specifically enriching members of the phylum Pseudomonadota, which are widely recognized as common plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Moreover, VB-SAPs significantly upregulated root-associated salt tolerance genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and arginine–proline pathways, thereby enhancing root biomass accumulation, nutrient uptake, and shoot growth of S. cannabina. Collectively, these findings reveal that the new type of superabsorbent polymer reinforced with vermicompost and biochar may enhance the salt tolerance and growth of S. cannabina by reshaping the rhizosphere microenvironment, including reducing soil salinity, increasing soil water and organic matter contents, and promoting beneficial bacteria in severely saline-alkali soil, thereby providing novel strategies for the integrated improvement of saline soils. Full article

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) has emerged as an ecological intensification strategy capable of enhancing nutrient utilization and improving environmental stability in mariculture systems, yet the microbial mechanisms driving nutrient transformations remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated how culture mode (IMTA vs. monoculture) shape water quality, sediment microbial communities, and nutrient cycling processes in a shrimp–sea urchin system by combining water-quality monitoring, nutrient analysis, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, and redundancy analysis. IMTA significantly increased turbidity, chlorophyll-a, phosphate, ammonium, and nitrite compared with monoculture, while physico-chemical parameters remained stable. Sediment microbiota in IMTA exhibited substantially higher alpha diversity and showed a clear compositional separation from monoculture communities. At the genus level, IMTA sediments were enriched in Vibrio, Motilimonas, and Ruegeria, distinguishing them from monoculture systems. At the phylum level, IMTA was characterized by increased abundances of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, accompanied by a marked decline in Spirochaetota. Functional predictions indicated that microbial communities were predominantly characterized by pathways related to amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as nutrient remineralization. RDA and correlation analyses further identified turbidity, chlorophyll-a, phosphate, ammonium, and nitrite as the principal drivers of microbial divergence. Overall, the findings demonstrate that IMTA reshapes sediment microbial communities toward more efficient nutrient-processing assemblages, thereby promoting active nitrogen and phosphorus transformations and improving biogeochemical functioning relative to monoculture. These results provide mechanistic insight into how IMTA supports nutrient recycling and environmental sustainability in modern mariculture systems. Full article

Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals which also entails intestinal dysbiosis. This hallmark microbial imbalance provides a rationale for exploring interventions that could modulate the gut ecosystem. Cocoa is a bioactive food rich in polyphenols, theobromine, and fiber, compounds known to have an influence on both immune function and gut microbiota composition. Here, we investigated the effects of cocoa supplementation on the gut microbial profile and predicted functionality in DQ8-D^d-villin-IL-15tg mice, genetically predisposed to CeD. Animals were assigned to a reference group receiving a gluten-free diet (GFD), a gluten-containing diet group (GLI), or the latter supplemented with defatted cocoa (GLI + COCOA) for 25 days. The cecal microbiota was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing, and functional pathways were inferred using PICRUSt2. Goblet cell counts and CeD-relevant autoantibodies were measured and correlated with microbial taxa. Cocoa supplementation partially attenuated gluten-induced dysbiosis, preserving beneficial taxa such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus species while reducing opportunistic and pro-inflammatory bacteria. Functional predictions suggested differences in the predicted microbial metabolic potential related to amino acid, vitamin, and phenolic compound metabolism. Cocoa also mitigated goblet cell loss and was inversely associated with anti-gliadin IgA levels. These findings suggest that cocoa, as an adjuvant to a GFD, could be of help in maintaining microbial homeostasis and intestinal health in CeD, supporting further studies to assess its translational potential. Full article

Plant-based fermented foods are increasingly promoted for glycemic control, yet their mechanisms and clinical impact remain incompletely defined. This narrative review synthesizes mechanistic, preclinical, and human data for key matrices—kimchi and other fermented vegetables, tempeh/miso/natto, and related legume ferments, kombucha and fermented teas, plant-based kefir, and cereal/pulse sourdoughs. Across these systems, microbial β-glucosidases, esterases, tannases, and phenolic-acid decarboxylases remodel polyphenols toward more bioaccessible aglycones and phenolic acids, while lactic and acetic fermentations generate organic acids, exopolysaccharides, bacterial cellulose, γ-polyglutamic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bioactive peptides. We map these postbiotic signatures onto proximal mechanisms—α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibition, viscosity-driven slowing of starch digestion, gastric emptying and incretin signaling, intestinal-barrier reinforcement, and microbiota-dependent short-chain–fatty-acid and bile-acid pathways—and their downstream effects on AMPK/Nrf2 signaling and the gut–liver axis. Animal models consistently show improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and hepatic steatosis under fermented vs. non-fermented diets. In humans, however, glycemic effects are modest and highly context-dependent: The most robust signal is early postprandial attenuation with γ-PGA-rich natto, strongly acidified or low-glycemic sourdough breads, and selected kombucha formulations, particularly in individuals with impaired glucose regulation. We identify major sources of heterogeneity (starters, process parameters, substrates, background diet) and safety considerations (sodium, ethanol, gastrointestinal symptoms) and propose minimum reporting standards and trial designs integrating metabolomics, microbiome, and host-omics. Overall, plant-based ferments appear best positioned as adjuncts within cardiometabolic dietary patterns and as candidates for “purpose-built” postbiotic products targeting early glycemic excursions and broader metabolic risk. Full article

In this study, the effects of electric-field intensity on N transformation during aerobic composting of biochar/pig manure were investigated. Four experimental groups were established under different applied voltages: 0 V (Group CK); 2 V (Group L); 4 V (Group M); and 5 V (Group H). The physicochemical properties of compost, as well as the nitrogen content and its existing forms in the compost, were systematically analyzed. The underlying mechanisms were further explored from the microscopic perspective by analyzing the pore structure of biochar and the microbial diversity in compost. The results showed that the total nitrogen content in compost increased by 5.66–20.87% with the application of the electric field. Cumulative NH₃ emissions decreased by 37.43%, 31.35%, and 40.95% in groups L, M, and H, respectively, while the NO₂ content decreased by 40.73%, 87.93%, and 94.44%, respectively, reducing the N losses during composting. The electric field significantly promoted the migration of nutrients from the compost to the surface of cotton stalk biochar. It also enhanced the microporous structure and adsorption capacity of cotton stalk biochar, thereby facilitating interfacial deposition and N immobilization. The amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene further revealed that Ruminofilibacter, norank_f_MWH-CFBk5, and HN-HF0106 were the key bacterial genera affecting the gas emissions during aerobic composting. Among them, Ruminofilibacter and HN-HF0106 promoted the emission of N₂O, while norank_f_MWH-CFBk5 and Planktosalinus reduced NH₃ emission. This finding indicates that the electric field regulated N transformation and promoted N retention in compost by inhibiting the reproduction of denitrifying bacteria and increasing the abundance of nitrifying and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This study confirms that electric field and biochar synergistically affect the nitrogen immobilization and waste resource utilization by optimizing the metabolic pathways of microorganisms and the structural characteristics of biochar. Full article

Acetyl phosphate (AcP) is a microbial metabolite acting as a link between cell metabolism and signaling, providing the survival of bacteria in the host. AcP was also identified as an intermediate of pyruvate oxidation in mammalian mitochondria and was found in the human blood in some severe pathologies. The possible contribution of circulating AcP to the maintenance of the physiological or pathological states of the body has not been studied. Since AcP can function as a donor of phosphate groups, we have examined in vitro the influence of AcP on calcium signaling in mitochondria and cells by measuring the membrane potential and the calcium retention capacity of mitochondria by selective electrodes and by assaying the cell calcium signaling by Fura-2AM fluorescent radiometry. AcP was shown to induce a concentration-dependent increase in the mitochondrial resistance to calcium ion loading both in the control and in the presence of ADP. This effect was especially pronounced when mitochondria were incubated in a phosphate-free medium; under these conditions, AcP strongly raised the membrane potential and increased the rate of calcium uptake and the calcium retention capacity several times. Moreover, AcP induced similar changes in human cells when calcium signaling was activated by ATP, to a greater extent in neuroblastoma cells than in astrocytes. In the presence of AcP, a tendency for an increase in the amplitude and a decrease in the continuance of the ATP-induced calcium response was observed. These changes are probably associated with the activation of calcium buffering by mitochondria due to the delivery of phosphate during the hydrolysis of AcP. The results show that AcP is involved in the regulation of the Ca²⁺ balance in cells by activating the accumulation of calcium ions by mitochondria, especially under phosphate deficiency. A shift in calcium signaling mediated by AcP supplementation may be caused by hyperphosphatemia, which is now considered as one of basic contributors to cellular dysfunction and progression of various diseases, including sepsis. Full article

Diet plays a pivotal role in shaping the gut microbiota, influencing host physiology, immune function, and nutrient metabolism. In this study, we evaluated the impact of three distinct feeding systems—Forage only, Balanced feed only, and Mixed system—on the cecal microbiota of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in a randomized allocation of 18 males across the three diets (n = 6 per group) over 7 weeks. A total of 2,135,852 high-quality reads were obtained, with rarefaction curves and Good’s coverage confirming sufficient sequencing depth. Alpha diversity indices revealed significantly higher microbial richness and evenness in the mixed group, while beta diversity analyses demonstrated distinct microbial community structures across diets. Taxonomic profiling showed that forage-based diets enriched fiber-degrading genera such as Fibrobacter and Treponema, whereas the Balanced feed group favored mucin- and protein-degrading bacteria like Akkermansia and Bacteroides. LEfSe and t-test analyses identified several biomarkers and diet-specific genera, suggesting functional divergence in microbial metabolism. Forage-fed animals showed microbiota associated with short-chain fatty acid production and enhanced fiber utilization, while the Balanced feed group showed microbial traits linked to mucin degradation and potential gut barrier disruption. These findings highlight the strong influence of dietary composition on gut microbial ecology and suggest that fiber-rich diets promote a more diverse and functionally beneficial cecal microbiome in guinea pigs. Full article

Groundwater microbial communities exhibit pronounced vertical and spatial structuring driven by physicochemical gradients. Here, we investigated microbial assemblages across surface and subsurface layers of three groundwater wells distributed along a 1.26 km transect in the Wadi Awja aquifer system (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Across all samples, Pseudomonadota (Proteobacteria) dominated community composition, accounting for ~50–65% of surface assemblages and increasing to ~90% in deeper strata, indicating strong vertical selection. This depth-associated enrichment coincided with reduced community evenness and the prevalence of metabolically versatile, facultatively anaerobic taxa. Although Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota, and Planctomycetota contributed substantially to overall diversity, their relative abundances declined with depth, reinforcing the dominance of Proteobacteria under suboxic conditions. Notably, members of Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Escherichia spp., were consistently enriched in deeper layers, coinciding with simplified community structures. Collectively, these results demonstrate that groundwater microbial communities undergo sharp redox-associated ecological transitions over short spatial scales, emphasizing the role of localized hydrogeochemical heterogeneity in shaping subsurface microbial assemblages. Full article