Search Results (187)

Background: The global livestock industry faces pressure to reduce antimicrobial usage while maintaining animal health and productivity. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenics, essential oils, organic acids, and enzymes have emerged as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Commercial success depends on consumer acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for products from animals raised using these approaches. Objective: This systematic review synthesized peer-reviewed literature examining consumer knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and WTP toward animal products produced using NPIs or marketed as antibiotic-free (ABF) to identify a critical gap in existing research. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published from January 2020 to December 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed original research examining consumer perspectives toward NPIs or antibiotic-free (ABF) animal products. Narrative synthesis was employed due to study heterogeneity. Results: From 847 records, 15 studies met inclusion criteria. A critical finding was that virtually no peer-reviewed research directly examines consumer perceptions of specific NPIs such as probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenics, organic acids, or enzymes as feed additives. The included studies predominantly examined ABF production generally (60%) without specifying alternatives employed. Europe accounted for 80% of studies, while Asia accounted for 20%. Consumer awareness of agricultural antibiotic use was consistently low across contexts. Attitudes toward ABF products were favorable with one study reporting WTP premiums of 18–20%. Health consciousness was the strongest predictor of acceptance. Conclusions: The review highlights that while substantial literature exists on ABF products, no studies examine consumer perceptions of specific non-pharmaceutical interventions. Future research should investigate consumer responses to intervention specific labeling and communication strategies. Full article

The interplay between the oral and gut microbiota and systemic health has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly concerning hematological malignancies. Multiple myeloma and other hematological cancers are characterized by immune dysfunction, creating a bidirectional relationship with microbial communities. Dysbiosis, defined as an imbalance in microbial composition, may influence disease progression, treatment response, and overall prognosis. This narrative review is based on a non-systematic search of PubMed and Scopus (2010–2024) using terms related to oral microbiota, gut microbiota, dysbiosis, hematological malignancies, multiple myeloma, immune modulation, and treatment-related complications. Studies were selected for relevance to pathogenesis, immune regulation, clinical implications, and therapeutic interactions. As this is a narrative review, no quantitative synthesis or formal grading of evidence strength was performed; findings are therefore interpreted qualitatively based on the available literature. The role of microbial-derived metabolites, their effects on immune modulation, and their potential as biomarkers for disease and treatment outcomes have been explored. Specific attention is given to the implications of dysbiosis in chemotherapy-induced complications, such as mucositis and infections, and emerging therapeutic strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Additionally, the influence of anticancer therapies on microbial ecosystems has been highlighted and the bidirectional impact of host–microbe interactions in shaping disease trajectory has been discussed. Understanding these complex interactions could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This review aims to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and future perspectives on the role of oral and gut microbiota in the context of hematological malignancies. Full article

Boron (B) remains one of the least understood trace elements in human nutrition. Traditionally regarded as non-essential, its biological role has been reevaluated in light of emerging microbiome research. We provide a narrative synthesis of mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical studies to assess whether the colonic actions of B meet accepted criteria for nutritional essentiality. This review revisits B bioavailability through a dual-pathway framework distinguishing plasma-accessible boron (PAB)—small, fully absorbable species with transient systemic effects—from microbiota-accessible boron complexes (MABCs)—indigestible conjugates that reach the colon intact. Evidence indicates that PAB exerts short-term metabolic modulation, whereas MABCs act as prebiotic cofactors that stabilize microbial quorum sensing (autoinducer-2–borate; AI-2B), reinforce the colonic mucus barrier through borate–diol crosslinking, and support host–microbiota symbiosis. Deficiency or low intake of MABCs leads to dysbiosis, barrier fragility, and low-grade inflammation along gut–organ axes—effects reversible by MABC-rich diets. Analytical and clinical tools are proposed to discriminate between PAB and MABC pathways, including fecal B/speciation, AI-2B assays, and mucus-penetration markers. Recognizing B’s essentiality as a microbiota-dependent nutrient reframes its nutritional assessment, guiding future dietary guidelines and prebiotic design toward the microbiome–mucus interface. Full article

A multifaceted clinical disease, heart failure (HF) is typified by decreased cardiac function and systemic symptoms caused by anatomical or functional abnormalities in the heart. Although traditional studies have concentrated on hemodynamic and neurohormonal processes, new data highlight the vital role that the gut microbiota and its byproducts play in the pathogenesis of HF. An imbalance in the microbial structure known as gut dysbiosis is common in HF patients and is linked to increased gut permeability, systemic inflammation, and changed bioactive metabolite synthesis. Prominent metabolites generated by the microbiota, including phenylacetylglutamine, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secondary bile acids, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), have a major impact on endothelial function, cardiac remodeling, and inflammation. Together with gut-derived lipopolysaccharides, these metabolites interact with host systems to exacerbate the course of HF. Further impacting HF outcomes are comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, and chronic renal disease, which intensify gut dysbiosis. The importance of metabolites originating from the microbiota in the progression of HF is highlighted in this review, which summarizes recent findings regarding the gut-heart axis. Additionally, it investigates how dietary changes, probiotics, prebiotics, and multi-omics techniques can all be used to improve the management of HF. This thorough analysis emphasizes the necessity of integrative therapy approaches and longitudinal research to better address the complex link between HF and the gut microbiota. Full article

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are highly effective in the management of obesity; however, their efficacy and tolerability may be further optimized through complementary nutritional strategies. Such interventions may address key challenges associated with GLP-1RA therapy, including gastrointestinal adverse effects, lean mass loss, and reduced long-term adherence leading to weight regain. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies indicates that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may enhance the metabolic benefits of GLP-1RAs and attenuate lean mass loss, primarily via anti-inflammatory pathways and modulation of protein synthesis. Synergistic effects have also been reported with other bioactive compounds—such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which improve metabolic outcomes; probiotics and prebiotics, which may alleviate gastrointestinal intolerance; and high-quality protein sources, which support body composition preservation. Collectively, these findings suggest that nutritional adjuncts may complement GLP-1RA therapies through convergent physiological mechanisms, including the regulation of inflammation, gut microbiome composition, and cellular metabolism. While current data highlight the promise of integrated pharmaco-nutritional strategies as adjuncts to GLP-1-based obesity therapy, further randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the most effective interventions and protocols. Full article

There is an urgent need to evaluate the toxicity of xenobiotics and environmental mixtures for preventing loss in water quality for the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. A simple prebiotic chemical pathway based on malate formation from pyruvate (pyr) and glyoxalate (glyox) is proposed as a quick and cheap screening tool for toxicity assessment. The assay is based on the pyr and glyox (aldol) condensation reactions, leading to biologically relevant precursors such as oxaloacetate and malate. Incubation of pyr and glyox at 40–70 °C in the presence of reduced iron Fe(II) led to malate formation following the first 3 h of incubation. The addition of various xenobiotics/contaminants (silver, copper, zinc, cerium IV, samarium III, dibutylphthalate, 1,3-diphenylguanidine, carbon-walled nanotube, nanoFe₂O₃ and polystyrene nanoparticles) led to inhibitions in malate synthesis at various degrees. Based on the concentration inhibiting malate concentrations by 20% (IC20), the following potencies were observed: silver < copper ~ 1.3-diphenylguanidine ~ carbon-walled nanotube < zinc ~ samarium < dibutylphthalate ~ samarium < Ce(IV) < nFeO₃ < polystyrene nanoplastics. The IC20 values were also significantly correlated with the reported trout acute lethality data, suggesting its potential as an alternative toxicity test. The pyr-glyox pathway was also tested on surface water extracts (C18), identifying the most contaminated sites from large cities and municipal wastewater effluents dispersion plume. The inhibition potencies of the selected test compounds revealed that not only pro-oxidants but also chemicals hindering enolate formation, nucleophilic attack of carbonyls and dehydration involved in aldol-condensation reactions were associated with toxicity. The pyr-glyox pathway is based on prebiotic chemical reactions during the emergence of life and represents a unique tool for identifying toxic compounds individually and in complex mixtures. Full article

The enzymatic production of prebiotic galactooligosaccharides (GOS), functional food ingredients with established health benefits, remains an active research area driven by a rising global demand for GOS. These oligosaccharides are synthesized from lactose via transgalactosylation catalyzed by β-galactosidase, accompanied by hydrolysis of both substrate and products, and the competition between these reactions critically determines the maximum achievable GOS yield. In this study, β-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae was immobilized on an anion-exchange resin (Dowex Marathon MSA) using three glutaraldehyde-based crosslinking strategies. The resulting immobilized biocatalysts were characterized and evaluated for GOS synthesis, with product yield as the principal performance indicator. The results demonstrated that the immobilized biocatalysts markedly modulated the balance between transgalactosylation and hydrolytic activities. The biocatalyst prepared by simultaneous resin activation and enzyme crosslinking provided the highest GOS yield and operational stability. This biocatalyst was subsequently used to study the effects of lactose concentration, pH, enzyme loading, and temperature. Among these, lactose concentration most strongly influenced GOS yield, whereas the other factors primarily affected the reaction rate. These findings offer practical insights into enzyme immobilization strategies for optimizing GOS production. Full article

Hypertension (HTN) remains a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet the mechanisms linking environmental and metabolic factors to vascular injury are incompletely understood. Recent evidence implicates gut microbiome dysbiosis and microbial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), in the pathogenesis of hypertension and its cardiovascular complications. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to 1 October 2025 for observational studies evaluating gut microbiome composition or circulating TMAO levels in adults with hypertension or related cardiovascular outcomes. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using standardized mean differences (SMD) for alpha diversity indices and hazard ratios (HR) for TMAO-associated major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Heterogeneity (I²), publication bias (Egger’s test), and certainty of evidence (GRADE) were assessed according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO CRD420251162222). A total of 22 studies (n = 24,512 participants) were included, of which 15 were eligible for quantitative synthesis (11 for alpha diversity, 4 for TMAO). Pooled analysis showed significantly lower microbial diversity among hypertensive versus normotensive individuals (SMD = −0.15, 95% CI −0.25 to −0.05; p = 0.004; I² = 35%). Circulating TMAO was associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.42; p < 0.001). Funnel plots were symmetric, and Egger’s test indicated no significant bias (p > 0.3). The certainty of evidence was graded as moderate for microbial diversity and high for TMAO-related outcomes. This meta-analysis provides robust evidence that gut microbiome dysbiosis and elevated TMAO levels are associated with hypertension and heightened cardiovascular risk, supporting the concept of a “gut–vascular axis.” Microbiota-targeted interventions such as high-fiber diets, prebiotics, or TMAO-lowering strategies warrant further investigation as adjunctive tools in precision hypertension management. Full article

The human skin microbiome, defined as a multifaceted ecosystem comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites, plays a pivotal role in maintaining skin homeostasis and regulating immune responses. In recent years, an increasing amount of evidence has illuminated the considerable influence exerted by microbiomes on the pathophysiology of dermatological ailments. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of contemporary findings concerning the microbiome’s role in acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and hair disorders, while also addressing the emerging concept of the gut–skin axis and how it could interfere in these skin disorders. Alterations in microbial composition, referred to as dysbiosis, have been associated with inflammatory processes and barrier dysfunction, thereby contributing to the severity and chronicity of diseases. Distinct microbial profiles have been identified as correlating with specific skin conditions. For instance, variations in Cutibacterium acnes phylotypes have been associated with the development of acne, whereas alterations in Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus species have been linked to the processes of aging and pigmentation patterns. Furthermore, the composition of the microbiome is examined in relation to its impact on cosmetic outcomes. It also engages with increasing interest in the modulation of microbiota through the topical application of bioactive compounds. The incorporation of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics into cosmetic formulations constitutes a novel strategy aimed at enhancing skin health. In the domain of dermatological therapies, postbiotics have emerged as a significant class of substances, particularly due to their remarkable stability, safety, and immunomodulatory properties. These characteristics position them as promising candidates for incorporation into dermatological treatments. Recent studies have underscored the significance of microbiome-informed strategies within the domains of therapeutic and preventive dermatology, emphasizing the potential of such approaches to positively influence patient outcomes. As our understanding of this field continues to evolve, skin microbiomes are poised to emerge as a pivotal area of focus in the realm of personalized skin care and treatment. This development presents novel and innovative approaches for the management of skin conditions, characterized by enhanced specificity and efficacy. Full article

Maintaining the balance between the host and commensal microorganisms is essential for skin health. The disruption of this equilibrium (dysbiosis) can contribute to inflammatory and infectious diseases and accelerate skin aging. Dysbiosis also accompanies skin cancers and may influence their progression. Causes of dysbiosis include exogenous factors such as cosmetics, UV radiation, pollution, and diet, as well as endogenous factors like stress, hormonal imbalances, and aging. Standard antibacterial treatments often eliminate beneficial microbes and may exacerbate conditions. Consequently, there is growing interest in alternative strategies—notably natural plant- and animal-derived products—that can modulate the skin microbiome more selectively and gently. This review presents current knowledge on skin microbiome physiology and dysbiosis and discusses natural compounds and microbiome-based therapies (probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics) that modulate the skin microbiota. Unlike prior reviews, we provide a comparative perspective on emerging compound classes (e.g., peptides, lipids) and integrate the skin–gut axis concept into the framework, highlighting mechanistic insights at molecular and clinical levels. Our synthesis emphasizes distinct modes of action and evidence levels—from in vitro mechanisms to clinical outcomes—and offers guidance for formulation of microbiome-compatible products. Full article

The gut microbiome has emerged as a pivotal player in shaping host immune responses, with significant implications for vaccine efficacy and safety. Rather than detailing all influencing factors, this review focuses on the most critical and translational aspects of microbiome–vaccine interactions. Increasing evidence shows that the composition and functionality of the intestinal microbiota can influence both the magnitude and durability of vaccine-induced immunity. For instance, Bifidobacterium longum supplementation was shown to enhance influenza vaccine seroconversion rates by approximately 30% in clinical and preclinical models, underscoring the translational potential of microbiome modulation. Here, we provide a concise synthesis of mechanistic insights and key clinical findings that connect gut microbial composition and metabolism with vaccine outcomes. We further highlight microbiome-targeted interventions—such as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics—that hold promise for optimizing vaccine responses in diverse populations. By emphasizing actionable evidence over descriptive variability, the review aims to clarify how microbiome modulation can be strategically harnessed to improve vaccine performance. Integrating microbiome modulation into vaccination strategies may enhance global immunization equity and effectiveness, offering a feasible pathway toward more durable and inclusive protection worldwide. Full article

Comets are chemically rich and thermally extreme, spanning surface temperatures from ~50 K in the Oort Cloud to >1000 K for sungrazing bodies. These conditions may support key steps of prebiotic chemistry, including the synthesis of nucleic acid precursors. This study present a thermodynamic evaluation of seven candidate reactions, producing nitrogenous bases, sugars, nucleosides, and nucleotides, across the cometary temperature spectrum, 50–1000 K. Purine nucleobase synthesis, including adenine formation via aminoacetonitrile polymerization and HCN polymerization, is strongly exergonic at all temperatures. Sugar formation from formaldehyde is also exergonic, while intermediate pathways, e.g., 2-aminooxazole synthesis, become thermodynamically viable only above ~700 K. Nucleoside formation is thermodynamically neutral at low T but becomes favorable at elevated temperatures, whereas phosphorylation to AMP, i.e., adenosine-monophosphate, a nucleotide serving as a critical regulator of cellular energy status, remains highly endergonic under the entire T range studied. My analysis suggests that, under standard-state assumptions, comets can thermodynamically support formation routes of nitrogenous bases and simple sugars but not a complete nucleotide assembly. This supports a dual-phase origin scenario, where comets act as molecular reservoirs, with further polymerization and biological activation occurring post-delivery on planetary surfaces. Importantly, these findings represent purely thermodynamic assessments under standard-state assumptions and do not address kinetic barriers, catalytic influences, or adsorption effects on ice or mineral surfaces. The results should therefore be viewed as a baseline map of feasibility, subject to modifications in more complex chemical environments. Full article

Traditional diets based on diverse edible plants are increasingly threatened by climate change, which exposes crops to abiotic and biotic stressors such as drought, soil salinity, UV radiation, microorganisms, and insect herbivory. Understanding how these conditions influence both the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles, as well as the availability of key compounds, is essential to preserve their functional value. Piper auritum Kunth, used in Mexican gastronomy, was selected to assess two abiotic stress scenarios: drought stress (DS) and salicylic acid (SA) to simulate plant defense against pathogens and/or predators. We evaluated proximate composition, dietary fiber, total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, low molecular weight carbohydrates (LMWCs), monomeric composition, and essential oil volatiles. Additionally, the simulated gastrointestinal digestion (INFOGEST) with an additional rat small-intestine extract (RSIE) revealed that both SA and DS shifted sugar distribution, especially for soluble and structural pools. SA treatment correlated with synthesis of secondary metabolites, particularly oxygenated and hydrocarbon terpenes. Both abiotic stressors modulated LMWC release during digestion, altering the distribution of sugars such as raffinose and galacturonic acid, with potential prebiotic implications. Essential oil analysis revealed stress-specific shifts in volatile composition, particularly in safrole, β-caryophyllene, and related terpenes. Beyond individual compound changes, the combined evaluation of composition, antioxidant properties, and volatile profile provides a comprehensive view of how abiotic stress can reshape the functional potential of P. auritum. To our knowledge, this is the first report on LMWC relative abundance across INFOGEST stages for a quelite species and on the integrated effect of DS and SA on its chemical profile. These findings highlight the importance of including compound release and functional traits, alongside chemical characterization, in future assessments of traditional plants under climate-related stress to safeguard their contribution to sustainable diets. Full article

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are a class of prebiotic carbohydrates composed of 2 to 8 galactose units linked together and often terminated with a glucose molecule. GOS have attracted significant attention for their health-promoting properties, including the regulation of gut microbiota, promotion of infant health, immune modulation, laxative effects, and potential metabolic benefits. Widely utilized in functional foods, infant formulas, dairy products, and dietary supplements, GOS occur naturally in human milk and are primarily industrially produced through the enzymatic conversion of lactose. β-Galactosidase is a crucial enzyme in GOS bioproduction, which exhibits dual functions of hydrolysis and transglycosylation. In this investigation, a novel β-galactosidase from Pseudomonas tritici SWRI145 (Pstr β-galactosidase) was characterized. Biochemical characterization revealed that the enzyme exhibits the highest activity at 50 °C and pH 7.5, with a specific activity of 331.9 U/mg against ONPG. Under optimal reaction conditions (40 °C, pH 8.0, 300 g/L lactose, 0.4 mg/mL enzyme), 134.3 g/L GOS were produced, corresponding to 44.8% GOS yield and 80% substrate conversion. LC-MS analysis confirmed that the main products were GOS with degrees of polymerization (DP) ranging from 2 to 4. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a Pseudomonas-derived β-galactosidase with demonstrated GOS synthesis capability, highlighting its potential for industrial application. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly prevalent liver disorder driven by metabolic dysregulation and inflammation. Recent studies highlight the importance of the gut microbiome as a key contributor to this pathology through its ability to ferment dietary sugars into ethanol, a metabolite previously overlooked in MASLD. In this review, we discuss the role of the gut microbiome in MASLD, covering functional and compositional shifts observed in the disease; we dive into the different microbial pathways of ethanol synthesis, hepatic mechanisms of ethanol clearance, and pathological consequences. We also discuss the role of a healthy microbiome in the clearance of ethanol in the gut and how microbiome-based strategies could be beneficial in targeting endogenous production of ethanol, going from the traditional probiotic–prebiotic combination to discussing new approaches. Full article