Search Results (8,581)

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a gut-based idiopathic disease characterized by chronic and relapsing inflammatory progression and intricate pathophysiology. It is now known that the key etiologies of IBD include immune dysregulation, imbalances in the gut microbiota, and metabolic disruptions. Probiotics are now the potential treatment for IBD, due to their ability to regulate the host immune system and microbiota of the gut. Methods: The current study analytically tested the preventive benefit of Bacillus licheniformis BL-01 on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and also expounded on its molecular pathogenesis. Results: Our results demonstrate that supplementation with BL-01 effectively mitigates DSS-induced weight loss, an elevated disease activity index (DAI), and colonic tissue injury in mice. Concomitantly, BL-01 rectifies dysregulated inflammatory cytokine profiles, attenuates oxidative stress, and restores the expression of colonic tight junction proteins as well as the number of goblet cells. Furthermore, BL-01 modulates the gut microbiota diversity by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacterial genera such as Duncaniella and decreasing the abundance of pathogenic genera such as Helicobacter. Notably, BL-01 restores DSS-induced microbial metabolic dysregulation, modulates key metabolic pathways including arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis, and regulates associated metabolites to ameliorate UC. Finally, Bacillus licheniformis BL-01 mitigates oxidative stress, reverses gut dysbiosis and metabolic disorders, and has a protective effect on UC. Conclusions: The findings give new information on the development of probiotic-based therapeutics in the prevention and treatment of IBD. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lowering crude protein (CP) levels in the diet of dairy cows alone or in combination with a yeast probiotic on nitrogen utilization, digestion, and rumen microbial protein synthesis. In total, six cows were included in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Each study period consisted of 23 days of diet adaptation and 5 days for sampling and data collection. Cows were randomly assigned to one of the three diets according to protein level and supplementation: control diet with 16.5 CP%DM (CTR), a diet with 14.5 CP%DM without Actisaf Sc 47 supplementation (LCP), and a diet with 14.5 CP%DM with Actisaf Sc 47 supplementation at 5 g/cow/day (LCPActisaf). Reducing protein content from 16.5 to 14.5 CP%DM alone or in combination with Actisaf Sc 47 significantly reduced nitrogen intake. Regarding fecal nitrogen (FN), no difference was observed between the CTR and LCP groups. However, FN was significantly lower in the LCPActisaf group compared with that of the CTR group. There was a tendency for lower FN in the LCPActisaf group compared with the LCP group. Compared with CTR, urinary nitrogen (UN) was not impacted by LCP but tended to decrease with LCPActisaf (p = 0.1). Compared with CTR and LCP, supplementation with Actisaf Sc 47 increased nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) (p < 0.05). A tendency for higher NUE was observed in the LCP group compared with the CTR group (p = 0.07). Crude protein digestibility was similar between the CTR and LCP groups and tended to increase with Actisaf Sc 47 supplementation. Compared with CTR, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility was not impacted by LCP but increased by LCPActisaf (p = 0.05); LCPActisaf did not impact NDF digestibility compared with LCP. Organic matter (OM) digestibility was similar among treatments. Although there was no difference between the three groups on rumen microbial protein synthesis (RMP), supplementation with Actisaf Sc 47 increased RMP. Reducing protein content in combination with Actisaf Sc 47 appears to be a good strategy, enabling both the environmental footprint linked to nitrogen losses to be reduced, and fiber digestibility and rumen microbial protein synthesis to increase. Full article

Metabolic diseases are strongly associated with chronic systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which disrupt the microbiota–gut–brain (MGB) axis and promote neuroinflammation. Dysbiosis favors the release of proinflammatory metabolites, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), increasing intestinal permeability and triggering systemic immune responses that reach the central nervous system (CNS) through a weakened blood–brain barrier (BBB). This review summarizes current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking the MGB axis, metabolic disorders, and neuroinflammation, as well as the therapeutic potential of antioxidants. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect and included original research articles, reviews, clinical trials, and meta-analyses related to microbiota, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant interventions. Evidence indicates that dysbiosis exacerbates metabolic dysfunction by activating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathways, while excessive ROS production impairs mitochondrial function, neuronal survival, and cognitive processes. Antioxidant strategies, including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, vitamins C and E, and probiotics, can restore microbial diversity, reinforce intestinal and BBB integrity, and modulate oxidative and inflammatory signaling. In conclusion, supplements and bacteria with antioxidant properties show promising therapeutic effects by targeting oxidative stress mechanisms involved in metabolic diseases and their pathological consequences, such as dysbiosis and neuroinflammation. Full article

The human gut microbiota represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms that play a fundamental role in maintaining physiological homeostasis, regulating metabolism, and modulating the immune system. This narrative review explores the biochemical intricacies of the gut microbiome, focusing on the dominant phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Fusobacteria) and their specific contributions to host health. A critical emphasis is placed on the metabolic outputs of these microorganisms, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which serve as vital energy sources and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules. Conversely, the review examines how dysbiosis, the disruption of microbial balance, is mechanistically linked to the pathogenesis of diverse conditions, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gout. Furthermore, it highlights the profound impact of dietary interventions on microbial architecture, notably, how non-digestible carbohydrates promote beneficial taxa and eubiosis, while high-fat and high-sugar diets drive metabolic endotoxemia and systemic inflammation. By synthesizing current knowledge on microbial biotransformations of proteins and polyphenols, this work underscores the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and the microbiome. Ultimately, understanding these biochemical interactions is essential for developing targeted probiotic, prebiotic, and nutritional strategies to prevent and manage chronic metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: The human gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic and interactive micro-ecosystem, with its distinct microbial population residing in the gut. The healthy condition of the gut is integrated into the normal functioning of all physiological activities. The gut microbiome is critical for the functioning of metabolism via several gut-axis connections with different systems in the human body; thus, it affects the status of health and general well-being. The fundamental physiology and homeostatic shifts are associated with specific diseases caused by a disrupted balance in the diversity of the gut microbiome, which could be due to a condition of dysbiosis in a host, instigated by several reasons. Some studies have been conducted on the selective isolation of probiotic species from dairy and other food sources to obtain effective probiotic strains, which have been studied and used by dietary intake strategies to restore gut microbial diversity, which is disturbed by some disease/s. Methods: Our search strategy included specific keywords—gut, microbiota, microbiome, disease, dysbiosis, probiotic bacteria and yeast—and was based on a timeframe of 15 years in the web-based electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Among the few hundred results, a secondary screening was conducted to select references on probiotics studied for disease management with preclinical evidence and some reports on clinically validated outcomes; we excluded the search results for screening fermented foods for taxonomy studies of isolated probiotics. Results: The summarised information using two figures and two tables has been presented in this article from the review of 137 selected references: >75% have been published in the last 10 years. Conclusions: Further advances in modelling and analysis of the gut microbiota are required to understand their influence on the occurrence of certain diseases; this approach will allow us to establish research strategies for filling knowledge gaps, inconsistencies in clinical evidence, or limitations in translating probiotic effects from experimental models to humans. Full article

Objectives: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common disease in the neonatal period. In this meta-analysis, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant drugs combined with phototherapy in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before September 2025 were searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. A Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis was performed to calculate mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Interventions were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) and probability of being the best treatment (PbBT). Results: Thirty-five RCTs involving 4060 neonates were included. Compared with phototherapy alone, clofibrate, ursodeoxycholic acid, fenofibrate, and calcium phosphate significantly reduced bilirubin levels and shortened admission duration. Clofibrate showed the greatest efficacy in bilirubin reduction within 48 h (SUCRA = 0.91, PbBT = 60.9%) and in shortening hospitalization (SUCRA = 0.84, PbBT = 40.83%). Probiotics, zinc, and agar exhibited relatively modest effects, while phenobarbital showed no significant benefit. Conclusions: Adjunctive therapies were associated with greater reductions in bilirubin levels compared with phototherapy alone. Future high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of these adjuvant therapies. Full article

Fermented foods and probiotics represent complementary yet distinct components of human nutrition. Fermented foods are shaped by biochemical transformations driven by microbial metabolism, whereas probiotics are live microorganisms that may confer health benefits to the host. In both cases, bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi mediate key metabolic activities that generate bioactive compounds and modulate host–microbiota interactions. During fermentation, microbial communities synthesize organic acids, peptides, exopolysaccharides, vitamins, and other metabolites that enhance food safety, sensory attributes, and potential health-promoting properties. Several microbial products, such as bacteriocins, reuterin, hydroxylated fatty acids, and exopolysaccharides, exhibit antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering activities. Advancing our understanding of microbial metabolism in fermented foods is essential for developing next-generation functional foods and nutraceuticals that leverage microbial biotransformations to support human health. Nonetheless, multiple challenges limit the translation of these advances into commercial products. Inadequately controlled fermentation may introduce microbiological or chemical hazards, regulatory frameworks governing microbial use in foods remain insufficiently defined, and standardized procedures for microbial strain handling and characterization are still lacking. This narrative review integrates current evidence on the nutraceutical properties of fermented foods and probiotics, while also examining the associated safety considerations and the technological factors that influence fermentation processes. Full article

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is primarily driven by disruption of the gut microbiota accompanied by intestinal mucosal injury. Although multiherb formulations are widely used in East Asian medicine, their collective ecological effects and integrated microbiome–host mechanisms have not been systematically synthesized. This systematic review included 17 preclinical studies that investigated multiherbal formulations in AAD models. Given the substantial heterogeneity in the formulation composition, experimental design, and analytical platforms, a descriptive synthesis was performed. The included formulations were categorized into four clusters based on their shared herbal composition: Qiwei Baizhu San (QWBZP), Lizhong Tang (LZT), Gegen Qinlian Tang (GQT), and other supportive multiherbal formulations. The cluster-based synthesis revealed distinct convergent therapeutic strategies. The QWBZP and LZT clusters primarily supported the restoration of host metabolic and digestive functions, whereas the GQT cluster exhibited potent pathogen control effects with the suppression of opportunistic taxa. Across all clusters, a convergent microbiome–host response emerged, characterized by enrichment of commensal bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus), upregulation of tight junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1, occludin), and attenuation of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, myeloperoxidase). Multiherb formulations in AAD models not only act as microbial modulators but also function as host-directed modulators that stabilize the intestinal homeostatic niche. Botanical interventions may facilitate endogenous microbiome recovery by reinforcing mucosal integrity and reducing environmental resistance. This ecological framework provides a rationale for future translational studies evaluating integrated herbal–probiotic strategies and precise microbiome management for patients with AAD, while further clinical validation is warranted. Full article

Probiotics are commonly applied to maintain the balance of gut microbiota and regulate the intestinal metabolic function of companion animals. In the present study, complex probiotics (Bacillus coagulans SNZ-1969, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis) were added into the basal diet of domestic cats to investigate their influence on the intestinal microbiome and metabolic characteristics. Results revealed that the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota in the probiotic group was enhanced when compared to the control group. The beta diversity of the gut microbiota was also altered by the oral consumption of the complex probiotics. Compared to the control group, the relative abundance of beneficial microbes (such as Clostridium, Bacteroides, Phocaeicola, and Ruminococcus) in the probiotic group was enhanced, while the relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens (such as Escherichia, Gallibacter, Corynebacterium) was decreased. Additionally, the intestinal metabolic characteristics of domestic cats were also changed. The metabolomic analysis identified 408 differential metabolites between the two groups, and the KEGG function pathway analysis proved that the dominant pathway related to the differential metabolites were the amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, endocrine system, digestive system, immune system, and other metabolic pathways. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that the beneficial microbes had positive correlations with the differential metabolites. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that oral administration of complex probiotics could regulate overall health and well-being in domestic cats through modulating the gut microbiome and metabolic characteristics. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease influenced by several factors, including immune system imbalance, impairment of the epidermal barrier, and alterations in the composition of the gut and skin bacterial and fungal microbiota. This study combines metagenomic sequencing and culture-based methods to explore the impact of probiotic supplementation on the cutaneous microbiota and mycobiota of AD patients. Twenty-five adults diagnosed with AD were enrolled, and skin swabs were analyzed to characterize microbial diversity and load. Culturomic analyses identified 42 bacterial and 6 fungal species, confirming Staphylococcus aureus and Candida parapsilosis as predominant taxa. High-throughput sequencing revealed Staphylococcus spp. and Malassezia spp. as dominant genera, with notable interindividual variability. While probiotic use did not significantly influence bacterial diversity, it was associated with higher richness and evenness in fungal communities, as shown by alpha and beta diversity metrics. Malassezia restricta was more prevalent among probiotic users, whereas Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were enriched in non-users. These findings indicate an association between probiotic use and differences in the composition and diversity of the skin mycobiota compared with the bacterial microbiota, suggesting that fungal communities may be more responsive to probiotic-associated factors. Integrating metagenomic and culturomic approaches offers valuable insights into the complex interactions among host factors, microbial communities, and probiotic use in AD, paving the way for targeted microbiome-based therapeutic strategies. Full article

RNA interference (RNAi) provides a sequence-specific strategy for pest management, but efficient and stable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery remains a key challenge. Here, we established a plant-probiotic-based gene silencing system using the endophytic fungus Fusarium commune G3-29 as a dsRNA delivery vector against western flower thrips (WFTs, Frankliniella occidentalis). Recombinant G3-29 strains expressing dsRNA targeting the essential WFT genes ACT and SNF were constructed and confirmed to colonize kidney bean leaves without pathogenicity. Bioassays showed that feeding on leaves colonized by dsRNA-expressing G3-29 significantly decreased survival and downregulated target gene expression in both WFT larvae and adults. Within 4 days, survival of both larvae and adults fell below 10%. In larvae, target gene expression decreased by 63% (ACT) and 33% (SNF), while in adults, reductions of 74% (ACT) and 65% (SNF) were observed. In contrast, in vitro-synthesized dsRNA failed to induce significant gene silencing or mortality in larvae, and its control efficacy against adults was also inferior to that of endophytic fungus-mediated dsRNA delivery. Our findings establish endophytic fungus F. commune G3-29 as an effective and sustainable dsRNA delivery vehicle for RNAi-based pest control, offering distinct advantages over existing strategies such as HIGS and SIGS. This approach provides a promising new direction for managing WFTs and other insect pests. Full article

This study compared the effects of dietary Lactobacillus plantarum (Lpl) and selenium-enriched L. plantarum (Lpl_se) on the growth, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of juvenile largemouth bass (initial weight 12.50 ± 0.81 g). Following a 58-day trial in an indoor rearing system, data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test. Results showed that both Lpl and Lpl_se significantly improved growth versus the control (Weight Gain Rate: 379.82% and 387.18% vs. 326.56%; p < 0.05). Both supplements significantly elevated hepatic antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.05). Notably, these macroscopic parameters showed no statistical differences between the two probiotic treatments. However, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed distinct metabolic strategies. While both treatments enriched intestinal Lactobacillus, Lpl_se uniquely upregulated energy-harvesting and synthetic pathways (glycolysis and lysine biosynthesis), corroborated by increased intestinal glycogen synthase activity. In conclusion, while selenium enrichment did not further improve macroscopic growth statistically, it differentially modulated the intestinal functional profile towards enhanced carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, presenting an alternative host nutrient assimilation strategy. Full article

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis/late-onset sepsis (LOS) are significant contributors to preterm infant morbidity and mortality, with prematurity and low birth weight representing major risk factors for these interconnected conditions. Although the pathogenesis of NEC and LOS is not fully understood, there is a clear association with an immature intestinal mucosal barrier, which may enable bacterial invasion and translocation, resulting in an inflammatory cascade. Increasing recognition of the gut microbiome as a marker for health and disease has driven interest in probiotics, particularly Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., as potential adjunctive agents for the prevention and management of NEC and LOS in preterm infants, which is the area of focus of this review. The focus of this paper was to analyze clinical studies using different probiotic strains, and compare single-strain versus multi-strain probiotic formulations. Several studies support that probiotic supplementation in preterm infants has the potential to decrease NEC incidence and, to a lesser extent, sepsis/LOS. Nonetheless, inconsistent results due to strain differences and clinical heterogeneity limit the widespread adoption of this mode of therapy, as do safety concerns in this vulnerable population. Further high-quality standardized studies are necessary to establish consistent guidelines for probiotic use in preterm infants. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis driven by skin barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and gut–skin axis imbalance. While probiotics show promise, the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of topical postbiotics in modulating the gut–skin axis remain understudied. Here, we investigated the efficacy of Schleiferilactobacillus harbinensis JNDM-derived cell-free supernatant (CFS) and lysate (ShL) in a DNFB-induced AD mouse model. Topical application of both CFS and ShL significantly attenuated AD-like symptoms, reduced epidermal thickening, and restored the expression of the barrier protein filaggrin. Immunologically, treatment suppressed the Th2-dominant inflammatory cascade (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, TSLP) and reduced serum IgE and IFN-γ levels. Notably, ShL exhibited superior systemic efficacy, significantly inhibiting mast cell infiltration and reducing the spleen index. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that topical intervention remotely remodeled the gut microbiota, specifically reversing the depletion of the beneficial genus Alistipes and suppressing the compensatory increase in Odoribacter. This microbial restructuring was accompanied by distinct metabolic changes: ShL treatment resulted in an approximately 4-fold elevation in fecal butyrate concentrations compared with the model group. Correlation analysis further validated a strong positive axis linking Alistipes abundance and butyrate levels to skin barrier integrity. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that S. harbinensis postbiotics—particularly the lysate—ameliorate AD through a dual mechanism of local barrier repair and systemic metabolic modulation via the gut–skin axis, presenting a promising non-steroidal therapeutic strategy. Full article

Postprandial lipemia and glycemia are associated with nutrition-dependent diseases and cardiovascular risks, while antioxidant capacity affects blood circulation and inflammatory biomarkers. This study investigated the impact of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus OLXAL-1 and antioxidant intake on the above metabolic states in a randomized crossover design with three arms. Twenty-two healthy participants consumed meals consisting of bread, butter, and yogurt products (placebo or enriched with probiotics (intervention I)) or enriched with probiotics and antioxidants (intervention II). Blood samples were collected before and 30, 90, and 180 min after meal consumption, and biomarkers of lipemia, glycemia, and antioxidant status were examined. However, plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly greater in the combined intervention group compared to placebo (p = 0.04), with an increase of 0.24 mmol/L at 1.5 h postprandially; this effect was time-dependent (p = 0.025). In summary, the coexistence of antioxidants and probiotics showed limited acute effects on metabolic outcomes, with an increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity observed when probiotics and antioxidants were combined, while no significant changes were detected in the remaining biomarkers across intervention groups. Full article