Search Results (97)

Thirty-two healthy adult dogs (16 males and 16 females) were fed control kibble diets for one month, followed by six months (Weeks 0 to 25) of diets containing either 0, 4, 6, or 8% cultured protein derived from Methylococcus capsulatus (FeedKind Pet^®, FK), then they were fed control diets (0% FK) for a further two months (Weeks 25 to 34). The diets were isonitrogenous, isolipidic, and isocaloric and stage- and age-specific. The dogs were assessed for overall health, weight gain, and body condition score (BCS). Blood samples were collected 1 week prior to randomization, during acclimation, then in Weeks 5, 13, 25, 30, 32, and 34 for hematology, coagulation, and clinical chemistry; urine was collected according to the same time schedule for urinalysis. Feces were assessed for parasite load and presence of occult blood during Weeks 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, and 25. Fecal samples were collected during acclimation and Weeks 25 and 34 for fecal microbiome analysis and in Week 25 for apparent total gastrointestinal tract digestibility (ATTD). All dogs maintained a healthy weight and BCS throughout the study. Hematology parameters were within normal limits at the end of each phase of the study. With the exception of a decrease in serum phosphorus level and in urine pH in all groups at the end of the study, urine and serum chemistry results were within normal limits at the end of each phase. ATTD values for organic matter, protein, and energy exceeded 80%, whilst digestibility values for copper were around 20%. The fecal microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes. Alpha diversity increased during the safety phase before returning to baseline levels during the washout phase. The dominant genera in all groups were Megamonas, Peptoclostridium, Turicibacter, Catenibacterium, Fusobacterium, Romboutsia, and Blautia. The study has shown that the inclusion of cultured protein at up to 8% of the total diet of adult dogs can provide sufficient nutrition and is safe with no long-term effects on a range of health parameters. Full article

Ovarian cancer remains a formidable global health burden, characterized by frequent late-stage diagnosis and elevated mortality rates attributable to its elusive pathogenesis and the critical lack of reliable early-detection biomarkers. Emerging investigations into the gut–vaginal microbiome axis have unveiled novel pathogenic mechanisms and potential diagnostic targets in ovarian carcinogenesis. This comprehensive review systematically examines the compositional alterations in and functional interplay between vaginal and intestinal microbial communities in ovarian cancer patients. We elucidate three principal mechanistic pathways through which microbial dysbiosis may drive oncogenesis: (1) estrogen-mediated metabolic reprogramming via β-glucuronidase activity; (2) chronic activation of pro-inflammatory cascades (particularly NF-κB and STAT3 signaling); (3) epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes through DNA methyltransferase modulation. We propose an integrative diagnostic framework synthesizing multi-omics data—incorporating microbial profiles, metabolic signatures, pathway-specific molecular alterations, established clinical biomarkers, and imaging findings—within a multifactorial etiological paradigm. This innovative approach aims to enhance early-detection accuracy through machine learning-enabled multidimensional pattern recognition. By bridging microbial ecology with tumor biology, this review provides novel perspectives for understanding ovarian cancer etiology and advancing precision oncology strategies through microbiome-targeted diagnostic innovations. Full article

Dinoflagellates significantly contribute to the carbon fixation and microbial loop in the ocean with high ecological diversity. While the microbial communities associated with the HABs of dinoflagellates have attracted intensive attention in recent years, little attention has been paid to the microbiomes associated with resting cysts, an important stage in the life cycle and bloom initiation dynamics of dinoflagellates. Using Scrippsiella acuminata as a representative of cyst producers and cyst-relevant research in dinoflagellates, we surveyed the bacteria and fungi microbiomes long associated with different life cycle stages of the dinoflagellate culture through 16S and ITS rRNA amplicon sequencing, and predicted their possible functions using the PICRUSt2 algorithm. The results found high species diversity of the associated bacteria–fungi microbiomes, and species featured with diverse and flexible metabolic capabilities that have stably co-occurred with the laboratory culture of S. acuminata. The host-attached and the free-living groups of bacteria–fungi microbiomes, as operationally defined in the context, showed significant differences in terms of their nutritional preferences. The bacteria–fungi species diversity and community structure associated with cysts are also distinguished significantly from that with vegetative cells, with the latter attracting more bacteria–fungi species specializing in phosphate solubilization. These results suggest that the relative species abundance and thus the community structure of the host-associated microbiome shift with the transition of life cycle stages and environmental conditions. Our findings show the association tightness between bacteria–fungi microbiomes and dinoflagellate hosts and the different life stages of hosts shaping the bacteria–fungi communities, which result in dynamic and specific interactions between bacteria–fungi microbiomes and their hosts. Full article

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, is a globally significant agricultural pest whose microbiota plays vital roles in its physiology and adaptation. However, the dynamics of bacterial communities across its developmental stages remain poorly understood. This study employed full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the microbiota structure, diversity, and functional potential in nine developmental stages of A. gossypii, including egg, nymph (1-, 3-, 5-, 7-day-old), and adult (1-, 3-, 5-, 7-day-old). Results revealed Proteobacteria (72.75–95.51%) as the dominant phylum across all stages, with Buchnera aphidicola (primary obligate symbiont) constituting over 23.83% of bacterial abundance and peaking in eggs (≈80%). Alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson) indicated significantly higher microbial diversity in nymphs compared to adults, suggesting stage-specific ecological interactions. While beta diversity analysis showed no structural clustering by developmental stage, functional predictions highlighted enrichment in metabolic pathways (>73% of genes), though limitations in 16S-based functional inference were noted. Notably, facultative symbionts like Hamiltonella or Serratia were absent, contrasting with other aphid systems. Dynamic shifts in Buchnera titer and the prominence of Delftia tsuruhatensis and Enterobacter hormaechei implied potential roles in host adaptation. These findings highlight the persistent dominance of the obligate symbiont Buchnera aphidicola across all developmental stages, despite quantitative fluctuations in its abundance, alongside stage-specific shifts in facultative bacterial communities, offering insights into novel targets for microbiome-driven pest management strategies. Further multi-omics approaches are warranted to validate functional contributions of these microbial communities. Full article

Maternal overnutrition and targeted supplements during pregnancy strongly affect fetal development in beef cattle, influencing gene expression, tissue development, and productivity after birth. As modern feeding practices often result in cows receiving energy and protein above requirements, understanding the balance between adequate nutrition and overconditioning is critical for sustainable beef production. This review synthesizes findings from recent studies on maternal overnutrition and supplementation, focusing on macronutrients (energy, protein, methionine) and key micronutrients (e.g., selenium, zinc). It evaluates the timing and impact of supplementation during different gestational stages, with emphasis on fetal muscle and adipose tissue development, immune function, and metabolic programming. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, is also discussed in relation to maternal dietary inputs. Mid-gestation supplementation promotes muscle growth by activating muscle-specific genes, whereas late-gestation diets enhance marbling and carcass traits. However, maternal overnutrition may impair mitochondrial efficiency, encourage fat deposition over muscle, and promote collagen synthesis, reducing meat tenderness. Recent evidence highlights sex-specific fetal programming differences, the significant impact of maternal diets on offspring gut microbiomes, and breed-specific nutritional responses, and multi-OMICs integration reveals metabolic reprogramming mechanisms. Targeted trace mineral and methionine supplementation enhance antioxidant capacity, immune function, and reproductive performance. Precision feeding strategies aligned with gestational requirements improve feed efficiency and minimize overfeeding risks. Early interventions, including protein and vitamin supplementation, optimize placental function and fetal development, supporting stronger postnatal growth, immunity, and fertility. Balancing nutritional adequacy without excessive feeding supports animal welfare, profitability, and sustainability in beef cattle systems. Full article

Diet plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression, beyond traditional risk factors. This review aims to summarize current evidence on the role of diet and specific nutrients in cancer development and progression, focusing on molecular mechanisms. We also discuss the potential of personalized dietary interventions, based on tumor and patient characteristics, in enhancing cancer prevention and treatment strategies. The review covers the impact of calories, protein, sugar, and other dietary components on signaling pathways and growth factors involved in carcinogenesis. We examine the influence of obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic factors on cancer risk and outcomes. The article also explores current dietary strategies, including calorie restriction, ketogenic diets, and the role of the gut microbiome in modulating response to anticancer therapies. Finally, we highlight the need for further research to develop targeted, personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual’s tumor profile, stage of disease, and other clinical factors. Integrating such personalized dietary approaches into cancer prevention and treatment holds promise for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide with limited treatment options for advanced disease stages. Growing evidence implicates the gut microbiota in CRC pathogenesis, prompting interest in probiotics as a potential therapeutic strategy. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two probiotic compositions, CI (a mix of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) and CII (bifidobacteria alone), in two murine CRC models: the orthotopic MC-38 cecum injection model and the inflammation-driven azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) model. CI showed significant anti-tumor effects in the orthotopic model, reducing tumor weight and volume, which was, however, not associated with robust immune activation, suggesting microbiota-driven mechanisms. In contrast, CII was more effective in the AOM/DSS model, reducing colonic inflammation and completely preventing tumor development. Our study demonstrates that probiotics might have great therapeutic potential via modulation of the gut microbiota, and they can exert anti-tumor effects in murine models of CRC with distinct compositions showing differential efficacy depending on the model. CI stabilized the gut microbiome and inhibited pro-tumorigenic taxa in the MC-38 cecum injection model, while CII exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in the AOM/DSS model, highlighting the potential of probiotics as context-specific interventions for CRC. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting microbiota-targeted strategies in oncology and their relevance for therapeutic applications. Full article

Mussels are highly efficient filter feeders, playing a crucial role in managing eutrophication and assessing pollution. Although research on nanoplastic (NP) toxicity in marine organisms is expanding, studies on freshwater species remain limited despite freshwater ecosystems being disproportionately biodiverse and vulnerable to pollutants. Here, we quantified the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 50 nm) at concentrations of 0, 2, 20, and 200 μg/L on different growth stages of the freshwater mussel Cristaria plicata. After a 45-day exposure, PS-NPs at concentrations ≥ 20 μg/L damaged intestinal epithelial cilia in both age groups. Exposure to 200 μg/L PS-NPs significantly increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased superoxide dismutase activity in both groups, with adults showing a significant rise in total protein content and juveniles exhibiting marked increases in respiratory and ammonia excretion rates. Additionally, PS-NP exposure significantly altered the relative abundance of gut microbial phyla, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobiota, and Bacteroidota, with Fusobacteriota also being affected in adults. Juveniles were more sensitive to physiological changes, whereas adults exhibited greater microbiota shifts in response to PS-NP exposure. Therefore, this study provides new insights into the stage-specific effects of PS-NPs on intestinal integrity and physiological and biochemical health in freshwater mussels, underscoring the need for targeted management strategies to protect freshwater ecosystems. Full article

Background: The anti-tumor response of the immune system is pivotal for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), particularly as targeted therapies are limited. However, the impact of immune-modulating factors such as the application of granulocyte-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) or infections, including febrile neutropenia, prophylactic or therapeutical application of oral antibiotics (OABs), and the need for intravenous antibiotics (IABs), on survival outcomes remains unclear. Methods: 1583 patients with early-stage TNBC enrolled in the SUCCESS A or C study underwent primary surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiotherapy if indicated. All patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status ≤ 2. The effects of G-CSF, OAB, and IAB application on overall survival (OS), invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS), and distant disease-free survival (DDFS) were assessed. Results: Only IAB treatment was significantly associated with decreased survival in univariable analyses (OS: p = 0.003; iDFS: p = 0.036; BCSS: p = 0.011; DDFS: p = 0.044), while G-CSF and OAB administration were not. Adjusted multivariable Cox regressions including febrile neutropenia and dose reduction/shift, ECOG, age of patients, and other clinicopathological parameters confirmed a significant negative effect of IABs on OS (p = 0.020), BCSS (p = 0.018), and DDFS (p = 0.044). Conclusions: In summary, IABs during adjuvant chemotherapy seems to be a risk factor for inferior OS, BCSS, and DDFS in TNBC patients, possibly by affecting microbiome-related immune response modulation. Hence, preventive measures to avoid the need for IABs should be considered in these patients. Full article

This study investigates the gut microbiome of Samia cynthia ricini, a domesticated silkworm species in Assam and Northeast India that is known for its Eri-silk production. Samples were collected at various growth stages and under different dietary conditions, generating 6341 features. The 5th instar larvae of the Eri-fed group exhibited the highest feature count, while moths from the same group had the lowest. The microbiome was characterized by 11 dominant taxa, mainly Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Notable differences were observed between larval and moth samples, with adult moths—particularly Eri-fed females—having a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes. Specific taxa such as Oscillospira, Sutterella, Succinivibrionaceae, and Prevotella were more abundant in adult moths. Eri-fed samples exhibited greater microbiome diversity, while Kesseru-fed samples were rich in Bifidobacterium. Interaction networks revealed unique species correlations in moths, including Clostridiales, Firmicutes, Gallibacterium, and Lachnospiraceae. Functional analysis highlighted diet-related differences, whereby Kesseru-fed samples showed more carbohydrate metabolism pathways, while larval microbiomes had distinct pathways for aromatic compound degradation and detoxification. Moth samples exhibited increased biosynthesis pathways, protein absorption, RNA transport, and immunogenic functions. This research enhances the understanding of microbiome dynamics in silkworms, offering insights for improved growth conditions and pest management strategies for this economically and ecologically significant species. Full article

This study is the first investigation of tree–insect–bacteria interactions in southern Romania, documenting the distribution of 19 insect species across various fruit trees and their insect-associated bacterial diversity. Insect species were identified through DNA barcoding, while bacterial communities in Anthomyia, Botanophila, Drosophila, and Scaptomyza insects were analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Insect diversity varied across apple, cherry, plum, peach, and quince trees, with most species showing tree-specific distribution, except for Drosophila melanogaster, which was found on all tree species. Its presence was primarily influenced by fruit development stages rather than temperature changes. Insect bacterial communities comprised 51 genera across four phyla, predominantly Pseudomonadota and Bacillota, that varied by tree species rather than insect species, suggesting the potential role of these flies as bacterial vectors. Several potential pathogenic bacterial genera were identified as biomarkers within insect microbiomes, suggesting their involvement in disease transmission, particularly affecting apple and cherry trees. This study also provides the first report of seven insect species in Romania, being the first microbiome characterization of four dipteran species associated with regional fruit trees. Full article

The differences in microbiota between periodontitis and health have been extensively studied; however, knowledge about how the microbiota shifts from shallow to deep periodontal pockets remains limited despite its clinical importance in disease progres-sion and management. Patients diagnosed with stage III periodontitis commonly pre-sent varied probing depths (PD) within the same oral cavity, reflecting localized disease severity. This study aims to analyze the microbiome of subgingival plaques at various PDs in periodontitis patients. Subgingival plaques were collected from sixteen healthy subjects (health group) and periodontal pockets of sixteen stage III periodontitis pa-tients (PD 0–3 mm, PD 4–5 mm and PD 6–9 mm groups). A total of 64 subgingival plaque samples underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The PD 6–9 mm group exhib-ited significantly higher alpha diversity than the health group, and distinct subgingival microbial community structures were observed in periodontitis patients, regardless of probing depth. The relative abundance of specific genera differed notably between health and periodontitis states; Corynebacterium and Cardiobacterium decreased, whereas Schaalia increased in shallow pockets (PD 0–3 mm) of periodontitis relative to the health group. Co-occurrence network analysis on the species level revealed that the PD 4–5 mm group had the most complex interspecies interactions, followed by the PD 6–9 mm and PD 0–3 mm groups. These findings indicate significant variations in mi-crobial diversity, composition, and interspecies interactions associated with periodon-tal health and periodontitis severity, highlighting their potential relevance for clinical diagnosis and targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a commonly used sulfonamide antibiotic, poses a threat to aquatic life due to its widespread presence in the environment. This study aims to investigate the specific effects of SMX on the development of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) embryos and larvae. Marine medaka embryos were exposed to SMX at concentrations of 0 (solvent control group, SC group), 1 μg/L (low concentration group, L group), 60 μg/L (middle concentration group, M group), and 1000 μg/L (high concentration group, H group). The results indicated that SMX exposure significantly accelerated the heart rate of embryos (p < 0.0001) and shortened the hatching time while also causing anomalies such as reduced pigmentation, smaller eye size, spinal curvature, and yolk sac edema. SMX also led to a decrease in the total length of the larvae. The M group and the H group exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in lipid accumulation in the visceral mass of the larvae. In the L group and the M group, there was a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in the swimming distance of the larvae. At the molecular level, SMX exposure affected the transcript levels of the genes involved in the cardiovascular system (ahrra, arnt2, atp2a1, and cacan1da), antioxidant and inflammatory systems (cat, cox-1, gpx, pparα, pparβ, and pparγ), nervous system (gap43, gfap, α-tubulin), intestinal barrier function (claudin-1), detoxification enzymes (ugt2c1-like), and lipid metabolism (rxraa) in the embryos to larval stage. The microbiome analysis showed that at the phylum level, exposure to SMX resulted in an increase in the abundance of Proteobacteria. Additionally, the abundance of Actinobacteriota significantly increased in the L group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Bifidobacterium significantly increased in the L group (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Vibrio significantly increased in the H group (p < 0.05). The alpha diversity analysis revealed a significant decrease in the Chao1 index in the L and H groups, indicating a reduction in microbial richness. The beta diversity analysis showed differences in the microbial communities of marine medaka larvae among different SMX exposure groups. This study elucidates the negative impacts of SMX on the development of marine medaka embryos and larvae and their microbial composition, providing a scientific basis for assessing the risks of SMX in marine ecosystems. Full article

Malaria disease affects millions of people annually, making the Amazon Basin a major hotspot in the Americas. While traditional control strategies rely on physical and chemical methods, the Anopheles microbiome offers a promising avenue for biological control, as certain bacteria can inhibit parasite development and alter vector immune and reproductive systems, disrupting the transmission cycle. For this reason, this study aimed to explore the bacterial communities in An. darlingi and An. triannulatus s.l., including breeding sites, immature stages, and adults from San Pedro de los Lagos (Leticia, Amazonas) through next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The results revealed a higher bacterial genus richness in the L1–L2 larvae of An. triannulatus s.l. Aeromonas and Enterobacter were prevalent in most samples, with abundances of 52.51% in L3–L4 larvae and 48.88% in pupae of An. triannulatus s.l., respectively. In breeding site water, Verrucomicrobiota bacteria were the most dominant (52.39%). We also identified Delftia (15.46%) in An. triannulatus s.l. pupae and Asaia (98.22%) in An. triannulatus, linked to Plasmodium inhibition, and Elizabethkingia, in low abundances, along with Klebsiella and Serratia, known for paratransgenesis potential. Considering the high bacterial diversity observed across the different mosquito life stages, identifying bacterial composition is the first step towards developing new strategies for malaria control. However, the specific roles of these bacteria in anophelines and the malaria transmission cycle remain to be elucidated. Full article

The early growth phase is a critical period for the development of the chicken gut microbiome. In this study, the spatiotemporal diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, shifts in taxonomic composition, and relative abundances of the main bacterial taxa were characterized in Kadaknath, a high-value indigenous Indian chicken breed, using sequencing of the V3–V4 region 16S rRNA gene. To assess microbiome composition and bacterial abundance shifts, three chickens per growth phase (3, 28, and 35 days) were sampled, with microbiota analyzed from three gut regions (crop, small intestine, and ceca) per bird. The results revealed Firmicutes as the most abundant phylum and Lactobacillus as the dominant genus across all stages. Lactobacillus was particularly abundant in the crop at early stages (3 and 28 days), while the ceca exhibited a transition towards the dominance of genus Phocaeicola by day 35. Microbial richness and evenness increased with age, reflecting microbiome maturation, and the analyses of the microbial community composition revealed distinct spatiotemporal differences, with the ceca on day 35 showing the highest differentiation. Pathogen analysis highlighted a peak in poultry-associated taxa Campylobacter, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium paraputrificum in 3-day-old Kadaknath, particularly in the small intestine, underscoring the vulnerability of early growth stages. These findings provide critical insights into age-specific microbiome development and early life-stage susceptibility to pathogens, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to optimize poultry health management and growth performance. Full article