Search Results (323)

Background/Objectives: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of major public health concern due to its ability to invade host cells and cause severe illness. This study aimed to develop and validate a multi-tiered screening pipeline to identify Bacillus strains with probiotic potential against L. monocytogenes. Methods: A total of 26 Bacillus isolates were screened for antimicrobial activity, gastrointestinal resilience, and host cell adhesion. A fluorescence-based infection assay using mCherry-expressing HCT 116 cells was used to assess cytoprotection against L. monocytogenes NCTC 7973. Eight strains significantly improved host cell viability and were validated by quantification of intracellular CFU. Two top candidates were tested in a murine model of listeriosis. The genome of the lead strain was sequenced to evaluate safety and biosynthetic potential. Results: B. subtilis CECT 8266 completely inhibited intracellular replication of L. monocytogenes in HCT 116 cells, reducing bacterial recovery to undetectable levels. In vivo, it decreased splenic bacterial burden by approximately 6-fold. Genomic analysis revealed eight bacteriocin biosynthetic clusters and silent antibiotic resistance genes within predicted genomic islands, as determined by CARD and Alien Hunter analysis. The strain also demonstrated bile and acid tolerance, as well as strong adhesion to epithelial cells. Conclusions: The proposed pipeline enables efficient identification of probiotic Bacillus strains with intracellular protective activity. B. subtilis CECT 8266 is a promising candidate for translational applications in food safety or health due to its efficacy, resilience, and safety profile. Full article

Background: Dyslipidemia and distorted fatty acid (FA) metabolism are frequent biochemical abnormalities associated with anorexia nervosa (AN). Gut microbiota is supposed to play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of AN. Apart from the digestive function of bile acids (BAs), these compounds have multiple metabolic functions due to the activation of specific receptors. Objective/aims: The aims of the study were to investigate biochemical measures, including plasma lipids (lipoproteins, respectively), fatty acid (FA) patterns, and the profile of plasma Bas, in AN patients and healthy controls (CON). Methods: Plasma phospholipid FA and BAs profiles were analyzed in 39 women with a restrictive type of AN (AN-R; median age 17 years) and in 35 CON women (median age 20 years). Results: Compared to CON, AN had an increased concentration of HDL-C, increased content of palmitic acid, and decreased proportion of linoleic acid. Moreover, AN had a drop in the level of the sum of PUFAn-6 and increased delta 9 desaturase activity for stearic acid. In AN, we found decreased levels of plasma tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). In AN, concentrations of 22:5n-6, 16:0, 20:3n-6 and fat mass index were predic-tors of HDL-C levels (R² = 0.43). Conclusions: Patients with AN-R had an increased concentration of HDL-C, decreased levels of total PUFA n-6, and increased activity of D9D for stearic acid. Furthermore, AN exerted decreased levels of TUDCA. Therefore, a decreased level of TUDCA could potentially serve as a marker of AN. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is increasingly recognized as a global health concern due to its association with metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis. While probiotics offer promise in regulating gut microbiota and improving host metabolism, strain-specific effects remain underexplored, particularly for canine-derived probiotics. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a novel probiotic strain, Ligilactobacillus animalis LA-1, and evaluate its anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods: LA-1 was isolated from the feces of a healthy dog and assessed for probiotic potential in vitro, including gastrointestinal tolerance, bile salt hydrolase activity, cholesterol-lowering capacity, and fatty acid absorption. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a standard chow diet or an HFD for 16 weeks, with HFD mice receiving oral LA-1 supplementation (2 × 10⁹ CFU/day). Multi-omics analyses, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification, and untargeted liver metabolomics, were employed to investigate the effects of LA-1 on gut microbiota composition, metabolic pathways, and obesity-related phenotypes. Results: LA-1 supplementation significantly alleviated HFD-induced weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, and adipose tissue hypertrophy, without affecting food intake. It improved serum lipid profiles, reduced liver injury markers, and partially restored gut microbiota composition, decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriching SCFA-producing genera. Total SCFA levels, particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, increased following LA-1 treatment. Liver metabolomics revealed that LA-1 modulated pathways involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, resulting in decreased levels of acetyl-CoA, triglycerides, and bile acids. Conclusions: L. animalis LA-1 exerts anti-obesity effects via gut microbiota modulation, enhanced SCFA production, and hepatic metabolic reprogramming. These findings highlight its potential as a targeted probiotic intervention for obesity and metabolic disorders. Full article

Background: Diarrhea induced by an excessive amount of fat is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. Currently, there are limited animal models and treatment options for diarrhea associated with fat. This study aims to develop a mouse model of high-fat-associated diarrhea using glyceryl-trioleate (GTO) and evaluate the potential of montmorillonite clay (MMT) in mitigating this condition. Methods: GTO was administered to mice at different doses through oral gavage to induce diarrhea. Clay was treated through oral gavage to evaluate its anti-diarrhea effect. Fecal conditions were monitored. Intestinal tissues were subjected to histological examination to assess structural integrity. The total fecal bile acids were evaluated using a bile acid assay kit to determine the mechanism of action. Results: The results showed that a diarrhea model was established by administering GTO at 2000 mg/kg. When the animals were treated with clay, diarrhea incidence and severity were decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to the untreated group receiving GTO alone, clay co-administration at 2000 mg/kg reduced diarrhea scores by approximately 48%, while the higher dose of 4000 mg/kg achieved an 83% reduction. Fecal bile acid analysis showed that diarrhea is associated with total bile acid levels in the feces. Histological exams showed that diarrhea is associated with tissue inflammation in the colon. Conclusions: This study showed that GTO administration induced diarrhea in mice, and clay effectively alleviates fat-induced diarrhea through modulation of fecal bile acid composition. These findings suggest that this model can be used to evaluate diarrhea associated with excessive amounts of fat and clay that can be further tested for diarrhea attenuation. Full article

Our previous study has shown that supplementation of 0.50% benzoic acid (BA) increased growth performance, promoted rumen fermentation, and improved the composition and function of rumen microbiota. This research was designed to conduct a deeper exploration of the impacts of dietary supplementation with BA on the apparent digestibility of nutrients and the composition of rectal microbiota in weaned Holstein dairy calves. Sixteen Holstein heifer calves with similar body weights (91.2 ± 0.7 kg) were selected and randomly allocated into two groups, each comprising eight calves. Calves in the control group (CON group) were fed with a basal diet, while those in the benzoic acid group (BA group) were fed with the basal diet supplemented with 0.50% benzoic acid (on a dry matter basis). The experimental period started at 60 days of age and ended at 102 days of age, lasting for a total of 42 days. The calves were weaned at 60 days of age, with a transition period of 7 days. Feed samples were collected every two weeks, fecal samples were collected from 99 to 101 days of age, and blood samples were collected at 102 days of age. The results showed that supplementation with BA did not influence the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, calcium, and phosphorus between the two groups. Compared with the CON group, BA supplementation tended to decrease the total cholesterol (TC) in the serum of the calves (p = 0.067). Supplementation with BA increased the relative abundances of the two beneficial bacteria, Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum (p < 0.05, LDA > 2), but decreased that of the harmful bacterium, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, in the rectum of dairy calves. The microbial functional prediction revealed that the fecal microbial metabolism involved in primary bile acid biosynthesis was higher in the calves from the BA group. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that adding 0.50% BA to the diet did not influence the apparent nutrient digestibility, but improved rectal microbiota health, which finally promoted the growth performance in weaned Holstein dairy calves. Full article

Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, poses significant economic challenges to the global poultry industry. The widening ban on in-feed antibiotics in livestock production underscores the need for alternative strategies to combat NE. Deoxycholic acid (DCA), a secondary bile acid, has shown promise in NE mitigation. However, its protective mechanism remains largely unexplored. A total of 120 newly hatched, male Cobb broilers were randomly divided into four treatments to investigate the impact of DCA on host response and intestinal microbiome in both healthy and NE-infected chickens. The results demonstrated that the dietary supplementation of 1.5 g/kg DCA significantly improved animal survival, reversed growth inhibition, and alleviated intestinal lesions (p < 0.01). Furthermore, DCA selectively inhibited the NE-induced proliferation of C. perfringens and other pathobionts such as Escherichia and Enterococcus cecorum. Concurrently, DCA markedly enriched dominant lactic acid bacteria like Lactobacillus johnsonii in both the ileum and cecum of NE-infected chickens. However, DCA had a marginal effect on the jejunal transcriptomic response in both mock- and NE-infected chickens. Therefore, we conclude that DCA protects chicken from NE mainly through the targeted inhibition of pathobionts including C. perfringens, with minimum impact on the host. These findings elucidate the protective mechanisms of DCA, supporting its development as a promising antibiotic alternative for NE mitigation. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with increasing attention being paid to modifiable dietary factors in its prevention. Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) represent a nutrient-dense food rich in unsaturated fats, polyphenols, fiber, and phytosterols, with potential anticarcinogenic properties. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the role of hazelnut consumption in the prevention and modulation of CRC risk, with specific focus on experimental, mechanistic, and preclinical evidence. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for articles published from 2015 onward. Eligible studies included original in vitro and in vivo models, as well as observational studies, evaluating hazelnut or hazelnut-derived products in relation to CRC-related biological, metabolic, or clinical outcomes. Data extraction focused on bioactive composition, experimental models, molecular pathways, and fecal/metabolic markers of carcinogenesis. Results: A total of 11 studies were included after screening 24 records: 8 in vitro investigations, 2 in vivo animal experiments, and 1 epidemiological study. In vitro studies showed that hazelnut derivatives—including fermented hazelnuts and oil-based extracts—exert antiproliferative effects via BAX/BCL-2 modulation, increased caspase-3 activity, and oxidative stress reduction. In vivo studies confirmed improved lipid metabolism, modulation of bile acid composition (notably reduced lithocholic/deoxycholic acid ratio), and enhanced antioxidant defenses. FIBEROX^®, a hazelnut skin extract enriched in dietary fiber, demonstrated promising effects on gut microbiota and bile acid detoxification. Conclusions: Hazelnut and their bioactive compounds may aid CRC prevention through multiple molecular and metabolic pathways. Further human studies are needed to confirm these effects and support dietary recommendations. Full article

This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary proanthocyanidins (PACs) on growth performance, intestinal inflammation and barrier function, and bile acid metabolism-related genes in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 18 21-day-old castrated piglets (7.16 ± 1.66 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) CON (a basal diet), (2) LPS (a basal diet + LPS), (3) LPS + PAC (a basal diet + LPS + 250 mg/kg PAC), with each group consisting of six replicates of 1 piglet per treatment. The study lasted for 21 days. On the 14th and 21st days of the experiment, piglets in the LPS and LPS + PAC groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 µg/kg body weight of LPS, while the piglets in the CON group received an injection of 0.9% normal saline solution. The LPS + PAC group exhibited a significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) than the LPS group (p < 0.05). LPS stimulation resulted in a decreased (p < 0.05) villus height of the jejunum and ileum and an increased number of goblet cells. These effects were alleviated (p < 0.05) in the LPS + PAC group. The LPS + PAC group decreased the level of TNF-α and D-lactate in serum and the gene expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in the ileal tissue, compared with the LPS group, while increasing the gene expression of Occludin and ZO-1 in the ileal tissue (p < 0.05). LPS stimulation down-regulated the expression of genes regulating bile acid synthesis and transport, including hepatic CYP7A1 and ileum ASBT, whereas dietary PAC had no significant effect on the expression of these genes (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, supplementation with PAC significantly increased the expression levels of GLP-2R, GCG, and TGR5 in the ileum of piglets (p < 0.05). Additionally, piglets in the LPS + PAC group exhibited a significant increase in the level of glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) compared with the LPS group (p < 0.05). PAC generally improves the ADG, intestinal morphology, and intestinal barrier function of piglets by activating TGR5 to stimulate the intestinal secretion of GLP-2. Full article

Given the well-documented health benefits of plant proteins, mung bean protein has gained increasing attention as a promising plant-based protein source; however, its biofunctional properties have not been fully recognized. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatic metabolic regulatory effects of dietary mung bean protein in murine models, considering the central role of hepatic metabolic homeostasis in systemic regulation. The results demonstrated that dietary mung bean protein, both native mung bean protein isolate (MPI) and heat-denatured mung bean protein isolate (DMPI), restored hepatic metabolic homeostasis, an effect mediated by bioactive microbial metabolites. Notably, our results demonstrated that heat-induced denaturation of mung bean protein markedly alters its gut microbiota-regulating activity. This was evidenced by the observation that MPI tended to increase the abundance of Bifidobacterium, whereas DMPI appeared to promote the growth of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group in mice fed a normal diet. Moreover, both MPI and DMPI increased the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria, such as Faecalibaculum, accompanied by reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) levels and intestinal inflammation in a high-fat diet mouse model. The increased abundance of beneficial bacteria was associated with elevated intestinal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels and restored metabolic levels of nonadecanoic acid, indole derivatives, and bile acid (BA) metabolites. Collectively, our results highlight that mung bean protein promotes hepatic metabolic benefits by orchestrating gut microbiota remodeling and modulating their metabolic outputs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysregulation underlies a myriad of chronic diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and obesity, and bile acids emerge as an important mediator in their etiology. Weight control by improving diet quality is the standard of care in prevention and control of these metabolic diseases. Inclusion of pulses, such as common bean, is an affordable yet neglected approach to improving diet quality and metabolic outcomes. Thus, this study evaluated the possibility that common bean alters bile acid metabolism in a health-beneficial manner. Methods: Using biospecimens from several similarly designed studies, cecal content, feces, liver tissue, and plasma samples from C57BL/6 mice fed an obesogenic diet lacking (control) or containing cooked common bean were subjected to total bile acid analysis and untargeted metabolomics. RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western blot assays of liver tissue complemented the bile acid analyses. Microbial composition and predicted function in the cecal contents were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Results: Bean-fed mice had increased cecal bile acid content and excreted more bile acids per gram of feces. Consistent with these effects, increased synthesis of bile acids in the liver was observed. Microbial composition and capacity to metabolize bile acids were markedly altered by bean, with greater prominence of secondary bile acid metabolites in bean-fed mice, i.e., microbial metabolites of chenodeoxycholate/lithocholate increased while metabolites of hyocholate were reduced. Conclusions: In rendering mice resistant to obesogenic diet-induced MASLD and obesity, cooked bean consumption sequesters bile acids, increasing their hepatic synthesis and enhancing their diversity through microbial metabolism. Bean-induced changes in bile acid metabolism have potential to improve dyslipidemia. Full article

Yogurt and postbiotics are both beneficial for intestinal health of pets. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of yogurt with postbiotics in cats. A total of 18 adult cats were randomly divided into three groups, CK group (Control n = 6, free feeding and drinking without any probiotic products), Y group (Yogurt, n = 6, 50 g/day), and YP group (Yogurt + 2% postbiotics, 50 g/day), with the same environment and diet. On the 21st day, blood and fecal samples were collected and tested for biochemical indices, immunological parameters, inflammatory factors, and fecal flora, respectively. The results showed that feeding postbiotic yogurt to cats significantly reduced the levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), total bile acids (TBA), triglycerides (TG), glucose (GLU), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p < 0.05), and significantly increased Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) (p < 0.05) compared to the CK group. The abundance of Bifidobacterium in YP group was elevated, the Shannon violin plots showed that the intestinal flora of the YP group was less dispersed. Notably Enterococcaceae and Enterococcus were significantly elevated in the Y group (p < 0.05) and Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus in the YP group (p < 0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that yogurt with postbiotic is a good choice for improving intestinal health and immune function in cats and possesses good research and application prospects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Abnormal bile acid (BA) pool may play an important role in inducing liver damage in sepsis. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a main negative feedback regulator of BA metabolism. This study aims to explore the protective effect and mechanism of the FXR agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) on liver dysfunction when sepsis occurs. Methods: A rat model of sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) for 24 h. Systematic inflammation, tissue injury, hepatic FXR, and BA transporter expression were investigated in the CLP rats and sham-operated control rats with and without OCA pre-treatment (10 mg/kg, gavage) at 2 h before operation. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was performed to access BA composition in the rats’ serum and livers. The injury and inflammatory effects of the elevated unconjugated BAs found in the CLP rats was further verified in a hepatic cell line BRL-3A in vitro. Results: Hepatic FXR was repressed in CLP rats, whereas OCA upregulated liver FXR and hepatic BA transporter expression, reduced total serum BA concentration, ameliorated the elevation of serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6, and improved liver and ileal tissue injuries. OCA administration reduced the elevated unconjugated BAs in both serum and liver, and effectively inhibited increases in cholic acid (CA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), and 7-ketoDCA concentrations in CLP rat livers. These BA fractions promoted the release of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) from BRL-3A cells and increased IL-6, CXCL2, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in the cells, along with enhanced transcription factor nuclear factor-κB activation. Conclusions: Liver inflammation and dysfunction during sepsis is attributable to significant changes in bile acid composition in the blood and liver. FXR activation reduces systemic inflammation and liver dysfunction by regulating bile acid homeostasis, especially inflammatory unconjugated bile acid components. Full article

The tree monitor lizards of the subgenus Hapturosaurus are an understudied but increasingly important group of reptiles in zoos. The routine blood analysis of reptiles in captivity is highly recommended; however, the lack of reliable reference values for many species severely limits their clinical use. This study aims to establish preliminary reference values (RV) for the main hematological and biochemical parameters in three species of the subgenus Hapturosaurus (Varanus macraei, Varanus prasinus and Varanus beccarii). Blood samples were taken from healthy adult individuals (n = 34), females (n = 18) and males (n = 16), maintained under controlled conditions in a zoo. A complete biochemical analysis was performed on all individuals, including alanine-aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, aspartate-aminotransferase, creatine kinase, bile acids, urea, uric acid, total solids, total proteins, albumin, glucose, fructosamine, lactate, cholesterol, triglycerides, amylase, calcium, phosphorus, calcium:phosphorus ratio, and magnesium. In addition, a complete hematological analysis was conducted on these individuals, including hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, and leukocyte differential count. From the data obtained, reference intervals were established following the guidelines provided by the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP). In this study, the results of the three species were unified to increase the sample size and to obtain more representative reference intervals. This unification was supported by a statistical analysis using the one-factor ANOVA test, which showed no statistically significant differences between species (p < 0.050). These data constitute an essential first step for the clinical practice and management of these Hapturosaurus species in zoos and specialized centers. Future collaboration with other institutions will help expand the dataset and enhance the accuracy of the established reference values. Full article

Background/Objectives: The growing number of households with companion dogs raises concerns. Co-living environments between companion dogs and their owners are linked to a heightened risk of cross-infections from strains such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Salmonella, and faecal coliforms. Therefore, this study aims to propose measures for healthy cohabitation by analysing the faecal microbiota of puppies and adult dogs. Methods: We isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from their faeces and assessed their potential to inhibit E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella spp. Faecal samples from puppies (<2 months old) and adult dogs (>12 months old) were analysed and compared. Results: The analysis revealed that Lactobacillus dominated puppy faeces, while Bacteroidetes were more abundant in adult dogs. In total, 109 primary LAB candidates were isolated from faecal samples. These isolates underwent secondary screening for acid tolerance, bile salt resistance, acid production, heat resistance, protease activity, and antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella spp. Five secondary LAB candidates with probiotic potential were further characterised via morphological and genetic analysis. All five strains were Lactobacillus reuteri, with L. reuteri JJ37, JJ68, JJ69, JJ71, and JJ77 emerging as the final probiotic candidates. Conclusions: They promote healthier cohabitation between dogs and their owners. Full article

Astaxanthin plays a vital role in pigmentation, immune function, reproduction, and antioxidation in aquatic species. To clarify the molecular mechanism of astaxanthin utilization in Exopalaemon carinicauda (E. carinicauda), we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis on the intestine, hepatopancreas, and muscle of E. carinicauda, fed with an astaxanthin diet and a normal diet. A total of 144 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in three tissues between the two groups. Genes related to absorption and transport, such as LDLR and the vitellogenin receptor, were upregulated in the intestine after astaxanthin supplementation, while the ileal sodium/bile acid cotransporter-like gene was downregulated. In the hepatopancreas, genes involved in lipid storage and degradation were significantly altered at the transcriptional level, including Kruppel 1-like, ACSBG2, δ(7)-sterol 5(6)-desaturase-like, and PNLIPRP2. In the muscle, the expression of the FABP gene was significantly upregulated, while several actin and troponin genes were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, GSEA analysis on the transcriptomes of three tissues revealed that astaxanthin supplementation influenced the expression of genes related to antioxidation and growth, indicating that astaxanthin may have a positive impact on the growth, development, and resistance of organisms. The data from this research provide valuable insights into elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying astaxanthin absorption and metabolism and also offer guidance for the application of astaxanthin in the aquaculture of economically important crustaceans. Full article