Search Results (4,320)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the aetiology of IBD remains largely unknown, several studies suggest that an individual’s genetic susceptibility, external environmental factors, intestinal microbial flora, and immune responses are all factors involved in and functionally linked to the pathogenesis of IBD. Beyond the gastrointestinal manifestations, IBD patients frequently suffer from psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression and anxiety. It remains unclear whether these disorders arise solely from reduced quality of life or whether they share overlapping biological mechanisms with IBD. This review aims to explore the bidirectional relationship between IBD and depressive disorders (DDs), with a focus on four key shared mechanisms: immune dysregulation, genetic susceptibility, alterations in gut microbiota composition, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. By examining recent literature, we highlight how these interconnected systems may contribute to both intestinal inflammation and mood disturbances. Furthermore, we discuss the reciprocal pharmacologic interactions between IBD and DDs: treatments for IBD, such as TNF-alpha and integrin inhibitors, have demonstrated effects on mood and anxiety symptoms, while certain antidepressants appear to exert independent anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk or severity of IBD. Overall, this review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of IBD patients, integrating psychological and gastroenterological assessment. A better understanding of the shared pathophysiology may help refine therapeutic strategies and support the development of personalized, gut–brain-targeted interventions. Full article

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an important factor in female infertility and is often associated with oxidative stress. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs), derived from the degradation of alginate, have been demonstrated to have protective effects against various oxidative stress-related diseases. However, the impact of AOSs on POI has not been previously explored. The current study explored the effects of AOSs on ovarian dysfunction in a mouse model of POI induced by D-galactose (D-gal). Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: the control (CON), POI model (D-gal), and low-, medium-, and high-dose AOS groups (AOS-L, 100 mg/kg/day; AOS-M, 150 mg/kg/day; AOS-H, 200 mg/kg/day). For 42 consecutive days, mice in the D-gal, AOS-L, AOS-M, and AOS-H groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of D-gal (200 mg/kg/day), whereas those in the CON group received equivalent volumes of sterile saline. Following D-gal injection, AOSs were administered via gavage at the specified doses; mice in the CON and D-gal groups received sterile saline instead. AOS treatment markedly improved estrous cycle irregularities, normalized serum hormone levels, reduced granulosa cell apoptosis, and increased follicle counts in POI mice. Moreover, AOSs significantly reduced ovarian oxidative stress and senescence in POI mice, as indicated by lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), higher activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased protein expression of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), nitrotyrosine (NTY), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and p16 in ovarian tissue. Analysis of the gut microbiota through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbiota composition and SCFA levels (acetic acid and total SCFAs) between control and D-gal-induced POI mice. These differences were largely alleviated by AOS treatment. AOSs changed the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of Ligilactobacillus and decreasing the abundance of Clostridiales, Clostridiaceae, Marinifilaceae, and Clostridium_T. Additionally, AOSs mitigated the decline in acetic acid and total SCFA levels observed in POI mice. Notably, the total SCFA level was significantly correlated with the abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Marinifilaceae, and Clostridium_T. In conclusion, AOS intervention effectively mitigates ovarian oxidative stress, restores gut microbiota homeostasis, and regulates the microbiota–SCFA axis, collectively improving D-gal-induced POI. Therefore, AOSs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for POI management. Full article

While the gut microbiota of obese children in Mexico has been studied, its relationship with depressive and anxiety symptoms in obese adults remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to describe the gut microbiota profile of Mexican adults with obesity and its association with depression and anxiety. We sequenced the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from stool samples of obese adults categorized into four groups: control (OCG), with depressive symptoms (OD), with anxiety symptoms (OAx), or with both (ODAx). Alpha diversity was assessed using t-tests, beta diversity was assessed with PERMANOVA, and taxonomic differences was assessed with LEfSe. Associations between bacterial genera and clinical variables were analyzed using the Maaslin2 library. Bacteroidota was the most prevalent phylum, and Prevotella was the dominant enterotype across all groups. Although overall diversity did not differ significantly, 30 distinct taxonomic biomarkers were identified among groups as follows: 4 in OCG (Firmicutes), 5 in OD (Firmicutes, Bacteroidota), 13 in OAx (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteroidota, Proteobacteria), and 8 in ODAx (Firmicutes). This is the first study to identify distinct gut microbiota profiles in obese Mexican adults with depressive and anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest important microbial biomarkers for improving the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in obesity. Full article

The ecological rice–eel co-culture system is not only beneficial for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture but also plays a crucial role in promoting environmental health. In the present study, based on the long-term positioning trial of the rice–eel co-culture system that began in 2016 and was sampled in 2023, the effects of reduced nitrogen fertilizer application on soil physico-chemical properties and the bacterial community were investigated. Treatments included a conventional regular fertilization treatment (RT), rice–eel co-culture system regular fertilization (IT), and nitrogen-reduction 10%, 30%, and 50% fertilization treatments (IT90, IT70, and IT50). Our research demonstrated the following: (1) Compared to RT, IT significantly increased soil water-stable macroaggregates (R0.25), mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and available phosphorus content, with the increases of 15.66%, 25.49%, 36.00%, and 18.42%, respectively. Among the nitrogen-reduction fertilization treatments, IT90 showed the most significant effect. Compared to IT, IT90 significantly increased R0.25, MWD, GMD, and available nitrogen content, with increases of 4.4%, 7.81%, 8.82%, and 28.89%, respectively. (2) Compared to RT, at the phylum level, the diversity of Chloroflexi was significantly increased under IT and IT50, and the diversity of Gemmatimonadota was significantly increased under IT90, IT70, and IT50. The diversity of Acidobacteriota was significantly higher in IT90 and IT70 compared to IT. It was shown that the rice–eel co-culture system and nitrogen fertilizer reduction could effectively improve the degradation capacity of organic matter and promote soil nitrogen cycling. In addition, redundancy analysis (RDA) identified total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and available nitrogen (p = 0.007) as the three most important environmental factors driving changes in the bacterial community. (3) The functional prediction analysis of soil microbiota showed that, compared to RT, the diversity of pathways related to biosynthesis (carbohydrate biosynthesis and cell structure biosynthesis) and metabolism (L-glutamate and L-glutamine biosynthesis) was significantly higher under IT70, IT90, IT, and IT50 (in descending order). However, the diversity of pathways associated with degradation/utilization/assimilation (secondary metabolite degradation and amine and polyamine degradation) was significantly lower under all the rice–eel co-culture treatments. In conclusion, the rice–eel co-culture system improved soil physicochemical properties and the soil microbial environment compared with conventional planting, and the best soil improvement was achieved with 10% less N fertilizer application. Full article

Low-dose carrot rhamnogalacturonan-I (cRG-I) has shown consistent modulatory effects on the gut microbiota and immune function in humans. In this study we investigated its effects on the microbial composition and metabolite production of the gut microbiota of small (5–10 kg), medium-sized (10–27 kg), and large (27–45 kg) dogs, using inulin and xanthan as comparators. Fecal samples from six dogs of each size group were evaluated. Overall microbiome composition, assessed using metagenomic sequencing, was shown to be driven mostly by dog size and not treatment. There was a clear segregation in the metabolic profile of the gut microbiota of small dogs versus medium-sized and large dogs. The fermentation of cRG-I specifically increased the levels of acetate/propionate-producing Phocaeicola vulgatus. cRG-I and inulin were fermented by all donors, while xanthan fermentation was donor-dependent. cRG-I and inulin increased acetate and propionate levels. The responses of the gut microbiota of different sized dogs to cRG-I were generally consistent across donors, and interindividual differences were reduced. This, together with the significant increase in P. vulgatus during fermentation in both this study and an earlier human ex vivo study, suggests that this abundant and prevalent commensal species has a core capacity to selectively utilize cRG-I. Full article

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a progressive, multifactorial complication of diabetes and one of the major global causes of visual impairment. Its pathogenesis involves chronic hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and pathological angiogenesis, as well as emerging systemic contributors such as gut microbiota dysregulation. While current treatments, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, corticosteroids, and laser photocoagulation, have shown clinical efficacy, they are largely limited to advanced stages of DR, require repeated invasive procedures, and do not adequately address early neurovascular and metabolic abnormalities. Resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has emerged as a promising candidate due to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-angiogenic properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms by which RSV exerts protective effects in DR, including modulation of oxidative stress pathways, suppression of inflammatory cytokines, enhancement of mitochondrial function, promotion of autophagy, and inhibition of pathological neovascularisation. Despite its promising pharmacological profile, the clinical application of RSV is limited by poor aqueous solubility, rapid systemic metabolism, and low ocular bioavailability. Various routes of administration, including intravitreal injection, topical instillation, and oral and sublingual delivery, have been investigated to enhance its therapeutic potential. Recent advances in drug delivery systems, including nanoformulations, liposomal carriers, and sustained-release intravitreal implants, offer potential strategies to address these challenges. This review also explores RSV’s role in combination therapies, its potential as a disease-modifying agent in early-stage DR, and the relevance of personalised medicine approaches guided by metabolic and genetic factors. Overall, the review highlights the therapeutic potential and the key translational challenges in positioning RSV as a multi-targeted treatment strategy for DR. Full article

Periodontal diseases in pediatric subjects represent a challenging and relatively underexplored area compared to the extensive data available about periodontal diseases in adults. The present narrative review aims to explore the periodontal status and the related subgingival and/or salivary microbial profiles in pediatric subjects (≤18 years), focusing also on the state of health or systemic diseases. In healthy periodontium, early colonizers, such as Streptococcus and Actinomyces spp., dominate the subgingival microbiota, supporting an eubiosis state. Low levels of Candida albicans and latent Herpesviridae may be detected. In gingivitis, the microbial profile shifts towards more pathogenic species, including Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum. In necrotizing gingivitis, typically affecting systemically compromised children, the microbial profile is characterized by spirochetes, Fusobacterium, and Prevotella intermedia. Viral coinfections—especially with HSV, CMV, and EBV—are more frequently detected. In periodontitis, the microbiota was dominated by red complex pathogens along with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the aggressive forms, especially in systemically compromised children, as Herpesviridae reactivation and co-infections. Fungal involvement is less well characterized; Candida albicans may be present, particularly in cases of severe immune suppression. Nevertheless, the lack of pediatric longitudinal studies investigating periodontal disease progression after periodontal treatment and related changes in microbiological composition limited the understanding and exploration of the oral microbiota over time. Full article

The gross benefit of feeding multi-species probiotics has been reported, but the effect on the gut microbiota in pre-weaned dairy calves has not been elucidated. To address this gap, a randomized controlled trial was conducted in California, USA, to investigate the effect of feeding probiotics on the fecal microbiota of pre-weaned dairy calves. A total of 30 neonatal calves were randomly assigned to either the probiotic (PRO) or control (CON) treatment. Fecal samples were collected at four age timepoints: days 7, 14, 21, and 42. Fecal bacterial population was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Differential abundance analysis was conducted to investigate the difference between the PRO and CON treatments, and diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves in each PRO and CON group. The PRO group had decreased Clostridium perfringens and Fusobacterium varium compared to the CON at 7 days of age. At 7 days of age, diarrheic calves in CON had more abundant F. varium compared to non-diarrheic calves, but there was no difference between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves in the PRO group. In conclusion, probiotics administration decreased the population of pathogenic bacteria in feces from pre-weaned dairy calves on Day 7 of age. However, the treatment did not have an impact on bacterial diversity. These results suggest that the administration of probiotics has the potential to control gastrointestinal pathogens. Full article

Background/Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by small intestinal enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion, often associated with gut dysbiosis. The most effective treatment is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), which alleviates symptoms. This study uniquely integrates taxonomic, functional, and resistance profiling to evaluate the gut microbiota of women with CD on a GFD. Methods: To evaluate the long-term impact of a GFD, this study analyzed the gut microbiota of 10 women with CD on a GFD for over a year compared to 10 healthy controls with unrestricted diets. Taxonomic diversity (16S rRNA gene sequencing and the analysis of α and β-diversity), metabolic functionality (Biolog EcoPlates^®), and antibiotic resistance profiles (Cenoantibiogram) were assessed. Results: Metagenomic analysis revealed no significant differences in taxonomic diversity but highlighted variations in the abundance of specific bacterial genera. Women with CD showed increased proportions of Bacteroides, Streptococcus, and Clostridium, associated with inflammation, but also elevated levels of beneficial genera such as Roseburia, Oxalobacter, and Paraprevotella. Despite no significant differences in metabolic diversity, higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in women in the healthy control group suggest that dietary substrates in unrestricted diets may promote the proliferation of fast-growing bacteria capable of rapidly developing and disseminating antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Conclusions: These findings indicate that prolonged adherence to a GFD in CD supports remission of gut dysbiosis, enhances microbiota functionality, and may reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the importance of dietary management in CD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. is a flavonoid-rich traditional medicinal plant with established immunomodulatory properties. However, the mechanisms underlying the immunoregulatory and intestinal protective effects of its flavonoid extract (Senecio scandens flavonoids—SSF) remain unclear. This study characterized SSF’s bioactive components and evaluated its efficacy against cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression and intestinal injury. Methods: The constituents of SSF were identified using UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap/HRMS. Mice with CTX-induced immunosuppression were treated with SSF (80, 160, 320 mg/kg) for seven days. Immune parameters (organ indices, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine, and immunoglobulin levels) and gut barrier integrity markers (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1 protein expression; sIgA secretion; microbiota composition) were assessed. Network pharmacology combined with functional assays elucidated the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Results: Twenty flavonoids were identified in SSF, with six prototype compounds detectable in the blood. The SSF treatment significantly ameliorated CTX-induced weight loss and atrophy of the thymus and spleen. It enhanced splenic T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation by 43.6% and 29.7%, respectively; normalized the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (1.57-fold increase); and elevated levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IgM, and IgG. Moreover, SSF reinforced the intestinal barrier by upregulating tight junction protein expression and sIgA levels while modulating the gut microbiota, enriching beneficial taxa (e.g., the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Akkermansia) and suppressing pathogenic Alistipes. Mechanistically, SSF activated the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, with isoquercitrin identified as a pivotal bioactive constituent. Conclusions: SSF effectively mitigates CTX-induced immunosuppression and intestinal damage. These findings highlight SSF’s potential as a dual-functional natural agent for immunomodulation and intestinal protection. Subsequent research should validate isoquercitrin’s molecular targets and assess SSF’s clinical efficacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bladder cancer is a common malignancy with a high rate of recurrence and progression. Recent studies have identified that the urinary microbiome can be a key factor in tumor pathogenesis, progression, and outcomes. This narrative review is designed to summarize current evidence regarding the urobiome and explore its diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Methods: Studies between 2019 and 2024 were identified through the PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. Case reports and non-English-language articles were excluded. Results: The main findings revealed that specific bacteria, viruses, and taxa are linked to bladder cancer presence, progression, and response to immunotherapy treatment. Urinary microbiota differ by tumor type, sex, smoking status, and occupational exposure to toxins. Conclusions: Urinary microbiome and certain types of viruses present in urine may serve as promising tools to enhance bladder cancer diagnosis and predict treatment response. However, larger longitudinal studies are needed to confirm and establish these findings. Furthermore, integration of the urinary microbiome in clinical practice and public health strategies may reduce disease-related burden. Full article

Metabolic syndrome is a global health crisis. However, there are no effective therapeutic strategies for metabolic syndrome. Therefore, this study was conducted to find out a novel silkworm-based metabolic syndrome model that bridges microbial ecology and metabolic dysregulation by integrating hemolymph lipids and midgut microbiota. Our results showed that the levels of HDL-C in the hemolymph of the lean silkworm strain were significantly higher than that in the obese silkworm strain. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that Lactococcus and Oceanobacillus were positively related to HDL-C levels, while SM1A02 and Pseudonocardia were negatively associated with HDL-C levels. These relationships between the identified bacteria in the midgut and HDL-C, known as the “good” lipid, in the hemolymph could help guide the development of new treatments for obesity and metabolic problems like high cholesterol in humans. Overall, our results not only established a framework for understanding microbiota-driven lipid dysregulation in silkworms but also offered potential probiotic targets and a bacterial biomarker for obesity and metabolic dysfunction intervention in humans. Full article

Vermicomposting is a sustainable biotechnological process that transforms organic waste through the synergistic activity of earthworms, such as Eisenia fetida, and their associated microbiota. This study evaluated bacterial and physicochemical dynamics during the vermicomposting of bovine manure by analyzing the microbial composition of the substrate and the gut of E. fetida at three time points (weeks 0, 6, and 12). The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced, and microbial diversity was characterized using QIIME2. Significant differences in alpha diversity (observed features, Shannon index, and phylogenetic diversity) and beta diversity indicated active microbial succession. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota were the dominant phyla, with abundances varying across habitats and over time. A significant enrichment of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and the genera Chryseolinea, Flavobacterium, and Sphingomonas was observed in the manure treatments. In contrast, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, and the genera Methylobacter, Brevibacillus, Enhygromyxa, and Bacillus, among others, were distinctive of the gut samples and contributed to their dissimilarity from the manure treatments. Simultaneously, the physicochemical parameters indicated progressive substrate stabilization and nutrient enrichment. Notably, the organic matter and total organic carbon contents decreased (from 79.47% to 47.80% and from 46.10% to 27.73%, respectively), whereas the total nitrogen content increased (from 1.70% to 2.23%); these effects reduced the C/N ratio, which is a recognized indicator of maturity, from 27.13 to 12.40. The macronutrient contents also increased, with final values of 1.41% for phosphorus, 1.50% for potassium, 0.89% for magnesium, and 2.81% for calcium. These results demonstrate that vermicomposting modifies microbial communities and enhances substrate quality, supporting its use as a biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture, soil restoration, and agrochemical reduction. Full article

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an emerging therapy for gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, acting via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Altering gut microbial composition may influence cognitive function, but this has not been tested in cognitively healthy adults. This randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial investigates whether FMT is feasible and improves cognition in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Participants receive a single dose of FMT or placebo via rectal retention enema. Cognitive performance is the primary outcome, assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Secondary outcomes include IBS symptom severity and mood. Tertiary outcomes include microbiome composition and plasma biomarkers related to inflammation, short-chain fatty acids, and tryptophan metabolism. Outcomes are assessed at baseline and at one, three, six, and twelve months following treatment. We hypothesise that FMT will lead to greater improvements in cognitive performance than placebo, with benefits extending beyond practice effects, emerging at one month and persisting in the long term. The findings will contribute to evaluating the safety and efficacy of FMT and enhance our understanding of gut–brain interactions. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic, non-communicable spectrum of diseases characterized by lipid accumulation. It is often asymptomatic, and its prevalence varies by region, age, gender, and economic status. It is estimated that 25% of the world’s population currently suffer from MAFLD, and 20 million patients will die from MAFLD-related diseases. In the last 20 years, tea and anti-obesity research have indicated that regularly consuming tea decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MeS). In this review, we aimed to present studies concerning the influence of matcha extracts and epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) supplements on metabolic functions in the context of MAFLD in human and animal studies. The published data show promise. In both human and animal studies, the beneficial effects on body weight, cholesterol levels, and liver metabolism and function were noted, even in short-period experiments. The safety levels for EGCG and green tea extract consumption are marked. More experiments are needed to confirm the results observed in animal studies and to show the mechanisms by which green tea exerts its effects. The preliminary data from research concerning microbiota or epigenetic changes observed after polyphenols and green tea consumption need to be expanded. To improve the efficiency and availability of green tea or supplement consumption as a treatment for MAFLD patients, more research with larger groups and longer study durations is needed. Full article