The role of intestinal flora on tumorigenesis,progression,and the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in colorectal cancer

Intestinal flora affects the maturation of the host immune system,serves as a biomarker and efficacy predictor in the immunotherapy of several cancers,and has an important role in the development of colorectal cancer(CRC).Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have shown satisfactory results in MSI-H/d MMR CRC but performed poorly in patients with MSS/p MMR CRC.In recent years an increasing number of studies have shown that intestinal flora has an important impact on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy in CRC patients.Preclinical and clinical evidence have suggested that anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy can be improved by altering the composition of the intestinal flora in CRC.Herein,we summarize the studies related to the influence of intestinal flora on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy in CRC and discuss the potential underlying mechanism(s).We have focused on the impact of the intestinal flora on the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in CRC and how to better utilize the intestinal flora as an adjuvant to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies.In addition,we have provided a basis for the potential of the intestinal flora as a new treatment modality and indicator for determining patient prognosis.

Effect of dietary supplementation with discardednutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris on layingperformance and diversity of intestinal flora in laying hens

The aim of the experiment was to explore the feasibility of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris as feed in the production of laying hens. 100 g/kg, 200 g/kg, 300 g/kg of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris were added to the basal diet of laying hens. The results showed that the optimal addition of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris in the diet of laying hens was 10%. According to the results of measuring the conventional indicators of eggs, the weight of eggs produced by laying hens fed with discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris was higher than that of laying hens fed with ordinary laying hens. The content of interleukin-1(IL-1) in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the concentration of IL-1 increased by 141.5 pg/mL, which indicated that the application of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris effectively improved the immunity of laying hens. The high-throughput analysis of the intestinal contents of the two groups of laying hens showed that the microbial population abundance of the intestinal tract of the experimental group was greater than that of control group, and the application of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris increased the diversity of bacteria in the intestinal tract of laying hens. In addition, the sensitivity of some pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract of chickens to drugs was also increased, thereby reducing the use of antibiotics. The secondary utilization of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris has great development and utilization prospects, which provided a scientific reference and basic theoretical basis for the development of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris as feed in the production of laying hens.

Intestinal flora: New perspective of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes comprises a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia stemming from various factors.Current diabetes management primarily focuses on blood glucose control,yet it is inherently progressive,necessitating increased reliance on exogenous blood glucose control methods over time.Therefore,there is an urgent need to explore novel intervention strategies addressing both diabetes and its complications.The human intestinal microbiota,often referred to as the"second genome",exhibits significant diversity and plays a pivotal role in insulin resistance,glucose and lipid metabolism,and inflammatory response.Notably,Li and Guo have elucidated the involvement of intestinal flora in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and proposed a novel therapeutic approach targeting intestinal microbes.This advancement enhances our comprehension of the multifaceted and multi-target regulation of T2DM by intestinal microflora,thereby offering fresh avenues for understanding its pathogenesis and clinical management.This letter briefly summarizes the role of intestinal flora in T2DM based on findings from animal experiments and clinical studies.Additionally,it discusses the potential clinical applications and challenges associated with targeting intestinal flora as therapeutic interventions.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of post-operative intestinal flora disorder following laparoscopic colonic surgery:A propensityscore-matching analysis

BACKGROUND Intestinal flora disorder(IFD)poses a significant challenge after laparoscopic colonic surgery,and no standard criteria exists for its diagnosis and treatment.AIM To analyze the clinical features and risk factors of IFD.METHODS Patients with colon cancer receiving laparoscopic surgery were included using propensity-score-matching(PSM)methods.Based on the occurrence of IFD,patients were categorized into IFD and non-IFD groups.The clinical characteristics and treatment approaches for patients with IFD were analyzed.Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of IFD.RESULTS The IFD incidence after laparoscopic surgery was 9.0%(97 of 1073 patients).After PSM,97 and 194 patients were identified in the IFD and non-IFD groups,respectively.The most common symptoms of IFD were diarrhea and abdominal,typically occurring on post-operative days 3 and 4.All patients were managed conservatively,including modulation of the intestinal flora(90.7%),oral/intravenous application of vancomycin(74.2%),and insertion of a gastric/ileus tube for decompression(23.7%).Multivariate regression analysis identified that preoperative intestinal obstruction[odds ratio(OR)=2.79,95%CI:1.04–7.47,P=0.041]and post-operative antibiotics(OR=8.57,95%CI:3.31–23.49,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for IFD,whereas pre-operative parenteral nutrition(OR=0.12,95%CI:0.06–0.26,P<0.001)emerged as a protective factor.CONCLUSION A stepwise approach of probiotics,vancomycin,and decompression could be an alternative treatment for IFD.Special attention is warranted post-operatively for patients with pre-operative obstruction or early use of antibiotics.

Effects of Compound Probiotics on Growth Performance and Intestinal Flora of Kunming Mice

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding compound probiotics on the growth performance and intestinal flora of Kunming mice.[Methods]Twelve healthy 2-week-old Kunming male mice with body weight of(11.09±0.43)g were selected.They were randomly divided into two treatment groups,namely blank control group(NC)and compound probiotics group(CB+LR+BS),with six mice in each group.The two groups were fed with commercial basal diet,and the compound probiotic experimental group was fed with basal diet supplemented with compound probiotics,in which the contents of Clostridium butyricum spores,Lactobacillus reuteri and Bacillus subtilis spores were 1×1010,1×1011 and 1×1010 CUF/kg,respectively.The body weight,feed intake and water intake of mice were counted every 4 d,and the experimental period was 13 d.On the 13 th day,the cecal contents of the mice were collected for analysis.[Results]There was no significant change in body weight and feed intake when compound probiotics were added to the diet.However,the addition of compound probiotics reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli,urease-negative Helicobacter typhlonius and Salmonella enterica,while increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Anaerostipes hadrus,and the contents of IgG and IgM increased significantly(P<0.05).[Conclusions]In summary,the addition of compound probiotics could significantly improve the structure of intestinal microbial flora,increase the quantity of beneficial bacteria,reduce the quantity of harmful bacteria,and improve the immune function of mice.

Research Progress of Intestinal Flora in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, as a common malignant tumor, has been increasing in incidence year by year and has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Meanwhile, researchers have found a close relationship between dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and colorectal cancer, which has further triggered indepth exploration of the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that there are specific microbial changes in colorectal cancer tissues, including enrichment or depletion of certain bacterial species, which may be associated with tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Additionally, gut microbiota has been found to be closely linked to tumor microenvironment, tumor immune response, chemotherapy drug metabolism, and other factors. In this context, it is imperative to study the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer. A comprehensive understanding of the interaction between gut microbiota and colorectal cancer is not only helpful in revealing novel mechanisms of colorectal cancer development, but also holds promise in providing new strategies and targets for early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer. This review aims to thoroughly discuss the research progress of gut microbiota in colorectal cancer, including its compositional characteristics, its role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer, and its potential clinical applications. The goal is to provide references and insights for further research in this field.

Correlation Analysis Between Children with Atopic Dermatitis and Asthma and Factors Affecting Intestinal Flora

Objective:In order to reveal the potential association between intestinal flora and atopic dermatitis with asthma,the study compares the changes in intestinal flora before and after treatment with antibiotics in children and explores the risk factors for the disease development in children.The differences between asthma-controlled children and healthy children were also analyzed to investigate whether there was a correlation between the level of control and intestinal flora in asthmatic children.Methods:367 children with atopic dermatitis and asthma were selected,and the control group was healthy children who did not have other skin diseases.Fecal samples were collected from healthy children and children with asthma,and the intestinal flora was tested at Beijing Nebula Medical Testing Laboratory Co.At the same time,50 children were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria to take amide antibiotics during hospitalization,and stool samples were collected before and after taking antibiotics.Results:The proportion of Gram-positive cocci increased and the proportion of Gram-positive bacilli decreased after the administration of antibiotics in children with atopic dermatitis and asthma(P<0.05),and no significant difference was shown in the gender and age of the children(P>0.05).The proportion of family history of atopic dermatitis with asthma was higher in the experimental group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of antibiotics in children with atopic dermatitis with asthma showed a positive correlation with changes in intestinal flora.The use of antibiotics may lead to changes in intestinal flora and increase the risk of atopic dermatitis with asthma.Antibiotic use in infancy and childhood is also recognized as a risk factor for atopic dermatitis with asthma.Therefore,the use of antibiotics should be minimized in preventing and treating atopic dermatitis with asthma.

Research Progress on Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Intestinal Flora

In recent years,the World Health Organization has proposed the concept that only intes‐tinal health can lead to longevity.It can be seen that gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining human health,and gut microbiota has become a hot topic in medical research.With the change of Chinese residents'lifestyle,the incidence rate of diabetes is increasing rapidly.Research shows that the incidence of diabetes is closely related to intestinal flora imbalance.Traditional Chinese medicine can reduce blood sugar and improve clinical symptoms by regulating intestinal flora.Based on the theory of tradi‐tional Chinese medicine,this paper discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of intestinal flora imbalance,and provides a theoretical basis for traditional Chinese medicine to regu‐late intestinal flora to prevent and treat diabetes.Intestinal flora is a complex ecosystem,which plays an important role in maintaining human health.The imbalance of intestinal flora may lead to the occurrence of diabetes.The dynamic balance of gut microbiota is closely related to the kidneys,spleen,liver,and lungs.Traditional Chinese medicine monomer and compound can prevent and cure diabetes by regulating intestinal flora.

Effects of sepsis and its treatment measures on intestinal flora structure in critical care patients

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a common disease in intensive care units,with high morbidity and mortality.Intestinal microecology plays a vital part in the development and progression of this disease,possibly because sepsis and its treatment cause specific changes in the composition of the intestinal flora.AIM To investigate the characteristics of intestinal flora disturbance in sepsis patients treated with antibiotics.METHODS In this prospective comparative study,we enrolled ten patients with sepsis(sepsis group),hospitalized in the Department of Critical Care Medicine of the General Hospital,Ningxia Medical University,China(a class IIIa general hospital)from February 2017 to June 2017;ten patients without sepsis hospitalized in the same period(non-sepsis group)and ten healthy individuals(control group)were also enrolled.Fecal samples collected from the three groups were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the intestinal flora diversity,structure,and composition were determined.Additionally,the dynamics of the intestinal flora diversity,structure,and composition in sepsis patients were investigated via 16S rRNA gene sequencing of samples collected 0 d,3 d,and 7 d after admittance to the intensive care unit.Correlations between the serum levels of procalcitonin,endotoxin,diamine oxidase,and D-lactic acid and the intestinal flora composition of sepsis patients were also investigated.RESULTS Compared with the healthy control group,sepsis and non-sepsis patients showed reduced intestinal floraα-diversity and a distinct flora structure,with Firmicutes as the dominant phylum,and significantly decreased proportions of Bacteroidetes,as well as Prevotella and Lachnospira,among other genera.Of note,the proportion of Enterococcus was significantly increased in the intestinal tract of sepsis patients.Interestingly,theα-diversity in the sepsis group decreased gradually,from days 1 to 7 of treatment.However,pairwise comparisons showed that both the diversity and structure of the intestinal flora were not significantly different considering the three different time points studied.Curiously,the serum levels of procalcitonin,endotoxin,diamine oxidase,and D-lactic acid in sepsis patients correlated with the prevalence of various bacterial genera.For example,the prevalence of Ruminococcus was positively correlated with serum procalcitonin,endotoxins,and diamine oxidase;similarly,the prevalence of Roseburia was positively correlated with serum procalcitonin,endotoxins,and D-lactic acid.CONCLUSION Sepsis patients in intensive care units show dysbiosis,lasting for at least 1 wk.

Using 16S rDNA Sequencing Technology to Preliminarily Analyze Intestinal Flora in Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia

Objective We investigated changes in the intestinal flora of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP).Methods Between September 2019 and November 2019,stool samples from 14 children with MPP from The Fourth Hospital of Baotou city,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,were collected and divided into general treatment(AF)and probiotic(AFY)groups,according to the treatment of“combined Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,Enterococcus,and Bacillus cereus tablets live”.Highthroughput 16S rDNA sequencing was used to identify intestinal flora.Results Intestinal flora abundance and diversity in children with MPP were decreased.Both Shannon and Simpson indices were lower in the AF group when compared with healthy controls(P<.05).When compared with healthy controls,the proportion of Enterorhabdus was lower in the AF group,while the proportion of Lachnoclostridium was higher(P<0.05).The proportion of Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia was lower in the AFY group but Enterococcus,Lachnoclostridium,Roseburia,and Erysipelatoclostridium proportions were higher.The proportion of Escherichia coli-Shigella in the AFY group after treatment was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions The intestinal flora of children with MPP is disturbed,manifested as decreased abundance and diversity,and decreased Bifidobacteria.Our probiotic mixture partly improved intestinal flora disorders.

Moxibustion inhibits interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and modulates intestinal flora in rat with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on intestinal flora and release of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from the colon in rat with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: A rat model of UC was established by local stimulation of the intestine with supernatant from colonic contents harvested from human UC patients. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: normal (sham), model (UC), herb-partition moxibustion (HPM-treated), and positive control sulfasalazine (SA-treated). Rats treated with HPM received HPM at acupuncture points ST25 and RN6, once a day for 15 min, for a total of 8 d. Rats in the SA group were perfused with SA twice a day for 8 d. The colonic histopathology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin. The levels of intestinal flora, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis), were tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect bacterial 16S rRNA/DNA in order to determine DNA copy numbers of each specific species. Immunohistochemical assays were used to observe the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the rat colons. RESULTS: HPM treatment inhibited immunopathology in colonic tissues of UC rats; the general morphological score and the immunopathological score were significantly decreased in the HPM and SA groups compared with the model group [3.5 (2.0-4.0), 3.0 (1.5-3.5) vs 6.0 (5.5-7.0), P < 0.05 for the general morphological score, and 3.00 (2.00-3.50), 3.00 (2.50-3.50) vs 5.00 (4.50-5.50), P < 0.01 for the immunopathological score]. As measured by DNA copy number, we found that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which are associated with a healthy colon, were significantly higher in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (1.395 ± 1.339, 1.461 ± 1.152 vs 0.045 ± 0.036, P < 0.01 for Bifidobacterium, and 0.395 ± 0.325, 0.851 ± 0.651 vs 0.0015 ± 0.0014, P < 0.01 for Lactobacillus). On the other hand, E. coli and B. fragilis, which are associated with an inflamed colon, were significantly lower in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (0.244 ± 0.107, 0.628 ± 0.257 vs 1.691 ± 0.683, P < 0.01 for E. coli, and 0.351 ± 0.181, 0.416 ± 0.329 vs 1.285 ± 1.039, P < 0.01 for B. fragilis). The expression of TNF-α and IL-12 was decreased after HPM and SA treatment as compared to UC model alone (4970.81 ± 959.78, 6635.45 ± 1135.16 vs 12333.81 ± 680.79, P < 0.01 for TNF-α, and 5528.75 ± 1245.72, 7477.38 ± 1259.16 vs 12550.29 ± 1973.30, P < 0.01 for IL-12). CONCLUSION: HPM treatment can regulate intestinal flora and inhibit the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the colon tissues of UC rats, indicating that HPM can improve colonic immune response.

Role of intestinal flora in primary sclerosing cholangitis and its potential therapeutic value

Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic cholestasis,a persistent inflammation of the bile ducts that leads to sclerotic occlusion and cholestasis.Gut microbes,consisting of microorganisms colonized in the human gut,play an important role in nutrient intake,metabolic homeostasis,immune regulation,and immune regulation;however,their presence might aid PSC development.Studies have found that gut-liver axis interactions also play an important role in the pathogenesis of PSC.Patients with PSC have considerably reduced intestinal flora diversity and increased abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria.Dysbiosis of the intestinal flora leads to increased intestinal permeability,homing of intestinal lymphocytes,entry of bacteria and their associated metabolites,such as bile acids,into the liver,stimulation of hepatic immune activation,and promotion of PSC.Currently,PSC effective treatment is lacking.However,a number of studies have recently investigated the targeted modulation of gut microbes for the treatment of various liver diseases(alcoholic liver disease,metabolic fatty liver,cirrhosis,and autoimmune liver disease).In addition,antibiotics,fecal microbiota transplantation,and probiotics have been reported as successful PSC therapies as well as for the treatment of gut dysbiosis,suggesting their effectiveness for PSC treatment.Therefore,this review briefly summarizes the role of intestinal flora in PSC with the aim of providing new insights into PSC treatment.

Role of intestinal flora imbalance in pathogenesis of pouchitis

Objective: To discuss the role of intestinal flora imbalance in the pathogenesis of pouchitis. Methods: The puochitis rat model was established and the faeces sample and the mucous membrane sample were collected regularly, in which the bacterial nucleic acids were extracted for quantitative analysis of the intestinal flora in the samples through using the real-time quantitative PCR technique and high energy sequencing technology. Results: The disorder phenomenon of the intestinal flora appeared at the 7th day of the experiment, and the pouchitis was presented at the 21 th day of the experiment. At the 31 th day of the experiment, compared to control group and non-pouchitis group, the quantity of Bifidobacterium and the Lactobacillusof the pouchitis model rats in the mucous membrane sample and the faeces sample were significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the Bacteroidetes, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and 桛 Clostridium leptum subgroup in the mucous membrane of pouchitis were significantly decreased(P<0.05). The Clostridium coccoides group was the main flora in the mucous membrane of pouchitis, the bacterial diversity of non-puochitis group and control group was significantly higher than that of the puochitis group(P<0.05). Conclusions: The intestinal flora imbalance is one of the factors that cause the incidence of the pouhitis; this study provides a clue of the pathogenesis and treatment direction of the intestinal inflammatory disease.

New insights into the interplay between intestinal flora and bile acids in inflammatory bowel disease

Intestinal flora plays a key role in nutrient absorption,metabolism and immune defense,and is considered to be the cornerstone of maintaining the health of human hosts.Bile acids synthesized in the liver can not only promote the absorption of fat-soluble substances in the intestine,but also directly or indirectly affect the structure and function of intestinal flora.Under the action of intestinal flora,bile acids can be converted into secondary bile acids,which can be reabsorbed back to the liver through the enterohepatic circulation.The complex dialogue mechanism between intestinal flora and bile acids is involved in the development of intestinal inflammation such as inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).In this review,the effects of intestinal flora,bile acids and their interactions on IBD and the progress of treatment were reviewed.

GPP(composition of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharides) protects against DSS-induced murine colitis by enhancing immune function and regulating intestinal flora

Previous study have demonstrated that a compound composed of water-soluable Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides(GLP)and Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharides(PUP)in a ratio of 3:1 named GPP enhances innate immune function in mice through enhancing the function of macrophage cells and activity of natural killer(NK)cells.Here in our research,we further investigated the effect of GPP on the diversity and composition of intestinal flora,and explored its effect on colitis model mice.The immunoregulatory verification experiments of GPP were conducted in both normal and DSS-induced mice model.Our research showed that GPP increased the diversity of intestinal microorganisms in mice with the extension of administration time.Daily GPP intake attenuated DSS-induced colon injury,protected the splenic lymphocyte proliferation ability,enhanced the serum hemolysin synthesis,and increased peripheral phagocytes and NK cell activity in model mice.Comparisons of the predominant gene pathways of the bacterial microbiota showed that DNA repair and recombination,base mismatch repair pathways was stronger in GPP-treatment group than in control group,indicating the possible molecular mechanisms of immune function regulation.Our study showed that GPP regulated immune function in both health and colitis model,and had a positive effect on maintaining intestinal flora homeostasis.

Role of natural products and intestinal flora on type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a complicated,globally expanding disease that is influenced by hereditary and environmental variables.Changes in modern society’s food choices,physical inactivity,and obesity are significant factors in the development of type 2 DM(T2DM).The association between changes in intestinal flora and numerous disorders,including obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases,has been studied in recent years.The purpose of this review is to analyze the mechanisms underlying the alteration of the diabetic patients’intestinal flora,as well as their therapeutic choices.Also included is a summary of the antidiabetic benefits of natural compounds demonstrated by studies.The short-chain fatty acids theory,the bile acid theory,and the endotoxin theory are all potential methods by which intestinal flora contributes to the establishment and progression of T2DM.Due to an intestinal flora imbalance,abnormalities in shortchain fatty acids and secondary bile acids have been found in diabetic patients.Additionally,metabolic endotoxemia with altering flora induces a systemic inflammatory response by stimulating the immune system via bacterial translocation.The agenda for diabetes treatment includes the use of short-chain fatty acids,probiotics,prebiotics in the diet,fecal bacteria transplantation,and antibiotics.Animal studies have proven the antidiabetic benefits of numerous bioactive substances,including Flavonoids,Alkaloids,Saponin,and Allicin.However,further research is required to contribute to the treatment of diabetes.

Different dietary starch patterns in lowprotein diets:effect on nitrogen efficiency,nutrient metabolism,and intestinal flora in growing pigs

Background:Protein releases amino acids faster than starch releases glucose in digestive tract of pigs fed lowprotein(LP)diets.Poor synchronization of dietary glucose and amino acids supply leads to compromised nitrogen efficiency.Dietary starch patterns modulation may improve this situation.Methods:Growing barrows(29.7±2.0 kg)were randomly allotted into 5 dietary treatments with LP diets consisting of different purified starches.Treatments included:waxy corn starch(W LP),corn starch+waxy corn starch(C+W LP),corn starch(C LP),pea starch+waxy corn starch(P+W LP)and pea starch(P LP).In the experiment,growth performance,protein deposition,nutrient metabolism,and fecal microbial community of pigs were investigated.In vitro starch digestion was used for predicting the in vivo glucose response.Results:Dietary starch in vitro glucose release profile was determined by starch source and the ratio of amylopectin and amylose.C+W LP treatment showed decreased total nitrogen excretion and plasma citrulline concentration and improved plasma leptin concentration among treatments(P<0.05).Besides,the highest nitrogen apparent biological value,whole-body protein deposition and growth performance and lowest urinary nitrogen excretion were also observed in C+W LP treatment.Compared with the other groups,C+W LP and C LP showed increased plasma pyruvate,IGF-1,and lipase concentrations(P<0.05).The W LP group presented dramatically increased plasma alanine and urea nitrogen concentration and decreased aldolase and leptin concentrations(P<0.05).Dietary starch patterns did not make an impact on bacterial richness and diversity,but changed the taxonomic and functional structures of the microbial communities.Microbial protein fermentation product(isobutyrate and isovalerate)presented increased in P LP treatments compared with the other treatments(P<0.05).Conclusions:Dietary starch patterns modulation can regulate dietary glucose release profile,nutrient metabolism,protein turnover,and fecal microbial fermentation in pigs.The optimal dietary glucose release profile effectively strengthened whole-body protein deposition and improve nitrogen efficiency and growth performance in growing pigs fed LP diets.

16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis on changes in the intestinal flora of Procambarus clarkii with“Black May”disease

The morbidity and mortality peak of farmed Procambarus clarkii occurs around May every year,a phenomenon known as"Black May"disease(BMD).Increasing evidence shows that the intestinal flora is closely related to host health.We analyzed and compared the microbiota of healthy and BMDaffected P.clarkii intestines.The results show that there was no significant difference in bacterial a-diversity(richness P=0.59;evenness P=0.43;and diversity P=0.052)between the diseased group and the control group.Four dominant phyla in the intestines of crayfish in the control group,namely Tenericutes(30.86%),Bacteroidetes(29.99%),Firmicutes(22.23%),and Proteobacteria(15.23%),were identified.However,a striking shift in the microbial compo sition were found in the intestines of P.clarkii with BMD.Bacteroidetes was a dominant phylum in healthy P.clarkii,whereas the prevalence was low in diseased P.clarkii(1.87%).By contrast,the prevalence of Proteobacteria was significantly higher(P<0.05)in P.clarkii with BMD than in P.clarkii without BMD.Candidatus Bacilloplasma,Bacteroides,Vibrio,and Aeromonas showed significant differences(P<0.05)at the genus level.Tax4 Fun function prediction indicated that the relative abundance of genes involved in energy metabolism in the intestinal flora of P.clarkii with BMD was significantly reduced(P<0.05).Therefore,BMD can change the composition of the intestinal microbiota of P.clarkii.This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between intestinal flora and host especially in aquatic animals.

Assessment of immune responses and intestinal flora in BALB/c mice model of wheat food allergy via different sensitization methods

Increasing incidences showed that food allergies have attracted more and more attention from researchers.BALB/c mice were sensitized with wheat gluten combined with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant via intraperitoneal injection,transdermal sensitization,and oral gavage sensitization route.Results showed that all the three sensitization methods could induce allergic symptoms;increase the serum antibody(total immunoglobulin E(IgE),specific IgE,IgG,IgA)and histamine content;promote the secretion of Th2 cytokines(interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13)and inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-17 A,IL-10);and inhibit the production of Th1 cytokines(IFN-γ,IL-2).However,the allergic symptoms of mice sensitized by intraperitoneal injection were the most obvious among the three models.The level of serum antibodies in intraperitoneal injection group was significantly higher than control.Subsequently,16 S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the intestinal flora of mice.The results showed that the abundance of Firmicutes in the wheat protein sensitized group was lower than that in the normal group,while the abundance of Bacteroidetes was higher,and Lactobacillus was the difference marker in normal group.Bacterial species diversity analysis showed that the species richness and diversity of intestinal flora in mice were decreased,the difference between mice induced by intraperitoneal injection and normal control group mice was the most significant.Taken together,these results show that among three sensitization methods used to build a mouse model with aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant,intraperitoneal injection is the comparably best way to build a mouse sensitization mode.

An investigation of the influence of intestinal flora in external traditional Chinese medicine therapy

External therapy,which has been used for millennia to treat disease,has now become the newest member of complementary and alternative therapies.A growing number of clinical studies and animal experiments have shown that external therapy exerts a positive effect on the intestinal flora.In this paper,we review the research related to external therapy on various systemic diseases and focus on changes in the intestinal flora.We found that studies on external therapy are dominated by acupuncture and tuina,primarily aimed at the treatment of digestive and neurological diseases.However,the deeper mechanism of regulation of the intestinal flora by external therapy has not yet been experimentally confirmed.