Gastrointestinal microbiome and cholelithiasis:Current status and perspectives

Cholelithiasis is a common digestive disease affecting 10%to 15%of adults.It imposes significant global health and financial burdens.However,the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis involves several factors and is incompletely elucidated.In addition to genetic predisposition and hepatic hypersecretion,the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis might involve the gastrointestinal(GI)microbiome,consisting of microorganisms and their metabolites.High-throughput sequencing studies have elucidated the role of bile,gallstones,and the fecal microbiome in cholelithiasis,associating microbiota dysbiosis with gallstone formation.The GI microbiome may drive cholelithogenesis by regulating bile acid metabolism and related signaling pathways.This review examines the literature implicating the GI microbiome in cholelithiasis,specifically gallbladder stones,choledocholithiasis,and asymptomatic gallstones.We also discuss alterations of the GI microbiome and its influence on cholelithogenesis.

Gastrointestinal microbiome and cholelithiasis:Prospect in the nervous system

Dan and colleagues recently published research suggesting that the gastrointestinal microbiome(microorganisms and metabolites)in cholelithiasis.They reviewed gallbladder stones,choledocholithiasis,and asymptomatic gallstones.Finally,their discussion was on the gastrointestinal.We focused on complementing the effect of the S1 protein and neuroinflammatory changes caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Our contribution was about to involve the microbiota and the nervous system.They can have similar functions because they have similar pathways and advantages,bearing in mindγ-aminobutyric acid in schizophrenia and serotonin in Parkinson's disease.Therefore in the next few years,more research should be encouraged on the microbiota consequences for development,and mobility.

Gastrointestinal Microbiome and related metabolites in Depression and Antidepressants - a comprehensive review

Depression,a prevalent mood disorder,has emerged as a significant health concern in society.While the exact cause of depression remains incompletely understood,there is substantial evidence linking the gastrointestinal microbiome and its metabolites to this condition.Through combined multi-omics analysis,it has been observed that the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome,including Firmicutes,Bacteroidetes,and Actinobacteria,undergoes significant alterations in depressed individuals.Moreover,the production of short-chain fatty acids,tryptophan,and bile acids by these gut microbes is also found to be modified in depression.Furthermore,studies have demonstrated that antidepressant medications exert their therapeutic effects by interacting with the gastrointestinal microbiome and their metabolites.This review provides an overview of the association between the gastrointestinal microbiome,related metabolites,and depression.It highlights the potential of these factors to serve as mechanisms of action for antidepressant medications.Additionally,the review summarizes the commonly used technical tools in depression research.

Gastrointestinal microbiome and primary Sjogren’s syndrome: a review of the literature and conclusions

The recognition of the profound impact of the human gastrointestinal microbiome(GM) on human autoimmune diseases has gradually increased thanks to deeper research efforts. As a systemic autoimmune disease, primary Sjogren’s syndrome(pSS) cannot be completely cured. Human studies have revealed that GM species and diversity are altered in patients with p SS compared with healthy individuals. Animal studies have provided possible mechanisms for the association between pSS and GM. The potential role of GM in pSS is exerted through several mechanisms. GM dysbiosis leads to increased intestinal permeability, which increases the risk of GM antigen exposure and activates specific autoreactive T lymphocytes via “molecular mimicry”. In addition, GM antigen exposure and intestinal immune tolerance loss caused by GM dysbiosis together induce chronic local gut mucosal inflammation, which deteriorates to systemic chronic non-specific inflammation with the circulation of pro-inflammatory lymphocytes and cytokines. These factors eventually activate autoreactive B lymphocytes and lead to pSS. If GM plays a key role in the pathogenesis of pSS, clarifying the underlying mechanisms will be helpful for the development of new therapies targeting GM for dry eye associated with pSS. This review summarizes the latest knowledge about the relationship between GM and p SS,with the aim of contributing to future research and to the development of new clinical applications.

Interaction between diet and genetics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Marangoni et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023;29:5618-5629,about“Diet as an epigenetic factor in inflammatory bowel disease”.The authors emphasized the role of diet,especially the interaction with genetics,in promoting the inflam-matory process in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)patients,focusing on DNA methylation,histone modifications,and the influence of microRNAs.In this editorial,we explore the interaction between genetics,gut microbiota,and diet,in an only way.Furthermore,we provided dietary recommendations for patients with IBD.The Western diet,characterized by a low fiber content and deficiency the micronutrients,impacts short-chain fatty acids production and may be related to the pathogenesis of IBD.On the other hand,the consumption of the Mediter-ranean diet and dietary fibers are associated with reduced risk of IBD flares,particularly in Crohn’s disease(CD)patients.According to the dietary guidance from the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases(IOIBD),the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables while reducing the consumption of saturated,trans,dairy fat,additives,processed foods rich in maltodextrins,and artificial sweeteners containing sucralose or saccharine is recommended to CD patients.For patients with ulcerative colitis,the IOIBD recommends the increased intake of natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids and follows the same restrictive recommendations aimed at CD patients,with the possible inclusion of red meats.In conclusion,IBD is a complex and hetero-geneous disease,and future studies are needed to elucidate the influence of epigenetics on diet and microbiota in IBD patients.

Progress in Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth has been found to be associated with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and, in recent years, diabetes mellitus and systemic sclerosis, among other extraintestinal diseases. Several novel diagnostic tools for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth have emerged in recent years, and several therapeutic approaches have been proposed. Therefore, it has become necessary to find an effective, safe, and simple diagnostic method and a safe treatment modality. This article provides a review of current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Multi-omics: Opportunities for research on mechanism of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a burdensome global disease.In-depth understanding of its mechanism will help to optimize diagnosis and treatment,which reduces the burden.Multi-omics research has unparalleled advantages in contributing to the overall understanding of the mechanism of this chronic metabolic disease.In the past two decades,the study of multi-omics on T2DMrelated intestinal flora perturbation and plasma dyslipidemia has shown tremendous potential and is expected to achieve major breakthroughs.The regulation of intestinal flora in diabetic patients has been confirmed by multiple studies.The use of metagenomics,16S RNA sequencing,and metabolomics has comprehensively identified the overall changes in the intestinal flora and the metabolic disturbances that could directly or indirectly participate in the intestinal flora-host interactions.Lipidomics combined with other“omics”has characterized lipid metabolism disorders in T2DM.The combined application and crossvalidation of multi-omics can screen for dysregulation in T2DM,which will provide immense opportunities to understand the mechanisms behind T2DM.

The Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy

Gut microbiota is symbiotic and interdependent with human body.Intestinal probiotics are colonized in the human gastrointestinal tract,which can improve the host intestinal microenvironment and enhance the intestinal function and immune function of the human body.A small number of opportunistic pathogens exist in the intestinal tract.Once the number of pathogens exceeds the threshold of intestinal tolerance,the intestinal micro-ecological balance can be destroyed,and various diseases may thus develop.Pregnancy is a special status with different physiologic changing stages.In the meanwhile,alterations in the gut microbiome populations occur,which can promote the differentiation,development,and maturation of fetal organs by affecting maternal metabolism.Compared with normal pregnant women,great changes in the gastrointestinal function and gut microbiome may take place in pregnant women with pregnancy-related complications,in which these changes include the number,species,and intestinal translocation.The composition of the maternal gut microbiome could contribute to pregnancy and obstetric outcomes,and long-term health of mother and child.The relationships of pregnancy to gut microbiome have attracted an increasing attention in recent years.This article will provide a summary review of the research studies of gut microbiome in normal pregnant women versus abnormal pregnancy women with complications.

Yemazhui(Herba Eupatorii Lindleyani)ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via modulation of the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B/nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein signaling pathway and intestinal flor

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of Yemazhui(Herba Eupatorii Lindleyani,HEL)against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)and explore its underlying mechanism in vivo.METHODS:The chemical constituents of HEL were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatographyquadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method.Then,HEL was found to suppress LPS-induced ALI in vivo.Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:control,LPS,Dexamethasone(Dex),HEL low dose 6 g/kg(HEL-L),HEL medium dose 18 g/kg(HEL-M)and HEL high dose 54 g/kg(HEL-H)groups.The model rats were intratracheally injected with 3 mg/kg LPS to establish an ALI model.Leukocyte counts,lung wet/dry weight ratio,as well as myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity were determined followed by the detection with hematoxylin and eosin staining,enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,immunohistochemistry,and immunofluorescence.Besides,to explore the effect of HEL on ALI-mediated intestinal flora,we performed 16s rRNA sequencing analysis of intestinal contents.RESULTS:HEL attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in lung tissue and intestinal flora disturbance.Mechanism study indicated that HEL suppressed the lung coefficient and wet/dry weight ratio of LPS-induced ALI in rats,inhibited leukocytes exudation and MPO activity,and improved the pathological injury of lung tissue.In addition,HEL reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factoralpha,interleukin-1beta(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum,and inhibited nuclear displacement of nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κBp65).And 18 g/kg HEL also reduced the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88,NF-κBp65,phosphorylated inhibitor kappa B alpha(phospho-IκBα),nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein(NLRP3),IL-1β,and interleukin-18(IL-18)in lung tissue,and regulated intestinal flora disturbance.CONCLUSIONS:In summary,our findings revealed that HEL has a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and improving intestinal flora disturbance.

Dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection

Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy(BQT)has long been recommended for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication in China.Meanwhile,in the latest national consensus in China,dual therapy(DT)comprising an acid suppressor and amoxicillin has also been recommended.In recent years,the eradication rate of H.pylori has reached>90%using DT,which has been used not only as a first-line treatment but also as a rescue treatment.Compared with BQT,DT has great potential for H.pylori eradication;however,it has some limitations.This review summarizes the development of DT and its application in H.pylori eradication.The H.pylori eradication rates of DT were comparable to or even higher than those of BQT or standard triple therapy,especially in the first-line treatment.The incidence of adverse events associated with DT was lower than that with other therapies.Furthermore,there were no significant differences in the effects of dual and quadruple therapies on gastrointestinal microecology.In the short term,H.pylori eradication causes certain fluctuations in the gastrointestinal microbiota;however,in the long term,the gastrointestinal microbiota eventually returns to its normal state.In the penicillin-naïve population,patients receiving DT have a high eradiation rate,better compliance,lower incidence of adverse reactions,and lower primary and secondary resistance to amoxicillin.These findings suggest the safety,efficacy,and potential of DT for H.pylori eradication.

Sanwu Baisan decoction(三物白散)inhibits colorectal cancer progression in mice by remodeling gut microbiota and tumorigenesis

OBJECTIVE:To uncover the anti-tumor effects and potential mechanism of Sanwu Baisan Decoction(三物白散,SWB)in treatment of colorectal cancer(CRC)in mice.METHODS:Therapeutic effect was evaluated based on body weight gain,tumor volume,tumor growth inhibition rate,and histological changes and apoptosis in the tumor tissues.Anti-tumor immunity was studied by measuring plasma levels of anti-tumor cytokines,interleukin 6(IL-6),interleukin 17(IL-17),and interferonγ(IFN-γ).Gut morphological changes were evaluated by histological staining and tight junction proteins expressions.Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S r RNA gene sequencing.Classical toll-like receptor 4(TLR-4)/cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2)/prostaglandin E2(PGE-2)pathway was examined in colon tissue and tumor samples.RESULTS:SWB presented high anti-tumor efficacy of CRC in mice,which manifested as decreased tumor volume and increased tumor growth inhibition rate.This anti-tumor effect of SWB was associated with elevated plasma levels of anti-tumor immune cytokines(IL-6,IL-17,and IFN-γ).Further studies showed that SWB also increases the expression of occluding and promotes the abundance of gut probiotics,Clostridium_XIVa,Enterorhabdus,and uncultured_bacterium.Moreover,results suggested that the anti-tumor effects of SWB might associate with inducing cancer cell apoptosis and inhibiting the TLR-4/COX-2/PGE-2 pathway in both colon tissue and tumor samples.CONCLUSION:SWB shows strong anti-tumor efficiency in mice with colorectal carcinoma,possibly through promoting the secretion of anti-tumor immune cytokines,inducing cancer apoptosis,maintaining the gut microbiota,and inhibiting tumorigenesis by inhibiting the TLR-4/COX-2/PGE-2 pathway.

Efficacy of Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)on gut mircobiota in mice with autoimmune encephalomyelitis

OBJECTIVE:To learn the mechanisms between gut microbiome and the autoimmunity benefits on Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)in central nervous system(CNS),we investigated the neuro-protection effects and gut mircobiota changes of Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE),an animal model of multiple sclerosis(MS).METHODS:Mice were randomly divided into four groups:EAE mice(control phosphate-buffered saline group),50 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)-treated EAE mice,100 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)-treated EAE mice,and 200 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)-treated EAE mice.The spinal cords were stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)and luxol fast blue for evaluating inflammatory infiltration and demyelination.The percentages of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor(GM-CSF)+CD4+,interleukin 17(IL-17)+CD4+,Foxp3 CD4+,and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)+CD4+T cells in the inguinal lymph nodes(LNs)and brain were determined by flow cytometry analysis.16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to analyze the changes in gut microbiota.RESULTS:We found that Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)alleviated the disease severity and neuropathology of EAE as evaluated by clinical and histopathologyical scores.Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)increased the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota,and decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio(F/B ratio).Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)also decreased the concentrations of IL-10,and IL-21 and increase the levels of GM-CSF,IL-17A,IL-17F and IL-22 in serum of EAE mice.Moreover,Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)modulated the T cell responses by inhibiting Th17 cells and restoring Treg cells in the small intestine lymphoid tissues and inguinal lymph nodes.Microbiota-depleted mice receiving Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)-treated fecal microbiota transplantation had lower disease severity,neuropathology scores and alleviation of Th17/Treg imbalance compared to ad libitum group.CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggested that the vital neuro-protection role of Heshouwu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori)(TCM)in immunomodulation effects partly by regulations of gut microbiome.

Therapy of replenishing Yin and regulating Yang for manic episode in bipolar disorder:study protocol for a prospective,double-blind,randomized controlled trial

Bipolar disorder(BD) is a chronic and recurrent disorder characterized by biphasic mood episodes of mania or hypomania and depression.It affects more than 1% of the global population and is a leading cause of disability in young people.Currently available treatments for BD are still fairly limited in terms of efficacy,with high rates of non-adherence,non-response,and undesirable side effects.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has a long history and rich experience in stabilizing mania and improving quality of life.Aiming at rebalancing Yin and Yang in BD,therapy of replenishing Yin and regulating Yang(RYRY therapy) has been in clinical use for years in China.The present prospective,double-blind,randomized controlled trial is designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of RYRY therapy for bipolar mania and its possible mechanism from the point of regulating gut microbiota and anti-inflammation.A total of 60 eligible participants will be recruited from Beijing Anding Hospital.They will be randomized to either the study group or the control group in a ratio of 1∶1.Participants allocated to the study group will receive RYRY granule,while placebo granule will be applied in the control group.Participants in both groups will be prescribed conventional therapy for manic episode in BD.Four scheduled visits will be conducted over 4 weeks.Outcome measurements include Young Mania Rating Scale,TCM Symptom Pattern Rating Scale,Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale,levels of C-reactive protein,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α and the gut microbial community profile of stool samples.Safety outcomes and adverse events will also be recorded.In this study,we set a number of scientific and objective assessments to evaluate the efficacy of RYRY therapy and study into its possible mechanism,hopefully offering clinicians an alternative approach to BD.

Integrated'omics analysis for the gut microbiota response to moxibustion in a rat model of chronic fatigue syndrome

OBJECTIVE:To observe the efficacy of moxibustion in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS)and explore the effects on gut microbiota and metabolic profiles.METHODS:Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control group(Con),CFS model group(Mod,established by multiple chronic stress for 35 d),MoxA group(CFS model with moxibustion Shenque(CV8)and Guanyuan(CV4),10 min/d,28 d)and MoxB group(CFS model with moxibustion Zusanli(ST36),10 min/d,28 d).Open-field test(OFT)and Morris-water-maze test(MWMT)were determined for assessment the CFS model and the therapeutic effects of moxibustion.16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis based gut microbiota integrated untargeted liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer(LC-MS)based fecal metabolomics were executed,as well as Spearman correlation analysis,was utilized to uncover the functional relevance between the potential metabolites and gut microbiota.RESULTS:The results of our behavioral tests showed that moxibustion improved the performance of CFS rats in the OFT and the MWMT.Microbiome profiling analysis revealed that the gut microbiomes of CFS rats were less diverse with altered composition,including increases in pro-inflammatory species(such as Proteobacteria)and decreases in anti-inflammatory species(such as Bacteroides,Lactobacillus,Ruminococcus,and Prevotella).Moxibustion partially normalized these changes in the gut microbiota.Furthermore,CFS was associated with metabolic disorders,which were effectively ameliorated by moxibustion.This was demonstrated by the normalization of 33 microbiota-related metabolites,including mannose(P=0.001),aspartic acid(P=0.009),alanine(P=0.007),serine(P=0.000),threonine(P=0.027),methionine(P=0.023),5-hydroxytryptamine(P=0.008),alpha-linolenic acid(P=0.003),eicosapentaenoic acid(P=0.006),hypoxanthine(P=0.000),vitamin B6(P=0.000),cholic acid(P=0.013),and taurocholate(P=0.002).Correlation analysis showed a significant association between the perturbed fecal microbiota and metabolite levels,with a notable negative relationship between LCA and Bacteroides.CONCLUSIONS:In this study,we demonstrated that moxibustion has an antifatigue-like effect.The results from the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analysis suggest that the therapeutic effects of moxibustion on CFS are related to the regulation of gut microorganisms and their metabolites.The increase in Bacteroides and decrease in LCA may be key targets for the moxibustion treatment of CFS.

The adaptive strategies of yaks to live in the Asian highlands

The yak(Bos grunniens),an indigenous herbivore raised at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,000 m above sea level,is closely linked to more than 40 ethnic communities and plays a vital role in the ecological stability,livelihood security,socio-economic development,and ethnic cultural traditions in the Asian highlands.They provide the highlanders with meat,milk,fibres,leather and dung(fuel).They are also used as pack animals to transport goods,for travel and ploughing,and are important in many religious and traditional ceremonies.The Asian highlands are known for an extremely,harsh environment,namely low air temperature and oxygen content and high ultraviolet light and winds.Pasture availability fluctuates greatly,with sparse pasture of poor quality over the long seven-month cold winter.After longterm natural and artificial selections,yaks have adapted excellently to the harsh conditions:1)by genomics,with positively selected genes involved in hypoxia response and energy metabolism;2)anatomically,including a short tongue with a weak sense of taste,and large lung and heart;3)physiologically,by insensitivity to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction,maintaining foetal haemoglobin throughout life,and low heart rate and heat production in the cold season;4)behaviourlly,by efficient grazing and selecting forbs with high nutritional contents;5)by low nitrogen and energy requirements for maintenance and low methane emission and nitrogen excretion,namely,‘Low-Carbon’and‘Nitrogen-Saving’traits;6)by harboring unique rumen microbiota with a distinct maturation pattern,that has coevolved with host metabolism.This review aims to provide an overview of the comprehensive adaptive strategies of the yak to the severe conditions of the highlands.A better understanding of these strategies that yaks employ to adapt to the harsh environment could be used in improving their production,breeding and management,and gaining benefits in ecosystem service and a more resilient livelihood to climate change in the Asian highlands.

Correlation between slow transit constipation and spleen Qi deficiency, and gut microbiota: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of slow transit constipation(STC)and spleen Qi deficiency on gut microbiota,and the mechanism underlying the action that the positive drug Maren Runchang(MR)alleviates STC.METHODS:STC was induced,using the cathartic method of Senna and the hunger-fullness disorder method,in ICR mice;one group of model mice was treated with MR(6.24 g/kg).The changes in the general condition,fecal parameters,D-xylose content in the serum,intestinal propulsion rate,and histopathology of the colon were assessed after STC induction in the control,model,and MR groups.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)was performed from STC mice into pseudo germ-free mice.Changes in the contents of substance P(SP),vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),and gut microbiota in STC mice and pseudo germ-free mice were assessed after FMT.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the model mice showed the following results:the time of the first black stool was significantly longer(P<0.01),the number and weight of black stools were significantly reduced within 6 h(P<0.05),the D-xylose content in the serum was significantly reduced(P<0.05),the intestinal propulsion rate decreased(P<0.01),the content of VIP in colon tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),and SP content in the colon tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01);moreover,the colon showed significant inflamemation and injury.Furthermore,the abundance of Firmicutes was increased,the abundance of Bacteroides decreased,and the abundance of Alistipes,unclassified_o_Bacteroidales,Alloprevotella,Bilophila,and Anaerotruncus decreased,while the abundance of the conditional pathogenic bacteria Escherichia and Klebsiella increased.However,after treatment with MR,the time of the first black stool decreased(P<0.01),the number of black stools within 6 h increased,and the intestinal propulsion rate increased(P<0.05).Moreover,the content of D-xylose in the serum and the content of VIP in colon tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),the content of SP in colon tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and colon inflammation significantly improved.Additionally,the abundance of Firmicutes decreased,and the abundance of Bacteroides increased.The abundance of unclassified_o_Bacteroidales and Bilophila increased,and the abundance of Klebsiella decreased.In the model+FMT group,compared with control+FMT group,the content of VIP in colon tissue decreased(P<0.05),the content of SP in colon tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and the abundance of probiotics,such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia,decreased.In the MR+FMT group,compared with the model+FMT group,the content of VIP in colon tissue increased,the content of SP in colon tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the abundance of probiotics increased.CONCLUSIONS:STC mice with spleen Qi deficiency show a decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria,such as Alistipes,unclassified_o_Bacteroidales,Alloprevotella,Bilophila,and Anaerotruncus,and an increased abundance of the conditional pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Klebsiella.Furthermore,the mechanism of action of MR in treating STC may involve the regulation of intestinal movement,reduction of intestinal inflammation,elevation of intestinal absorption,and regulation of gut microbiota.

Metagenomics reveals contrasting energy utilization efficiencies of captive and wild camels(Camelus ferus)

Captive conditions can affect the symbiotic microbiome of animals.In this study,we compared the structural and functional differences of the gastrointestinal microbiomes of wild Bactrian camels(Camelus ferus)between wild and captive populations,as well as their different host energy utilization performances through metagenomics.The results showed that wild-living camels harbored more microbial taxa related to the production of volatile fatty acids,fewer methanogens,and fewer genes encoding enzymes involved in methanogenesis,leading to higher energy utilization efficiency compared to that of captive-living camels.These findings suggest that the wild-living camel fecal microbiome demonstrates a series of adaptive characteristics that enable the host to adjust to a relatively barren field environment.Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of wildlife adaptations to habitats from the perspective of the microbiome.

Electroacupuncture at Tianshu(ST25) and Zusanli(ST36) alleviates stress-induced irritable bowel syndrome in mice by modulating gut microbiota and corticotropin-releasing factor

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether electroacupuncture(EA) at bilateral Tianshu(ST25) and Zusanli(ST36) acupoints could alleviate stress-induced irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and evaluate its effect on gut microbiota and corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF). METHODS: Thirty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the normal, water avoidance stress(WAS), and WAS+EA groups(10 mice per group). An experimental model of IBS was established by exposing the animals to WAS. The mice were treated with EA at the bilateral Tianshu(ST25) and Zusanli(ST36) acupoints. The abdominal withdrawal reflex test was conducted to evaluate visceral sensitivity in IBS. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S r RNA sequencing and analysis. The expression of CRF was determined using immuneofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: EA alleviated visceral hypersensitivity in a mouse model of WAS-induced IBS. It modulated the dysbiosis of gut microbiota induced by WAS. Moreover, it suppressed the WAS-induced overexpression of CRF in colon tissues. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that EA alleviated WAS-induced IBS via mechanisms possibly involving the modulation of the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and suppression of CRF expression.

Direct contact moxibustion promotes apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in rats by regulating intestinal flora

OBJECTIVE:To examine whether direct contact moxibustion(DCM)can prevent and treat gastric cancer(GC)by regulating intestinal flora in rats.METHODS:Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group,normal+DCM control group,model group,and model+DCM group.Gastric cancer rats were induced by N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG,20 mg/mL)by gavage.At the same time,the model rats and normal rats were given DCM at Zusanli(ST36),Weishu(BL21),and Zhongwan(CV12)for 16 weeks.After treatment,gastric tissues were collected to analyze the pathological changes and the apoptosis of gastric mucosa cells.In addition,the cecal stool was taken and analyzed by 16 s r RNA sequencing.RESULTS:Gastric cancer-like pathological changes and different abundance of the intestinal flora were found in the model group.DCM promoted mucosa tissue apoptosis and regulated the abnormal changes of the intestinal microflora caused by MNNG;DCM also inhibited the growth of Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae flora and promoted the growth of probiotic Akkermansia.Furthermore,DCM made the composition and abundance of intestinal microflora in the GC rats tending to the normal rats.CONCLUSION:DCM stimulating Zusanli(ST36),Weishu(BL21),and Zhongwan(CV12)promoted the apoptosis of gastric mucosa and delayed the progression of gastric cancer,possibly by decreasing Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae bacteria(bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids in the intestine)and promoting the growth of probiotic Akkermansia.

Gut microbiota and differential genes-maintained homeostasis is key to maintaining health of individuals with Yang-deficiency constitution

OBJECTIVE:Yang-deficiency constitution(YADC)is a common unbalanced constitution that predisposes individuals to certain diseases.However,not all people with YADC manifest develop diseases.This calls for delineation of the underlying molecular mechanisms.Previous studies suggested that the gut microbiota and gene differential expression should be considered.METHODS:In the present study,we compared profiles of gut microbiota between four healthy YADC individuals and those of five healthy balanced constitution(BC)counterparts,based on 16 S r RNA gene sequence analysis.Furthermore,YADC relevant genes identified by comparing 62 healthy YADC and 58 healthy BC individuals in total to perform intersection analysis,functional clustering and pathway enrichment analyses.RESULTS:The levels of harmful gut microbiota(Prevotellaceae,LDA score>4.0,P=0.0141)and beneficial gut microbiota(Ruminococcaceae,LDA score>4.0,P=0.0025,Faecalibacterium,LDA score>4.0,P=0.0484)were both elevated in healthy YADC individuals.Also,we found that the specific metabolic pathway with 2,6-Dichloro-p-hydroquinone 1,2-Dioxygenase(Pcp A)as the core in gut microbiota and the glutathione transferase activity has been enriched by YADC relevant genes in healthy YADC individuals were both responsible for the detoxification of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon substances.CONCLUSIONS:Both beneficial and harmful factors had been detected in healthy YADC individuals,functionally,they may have triggered homeostasis to maintain the health of individuals with YADC.The homeostasis may be maintained by beneficial and harmful factors from gut flora and genes.Future studies are expected to focus on halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and their detoxification processes.