Modified Pulsatilla decoction alleviates 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and gut microbiota

BACKGROUND Modified Pulsatilla decoction(PD),a PD with licorice and ejiao,is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine formula with significant efficacy in treating intestinal mucositis(IM)induced by tumor therapy.However,its specific molecular and biological mechanisms remain unclear.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of modified PD in IM.METHODS This study used an IM mouse model established using 5-fluorouracil injections to investigate the effects of the modified PD(3,6,and 12 g/kg)in IM.The primary chemical components of the modified PD were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Body weight loss,diarrhea scores,intestinal length,histopathological scores,and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured to evaluate the effects of the modified PD in IM.Effects on the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway were evaluated using western blot analysis.The intestinal microbiota was characterized using Illumina NovaSeq sequencing.RESULTS The results showed that modified PD significantly improved weight loss and diarrhea and shortened the intestines in IM mice.Mechanistically,modified PD suppressed the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and downregulated the expression of reactive oxygen species,lipopolysaccharides,and pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-1β,TNF-α,IFN-γ,IL-6,IL-8,and IL-17),while increasing the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.Furthermore,modified PD protected the intestinal mucosal barrier by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins(occludin-1,claudin-1,and ZO-1)and mucin-2.Finally,16S rDNA sequencing revealed that modified PD improved intestinal dysbiosis.CONCLUSION Our research offers new insights into the potential mechanism of modified PD in alleviating IM and provides experimental evidence supporting its pharmaceutical application in clinical IM treatment.

Characterization of mulberry leaf instant tea and evaluation of its hypolipidemia effect via regulation of intestinal microbiota

The purpose of this study was to characterize mulberry leaf instant tea(MLIT)powder prepared from the'Longsang No.1'(Morus abla L.cv.Longsang 1)mulberry leaves in Heilongjiang Province(China)and assess its obesity-preventing/relieving effects.A total of 174 compounds including quercetin,chlorogenic acid,1-deoxyecomycin(1-DNJ)related to antihyperlipidemia effects were identified from the MLIT powder.MLIT treatment reversed the Lee's index,fat coefficient,and serum biochemical parameters in both the obesity relieving and obesity preventing mice fed with high-fat diet.In the obesity relieving experiment,the relative abundance of Desulfovibrio in mouse feces decreased after both 0.5%and 1%MLIT treatments.In obesity preventing experiments,mouse with different amount of MLIT treatments showed increased relative abundance of Akkermansia,Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus,while Deferribacteres,Desulfobacterota decreased.The beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract of mice treated with MLIT increased.This study proved that MLIT had antihyperlipidemia potential via modulating intestinal microbiota in mice.

Clinical significance of perioperative probiotic intervention on recovery following intestinal surgery

Restoring the balance of gut microbiota has emerged as a critical strategy in treating intestinal disorders,with probiotics playing a pivotal role in maintaining bacterial equilibrium.Surgical preparations,trauma,and digestive tract reconstruction associated with intestinal surgeries often disrupt the intestinal flora,prompting interest in the potential role of probiotics in postoperative recovery.Lan et al conducted a prospective randomized study on 60 patients with acute appendicitis,revealing that postoperative administration of Bacillus licheniformis capsules facilitated early resolution of inflammation and restoration of gastrointestinal motility,offering a novel therapeutic avenue for accelerated postoperative recovery.This editorial delves into the effects of perioperative probiotic supplementation on physical and intestinal recovery following surgery.Within the framework of enhanced recovery after surgery,the exploration of new probiotic supplementation strategies to mitigate surgical complications and reshape gut microbiota is particularly intriguing.

Rosemary extract improves egg quality by altering gut barrier function,intestinal microbiota and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens

Background Rosemary extract(RE)has been reported to exert antioxidant property.However,the application of RE in late-phase laying hens on egg quality,intestinal barrier and microbiota,and oviductal function has not been systematically studied.This study was investigated to detect the potential effects of RE on performance,egg quality,serum parameters,intestinal heath,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens.A total of 21065-week-old“Jing Tint 6”laying hens were randomly allocated into five treatments with six replicates and seven birds per replicate and fed basal diet(CON)or basal diet supplemented with chlortetracycline at 50 mg/kg(CTC)or RE at 50 mg/kg(RE50),100 mg/kg(RE100),and 200 mg/kg(RE200).Results Our results showed that RE200 improved(P<0.05)Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk,serum superoxide dismutase(SOD)compared with CON.No significant differences were observed for Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk among CTC,RE50,RE100 and RE200 groups.Compared with CTC and RE50 groups,RE200 increased serum SOD activity on d 28 and 56.Compared with CON,RE supplementation decreased(P<0.05)total cholesterol(TC)level.CTC,RE100 and RE200 decreased(P<0.05)serum interleukin-6(IL-6)content compared with CON.CTC and RE200 increased jejunal m RNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin compared with CON.The biomarkers of cecal microbiota and metabolite induced by RE 200,including Firmicutes,Eisenbergiella,Paraprevotella,Papillibacter,and butyrate,were closely associated with Haugh unit,n-6/n-3,SOD,IL-6,and TC.PICRUSt2 analysis indicated that RE altered carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism of cecal microbiota and increased butyrate synthesizing enzymes,including 3-oxoacid Co A-transferase and butyrate-acetoacetate Co A-transferase.Moreover,transcriptomic analysis revealed that RE200 improved gene expressions and functional pathways related to immunity and albumen formation in the oviductal magnum.Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg RE could increase egg quality of late-phase laying hens via modulating intestinal barrier,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal function.Overall,RE could be used as a promising feed additive to improve egg quality of laying hens at late stage of production.

Effects of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides on growth performance,intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers under heat stress

Background Global warming leading to heat stress(HS)is becoming a major challenge for broiler production.This study aimed to explore the protective effects of seaweed(Enteromorpha prolifera)polysaccharides(EPS)on the intestinal barrier function,microbial ecology,and performance of broilers under HS.A total of 144 yellow-feathered broilers(male,56 days old)with 682.59±7.38 g were randomly assigned to 3 groups:1)TN(thermal neutral zone,23.6±1.8℃),2)HS(heat stress,33.2±1.5℃ for 10 h/d),and 3)HSE(HS+0.1%EPS).Each group contained 6 replicates with 8 broilers per replicate.The study was conducted for 4 weeks;feed intake and body weights were measured at the end of weeks 2 and 4.At the end of the feeding trial,small intestine samples were collected for histomorphology,antioxidant,secretory immunoglobulin A(s Ig A)content,apoptosis,gene and protein expression analysis;cecal contents were also collected for microbiota analysis based on 16S r DNA sequencing.Results Dietary EPS promoted the average daily gain(ADG)of broilers during 3–4 weeks of HS(P<0.05).At the end of HS on broilers,the activity of total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD),glutathione S-transferase(GST),and the content of s Ig A in jejunum were improved by EPS supplementation(P<0.05).Besides,dietary EPS reduced the epithelial cell apoptosis of jejunum and ileum in heat-stressed broilers(P<0.05).Addition of EPS in HS group broilers'diet upregulated the relative m RNA expression of Occludin,ZO-1,γ-GCLc and IL-10 of the jejunum(P<0.05),whereas downregulated the relative m RNA expression of NF-κB p65,TNF-αand IL-1βof the jejunum(P<0.05).Dietary EPS increased the protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1,whereas it reduced the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and MLCK(P<0.01)and tended to decrease the protein expression of TNF-α(P=0.094)in heat-stressed broilers.Furthermore,the proportions of Bacteroides and Oscillospira among the three groups were positively associated with jejunal apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression(P<0.05)and negatively correlated with jejunal Occludin level(P<0.05).However,the proportions of Lactobacillus,Barnesiella,Subdoligranulum,Megasphaera,Collinsella,and Blautia among the three groups were positively related to ADG(P<0.05).Conclusions EPS can be used as a feed additive in yellow-feathered broilers.It effectively improves growth performance and alleviates HS-induced intestinal injury by relieving inflammatory damage and improving the tight junction proteins expression.These beneficial effects may be related to inhibiting NF-κB/MLCK signaling pathway activation and regulation of cecal microbiota.

Debaryomyces hansenii supplementation in low fish meal diets promotes growth,modulates microbiota and enhances intestinal condition in juvenile marine fish

Background The development of a sustainable business model with social acceptance,makes necessary to develop new strategies to guarantee the growth,health,and well-being of farmed animals.Debaryomyces hansenii is a yeast species that can be used as a probiotic in aquaculture due to its capacity to i)promote cell proliferation and differen-tiation,ii)have immunostimulatory effects,iii)modulate gut microbiota,and/or iv)enhance the digestive function.To provide inside into the effects of D.hansenii on juveniles of gilthead seabream(Sparus aurata)condition,we inte-grated the evaluation of the main key performance indicators coupled with the integrative analysis of the intestine condition,through histological and microbiota state,and its transcriptomic profiling.Results After 70 days of a nutritional trial in which a diet with low levels of fishmeal(7%)was supplemented with 1.1%of D.hansenii(17.2×10^(5) CFU),an increase of ca.12%in somatic growth was observed together with an improve-ment in feed conversion in fish fed a yeast-supplemented diet.In terms of intestinal condition,this probiotic modu-lated gut microbiota without affecting the intestine cell organization,whereas an increase in the staining intensity of mucins rich in carboxylated and weakly sulphated glycoconjugates coupled with changes in the affinity for certain lectins were noted in goblet cells.Changes in microbiota were characterized by the reduction in abundance of several groups of Proteobacteria,especially those characterized as opportunistic groups.The microarrays-based transcrip-tomic analysis found 232 differential expressed genes in the anterior-mid intestine of S.aurata,that were mostly related to metabolic,antioxidant,immune,and symbiotic processes.Conclusions Dietary administration of D.hansenii enhanced somatic growth and improved feed efficiency param-eters,results that were coupled to an improvement of intestinal condition as histochemical and transcriptomic tools indicated.This probiotic yeast stimulated host-microbiota interactions without altering the intestinal cell organization nor generating dysbiosis,which demonstrated its safety as a feed additive.At the transcriptomic level,D.hansenii pro-moted metabolic pathways,mainly protein-related,sphingolipid,and thymidylate pathways,in addition to enhance antioxidant-related intestinal mechanisms,and to regulate sentinel immune processes,potentiating the defensive capacity meanwhile maintaining the homeostatic status of the intestine.

Soy polysaccharide maintains colonic homeostasis to protect from dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis by modulating gut microbiota and intestinal epithelial regeneration

Soy polysaccharide(SP)has been reported to possess the properties of modulating gut microbiome diversity.Here,we aimed to explore the protective effects of SP against dextran sulphate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis.Pre-treatment with SP at a dosage of 400 mg/kg·day alleviated colitis symptoms,preventing the weight loss and colon shorten.SP suppressed DSS-induced inflammatory response and enhanced M1 to M2 macrophage polarization.Further investigation showed that SP significantly promoted the regeneration of crypt and the expansion of goblet cell production.In addition,bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that SP modulated the composition of fecal microbiota,including selectively increasing Lactobacillus relative abundance.Notably,SP treatment enriched the production of Lactobacillus-derived lactic acid,which was sensed by its specific G-protein-coupled receptor 81(Gpr81)/Wnt3/β-catenin signaling,and promoted the regeneration of intestinal stem cells.Fecal microbiome transplantation demonstrated that intestinal flora partially contributed to the beneficial effects of SP on preventing against colitis.In conclusion,SP exhibited the protective effects against colitis,which could be partly associated with modulating the composition of gut microbiota and enrichment of lactic acid.This study suggests that SP has potential to be developed as nutritional intervention to prevent colitis.

Effects of forsythin extract in Forsythia leaves on intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in rats fed a high-fat diet

Forsythia suspensa,belonging to the deciduous shrubs of the Luteaceae family,a traditional Chinese medicine,has effects of alleviating swelling,clearing heat,detoxification and promoting blood circulation.The leaves of F.suspensa contain multiple chemical components and have a long history of use in folk medicines and health foods.The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of forsythin extract from F.suspensa leaves on intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)content in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet.Forsythin extract in F.suspensa leaves increased the abundance of the intestinal microbiota,ameliorated intestinal microbiota disorders and inhibited the increase in total SCFA content in the intestinal tract in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet.These results suggested that forsythin extract in F.suspensa leaves may slow the development of obesity induced by a high-fat diet;thus,its active components and efficacy are worthy of further study.

Gut microbiota modulating intestinal stem cell differentiation

Proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cell(ISC)to replace damaged gut mucosal epithelial cells in inflammatory states is a critical step in ameliorating gut inflammation.However,when this disordered proliferation continues,it induces the ISC to enter a cancerous state.The gut microbiota on the free surface of the gut mucosal barrier is able to interact with ISC on a sustained basis.Micro-biota metabolites are able to regulate the proliferation of gut stem and progenitor cells through transcription factors,while in steady state,differentiated colono-cytes are able to break down such metabolites,thereby protecting stem cells at the gut crypt.In the future,the gut flora and its metabolites mediating the regulation of ISC differentiation will be a potential treatment for enteropathies.

Effects of Fresh Cupressus sempervirens Leaves Infusion on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of infusion. Feed intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 ml of infusion/L drinking water. Live weight and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 6 ml/L, while feed conversion significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the same treatment compared with the control treatment without additives (T0). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increase independently of the rate of incorporation of the infusion into the drinking water, with the exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) high with 8 and 10 ml Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with infusion compared to the control without additive. In conclusion, 6 ml of Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.

Effects of Fermented Puffed Feather Meal on Growth Performance,Serum Biochemical Indices,Meat Quality,and Intestinal Microbiota in Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor design was adopted,and four treatments were administered with five replicates to 240 one-day-old AA broilers.The control group(group A)received a basal diet,while the experimental groups received a basal diet plus 33%(group B),67%(group C)and 100%(group D)FPFM,respectively.Compared with group A,(1)the average daily gain(ADG)in group C decreased(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio(FCR)in group D increased(P<0.05);(2)the level of serum urea nitrogen in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of triglyceride,high density lipoprotein,low density lipoprotein,cholesterol,and glucose contents in group D increased(P<0.05)at day 21;(3)the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group B and the immunoglobulin A in group C increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group D decreased(P<0.05)at day 42;(4)the share force of breast muscle and thigh muscle in group D increased(P<0.05);(5)the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of group B increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the villus height in group C and D increased(P<0.05)at day 42;(6)the proteobacteria counts in the cecum digesta in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05)at day 21.The basal diet supplemented with 33%FPFM promoted protein metabolism,enhanced immunity and improved meat quality,promoted the digestion and absorption of nutrients,increased intestinal microbial diversity,and improved the content of beneficial bacteria without affecting the growth performance,it was possible to be used as a good substitute for fish meal.

The Effect of Immunotherapy on the Gut Microbiota,Intestinal Barrier,and Immune Function in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Objective:To explore the effect of immunotherapy on the gut microbiota,intestinal barrier,and immune function in patients with gastric cancer.Methods:From July 2023 to July 2024,60 patients with gastric cancer from our hospital were randomly divided into two groups,the control group and the study group,with 30 patients in each group.The control group received conventional treatment,while the study group received immunotherapy.A comparative analysis was conducted between the two groups on gut microbiota content(Bifidobacterium,Fusobacterium nucleatum,Streptococcus,Lactobacillus acidophilus),intestinal barrier indicators[D-lactate(D-LA),diamine oxidase(DAO),lipopolysaccharide(LPS)],immune function indicators[Immunoglobulin A(IgA),Immunoglobulin G(IgG),Immunoglobulin M(IgM)],adverse reactions,and treatment effects.Results:After treatment,the content of Bifidobacterium and Fusobacterium nucleatum in the study group was higher than in the control group,while the content of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus acidophilus was lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of D-lactate and DAO in the study group were lower than in the control group,while the LPS level in the study group was higher(P<0.05).The levels of IgA and IgG in the study group were lower than in the control group,and the IgM level was also lower than in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the total incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The overall treatment efficacy rate in the study group was higher than in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Immunotherapy in patients with gastric cancer can improve gut microbiota,intestinal barrier,and immune function,reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions,and promote better clinical treatment outcomes,making it worthy of clinical recommendation.

Correlation between the neuroendocrine axis,microbial species,inflammatory response,and gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND This study examines the complex relationships among the neuroendocrine axis,gut microbiome,inflammatory responses,and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).The findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of IBS and suggest potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.AIM To investigate the interactions between the neuroendocrine axis,gut microbiome,inflammation,and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS.METHODS Patients diagnosed with IBS between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected for the study.Healthy individuals undergoing routine check-ups during the same period served as the control group.Data were collected on neuroendocrine hormone levels,gut microbiome profiles,inflammatory biomarkers,and gastrointestinal symptomatology to analyze their interrelations and their potential roles in IBS pathogenesis.RESULTS IBS patients exhibited significant dysregulation of the neuroendocrine axis,with altered levels of cortisol,serotonin,and neuropeptides compared to healthy controls.The gut microbiome of IBS patients showed reduced diversity and specific alterations in bacterial genera,including Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,and Faecalibacterium,which were associated with neuroendocrine disturbances.Additionally,elevated levels of inflammatory markers,such as C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α,were observed and correlated with the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain,bloating,and altered bowel habits.CONCLUSION The findings suggest that targeting the neuroendocrine axis,gut microbiome,and inflammatory pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life in IBS patients.

Relationship between intestinal microbiota and ulcerative colitis:Mechanisms and clinical application of probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation

Ulcerative colitis(UC) is an inflammatory disease that mainly affects the colon and rectum. It is believed that genetic factors, host immune system disorders, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of UC. however, studies on the role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of UC have been inconclusive. Studies have shown that probiotics improve intestinal mucosa barrier function and immune system function and promote secretion of anti-inflammatory factors, thereby inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine. Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT) can reduce bowel permeability and thus the severity of disease by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, which help maintain the integrity of the epithelial barrier. FMT can also restore immune dysbiosis by inhibiting Th1 differentiation, activity of T cells, leukocyte adhesion, and production of inflammatory factors. Probiotics and FMT are being increasingly used to treat UC, but their use is controversial because of uncertain efficacy. Here, we briefly review the role of intestinal microbiota in thepathogenesis and treatment of UC.

Fecal microbiota transplantation broadening its application beyond intestinal disorders

Intestinal dysbiosis is now known to be a complication in a myriad of diseases.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT),as a microbiota-target therapy,is arguably very effective for curing Clostridium difficile infection and has good outcomes in other intestinal diseases.New insights have raised an interest in FMT for the management of extra-intestinal disorders associated with gut microbiota.This review shows that it is an exciting time in the burgeoning science of FMT application in previously unexpected areas,including metabolic diseases,neuropsychiatric disorders,autoimmune diseases,allergic disorders,and tumors.A randomized controlled trial was conducted on FMT in metabolic syndrome by infusing microbiota from lean donors or from self-collected feces,with the resultant findings showing that the lean donor feces group displayed increased insulin sensitivity,along with increased levels of butyrate-producing intestinal microbiota.Case reports of FMT have also shown favorable outcomes in Parkinson's disease,multiple sclerosis,myoclonus dystonia,chronic fatigue syndrome,and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.FMT is a promising approach in the manipulation of the intestinal microbiota and has potential applications in a variety of extra-intestinal conditions associated with intestinal dysbiosis.

Intestinal microbiota and type 2 diabetes:from mechanism insights to therapeutic perspective

The incidence of type 2 diabetes(T2DM)is rapidly increasing worldwide.However,the pathogenesis of T2DM has not yet been well explained.Recent evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota composition is associated with obesity and T2DM.In this review,we provide an overview about the mechanisms underlying the role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of T2DM.There is clear evidence that the intestinal microbiota influences the host through its effect on body weight,bile acid metabolism,proinflammatory activity and insulin resistance,and modulation of gut hormones.Modulating gut microbiota with the use of probiotics,prebiotics,antibiotics,and fecal microbiota transplantation may have benefits for improvement in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in the host.Further studies are required to increase our understanding of the complex interplay between intestinal microbiota and the host with T2DM.Further studies may be able to boost the development of new effective therapeutic approaches for T2DM.

Intestinal microbiota pathogenesis and fecal microbiota transplantation for inflammatory bowel disease

The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).The pathogenesis of IBD involves inappropriate ongoing activation of the mucosal immune system driven by abnormal intestinal microbiota in genetically predisposed individuals.However,there are still no definitive microbial pathogens linked to the onset of IBD.The composition and function of the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites are indeed disturbed in IBD patients.The special alterations of gut microbiota associated with IBD remain to be evaluated.The microbial interactions and hostmicrobe immune interactions are still not clarified.Limitations of present probiotic products in IBD are mainly due to modest clinical efficacy,few available strains and no standardized administration.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)may restore intestinal microbial ho-meostasis,and preliminary data have shown the clinical efficacy of FMT on refractory IBD or IBD combined with Clostridium difficile infection.Additionally,synthetic microbiota transplantation with the defined composition of fecal microbiota is also a promising therapeutic approach for IBD.However,FMT-related barriers,including the mechanism of restoring gut microbiota,standardized donor screening,fecal material preparation and administration,and long-term safety should be resolved.The role of intestinal microbiota and FMT in IBD should be further investigated by metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses combined with germfree/human flora-associated animals and chemostat gut models.

Intestinal microbiota in health and disease: Role of bifidobacteria in gut homeostasis

The pool of microbes inhabiting our body is known as &#x0201c;microbiota&#x0201d; and their collective genomes as &#x0201c;microbiome&#x0201d;. The colon is the most densely populated organ in the human body, although other parts, such as the skin, vaginal mucosa, or respiratory tract, also harbour specific microbiota. This microbial community regulates some important metabolic and physiological functions of the host, and drives the maturation of the immune system in early life, contributing to its homeostasis during life. Alterations of the intestinal microbiota can occur by changes in composition (dysbiosis), function, or microbiota-host interactions and they can be directly correlated with several diseases. The only disease in which a clear causal role of a dysbiotic microbiota has been demonstrated is the case of Clostridium difficile infections. Nonetheless, alterations in composition and function of the microbiota have been associated with several gastrointestinal diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, or irritable bowel syndrome), as well as extra-intestinal pathologies, such as those affecting the liver, or the respiratory tract (e.g., allergy, bronchial asthma, and cystic fibrosis), among others. Species of Bifidobacterium genus are the normal inhabitants of a healthy human gut and alterations in number and composition of their populations is one of the most frequent features present in these diseases. The use of probiotics, including bifidobacteria strains, in preventive medicine to maintain a healthy intestinal function is well documented. Probiotics are also proposed as therapeutic agents for gastrointestinal disorders and other pathologies. The World Gastroenterology Organization recently published potential clinical applications for several probiotic formulations, in which species of lactobacilli are predominant. This review is focused on probiotic preparations containing Bifidobacterium strains, alone or in combination with other bacteria, which have been tested in human clinical studies. In spite of extensive literature on and research into this topic, the degree of scientific evidence of the effectiveness of probiotics is still insufficient in most cases. More effort need to be made to design and conduct accurate human studies demonstrating the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention, alleviation, or treatment of different pathologies.

Obesity, fatty liver disease and intestinal microbiota

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a chronic liver disorder that is increasing in prevalence with the worldwide epidemic of obesity. NAFLD is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. The term NAFLD describes a spectrum of liver pathology ranges from simple steatosis to steatosis with inflammation nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and even cirrhosis. Metabolic syndrome and NAFLD also predict hepatocellular carcinoma. Many genetic and environmental factors have been suggested to contribute to the development of obesity and NAFLD, but the exact mechanisms are not known. Intestinal ecosystem contains trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, Archaea, yeasts and viruses. Several studies support the relationship between the intestinal microbial changes and obesity and also its complications, including insulin resistance and NAFLD. Given that the gut and liver are connected by the portal venous system, it makes the liver more vulnerable to translocation of bacteria, bacterial products, endotoxins or secreted cytokines. Altered intestinal microbiota(dysbiosis) may stimulate hepatic fat deposition through several mechanisms: regulation of gut permeability, increasing low-grade inflammation, modulation of dietary choline metabolism, regulation of bile acid metabolism and producing endogenous ethanol. Regulation of intestinal microbial ecosystem by diet modifications or by using probiotics and prebiotics as a treatment for obesity and its complications might be the issue of further investigations.

Effects of dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens supplementation on growth performance,intestinal morphology, inflammatory response, and microbiota of intra-uterine growth retarded weanling piglets

Background: The focus of recent research has been directed toward the probiotic potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(BA) on the gut health of animals. However, little is known about BA's effects on piglets with intra-uterine growth retardation(IUGR). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of BA supplementation on the growth performance,intestinal morphology, inflammatory response, and microbiota of IUGR piglets.Methods: Eighteen litters of newborn piglets were selected at birth, with one normal birth weight(NBW) and two IUGR piglets in each litter(i.e., 18 NBW and 36 IUGR piglets in total). At weaning, the NBW piglet and one of the IUGR piglets were assigned to groups fed a control diet(i.e., the NBW-CON and IUGR-CON groups). The other IUGR piglet was assigned to a group fed the control diet supplemented with 2.0 g BA per kg of diet(i.e., IUGR-BA group). The piglets were thus distributed across three groups for a four-week period.Results: IUGR reduced the growth performance of the IUGR-CON piglets compared with the NBW-CON piglets. It was also associated with decreased vil us sizes, increased apoptosis rates, reduced goblet cel numbers, and an imbalance between pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the smal intestine. Supplementation with BA improved the average daily weight gain and the feed efficiency of the IUGR-BA group compared with the IUGR-CON group(P < 0.05). The IUGR-BA group exhibited increases in the ratio of jejunal vil us height to crypt depth, in ileal vil us height, and in ileal goblet cel density. They also exhibited decreases in the numbers of jejunal and ileal apoptotic cel s and ileal proliferative cel s(P < 0.05). Supplementation with BA increased interleukin 10 content, but it decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha level in the smal intestines of the IUGR-BA piglets(P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the IUGR-CON piglets, the IUGR-BA piglets had less Escherichia coli in their jejunal digesta, but more Lactobacil us and Bifidobacterium in their ileal digesta(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with BA improves morphology, decreases inflammatory response, and regulates microbiota in the smal intestines of IUGR piglets, which may contribute to improved growth performance during early life.