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.

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.

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.

Dietary supplementation of Macleaya cordata extract and Bacillus in combination improve laying performance by regulating reproductive hormones,intestinal microbiota and barrier function of laying hens

Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.

Dietary organic acids ameliorate high stocking density stress-induced intestinal inflammation through the restoration of intestinal microbiota in broilers

Background:High stocking density(HSD)stress has detrimental effects on growth performance,intestinal barrier function,and intestinal microbiota in intensive animal production.Organic acids(OA)are widely used as feed addi-tives for their ability to improve growth performance and intestinal health in poultry.However,whether dietary OA can ameliorate HSD stress-induced impaired intestinal barrier in broilers remains elusive.In this study,a total of 528 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 12 replicates per treatment including 10 birds for normal stocking density and 17 birds for HSD.The dietary treatments were as follows:1)Normal stocking density+basal diet;2)HSD+basal diets;3)HSD+OA.Results:HSD stress can induce increased levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,and down-regulated mRNA expression of ZO-1,resulting in compromised growth performance of broilers(P<0.05).Dietary OA could significantly reduce levels of serum corticosterone,lipopolysaccharides,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α,which were accompanied by up-regulated interleukin-10,mRNA expres-sion of ZO-1,and growth performance(P<0.05).Moreover,OA could down-regulate the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway(P<0.05).Additionally,HSD stress significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and disturbed the balance of microbial ecosystems,whereas OA significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and restored the disordered gut microbiota by reducing competitive and exploita-tive interactions in microbial communities(P<0.05).Meanwhile,OA significantly increased the content of acetic and butyric acids,which showed significant correlations with intestinal inflammation indicators(P<0.05).Conclusions:Dietary OA ameliorated intestinal inflammation and growth performance of broilers through restor-ing the disordered gut microbial compositions and interactions induced by HSD and elevating short-chain fatty acid production to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.These findings demonstrated the critical role of intestinal microbiota in mediating the HSD-induced inflammatory responses,contributing to exploring nutritional strategies to alleviate HSD-induced stress in animals.

Pien Tze Huang alleviates Concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis by regulating intestinal microbiota and memory regulatory T cells

BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine has used the drug Pien Tze Huang(PTH),a classic prescription,to treat autoimmune hepatitis(AIH).However,the precise mode of action is still unknown.AIM To investigate the mechanism of PTH in an AIH mouse model by determining the changes in gut microbiota structure and memory regulatory T(mTreg)cells functional levels.METHODS Following induction of the AIH mouse model induced by Concanavalin A(Con A),prophylactic administration of PTH was given for 10 d.The levels of mTreg cells were measured by flow cytometry,and intestinal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA analysis,while western blotting was used to identify activation of the toll-like receptor(TLR)2,TLR4/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),and CXCL16/CXCR6 signaling pathways.RESULTS In the liver of mice with AIH,PTH relieved the pathological damage and reduced the numbers of T helper type 17 cells and interferon-γ,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-2,IL-6,and IL-21 expression.Simultaneously,PTH stimulated the abundance of helpful bacteria,promoted activation of the TLR2 signal,which may enhance Treg/mTreg cells quantity to produce IL-10,and suppressed activation of the TLR4/NF-κB and CXCL16/CXCR6 signaling pathways.CONCLUSION PTH regulates intestinal microbiota balance and restores mTreg cells to alleviate experimental AIH,which is closely related to the TLR/CXCL16/CXCR6/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The protective effects of Levilactobacillus brevis FZU0713 on lipid metabolism and intestinal microbiota in hyperlipidemic rats

Levilactobacillus brevis FZU0713, a potential probiotic previously isolated from the traditional brewing process of Hongqu rice wine, may have the beneficial effects on improving lipid metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo protective effects and possible mechanism of L. brevis FZU0713 on the disturbance of lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats fed a high-fat diet(HFD). Results showed that oral administration of L. brevis FZU0713 could significantly inhibit obesity, ameliorate the lipid metabolism disorder, including serum/liver biochemical parameters and hepatic oxidative stress in HFD-fed rats. Histopathological result also indicated that dietary intervention of L. brevis FZU0713 could reduce the accumulation of lipid droplets in liver induced by 8 weeks HFD feeding. Furthermore, L. brevis FZU0713 intervention significantly increased the fecal levels of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs, including acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate and isovalerate)in HFD-fed rats, which may be closely related to the changes of intestinal microbial composition and metabolic function. Intestinal microbiota profiling by 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that L. brevis FZU0713 intervention significantly altered the relative abundance of Coprococcus, Butyricicoccus, Intestinimonas, Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214 group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 and UCG-014 at genus levels. Based on Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, serum and liver lipid metabolism related biochemical parameters were positively correlated with genera Ruminococcus, Pediococcus and Lachnospiraceae, but negatively correlated with genera Pseudoflavonifractor, Butyricicoccus and Intestinimonas. Furthermore, liver metabolomics analysis demonstrated that L. brevis FZU0713 had a significant regulatory effect on the composition of liver metabolites in hyperlipidemic rats, especially the levels of some important biomarkers involved in the metabolic pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid, fructose and mannose metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, etc. Additionally, oral administration of L. brevis FZU0713 significantly regulated the mR NA levels of liver genes(including Acat2, Acox1, Hmgcr, Cd36, Srebp-1c and Cyp7a1)involved in lipid metabolism and bile acid homeostasis. In conclusion, our findings provide the evidence that L. brevis FZU0713 has the potential to improve disturbance of lipid metabolism by regulating intestinal microflora and liver metabonomic profile. Therefore, L. brevis FZU0713 may be used as a potential probiotic strain to produce functional food to prevent hyperlipidemia.

Alteration of intestinal microbiota is associated with diabetic retinopathy and its severity:Samples collected from southeast coast Chinese

BACKGROUND Current approaches for the therapy of diabetic retinopathy(DR),which was one of leading causes of visual impairment,have their limitations.Animal experiments revealed that restructuring of intestinal microbiota can prevent retinopathy.AIM To explore the relationship between intestinal microbiota and DR among patients in the southeast coast of China,and provide clues for novel ways to prevention and treatment methods of DR.METHODS The fecal samples of non-diabetics(Group C,n=15)and diabetics(Group DM,n=30),including 15 samples with DR(Group DR)and 15 samples without DR(Group D),were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.Intestinal microbiota compositions were compared between Group C and Group DM,Group DR and Group D,as well as patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)(Group PDR,n=8)and patients without PDR(Group NPDR,n=7).Spearman correlation analyses were performed to explore the associations between intestinal microbiota and clinical indicators.RESULTS The alpha and beta diversity did not differ significantly between Group DR and Group D as well as Group PDR and Group NPDR.At the family level,Fusobacteriaceae,Desulfovibrionaceae and Pseudomonadaceae were significantly increased in Group DR than in Group D(P<0.05,respectively).At the genera level,Fusobacterium,Pseudomonas,and Adlercreutzia were increased in Group DR than Group D while Senegalimassilia was decreased(P<0.05,respectively).Pseudomonas was negatively correlated with NK cell count(r=-0.39,P=0.03).Further,the abundance of genera Eubacterium(P<0.01),Peptococcus,Desulfovibrio,Acetanaerobacterium and Negativibacillus(P<0.05,respectively)were higher in Group PDR compared to Group NPDR,while Pseudomonas,Alloprevotella and Tyzzerella(P<0.05,respectively)were lower.Acetanaerobacterium and Desulfovibrio were positively correlated with fasting insulin(r=0.53 and 0.61,respectively,P<0.05),when Negativibacillus was negatively correlated with B cell count(r=-0.67,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that the alteration of gut microbiota was associated with DR and its severity among patients in the southeast coast of China,probably by multiple mechanisms such as producing short-chain fatty acids,influencing permeability of blood vessels,affecting levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,hypoxia-inducible factor-1,B cell and insulin.Modulating gut microbiota composition might be a novel strategy for prevention of DR,particularly PDR in population above.

Relationship between clinical features and intestinal microbiota in Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Dysbacteriosis may be a crucial environmental factor for ulcerative colitis(UC).Further study is required on microbiota alterations in the gastrointestinal tract of patients with UC for better clinical management and treatment.AIM To analyze the relationship between different clinical features and the intestinal microbiota,including bacteria and fungi,in Chinese patients with UC.METHODS Eligible inpatients were enrolled from January 1,2018 to June 30,2019,and stool and mucosa samples were collected.UC was diagnosed by endoscopy,pathology,Mayo Score,and Montreal classification.Gene amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and fungal internal transcribed spacer gene was used to detect the intestinal microbiota composition.Alpha diversity,principal component analysis,similarity analysis,and Metastats analysis were employed to evaluate differences among groups.RESULTS A total of 89 patients with UC and 33 non-inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)controls were enrolled.For bacterial analysis,72 stool and 48 mucosa samples were obtained from patients with UC and 21 stool and 12 mucosa samples were obtained from the controls.For fungal analysis,stool samples were obtained from 43 patients with UC and 15 controls.A significant difference existed between the fecal and mucosal bacteria of patients with UC.Theα-diversity of intestinal bacteria and the relative abundance of some families,such as Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae,decreased with the increasing severity of bowel inflammation,while Escherichia-Shigella showed the opposite trend.More intermicrobial correlations in UC in remission than in active patients were observed.The bacteriafungi correlations became single and uneven in patients with UC.CONCLUSION The intestinal bacteria flora of patients with UC differs significantly in terms of various sample types and disease activities.The intermicrobial correlations change in patients with UC compared with non-IBD controls.

Intestinal microbiota of healthy and unhealthy Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. in a recirculating aquaculture system

The present study sampled the intestinal content of healthy and unhealthy Atlantic salmon( Salmo salar L.), the ambient water of unhealthy fish, and the biofilter material in the recirculating aquaculture system(RAS) to understand differences in the intestinal microbiota. The V4–V5 regions of the prokaryotic 16 S r RNA genes in the samples were analyzed by Mi Seq high-throughput sequencing. The fish were adults with no differences in body length or weight. Representative members of the intestinal microbiota were identified. The intestinal microbiota of the healthy fishincluded Proteobacteria(44.33%), Actinobacteria(17.89%), Bacteroidetes(15.25%), and Firmicutes(9.11%), among which the families Micrococcaceae and Oxalobacteraceae and genera S phingomonas, Streptomyces, Pedobacter, Janthinobacterium, Burkholderia, and Balneimonas were most abundant. Proteobacteria(70.46%), Bacteroidetes(7.59%), and Firmicutes(7.55%) dominated the microbiota of unhealthy fish, and Chloroflexi(2.71%), and Aliivibrio and Vibrio as well as genera in the family Aeromonadaceae were most strongly represented. Overall, the intestinal hindgut microbiota differed between healthy and unhealthy fish. This study off ers a useful tool for monitoring the health status of fish and for screening the utility of probiotics by studying the intestinal microbiota.

Association between intestinal microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),which includes Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC),has emerged as a global disease with high incidence,long duration,devastating clinical symptoms,and low curability(relapsing immune response and barrier function defects).Mounting studies have been performed to investigate its pathogenesis to provide an ever-expanding arsenal of therapeutic options,while the precise etiology of IBD is not completely understood yet.Recent advances in highthroughput sequencing methods and animal models have provided new insights into the association between intestinal microbiota and IBD.In general,dysbiosis characterized by an imbalanced microbiota has been widely recognized as a pathology of IBD.However,intestinal microbiota alterations represent the cause or result of IBD process remains unclear.Therefore,more evidences are needed to identify the precise role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBD.Herein,this review aims to outline the current knowledge of commonly used,chemically induced,and infectious mouse models,gut microbiota alteration and how it contributes to IBD,and dysregulated metabolite production links to IBD pathogenesis.

Alterations in intestinal microbiota composition coincide with impaired intestinal morphology and dysfunctional ileal immune response in growing-finishing pigs under constant chronic heat stress

Background:Previous studies had shown that short-term acute heat stress(HS)affected the host’s metabolism and intestinal microbiota independent of feed intake(FI)reduction,and long-term calorie restriction caused intestinal morphological injuries and gut microbial alterations.However,research on the effects of constant chronic HS on intestinal microbial composition and the roles of FI reduction played in is limited.This study aimed to investigate the effects of 7-day constant chronic HS on the composition of intestinal microbes in growing-finishing pigs,and its relationship with pigs’performance,intestinal morphology,and ileal immune response.Twenty-four growingfinishing pigs(Duroc×Large White×Landrace,30±1 kg body weight)were randomly assigned to three treatments(n=8),1)thermal neutral(TN)conditions(25±1℃)with ad libitum FI,2)HS conditions(35±1℃)with ad libitum FI,3)pair-fed(PF)with HS under TN conditions to discriminate the confounding effects of dissimilar FI,and the FI was the previous day’s average FI of HS.The small intestinal segments(duodenum,jejunum,and ileum)and feces were collected on d 8.Results:Results indicated that HS drastically declined(P<0.05)average daily gain(ADG)and average daily feed intake(ADFI)(about 61%)in comparison with TN,and caused hyperpyrexia,meanwhile PF caused hypothermia.Morphological observation by light and electron microscopes showed that both HS and PF treatment decreased(P<0.05)the villus and microvillus height compared with TN.Additionally,HS increased(P<0.05)protein expression of heat shock protein 70 in the duodenum,jejunum,and ileum.Furthermore,the expression of tight junction protein zonula occluden-1(ZO-1)in the duodenum and ileum,and Occludin in the ileum were enhanced(P<0.05)compared with TN and PF.Moreover,HS significantly enhanced(P<0.05)the mRNA relative expression of inflammatory cytokines(TLR-2,TLR-4,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-6,IL-8,PG1–5,β-defensin 2(pBD-2)),mucins(mucin-1 and mucin-2)and P65 protein level in the ileal mucosa tissue.Intestinal microbiota analysis by 16S rRNA sequencing showed lower(P<0.10)αdiversity in both HS and PF,and a separated cluster ofβdiversity among groups.Compared with TN,HS but not PF mainly reduced(FDR<0.05)Bacteroidetes(phylum),Bacteroidia(class)and elevated the proportions of Proteobacteria(phylum,FDR<0.05),Bacillales(order,FDR<0.05),Planococcaceae(family,FDR<0.05),Kurthia(genus,FDR<0.05),Streptococcaceae(family,FDR<0.10)and Streptococcus(genus,FDR<0.10).Notably,Lactobacillales(order)was decreased(FDR<0.05)by PF alone.Furthermore,the Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the microbes prevalent in HS were positively(P<0.05)associated with intestinal morphological injuries indicators and ileal immune response parameters,and the microbes reduced in HS were negatively(P<0.05)with the performance data.Conclusions:Intestinal morphological injuries and ileal immune response caused by constant chronic HS independent of FI showed close connections with alterations in intestinal microbiota in growing-finishing pigs.

Role ofγδT cells in liver diseases and its relationship with intestinal microbiota

γδT cells are unconventional T lymphocytes that bridge innate and adaptive immunity.Based on the composition of T cell receptor and the cytokines produced,γδT cells can be divided into diverse subsets that may be present at different locations,including the liver,epithelial layer of the gut,the dermis and so on.Many of these cells perform specific functions in liver diseases,such as viral hepatitis,autoimmune liver diseases,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,liver cirrhosis and liver cancers.In this review,we discuss the distribution,subsets,functions ofγδT cells and the relationship between the microbiota andγδT cells in common hepatic diseases.AsγδT cells have been used to cure hematological and solid tumors,we are interested inγδT cell-based immunotherapies to treat liver diseases.

Intestinal microbiota participates in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression by affecting intestinal homeostasis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a chronic liver disease with a pathogenesis that has not been fully elucidated.With the development of the theory of the gut-liver axis and the deepening of related research,the role of the intestinal tract in the pathogenesis of NAFLD has been investigated more.Intestinal microbiota,intestinal metabolites,and intestinal epithelial and immunebased barriers constitute the intestinal environment,which uses crosstalk to maintain the homeostasis of the intestinal environment.This paper reviews the progress in the study of intestinal microbiota,intestinal environment,and NAFLD and suggests that repair of intestinal functional balance may be a new idea for early prevention and intervention of NAFLD.

Intestinal microbiota in the treatment of metabolically associated fatty liver disease

Metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common cause ofchronic liver disease, the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Despitethe increasing incidence of MAFLD, no effective treatment is available. Recentresearch indicates a link between the intestinal microbiota and liver diseases suchas MAFLD. The composition and characteristics of the intestinal microbiota andtherapeutic perspectives of MAFLD are reviewed in the current study. Animbalance in the intestinal microbiota increases intestinal permeability andexposure of the liver to adipokines. Furthermore, we focused on reviewing thelatest "gut-liver axis" targeted therapy.

Modulatory effects in circadian-related diseases via the reciprocity of tea polyphenols and intestinal microbiota

Tea is a widespread functional plant resource.Phytochemicals such as tea polyphenols(TP)can interact with the intestinal flora and participate in regulating the expression and rhythm of biological clock genes.Circadian rhythm controls a variety of behaviors and physiological processes,and circadian misalignment has been found to be closely related to multiple metabolic diseases.Interestingly,the gut microbiota also has diurnal fluctuations,which can be affected by diet composition and feeding rhythm,and play a role in maintaining the host’s circadian rhythm.The two-way relationship between the host’s circadian rhythm and intestinal microbiota confirms the possibility that prebiotics or probiotic can be used to adjust the intestinal environment and microbiome composition to improve the host health.This article reviews the relationship between the host’s circadian rhythm and microbiota and its influence on metabolic diseases.The beneficial effects of the interaction between TP and gut microbiota on diseases related to rhythm disorders are emphasized to improve the theories of disease prevention and treatment.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the Health Personnel of the Pediatric and Gynecology-Obstetrics Departments of the BouakéUniversity Hospital Center (CHU) regarding the Intestinal Microbiota and the First 1000 Days of Life

Introduction: The harmonious development of the intestinal microbiota during the first 1000 days of life promotes the child’s immediate and future good health. The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and practices of health personnel on the intestinal microbiota and the first 1000 days of life for the improvement of child health. Methods: Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) type survey conducted among health personnel of the pediatric and gynecology-obstetrics departments of the Bouaké University Hospital from July 1 to 31, 2017. All consenting agents working in the said services and present at the time of the study were included. The parameters studied concerned socio-professional characteristics, knowledge of the intestinal microbiota, and knowledge and practice of the first 1000 days. The data analysis was descriptive and analytical with a significance threshold p ≤ 0.05. Results: Out of 224 active agents, 76 (30 men, 46 women) participated in the survey, i.e. 33.9%. The respondent came from the gynecology-obstetrics (54%) and pediatrics (46%) departments and had professional experience >5 years in 38%. Thirty-eight percent of the respondents had a good knowledge of the intestinal microbiota. Concerning the first 1000 days of life, 64.5% of the respondents had a good knowledge of the first 1000 days overall. They advised exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months in 95% of cases. When breastfeeding was not feasible, the main criterion for choosing the infant formula was the composition (57.1%). They proposed a standard infant formula (43%), enriched with prebiotic (29.4%), enriched with probiotic (21.6%), a symbiotic (6%). Good knowledge of the intestinal microbiota was associated with belonging to the paediatric service (p = 0.013), socio-professional category (p = 0.031), year of experience >5 years (p = 0.032) and the first 1000 days of life to year of experience >5 years (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The health personnel interviewed did not have a good knowledge of the intestinal microbiota and the first 1000 days. Capacity building is needed.

Efficacy of Biejiajian Pill on Intestinal Microbiota in Patients with Hepatitis B Cirrhosis/Liver Fibrosis:A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of Biejiajian Pill(BJJP)on intestinal microbiota in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis/liver fibrosis,and explore its relationship with liver fibrosis.Methods:This was a prospective,randomized double-blind controlled trial.Using the stratified block randomization method,35 patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis/liver fibrosis were randomly assigned(1:1)to receive entecavir(0.5 mg/d)combined with BJJP(3 g/time,3 times a day)or placebo(simulator as control,SC group,simulator 3 g/time,3 times a day)for 48 weeks.Blood and stool samples were collected from patients at baseline and week 48 of treatment,respectively.Liver and renal functions as well as hematological indices were detected.Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rDNA V3-V4 high-throughput sequencing,and intestinal microbiota changes in both groups before and after treatment were compared,and their correlations with liver fibrosis were analyzed.Results:Compared with the SC group,there was no significant difference in liver function,renal function and hematology indices in the BJJP group,however,the improvement rate of liver fibrosis was higher in the BJJP group(94.4%vs.64.7%,P=0.041).Principal coordinate analysis(PCoA)based on weighted Unifrac distance showed significant differences in intestinal microbiota community diversity before and after BJJP treatment(P<0.01 and P=0.003),respectively.After 48 weeks'treatment,the abundance levels of beneficial bacteria(Bifidobacteria,Lactobacillus,Faecalibacterium and Blautia)increased,whereas the abundance levels of potential pathogenic bacteria,including Escherichia coli,Bacteroides,Ruminococcus,Parabacteroides and Prevotella decreased,among which Ruminococcus and Parabacteroides were significantly positively correlated with degree of liver fibrosis(r=0.34,P=0.04;r=0.38,P=0.02),respectively.The microbiota in the SC group did not change significantly throughout the whole process of treatment.Conclusion:BJJP had a certain regulatory effect on intestinal microbiota of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis/liver fibrosis(ChiCTR1800016801).

Dietary host-associated Bacillus subtilis supplementation improves intestinal microbiota,health and disease resistance in Chinese perch(Siniperca chuatsi)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of a host-associated Bacillus subtilis 1-C-7 as a probiotic for Chinese perch(Siniperca chuatsi).Four test diets were formulated to contain graded levels of B.subtilis 1-C-7 at 0(CY),0.85×10^(8)(Y1),0.95×10^(9)(Y2)and 0.91×10^(10)(Y3)CFU/kg diet.The test fish with initial weight 30.0±1.2 g were fed the 4 test diets with 3 replicates in an indoor water-flow aquaculture system with 12 net cages(40 fish/cage)for 10 wk.At the conclusion of the feeding trial,the probiotic effects of B.subtilis on Chinese perch were analyzed based on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,histologic morphology of liver and gut,gut microbiota and the resistance to Aero-monas hydrophila.The results showed that the percentage of weight gain had no significant change in the Y1 and Y2 groups(P>0.05)but decreased in the Y3 group compared to that in the CY group(P<0.05).The fish in the Y3 group displayed the highest activity of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)among these 4 groups(P<0.05).The fish in the CY group had the highest value of malondialdehyde in the liver(P<0.05)and showed severe nuclear migration and vacuolization of hepatocytes.The morphology indicated that all test fish had poor intestinal health.However,the fish in the Y1 group had a relatively normal intestinal histologic structure.The mid gut microbial diversity analysis showed that dietary B.subtilis supplementation increased the abundance of probiotics such as Tenericutes and Bacteroides,whereas it reduced the abundance of pernicious bacteria such as Proteobacteria,Actinobacteria,Thermophilia and Spirochaetes.The challenge test showed that dietary B.subtilis supplementation increased the resistance to A.hydrophila in Chinese perch.In conclusion,dietary supplementation of 0.85×10^(8)CFU/kg B.subtilis 1-C-7 could improve the intestinal microbiota,intestinal health and disease resistance in Chinese perch,but more or excessive supple-mentation could reduce growth performance and have negative effects on health.

Composition,function,and timing:exploring the early‑life gut microbiota in piglets for probiotic interventions

Background The establishment of a robust gut microbiota in piglets during their early developmental stage holds the potential for long-term advantageous effects.However,the optimal timeframe for introducing probiotics to achieve this outcome remains uncertain.Results In the context of this investigation,we conducted a longitudinal assessment of the fecal microbiota of 63 piglets at three distinct pre-weaning time points.Simultaneously,we gathered vaginal and fecal samples from 23 sows.Employing 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing methodologies,we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the fluctuation patterns in microbial composition,functional capacity,interaction networks,and colonization resistance within the gut microbiota of piglets.As the piglets progressed in age,discernible modifications in intestinal microbial diversity,composition,and function were observed.A source-tracking analysis unveiled the pivotal role of fecal and vaginal microbiota derived from sows in populating the gut microbiota of neonatal piglets.By D21,the microbial interaction network displayed a more concise and efficient configuration,accompanied by enhanced colonization resistance relative to the other two time points.Moreover,we identified three strains of Ruminococcus sp.at D10 as potential candidates for improving piglets’weight gain during the weaning phase.Conclusions The findings of this study propose that D10 represents the most opportune juncture for the introduction of external probiotic interventions during the early stages of piglet development.This investigation augments our comprehension of the microbiota dynamics in early-life of piglets and offers valuable insights for guiding forthcoming probiotic interventions.