Search Results (299)

Intestinal microorganisms are essential for maintaining homeostasis, health, and development, playing a critical role in nutrient digestion, growth, and exercise performance in pigeons. In young pigeons, the gut microbiota is primarily acquired through pigeon milk, meaning the microbial composition of parent pigeons directly influences microbial colonization in squabs. However, research on the correlation between the gut microbial diversity of parent pigeons and their offspring remains scarce. This study investigates the fecal microbiota and metabolites of 10 pairs of parent pigeons and 20 squabs raised under a 2 + 2 system. Fecal samples were collected at 15 days of age, and differences in the microbiota and metabolites between the two groups were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS. The results showed the following: (1) Squabs exhibited significantly lower α diversity, with a reduction in their Chao1 index and observed OTUs compared to the parent pigeons. (2) Firmicutes dominated the fecal microbiota in both groups, but parent pigeon feces showed a notably higher abundance of Proteobacteria. At the family level, 10 distinct families were identified, with 9 at the genus level and 4 at the species level. (3) A LEfSe analysis identified 16 significantly different bacterial species in the parent pigeons and 7 in the squabs. Functional gene abundance was highest in the metabolism, genetic information processing, and environmental information processing pathways. (4) An LC-MS/MS analysis in cationic mode identified 218 metabolites, with 139 upregulated and 79 downregulated in the squabs relative to the parents. These metabolites were primarily concentrated in five functional categories and enriched in 33 pathways, 2 of which showed significant differences. In conclusion, significant differences in both the α and β diversity of fecal microbiota were observed between squabs and parent pigeons, with similar bacterial species but marked differences in abundance. Metabolite analysis revealed greater richness in the parent pigeon feces. These findings suggest that future gut modulation using beneficial bacteria, such as probiotics, could potentially enhance host health based on microbial and metabolite compositions. Full article

Aims: This study explores the link between body mass index (BMI), intestinal permeability, and associated changes in anthropometric and impedance parameters, lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, fecal metabolites, and gut microbiota taxa composition in participants having excessive body mass. Methods: A cohort of 58 obese individuals with comparable diet, age, and height was divided into three groups based on a priori clustering analyses that fit with BMI class ranges: Group I (25–29.9), Group II (30–39.9), and Group III (>40). Anthropometric and clinical parameters were assessed, including plasma C-reactive protein and cytokine profiles as inflammation markers. Intestinal permeability was measured using a multisaccharide assay, with fecal/serum zonulin and serum claudin-5 and claudin-15 levels. Fecal microbiota composition and metabolomic profiles were analyzed using a phylogenetic microarray and GC-MS techniques. Results: The statistical analyses of the clinical parameters were based on the full sample set, whereas a subset composed of 37 randomized patients was inspected for the GC/MS metabolite profiling of fecal specimens. An increase in potentially pro-inflammatory bacterial genera (e.g., Slackia, Dorea, Granulicatella) and a reduction in beneficial genera (e.g., Adlercreutzia, Clostridia UCG-014, Roseburia) were measured. The gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of urine samples evidenced a statistically significant increase in m-cymen-8-ol, 1,3,5-Undecatriene, (E, Z) and a decreased concentration of p-cresol, carvone, p-cresol, and nonane. Conclusions: Together, these data demonstrated how an increased BMI led to significant changes in inflammatory markers, intestinal barrier metabolites, glucose metabolism, endocrine indicators, and fecal metabolomic profiles that can indicate a different metabolite production from gut microbiota. Our findings suggest that targeting intestinal permeability may offer a therapeutic approach to prevent and manage obesity and related metabolic complications, reinforcing the link between gut barrier function and obesity. Full article

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease that affects millions globally and poses a serious public health challenge. Current therapeutic strategies, including corticosteroids, are constrained by variable patient responses and adverse effects. In this study, a polyphenolic extract derived from the Tibetan medicinal plant Spenceria ramalana Trimen (SRT) was employed and shown to improve experimentally (ovalbumin + cigarette smoke, OVA + CS) induced asthma in rats. Initially, the potential therapeutic mechanism of the polyphenolic components in SRT on OVA + CS-induced asthma was predicated by network pharmacology analysis. Subsequently, in vivo experiments identified that SRT polyphenols exhibit significant anti-asthmatic activities, primarily mediated by lowering inflammatory cell counts such as the WBC (white blood cell), eosinophils, and neutrophils, decreasing the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and TNF-α), alleviating lung histological damage (reduced inflammation, collagen deposition, and mucus secretion), and enhancing the epithelial barrier integrity (upregulation of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1). Additionally, SRT polyphenols downregulated the PI3K/Akt (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B) signaling pathway, improved gut microbiota disruption, and regulated fecal metabolites (glucose-6-glutamate, PS (16:0/0:0), 8-aminocaprylic acid, galactonic acid, Ascr#10, 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid, phosphodimethylethanolamine, muramic acid, 9-oxohexadeca-10e-enoic acid, and sedoheptulose) in asthmatic rats. In conclusion, SRT polyphenols exerted multifaceted protective effects against OVA + CS-induced asthma in rats, highlighting their potential value in preventing asthma via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and myo-inositol (MI) on hair quality, fecal microbiota, and metabolome in poodles. Thirty-two adult poodles categorized based on initial body weight and sex were randomly assigned to four groups. These groups (designated the CON, MSM, MI, and MSM + MI groups) received a basal diet, the same diet supplemented with 0.2% MSM + 0% MI, the same diet supplemented with 0% MSM + 0.2% MI, or the same diet supplemented with 0.2% MSM + 0.2% MI, respectively. The study lasted for 65 days. During the entire study period, body weight, average daily weight gain, feed intake, energy intake, and fecal output were normal in all the animals and did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. Hair scale thickness was lower in the MI and MSM + MI groups than in the CON group on Day 65 (p < 0.05). An amino acid analysis of the hair revealed higher sulfur content in the MI and MSM + MI groups on Day 65 than on Day 0 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the poodles in the MSM, MI, and MSM + MI groups presented significantly lower levels of Proteobacteria_unclassified and Candidatus Phytoplasma than did those in the CON group. The relative abundance of Gammaproteobacteria_unclassified was greater in the MSM and MI groups than in the CON group (p < 0.05). The MSM group presented a greater abundance of Glucerabacter than the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON and MSM + MI groups, the abundances of Paramuribaculum and Hafnia in the MSM group were greater (p < 0.05). The abundances of Enterobacter and Kineothrix were greater (p < 0.05) in the MI group than in the CON and MSM + MI groups. The poodles in the MI group presented significantly greater abundances of Bacteroidales_unclassified, Halanaerobium, Mycobacterium, and Erysipelotrichaceae_unclassified than did poodles in the CON, MSM, and MSM + MI groups. Fecal metabolomics analysis revealed that MSM, MI, and MSM + MI treatment markedly affected carbohydrate metabolism. MSM + MI treatment also influenced lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with MSM and MI can improve the hair quality of poodles. Full article

The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is a circumpolar member of the Cervidae family, and has adapted to a harsh environment. Summer is a critical period for reindeer, with peak digestibility facilitating body fat accumulation. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in nutrient metabolism, and is affected by captivity. However, differences in the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolites between captive and grazing reindeer during summer remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a comparative study of the fecal microbiota and metabolites between captive (n = 6) and grazing (n = 6) male reindeer, using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry, respectively. Our results indicated that Prevotella, Phocaeicola, Papillibacter, Muribaculum, and Bacteroides were the predominant genera in the feces of reindeer. However, microbial diversity was significantly higher in captive reindeer compared to their grazing counterparts. Principal coordinate analysis revealed significant differences in the fecal microbiota between captive and grazing reindeer. In captive reindeer, the relative abundances of the genera Clostridium, Paraprevotella, Alistipes, Paludibacter, Lentimicrobium, Paraclostridium, and Anaerovibrio were significantly higher, while those of the genera Prevotella, Phocaeicola, Pseudoflavonifractor, and Lactonifactor were significantly lower. A comparison of predicted functions indicated that pathways involved in fat digestion and absorption, histidine metabolism, lysine biosynthesis, and secondary bile acid biosynthesis were more abundant in captive reindeer, whereas the pathways of fructose and mannose metabolism and propanoate metabolism were less abundant. An untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 624 metabolites (e.g., amino acids, lipids, fatty acids, and bile acids) and 645 metabolites (e.g., carbohydrates and purines) were significantly increased in the feces of captive and grazing reindeer, respectively. In conclusion, we unveiled significant differences in fecal microbiota and metabolites between captive and grazing male reindeer, with the results suggesting a potentially enhanced ability to utilize plant fibers in grazing reindeer. Full article

Frozen meat is an important source of protein in pet food, and has attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, we compared the effect of meat meal (MM), frozen meat (FM), and hydrolyzed frozen meat (HFM) as ingredients in extruded pet food on its palatability and apparent digestibility, as well as its effects on the immune response, fecal microbiota, and metabolome of British shorthair cats. A total of 24 British shorthair cats were allocated to the MM, FM, and HFM groups according to body weight and gender. The palatability test lasted 4 days and the feeding test lasted 45 days. The results showed that the FM and HFM diets had better palatability than the MM diet (p < 0.05) and significantly improved dry matter and crude protein digestibility (p < 0.05). The serum IL-10 level was significantly higher in the HFM group compared to the MM and FM groups (p < 0.05). The serum IgM levels were also found to be significantly higher in the FM group compared to the MM and HFM groups (p < 0.05). The blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio was significantly lower in the HFM and FM groups than in the MM group (p < 0.05). Cats fed HFM had a higher abundance of fecal Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium and a lower content of Bacteroidota (p < 0.05). Furthermore, serum metabolomics analysis revealed that the tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and bile acid metabolism were affected by HFM. Overall, FM and HFM were better for the cat’s health than meat meal, but they also have some potential risks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Milk is one of the main sources of nutrition in people’s daily diet, but the fat in milk raises health concerns in consumers. Here, we aimed to elucidate the impact of Buffalo milk and Holstein cow milk consumption on blood lipid health through metabolomics analysis. Methods: Golden hamsters were administered Murrah Buffalo milk (BM) or Holstein cow milk (HM), and the body weight and serum lipid indicators were tested and recorded. The hamsters receiving equal amounts of physiological saline were used as the negative control (NC). Serum and fecal samples were collected, and LC-MS was used to identify the metabolites in the samples. Results: The results showed that both the BM and HM groups exhibited a significant reduction in body weight compared to that of the NC group from day 9, and the serum TG, TC, and LDL-C levels were significantly lower than those of the NC group. Further analysis identified 564 and 567 metabolites in the serum and fecal samples shared in the BM and HM groups and significantly different from those in the NC group, which were mainly enriched in the pathways related to lipid metabolism, such as fatty acid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Correlation analysis further suggested that milk intake can increase the levels of Muramic Acid, Oleoyl Ethanolamide, Seratrodast, Chenodeoxycholic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester, and Deoxycholic Acid in the serum and gut microbiota, which may affect TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C in the serum, and thereby benefit the body’s lipid health. Conclusions: The results further confirmed that milk intake has a beneficial effect on blood lipid health by altering multiple metabolites in the serum and the gut. This study provides novel evidence that milk consumption is beneficial to health and is a reference for guiding people to a healthy diet. Full article

Background and aim: The prevalence and adverse outcomes of metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MAFLD) are increasing. The changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are regarded as an essential part of the progression of MAFLD. This study aimed to identify the gut microbiota and metabolites involved in the development of MAFLD in patients. Method: This study enrolled 90 patients (healthy controls, HC: n = 30; MASH: n = 30; MASH-related cirrhosis, MC: n = 30), and their fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing and non-targeted LC–MS/MS metabolomics analysis. Data preprocessing and statistical analyses were performed using QIIME2 software, Pynast, QIIME2 package, Progenesis QI, and R program. Results: The abundance of Prevotellaceae at the family level and Prevotella at the genus level was lower in the MASH and NC samples than in the HC samples. Both Prevotellaceae and Prevotella showed the strongest correlation with MASH progression via random forest analysis. Untargeted metabolomics was used to quantitatively screen for discrepant metabolites in the stool samples from the three groups. Linolenic acid (LA)-related metabolite levels were significantly lower in MASH and NC samples. Associations between Prevotella- or LA-related metabolites and liver function were discovered. A high abundance of Prevotella was associated with LA-related metabolites and MASH. Conclusion: This study identified that gut microbiota and metabolites are associated with MASH-related metabolic dysfunction. LA and Prevotella are depleted during MASH progression, and additional supplementation with Prevotella may be a potential strategy for the future treatment of MAFLD. Full article

Objectives: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in mouse models using a metabolomics-based approach. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) from 10 April 2024 to 17 June 2024. Out of the 460 research studies reviewed and subjected to exclusion criteria, only 5 studies met all the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Results: These studies consistently showed that FMT effectively restored gut microbiota and altered metabolic profiles, particularly increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and secondary bile acids, which inhibited C. difficile growth. FMT proved superior to antibiotic and probiotic treatments in re-establishing a healthy gut microbiome, as evidenced by significant changes in the amino acid and carbohydrate levels. Despite its promise, variability in the outcomes—due to factors such as immune status, treatment protocols, and donor microbiome differences—underscores the need for standardization. Rather than pursuing immediate standardization, the documentation of factors such as donor and recipient microbiome profiles, preparation methods, and administration details could help identify optimal configurations for specific contexts and patient needs. In all the studies, FMT was successful in restoring the metabolic profile in mice. Conclusions: These findings align with the clinical data from CDI patients, suggesting that FMT holds potential as a therapeutic strategy for gut health restoration and CDI management. Further studies could pave the way for adoption in clinical practice. Full article

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy linked to endothelial dysfunction and an imbalance in the gut microbiota. While Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) has shown promise in alleviating PE symptoms, the use of live bacteria raises safety concerns. This study explored the potential of pasteurized A. muciniphila (pAKK) as a safer alternative for treating PE, focusing on its effects on endothelial function and metabolic regulation. A PE mouse model was induced via the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME, followed by treatment with either pAKK or live AKK. Fecal metabolomic profiling was performed via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and in vivo and in vitro experiments were used to assess the effects of pAKK on endothelial function and metabolic pathways. pAKK exhibited therapeutic effects comparable to those of live AKK in improving L-NAME-induced PE-like phenotypes in mice, including enhanced gut barrier function and reduced endotoxemia. pAKK also promoted placental angiogenesis by restoring endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production. The in vitro experiments further confirmed that pAKK alleviated L-NAME-induced NO reduction and endothelial dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Metabolomic analysis revealed that both pAKK and live AKK reversed metabolic disturbances in PE by modulating key metabolites and pathways related to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, folate, and linoleic acid metabolism. As a postbiotic, pAKK may support existing treatments for preeclampsia by improving gut barrier function, restoring endothelial function, and regulating metabolic dysregulation, offering a safer alternative to live bacteria. These findings highlight the potential clinical value of pAKK as an adjunctive therapy in managing PE. Full article

Objects: Taurine exhibits protective effects in the context of cardiovascular pathophysiology. A range of evidence suggests that hypertension activates inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), elevating the arterial tone and sympathetic activity, while it induces gut–brain axis dysfunction in the context of hypertension. However, the mechanism underlying taurine’s anti-hypertensive effects via the gut–brain axis remains unclear. Method: Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were administered 3% taurine in their drinking water for eight weeks, with their arterial pressure measured weekly. Molecular techniques were employed to investigate taurine’s effects on the hypertensive gut and PVN. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota composition, and untargeted metabolomics was applied to assess the fecal metabolites following taurine supplementation. Results: Taurine supplementation not only reduced the blood pressure, sympathetic activity, and inflammatory and oxidative stress in the PVN but also improved the cardiac pathology and microbiota composition while alleviating gut inflammation in hypertensive rats. The untargeted metabolite analysis indicated that the primary effect of the taurine intervention in SHRs was exerted on tryptophan metabolism. The levels of serum metabolites such as kynurenine, L-tryptophan, serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) were altered in hypertensive rats following taurine treatment. Conclusions: Taurine supplementation restored the microbiota balance, strengthened the mucosal barrier, reduced intestinal inflammation, and stimulated tryptophan metabolism. The metabolites derived from the gut microbiota likely crossed the brain barrier and reached the paraventricular nucleus, thereby reducing the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the PVN via gut–brain communication, leading to decreased sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in the studied hypertensive rats. Full article

Background: Chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) plays an important role in mood disorders. However, the changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites associated with CSD-induced anxiety/depression-like behavior in female mice have not been determined. Due to the influence of endogenous hormone levels, females are more susceptible than males to negative emotions caused by sleep deprivation. Here, we aim to investigate how CSD changes the gut microbiota and behavior and uncover the relationship between CSD and gut microbiota and its metabolites in female mice. Methods: We used a 48-day sleep deprivation (SD) model using the modified multiple platform method (MMPM) to induce anxiety/depression-like behavior in female C57BL/6J mice and verified our results using the open field test, elevated plus maze, novel object recognition test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. We collected fecal samples of mice for 16S rDNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analysis and colons for histopathological observation. We used Spearmen analysis to find the correlations between differential bacterial taxa, fecal metabolites, and behaviors. Results: Our study demonstrates that CSD induced anxiety/depressive-like behaviors in female mice. The results of 16S rDNA sequencing suggested that the relative abundance of the harmful bacteria g_ Rothia, g_ Streptococcus, g_ Pantoea, and g_ Klebsiella were significantly increased, while the beneficial bacteria g_ Rikenella, g_ Eubacterium]-xylanophilum-group, and g_ Eisenbergiella were significantly decreased after SD. Glycerophospholipid metabolism and glutathione metabolism were identified as key pathways in the fecal metabolism related to oxidative stress and inflammatory states of the intestine. Histological observation showed hyperplasia of epithelial cells, a decrease in goblet cells, and glandular atrophy of the colon in SD mice. There were correlations between some of the differential bacterial taxa, fecal metabolites, and behaviors. Conclusion: In summary, we found that CSD induced anxiety/depression-like behavior, caused gut microbiota dysbiosis, altered fecal metabolism, and damaged the colon barrier in female mice. Full article

Background: The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) led to gastrointestinal manifestations in up to 50% of cases, with diarrhea being common, and probiotics have been suggested as a potential treatment. Aim: This study aimed to assess changes in the microbiome and the effects of a multispecies probiotic in patients with COVID-19 in home quarantine through a fully remote telemedical approach. Methods: Thirty patients were randomized to receive either the Ecologic AAD probiotic (Winclove Probiotics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands), on the market as OMNi-BiOTiC 10 (Allergosan, Austria), or a placebo for 30 days in a 2:1 ratio. Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms were monitored in 2–10-day intervals via online surveys, and five stool samples were collected during the 30-day study period for microbiome and metabolomics analyses. Twenty-four healthy volunteers served as controls. Results: Of the 30 patients, 26 completed this study (10 placebo, 16 probiotic). Patients reported respiratory symptoms and a diminished gastrointestinal quality of life, both of which improved significantly during the study period, irrespective of the intervention. Compared to controls, infected patients showed significant alterations in the fecal microbiome (p = 0.002), including an increase in Bacteroidetes and decreases in Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Gammaproteobacteria, along with metabolomic changes. Probiotic treatment significantly modulated the patients’ microbiome beta diversity (p = 0.001) and introduced the Enterococcus faecium W54 strain. Symptoms, COVID-19-related taxa, and the fecal metabolome were not affected by the intervention. Conclusions: Patients with mild COVID-19 disease in home quarantine exhibited respiratory symptoms, a reduced gastrointestinal quality of life, and changes in the fecal microbiome and metabolome. Full article

As a notable native Chinese genetic population, the Huainan pig has an exceptional meat quality but a low percentage of lean meat and subpar genetic performance. To better exploit the superior genetic traits of the Huainan pig and address knowledge gaps regarding the optimization of its hybrid offspring, this study used Huainan pigs as the maternal line and bred them with Yorkshire, Landrace, and Berkshire sires. This approach produced three hybrid combinations: Yorkshire × Huainan (YH), Landrace × Huainan (LH), and Berkshire × Huainan (BH). The body size, fat ratio, and average backfat thickness of these hybrid progeny were evaluated under the same feeding management and nutritional circumstances. The results revealed that the average backfat thickness of YH was significantly lower than that of LH and BH. In order to better understand the causes of these variations, fecal samples were taken from three pigs in each group for metabolomic analysis. A total of 2291 metabolites were identified, including benzene derivatives (16.6%), amino acids and their metabolites (14.5%), and organic acids (13.4%), with pyruvaldehyde and norethindrone acetate elevated in YH compared to LH and BH. In addition, the three hybrid pig groups commonly exhibited differences in the “glycerophospholipid metabolism” pathway. This variation may also contribute to differences in their fat ratio and backfat thickness. Our findings provide a novel perspective on the role of hybrid vigor in advancing the genetic population of Huainan pigs, while also revealing the unique metabolic characteristics of the YH with regard to fat deposition. This study is expected to enhance the conservation and effective utilization of genetic resources within the Huainan pig population. Full article

Green tea kombucha (GTK) has emerged as a promising probiotic fermented beverage. Few studies have investigated its effect on human health, mainly focusing on intestinal health, microbiota composition, and metabolomics. The present study is a pioneer in investigating the effect of GTK consumption in individuals with excess body weight. This is a randomized controlled trial, lasting ten weeks, with two groups placed under an energy-restricted diet: control (CG, n = 29), kombucha (KG, n = 30; 200 mL/d). Biological samples and questionnaires were collected before and after the intervention. Microbiota analysis used an amplification of the V4 region of 16S rRNA. Serum untargeted metabolomics used HPLC-TOF mass spectrometry. Intestinal permeability considered the urine excretion of lactulose and mannitol, plasma zonulin, and LPS-binding protein. After the intervention, no differences related to intestinal permeability and microbiota were found between groups, but only the CG had increased fecal pH, lactulose/mannitol ratio, and zonulin. In addition to this, the KG reported lower gastrointestinal symptoms related to motility compared to the CG, and discriminant metabolites (e.g., diethyl malonate) were found strictly in the KG. GTK did not significantly improve gut microbiota and intestinal permeability. However, GTK ameliorated gastrointestinal symptoms and positively influenced the serum metabolome, which may contribute to enhancing the metabolic health of individuals with excess body weight. Full article