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Bibliography on: Fecal Transplantation

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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 18 Apr 2025 at 01:48 Created: 

Fecal Transplantation

Fecal Transplantion is a procedure in which fecal matter is collected from a tested donor, mixed with a saline or other solution, strained, and placed in a patient, by colonoscopy, endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or enema. The theory behind the procedure is that a normal gut microbial ecosystem is required for good health and that sometimes a benefucuial ecosystem can be destroyed, perhaps by antibiotics, allowing other bacteria, specifically Clostridium difficile to over-populate the colon, causing debilitating, sometimes fatal diarrhea. C. diff. is on the rise throughout the world. The CDC reports that approximately 347,000 people in the U.S. alone were diagnosed with this infection in 2012. Of those, at least 14,000 died. Fecal transplant has also had promising results with many other digestive or auto-immune diseases, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis. It has also been used around the world to treat other conditions, although more research in other areas is needed. Fecal transplant was first documented in 4th century China, where the treatment was known as yellow soup.

Created with PubMed® Query: ( "(fecal OR faecal) (transplant OR transplantation)" OR "fecal microbiota transplant" ) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2025-04-16

Li H, Lai H, Xing Y, et al (2025)

Microbiota-gut-brain axis: Novel Potential Pathways for Developing Antiepileptogenic Drugs.

Current neuropharmacology pii:CN-EPUB-147634 [Epub ahead of print].

The treatment of epilepsy remains imperfect due to a lack of understanding of its pathogenesis. Although antiseizure medications can control most seizures, up to 30% of patients experience uncontrolled seizures, leading to refractory epilepsy. Therefore, elucidating the pathogenesis of epilepsy and exploring new avenues to design antiepileptic drugs may improve epilepsy treatment. Recent studies have identified an imbalance of the gut microbiota (GM) in both patients with epilepsy and various animal models of epilepsy. In response to this phenomenon, an increasing number of studies have focused on controlling seizures by regulating GM homeostasis, utilizing methods such as dietary restrictions, fecal microbiota transplantation, and the use of prebiotics. Surprisingly, these interventions have shown promising antiepileptic effects, suggesting that GM, through the regulatory role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (gut-brain axis), may emerge as a novel strategy for treating epilepsy. This review aims to discuss the research progress on the relationship between GM and epilepsy, incorporating the latest clinical studies and animal experiments. We will specifically concentrate on the potential key role of the gut-brain axis in epileptogenesis, epilepsy development, and outcomes of epilepsy. Through a detailed analysis of the underlying mechanisms of the gut-brain axis, we aim to provide a more comprehensive perspective on understanding the pathophysiology of epilepsy and lay the groundwork for the development of new antiepileptic drugs in the future.

RevDate: 2025-04-16

Brown R, Barko P, Ruiz Romero JDJ, et al (2025)

The effect of lyophilised oral faecal microbial transplantation on functional outcomes in dogs with diabetes mellitus.

The Journal of small animal practice [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine if oral faecal microbiota transplantation improves indices of glycaemic control, changes the faecal dysbiosis indices, alters faecal short-chain fatty acid and bile acid profiles and increases serum glucagon-like-peptide 1 concentrations in diabetic dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded pilot study, we recruited nine diabetic dogs (five faecal microbiota transplantation and four placebo) and nine healthy controls.

RESULTS: Compared to healthy dogs, diabetic dogs had altered faecal short-chain fatty acid and bile acid profiles. In the first 30 days, the faecal microbiota transplantation group had a more rapid decline in interstitial glucose; however, the mean interstitial glucose of the faecal microbiota transplantation recipients did not differ from the placebo recipients at the end of the study. Compared with placebo, faecal microbiota transplantation recipients had a decreased 24-hour water intake at day 60 and increased faecal abundance of Faecalibacterium.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides a proof of concept for faecal microbiota transplantation in canine diabetes, and its data could inform the design of future large-scale studies. Further investigation is required to determine whether faecal microbiota transplantation would have any role as an adjunctive therapy in canine diabetes and to elucidate the mechanisms by which faecal microbiota transplantation may provide a beneficial clinical effect in canine diabetes.

RevDate: 2025-04-17
CmpDate: 2025-04-16

Chen M, Pan J, Song Y, et al (2025)

Effect of inulin supplementation in maternal fecal microbiota transplantation on the early growth of chicks.

Microbiome, 13(1):98.

BACKGROUND: Fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is an important technology for treating diarrhea and enteritis. Additionally, FMT has been applied to improve productivity, alter abnormal behavior, relieve stress, and reduce burdens. However, some previous studies have reported that FMT may cause stress in acceptor animals. Inulin, a prebiotic, can promote growth, enhance immunity, and balance the gut microbiota. Currently, there are limited reports on the effects of combining FMT with inulin on early growth performance in chicks.

RESULTS: In this study, a total of 90 1-day-old chicks were randomly divided into the control group (CON), FMT group, and inulin group (INU). The CON group was fed a basic diet, whereas the FMT and INU groups received fecal microbiota transplantation and FMT with inulin treatment, respectively. Compared with the FMT and CON groups, the INU group presented significantly greater average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) values (P < 0.05). However, the organ indices did not significantly change (P > 0.05). The ratio of the villi to crypts in the ileum significantly differed at 21 and 35 days (P < 0.05). In addition, the cecum concentrations of acetic acid and butyric acid significantly increased in the INU group (P < 0.05). In addition, gut inflammation and serum inflammation decreased in the INU group, and immune factors increased after inulin supplementation. (P < 0.05). Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla, with more than 90% of all sequences being identified as originating from these two phyla. Inulin supplementation during mother-sourced microbial transplantation significantly increased the abundance of Rikenella, Butyricicoccus, and [Ruminococcus], which contributed positively to the promotion of early intestinal health and facilitated the early growth of chicks.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that inulin supplementation in maternal fecal microbiota transplantation can effectively promote early growth and probiotic colonization, which favors the health of chicks. Video Abstract.

RevDate: 2025-04-15
CmpDate: 2025-04-16

Senthilkumar H, M Arumugam (2025)

Gut microbiota: a hidden player in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Journal of translational medicine, 23(1):443.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects reproductive-aged women worldwide, causing hormonal imbalances and ovarian dysfunction. PCOS affects metabolic health and increases the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease, in addition to infertility. This review delves deeper into the connections of gut microbiota with PCOS pathophysiology, particularly into its impact on hormone metabolism, obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance by way of short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, and gut-brain axis. Studies also show that changes in the metabolic processes and immune responses are seen in changes in the gut microbiota in PCOS subjects, such as changes in the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes groups. Some bacteria, like Escherichia and Shigella, have been associated with dysbiosis in patients with PCOS, leading to systemic inflammation and changed hormone levels, which further worsen the clinical symptoms. Therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiota comprise probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation; these have potential to alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. Other precision microbiome-based therapies include postbiotics, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, which are relatively new avenues toward precision treatment. This complex interlink of gut microbiota and PCOS pathophysiology will open the avenues for possible treatments for hormonal imbalances and metabolic problems that characterize these complex disorders. The review here focuses on the requirement of further studies to be able to elucidate the specific pathways relating gut microbiota dysregulation to PCOS and, thus, improve microbiome-based therapies for better clinical outcomes in affected individuals.

RevDate: 2025-04-17
CmpDate: 2025-04-15

Sui Y, Zhang T, Ou S, et al (2025)

Statin therapy associated Lactobacillus intestinalis attenuates pancreatic fibrosis through remodeling intestinal homeostasis.

NPJ biofilms and microbiomes, 11(1):59.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by irreversible fibrotic destruction and impaired pancreatic function. CP disrupts lipid metabolism and causes the imbalance of gut microbiota which in turn exacerbates pancreatic fibrosis. Statins alter gut microbiota and exert anti-inflammatory effects, but its role in CP has not been fully elucidated. Here, we found that statins-associated higher abundance of Lactobacillus intestinalis (L.intestinalis) maintained gut homeostasis that restrained bacteria translocation from gut to the pancreas, which eventually aggravated pancreatic fibrosis through inhibiting CD8[+]T cells-dependent immunity. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) or L.intestinalis administration inhibited the infiltration of CD8[+]T cells and macrophages that delayed CP progression. L.intestinalis restrained the recruitment of M1 macrophages and limited the release of Ccl2/7 in the colon, which prevented epithelial damage and epithelial barrier dysfunction through blocking Ccl2/7-Ccr1 signaling. Our findings elucidate that the utilization of statin therapy or supplementation of L.intestinalis can be potential approach for the therapies of CP.

RevDate: 2025-04-17
CmpDate: 2025-04-15

Pomej K, Frick A, Scheiner B, et al (2025)

Study protocol: Fecal Microbiota Transplant combined with Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma who failed to achieve or maintain objective response to Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab - the FAB-HCC pilot study.

PloS one, 20(4):e0321189.

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota is often altered in chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and increasing evidence suggests that it may influence response to cancer immunotherapy. Strategies to modulate the gut microbiome (i.e., fecal microbiota transplant (FMT)) may help to improve efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or even overcome resistance to ICIs. Here, we describe the design and rationale of FAB-HCC, a single-center, single-arm, phase II pilot study to assess safety, feasibility, and efficacy of FMT from patients with HCC who responded to PD-(L)1-based immunotherapy or from healthy donors to patients with HCC who failed to achieve or maintain a response to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab.

METHODS: In this single-center, single-arm, phase II pilot study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05750030), we plan to include 12 patients with advanced HCC who failed to achieve or maintain a response to atezolizumab/bevacizumab. Patients will receive a single FMT via colonoscopy from donors with HCC who responded to PD-(L)1-based immunotherapy or from healthy individuals, followed by atezolizumab/bevacizumab every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint is safety, measured by incidence and severity of treatment-related adverse events. The main secondary endpoint is efficacy, as assessed by best radiological response according to RECISTv1.1 and mRECIST. Additional exploratory endpoints include data on the effect of FMT on recipient gut microbiota, as well as metagenomic analysis of stool samples, analyses of circulating immune cells and serum and stool proteomic, metabolomic and lipidomic signatures.

DISCUSSION: The results of this study will help to define the potential of FMT as add-on intervention in the systemic treatment of advanced HCC, with the potential to improve efficacy of immunotherapy or even overcome resistance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT Number: 2022-000234-42 Clinical trial registry & ID: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05750030 (Registration date: 16.01.2023).

RevDate: 2025-04-15

Ravizza T, Volpedo G, Riva A, et al (2025)

Intestinal microbiome alterations in pediatric epilepsy: Implications for seizures and therapeutic approaches.

Epilepsia open [Epub ahead of print].

The intestinal microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining host health through its involvement in gastrointestinal, immune, and central nervous system (CNS) functions. Recent evidence underscores the bidirectional communication between the microbiota, the gut, and the brain and the impact of this axis on neurological diseases, including epilepsy. In pediatric patients, alterations in gut microbiota composition-called intestinal dysbiosis-have been linked to seizure susceptibility. Preclinical models revealed that gut dysbiosis may exacerbate seizures, while microbiome-targeted therapies, including fecal microbiota transplantation, pre/pro-biotics, and ketogenic diets, show promise in reducing seizures. Focusing on clinical and preclinical studies, this review examines the role of the gut microbiota in pediatric epilepsy with the aim of exploring its implications for seizure control and management of epilepsy. We also discuss mechanisms that may underlie mutual gut-brain communication and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome as a novel approach to improve outcomes in pediatric epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Reciprocal communication between the brain and the gut appears to be dysfunctional in pediatric epilepsy. The composition of bacteria in the intestine -known as microbiota- and the gastrointestinal functions are altered in children with drug-resistant epilepsy and animal models of pediatric epilepsies. Microbiota-targeted interventions, such as ketogenic diets, pre-/post-biotics administration, and fecal microbiota transplantation, improve both gastrointestinal dysfunctions and seizures in pediatric epilepsy. These findings suggest that the gut and its microbiota represent potential therapeutic targets for reducing drug-resistant seizures in pediatric epilepsy.

RevDate: 2025-04-17
CmpDate: 2025-04-15

Vargas-Castellanos E, A Rincón-Riveros (2025)

Microsatellite Instability in the Tumor Microenvironment: The Role of Inflammation and the Microbiome.

Cancer medicine, 14(8):e70603.

BACKGROUND: Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a hallmark of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency that leads to genomic instability and increased cancer risk. The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences MSI-driven tumorigenesis, and emerging evidence points to a critical role of the microbiome in shaping this complex interplay.

METHODS: This review comprehensively examines the existing literature on the intricate relationship between MSI, microbiome, and cancer development, with a particular focus on the impact of microbial dysbiosis on the TME.

RESULTS: MSI-high tumors exhibited increased immune cell infiltration owing to the generation of neoantigens. However, immune evasion mechanisms such as PD-1/CTLA-4 upregulation limit the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in a subset of patients. Pathobionts, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis, contribute to MSI through the production of genotoxins, further promoting inflammation and oxidative stress within the TME.

CONCLUSIONS: The microbiome profoundly affects MSI-driven tumorigenesis. Modulation of the gut microbiota through interventions such as fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and dietary changes holds promise for improving ICI response rates. Further research into cancer pharmacomicrobiomics, investigating the interplay between microbial metabolites and anticancer therapies, is crucial for developing personalized treatment strategies.

RevDate: 2025-04-15

Fang X, Zhang Y, Huang X, et al (2025)

Gut microbiome research: Revealing the pathological mechanisms and treatment strategies of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes, obesity & metabolism [Epub ahead of print].

The high prevalence and disability rate of type 2 diabetes (T2D) caused a huge social burden to the world. Currently, new mechanisms and therapeutic approaches that may affect this disease are being sought. With in-depth research on the pathogenesis of T2D and growing advances in microbiome sequencing technology, the association between T2D and gut microbiota has been confirmed. The gut microbiota participates in the regulation of inflammation, intestinal permeability, short-chain fatty acid metabolism, branched-chain amino acid metabolism and bile acid metabolism, thereby affecting host glucose and lipid metabolism. Interventions focusing on the gut microbiota are gaining traction as a promising approach to T2D management. For example, dietary intervention, prebiotics and probiotics, faecal microbiota transplant and phage therapy. Meticulous experimental design and choice of analytical methods are crucial for obtaining accurate and meaningful results from microbiome studies. How to design gut microbiome research in T2D and choose different machine learning methods for data analysis are extremely critical to achieve personalized precision medicine.

RevDate: 2025-04-14

Du J, Guan Y, E Zhang (2025)

Regulatory role of gut microbiota in immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatology international [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota plays a role in triggering innate immunity and regulating the immune microenvironment (IME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by acting on various signaling receptors and transcription factors through its metabolites and related molecules. Furthermore, there is an increasing recognition of the gut microbiota as a potential therapeutic target for HCC, given its ability to modulate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

OBJECTIVE: This review will discuss the mechanisms of gut microbiota in modulating immunotherapy of HCC, the predictive value of efficacy, and the therapeutic strategies for modulating the gut microbiota in detail.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Chinese databases for articles involving the influence of gut microbiota on HCC immunotherapy.

RESULTS: The mechanisms underlying the effect of gut microbiota on HCC immunotherapy include gut-liver axis, tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and antibodies. Patients who benefit from ICIs exhibit a higher abundance of gut microbiota. Antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotics, and prebiotics are effective methods to regulate gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION: The strong connection between the liver and gut will provide numerous opportunities for the development of microbiome-based diagnostics, treatments, or prevention strategies for HCC patients.

RevDate: 2025-04-14
CmpDate: 2025-04-14

Hoops SL, Moutsoglou D, Vaughn BP, et al (2025)

Metagenomic source tracking after microbiota transplant therapy.

Gut microbes, 17(1):2487840.

Reliable engraftment assessment of donor microbial communities and individual strains is an essential component of characterizing the pharmacokinetics of microbiota transplant therapies (MTTs). Recent methods for measuring donor engraftment use whole-genome sequencing and reference databases or metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) to track individual bacterial strains but lack the ability to disambiguate DNA that matches both donor and patient microbiota. Here, we describe a new, cost-efficient analytic pipeline, MAGEnTa, which compares post-MTT samples to a database comprised MAGs derived directly from donor and pre-treatment metagenomic data, without relying on an external database. The pipeline uses Bayesian statistics to determine the likely sources of ambiguous reads that align with both the donor and pre-treatment samples. MAGEnTa recovers engrafted strains with minimal type II error in a simulated dataset and is robust to shallow sequencing depths in a downsampled dataset. Applying MAGEnTa to a dataset from a recent MTT clinical trial for ulcerative colitis, we found the results to be consistent with 16S rRNA gene SourceTracker analysis but with added MAG-level specificity. MAGEnTa is a powerful tool to study community and strain engraftment dynamics in the development of MTT-based treatments that can be integrated into frameworks for functional and taxonomic analysis.

RevDate: 2025-04-14

He Y, Cai J, Xie X, et al (2025)

Dimethyl Itaconate Alleviates Escherichia coli-Induced Endometritis Through the Guanosine-CXCL14 Axis via Increasing the Abundance of norank_f_Muribaculaceae.

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) [Epub ahead of print].

Endometritis, a prevalent reproductive system disease with high incidence, leads to reproductive dysfunction in humans and animals, causing huge economic losses. Dimethyl itaconate (DI) has been demonstrated to exert protective effects in multiple inflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the efficacy of DI in preventing endometritis and the role played by the gut microbiota remain unknown. In this study, it is found that DI ameliorated Escherichia coli (E. coli) induced endometritis in mice. The protective effect is abolished by antibiotic-induced depletion of the gut microbiota, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from DI-treated mice to recipient mice ameliorated E. coli-induced endometritis. Integrative multiomics reveals that DI promotes the multiplication of norank_f_Muribaculaceae in vivo, and supplementation of Muribaculum intestinale (DSM 28989), which belongs to the norank_f_Muribaculaceae genus, upregulates the level of guanosine in the uterus. Mechanistically, the protective effect of guanosine in endometritis is mediated by activating the expression of CXCL14 in uterine epithelial cells. Moreover, the antibody-neutralizing experiment of CXCL14 eliminated this protective effect. In conclusion, this study elucidates the significant role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the protection of DI against endometritis, and provides new evidence for the regulation of distal organ by the gut microbiota.

RevDate: 2025-04-16
CmpDate: 2025-04-14

Yaghmaei H, Taromiha A, Nojoumi SA, et al (2025)

Role of Gut-Liver Axis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Iranian biomedical journal, 29(1 & 2):1-8.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has emerged as a significant global health problem, mainly due to the increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the development of NAFLD through the gut-liver axis. Dysbiosis of the GM is associated with the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Dietary choices and other lifestyle factors influence the composition of the GM and contribute to the development of NAFLD. At the phylum level, individuals with NAFLD show an increased level in Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, while Verrucomicrobia, Thermus, Proteobacteria, Lentiphaerae, and Fusobacteria are found to be decreased. Several genera, including Faecalibacterium and Akkermansia, exhibit alterations in NAFLD and are linked to disease progression. Modulating the GM through prebiotics, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation represents a promising therapeutic strategy for NAFLD. This review summarizes the current understanding of GM changes in NAFLD, focusing on findings from both human and animal studies.

RevDate: 2025-04-15
CmpDate: 2025-04-12

Kim KS, Noh J, Kim BS, et al (2025)

Refining microbiome diversity analysis by concatenating and integrating dual 16S rRNA amplicon reads.

NPJ biofilms and microbiomes, 11(1):57.

Understanding the role of human gut microbiota in health and disease requires insights into its taxonomic composition and functional capabilities. This study evaluates whether concatenating paired-end reads enhances data output for gut microbiome analysis compared to the merging approach across various regions of the 16S rRNA gene. We assessed this approach in both mock communities and Korean cohorts with or without ulcerative colitis. Our results indicate that using the direct joining method for the V1-V3 or V6-V8 regions improves taxonomic resolution compared to merging paired-end reads (ME) in post-sequencing data. While predicting microbial function based on 16S rRNA sequencing has inherent limitations, integrating sequencing reads from both the V1-V3 and V6-V8 regions enhanced functional predictions. This was confirmed by whole metagenome sequencing (WMS) of Korean cohorts, where our approach improved taxa detection that was lost using the ME method. Thus, we propose that the integrated dual 16S rRNA sequencing technique serves as a valuable tool for microbiome research by bridging the gap between amplicon sequencing and WMS.

RevDate: 2025-04-12

Chen Y, Chen Z, Liang L, et al (2025)

Multi-kingdom gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

EBioMedicine, 115:105686 pii:S2352-3964(25)00130-6 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the exact roles and underlying mechanisms of multi-kingdom gut microbiota, including bacteria, archaea, and fungi, in PAH remain largely unclear.

METHODS: The shotgun metagenomics was used to analyse multi-kingdom gut microbial communities in patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and healthy controls. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed to transfer gut microbiota from IPAH patients or monocrotaline (MCT)-PAH rats to normal rats and from normal rats to MCT-PAH rats.

FINDINGS: Gut microbiota analysis revealed substantial alterations in the bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities in patients with IPAH compared with healthy controls. Notably, FMT from IPAH patients or MCT-PAH rats induced PAH phenotypes in recipient rats. More intriguingly, FMT from normal rats to MCT-PAH rats significantly ameliorated PAH symptoms; restored gut bacteria, archaea, and fungi composition; and shifted the plasma metabolite profiles of MCT-PAH rats toward those of normal rats. In parallel, RNA-sequencing analysis demonstrated the expression of genes involved in key signalling pathways related to PAH. A panel of multi-kingdom markers exhibited superior diagnostic accuracy compared with single-kingdom panels for IPAH.

INTERPRETATION: Our findings established an association between multi-kingdom gut microbiota dysbiosis and PAH, thereby indicating the therapeutic potential of FMT in PAH. More importantly, apart from gut bacteria, gut archaea and fungi were also significantly associated with PAH pathogenesis, highlighting their indispensable role in PAH.

FUNDING: This work was supported by Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Projects No. 2024ZD0531200, No. 2024ZD0531201 (Research on Prevention and Treatment of Cancer, Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Respiratory Diseases, and Metabolic Diseases), the National Natural Science Foundation of China of China (No. 82170302, 82370432), Financial Budgeting Project of Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine (Ysbz2025004, Ysbz2025007), National clinical key speciality construction project Cardiovascular Surgery, Reform and Development Program of Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine (Ggyfz202417, Ggyfz202501), Clinical Research Incubation Program of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (CYFH202209).

RevDate: 2025-04-12

Kou G, Yao S, Ullah A, et al (2025)

Polystyrene microplastics impair brown and beige adipocyte function via the gut microbiota-adipose tissue crosstalk in high-fat diet mice.

Journal of hazardous materials, 492:138225 pii:S0304-3894(25)01140-9 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive in the environment and food. The potential health hazards of this emerging pollutant have raised significant concerns in recent years. However, the underlying mechanism by which MPs have any impact on brown and beige adipocytes in the context of obesity is yet to be investigated.

METHODS: The C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to the HFD and HFD+MPs group for 12 weeks of exposure to explore the differences in brown and beige adipocyte function. The gut microbiota analysis, fecal microbiota transplantation and metabolomic profiling were carried out to further determine its potential mechanism.

RESULTS: The present work demonstrated that high-fat diet mice accumulate lipids and have reduced energy expenditure after three months of oral administration of MPs. In addition to escalating intestinal dysbiosis, exposing HFD mice to MPs induces thermogenic dysfunction in inguinal white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. Following the fecal microbiota transplantation, the accumulation of lipids and dysfunction in energy expenditure within the microbiota of recipient mice further elucidated the inhibitory effect of MPs.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that MPs induced the thermogenic dysfunction of BAT and iWAT by affecting gut microbiota composition. The present study highlights the mechanisms by which MPs produce thermogenic dysfunction in BAT and iWAT and disruption in the gastrointestinal microbiota.

RevDate: 2025-04-12

Damiani F, Giuliano MG, Cornuti S, et al (2025)

Multi-site investigation of gut microbiota in CDKL5 deficiency disorder mouse models: Targeting dysbiosis to improve neurological outcomes.

Cell reports, 44(4):115546 pii:S2211-1247(25)00317-1 [Epub ahead of print].

Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder often associated with gastrointestinal (GI) issues and subclinical immune dysregulation, suggesting a link to the gut microbiota. We analyze the fecal microbiota composition in two CDKL5 knockout (KO) mouse models at postnatal days (P) 25, 32 (youth), and 70 (adulthood), revealing significant microbial imbalances, particularly during juvenile stages. To investigate the role of the intestinal microbiota in CDD and assess causality, we administer antibiotics, which lead to improved visual cortical responses and reduce hyperactivity. Additionally, microglia morphology changes, indicative of altered surveillance and activation states, are reversed. Strikingly, fecal transplantation from CDKL5 KO to wild-type (WT) recipient mice successfully transfers both visual response deficits and hyperactive behavior. These findings show that gut microbiota alterations contribute to the severity of neurological symptoms in CDD, shedding light on the interplay between microbiota, microglia, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

RevDate: 2025-04-12

Li M, Bao Y, Ren J, et al (2025)

Aged Gut Microbiota Contributes to Cognitive Impairment and Hippocampal Synapse Loss in Mice.

Aging cell [Epub ahead of print].

Gut microbiota alteration during the aging process serves as a causative factor for aging-related cognitive decline, which is characterized by the early hallmark, hippocampal synaptic loss. However, the impact and mechanistic role of gut microbiota in hippocampal synapse loss during aging remains unclear. Here, we observed that the fecal microbiota of naturally aged mice successfully transferred cognitive impairment and hippocampal synapse loss to young recipients. Multi-omics analysis revealed that aged gut microbiota was characterized with obvious change in Bifidobacterium pseudolongum (B.p) and metabolite of tryptophan, indoleacetic acid (IAA) in the periphery and brain. These features were also reproduced in young recipients that were transplanted with aged gut microbiota. Fecal B.p abundance was reduced in patients with cognitive impairment compared to healthy subjects and showed a positive correlation with cognitive scores. Microbiota transplantation from patients who had fewer B.p abundances yielded worse cognitive behavior in mice than those with higher B.p abundances. Meanwhile, supplementation of B.p was capable of producing IAA and enhancing peripheral and brain IAA bioavailability, as well as improving cognitive behaviors and microglia-mediated synapse loss in 5 × FAD transgenic mice. IAA produced from B.p was shown to prevent microglia engulfment of synapses in an aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent manner. This study reveals that aged gut microbiota -induced cognitive decline and microglia-mediated synapse loss that is, at least partially, due to the deficiency in B.p and its metabolite, IAA. It provides a proof-of-concept strategy for preventing neurodegenerative diseases by modulating gut probionts and their tryptophan metabolites.

RevDate: 2025-04-12

Murray J, Kefayat A, Finlayson M, et al (2025)

RCPE in association with the American College of Gastroenterology and the Scottish Society of Gastroenterology - Gastroenterology: A global perspective.

On 6 November 2024, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) hosted its annual gastroenterology symposium, marking the first collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the Scottish Society of Gastroenterology (SSG). The event addressed key global challenges in gastroenterology, including obesity, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the gut microbiome, endoscopy quality and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Discussions emphasised the growing burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with promising pharmacologic and endoscopic interventions emerging. Advances in microbiome-targeted therapies, including faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), were explored for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection and IBD. Professor David Rubin delivered the esteemed Sir Stanley Davidson lecture, highlighting the era of disease modification in IBD, emphasising early intervention and personalised treatment strategies. The symposium also addressed the role of AI in improving endoscopic detection rates and optimising resource allocation. This international collaboration underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to tackling global digestive diseases, integrating clinical innovation, policy interventions and technological advancements. The event fostered knowledge exchange among global experts, aiming to advance patient care and improve long-term outcomes in gastroenterology.

RevDate: 2025-04-14
CmpDate: 2025-04-12

Młynarska E, Barszcz E, Budny E, et al (2025)

The Gut-Brain-Microbiota Connection and Its Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Nutrients, 17(7):.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions with a heterogeneous and multifactorial etiology that is not yet fully understood. Among the various factors that may contribute to ASD development, alterations in the gut microbiota have been increasingly recognized. Microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in the gut-brain axis (GBA), affecting nervous system development and behavior. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiota, has been linked to both behavioral and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in individuals with ASD. The microbiota interacts with the central nervous system through mechanisms such as the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the regulation of neurotransmitters, and immune system modulation. Alterations in its composition, including reduced diversity or an overabundance of specific bacterial taxa, have been associated with the severity of ASD symptoms. Dietary modifications, such as gluten-free or antioxidant-rich diets, have shown potential for improving gut health and alleviating behavioral symptoms. Probiotics, with their anti-inflammatory properties, may support neural health and reduce neuroinflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is being considered, particularly for individuals with persistent GI symptoms. It has shown promising outcomes in enhancing microbial diversity and mitigating GI and behavioral symptoms. However, its limitations should be considered, as discussed in this narrative review. Further research is essential to better understand the long-term effects and safety of these therapies. Emphasizing the importance of patient stratification and phenotype characterization is crucial for developing personalized treatment strategies that account for individual microbiota profiles, genetic predispositions, and coexisting conditions. This approach could lead to more effective interventions for individuals with ASD. Recent findings suggest that gut microbiota may play a key role in innovative therapeutic approaches to ASD management.

RevDate: 2025-04-14
CmpDate: 2025-04-11

Shekarriz S, Szamosi JC, Whelan FJ, et al (2025)

Detecting microbial engraftment after FMT using placebo sequencing and culture enriched metagenomics to sort signals from noise.

Nature communications, 16(1):3469.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown efficacy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis but with variable response between patients and trials. The mechanisms underlying FMT's therapeutic effects remains poorly understood but is generally assumed to involve engraftment of donor microbiota into the recipient's microbiome. Reports of microbial engraftment following FMT have been inconsistent between studies. Here, we investigate microbial engraftment in a previous randomized controlled trial (NCT01545908), in which FMT was sourced from a single donor, using amplicon-based profiling, shotgun metagenomics, and culture-enriched metagenomics. Placebo samples were included to estimate engraftment noise, and a significant level of false-positive engraftment was observed which confounds the prediction of true engraftment. We show that analyzing engraftment across multiple patients from a single donor enhances the accuracy of detection. We identified a unique set of genes engrafted in responders to FMT which supports strain displacement as the primary mechanism of engraftment in our cohort.

RevDate: 2025-04-11

Tanabe M, Kunisawa K, Saito I, et al (2025)

High-cellulose diet ameliorates cognitive impairment by modulating gut microbiota and metabolic pathways in mice.

The Journal of nutrition pii:S0022-3166(25)00187-7 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Nutrition is a key factor in cognitive function, and safe dietary interventions are promising to prevent cognitive impairment in pediatric psychiatric disorders. We previously demonstrated that childhood social isolation (SI) stress affects colonic function, leading to cognitive impairment. Cellulose, an insoluble dietary fiber, shows benefits to intestinal health, but its potential impact on cognitive impairment has not been explored.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated whether a high-cellulose diet ameliorates cognitive impairment induced by SI through modulation of gut microbiota and metabolic pathways.

METHODS: C57BL/6J male mice (3 weeks old; n=10-15/group) were randomly divided into two groups: individually housed (SI) group and housed five mice per cage (GH) group. Each group received either a normal diet (5% cellulose) or a high-cellulose diet (30% cellulose) for 5 weeks daily until the end of the behavioral testing. We evaluated behavior abnormalities, gut microbiota composition, and metabolites, and performed two-way ANOVA.

RESULTS: Intake of a high-cellulose diet ameliorated cognitive impairment, including decreased time spent in a novel location of SI mice in novel object location test (NOLT; +30%; p < 0.01) with reduction of Iba-1 positive cells, microglia, in the hippocampus (-33%; p < 0.05). The high-cellulose diet indicated significant difference in gut microbiota clustering plots (p < 0.01) and enhanced the variation in malate-aspartate shuttle pathways in SI mice (p < 0.01). Notably, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from SI mice fed a high-cellulose diet after antibiotic treatment, replicated amelioration of cognitive impairment in NOLT (+46%; p < 0.01). Additionally, the FMT replicated a decrease of Iba-1 positive cells indicating suppressed hippocampal microglial activation (-52%; p < 0.01), and enhanced the variation in malate-aspartate shuttle pathways (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a high-cellulose diet may ameliorate pediatric-specific cognitive impairment through modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolic pathways.

RevDate: 2025-04-13
CmpDate: 2025-04-11

Wang Z, Gao X, Ji H, et al (2025)

Characterization of gut microbiota and metabolites in renal transplant recipients during COVID-19 and prediction of one-year allograft function.

Journal of translational medicine, 23(1):420.

BACKGROUND: The gut-lung-kidney axis is pivotal in immune-related kidney diseases, with gut dysbiosis potentially exacerbating the severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in recipients of kidney transplant. This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiome and metabolome in renal transplant recipients with COVID-19 pneumonia over a one-year follow-up period.

METHODS: A total of 30 renal transplant recipients were enrolled, comprising 17 with COVID-19 pneumonia, six with mild COVID-19, and seven without COVID-19. Fecal samples were collected at the onset of infection for gut microbiome and metabolome analysis. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model and Latent Class Growth Mixed Model (LCGMM) were employed to dissect the relationships among clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, and gut microbiota and metabolites.

RESULTS: Four microbial phyla (Deferribacteres, TM7, Fusobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes) and 13 genera were significantly enriched across three recipients groups, correlating with baseline inflammatory response and allograft function. Additionally, 52 differentially expressed metabolites were identified, with seven significantly correlating with eight altered microbiota genera. LCGMM revealed two distinct classes of recipients, with those suffering from COVID-19 pneumonia exhibiting significantly elevated serum creatinine (Scr) trajectories over the one-year period. GEE further identified 12 genera and 181 metabolites closely associated with these trajectories; a multivariable model incorporating gut metabolites of 1-Caffeoylquinic Acid and PMK was found to effectively predict one-year allograft function.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates a possible interaction between the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolites community and COVID-19 in renal transplant recipients, particularly in relation to disease severity and the prediction of one-year allograft function.

RevDate: 2025-04-13
CmpDate: 2025-04-11

Li A, Costello SP, Bryant RV, et al (2025)

A study protocol for a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial on the use of encapsulated FMT for reducing the side effects of HSCT: the HSCT-BIOME study.

BMC cancer, 25(1):656.

BACKGROUND: The composition of the gut microbiota both prior to and after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is increasingly implicated in the outcomes of HSCT, including infections, poor immune reconstitution and disease relapse. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) offers a potential strategy of supporting the gut microbiota and improve HSCT outcomes. Although FMT has been investigated in HSCT recipients, it has largely been evaluated therapeutically for indications such as infection, or once immunocompetency is regained.

METHODS: Peri-HSCT FMT (i.e. before and after HSCT) will be administered to eligible participants (adults undergoing autologous HSCT for a haematological malignancy) over two courses, with the first delivered immediately prior to conditioning and the second starting when ANC > 0.8. Following an open-label, safety run in (N = 5), peri-HSCT FMT will be evaluated for its efficacy in 51 participants, randomised 2:1 to FMT or placebo. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants who develop severe gastrointestinal toxicity defined by 3 consecutive days of severe diarrhoea (Bristol Stool Chart 6+), at a frequency of 4 + bowel movements/day within 3 weeks of HSCT. Safety is defined as the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TE-AEs). Tolerability is defined as the incidence of TE-AEs and adherence to FMT.

DISCUSSION: The HSCT-BIOME study is a multi-centre, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial designed to determine the tolerability, safety and efficacy of orally-administered encapsulated FMT to promote the stability of the gastrointestinal microenvironment for HSCT recipients. Peri-HSCT delivered FMT is hypothesised to promote microbial composition both before and following HSCT. Thus, the study will determine if administration of FMT post-HSCT during the neutropenic phase will enhance efficacy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12624001104549. Date of registration: September 19, 2024 (prospectively registered).

RevDate: 2025-04-10

Smith BJ, Zhao C, Dubinkina V, et al (2025)

Accurate estimation of intraspecific microbial gene content variation in metagenomic data with MIDAS v3 and StrainPGC.

Genome research pii:gr.279543.124 [Epub ahead of print].

Metagenomics has greatly expanded our understanding of the human gut microbiome by revealing a vast diversity of bacterial species within and across individuals. Even within a single species, different strains can have highly divergent gene content, affecting traits such as antibiotic resistance, metabolism, and virulence. Methods that harness metagenomic data to resolve strain-level differences in functional potential are crucial for understanding the causes and consequences of this intraspecific diversity. The enormous size of pangenome references, strain mixing within samples, and inconsistent sequencing depth present challenges for existing tools that analyze samples one at a time. To address this gap, we updated the MIDAS pangenome profiler, now released as version 3, and developed StrainPGC, an approach to strain-specific gene content estimation that combines strain tracking and correlations across multiple samples. We validate our integrated analysis using a complex synthetic community of strains from the human gut and find that StrainPGC outperforms existing approaches. Analyzing a large, publicly available metagenome collection from inflammatory bowel disease patients and healthy controls, we catalog the functional repertoires of thousands of strains across hundreds of species, capturing extensive diversity missing from reference databases. Finally, we apply StrainPGC to metagenomes from a clinical trial of fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. We identify two Escherichia coli strains, from two different donors, that are both frequently transmitted to patients but have notable differences in functional potential. StrainPGC and MIDAS v3 together enable precise, intraspecific pangenomic investigations using large collections of metagenomic data without microbial isolation or de novo assembly.

RevDate: 2025-04-12

Fu M, Wang QW, Liu YR, et al (2025)

The role of the three major intestinal barriers in ulcerative colitis in the elderly.

Ageing research reviews, 108:102752 pii:S1568-1637(25)00098-4 [Epub ahead of print].

With the unprecedented pace of global population aging, there has been a parallel epidemiological shift marked by increasing incidence rates of ulcerative colitis (UC) in geriatric populations, imposing a substantial disease burden on healthcare systems globally. The etiopathogenesis of UC in the elderly remains poorly delineated, while current therapeutic strategies require further optimization to accommodate the unique pathophysiological characteristics of elderly patients. This review systematically elucidates the three barrier dysfunction - encompassing the gut microbiota ecosystem, mucosal epithelial integrity, and immunoregulatory network - that collectively drives UC pathogenesis during biological senescence. We emphasize the therapeutic potential of barrier-targeted interventions, particularly highlighting emerging modalities including fecal microbiota transplantation, intestinal organoid regeneration techniques, mesenchymal stem cell-mediated immunomodulation, and precision-engineered Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapies. Through this multidimensional analysis, we propose a paradigm-shifting approach to UC management in the elderly, advocating for the development of tailored and evidence-based therapeutic interventions that address the complex interplay between age-related biological changes and intestinal barrier homeostasis in elderly patients.

RevDate: 2025-04-10

Zhao M, Liu Z, Geng Y, et al (2025)

Role of a low-molecular-weight polysaccharide from Boletus edulis Bull: Fr. in modulating gut microbiota and metabolic disorders.

International journal of biological macromolecules pii:S0141-8130(25)03341-0 [Epub ahead of print].

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Boletus edulis Bull: Fr. polysaccharide (BEP), extracted using a deep eutectic solvent based on l-lactic acid and glycine, on glucose and lipid metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The primary mechanism by which BEP improves symptoms of glucose and lipid imbalances involves the modulation of gut microbiota. Key beneficial bacteria, including S24-7, Lachnospiraceae, [Prevotella], and Lactobacillus, were significantly enriched in the intestines of BEP-treated mice, with abundances 2.48-, 1.62-, 6.33- and 2.60-fold higher, respectively, compared to the HFD group. In contrast, the abundance of harmful bacteria, particularly Desulfovibrio, was reduced by 1.81-fold. These microbial shifts contributed to the alleviation of intestinal mucus layer damage and a 50 % reduction in serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, a key driver of systemic inflammation, compared to the HFD group. As a result, BEP effectively inhibited LPS-induced activation of the hepatic TLR4/Myd88/MAPK signaling pathway, thereby normalizing the expression of proteins related to glucose and lipid metabolism. A fecal microbiota transplantation study further demonstrated that the gut microbiota changes induced by BEP were central to its anti-metabolic syndrome effects. Overall, BEP may serve as a dietary supplement for preventing and treating diet-induced metabolism disorders by targeting the gut microbiota.

RevDate: 2025-04-10

Yamane T, Masaoka T, Ishii C, et al (2025)

Factors contributing to the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation for diarrhea-dominant functional bowel disorders.

Digestion pii:000545183 [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: In cases of effective fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), donor feces have been observed to be enriched in Bifidobacterium spp., and FMT for functional bowel disease improved psychiatric symptoms. Although intestinal dysbiosis has received attention as one of the pathophysiologies of IBS, the efficacy of FMT for IBS has not yet been established. In this study, we performed a post-hoc analysis of the efficacy of FMT, focusing on metabolites in donor feces.

METHODS: FMT was performed in 12 patients, 8 with refractory diarrhea-predominant IBS and 4 with functional diarrhea (FDr), who were refractory to medical therapy. The donors were family members within the second degree of kinship and were different for each transplant. Fecal characteristics were evaluated before and 12 weeks after transplantation using the Bristol stool scale (BS). BS scores of 3-5 at 12 weeks after transplantation were considered indicative of responders, while BS scores of 6 and 7 were indicative of non-responders. Metagenomic and metabolomic analyses of all 12 donor fecal samples were performed to compare the responder and non-responder groups.

RESULTS: Before transplantation, all 12 patients had BS scores of 6-7, but 12 weeks after transplantation, 6 were in the responder group and 6 were in the non-responder group. Metagenomic analysis showed that effective donor feces contained significantly higher levels of Prevotella than ineffective donor feces. Metabolomic analysis showed that effective donor feces contained significantly higher levels of propionate and butyrate and significantly lower lactate levels than ineffective donor feces.

CONCLUSION: Propionate-, butyrate-, or Prevotella-rich donor feces may contribute to successful FMT in patients with diarrhea-dominant functional gastrointestinal disorders.

RevDate: 2025-04-10

Sandu AM, Chifiriuc MC, Vrancianu CO, et al (2025)

Healthcare-Associated Infections: The Role of Microbial and Environmental Factors in Infection Control-A Narrative Review.

Infectious diseases and therapy [Epub ahead of print].

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), previously known as nosocomial infections, represent a significant threat to healthcare systems worldwide, prolonging patient hospital stays and the duration of antimicrobial therapy. One of the most serious consequences of HAIs is the increase in the rate of antibiotic resistance (AR) generated by the prolonged, frequent, and sometimes incorrect use of antibiotics, which leads to the selection of resistant bacteria, making treatment difficult and expensive, with direct consequences for the safety of patients and healthcare personnel. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis of HAIs is mandatory to develop appropriate infection prevention and control practices (IPC) and new therapeutic strategies. This review aimed to present the prevalence, risk factors, current diagnosis, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning approaches, future perspectives in combating HAIs causative bacteria (phage therapy, microbiome-based interventions, and vaccination), and HAIs surveillance strategies. Also, we discussed the latest findings regarding the relationships of AR with climate change and environmental pollution in the context of the One Health approach. Phage therapy is an emerging option that can offer an alternative to ineffective antibiotic treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing HAIs. Clinical trials dealing with vaccine development for resistant bacteria have yielded conflicting results. Two promising strategies, fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotic therapy, proved highly effective against recurrent Clostridium difficile infections and have been shown to reduce HAI incidence in hospitalized patients undergoing antibiotic therapy. Artificial intelligence and machine learning systems offer promising predictive capabilities in processing large volumes of clinical, microbiological, and patient data but require robust data integration. Our paper argues that HAIs are still a global challenge, requiring stringent IPC policies, computer vision, and AI-powered tools. Despite promising avenues like integrated One Health approaches, optimized phage therapy, microbiome-based interventions, and targeted vaccine development, several knowledge gaps in clinical efficacy, standardization, and pathogen complexity remain to be answered.

RevDate: 2025-04-10
CmpDate: 2025-04-10

Xu K, Motiwala Z, Corona-Avila I, et al (2025)

The Gut Microbiome and Its Multifaceted Role in Cancer Metabolism, Initiation, and Progression: Insights and Therapeutic Implications.

Technology in cancer research & treatment, 24:15330338251331960.

This review summarizes the intricate relationship between the microbiome and cancer initiation and development. Microbiome alterations impact metabolic pathways, immune responses, and gene expression, which can accelerate or mitigate cancer progression. We examine how dysbiosis affects tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Additionally, we discuss the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants, to modulate cancer metabolism. These interventions offer the possibility of reversing or controlling cancer progression, enhancing the efficacy of traditional treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Despite promising developments, challenges remain in identifying key microbial species and pathways and validating microbiome-targeted therapies through large-scale clinical trials. Nonetheless, the intersection of microbiome research and cancer initiation and development presents an exciting frontier for innovative therapies. This review offers a fresh perspective on cancer initiation and development by integrating microbiome insights, highlighting the potential for interdisciplinary research to enhance our understanding of cancer progression and treatment strategies.

RevDate: 2025-04-12
CmpDate: 2025-04-10

Karra DA, Suchodolski JS, Newman SJ, et al (2025)

Single Enema Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Cats With Chronic Enteropathy.

Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 39(3):e70054.

BACKGROUND: Chronic enteropathies (CE) are common in cats, and alterations of the intestinal microbiota might be involved in the pathogenesis.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a single enema fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in improving intestinal dysbiosis and clinical scores in cats with CE.

ANIMALS: Twenty-eight cats with either chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE; n = 19) or small cell gastrointestinal lymphoma (SCGL; n = 9) were prospectively enrolled.

METHODS: Eleven cats were randomly selected to receive a single enema FMT (FMT-group), and 17 cats were used as controls. Clinical activity was determined using the Feline Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index (FCEAI), and intestinal dysbiosis was determined using the feline dysbiosis index (DI) on the day of FMT (T0) and 30 days after FMT (T1).

RESULTS: At T0, 14/28 cats had an abnormal DI > 0. No significant difference was found in the DI from T0 to T1 in the FMT group (mean[SD]: 0.01[2.5] vs. 0.7[2.1]; p = 0.47). No significant difference was found in the DI between the FMT group and the control group at T1 (mean[SD]: -0.7[2.1] vs. 0.8[1.8]; p = 0.92). FCEAI significantly decreased at T1 compared to T0 in the FMT group (median[IQR] 10.0[7.7-11.3] vs. 4.5[4-5]; p = 0.002). No significant difference was found in the FCEAI between the FMT group and the control group at T1 (median[IQR] 4.5[4-5] vs. 4[3-5.75]; p = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, single enema FMT did not lead to a significant improvement in DI or FCEAI in cats with CE compared to controls.

RevDate: 2025-04-10

Moya Uribe IA, Terauchi H, Bell JA, et al (2025)

Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) of three distinct human communities to germ-free mice exacerbated inflammation and decreased lung function in their offspring.

mBio [Epub ahead of print].

UNLABELLED: Despite explosive rise in allergies, little is known about early life gut microbiota effects on postnatal respiratory function. We hypothesized that Enterobacteriaceae-dominant gut microbiota from eczemic infants increases Type 2 inflammation and decreases lung function in transplanted mice, while Bacteroidaceae-dominant gut microbiota from non-eczemic infants is protective. Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) from eczemic infants "Infant A" and non-eczemic infants "Infant B" were successfully transplanted into germ-free C57BL/6 mice, passing to offspring unchanged. Infant A and B, Adult C-human-derived (positive control), and Mouse (negative control) microbiotas all in C57BL/6 mice were tested for effects on airway function in nonallergic (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) and allergic (house dust mite [HDM]) conditions. Baseline lung mechanics in mice with human microbiotas ([HU]microbiota) were significantly impaired compared to Mouse microbiota controls ([MO]microbiota) with or without HDM; respiratory system resistance (Rrs) was increased (P < 0.05-P < 0.01), and respiratory system compliance (Crs) was decreased (P < 0.05-P < 0.01). [HU]Microbiota mice showed a statistically significant impairment compared to [MO]microbiota mice in lung parameters Rrs, Ers, Rn, and G at baseline, and at multiple methacholine (MCh) doses with baseline removed. Impairment manifested as increased small airway resistance and tissue resistance. HDM significantly elevated IL-4, eosinophils, lung inflammation, and mucus cell metaplasia, and decreased macrophages and lung function (P < 0.05) in mice of all microbiotas, yet each [HU]microbiota produced distinct features. Infant B and Adult C mice had elevated basal levels of total IgE compared to [MO]microbiota and Infant A mice (P < 0.05). In [HU]microbiota mice given HDM, only Adult C had elevated IL-5 and IL-13 (P < 0.05), only Adult C and Infant B mice had elevated neutrophils (P < 0.05), and only Infant A had elevated lymphocytes (P < 0.01).

IMPORTANCE: Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) of three distinct human communities to germ-free mice exacerbated inflammation and decreased lung function in their offspring. Taxa formerly described to induce an allergic response (agonists) and pro-inflammatory taxa were abundant in [HU]microbiotas compared to [MO]microbiota controls, while taxa formerly described to reduce allergic responses (antagonists) and anti-inflammatory taxa were numerous in [MO]microbiotas and low in [HU]microbiotas. Thus, we largely rejected our hypotheses because data supported multiple pro-inflammatory allergy agonists functioning in a community-wide fashion to impair lung function in the absence of antagonistic anti-inflammatory taxa. Structure of [HU]microbiotas played a key role in determining varied allergic responses and resulting lung impairment, yet, strikingly, all mice with [HU]microbiotas had impaired lung function even in the absence of allergens. Using a comparative approach, we showed that composition of gut microbiota can alter innate/immune regulation in the gut-lung axis to increase baseline lung function responses and the risk of allergic sensitization.

RevDate: 2025-04-12
CmpDate: 2025-04-10

Spiegelhauer MR, Offersen SM, Mao X, et al (2025)

Protection against experimental necrotizing enterocolitis by fecal filtrate transfer requires an active donor virome.

Gut microbes, 17(1):2486517.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a frequent catastrophic disease in preterm infants, and fecal filtrate transfer (FFT) has emerged as a promising prophylactic therapy. This study explored the role of virome viability for the protective effect of FFT. Using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, we established a viral inactivation protocol and administered FFT, UV-inactivated FFT (iFFT) or sterile saline orally to preterm piglets at risk for experimental NEC. The gut pathology and barrier properties were assessed, while the microbiome was explored by 16S rRNA amplicon and metavirome sequencing. Like in prior studies, FFT reduced NEC severity and intestinal inflammation, while these effects were absent in the iFFT group. Unexpectedly, piglets receiving FFT exhibited mild side effects in the form of early-onset diarrhea. The FFT also converged the gut colonization by increased viral heterogeneity and a reduced abundance of pathobionts like Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia. In contrast, the gut microbiome of iFFT recipients diverged from both FFT and the controls. These findings highlight the clear distinction between the ability of active and inactivate viromes to modulate gut microbiota and decrease pathology. The efficacy of FFT may be driven by active bacteriophages, and loss of virome activity could have consequences for the treatment efficacy.

RevDate: 2025-04-10

Kumar M, Mehan S, Sharma T, et al (2025)

Integrating Gut-Brain Axis: Exploring the Neurogastrointestinal Interactions and Therapeutic Potentials in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets pii:EMIDDT-EPUB-147499 [Epub ahead of print].

This comprehensive review critically examines the gut-brain axis (GBA) and its implications in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The GBA is a complex, bidirectional communication network that integrates the gastrointestinal tract, the central nervous system, and the gut microbiota. This axis is mediated through various physiological pathways, including the enteric nervous system (ENS), the vagus nerve, immune responses, and metabolic activities of gut microorganisms. ASD, a developmental disorder marked by social impairments and repetitive behaviors, presents with notable neurological irregularities. The review highlights the increased prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances in individuals with ASD, suggesting a potential link between GI symptoms and the severity of ASD-related behaviors. This correlation is supported by evidence of altered gut microbiota composition in ASD, indicating significant interactions between the gut environment and neurological health. Moreover, the pathophysiology of ASD is explored with an emphasis on genetic and environmental contributions to neurodevelopmental impairments. Key topics include synaptic dysfunction, the roles of neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, and the impact of gut-brain interactions on ASD progression. Specifically, this review addresses how gut microbiota may influence metabolic alterations, immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and neurotransmitter production in ASD. Emerging research on microbiome-based therapies for ASD is discussed, focusing on the potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as novel interventions. Ethical considerations in this burgeoning field are also considered, highlighting the necessity for rigorous scientific inquiry and ethical oversight. The review advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the complexities of ASD. By integrating insights from genetics, neuroscience, psychology, and gastroenterology, a more comprehensive understanding of the role of GBA in ASD can be achieved. This interdisciplinary perspective is crucial for developing effective, individualized treatments and improving the quality of life for individuals with ASD.

RevDate: 2025-04-10

V S S, Prasad C, SP Panicker (2025)

Exploring the Role of Non-Coding RNAs in the Gut and Skin Microbiome: Implications for Colorectal Cancer and Healthy Longevity.

MicroRNA (Shariqah, United Arab Emirates) pii:MIRNA-EPUB-147555 [Epub ahead of print].

In the last forty years, cancer mortality rates have risen by more than 40%, with colo-rectal cancer (CRC) ranking as the third most common kind worldwide, significantly affected by dietary factors. Restricted access to sophisticated medical treatment and insufficient comprehen-sion of colorectal cancer's biology contribute to its elevated occurrence. Researchers have recog-nized dysbiosis of the gut microbiome as a critical contributor to the development of colorectal cancer, as it influences the expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and subsequent molecular pathways essential for tumor proliferation. Moreover, interactions between gut and skin microbi-ota can impact systemic health and ncRNA regulation, influencing CRC advancement. This study shows how important the gut-skin microbiome axis is in developing colorectal cancer. It suggests that targeting this axis may lead to new treatments, such as changing the microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation. Nonetheless, we must address obstacles such as population heterogeneity and intricate microbiome-host interactions to facilitate the tran-sition of these medicines into clinical practice. This study seeks to elucidate the roles of dietary treatments, microbiomes, and ncRNAs in the etiology and prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC).

RevDate: 2025-04-11
CmpDate: 2025-04-10

Chen S, Yi M, Yi X, et al (2025)

Unveiling the fungal frontier: mycological insights into inflammatory bowel disease.

Frontiers in immunology, 16:1551289.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic recurrent gastrointestinal disease that seriously affects the quality of life of patients around the world. It is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucous bloody stools. There is an urgent need for more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of IBD. Accumulated evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays an important role in the occurrence and development of gut inflammation. However, most studies on the role of gut microbiota in IBD have focused on bacteria, while fungal microorganisms have been neglected. Fungal dysbiosis can activate the host protective immune pathway related to the integrity of the epithelial barrier and release a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines to trigger the inflammatory response. Dectin-1, CARD9, and IL-17 signaling pathways may be immune drivers of fungal dysbacteriosis in the development of IBD. In addition, fungal-bacterial interactions and fungal-derived metabolites also play an important role. Based on this information, we explored new strategies for IBD treatment targeting the intestinal fungal group and its metabolites, such as fungal probiotics, antifungal drugs, diet therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). This review aims to summarize the fungal dysbiosis and pathogenesis of IBD, and provide new insights and directions for further research in this emerging field.

RevDate: 2025-04-11

Cresci GAM, Liu Q, Sangwan N, et al (2025)

The Impact of Liver Graft Preservation Method on Longitudinal Gut Microbiome Changes Following Liver Transplant: A Proof-of-concept Study.

Journal of clinical and translational hepatology, 13(4):284-294.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: End-stage liver disease is associated with disruptions in gut microbiota composition and function, which may facilitate gut-to-liver bacterial translocation, impacting liver graft integrity and clinical outcomes following liver transplantation. This study aimed to assess the impact of two liver graft preservation methods on fecal microbiota and changes in fecal and breath organic acids following liver transplantation.

METHODS: This single-center, non-randomized prospective pilot study enrolled liver transplant patients whose grafts were preserved using either static cold storage or ex situ normothermic machine perfusion (NMP). Fresh stool and breath samples were collected immediately before surgery and at postoperative months 3, 6, and 12. Stool microbiota was profiled via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, stool short-chain fatty acids were measured using gas chromatography/-mass spectrometry, and breath volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed with selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: Both cohorts experienced a loss of microbiota diversity and dominance by single taxa. The NMP cohort demonstrated enrichment of several beneficial gut taxa, while the static cold storage cohort showed depletion of such taxa. Various gut bacteria were found to correlate with stool short-chain fatty acids (e.g., lactic acid, butyric acid) and several VOCs.

CONCLUSIONS: Fecal microbiota alterations associated with end-stage liver disease do not fully normalize to a healthy control profile following liver transplantation. However, notable differences in microbiota composition and function were observed between liver graft preservation methods. Future research with larger randomized cohorts is needed to explore whether the NMP-associated shift in gut microbiota impacts clinical outcomes and if breath VOCs could serve as biomarkers of the clinical trajectory in liver transplant patients.

RevDate: 2025-04-09

Li S, Li J, Chen K, et al (2025)

Chronic Arsenic Exposure Causes Alzheimer's Disease Characteristic Effects and the Intervention of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Rats.

Journal of applied toxicology : JAT [Epub ahead of print].

Arsenic exposure and intestinal microbiota disorders may be related with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanism has not been elucidated. This study conducted chronic arsenic exposure from rat's maternal body to adult offspring to investigate the mechanisms of the characteristic effects of chronic arsenic exposure on AD, and further explored the intervention effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on arsenic-mediated neurotoxicity. Transmission electron microscopy, HE staining, and related indicators were measured in the control group, the exposed group, and the FMT intervention group. Western blot was used to determine microtubule-associated proteins Tau and p-Tau396, intestinal-brain barrier-related proteins Claudin-1 and Occludin, ELISA was used to detect the content of Aβ1-42, and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to detect the intestinal flora of feces. Results showed that chronic arsenic exposure could lead to neurobehavioral defects in rats, increase the expression levels of Tau, p-Tau396, and Aβ1-42 in hippocampus (p < 0.05), increase the abundance of Clostridium _ UCG-014, decrease the abundance of Roseburia, and decrease the expression levels of Claudin-1 and Occludin in colon and hippocampus (p < 0.05). After FMT intervention, the expression levels of Tau and p-Tau396 were decreased (p < 0.05), and the abundance of Roseburia was increased. In summary, chronic arsenic exposure caused intestinal flora disorder by changing the abundance of inflammation-related flora, thereby destroying the gut-brain barrier and causing AD characteristic effects in rats. Although the bacterial specific genus was improved and the expression of AD-related proteins was reduced after transplantation, it could not alleviate the neurobehavioral defects and neurotoxicity caused by arsenic exposure.

RevDate: 2025-04-11
CmpDate: 2025-04-09

Randolph NK, Salerno M, Klein H, et al (2025)

Preparation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Products for Companion Animals.

PloS one, 20(4):e0319161.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is increasingly utilized in small animal medicine for the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal disorders. Despite proven clinical efficacy, there is no detailed protocol available for the preparation and storage of FMT products for veterinarians in a variety of clinical settings. Herein, the effect of processing technique on the microbial community structure was assessed with amplicon sequence analysis. Microbial viability was assessed with standard culture techniques using selective media. Given the fastidious nature of many intestinal microbes, colony forming units are considered surrogate viable microbes, representing a portion of potentially viable microbes. FMT products from four screened canine fecal donors and six screened feline fecal donors were processed aerobically according to a double centrifugation protocol adapted from the human medical literature. Fresh feces from an additional three screened canine fecal donors were used to evaluate the effect of cryopreservative, centrifugation, and short-term storage on microbial community structure and in vitro surrogate bacterial viability. Finally, fresh feces from a third group of three screened canine and three screened feline fecal donors were used to evaluate the long-term in vitro surrogate bacterial viability of three frozen and lyophilized FMT products. Microbiota analysis revealed that each canine fecal donor has a unique microbial profile. Processing of canine and feline feces for FMT does not significantly alter the overall microbial community structure. The addition of cryopreservatives and lyopreservatives significantly improved long-term viability, up to 6 months, for frozen and lyophilized FMT products compared to unprocessed raw feces with no cryopreservative. These results prove the practicality of this approach for FMT preparation in veterinary medicine and provide a detailed protocol for researchers and companion animal practitioners. Future in vivo research is needed to evaluate how the preparation and microbial viability of FMT impacts the recipient's microbial community and clinical outcomes across multiple disease phenotypes.

RevDate: 2025-04-10

Huang Z, Liu C, Zhao X, et al (2025)

The effect of elevated levels of the gut metabolite TMAO on glucose metabolism after sleeve gastrectomy.

Archives of physiology and biochemistry [Epub ahead of print].

Purpose:Bariatric surgery can effectively alleviate obesity and diabetes by regulation of the gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate the change in the gut microbiota metabolite TMAO and to explore its effect on glucose metabolism after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Materials and methods:Diet-induced obesity mouse models were established, and the mice were randomly divided into four groups: an SG group, a sham-operated group pair-fed with the SG group (PF), a sham-operated group fed ad libitum (AL), and a lean control group (C). At 10 weeks post-surgery, the changes in glycogen content of liver, gut microbiota and the level of FMO3 in the liver were evaluated, and their correlation with TMAO production was analysed. The expression levels of the TMAO/PERK/FOXO1 pathway and the gluconeogenic genes G6PC and PCK1 were measured. Results:At 10 weeks post-surgery, hepatocyte glycogen levels were restored, and serum TMA and TMAO levels were significantly increased. Faecal metagenomic sequencing results showed that the abundances of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae, which were positively correlated with TMAO production, were significantly increased after surgery. While the changes in FMO3, the key enzyme producing TMAO in the liver was found decreased significantly after SG. The expression levels of the TMAO/PERK/FOXO1 pathway and the gluconeogenic genes G6PC and PCK1 were measured. Inconsistent with the changing trend of TMAO, the expression of PERK, FOXO1, PCK, and G6PC significantly decreased after SG. Conclusions:SG can significantly reduce obesity and restore glucose metabolism. After surgery, TMAO metabolites increased in a microbiota-dependent manner.

RevDate: 2025-04-09

Sharma S, Tiwari N, SS Tanwar (2025)

The current findings on the gut-liver axis and the molecular basis of NAFLD/NASH associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis.

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology [Epub ahead of print].

Recent research has highlighted the complex relationship between gut microbiota, metabolic pathways, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression. Gut dysbiosis, commonly observed in NAFLD patients, impairs intestinal permeability, leading to the translocation of bacterial products like lipopolysaccharides, short-chain fatty acids, and ethanol to the liver. These microbiome-associated mechanisms contribute to intestinal and hepatic inflammation, potentially advancing NAFLD to NASH. Dietary habits, particularly those rich in saturated fats and fructose, can modify the microbiome composition, leading to dysbiosis and fatty liver development. Metabolomic approaches have identified unique profiles in NASH patients, with specific metabolites like ethanol linked to disease progression. While bariatric surgery has shown promise in preventing NAFLD progression, the role of gut microbiome and metabolites in this improvement remains to be proven. Understanding these microbiome-related pathways may provide new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for NAFLD and NASH. A comprehensive review of current literature was conducted using multiple medical research databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, ScienceDirect, Medline, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The review focused on studies that examine the relationship between gut microbiota composition, metabolic pathways, and NAFLD progression. Key areas of interest included microbial dysbiosis, endotoxin production, and the influence of diet on gut microbiota. The analysis revealed that gut dysbiosis contributes to NAFLD through several mechanisms, diet significantly influences gut microbiota composition, which in turn affects liver function through the gut-liver axis. High-fat diets can lead to dysbiosis, altering microbial metabolic activities and promoting liver inflammation. Specifically, gut microbiota-mediated generation of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, can activate liver macrophages and increase TNF-α expression, contributing to NASH development. Different dietary components, including cholesterol, fiber, fat, and carbohydrates, can modulate the gut microbiome and influence NAFLD progression. This gut-liver axis plays a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis, with the liver responding to gut-derived bacteria by activating innate and adaptive immune responses. Microbial metabolites, such as bile acids, tryptophan catabolites, and branched-chain amino acids, regulate adipose tissue and intestinal homeostasis, contributing to NASH pathogenesis. Additionally, the microbiome of NASH patients shows an elevated capacity for alcohol production, suggesting similarities between alcoholic steatohepatitis and NASH. These findings indicate that targeting the gut microbiota may be a promising approach for NASH treatment and prevention. Recent research highlights the potential of targeting gut microbiota for managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The gut-liver axis plays a crucial role in NAFLD pathophysiology, with dysbiosis contributing to disease progression. Various therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating gut microbiota have shown promise, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary interventions. Probiotics have demonstrated efficacy in human randomized controlled trials, while other interventions require further investigation in clinical settings. These microbiota-targeted therapies may improve NAFLD outcomes through multiple mechanisms, such as reducing inflammation and enhancing metabolic function. Although lifestyle modifications remain the primary recommendation for NAFLD management, microbiota-focused interventions offer a promising alternative for patients struggling to achieve weight loss targets.

RevDate: 2025-04-11
CmpDate: 2025-04-11

Golob JL, Hou G, Swanson BJ, et al (2025)

Inflammation-Induced Th17 Cells Synergize with the Inflammation-Trained Microbiota to Mediate Host Resiliency Against Intestinal Injury.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, 31(4):1082-1094.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammation can generate pathogenic Th17 cells and cause an inflammatory dysbiosis. In the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), these inflammatory Th17 cells and dysbiotic microbiota may perpetuate injury to intestinal epithelial cells. However, many models of IBD like T-cell transfer colitis and IL-10-/- mice rely on the absence of regulatory pathways, so it is difficult to tell if inflammation can also induce protective Th17 cells.

METHODS: We subjected C57BL6, RAG1-/-, or JH-/- mice to systemic or gastrointestinal (GI) Citrobacter rodentium (Cr). Mice were then subjected to 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to cause epithelial injury. Fecal microbiota transfer was performed by bedding transfer and co-housing. Flow cytometry, qPCR, and histology were used to assess mucosal and systemic immune responses, cytokines, and tissue inflammation. 16s sequencing was used to assess gut bacterial taxonomy.

RESULTS: Transient inflammation with GI but not systemic Cr was protective against subsequent intestinal injury. This was replicated with sequential DSS collectively indicating that transient inflammation provides tissue-specific protection. Inflammatory Th17 cells that have a tissue-resident memory (TRM) signature expanded in the intestine. Experiments with reconstituted RAG1-/-, JH-/- mice, and cell trafficking inhibitors showed that inflammation-induced Th17 cells were required for protection. Fecal microbiota transfer showed that the inflammation-trained microbiota was necessary for protection, likely by maintaining protective Th17 cells in situ.

CONCLUSION: Inflammation can generate protective Th17 cells that synergize with the inflammation-trained microbiota to provide host resiliency against subsequent injury, indicating that inflammation-induced Th17 TRM T cells are heterogenous and contain protective subsets.

RevDate: 2025-04-09
CmpDate: 2025-04-09

Chen Y, Zeng Y, Zhang Y, et al (2025)

Differential gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokines contribute to IgA vasculitis.

Clinical and experimental rheumatology, 43(4):563-574.

OBJECTIVES: Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is the most common form of vasculitis in childhood. Emerging evidence indicates that gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of IgAV. However, the factors linking gut microbiota to the onset and progression of IgAV are poorly understood. We aimed to demonstrate that the presence of a specific dysbiosis in patients with IgAV contributes to the onset of IgAV.

METHODS: We transplanted gut microbiota from human donors with IgAV or healthy controls (HCs). The changes in gut microbiota and serum indexes of the recipient mice were detected, and the IgAV-associated bacteria were determined by integrating the results from the mouse sequence data analysis with the human sequence results.

RESULTS: 55 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) specific to IgAV children were detected in the recipient IgAV microbiota (rIMb) mice, and 35 ASVs specific to healthy children were detected in the recipient healthy microbiota (rHMb) mice. Gut microbiota in rIMb mice differs from that in rHMb mice. Alcaligenaceae could discriminate rIMb from rHMb mice, while its abundance was decreased in rIMb compared to rHMb (p<0.05). In children with IgAV, the abundance of Burkholderiaceae (Alcaligenaceae accounted for 99.7%) at the family level was significantly lower compared to HCs, which can be used to distinguish children with IgAV from HCs, and the constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve had an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.766. In addition, the rIMb group had a markedly higher interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-21 level than those in the rHMb group. The Spearman correlation analysis indicated significant correlations between the relative levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines, IgA and alterations of gut microbiota.

CONCLUSIONS: IgAV is characterised by disturbances of gut microbiota composition and an imbalance in inflammatory cytokines. The manipulation of gut microbiota could be a possible way to prevent and manage IgAV.

RevDate: 2025-04-10
CmpDate: 2025-04-09

Dewey CW (2025)

Poop for thought: Can fecal microbiome transplantation improve cognitive function in aging dogs?.

Open veterinary journal, 15(2):556-564.

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is the dog version of human Alzheimer's disease (AD), and it has strikingly similar pathological features to those of this neurodegenerative disorder. The gastrointestinal system is in constant communication with the brain via several conduits collectively termed the gut-brain axis. The microbial population of the gut, referred to as the microbiota, has a profound effect on the interactions that occur along this communication route. Recent evidence suggests that dysbiosis, an abnormal gastrointestinal microbial population, is linked to cognitive impairment in rodent AD models and human AD. There is also evidence from rodent AD models that correcting dysbiosis by transferring fecal material from healthy donors to the gastrointestinal tracts of cognitively impaired recipients [fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT)] reverses AD-associated brain pathology and improves cognitive function. Although limited, some clinical reports have described the improvement of cognitive function with FMT in human AD. The goals of this review article are to provide an overview of the mechanisms involved in dysbiosis- associated cognitive decline and the role of FMT in therapy for such decline. The potential role of FMT in CCD is also discussed.

RevDate: 2025-04-10

Liu Y, Li X, Chen Y, et al (2025)

Fecal microbiota transplantation: application scenarios, efficacy prediction, and factors impacting donor-recipient interplay.

Frontiers in microbiology, 16:1556827.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents a therapeutic approach that directly regulates the gut microbiota of recipients, normalizes its composition and reaping therapeutic rewards. Currently, in addition to its general application in treating Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI), FMT treatment has also been extended to the fields of other gastrointestinal diseases, infections, gut-liver or gut-brain axis disorders, metabolic diseases and cancer, etc. Prior to FMT, rigorous donor screening is essential to reduce the occurrence of adverse events. In addition, it is imperative to evaluate whether the recipient can safely and effectively undergo FMT treatment. However, the efficacy of FMT is influenced by the complex interactions between the gut microbiota of donor and recipient, the degree of donor microbiota engraftment is not necessarily positively related with the success rate of FMT. Furthermore, an increasing number of novel factors affecting FMT outcomes are being identified in recent clinical trials and animal experiments, broadening our understanding of FMT treatment. This article provides a comprehensive review of the application scenarios of FMT, the factors influencing the safety and efficacy of FMT from the aspects of both the donors and the recipients, and summarizes how these emerging novel regulatory factors can be combined to predict the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing FMT.

RevDate: 2025-04-08
CmpDate: 2025-04-09

Wang X, Geng Q, Jiang H, et al (2025)

Fecal microbiota transplantation enhanced the effect of chemoimmunotherapy by restoring intestinal microbiota in LLC tumor-bearing mice.

BMC immunology, 26(1):30.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of half-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and standard-dose chemotherapy (SDC) on the intestinal microbiota and to investigate whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can restore the intestinal microecology to enhance the efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy containing an anti-PD- 1 antibody (PD1).

METHODS: Lewis lung cancer (LLC) tumor-bearing mice were divided into six groups, including Control, HDC, SDC, SDC + FMT, SDC + PD1, and SDC + PD1 + FMT. After the treatment, analyses were conducted on intestinal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing, immune cells through flow cytometry, cytokines and chemokines via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: Alpha and beta diversity of intestinal flora were not significantly different between HDC and SDC groups, nor was there a significant difference in the abundance of the top 10 species at the phylum, class, order, family, genus, or species levels. FMT increased both alpha and beta diversity and led to an increase in the abundance of Ruminococcus_callidus and Alistipes_finegoldii at the species level in mice receiving SDC + FMT. Besides, tumor growth was significantly slowed in SDC + PD1 + FMT compared to SDC + PD1 group, accompanied by an up-regulated Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, down-regulated abundance of Proteobacteria species (including Pseudolabrys, Comamonas, Alcaligenaceae, Xanthobacteraceae and Comamonadaceae), as well as Faecalicoccus of Firmicutes, the increased number of cDC1 cells, cDC2 cells, CD4[+] T cells and CD8[+] T cells in the peripheral blood, and IFN-γ[+]CD8[+] T cells, IFN-γ, granzyme B, TNF-α, CXCL9 and CXCL10 in intestinal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences between HDC and SDC in their effects on the intestinal microbiota. FMT exhibited a beneficial impact on gut microbiota and improved the efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy, possibly associated with the increase of immune cells and the modulation of related cytokines and chemokines.

RevDate: 2025-04-08
CmpDate: 2025-04-08

Vecchiato CG, Sabetti MC, Sung CH, et al (2025)

Effect of faecal microbial transplantation on clinical outcome, faecal microbiota and metabolome in dogs with chronic enteropathy refractory to diet.

Scientific reports, 15(1):11957.

Chronic enteropathy (CE) is a common complaint in canine gastroenterology. Recently, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) gained attention as a treatment strategy. However, the efficacy and long-term impact of FMT is still unclear. Clinical index (CIBDAI), faecal microbiota and metabolome were monitored in 20 CE dogs refractory to diet before (T0) and 3 months (T3) after FMT. Further data were retrospectively collected up to 1-year after FMT. Significant improvements were observed in CIBDAI, Dysbiosis Index (DI), and primary (PBAs) and secondary (SBAs) faecal bile acids and propionate one month (T1) after FMT (CIBDAI (median and range): T0 5 (1-9) vs. T1 1 (0-5), p < 0.0001; DI (median and range): T0 -0.1 (-5.6 to 3.8) vs. T1 -2.1 (-5.7 to 4.7), p < 0.05; PBAs decreased by 57%, SBAa increased by 41%; propionate increased by 20%). According to CIBDAI, 17 dogs clinically improved up to T3, and 10 dogs remained clinically stable up to one year after FMT. Alpha- and beta-diversity of the faecal microbiota of CE dogs did not differ, neither before nor after FMT, from that of 17 healthy controls. The results highlight that CE dogs refractory to diet with mild clinical signs and dysbiosis may benefit long-term from treatment with FMT.

RevDate: 2025-04-08
CmpDate: 2025-04-08

Liu C, Zheng X, Ji J, et al (2025)

The carotenoid torularhodin alleviates NAFLD by promoting Akkermanisa muniniphila-mediated adenosylcobalamin metabolism.

Nature communications, 16(1):3338.

Torularhodin, a unique carotenoid, confers beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the precise mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects remains unknown. Here, we report that torularhodin alleviates NAFLD in male mice by modulating the gut microbiota. Additionally, transplanting fecal microbiota from torularhodin-treated mice to germ-free mice also improves NAFLD. Mechanistically, torularhodin specifically enriches the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, which alleviates NAFLD by promoting the synthesis of adenosylcobalamin. Utilizing a human gastrointestinal system and a colonic organoid model, we further demonstrate that adenosylcobalamin confers protective effects against NAFLD through reducing ceramides, a well-known liver damaging compound, and this effect is mediated by inhibition of the hypoxia-inducible factor 2α pathway. Notably, we construct electrospun microsphere-encapsulated torularhodin, which facilitates the slow release of torularhodin in the colon. Together, our findings indicate the therapeutic potential of microbial utilization of carotenoids, such as torularhodin, for treating NAFLD.

RevDate: 2025-04-08

Duo R, Wang Y, Ma Q, et al (2025)

MTX-induced gastrointestinal reactions in RA: Prevotella enrichment, gut dysbiosis, and PI3K/Akt/Ras/AMPK pathways.

Clinical rheumatology [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of gut microbiota in methotrexate (MTX)-induced gastrointestinal reactions (MRGR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS: As a prospective, single-center, convenience sampling study, stool samples were obtained from 28 RA patients (male: female = 10:18) at Lanzhou University Second Hospital who were undergoing MTX treatment for analysis of their gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Clinical disease activity (CDAI) and MRGR were assessed after two months of MTX therapy. All data collection periods exceeded one year. Intestinal germ-free mice, generated through antibiotic treatment, received fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from the patients, followed by varying doses of MTX to observe MRGR. Intestinal transcriptomics and markers related to intestinal barrier function were subsequently examined.

RESULTS: Females (84.6%) and high disease activity (CDAI scores, 39.6 ± 11.2 vs 26.3 ± 9.2) were prone to have MRGR in RA patients. Patients with MRGR (PT-GR) showed lower gut microbial diversity versus non-MRGR (PT-noGR). Prevotella abundance, positively correlated with CDAI and MRGR (p < 0.05), was elevated in PT-GR. Administering 10 mg/kg MTX to mice caused intestinal damage. FMT-GR-MTX mice exhibited weight loss (95.2%), morphological deterioration (86.4%), and reduced tight junction proteins (Claudin-1:72.4%; ZO-1:81.2%). Transcriptomics linked upregulated Gβγ/CREB/Atp4b to PI3K/Akt/Ras pathways and downregulated PFK2/PP2 to AMPK signaling in MRGR.

CONCLUSION: Our study identified notable gut microbiota alterations in RA patients prone to MRGR, with changes in intestinal gene expression and reduced intestinal barrier function potentially contributing to MRGR. These findings suggest potential strategies to mitigate MRGR in RA patients undergoing MTX treatment. Key Points • The RA-related MRGR is correlated with the intestinal microbiota. • Females, low gut diversity, and Prevotella enrichment are MRGR risks in RA. • Upregulated DEGs in MRGR linked to PI3K/Akt, Ras pathways. • Downregulated DEGs in MRGR focus on the AMPK pathway.

RevDate: 2025-04-08

Attauabi M, Madsen GR, Holm JP, et al (2025)

Incidence of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia in Newly Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Inflammatory bowel diseases pii:8108306 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are at risk of developing osteoporosis. In Denmark, osteoporosis has been observed in 12.0% of postmenopausal women and 2.6% in men aged ≥ 50 years in the general population. We aimed to conduct a population-based analysis determining bone mineral density (BMD) at diagnosis of UC and CD.

METHODS: All adult patients diagnosed with UC or CD between May 2021 and May 2023 in an area covering 20% (1.2 million inhabitants) of the Danish population were invited for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis.

RESULTS: In total, 209 and 141 patients with UC and CD, respectively, were included. Among postmenopausal women (age ≥ 52 years) with UC, 15/42 (35.7%) had osteoporosis and 17/42 (40.5%) had osteopenia, while rates among patients with CD were 6/21 (28.6%, P = .57) and 8/21 (38.1%, P = .86), respectively. Among males aged ≥ 50 years, the rates were 5/38 (13.2%) and 17/38 (44.7%) in UC, respectively, and 3/24 (12.5%, P = 1.00) and 12/24 (50.0%, P = .69) in CD, respectively. Among younger patients, BMD below the expected range for age was observed in 3/69 (4.3%) and 3/60 (5.0%) of females and males with UC, and in 1/42 (2.4%) and 8/54 (14.8%) with CD, respectively. No nutritional or inflammatory marker, including C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin, Mayo Endoscopic Score, or Simple Endoscopic Score for CD correlated with the T-score.

CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study demonstrated high rates of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women and males aged ≥ 50 years at IBD diagnosis, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation in these patients.

RevDate: 2025-04-08

Malard F, Thepot S, Cluzeau T, et al (2025)

Gut microbiota restoration with oral pooled fecal microbiotherapy after intensive chemotherapy: the phase Ib CIMON trial.

Blood advances pii:536602 [Epub ahead of print].

Intensive chemotherapy (IC) combined with broad-spectrum antibiotics for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) leads to gut microbiota dysbiosis, promoting pathological conditions and an increased incidence of complications, possibly limiting eligibility to allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). The purpose of this dose-ranging phase I study (CIMON) was to evaluate the first-in-man use of MaaT033, a pooled, allogeneic, lyophilized, and standardized fecal microbiotherapeutic product, formulated as a delayed-release capsule for oral administration. Primary objectives of the study were to evaluate the maximum tolerable dose of MaaT033 in 21 AML patients having undergone IC and antibiotics. Secondary objectives were to assess MaaT033 safety, its efficacy in restoring the patients' gut microbiome using shotgun sequencing in order to evaluate the recommended dose regimen, and patient compliance (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04150393). MaaT033 was shown to be safe and effective for gut microbiota restoration in AML patients receiving IC and antibiotics, with an excellent gut microbiota reconstruction based on diversity indices at the species level, and restoration of microbial communities close to the composition of the drug product. Moreover, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) decrease with treatment, while short-chain fatty acids increase over time. A randomized, placebo-controlled phase IIb trial, in recipients of alloHCT patients in ongoing.

RevDate: 2025-04-08

Shealy NG, Baltagulov M, de Brito C, et al (2025)

Short-term alterations in dietary amino acids override host genetic susceptibility and reveal mechanisms of Salmonella Typhimurium small intestine colonization.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2025.03.25.645332.

In addition to individual genetics, environmental factors (e.g., dietary changes) may influence host susceptibility to gastrointestinal infection through unknown mechanisms. Herein, we developed a model in which CBA/J mice, a genetically resistant strain that tolerates intestinal colonization by the enteric pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Tm), rapidly succumb to infection after exposure to a diet rich in L-amino acids (AA). In mice, S. Tm-gastroenteritis is restricted to the large intestine (cecum), limiting their use to understand S . Tm small intestine (ileum) colonization, a feature of human Salmonellosis. Surprisingly, CBA mice fed AA diet developed ileitis with enhanced S . Tm ileal colonization. Using germ-free mice and ileal-fecal slurry transplant, we found diet-mediated S . Tm ileal expansion to be microbiota-dependent. Mechanistically, S . Tm relied on Fructosyl-asparagine utilization to expand in the ileum during infection. We demonstrate how AA diet overrides host genetics by altering the gut microbiota's ability to prevent S. Tm ileal colonization.

RevDate: 2025-04-08

Larsen T, Ayayee P, Cluster G, et al (2025)

Assessing gut microbial provisioning of essential amino acids to host in a murine model with reconstituted gut microbiomes.

Research square pii:rs.3.rs-6255159.

Gut microbial essential amino acid (EAA) provisioning to mammalian hosts remains a critical yet poorly understood aspect of host-microbe nutritional interactions, with significant implications for human and animal health. To investigate microbial EAA contributions in mice with reconstituted gut microbiomes, we analyzed stable carbon isotopes ([13]C) of six EAAs across multiple organs. Germ-free (GF) mice fed a high-protein diet (18%) were compared to conventionalized (CVZ) mice fed a low-protein diet (10%) following fecal microbiota transplantation 30 days prior and a 20-day dietary intervention. We found no evidence for microbial EAA contributions to host tissues, with [13]C-EAA fingerprinting revealing nearly identical patterns between GF and CVZ organs. Both groups maintained their expected microbiome statuses, with CVZ gut microbiota dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. These findings raise important questions about the functional capacities of reconstituted gut microbiomes. Future studies should investigate longer adaptation periods, varied dietary protein levels, and complementary analytical techniques to better understand the context-dependent nature of microbial EAA provisioning in mammalian hosts.

RevDate: 2025-04-08
CmpDate: 2025-04-08

Barrios Steed D, Koundakjian D, Harris AD, et al (2025)

Leveraging strain competition to address antimicrobial resistance with microbiota therapies.

Gut microbes, 17(1):2488046.

The enteric microbiota is an established reservoir for multidrug-resistant organisms that present urgent clinical and public health threats. Observational data and small interventional studies suggest that microbiome interventions, such as fecal microbiota products and characterized live biotherapeutic bacterial strains, could be an effective antibiotic-sparing prevention approach to address these threats. However, bacterial colonization is a complex ecological phenomenon that remains understudied in the context of the human gut. Antibiotic resistance is one among many adaptative strategies that impact long-term colonization. Here we review and synthesize evidence of how bacterial competition and differential fitness in the context of the gut present opportunities to improve mechanistic understanding of colonization resistance, therapeutic development, patient care, and ultimately public health.

RevDate: 2025-04-07
CmpDate: 2025-04-07

Jiao Y, Ren J, Xie S, et al (2025)

Raffinose-metabolizing bacteria impair radiation-associated hematopoietic recovery via the bile acid/FXR/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Gut microbes, 17(1):2488105.

Radiation-associated hematopoietic recovery (RAHR) is critical for mitigating lethal complications of acute radiation syndrome (ARS), yet therapeutic strategies remain limited. Through integrated multi-omics analysis of a total body irradiation (TBI) mouse model, we identify Bacteroides acidifaciens-dominated gut microbiota as key mediators of RAHR impairment. 16S ribosomal rRNA sequencing revealed TBI-induced dysbiosis characterized by Bacteroidaceae enrichment, while functional metagenomics identified raffinose metabolism as the most significantly perturbed pathway. Notably, raffinose supplementation (10% w/v) recapitulated radiation-induced microbiota shifts and delayed bone marrow recovery. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) revealed a causative role for raffinose-metabolizing microbiota, particularly Bacteroides acidifaciens, in delaying RAHR progression. Mechanistically, B. acidifaciens-mediated bile acid deconjugation activated FXR, subsequently suppressing NF-κB-dependent hematopoietic recovery. Therapeutic FXR inhibition via ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) had been shown to be a viable method for rescuing RAHR. Our results delineated a microbiome-bile acid-FXR axis as a master regulator of post-irradiation hematopoiesis. Targeting B. acidifaciens or its metabolic derivatives could represent a translatable strategy to mitigate radiation-induced hematopoietic injury.

RevDate: 2025-04-07

Feuerstadt P, Allegretti J, S Khanna (2025)

Treatment of Clostridioides difficile: The Times They are a Changing.

The American journal of gastroenterology pii:00000434-990000000-01688 [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2025-04-07

Geng L, Yang X, Sun J, et al (2025)

Gut Microbiota Modulation by Inulin Improves Metabolism and Ovarian Function in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) [Epub ahead of print].

The management of metabolic disorder associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been suggested as an effective approach to improve PCOS which is highly involved with gut microbiota, while the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we investigated the role of inulin, a gut microbiota regulator, in the alleviation of PCOS. Our findings showed that inulin treatment significantly improved hyperandrogenism and glucolipid metabolism in both PCOS cohort and mice. Consistent with the cohort, inulin increased the abundance of microbial co-abundance group (CAG) 12 in PCOS mice, including Bifidobacterium species and other short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producers. We further verified the enhancement of SCFAs biosynthesis capacity and fecal SCFAs content by inulin. Moreover, inulin decreased lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and ameliorated ovarian inflammation in PCOS mice, whereas intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration reversed the protective effects of inulin. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from inulin-treated patients with PCOS enhanced insulin sensitivity, improved lipid accumulation and thermogenesis, reduced hyperandrogenism and ovarian inflammatory response in antibiotic-treated mice. Collectively, these findings revealed that gut microbiota mediates the beneficial effects of inulin on metabolic disorder and ovarian dysfunction in PCOS. Therefore, modulating gut microbiota represents a promising therapeutic strategy for PCOS.

RevDate: 2025-04-08
CmpDate: 2025-04-07

Chen L, Ruan G, Zhao X, et al (2025)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa enhances anti-PD-1 efficacy in colorectal cancer by activating cytotoxic CD8[+] T cells.

Frontiers in immunology, 16:1553757.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) has been found to be unsatisfactory for clinical treatment. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to remodel the intestinal flora, which may improve the therapeutic effect of αPD-1. Further exploration of key genera that can sensitize cells to αPD-1 for CRC treatment and preliminary exploration of immunological mechanisms may provide effective guidance for the clinical treatment of CRC.

METHODS: In this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was analyzed in the fecal flora of both responders and no-responders to αPD-1 treatment, and the therapeutic effect was experimentally verified.

RESULTS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be highly abundant in the fecal flora of treated mice, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (PA-MSHA) in combination with αPD-1 was effective in the treatment of CRC through the induction of CD8[+] T-cell immunological effects.

CONCLUSION: The clinical drug PA-MSHA can be used in combination with αPD-1 for the treatment of CRC as a potential clinical therapeutic option.

RevDate: 2025-04-07
CmpDate: 2025-04-07

Nagayama M, Gogokhia L, RS Longman (2025)

Precision microbiota therapy for IBD: premise and promise.

Gut microbes, 17(1):2489067.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a spectrum of chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine that includes subtypes of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD) and currently has no cure. While IBD results from a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, sequencing advances over the last 10-15 years revealed signature changes in gut microbiota that contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD. These findings highlight IBD as a disease target for microbiome-based therapies, with the potential to treat the underlying microbial pathogenesis and provide adjuvant therapy to the emerging spectrum of advanced therapies for IBD. Building on the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for Clostridioides difficile infection, therapies targeting gut microbiota have emerged as promising approaches for treating IBD; however, unique aspects of IBD pathogenesis highlight the need for more precision in the approach to microbiome therapeutics that leverage aspects of recipient and donor selection, diet and xenobiotics, and strain-specific interactions to enhance the efficacy and safety of IBD therapy. This review focuses on both pre-clinical and clinical studies that support the premise for microbial therapeutics for IBD and aims to provide a framework for the development of precision microbiome therapeutics to optimize clinical outcomes for patients with IBD.

RevDate: 2025-04-09
CmpDate: 2025-04-06

Zhang Y, Si L, Shu X, et al (2025)

Gut microbiota contributes to protection against porcine deltacoronavirus infection in piglets by modulating intestinal barrier and microbiome.

Microbiome, 13(1):93.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota plays a critical role in counteracting enteric viral infection. Our previous study demonstrated that infection of porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) disturbs gut microbiota and causes intestinal damage and inflammation in piglets. However, the influence of gut microbiota on PDCoV infection remains unclear.

RESULTS: Firstly, the relationship between gut microbiota and disease severity of PDCoV infection was evaluated using 8-day-old and 90-day-old pigs. The composition of gut microbiota was significantly altered in 8-day-old piglets after PDCoV infection, leading to severe diarrhea and intestinal damage. In contrast, PDCoV infection barely affected the 90-day-old pigs. Moreover, the diversity (richness and evenness) of microbiota in 90-day-old pigs was much higher compared to the 8-day-old piglets, suggesting the gut microbiota is possibly associated with the severity of PDCoV infection. Subsequently, transplanting the fecal microbiota from the 90-day-old pigs to the 3-day-old piglets alleviated clinical signs of PDCoV infection, modulated the diversity and composition of gut microbiota, and maintained the physical and chemical barrier of intestines. Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed that the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) treatment upregulated the swine intestinal arginine biosynthesis, FMT significantly inhibited the inflammatory response in piglet intestine by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS: PDCoV infection altered the structure and composition of the gut microbiota in neonatal pigs. FMT treatment mitigated the clinical signs of PDCoV infection in the piglets by modulating the gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier, downregulating the inflammatory response. The preventive effect of FMT provides novel targets for the development of therapeutics against enteropathogenic coronaviruses. Video Abstract.

RevDate: 2025-04-09
CmpDate: 2025-04-06

Zhou J, Lu P, He H, et al (2025)

The metabolites of gut microbiota: their role in ferroptosis in inflammatory bowel disease.

European journal of medical research, 30(1):248.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes chronic inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, characterized by impaired function of the intestinal mucosal epithelial barrier. In recent years, ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death, has been confirmed to be involved in the pathological process of IBD and is related to various pathological changes, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Recent studies have further revealed the complex interactions between the microbiome and ferroptosis, indicating that ferroptosis is an important target for the regulation of IBD by the gut microbiota and its metabolites. This article reviews the significant roles of gut microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan, and bile acids, in ferroptosis in IBD. These metabolites participate in the regulation of ferroptosis by influencing the intestinal microenvironment, modulating immune responses, and altering oxidative stress levels, thereby exerting an impact on the pathological development of IBD. Treatments based on the gut microbiota for IBD are gradually becoming a research hotspot. Finally, we discuss the potential of current therapeutic approaches, including antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, in modulating the gut microbiota, affecting ferroptosis, and improving IBD symptoms. With a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanisms between the gut microbiota and ferroptosis, it is expected that more precise and effective treatment strategies for IBD will be developed in the future.

RevDate: 2025-04-09
CmpDate: 2025-04-06

Yu X, Chen Y, Lei L, et al (2025)

Mendelian randomization analysis of blood metabolites and immune cell mediators in relation to GVHD and relapse.

BMC medicine, 23(1):201.

BACKGROUND: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and relapse are major complications following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Metabolites play crucial roles in immune regulation, but their causal relationships with GVHD and relapse remain unclear.

METHODS: We utilized genetic variants from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 309 known metabolites as instrumental variables to evaluate their causal effects on acute GVHD (aGVHD), gut GVHD, chronic GVHD (cGVHD), and relapse in different populations. Multiple causal inference methods, heterogeneity assessments, and pleiotropy tests were conducted to ensure result robustness. Multivariable MR analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounders, and validation MR analysis further confirmed key findings. Mediation MR analysis was employed to explore indirect causal pathways.

RESULTS: After correction for multiple testing, we identified elevated pyridoxate and proline levels as protective factors against grade 3-4 aGVHD (aGVHD3) and relapse, respectively. Conversely, glycochenodeoxycholate increased the risk of aGVHD3, whereas 1-stearoylglycerophosphoethanolamine had a protective effect. The robustness and stability of these findings were confirmed by multiple causal inference approaches, heterogeneity, and horizontal pleiotropy analyses. Multivariable MR analysis further excluded potential confounding pleiotropic effects. Validation MR analyses supported the causal roles of pyridoxate and 1-stearoylglycerophosphoethanolamine, while mediation MR revealed that pyridoxate influences GVHD directly and indirectly via CD39[ +] Tregs. Pathway analyses highlighted critical biochemical alterations, including disruptions in bile acid metabolism and the regulatory roles of vitamin B6 derivatives. Finally, clinical metabolic analyses, including direct fecal metabolite measurements, confirmed the protective role of pyridoxate against aGVHD.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide novel insights into the metabolic mechanisms underlying GVHD and relapse after allo-HSCT. Identified metabolites, particularly pyridoxate, may serve as potential therapeutic targets for GVHD prevention and management.

RevDate: 2025-04-06

Jiang ST, Wang MQ, Gao L, et al (2025)

Adjusting the composition of gut microbiota prevents the development of post-stroke depression by regulating the gut-brain axis in mice.

Journal of affective disorders pii:S0165-0327(25)00543-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Disturbances in gut microbiota contribute to an imbalanced gut-brain axis, which is critical for post-stroke depression (PSD), while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of modifying gut microbiota through antibiotic treatment (ABX) and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the progression of PSD. The PSD model was established by occluding the middle cerebral artery (MCAO), followed by a four-week isolated housing and restraint stress initiated three days after MCAO. For ABX, the PSD mice received antibiotic water for four weeks. While another group of PSD mice underwent FMT or fluoxetine (FLX) for four weeks. At day 35 post-MCAO, behavioral tests were conducted. Results indicated ABX and FMT significantly altered the composition of intestinal flora caused by PSD, all the treatments markedly attenuated anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors and inflammation in the gut and brain. ABX obviously alleviated PSD-induced disorder of intestinal barrier, decreased mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and decreased CD4[+] cells in the colon. While FMT significantly decreased CD8[+] cells and increased the goblet cells in colon. Furthermore, both ABX and FMT could reduce activated microglia and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain, alleviate decreased Nissl's bodies in the hippocampus, and reverse the decreases in 5-HT, Glu and DA in the striatum caused by PSD. Unlike ABX, FMT was similar to FLX. These findings suggest homeostasis of gut microbiota is indispensable for the development of PSD; adjusting the gut microbiota significantly improves PSD with enhanced functions of gut-brain axis.

RevDate: 2025-04-06
CmpDate: 2025-04-06

Oyovwi MO, Ben-Azu B, KH Babawale (2025)

Therapeutic potential of microbiome modulation in reproductive cancers.

Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England), 42(5):152.

The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microbial communities, plays a crucial role in physiological processes, and emerging research indicates a potential link between it and reproductive cancers. This connection highlights the significance of understanding the microbiome's influence on cancer development and treatment. A comprehensive review of current literature was conducted, focusing on studies that investigate the relationship between microbiome composition, reproductive cancer progression, and potential therapeutic approaches to modulate the microbiome. Evidence suggests that imbalances in the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to the development and progression of reproductive cancers. Specific microbial populations have been associated with inflammatory responses, immune modulation, and even resistance to conventional therapies. Interventions such as probiotics, dietary modifications, and fecal microbiota transplantation have shown promise in restoring healthy microbiome function and improving cancer outcomes in pre-clinical models, with pilot studies in humans indicating potential benefits. This review explores the therapeutic potential of microbiome modulation in the management of reproductive cancers, discussing the mechanisms involved and the evidence supporting microbiome-targeted therapies. Future research is warranted to unravel the complex interactions between the microbiome and reproductive cancer pathophysiology, paving the way for innovative approaches.

RevDate: 2025-04-05

Moreno-Sabater A, Sintes R, Truong S, et al (2025)

Assessment of Dientamoeba fragilis interhuman transmission by fecal microbiota transplantation.

International journal of antimicrobial agents pii:S0924-8579(25)00061-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) requires careful selection of stool donors to avoid transmitting pathogens. Dientamoeba fragilis detection remains an exclusion criterion based on its uncertain pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to assess D. fragilis interhuman transmission by FMT and its impact on the clinical success of rCDI. A retrospective study was conducted in rCDI patients from the COSMIC cohort undergoing FMT to investigate the potential transfer of D. fragilis from donor to recipient. The impact of FMT involving D. fragilis was also evaluated on the clinical outcomes of rCDI and adverse effects. This protist was found to be present in 15 out of 86 healthy donors screened (18.7%) who voluntarily took part in an FMT program. Examination of D. fragilis presence in stool samples from 17 patients both before and after FMT with D. fragilis-positive donations revealed no evidence of interhuman transmission through this process. Analysis of clinical outcomes and adverse events in 124 rCDI patients who underwent FMT (with 45 receiving D. fragilis-positive donations) showed no significant differences in success rates between patients receiving positive or negative D. fragilis transplants, 95.5% and 93.6%, respectively. No significant variances were observed in other side effects analyzed. These findings underscore the safety of using fecal transplant from D. fragilis positive donors in the FMT process. D. fragilis should be removed from the donor screening, which will represent a major improvement in the donor selection process from financial and practical standpoints.

RevDate: 2025-04-06

Yang J, Ren H, Cao J, et al (2025)

Gut commensal Lachnospiraceae bacteria contribute to anti-colitis effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum exopolysaccharides.

International journal of biological macromolecules, 309(Pt 1):142815 pii:S0141-8130(25)03367-7 [Epub ahead of print].

The probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) could ameliorate colitis. Alterations in the composition of gut microbiota (GM) have been proved in cases of colitis. The exopolysaccharides from L. plantarum HMPM2111 (LPE) could be effective in colitis through altering the composition of the GM. These effects were linked to inhibiting intestinal inflammation, regulating the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome axis, and attenuating colonic barrier dysfunction. The combination of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and antibiotic inducement showed that gut bacteria susceptible to vancomycin were inversely associated with colitis features and were necessary for the anti-inflammatory effects of LPE. The elevated abundances of gut commensal Lachnospiraceae bacteria were associated with the restoration of colitis treated by LPE. Metabolomics analysis showed that colitis mice treated with LPE had higher levels of propionate and tryptophan metabolites generated from gut bacteria. The administration of these metabolites protected colitis and resulted in a reduction in inflammatory responses. The outcomes of our investigation emerge the significance of the GM in controlling the protective implications of LPE against colitis. Lachnospiraceae bacteria, together with downstream metabolites, contribute substantially to protection. This work elucidates the essential function of the GM-metabolite axis in producing comprehensive protection versus colitis and identifies prospective treatment targets.

RevDate: 2025-04-05

Cai M, Xue SS, Zhou CH, et al (2025)

Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation from patients with generalized anxiety on anxiety-like behaviors: The role of the gut-microbiota-endocannabinoid-brain Axis.

Journal of affective disorders pii:S0165-0327(25)00570-1 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Intestinal dysbacteriosis is frequently implicated in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, the molecular mechanisms and functional changes of the gut-brain axis in GAD remain largely unexplored.

METHODS: We investigated anxiety-like behaviors, gut microbiota changes, brain region-specific endocannabinoid (eCB) system alterations, including the expression of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1R), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the hippocampus (Hip), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and amygdala (Amy), as well as plasma medium- and long-chain fatty acids (MLCFAs) in a mouse model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and antibiotic-treated mice receiving fecal microbiota transplantation from GAD patients (FMT-GAD). Additionally, we assessed the impact of FMT-GAD on anxiety-like behavior in systemic CB1R/FAAH/MAGL knockout mice.

RESULTS: CRS induced anxiety-like behaviors, suppressed eCB signaling in the brain, and altered the gut microbiota and plasma MLCFA composition in mice. FMT-GAD-treated mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors, increased FAAH expression in the Hip and Amy, and MAGL expression in the Hip, while reducing CB1R expression in the Hip. FMT-GAD was associated with decreased plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and reduced microbiome function for fatty acid biosynthesis. Notably, FMT-GAD intensified anxiety-like behaviors in CB1R-KO mice but failed to induce anxiety-like behaviors in MAGL-KO and FAAH-KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the interplay between the gut microbiota and the eCB system modulates GAD-related anxiety-like behaviors.

RevDate: 2025-04-08
CmpDate: 2025-04-04

Shin JH, Jackson-Akers JY, Hoang SC, et al (2025)

Fulminant Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Journey into the Unknown!.

The Medical clinics of North America, 109(3):721-734.

Clostridioides difficile is 1 of the 5 urgent antibiotic resistance threats in the United States as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fulminant C difficile infection (CDI), characterized by hallmarks of critical illness such as hypotension, shock, or megacolon, has been difficult to define and treat. In this article, we describe the diagnostic criteria for fulminant CDI, clinical factors and inflammatory markers. We review the currently recommended treatment modalities including antibiotics and surgical interventions, colectomy, and diverting loop ileostomy. We also included treatment approaches that are still investigational such as intestinal microbiota transplant, tigecycline, and intravenous immunoglobulin.

RevDate: 2025-04-04

Docherty J (2025)

Therapeutic potential of faecal microbiota transplantation for alcohol use disorder, a narrative synthesis.

Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry pii:S0278-5846(25)00108-3 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Faecal microbiota transplantation is proposed as an alternative therapy to treat alcohol use disorder and has completed a Phase 1 clinical trial, with a Phase 2 clinical trial underway. Alcohol, a modifiable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, resulted in approximately 3 million global deaths (5 %) in 2016 according to the World Health Organization.

AIMS: A narrative synthesis examines the effects of alcohol and faecal microbiota transplantation on gut microbiota and how gut microbiota impacts the gut-brain axis, leading to certain behavioural symptoms of alcohol use disorder. These behavioural symptoms are alcohol craving and relapse in humans; and preference for alcohol, anxiety and depression in rodents.

SEARCH METHODS AND RESULTS: Electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched in January 2024 using the terms: faecal microbiota trans* AND alcohol AND microbio*. Ten studies out of 964 met the inclusion criteria of published primary studies with faecal microbiota transplantation as an intervention to study the gut-brain axis in alcohol use disorder.

RESULTS: The gut microbiota is altered in alcohol use disorder, which can be modified with faecal microbiota transplantation. Behavioural symptoms such as alcohol craving and relapse are associated with inflammation due to a loss of intestinal barrier function. Beneficial microbiota produce short-chain fatty acids that maintain intestinal barrier function and reduce inflammation. Studies also reported anxiety and depression-like behaviours, in addition to a preference for alcohol in alcohol-naïve rodents after faecal microbiota transplantation from patients with alcohol use disorder.

CONCLUSIONS: Faecal microbiota transplantation may moderate the behavioural symptoms of alcohol use disorder by altering gut microbiota, affecting intestinal permeability and inflammation, however, specific gut microbiota composition and long-term treatment outcomes require further clinical studies.

RevDate: 2025-04-04

Liu C, Fan P, Dai J, et al (2025)

Integrated microbiome and metabolome analysis reveals that Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe regulates gut microbiota and butyrate metabolism to ameliorate polycystic ovary syndrome.

Microbial pathogenesis pii:S0882-4010(25)00258-X [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: s: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder disease strongly associated with gut microbiota (GM). Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe (ZQLHR), a traditional Chinese medicinal compound, has patented and shown therapeutic effects in treating PCOS in clinical trials without clear pharmacological mechanisms. This study aimed to disclose the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZQLHR on PCOS.

METHODS: We firstly confirmed the therapeutic effects of ZQLHR treatment in PCOS patients. 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Person's correlation analysis were conducted to elucidate the potential therapeutic mechanism.

RESULTS: These results showed that PCOS symptoms in ZQLHR patients were significantly ameliorated. ZQLHR could increase the levels of butyrate-producing Lachnospira and Faecalibacterium and decrease the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella. Untargeted metabolomics showed that ZQLHR significantly improved host metabolic function, particularly butyrate metabolism and citrate cycle (TCA cycle) metabolism. The combined Faecalibacterium and butyrate metabolism datasets were correlated. Stool samples from ZQLHR patients could ameliorate ovarian architecture, significantly reduce testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and increase the content of butyric acid in PCOS mice (P < 0.01). Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that some biochemical parameters (T, E2, LH levels and FSH) and butyric acid were correlated.

CONCLUSION: We firstly depicted that ZQLHR could alleviate the series of symptom in women with PCOS by regulating gut microbiota and butyrate metabolism. This study provides a scientific basis and new ideas for the therapy of PCOS.

RevDate: 2025-04-04

Huang M, Zhang Y, Chen Z, et al (2025)

Gut microbiota reshapes the TNBC immune microenvironment: Emerging immunotherapeutic strategies.

Pharmacological research, 215:107726 pii:S1043-6618(25)00151-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses through the gut-immune axis. Recent studies have highlighted its significant impact on TNBC progression and the efficacy of immunotherapies. This review examines the interactions between gut microbiota and the immune system in TNBC, focusing on key immune cells and pathways involved in tumor immunity. It also explores microbiota modulation strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, dietary interventions, and fecal microbiota transplantation, as potential methods to enhance immunotherapeutic outcomes. Understanding these mechanisms offers promising avenues for improving treatment efficacy and patient prognosis in TNBC.

RevDate: 2025-04-04

de Schrijver S, Vanhulle E, Ingenbleek A, et al (2025)

Epidemiological and clinical insights into enterovirus circulation in Europe, 2018 - 2023: a multi-center retrospective surveillance study.

The Journal of infectious diseases pii:8106541 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Enteroviruses (EV) cause yearly outbreaks with severe infections, particularly in young children. This study investigates EV circulation, age-distribution, and clinical presentations in Europe from 2018-2023.

METHODS: Aggregated data were requested from ECDC National Focal Points for Surveillance and European Non-Polio Enterovirus Network. Data included detection month, specimen type, age-group, and clinical presentation for the ten most commonly reported EV types per year.

FINDINGS: Twenty-eight institutions from 16 countries reported 563,654 EV-tests during the study-period with 33,265 (5.9%) EV-positive. Forty-two types were identified (n=11,605 cases) with echovirus (E)30, coxsackievirus (CV)A6, EV-D68, E9, E11, CVB5, E18, CVB4, EV-A71, and E6 most frequently reported. E30 detection declined after 2018/2019, while CVA6, CVB5, E9, E11, and EV-D68 were prevalent both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and CVB4 and E18 were prevalent after the pandemic. Over the study period, a shift in seasons (summer to fall) and specimen positivity (feces to respiratory) was observed. Neurological signs predominated among EV-A71, CVB4, CVB5, E6, E9, E11, E18, and E30 (30-72%). CVB4, CVB5, E9, E11, and E18 were also frequently reported among neonates (18-32%). CVA6 was frequently associated with HFMD, and EV-D68 with respiratory infections. Paralysis was reported among 22 infections, associated with ten non-polio types.

CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the widespread circulation and severe nature of EV infections in Europe, particularly among neonates, as well as the (re-)emergence of specific types post-pandemic. Our findings highlight the need for continuous EV-surveillance to monitor variation in circulation, age, and clinical presentations, including paralysis among non-polio EV infections.

RevDate: 2025-04-04
CmpDate: 2025-04-04

Peng W, Jin Z, Liu J, et al (2025)

Tangeretin modulates gut microbiota metabolism and macrophage immunity following fecal microbiota transplantation in obesity.

Journal of food science, 90(4):e70171.

Obesity, characterized by excessive body fat, is a leading preventable cause of death globally and represents one of the most critical public health challenges of the 21st century. This study aimed to investigate the action of tangeretin on gut microbiota metabolism and inflammation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. A model of obesity was established using 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice fed with HFD, which were then used for the treatment with tangeretin (20 mg/kg/mice/day) or antibiotic (Abx). The results showed that the tangeretin intervention alleviated fat deposition and disorder of cellular structural integrity in the model group. The obese mice showed a significant increase in the levels of lipid (glycerol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol), inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), and F4/80 expression in both serum and adipose tissues. Following tangeretin treatment, the levels of lipid, inflammatory factors, and the ratio of F4/80 + CD206 + macrophages were decreased in both serum and adipose tissue. 16S rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that tangeretin decreased obesity in HFD-induced obese mice by interacting with gut microbiota, particularly influencing Parabacteroides, Blautia, and Parasutterella, and amino acids such as threonine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, arginine, glutamine, L-tryptophan, and tyrosine. Abx-mediated clearance of gut microbiota blocked the HFD-induced obesity and abrogated the therapeutic effects of tangeretin in obese mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) proved that clearing gut microbiota with Abx blocked the beneficial effects of FMT[HFD+Tangeretin] intervention. These findings suggested that tangeretin improved HFD-induced obesity by regulating lipid metabolism and modulating F4/80 macrophage activation via gut microbiota.

RevDate: 2025-04-05
CmpDate: 2025-04-04

Zhou S, Zhou X, Zhang P, et al (2025)

The gut microbiota-inflammation-HFpEF axis: deciphering the role of gut microbiota dysregulation in the pathogenesis and management of HFpEF.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 15:1537576.

Heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a disease that affects multiple organs throughout the body, accounting for over 50% of heart failure cases. HFpEF has a significant impact on individuals' life expectancy and quality of life, but the exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Emerging evidence implicates low-grade systemic inflammation as a crucial role in the onset and progression of HFpEF. Gut microbiota dysregulation and associated metabolites alteration, including short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxides, amino acids, and bile acids can exacerbate chronic systemic inflammatory responses and potentially contribute to HFpEF. In light of these findings, we propose the hypothesis of a "gut microbiota-inflammation-HFpEF axis", positing that the interplay within this axis could be a crucial factor in the development and progression of HFpEF. This review focuses on the role of gut microbiota dysregulation-induced inflammation in HFpEF's etiology. It explores the potential mechanisms linking dysregulation of the gut microbiota to cardiac dysfunction and evaluates the therapeutic potential of restoring gut microbiota balance in mitigating HFpEF severity. The objective is to offer novel insights and strategies for the management of HFpEF.

RevDate: 2025-04-05

Burdette RA, Whitt CC, Behm BW, et al (2025)

Avoiding Premature Antibiotic Use in Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection After Fecal Microbiota Transplant.

ACG case reports journal, 12(4):e01660.

Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) remains a major clinical challenge, often requiring fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) after conventional treatment fails. An 86-year-old woman with rCDI underwent FMT after failing multiple antibiotic therapies. Shortly after FMT, she experienced diarrhea and abdominal pain, alongside positive C. difficile stool tests. Antibiotics were withheld because of clinical improvement, and she achieved complete resolution of symptoms without further treatment. This case demonstrates the potential benefit of withholding antibiotics in rCDI patients soon after FMT to allow sufficient time for donor microbiota engraftment and underscores the need for further research to optimize post-FMT management.

RevDate: 2025-04-06
CmpDate: 2025-04-03

Clavijo-Salomon MA, G Trinchieri (2025)

Unlocking the power of the microbiome for successful cancer immunotherapy.

Journal for immunotherapy of cancer, 13(4):.

In recent years, evidence has shown that the gut microbiome significantly influences responses to immunotherapy. This has sparked interest in targeting it to improve therapy outcomes and predictions of response and toxicity. Research has demonstrated that dysbiosis, often resulting from antibiotic use, can diminish the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and this lack of efficacy could be linked to systemic inflammation. Certain bacterial species have been identified as having beneficial and harmful effects on immunotherapy in the clinic. While a clear consensus has yet to emerge on the optimal species for therapeutic use, introducing a new microbiome into immunotherapy-refractory patients may boost their chances of responding to further treatment attempts. State-of-the-art interventions targeting the microbiome-such as fecal microbiota transplantation-are being assessed clinically for their safety and potential to enhance treatment outcomes, with promising results. Additionally, the microbiome has been leveraged for its power to predict clinical outcomes using machine learning, and surprisingly, its predictive capability is comparable to that of other described multi-biomarker clinical scores. Here, we discuss developing knowledge concerning the microbiome's significance in cancer immunotherapy and outline future strategies for maximizing its potential in immuno-oncology.

RevDate: 2025-04-04

Liu J, Li F, Yang L, et al (2025)

Gut microbiota and its metabolites regulate insulin resistance: traditional Chinese medicine insights for T2DM.

Frontiers in microbiology, 16:1554189.

The gut microbiota is closely associated with the onset and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and chronic low-grade inflammation. However, despite the widespread use of first-line antidiabetic drugs, IR in diabetes and its complications continue to rise. The gut microbiota and its metabolic products may promote the development of T2DM by exacerbating IR. Therefore, regulating the gut microbiota has become a promising therapeutic strategy, with particular attention given to probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. This review first examines the relationship between gut microbiota and IR in T2DM, summarizing the research progress of microbiota-based therapies in modulating IR. We then delve into how gut microbiota-related metabolic products contribute to IR. Finally, we summarize the research findings on the role of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating the gut microbiota and its metabolic products to improve IR. In conclusion, the gut microbiota and its metabolic products play a crucial role in the pathophysiological process of T2DM by modulating IR, offering new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for T2DM.

RevDate: 2025-04-05

Wu Y, Chen X, Wu Q, et al (2025)

Research progress on fecal microbiota transplantation in tumor prevention and treatment.

Open life sciences, 20(1):20220954.

The application of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a therapeutic strategy to directly modify the makeup of the gut microbiota has made significant progress in the last few decades. The gut microbiota, a sizable microbial community present in the human gut, is essential for digestion, immunomodulation, and nutrition absorption. Alternatively, a growing body of research indicates that gut microbiota is a key contributor to cancer, and intratumoral bacteria are considered to be crucial "accomplices" in the development and metastasis of malignancies. The exceptional clinical effectiveness of FMT in treating melanoma patients has been adequately established in earlier research, which has created new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and sparked an increasing interest in the treatment and prevention of other cancers. However, further research on the function and mechanisms of the gut microbiota is required to properly comprehend the impact and role of these organisms in tumor regulation. In this article, we present a detailed account of the influence of FMT on the entire course of cancer patients' illness and treatment, from tumor development, metastasis, and invasion, to the impact and application of treatment and prognosis, as well as address the associated mechanisms.

RevDate: 2025-04-04
CmpDate: 2025-04-03

Yarahmadi A, Najafiyan H, Yousefi MH, et al (2025)

Beyond antibiotics: exploring multifaceted approaches to combat bacterial resistance in the modern era: a comprehensive review.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 15:1493915.

Antibiotics represent one of the most significant medical breakthroughs of the twentieth century, playing a critical role in combating bacterial infections. However, the rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance has become a major global health crisis, significantly complicating treatment protocols. This paper provides a narrative review of the current state of antibiotic resistance, synthesizing findings from primary research and comprehensive review articles to examine the various mechanisms bacteria employ to counteract antibiotics. One of the primary sources of antibiotic resistance is the improper use of antibiotics in the livestock industry. The emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms from human activities and industrial livestock production has presented significant environmental and public health concerns. Today, resistant nosocomial infections occur following long-term hospitalization of patients, causing the death of many people, so there is an urgent need for alternative treatments. In response to this crisis, non-antibiotic therapeutic strategies have been proposed, including bacteriophages, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), nanoparticles (NPs), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), antibodies, traditional medicines, and the toxin-antitoxin (TA) system. While these approaches offer innovative solutions for addressing bacterial infections and preserving the efficacy of antimicrobial therapies, challenges such as safety, cost-effectiveness, regulatory hurdles, and large-scale implementation remain. This review examines the potential and limitations of these strategies, offering a balanced perspective on their role in managing bacterial infections and mitigating the broader impact of antibiotic resistance.

RevDate: 2025-04-04
CmpDate: 2025-04-03

Sommer F, Bernardes JP, Best L, et al (2025)

Life-long microbiome rejuvenation improves intestinal barrier function and inflammaging in mice.

Microbiome, 13(1):91.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota have been observed in organismal aging across a broad spectrum of animal phyla. Recent findings, which have been derived mostly in simple animal models, have even established a causal relationship between age-related microbial shifts and lifespan, suggesting microbiota-directed interventions as a potential tool to decelerate aging processes. To test whether a life-long microbiome rejuvenation strategy could delay or even prevent aging in non-ruminant mammals, we performed recurrent fecal microbial transfer (FMT) in mice throughout life. Transfer material was either derived from 8-week-old mice (young microbiome, yMB) or from animals of the same age as the recipients (isochronic microbiome, iMB) as control. Motor coordination and strength were analyzed by rotarod and grip strength tests, intestinal barrier function by serum LAL assay, transcriptional responses by single-cell RNA sequencing, and fecal microbial community properties by 16S rRNA gene profiling and metagenomics.

RESULTS: Colonization with yMB improved coordination and intestinal permeability compared to iMB. yMB encoded fewer pro-inflammatory factors and altered metabolic pathways favoring oxidative phosphorylation. Ecological interactions among bacteria in yMB were more antagonistic than in iMB implying more stable microbiome communities. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of intestinal mucosa revealed a salient shift of cellular phenotypes in the yMB group with markedly increased ATP synthesis and mitochondrial pathways as well as a decrease of age-dependent mesenchymal hallmark transcripts in enterocytes and TA cells, but reduced inflammatory signaling in macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, we demonstrate that life-long and repeated transfer of microbiota material from young mice improved age-related processes including coordinative ability (rotarod), intestinal permeability, and both metabolic and inflammatory profiles mainly of macrophages but also of other immune cells. Video Abstract.

RevDate: 2025-04-05
CmpDate: 2025-04-03

Ahn JS, Kim S, Han EJ, et al (2025)

Increasing spatial working memory in mice with Akkermansia muciniphila.

Communications biology, 8(1):546.

Recent research has shown the gut microbiome's impact on memory, yet limitations hinder the identification of specific microbes linked to cognitive function. We measured spatial working memory in individual mice before and after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to develop a targeted analysis that identifies memory-associated strains while minimizing host genetic effects. Transplantation of human fecal into C57BL/6 mice yielded varied outcomes: some mice showed significant improvements while others had negligible changes, indicating that these changes are due to differences in FMT colonization. Metagenomic analysis, stratified by memory performance, revealed a positive correlation between the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and improved memory. Moreover, administering two A. muciniphila strains, GMB 0476 and GMB 2066, to wild-type mice elevated spatial working memory via BDNF activation. Our findings indicate that specific gut microbes, particularly A. muciniphila, may modulate memory and represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cognitive enhancement.

RevDate: 2025-04-05

Braga JD, Yang Y, Nagao T, et al (2025)

Fructooligosaccharides and Aspergillus enzymes increase brain GABA and homocarnosine by modulating microbiota in adolescent mice.

NPJ science of food, 9(1):48.

Recent research suggests that dietary prebiotics, probiotics, or healthy fecal-microbiota transplantation attenuate gut microbiota dysbiosis and ameliorate neurological disorders, in which gut-microbiota-derived γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has gained much attention as one of key mediators in the gut-brain axis. Although it is widely accepted that prebiotics and probiotics induce gut and brain GABA production via modulating gut microbiota, only evidence of probiotics has been solidly demonstrated while this evidence of prebiotics is scarce. Here, we demonstrated that prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides and Aspergillus-derived enzymes elevated gut and brain GABA concentrations by modulating gut microbiota. Interestingly, we found that the prebiotic and enzymes increased a brain-specific dipeptide, homocarnosine. Gut GABA levels were found correlated with brain GABA/homocarnosine levels. Parabateroides, Akkermansia, Muribaculum, Hungatella, Marvinbryantia, Flavonifractor, and Incertae_sedis exhibited a positive correlation with gut GABA and brain GABA/homocarnosine levels, while Blautia, Unclassified_Lachnospiraceae, Colidextribacter, Acetatifactor, Roseburia, Unclassified_Oscillospiraceae, Romboutsia, and Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes exhibited a negative correlation with those levels.

RevDate: 2025-04-02

Abavisani M, Tafti P, Khoshroo N, et al (2025)

The heart of the matter: How gut microbiota-targeted interventions influence cardiovascular diseases.

Pathology, research and practice, 269:155931 pii:S0344-0338(25)00123-2 [Epub ahead of print].

The human body is habitat to a wide spectrum of microbial populations known as microbiota, which play an important role in overall health. The considerable research has mostly focused on the gut microbiota due to its potential to impact numerous physiological functions and its correlation with a variety of disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to the development and progression of CVDs through various processes, including the generation of metabolites like trimethylamine-N-oxide and short-chain fatty acids. Studies have also looked at the idea of using therapeutic interventions, like changing your diet, taking probiotics or prebiotics, or even fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), to change the gut microbiota's make-up and how it works in order to prevent or treat CVDs. Exploring the cause-and-effect connection between the gut microbiota and CVDs offers a hopeful path for creating innovative microbiome-centered strategies to prevent and cure CVDs. This review presents an in-depth review of the correlation between the gut microbiota and CVDs, as well as potential therapeutic approaches for manipulating the gut microbiota to enhance cardiovascular health.

RevDate: 2025-04-03
CmpDate: 2025-04-02

Li C, Cheng D, Ren H, et al (2025)

Unraveling the gut microbiota's role in PCOS: a new frontier in metabolic health.

Frontiers in endocrinology, 16:1529703.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting reproductive-age women, characterized primarily by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and metabolic abnormalities. In recent years, the gut microbiota has garnered widespread attention for its potential role as a key regulator of host metabolism in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Studies have shown that PCOS patients exhibit dysbiosis in their gut microbiota, characterized by reduced microbial diversity, an imbalance in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, changes in the abundance of specific taxa, and abnormal levels of metabolic products. These alterations may exacerbate metabolic dysfunction in PCOS through multiple mechanisms, including influencing host energy metabolism, disrupting lipid and bile acid metabolism, and inducing chronic inflammation. Addressing gut dysbiosis through the modulation of patients' microbiomes-such the use of, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and optimizing diet lifestyle-may offer strategies for improving metabolic abnormalities and alleviating clinical symptoms in PCOS. Additionally, the gut microbiome promises as a potential marker, aiding in the precise diagnosis and personalization of PCOS. Although our current understanding of how the gut microbiota influences PCOS is still limited, research is needed to explore the causal relationships and mechanisms involved, providing a more reliable theoretical basis for clinical. This review aims summarize the research progress on the relationship between gut microbiota and PCOS, and to suggest future directions to promote the development of prevention and treatment strategies for PCOS.

RevDate: 2025-04-03
CmpDate: 2025-04-02

Chen F, Zhang H, Wei Q, et al (2025)

Disrupted gut microbiota promotes the progression of chronic kidney disease in 5/6 nephrectomy mice by Bacillus pumilus gavage.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 15:1548767.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study identified differences in the gut microbiota between patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and healthy individuals. We observed that antibiotic-treated mice exhibited symptoms similar to those of patients with CKD after receiving a gut microbiota transplant from patients with CKD. Bacillus pumilus (B. pumilus), an alien microorganism to both human and mouse gut microbiota, possesses antibiotic properties that can alter the microbial community structure. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how changes in the gut microbiota structure induced by the oral gavage of B. pumilus affect the progression of CKD. We sought to identify the gut microbes and metabolic pathways associated with CKD to lay the groundwork for future clinical probiotic applications in patients with CKD.

METHODS: We constructed sham-operated and 5/6 nephrectomy mice as the sham control (SC) and CKD models, respectively. CKD models were divided into a control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). After 16 weeks of normal feeding, the IG were treated with B. pumilus by oral gavage, while SC and CG were treated with PBS once daily, 5 days per week, for 7 weeks. Fecal samples were collected for 16s rRNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis, kidneys were harvested for histological examination, and the colon was used for RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS: B. pumilus intervention exacerbated gut microbial homeostasis in CKD mice and increased serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, further aggravating kidney damage. 16s rRNA and metabolomic analysis revealed that Parvibacter and Enterorhabdus were probiotics related to kidney function, while Odoribacter was associated with kidney injury. Metabolomic analysis showed that glycerophospholipid and lysine metabolism were upregulated in CKD model mice, correlating with kidney damage.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that changes in the gut microbiota can affect the kidneys through gut metabolism, confirming that the lack of probiotics and the proliferation of harmful bacteria leading to gut microbiota dysbiosis are drivers of CKD progression. Our findings provide a basis for clinical interventions using gut microbes and offer a reference for targeted probiotic therapy.

RevDate: 2025-04-05
CmpDate: 2025-04-02

Yao N, Liu Y, Zhang ZY, et al (2025)

Excretion and clearance of Sabin-like type 3 poliovirus in a child diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency.

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, 21(1):2484882.

Children with primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) are at higher risk of developing vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) or vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPV) infection when inadvertently expose to poliovirus vaccine, oral (OPV). A pilot study was initiated to describe the epidemiology of immunodeficiency-associated VDPV (iVDPV) and to estimate the risk of iVDPV shedding among individuals with PID. Children under 18 years of age newly diagnosed with PID were recruited for investigation and tested for poliovirus excretion. Children with poliovirus-positive stool samples had regular follow-up testing for poliovirus excretion and determination of clinical prognosis. A patient with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) with compound heterozygous mutations in the RAG1 gene was found to be excreting Sabin-like type 3 (SL3) poliovirus. Excretion stopped six weeks after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). Graft versus host disease (GVHD) and poor graft function (PGF) occurred after HSCT, resulting in failure of hematopoiesis and immune system reconstitution. Given deficient innate and adaptive immunity, immune-mediated destruction of gastrointestinal (GI) tract caused by GVHD and inflammatory diarrheal illness of the girl may have contributed to her clearance of SL3 poliovirus. Intermittent surveillance of immune system parameters for iVDPV excreters receiving HSCT should be included in the PID surveillance program for further understanding poliovirus clearance mechanisms.

RevDate: 2025-04-02

Zheng Y, Chen J, Zhang Y, et al (2025)

Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism in the Mechanism of Ginsenoside Re Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Phytotherapy research : PTR [Epub ahead of print].

Gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism play crucial roles in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Early evidence demonstrates that Ginsenoside Re (Re) possesses pharmacological effects on NAFLD, but its mechanisms of action are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the hepatic protective effects of Re in NAFLD and elucidate relevant mechanisms. The effects of Re treatments (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg) against high-fat diet-induced NAFLD were initially tested on male C57BL/6 mice. Then, a separate mouse group received Re with or without antibiotics to confirm the regulatory role of microbiota in the effect of Re. Finally, another group of mice received fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from the initial experiment of NAFLD mice to further investigate the mechanistic role of gut microbiota. Re significantly improved liver function by reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, injury and hepatocyte steatosis, and inflammation. The liver protection was mediated by the regulation of gut microbiota as evidenced by restored intestinal barrier integrity, normalized Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio, enhanced abundances of Adlercreutzia equolifaciens, and reduced Faecalibaculum rodentium. Following that, Re reduced total and primary bile acids and downregulated bile acid synthesis genes and proteins such as farnesoid X receptor and cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1. The co-administration of antibiotic cocktail counteracted the effect of Re against NAFLD. Further, the results obtained from the FMT animal study confirmed that Re's liver protective effects were at least partly driven by the regulation of gut microbiota. Re modulated bile salt hydrolase-related microbial genera to alter bile acid synthesis pathways, thereby inhibiting NAFLD progression.

RevDate: 2025-04-01

Shi Y, Jiang M, Zhu W, et al (2025)

Cyclosporine combined with dexamethasone regulates hepatic Abca1 and PPARα expression and lipid metabolism via butyrate derived from the gut microbiota.

Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 186:118017 pii:S0753-3322(25)00211-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Immunosuppression often leads to drastic metabolic, hormonal, and physiological disorders. Changes in the gut microbiota are believed to be one of the factors contributing to these disorders, but the association remains uncertain. Clinical studies can be complicated by confounding variables, such as diet and other drivers of heterogeneity in human microbiomes. In this study, we identified pronounced gut microbiome signatures in rhesus macaques (RMs) with immunosuppression-induced lipid metabolism disorders following cyclosporine combined with dexamethasone. Furthermore, we observed similar changes in the gut microbiota of mice with immunosuppression-induced lipid metabolism disorders, which were associated with short-chain fatty acid metabolism. ELISA showed that immunosuppression significantly reduced the levels of butyric acid in both feces and serum of mice. Spearman correlation analysis identified a significant correlation between serum butyric acid levels and gut microbial dysbiosis induced by immunosuppression, particularly in relation to f_Lachnospiraceae, g_unidentified_Ruminococcaceae, and s_Clostridium leptum. Additionally, mice transplanted with gut microbiota from immunosuppressed mice exhibited hepatic lipid metabolism disorders, and RNA sequencing revealed significant downregulation of ABC transporters and PPARα in the liver, which was closely associated with lipid transport and metabolism, particularly Abca1. Moreover, butyric acid supplementation alleviated hepatic lipid metabolism disorders and upregulated the expression of Abca1 and PPARα in mice transplanted with immunosuppression-induced gut microbiota. Thus, we propose that the combination of cyclosporine and dexamethasone regulates the expression of hepatic Abca1 and PPARα by modulating the gut microbiota and its derived butyrate, particularly Lachnospiraceae and Clostridium leptum, further regulating hepatic lipid metabolism.

RevDate: 2025-04-01

Ishikawa D, Watanabe H, Nomura K, et al (2025)

Patient-donor similarity and donor-derived species contribute to the outcome of faecal microbiota transplantation for ulcerative colitis.

Journal of Crohn's & colitis pii:8102791 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Clinical applications of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) have shown promising results. However, whether the beneficial effects of FMT are due to the transfer and colonisation of donor-derived species in patients remains unclear. Here, we investigated the factors affecting the efficacy of administration of triple antibiotics (A-FMT) and the criteria for appropriate donor and patient-donor matching.

METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with active UC who were enrolled between March 2014 and October 2019 underwent FMT. The clinical features were assessed based on a reduction in Lichtiger's clinical activity index 4 weeks after A-FMT, with long-term responders (LTR) defined as those with no increase or intensification within 12 months after A-FMT. Microbiome analysis was performed on 147 faecal samples (pre-A-FMT, post-A-FMT, and donor) from 49 patient-donor combinations that were assigned using the one patient-to-one donor strategy.

RESULTS: Of the 97 patients, 61 achieved a clinical response, and of those, 35 were classified as having clinical remission. The efficacy of A-FMT was affected by UC severity and previous administration of steroids (p = 0.027), immunosuppressants (p = 0.049), and biologics (p = 0.029). Effective donors were rich in taxa such as Bacteroidota, which are lost in UC, and the abundances of "patient-origin" and "new-amplicon sequence variant" taxa were significantly lower in Responders compared to Nonresponders (Remission; p = 0.03, LTR; p = 0.05). "Donor-derived" amplicon sequence variant sequences, Oscillospiraceae UCG-002 and Alistipes, were significantly enriched in Responders (p < 0.05). Our results showed that the taxonomic composition of patients and the similarity of Bacteroides and butyric acid-producing bacteria in the patient-donor microbiota significantly influenced A-FMT efficacy (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important insights for developing patient-tailored FMT-based therapies for UC.

RevDate: 2025-04-01

Xiang M, Wu S, Liu M, et al (2025)

Iota-carrageenan oligosaccharide ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice by mediating gut microbiota dysbiosis and modulating SCFAs-PI3K-AKT pathway.

Inflammopharmacology [Epub ahead of print].

Iota-carrageenan oligosaccharides (iCOs), derived from marine red algae, are traditionally used as antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory agents in folk medicinal practice. Despite the prevailing emphasis on these aspects in their applications, the potential of iCOs as a prebiotic agent for gut health and its subsequent impact on intestinal disorders such as colitis remains largely unexplored. A DSS-induced colitis model was employed in C57BL/6 male mice to analyze the gut microbiota via 16S rRNA sequencing. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to assess the therapeutic effects of iCOs on colitis. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) identified pathways and genes affected by iCOs. ELISA measured inflammatory cytokines, while western blot and RT-qPCR evaluated protein and gene expressions, respectively. The iCOs increased beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia. They enhanced short-chain fatty acid production and upregulated GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109A mRNA, influencing cytokine secretion. The iCOs reduced mRNA of SPHK1, BDKRB1, LCN2, and so on, potentially through PI3K-Akt pathway inhibition, and promoted tight junction protein expression. Our findings highlight the novel therapeutic potential of iCOs in colitis, indicating a multifaceted approach to treatment that includes gut microbiota modulation, intestinal barrier restoration, and the suppression of inflammatory responses.

RevDate: 2025-04-01
CmpDate: 2025-04-01

Huang M, Ji Q, Huang H, et al (2025)

Gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: immune microenvironment remodeling and gut microbiota modification.

Gut microbes, 17(1):2486519.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with limited treatment options at advanced stages. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a pivotal role in regulating immune responses through the gut-liver axis. Emerging evidence underscores its impact on HCC progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review explores the intricate interactions between gut microbiota and the immune system in HCC, with a focus on key immune cells and pathways involved in tumor immunity. Additionally, it highlights strategies for modulating the gut microbiota - such as fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary interventions, and probiotics - as potential approaches to enhancing immunotherapy outcomes. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving patient prognosis.

RevDate: 2025-04-01

Zhang Z, Zhu T, Li Y, et al (2025)

Butyrate Regulates Intestinal DNA Virome and Lipopolysaccharide Levels to Prevent High-Fat Diet-Related Liver Damage in Rats.

Journal of agricultural and food chemistry [Epub ahead of print].

As the adsorption receptor of bacteriophage tail protein, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a main culprit responsible for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) caused by high-fat diets. However, few studies have focused on how the interaction between intestinal bacteriophages and bacterial LPS affects the development and progression of NAFLD. Herein, we determined that excessive fat intake significantly increases the levels of endogenous LPS, while the administration of beneficial metabolites of the intestinal microbiota (specifically butyrate) alleviated hepatic injury in rats. The beneficial mechanism of butyrate was attributed to the reprogramming of the structure of the intestinal DNA virome (primarily, phageome). Butyrate possesses the potential to augment bacteriophagic microbial diversity, thereby potentially facilitating interactions between intestinal bacteriophages and bacterial LPS (in the case of homologous phage), further improving mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species production, which, in turn, lowered HepG2 cell damage. Likewise, fecal phage transplantation further confirmed that intestinal phages from rats that received butyrate could effectively interact with bacterial LPS to reduce liver damage in rats. Taken together, modifying the intestinal phageome is a promising treatment option for high-fat diet-related NAFLD.

RevDate: 2025-04-02

Halvorsen N, Hassan C, Correale L, et al (2025)

Benefits, burden, and harms of computer aided polyp detection with artificial intelligence in colorectal cancer screening: microsimulation modelling study.

BMJ medicine, 4(1):e001446.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the benefits, burden, and harms of implementing computer aided detection (CADe) of polyps in colonoscopy of population based screening programmes for colorectal cancer.

DESIGN: Microsimulation modelling study.

SETTING: Cost effectiveness working package in the OperA (optimising colorectal cancer prevention through personalised treatment with artificial intelligence) project. A parallel guideline committee panel (BMJ Rapid recommendation) was consulted in defining the screening interventions and selection of outcome measures.

POPULATION: Four cohorts of 100 000 European individuals aged 60-69 years.

INTERVENTION: The intervention was one screening of colonoscopy and a screening of colonoscopy after faecal immunochemical test every other year with CADe. The comparison group had the same screening every other year without CADe.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Benefits (colorectal cancer incidence and death), burden (surveillance colonoscopies), and harms (colonoscopy related adverse events) over 10 years were measured. The certainty in each outcome was assessed by use of the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach.

RESULTS: For 100 000 individuals participating in colonoscopy screening, 824 (0.82%) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer within 10 years without CADe versus 713 (0.71%) with CADe (risk difference -0.11% (95% CI -0.43% to 0.21%)). For faecal immunochemical test screening colonoscopy, the risk was 5.82% (n=5820) without CADe versus 5.77% (n=5770) with CADe (difference -0.05% (-0.33% to 0.15%)). The risk of surveillance colonoscopy increased from 26.45% (n=26 453) to 32.82% (n=32 819) (difference 6.37% (5.8% to 6.9%)) for colonoscopy screening and from 52.26% (n=52 263) to 53.08% (n=53 082) (difference 0.82% (0.38% to 1.26%)) for faecal immunochemical test screening colonoscopy. No significant differences were noted in adverse events related to the colonoscopy between CADe and no CADe. The model estimates were sensitive to the assumed effects of screening on colorectal cancer risk and of CADe on adenoma detection rates. All outcomes were graded as low certainty.

CONCLUSION: With low certainty of evidence, adoption of CADe in population based screening provides small and uncertain clinical meaningful benefit, no incremental harms, and increased surveillance burden after screening.

RevDate: 2025-04-02
CmpDate: 2025-04-01

Ding W, Cheng Y, Liu X, et al (2025)

Harnessing the human gut microbiota: an emerging frontier in combatting multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Frontiers in immunology, 16:1563450.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major and escalating global health threat, undermining the effectiveness of current antibiotic and antimicrobial therapies. The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria has led to increasingly difficult-to-treat infections, resulting in higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Tackling this crisis requires the development of novel antimicrobial agents, optimization of current therapeutic strategies, and global initiatives in infection surveillance and control. Recent studies highlight the crucial role of the human gut microbiota in defending against AMR pathogens. A balanced microbiota protects the body through mechanisms such as colonization resistance, positioning it as a key ally in the fight against AMR. In contrast, gut dysbiosis disrupts this defense, thereby facilitating the persistence, colonization, and dissemination of resistant pathogens. This review will explore how gut microbiota influence drug-resistant bacterial infections, its involvement in various types of AMR-related infections, and the potential for novel microbiota-targeted therapies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, prebiotics, probiotics, phage therapy. Elucidating the interactions between gut microbiota and AMR pathogens will provide critical insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat AMR infections. While previous reviews have focused on the general impact of the microbiota on human health, this review will specifically look at the latest research on the interactions between the gut microbiota and the evolution and spread of AMR, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies.

RevDate: 2025-04-01

Wang L, Shao L, Gao YC, et al (2025)

Panax notoginseng Saponins Alleviate Inflammatory Bowel Disease via Alteration of Gut Microbiota-Bile Acid Metabolism.

The American journal of Chinese medicine [Epub ahead of print].

Bile acid metabolism mediated by gut microbiota is significantly related to immunity regulation that plays an important role in the development and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our previous study has demonstrated that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) alleviate colitis due to the regulation of T helper 17/Regulatory T cells (Th17/Treg) balance via gut microbiota. However, the effects and mechanism of PNS on colitis pertinent to bile acid metabolism mediated by gut microbiota remain elusive. This study aims to investigate the anti-colitis mechanism of PNS by regulating the Th17/Treg balance pertinent to gut microbiota-bile acid metabolism. Results showed that PNS significantly decreased the relative abundance of Allobaculum, Dubosiella, Muribaculum, and Alistipes, and up-regulated the relative contents of conjugated bile acids, such as TCA and TCDCA. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) showed that the gut microbiota remodeled by PNS had a regulatory effect on bile acid metabolism, and up-regulated the relative contents of TCA and TCDCA, which alleviated IBD and promoted Treg cell expression in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, PNS could reshape the profiling of gut microbiota to generate more TCA and TCDCA, which improve the balance of Th17/Treg to exert anti-IBD effects.

RevDate: 2025-04-01

Jia L, Ke Y, Zhao S, et al (2025)

Metagenomic analysis characterizes stage-specific gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease.

Molecular psychiatry [Epub ahead of print].

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a decade-long preclinical pathological period that can be divided into several stages. Emerging evidence has revealed that the microbiota-gut-brain axis plays an important role in AD pathology. However, the role of gut microbiota in different AD stages has not been well characterized. In this study, we performed fecal shotgun metagenomic analysis on a Chinese cohort with 476 participants across five stages of AD pathology to characterize stage-specific alterations in gut microbiota and evaluate their diagnostic potential. We discovered extensive gut dysbiosis that is associated with neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation, with over 10% of microbial species and gene families showing significant alterations during AD progression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that microbial gene families exhibited strong diagnostic capabilities, evidenced by an average AUC of 0.80 in cross-validation and 0.75 in independent external validation. In the optimal model, the most discriminant gene families are primarily involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, energy, glycan and vitamins. We found that stage-specific microbial gene families in AD pathology could be validated by an in vitro gut simulator and were associated with specific genera. We also observed that the gut microbiota could affect the progression of cognitive decline in 5xFAD mice through fecal microbiota transplantation, which could be used for early intervention of AD. Our multi-stage large cohort metagenomic analysis demonstrates that alterations in gut microbiota occur from the very early stages of AD pathology, offering important etiological and diagnostic insights.

RevDate: 2025-03-31

Cintosun A, Jamal I, Samnani S, et al (2025)

Gastroenterology/Hepatology: What You May Have Missed in 2024.

Annals of internal medicine [Epub ahead of print].

This article highlights selected major advances in gastroenterology and hepatology from 2024 that are relevant for internal medicine specialists. In colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, new developments include a head-to-head comparison of different fecal immunochemical tests and a new blood-based DNA screening test, benefits and harms of artificial intelligence-assisted colonoscopy, and adenoma detection rate improvement and risk for cancer. Treatment options for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease now include resmetirom, a recently approved drug for treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe fibrosis, and liver transplantation may now be an option in patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases. Also featured are new data on the efficacy of indomethacin and pancreatic stent placement for prevention of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and news on the efficacy and safety of zastaprazan, a new potassium-competitive acid blocker for reflux esophagitis. Finally, a recent randomized trial is highlighted that has dispelled concerns about potential harms of proton-pump inhibitors for stress ulcer prophylaxis in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation.

RevDate: 2025-03-31
CmpDate: 2025-03-31

Sigtryggsson AT, Helgason KO, Bjarnason A, et al (2025)

[Clostridioides difficile infections at Landspítali University Hospital 2017-2022].

Laeknabladid, 111(4):158-165.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology, severity, treatment, and prognosis of patients with C. difficile infections (CDI) diagnosed at Landspítali University Hospital from 2017-2022.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of adult patients at Landspítali with double-positive (PCR + ELISA) diagnostic tests. If the same patient had two or more positive samples within a 28-day period, they were considered to reflect the same infection, and the latter samples were excluded.

RESULTS: Overall, 358 CDI were identified in 301 patients. The majority of cases were diagnosed in women (59.5%). The incidence of healthcare-associated CDI was 3.23 infections/10.000 in-hospital days (range 2.65 - 3.26). Incidence of community-associated CDI was 0.57 infections/10.000 inhabitants of the Reykjavik metropolitan area. Incidence was positively correlated with increasing age and remained similar throughout the study period. The recurrence rate during the study period was 15.3% with a mean follow-up period of 1.6 person-years. At least 85.5% of patients had taken antibiotics within a month before diagnosis, most commonly from the penicillin class (57.8%), followed by cephalosporins (51.5%). More than half (54.7%) of patients had taken proton pump inhibitors preceding diagnosis. Metronidazole was the most common initial treatment (63.0%). Of these, 29.4% of cases required further treatment within 28 days of treatment start. Fecal microbiota transplantation was performed in 13 cases. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 7.3%.

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CDI at Landspítali has remained stable and comparable to what has been reported in Europe during the same period. Most patients had one or more risk factors present. Most received antibiotics as treatment, most commonly metronidazole. The results of this study indicate that incidence and clinical presentation of CDI in Iceland are stable, whilst novel treatment options look promising.

RevDate: 2025-03-31

Zhong XS, Lopez KM, Krishnachaitanya SS, et al (2025)

Fecal microbiota transplantation mitigates cardiac remodeling and functional impairment in mice with chronic colitis.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2025.03.13.643179.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with significant extraintestinal manifestations, including cardiovascular derangements. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiac remodeling and dysfunction remain unclear.

METHODS: We investigated the effects of chronic colitis on the heart using two mouse models: DSS-induced colitis and Il10 [-/-] spontaneous colitis. Echocardiography was employed to assess heart function and molecular characterization was performed using bulk RNA-sequencing, RT-qPCR, and western blot.

RESULTS: Both models exhibited significant cardiac impairment, including reduced ejection fraction and fractional shortening as well as increased collagen deposition, inflammation, and myofibril reorganization. Molecular analyses revealed upregulation of fibrosis markers (i.e. COL1A1, COL3A1, Fibronectin) and β-catenin reactivation, indicating a pro-fibrotic cardiac environment. Each model yielded common upregulation of eicosanoid-associated and inflammatory genes (Cyp2e1 , Map3k6 , Pck1 , Cfd), and model-specific alterations in pathways regulating cAMP- and cGMP-signaling, arachidonic and linoleic acid metabolism, Cushing syndrome-related genes, and immune cell responses. DSS colitis caused differential regulation of 232 cardiac genes, while Il10 [-/-] colitis yielded 105 dysregulated genes, revealing distinct molecular pathways driving cardiac dysfunction. Importantly, therapeutic fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restored heart function in both models, characterized by reduced fibrosis markers and downregulated pro-inflammatory genes (Lbp and Cdkn1a in Il10 [-/-] mice and Fos in DSS mice), while also mitigating intestinal inflammation. Post-FMT cardiac RNA-sequencing revealed significant gene expression changes, with three altered genes in DSS mice and 67 genes in Il10 [-/-] mice. Notably, Il10 [-/-] mice showed relatively less cardiac recovery following FMT, highlighting IL-10's cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory contribution.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings elucidate novel insights into colitis-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction and suggest that FMT mitigates cardiac dysfunction by attenuating systemic inflammation and correcting gut dysbiosis. This study underscores the need for further evaluation of gut-heart interactions and microbiome-based therapies to improve cardiovascular health in IBD patients.

RevDate: 2025-04-02

Dai W, Chen X, Zhou H, et al (2025)

Microbiota modulation for infectious complications following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric hematological malignancies.

Frontiers in pediatrics, 13:1509612.

The intervention of microbiota modulation in the treatment of infection complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with hematological malignancies has shown potential benefits. Through the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), these interventions modulate the gut microbiota and enhance immune function to prevent and treat infections. They have been shown to reduce the incidence of diarrhea and intestinal infections, mitigate the issue of antibiotic resistance, and promote the recovery of gut microbiota. Future research is needed to further assess the safety and efficacy of these interventions and to establish standardized treatment protocols.

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ESP Quick Facts

ESP Origins

In the early 1990's, Robert Robbins was a faculty member at Johns Hopkins, where he directed the informatics core of GDB — the human gene-mapping database of the international human genome project. To share papers with colleagues around the world, he set up a small paper-sharing section on his personal web page. This small project evolved into The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.

ESP Support

In 1995, Robbins became the VP/IT of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. Soon after arriving in Seattle, Robbins secured funding, through the ELSI component of the US Human Genome Project, to create the original ESP.ORG web site, with the formal goal of providing free, world-wide access to the literature of classical genetics.

ESP Rationale

Although the methods of molecular biology can seem almost magical to the uninitiated, the original techniques of classical genetics are readily appreciated by one and all: cross individuals that differ in some inherited trait, collect all of the progeny, score their attributes, and propose mechanisms to explain the patterns of inheritance observed.

ESP Goal

In reading the early works of classical genetics, one is drawn, almost inexorably, into ever more complex models, until molecular explanations begin to seem both necessary and natural. At that point, the tools for understanding genome research are at hand. Assisting readers reach this point was the original goal of The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.

ESP Usage

Usage of the site grew rapidly and has remained high. Faculty began to use the site for their assigned readings. Other on-line publishers, ranging from The New York Times to Nature referenced ESP materials in their own publications. Nobel laureates (e.g., Joshua Lederberg) regularly used the site and even wrote to suggest changes and improvements.

ESP Content

When the site began, no journals were making their early content available in digital format. As a result, ESP was obliged to digitize classic literature before it could be made available. For many important papers — such as Mendel's original paper or the first genetic map — ESP had to produce entirely new typeset versions of the works, if they were to be available in a high-quality format.

ESP Help

Early support from the DOE component of the Human Genome Project was critically important for getting the ESP project on a firm foundation. Since that funding ended (nearly 20 years ago), the project has been operated as a purely volunteer effort. Anyone wishing to assist in these efforts should send an email to Robbins.

ESP Plans

With the development of methods for adding typeset side notes to PDF files, the ESP project now plans to add annotated versions of some classical papers to its holdings. We also plan to add new reference and pedagogical material. We have already started providing regularly updated, comprehensive bibliographies to the ESP.ORG site.

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Papers in Classical Genetics

The ESP began as an effort to share a handful of key papers from the early days of classical genetics. Now the collection has grown to include hundreds of papers, in full-text format.

Digital Books

Along with papers on classical genetics, ESP offers a collection of full-text digital books, including many works by Darwin and even a collection of poetry — Chicago Poems by Carl Sandburg.

Timelines

ESP now offers a large collection of user-selected side-by-side timelines (e.g., all science vs. all other categories, or arts and culture vs. world history), designed to provide a comparative context for appreciating world events.

Biographies

Biographical information about many key scientists (e.g., Walter Sutton).

Selected Bibliographies

Bibliographies on several topics of potential interest to the ESP community are automatically maintained and generated on the ESP site.

ESP Picks from Around the Web (updated 28 JUL 2024 )