@article {pmid40030005,
year = {2025},
author = {Darwin, A and Xie, J and Smith, M},
title = {Antibiotic Use: Impact on the Microbiome and Cellular Therapy Outcomes.},
journal = {Blood advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1182/bloodadvances.2024013809},
pmid = {40030005},
issn = {2473-9537},
abstract = {Antibiotics disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the human microbiome. Growing evidence indicates a significant relationship between the intestinal microbiome and cellular therapy, which aligns with the established influence of the microbiome on immune responses. When examining the link between cellular therapy and the microbiome, it is essential to understand how disruptions in the microbiome-especially those caused by antibiotics-affect these therapies. Here, we discuss the impact of antibiotics on the intestinal microbiome, cellular therapy outcomes, and associated toxicities, particularly in the context of hematopoietic cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Furthermore, we examine the mechanisms through which antibiotics affect cellular therapy, the future implications of this knowledge, and the areas that warrant further investigation.},
}

@article {pmid40026151,
year = {2025},
author = {Jena, PK and Wakita, D and Gomez, AC and Carvalho, TT and Atici, AE and Aubuchon, E and Narayanan, M and Lee, Y and Fishbein, MC and Takasato, Y and Kurashima, Y and Kiyono, H and Cani, PD and de Vos, WM and Underhill, DM and Devkota, S and Chen, S and Shimada, K and Crother, TR and Arditi, M and Noval Rivas, M},
title = {Intestinal Microbiota Contributes to the Development of Cardiovascular Inflammation and Vasculitis in Mice.},
journal = {Circulation research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325079},
pmid = {40026151},
issn = {1524-4571},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Alterations in the intestinal microbiota contribute to the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular disorders, but how they affect the development of Kawasaki disease, an acute pediatric vasculitis, remains unclear. Here, using a murine model mimicking Kawasaki disease vasculitis, we assessed the contribution of the intestinal microbiota to the development of vascular inflammation.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We report that depleting the gut microbiota reduces the development of cardiovascular inflammation in a murine model mimicking Kawasaki disease vasculitis. The development of cardiovascular lesions was associated with alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition and, notably, a decreased abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Oral supplementation with either of these live or pasteurized individual bacteria or with short-chain fatty acids produced by them attenuated cardiovascular inflammation, as reflected by decreased local immune cell infiltrations. Treatment with Amuc_1100, the TLR-2 signaling outer membrane protein from Akkermansia muciniphila, also reduced the severity of vascular inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals an underappreciated gut microbiota-cardiovascular inflammation axis in Kawasaki disease vasculitis pathogenesis and identifies specific intestinal commensals that regulate vasculitis in mice by producing metabolites or via extracellular proteins capable of enhancing and supporting gut barrier function.},
}

@article {pmid40023841,
year = {2025},
author = {Pérez Escriva, P and Correia Tavares Bernardino, C and Letellier, E},
title = {De-coding the complex role of microbial metabolites in cancer.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {3},
pages = {115358},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115358},
pmid = {40023841},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {The human microbiome, an intricate ecosystem of trillions of microbes residing across various body sites, significantly influences cancer, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies have illuminated the microbiome's pivotal role in cancer development, either through direct cellular interactions or by secreting bioactive compounds such as metabolites. Microbial metabolites contribute to cancer initiation through mechanisms such as DNA damage, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, microbial metabolites exert dual roles on cancer progression and response to therapy by modulating cellular metabolism, gene expression, and signaling pathways. Understanding these complex interactions is vital for devising new therapeutic strategies. This review highlights microbial metabolites as promising targets for cancer prevention and treatment, emphasizing their impact on therapy responses and underscoring the need for further research into their roles in metastasis and therapy resistance.},
}

@article {pmid40023356,
year = {2025},
author = {Das, M and Kiruthiga, C and Shafreen, RB and Nachammai, KT and Selvaraj, C and Langeswaran, K},
title = {Harnessing the Human Microbiome and its Impact on Immuno-Oncology and Nanotechnology for Next-Generation Cancer Therapies.},
journal = {European journal of pharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {177436},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177436},
pmid = {40023356},
issn = {1879-0712},
abstract = {The integration of microbiome research and nanotechnology represents a significant advancement in immuno-oncology, potentially improving the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. Recent studies highlight the influential role of the human microbiome in modulating immune responses, presenting new opportunities to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other cancer therapies. Nanotechnology offers precise drug delivery and immune modulation capabilities, minimizing off-target effects while maximizing therapeutic outcomes. This review consolidates current knowledge on the interactions between the microbiome and the immune system, emphasizing the microbiome's impact on ICIs, and explores the incorporation of nanotechnology in cancer treatment strategies. Additionally, it provides a forward-looking perspective on the synergistic potential of microbiome modulation and nanotechnology to overcome existing challenges in immuno-oncology. This integrated approach may enhance the personalization and effectiveness of next-generation cancer treatments, paving the way for transformative patient care.},
}

@article {pmid40019912,
year = {2025},
author = {Ryan, N and O'Mahony, S and Leahy-Warren, P and Philpott, L and Mulcahy, H},
title = {The impact of perinatal maternal stress on the maternal and infant gut and human milk microbiomes: A scoping review.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {2},
pages = {e0318237},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0318237},
pmid = {40019912},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; *Milk, Human/microbiology ; Female ; Pregnancy ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Stress, Psychological/microbiology ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Perinatal maternal stress, which includes both psychological and physiological stress experienced by healthy women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Infant early exposure to adverse environments such as perinatal stress has been shown to increase the long-term risk to metabolic, immunologic and neurobehavioral disorders. Evidence suggests that the human microbiome facilitates the transmission of maternal factors to infants via the vaginal, gut, and human milk microbiomes. The colonization of aberrant microorganisms in the mother's microbiome, influenced by the microbiome-brain-gut axis, may be transferred to infants during a critical early developmental period. This transfer may predispose infants to a more inflammatory-prone microbiome which is associated with dysregulated metabolic process leading to adverse health outcomes. Given the prevalence and potential impact of perinatal stress on maternal and infant health, with no systematic mapping or review of the data to date, the aim of this scoping review is to gather evidence on the relationship between perinatal maternal stress, and the human milk, maternal, and infant gut microbiomes.

METHODS: This is an exploratory mapping scoping review, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology along with use of the Prisma Scr reporting guideline. A comprehensive search was conducted using the following databases, CINAHL Complete; MEDLINE; PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus with a protocol registered with Open Science Framework DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/5SRMV.

RESULTS: After screening 1145 papers there were 7 paper that met the inclusion criteria. Statistically significant associations were found in five of the studies which identify higher abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Erwinia, Serratia, T mayombie, Bacteroides with higher maternal stress, and lower levels of stress linked to potentially beneficial bacteria such Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Akkermansia. However, one study presents conflicting results where it was reported that higher maternal stress was linked to the prevalence of more beneficial bacteria.

CONCLUSION: This review suggests that maternal stress does have an impact on the alteration of abundance and diversity of influential bacteria in the gut microbiome, however, it can affect colonisation in different ways. These bacterial changes have the capacity to influence long term health and disease. The review analyses data collection tools and methods, offers potential reasons for these findings as well as suggestions for future research.},
}

Humans
*Milk, Human/microbiology
Female
Pregnancy
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Stress, Psychological/microbiology
Infant
Infant, Newborn

@article {pmid40016751,
year = {2025},
author = {Gan, Y and Yuan, Z and Weng, J and Huang, M and Li, T and Wu, Y and Lin, K and Han, J and Li, X and Liu, H and Wan, Z and Li, Z and Chen, Z and Cui, J and Luo, Y and Huang, M and Yu, H and Lin, J},
title = {Transcriptomic profile of RNA pseudouridine modification as a biomarker for cellular senescence associated with survival outcomes in colorectal cancer.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {61},
pmid = {40016751},
issn = {1741-7007},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as an age-related disease, and cellular senescence (CS) plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression. Previous studies have shown the role of epigenetic changes in aging and cancer development, but the role of RNA pseudouridine (Ψ) modification in aging and cancer remains to be explored.

RESULTS: Using bulk RNA sequencing, CRC cells with low Ψ writers expression levels have higher CS levels. We developed the Psi Score for assessing the transcriptomic profile of RNA Ψ modification regulation and found that the Psi Score correlates with CS. Furthermore, Psi-related senescence may be mediated by mTOR, TGF-β, TNF-α, and inflammatory response signaling pathways. Meanwhile, Psi Score could predict the anti-cancer treatment outcomes of anti-aging interventions and could be used to predict the response to immunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings reveal that RNA Ψ modification connected aging and cancer and provided novel insights into biomarker-guided cancer regimens.},
}

@article {pmid40016656,
year = {2025},
author = {Koslovsky, MD},
title = {Analyzing microbiome data with taxonomic misclassification using a zero-inflated Dirichlet-multinomial model.},
journal = {BMC bioinformatics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {69},
pmid = {40016656},
issn = {1471-2105},
support = {DMS-2245492//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {The human microbiome is the collection of microorganisms living on and inside of our bodies. A major aim of microbiome research is understanding the role microbial communities play in human health with the goal of designing personalized interventions that modulate the microbiome to treat or prevent disease. Microbiome data are challenging to analyze due to their high-dimensionality, overdispersion, and zero-inflation. Analysis is further complicated by the steps taken to collect and process microbiome samples. For example, sequencing instruments have a fixed capacity for the total number of reads delivered. It is therefore essential to treat microbial samples as compositional. Another complicating factor of modeling microbiome data is that taxa counts are subject to measurement error introduced at various stages of the measurement protocol. Advances in sequencing technology and preprocessing pipelines coupled with our growing knowledge of the human microbiome have reduced, but not eliminated, measurement error. Ignoring measurement error during analysis, though common in practice, can then lead to biased inference and curb reproducibility. We propose a Dirichlet-multinomial modeling framework for microbiome data with excess zeros and potential taxonomic misclassification. We demonstrate how accommodating taxonomic misclassification improves estimation performance and investigate differences in gut microbial composition between healthy and obese children.},
}

@article {pmid40009328,
year = {2025},
author = {Mivehchi, H and Eskandari-Yaghbastlo, A and Pour Bahrami, P and Elhami, A and Faghihinia, F and Nejati, ST and Kazemi, KS and Nabi Afjadi, M},
title = {Exploring the role of oral bacteria in oral cancer: a narrative review.},
journal = {Discover oncology},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {242},
pmid = {40009328},
issn = {2730-6011},
abstract = {A growing body of research indicates that a wide range of cancer types may correlate with human microbiome components. On the other hand, little is known about the potential contribution of the oral microbiota to oral cancer. However, some oral microbiome components can stimulate different tumorigenic processes associated with the development of cancer. In this line, two prevalent oral infections, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum can increase tumor growth. The microbiome can impact the course of the illness through direct interactions with the human body and major modifications to the toxicity and responsiveness to different kinds of cancer therapy. Recent research has demonstrated a relationship between specific phylogenetic groupings and the results of immunotherapy treatment for particular tumor types. Conversely, there has been a recent upsurge in interest in the possibility of using microbes to treat cancer. At the moment, some species, such as Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridium spp., are being explored as possible cancer treatment vectors. Thus, understanding these microbial interactions highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy oral microbiome in preventing oral cancers. From this perspective, this review will discuss the role of the microbiome on oral cancers and their possible application in oral cancer treatment/improvement.},
}

@article {pmid40005682,
year = {2025},
author = {Ece, G and Aktaş, A and Caner, A and Sağlık, İ and Kula Atik, T and Ulusan Bağcı, Ö and Bayındır Bilman, F and Demirbakan, H and Güdül Havuz, S and Kaya, E and Koyuncu Özyurt, Ö and Yetkin, G and Zorbozan, O},
title = {The Urogenital System Microbiota: Is It a New Gamechanger in Urogenital Cancers?.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13020315},
pmid = {40005682},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {The human microbiome, which encompasses microbial communities and their genetic material, significantly influences health and disease, including cancer. The urogenital microbiota, naturally present in the urinary and genital tracts, interact with factors such as age, lifestyle, and health conditions to affect homeostasis and carcinogenesis. Studies suggest that alterations in this microbiota contribute to the development and progression of genitourinary cancers, emphasizing the concept of oncobiome, which refers to microbial genetic contributions to cancer. Similarly, gut microbiota can influence hormone levels and systemic inflammation, impacting cancers such as cervical and prostate cancer. Advanced studies indicate that microbial communities in genitourinary cancers have distinct profiles that may serve as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Dysbiosis of the urinary microbiota correlates with bladder and kidney cancer. Additionally, gut microbiota influence the effectiveness of cancer treatments. However, further research is necessary to clarify causality, the role of microbial metabolites, and hormonal regulation. The aim of this review is to understand that these dynamics present opportunities for innovative cancer diagnostics and therapies, highlighting the need for integration of microbiology, oncology, and genomics to explore the role of microbiota in genitourinary cancers. For this, a comprehensive search of relevant databases was conducted, applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify studies examining the association between microbiota and urogenital cancers. Research into the mechanisms by which microbiota influence urogenital cancers may pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40005646,
year = {2025},
author = {Choi, Y and Jeong, J and Han, Y and Han, M and Yu, B and Han, K},
title = {Exploring Competitive Relationship Between Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Mitis Streptococci via Co-Culture-Based Molecular Diagnosis and Metabolomic Assay.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13020279},
pmid = {40005646},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {RS-2024-00355393//the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {Various bacterial strains with nitrate-reducing capacity (NRC), such as Haemophilus, Actinomyces, and Neisseria, are known to promote NH3 production, control pH in the oral cavity, and inhibit the growth of aciduric bacteria. However, experimental evidence on various estimated bacterial networks within the salivary microbiome is insufficient. This study aims to explore potential bacterial compositional competition observed within saliva samples from dental caries patients through a co-culture assay of mitis Streptococci, which is a primary colonizer in the salivary microbiome, and nitrate-reducing bacteria Haemophilus parainfluenzae. We investigated bacterial growth efficiency change by co-culture time using the qRT-PCR method. In addition, we applied LC/Q-TOF-based metabolites screening to confirm metabolic interactions between oral bacterial species and their association with dental caries from a metabolomics perspective. As a result, we first found that the nitrate reduction ability of H. parainfluenzae is maintained even in a co-culture environment with the mitis Streptococci group through a nitrate reduction test. However, nitrate reduction efficiency was hindered when compared with monoculture-based nitrate reduction test results. Next, we designed species-specific primers, and we confirmed by qRT-PCR that there is an obvious competitive relationship in growth efficiency between H. parainfluenzae and two mitis Streptococci (S. australis and S. sanguinis). Furthermore, although direct effects of nitrate reduction on competition have not been identified, we have potentially confirmed through LC/Q-TOF-based metabolite screening analysis that the interaction of various metabolic compounds synthesized from mitis Streptococci is driving inter-strain competition. In particular, we constructed a basic reference core-metabolites list to understand the metabolic network between each target bacterial species (H. parainfluenzae and mitis Streptococci) within the salivary microbiome, which still lacks accumulated research data. Ultimately, we suggest that our data have potential value to be referenced in further metagenomics and metabolomics-based studies related to oral health care.},
}

@article {pmid39999339,
year = {2025},
author = {Hohmann, M and Iliasov, D and Larralde, M and Johannes, W and Janßen, KP and Zeller, G and Mascher, T and Gulder, TAM},
title = {Heterologous Expression of a Cryptic BGC from Bilophila sp. Provides Access to a Novel Family of Antibacterial Thiazoles.},
journal = {ACS synthetic biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acssynbio.5c00042},
pmid = {39999339},
issn = {2161-5063},
abstract = {Human health is greatly influenced by the gut microbiota and microbiota imbalance can lead to the development of diseases. It is widely acknowledged that the interaction of bacteria within competitive ecosystems is influenced by their specialized metabolites, which act, e.g., as antibacterials or siderophores. However, our understanding of the occurrence and impact of such natural products in the human gut microbiome remains very limited. As arylthiazole siderophores are an emerging family of growth-promoting molecules in pathogenic bacteria, we analyzed a metagenomic data set from the human microbiome and thereby identified the bil-BGC, which originates from an uncultured Bilophila strain. Through gene synthesis and BGC assembly, heterologous expression and mutasynthetic experiments, we discovered the arylthiazole natural products bilothiazoles A-F. While established activities of related molecules indicate their involvement in metal-binding and -uptake, which could promote the growth of pathogenic strains, we also found antibiotic activity for some bilothiazoles. This is supported by biosensor-experiments, where bilothiazoles C and E show PrecA-suppressing activity, while bilothiazole F induces PblaZ, a biosensor characteristic for β-lactam antibiotics. These findings serve as a starting point for investigating the role of bilothiazoles in the pathogenicity of Bilophila species in the gut.},
}

@article {pmid39998261,
year = {2025},
author = {Woh, PY and Chen, Y and Kumpitsch, C and Mohammadzadeh, R and Schmidt, L and Moissl-Eichinger, C},
title = {Reevaluation of the gastrointestinal methanogenic archaeome in multiple sclerosis and its association with treatment.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0218324},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02183-24},
pmid = {39998261},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {The role of the gut archaeal microbiome (archaeome) in health and disease remains poorly understood. Methanogenic archaea have been linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), but prior studies were limited by small cohorts and inconsistent methodologies. To address this, we re-evaluated the association between methanogenic archaea and MS using metagenomic data from the International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study. We analyzed gut microbiome profiles from 115 MS patients and 115 healthy household controls across Buenos Aires (27.8%), Edinburgh (33.9%), New York (10.4%), and San Francisco (27.8%). Metagenomic sequences were taxonomically classified using kraken2/bracken and a curated profiling database to detect archaea, specifically Methanobrevibacter species. Most MS patients were female (80/115), aged 25-72 years (median: 44.5), and 70% were undergoing treatment, including dimethyl fumarate (n = 21), fingolimod (n = 20), glatiramer acetate (n = 14), interferon (n = 18), natalizumab (n = 6), or ocrelizumab/rituximab (n = 1). We found no significant differences in overall archaeome profiles between MS patients and controls. However, treated MS patients exhibited higher abundances of Methanobrevibacter smithii and M. sp900766745 compared to untreated patients. Notably, M. sp900766745 abundance correlated with lower disease severity scores in treated patients. Our results suggest that gut methanogens are not directly associated with MS onset or progression but may reflect microbiome health during treatment. These findings highlight potential roles for M. smithii and M. sp900766745 in modulating treatment outcomes, warranting further investigation into their relevance to gut microbiome function and MS management.IMPORTANCEMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system, with approximately 2.8 million people diagnosed worldwide, mainly young adults aged 20-30 years. While recent studies have focused on bacterial changes in the MS microbiome, the role of gut archaea has been less explored. Previous research suggested a potential link between methanogenic archaea and MS disease status, but these findings remained inconclusive. Our study addresses this gap by investigating the gut archaeal composition in MS patients and examining how it changes in response to treatment. By focusing on methanogens, we aim to uncover novel insights into their role in MS, potentially revealing new biomarkers or therapeutic targets. This research is crucial for enhancing our understanding of the gut microbiome's impact on MS and improving patient management.},
}

@article {pmid39998226,
year = {2025},
author = {Martino, C and Kellman, BP and Sandoval, DR and Clausen, TM and Cooper, R and Benjdia, A and Soualmia, F and Clark, AE and Garretson, AF and Marotz, CA and Song, SJ and Wandro, S and Zaramela, LS and Salido, RA and Zhu, Q and Armingol, E and Vázquez-Baeza, Y and McDonald, D and Sorrentino, JT and Taylor, B and Belda-Ferre, P and Das, P and Ali, F and Liang, C and Zhang, Y and Schifanella, L and Covizzi, A and Lai, A and Riva, A and Basting, C and Broedlow, CA and Havulinna, AS and Jousilahti, P and Estaki, M and Kosciolek, T and Kuplicki, R and Victor, TA and Paulus, MP and Savage, KE and Benbow, JL and Spielfogel, ES and Anderson, CAM and Martinez, ME and Lacey, JV and Huang, S and Haiminen, N and Parida, L and Kim, H-C and Gilbert, JA and Sweeney, DA and Allard, SM and Swafford, AD and Cheng, S and Inoyue, M and Niiranen, T and Jain, M and Salomaa, V and Zengler, K and Klatt, NR and Hasty, J and Berteau, O and Carlin, AF and Esko, JD and Lewis, NE and Knight, R},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 infectivity can be modulated through bacterial grooming of the glycocalyx.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0401524},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.04015-24},
pmid = {39998226},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a site of replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and GI symptoms are often reported by patients. SARS-CoV-2 cell entry depends upon heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans, which commensal bacteria that bathe the human mucosa are known to modify. To explore human gut HS-modifying bacterial abundances and how their presence may impact SARS-CoV-2 infection, we developed a task-based analysis of proteoglycan degradation on large-scale shotgun metagenomic data. We observed that gut bacteria with high predicted catabolic capacity for HS differ by age and sex, factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity, and directly by disease severity during/after infection, but do not vary between subjects with COVID-19 comorbidities or by diet. Gut commensal bacterial HS-modifying enzymes reduce spike protein binding and infection of authentic SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that bacterial grooming of the GI mucosa may impact viral susceptibility.IMPORTANCESevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019, can infect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and individuals who exhibit GI symptoms often have more severe disease. The GI tract's glycocalyx, a component of the mucosa covering the large intestine, plays a key role in viral entry by binding SARS-CoV-2's spike protein via heparan sulfate (HS). Here, using metabolic task analysis of multiple large microbiome sequencing data sets of the human gut microbiome, we identify a key commensal human intestinal bacteria capable of grooming glycocalyx HS and modulating SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in vitro. Moreover, we engineered the common probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to effectively block SARS-CoV-2 binding and infection of human cell cultures. Understanding these microbial interactions could lead to better risk assessments and novel therapies targeting viral entry mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid39994360,
year = {2025},
author = {Kurt, KC and Kurt, H and Tokuç, E and Özbey, D and Arabacı, DN and Aydın, S and Gönüllü, N and Skurnik, M and Tokman, HB},
title = {Isolation and characterization of new lytic bacteriophage PSA-KC1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis patients.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6551},
pmid = {39994360},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {IUC-BAP 34517//Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, BAP/ ; },
mesh = {*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/virology/isolation & purification/genetics ; Humans ; *Cystic Fibrosis/microbiology ; *Genome, Viral ; *Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology ; Pseudomonas Phages/genetics/isolation & purification ; Bacteriophages/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {A novel lytic bacteriophage, PSA-KC1, was isolated from wastewater. In this study, the whole genome of the bacteriophage PSA-KC1 was analyzed, and its lytic properties were assessed. PSA-KC1 has a linear double-stranded DNA genome with a total length of 43,237 base pairs and a GC content of 53.6%. In total, 65 genes were predicted, 46 of which were assigned functions as structural proteins involved in genome replication, packaging or phage lysis. PSA-KC1 belongs to the genus Septimatrevirus under the Caudoviricetes class. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the lytic bacteriophage PSA-KC1 and compare it with that of the Pyophage phage cocktail on 25 multi drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from sputum samples of cystic fibrosis patients. Seventeen of these strains were susceptible (68%) to the PSA-KC1 lytic phage we isolated, whereas eight clinical strains were resistant. However, 22 (88%) of the P. aeruginosa strains were susceptible to the Pyophage cocktail, and three (12%) were resistant to the Phage cocktail. At the end of our study, a new lytic phage active against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains from CF patients was isolated, and its genome was characterized. Since the PSA-KC1 phage does not contain virulence factors, toxins or integrase genes, it can be expected to be a therapeutic candidate with the potential to be used safely in phage therapy.},
}

*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/virology/isolation & purification/genetics
Humans
*Cystic Fibrosis/microbiology
*Genome, Viral
*Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology
Pseudomonas Phages/genetics/isolation & purification
Bacteriophages/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid39994329,
year = {2025},
author = {Abdelqader, EM and Mahmoud, WS and Gebreel, HM and Kamel, MM and Abu-Elghait, M},
title = {Correlation between gut microbiota dysbiosis, metabolic syndrome and breast cancer.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6652},
pmid = {39994329},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Metabolic Syndrome/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Breast Neoplasms/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Feces/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Bifidobacterium/isolation & purification/genetics ; Lactobacillus/isolation & purification/genetics ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {Breast cancer is a widespread cancer with a high death rate globally. The incidence of breast cancer is expected to increase, particularly in low and middle-income countries due to environmental factors and lifestyle changes. Several risk factors, such as age, family history, hormonal and reproductive factors, have been identified to influence breast cancer development. Metabolic syndrome, is a metabolic disorder that has also been linked to breast cancer risk. The gut microbiome has been suggested as one of the environmental factors leading to breast cancer. The human microbiome is mainly colonized in the intestine by various bacterial species, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus and protect the host against pathogenic microorganisms and regulate the immune system. This study included 50 female breast cancer patients and 50 healthy controls with matched ages. Stool fresh samples were taken from test and control groups and stored at - 20 °C until further investigations. DNA of the bacteria in stool samples was extracted using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction to check for the bacterial 16s rRNA gene. The exclusion criteria included other malignancies, recent intestinal surgery, infectious diarrhea, prolonged use of antibiotics, substance addiction, and pregnancy or lactation. Our findings exhibited that breast cancer patients had a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome (60%) compared to cancer-free controls (40%). Furthermore, breast cancer patients had significantly lower Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus counts than the controls. No significant difference was found in Streptococcus counts between groups. These findings support the relationship between breast cancer and metabolic syndrome and suggest the potential involvement of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in breast cancer pathophysiology. Our study supports the relation between breast cancer and disorder of metabolic syndrome and suggests the potential involvement of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in breast cancer pathophysiology. Further research is necessary to investigate the complex interactions between genes, the environment, and the gut microbiome in breast cancer development. Understanding these interactions could lead to the progress of novel strategies for breast cancer prevention and treatment.},
}

Humans
Female
*Metabolic Syndrome/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Breast Neoplasms/microbiology/epidemiology
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
Middle Aged
Adult
Feces/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Case-Control Studies
Bifidobacterium/isolation & purification/genetics
Lactobacillus/isolation & purification/genetics
Risk Factors

@article {pmid39992142,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, L and Wang, Q and Huang, J and Wang, H and Yu, Z},
title = {Disrupting the balance: how acne duration impacts skin microbiota assembly processes.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0260324},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02603-24},
pmid = {39992142},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Growing interest in the impact of microbial balance on health has driven studies on the ecological processes shaping the skin microbiota. Skin diseases, which alter the skin's local environment, can disrupt the microbial structure and interact with the disease itself. However, research on microbial assembly in diseased skin remains limited. In this study, we applied ecological models to characterize the processes shaping the skin microbiota in acne patients, considering the impact of disease duration on both skin pores and surfaces using bacterial amplicon sequencing. Our results revealed a significant shift in microbial diversity on the skin surface of patients with long-term acne. Further microbial community analyses showed a transition in ecological processes from healthy to diseased skin. Microbial communities on the skin surfaces of healthy controls and individuals with short-duration acne were primarily driven by heterogeneous selection, whereas microbial drift dominated the assembly process in the long-duration groups. Using the Sloan neutral model, we classified amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) into high-effect and low-effect groups based on relative abundance and sample occurrence. High-effect ASVs, likely exerting a greater ecological influence, were predominantly represented by Cutibacterium across all acne-affected skin groups, while Staphylococcus became enriched among high-effect ASVs in patients with long-term acne. Functional profiling further demonstrated that high-effect ASVs were significantly enriched in motility-related pathways. Additionally, we observed a reduction in microbial network complexity on skin surfaces as disease duration increased. Overall, the ecological dynamics of skin microbial communities may offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying disease onset and persistence.IMPORTANCEThe skin microbiota plays a critical role in acne development, yet the processes governing microbial assembly during acne progression remain poorly understood. Previous studies predominantly focused on factors such as acne severity, location, and duration in relation to skin microbial structure, with little attention given to the ecological mechanisms shaping the communities. In this study, we applied ecological models to investigate the processes influencing microbial assembly of skin microbiota in acne patients with varying disease durations and examined functions of ecologically important non-neutral amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Our findings reveal a transition in ecological processes from deterministic to neutral processes as acne duration increased, with non-neutral ASVs potentially contributing to acne pathogenicity and persistence. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the ecological dynamics underlying acne and indicate that targeting these non-neutral ASVs or their associated functions may serve as the basis for future therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid39990405,
year = {2025},
author = {Thinnes, CC and Waschkowitz, R and Courtney, E and Culligan, E and Fahy, K and Ferrazza, RAM and Ferris, C and Lagali, A and Lane, R and Maye, C and Murphy, O and Noone, D and Ryan, S and Bet, M and Corr, MC and Cummins, H and Hackett, D and Healy, E and Kulczycka, N and Lang, N and Madden, L and McHugh, L and Pyne, I and Varley, C and Harkin, N and Meade, R and O'Donnell, G and Nap, B and Martinelli, F and Heinken, A and Thiele, I},
title = {The MicroMap is a network visualisation resource for microbiome metabolism.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.02.13.637616},
pmid = {39990405},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The human microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolism and thereby influences health and disease. Constraint-based reconstruction and analysis (COBRA) has proven an attractive framework to generate mechanism-derived hypotheses along the nutrition-host-microbiome-disease axis within the computational systems biology community. Unlike for human, no large-scale visualisation resource for microbiome metabolism has been available to date. To address this gap, we created the MicroMap, a manually curated microbiome metabolic network visualisation, which captures the metabolic content of over a quarter million microbial genome-scale metabolic reconstructions. The MicroMap contains 5,064 unique reactions and 3,499 unique metabolites, including for 98 drugs. The MicroMap allows users to intuitively explore microbiome metabolism, inspect microbial metabolic capabilities, and visualise computational modelling results. Further, the MicroMap shall serve as an educational tool to make microbiome metabolism accessible to broader audiences beyond computational modellers. For example, we utilised the MicroMap to generate a comprehensive collection of 257,429 visualisations, corresponding to the entire scope of our current microbiome reconstruction resources, to enable users to visually compare and contrast the metabolic capabilities for different microbes. The MicroMap seamlessly integrates with the Virtual Metabolic Human (VMH, www.vmh.life) and the COBRA Toolbox (opencobra.github.io), and is freely accessible at the MicroMap dataverse (https://dataverse.harvard.edu/dataverse/micromap), in addition to all the generated reconstruction visualisations.},
}

@article {pmid39983320,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, D and Wang, T and Zhang, L and Gao, N and Huang, Y and Zhang, J and Yan, J},
title = {Identification of body fluid sources based on microbiome antibiotic resistance genes using high-throughput qPCR.},
journal = {Forensic science international. Genetics},
volume = {77},
number = {},
pages = {103241},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsigen.2025.103241},
pmid = {39983320},
issn = {1878-0326},
abstract = {Identifying the origin of body fluids is a critical step in forensic investigation. Recently, the development of high-throughput sequencing technology has led to the use of microbiomes for body fluid identification in forensic studies. However, high-throughput sequencing data are difficult to analyze, the sequencing protocol is complicated. An increasing number of studies have focused on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the human microbiome. The abundance and diversity of ARGs in different parts of the human body can be detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). To date, no studies have inferred the sources of body fluids based on ARGs. Therefore, we attempted to use ARGs as a tool to infer the origin of body fluids. We assessed the abundance and diversity of 64 ARGs in blood, semen, saliva, vaginal secretions (VS), nasal secretions (NS), and fecal samples using high-throughput qPCR. The results showed that ARGs were more diverse in fecal samples, which was significantly higher than those of other sample types (P < 0.05). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that the samples clustered mainly according to their type. We constructed a random forest classification model based on 64 ARGs with a prediction accuracy of 92.68 %. Next, we evaluated the importance of the features in the random forest model (mean decrease accuracy, MDA). Subsequently, we constructed prediction models for the top 40 and 20 ARGs after sorting genes with the highest MDA, and their prediction accuracies were both 92.68 %. The accuracy of the top 10 ARGs was 87.80 %. Notably, when only the top 10 characterized ARGs were used to construct models for saliva, semen, and VS samples, the prediction accuracy reached was 95.24 %. This shows that blood, semen, saliva, NS, VS, and fecal samples can be accurately identified using ARGs. Our results suggest that ARGs are promising markers for forensic body fluid identification.},
}

@article {pmid39980568,
year = {2025},
author = {Davis, T and Decker, KT and Hosseini, D and Jameson, G and Borazanci, E},
title = {Skin microbiome differences in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, other cancers, and healthy controls: a pilot study.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1495500},
doi = {10.3389/fonc.2025.1495500},
pmid = {39980568},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Many studies have reported the importance of the human microbiome in relationship to the overall health of its host. While recent studies have explored the microbiome's role in various types of cancer compared to healthy patients, this pilot study is the first to investigate differences in the skin microbiome composition among pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients, individuals with other cancers, and cancer-free controls.

METHODS: The study characterizes the skin microbiome's potential associations with cancer status by analyzing skin swabs from the forehead and cheek of 58 participants using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), differential abundance analysis, and machine learning techniques.

RESULTS: The study results indicated that the cancer group displayed a significantly higher mean alpha diversity compared to the control group. Additionally, a machine learning classification model achieved a mean F1 Score of 0.943 in predicting cancer status, indicating measurable differentiation in the skin microbiome between the study groups. This differentiation is supported by differential abundance methods, including ANCOM-BC and MaAsLin2.

DISCUSSION: This pilot study suggests that skin microbiome profiling could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for cancer detection and monitoring, which warrants a larger, longitudinal study to validate these results.},
}

@article {pmid39979818,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, W and Yang, J},
title = {Investigating the Anna Karenina principle of the breast microbiome.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {81},
pmid = {39979818},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {202203021222244//Basic Research Program of Shanxi Province/ ; TYSGJ202201//Critical Talent Workstation Project/ ; 202105AC160030//Top Experts training Project for the Academy and Technology in Yunnan province/ ; XDYC-MY-2022-0005//Famous doctor project of Xingdian talent plan in Yunnan province/ ; 202201AY070001-232//The Scientific Research Fund of Yunnan province of China, Kunming Medical University Joint Research Project/ ; 2024EKKFKT-03//Neonatal Key Specialty of Yunnan province/ ; L-2024015//Yunnan health training project of high level talents/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota ; Female ; *Mastitis/microbiology/veterinary ; *Milk, Human/microbiology/chemistry ; *Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Breast/microbiology ; Breast Neoplasms/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Adult ; },
abstract = {The relationship between the microbiome and disease has long been a central focus of research in human microbiome. Inspired by Leo Tolstoy's dictum, the Anna Karenina Principle (AKP) offers a framework for understanding the complex dynamics of microbial communities in response to perturbations, suggesting that dysbiotic individuals exhibit greater variability/heterogeneity in their microbiome compared to healthy counterparts. While some studies have proved the alignment of microbiome responses to disease with the AKP effect, it remains uncertain whether the human breast microbiome responds similarly to breast disease. This study used beta-diversity and similarity in Hill numbers, along with shared species analysis (SSA), to explore this issue. We observed that during mastitis, changes in both the taxa richness and composition in the breast milk microbiome align with the AKP effect, while alterations in abundant taxa exhibit an anti-AKP effect. The response of breast tissue microbiome to breast cancer differs from that of milk microbiome to mastitis. Breast cancer induce anti-AKP effects in taxa richness, and non-AKP effects in common taxa and taxa composition. Overall, our findings identified different responses to breast diseases across taxa abundance in the breast microbiome. Mastitis primarily involves increasing the heterogeneity of rare taxa in the breast milk microbiome, while breast cancer associates with decreased dispersion of rare taxa in the tissue microbiome.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota
Female
*Mastitis/microbiology/veterinary
*Milk, Human/microbiology/chemistry
*Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
*Breast/microbiology
Breast Neoplasms/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Adult

@article {pmid39977268,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Q and Cui, K and Kong, Y and Yu, J and Luo, Z and Yang, X and Gong, L and Xie, Y and Lin, J and Liu, C and Zhang, Z and Liu, Y and Liu, B and Liang, D and Zeng, W and He, Z and Lan, P},
title = {Targeting both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions of DHODH as a therapeutic vulnerability in c-Myc-driven cancer.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {3},
pages = {115327},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115327},
pmid = {39977268},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {c-Myc (Myc)-driven cancers exhibit aggressive phenotypes and therapeutic resistance. Here, integrating CRISPR-Cas9 screening, we identify dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) as a promising target in Myc-driven cancer. Mechanistically, DHODH interacts with Myc to stabilize it independently of its enzymatic activity, thereby antagonizing SKP2-mediated polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. EN4, a Myc transcriptional activity inhibitor, disrupts DHODH-Myc interaction, promoting Myc degradation via SKP2. Additionally, Myc transcriptionally activates DHODH, enhancing pyrimidine biosynthesis and ferroptosis defense, processes dependent on DHODH enzymatic activity. Clinically, DHODH positively correlates with Myc, activating pyrimidine metabolism and ferroptosis defense in Myc-driven cancers. Hyperactivation of the DHODH-Myc axis is linked to colorectal cancer progression and poor prognosis. Therapeutically, combining EN4 with a DHODH enzymatic inhibitor demonstrates potent antitumor efficacy in Myc-driven colorectal cancer. Overall, our findings elucidate the metabolic and non-metabolic roles of DHODH in Myc-driven cancer, underscoring its dual potential as a therapeutic target addressing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions.},
}

@article {pmid39830242,
year = {2025},
author = {Carter, MM and Zeng, X and Ward, CP and Landry, M and Perelman, D and Hennings, T and Meng, X and Weakley, AM and Cabrera, AV and Robinson, JL and Nguyen, T and Higginbottom, S and Maecker, HT and Sonnenburg, ED and Fischbach, MA and Gardner, CD and Sonnenburg, JL},
title = {A gut pathobiont regulates circulating glycine and host metabolism in a twin study comparing vegan and omnivorous diets.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39830242},
abstract = {Metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and obesity pose a significant global health burden. Plant-based diets, including vegan diets, are linked to favorable metabolic outcomes, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In a randomized trial involving 21 pairs of identical twins, we investigated the effects of vegan and omnivorous diets on the host metabolome, immune system, and gut microbiome. Vegan diets induced significant shifts in serum and stool metabolomes, cytokine profiles, and gut microbial composition. Despite lower dietary glycine intake, vegan diet subjects exhibited elevated serum glycine levels linked to reduced abundance of the gut pathobiont Bilophila wadsworthia. Functional studies demonstrated that B. wadsworthia metabolizes glycine via the glycine reductase pathway and modulates host glycine availability. Removing B. wadsworthia from a complex microbiota in mice elevated glycine levels and improved metabolic markers. These findings reveal a previously underappreciated mechanism by which diet regulates host metabolic status via the gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid39972069,
year = {2025},
author = {Höyhtyä, M and Haaramo, A and Nikkonen, A and Ventin-Holmberg, R and Agrawal, N and Ritari, J and Hickman, B and Partanen, J and Alapulli, H and Tuokkola, J and Salonen, A and de Vos, WM and Kolho, KL},
title = {Fecal microbiota and genetics in pediatric-onset orofacial granulomatosis and Crohn´s disease.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6020},
pmid = {39972069},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {TYH2016224//Helsingin ja Uudenmaan Sairaanhoitopiiri/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Crohn Disease/microbiology/genetics ; *Granulomatosis, Orofacial/genetics/microbiology ; *Feces/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Adolescent ; Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein/genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex/genetics ; Saliva/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition. It is under debate, whether it is a condition of its own or merely a subtype of Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to search for markers characteristic of patients with pediatric-onset OFG compared to patients with pediatric-onset CD. We recruited young patients with OFG (with or without CD, n = 29), CD (n = 24), and healthy controls (n = 20). All participants provided a fecal sample for microbiota and calprotectin analyses and saliva for DNA analysis of genes associated with OFG and kept a 3-day food diary. Oral disease activity was evaluated using The Oral Disease Activity Score by an otorhinolaryngologist and a dentist. We observed decreased relative abundance in class Clostridia and increased relative abundances of classes Actinobacteria and Bacilli in the feces of patients with OFG when compared to patients with CD and healthy controls. The relative abundances of Bifidobacterium adolescentis increased and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii decreased along with the increase in the Oral Disease Activity Score. We found the NOD2 gene rs8057341 allele A to be enriched in patients with OFG compared to patients with CD. These findings support the theory that OFG is a distinct disease phenotype.},
}

Humans
*Crohn Disease/microbiology/genetics
*Granulomatosis, Orofacial/genetics/microbiology
*Feces/microbiology
Male
Female
Child
Adolescent
Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein/genetics
Case-Control Studies
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex/genetics
Saliva/microbiology

@article {pmid39971547,
year = {2025},
author = {Lan, P and He, XS and Zhang, ZJ and Zhang, B},
title = {[Critical issues in surgical treatment for colorectal cancer].},
journal = {Zhonghua wei chang wai ke za zhi = Chinese journal of gastrointestinal surgery},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {21-27},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn441530-20250106-00010},
pmid = {39971547},
issn = {1671-0274},
support = {2022YFA1304000//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; U21A20344//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery ; China ; Neoplasm Staging ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; },
abstract = {Clinical research on colorectal cancer in China has developed rapidly in recent years. Based on evidence-based medicine, the Chinese Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Standards and the CSCO Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer are continuously updated, which have been instrumental in optimizing the full-process management of colorectal cancer and improving cancer outcomes. While significant progress has been made, we must remain aware that there are still many urgent and key issues to be solved in the field of surgical treatment e.g. sphincter-preserving strategies, surgical approaches, management of T1 stage tumors, and surgical treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. In the future, more high-quality, original research from China will be needed to address these challenges, standardize surgical approaches, and improve treatment effect.},
}

Humans
*Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery
China
Neoplasm Staging
Evidence-Based Medicine

@article {pmid39971202,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, T and Wu, X and Li, X and Chen, M},
title = {Cancer-associated fungi: An emerging powerful player in cancer immunotherapy.},
journal = {Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {189287},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189287},
pmid = {39971202},
issn = {1879-2561},
abstract = {The role of the human microbiome in cancer has been extensively studied, focusing mainly on bacteria-host interactions and their impact on tumor development and treatment response. However, fungi, an immune-active component of the human microbiome, have received less attention regarding their roles in cancer. Recent studies have identified the widespread and specific colonization and distribution of fungi in multiple sites in patients across various cancer types. Importantly, host-fungal immune interactions significantly influence immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment. The rapid advancement of immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based cancer immunotherapy creates an urgent need for effective biomarkers and synergistic therapeutic targets. Cancer-associated fungi and their associated antifungal immunity demonstrate significant potential and efficacy in enhancing cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes and discusses the growing evidence of the functions and mechanisms of commensal and pathogenic cancer-associated fungi in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, we emphasize the potential of fungi as predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer immunotherapy.},
}

@article {pmid39966341,
year = {2025},
author = {Qin, L and Sun, T and Li, X and Zhao, S and Liu, Z and Zhang, C and Jin, C and Xu, Y and Gao, X and Cao, Y and Wang, J and Han, T and Yan, L and Song, J and Zhang, F and Liu, F and Zhang, Y and Huang, Y and Song, Y and Liu, Y and Zhang, J and Zhang, X and Yao, Z and Chen, H and Zhang, Z and Zhao, S and Feng, Y and Zhang, YN and Yu, Q and Cao, F and Zhao, L and Xie, L and Geng, L and Feng, Q and Zhao, H and Chen, ZJ},
title = {Population-level analyses identify host and environmental variables influencing the vaginal microbiome.},
journal = {Signal transduction and targeted therapy},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {64},
pmid = {39966341},
issn = {2059-3635},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *Vagina/microbiology ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Vaginosis, Bacterial/microbiology/genetics ; Lactobacillus/genetics ; China ; },
abstract = {The vaginal microbiome is critical for the reproductive health of women, yet the differential impacts exerted by the host and by ambient environmental variables on the vaginal microbiome remain largely unknown. Here, we conducted a comprehensive cross-sectional study of the relationships between the vaginal microbiome and 81 matched host and environmental variables across 6755 Chinese women. By 16S rRNA sequencing, we identified four core vaginal microbiota with a prevalence of over 90% and a total median abundance of 98.8%. Twenty-four variables, including physiology, lifestyle behaviors, gynecologic history, social and environmental information, were found associated with the microbiome composition, of which bacterial vaginosis (BV) showed the largest effect size. Age was among the strongest explanatory variables and the vaginal microbiome dynamically succeeded with increasing age, especially with a composition turning point at the age of 45. Our mediation analyses indicated that the effects of age on the microbiome could be mediated by variables such as parity number and lifestyles. We further classified the vaginal microbiomes of the population into 13 "Vagitypes". Women with Lactobacillus iners- and Lactobacillus jensenii-dominated Vagitypes had significantly higher live birth rate than those with Vagitype dominated by Fannyhessea vaginae (53.40%, 59.09% vs 21.43%; OR [95% CI]: 3.62 [1.12-14.87], 5.39 [1.27-27.36]; P = 0.031, P = 0.021). This study provides a comprehensive overview of the associations between identified variables and the vaginal microbiome, representing an important step toward understanding of environment-microbe-host interactions.},
}

Female
Humans
*Vagina/microbiology
*Microbiota/genetics
Adult
Middle Aged
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Cross-Sectional Studies
Vaginosis, Bacterial/microbiology/genetics
Lactobacillus/genetics
China

@article {pmid39966419,
year = {2025},
author = {Heidrich, V and Fackelmann, G and Malesevic, M and Armanini, F and Dey, H and Mengoni, C and Stanisavljevic, N and Vukotic, G and Segata, N},
title = {Newly identified species from the dog dental plaque microbiome highlight little overlap with humans.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {30},
pmid = {39966419},
issn = {2055-5008},
abstract = {Understudied pet-associated microbiomes represent a rich source for the discovery of microbial taxa important for pet and human health. From a cohort of 23 dogs, we sampled and metagenomically sequenced 64 dental plaque microbiomes, generating 1945 metagenome-assembled genomes spanning 347 microbial species, including 277 undercharacterized species without cultivated representatives. Integration with human microbiome data revealed the dog plaque microbiome is more diverse than - and shows little overlap (5.9% species in common) with - the human plaque microbiome, even though some shared periodontal pathobionts arise as a potential concern.},
}

@article {pmid39956340,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharma, M and Pudlo, N and Järvå, MA and Kaur, A and John, A and Burchill, L and Lingford, JP and Epa, R and Abayakoon, P and Scott, NE and Turkenburg, JP and Davies, GJ and Martens, EC and Goddard-Borger, ED and Williams, SJ},
title = {Sulfoglycolysis sustains Eubacterium rectale in low-fiber diets.},
journal = {The Journal of biological chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108320},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbc.2025.108320},
pmid = {39956340},
issn = {1083-351X},
abstract = {The production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by Firmicutes (Bacillota) within the human gastrointestinal tract is recognized as critical for gut health and the progression of a range of disease states. Firmicutes are the most diverse phylum of human gut bacteria and are highly studied, and are often specialized to degrade just a few polysaccharide substrates. Members of the Firmicutes include key bacteria that produce butyrate, an SCFA that is generally not produced by members of the other major phyla. Recently, it was shown that Eubacterium rectale, a widespread member of the Firmicutes belonging to the Clostridiales cluster XIVa, can grow on the unusual but ubiquitous plant-derived sugar SQ using a sulfoglycolytic sulfofructose transaldolase pathway. Here, we show that in addition to SQ, E. rectale can also grow on the SQ glycoside sulfoquinovosyl glycerol (SQGro). The 3D structure of the E. rectale sulfoquinovosidase (SftG) shares strong structural conservation with other carbohydrate active enzyme family GH31 SQases. Using sequence-similarity networks, we provide new biological context to a conserved domain of unknown function protein SftX belonging to DUF4867, which is conserved in the sulfoglycolytic sulfofructose transaldolase pathway, and determine its 3D structure. Finally, with the aid of a synthetic mini-human microbiome reconstituted in germ-free mice, we show that an SQ dietary supplement can rescue E. rectale from population crashes that occur upon switching from a high-fiber to a low-fiber, high-fat diet. This suggests that SQ or SQGro has potential as a prebiotic for promoting the maintenance of this important butyrate-producing bacterium within the colonic microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid39956335,
year = {2025},
author = {Abreu, MT and Devkota, S and Issokson, K},
title = {A Mediterranean diet for Crohn's disease: Embracing colorful diversity to improve the microbiome.},
journal = {Gastroenterology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1053/j.gastro.2025.02.003},
pmid = {39956335},
issn = {1528-0012},
}

@article {pmid39955481,
year = {2025},
author = {Wan, Y and Pike, R and Harley, A and Mumin, Z and Potterill, I and Meunier, D and Ganner, M and Getino, M and Coelho, J and Jauneikaite, E and Moganeradj, K and Brown, CS and Holmes, AH and Demirjian, A and Hopkins, KL and Pichon, B},
title = {Complete genome assemblies and antibiograms of 22 Staphylococcus capitis isolates.},
journal = {BMC genomic data},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {12},
pmid = {39955481},
issn = {2730-6844},
support = {PSN109/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; NIHR200876//National Institute for Health and Care Research/ ; UGG10057//Price David Evans endowment/ ; },
mesh = {*Staphylococcus capitis/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification ; *Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Humans ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Staphylococcus capitis is part of the human microbiome and an opportunistic pathogen known to cause catheter-associated bacteraemia, prosthetic joint infections, skin and wound infections, among others. Detection of S. capitis in normally sterile body sites saw an increase over the last decade in England, where a multidrug-resistant clone, NRCS-A, was widely identified in blood samples from infants in neonatal intensive care units. To address a lack of complete genomes and antibiograms of S. capitis in public databases, we performed long- and short-read whole-genome sequencing, hybrid genome assembly, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 22 diverse isolates.

DATA DESCRIPTION: We present complete genome assemblies of two S. capitis type strains (subspecies capitis: DSM 20326; subspecies urealyticus: DSM 6717) and 20 clinical isolates (NRCS-A: 10) from England. Each genome is accompanied by minimum inhibitory concentrations of 13 antimicrobials including vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, linezolid, and clindamycin. These 22 genomes were 2.4-2.7 Mbp in length and had a GC content of 33%. Plasmids were identified in 20 isolates. Resistance to teicoplanin, daptomycin, gentamicin, fusidic acid, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and erythromycin was seen in 1-10 isolates. Our data are a resource for future studies on genomics, evolution, and antimicrobial resistance of S. capitis.},
}

*Staphylococcus capitis/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification
*Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Genome, Bacterial/genetics
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Humans
Whole Genome Sequencing
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid39952625,
year = {2025},
author = {Javanshir, N and Ebrahimi, V and Mazhari, Z and Saedaei, B and Zuo, T and Fard, NA},
title = {The antiviral effects and underlying mechanisms of probiotics on viral infections.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107377},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107377},
pmid = {39952625},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {In public health emergencies, viral diseases like influenza and COVID-19 have become a major concern. One of the proposed responses to this concern is the use of probiotics. Probiotics have a potent role in arming our bodies to combat viral infections. They affect the innate and adaptive immune systems in various ways. Accumulating studies has shown that probiotics can reduce the possibility of infection or the duration of respiratory symptoms by modulating the functions of the immune system. This review aims to summarize the impacts of probiotics on respiratory viral infections and their potential antiviral mechanisms. Therefore, we herein discussed probiotics in relation to lung immunity, distinct types of respiratory viral infections (VRIs), including influenza, rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, and upper respiratory viral infections, and lastly, probiotics and their effects on COVID-19. However, more studies are needed to explore the antiviral mechanisms of probiotics.},
}

@article {pmid39949350,
year = {2024},
author = {Lee, DB and Hwang, IS},
title = {Macronutrient balance determines the human gut microbiome eubiosis: insights from in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fermentation of eight pulse species.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1512217},
pmid = {39949350},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The interactions between macronutrients, the human gut microbiome, and their metabolites (short-chain fatty acids) were comprehensively investigated via an in vitro digestion and fermentation model subjected to eight pulse species. 16S rRNA sequencing and taxonomic analysis of pulse digesta fermented for up to 24 h revealed an increase in the relative abundance of gut health-detrimental genera represented by Escherichia-Shigella in kidney bean, soybean, cowpea, chickpea, and black bean samples. In contrast, the relative abundance of health-positive genera, including Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Akkermansia, was elevated in red bean, mung bean, and Heunguseul. At the same time, the proportion of the pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella decreased. Concurrently, these three species exhibited an increase in microbial diversity as evidenced by the calculation of α-diversity (Shannon index) and β-diversity (Bray-Curtis distance). Despite the lower nutrient contents in the three pulses, represented by carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids, network analysis revealed that the nutrient contents in the pulse digesta possess complex positive or negative correlations with a variety of bacteria, as well as their metabolites. These correlations were more pronounced in red bean, mung bean, and Heunguseul than in the other pulses. It was postulated that the overall potential to nourish gut environments in these species was due to the balance of their nutritional components. The linear regression analysis demonstrated that there was a negative association between carbohydrate and amino acid contents and the increase in Shannon indices. Furthermore, the ratio of carbohydrates to fatty acids and amino acids to fatty acids displayed negative correlations with the diversity increase. The ratio of carbohydrates to amino acids showed a weak positive correlation. It is noteworthy that a diet comprising foods with a balanced nutritional profile supports the growth of beneficial gut microbes, thereby promoting microbial eubiosis. Consistent work on different ingredients is essential for precise insight into the interplay between food and the human microbiome in complex dietary patterns.},
}

@article {pmid39947133,
year = {2025},
author = {Elmassry, MM and Sugihara, K and Chankhamjon, P and Kim, Y and Camacho, FR and Wang, S and Sugimoto, Y and Chatterjee, S and Chen, LA and Kamada, N and Donia, MS},
title = {A meta-analysis of the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease patients identifies disease-associated small molecules.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {33},
number = {2},
pages = {218-234.e12},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2025.01.002},
pmid = {39947133},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; Mice ; Animals ; *Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology ; Feces/microbiology ; Crohn Disease/microbiology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Multigene Family ; Colitis/microbiology ; Metagenomics ; Clostridium/genetics ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Female ; },
abstract = {Gut microbiome changes have been associated with several human diseases, but the molecular and functional details underlying these associations remain largely unknown. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of small molecule biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in metagenomic samples of the gut microbiome from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and matched healthy subjects and identified two Clostridia-derived BGCs that are significantly associated with Crohn's disease (CD), a main IBD type. Using synthetic biology, we discovered and solved the structures of six fatty acid amides as the products of the CD-enriched BGCs, which we subsequently detected in fecal samples from IBD patients. Finally, we show that the discovered molecules disrupt gut permeability and exacerbate disease in chemically or genetically susceptible mouse models of colitis. These findings suggest that microbiome-derived small molecules may play a role in the etiology of IBD and represent a generalizable approach for discovering molecular mediators of disease-relevant microbiome-host interactions.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Humans
Mice
Animals
*Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology
Feces/microbiology
Crohn Disease/microbiology
Disease Models, Animal
Multigene Family
Colitis/microbiology
Metagenomics
Clostridium/genetics
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Female

@article {pmid39947073,
year = {2025},
author = {Cotugno, N and Sanna, M and Amodio, D and Morrocchi, E and Pighi, C and Medri, C and Pascucci, GR and Santilli, V and Manno, EC and Zangari, P and Rossetti, C and Colantoni, N and Olivieri, G and Emili, E and Neri, A and Rotili, A and Rossi, P and Levy, O and Putignani, L and Palma, P and , },
title = {Pre-vaccination immune markers predict response to BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in vulnerable groups - The CONVERS project, report from a pediatric tertiary hospital.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {49},
number = {},
pages = {126778},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.126778},
pmid = {39947073},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Whereas several studies have demonstrated the long-term immunogenicity of BNT162b2 vaccine in healthy adults, little evidence was provided in vulnerable populations (VPs) with generally low ability to respond to immunizations. We aimed to identify pre-vaccination immune phenotype and transcriptional signatures in B and T-cell subsets associated with immune response and long-term maintenance upon SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in VPs.

METHODS: A cohort of VPs (N = 169) including solid organ transplant recipients (SOT; N = 35), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (N = 31), Down Syndrome (N = 42), people living with HIV (N = 36), primary immune deficiencies (N = 25) and healthy controls (N = 37) were enrolled in the CONVERS Study. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine responsiveness was evaluated by SARS-CoV-2-specific Ab and SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cells in VPs naive to infection or vaccination. Based on the humoral response at T28, individuals were classified as Protected (P: anti-spike antibody [anti-S] titer ≥0.8) and Not-Protected (NP: anti-S titer <0.8). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, after SARS-CoV-2 Prot-S peptides stimulation were sort-purified in four cell subsets and analyzed by multiplexed RT-PCR (Fluidigm, Biomark).

RESULTS: SOT presented a significantly lower serological immunogenicity with 31 % of individuals being NP at T28 whereas only 1 out of the remaining 119 resulted Ab negative at T28. At T0, NP individuals showed a lower increase of Ag specific CD40L+ T cells and lower switched memory B cells compared to P patients. Gene-expression analysis revealed distinct signatures at baseline between P and NP individuals with 63 and 49 DEGs identified in two experimental conditions, respectively unstimulated and stimulated.

CONCLUSIONS: Pre-vaccination B and T-cell characteristics at both phenotypic and gene- expression level correlate with short- and long- term memory maintenance in VPs with lower immunogenicity upon BNT162b2 vaccine. Such signatures need to be validated in larger cohorts and may provide a predictive score to inform personalized and more effective vaccine interventions.},
}

@article {pmid39940948,
year = {2025},
author = {Rastegari, F and Driscoll, M and Riordan, JD and Nadeau, JH and Johnson, JS and Weinstock, GM},
title = {Comparison of Lysis and Amplification Methodologies for Optimal 16S rRNA Gene Profiling for Human and Mouse Microbiome Studies.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26031180},
pmid = {39940948},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {HG01244/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Feces/microbiology ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; },
abstract = {When conducting sequence-based analysis of microbiome samples, it is important to accurately represent the bacterial communities present. The aim of this study was to compare two commercially available DNA isolation and PCR amplification approaches to determine their impact on the taxonomic composition of microbiome samples following 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A well-established 16S rRNA gene profiling approach, which was widely used in the Human Microbiome Project (HMP), was compared with a novel alkaline degenerative technique that utilizes alkaline cell lysis in combination with a degenerate pool of primers for nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification. When comparing these different approaches for the microbiome profiling of human and mouse fecal samples, we found that the alkaline-based method was able to detect greater taxonomic diversity. An in silico analysis of predicted primer binding against a curated 16S rRNA gene reference database further suggested that this novel approach had the potential to reduce population bias found with traditional methods, thereby offering opportunities for improved microbial community profiling.},
}

*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Humans
Animals
Mice
*Microbiota/genetics
*Feces/microbiology
Bacteria/genetics/classification
Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods

@article {pmid39939954,
year = {2025},
author = {Swarup, S and Gupta, A and Chung, M and Radhakrishnan, V and Davis, V and Lynch, MDJ and Charles, TC and Cheng, J and Mendoza, G},
title = {Rapid shift of gut microbiome and enrichment of beneficial microbes during arhatic yoga meditation retreat in a single-arm pilot study.},
journal = {BMC complementary medicine and therapies},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {51},
pmid = {39939954},
issn = {2662-7671},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The human microbiome plays a vital role in human health, mediated by the gut-brain axis, with a large diversity of functions and physiological benefits. The dynamics and mechanisms of meditations on oral and gut microbiome modulations are not well understood. This study investigates the short-term modulations of the gut and oral microbiome during an Arhatic Yoga meditation retreat as well as on the role of microbiome in improving well-being through a possible gut-brain axis.

METHODS: A single-arm pilot clinical trial was conducted in a controlled environment during a 9-day intensive retreat of Arhatic Yoga meditation practices with vegetarian diet. Oral and fecal samples of 24 practitioners were collected at the start (Day0: T1), middle (Day3: T2), and end (Day9:T3) of the retreat. Targeted 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed for both oral and gut samples. Functional pathway predictions was identified using phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt2). DESeq2 was used to identify the differential abundant taxa. Various statistical analyses were performed to assess the significant changes in the data.

RESULTS: Our findings revealed that Arhatic Yoga meditation together with a vegetarian diet led to changes in the oral and gut microbiome profiles within the 9-day retreat. Oral microbiome profile showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the species richness and evenness at the end of study, while non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) confirmed the shift in the gut microbiome profile of the practitioners by T2 timepoint, which was further supported by PERMANOVA analysis (p < 0.05). Health-benefiting microbes known to improve the gastrointestinal and gut-barrier functions, immune modulation, and gut-brain axis were enriched. Gut microbiome of both beginner and advanced Arhatic Yoga practitioners showed similar trends of convergence by the end of study. This implies a strong selection pressure by Arhatic Yoga meditation together with a vegetarian diet on the beneficial gut microbiome.

CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrates that Arhatic Yoga meditation practices combined with a vegetarian diet during a short intensive retreat resulted in enrichment of known health-promoting microbes. Such microbial consortia may be developed for potential health benefits and used as probiotics to improve the gastrointestinal and immune systems, as well as functions mediated by the gut-brain axis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study was submitted in https://clinicaltrials.gov/on28-02-2024 . Retrospective registered.},
}

@article {pmid39932857,
year = {2025},
author = {Lopetuso, LR and Deleu, S and Puca, P and Abreu, MT and Armuzzi, A and Barbara, G and Caprioli, F and Chieng, S and Costello, SP and Damiani, A and Danese, S and Del Chierico, F and D'Haens, G and Dotan, I and Facciotti, F and Falony, G and Fantini, MC and Fiorino, G and Gionchetti, P and Godny, L and Hart, A and Kupčinskas, J and Iqbal, T and Laterza, L and Lombardini, L and Maharshak, N and Marasco, G and Masucci, L and Papa, A and Paramsothy, S and Petito, V and Piovani, D and Pugliese, D and Putignani, L and Raes, J and Ribaldone, DG and Sanguinetti, M and Savarino, EV and Sokol, H and Vetrano, S and Ianiro, G and Cammarota, G and Cominelli, F and Pizarro, TT and Tilg, H and Gasbarrini, A and Vermeire, S and Scaldaferri, F},
title = {Guidance for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Trials in Ulcerative Colitis: The Second ROME Consensus Conference.},
journal = {Inflammatory bowel diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ibd/izaf013},
pmid = {39932857},
issn = {1536-4844},
support = {//European Crohn's and Colitis Organization/ ; //Crohn's & Colitis Foundation: Clinical Research Investigator Initiated Award (CRIA)/ ; 882725//Senior Research Award (SRA)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is emerging as a potential treatment modality for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite its promise, the effectiveness of FMT for treating IBD, particularly for ulcerative colitis (UC), still requires thorough clinical investigation. Notwithstanding differences in methodologies, current studies demonstrate its potential for inducing remission in UC patients. Therefore, standardized and robust randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are needed to further support its efficacy for managing UC. The aim of the second Rome Consensus Conference was to address gaps and uncertainties identified in previous research regarding FMT and to offer a robust framework for future studies applied to the treatment of UC.

METHODS: Global experts in the field of clinical IBD, mucosal immunology, and microbiology (N = 48) gathered to address the need for standardized clinical trials in FMT investigation. The group focused on key issues, such as stool donation, donor selection, characterization of fecal biomass, potential administration routes, as well as the process of induction, maintenance, and endpoint readouts.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The consensus achieved during this conference established standardization of methods and protocols to enhance the current quality of research, with the aim of eventual implementation of FMT in managing UC and the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid39930028,
year = {2025},
author = {Rook, O and Zwart, H},
title = {Awareness of human microbiome may promote healthier lifestyle and more positive environmental attitudes.},
journal = {Communications medicine},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {39},
pmid = {39930028},
issn = {2730-664X},
support = {No 964590//EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020)/ ; No 964590//EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The human microbiome is an essential factor of physical and mental health, yet the general population has little knowledge about it. This survey explores public familiarity with the human microbiome and (potential) public preferences related to monitoring and improving one's microbiome health. The study also examines whether recognizing the importance of one's microbiome may promote a more ecosystem-aware perspective towards microorganisms.

METHODS: We conducted an online survey with nationally representative samples from France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan (N = 2860). The results were interpreted using descriptive statistics and network analysis. We also performed a t-test to compare perceptions of microorganisms before and after a short reflection on the role of human microbiome for one's body and health.

RESULTS: In our data, most respondents express willingness to monitor the health of their microbiome (especially, in the European countries) and to adjust their lifestyle such as diet and exercise to improve it. A paired samples t-test shows a slight positive shift in perceptions of microorganisms and the microbial world after the reflection exercise compared to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the public recognize the essential role of the human microbiome in health and are willing to take care of it, which may have implications for public health policy. Our findings also suggest that stronger awareness of the human microbiome may promote lifestyle change and a more encompassing environmental outlook.},
}

@article {pmid39927868,
year = {2025},
author = {Zouiouich, S and Wan, Y and Vogtmann, E and Porras, C and Abnet, CC and Shi, J and Sinha, R},
title = {Sample size estimations based on human microbiome temporal stability over six months: a shallow shotgun metagenome sequencing analysis.},
journal = {Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-24-0839},
pmid = {39927868},
issn = {1538-7755},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biological factors impact the human microbiome, highlighting the need for reasonably estimating sample sizes in future population studies.

METHODS: We assessed the temporal stability of fecal microbiome diversity, species composition, and genes and functional pathways through shallow shotgun metagenome sequencing. Using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), we measured biological variability over six months. We estimated case numbers for 1:1 or 1:3 matched case-control studies, considering significance levels of 0.05 and 0.001 with 80% power, based on the collected fecal specimens per participant.

RESULTS: The fecal microbiome's temporal stability over six months varied (ICC <0.6) for most alpha and beta diversity metrics. Heterogeneity was seen in species, genes, and pathways stability (ICC 0.0-0.9). Detecting an odds ratio of 1.5 per standard deviation required 1,000-5,000 cases (0.05 significance for alpha and beta; 0.001 for species, genes, pathways) with equal cases and controls. Low-prevalent species needed 15,102 cases; high-prevalent species required 3,527. Similar needs applied to genes and pathways. In a 1:3 matched case-control study with one fecal specimen, 10,068 cases were needed for low-prevalent species; 2,351 for high-prevalent species. For odds ratios of 1.5 with multiple specimens, cases needed for low-prevalent species were 15,102 (one specimen), 8,267 (two specimens), and 5,989 (three specimens).

CONCLUSIONS: Detecting disease associations requires a large number of cases. Repeating prediagnostic samples and matching cases to more controls could decrease the needed number of cases for such detections.

IMPACT: Our results will help future epidemiologic studies design and implement well-powered microbiome studies.},
}

@article {pmid39927761,
year = {2025},
author = {Frame, LA},
title = {Fiber, microbiomes, and SCFAs: insights from companion animal models to inform personalized nutrition.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0145424},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01454-24},
pmid = {39927761},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {A recent study by A. Bhosle, M. I. Jackson, A. M. Walsh, E. A. Franzosa, et al. (mSystems 10:e00452-24, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/msystems.00452-24) enhances our understanding of dietary fiber's impact on the gut microbiome and metabolome in companion animals, uncovering individual variations in microbial and metabolic responses. By examining short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles in response to fiber, the authors reveal potential therapeutic benefits of tailored dietary interventions, such as enhanced gut and immune health. These findings resonate with human microbiome research, where dietary fiber has shown health benefits through microbial diversity and SCFA production. The study emphasizes the potential for breed-specific responses to fiber, given the variation in microbiome composition and physiology across breeds. Such insights align with emerging concepts of personalized nutrition, offering an opportunity to develop precision dietary strategies that address specific health needs in both veterinary and human contexts. This foundational research positions dietary fiber as a valuable tool in preventive health, providing a roadmap for future studies to refine individualized approaches for gut microbiome modulation.},
}

@article {pmid39916516,
year = {2025},
author = {Nunez, H and Nieto, PA and Mars, RA and Ghavami, M and Sew Hoy, C and Sukhum, K},
title = {Early life gut microbiome and its impact on childhood health and chronic conditions.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2463567},
pmid = {39916516},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Chronic Disease ; Animals ; Infant ; Child Health ; Child, Preschool ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Infant, Newborn ; Feces/microbiology ; Child ; },
abstract = {The development of the gut microbiome is crucial to human health, particularly during the first three years of life. Given its role in immune development, disturbances in the establishment process of the gut microbiome may have long term consequences. This review summarizes evidence for these claims, highlighting compositional changes of the gut microbiome during this critical period of life as well as factors that affect gut microbiome development. Based on human and animal data, we conclude that the early-life microbiome is a determinant of long-term health, impacting physiological, metabolic, and immune processes. The early-life gut microbiome field faces challenges. Some of these challenges are technical, such as lack of standardized stool collection protocols, inconsistent DNA extraction methods, and outdated sequencing technologies. Other challenges are methodological: small sample sizes, lack of longitudinal studies, and poor control of confounding variables. To address these limitations, we advocate for more robust research methodologies to better understand the microbiome's role in health and disease. Improved methods will lead to more reliable microbiome studies and a deeper understanding of its impact on health outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Chronic Disease
Animals
Infant
Child Health
Child, Preschool
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Infant, Newborn
Feces/microbiology
Child

@article {pmid39923780,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Z and Liu, Y and Philips, A and Zhang, F and Zuo, T},
title = {Varied prevalence and asymptomatic carriage of Cryptococcus gattii in the gut of Chinese populations.},
journal = {The Lancet. Microbe},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101086},
doi = {10.1016/j.lanmic.2025.101086},
pmid = {39923780},
issn = {2666-5247},
}

@article {pmid39920776,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, Y and Teng, TM and Han, J and Kim, HS},
title = {Antibiotic-associated changes in Akkermansia muciniphila alter its effects on host metabolic health.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {48},
pmid = {39920776},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {NRF-2018M3A9F3055923 and NRF-2015M3C9A4053393//The national research foundation of the Republic of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Altered gut microbiota has emerged as a major contributing factor to the etiology of chronic conditions in humans. Antibiotic exposure, historically dating back to the mass production of penicillin in the early 1940s, has been proposed as a primary contributor to the cumulative alteration of microbiota over generations. However, the mechanistic link between the antibiotics-altered microbiota and chronic conditions remains unclear.

RESULTS: In this study, we discovered that variants of the key beneficial gut microbe, Akkermansia muciniphila, were selected upon exposure to penicillin. These variants had mutations in the promoter of a TEM-type β-lactamase gene or pur genes encoding the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway, and they exhibited compromised abilities to mitigate host obesity in a murine model. Notably, variants of A. muciniphila are prevalent in the human microbiome worldwide.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight a previously unknown mechanism through which antibiotics influence host health by affecting the beneficial capacities of the key gut microbes. Furthermore, the global prevalence of A. muciniphila variants raises the possibility that these variants contribute to global epidemics of chronic conditions, warranting further investigations in human populations. Video Abstract.},
}

@article {pmid39913324,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, H and Mani, J and Vetter, TR and Gan, TJ},
title = {Examining the Impact of the Human Microbiome in the Perioperative Setting.},
journal = {Anesthesia and analgesia},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39913324},
issn = {1526-7598},
}

@article {pmid39912642,
year = {2025},
author = {Masarweh, C and Maldonado-Gomez, M and Paviani, B and Bhattacharya, M and Weng, C-Y and Suarez, C and Ehlers-Cheang, S and Stacy, A and Castillo, J and Krishnakumar, N and Kalanetra, KA and Barile, D and German, JB and Lebrilla, CB and Mills, DA},
title = {Generation of novel prebiotic oligosaccharide pools from fiber drives biological insight in bacterial glycan metabolism.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0207724},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02077-24},
pmid = {39912642},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Prebiotic oligosaccharides are dietary supplements that modulate the intestinal gut microbiome by selectively nourishing subsets of the microbial community with a goal to enhance host health. To date, the diversity of polysaccharide compositions in the fiber consumed by humans is not well represented by the limited scope of oligosaccharide compositions present in current commercial prebiotics. Recently, our UC Davis group developed a novel method to generate oligosaccharides from any polysaccharide fiber, termed Fenton's Initiation Toward Defined Oligosaccharide Groups (FITDOG). Using this method, sugar beet pulp (SBP) was transformed into sugar beet oligosaccharides (SBOs) composed of arabinose- and galactose-containing oligosaccharides. Fecal fermentations of SBO and SBP produced similar shifts in donor-specific bacterial communities and acid metabolite profiles with a general enrichment of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium. However, in vitro tests revealed more Bifidobacterium strains could consume SBO than sugar beet arabinan, and specific strains showed differential consumption of arabinofuranooligosaccharides or galactooligosaccharide (GOS) portions of the SBO pool. Genomic and glycomic comparisons suggest that previously characterized, arabinan-specific, extracellular arabinofuranosidases from Bifidobacterium are not necessary to metabolize the arabino-oligosaccharides within SBO. Synbiotic application of SBO with an SBO-consuming strain Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum SC596 in serial fecal enrichments resulted in enhanced persistence among 9 of 10 donor feces. This work demonstrates a novel workflow whereby FITDOG creates novel oligosaccharide pools that can provide insight into how compositional differences in fiber drive differential gut fermentation behaviors as well as their downstream health impacts. Moreover, these oligosaccharides may be useful in new prebiotic and synbiotic applications.IMPORTANCEPrebiotics seek to selectively alter the host microbiome composition or function, resulting in a concurrent health benefit to the host. However, commercial prebiotics represent a small fraction of the diversity of food polysaccharide compositions. In this work a novel method, Fenton's Initiation Toward Defined Oligosaccharide Groups (FITDOG) was used to generate an oligosaccharide pool from sugar beet pulp (SBP). Sugar beet oligosaccharides (SBOs) resulted in similar changes to SBP in fecal enrichments; however, SBO could be consumed by more beneficial bifidobacterial strains than the cognate polysaccharide. These results demonstrate how the details of glycan structure have a profound influence on how gut bacteria metabolize food carbohydrates. The implications of this work are relevant to understanding how different dietary sources influence the human microbiome and extend to developing novel oligosaccharide pools for prebiotic applications.},
}

@article {pmid39906620,
year = {2025},
author = {Wawrety, W and Kedziora, A},
title = {Role of bacteria in cancers and their therapeutic potential: Review of current knowledge.},
journal = {Iranian journal of basic medical sciences},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {273-282},
doi = {10.22038/ijbms.2024.77667.16798},
pmid = {39906620},
issn = {2008-3866},
abstract = {Cancers are extremely dynamic diseases that can actively cause refractorines to be gained from applied therapies, which is why they are at the forefront of deaths worldwide. In this literature review, we covered the most recent and important discoveries regarding the influence of human microbiota, including tumor bacteriome, on the development and treatment of cancer. Advances in research on microbial communities have enabled us to discover the role of the human microbiome in the development and course of this disease, helping us understand neoplasms better and design new potential therapies. As we show through our findings, by immunomodulation and the secretion of certain chemical substances, the correct bacteriome of the intestinal tract, respiratory system, or skin can protect humans against cancer development and help during the treatment process. Bacteria also reside inside tumors, forming part of the tumor microenvironment (TME), where they interact with immunological and cancer cells in many complex ways. Some bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Akkermansia muciniphila, can stimulate anticancer cell-mediated immune responses or even directly lead to cancer cell death. We also present the clinical possibilities of using some live, usually modified bacteria to develop bacteriotherapies. Modifying the gut microbiome to stimulate standard treatment is also important. Research on the microbiome and cancer remains a challenging topic in microbiology, having a great potential for advancements in cancer therapy in the future, and is continuously becoming a more and more popular field of research, as shown by our statistical analysis of PubMed data.},
}

@article {pmid39895074,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, KA and Ul-Haq, A and Seo, H and Jo, S and Kim, S and Song, HY and Kim, HS},
title = {Characteristics of skin microbiome associated with disease severity in systemic sclerosis.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology (Seoul, Korea)},
volume = {63},
number = {1},
pages = {e.2409018},
doi = {10.71150/jm.2409018},
pmid = {39895074},
issn = {1976-3794},
support = {//Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; HI21C1888//Ministry of Health and Welfare/ ; //National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2023-00219563//Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; //Soonchunhyang University Research Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Scleroderma, Systemic/microbiology ; *Skin/microbiology/pathology ; *Microbiota ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Male ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Adult ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Severity of Illness Index ; Aged ; Biomarkers ; Metagenomics ; },
abstract = {Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by skin fibrosis and internal organ involvement. Disruptions in the microbial communities on the skin may contribute to the onset of autoimmune diseases that affect the skin. However, current research on the skin microbiome in SSc is lacking. This study aimed to investigate skin microbiome associated with disease severity in SSc. Skin swabs were collected from the upper limbs of 46 healthy controls (HCs) and 36 patients with SSc. Metagenomic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene was conducted and stratified by cutaneous subtype and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) severity. Significant differences in skin bacterial communities were observed between the HCs and patients with SSc, with further significant variations based on subtype and mRSS severity. The identified biomarkers were Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium for patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc with high mRSS (≥ 10) and Mycobacterium and Parabacteroides for those with low mRSS (< 10). Gardnerella, Abies, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia were the biomarkers in patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSS) and high mRSS, whereas Coprococcus predominated in patients with lcSS and low mRSS. Cutaneous subtype analysis identified Pediococcus as a biomarker in the HCs, whereas mRSS analysis revealed the presence of Pseudomonas in conjunction with Pediococcus. In conclusion, patients with SSc exhibit distinct skin microbiota compared with healthy controls. Bacterial composition varies by systemic sclerosis cutaneous subtype and skin thickness.},
}

Humans
*Scleroderma, Systemic/microbiology
*Skin/microbiology/pathology
*Microbiota
Female
Middle Aged
Male
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Adult
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Severity of Illness Index
Aged
Biomarkers
Metagenomics

@article {pmid39892949,
year = {2025},
author = {McGann, C and Phyu, R and Bittinger, K and Mukhopadhyay, S},
title = {Role of the Microbiome in Neonatal Infection: Pathogenesis and Implications for Management.},
journal = {Clinics in perinatology},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {147-166},
doi = {10.1016/j.clp.2024.10.010},
pmid = {39892949},
issn = {1557-9840},
mesh = {Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; *Probiotics/therapeutic use ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; *Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/methods ; Neonatal Sepsis/microbiology/therapy ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {The human microbiome refers to the collective genome of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses residing on human body surfaces that are in contact with the environment. Together these communities protect against invasive infections. Conversely, when disrupted, the microbiome can be the source of pathogens causing invasive infection. Interventions to manipulate it via probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal transplantation are available. The risk benefit of these interventions remains unclear. In this review, the authors discuss evidence linking the gut microbiome to neonatal sepsis and also discuss the challenges for translating this knowledge into better clinical care.},
}

Humans
Infant, Newborn
*Probiotics/therapeutic use
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
*Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/methods
Neonatal Sepsis/microbiology/therapy
Microbiota

@article {pmid39891027,
year = {2025},
author = {Nissilä, E and Starck, L and Aho, E and Venerandi, E and Jalkanen, P and Leskinen, K and Uvarov, P and Saavalainen, P and Julkunen, I and Kotimaa, J and Haapasalo, K and Meri, S},
title = {The COVID-19 vaccine ChAdOx1 is opsonized by anti-vector antibodies that activate complement and promote viral vector phagocytosis.},
journal = {Scandinavian journal of immunology},
volume = {101},
number = {2},
pages = {e70000},
doi = {10.1111/sji.70000},
pmid = {39891027},
issn = {1365-3083},
support = {4708373//Sigrid Juséliuksen Säätiö/ ; TYH2023322//Helsingin ja Uudenmaan Sairaanhoitopiiri/ ; 336411//Academy of Finland/ ; 336410//Academy of Finland/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Phagocytosis/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Complement Activation/immunology ; *Immunoglobulin G/immunology/blood ; *ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/immunology ; *Antibodies, Viral/immunology/blood ; *COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control ; Genetic Vectors/immunology ; COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; Opsonization/immunology ; Adenoviruses, Human/immunology ; Female ; Male ; Neutrophils/immunology ; Adult ; },
abstract = {The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine has been in large-scale use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited efficacy compared to mRNA vaccines and certain potential side effects raise the question of whether anti-adenoviral vector antibodies influence immune responses against the vaccine. Complement activation by ChAdOx1 and leukocyte phagocytosis of ChAdOx1 in vitro were studied. Plasma IgG levels against ChAdOx1 and human adenovirus 2 (hAdV2) hexon protein were determined (n = 20) and IgGs from high- and low-titre plasmas were isolated (n = 3). Complement activation was measured as cleavage of C3 by immunoblotting and generation of C3a and sC5b-9 by ELISA. pHrodo-labelled ChAdOx1 was opsonized with complement and IgG, and phagocytosis by isolated blood PMNs in vitro was studied by flow cytometry. The transcriptomic profile of PMN cells exposed to ChAdOx1 was analysed by RNA-seq. ChAdOx1 activated the classical complement pathway in an anti-adenovirus antibody-dependent manner. Generation of the terminal complement complex sC5b-9 in individual sera correlated with anti-hAdV2 hexon and anti-ChAdOx1 IgG levels. Phagocytosis of ChAdOx1 also correlated significantly with anti-hAdV2 hexon IgG, anti-ChAdOx1 IgG and serum sC5b-9 levels. High-titre anti-hAdv2 hexon IgG increased phagocytosis in the presence of normal serum. Anti-vector antibodies induced rapid complement activation and promoted phagocytosis of the ChAdOx1 vaccine by neutrophils. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of complement-related genes induced by the ChAdOx1 vaccine in vitro. Anti-adenovirus vector antibodies and complement activation may thus influence the efficacy of the ChAdOx1 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and be also involved in vaccine-related side effects.},
}

Humans
*Phagocytosis/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Complement Activation/immunology
*Immunoglobulin G/immunology/blood
*ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/immunology
*Antibodies, Viral/immunology/blood
*COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control
Genetic Vectors/immunology
COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
Opsonization/immunology
Adenoviruses, Human/immunology
Female
Male
Neutrophils/immunology
Adult

@article {pmid39886886,
year = {2025},
author = {Pitkänen, HH and Helin, T and Khawaja, T and Pietilä, JP and Kajova, M and Välimaa, H and Vahlberg, T and Ihalainen, J and Vierikko, A and Vapalahti, O and Kantele, A and Lassila, R},
title = {Coagulation Profile of Convalescent Plasma Donors and Recipients.},
journal = {Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis : official journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis},
volume = {31},
number = {},
pages = {10760296251317522},
pmid = {39886886},
issn = {1938-2723},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *COVID-19/blood/therapy ; *Immunization, Passive/methods ; Adult ; Double-Blind Method ; *COVID-19 Serotherapy ; *Blood Donors ; Blood Coagulation/drug effects ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; Plasmapheresis/methods ; },
abstract = {Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy for COVID-19 infection may have favorable safety but varying efficacy, with concerns about its procoagulant impact. We investigated whether administration of CP to hospitalized patients affects their coagulation profile. Fifty-four patients randomized in a double-blinded fashion received either placebo, low-titer CP (LCP) or high-titer CP (HCP). Donor blood samples were obtained at the time of the plasmapheresis, while recipient blood samples were collected before infusion, one day post-infusion and between two and six days after infusion. Routine laboratory follow-up, coagulation biomarkers, antiphospholipid antibodies, and thrombin generation (TG) were assessed. CP donors had normal blood cell counts and coagulation profiles, without differences between LCP and HCP donors at the baseline. All CP recipients were on low-molecular-weight heparin thromboprophylaxis at the time of the infusion. Despite randomization, the HCP group had lower baseline (p = 0.004) and Day 1 platelet counts (p = 0.019) than the LCP group. Von Willebrand antigen (VWF:Ag) levels clearly exceeded normal without differences at baseline. At Day 1, LCP recipients had higher VWF:Ag (mean ± SD 224 ± 15%) than HCP recipients (210 ± 8%) (p = 0.012). In all groups, overall 80% lupus anticoagulant was positive. Baseline TG variables were comparable, but again LCP recipients exhibited higher endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (1313 ± 535 nM.min) (p = 0.038) and peak TG (184 ± 106 nM) (p = 0.037) than the HCP group (870 ± 425 nM.min and 86 ± 54 nM). Our findings show that LCP increases VWF:Ag levels and enhances TG despite the thromboprophylaxis. These results suggest that HCP induces less hypercoagulability than LCP, which may contribute to the variability in CP efficacy.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*COVID-19/blood/therapy
*Immunization, Passive/methods
Adult
Double-Blind Method
*COVID-19 Serotherapy
*Blood Donors
Blood Coagulation/drug effects
SARS-CoV-2
Aged
Plasmapheresis/methods

@article {pmid39885552,
year = {2025},
author = {Koh, H and Kim, J and Jang, H},
title = {MiCML: a causal machine learning cloud platform for the analysis of treatment effects using microbiome profiles.},
journal = {BioData mining},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {10},
pmid = {39885552},
issn = {1756-0381},
support = {2021R1C1C1013861//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The treatment effects are heterogenous across patients due to the differences in their microbiomes, which in turn implies that we can enhance the treatment effect by manipulating the patient's microbiome profile. Then, the coadministration of microbiome-based dietary supplements/therapeutics along with the primary treatment has been the subject of intensive investigation. However, for this, we first need to comprehend which microbes help (or prevent) the treatment to cure the patient's disease.

RESULTS: In this paper, we introduce a cloud platform, named microbiome causal machine learning (MiCML), for the analysis of treatment effects using microbiome profiles on user-friendly web environments. MiCML is in particular unique with the up-to-date features of (i) batch effect correction to mitigate systematic variation in collective large-scale microbiome data due to the differences in their underlying batches, and (ii) causal machine learning to estimate treatment effects with consistency and then discern microbial taxa that enhance (or lower) the efficacy of the primary treatment. We also stress that MiCML can handle the data from either randomized controlled trials or observational studies.

CONCLUSION: We describe MiCML as a useful analytic tool for microbiome-based personalized medicine. MiCML is freely available on our web server (http://micml.micloud.kr). MiCML can also be implemented locally on the user's computer through our GitHub repository (https://github.com/hk1785/micml).},
}

@article {pmid39880761,
year = {2025},
author = {Nandwana, D and Zhang, Y and Feng, N},
title = {Contribution of the Microbiome to Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Mini Review.},
journal = {European urology focus},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.euf.2025.01.008},
pmid = {39880761},
issn = {2405-4569},
abstract = {Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by pelvic pain and urinary urgency and frequency with an unclear etiology. Emerging evidence implicates microbiome dysbiosis-disruptions in the microbial communities inhabiting the body-in IC/BPS pathophysiology. This review synthesizes the literature on microbial alterations in IC/BPS, including urinary, vaginal, and gastrointestinal microbiota, and their interactions with host inflammatory and metabolic pathways. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed studies from the past 10 years on microbial communities in the body for patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Studies have revealed significant changes in microbial species for these patients, especially in urine. However, research on whether IC/BPS can be treated with interventions to modify microbial communities in the body is still needed.},
}

@article {pmid39877362,
year = {2024},
author = {Slater, AS and Hickey, RM and Davey, GP},
title = {Interactions of human milk oligosaccharides with the immune system.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1523829},
pmid = {39877362},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {*Milk, Human/immunology/chemistry/metabolism ; Humans ; *Oligosaccharides/immunology ; *Immune System/metabolism/immunology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; Animals ; Immunomodulation ; Infant, Newborn ; },
abstract = {Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are abundant, diverse and complex sugars present in human breast milk. HMOs are well-characterized barriers to microbial infection and by modulating the human microbiome they are also thought to be nutritionally beneficial to the infant. The structural variety of over 200 HMOs, including neutral, fucosylated and sialylated forms, allows them to interact with the immune system in various ways. Clinically, HMOs impact allergic diseases, reducing autoimmune and inflammatory responses, and offer beneficial support to the preterm infant immune health. This review examines the HMO composition and associated immunomodulatory effects, including interactions with immune cell receptors and gut-associated immune responses. These immunomodulatory properties highlight the potential for HMO use in early stage immune development and for use as novel immunotherapeutics. HMO research is rapidly evolving and promises innovative treatments for immune-related conditions and improved health outcomes.},
}

*Milk, Human/immunology/chemistry/metabolism
Humans
*Oligosaccharides/immunology
*Immune System/metabolism/immunology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
Animals
Immunomodulation
Infant, Newborn

@article {pmid39877080,
year = {2025},
author = {Fehringer, M and Vogl, T},
title = {Molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.},
journal = {Journal of translational autoimmunity},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100269},
pmid = {39877080},
issn = {2589-9090},
abstract = {Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by excessive and misdirected immune responses against the body's own musculoskeletal tissues. Their exact aetiology remains unclear, with genetic, demographic, behavioural and environmental factors implicated in disease onset. One prominent hypothesis for the initial breach of immune tolerance (leading to autoimmunity) is molecular mimicry, which describes structural or sequence similarities between human and microbial proteins (mimotopes). This similarity can lead to cross-reactive antibodies and T-cell receptors, resulting in an immune response against autoantigens. Both commensal microbes in the human microbiome and pathogens can trigger molecular mimicry, thereby potentially contributing to the onset of ARDs. In this review, we focus on the role of molecular mimicry in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, implications of molecular mimicry are also briefly discussed for ankylosing spondylitis, systemic sclerosis and myositis.},
}

@article {pmid39875781,
year = {2025},
author = {Tiwari, S and Paramanik, V},
title = {Role of Probiotics in Depression: Connecting Dots of Gut-Brain-Axis Through Hypothalamic-Pituitary Adrenal Axis and Tryptophan/Kynurenic Pathway involving Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase.},
journal = {Molecular neurobiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39875781},
issn = {1559-1182},
abstract = {Depression is one of the most disabling mental disorders worldwide and characterized by symptoms including worthlessness, anhedonia, sleep, and appetite disturbances. Recently, studies have suggested that tryptophan (Trp) metabolism plays a key role in depressed mood through serotonin and kynurenine pathway involving enzyme tryptophan 5-monooxygenase (TPH) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) respectively. Moreover, during neuroinflammation, IDO is activated by proinflammatory cytokines and affects neurogenesis, cognition, disturbed hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and gut homeostasis by altering the gut bacteria and its metabolites like Trp derivatives. Furthermore, over the decades, researchers have focused on understanding communication between the human microbiome, especially gut microbiota, and mental health, called gut-brain-axis (GBA), particularly through Trp metabolism. Supplementation of probiotics in depression has gained attention from researchers and clinicians. However, there is limited information about probiotics supplementation on depression involving enzyme IDO and kynurenine pathway metabolites. This review discussed the potential role of probiotics in depression through the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway.},
}

@article {pmid39868147,
year = {2025},
author = {Britton, GJ and Mogno, I and Chen-Liaw, A and Plitt, T and Helmus, D and Bongers, G and Brough, I and Colmenero, P and Lam, LH and Bullers, SJ and Penkava, F and Reyes-Mercedes, P and Braun, J and Jacobs, JP and Desch, AN and Gevers, D and Simmons, S and Filer, A and Taylor, PC and Bowness, P and Huttenhower, C and Littman, D and Dubinsky, MC and Raza, K and Tankou, SK and Faith, JJ},
title = {Inflammatory disease microbiomes share a functional pathogenicity predicted by C-reactive protein.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39868147},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {F30 DK131862/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK123749/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK112978/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK124133/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; IK2 CX001717/CX/CSRD VA/United States ; },
abstract = {We examine disease-specific and cross-disease functions of the human gut microbiome by colonizing germ-free mice, at risk for inflammatory arthritis, colitis, or neuroinflammation, with over 100 human fecal microbiomes from subjects with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or colorectal cancer. We find common inflammatory phenotypes driven by microbiomes from individuals with intestinal inflammation or inflammatory arthritis, as well as distinct functions specific to microbiomes from multiple sclerosis patients. Inflammatory disease in mice colonized with human microbiomes correlated with systemic inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein, in the human donors. These cross-disease patterns of human microbiome pathogenicity mirror features of the inflammatory diseases, including therapeutic targets and the presence or absence of systemic inflammation, suggesting shared and disease-specific mechanisms by which the microbiome is shaped and drives pathogenic inflammatory responses.},
}

@article {pmid39866415,
year = {2025},
author = {Freibauer, A and Pai, N and RamachandranNair, R},
title = {Characterizing the fecal microbiome in patients on the ketogenic diet for drug resistant epilepsy.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {e41631},
pmid = {39866415},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The ketogenic diet is a dietary therapy with anti-seizure effects. The efficacy of the diet is variable, with initial animal studies suggesting the intestinal microbiome may have a modulating effect. Initial research on the role of the human microbiome in pediatric epilepsy management has been inconclusive.

METHODS: In this single-center prospective cohort study, stool samples were collected from 4 patients with drug resistant epilepsy on the ketogenic diet and 9 with drug resistant epilepsy as controls. The samples were analyzed by 16S RNA sequencing.

RESULTS: A trend towards increased alpha diversity was noted among patients on the ketogenic diet compared to the control group. Patients on the ketogenic diet also trended towards a higher relative abundance of Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Prevotellaceae species. A subset of the control group had a high relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, which may make them a candidate for a trial of the ketogenic diet as a therapeutic option.

CONCLUSION: These findings add to the growing field of research of how the ketogenic diet modulates the intestinal microbiome in pediatric epilepsy patients. Future emphasis on multi-centre trials, consistent stool collection practices and the establishment of standardized stool biobanking protocols are needed further to validate these novel findings in a pediatric population.},
}

@article {pmid39866243,
year = {2025},
author = {Hao, T and Li, Y and Ren, Q and Zeng, Y and Gao, L and Zhu, W and Liang, J and Lin, Y and Hu, J and Yan, G and Sun, S and Cai, J},
title = {circ-1584 selectively promotes the antitumor activity of the oncolytic virus M1 on pancreatic cancer.},
journal = {Molecular therapy. Oncology},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {200919},
pmid = {39866243},
issn = {2950-3299},
abstract = {Pancreatic cancer is among the most challenging tumors to treat, and due to its immune tolerance characteristics, existing immunotherapy methods are not effective in alleviating the disease. Oncolytic virus therapy, a potential new strategy for treating pancreatic cancer, also faces the limitation of being ineffective when used alone. Elucidating the key host endogenous circular RNAs (circRNAs) involved in M1 virus-mediated killing of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells may help overcome this limitation. Here, we report that the oncolytic virus M1, a nonpathogenic alphavirus, exhibits different cell viability-inhibitory effects on different pancreatic cancer cells in the clinical stage. Through high-throughput circRNA sequencing, we found that circRNA expression varies among these cells. Further gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments have shown that circ-1584 can selectively enhance the anti-pancreatic cancer effects of the M1 virus in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, circ-1584 may negatively regulate miR-578 to modulate the anti-pancreatic cancer effects of the M1 virus. Our findings lay the foundation for using circRNA as an adjuvant to enhance the M1 virus efficacy against pancreatic cancer.},
}

@article {pmid39864562,
year = {2025},
author = {Hong, X and Chen, T and Liu, Y and Li, J and Huang, D and Ye, K and Liao, W and Wang, Y and Liu, M and Luan, P},
title = {Design, current states, and challenges of nanomaterials in anti-neuroinflammation: A perspective on Alzheimer's disease.},
journal = {Ageing research reviews},
volume = {105},
number = {},
pages = {102669},
doi = {10.1016/j.arr.2025.102669},
pmid = {39864562},
issn = {1872-9649},
abstract = {Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-related neurodegenerative disease, brings huge damage to the society, to the whole family and even to the patient himself. However, until now, the etiological factor of AD is still unknown and there is no effective treatment for it. Massive deposition of amyloid-beta peptide(Aβ) and hyperphosphorylation of Tau proteins are acknowledged pathological features of AD. Recent studies have revealed that neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathology of AD. With the rise of nanomaterials in the biomedical field, researchers are exploring how the unique properties of these materials can be leveraged to develop effective treatments for AD. This article has summarized the influence of neuroinflammation in AD, the design of nanoplatforms, and the current research status and inadequacy of nanomaterials in improving neuroinflammation in AD.},
}

@article {pmid39863780,
year = {2025},
author = {Toivonen, E and Sikkinen, J and Salonen, A and Kärkkäinen, O and Koistinen, V and Klåvus, A and Meuronen, T and Heini, T and Maltseva, A and Niku, M and Jääskeläinen, T and Laivuori, H},
title = {Metabolic profiles of meconium in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies.},
journal = {Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {21},
pmid = {39863780},
issn = {1573-3890},
mesh = {Humans ; *Meconium/metabolism/chemistry ; Female ; Pregnancy ; *Pre-Eclampsia/metabolism ; Infant, Newborn ; *Metabolome ; Adult ; Metabolomics/methods ; Male ; Case-Control Studies ; Chromatography, Liquid ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia (PE) is a common vascular pregnancy disorder affecting maternal and fetal metabolism with severe immediate and long-term consequences in mothers and infants. During pregnancy, metabolites in the maternal circulation pass through the placenta to the fetus. Meconium, a first stool of the neonate, offers a view to maternal and fetoplacental unit metabolism and could add to knowledge on the effects of PE on the fetus and newborn.

OBJECTIVES: To compare meconium metabolome of infants from PE and normotensive pregnancies.

METHODS: A cohort of preeclamptic parturients and normotensive controls were recruited in Tampere University Hospital during 2019-2022. Meconium was sampled and its metabolome analyzed using liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry in 48 subjects in each group.

RESULTS: Differences in abundances of 1263 compounds, of which 19 could be annotated, were detected between the two groups. Several acylcarnitines, androsterone sulfate, three bile acids, amino acid derivatives (phenylacetylglutamine, epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)lysine and N-(phenylacetyl)glutamic acid), as well as caffeine and paraxanthine were lower in the PE group compared to the control group. Urea and progesterone were higher in the PE group.

CONCLUSION: PE is associated with alterations in the meconium metabolome of infants. The differing abundances of several metabolites show alterations in the interaction between the fetoplacental unit and mother in PE, but whether they are a cause or an effect of the disorder remains to be further investigated.},
}

Humans
*Meconium/metabolism/chemistry
Female
Pregnancy
*Pre-Eclampsia/metabolism
Infant, Newborn
*Metabolome
Adult
Metabolomics/methods
Male
Case-Control Studies
Chromatography, Liquid

@article {pmid39862468,
year = {2025},
author = {Amir, S and Kumar, M and Kumar, V and Mohanty, D},
title = {HgutMgene-Miner: In silico genome mining tool for deciphering the drug-metabolizing potential of human gut microbiome.},
journal = {Computers in biology and medicine},
volume = {186},
number = {},
pages = {109679},
doi = {10.1016/j.compbiomed.2025.109679},
pmid = {39862468},
issn = {1879-0534},
abstract = {The biotransformation of drugs by enzymes from the human microbiome can produce active or inactive products, impacting the bioactivity and function of these drugs inside the human host. However, understanding the biotransformation reactions of drug molecules catalyzed by bacterial enzymes in human microbiota is still limited. Hence, to characterize drug utilization capabilities across all the microbial phyla inside the human gut, we have used a knowledge-based approach to develop HgutMgene-Miner software which predicts xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) through genome mining. HgutMgene-Miner derives its predictive power from the MicrobiomeMetDB database, which systematically catalogs all known biotransformation reactions of xenobiotics and primary metabolites mediated by host-associated microbial enzymes. Over 10,000 isolate genomes from 830 different bacterial species found in the Unified Human Gastrointestinal Genome (UHGG) collection have been analyzed by HgutMgene-Miner. This led to the identification of 89,377 xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) across 13 phyla, with the greatest diversity in Bacteroidota, Firmicutes_A, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Alitsipes were found to be the richest genera, while Actinomyces were found to encode the fewest XMEs, primarily metabolizing Diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Overall, we discovered XMEs in 220 genera, exceeding the number experimentally reported in fewer than 10 genera. Notably, Eggerthella lenta's cgr2 involved in Digoxin inactivation was identified in very distant Holdemania genera, likewise Clostridium leptum's nitroreductase, involved in Nitrazepam metabolism, was found in Fusobacterium. These findings highlight the extensive and diverse distribution of XMEs across microbial taxa.},
}

@article {pmid39858487,
year = {2025},
author = {Tahmasebi, H and Arjmand, N and Monemi, M and Babaeizad, A and Alibabaei, F and Alibabaei, N and Bahar, A and Oksenych, V and Eslami, M},
title = {From Cure to Crisis: Understanding the Evolution of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Human Microbiota.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858487},
issn = {2218-273X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; Bacteria/drug effects/genetics ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {The growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the human microbiome has become a pressing global health crisis. While antibiotics have revolutionized medicine by significantly reducing mortality and enabling advanced medical interventions, their misuse and overuse have led to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. Key resistance mechanisms include genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, and biofilm formation, with the human microbiota acting as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Industrialization and environmental factors have exacerbated this issue, contributing to a rise in infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. These resistant pathogens compromise the effectiveness of essential treatments like surgical prophylaxis and chemotherapy, increase healthcare costs, and prolong hospital stays. This crisis highlights the need for a global One-Health approach, particularly in regions with weak regulatory frameworks. Innovative strategies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, offer promising avenues for mitigating resistance. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated efforts, encompassing research, policymaking, public education, and antibiotic stewardship, to safeguard current antibiotics and foster the development of new therapeutic solutions. An integrated, multidimensional strategy is essential to tackle this escalating problem and ensure the sustainability of effective antimicrobial treatments.},
}

Humans
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Microbiota/drug effects
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/genetics
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics
Bacteria/drug effects/genetics
Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid39858007,
year = {2025},
author = {Al-Matouq, J and Al-Ghafli, H and Alibrahim, NN and Alsaffar, N and Radwan, Z and Ali, MD},
title = {Unveiling the Interplay Between the Human Microbiome and Gastric Cancer: A Review of the Complex Relationships and Therapeutic Avenues.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858007},
issn = {2072-6694},
abstract = {The human microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The gut microbiota has been implicated in developing and progressing various diseases, including cancer. This review highlights the related mechanisms and the compositions that influence cancer pathogenesis with a highlight on gastric cancer. We provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms by which the microbiome influences cancer development, progression, and response to treatment, with a focus on identifying potential biomarkers for early detection, prevention strategies, and novel therapeutic interventions that leverage microbiome modulation. This comprehensive review can guide future research and clinical practices in understanding and harnessing the microbiome to optimize gastric cancer therapies.},
}

@article {pmid39857728,
year = {2025},
author = {Jaimez-Alvarado, S and López-Tenorio, II and Barragán-De Los Santos, J and Bello-Vega, DC and Gómez, FJR and Amedei, A and Berrios-Bárcenas, EA and Aguirre-García, MM},
title = {Gut-Heart Axis: Microbiome Involvement in Restrictive Cardiomyopathies.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39857728},
issn = {2227-9059},
support = {IN212422//Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/ ; CBF2023-2024-734//Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías/ ; },
abstract = {An intriguing aspect of restrictive cardiomyopathies (RCM) is the microbiome role in the natural history of the disease. These cardiomyopathies are often difficult to diagnose and so result in significant morbidity and mortality. The human microbiome, composed of billions of microorganisms, influences various physiological and pathological processes, including cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the composition of intestinal bacteria, can contribute to systemic inflammation, a key factor in many cardiovascular conditions. An increase in gut permeability, frequently caused by dysbiosis, allows bacterial endotoxins to enter the bloodstream, activating inflammatory pathways that exacerbate cardiac dysfunction. Recent reports highlight the potential role of microbiome in amyloidogenesis, as certain bacteria produce proteins that accelerate the formation of amyloid fibrils. Concurrently, advancements in amyloidosis treatments have sparked renewed hopes, marking a promising era for managing these kinds of diseases. These findings suggest that the gut-heart axis may be a potential factor in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease like RCM, opening new paths for therapeutic intervention. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed overview of the gut-heart axis, focusing on RCM.},
}

@article {pmid39856391,
year = {2025},
author = {Tisza, MJ and Lloyd, RE and Hoffman, K and Smith, DP and Rewers, M and Javornik Cregeen, SJ and Petrosino, JF},
title = {Longitudinal phage-bacteria dynamics in the early life gut microbiome.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {420-430},
pmid = {39856391},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {U01 DK063821/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; U01 DK63865//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases)/ ; U01 DK63829//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases)/ ; UC4 DK063821/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; U01 DK63821//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Bacteriophages/genetics/physiology/classification ; Infant ; *Bacteria/virology/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Child, Preschool ; Longitudinal Studies ; Metagenome ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/microbiology/virology ; Feces/microbiology ; Female ; Male ; Metagenomics ; Infant, Newborn ; },
abstract = {Microbial colonization of the human gut occurs soon after birth, proceeds through well-studied phases and is affected by lifestyle and other factors. Less is known about phage community dynamics during infant gut colonization due to small study sizes, an inability to leverage large databases and a lack of appropriate bioinformatics tools. Here we reanalysed whole microbial community shotgun sequencing data of 12,262 longitudinal samples from 887 children from four countries across four years of life as part of the The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study. We developed an extensive metagenome-assembled genome catalogue using the Marker-MAGu pipeline, which comprised 49,111 phage taxa from existing human microbiome datasets. This was used to identify phage marker genes and their integration into the MetaPhlAn 4 bacterial marker gene database enabled simultaneous assessment of phage and bacterial dynamics. We found that individual children are colonized by hundreds of different phages, which are more transitory than bacteria, accumulating a more diverse phage community over time. Type 1 diabetes correlated with a decreased rate of change in bacterial and viral communities in children aged one and two. The addition of phage data improved the ability of machine learning models to discriminate samples by country. Finally, although phage populations were specific to individuals, we observed trends of phage ecological succession that correlated well with putative host bacteria. This resource improves our understanding of phage-bacteria interactions in the developing early life microbiome.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Bacteriophages/genetics/physiology/classification
Infant
*Bacteria/virology/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Child, Preschool
Longitudinal Studies
Metagenome
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/microbiology/virology
Feces/microbiology
Female
Male
Metagenomics
Infant, Newborn

@article {pmid39855612,
year = {2025},
author = {Sutanto, H and Elisa, E and Rachma, B and Fetarayani, D},
title = {Gut Microbiome Modulation in Allergy Treatment: The Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation.},
journal = {The American journal of medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.amjmed.2025.01.005},
pmid = {39855612},
issn = {1555-7162},
abstract = {The prevalence of allergic diseases has been rising, paralleling lifestyle changes and environmental exposures that have altered human microbiome composition. This review article examines the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and allergic diseases, emphasizing the potential of fecal microbiota transplantation as a promising novel treatment approach. It explains how reduced microbial exposure in modern societies contributes to immune dysregulation and the increasing incidence of allergies. The discussion also addresses immune homeostasis and its modulation by the gut microbiome, highlighting the shift from eubiosis to dysbiosis in allergic conditions. Furthermore, this article reviews existing studies and emerging research on the role of fecal microbiota transplantation in restoring microbial balance, providing insights into its mechanisms, efficacy, and safety.},
}

@article {pmid39849586,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, L and Geng, Y and Chen, T and Lin, K and Xie, C and Qi, J and Wei, H and Wang, J and Wang, D and Yuan, Z and Wan, Z and Li, T and Luo, Y and Niu, D and Li, J and Yu, H},
title = {Deep learning model targeting cancer surrounding tissues for accurate cancer diagnosis based on histopathological images.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {110},
pmid = {39849586},
issn = {1479-5876},
support = {No. 82272965//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 81902877//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 82173067//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 81972245//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 31900505//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 2020J01453//the Natural Science Foundation of Xiamen Municipality/ ; No. 2022A1515012656//Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Guangdong Province/ ; No. 2021A1515010639//Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Guangdong Province/ ; No. 2021A1515010134//Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Guangdong Province/ ; No. 202201011004//Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Centro de Estudos das Adaptações da Biota Aquática da Amazônia/ ; No. R2021217202512965//the Excellent Talent Training Project of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University/ ; No. 2022JBGS07//Chongqing Xinqiao Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University/ ; No. 23ykbj007//the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Sun Yat-sen University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Deep Learning ; *Stomach Neoplasms/pathology/diagnosis ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; Neoplasms/pathology/diagnosis ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Reproducibility of Results ; },
abstract = {Accurate and fast histological diagnosis of cancers is crucial for successful treatment. The deep learning-based approaches have assisted pathologists in efficient cancer diagnosis. The remodeled microenvironment and field cancerization may enable the cancer-specific features in the image of non-cancer regions surrounding cancer, which may provide additional information not available in the cancer region to improve cancer diagnosis. Here, we proposed a deep learning framework with fine-tuning target proportion towards cancer surrounding tissues in histological images for gastric cancer diagnosis. Through employing six deep learning-based models targeting region-of-interest (ROI) with different proportions of no-cancer and cancer regions, we uncovered the diagnostic value of non-cancer ROI, and the model performance for cancer diagnosis depended on the proportion. Then, we constructed a model based on MobileNetV2 with the optimized weights targeting non-cancer and cancer ROI to diagnose gastric cancer (DeepNCCNet). In the external validation, the optimized DeepNCCNet demonstrated excellent generalization abilities with an accuracy of 93.96%. In conclusion, we discovered a non-cancer ROI weight-dependent model performance, indicating the diagnostic value of non-cancer regions with potential remodeled microenvironment and field cancerization, which provides a promising image resource for cancer diagnosis. The DeepNCCNet could be readily applied to clinical diagnosis for gastric cancer, which is useful for some clinical settings such as the absence or minimum amount of tumor tissues in the insufficient biopsy.},
}

Humans
*Deep Learning
*Stomach Neoplasms/pathology/diagnosis
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods
Neoplasms/pathology/diagnosis
Tumor Microenvironment
Reproducibility of Results

@article {pmid39848248,
year = {2025},
author = {Abdill, RJ and Graham, SP and Rubinetti, V and Ahmadian, M and Hicks, P and Chetty, A and McDonald, D and Ferretti, P and Gibbons, E and Rossi, M and Krishnan, A and Albert, FW and Greene, CS and Davis, S and Blekhman, R},
title = {Integration of 168,000 samples reveals global patterns of the human gut microbiome.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2024.12.017},
pmid = {39848248},
issn = {1097-4172},
abstract = {The factors shaping human microbiome variation are a major focus of biomedical research. While other fields have used large sequencing compendia to extract insights requiring otherwise impractical sample sizes, the microbiome field has lacked a comparably sized resource for the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing commonly used to quantify microbiome composition. To address this gap, we processed 168,464 publicly available human gut microbiome samples with a uniform pipeline. We use this compendium to evaluate geographic and technical effects on microbiome variation. We find that regions such as Central and Southern Asia differ significantly from the more thoroughly characterized microbiomes of Europe and Northern America and that composition alone can be used to predict a sample's region of origin. We also find strong associations between microbiome variation and technical factors such as primers and DNA extraction. We anticipate this growing work, the Human Microbiome Compendium, will enable advanced applied and methodological research.},
}

@article {pmid39844296,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, B and Xie, Y and Zhang, Y and Tang, G and Lin, J and Yuan, Z and Liu, X and Wang, X and Huang, M and Luo, Y and Yu, H},
title = {Spatial deconvolution from bulk DNA methylation profiles determines intratumoral epigenetic heterogeneity.},
journal = {Cell & bioscience},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {7},
pmid = {39844296},
issn = {2045-3701},
support = {81902877//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82272965//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82372715//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82173067//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Intratumoral heterogeneity emerges from accumulating genetic and epigenetic changes during tumorigenesis, which may contribute to therapeutic failure and drug resistance. However, the lack of a quick and convenient approach to determine the intratumoral epigenetic heterogeneity (eITH) limit the application of eITH in clinical settings. Here, we aimed to develop a tool that can evaluate the eITH using the DNA methylation profiles from bulk tumors.

METHODS: Genomic DNA of three laser micro-dissected tumor regions, including digestive tract surface, central bulk, and invasive front, was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of colorectal cancer patients. The genome-wide methylation profiles were generated with methylation array. The most variable methylated probes were selected to construct a DNA methylation-based heterogeneity (MeHEG) estimation tool that can deconvolve the proportion of each reference tumor region with the support vector machine model-based method. A PCR-based assay for quantitative analysis of DNA methylation (QASM) was developed to specifically determine the methylation status of each CpG in MeHEG assay at single-base resolution to realize fast evaluation of epigenetic heterogeneity.

RESULTS: In the discovery set with 79 patients, the differentially methylated CpGs among the three tumor regions were found. The 7 most representative CpGs were identified and subsequently selected to develop the MeHEG algorithm. We validated its performance of deconvolution of tumor regions in an independent cohort. In addition, we showed the significant association of MeHEG-based epigenetic heterogeneity with the genomic heterogeneity in mutation and copy number variation in our in-house and TCGA cohorts. Besides, we found that the patients with higher MeHEG score had worse disease-free and overall survival outcomes. Finally, we found dynamic change of epigenetic heterogeneity based on MeHEG score in cancer cells under the treatment of therapeutic drugs.

CONCLUSION: By developing a 7-loci panel using a machine learning approach combined with the QASM assay for PCR-based application, we present a valuable method for evaluating intratumoral heterogeneity. The MeHEG algorithm offers novel insights into tumor heterogeneity from an epigenetic perspective, potentially enriching current knowledge of tumor complexity and providing a new tool for clinical and research applications in cancer biology.},
}

@article {pmid39843757,
year = {2025},
author = {Pitashny, M and Kesten, I and Shlon, D and Hur, DB and Bar-Yoseph, H},
title = {The Future of Microbiome Therapeutics.},
journal = {Drugs},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39843757},
issn = {1179-1950},
abstract = {The human microbiome exerts profound influence over various biological processes within the body. Unlike many host determinants, it represents a readily accessible target for manipulation to promote health benefits. However, existing commercial microbiome-directed products often exhibit low efficacy. Advancements in technology are paving the way for the development of novel microbiome therapeutics, across a wide range of indications. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of state-of-the-art technologies in late-stage development, examining their advantages and limitations. By covering a spectrum, from fecal-derived products to live biotherapeutics, phage therapy, and synthetic biology, we illuminate the path toward the future of microbiome therapeutics.},
}

@article {pmid39840991,
year = {2025},
author = {Dufresne, K and Al, KF and Craig, HC and Coleman, CEM and Kasper, KJ and Burton, JP and McCormick, JK},
title = {TSST-1 promotes colonization of Staphylococcus aureus within the vaginal tract by activation of CD8[+] T cells.},
journal = {Infection and immunity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0043924},
doi = {10.1128/iai.00439-24},
pmid = {39840991},
issn = {1098-5522},
abstract = {Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) is a superantigen produced by Staphylococcus aureus and is the determinant of menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS); however, the impact of TSST-1 on the vaginal environment beyond mTSS is not understood. Herein, we assessed how TSST-1 affects vaginal colonization by S. aureus, host inflammatory responses, and changes in microbial communities within the murine vagina. We demonstrated that TSST-1 induced a CD8[+] T-cell-dependent inflammatory response in 24 h that correlated with S. aureus persistence within the vaginal tract. This increase was due to superantigen-dependent T-cell activation that triggered a change in microbial composition within the vaginal tract. Altogether, this study demonstrates that within the vaginal tract, TSST-1 modulates the vaginal microbiota to favor the survival of S. aureus in the absence of mTSS.IMPORTANCEToxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) is a superantigen toxin produced from Staphylococcus aureus that causes the menstrual form of toxic shock syndrome. This research demonstrates that TSST-1 also has a wider function within the vaginal tract than previously expected. We show that TSST-1, by activating CD8[+] T cells, induces an inflammatory environment that modifies the vaginal microbiota to favor colonization by S. aureus. These are important findings as S. aureus can colonize the human vaginal tract efficiently and subsequently trigger dysbiosis within the microbial communities leading to several adverse outcomes such as decreased fertility, increased risks for sexually transmitted diseases, and issues related to pregnancy and birth.},
}

@article {pmid39839711,
year = {2025},
author = {Griffin, EF and Owens, MG},
title = {Dopaminergic neurodegeneration in C. elegans cultivated with Porphorymonas gingivalis.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39839711},
issn = {2578-9430},
abstract = {Disruption of the human microbiome has emerged as a major contributing factor in the etiology of neurodegenerative disease. Previous work suggests a positive correlation between periodontal inflammation and Parkinson's disease. Here, we show that feeding C. elegans animals Porphorymonas gingivalis causes neurodegeneration that is not additive with neurodegeneration induced by the Parkinson's-associated protein, α-synuclein. In contrast, α-synuclein-expressing animals fed P. gingivalis show additional disruption in basal slowing, suggesting that P. gingivalis induces neurodegeneration while altering neuronal function of extant neurons. Though the mechanism is unclear, these results suggest a relationship between P. gingivalis and neurodegeneration that warrants further investigation.},
}

@article {pmid39839678,
year = {2025},
author = {Modha, S and Hughes, J and Orton, RJ and Lytras, S},
title = {Expanding the genomic diversity of human anelloviruses.},
journal = {Virus evolution},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {veaf002},
pmid = {39839678},
issn = {2057-1577},
abstract = {Anelloviruses are a group of small, circular, single-stranded DNA viruses that are found ubiquitously across mammalian hosts. Here, we explored a large number of publicly available human microbiome datasets and retrieved a total of 829 anellovirus genomes, substantially expanding the known diversity of these viruses. The majority of new genomes fall within the three major human anellovirus genera: Alphatorquevirus, Betatorquevirus, and Gammatorquevirus, while we also present new genomes of the under-sampled Hetorquevirus, Memtorquevirus, and Samektorquevirus genera. We performed recombination analysis and show evidence of extensive recombination across all human anelloviruses. Interestingly, more than 95% of the detected events are between members of the same genus and only 15 inter-genus recombination events were detected. The breakpoints of recombination cluster in hotspots at the ends and outside of the ORF1 gene, while a recombination coldspot was detected within the gene. Our analysis suggests that anellovirus evolution is governed by homologous recombination; however, events between distant viruses or ones producing chimaeric ORF1s likely lead to nonviable recombinants. The large number of genomes further allowed us to examine how essential genomic features vary across anelloviruses. These include functional domains in the ORF1 protein and the nucleotide motif of the replication loop region, required for the viruses' rolling-circle replication. A subset of the genomes assembled in both this and previous studies are completely lacking these essential elements, opening up the possibility that anellovirus intracellular populations contain nonstandard viral genomes. However, low-read depth of the metagenomically assembled contigs may partly explain the lack of some features. Overall, our study highlights key features of anellovirus genomics and evolution, a largely understudied group of viruses whose potential in virus-based therapeutics is recently being explored.},
}

@article {pmid39836666,
year = {2025},
author = {Gill, B and Wessels, JM and Hayes, CL and Ratcliffe, J and Wokuri, J and Ball, E and Reid, G and Kaul, R and Rana, J and Alkhaifi, M and Tharao, W and Smaill, F and Kaushic, C},
title = {Feasibility, safety and tolerability of estrogen and/or probiotics for improving vaginal health in Canadian African, Caribbean, and Black women: A pilot phase 1 clinical trial.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {e0315576},
pmid = {39836666},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Probiotics/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Adult ; *Vagina/microbiology ; *Estrogens/administration & dosage ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Pilot Projects ; Canada ; Black People ; Vaginosis, Bacterial/drug therapy ; Feasibility Studies ; Administration, Intravaginal ; Caribbean Region ; Prospective Studies ; HIV Infections ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: A dysbiotic vaginal microbiome (VMB) is associated with clinical conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. Considering the high prevalence of BV among African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) women, we conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label phase 1 clinical trial to determine the feasibility, safety and tolerability of administering low-dose estrogen, probiotics or both in combination to improve vaginal health and decrease HIV-1 susceptibility.

METHODS: ACB women aged 18-49 from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were randomized to one of four study arms: intravaginal estradiol (Estring©; 7.5mg/day); a vaginal probiotic (RepHresh™ Pro-B™) administered twice daily; a combination of Estring© and vaginal RepHresh™ Pro-B™ (twice daily); or the Estring© and oral RepHresh™ Pro-B™ (twice daily), for a duration of 30 days. Feasibility was evaluated through enrolment, retention, and adherence rates, while safety and tolerability were determined by a pre- and post-treatment blood panel and reported adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS: Overall, 63 ACB women were screened, 50 were enrolled and received the intervention while 41 completed the study, resulting in 80% enrollment and 82% retention rates. Overall adherence to the study protocol was high at 93%, with an adherence of 92% for RepHresh™ Pro-B™ and 97% for Estring©. A total of 88 AEs were reported by 29 participants which were mild (66/88; 75%) and largely resolved (82/88;93%) by the end of the study, with no serious AEs (SAEs) noted. In addition, a panel of safety blood markers measured pre- and post-intervention confirmed no clinically significant changes in blood chemistry or blood cell count.

CONCLUSION: Overall, the administration of intravaginal estrogen and/or probiotics in pre-menopausal ACB women is feasible, safe, and well tolerated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03837015) and CIHR HIV Clinical Trials (CTN308).},
}

Humans
Female
*Probiotics/administration & dosage/adverse effects
Adult
*Vagina/microbiology
*Estrogens/administration & dosage
Middle Aged
Young Adult
Adolescent
Pilot Projects
Canada
Black People
Vaginosis, Bacterial/drug therapy
Feasibility Studies
Administration, Intravaginal
Caribbean Region
Prospective Studies
HIV Infections

@article {pmid39829898,
year = {2025},
author = {Ni, M and Fan, Y and Liu, Y and Li, Y and Qiao, W and Davey, LE and Zhang, XS and Ksiezarek, M and Mead, E and Touracheau, A and Jiang, W and Blaser, MJ and Valdivia, RH and Fang, G},
title = {Epigenetic phase variation in the gut microbiome enhances bacterial adaptation.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39829898},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM139655/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The human gut microbiome within the gastrointestinal tract continuously adapts to variations in diet, medications, and host physiology. A central strategy for genetic adaptation is epigenetic phase variation (ePV) mediated by bacterial DNA methylation, which can regulate gene expression, enhance clonal heterogeneity, and enable a single bacterial strain to exhibit variable phenotypic states. Genome-wide and site-specific ePV have been well characterized in human pathogens' antigenic variation and virulence factor production. However, the role of ePV in facilitating adaptation within the human microbiome remains poorly understood. Here, we comprehensively cataloged genome-wide and site-specific ePV in human infant and adult gut microbiomes. First, using long-read metagenomic sequencing, we detected genome-wide ePV mediated by complex structural variations of DNA methyltransferases, highlighting the ones associated with antibiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation. Second, we analyzed an extensive collection of public short-read metagenomic sequencing datasets, uncovering a greater prevalence of genome-wide ePV in the human gut microbiome. Third, we quantitatively detected site-specific ePVs using single-molecule methylation analysis to identify dynamic variations associated with antibiotic treatment or probiotic engraftment. Finally, we performed an in-depth assessment of an Akkermansia muciniphila isolate from an infant, highlighting that ePV can regulate gene expression and enhance the bacterial adaptive capacity by employing a bet-hedging strategy to increase tolerance to differing antibiotics. Our findings indicate that epigenetic modifications are a common and broad strategy used by bacteria in the human gut to adapt to their environment.},
}

@article {pmid39824829,
year = {2025},
author = {Jeyaram, K and Lahti, L and Tims, S and Heilig, HGHJ and van Gelder, AH and de Vos, WM and Smidt, H and Zoetendal, EG},
title = {Fermented foods affect the seasonal stability of gut bacteria in an Indian rural population.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {771},
pmid = {39824829},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {BT/IN/CREST-Awards/44/KJ/2010-11//Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology (DBT)/ ; 295741, 330887//Academy of Finland (Suomen Akatemia)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Seasons ; India ; *Rural Population ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Fermented Foods/microbiology ; Feces/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; Prevotella/isolation & purification ; Young Adult ; Bifidobacterium/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {The effect of fermented foods on healthy human gut microbiota structure and function, particularly its seasonal preference and frequent long-term consumption, has been largely uncharacterised. Here, we assess the gut microbiota and metabolite composition of 78 healthy Indian agrarian individuals who differ in the intake of fermented milk and soybean products by seasonal sampling during hot-humid summer, autumn and dry winter. Here we show that, seasonal shifts between the Prevotella- and Bifidobacterium/Ruminococcus-driven community types, or ecological states, and associated fatty acid derivatives, with a bimodal change in Bacteroidota community structure during summer, particularly in fermented milk consumers. Our results associate long-term fermented food consumption with reduced gut microbiota diversity and bacterial load. We identify taxonomic groups that drive the seasonal fluctuation and associated shifts between the two ecological states in gut microbiota. This understanding may pave the way towards developing strategies to sustain a healthy and resilient gut microbiota through dietary interventions.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Seasons
India
*Rural Population
Male
Female
Adult
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Fermented Foods/microbiology
Feces/microbiology
Middle Aged
Prevotella/isolation & purification
Young Adult
Bifidobacterium/isolation & purification

@article {pmid39824739,
year = {2025},
author = {Sfanos, KS},
title = {Clinical translation of the interconnected role of the microbiome and diet in genitourinary malignancies.},
journal = {Urologic oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.12.269},
pmid = {39824739},
issn = {1873-2496},
abstract = {A complex and often under-appreciated relationship exists between the human microbiome, diet, and the development or progression of cancer. There is likewise an emerging appreciation for the role that the human-associated microbiota play in mediating cancer treatment response. This seminar series covers our current understanding of the interplay between the microbiome and cancer in genitourinary malignancies inclusive of bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers.},
}

@article {pmid39817749,
year = {2025},
author = {Amari, Y and Hosonuma, M and Mizukami, T and Isobe, J and Azetsu, Y and Funayama, E and Maruyama, Y and Tsurui, T and Tajima, K and Sasaki, A and Yamazaki, Y and Nakano, R and Sano, Y and Ishida, A and Nakanishi, T and Mochizuki, S and Yoshizawa, Y and Kumagai, S and Yasuhara, S and Ryu, K and Oguchi, T and Kuramasu, A and Yoshimura, K and Sambe, T and Kobayashi, S and Uchida, N},
title = {Association between the ABCC11 gene polymorphism-determined earwax properties and external auditory canal microbiota in healthy adults.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {e0169824},
pmid = {39817749},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {//Showa University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Ear Canal/microbiology ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Adult ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Female ; *Cerumen/metabolism/microbiology ; Male ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism/isolation & purification ; *ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics/metabolism ; Young Adult ; Healthy Volunteers ; Middle Aged ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The concept of genome-microbiome interactions, in which the microenvironment determined by host genetic polymorphisms regulates the local microbiota, is important in the pathogenesis of human disease. In otolaryngology, the resident bacterial microbiota is reportedly altered in non-infectious ear diseases, such as otitis media pearls and exudative otitis media. We hypothesized that a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the ATP-binding cassette sub-family C member 11 (ABCC11) gene, which determines earwax properties, regulates the ear canal microbiota. We analyzed ABCC11 gene polymorphisms and ear canal microbiota in healthy individuals to understand the relationship between genome-microbiome interactions in the ear canal. The study included 21 subjects who were divided into two groups: 538GA (9) and 538AA (12). Staphylococcus auricularis and Corynebacterium spp. were observed in the 538GA group, whereas Methylocella spp. was observed in the 538AA group. PICRUSt analysis revealed significant enrichment of certain pathways, such as superpathway of N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylmannosamine and N-acetylneuraminate degradation, chlorosalicylate degradation, mycothiol biosynthesis, and enterobactin biosynthesis in the GA group, whereas allantoin degradation IV (anaerobic), nitrifier denitrification, starch degradation III, L-valine degradation I, and nicotinate degradation I were significantly enriched in the AA group. The ABCC11 gene polymorphism regulates the composition of the ear canal microbiota and its metabolic pathways. This study revealed a genome-microbiome interaction within the resident microbiota of the external auditory canal that may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of ear diseases and develop novel therapies.

IMPORTANCE: The ABCC11 gene polymorphism, which determines earwax characteristics, regulates the composition of the ear canal microbiota and its metabolic pathways. We determined the presence of genome-microbiome interactions in the resident microbiota of the ear canal. Future studies should focus on ABCC11 gene polymorphisms to elucidate the pathogenesis of ear diseases and develop therapeutic methods.},
}

Humans
*Ear Canal/microbiology
*Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Adult
*Microbiota/genetics
Female
*Cerumen/metabolism/microbiology
Male
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism/isolation & purification
*ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics/metabolism
Young Adult
Healthy Volunteers
Middle Aged

@article {pmid39817732,
year = {2025},
author = {Bao, Z and Zhang, B and Yao, J and Li, MD},
title = {MultiTax-human: an extensive and high-resolution human-related full-length 16S rRNA reference database and taxonomy.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {e0131224},
pmid = {39817732},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {No. 2021JC06//Research Project of Joint Institue of Tobacco and Health/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Databases, Genetic ; },
abstract = {Considering that the human microbiota plays a critical role in health and disease, an accurate and high-resolution taxonomic classification is thus essential for meaningful microbiome analysis. In this study, we developed an automatic system, named MultiTax pipeline, for generating de novo taxonomy from full-length 16S rRNA sequences using the Genome Taxonomy Database and other existing reference databases. We first constructed the MultiTax-human database, a high-resolution resource specifically designed for human microbiome research and clinical applications. The database includes 842,649 high-quality full-length 16S rRNA sequences, extracted from multiple public repositories and human-related studies, offering a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of the human microbiome. To validate the MultiTax-human database, we profiled the human microbiome across various body sites, identified core microbial taxa, and tested its performance using an independent data set. Additionally, the database is equipped with a user-friendly web interface for easy querying and data exploration. The MultiTax-human database is poised to serve as a valuable tool for researchers, enhancing the precision of human microbiome studies and advancing our understanding of its impact on human health and diseases.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding the human microbiome, the collection of microorganisms in and on our bodies, is essential for advancing health research. Current methods often lack precision and consistency, hindering our ability to study these microorganisms effectively. Our study presents the MultiTax-human database, a high-resolution reference tool specifically designed for human microbiome research. By integrating data from multiple sources and employing advanced classification techniques, this database offers an accurate and detailed map of the human microbiome. This resource enhances the ability of researchers and clinicians to explore the roles of microorganisms in health and disease, potentially leading to improved diagnostics, treatments, and insights into various medical conditions.},
}

Humans
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Microbiota/genetics
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Phylogeny
Databases, Genetic

@article {pmid39809670,
year = {2025},
author = {Galeota-Sprung, B and Bhatt, AS and de la Fuente-Nunez, C},
title = {Microproteins: emerging roles as antibiotics.},
journal = {Trends in genetics : TIG},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {104-106},
doi = {10.1016/j.tig.2024.12.004},
pmid = {39809670},
issn = {0168-9525},
mesh = {*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Humans ; Microbiota ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Micropeptides ; },
abstract = {Recent advances in computational prediction and experimental techniques have detected previously unknown microproteins, particularly in the human microbiome. These small proteins, produced by diverse microbial species, are emerging as promising candidates for new antibiotics.},
}

*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Humans
Microbiota
Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Micropeptides

@article {pmid39809651,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, X and Meng, L and Song, W and Zhi, M and Wang, P and Liu, B and Du, M and Feng, Q},
title = {Efficacy of Toothpaste Containing Polylysine and Funme Peptide on Oral Microbiome and Oral Health.},
journal = {International dental journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.identj.2024.11.017},
pmid = {39809651},
issn = {1875-595X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the toothpaste containing ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) and funme peptide (FP) as key components on oral microbial composition and oral health.

METHODS: An oral microbiome study was initially carried out to analyze the variation in the oral microbiota before and after use of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) toothpaste. Subsequently, a clinical trial was independently performed to assess the efficacy of AMP toothpaste by measuring the dental plaque index (PLI), volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) levels, modified bleeding index (mBI), and bleeding on probing rate (BOP%).

RESULTS: The application of AMP toothpaste increased the α diversity and modified β diversity of oral microbiome across 3 oral niches. AMP toothpaste increased the relative abundance of the commensal oral microbes, and attenuated the abundance of pathogenic bacteria in gingivitis patients to normal levels. The clinical trial showed 44.33% and 12.29% reductions of PLI scores in the test and control groups, respectively, and the test group exhibited a more pronounced decrease in VSC levels. The test group recorded significant reductions in mBI and BOP% by 39.09% and 24.59%, respectively, exceeding the control group's reductions of 4.63% and -0.97% (P < .05).

CONCLUSION: The formulation of toothpaste with ε-PL and FP recalibrated the oral microbiome's diversity and abundance, and mitigated common oral health issues such as plaque, halitosis, and gingivitis while maintaining well safety.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral care products containing ε-PL and FP can be used as a new treatment for improving oral microbiota and oral diseases.},
}

@article {pmid39804694,
year = {2025},
author = {Puller, V and Plaza Oñate, F and Prifti, E and de Lahondès, R},
title = {Impact of simulation and reference catalogues on the evaluation of taxonomic profiling pipelines.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39804694},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Computer Simulation ; Benchmarking ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; Metagenomics/methods ; Microbiota/genetics ; },
abstract = {Microbiome profiling tools rely on reference catalogues, which significantly affect their performance. Comparing them is, however, challenging, mainly due to differences in their native catalogues. In this study, we present a novel standardized benchmarking framework that makes such comparisons more accurate. We decided not to customize databases but to translate results to a common reference to use the tools with their native environment. Specifically, we conducted two realistic simulations of gut microbiome samples, each based on a specific taxonomic profiler, and used two different taxonomic references to project their results, namely the Genome Taxonomy Database and the Unified Human Gastrointestinal Genome. To demonstrate the importance of using such a framework, we evaluated four established profilers as well as the impact of the simulations and that of the common taxonomic references on the perceived performance of these profilers. Finally, we provide guidelines to enhance future profiler comparisons for human microbiome ecosystems: (i) use or create realistic simulations tailored to your biological context (BC), (ii) identify a common feature space suited to your BC and independent of the catalogues used by the profilers and (iii) apply a comprehensive set of metrics covering accuracy (sensitivity/precision), overall representativity (richness/Shannon) and quantification (UniFrac and/or Aitchison distance).},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Computer Simulation
Benchmarking
Bacteria/classification/genetics
Metagenomics/methods
Microbiota/genetics

@article {pmid39802902,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, D and Wu, R and Yu, Q and Tuo, Z and Wang, J and Yoo, KH and Wei, W and Yang, Y and Ye, L and Guo, Y and Chaipanichkul, P and Okoli, UA and Poolman, TM and Burton, JP and Cho, WC and Heavey, S and Feng, D},
title = {Microbiota and urinary tumor immunity: Mechanisms, therapeutic implications, and future perspectives.},
journal = {Chinese journal of cancer research = Chung-kuo yen cheng yen chiu},
volume = {36},
number = {6},
pages = {596-615},
pmid = {39802902},
issn = {1000-9604},
}

@article {pmid39800869,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, H and Chen, A and Li, S and Chen, K and You, X and Bian, Y and Li, C and Liu, S and Huang, J and Zhang, S},
title = {Spatio-Temporal Change of Skin and Oral Microbiota: A Longitudinal Study of Microbial Diversity and Stability.},
journal = {Electrophoresis},
volume = {46},
number = {1-2},
pages = {92-103},
doi = {10.1002/elps.202400160},
pmid = {39800869},
issn = {1522-2683},
support = {82371896//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82260335//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota ; *Skin/microbiology ; Longitudinal Studies ; *Mouth/microbiology ; *COVID-19/microbiology ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification ; Saliva/microbiology ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The human skin and oral cavity harbor complex microbial communities, which exist in dynamic equilibrium with the host's physiological state and the external environment. This study investigates the microbial atlas of human skin and oral cavities using samples collected over a 10-month period, aiming to assess how both internal and external factors influence the human microbiome. We examined bacterial community diversity and stability across various body sites, including palm and nasal skin, saliva, and oral epithelial cells, during environmental changes and a COVID-19 pandemic. The skin microbiome was confirmed to display spatial and temporal stability compared to the oral microbiome, particularly the oral epithelium, which was susceptible to changes in the host's physiological state and immune response. Moreover, significant differences in the microbial community structure among the 4 sample types were observed, and 87 distinct bacteria biomarkers were identified. The random forest prediction model achieved an overall prediction accuracy of 95.24% across the four types of samples studied. Additionally, nasal skin samples showed significant promise for individual identification through profiling the skin microbiota. These findings highlight the potential of skin and oral microbiota as forensic markers for inferring body sites and identifying individuals. In summary, despite facing limitations such as a small cohort size and the need for broader validation, this research provides an overall perspective and initial insights for refining experimental designs and conducting in-depth research in various microbial research fields.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota
*Skin/microbiology
Longitudinal Studies
*Mouth/microbiology
*COVID-19/microbiology
SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification
Saliva/microbiology
Adult
Male
Female
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis/genetics

@article {pmid39798621,
year = {2025},
author = {Heckmann, ND and Culler, M and Mont, MA and Lieberman, JR and Parvizi, J},
title = {Emerging Concepts in Periprosthetic Joint Infection Research: The Human Microbiome.},
journal = {The Journal of arthroplasty},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.arth.2025.01.001},
pmid = {39798621},
issn = {1532-8406},
abstract = {Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that reside on and within the human body are collectively known as the human microbiome. Dysbiosis, or disruption in the microbiome, has been implicated in several disease processes, including asthma, obesity, autoimmune diseases, and numerous other conditions. While the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) and the generation of descriptive studies it inspired established correlations between characteristic patterns in the composition of the microbiome and specific disease phenotypes, current research has begun to focus on elucidating the causal role of the microbiome in disease pathogenesis. Within the field of orthopaedic surgery, researchers have proposed the concept of a "gut-joint axis" by which the intestinal microbiome influences joint health and the development of diseases such as osteoarthritis and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). It is theorized that intestinal dysbiosis increases gut permeability, leading to the translocation of bacteria and their metabolic products into the systemic circulation and the stimulation of proinflammatory response cascades throughout the body, including within the joints. While correlative studies have identified patterns of dysbiotic derangement associated with osteoarthritis and PJI, translational research is needed to clarify the precise mechanisms by which these changes influence disease processes. Additionally, an emerging body of literature has challenged the previously held belief that certain body sites are sterile and do not possess a microbiome, with studies identifying distinct microbial genomic signatures and a core microbiome that varies between anatomic sites. A more thorough characterization of the joint microbiome may have profound implications for our understanding of PJI pathogenesis and our ability to stratify patients based on risk. The purpose of this review was to outline our current understanding of the human microbiome, to describe the gut-joint axis and its role in specific pathologies, including PJI, and to highlight the potential of microbiome-based therapeutic interventions in the field of orthopaedics.},
}

@article {pmid39797472,
year = {2025},
author = {Chong-Nguyen, C and Yilmaz, B and Coles, B and Sokol, H and MacPherson, A and Siepe, M and Reineke, D and Mosbahi, S and Tomii, D and Nakase, M and Atighetchi, S and Ferro, C and Wingert, C and Gräni, C and Pilgrim, T and Windecker, S and Blasco, H and Dupuy, C and Emond, P and Banz, Y and Losmanovà, T and Döring, Y and Siontis, GCM},
title = {A scoping review evaluating the current state of gut microbiota and its metabolites in valvular heart disease physiopathology.},
journal = {European journal of clinical investigation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e14381},
doi = {10.1111/eci.14381},
pmid = {39797472},
issn = {1365-2362},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The human microbiome is crucial in regulating intestinal and systemic functions. While its role in cardiovascular disease is better understood, the link between intestinal microbiota and valvular heart diseases (VHD) remains largely unexplored.

METHODS: Peer-reviewed studies on human, animal or cell models analysing gut microbiota profiles published up to April 2024 were included. Eligible studies used 16S rRNA or shotgun sequencing, metabolite profiling by mass spectrometry, and examined osteogenesis or fibrosis signalling in valve cells. Methods and findings were qualitatively analysed, with data charted to summarize study design, materials and outcomes.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included in the review: five human, three animal and five in vitro. Of the nine studies on calcific aortic stenosis (CAS), elevated trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels were linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events in cohort studies, with CAS patients showing higher levels of Bacteroides plebeius, Enterobacteriaceae, Veillonella dispar and Prevotella copri. In vivo, TMAO promoted aortic valve fibrosis, while tryptophan derivatives stimulated osteogenic differentiation and interleukin-6 secretion in valvular interstitial cells. Two studies on rheumatic mitral valve disease found altered microbiota profiles and lower short-chain fatty acid levels, suggesting potential impacts on immune regulation. Two studies on Barlow's mitral valve disease in animal models revealed elevated TMAO levels in dogs with congestive heart failure, reduced Paraprevotellaceae, increased Actinomycetaceae and dysbiosis involving Turicibacter and E. coli.

CONCLUSIONS: TMAO has been mainly identified as a prognostic marker in VHD. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been observed in various forms of VHD and deserve further study.},
}

@article {pmid39796469,
year = {2024},
author = {Wu, F and Guo, Y and Wang, Y and Sui, X and Wang, H and Zhang, H and Xin, B and Yang, C and Zhang, C and Jiang, S and Qu, L and Feng, Q and Dai, Z and Shi, C and Li, Y},
title = {Effects of Long-Term Fasting on Gut Microbiota, Serum Metabolome, and Their Association in Male Adults.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39796469},
issn = {2072-6643},
support = {2022SY54B0506, BJH22WS1J002, 18035020103//the Advanced Space Medico-Engineering Research Project of China/ ; SMFA22Q03, SMFA22B04//The State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center/ ; HYZHXM01002//the Space Medical Experiment Project of China Manned Space Program/ ; JCYJ20200109110630285//he Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission 2020 Basic Research Project/ ; 2022YFA1604504//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Fasting/blood ; *Metabolome ; Pilot Projects ; Adult ; Animals ; Obesity/microbiology/blood ; Bacteria/classification ; Diet, High-Fat ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long-term fasting demonstrates greater therapeutic potential and broader application prospects in extreme environments than intermittent fasting.

METHOD: This pilot study of 10-day complete fasting (CF), with a small sample size of 13 volunteers, aimed to investigate the time-series impacts on gut microbiome, serum metabolome, and their interrelationships with biochemical indices.

RESULTS: The results show CF significantly affected gut microbiota diversity, composition, and interspecies interactions, characterized by an expansion of the Proteobacteria phylum (about six-fold) and a decrease in Bacteroidetes (about 50%) and Firmicutes (about 34%) populations. Notably, certain bacteria taxa exhibited complex interactions and strong correlations with serum metabolites implicated in energy and amino acid metabolism, with a particular focus on fatty acylcarnitines and tryptophan derivatives. A key focus of our study was the effect of Ruthenibacterium lactatiformans, which was highly increased during CF and exhibited a strong correlation with fat metabolic indicators. This bacterium was found to mitigate high-fat diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and intestinal barrier dysfunction in animal experiments. These effects suggest its potential as a probiotic candidate for the amelioration of dyslipidemia and for mediating the benefits of fasting on fat metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study suggests that alterations in gut microbiota during CF contribute to the shift of energy metabolic substrate and the establishment of a novel homeostatic state during prolonged fasting.},
}

Humans
Male
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Fasting/blood
*Metabolome
Pilot Projects
Adult
Animals
Obesity/microbiology/blood
Bacteria/classification
Diet, High-Fat

@article {pmid39796301,
year = {2024},
author = {Galazka, S and Vigl, V and Kuffner, M and Dielacher, I and Spettel, K and Kriz, R and Kreuzinger, N and Vierheilig, J and Woegerbauer, M},
title = {Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Differently Processed Smoothies and Fresh Produce from Austria.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39796301},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {BMASGK-74602/0005-IX/B/15/2019//Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMASGK)/ ; },
abstract = {Plant-derived foods are potential vehicles for microbial antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which can be transferred to the human microbiome if consumed raw or minimally processed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the amount of clinically relevant ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in differently processed smoothies (freshly prepared, cold-pressed, pasteurized and high-pressure processed) and fresh produce samples (organically and conventionally cultivated) to assess potential health hazards associated with their consumption. The MGE ISPps and the class 1 integron-integrase gene intI1 were detected by probe-based qPCR in concentrations up to 10[4] copies/mL in all smoothies, lettuce, carrots and a single tomato sample. The highest total (2.2 × 10[5] copies/mL) and the most diverse ARG and MGE loads (16/26 targets) were observed in freshly prepared and the lowest prevalences (5/26) and concentrations (4.1 × 10[3] copies/mL) in high-pressure-processed (HPP) smoothies. BlaCTX-M-1-15 (1.2 × 10[5] c/mL) and strB (6.3 × 10[4] c/mL) were the most abundant, and qacEΔ1 (95%), blaTEM1 (85%), ermB and sul1 (75%, each) were the most prevalent ARGs. QnrS, vanA, sat-4, blaKPC, blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-10 were never detected. HPP treatment reduced the microbial loads by ca. 5 logs, also destroying extracellular DNA potentially encoding ARGs that could otherwise be transferred by bacterial transformation. The bacterial microbiome, potential pathogens, bacterial ARG carriers and competent bacteria able to take up ARGs were identified by Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To reduce the risk of AMR spread from smoothies, our data endorse the application of DNA-disintegrating processing techniques such as HPP.},
}

@article {pmid39794144,
year = {2025},
author = {Lan, P and Zhang, ZJ and He, Z},
title = {[Progress in the study of the surgical management of Crohn disease based on the mesenteric concept].},
journal = {Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery]},
volume = {63},
number = {2},
pages = {107-113},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112139-20240331-00155},
pmid = {39794144},
issn = {0529-5815},
support = {2022YFA1304000//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; U21A20344//Key Joint Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {In recent years, with the deepening of mesentery research, it is found that its blood vessels, nerves, lymphoid tissue, adipose tissue and other structures play an important role in the occurrence and development of Crohn disease, and the degree of lesion is related with the disease process, surgical difficulty, the occurrence of intraoperative complications and postoperative recurrence. The optimal surgical strategy of Crohn disease based on mesenteric involvement has received great attention. Multiple retrospective studies found that extended mesenteric resection and Kono-S anastomosis potentially could reduce the rate of postoperative recurrence. However, the latest prospective randomized controlled studies did not achieve the expected results, and the evidence for the surgical strategy based on mesentery is still weak. This review summarises the findings of basic and clinical investigations of the mesentery in Crohn disease so far and explores its role in surgical treatment optimization, and provides new thinking and insights for the further research and surgical options for Crohn disease.},
}

@article {pmid39793044,
year = {2025},
author = {Putumbaka, S and Schut, GJ and Thorgersen, MP and Poole, FL and Shao, N and Rodionov, DA and Adams, MWW},
title = {Tungsten is utilized for lactate consumption and SCFA production by a dominant human gut microbe Eubacterium limosum.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {1},
pages = {e2411809121},
pmid = {39793044},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R01 GM136885/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Eubacterium/metabolism/genetics ; Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Lactic Acid/metabolism ; *Tungsten/metabolism ; *Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Eubacterium limosum is a dominant member of the human gut microbiome and produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These promote immune system function and inhibit inflammation, making this microbe important for human health. Lactate is a primary source of gut SCFAs but its utilization by E. limosum has not been explored. We show that E. limosum growing on lactate takes up added tungstate rather than molybdate and produces the SCFAs acetate and butyrate, but not propionate. The genes encoding an electron bifurcating, tungsten-containing oxidoreductase (WOR1) and a tungsten-containing formate dehydrogenase (FDH), along with an electron bifurcating lactate dehydrogenase (LCT), lactate permease, and enzymes of the propanediol pathway, are all up-regulated on lactate compared to growth on glucose. Lactate metabolism is controlled by a GntR-family repressor (LctR) and two global regulators, Rex and CcpA, where Rex in part controls W storage and tungstopyranopterin (Tuco) biosynthesis. Tuco-dependent riboswitches, along with CcpA, also control two iron transporters, consistent with the increased iron demand for many iron-containing enzymes, including WOR1 and FDH, involved in SCFA production. From intracellular aldehyde concentrations and the substrate specificity of WOR1, we propose that WOR1 is involved in detoxifying acetaldehyde produced during lactate degradation. Lactate to SCFA conversion by E. limosum is clearly highly tungstocentric and tungsten might be an overlooked micronutrient in the human microbiome and in overall human health.},
}

*Eubacterium/metabolism/genetics
Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Lactic Acid/metabolism
*Tungsten/metabolism
*Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

@article {pmid39792309,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, P and Xia, P and Gao, S and Shi, W and Zhang, X},
title = {Critical Structures of Bisphenol Analogues on Embryonic Toxicity Identified by a Computational Approach.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {59},
number = {3},
pages = {1553-1564},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.4c10012},
pmid = {39792309},
issn = {1520-5851},
mesh = {*Zebrafish/embryology ; *Phenols/toxicity ; Animals ; Benzhydryl Compounds/toxicity/chemistry ; Embryo, Nonmammalian/drug effects ; Bisphenol A Compounds ; },
abstract = {Safer chemical alternatives to bisphenol (BP) have been a major pursuit of modern green chemistry and toxicology. Using a chemical similarity-based approach, it is difficult to identify minor structural differences that contribute to the significant changes of toxicity. Here, we used omics and computational toxicology to identify chemical features associated with BP analogue-induced embryonic toxicity, offering valuable insights to inform the design of safer chemical alternatives. The zebrafish embryonic acute toxicity, behavioral effects, and concentration-dependent transcriptome analysis of 17 BP analogues were tested, and the chemical structure characteristics and key biological activities-induced embryonic toxicity were explored. BPE, BPF, BPP, BPBP, and BPS induced lower embryonic lethality than BPA. And, 8 BP analogues triggered hyperactive behavior at environmentally and human relevant concentrations. BP analogues with phenol rings linked via hydrophobic segments ("chain:alkaneBranch_neopentyl_C5") disturbed stress response, leading to embryonic lethality, and introducing hydrophobic groups on the meta position of bisphenol structure augmented their embryonic lethality effects. "3DACorr_TotChg_3" of BP analogues is a key physicochemical feature for behavioral disorders, and BP analogues with 3DACorr_TotChg_3 value < 0.11 could induce hyperactive behavior by perturbing neurodevelopment relevant biological pathways. This study provides an integrated strategy, combining data-driven profiling and mechanism-based analysis for safer chemical alternatives.},
}

*Zebrafish/embryology
*Phenols/toxicity
Animals
Benzhydryl Compounds/toxicity/chemistry
Embryo, Nonmammalian/drug effects
Bisphenol A Compounds

@article {pmid39791890,
year = {2025},
author = {Soborowski, AL and Hackley, RK and Hwang, S and Zhou, G and Dulmage, KA and Schönheit, P and Daniels, C and Bisson-Filho, AW and Marchfelder, A and Maupin-Furlow, JA and Allers, T and Schmid, AK},
title = {Genomic re-sequencing reveals mutational divergence across genetically engineered strains of model archaea.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0108424},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01084-24},
pmid = {39791890},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Archaeal molecular biology has been a topic of intense research in recent decades as their role in global ecosystems, nutrient cycles, and eukaryotic evolution comes to light. The hypersaline-adapted archaeal species Halobacterium salinarum and Haloferax volcanii serve as important model organisms for understanding archaeal genomics, genetics, and biochemistry, in part because efficient tools enable genetic manipulation. As a result, the number of strains in circulation among the haloarchaeal research community has increased in recent decades. However, the degree of genetic divergence and effects on genetic integrity resulting from the creation and inter-lab transfer of novel lab stock strains remain unclear. To address this, we performed whole-genome re-sequencing on a cross-section of wild-type, parental, and knockout strains in both model species. Integrating these data with existing repositories of re-sequencing data, we identify mutations that have arisen in a collection of 60 strains, sampled from two species across eight different labs. Independent of sequencing, we construct strain lineages, identifying branch points and significant genetic events in strain history. Combining this with our sequencing data, we identify small clusters of mutations that definitively separate lab strains. Additionally, an analysis of gene knockout strains suggests that roughly one in three strains currently in use harbors second-site mutations of potential phenotypic impact. Overall, we find that divergence among lab strains is thus far minimal, though as the archaeal research community continues to grow, careful strain provenance and genomic re-sequencing are required to keep inter-lab divergence to a minimum, prevent the compounding of mutations into fully independent lineages, and maintain the current high degree of reproducible research between lab groups.

IMPORTANCE: Archaea are a domain of microbial life whose member species play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, climate regulation, the human microbiome, and persistence in extreme habitats. In particular, hypersaline-adapted archaea are important, genetically tractable model organisms for studying archaeal genetics, genomics, and biochemistry. As the archaeal research community grows, keeping track of the genetic integrity of strains of interest is necessary. In particular, routine genetic manipulations and the common practice of sharing strains between labs allow mutations to arise in lab stocks. If these mutations affect cellular processes, they may jeopardize the reproducibility of work between research groups and confound the results of future studies. In this work, we examine DNA sequences from 60 strains across two species of archaea. We identify shared and unique mutations occurring between and within strains. Independently, we trace the lineage of each strain, identifying which genetic manipulations lead to observed off-target mutations. While overall divergence across labs is minimal so far, our work highlights the need for labs to continue proper strain husbandry.},
}

@article {pmid39789171,
year = {2025},
author = {Barman, I and Seo, H and Kim, S and Rahim, MA and Yoon, Y and Hossain, MS and Shuvo, MSH and Song, HY},
title = {Isolation of New Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria from the Vaginal Microbiome of Postmenopausal Women and their Probiotic Characteristics.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {2},
pages = {76},
pmid = {39789171},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {20018499//Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy/ ; RS-2023-00219563//Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea/ ; Soon Chun Hyang University Research Fund//Soon Chun Hyang University/ ; },
mesh = {Female ; *Probiotics ; Humans ; *Vagina/microbiology ; *Lactobacillales/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism ; *Postmenopause ; Bacterial Adhesion ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Microbiota ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Cytokines/metabolism ; Macrophages/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), traditionally consumed as fermented foods, are now being applied to the medical field beyond health-functional food as probiotics. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously discover and evaluate new strains with suitable probiotic characteristics, mainly focusing on safety. In this study, we isolated eight new strains from postmenopausal vaginal fluid using culturomics approaches, an emerging area of interest. Data showed that most strains possessed significant cell surface hydrophobicity (≥ 76%), auto-aggregation capacity (17 to 61%), strong adhesion activity (8 to 34%), and excellent resistance to gastric acid, bile salt, and digestive enzyme, enhancing their survival in the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the strains exhibited functional characteristics, including substantial antibacterial activity with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 12.5 to 50%. They also harbored bacteriocins genes, produced short-chain fatty acids (acetate and propionate), exhibited significant phagocytic activity, possessed high antioxidative properties, rapidly depleted sodium nitrite, and exhibited proteolysis and β-glucosidase activity. In addition, heat-killed LAB strains significantly reduced the gene expressions of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-β, IL-6, and iNOS in macrophages. Safety assessment revealed no cytotoxicity in macrophage cell lines. All strains tested negative for biogenic amine or H2O2 production, displayed no gelatinase or hemolytic activity, lacked virulence genes or detrimental enzymes, and displayed antibiotic susceptibility. In summary, these newly isolated strains demonstrate excellent probiotic functionality with a strong focus on safety, making them promising candidates for future drug development in the relevant fields.},
}

Female
*Probiotics
Humans
*Vagina/microbiology
*Lactobacillales/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/metabolism
*Postmenopause
Bacterial Adhesion
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Microbiota
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Cytokines/metabolism
Macrophages/microbiology

@article {pmid39788169,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, B and Luo, Z and Niu, X and Li, Z and Lu, Y and Li, J},
title = {Fungi, immunosenescence and cancer.},
journal = {Seminars in cancer biology},
volume = {109},
number = {},
pages = {67-82},
doi = {10.1016/j.semcancer.2025.01.002},
pmid = {39788169},
issn = {1096-3650},
abstract = {Fungal microbes are a small but immunoreactive component of the human microbiome, which may influence cancer development, progression and therapeutic response. Immunosenescence is a process of immune dysfunction that occurs with aging, including lymphoid organ remodeling, contributing to alterations in the immune system in the elderly, which plays a critical role in many aspects of cancer. There is evidence for the interactions between fungi and immunosenescence in potentially regulating cancer progression and remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we summarize potential roles of commensal and pathogenic fungi in modulating cancer-associated processes and provide more-detailed discussions on the mechanisms of which fungi affect tumor biology, including local and distant regulation of the TME, modulating antitumor immune responses and interactions with neighboring bacterial commensals. We also delineate the features of immunosenescence and its influence on cancer development and treatment, and highlight the interactions between fungi and immunosenescence in cancer. We discuss the prospects and challenges for harnessing fungi and immunosenescence in cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Considering the limited understanding and techniques in conducting such research, we also provide our view on how to overcome challenges faced by the exploration of fungi, immunosenescence and their interactions on tumor biology.},
}

@article {pmid39788158,
year = {2025},
author = {Theodosiou, AA and Fady, PE and Bennett, N and Read, RC and Bogaert, D and Jones, CE},
title = {Microbiotoxicity: A call to arms for cross-sector protection of the human microbiome.},
journal = {The Journal of infection},
volume = {90},
number = {2},
pages = {106408},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106408},
pmid = {39788158},
issn = {1532-2742},
}

@article {pmid39775305,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, Y and Wang, Z and Li, C and Tian, S and Du, W},
title = {Droplet microfluidics: unveiling the hidden complexity of the human microbiome.},
journal = {Lab on a chip},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d4lc00877d},
pmid = {39775305},
issn = {1473-0189},
abstract = {The human body harbors diverse microbial communities essential for maintaining health and influencing disease processes. Droplet microfluidics, a precise and high-throughput platform for manipulating microscale droplets, has become vital in advancing microbiome research. This review introduces the foundational principles of droplet microfluidics, its operational capabilities, and wide-ranging applications. We emphasize its role in enhancing single-cell sequencing technologies, particularly genome and RNA sequencing, transforming our understanding of microbial diversity, gene expression, and community dynamics. We explore its critical function in isolating and cultivating traditionally unculturable microbes and investigating microbial activity and interactions, facilitating deeper insight into community behavior and metabolic functions. Lastly, we highlight its broader applications in microbial analysis and its potential to revolutionize human health research by driving innovations in diagnostics, therapeutic development, and personalized medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of droplet microfluidics' impact on microbiome research, underscoring its potential to transform our understanding of microbial dynamics and their relevance to health and disease.},
}

@article {pmid39770796,
year = {2024},
author = {Enderlin, D and Bieri, U and Gadient, J and Morsy, Y and Scharl, M and Rüschoff, JH and Hefermehl, LJ and Nikitin, A and Langenauer, J and Engeler, DS and Förster, B and Obrecht, F and Surber, J and Scherer, TP and Eberli, D and Poyet, C},
title = {Towards Reliable Methodology: Microbiome Analysis of Fresh Frozen vs. Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Bladder Tissue Samples: A Feasibility Study.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39770796},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {KFS-5308-02-2021-R//the Swiss Cancer Research foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Studies have shown that the human microbiome influences the response to systemic immunotherapy. However, only scarce data exist on the impact of the urinary microbiome on the response rates of bladder cancer (BC) to local Bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation therapy. We launched the prospective SILENT-EMPIRE study in 2022 to address this question. We report the results of the pilot study of SILENT-EMPIRE, which aimed to compare the microbiome between fresh frozen (FF) and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples in the cancerous tissue and adjacent healthy tissue of BC patients. Our results show that alpha diversity is increased in FF samples compared to FFPE (coverage index p = 0.041, core abundance index p = 0.008). No significant differences concerning alpha diversity could be detected between cancerous and non-cancerous tissue in the same BC patients. This study demonstrates that microbiome analysis from both FF and FFPE samples is feasible. Implementing this finding could aid in the translation of research findings into clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid39770627,
year = {2024},
author = {Ricchezze, G and Buratti, E and De Micco, F and Cingolani, M and Scendoni, R},
title = {Medico-Legal Applications of the Human Microbiome and Critical Issues Due to Environmental Transfer: A Review.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39770627},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {ECS00000041 - VITALITY - CUP n° D83C22000710005//European Union - NextGenerationEU under the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) National Innovation Ecosystem/ ; },
abstract = {Microbiome has recently seen an increase in its forensic applications. It could be employed to identify a suspect when DNA is not available; it can be used to establish postmortem interval (PMI). Furthermore, it could prove to be fundamental in cases of sexual assault. One of the most interesting aspects to study is how microbiomes are transferred. The aim of this review is to analyze the existing literature focusing on the potential transfer of microbiome from humans to environment. Searches on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified a total of 348 articles. Furthermore, from the bibliographies of the included articles, an additional publication was selected, in accordance with the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study has shown the potential of utilizing microbiomes as trace evidence, particularly in connecting individuals to specific environments or objects. However, the variability and dynamics of microbial transfer and persistence need to be carefully addressed.},
}

@article {pmid39763928,
year = {2024},
author = {Glowacki, RWP and Engelhart, MJ and Till, JM and Kadam, A and Nemet, I and Sangwan, N and Ahern, PP},
title = {Identification of strain-specific cues that regulate biofilm formation in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2024.12.20.629428},
pmid = {39763928},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Members of the gut microbiome encounter a barrage of host- and microbe-derived microbiocidal factors that must be overcome to maintain fitness in the intestine. The long-term stability of many gut microbiome strains within the microbiome suggests the existence of strain-specific strategies that have evolved to foster resilience to such insults. Despite this, little is known about the mechanisms that mediate this resistance. Biofilm formation represents one commonly employed defense strategy against stressors like those found in the intestine. Here, we demonstrate strain-level variation in the capacity of the gut symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to form biofilms. Despite the potent induction of biofilm formation by purified bile in most strains, we show that the specific bile acid species driving biofilm formation differ among strains, and uncover that a secondary bile-acid, lithocholic acid, and its conjugated forms, potently induce biofilm formation in a strain-specific manner. Additionally, we found that the short-chain fatty acid, acetic acid, could suppress biofilm formation. Thus, our data defines the molecular components of bile that promote biofilm formation in B. thetaiotaomicron and reveals that distinct molecular cues trigger the induction or inhibition of this process. Moreover, we uncover strain-level variation in these responses, thus identifying that both shared and strain-specific determinants govern biofilm formation in this species.

IMPORTANCE: In order to thrive within the intestine, it is imperative that gut microbes resist the multitude of insults derived from the host immune system and other microbiome members. As such, they have evolved strategies that ensure their survival within the intestine. We investigated one such strategy, biofilm formation, in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron , a common member of the human microbiome. We uncovered significant variation in natural biofilm formation in the absence of an overt stimulus among different Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron strains, and revealed that different strains adopted a biofilm lifestyle in response to distinct molecular stimuli. Thus our studies provide novel insights into factors mediating gut symbiont resiliency, revealing strain-specific and shared strategies in these responses. Collectively, our findings underscore the prevalence of strain-level differences that should be factored into our understanding of gut microbiome functions.},
}

@article {pmid39757039,
year = {2025},
author = {Cruz-Lebrón, A and Faiez, TS and Hess, MM and Sfanos, KS},
title = {Diet and the microbiome as mediators of prostate cancer risk, progression, and therapy response.},
journal = {Urologic oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.12.001},
pmid = {39757039},
issn = {1873-2496},
abstract = {Complex relationships between the human microbiome and cancer are increasingly recognized for cancer sites that harbor commensal microbial communities such as the gut, genitourinary tract, and skin. For organ sites that likely do not contain commensal microbiota, there is still a substantial capacity for the human-associated microbiota to influence disease etiology across the cancer spectrum. We propose such a relationship for prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males in the United States. This review explores the current evidence for a role for the urinary and gut microbiota in prostate cancer risk, via both direct interactions (prostate infections) and long-distance interactions such as via the metabolism of procarcinogenic or anticarcinogenic dietary metabolites. We further explore a newly recognized role of the gut microbiota in mediating cancer treatment response or resistance either via production of androgens and/or procarcinogenic metabolites or via direct metabolism of anticancer drugs that are used to treat advanced disease. Overall, we present the current state of knowledge relating to how the human microbiome mediates prostate cancer risk, progression, and therapy response, as well as suggest future research directions for the field.},
}