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13 pages, 2274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Preliminary Study on Microbiota Characteristics of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Patients with Pulmonary Nodules Based on Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing

by Qian Yuan, Xiaojin Wang, Zhanglin Li, Wenzhuo Guo, Hua Cheng and Qingdong Cao

Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020631 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1528

Abstract

Background: The characteristics and roles of microbes in the occurrence and development of pulmonary nodules are still unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the microbial mNGS results of BALF from 229 patients with pulmonary nodules before surgery, and performed a comparative analysis of lung [...] Read more.

Background: The characteristics and roles of microbes in the occurrence and development of pulmonary nodules are still unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the microbial mNGS results of BALF from 229 patients with pulmonary nodules before surgery, and performed a comparative analysis of lung flora between lung cancer and benign nodules according to postoperative pathology. The analysis also focused on investigating the characteristics of lung microbiota in lung adenocarcinomas with varying histopathology. Results: There were differences in lung microbiota between lung cancer and benign lung nodules. Bacterial diversity was lower in lung cancer than in benign lung nodules. Four species (Porphyromonas somerae, Corynebacterium accolens, Burkholderia cenocepacia and Streptococcus mitis) were enriched in lung cancer compared with the benign lung nodules. The areas under the ROC curves of these four species were all greater than 0.6, and the AUC of Streptococcus mitis was 0.702, which had the highest diagnostic value for differentiating lung cancer from benign lung diseases. The significantly enriched microbiota varied with the different pathological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma. Streptococcus mitis, Burkholderia oklahomensis and Burkholderia latens displayed a trend of increasing from the benign lung disease group to the AIS group, MIA group and IAC group, whereas Lactobacillus plantarum showed a downward trend. Conclusion: Changes in the abundance of lung microbiota are closely related to the development of infiltrating adenocarcinoma. Our findings provide new insights into the relationship between the changes in lung microbiota and the development of lung cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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11 pages, 1471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Virulence of Commensal Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates from Healthy Individuals in Southern Vietnam (2018–2020)

by Nguyen Bao Vy Tran, Quang Minh Truong, Lam Que Anh Nguyen, Ngoc My Huong Nguyen, Quang Hung Tran, Thi Tuyet Phuong Dinh, Vinh Son Hua, Van Dung Nguyen, Peter A. Lambert and Thi Thu Hoai Nguyen

Biomedicines 2023, 11(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11010054 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1935

Abstract

Understanding the colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) in healthy humans is useful for future prevention and treatment of P. aeruginosa infection. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of of P. aeruginosa colonization in healthy humans. At [...] Read more.

Understanding the colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) in healthy humans is useful for future prevention and treatment of P. aeruginosa infection. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of of P. aeruginosa colonization in healthy humans. At the same time, the virulence of the isolated P. aeruginosa was also studied. In the study, 609 Vietnamese volunteers (310 females and 299 males, age range of 2 to 73 years), who had no acute infection or disease symptoms participated at the time of sample collection. Samples were taken from the throat, nostrils, and outer ears. P. aeruginosa was found in 19 participants (3.12%, 95% CI: 0.017–0.045), mainly from the throat (11/19, 57.89%). Participants with a history of sinusitis were 11.57 times more likely to be colonized with P. aeruginosa than participants without a history of sinusitis (OR: 11.57, 95% CI: 4.08–32.76, p-value < 0.0001, Fisher’s Exact test). Age and sex were not significantly associated with P. aeruginosa colonization. Among 16 P. aeruginosa isolates used in virulence tests, 100% (16/16) were positive for the synthesis of biofilm, pyocyanin, and siderophores; 93.75% (15/16) isolates were positive for the synthesis of gelatinase and protease; and 50% (8/16) isolates were positive for lipase. There were no differences in the pattern and range of virulence factors of P. aeruginosa isolates taken from participants with and without sinusitis history. P. aeruginosa colonized 3.12% of participants, and its presence was associated with sinusitis history. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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16 pages, 3011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Novel E3 Probiotics Formula on the Gut Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis Patients: A Pilot Study

by Yiwei Wang, Chi Tung Choy, Yufeng Lin, Lin Wang, Jinpao Hou, Joseph Chi Ching Tsui, Junwei Zhou, Chi Ho Wong, Tai Ki Yim, Wai Kai Tsui, Un Kei Chan, Pui Ling Kella Siu, Steven King Fan Loo and Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui

Biomedicines 2022, 10(11), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112904 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2290

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been shown to be closely related to gut dysbiosis mediated through the gut–skin axis, and thus the gut microbiome has recently been explored as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AD. Contrasting and varying efficacy have been [...] Read more.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been shown to be closely related to gut dysbiosis mediated through the gut–skin axis, and thus the gut microbiome has recently been explored as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AD. Contrasting and varying efficacy have been reported since then. In order to investigate the determining factor of probiotics responsiveness in individuals with AD, we initiated the analysis of 41 AD patients with varying disease severity in Hong Kong, whereas the severity was assessed by Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) by board certified dermatologist. 16S rRNA sequencing on the fecal samples from AD patients were performed to obtain the metagenomics profile at baseline and after 8 weeks of oral administration of a novel E3 probiotics formula (including prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics). While EASI of the participants were significantly lower after the probiotics treatment (p < 0.001, paired Wilcoxon signed rank), subjects with mild AD were found to be more likely to respond to the probiotics treatment. Species richness among responders regardless of disease severity were significantly increased (p < 0.001, paired Wilcoxon signed rank). Responders exhibited (1) elevated relative abundance of Clostridium, Fecalibacterium, Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, and Streptococcus, (2) reduced relative abundance of Collinsella, Bifidobacterium, Fusicatenibacter, and Escherichia-Shigella amid orally-intake probiotics identified using the machine learning algorithm and (3) gut microbiome composition and structure resembling healthy subjects after probiotics treatment. Here, we presented the gut microbiome dynamics in AD patients after the administration of the E3 probiotics formula and delineated the unique gut microbiome signatures in individuals with AD who were responding to the probiotics. These findings could guide the future development of probiotics use for AD management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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11 pages, 1482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Campylobacter Species of the Oral Microbiota as Prognostic Factor for Cardiovascular Outcome after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

by Susanne Schulz, Britt Hofmann, Julia Grollmitz, Lisa Friebe, Michael Kohnert, Hans-Günter Schaller and Stefan Reichert

Biomedicines 2022, 10(8), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10081801 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1619

Abstract

Background: The oral microbiota has been implicated in a variety of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular (CV) disease. The main objective of this study (DRKS-ID: DRKS00015776) was to evaluate the prognostic importance of the oral microbiota for further CV events in patients undergoing coronary [...] Read more.

Background: The oral microbiota has been implicated in a variety of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular (CV) disease. The main objective of this study (DRKS-ID: DRKS00015776) was to evaluate the prognostic importance of the oral microbiota for further CV events in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (3-year follow-up). Methods: In this longitudinal cohort study, 102 CV patients were enrolled, of whom 95 completed the 3-year follow-up. The CV outcome was assessed using the major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events criteria. To evaluate subgingival colonization, 16S rRNA genes were amplified, targeting the V3/V4 region (Illumina MiSeq). Results: Regarding the specific number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), no significant differences in CV outcome were determined (alpha diversity, Shannon index). In linear discriminant analyses and t-tests, the disease-specific differences in the beta diversity of the microbiota composition were evaluated. It was evident that bacteria species of the genus Campylobacter were significantly more prevalent in patients with a secondary CV event (p = 0.015). This hierarchical order also includes Campylobacter rectus, which is considered to be of comprehensive importance in both periodontal and CV diseases. Conclusions: Here, we proved that subgingival occurrence of Campylobacter species has prognostic relevance for cardiovascular outcomes in CV patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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12 pages, 909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Descriptive Analysis of Circulating Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Dan Alexandru Toc, Anca Livia Butiuc-Keul, Dumitrana Iordache, Alexandru Botan, Razvan Marian Mihaila, Carmen Anca Costache, Ioana Alina Colosi, Claudia Chiorean, Dan Stefan Neagoe, Liana Gheorghiu and Lia Monica Junie

Biomedicines 2022, 10(5), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10051122 - 12 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2536

Abstract

COVID-19 offers ideal premises for bacteria to develop antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we evaluated the presence of several antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) isolated from rectal swabs from patients at a hospital in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Rectal swabs were cultivated [...] Read more.

COVID-19 offers ideal premises for bacteria to develop antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we evaluated the presence of several antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) isolated from rectal swabs from patients at a hospital in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Rectal swabs were cultivated on CHROMID^® VRE (bioMérieux, Marcy—l’ Étoile, France) and positive isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany) and further analyzed using the PCR technique for the presence of the following ARGs: van A, van B, tet(M), tet(L), ermB, msrA, mefA, aac(6′)-Im, aph(2)-Ib, ant(4′)-Ia, sul1, sul2, sul3, and NDM1. We isolated and identified 68 isolates of Enterococcus faecium and 11 isolates of Enterococcus faecalis. The molecular analysis showed 66 isolates positive for the vanA gene and eight positive for vanB. The most frequent association of ARG in VRE was vanA-tet(M)-ermB. There was no statistically significant difference between Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis regarding ARGs. Our work proves that during the COVID-19 pandemic, highly resistant isolates of Enterococcus were present in patients in the intensive care unit; thus, better healthcare policies should be implemented for the management and control of these highly resistant isolates in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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12 pages, 1535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Obesity Reshapes the Microbial Population Structure along the Gut-Liver-Lung Axis in Mice

by Apostolos Galaris, Dionysios Fanidis, Elli-Anna Stylianaki, Vaggelis Harokopos, Alexandra-Styliani Kalantzi, Panagiotis Moulos, Antigone S. Dimas, Pantelis Hatzis and Vassilis Aidinis

Biomedicines 2022, 10(2), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10020494 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2244

Abstract

The microbiome is emerging as a major player in tissue homeostasis in health and disease. Gut microbiome dysbiosis correlates with several autoimmune and metabolic diseases, while high-fat diets and ensuing obesity are known to affect the complexity and diversity of the microbiome, thus [...] Read more.

The microbiome is emerging as a major player in tissue homeostasis in health and disease. Gut microbiome dysbiosis correlates with several autoimmune and metabolic diseases, while high-fat diets and ensuing obesity are known to affect the complexity and diversity of the microbiome, thus modulating pathophysiology. Moreover, the existence of a gut-liver microbial axis has been proposed, which may extend to the lung. In this context, we systematically compared the microbiomes of the gut, liver, and lung of mice fed a high-fat diet to those of littermates fed a matched control diet. We carried out deep sequencing of seven hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA microbial gene to examine microbial diversity in the tissues of interest. Comparison of the local microbiomes indicated that lung tissue has the least diverse microbiome under healthy conditions, while microbial diversity in the healthy liver clustered closer to the gut. Obesity increased microbial complexity in all three tissues, with lung microbial diversity being the most modified. Obesity promoted the expansion of Firmicutes along the gut-liver-lung axis, highlighting staphylococcus as a possible pathologic link between obesity and systemic pathophysiology, especially in the lungs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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21 pages, 3173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A More Diverse Cervical Microbiome Associates with Better Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Endometriosis: A Pilot Study

by Cherry Yin-Yi Chang, An-Jen Chiang, Ming-Tsung Lai, Man-Ju Yan, Chung-Chen Tseng, Lun-Chien Lo, Lei Wan, Chia-Jung Li, Kuan-Hao Tsui, Chih-Mei Chen, Tritium Hwang, Fuu-Jen Tsai and Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu

Biomedicines 2022, 10(1), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10010174 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5787

Abstract

Infection-induced chronic inflammation is common in patients with endometriosis. Although microbial communities in the reproductive tracts of patients have been reported, little was known about their dynamic profiles during disease progression and complication development. Microbial communities in cervical mucus were collected by cervical [...] Read more.

Infection-induced chronic inflammation is common in patients with endometriosis. Although microbial communities in the reproductive tracts of patients have been reported, little was known about their dynamic profiles during disease progression and complication development. Microbial communities in cervical mucus were collected by cervical swabs from 10 healthy women and 23 patients, and analyzed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The abundance, ecological relationships and functional networks of microbiota were characterized according to their prevalence, clinical stages, and clinical features including deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), CA125, pain score and infertility. Cervical microbiome can be altered during endometriosis development and progression with a tendency of increased Firmicutes and decreased Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Distinct from vaginal microbiome, upregulation of Lactobacillus, in combination with increased Streptococcus and decreased Dialister, was frequently associated with advanced endometriosis stages, DIE, higher CA125 levels, severe pain, and infertility. Significantly, reduced richness and diversity of cervical microbiome were detected in patients with more severe clinical symptoms. Clinical treatments against infertility can partially reverse the ecological balance of microbes through remodeling nutrition metabolism and transport and cell-cell/cell-matrix interaction. This study provides a new understanding on endometriosis development and a more diverse cervical microbiome may be beneficial for patients to have better clinical outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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17 pages, 4555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic and Phylogenetic Analysis of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L125, and Evaluation of Its Anti-Proliferative and Cytotoxic Activity in Cancer Cells

by Konstantinos Tegopoulos, Odysseas Sotirios Stergiou, Despoina Eugenia Kiousi, Margaritis Tsifintaris, Ellie Koletsou, Aristotelis C. Papageorgiou, Anthoula A. Argyri, Nikos Chorianopoulos, Alex Galanis and Petros Kolovos

Biomedicines 2021, 9(11), 1718; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9111718 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3057

Abstract

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a diverse species that includes nomadic strains isolated from a variety of environmental niches. Several L. plantarum strains are being incorporated in fermented foodstuffs as starter cultures, while some of them have also been characterized as probiotics. In this study, [...] Read more.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a diverse species that includes nomadic strains isolated from a variety of environmental niches. Several L. plantarum strains are being incorporated in fermented foodstuffs as starter cultures, while some of them have also been characterized as probiotics. In this study, we present the draft genome sequence of L. plantarum L125, a potential probiotic strain presenting biotechnological interest, originally isolated from a traditional fermented meat product. Phylogenetic and comparative genomic analysis with other potential probiotic L. plantarum strains were performed to determine its evolutionary relationships. Furthermore, we located genes involved in the probiotic phenotype by whole genome annotation. Indeed, genes coding for proteins mediating host–microbe interactions and bile salt, heat and cold stress tolerance were identified. Concerning the potential health-promoting attributes of the novel strain, we determined that L. plantarum L125 carries an incomplete plantaricin gene cluster, in agreement with previous in vitro findings, where no bacteriocin-like activity was detected. Moreover, we showed that cell-free culture supernatant (CFCS) of L. plantarum L125 exerts anti-proliferative, anti-clonogenic and anti-migration activity against the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, HT-29. Conclusively, L. plantarum L125 presents desirable probiotic traits. Future studies will elucidate further its biological and health-related properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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Review

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22 pages, 2167 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Role of Probiotics in Inducing and Maintaining Remission in Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review of the Literature

by Georgios Vakadaris, Christos Stefanis, Elpida Giorgi, Merkourios Brouvalis, Chrysoula (Chrysa) Voidarou, Yiannis Kourkoutas, Christina Tsigalou and Eugenia Bezirtzoglou

Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020494 - 08 Feb 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4797

Abstract

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract affecting millions of patients worldwide. The gut microbiome partly determines the pathogenesis of both diseases. Even though probiotics have been widely used as a potential treatment, their efficacy [...] Read more.

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract affecting millions of patients worldwide. The gut microbiome partly determines the pathogenesis of both diseases. Even though probiotics have been widely used as a potential treatment, their efficacy in inducing and maintaining remission is still controversial. Our study aims to review the present-day literature about the possible role of probiotics in treating inflammatory bowel diseases in adults. This research was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included studies concerning adult patients who compared probiotics with placebo or non-probiotic intervention. We identified thirty-three studies, including 2713 patients from fourteen countries. The role of probiotics in Crohn’s disease was examined in eleven studies. Only four studies presented statistically significant results in the remission of disease, primarily when used for three to six months. On the other hand, in twenty-one out of twenty-five studies, probiotics proved effective in achieving or maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis. Supplementation with Bifidobacterium sp. or a combination of probiotics is the most effective intervention, especially when compared with a placebo. There is strong evidence supporting the usage of probiotic supplementation in patients with ulcerative colitis, yet more research is needed to justify their efficacy in Crohn’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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20 pages, 3385 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Urgent Threat of Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Glimpse of the Drugs of the Future, with Related Patents and Prospects

by Ahmed S. Alshrari, Shuaibu Abdullahi Hudu, Fayig Elmigdadi and Mohd. Imran

Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020426 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2293

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an urgent threat and unmet medical need. The current treatments for CDI are not enough to fight the burden of CDI and recurrent CDI (r-CDI). This review aims to highlight the future drugs for CDI and their related [...] Read more.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an urgent threat and unmet medical need. The current treatments for CDI are not enough to fight the burden of CDI and recurrent CDI (r-CDI). This review aims to highlight the future drugs for CDI and their related patented applications. The non-patent literature was collected from PubMed and various authentic websites of pharmaceutical industries. The patent literature was collected from free patent databases. Many possible drugs of the future for CDI, with diverse mechanisms of action, are in development in the form of microbiota-modulating agents (e.g., ADS024, CP101, RBX2660, RBX7455, SYN-004, SER-109, VE303, DAV132, MET-2, and BB128), small molecules (e.g., ridinilazole, ibezapolstat, CRS3123, DNV3837, MGB-BP-3, alanyl-L-glutamine, and TNP-2198), antibodies (e.g., IM-01 and LMN-201), and non-toxic strains of CD (e.g., NTCD-M3). The development of some therapeutic agents (e.g., DS-2969b, OPS-2071, cadazolid, misoprostol, ramoplanin, KB109, LFF571, and Ramizol) stopped due to failed clinical trials or unknown reasons. The patent literature reveals some important inventions for the existing treatments of CDI and supports the possibility of developing more and better CDI-treatment-based inventions, including patient-compliant dosage forms, targeted drug delivery, drug combinations of anti-CDI drugs possessing diverse mechanisms of action, probiotic and enzymatic supplements, and vaccines. The current pipeline of anti-CDI medications appears promising. However, it will be fascinating to see how many of the cited are successful in gaining approval from drug regulators such as the US FDA and becoming medicines for CDI and r-CDI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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17 pages, 2326 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Lung Microbiota on COPD

by Cristina Russo, Valeria Colaianni, Giuseppe Ielo, Maria Stella Valle, Lucia Spicuzza and Lucia Malaguarnera

Biomedicines 2022, 10(6), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10061337 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3181

Abstract

There is a fine balance in maintaining healthy microbiota composition, and its alterations due to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors can lead to the onset of respiratory dysfunctions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The relationship between lung microbiota and COPD is [...] Read more.

There is a fine balance in maintaining healthy microbiota composition, and its alterations due to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors can lead to the onset of respiratory dysfunctions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The relationship between lung microbiota and COPD is currently under study. Little is known about the role of the microbiota in patients with stable or exacerbated COPD. Inflammation in COPD disorders appears to be characterised by dysbiosis, reduced lung activity, and an imbalance between the innate and adaptive immune systems. Lung microbiota intervention could ameliorate these disorders. The microbiota’s anti-inflammatory action could be decisive in the onset of pathologies. In this review, we highlight the feedback loop between microbiota dysfunction, immune response, inflammation, and lung damage in relation to COPD status in order to encourage the development of innovative therapeutic goals for the prevention and management of this disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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19 pages, 774 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Emerging Role of the Gut Microbiome in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Knowledge and Perspectives

by Panagiotis D. Papadopoulos, Christina Tsigalou, Pipitsa N. Valsamaki, Theocharis G. Konstantinidis, Chrysoula Voidarou and Eugenia Bezirtzoglou

Biomedicines 2022, 10(5), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10050948 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3516

Abstract

The collection of normally non-pathogenic microorganisms that mainly inhabit our gut lumen shapes our health in many ways. Structural and functional perturbations in the gut microbial pool, known as “dysbiosis”, have been proven to play a vital role in the pathophysiology of several [...] Read more.

The collection of normally non-pathogenic microorganisms that mainly inhabit our gut lumen shapes our health in many ways. Structural and functional perturbations in the gut microbial pool, known as “dysbiosis”, have been proven to play a vital role in the pathophysiology of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although therapeutic regimes are available to treat this group of diseases, they have long been the main cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. While age, sex, genetics, diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are major contributors (World Health Organization, 2018), they cannot explain all of the consequences of CVD. In addition to the abovementioned traditional risk factors, the constant search for novel preventative and curative tools has shed light on the involvement of gut bacteria and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of CVD. In this narrative review, we will discuss the established interconnections between the gut microbiota and CVD, as well as the plausible therapeutic perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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19 pages, 930 KiB

Open AccessReview

Drosophila Model for Studying Gut Microbiota in Behaviors and Neurodegenerative Diseases

by Meng-Hsuan Chiang, Shuk-Man Ho, Hui-Yu Wu, Yu-Chun Lin, Wan-Hua Tsai, Tony Wu, Chih-Ho Lai and Chia-Lin Wu

Biomedicines 2022, 10(3), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10030596 - 03 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5880

Abstract

Mounting evidence indicates that the gut microbiota is linked to several physiological processes and disease development in mammals; however, the underlying mechanisms remained unexplored mostly due to the complexity of the mammalian gut microbiome. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is a valuable [...] Read more.

Mounting evidence indicates that the gut microbiota is linked to several physiological processes and disease development in mammals; however, the underlying mechanisms remained unexplored mostly due to the complexity of the mammalian gut microbiome. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is a valuable animal model for studying host-gut microbiota interactions in translational aspects. The availability of powerful genetic tools and resources in Drosophila allowed the scientists to unravel the mechanisms by which the gut microbes affect fitness, health, and behavior of their hosts. Drosophila models have been extensively used not only to study animal behaviors (i.e., courtship, aggression, sleep, and learning & memory), but also some human related neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease) in the past. This review comprehensively summarizes the current understanding of the gut microbiota of Drosophila and its impact on fly behavior, physiology, and neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease 2.0)

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