Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

Editorial of Special Issues “Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0”

by Valentina Zuccaro, Francesca Romana Ponziani and Raffaele Bruno

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 8977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108977 - 19 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 862

Abstract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is where external agents meet the internal environment [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

Research

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13 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Homeostatic Regulation of the Duox-ROS Defense System: Revelations Based on the Diversity of Gut Bacteria in Silkworms (Bombyx mori)

by Qilong Shu, Xiqian Guo, Chao Tian, Yuanfei Wang, Xiaoxia Zhang, Jialu Cheng, Fanchi Li and Bing Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(16), 12731; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241612731 - 12 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1191

Abstract

The Duox-ROS defense system plays an important role in insect intestinal immunity. To investigate the role of intestinal microbiota in Duox-ROS regulation herein, 16S rRNA sequencing technology was utilized to compare the characteristics of bacterial populations in the midgut of silkworm after different [...] Read more.

The Duox-ROS defense system plays an important role in insect intestinal immunity. To investigate the role of intestinal microbiota in Duox-ROS regulation herein, 16S rRNA sequencing technology was utilized to compare the characteristics of bacterial populations in the midgut of silkworm after different time-periods of treatment with three feeding methods: 1–4 instars artificial diet (AD), 1–4 instars mulberry leaf (ML) and 1–3 instars artificial diet + 4 instar mulberry leaf (TM). The results revealed simple intestinal microbiota in the AD group whilst microbiota were abundant and variable in the ML and TM silkworms. By analyzing the relationship among intestinal pH, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and microorganism composition, it was identified that an acidic intestinal environment inhibited the growth of intestinal microbiota of silkworms, observed concurrently with low ROS content and a high activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, TPX, CAT). Gene expression associated with the Duox-ROS defense system was detected using RT-qPCR and identified to be low in the AD group and significantly higher in the TM group of silkworms. This study provides a new reference for the future improvement of the artificial diet feeding of silkworm and a systematic indicator for the further study of the relationship between changes in the intestinal environment and intestinal microbiota balance caused by dietary alterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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17 pages, 2969 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microorganisms Involved in Hydrogen Sink in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Chickens

by Agata Anna Cisek, Beata Dolka, Iwona Bąk and Bożena Cukrowska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(7), 6674; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24076674 - 03 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1245

Abstract

Hydrogen sink is a beneficial process, which has never been properly examined in chickens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the quantity and quality of microbiota involved in hydrogen uptake with the use of real-time PCR and metagenome sequencing. Analyses [...] Read more.

Hydrogen sink is a beneficial process, which has never been properly examined in chickens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the quantity and quality of microbiota involved in hydrogen uptake with the use of real-time PCR and metagenome sequencing. Analyses were carried out in 50 free-range chickens, 50 commercial broilers, and 54 experimental chickens isolated from external factors. The median values of acetogens, methanogens, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), and [NiFe]-hydrogenase utilizers measured in the cecum were approx. 7.6, 0, 0, and 3.2 log₁₀/gram of wet weight, respectively. For the excreta samples, these values were 5.9, 4.8, 4, and 3 log₁₀/gram of wet weight, respectively. Our results showed that the acetogens were dominant over the other tested groups of hydrogen consumers. The quantities of methanogens, SRB, and the [NiFe]-hydrogenase utilizers were dependent on the overall rearing conditions, being the result of diet, environment, agrotechnical measures, and other factors combined. By sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, archaea of the genus Methanomassiliicoccus (Candidatus Methanomassiliicoccus) were discovered in chickens for the first time. This study provides some indication that in chickens, acetogenesis may be the main metabolic pathway responsible for hydrogen sink. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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15 pages, 2344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional and Taxonomic Traits of the Gut Microbiota in Type 1 Diabetes Children at the Onset: A Metaproteomic Study

by Stefano Levi Mortera, Valeria Marzano, Pamela Vernocchi, Maria Cristina Matteoli, Valerio Guarrasi, Simone Gardini, Federica Del Chierico, Novella Rapini, Annalisa Deodati, Alessandra Fierabracci, Stefano Cianfarani and Lorenza Putignani

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(24), 15982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232415982 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune metabolic disorder with onset in pediatric/adolescent age, characterized by insufficient insulin production, due to a progressive destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Evidence on the correlation between the human gut microbiota (GM) composition and T1D insurgence has [...] Read more.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune metabolic disorder with onset in pediatric/adolescent age, characterized by insufficient insulin production, due to a progressive destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Evidence on the correlation between the human gut microbiota (GM) composition and T1D insurgence has been recently reported. In particular, 16S rRNA-based metagenomics has been intensively employed in the last decade in a number of investigations focused on GM representation in relation to a pre-disease state or to a response to clinical treatments. On the other hand, few works have been published using alternative functional omics, which is more suitable to provide a different interpretation of such a relationship. In this work, we pursued a comprehensive metaproteomic investigation on T1D children compared with a group of siblings (SIBL) and a reference control group (CTRL) composed of aged matched healthy subjects, with the aim of finding features in the T1D patients’ GM to be related with the onset of the disease. Modulated metaproteins were found either by comparing T1D with CTRL and SIBL or by stratifying T1D by insulin need (IN), as a proxy of β-cells damage, showing some functional and taxonomic traits of the GM, possibly related to the disease onset at different stages of severity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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17 pages, 3741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Occurrence of the Intestinal Protist, Dientamoeba fragilis, in the Gut-Healthy Volunteers and Their Animals

by Milan Jirků, Andrea Kašparová, Zuzana Lhotská, Miroslav Oborník, Kristýna Brožová, Klára J. Petrželková, Peter Samaš, Oldřiška Kadlecová, Christen Rune Stensvold and Kateřina Jirků

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 15407; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232315407 - 06 Dec 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2152

Abstract

Dientamoeba fragilis is a cosmopolitan intestinal protist colonizing the human gut with varying prevalence depending on the cohort studied and the diagnostic methods used. Its role in human health remains unclear mainly due to the very sporadic number of cross-sectional studies in gut-healthy [...] Read more.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a cosmopolitan intestinal protist colonizing the human gut with varying prevalence depending on the cohort studied and the diagnostic methods used. Its role in human health remains unclear mainly due to the very sporadic number of cross-sectional studies in gut-healthy populations. The main objective of this study was to expand knowledge of the epidemiology of D. fragilis in gut-healthy humans and their animals. A total of 296 stool samples from humans and 135 samples from 18 animal species were analyzed. Using qPCR, a prevalence of 24% was found in humans in contrast to conventional PCR (7%). In humans, several factors were found to influence the prevalence of D. fragilis. A more frequent occurrence of D. fragilis was associated with living in a village, traveling outside Europe and contact with farm animals. In addition, co-infection with Blastocystis spp. was observed in nearly half of the colonized humans. In animals, D. fragilis was detected in 13% of samples from eight species using qPCR. Our molecular phylogenies demonstrate a more frequent occurrence of Genotype 1 in gut-healthy humans and also revealed a likely a new protist species/lineage in rabbits related to D. fragilis and other related organisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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13 pages, 684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ionizing Radiation from Radiopharmaceuticals and the Human Gut Microbiota: An Ex Vivo Approach

by Ana Fernandes, Ana Oliveira, Carla Guedes, Rúben Fernandes, Raquel Soares and Pedro Barata

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10809; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810809 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1558

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of three widely used radiopharmaceuticals with intestinal excretion on selected relevant bacteria that are part of the human gut microbiota, using an ex vivo approach. Fecal samples obtained from healthy volunteers were analyzed. Each sample was [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the effect of three widely used radiopharmaceuticals with intestinal excretion on selected relevant bacteria that are part of the human gut microbiota, using an ex vivo approach. Fecal samples obtained from healthy volunteers were analyzed. Each sample was divided into four smaller aliquots. One served as the non-irradiated control. The other three were homogenized with three radiopharmaceutical solutions ([¹³¹I]NaI, [^99mTc]NaTcO₄, and [²²³Ra]RaCl₂). Relative quantification of each taxa was determined by the 2^−ΔΔC method, using the ribosomal gene 16S as an internal control (primers 534/385). Twelve fecal samples were analysed: three controls and nine irradiated. Our experiment showed fold changes in all analyzed taxa with all radiopharmaceuticals, but results were more significant with I-131, ranging from 1.87–83.58; whereas no relevant differences were found with Tc-99m and Ra-223, ranging from 0.98–1.58 and 0.83–1.97, respectively. This study corroborates limited existing research on how ionizing radiation changes the gut microbiota composition, providing novel data regarding the ex vivo effect of radiopharmaceuticals. Our findings justify the need for future larger scale projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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15 pages, 3228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Changes in Intestinal Microorganisms and Effect of High Temperature on the Growth and Development of Bombyx mori Larvae

by Xiaoning Sun, Qian Yuan, Beibei Du, Xinye Jin, Xiyun Huang, Qiuying Li, Yueqiao Zhong, Zhonghua Pan, Shiqing Xu and Yanghu Sima

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810289 - 07 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1713

Abstract

Temperature is an important environmental factor affecting the growth and development of silkworm (Bombyx mori). To analyze the effect of intestinal microbes on silkworm in response to a high-temperature environment, this study used a combination of high throughput sequencing and biochemical [...] Read more.

Temperature is an important environmental factor affecting the growth and development of silkworm (Bombyx mori). To analyze the effect of intestinal microbes on silkworm in response to a high-temperature environment, this study used a combination of high throughput sequencing and biochemical assays to detect silkworm intestinal microbes treated with high temperature for 72 h. The results show that high temperature affects the intestinal microbes of silkworm and that there are sex differences, specifically, females were more sensitive. The changes in the metabolism and transport ability of silkworm intestinal tissues under high temperature are related to the intestinal microbes. High temperatures may affect the intestinal microbes of silkworms, regulating the activity of related digestive enzymes and substance transport in the intestine, thereby affecting the silkworm’s digestion and absorption of nutrients, and ultimately affecting growth and development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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17 pages, 2841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gut Microbiota Functional Traits, Blood pH, and Anti-GAD Antibodies Concur in the Clinical Characterization of T1D at Onset

by Federica Del Chierico, Giorgia Conta, Maria Cristina Matteoli, Alessandra Fierabracci, Sofia Reddel, Gabriele Macari, Simone Gardini, Valerio Guarrasi, Stefano Levi Mortera, Valeria Marzano, Pamela Vernocchi, Fabio Sciubba, Federico Marini, Annalisa Deodati, Novella Rapini, Stefano Cianfarani, Alfredo Miccheli and Lorenza Putignani

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10256; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810256 - 06 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1938

Abstract

Alterations of gut microbiota have been identified before clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes (T1D). To identify the associations amongst gut microbiome profile, metabolism and disease markers, the 16S rRNA-based microbiota profiling and ¹H-NMR metabolomic analysis were performed on stool samples of [...] Read more.

Alterations of gut microbiota have been identified before clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes (T1D). To identify the associations amongst gut microbiome profile, metabolism and disease markers, the 16S rRNA-based microbiota profiling and ¹H-NMR metabolomic analysis were performed on stool samples of 52 T1D patients at onset, 17 T1D siblings and 57 healthy subjects (CTRL). Univariate, multivariate analyses and classification models were applied to clinical and -omic integrated datasets. In T1D patients and their siblings, Clostridiales and Dorea were increased and Dialister and Akkermansia were decreased compared to CTRL, while in T1D, Lachnospiraceae were higher and Collinsella was lower, compared to siblings and CTRL. Higher levels of isobutyrate, malonate, Clostridium, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridiales, Bacteroidales, were associated to T1D compared to CTRL. Patients with higher anti-GAD levels showed low abundances of Roseburia, Faecalibacterium and Alistipes and those with normal blood pH and low serum HbA_1c levels showed high levels of purine and pyrimidine intermediates. We detected specific gut microbiota profiles linked to both T1D at the onset and to diabetes familiarity. The presence of specific microbial and metabolic profiles in gut linked to anti-GAD levels and to blood acidosis can be considered as predictive biomarker associated progression and severity of T1D. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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20 pages, 4794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Silico Study of Cell Surface Structures of Parabacteroides distasonis Involved in Its Maintenance within the Gut Microbiota

by Jordan Chamarande, Lisiane Cunat, Corentine Alauzet and Catherine Cailliez-Grimal

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169411 - 20 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1736

Abstract

The health-promoting Parabacteroides distasonis, which is part of the core microbiome, has recently received a lot of attention, showing beneficial properties for its host and potential as a new biotherapeutic product. However, no study has yet investigated the cell surface molecules and [...] Read more.

The health-promoting Parabacteroides distasonis, which is part of the core microbiome, has recently received a lot of attention, showing beneficial properties for its host and potential as a new biotherapeutic product. However, no study has yet investigated the cell surface molecules and structures of P. distasonis that allow its maintenance within the gut microbiota. Moreover, although P. distasonis is strongly recognized as an intestinal commensal species with benefits for its host, several works displayed controversial results, showing it as an opportunistic pathogen. In this study, we reported gene clusters potentially involved in the synthesis of capsule, fimbriae-like and pili-like cell surface structures in 26 P. distasonis genomes and applied the new RfbA-typing classification in order to better understand and characterize the beneficial/pathogenic behavior related to P. distasonis strains. Two different types of fimbriae, three different types of pilus and up to fourteen capsular polysaccharide loci were identified over the 26 genomes studied. Moreover, the addition of data to the rfbA-type classification modified the outcome by rearranging rfbA genes and adding a fifth group to the classification. In conclusion, the strain variability in terms of external proteinaceous structure could explain the inter-strain differences previously observed of P. distasonis adhesion capacities and its potential pathogenicity, but no specific structure related to P. distasonis beneficial or detrimental activity was identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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Review

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24 pages, 1186 KiB

Open AccessReview

Swine Gastrointestinal Microbiota and the Effects of Dietary Amino Acids on Its Composition and Metabolism

by Shengfa F. Liao, Feng Ji, Peixin Fan and Kristin Denryter

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021237 - 19 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1451

Abstract

Many researchers consider gut microbiota (trillions of microorganisms) an endogenous organ of its animal host, which confers a vast genetic diversity in providing the host with essential biological functions. Particularly, the gut microbiota regulates not only gut tissue structure but also gut health [...] Read more.

Many researchers consider gut microbiota (trillions of microorganisms) an endogenous organ of its animal host, which confers a vast genetic diversity in providing the host with essential biological functions. Particularly, the gut microbiota regulates not only gut tissue structure but also gut health and gut functionality. This paper first summarized those common bacterial species (dominated by the Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria phyla) in swine gut and then briefly discussed their roles in swine nutrition and health, which include roles in nutrient metabolism, pathogen exclusion, and immunity modulation. Secondly, the current knowledge on how dietary nutrients and feed additives affect the gut bacterial composition and nutrient metabolism in pigs was discussed. Finally, how dietary amino acids affect the relative abundances and metabolism of bacteria in the swine gut was reviewed. Tryptophan supplementation promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppresses pathogens, while arginine metabolism affects nitrogen recycling, impacting gut immune response and health. Glutamate and glutamine supplementations elevate the levels of beneficial bacteria and mitigate pathogenic ones. It was concluded that nutritional strategies to manipulate gut microbial ecosystems are useful measures to optimize gut health and gut functions. For example, providing pigs with nutrients that promote the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can lead to better gut health and growth performance, especially when dietary protein is limited. Further research to establish the mechanistic cause-and-effect relationships between amino acids and the dynamics of gut microbiota will allow swine producers to reap the greatest return on their feed investment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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20 pages, 819 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease: Evidence on the Metabolic and Inflammatory Background of a Complex Relationship

by Antonio Nesci, Claudia Carnuccio, Vittorio Ruggieri, Alessia D’Alessandro, Angela Di Giorgio, Luca Santoro, Antonio Gasbarrini, Angelo Santoliquido and Francesca Romana Ponziani

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 9087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24109087 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3512

Abstract

Several studies in recent years have demonstrated that gut microbiota–host interactions play an important role in human health and disease, including inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Dysbiosis has been linked to not only well-known inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and [...] Read more.

Several studies in recent years have demonstrated that gut microbiota–host interactions play an important role in human health and disease, including inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Dysbiosis has been linked to not only well-known inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematous, but also to cardiovascular risk factors, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The ways the microbiota is involved in modulating cardiovascular risk are multiple and not only related to inflammatory mechanisms. Indeed, human and the gut microbiome cooperate as a metabolically active superorganism, and this affects host physiology through metabolic pathways. In turn, congestion of the splanchnic circulation associated with heart failure, edema of the intestinal wall, and altered function and permeability of the intestinal barrier result in the translocation of bacteria and their products into the systemic circulation, further enhancing the pro-inflammatory conditions underlying cardiovascular disorders. The aim of the present review is to describe the complex interplay between gut microbiota, its metabolites, and the development and evolution of cardiovascular diseases. We also discuss the possible interventions intended to modulate the gut microbiota to reduce cardiovascular risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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16 pages, 2161 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Influence of Gut Microbial Species on Diabetes Mellitus

by Raghad Khalid AL-Ishaq, Samson Mathews Samuel and Dietrich Büsselberg

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(9), 8118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24098118 - 01 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3162

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with an alarming incidence rate and a considerable burden on the patient’s life and health care providers. An increase in blood glucose level and insulin resistance characterizes it. Internal and external factors such as urbanization, obesity, [...] Read more.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with an alarming incidence rate and a considerable burden on the patient’s life and health care providers. An increase in blood glucose level and insulin resistance characterizes it. Internal and external factors such as urbanization, obesity, and genetic mutations could increase the risk of DM. Microbes in the gut influence overall health through immunity and nutrition. Recently, more studies have been conducted to evaluate and estimate the role of the gut microbiome in diabetes development, progression, and management. This review summarizes the current knowledge addressing three main bacterial species: Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus and their influence on diabetes and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Most studies illustrate that using those bacterial species positively reduces blood glucose levels and activates inflammatory markers. Additionally, we reported the relationship between those bacterial species and metformin, one of the commonly used antidiabetic drugs. Overall, more research is needed to understand the influence of the gut microbiome on the development of diabetes. Furthermore, more efforts are required to standardize the model used, concentration ranges, and interpretation tools to advance the field further. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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18 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Gut–Vascular Barrier as a New Protagonist in Intestinal and Extraintestinal Diseases

by Natalia Di Tommaso, Francesco Santopaolo, Antonio Gasbarrini and Francesca Romana Ponziani

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021470 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2744

Abstract

The intestinal barrier, with its multiple layers, is the first line of defense between the outside world and the intestine. Its disruption, resulting in increased intestinal permeability, is a recognized pathogenic factor of intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. The identification of a gut–vascular barrier [...] Read more.

The intestinal barrier, with its multiple layers, is the first line of defense between the outside world and the intestine. Its disruption, resulting in increased intestinal permeability, is a recognized pathogenic factor of intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. The identification of a gut–vascular barrier (GVB), consisting of a structured endothelium below the epithelial layer, has led to new evidence on the etiology and management of diseases of the gut–liver axis and the gut–brain axis, with recent implications in oncology as well. The gut–brain axis is involved in several neuroinflammatory processes. In particular, the recent description of a choroid plexus vascular barrier regulating brain permeability under conditions of gut inflammation identifies the endothelium as a key regulator in maintaining tissue homeostasis and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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12 pages, 802 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes and Gut Microbiota Role

by Federica Del Chierico, Novella Rapini, Annalisa Deodati, Maria Cristina Matteoli, Stefano Cianfarani and Lorenza Putignani

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 14650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232314650 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5534

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease driven by T-cells against the insulin-producing islet β-cells, resulting in a marked loss of β-cell mass and function. Although a genetic predisposal increases susceptibility, the role of epigenetic and environmental factors seems to be [...] Read more.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease driven by T-cells against the insulin-producing islet β-cells, resulting in a marked loss of β-cell mass and function. Although a genetic predisposal increases susceptibility, the role of epigenetic and environmental factors seems to be much more significant. A dysbiotic gut microbial profile has been associated with T1D patients. Moreover, new evidence propose that perturbation in gut microbiota may influence the T1D onset and progression. One of the prominent features in clinically silent phase before the onset of T1D is the presence of a microbiota characterized by low numbers of commensals butyrate producers, thus negatively influencing the gut permeability. The loss of gut permeability leads to the translocation of microbes and microbial metabolites and could lead to the activation of immune cells. Moreover, microbiota-based therapies to slow down disease progression or reverse T1D have shown promising results. Starting from this evidence, the correction of dysbiosis in early life of genetically susceptible individuals could help in promoting immune tolerance and thus in reducing the autoantibodies production. This review summarizes the associations between gut microbiota and T1D for future therapeutic perspectives and other exciting areas of research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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25 pages, 2993 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Metabolites and Breast Cancer: The Continuum of Dysbiosis, Breast Cancer Risk, and Potential Breast Cancer Therapy

by Kayla Jaye, Dennis Chang, Chun Guang Li and Deep Jyoti Bhuyan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169490 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6635

Abstract

The complex association between the gut microbiome and cancer development has been an emerging field of study in recent years. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the overall maintenance of human health and interacts closely with the host immune system to [...] Read more.

The complex association between the gut microbiome and cancer development has been an emerging field of study in recent years. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the overall maintenance of human health and interacts closely with the host immune system to prevent and fight infection. This review was designed to draw a comprehensive assessment and summary of recent research assessing the anticancer activity of the metabolites (produced by the gut microbiota) specifically against breast cancer. In this review, a total of 2701 articles were screened from different scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science) with 72 relevant articles included based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Metabolites produced by the gut microbial communities have been researched for their health benefits and potential anticancer activity. For instance, the short-chain fatty acid, butyrate, has been evaluated against multiple cancer types, including breast cancer, and has demonstrated anticancer potential via various molecular pathways. Similarly, nisin, a bacteriocin, has presented with a range of anticancer properties primarily against gastrointestinal cancers, with nominal evidence supporting its use against breast cancer. Comparatively, a natural purine nucleoside, inosine, though it has not been thoroughly investigated as a natural anticancer agent, has shown promise in recent studies. Additionally, recent studies demonstrated that gut microbial metabolites influence the efficacy of standard chemotherapeutics and potentially be implemented as a combination therapy. Despite the promising evidence supporting the anticancer action of gut metabolites on different cancer types, the molecular mechanisms of action of this activity are not well established, especially against breast cancer and warrant further investigation. As such, future research must prioritise determining the dose-response relationship, molecular mechanisms, and conducting animal and clinical studies to validate in vitro findings. This review also highlights the potential future directions of this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota–Host Interactions: From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis 2.0)

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