Journal of Clinical Medicine

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12 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Expression of Transient Receptor Potential Channels in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

by Taku Morita, Keiichi Mitsuyama, Hiroshi Yamasaki, Atsushi Mori, Tetsuhiro Yoshimura, Toshihiro Araki, Masaru Morita, Kozo Tsuruta, Sayo Yamasaki, Kotaro Kuwaki, Shinichiro Yoshioka, Hidetoshi Takedatsu and Takuji Torimura

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2643; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082643 - 14 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2427

Abstract

We examined the expression profile of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PBMCs were obtained from 41 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, 34 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, and 30 normal subjects. mRNA [...] Read more.

We examined the expression profile of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PBMCs were obtained from 41 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, 34 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, and 30 normal subjects. mRNA levels of TRP channels were measured using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and correlation tests with disease ranking, as well as laboratory parameters, were performed. Compared with controls, TRPV2 and TRPC1 mRNA expression was lower, while that of TRPM2, was higher in PBMCs of UC and CD patients. Moreover, TRPV3 mRNA expression was lower, while that of TRPV4 was higher in CD patients. TRPC6 mRNA expression was higher in patients with CD than in patients with UC. There was also a tendency for the expression of TRPV2 mRNA to be negatively correlated with disease activity in patients with UC and CD, while that of TRPM4 mRNA was negatively correlated with disease activity only in patients with UC. PBMCs from patients with IBD exhibited varying mRNA expression levels of TRP channel members, which may play an important role in the progression of IBD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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11 pages, 883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Response and Changes of Cytokines and Zonulin Levels in Patients with Diarrhoea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treated with Bifidobacterium Longum ES1 for 8 or 12 Weeks: A Preliminary Report

by Gian Paolo Caviglia, Alessandra Tucci, Rinaldo Pellicano, Sharmila Fagoonee, Chiara Rosso, Maria Lorena Abate, Antonella Olivero, Angelo Armandi, Ester Vanni, Giorgio Maria Saracco, Elisabetta Bugianesi, Marco Astegiano and Davide Giuseppe Ribaldone

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2353; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082353 - 23 Jul 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3547

Abstract

Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) ES1 is a probiotic strain capable of modulating microbiome composition, anti-inflammatory activity and intestinal barrier function. We investigated the use of B. Longum ES1 in the treatment of patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Sixteen patients [...] Read more.

Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) ES1 is a probiotic strain capable of modulating microbiome composition, anti-inflammatory activity and intestinal barrier function. We investigated the use of B. Longum ES1 in the treatment of patients with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Sixteen patients were treated for 8 or 12 weeks with B. Longum ES1 (1 × 10⁹ CFU/day). Serum zonulin and cytokines were measured at baseline (T0) and at the end of therapy (T1). Clinical response to therapy was assessed by IBS Severity Scoring System. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-12p70 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α levels decreased from T0 to T1, irrespective of treatment duration (p < 0.05), while zonulin levels diminished only in patients treated for 12 weeks (p = 0.036). Clinical response was observed in 5/16 patients (31%): 4/8 (50%) treated for 12 weeks and 1/8 (13%) treated for 8 weeks. Abdominal pain improved only in patients treated for 12 weeks (5/8 vs. 0/8, p = 0.025), while stool consistency improved regardless of therapy duration (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results of this pilot study showed, in IBS-D patients treated for 12 weeks with B. longum ES1, a reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and intestinal permeability as well as an improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms, but further studies including a placebo-control group are necessary to prove a causal link. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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13 pages, 4230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Suspected Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Case-Control Study

by Camille Brehin, Damien Dubois, Odile Dicky, Sophie Breinig, Eric Oswald and Matteo Serino

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(7), 2278; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9072278 - 17 Jul 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2991

Abstract

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating condition in preterm infants due to multiple factors, including gut microbiota dysbiosis. NEC development is poorly understood, due to the focus on severe NEC (NEC-2/3). Methods: We studied the gut microbiota, microbiome and metabolome of children [...] Read more.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating condition in preterm infants due to multiple factors, including gut microbiota dysbiosis. NEC development is poorly understood, due to the focus on severe NEC (NEC-2/3). Methods: We studied the gut microbiota, microbiome and metabolome of children with suspected NEC (NEC-1). Results: NEC-1 gut microbiota had a higher abundance of the Streptococcus (second 10-days of life) and Staphylococcus (third 10-days of life) species. NEC-1 children showed a microbiome evolution in the third 10-days of life being the most divergent, and were associated with a different metabolomic signature than in healthy children. The NEC-1 microbiome had increased glycosaminoglycan degradation and lysosome activity by the first 10-days of life, and was more sensitive to childbirth, low birth weight and gestational age, than healthy microbiome. NEC-1 fecal metabolome was more divergent by the second month of life. Conclusions: NEC-1 gut microbiota and microbiome modifications appear more distinguishable by the third 10-days of life, compared to healthy children. These data identify a precise window of time (i.e., the third 10-days of life) and provide microbial targets to fight/blunt NEC-1 progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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17 pages, 6389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multimodal Approach to Assessment of Fecal Microbiota Donors based on Three Complementary Methods

by Jaroslaw Bilinski, Mikolaj Dziurzynski, Pawel Grzesiowski, Edyta Podsiadly, Anna Stelmaszczyk-Emmel, Tomasz Dzieciatkowski, Lukasz Dziewit and Grzegorz W. Basak

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(7), 2036; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9072036 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3181

Abstract

Methods of stool assessment are mostly focused on next-generation sequencing (NGS) or classical culturing, but only rarely both. We conducted a series of experiments using a multi-method approach to trace the stability of gut microbiota in various donors over time, to find the [...] Read more.

Methods of stool assessment are mostly focused on next-generation sequencing (NGS) or classical culturing, but only rarely both. We conducted a series of experiments using a multi-method approach to trace the stability of gut microbiota in various donors over time, to find the best method for the proper selection of fecal donors and to find “super-donor” indicators. Ten consecutive stools donated by each of three donors were used for the experiments (30 stools in total). The experiments assessed bacterial viability measured by flow cytometry, stool culturing on different media and in various conditions, and NGS (90 samples in total). There were no statistically significant differences between live and dead cell numbers; however, we found a group of cells classified as not-dead-not-alive, which may be possibly important in selection of “good” donors. Donor C, being a regular stool donor, was characterized by the largest number of cultivable species (64). Cultivable core microbiota (shared by all donors) was composed of only 16 species. ANCOM analysis of NGS data highlighted particular genera to be more abundant in one donor vs. the others. There was a correlation between the not-dead-not-alive group found in flow cytometry and Anaeroplasma found by NGS, and we could distinguish a regular stool donor from the others. In this work, we showed that combining various methods of microbiota assessment gives more information than each method separately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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23 pages, 4019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transient and Persistent Gastric Microbiome: Adherence of Bacteria in Gastric Cancer and Dyspeptic Patient Biopsies after Washing

by Malene R. Spiegelhauer, Juozas Kupcinskas, Thor B. Johannesen, Mindaugas Urba, Jurgita Skieceviciene, Laimas Jonaitis, Tove H. Frandsen, Limas Kupcinskas, Kurt Fuursted and Leif P. Andersen

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(6), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061882 - 16 Jun 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3655

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a common colonizer of the human stomach, and long-term colonization has been related to development of atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The increased gastric pH caused by H. pylori colonization, treatment with antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors (PPI) [...] Read more.

Helicobacter pylori is a common colonizer of the human stomach, and long-term colonization has been related to development of atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The increased gastric pH caused by H. pylori colonization, treatment with antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may allow growth of other bacteria. Previous studies have detected non-Helicobacter bacteria in stomach biopsies, but no conclusion has been made of whether these represent a transient contamination or a persistent microbiota. The aim of this study was to evaluate the transient and persistent bacterial communities of gastric biopsies. The washed or unwashed gastric biopsies were investigated by cultivation and microbiota analysis (16S rRNA gene-targeted amplicon sequencing) for the distribution of H. pylori and other non-Helicobacter bacteria. The number of cultured non-Helicobacter bacteria decreased in the washed biopsies, suggesting that they might be a transient contamination. No significant differences in the bacterial diversity were observed in the microbiome analysis between unwashed and washed biopsies. However, the bacterial diversity in biopsies shown H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative were significantly different, implying that H. pylori is the major modulator of the gastric microbiome. Further large-scale studies are required to investigate the transient and persistent gastric microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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20 pages, 8578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of Salivary, Duodenal, and Fecal Microbiota Composition Across Adult Celiac Disease

by Simona Panelli, Enrica Capelli, Giuseppe Francesco Damiano Lupo, Annalisa Schiepatti, Elena Betti, Elisabetta Sauta, Simone Marini, Riccardo Bellazzi, Alessandro Vanoli, Annamaria Pasi, Rosalia Cacciatore, Sara Bacchi, Barbara Balestra, Ornella Pastoris, Luca Frulloni, Gino Roberto Corazza, Federico Biagi and Rachele Ciccocioppo

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(4), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9041109 - 13 Apr 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3209

Abstract

Background: Growing evidence suggests that an altered microbiota composition contributes to the pathogenesis and clinical features in celiac disease (CD). We performed a comparative analysis of the gut microbiota in adulthood CD to evaluate whether: (i) dysbiosis anticipates mucosal lesions, (ii) gluten-free diet [...] Read more.

Background: Growing evidence suggests that an altered microbiota composition contributes to the pathogenesis and clinical features in celiac disease (CD). We performed a comparative analysis of the gut microbiota in adulthood CD to evaluate whether: (i) dysbiosis anticipates mucosal lesions, (ii) gluten-free diet restores eubiosis, (iii) refractory CD has a peculiar microbial signature, and (iv) salivary and fecal communities overlap the mucosal one. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study where a total of 52 CD patients, including 13 active CD, 29 treated CD, 4 refractory CD, and 6 potential CD, were enrolled in a tertiary center together with 31 controls. A 16S rRNA-based amplicon metagenomics approach was applied to determine the microbiota structure and composition of salivary, duodenal mucosa, and stool samples, followed by appropriate bioinformatic analyses. Results: A reduction of both α- and β-diversity in CD, already evident in the potential form and achieving nadir in refractory CD, was evident. Taxonomically, mucosa displayed a significant abundance of Proteobacteria and an expansion of Neisseria, especially in active patients, while treated celiacs showed an intermediate profile between active disease and controls. The saliva community mirrored the mucosal one better than stool. Conclusion: Expansion of pathobiontic species anticipates villous atrophy and achieves the maximal divergence from controls in refractory CD. Gluten-free diet results in incomplete recovery. The overlapping results between mucosal and salivary samples indicate the use of saliva as a diagnostic fluid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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10 pages, 1238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adalimumab Therapy Improves Intestinal Dysbiosis in Crohn’s Disease

by Davide Giuseppe Ribaldone, Gian Paolo Caviglia, Amina Abdulle, Rinaldo Pellicano, Maria Chiara Ditto, Mario Morino, Enrico Fusaro, Giorgio Maria Saracco, Elisabetta Bugianesi and Marco Astegiano

J. Clin. Med. 2019, 8(10), 1646; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8101646 - 09 Oct 2019

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 3681

Abstract

The response to treatment with biologic drugs, in patients with Crohn’s disease, could be associated with changes in gut microbiota composition. The aim of our study was to analyse the modification of microbiota during adalimumab therapy in patients with Crohn’s disease. We performed [...] Read more.

The response to treatment with biologic drugs, in patients with Crohn’s disease, could be associated with changes in gut microbiota composition. The aim of our study was to analyse the modification of microbiota during adalimumab therapy in patients with Crohn’s disease. We performed a prospective study in patients with Crohn’s disease analysing gut microbiota before start of adalimumab therapy (T0) and after six months of therapy (T1). Among the 20 included patients, the phylum Proteobacteria fell from 15.7 ± 3.5% at T0 to 10.3 ± 3.4% at T1 (p = 0.038). Furthermore, the trend in relation to therapeutic success was analysed. Regarding bacterial phyla, Proteobacteria decreased in patients in whom therapeutic success was obtained, passing from a value of 15.8% (± 4.6%) to 6.8 ± 3.1% (p = 0.049), while in non-responder patients, percentages did not change (T0 = 15.6 ± 5.7%, T1 = 16.8 ± 7.6%, p = 0.890). Regarding the Lachnospiraceae family, in patients with normalization of C reactive protein six 6 months of adalimumab therapy, it increased from 16.6 ± 3.1% at T0 to 23.9 ± 2.6% at T1 (p = 0.049). In conclusion, in patients who respond to Adalimumab therapy by decreasing inflammation, there is a trend of intestinal eubiosis being restored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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Review

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20 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pancreatic Diseases and Microbiota: A Literature Review and Future Perspectives

by Marcantonio Gesualdo, Felice Rizzi, Silvia Bonetto, Stefano Rizza, Federico Cravero, Giorgio Maria Saracco and Claudio Giovanni De Angelis

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(11), 3535; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9113535 - 01 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3502

Abstract

Gut microbiota represent an interesting worldwide research area. Several studies confirm that microbiota has a key role in human diseases, both intestinal (such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, intestinal infectious diseases, irritable bowel syndrome) and extra intestinal disorders (such as autism, multiple [...] Read more.

Gut microbiota represent an interesting worldwide research area. Several studies confirm that microbiota has a key role in human diseases, both intestinal (such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, intestinal infectious diseases, irritable bowel syndrome) and extra intestinal disorders (such as autism, multiple sclerosis, rheumatologic diseases). Nowadays, it is possible to manipulate microbiota by administering prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics, through fecal microbiota transplantation in selected cases. In this scenario, pancreatic disorders might be influenced by gut microbiota and this relationship could be an innovative and inspiring field of research. However, data are still scarce and controversial. Microbiota manipulation could represent an important therapeutic strategy in the pancreatic diseases, in addition to standard therapies. In this review, we analyze current knowledge about correlation between gut microbiota and pancreatic diseases, by discussing on the one hand existing data and on the other hand future possible perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

14 pages, 1297 KiB

Open AccessReview

Evolving Technologies in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era and Their Potential Clinical Applications

by Abraham Ajayi, Tolulope Jolaiya and Stella Smith

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2565; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082565 - 07 Aug 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3136

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal microbiota (GIM) is a complex and diverse ecosystem that consists of community of fungi, viruses, protists and majorly bacteria. The association of several human illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease, allergy, metabolic syndrome and cancers, have been linked directly or [...] Read more.

The human gastrointestinal microbiota (GIM) is a complex and diverse ecosystem that consists of community of fungi, viruses, protists and majorly bacteria. The association of several human illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease, allergy, metabolic syndrome and cancers, have been linked directly or indirectly to compromise in the integrity of the GIM, for which some medical interventions have been proposed or attempted. This review highlights and gives update on various technologies, including microfluidics, high-through-put sequencing, metabolomics, metatranscriptomics and culture in GIM research and their applications in gastrointestinal microbiota therapy, with a view to raise interest in the evaluation, validation and eventual use of these technologies in diagnosis and the incorporation of therapies in routine clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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23 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota and Liver Interaction through Immune System Cross-Talk: A Comprehensive Review at the Time of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

by Emidio Scarpellini, Sharmila Fagoonee, Emanuele Rinninella, Carlo Rasetti, Isabella Aquila, Tiziana Larussa, Pietrantonio Ricci, Francesco Luzza and Ludovico Abenavoli

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2488; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082488 - 03 Aug 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4708

Abstract

Background and aims: The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem containing bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts and other single-celled organisms. It is involved in the development and maintenance of both innate and systemic immunity of the body. Emerging evidence has shown its role in [...] Read more.

Background and aims: The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem containing bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts and other single-celled organisms. It is involved in the development and maintenance of both innate and systemic immunity of the body. Emerging evidence has shown its role in liver diseases through the immune system cross-talk. We review herein literature data regarding the triangular interaction between gut microbiota, immune system and liver in health and disease. Methods: We conducted a search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials and case series using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: gut microbiota, microbiome, gut virome, immunity, gastrointestinal-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH), alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma. Results: The gut microbiota consists of microorganisms that educate our systemic immunity through GALT and non-GALT interactions. The latter maintain health but are also involved in the pathophysiology and in the outcome of several liver diseases, particularly those with metabolic, toxic or immune-mediated etiology. In this context, gut virome has an emerging role in liver diseases and needs to be further investigated, especially due to the link reported between severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and hepatic dysfunctions. Conclusions: Changes in gut microbiota composition and alterations in the immune system response are involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic and immune-mediated liver diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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18 pages, 591 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota: Implications in Alzheimer’s Disease

by Yixi He, Binyin Li, Dingya Sun and Shengdi Chen

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(7), 2042; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9072042 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 8434

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disease that seriously threatens human health and life quality. The main pathological features of AD include the widespread deposition of amyloid-beta and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. So far, the pathogenesis [...] Read more.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disease that seriously threatens human health and life quality. The main pathological features of AD include the widespread deposition of amyloid-beta and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. So far, the pathogenesis of AD remains elusive, and no radical treatment has been developed. In recent years, mounting evidence has shown that there is a bidirectional interaction between the gut and brain, known as the brain–gut axis, and that the intestinal microbiota are closely related to the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we will summarize the laboratory and clinical evidence of the correlation between intestinal flora and AD, discuss its possible role in the pathogenesis, and prospect its applications in the diagnosis and treatment of AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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14 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Screening and Selection to Choose the Optimal Donor

by Stefano Bibbò, Carlo Romano Settanni, Serena Porcari, Enrico Bocchino, Gianluca Ianiro, Giovanni Cammarota and Antonio Gasbarrini

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(6), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061757 - 05 Jun 2020

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 4993

Abstract

In the past decade, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has rapidly spread worldwide in clinical practice as a highly effective treatment option against recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Moreover, new evidence also supports a role for FMT in other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, [...] Read more.

In the past decade, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has rapidly spread worldwide in clinical practice as a highly effective treatment option against recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Moreover, new evidence also supports a role for FMT in other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal disorders, or metabolic disorders. Recently, some studies have identified specific microbial characteristics associated with clinical improvement after FMT, in different disorders, paving the way for a microbiota-based precision medicine approach. Moreover, donor screening has become increasingly more complex over years, along with standardization of FMT and the increasing number of stool banks. In this narrative review, we discuss most recent evidence on the screening and selection of the stool donor, with reference to recent studies that have identified specific microbiological features for clinical conditions such as Clostridioides difficile infection, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

13 pages, 534 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Evolving Role of Gut Microbiota in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Overview of the Current Knowledge

by Amir Mari, Fadi Abu Baker, Mahmud Mahamid, Wisam Sbeit and Tawfik Khoury

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(3), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9030685 - 04 Mar 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6138

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota is one of the most rapidly evolving areas in biology and medicine. Extensive research in the last decade has escalated our understanding of the role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of several intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders. Marked by high [...] Read more.

The intestinal microbiota is one of the most rapidly evolving areas in biology and medicine. Extensive research in the last decade has escalated our understanding of the role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of several intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders. Marked by high prevalence, substantial morbidity, and enormous costs, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an important chronic gastrointestinal disorder that is widely encountered by gastroenterologists. Despite advances in our understanding of its pathophysiology, curative interventions have yet to be discovered, and therapeutic approaches remain symptom-driven. Recently, accumulating evidence has enlightened the possible impact of an imbalanced gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of IBS. In fact, several studies have documented altered microbiota in patients, while others have shown that IBS severity was associated with a distinct microbiota signature. These findings may pave the way for the use of microbiota manipulation strategies as an attractive option for IBS management, and may have an essential role in efforts to reduce the societal and economic effects of this ever-growing disorder. In this review, we have outlined the results of the latest research on the association between microbiota and IBS and their implications for the clinical management of affected patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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14 pages, 545 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: The State of Art

by Marilena Durazzo, Arianna Ferro and Gabriella Gruden

J. Clin. Med. 2019, 8(11), 1843; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8111843 - 02 Nov 2019

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 5685

Abstract

The incidence of autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is increasing worldwide and disease onset tends to occur at a younger age. Unfortunately, clinical trials aiming to detect predictive factors of disease, in individuals with a high risk of T1DM, reported negative results. Hence, [...] Read more.

The incidence of autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is increasing worldwide and disease onset tends to occur at a younger age. Unfortunately, clinical trials aiming to detect predictive factors of disease, in individuals with a high risk of T1DM, reported negative results. Hence, actually there are no tools or strategies to prevent T1DM onset. The importance of the gut microbiome in autoimmune diseases is increasingly recognized and recent data suggest that intestinal dysbiosis has a pathogenic role in T1DM by affecting both intestinal immunostasis and the permeability of the gut barrier. An improved understanding of the mechanisms whereby dysbiosis in the gut favors T1DM development may help develop new intervention strategies to reduce both the incidence and burden of T1DM. This review summarizes available data on the associations between gut microbiota and T1DM in both experimental animals and humans and discusses future perspectives in this novel and exciting area of research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3Ts in Gastrointestinal Microbiome Era: Technology, Translational Research and Transplant)

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