Nutrition, Gut Microbiome and Metabolism

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Prebiotics and Probiotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 July 2024 | Viewed by 15455

Special Issue Editor

Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Nutrition and Microbiota, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
Interests: nutrition; metabolism; microbiology; inflammation; insulin resistance; diabetes; metabolic diseases; nutritional diseases; lipid metabolism; glucose metabolism; immunity; autoimmunity; cytokines; abdominal; obesity; T lymphocytes; fat; diabetes mellitus; metabolic syndrome; clinical endocrinology; lipids; insulin signaling; insulin; autoantibodies immunoassay; inborn metabolism; gut microbiota; chemokines; gut microbiome; beta cell; human microbiome; IL-17; autoantigens; chemokine CCL2

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The gut, as an endocrine organ, is involved in a variety of metabolic processes. Further, it harbors the gut microbiota, a term comprising the entirety of microorganisms colonizing the human intestine. Interest in the intestinal microbiota has rapidly increased in recent years and it has been proposed as a major factor linking diet with human physiology. The commensal bacteria in the intestine complement human metabolism by processing food components, including some that are non-digestible by humans themselves. The microbial produced metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, affect various target organs in the organism. For example, by stimulating the secretion of gut hormones, they have important properties regulating metabolism and appetite and contribute to the maintenance of metabolic health or disease such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

However, the majority of known interactions between nutrition, the microbiome and metabolism are mostly associations. Thus, the research field is eager to archive a more in-depth view at the mechanistic level. Therefore, translational approaches that transfer findings from animal to human models are one strategy to gain more insight into the complex interactions between nutrition, the gut microbiome and the host metabolism, together with well-designed human intervention studies.

Therefore, this Special Issue aims to present recent publications that help to elucidate the role of the microbiome and microbial produced metabolites in mediating the effects of diet and the host metabolism on a mechanistic level.

We welcome original research articles and review articles, including meta-analyses, concerning human or animal models on the described topics.

Prof. Dr. Marie-Christine Simon
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • adiposity
  • microbiota
  • diet–microbiome interactions
  • precision nutrition
  • metabolic syndrome
  • enteroendocrine system
  • postbiotics

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4266 KiB  
Article
Causality Investigation between Gut Microbiota, Derived Metabolites, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
by Weiheng Yan, Miaomiao Jiang, Wen Hu, Xiaojun Zhan, Yifan Liu, Jiayi Zhou, Jie Ji, Shan Wang and Jun Tai
Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4544; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214544 - 26 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2434
Abstract
Various studies have highlighted the important associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gut microbiota and related metabolites. Nevertheless, the establishment of causal relationships between these associations remains to be determined. Multiple mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to genetically predict the causative [...] Read more.
Various studies have highlighted the important associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gut microbiota and related metabolites. Nevertheless, the establishment of causal relationships between these associations remains to be determined. Multiple mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to genetically predict the causative impact of 196 gut microbiota and 83 metabolites on OSA. Two-sample MR was used to assess the potential association, and causality was evaluated using inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median (WM) methods. Multivariable MR (MVMR) was employed to ascertain the causal independence between gut microbiota and the metabolites linked to OSA. Additionally, Cochran’s Q test, the MR Egger intercept test and the MR Steiger test were used for the sensitivity analyses. The analysis of the 196 gut microbiota revealed that genus_Ruminococcaceae (UCG009) (PIVW = 0.010) and genus_Subdoligranulum (PIVW = 0.041) were associated with an increased risk of OSA onset. Conversely, Family_Ruminococcaceae (PIVW = 0.030), genus_Coprococcus2 (PWM = 0.025), genus_Eggerthella (PIVW = 0.011), and genus_Eubacterium (xylanophilum_group) (PIVW = 0.001) were negatively related to the risk of OSA. Among the 83 metabolites evaluated, 3-dehydrocarnitine, epiandrosterone sulfate, and leucine were determined to be potential independent risk factors associated with OSA. Moreover, the reverse MR analysis demonstrated a suggestive association between OSA exposure and six microbiota taxa. This study offers compelling evidence regarding the potential beneficial or detrimental causative impact of the gut microbiota and its associated metabolites on OSA risk, thereby providing new insights into the mechanisms of gut microbiome-mediated OSA development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiome and Metabolism)
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16 pages, 6520 KiB  
Article
Alterations in Faecal and Serum Metabolic Profiles in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
by Qixian Yuan, Shuai Zhu, Siqing Yue, Yuqiu Han, Guoping Peng, Lanjuan Li, Yan Sheng and Baohong Wang
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2984; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132984 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1119
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a common and multifactorial disease in the elderly that may lead to irreversible vision loss; yet the pathogenesis of AMD remains unclear. In this study, nontargeted metabolomics profiling using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass [...] Read more.
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a common and multifactorial disease in the elderly that may lead to irreversible vision loss; yet the pathogenesis of AMD remains unclear. In this study, nontargeted metabolomics profiling using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry was applied to discover the metabolic feature differences in both faeces and serum samples between Chinese nonobese subjects with and without nAMD. In faecal samples, a total of 18 metabolites were significantly altered in nAMD patients, and metabolic dysregulations were prominently involved in glycerolipid metabolism and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. In serum samples, a total of 29 differential metabolites were founded, involved in caffeine metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and purine metabolism. Two faecal metabolites (palmitoyl ethanolamide and uridine) and three serum metabolites (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, adrenic acid, and palmitic acid) were selected as potential biomarkers for nAMD. Additionally, the significant correlations among dysregulated neuroprotective, antineuroinflammatory, or fatty acid metabolites in faecal and serum and IM dysbiosis were found. This comprehensive metabolomics study of faeces and serum samples showed that alterations in IM-mediated neuroprotective metabolites may be involved in the pathophysiology of AMD, offering IM-based nutritional therapeutic targets for nAMD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiome and Metabolism)
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Review

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14 pages, 883 KiB  
Review
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Liver Disease: Across the Gut–Liver Axis from Fibrosis to Cancer
by Vittoria Manilla, Francesco Santopaolo, Antonio Gasbarrini and Francesca Romana Ponziani
Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2521; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112521 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2532
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a widespread disease worldwide, and is one of the cornerstones of metabolic syndrome. The existence of a strong relationship between diabetes and the progression of liver fibrosis has been demonstrated by several studies, using invasive and noninvasive techniques. [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a widespread disease worldwide, and is one of the cornerstones of metabolic syndrome. The existence of a strong relationship between diabetes and the progression of liver fibrosis has been demonstrated by several studies, using invasive and noninvasive techniques. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) show faster progression of fibrosis than patients without diabetes. Many confounding factors make it difficult to determine the exact mechanisms involved. What we know so far is that both liver fibrosis and T2DM are expressions of metabolic dysfunction, and we recognize similar risk factors. Interestingly, both are promoted by metabolic endotoxemia, a low-grade inflammatory condition caused by increased endotoxin levels and linked to intestinal dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability. There is broad evidence on the role of the gut microbiota in the progression of liver disease, through both metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, dysbiosis that is associated with diabetes can act as a modifier of the natural evolution of NAFLD. In addition to diet, hypoglycemic drugs play an important role in this scenario, and their benefit is also the result of effects exerted in the gut. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms that explain why diabetic patients show a more rapid progression of liver disease up to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing especially on those involving the gut–liver axis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiome and Metabolism)
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17 pages, 2430 KiB  
Review
Crosstalk between Gut Microbiota and Bile Acids in Cholestatic Liver Disease
by Qingmiao Shi, Xin Yuan, Yifan Zeng, Jinzhi Wang, Yaqi Zhang, Chen Xue and Lanjuan Li
Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2411; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102411 - 22 May 2023
Viewed by 2116
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests the complex interactions between gut microbiota and bile acids, which are crucial end products of cholesterol metabolism. Cholestatic liver disease is characterized by dysfunction of bile production, secretion, and excretion, as well as excessive accumulation of potentially toxic bile acids. [...] Read more.
Emerging evidence suggests the complex interactions between gut microbiota and bile acids, which are crucial end products of cholesterol metabolism. Cholestatic liver disease is characterized by dysfunction of bile production, secretion, and excretion, as well as excessive accumulation of potentially toxic bile acids. Given the importance of bile acid homeostasis, the complex mechanism of the bile acid–microbial network in cholestatic liver disease requires a thorough understanding. It is urgent to summarize the recent research progress in this field. In this review, we highlight how gut microbiota regulates bile acid metabolism, how bile acid pool shapes the bacterial community, and how their interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver disease. These advances might provide a novel perspective for the development of potential therapeutic strategies that target the bile acid pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiome and Metabolism)
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15 pages, 1022 KiB  
Review
A Scoping Review of the Relationship between Intermittent Fasting and the Human Gut Microbiota: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
by Alina Delia Popa, Otilia Niță, Andreea Gherasim, Armand Iustinian Enache, Lavinia Caba, Laura Mihalache and Lidia Iuliana Arhire
Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2095; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092095 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3509
Abstract
Intermittent fasting (IF) has been promoted as an alternative to dietary caloric restriction for the treatment of obesity. IF restricts the amount of food consumed and improves the metabolic balance by synchronizing it with the circadian rhythm. Dietary changes have a rapid effect [...] Read more.
Intermittent fasting (IF) has been promoted as an alternative to dietary caloric restriction for the treatment of obesity. IF restricts the amount of food consumed and improves the metabolic balance by synchronizing it with the circadian rhythm. Dietary changes have a rapid effect on the gut microbiota, modulating the interaction between meal timing and host circadian rhythms. Our paper aims to review the relationships between IF and human gut microbiota. In this study, the primary area of focus was the effect of IF on the diversity and composition of gut microbiota and its relationship with weight loss and metabolomic alterations, which are particularly significant for metabolic syndrome characteristics. We discussed each of these findings according to the type of IF involved, i.e., time-restricted feeding, Ramadan fasting, alternate-day fasting, and the 5:2 diet. Favorable metabolic effects regarding the reciprocity between IF and gut microbiota changes have also been highlighted. In conclusion, IF may enhance metabolic health by modifying the gut microbiota. However additional research is required to draw definitive conclusions about this outcome because of the limited number and diverse designs of existing studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiome and Metabolism)
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16 pages, 1265 KiB  
Review
Physical Exercise and Diet: Regulation of Gut Microbiota to Prevent and Treat Metabolic Disorders to Maintain Health
by Li Zhang, Yuan Liu, Xinzhou Wang and Xin Zhang
Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1539; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061539 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2923
Abstract
Each person’s body is host to a large number and variety of gut microbiota, which has been described as the second genome and plays an important role in the body’s metabolic process and is closely related to health. It is common knowledge that [...] Read more.
Each person’s body is host to a large number and variety of gut microbiota, which has been described as the second genome and plays an important role in the body’s metabolic process and is closely related to health. It is common knowledge that proper physical activity and the right diet structure can keep us healthy, and in recent years, researchers have found that this boost to health may be related to the gut microbiota. Past studies have reported that physical activity and diet can modulate the compositional structure of the gut microbiota and further influence the production of key metabolites of the gut microbiota, which can be an effective way to improve body metabolism and prevent and treat related metabolic diseases. In this review, we outline the role of physical activity and diet in regulating gut microbiota and the key role that gut microbiota plays in improving metabolic disorders. In addition, we highlight the regulation of gut microbiota through appropriate physical exercise and diet to improve body metabolism and prevent metabolic diseases, aiming to promote public health and provide a new approach to treating such diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Gut Microbiome and Metabolism)
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