Editorial

2 pages, 201 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Gut Microbiota According to the Metabolome

by Emidio Scarpellini and Emanuele Rinninella

Nutrients 2023, 15(22), 4768; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224768 - 13 Nov 2023

Viewed by 856

The human gut microbiota is an ecosystem harboring trillions of microorganisms, encompassing bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics on the Human Metabolome)

Research

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13 pages, 1121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Fat Reduction Effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial

by Hyun Kyung Sung, Sang Jun Youn, Yong Choi, Sang Won Eun and Seon Mi Shin

Nutrients 2023, 15(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010028 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4729

Abstract

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (BB-3) for reducing body fat. Healthy individuals were randomized into the BB-3 or placebo group (1:1). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to evaluate body fat reduction objectively. [...] Read more.

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (BB-3) for reducing body fat. Healthy individuals were randomized into the BB-3 or placebo group (1:1). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to evaluate body fat reduction objectively. In the BB-3 group, body weight was lower than before BB-3 ingestion. Regarding waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/hip circumference ratio, waist circumference and hip circumference were lower in the BB-3 group than in the placebo group at 12 weeks; the waist/hip circumference ratio was found to decrease at each visit in the BB-3 group, although there was no significant difference in the amount of change after 12 weeks. BB-3 did not cause any severe adverse reactions. Body fat was significantly lower in the BB-3 group than in the placebo group. In conclusion, ingesting BB-3 significantly reduces body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Thus, BB-3 is safe and effective for reducing body fat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics on the Human Metabolome)

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16 pages, 2498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clostridium butyricum Potentially Improves Immunity and Nutrition through Alteration of the Microbiota and Metabolism of Elderly People with Malnutrition in Long-Term Care

by Lin Liu, Xiang Chen, Lu Liu and Huanlong Qin

Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3546; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173546 - 28 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3347

Abstract

Recent research advances examining the gut microbiome and its association with human health have indicated that microbiota-targeted intervention is a promising means for health modulation. In this study, elderly people in long-term care (aged 83.2 ± 5.3 year) with malnutrition (MNA-SF score ≤ [...] Read more.

Recent research advances examining the gut microbiome and its association with human health have indicated that microbiota-targeted intervention is a promising means for health modulation. In this study, elderly people in long-term care (aged 83.2 ± 5.3 year) with malnutrition (MNA-SF score ≤ 7) were recruited in a community hospital for a 12-week randomized, single-blind clinical trial with Clostridium butyricum. Compared with the basal fluctuations of the control group, an altered gut microbiome was observed in the intervention group, with increased (p < 0.05) Coprobacillus species, Carnobacterium divergens, and Corynebacterium_massiliense, and the promoted growth of the beneficial organisms Akketmanse muciniphila and Alistipes putredinis. A concentrated profile of 14 increased Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthologs (KOs) that were enriched in cofactor/vitamin production and carbohydrate metabolism pathways were discovered; the genes were found to be correlated (p < 0.05) with an elevated abundance of plasma metabolites and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), unsaturated medium- to long-chain fatty acids (MFA, LFA), carnitines, and amino acids, thus suggesting a coordinated ameliorated metabolism. Proinflammatory factor interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels decreased (p < 0.05) throughout the intervention, while the gut barrier tight junction protein, occludin, rose in abundance (p = 0.059), and the sensitive nutrition biomarker prealbumin improved, in contrast to the opposite changes in control. Based on our results obtained during a relatively short intervention time, C. butyricum might have great potential for improving nutrition and immunity in elderly people in long-term care with malnutrition through the alteration of gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria and activating the metabolism in SCFA and cofactor/vitamin production, bile acid metabolism, along with efficient energy generation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics on the Human Metabolome)

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Review

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14 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota and Critically Ill Patients: Immunity and Its Modulation via Probiotics and Immunonutrition

by Ludovico Abenavoli, Emidio Scarpellini, Maria Rosaria Paravati, Giuseppe Guido Maria Scarlata, Luigi Boccuto, Bruno Tilocca, Paola Roncada and Francesco Luzza

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3569; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163569 - 13 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1758

Abstract

Critically ill patients have a hyper-inflammatory response against various offending injuries that can result in tissue damage, organ failure, and fatal prognosis. The origin of this detrimental, uncontrolled inflammatory cascade can be found also within our gut. In detail, one of the main [...] Read more.

Critically ill patients have a hyper-inflammatory response against various offending injuries that can result in tissue damage, organ failure, and fatal prognosis. The origin of this detrimental, uncontrolled inflammatory cascade can be found also within our gut. In detail, one of the main actors is our gut microbiota with its imbalance, namely gut dysbiosis: learning about the microbiota’s dysfunction and pathophysiology in the frame of critical patients is of crucial and emerging importance in the management of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Multiple pieces of evidence indicate that the bacteria that populate our gut efficiently modulate the immune response. Treatment and pretreatment with probiotics have shown promising preliminary results to attenuate systemic inflammation, especially in postoperative infections and ventilation performance. Finally, it is emerging how immunonutrition may exert a possible impact on the health status of patients in intensive care. Thus, this manuscript reviews evidence from the literature on gut microbiota composition, its derangement in critically ill patients, its pathophysiological role, and the described and emerging opportunities arising from its modulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics on the Human Metabolome)

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25 pages, 842 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Role of Akkermansia in Human Diseases: From Causation to Therapeutic Properties

by Antonio Pellegrino, Gaetano Coppola, Francesco Santopaolo, Antonio Gasbarrini and Francesca Romana Ponziani

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1815; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081815 - 08 Apr 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4202

Abstract

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the modulation of host metabolism and immune response, and its impairment has been implicated in many gastrointestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Current evidence shows the well-documented role of A. muciniphila in maintaining the integrity of the [...] Read more.

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the modulation of host metabolism and immune response, and its impairment has been implicated in many gastrointestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Current evidence shows the well-documented role of A. muciniphila in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier, modulating the host immune response, and improving several metabolic pathways, making it a key element in the pathogenesis of several human diseases. In this scenario, A. muciniphila is the most promising next-generation probiotic and one of the first microbial species suitable for specific clinical use when compared with traditional probiotics. Further studies are needed to provide more accurate insight into its mechanisms of action and to better elucidate its properties in several major areas, paving the way for a more integrated and personalized therapeutic approach that finally makes the most of our knowledge of the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics on the Human Metabolome)

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10 pages, 610 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Complex Interplay

by Ludovico Abenavoli, Lidia Giubilei, Anna Caterina Procopio, Rocco Spagnuolo, Francesco Luzza, Luigi Boccuto and Emidio Scarpellini

Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5323; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245323 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2331

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota represents the microbial community that colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and constitutes the most complex ecosystem present in nature. The main intestinal microbial phyla are Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Verrucromicrobia, with a clear [...] Read more.

The intestinal microbiota represents the microbial community that colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and constitutes the most complex ecosystem present in nature. The main intestinal microbial phyla are Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Verrucromicrobia, with a clear predominance of the two phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes which account for about 90% of the intestinal phyla. Intestinal microbiota alteration, or dysbiosis, has been proven to be involved in the development of various syndromes, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. The present review underlines the most recurrent changes in the intestinal microbiota of patients with NAFLD, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics on the Human Metabolome)

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Other

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12 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Gut Microbiota in Patients with Major Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review

by Qin Xiang Ng, Yu Liang Lim, Clyve Yu Leon Yaow, Wee Khoon Ng, Julian Thumboo and Tau Ming Liew

Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061351 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4732

Abstract

There is accumulating evidence on the beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation for patients with depressive disorders. However, prior reviews on the topic have largely focused on clinical effectiveness with limited emphasis on the underlying mechanisms of action and effects of probiotics on gut [...] Read more.

There is accumulating evidence on the beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation for patients with depressive disorders. However, prior reviews on the topic have largely focused on clinical effectiveness with limited emphasis on the underlying mechanisms of action and effects of probiotics on gut microbiota. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search of Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library using combinations of the key words, (“depress*” OR “MDD” OR “suicide”), (“probiotic” OR “Lactobacillus” OR “Bifidobacterium”) AND (“gut” OR “gut micr*” OR “microbiota”), as well as grey literature was performed. We found seven clinical trials involving patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The small number of studies and heterogeneous sources of data precluded meta-analysis. Most trials (other than one open-label trial) had a low-to-moderate risk of bias, which was largely due to a lack of control for the effects of diet on gut microbiota. Probiotic supplementation yielded only modest effects on depressive symptoms and there were no consistent effects on gut microbiota diversity, and in most instances, no significant alterations in gut microbiota composition were observed after four to eight weeks of probiotic intervention. There is also a lack of systematic reporting on adverse events and no good longer-term data. Patients with MDD may require a longer time to show clinical improvement and the microbial host environment may also need longer than eight weeks to produce significant microbiota alterations. To advance this field, further larger-scale and longer-term studies are required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics on the Human Metabolome)

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3 pages, 218 KiB

Open AccessReply

Reply to Lee, S.Y. Comment on “Sung et al. Body Fat Reduction Effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2023, 15, 28”

by Hyun Kyung Sung, Sang Jun Youn, Yong Choi, Sang Won Eun and Seon Mi Shin

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051094 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 851

Abstract

Thank you kindly for your interest in and opinion [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics on the Human Metabolome)

2 pages, 186 KiB

Open AccessComment

Comment on Sung et al. Body Fat Reduction Effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2023, 15, 28

by Sang Yeoup Lee

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051093 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1031

Abstract

I read with interest the paper by Sung et al. entitled “Body Fat Reduction Effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial” where a reduction in body fat mass after Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (BB-3) ingestion for 12 weeks was [...] Read more.

I read with interest the paper by Sung et al. entitled “Body Fat Reduction Effect of Bifidobacterium breve B-3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial” where a reduction in body fat mass after Bifidobacterium breve B-3 (BB-3) ingestion for 12 weeks was reported [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Probiotics on the Human Metabolome)

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