• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.194-210
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• 2022

Human milk contains a number of nutritional and bioactive molecules including microorganisms that constitute the so-called "Human Milk Microbiota (HMM)". Recent studies have shown that not only bacterial but also viral, fungal, and archaeal components are present in the HMM. Previous research has established, a "core" microbiome, consisting of Firmicutes (i.e., Streptococcus, Staphylococcus), Proteobacteria (i.e., Serratia, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Sphingomonas, Bradyrhizobium), and Actinobacteria (i.e., Propionibacterium, Corynebacterium). This review aims to summarize the main characteristics of HMM and the role it plays in shaping a child's health. We reviewed the most recent literature on the topic (2019-2021), using the PubMed database. The main sources of HMM origin were identified as the retrograde flow and the entero-mammary pathway. Several factors can influence its composition, such as maternal body mass index and diet, use of antibiotics, time and type of delivery, and mode of breastfeeding. The COVID-19 pandemic, by altering the mother-infant dyad and modifying many of our previous habits, has emerged as a new risk factor for the modification of HMM. HMM is an important contributor to gastrointestinal colonization in children and therefore, it is fundamental to avoid any form of perturbation in the HMM that can alter the microbial equilibrium, especially in the first 100 days of life. Microbial dysbiosis can be a trigger point for the development of necrotizing enterocolitis, especially in preterm infants, and for onset of chronic diseases, such as asthma and obesity, later in life.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.1-10
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• 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Carvacrol (CAR) has demonstrated the potential to mitigate dyslipidemia. This study aims to investigate whether CAR can modulate blood glucose and lipid levels in a T2DM rat model by regulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the GPR41/43 pathway. The T2DM rat model was induced by a high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozocin injection and treated with oral CAR and/or mixed antibiotics. Fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, and insulin tolerance tests were assessed. Serum lipid parameters, hepatic and renal function indicators, tissue morphology, and SCFAs were measured. In vitro, high glucose (HG)-induced IEC-6 cells were treated with CAR, and optimal CAR concentration was determined. HG-induced IEC-6 cells were treated with SCFAs or/and GPR41/43 agonists. CAR significantly reduced blood lipid and glucose levels, improved tissue damage, and increased SCFA levels in feces and GPR41/43 expression in colonic tissues of T2DM rats. CAR also attenuated HG-induced apoptosis of IEC-6 cells and enhanced GPR41/43 expression. Overall, these findings suggest that CAR alleviates blood lipid and glucose abnormalities in T2DM rats by modulating SCFAs and the GPR41/43 pathway.

• BMB Reports
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• 제57권5호
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• pp.207-215
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• 2024

The gut microbiota, an intricate community of bacteria residing in the gastrointestinal system, assumes a pivotal role in various physiological processes. Beyond its function in food breakdown and nutrient absorption, gut microbiota exerts a profound influence on immune and metabolic modulation by producing diverse gut microbiota-generated metabolites (GMGMs). These small molecules hold potential to impact host health via multiple pathways, which exhibit remarkable diversity, and have gained increasing attention in recent studies. Here, we elucidate the intricate implications and significant impacts of four specific metabolites, Urolithin A (UA), equol, Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and imidazole propionate, in shaping human health. Meanwhile, we also look into the advanced research on GMGMs, which demonstrate promising curative effects and hold great potential for further clinical therapies. Notably, the emergence of positive outcomes from clinical trials involving GMGMs, typified by UA, emphasizes their promising prospects in the pursuit of improved health and longevity. Collectively, the multifaceted impacts of GMGMs present intriguing avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.153-164
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• 2024

This study aimed to identify metabolic biomarkers and investigate changes in intestinal microbiota in the feces of healthy participants following administration of Lactococcus lactis GEN-001. GEN-001 is a single-strain L. lactis strain isolated from the gut of a healthy human volunteer. The study was conducted as a parallel, randomized, phase 1, open design trial. Twenty healthy Korean males were divided into five groups according to the GEN-001 dosage and dietary control. Groups A, B, C, and D1 received 1, 3, 6, and 9 GEN-001 capsules (1 × 10¹¹ colony forming units), respectively, without dietary adjustment, whereas group D2 received 9 GEN-001 capsules with dietary adjustment. All groups received a single dose. Fecal samples were collected 2 days before GEN-001 administration to 7 days after for untargeted metabolomics and gut microbial metagenomic analyses; blood samples were collected simultaneously for immunogenicity analysis. Levels of phenylalanine, tyrosine, cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and tryptophan were significantly increased at 5-6 days after GEN-001 administration when compared with predose levels. Compared with predose, the relative abundance (%) of Parabacteroides and Alistipes significantly decreased, whereas that of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus increased; Lactobacillus and tryptophan levels were negatively correlated. A single administration of GEN-001 shifted the gut microbiota in healthy volunteers to a more balanced state as evidenced by an increased abundance of beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, and higher levels of the metabolites that have immunogenic properties.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제21권5호
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• pp.35.1-35.16
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• 2021

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (GWI) encompasses a broad range of unexplained symptomology specific to Veterans of the Persian Gulf War. Gastrointestinal (GI) distress is prominent in veterans with GWI and often presents as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Neurotoxins, including organophosphorus pesticides and sarin gas, are believed to have contributed to the development of GWI, at least in a subset of Veterans. However, the effects of such agents have not been extensively studied for their potential impact to GI disorders and immunological stability. Here we utilized an established murine model of GWI to investigate deleterious effects of diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) exposure on the mucosal epithelium in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, acute DFP exposure negatively impacts the mucosal epithelium by reducing tight junction proteins and antimicrobial peptides as well as altering intestinal microbiome composition. Furthermore, DFP treatment reduced the expression of IL-17 in the colonic epithelium. Conversely, both IL-17 and IL-17C treatment could combat the negative effects of DFP and other cholinesterase inhibitors in murine intestinal organoid cells. Our findings demonstrate that acute exposure to DFP can result in rapid deterioration of mechanisms protecting the GI tract from disease. These results are relevant to suspected GWI exposures and could help explain the propensity for GI disorders in GWI Veterans.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제33권5호
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• pp.788-801
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• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets containing different wet rice distillers' by-product (RDP) levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and gut microbiome of weaned piglets. Methods: A total of 48 weaned castrated male crossbred pigs, initial body weight 7.54±0.97 kg, and age about 4 wks, were used in this experiment. The piglets were randomly allocated into three iso-nitrogenous diet groups that were fed either a control diet, a diet with 15% RDP, or a diet with 30% RDP for a total of 35 days. Chromium oxide was used for apparent digestibility measurements. On d 14 and d 35, half of the piglets were randomly selected for hemato-biochemical and gut microbiota evaluations. Results: Increasing inclusion levels of RDP tended to linearly increase (p≤0.07) average daily gain on d 14 and d 35, and decreased (p = 0.08) feed conversion ratio on d 35. Empty stomach weight increased (p = 0.03) on d 35 while digestibility of diet components decreased. Serum globulin concentration decreased on d 14 (p = 0.003) and red blood cell count tended to decrease (p = 0.06) on d 35, parallel to increase RDP levels. Gene amplicon profiling of 16S rRNA revealed that the colonic microbiota composition of weaned pigs changed by inclusion of RDP over the period. On d 14, decreased proportions of Lachnospiraceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroidales_ge, and increased proportions of Prevotellaceae_ge, Prevotella_2, and Prevotella_9 were found with inclusion of RDP, whereas opposite effect was found on d 35. Additionally, the proportion of Lachnospiraceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroidales_ge in RDP diets decreased over periods in control diet but increased largely in diet with 30% RDP. Conclusion: These results indicate that RDP in a favorable way modulate gastrointestinal microbiota composition and improve piglet performance despite a negative impact on digestibility of lipids and gross energy.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제28권11호
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• pp.1386-1395
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• 2018

최근의 연구결과를 통해서 중추 신경계와 위장관은 장-뇌 축을 따라서 양방향의 상호작용이 일어나고 있다는 것이 분명해지고 있다. 전임상 연구로부터 장내 마이크로비오타가 다양한 생리적 기능을 통해서 중추 신경계의 기능을 조절할 수 있음이 밝혀지고 있다. 폴리페놀 화합물은 과일, 채소, 차, 커피, 와인과 같은 식품에 존재하는 식물 유래의 물질로, 항산화, 항염증, 항균, 면역 조절, 항암, 혈관 확장 및 프리바이오틱스와 유사한 효과를 보유하고 있어 식이를 통해 섭취할 경우 건강에 직접적인 효과를 나타낸다. 최근 들어 폴리페놀 화합물이 인지 기능뿐만 아니라 산화적 스트레스 및 염증성 손상에 대해 작용하는 신경 보호에 유익한 효과를 줄 수 있다는 증거가 보고되고 있다. 본 총설에서는 신경 세포 신호 전달 경로의 자극, 신경 염증, 혈관 기능 및 장내 마이크로비옴과의 상호작용에 따른 폴리페놀 화합물의 신경 보호 효과와 관련된 작용 메커니즘에 대한 일반적인 개요를 제시한다. 폴리페놀 화합물의 대사 산물은 혈액-뇌 장벽을 가로 지르는 신경 전달 물질을 이용하고 뇌 혈관 시스템을 조절하여 작용하거나, 간접적으로 장내 마이크로비오타에 작용한다. 또한, 폴리페놀 화합물은 노화 관련 인지 기능 저하 및 신경 퇴행과 같은 신경계 질환을 다양한 생리 기능을 통해 효과적으로 관리할수 있다는 사실이 제시되고 있다. 폴리페놀 화합물은 신경 염증을 감소시키고 기억과 인지 기능을 향상 시키며 장내 마이크로비오타를 조절하는 능력을 지니고 있기 때문에 신경계 질환의 예방 및 치료에 있어 잠재적인 기능성 식품으로 주목 받을 것으로 기대된다.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2023

Objectives We aimed to find out the improvement effect of Baekhogainsam-tang (Baihu Jia Renshen-tang, BIT) on metabolic syndrome and alteration of microbiota and gene expression. Methods We used male C57BI/6 mice and randomly assigned them into three groups. Normal control group was fed 10% kcal% fat diet, high-fat diet (HFD) group was fed 45% kcal% fat diet and 10% fructose water. BIT group was fed same diet as HFD group and treated by BIT for once daily, 6 days per week, total 8 weeks. We measured their body weight and food intake every week and performed oral glucose tolerance test 1 week before the end of the study. Then we collected the blood sample to measure triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, and hemoglobin A1c. We harvested tissue of liver, muscle, fat, and large intestine for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and histopathological examination. Fresh fecal samples were collected from each animal to verify alterations of gut microbiota and we used RNA from liver tissue for microarray analysis. Results The body weight and fat weight of BIT group were reduced compared to HFD group. The qPCR markers usually up-regulated in metabolic syndrome were decreased in BIT group. Bacteroides were higher in BIT group than other groups. There were also differences in gene expressions between two groups such as Cyp3a11 and Scd1. Conclusions We could find out BIT can ameliorate metabolic syndrome and suggest its effect is related to gut microbiota composition and gene expression pattern.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.17-29
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• 2014

Probiotics에 대한 많은 연구는 위장내 질환에서 장내 미생물 균총의 중요성을 강조하고 있으며, 최근에는 심장 혈관 위험에 초점을 맞추어서 연구가 시작되고 있다. 비만이 dysbiosis에 관련될 수 있는 의료 장애 및 대사 장애로 특정 되어진다. 이를 위해 위험 요인을 감소시키는 도구로 사용되는 probiotic 균주는 반드시 향후에 검사되어져야 한다. Probiotics는 체외 및 생체내 연구에서 여섯 가지 장애 및 장해에 대해서 긍정적인 효과를 보여주며, 특히 이것은 항 염증 성질 또는 효소활력에 기인한 것이다. 각각의 경우에 박테리아가 숙주에 영향을 미칠 수 있는 메카니즘은 잘 정리되어 보고되었다. 그러나, 특히 비만, 당뇨, 산화 스트레스에 대한 이중 맹검 무작위 임상 시험의 부족으로 불가능한 확정적인 결론을 만든다. 더구나, 지금까지 어떠한 연구결과에서도 직접적으로 심혈 관계 질환의 위험 인자에 대한 probiotics의 영향에 관해서는 언급된 것이 없었다. 심혈관계 질환으로는 동맥류, 협심증, 동맥 경화증, 뇌 혈관 사고, 뇌 혈관 질환, 울혈성 심부전, 관상 동맥 질환, 심근 경색, 말초 혈관 질환 등이 포함된다. 예측과 대표적인 검색 도구의 사용은 probiotic 균주의 새로운 기능을 가진 종류의 선택이 가능하게 해준다. 비만의 경우, 무균 동물 실험 방법의 확립은 probiotic 균주에 의한 미생물균총과 조절의 상호작용을 이해가 추후 진행되어야 할 것이다. 불행하게도, 이 엄격한 방법론은 거의 적용되지 않고 있으며, 현재의 추세는 경험적으로 특정 의료 장애에 대한 일반적인 메커니즘은 설명이 되지만, 반응의 정확한 모드는 완전히 알려지지 않음에도 불구하고 probiotic 균주를 테스트하고 있는 실정이다. 더욱이 많은 연구가 직접 동물 모델에서 진행되었지만, 그 결과를 항상 인간에게 바로 적용할 수는 없다. 이 방법론의 개선은 인간 미생물 균총과 관련된 생쥐를 사용하거나 자연적으로 질병을 유발할 수 있도록 개발된 다른 동물모델을 사용할 수 있을 것이다. 인간 Microbiome 프로젝트와 MetaHIT(인간의 창자의 metagomics)같은 현재 연구는 인간에게 생체외 및 동물 모델 자료의 이용에 있어서 자세한 정보를 제공해야만 하고, 또한 새로운 예측 가능한 모델의 개발이 이루어져야 할 것이다. 현재 의료 장애와 반응 메커니즘과의 연관성에 관해서 많은 관심과 연구가 진행되고 있고, 원하는 특정 활력을 가지고 있는 균주에 대해서 더 개선된 검증을 개발을 할 수 있는 방법이 필요하다. 장래에는 재조합 probiotics와 특정한 의학적 질환으로 고통 받는 환자의 미생물 균총의 조성을 재조합 probiotics으로 해결할 수 있을 것이며, 또한 probiotics의 사용은 장내 미생물균총을 조정할 수 있으며, 과체중과 비만 사람들을 위해 음식 섭취량을 관리할 수 있으며, 제1형 당뇨병과 고콜레스테롤 혈증을 줄일 수 다른 대안으로 이용될 것이다. 결론적으로 Probiotics 미생물은 역사적으로 장내 미생물의 균형을 방해하고, 설사 또는 염증성 장질환 같은 위장 장애를 감소하는 데 사용되어오고 있다. 최근의 연구는 의료 질환에 probiotics의 확장 사용에 대한 가능성을 탐구하고 있다. 왜냐하면 심혈관 질환 및 당뇨병 발병 위험을 증가(비만, 고 콜레스테롤 혈증, 동맥 고혈압 등)와 대상장애(hyperhomocysteinemia, 산화 스트레스 등) 등의 발병 위험이 점점 높아지기 때문이다. 따라서 probiotics와 숙주 간의 상호작용에 관여하는 기전을 재정립하여 probiotics에 의해서 생성된 유익한 효과의 특성을 식별하는 것이 요구된다. 특정 probiotics 균주는 (1) 면역 반응을 조절함으로써, (2) 특정 분자를 생산하여, (3) biopeptides을 발충하여, 그리고 (4) 신경계 활성을 조절함으로써 작용할 수 있다. 현재까지 대부분의 연구는 동물 모델에서 실시되었다. 따라서 인간에 관련된 메카니즘에 새로운 조사 probiotics 균주의 넓은 다양한 질환에 효율적인 사용을 가능하게 하기 위한 연구가 절실히 요구되어진다.