• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.687-695
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• 2015

Accumulating evidence indicates that lactic acid bacteria could improve host physiology and lipid metabolism. To investigate the effect of the gut microbiota on host lipid metabolism, a hyperlipidemic rat model was established by feeding rats a high-fat diet for 28 days, and the gut microbiota of the rats was analyzed using real-time PCR before and after administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus hsryfm 1301 and its fermented milk for 28 days. The findings showed that the Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Bacteroides spp., and Enterococcus spp. content in the hyperlipidemic rats gut was increased significantly (p < 0.05), while the Clostridium leptum and Enterobacter spp. content was decreased significantly after intervening with L. rhamnosus hrsyfm 1301 and its fermented milk for 28 days (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the lipid levels of the serum and the liver were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and the fecal water content was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the hyperlipidemic rats after the intervention, and hepatocyte fatty degeneration of liver tissues was also prevented. A positive correlation was observed between the Clostridium leptum content and the level of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein, and a negative correlation was observed between the Enterobacter spp. content and the Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. content in the hyperlipidemic rats gut. These results suggest that the gut microbiota and lipid metabolism of hyperlipidemic rats could be improved by supplementation with L. rhamnosus hsryfm 1301 and its fermented milk.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.24-37
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• 2021

[Purpose] To determine whether physical activity (PA), primarily the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA, is associated with gut bacterial microbiota in 10-year-old children. [Methods] The Block Physical Activity Screener, which provides minutes/day PA variables, was used to determine whether the child met the PA recommendations. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on stool samples from the children to profile the composition of their gut bacterial microbiota. Differences in alpha diversity metrics (richness, Pielou's evenness, and Faith's phylogenetic diversity) by PA were determined using linear regression, whereas beta diversity (unweighted and weighted UniFrac) relationships were assessed using PERMANOVA. Taxon relative abundance differentials were determined using DESeq2. [Results] The analytic sample included 321 children with both PA and 16S rRNA sequencing data (mean age [SD] =10.2 [0.8] years; 54.2% male; 62.9% African American), where 189 (58.9%) met the PA recommendations. After adjusting for covariates, meeting the PA recommendations as well as minutes/day PA variables were not significantly associated with gut richness, evenness, or diversity (p ≥ 0.19). However, meeting the PA recommendations (weighted UniFrac R² = 0.014, p = 0.001) was significantly associated with distinct gut bacterial composition. These compositional differences were partly characterized by increased abundance of Megamonas and Anaerovorax as well as specific Christensenellaceae_R-7_group taxa in children with higher PA. [Conclusion] Children who met the recommendations of PA had altered gut microbiota compositions. Whether this translates to a reduced risk of obesity or associated metabolic diseases is still unclear.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.265-273
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• 2023

Background: The intestinal microbiota is an important regulator of bone health. In previous studies we have shown that intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, induced by treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics (ABX) followed by natural repopulation, results in gut barrier dysfunction and bone loss. We have also shown that treatment with probiotics or a gut barrier enhancer can inhibit dysbiosis-induced bone loss. The overall goal of this project was to test the effect of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract on bone and gut health using antibiotics (ABX) dysbiosis-induced bone loss model in mice. Methods: Adult male mice (Balb/C, 12-week old) were administered broad spectrum antibiotics (ampicillin and neomycin) for 2 weeks followed by 4 weeks of natural repopulation. During this 4-week period, mice were treated with vehicle (water) or KRG extract. Other controls included mice that did not receive either antibiotics or KRG extract and mice that received only KRG extract. At the end of the experiments, we assessed various parameters to assess bone, microbiota and in vivo intestinal permeability. Results: Consistent with our previous results, post-ABX- dysbiosis led to significant bone loss. Importantly, this was associated with a decrease in gut microbiota alpha diversity and an increase in intestinal permeability. All these effects including bone loss were prevented by KRG extract treatment. Furthermore, our studies identified multiple genera including Lactobacillus and rc4-4 as well as Alistipes finegoldii to be potentially linked to the effect of KRG extract on gut-bone axis. Conclusion: Together, our results demonstrate that KRG extract regulates the gut-bone axis and is effective at preventing dysbiosis-induced bone loss in mice.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.883-898
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Probiotics have been suggested as potent modulators of age-related disorders in immunological functions, yet little is known about sex-dependent effects of probiotic supplements. Therefore, we aimed to investigate sex-dependent effects of probiotics on profiles of the gut microbiota and peripheral immune cells in healthy older adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, healthy elderly individuals ≥ 65 yrs old were administered probiotic capsules (or placebo) for 12 wk. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. Peripheral immune cells were profiled using flow cytometry for lymphocytes (natural killer, B, CD4⁺ T, and CD8⁺ T cells), dendritic cells, monocytes, and their subpopulations. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, phylum Firmicutes was significantly reduced in the probiotic group in women, but not in men. At the genus level, sex-specific responses included reductions in the relative abundances of pro-inflammatory gut microbes, including Catabacter and unclassified_Coriobacteriales, and Burkholderia and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, in men and women, respectively. Peripheral immune cell profiling analysis revealed that in men, probiotics significantly reduced the proportions of dendritic cells and CD14⁺ CD16^- monocytes; however, these effects were not observed in women. In contrast, the proportion of total CD4⁺ T cells was significantly reduced in women in the probiotic group. Additionally, serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein levels showed a decreasing tendency that were positively associated with changes in gut bacteria, including Catabacter (ρ = 0.678, P < 0.05) and Burkholderia (ρ = 0.673, P < 0.05) in men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that probiotic supplementation may reduce the incidence of inflammation-related diseases by regulating the profiles of the gut microbiota and peripheral immune cells in healthy elders in a sex-specific manner.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.1317-1328
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• 2023

Green tea (GT) polyphenols undergo extensive metabolism within gastrointestinal tract (GIT), where their derivatives compounds potentially modulate the gut microbiome. This biotransformation process involves a cascade of exclusive gut microbial enzymes which chemically modify the GT polyphenols influencing both their bioactivity and bioavailability in host. Herein, we examined the in vitro interactions between 37 different human gut microbiota and the GT polyphenols. UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS analysis of the culture broth extracts unravel that genera Adlercreutzia, Eggerthella and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KACC11451 promoted C-ring opening reaction in GT catechins. In addition, L. plantarum also hydrolyzed catechin galloyl esters to produce gallic acid and pyrogallol, and also converted flavonoid glycosides to their aglycone derivatives. Biotransformation of GT polyphenols into derivative compounds enhanced their antioxidant bioactivities in culture broth extracts. Considering the effects of GT polyphenols on specific growth rates of gut bacteria, we noted that GT polyphenols and their derivate compounds inhibited most species in phylum Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, and Firmicutes except genus Lactobacillus. The present study delineates the likely mechanisms involved in the metabolism and bioavailability of GT polyphenols upon exposure to gut microbiota. Further, widening this workflow to understand the metabolism of various other dietary polyphenols can unravel their biotransformation mechanisms and associated functions in human GIT.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.115-125
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• 2021

Mushroom consumption causes changes in the immune system and gut microbiota via the actions of mushroom probiotic components. β-Glucan structure-related substances suppress secretion of inflammatory mediators, and induce macrophage activation, enhancing immunity and immune function. Substances other than directly useful components can be metabolized into short-chain fatty acids by gut microbiota. These short-chain fatty acids can then induce immunity, alleviating various diseases. Substances used to stimulate growth of health-promoting gut bacteria, thereby changing the gut microbiota community are defined to be probiotics. Probiotic altered intestinal microflora can prevent various types of bacterial infection from external sources, and can help to maintain immune system balance, thus preventing diseases. Research into beneficial components of Pleurotus eryngii, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipes, Auricularia auricula-judae, and Agaricus bisporus, which are frequently consumed in Korea, changes in microbiota, changes in short-chain fatty acids, and correlations between consumption and health contribute to our understanding of the effects of dietary mushrooms on disease prevention and mitigation.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.7
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• pp.1221-1234
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• 2021

Objective: Weaning is an important stage in the life of young mammals, which is associated with intestinal inflammation, gut microbiota disorders, and even death. β-Carotene displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which can prevent the development of inflammatory diseases. However, whether β-carotene can affect intestinal microbiota remains unclear. Methods: Twenty-four piglets were distributed into four groups: the normal suckling group (Con), the weaning group (WG), the weaning+β-carotene (40 mg/kg) group (LCBC), and the weaning+β-carotene (80 mg/kg) group (HCBC). The serum, jejunum, colon, and faeces were collected separately from each group. The effects of β-carotene on the phenotype, overall structure, and composition of gut microbiota were assessed in weaning piglets. Results: The results showed that β-carotene improved the growth performance, intestinal morphology and relieved inflammation. Furthermore, β-carotene significantly decreased the species from phyla Bacteroidetes and the genus Prevotella, and Blautia, and increased the species from the phyla Firmicutes and the genera p-75-a5, and Parabacteroides compared to the WG group. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that Prevotella and Blautia were positively correlated, and Parabacteroides and Synergistes were negatively correlated with the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while p-75-a5 showed negative correlation with IL-6 in serum samples from piglets. Conclusion: These findings indicate that β-carotene could alleviate weaning-induced intestinal inflammation by modulating gut microbiota in piglets. Prevotella may be a potential target of β-carotene in alleviating the weaning-induced intestinal inflammation in piglets.

• CELLMED
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1.1-1.4
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• 2021

Background: Amavata is a disease that occurs as a result of the error of metabolism. Poor dietary habits and faulty Dincharya (daily regimen) and ritucharya (seasonal regimen) leading to deranged metabolism and Agni (metabolic fire) which results in the formation of Ama(undigested product of metabolism). When Amaconceals with Vata(subtle energy associated with movement) and circulates in the body under the influence of Vyana Vayu (omnipresent air)it clogs the srotasas (microchannels) and initiates the inflammatory cascade. Amavata is commonly correlated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) while other forms of auto-immune disorders can also be included in Amavata.Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota (GM) has been connected to the onset of diverse autoimmune diseases. In this study, it was hypothesized that Panchakarma (bio-purificatory methods) based intervention such as Virechana Karma (therapeutic purgation) may influence microbiota. Materials and Methods: Various Ayurvedic literature were reviewed for the etiopathogenesis of Amavata. Different databases were searched with research papers related to Gut Dysbiosis and autoimmunity and management of RA. A connecting link between Intestinal Dysbiosis with the autoimmune mechanisms was established and it was also found that the bowel cleansing introduced a change to the GM. Conclusion: It was concluded that Virechana karma is effective in gut flora Dysbiosis. This study aims to correlate the ancient Ayurvedic principles related to Agni Bala(metabolic energy) and biopurificatory treatment modalities like Virechana karma (therapeutic purgation)with the modern concept of gut microbiota and its role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The article creates an understanding about principles of Ayurveda and its rationality in today's scientific world and thereby opens newer vistas of research in therapeutics from Ayurveda, which may be helpful in the management of various immune-mediated Diseases through Ayurveda.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.239-246
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• 2020

Microorganism residing in the gut has been known to have important roles in the animal body. Microbes and host microenvironment are highly related with host's health including energy metabolism and immune system. Moreover, it reported that gut microbiome is correlated with diseases like obesity in human and dogs. There have been many studies to identify and characterize microbes and their genes in human body. However, there was little information of microbiome in companion animals. Here, we investigated microbiota communities in feaces from twenty - four Beagles (aged 2 years old) and analyzed the taxonomy profile using metagenomics to study the difference among gut microbiome based on body condition score (BCS). gDNA was isolated from feaces, sequenced and clustered. Taxonomy profiling was performed based on the NCBI database. BCS was evaluated once a week according to the description provided by World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Firmicutes phylum was the most abundant followed by Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. That main microbiota in gut were differently distributed based on the BCS. Fusobacteria has been known to be associated with colon cancer in human. Interestingly, Fusobacteria was in the third level from the top in healthy dog's gut microbiome. In addition, Fusobacteria was especially higher in overweight dogs which had 6 scales of BCS. Species Fusobacterium perfoetens was also more abundant when dogs were in BCS 6. It implied that F. perfoetens would be positively related with overweight in dogs. These finding would contribute to further studies of gut microbiome and their functions to improve dog's diets and health condition.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.20.1-20.18
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• 2021

The gut is an important organ with digestive and immune regulatory function which consistently harbors microbiome ecosystem. The gut microbiome cooperates with the host to regulate the development and function of the immune, metabolic, and nervous systems. It can influence disease processes in the gut as well as extra-intestinal organs, including the brain. The gut closely connects with the central nervous system through dynamic bidirectional communication along the gut-brain axis. The connection between gut environment and brain may affect host mood and behaviors. Disruptions in microbial communities have been implicated in several neurological disorders. A link between the gut microbiota and the brain has long been described, but recent studies have started to reveal the underlying mechanism of the impact of the gut microbiota and gut barrier integrity on the brain and behavior. Here, we summarized the gut barrier environment and the 4 main gut-brain axis pathways. We focused on the important function of gut barrier on neurological diseases such as stress responses and ischemic stroke. Finally, we described the impact of representative environmental sensors generated by gut bacteria on acute neurological disease via the gut-brain axis.