Rupture-A symbolic timing point of the natural abdominal rupture during cadaver decay / 中国法医学杂志

Objective Corruption is the most common cadaver phenomenon in forensic practice and an important basis for inferring time of death(PMI),but the definition of corruption degree and the construction of model inference models have always been difficult in the practice of forensic science.Methods In this study,the late postmortem phenomena were observed.Meanwhile,the microbial flora structure of gut and gravesoil and the nature of gravesoil were detected,for analyzing the changes before and after the key moment of abdominal rupture which naturally happened during the cadaver decay.Results The results found that from the macroscopic and microscopic levels,there were significant differences in cadaver decay,including microbial flora structure and gravesoil properties before and after the key moment of the natural abdominal rupture during cadaver decay.The phenomena are highly observable and can be accurately judged by forensic examinations,as well as related means in the field of biology and physiochemistry.In this study,this critical event was called Rupture Point.Conclusion The Rupture Point can be used as an important node for the assessment of cadaver decay degree in the practice of forensic medicine.It can be utilized for a cut-off point as well when constructing PMI inference models based on microbial flora structure changes.The accuracy of PMI inference models can be improved when the models were constructed in segments.

Research progress in etiology and pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is a heterogeneous disorder closely associated with reproductive endocrine dysfunction in the women.The etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS remain unclear.PCOS is the result of the combination of endocrine metabolic disorders,genetics,and environmental factors.Hyperandrogenemia(HA)and insulin resistance(IR)are the fundamental pathophysiological changes in the development of PCOS,and their interactions exacerbate the clinical manifestations of the PCOS patients.The family aggregation and twin study results confirm the genetic predisposition of PCOS;the genome-wide association study(GWAS)results confirm some risk loci and candidate genes of PCOS.The unhealthy lifestyle habits and environmental endocrine disruptors also play an important role in the progression of PCOS,and the gut microbita is involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS.This article provides a comprehensively retrospective analysis on the recent studies about PCOS,and reviews both internal factors and external factors related to the etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS.

Research progress of gut microbiome in the treatment of psoriasis / 重庆医学

Psoriasis is a chronic,recurrent,systemic inflammatory skin disease that is immune-media-ted.The balance and communication between the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites and the host play an important role in maintaining the body's normal functions,such as immune homeostasis and vitamin synthe-sis.Recent studies have found that compared with the healthy individuals,the psoriasis patients have experi-enced significant changes in the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbiota,including an imbalance in in-testinal microbiota,reduced production of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),and abnormal Firmicutes/Bacte-roidetes(F/B)ratio.The gut microbiota also changed after systematic medication treatment,biologic agents treatment and small molecule chemotherapy,indicating that the gut microbiota could be a potential biomarker for assessing treatment efficacy.The relationship between psoriasis and gut microbiota is not fully under-stood,and further research is needed.

Progress on the mechanism of comorbidity of tic disorder and allergic diseases / 国际儿科学杂志

Tic disorder（TD）is a complex chronic neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by rapid，involuntary，non-hythmic，single or multi-part muscle movement or vocal twitching. Both TD and allergic diseases are related to the body's immune imbalance.The symptoms involve different parts or organs，and the pathogenesis are complex，which seriously affect the quality of life.Clinical studies have found a clear correlation between TD and allergic diseases，but the relationship mechanism is still unclear，mainly involving neuro-immune cross-disorders.This paper reviews the research progress of the relevant mechanisms of TD and allergic diseases，in order to enhance the cognition of the two diseases，and provide new ideas and directions for the etiological research and treatment of TD.

Progress on urinary microbiome and urinary tract infection in children / 国际儿科学杂志

Urine is not sterile but contains a complex urinary microbiome that is established as early as infancy and gradually refines with age. There are great differences in urinary microbiome of different ages and gender. At present，the core urinary microbiome of children has not reached a consensus. The urinary microbiome plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of urothelium，reducing the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria，and local immune function. Changes in microbial diversity and composition are associated with various diseases of the urinary system，especially in urinary tract infections. In recent years，research on the relationship between urinary microbiome composition，microbiome，and urinary tract infection in children has been deepening. Therefore，this review aims to provide an overview of the urinary microbiome and its role in urinary tract infection in children，and to summarize the methods of intervening and reshaping the urinary microbiome in children to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.

Gut microbiota and their metabolites and the outcome of ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

An increasing number of studies have shown that gut microbiota and their metabolites play an important role in the occurrence, development, and outcome of ischemic stroke. This article reviews the associations of gut microbiota and their metabolites with the outcome of ischemic stroke, in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment strategies of ischemic stroke.

Research progress on the potential mechanism and application of lactobacillus in the prevention and treatment of acute myocardial infarction / 天津医药

With the development of clinical,basic medicine and metabolomics,intestinal flora has gradually become a focus of research and has been used in the diagnosis and treatment of several intestinal diseases.Lactobacillus can produce and regulate a variety of intestinal metabolites,and participate in lipid metabolism,thrombosis,inflammation and oxidative stress,and even ferroptosis,which may have an impact on the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases.This article reviews the role of lactobacillus in the regulation of metabolism,involvement in the pathophysiological mechanism of myocardial infarction and its clinical application in acute myocardial infarction,providing a new reference for the prevention and treatment of AMI.

Characteristics of the composition of intestinal flora in cirrhotic patients with malnutrition / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of the composition of intestinal flora and the serum level of endotoxin in cirrhotic patients with malnutrition， and to provide new diagnosis and treatment ideas for improving the nutritional status of patients with liver cirrhosis. MethodsA total of 58 patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in Department of Gastroenterology， People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou， from March 2021 to November 2022 were enrolled as experimental group （LC group）， and according to the Royal Free Hospital-Nutritional Prioritizing Tool， they were divided into low malnutrition risk group （LC-A group with 28 patients） and moderate/high malnutrition risk group （LC-B group with 30 patients）； 25 individuals who underwent physical examination during the same period of time were enrolled as control group （HC group）. Peripheral blood and feces samples were collected from all subjects. The limulus amebocyte lysate gel method was used to measure the concentration of endotoxin in peripheral blood， and high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were used to investigate the characteristics of intestinal flora. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups； a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test were used for further comparison between two groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. ResultsThere were significant differences between the three groups in the levels of alanine aminotransferase （H=7.054， P<0.05）， gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase （H=9.644， P<0.05）， albumin （Alb） （F=32.768， P<0.05）， total bilirubin （TBil） （H=20.980， P<0.05）， and serum endotoxin （F=108.672， P<0.05）. There was a significant difference in Chao1 index between the three groups （F=5.110， P=0.008） and between the HC group and the LC-B group （P<0.05）. Compared with the HC group， the LC-A group and the LC-B group had significant reductions in Chao1 index and Shannon index， and there was a significant difference in Chao1 index between the HC group and the LC-B group （P<0.05）. At the phylum level， the intestinal flora in each group was mainly composed of Bacteroidota， Firmicutes， Proteobacteria， and Actinobacteriota， accounting for more than 95% of all phyla， and there was a significant difference in the relative abundance of Firmicutes between the HC group and the LC-B group （P<0.05）. Serum endotoxin was significantly negatively correlated with Ruminococcaceae （r=-0.420， P=0.007）， and spirochete was significantly positively correlated with TBil （r=0.419， P=0.007） and was significantly negatively correlated with Alb （r=-0.492， P=0.001）. ConclusionThere are unique changes in intestinal flora in cirrhotic patients with malnutrition， and differentially expressed flora are associated with endotoxemia. Improving intestinal microecology in liver cirrhosis may help to improve nutritional status.

Association of intestinal microecology with the development and progression of autoimmune hepatitis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Autoimmune hepatitis （AIH） is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic liver inflammation， with a gradually increasing incidence rate， and its social and medical burdens cannot be neglected. Intestinal microecology is becoming a research hotspot in the field of autoimmune disease. In recent years， it has been believed that changes in intestinal microecology can cause changes in autoimmune state， microbial metabolites， and intestinal barrier， which is one of the driving factors for the onset of AIH. Early diagnosis and correct treatment can help to improve the prognosis of AIH patients. This article introduces the characteristics of gut microbiota in AIH patients， elaborates on the impact of intestinal microflora imbalance on the pathogenesis of AIH， and briefly describes related treatment regimens from the perspective of intestinal microecology， so as to comprehensively understand and explain the role of intestinal microecology in AIH and the impact of intestinal microecology balance on the pathogenesis， diagnosis， and treatment of AIH.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Constipation Based on 5-HT Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Chronic constipation （CC） is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal diseases. At present， the overall therapeutic effect of CC is still not satisfactory worldwide， which seriously affects the quality of life and social function of patients. The etiology and pathophysiological mechanism of constipation are still unclear. It involves comprehensive factors such as heredity， social psychology， diet， intestinal flora imbalance， intestinal motility disorder， visceral sensitivity change， pelvic floor muscle group dysfunction and enteric nervous system （ENS） disorder. Among them， the abnormal factors of the brain-gut-microbiome axis are particularly significant. The brain-gut-microbiome axis is a complex network of interactions between the intestine and the brain， integrating and coordinating the physiological functions and pathological processes of the gastrointestinal tract. Microorganisms in the intestinal lumen play an important role in it， and can communicate with the intestinal tract and the central nervous system through nerve， endocrine and immune pathways. As a key brain-gut peptide in the regulation pathway of the brain-gut-microbiome axis， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） is involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility， sensation and secretion. The abnormal conduction of the 5-HT signaling pathway is closely related to the occurrence and development of constipation. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） is a unique precious resource in China， which has good curative effects and safety. In recent years， it has received extensive attention in the treatment of constipation. TCM and active ingredients， acupuncture and massage specifically regulate 5-HT signal transmission， so that the expressions of related molecules tend to be suitable for individual disease state levels to effectively improve constipation symptoms， with unique advantages. Therefore， this study used ''constipation''， ''intestinal flora''， ''5-HT''， and ''traditional Chinese medicine'' as the keywords to search PubMed， China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI） and other literature databases. The correlation between 5-HT and constipation as well as brain-gut-microbiome axis and the research progress of TCM intervention in the 5-HT signaling pathway in the treatment of constipation were reviewed in order to explore the potential therapeutic value of 5-HT system in this disease and provide references for subsequent research.

A case-control study on gut microbiota diversity and species composition in obese/overweight children aged 2-6 years in Shanghai / 环境与职业医学

Background Multiple studies have shown a close relationship between changes in gut microbiota composition and obesity, and research results are influenced by factors such as race and geographical location, but there are few studies on children. Objective To analyze the diversity of gut microbiota related to obesity in a population of 2-6 years old, observe the distribution characteristics and species differences of gut microbiota between obese/overweight and normal weight groups, and explore the association betweenobese/overweight and gut microbiota diversity. Methods Fecal samples were collected from 74 children aged 2-6 years in Shanghai, including 18 obese/overweight individuals, 6 males and 12 females (male to female ratio of 1∶2), and 56 normal weight individuals, 18 males and 38 females (male to female ratio is nearly 1∶2). The 16S rDNA was extracted from bacteria in fecal samples, followed by PCR amplification, cDNA construction, and high-throughput sequencing. Naive Bayes algorithm was used to perform taxonomic analysis (phylum, class, order, family, genus, species) and community diversity analysis (Sobs index, Shannon index, Shannoneven index, Coverage index, PD index, and principal co-ordinates analysis) on representative sequences and abundance of amplicon sequence variants (ASV). Wilcoxon rank sum test, P-value multiple test correction, and analysis of similarities were used to test differences between the two groups to obtain information on the distribution characteristics and species differences of intestinal microbiota in children. Results Seventy-four fecal samples were sequenced, and the sequencing results were subjected to quality control and filtering. A total of 4905306 optimized sequences were obtained, resulting in 1860 ASVs. The diversity data analysis of ASVs generated 889 species annotation results at 8 taxonomic levels. The alpha diversity analysis showed that the richness (Sobs index), diversity (Shannon index), evenness (Shannoneven index), and phylogenetic diversity (PD index) of fecal community of the obese/overweight children were increased compared to those of the normal weight children, but there were no statistical differences between the two groups (P>0.05). The beta diversity analysis showed that there was little difference in the composition of microbial species between the two groups, and no significant clustering separation was observed. The results of species composition analysis at phylum, order, family, and genus levels of 74 samples showed a consistent core microbiota structure in the two groups of gut microbiota, but there were differences in microbiota composition. The differences in microbial community composition between the two groups were manifested at the taxonomic levels of order, family, and genus, among which phylum Firmicutes, order Erysipelotrichales, family Erysipelatocyclostridiaceae, genus Erysipelotrichaceae_ UCG-003 and genus Catenibacterium were significantly enriched in the obese/overweight group and contributed significantly to the phenotypic difference of obese/overweight [linear discriminant analysis (LDA)=3.72, P<0.01; LDA=3.29, P<0.05). Phylum Proteobacteria, order Enterobacterales, family Enterobacteriaceae, genus unclassified was significantly enriched in the normal weight group and contributed significantly to the phenotypic difference of normal body weight (LDA=3.93, P<0.05). Conclusion The richness and diversity of gut microbiota in obese/overweight children aged 2-6 years in Shanghai are increased, but there is no difference compared to normal weight children. There is a difference in the composition of gut microbiota between the obese/overweight group and the normal weight group.

Investigation of the effects and mechanisms of berberine on a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome: based on intestinal flora analysis / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To examine the impact of berberine on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in mice, and to investigate the effects of berberine on the intestinal flora and the intestinal flora on PCOS.Methods:A mouse model of PCOS was established by administering dehydroepiandrosterone in combination with high fat diet, and the mouse model was given a berberine treatment. The study consisted of a blank control group (C group), a PCOS model group (M group) and a berberine treatment group (T group). During the experiment, the mice were closely monitored through timed body weight measurements and estrous cycle monitoring; intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test were done. Upon completion of the pharmacological intervention, the wet weights of liver, ovary and fat deposits of mice were assessed and subjected to HE staining to confirm the success of PCOS modeling and the efficacy of berberine. Additionally, fecal samples were analyzed for intestinal flora through 16S rRNA analysis.Results:The PCOS model was established successfully, berberine alleviated the disturbance of estrous cycle in mice, and significantly alleviated fat accumulation and metabolic abnormalities of glucose in mice. The cross-sectional area of fat pad cells in T group was (2 858±146) μm2, which was significantly lower than that in M group [(9 518±347) μm2], and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). The blood glucose levels in T group were significantly lower than those in M group ( P<0.05). The composition and structure of intestinal flora in mice of M group with PCOS (compared with C group) and in mice of T group after berberine intervention (compared with M group) were significantly altered. However, alpha diversity did not change significantly among three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Berberine could alleviate PCOS by intervening in the alterations of gut microbiota.

Epidemic trends and strategies of major infectious diseases in 2023 / 中华临床感染病杂志

In 2023，World Health Organization（WHO）announced that the pandemic of COVID-19 is over；while there was an epidemic of multi-pathogenic infections in the respiratory tract by the end of the year in China，indicating that high attention still need to be paid to infectious diseases. In the past one year，some breakthroughs for infectious diseases have been achieved.This article reviews the major events and research progress in the diagnosis，prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in 2023.

Gut microbiota aids in differentiating proximal colorectal cancer in the combination of tumor markers / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To explore the differences in bacterial community structure between proximal colon cancer (PC), distal colon cancer (DC), and rectal cancer (RC), and the values of featured microbiota in differentiating PC with tumor markers.Methods:This case-control study enrolled 85 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients, including 22 PC, 15 DC and 48 RC patients, and 8 colorectal adenoma patients from May 2019 to July 2022 at the Department of General Surgery, Anyang Oncology Hospital. The blood and fecal samples were collected before surgery and then subjected to biochemical tests for tumor markers and 16S rDNA tests, respectively. SPSS (27.0.1) was applied to perform the t-test, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Chi-Squared Test. Also, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted on tumor markers and/or f_Bacteroidaceae with SPSS software .Results:All groups had significant differences in the CA125 ( F=3.543, P<0.05), CA72-4 ( F=3.596, P<0.05), and serum tumor-associated materials (TAM) levels ( F=5.787, P<0.01). In PC group, the levels of CA125 [PC vs RC, (36.84±6.30) kU/L vs (12.73±4.21) kU/L, P<0.01] and CA72-4 [PC vs RC, (45.56±10.86) kU/L vs (3.30±7.63) kU/L, P<0.01] were significantly higher than that of the RC group, while the level of TAM was remarkably elevated in PC group than in RC group [PC vs RC, (124.84±5.19) U/ml vs (102.44±3.63) U/ml, P<0.001] and CRA group [PC vs CRA, (124.84±5.19) U/ml vs (95.39±8.42) U/ml, P<0.01]. The LEfSe analysis showed that the featured microbiota in the PC group included f_Bacteroidaceae, f_Neisseriaceae, f_Clostridiaceae_1, f_Spirochaetaceae, and so on. The largest area under the ROC belonged to the combination of TAM and f_Bacteroidaceae, which reached 0.845 (95% CI 0.747-0.944), with sensitivity being 0.857 and specificity being 0.815. Conclusions:There is heterogeneity in gut microbiota composition among PC, DC, RC, and CRA. The combination of gut microbiota and tumor biomarkers demonstrated good differentiating effects in proximal colon cancers.

Effects of electroacupuncture on gut microbiota and related inflammatory factors in rats with Crohn disease / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)on gut microbiota and serum inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in Crohn disease(CD)model rats. Methods:Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group with 10 rats and a modeling group with 26 rats.In the modeling group,the CD rat model was prepared with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS)enema.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into a CD model(CD)group,an EA group,and a Western medicine(WM)group.The NC and CD groups received no treatment;the EA group was treated with EA for 20 min each time,with 7 consecutive days'intervention;the WM group received mesalazine enteric-coated tablet solution by gavage once a day for 7 d.The changes in body mass and disease activity index(DAI)were observed.Serum IL-1β and TNF-α were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissues,and 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the structural changes of gut microbiota. Results:Compared with the NC group,the body mass of rats in the CD group decreased(P<0.01),and the DAI score increased(P<0.01);the colon tissue structure was disordered,and many inflammatory cells were present;also,IL-1β and TNF-α increased significantly(P<0.01).As a result,the diversity of gut microbiota decreased,and the abundance of some conditional pathogenic bacteria(such as Prevotella)increased,while the abundance of beneficial bacteria(such as Lactobacillus,Rochella,and Spirillum)decreased.After the intervention,compared with the CD group,the body mass of rats in the EA group and WM group increased(P<0.01);the DAI score decreased(P<0.01),the colon tissue structure improved,and the IL-1β and TNF-α levels decreased(P<0.01);the diversity of gut microbiota increased(P<0.05),and the abundance of some conditional pathogenic bacteria decreased while the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased in the EA group;whereas the diversity of gut microbiota in the WM group was not statistically different(P>0.05). Conclusion:EA can reduce the damage of colon mucosa,regulate the imbalance of gut microbiota,and inhibit the serum inflammatory factor IL-1β and TNF-α expression in CD rats.

Advances in the multi-omics research on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 临床肝胆病杂志

The prevalence rate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） reaches up to 30% around the world， and the disease has a serious impact on human health and constitutes a public health burden. Due to difficulties in the diagnosis and monitoring of NAFLD， it is important to identify potential drug targets and biomarkers， and multi-omics techniques hold great promise in the search for early diagnostic markers， therapeutic targets， and outcome and prognostic assessment of NAFLD. This article reviews the research advances in multi-omics techniques in the field of NAFLD in recent years， in order to provide a richer theoretical basis and new strategies for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

High-fat diet, microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, and anxiety-like behavior in male rats

Obesity, associated with the intake of a high-fat diet (HFD), and anxiety are common among those living in modern urban societies. Recent studies suggest a role of microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, including a role for brain serotonergic systems in the relationship between HFD and anxiety. Evidence suggests the gut microbiome and the serotonergic brain system together may play an important role in this response. Here we conducted a nine-week HFD protocol in male rats, followed by an analysis of the gut microbiome diversity and community composition, brainstem serotonergic gene expression (tph2, htr1a, and slc6a4), and anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses. We show that HFD intake decreased alpha diversity and altered the community composition of the gut microbiome in association with obesity, increased brainstem tph2, htr1a and slc6a4 mRNA expression, including in the caudal part of the dorsomedial dorsal raphe nucleus (cDRD), a subregion previously associated with stress- and anxiety-related behavioral responses, and, finally, increased anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses. The HFD increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio relative to control diet, as well as higher relative abundances of Blautia, and decreases in Prevotella. We found that tph2, htr1a and slc6a4 mRNA expression were increased in subregions of the dorsal raphe nucleus in the HFD, relative to control diet. Specific bacterial taxa were associated with increased serotonergic gene expression in the cDRD. Thus, we propose that HFD-induced obesity is associated with altered microbiome-gut-serotonergic brain axis signaling, leading to increased anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses in rats.

Composição da microbiota intestinal durante a gestação e puerpério em mulheres com diferentes intensidades de sintomas depressivos / Composition of Gut Microbiota During Pregnancy and Postpartum in Women with Varying Degrees of Depressive Symptoms

Os sintomas depressivos durante a gravidez e o período pós-parto (PP) são prevalentes e podem ter implicações profundas para o bem-estar materno e infantil. Evidências emergentes sugerem que a microbiota intestinal pode desempenhar um papel na regulação do humor. Este estudo explora a relação entre a composição da microbiota intestinal e os sintomas depressivos em mulheres grávidas e no pós-parto com diferentes intensidade de sintomas. Foram recrutadas gestantes que faziam acompanhamento nos hospitais HCFMUSP e HU- USP. A partir do preenchimento do questionário de Escala de Edimburgo as participantes foram triadas para os grupos de sintomas ausentes ou leves (AL) e sintomas graves ou moderados (MG). Para a análise de microbiota, as participantes forneceram amostras de fezes em três momentos diferentes. Uma no terceiro trimestre de gestação (G) e duas no período pós-parto. A primeira amostra deste período foi coletada durante a internação do pós-parto (P1), e a segunda durante a consulta de retorno um mês após o parto (P2). A composição da microbiota intestinal foi analisada usando técnicas de sequenciamento de alto rendimento e os ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (AGCC) foram quantificados por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (GC-MS). Análises bioinformáticas e estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando os softwares QIIME 2 (2022.2) e R (4.3.1) para identificar possíveis associações entre a composição da microbiota intestinal e a gravidade dos sintomas depressivos. Os resultados indicam que a familia Enterobacteriacea aparece com maior abundância nas mulheres do grupo MG, especialmente durante o período P1 (p<0,05) e que há uma diminuição significativa (p<0,05) de sintomas depressivos nas participantes do grupo MG desde sua triagem até o fim do acompanhamento do estudo, indicando que conduta terapêutica está sendo eficaz. Apesar de não ter sido estabelecida diferença estatística na abundância relativa da microbiota entre os grupos durante a gestação e nos índices de alfa e beta diversidade entre grupos e entre os períodos, é possivel observar uma tendência de mudança de microbiota ao longo do tratamento com aumento do gênero Bifidobacterium, diminuição da familia Enterobacteraceae e é possivel observar uma aparente correlação inversa entre a diminuição da intensidade de sintomas depressivos e o aumento da abundância dos gêneros Bifidobacterium e Clostridium, além do aumento das concentrações de AGCC. Em conclusão, a composição da microbiota intestinal parece ser influenciada pela gravidade dos sintomas depressivos em mulheres grávidas e no pós-parto. Pesquisas adicionais são necessárias para explorar a relação entre a microbiota intestinal e a depressão perinatal e determinar as implicações clínicas dessas descobertas para a saúde materna e infantil.

Depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period (PP) are prevalent and can have profound implications for maternal and infant well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in mood regulation. This study explores the relationship between gut microbiota composition and depressive symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women with different symptom severities. A cohort of pregnant women were recruited from HCFMUSP and HU-USP. Participants completed standardized depression assessment tools and were allocate in groups of absent or mild depressive symptoms (AL) and moderate or severe depressive symptoms (MG) and provided stool samples in three different time periods. One at the third gestation trimester (G) and two at the postpartum period. The first sample from this period was collected during postpartum hospitalization(P1), and the second during the onemonth postpartum follow-up appointment (P2). Their gut microbiota composition was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing techniques and Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GS-MS) for quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Bioinformatic and statistical analyses were performed using softwares QIIME 2 (2022.2) and R (4.3.1) to identify potential associations between gut microbiota composition and depressive symptom severity. Findings that the Enterobacteriaceae family appears more abundantly in women of the MG group, especially during period P1 (p<0.05), and that there is a significant decrease (p<0.05) in depressive symptoms among the participants of the MG group from their screening to the end of the study follow-up, suggesting that the therapeutic approach is effective. Although no statistical differences in alpha and beta diversity indices were established between groups and across periods, it is possible to observe a trend of microbiota change during the treatment, with an increase in the Bifidobacterium genus, a decrease in the Enterobacteriaceae family, and an apparent inverse correlation between the reduction in the intensity of depressive symptoms and the increased abundance of the Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, and Dorea genera, as well as an increase in the concentrations of SCFAs. In conclusion, composition of gut microbiota appears to be influenced by the severity of depressive symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women. Further research is warranted to explore links between gut microbiota and perinatal depression and to determine the clinical implications of these findings for maternal and infant health

Interação de cepas de Lactobacillus crispatus com Streptococcus agalactiae em culturas celulares mimetizando o ambiente vaginal / Interaction between Lactobacillus crispatus and Streptococcus agalactiae strains in cell cultures mimicking the vaginal environment

A microbiota vaginal é dominada pelo gênero Lactobacillus, mantendo um pH ácido crucial para a saúde. Alterações hormonais e a menopausa podem impactar essa microbiota. Estreptococos do Grupo B (EGB) são associados a infecções neonatais e podem colonizar a microbiota vaginal. A interação entre Lactobacillus e EGB é complexa, com resultados conflitantes em estudos in vitro e in vivo. O uso de probióticos contendo Lactobacillus pode ter benefícios, como alterar a positividade para EGB em um grupo que recebeu o tratamento. Contudo a replicabilidade deste resultado é limitada, e os mecanismos envolvidos nessa interação ainda são pouco elucidados. Portanto o objetivo desse estudo foi caracterizar cepas de EGB, avaliar sua interação com L. crispatus em diversas condições. Neste estudo foram selecionadas seis cepas, pertencentes aos sorotipos Ia, II, III e V. Essas cepas foram caracterizadas de acordo com o sorotipo capsular, presença de genes de virulência (hialuronidase, ß-citolisina/hemolisina, e ilhas de pili 1, 2a e 2b), resistência a antimicrobianos (penicilina, cefepima, vancomicina, eritromicina e clindamicina), curva de crescimento, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) e Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST). O resultado de MLST identificou os sequence types ST1, ST23 ST28 e ST182, e os clonal complexes CC1, CC19 e CC23. Cepas possuem a maior parte dos genes de virulência testados. Somente uma cepa apresentou alguma resistência, no caso à eritromicina e clindamicina. Resultados que estão de acordo com a literatura como os principais descritos em isolados clínicos. Os ensaios de interação realizados foram: crescimento em co-cultura, formação de biofilme, ensaios de adesão e exclusão em cultura celular e por fim, análise do perfil proteico. Alguns efeitos de L. crispatus no EGB observados foram aumento na formação de biofilme de EGB e diminuição da sua proliferação quando em co-cultura. Contudo esses resultados variaram de acordo com a cepa de EGB. Nos ensaios de competição em cultura celular, a presença de L. crispatus levou à diminuição da adesão em uma cepa pertencente ao sorotipo III, e aumento de adesão em uma cepa pertencente ao sorotipo V. Quando a cultura de células recebeu tratamento prévio de L. crispatus, nos ensaios de exclusão, houve menor adesão de EGB. Contudo todos os efeitos observados são cepa-dependente; não foram encontradas associações entre o comportamento das cepas e seu sorotipo capsular ou fenótipo MLST. Estudos futuros podem elucidar as respostas ativadas na presença de microrganismos comensais

The vaginal microbiota is dominated by the genus Lactobacillus, which helps to maintain a crucial acidic pH for health. Hormonal changes and menopause can impact this microbiota. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are associated with neonatal infections and can colonize the vaginal microbiota. The interaction between Lactobacillus and GBS is complex, with conflicting results in in vitro and in vivo studies. The use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus may have benefits, such as altering GBS positivity in a treated group. However, the replicability of this result is limited, and the mechanisms involved in this interaction are still poorly understood. The use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus may have some benefits, but further research is needed. These strains were characterized based on capsular serotype, presence of virulence genes (hyaluronidase, ß-cytolysin/hemolysin, and pili islands 1, 2a, and 2b), antimicrobial resistance (penicillin, cefepime, vancomycin, erythromycin, and clindamycin), growth curve, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize GBS strains, evaluate their interaction with L. crispatus under various conditions. Six strains were selected for this study, belonging to serotypes Ia, II, III, and V. MLST results identified sequence types ST1, ST23, ST28, and ST182, and clonal complexes CC1, CC19, and CC23. Most strains possessed the tested virulence genes, with only one strain showing resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin. These results are in line with the literature. Interaction assays included co-culture growth, biofilm formation, adhesion and exclusion assays in cell culture, and, finally, protein profile analysis. Some observed effects of L. crispatus on GBS included an increase in GBS biofilm formation and a decrease in GBS proliferation during co-culture. However, these results varied according to the GBS strain. GBS interaction with L. crispatus resulted in increased biofilm formation and decreased proliferation in co-culture. In cell culture competition assays, the presence of L. crispatus led to decreased adhesion in one GBS strain belonging to serotype III and increased adhesion in one strain belonging to serotype V. When cell culture received pre-treatment with L. crispatus, exclusion assays showed lower GBS adhesion. However, all observed effects are strain-dependent; no associations were found between strain behavior and capsular serotype or MLST phenotype. Future studies may elucidate the responses activated in the presence of commensal microorganisms

Insuflación rectal con ozono en infecciones intestinales / Rectal Insufflation with Ozone in Intestinal Infections

Introducción: Las infecciones intestinales se relacionan con trastornos del sistema inmune y de la microbiota intestinal. Pueden ser recurrentes y producir otras alteraciones intestinales y sistémicas, que empeoran con la terapia antimicrobiana. La ozonoterapia ha sido usada en el tratamiento de infecciones intestinales. Objetivos: Recopilar información sobre los efectos biológicos, terapéuticos y la seguridad de la administración del ozono por insuflación rectal en el tratamiento de las infecciones intestinales. Métodos: Para la búsqueda de información se empleó el motor de búsqueda Google Académico. Se consultaron artículos en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO de la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud. Además, se realizó una búsqueda general en los idiomas español e inglés, a partir de los artículos más relevantes acerca del estudio. Se utilizaron como palabras clave: infecciones, insuflación, microbioma gastrointestinal, ozono como términos más concretos. En el estudio no se aplicó ninguna restricción acerca del ámbito geográfico ni de la edad. Conclusiones: La aplicación rectal de ozono es segura, tiene acciones biológicas y terapéuticas útiles para tratar las infecciones intestinales. Actúa como inmunomodulador y protector de la microbiota intestinal, lo que permite enfrentar esta problemática de salud desde el punto de vista preventivo, curativo y de rehabilitación de los daños causados, tanto por los gérmenes como por los efectos de los antibióticos(AU)

Introduction: Intestinal infections are related to disorders of the immune system and intestinal microbiota. They can be recurrent and produce other intestinal and systemic alterations, which worsen with antimicrobial therapy. Ozone therapy has been used in the treatment of intestinal infections. Objectives: To compile information on the biological, therapeutic effects and safety of the administration of ozone by rectal insufflation in the treatment of intestinal infections. Methods: Google Scholar search engine was used for searching information. Articles were consulted in PubMed and SciELO databases of the Virtual Health Library. In addition, a general search was carried out in Spanish and English, based on the most relevant articles about the study. The keywords used were infections, insufflation, gastrointestinal microbiome, ozone as more specific terms. No restrictions on geographic area or age were applied in the study. Conclusions: The rectal application of ozone is safe, it has useful biological and therapeutic actions to treat intestinal infections, acting as an immunomodulator and protector of the intestinal microbiota, which allows us to face this health problem from a preventive, curative and rehabilitation point of view of the damage caused, both by germs and by the effects of antibiotics(AU)