Lactulose with synergists supplementation improving a health of chicks and reducing the environmental burden in poultry industry.

Objective: The study aims to understand the effect of new antibiotic-substituting supplements in feeding chickens of the Hisex Brown cross in industrial conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 216 hatched chicks were randomly selected and distributed into Control, Test I, and Test II groups, with 3 replicates of 24 birds in three treatments. Results: At the end of the experiment, BW of T1/T2 birds was higher by 6.12% (p <0.01) and 10.29% (p <0.001) than CON. In comparison with the control hens, T1/T2 birds had a higher feed conversion rate and digestibility of nutrients. The blood indicators of T1/T2 hens exceeded those in control. Prebiotic supplementations were positively influenced in the immune indices of birds. IgA, IgG, IgM increased in groups T1/T2. Similar regularity was found in the natural resistance of chicks fed S1/S2. In the caecum, the Lactobacilli number was higher than in CON by 17.03% (p <0.01) in T1 and by 18.47% (p <0.01)-in T2; Bifidobacteria-by 17.94 (p <0.001) and 19.09% (p <0.01), respectively; at the same time, the number of E. coli decreased by 21.05% (p <0.01) and 24.21% (p <0.01). The concentration of emitted excreta noxious gases decreased: ammonia by 22.40%-24.95% (p <0.01); hydrogen sulfide by 10.67%-16.00% (p <0.01); and mercaptans by 12.90%-17.74% (p <0.05). Conclusion: These findings support the use of lactulose-based supplements as antibiotic alternatives to improve production in poultry farming and to reduce the toxic load on the environment.

Evaluating the probiotic effects of spraying lactiplantibacillus plantarum P-8 in neonatal piglets.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbes play an important role in the growth and health of neonatal piglets. Probiotics can promote the healthy growth of neonatal piglets by regulating their gut microbes. The study investigated the effects of spraying Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P-8 (L. plantarum P-8) fermentation broth on the growth performance and gut microbes of neonatal piglets. RESULTS: The animals were randomly divided into probiotics groups (109 neonatal piglets) and control groups (113 neonatal piglets). The probiotics group was sprayed with L. plantarum P-8 fermented liquid from 3 day before the expected date of the sow to the 7-day-old of piglets, while the control group was sprayed with equal dose of PBS. Average daily gain (ADG), immune and antioxidant status and metagenome sequencing were used to assess the changes in growth performance and gut microbiota of neonatal piglets. The results showed that L. plantarum P-8 treatment significantly improved the average daily gain (P < 0.05) of neonatal piglets. L. plantarum P-8 increased the activities of CAT and SOD but reduced the levels of IL-2 and IL-6, effectively regulating the antioxidant capacity and immunity in neonatal piglets. L. plantarum P-8 adjusted the overall structure of gut microflora improving gut homeostasis to a certain extent, and significantly increased the relative abundance of gut beneficial bacteria such as L. mucosae and L. plantarum. CONCLUSION: Spraying L. plantarum P-8 can be a feasible and effective probiotic intervention not only improving the growth of neonatal piglets, regulating the antioxidant capacity and immunity of neonatal piglets, but also improving the gut homeostasis to a certain extent.

Neonatal intestinal colonization of Streptococcus agalactiae and the multiple modes of protection limiting translocation.

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a predominant pathogen of neonatal sepsis, commonly associated with early-onset neonatal sepsis. GBS has also been associated with cases of late-onset sepsis potentially originating from the intestine. Previous findings have shown GBS can colonize the infant intestinal tract as part of the neonatal microbiota. To better understand GBS colonization dynamics in the neonatal intestine, we collected stool and milk samples from prematurely born neonates for identification of potential pathogens in the neonatal intestinal microbiota. GBS was present in approximately 10% of the cohort, and this colonization was not associated with maternal GBS status, delivery route, or gestational weight. Interestingly, we observed the relative abundance of GBS in the infant stool negatively correlated with maternal IgA concentration in matched maternal milk samples. Using a preclinical murine model of GBS infection, we report that both vertical transmission and direct oral introduction resulted in intestinal colonization of GBS; however, translocation beyond the intestine was limited. Finally, vaccination of dams prior to breeding induced strong immunoglobulin responses, including IgA responses, which were associated with reduced mortality and GBS intestinal colonization. Taken together, we show that maternal IgA may contribute to infant immunity by limiting the colonization of GBS in the intestine.

Sexual dimorphism in neurobehavioural phenotype and gut microbial composition upon long-term exposure to structural analogues of bisphenol-A.

Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF), the analogues of the legacy endocrine disrupting chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA) are ubiquitous in the environment and present in various consumer goods, and potentially neurotoxic. Here, we studied sex-specific responses of bisphenols on behavioural phenotypes, including their association with pro-inflammatory biomarkers and altered neurotransmitters levels, and the key gut microbial abundances. Neurobehavioural changes, using standard test battery, biochemical and molecular estimations for inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, and oxido-nitrosative stress markers, gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR, H&E based histological investigations, gut permeability assays and Oxford Nanopore-based 16S-rRNA metagenomics sequencing for the gut microbial abundance estimations were performed. Bisphenol(s) exposure induces anxiety and depression-like behaviours, particularly in the male mice, with heightened pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and systemic endotoxemia, altered monoamine neurotransmitters levels/turnovers and hippocampal neuronal degeneration and inflammatory responses in the brain. They also increased gut permeability and altered microbial diversity, particularly in males. Present study provides evidence for sex-specific discrepancies in neurobehavioural phenotypes and gut microbiota, which necessitate a nuanced understanding of sex-dependent responses to bisphenols. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on the multifaceted implications of bisphenols exposure and underscores the need for tailored regulatory measures to mitigate potential health risks associated with them.

Yinchenhao Decoction Protects Against Acute Liver Injury in Mice With Biliary Acute Pancreatitis by Regulating the Gut Microflora-Bile Acids-Liver Axis.

Background and Aims: Acute liver injury (ALI) often follows biliary acute pancreatitis (BAP), but the exact cause and effective treatment are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the gut microflora-bile acids-liver axis in BAP-ALI in mice and to assess the potential therapeutic effects of Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula, on BAP-ALI. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into three groups: negative control (NC), BAP model, and YCHD treatment groups. The severity of BAP-ALI, intrahepatic bile acid levels, and the gut microbiota were assessed 24 h after BAP-ALI induction in mice. Results: Our findings demonstrated that treatment with YCHD significantly ameliorated the severity of BAP-ALI, as evidenced by the mitigation of hepatic histopathological changes and a reduction in liver serum enzyme levels. Moreover, YCHD alleviated intrahepatic cholestasis and modified the composition of bile acids, as indicated by a notable increase in conjugated bile acids. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing analysis of the gut microbiome revealed distinct alterations in the richness and composition of the microbiome in BAP-ALI mice compared to those in control mice. YCHD treatment effectively improved the intestinal flora disorders induced by BAP-ALI. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant association between the distinct compositional characteristics of the intestinal microbiota and the intrahepatic bile acid concentration. Conclusions: These findings imply a potential link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and intrahepatic cholestasis in BAP-ALI mice and suggest that YCHD treatment may confer protection against BAP-ALI via the gut microflora-bile acids-liver axis.

Role of diet in primary and secondary prevention of periodontitis and non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases. Part II.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Both periodontitis and non-specific bowel diseases (IBD) are complex chronic diseases, and the elements connecting them are the dysregulated microbiota and abnormal immune response of the host. In turn, in the etiology of these diseases, the common environmental risk factor is improper mode of nutrition. The aim of the study is to review nutritional interventions and effective nutritional protocols applied in periodontitis and IBD. The result of the review will be identification of dietary recommendations exerting a beneficial effect on the reduction of the risk of development and alleviation of the severity of both diseases. At the same time, non-recommended dietary choices will be indicated. REVIEW METHODS: A review of literature was carried out using the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Publications were analyzed by a non-systematic literature review aimed at making a brief synthesis of the collected information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Diets recommended to patients with both periodontitis and IBD included the Mediterranean diet, DASH diet and vegetarian diet; excluding veganism, raw foodism and fruitarianism. For patients with IBD, special dietary recommendations were elaborated on the recommendations of the International Organization for Research into Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD), and specific diets, i.e. specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), and Groningen anti-inflammatory diet (GrAID). In the process of treatment of oral and intestinal dysbiosis, probiotic therapy is beneficial in both diseases, specified as the Western diet. Non-conventional diets are not recommended. SUMMARY: Diet therapy for inflammatory periodontal diseases and IBD requires extensive individualization; nevertheless, a universal principle is avoidance of highly processed food, and implementation of easily digestible meals based on natural, ecological products. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in primary prevention of both diseases analyzed, whereas in secondary prevention, diet therapy is a valuable supplementation of pharmacotherapy.

The development of probiotics and prebiotics therapy to ulcerative colitis: a therapy that has gained considerable momentum.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasingly common, and it is gradually become a kind of global epidemic. UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and it is a lifetime recurrent disease. UC as a common disease has become a financial burden for many people and has the potential to develop into cancer if not prevented or treated. There are multiple factors such as genetic factors, host immune system disorders, and environmental factors to cause UC. A growing body of research have suggested that intestinal microbiota as an environmental factor play an important role in the occurrence and development of UC. Meanwhile, evidence to date suggests that manipulating the gut microbiome may represent effective treatment for the prevention or management of UC. In addition, the main clinical drugs to treat UC are amino salicylate and corticosteroid. These clinical drugs always have some side effects and low success rate when treating patients with UC. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safe and efficient methods to treat UC. Based on this, probiotics and prebiotics may be a valuable treatment for UC. In order to promote the wide clinical application of probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of UC. This review aims to summarize the recent literature as an aid to better understanding how the probiotics and prebiotics contributes to UC while evaluating and prospecting the therapeutic effect of the probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of UC based on previous publications.

Transformation of 6:6 PFPiA in the gut of Xenopus laevis: Synergistic effects of CYP450 enzymes and gut microflora.

As a frequently detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance in the environment, 6:6 perfluoroalkylhypophosphinic acid (6:6 PFPiA) is vulnerable to transformation in the liver of organisms, but the transformation in gut is still unclear. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of 6:6 PFPiA transformation in the gut of Xenopus laevis upon a 28-day exposure in water. Before Day 16, a notable correlation (p = 0.03) was observed between the transformation product (PFHxPA) and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme concentration in gut. This suggests that CYP450 enzymes played an important role in the transformation of 6:6 PFPiA in the gut, which was verified by an in vitro incubation with gut tissues, and supported by the molecular docking results of 6:6 PFPiA binding with CYP450 enzymes. From the day 16, the CYP450 concentration in gut decreased by 31.3 % due to the damage caused by 6:6 PFPiA, leading to a decrease in the transformation capacity in gut, but the transformation rate was stronger than in liver. This was in contrast with the in vitro experiment, where transformation was stronger in liver. In the mean time, the abundance of Bacteroidota in gut increased, which released hydrolytic enzyme and then could participate in the transformation as well. This study reveals the potential of the gut in metabolizing environmental pollutants, and provides profound insights into the potential health risks caused by 6:6 PFPiA in organisms.

Design and discovery of urease and Helicobacter pylori inhibitors based on benzofuran/benzothiophene-sulfonate and sulfamate scaffolds for the treatment of ureolytic bacterial infections.

A series of sulfonate and sulfamate derivatives bearing benzofuran or benzothiophene scaffold exhibited potent inhibitory effect on urease enzyme. Most of the derivatives exhibited significantly higher potency than thiourea, the standard inhibitor. Compound 1s was identified as the most potent urease inhibitor with an IC50 value of 0.42 ± 0.08 µM, which is 53-fold more potent than thiourea, positive control (IC50 = 22.3 ± 0.031 µM). The docking results further revealed the binding interactions towards the urease active site. Phenotypic screening revealed that compounds 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1j, 1n, and 1t exhibit high potency against H. pylori with MIC values ranging from 0.00625 to 0.05 mM and IC50 values ranging from 0.0031 to 0.0095 mM, much more potent than the positive control, acetohydroxamic acid (MIC and IC50 values were 12.5 and 7.38 mM, respectively). Additional studies were performed to investigate the toxicity of these compounds against the gastric epithelial cell line (AGS) and their selectivity profile against E. coli, and five Lactobacillus species representative of the gut microflora. Permeability characteristics of the most promising derivatives were investigated in Caco-2 cell line. The results indicate that the compounds could be targeted in the GIT only without systemic side effects.

Efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation Product and Probiotic Supplementation on Growth Performance, Gut Microflora and Immunity of Broiler Chickens.

Concern for global health security and the environment due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic residues in meat and other livestock products has led many countries to restrict the use of antibiotics in animal feed. This experiment was performed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation of a probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) and a postbiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood haemato-biochemical profile, gut microflora, gut morphology, and immune response in broilers as an alternative to antimicrobials in poultry production system to minimize the effect on global health security. A total of 324 one-day-old Ven Cobb 400 broiler chicks were randomly divided into three dietary groups, each containing 12 replicated pens, and each replicate contained nine chickens. The dietary groups consisted of (1) a basal diet without any growth promoters (T1), (2) the basal diet augmented with Bacillus subtilis at 200 g/MT feed (T2), and (3) the basal diet supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product at 1.25 kg/MT feed (T3). To calculate body weight gain, all birds and residual feed were weighed on a replicated basis on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42; mortality was recorded daily. At the end of the trial (42 d), two chickens from each replicate were slaughtered for carcass traits, gut microflora, and morphology measurements. Blood samples were collected for the haemato-biochemical profile on 35 d and antibody titer on 28 d and 35 d. Feeding with SCFP (T3 group) significantly improved average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) of chickens compared to the T1 (control) and T2 (probiotic) groups from 1 to 14 days of age. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved in SCFP-fed birds (T3) relative to the control (T1) over the entire experimental period. Carcass traits and blood haemato-biochemical parameters remained unaffected by any diets. However, cholesterol levels and concentrations of corticosterone were significantly lower in T3 compared to T2 and T1 groups. Total E. coli, Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and Salmonella counts were significantly lower in T2 and T3 groups compared to T1 group and Salmonella counts were lower in T3 when compared to T2. However, there was no significant difference in Lactobacillus count among treatment groups. A significant increase in villi height and villi-height-to-crypt-depth ratio (VH: CD) was observed in both T3 and T2 groups. On day 28, the T3 and T2 groups exhibited a significant increase in antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and infectious bursal disease virus. It can be concluded that Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product and Bacillus subtilis probiotic could be viable alternatives to antimicrobials in poultry production considering beneficial impacts in broilers fed an antibiotic-free diet.

Progress in Research on the Gut Microflora of the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens).

Animals can adapt to unique feeding habits through changes in the structure and function of the gut microflora. However, the gut microflora is strongly influenced by the evolutionary relationships between the host, nutritional intake, intake of microorganisms, etc. The red panda (Ailurus fulgens), an herbivorous carnivore, has adapted to consuming bamboo through seasonal foraging strategies and optimization of the composition and function of its gut microflora during long-term evolution. However, to date, studies of the gut bacteria of the red panda have mainly focused on the composition, diversity and function of the gut microflora of captive individuals. There are a lack of studies on how the wild red panda adapts to the consumption of bamboo, which is high in fibre and low in nutrients, through the gut microflora. This paper reviews the technology and methods used in published studies investigating the gut microflora of the red panda, as well as the composition, diversity and function of the identified microbes and the influencing factors. Furthermore, this paper suggests future research directions regarding the methodology employed in analyzing the red panda gut microflora, the interplay between gut microflora and the health of the red panda, the red panda's adaptation to its gut microflora, and the implications of these studies for the management and conservation of wild red pandas. The goal of this review is to provide a reference for the protection of wild red pandas from the perspective of the gut microflora.

Assessing the hepatotoxicity of phosphogypsum leachate in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The improper disposal of large amounts of phosphogypsum generated during the production process of the phosphorus chemical industry (PCI) still exists. The leachate formed by phosphogypsum stockpiles could pose a threat to the ecological environment and human health. Nevertheless, information regarding the harmful effects of phosphogypsum leachate on organisms is still limited. Herein, the physicochemical characteristics of phosphogypsum leachate were analyzed, and its toxicity effect on zebrafish (Danio rerio), particularly in terms of hepatotoxicity and potential mechanisms, were evaluated. The results indicated that P, NH3-N, TN, F-, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, and Hg of phosphogypsum leachate exceeded the V class of surface water environmental quality standards (GB 3838-2002) to varying degrees. Acute toxicity test showed that the 96 h LC50 values of phosphogypsum leachate to zebrafish was 2.08 %. Under exposure to phosphogypsum leachate, zebrafish exhibited concentration-dependent liver damage, characterized by vacuolization and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The increased in Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and altered activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver indicated the induction of oxidative stress and oxidative damage. The expression of apoptosis-related genes (P53, PUMA, Caspase3, Bcl-2, and Bax) were up-regulated at low dosage group and down-regulated at medium and high dosage groups, suggesting the occurrence of hepatocyte apoptosis or necrosis. Additionally, phosphogypsum leachate influenced the composition of the zebrafish gut microbiota by reducing the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Aeromonas, Flavobacterium, Vibrio, and increasing that of Rhodobacter and Pirellula. Correlation analysis revealed that gut microbiota dysbiosis was associated with phosphogypsum leachate-induced hepatotoxicity. Altogether, exposure to phosphogypsum leachate caused liver damage in zebrafish, likely through oxidative stress and apoptosis, with the intestinal flora also playing a significant role. These findings contribute to understanding the ecological toxicity of phosphogypsum leachate and promote the sustainable development of PCI.

Comparison of a Daily Steviol Glycoside Beverage compared with a Sucrose Beverage for Four Weeks on Gut Microbiome in Healthy Adults.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that some nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS) have deleterious effects on the human gut microbiome (HGM). The effect of steviol glycosides on the HGM has not been well studied. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of stevia- compared with sucrose-sweetened beverages on the HGM and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles. METHODS: Using a randomized, double-blinded, parallel-design study, n = 59 healthy adults [female/male, n = 36/23, aged 31±9 y, body mass index (BMI): 22.6±1.7 kg/m2] consumed 16 oz of a beverage containing either 25% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of stevia or 30 g of sucrose daily for 4 weeks followed by a 4-week washout. At weeks 0 (baseline), 4, and 8, the HGM was characterized via shotgun sequencing, fecal SCFA concentrations were measured using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and anthropometric measurements, fasting serum glucose, insulin and lipids, blood pressure, pulse, and 3-d diet records were obtained. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the HGM or fecal SCFA between the stevia and sucrose groups at baseline (P > 0.05). At week 4 (after intervention), there were no significant differences in the HGM at the phylum, family, genus, or species level between the stevia and sucrose groups and no significant differences in fecal SCFA. At week 4, BMI had increased by 0.3 kg/m2 (P = 0.013) in sucrose compared with stevia, but all other anthropometric and cardiometabolic measures and food intake did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). At week 8 (after washout), there were no significant differences in the HGM, fecal SFCA, or any anthropometric or cardiometabolic measure between the stevia and sucrose groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Daily consumption of a beverage sweetened with 25% of the ADI of stevia for 4 weeks had no significant effects on the HGM, fecal SCFA, or fasting cardiometabolic measures, compared with daily consumption of a beverage sweetened with 30 g of sucrose. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05264636.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Curative Exponent of Probiotics: A Comprehensive and Authentic Ingredient for the Sustained Functioning of Major Human Organs.

Several billion microorganisms reside in the gastrointestinal lumen, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Among them, probiotics were primarily used to cure digestive disorders such as intestinal infections and diarrhea; however, with a paradigm shift towards alleviating health through food, their importance is large. Moreover, recent studies have changed the perspective that probiotics prevent numerous ailments in the major organs. Probiotics primarily produce biologically active compounds targeting discommodious pathogens. This review demonstrates the implications of using probiotics from different genres to prevent and alleviate ailments in the primary human organs. The findings reveal that probiotics immediately activate anti-inflammatory mechanisms by producing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-11, and IL-13, and hindering pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α by involving regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper cells (Th cells). Several strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium breve have been listed among the probiotics that are excellent in alleviating various simple to complex ailments. Therefore, the importance of probiotics necessitates robust research to unveil the implications of probiotics, including the potency of strains, the optimal dosages, the combination of probiotics, their habitat in the host, the host response, and other pertinent factors.

Optimization of Fermented Maize Stover for the Fattening Phase of Geese: Effect on Production Performance and Gut Microflora.

To optimize the utilization of fermented maize stover (FMS) feed during the fattening phase of Xianghai flying geese (XFG), a total of 300 XFG at 125 days of age were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups with three replicates of 25 in each set. Group A was fed the basal fattening diet, while the B, C, and D groups were fed the basic fattening diet and diets supplemented with 5%, 10% or 15% FMS, respectively. The findings indicate that the production performance indicators (especially the dressed, eviscerated and breast muscle yield) of Group D closely resembled Group A more than Groups B and C. Intestinal morphometry found that the jejunal villus height and the villus height/crypt depth were significantly increased in Group D compared to Group A. Next, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the extracted DNA revealed that beneficial microbiota (Coprococcus and Victivallis) showed increased abundance in Group D. Cecal flora function analysis further revealed that some amino acid and glycerol biosynthesis were found to be associated with growth performance in geese. These findings suggest that incorporating 15% FMS as a substitute for a portion of the feed during the fattening phase of XFG can effectively sustain their production performance, optimize the gut microbial community and morphometrical traits, provide new insight into using non-conventional feed resources to reduce feed cost and improve economic benefits in the breeding industry.

Combined effects of norfloxacin and polystyrene nanoparticles on the oxidative stress and gut health of the juvenile horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus.

Pollution with anthropogenic contaminants including antibiotics and nanoplastics leads to gradual deterioration of the marine environment, which threatens endangered species such as the horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus. We assessed the potential toxic mechanisms of an antibiotic (norfloxacin, 0, 0.5, 5 µg/L) and polystyrene nanoparticles (104 particles/L) in T. tridentatus using biomarkers of tissue redox status, molting, and gut microbiota. Exposure to single and combined pollutants led to disturbance of redox balance during short-term (7 days) exposure indicated by elevated level of a lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA). After prolonged (14-21 days) exposure, compensatory upregulation of antioxidants (catalase and glutathione but not superoxide dismutase) was observed, and MDA levels returned to the baseline in most experimental exposures. Transcript levels of molting-related genes (ecdysone receptor, retinoic acid X alpha receptor and calmodulin A) and a molecular chaperone (cognate heat shock protein 70) showed weak evidence of response to polystyrene nanoparticles and norfloxacin. The gut microbiota T. tridentatus was altered by exposures to norfloxacin and polystyrene nanoparticles shown by elevated relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. At the functional level, evidence of suppression by norfloxacin and polystyrene nanoparticles was found in multiple intestinal microbiome pathways related to the genetic information processing, metabolism, organismal systems, and environmental information processing. Future studies are needed to assess the physiological and health consequences of microbiome dysbiosis caused by norfloxacin and polystyrene nanoparticles and assist the environmental risk assessment of these pollutants in the wild populations of the horseshoe crabs.

Isocaloric diets with varying protein levels affected energy metabolism in young adult Sprague-Dawley rats via modifying the gut microbes: A lipid imbalance was brought on by a diet with a particularly high protein content.

Protein is the most important macro-nutrient when it comes to maximizing health, body composition, muscle growth, and recovery of body tissue. In recent years, it has been found that protein also plays an important role in metabolism and gut microbiota. This study was performed to investigate the effects of an isocaloric diet with different crude protein contents on the energy metabolism of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Results revealed that compared with the 20% crude protein (CP; control) diet, the 38% CP diet improved serum parameters that are associated with dyslipidemia and glucose metabolic disorders in SD rats, whereas the 50% CP diet increased liver injury indicators and fatty acid synthesis-related genes and protein expression in the liver. Compared with the control diet, the 14% CP diet increased the abundance of colonic short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Ruminiclostridium_9) and promoted colonic microbial cysteine and methionine metabolism, the 38% CP diet up-regulated colonic microbial lysine biosynthesis and degradation pathways, and the 50% CP diet down-regulated colonic mucosal cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, the increase of multiple colonic enteropathogenic bacteria in the 50% CP group was associated with higher palmitic acid and stearic acid concentrations in the colonic microbes and lower cholesterol and arachidonic acid concentrations in the colonic mucosa. These findings revealed that the 14% CP and 38% CP diets improved rats' energy metabolism, while the 50% CP diet was accompanied by lipid metabolism imbalances and an increase in the abundance of multiple enteropathogenic bacteria.

Effects of dietary supplement of ε-polylysine hydrochloride on laying performance, egg quality, serum parameters, organ index, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota and volatile fatty acids in laying hens.

BACKGROUND: ε-polylysine hydrochloride (ε-PLH) is a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide extensively utilized in the food and medical industries. However, its impact on animal husbandry remains to be further explored. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of ε-PLH on laying hens' health and laying performance. RESULTS: Dietary supplementation with ε-PLH to the diet significantly increased average egg weight during weeks 1-8. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, supplementation with ε-PLH decreased the feed egg ratio during weeks 9-12 and egg breakage rate during weeks 9-16 ，whereas it increased eggshell strength during weeks 1-4 and 13-16 . The ε-PLH 0.05% group increased yolk percentage during weeks 5-8 and yolk color during weeks 1-4 . Furthermore, ε-PLH supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin and reproductive hormones estradiol, as well as decreased interleukin-1 beta and malondialdehyde in the serum. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 0.05% ε-PLH significantly increased the relative abundance of Cyanobacteria and Gastranaerophilales and decreased the abundance of Desulfovibrio and Streptococcus in the cecum microbiota. In addition, ε-PLH 0.1% supplementation also increased acetic acid content in the cecum. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation with ε-PLH has a positive impact on both productive performance and egg quality in laying hens. Furthermore, ε-PLH can also relieve inflammation by promoting the immunity and reducing oxidative damage during egg production. ε-PLH has been shown to improve intestinal morphology, gut microbial diversity and intestinal health. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Potential molecular mechanisms of myrtenal against colon cancer: A systematic review.

Colon cancer is a serious health problem across the globe with various dietary lifestyle modifications. It arises as an inflammation mediated crypts in the colon epithelial cells and undergoes uncontrolled cell division and proliferation. Bacterial enzymes contribute to a major outbreak in colon cancer development upon the release of toxic metabolites from the gut microflora. Pathogen associated molecular patterns and damage associated molecular patterns triggers the NLPR3 inflammasome pathways that releases pro-inflammatory cytokines to induce cancer of the colon. Contributing to this, specific chemokines and receptor complexes attribute to cellular proliferation and metastasis. Bacterial enzymes synergistically attack the colon mucosa and degenerate the cellular integrity causing lysosomal discharge. These factors further instigate the Tol like receptors (TLRs) and Nod like receptors (NLRs) to promote angiogenesis and supply nutrients for the cancer cells. Myrtenal, a monoterpene, is gaining more importance in recent times and it is being widely utilized against many diseases such as cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. Based on the research data's, the reviews focus on the anticancer property of myrtenal by emphasizing its therapeutic properties which downregulate the inflammasome pathways and other signalling pathways. Combination therapy is gaining more importance as they can target every variant in the cellular stress condition. Clinical studies with compounds like myrtenal of the monoterpenes family is provided with positive results which might open an effective anticancer drug therapy. This review highlights myrtenal and its biological potency as a cost effective drug for prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

Crude Tieguanyin oolong tea polysaccharides regulate intestinal immune and gut microflora in dextran sulfate sodium-induced mice colitis.

BACKGROUND: The global incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have been increasing. Epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and animal experiments have indicated a negative association between the consumption of tea and IBD. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of crude Tieguanyin oolong tea polysaccharides (CTPS) on experimental colitis, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: The administration of CTPS significantly alleviated IBD in the mouse model, and was found to regulate T-cell mediated immune responses in the colon by modulating cytokine production associated with T cells. Furthermore, CTPS demonstrated a positive impact on the gut microbiota, reversing the increase in pathogenic Helicobacter and enhancing the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae, and Odoribacter. Oral administration of CTPS also led to an improvement in intestinal metabolism, specifically by increasing the levels of short-chain fatty acids. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first in vivo evidence of the protective effects of CTPS on colitis in mice. The effects are likely facilitated through the regulation of T cell-mediated responses and modulation of the gut microbiota, suggesting that CTPS may be a potential preventive and therapeutic approach for IBD. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.