Xiexin Tang (XXT) is a classic Chinese medicine formula that can be used to treat Atherosclerosis (AS). This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which XXT regulated AS lipid levels. Firstly, the mixture components of XXT were analyzed by High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Then, the AS model based on Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice was established. Cytokines related to lipid metabolism and bile acid metabolism were detected by Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). 16S rDNA gene sequencing was performed to analyze differential bacterial populations, and the mechanism of XXT regulation of bile acids affecting lipid metabolism was further explored by targeted metabolomics. Further, antibiotic-treated mice were used to investigate the role of gut microbiota in the anti-AS effect of XXT. The results showed that XXT attenuated the lipid levels and reversed the abnormal elevation of cytokines, such as hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammatory reaction in AS mice. XXT also repaired the gut barrier damage and reversed gut microbiota disorders in AS mice. Furthermore, the metabolic levels of bile acids were reshaped by XXT. Whereas, in the absence of gut microbiota, XXT failed to attenuate lipid levels and inhibit the expression of cytokines related to inflammation and bile acid metabolism in AS mice and failed to play a role in ultimately treating AS. In conclusion, XXT could effectively inhibit the inflammatory reaction and lipid accumulation in AS mice, and this effect was closely related to its remodeling of gut microbiota to regulate bile acid metabolism.

The human microbiome is crucial in regulating intestinal and systemic functions. While its role in cardiovascular disease is better understood, the link between intestinal microbiota and valvular heart diseases (VHD) remains largely unexplored.

Peer-reviewed studies on human, animal or cell models analysing gut microbiota profiles published up to April 2024 were included. Eligible studies used 16S rRNA or shotgun sequencing, metabolite profiling by mass spectrometry, and examined osteogenesis or fibrosis signalling in valve cells. Methods and findings were qualitatively analysed, with data charted to summarize study design, materials and outcomes.

Thirteen studies were included in the review: five human, three animal and five in vitro. Of the nine studies on calcific aortic stenosis (CAS), elevated trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels were linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events in cohort studies, with CAS patients showing higher levels of Bacteroides plebeius, Enterobacteriaceae, Veillonella dispar and Prevotella copri. In vivo, TMAO promoted aortic valve fibrosis, while tryptophan derivatives stimulated osteogenic differentiation and interleukin-6 secretion in valvular interstitial cells. Two studies on rheumatic mitral valve disease found altered microbiota profiles and lower short-chain fatty acid levels, suggesting potential impacts on immune regulation. Two studies on Barlow's mitral valve disease in animal models revealed elevated TMAO levels in dogs with congestive heart failure, reduced Paraprevotellaceae, increased Actinomycetaceae and dysbiosis involving Turicibacter and E. coli.

TMAO has been mainly identified as a prognostic marker in VHD. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been observed in various forms of VHD and deserve further study.

Gallstone disease, arising from the interplay between host metabolism and gut microbiota, represents a significant health concern. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and disruptions in circadian rhythm contribute to the pathogenesis of gallstones. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites derived from stool and serum samples of 28 patients with cholesterol gallstones (CGS) and 19 healthy controls, employing methodologies such as 16S rRNA sequencing, metaproteomics, metabolomics, and host genetic analysis. Additionally, a retrospective cohort study was utilized to assess the efficacy of probiotics or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in preventing CGS formation post-bariatric surgery.

In CGS patients, gut microbiota diversity shifted, with harmful bacteria rising and beneficial ones declining. The altered microbiota primarily affected amino acid, lipid, nucleotide, and carbohydrate metabolism. Metabolic abnormalities were noted in amino acids, glucose, lipids, and bile acids with decreased levels of ursodeoxycholic, glycosodeoxycholic, and glycolithocholic acids, and increased glycohyodeoxycholic and allocholic acids. Glutamine and alanine levels dropped, while phenylalanine and tyrosine rosed. Animal studies confirmed gene changes in gallbladder tissues related to bile acid, energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Importantly, UDCA and probiotics effectively reduced CGS risk post-bariatric surgery, especially when combined.

Multi-omics can clarify CGS pathology, by focusing on the gut-metabolism-gene axis, paving the way for future studies on CGS prevention and treatment through gut microbiota or metabolic interventions.

The mechanistic role of gut microbiota in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly recognized. Despite their close association, comparative data regarding gut dysbiosis in these disorders are limited. This study included 22 healthy controls and 180 patients (90 MASLD, 60 CKD, and 30 both diseases with sex- and age-matched). Fecal bacterial 16 S ribosomal RNA sequencing and butyryl-CoA: acetate CoA transferase (BCoAT) gene expression were analyzed. Plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), representing intestinal barrier dysfunction, was assessed using the ELISA method. Our data showed that alpha and beta diversities of gut microbiota differed between MASLD and healthy controls. However, only beta diversities were different between CKD and healthy individuals. The MASLD and CKD groups displayed fewer SCFA-producing genera, particularly Bifidobacterium, than healthy controls. Fecal BCoAT levels were inversely correlated with eGFR and I-FABP levels. Patients with CKD had significantly enriched pathogenic bacteria, reduced BCoAT, and increased I-FABP levels versus MASLD. Combining significant bacterial genera discriminated MASLD from CKD with high diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.90). Among patients with both diseases, gut microbial alterations showed mixed characteristics of MASLD and CKD. These data highlighted the shared and distinct gut dysbiosis and related biomarkers, which could provide a better understanding of MASLD and CKD pathogenesis.

High concentrations of citric acid (CA), malic acid (MA), and tartaric acids (TA) are the primary contributors to the sour taste of fruit and fruit products. However, lactic acid bacteria that are capable of efficiently degrading these organic acids are scarce. Here, three brands of sauerkraut (Xinxi, X; Yuyuan, Y; and Zou Youcai, Z) with various doses of 60Co γ-irradiation could be treated to induce mutations in their associated lactic acid bacteria and then the abilities of the resulting microbial communities to degrade CA, MA, and TA were evaluated. Sauerkraut X treated with 0.4 kGy irradiation demonstrated the greatest ability of acid reduction. Metagenomic analyses of irradiated (0.4 kGy) and non-irradiated bacterial communities from sauerkraut X revealed a slight decrease in microbial diversity due to irradiation, with a substantial decline in the relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus xiangfangensis. Concurrently, the relative abundance of dominant acid-reducing lactic acid bacteria such as Levilactobacillus brevis, Pediococcus ethanolidurans, and Lentilactobacillus parafarraginis increased. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed an increase in metabolism-related genes after irradiation, indicating that fatty acid synthesis and aspartate metabolism might be key pathways involved in the enhanced degradation of CA, MA, and TA. Analysis using the Carbohydrate-Active enzymes Database (CAZy) database revealed that glycoside hydrolase (GH) and glycosyltransferase (GT) genes were the most abundant carbohydrate-associated enzyme genes in the bacterial community of sauerkraut X. This finding proved that the oligosaccharides and monosaccharides produced by GH and GT might indirectly affect rates of organic acid degradation. Three highly effective acid-reducing lactic acid bacteria from the microbial community of irradiated sauerkraut X a were isolated and identified via 16S rRNA sequencing as Pediococcus ethanolidurans, Levilactobacillus brevis, and Loigolactobacillus coryniformis. The individual strains showed degradation rates as high as 92.02 % for citric acid (Pediococcus ethanolidurans), 83.04 % for malic acid (Levilactobacillus brevis), and 90.33 % for TA (Loigolactobacillus coryniformis). This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the development of enhanced microbial strains that can reduce the acid content of fruit materials.

Metabolic models of individual microorganisms or small microbial consortia have become standard research tools in the bioengineering and systems biology fields. However, extending metabolic modelling to diverse microbial communities, such as those in the human gut, remains a practical challenge from both modelling and experimental validation perspectives. In complex communities, metabolic models accounting for community dynamics, or those that consider multiple objectives, may provide optimal predictions over simpler steady-state models, but require a much higher computational cost. Here we describe some of the strengths and limitations of microbial community-scale metabolic models and argue for a robust validation framework for developing personalized, mechanistic and accurate predictions of microbial community metabolic behaviours across environmental contexts. Ultimately, quantitatively accurate microbial community-scale metabolic models could aid in the design and testing of personalized prebiotic, probiotic and dietary interventions that optimize for translationally relevant outcomes.

Gut microbial dysbiosis, or altered gut microbial communities, in Alzheimer's Disease suggests a pathogenic role for gut inflammation and microbial products in shaping a neuroinflammatory environment. Similarly, metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, are also associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease. As the metabolic landscape shifts during gut inflammation, and gut inflammation in turn impacts metabolic processes, we explore how these interconnected pathways may contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Additionally, we discuss the role of bacterial amyloids produced by gut microbes, which may exacerbate amyloid aggregation in the brain and contribute to neurodegenerative processes. Furthermore, we highlight potential therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing gut inflammation, improving metabolic health, and decreasing amyloid content as a means to mitigate Alzheimer's Disease progression. These approaches, targeting the gut-brain-metabolic axis, could offer promising avenues for delaying or preventing cognitive decline in affected individuals.

The microbially produced amino acid-derived metabolite imidazole propionate (ImP) contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of ImP on endothelial cell (EC) physiology and its role in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease are unknown. Using both human and animal model studies, we investigated the potential contributory role of ImP in the development of atherosclerosis.

Plasma levels of ImP were measured in patients undergoing elective cardiac angiography (n=831) by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for coronary artery disease were calculated based on the ImP quartiles using both univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. The effects of ImP on functional properties of ECs were assessed using HAECs (human aortic endothelial cells). In a mouse model of carotid artery injury, the impact of ImP on vascular regeneration was examined. Additionally, atheroprone Apoe-/- mice fed a high-fat diet were treated with and without ImP (800 µg), and aortic atherosclerotic lesion area was evaluated after 12 weeks. Next-generation sequencing, Western blot analysis, small interfering RNA-based gene knockdown, and tamoxifen-inducible Cre-loxP experiments were performed to investigate ImP-mediated molecular mechanisms.

Plasma ImP levels in subjects undergoing cardiac evaluation were associated with increased risk of prevalent coronary artery disease. We found that ImP dose dependently impaired migratory and angiogenic properties of human ECs and promoted an increased inflammatory response. Long-term exposure to ImP compromised the repair potential of the endothelium after an arterial insult. In atheroprone Apoe-/- (apolipoprotein E-/-) mice, ImP increased atherosclerotic lesion size. Mechanistically, ImP attenuated insulin receptor signaling by suppressing the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/AKT pathway leading to sustained activation of the FOXO1 (forkhead box protein O1) transcription factor. Genetic inactivation of endothelial FOXO1 signaling in ImP-treated mice enhanced the angiogenic activity and preserved the vascular repair capacity of ECs after carotid injury.

Our findings reveal a hitherto unknown role of the microbially produced histidine-derived metabolite ImP in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, suggesting that ImP metabolism is a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Ligia feed on seashore algae and remove organic debris from the coastal zone, thereby playing an important role in the intertidal ecosystem. Nevertheless, the specific roles of distinct gut segments in the gut transit remain unclear. We collected and identified Ligia exotica specimens in the coast of Aoshanwei, Qingdao, Shandong Province, and analyzed their foreguts and hindguts for 16S rRNA, metagenomics, metabolomics, and proteomics. The concentrations of common metabolites, NO3--N and NH4+-N, and the contents of C and N were measured. The gut transit decreased the abundances of the dominant phyla Cyanobacteria but increased Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, and Planctomycetes and Bacteroidetes remained relatively constant. The foregut gut microbiota is involved in the carbohydrates and amino acids metabolism, as well as the decomposition of polysaccharides. The hindgut gut microbiota performs a variety of functions, including carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, fermentation, cell motility, intracellular transport, secretion, and vesicular translocation, and the decomposition of polysaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides. The results of omics analyses and molecular experiments demonstrated that the metabolic processes involving amino acids and carbohydrates are more active in the foregut, whereas the fermentation, absorption, and assimilation processes are more active in the hindgut. Taken together, the differences in microbial community structure determine the functional specialization of different gut segments, i.e., the foregut appears to be the primary site for digesting food, while the hindgut further processes and absorbs nutrients and then excretes them.

Recent research has shown the gut microbiome's impact on memory, yet limitations hinder the identification of specific microbes linked to cognitive function. We measured spatial working memory in individual mice before and after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to develop a targeted analysis that identifies memory-associated strains while minimizing host genetic effects. Transplantation of human fecal into C57BL/6 mice yielded varied outcomes: some mice showed significant improvements while others had negligible changes, indicating that these changes are due to differences in FMT colonization. Metagenomic analysis, stratified by memory performance, revealed a positive correlation between the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and improved memory. Moreover, administering two A. muciniphila strains, GMB 0476 and GMB 2066, to wild-type mice elevated spatial working memory via BDNF activation. Our findings indicate that specific gut microbes, particularly A. muciniphila, may modulate memory and represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cognitive enhancement.

Fungi infestation as a disease has serious impacts on the cultivation of Morchella species. To investigate the effects of fungi infestation on the microbial diversity and community structure of soil when cultivating Morchella sextelata, we sampled soil samples of Morchella cultivars in the Qinghai-Xizang Platea and used metagenome sequencing technology to identify the disease fungi and analyze the differences in microbial diversity and structure between disease-infested and healthy soils. The disease fungi identified were Tricharina gilva and Peziza lohjaoensis, and the microbial diversity of T. gilva-infected soil was higher than that of healthy soil, while the diversity of P. lohjaoensis-infected soil was lower. Interestingly, whether infected with T. gilva or P. lohjaoensis, the soil microbial community was changed, and the dominant phyla and genera were different in different soil samples. When infected with P. lohjaoensis, the dominant phyla with relatively high abundances included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Ascomycota, with average relative abundances of 44%, 18%, and 15%, respectively, and the dominant genera with high relative abundances encompassed Pseudomonadaceae, Terfezia, and Pedobacter, with average relative abundances of 8%, 9%, and 5%, respectively. Following infection with T. gilva, the dominant phyla with higher relative abundances were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with average relative abundances of 46%, 15%, and 12%, respectively, and the dominant genera with high relative abundances included Hydrogenophaga, Sphingomonas, and Polaromonas, with average relative abundances of 9%, 3%, and 2%, respectively. Additionally, we found that lipid-metabolism-related genes were less abundant in the soil infected with P. lohjaoensis than in the other soil samples, and glycoside hydrolase diversity was lower in the soil infected with T. gilva than in other healthy soils. The results showed that the effects of different disease fungi on soil microbial communities and functional genes were different, which provided a theoretical basis for the sustainable cultivation of Morchella.

Dyslipidemia is a critical risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events, necessitating effective long-term management. However, conventional lipid-lowering drugs such as statins and fibrates are limited by adverse effects, including hepatotoxicity and myopathy, which restrict their prolonged use. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural health products offer potential alternatives with multi-target mechanisms and improved safety profiles. Tangerine Peel Enzyme Drink (CPJS), a fermented health product derived from tangerine peel, has demonstrated lipid-modulating properties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CPJS in improving dyslipidemia and explore its underlying metabolic and microbiological mechanisms.

A randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 72 participants (55 completers). Participants were divided into CPJS and control groups, receiving an 8-week intervention. Primary outcomes included changes in body weight and serum triglycerides (TG), while safety was assessed via liver/kidney function, creatine kinase, blood, and urine tests. Serum metabolomics (93 differential metabolites identified) and intestinal microbiota analysis were performed to elucidate metabolic pathways and microbial shifts. KEGG enrichment analysis mapped metabolites to biological pathways, such as lipid and amino acid metabolism.

The CPJS group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and TG levels post-intervention (p < 0.05), with no adverse effects observed in safety biomarkers. Metabolomic profiling revealed alterations in fatty acyl, glycerophospholipid, and organic acid metabolites, indicating CPJS modulates lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. KEGG analysis linked these changes to pathways including triglyceride degradation and amino acid metabolism. Additionally, CPJS increased specific gut microbial taxa associated with lipid regulation, suggesting a microbiome-mediated mechanism.

CPJS demonstrates efficacy in improving dyslipidemia through dual mechanisms: direct modulation of triglyceride metabolism and indirect regulation via gut microbiota. Its safety profile aligns with findings from natural products like Cyclocarya paliurus and tempeh, which mitigate lipid abnormalities without hepatotoxicity. The multi-target action of CPJS mirrors TCM principles, where compounds like quercetin and flavonoids in CPJS may synergistically inhibit cholesterol synthesis and enhance lipid clearance. However, further research is needed to isolate active components and validate microbial contributions. Compared to synthetic drugs, CPJS offers a safer adjunct therapy, addressing limitations of current pharmacotherapies. Future studies should explore dose-response relationships and long-term outcomes in diverse populations.

As a traditional rice wine, sweet fermented rice (SFR) is widely loved because of its unique flavor and high nutritional value. However, the physicochemical properties, microbial community composition, and metabolic pathway changes during the fermentation process of sweet wine have not been evaluated, and these changes can lead to unstable SFR quality. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze and elucidate the dynamic changes in the microbial community, metabolic pathways, and carbohydrate enzyme functions in traditional SFR fermentation broth. The results revealed that Rhizopus abundance = 160,943.659 and Wickerhamomyces abundance = 241,660.954 were the predominant fungal genera in the fermentation process from the beginning (A0) to the end (A43) of SFR fermentation. The results of the diversity analysis revealed that the structure and composition of the microbial communities first increased but then decreased. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that energy production and conversion, carbohydrate transport, and amino acid transport were the most active metabolic pathways in fermentation. Moreover, the three primary functions of glycosyltransferases (GTs), glycoside hydrolases (GHs), and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) in carbohydrate enzyme analysis were involved in the whole fermentation process. This study only provides some insight into the dynamic changes in the microbial population of SFR single samples prepared under fixed conditions. It provides a reference for optimizing the physicochemical properties of SFR fermentation broth, controlling the microbial community structure, optimizing fermentation conditions, and improving product quality.

The dynamic balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory networks decreases as individuals age, and intestinal dysbiosis can initiate and maintain low-grade systemic inflammation. Interactions between the microbiota and humans occur from the beginning of life and, in general, the diversity of microbiota decreases with aging. The microbiome produces different metabolites with systemic effects, including immune system regulation. This understanding will be useful in controlling inflammation and preventing metabolic changes. Therefore, this review aims to identify the main metabolites synthesized by the intestinal microbiota to be used as biomarkers associated with longevity. This is a narrative review using scientific articles published in the last 10 years in the following databases: PubMed, Scielo, and Lilacs, using the Boolean operators "and" or "or." For this review, we identified 5 articles. The main metabolites described in the literature to date are organic acids, bile acids (BAs), short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and derivatives of tryptophan and indole. Among these, the only ones not yet well characterized in studies on longevity were BAs and TMAO. Glutamate and p-cresol were also highlighted in the literature, with a negative association with longevity. The others showed an association, mostly positive, and can be used as potential biomarkers correlated with healthy aging and, if better studied, as targets for intervention to promote health and well-being.

The intestinal microbiota influences many host biological processes, including metabolism, intestinal barrier functions, and immune responses in the gut and distant organs. Alterations in its composition have been associated with the development of inflammatory disorders and cardiovascular diseases, including Kawasaki disease (KD). KD is an acute pediatric vasculitis of unknown etiology and the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the United States. The presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in the acute phase of KD has been associated with an increased risk of treatment resistance and the development of coronary artery aneurysms. Studies report alterations in fecal bacterial communities of patients with KD, characterized by the blooming of pathogenic bacteria and decreased relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. However, causality and functionality cannot be established from these observational patient cohorts of KD. This highlights the need for more advanced and rigorous studies to establish causality and functionality in both experimental models of KD vasculitis and patient cohorts. Here, we review the evidence linking an altered gut microbiota composition to the development of KD, assess the potential mechanisms involved in this process, and discuss the potential therapeutic value of these observations.

Diet plays a crucial role in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). While dietary recommendations primarily focus on quality of food intake, the relevance and mechanisms of dietary diversity for the prevention of obesity and metabolic diseases are unclear. Here, we investigate the respective associations of dietary diversity and quality with MetS and gut microbiota composition.

Pooled data from 2 independent population-based cohorts of the Study of Health in Pomerania (n = 6753) were used. Based on a validated food frequency questionnaire a novel dietary diversity score (DDS) and an established dietary quality score (DQS) were calculated. Both were correlated with anthropometric data and clinical components of MetS as well as with intestinal microbial composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing).

DDS was associated with a healthier metabolic phenotype and lower MetS risk in both cross-sectional (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.93; p < 0.001) and longitudinal analyses of 5-year follow-up data (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79-0.99; p = 0.029). In contrast, there were hardly any favorable associations between DQS and MetS, neither cross-sectionally nor longitudinally. DDS explained 42.6% more beta diversity variation in gut microbiota than DQS and was linked to a more favorable microbial composition (e.g., less Escherichia/Shigella [q = 0.00576] and greater Ruminococcaceae [q = 0.01263] abundance).

Dietary diversity, as determined by the novel DDS, reduces MetS risk, whereas dietary quality was less important in that regard. Greater dietary diversity was paralleled by greater microbiota diversity and a healthier gut microbiome. Future dietary recommendations should emphasize dietary diversity rather than absolute consumption of nutritional components.

Mounting evidence indicates that gut microbial metabolites are central hubs linking the gut microbiota to atherosclerosis (AS). Gut microbiota enriched with pathobiont bacteria responsible for producing metabolites like trimethylamine N-oxide and phenylacetylglutamine are related to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Furthermore, gut microbiota enriched with bacteria responsible for producing short-chain fatty acids, indole, and its derivatives, such as indole-3-propionic acid, have demonstrated AS-protective effects. This study described AS-related gut microbial composition and how microbial metabolites affect AS. Summary findings revealed gut microbiota and their metabolites-targeted diets could benefit AS treatment. In conclusion, dietary interventions centered on the gut microbiota represent a promising strategy for AS treatment, and understanding diet-microbiota interactions could potentially be devoted to developing novel anti-AS therapies.

Dracaena cambodiana produces a red resin known as Dragon's blood, which is used worldwide in traditional medicine and as a dye. The role of endophytes in the resin-formation process remains underexplored. Understanding the endophyte communities and their functional roles in resin production could enable the development of efficient induction techniques for resin production.

In this study, ITS and metagenomic sequencing analyzed endophyte communities' characteristics and functional traits in different tissues and D. cambodiana across multiple wild populations on Hainan Island.

We identified distinct fungal genera that were dominant in different tissues. Following injury, we observed significant changes in the expression of endophytic fungal genes. These changes indicated that metabolic pathways associated with resin metabolism, sucrose metabolism, signal transduction, and phenylalanine metabolism were likely involved in resin formation. Additionally, several glycosylation gene families were upregulated in the post-injury endophytic communities, which suggests a role in flavonoid transport and the reduction of autotoxic effects.

Our results suggest that endophytes play a vital role in the resin-formation process of D. cambodiana. Isolating specific endophytes or using synthetic communities could potentially improve resin yields and avoid pathogenic fungi, ensuring safety. The findings from this study provide a theoretical basis for the development of high-efficiency resin induction techniques by targeting the dynamic changes in endophyte communities across tissues, regions, and resin formation stages.

Chronic diseases are major contributors to global morbidity and mortality. More than 70% of deaths worldwide are caused by chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. These diseases are characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Incorporating functional foods into daily diet has been suggested as a complementary strategy to promote health and lower the risk of non-communicable diseases. Functional foods, known as foods that confer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, have been reported to exhibit preventive and therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties for human health. Therefore, the aim of this state-of-the-art review will synthesise the findings from recent and high-quality studies that investigated the modulatory role of some commonly reported bioactive active compounds, such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics, in inflammation and metabolic pathways.

Background/Objectives:Maerua crassifolia, a threatened medicinal species endemic to drylands, exhibits a pronounced drought sensitivity. Despite the critical role of microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, the microbial consortia in M. crassifolia's rhizosphere remain underexplored. Methods: Metagenomic whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) was employed to elucidate the taxonomic composition of bacterial and fungal communities inhabiting the soil rhizosphere of M. crassifolia. Results: The data revealed a marked predominance of bacterial genomes relative to fungal communities, as evidenced by non-redundant gene analysis. Notably, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), specifically Rhizophagus clarus, Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis geosporum, are key rhizosphere colonizers. This study confirmed the presence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), such as Sphingomonas spp., Cyanobacteria and Pseudomonadota, underscoring the critical role of these microorganisms in the phosphorus cycle. Additionally, the study uncovered the presence of previously uncharacterized species within the phylum Actinobacteria, as well as unidentified taxa from the Betaproteobacteria, Gemmatimonadota and Chloroflexota phyla, which may represent novel microbial taxa with potential plant growth-promoting properties. Conclusions: Findings suggest a complex, symbiotic network where AMF facilitate phosphorus uptake through plant-root interactions. In a tripartite symbiosis, PSB enhance inorganic phosphorus solubilization, increasing bioavailability, which AMF assimilate and deliver to plant roots, optimizing nutrition. This bacterial-fungal interplay is essential for plant resilience in arid environments. Future investigations should prioritize the isolation and characterization of underexplored microbial taxa residing in the rhizosphere of M. crassifolia, with particular emphasis on members of the Actinobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gemmatimonadota and Chloroflexota phyla to uncover their roles in nutrient acquisition and sustainability.

Bone mass and lean mass decrease with age and these changes are associated with increased fracture risk and sarcopenia. Previous studies demonstrated that a probiotic mixture of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei DSM13434, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 15312 and DSM 15313 (L. Mix) prevents bone loss in ovariectomized (ovx) female mice. The purpose of the present study is to test if the beneficial effect of L. Mix is modified by the diet. Female mice were fed either a high-fat (HFD, 60% kcal from fat) or a low-fat (LFD, 10% kcal from fat) diet and subjected to either sham or ovx surgery and treated with L. Mix for 12 weeks. L. Mix treatment increased total body bone mineral density (p ≤ 0.01), by increasing cortical bone area, and total body lean mass (p = 0.035) in mice on LFD but not in mice on HFD. Metagenome sequencing of cecal content showed that L. Mix treatment increased the relative abundance of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, demonstrating successful treatment. In addition, the probiotic treatment affected the overall gut microbiota composition and functionality. These findings demonstrate that the L. Mix in combination with a healthy diet is beneficial for musculoskeletal health in female mice.

Atrial cardiomyopathy is a multifaceted heart disease characterized by structural and functional abnormalities of the atria and is closely associated with atrial fibrillation and its complications. Its etiology involves a number of factors, including genetic, infectious, immunologic, and metabolic factors. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of atrial cardiomyopathy, and this is consistent with the gut-heart axis having major implications for cardiac health. The aim of this work is to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the interactions between the gut microbiota and atrial cardiomyopathy, with a particular focus on elucidating the mechanisms by which gut dysbiosis may induce atrial remodeling and dysfunction. This article provides an overview of the role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of atrial cardiomyopathy, including changes in the composition of the gut microbiota and the effects of its metabolites. We also discuss how diet and exercise affect atrial cardiomyopathy by influencing the gut microbiota, as well as possible future therapeutic approaches targeting the gut-heart axis. A healthy gut microbiota can prevent disease, but ecological dysbiosis can lead to a variety of symptoms, including the induction of heart disease. We focus on the pathophysiological aspects of atrial cardiomyopathy, the impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis on atrial structure and function, and therapeutic strategies exploring modulation of the microbiota for the treatment of atrial cardiomyopathy. Finally, we discuss the role of gut microbiota in the treatment of atrial cardiomyopathy, including fecal microbiota transplantation and oral probiotics or prebiotics. Our study highlights the importance of gut microbiota homeostasis for cardiovascular health and suggests that targeted interventions on the gut microbiota may pave the way for innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting atrial cardiomyopathy.

An algal-bacterial symbiosis (ABS) system was developed on a rotating biological contactor treating mariculture wastewater, and its nitrogen removal, enzymatic activity and metabolic pathways were investigated under different light intensities. The nitrogen removal efficiency increased when light intensities ranged from 20 to 80 μE/(m2·s) but declined under 100 μE/(m2·s). Higher enzymatic activities under 80 μE/(m2·s) facilitated nitrogen conversion, light utilization, ATP supply and photosynthesis. Reactive oxygen species accumulation activated antioxidant pathways under 20 and 100 μE/(m2·s). Functional bacteria including Sedimentitalea, Thauera and Dechloromonas as well as Chlorella sorokinian, Dunaliella, Pleurosira laevis and Microcystis were enriched under 80 μE/(m2·s). Abundant photosynthesis-related genes (petC, Lca3/4 and atpH/A) supported energy supply and electron transport. Conversely, lower proportions of IDH3, gltB, and acnA/B under 20 and 100 μE/(m2·s) hindered tricarboxylic acid cycle, reducing NADPH and energy production. These results enhance the understanding on the effect of light intensity on ABS system treating mariculture wastewater.

The aim of this research was to study the formation and bioaccessibility of allyl- and benzyl-isothiocyanate (ITC) resulting from the gastrointestinal digestion (small and large intestine) of green parts from Ethiopian and white mustard. In addition, a GC-MS methodology was validated to determine these compounds in bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible fraction. Plant clumps were divided into two batches: fresh and freeze-dried samples. ITC bioaccessibility was low in the small intestine, with values ranged between 11 and 53 % and mean values of 26 %. These results are in agreement with the fact that ITCs are poorly water-soluble compounds. Bioaccessibility values for lyophilised samples were lower than those obtained in fresh samples. This could be due to the degradation of the precursor glucosinolates (sinigrin and glucotropaeolin respectively). The simulation of the colonic fermentation reduced allyl - and benzyl - ITC levels from the non-bioaccessible fraction of Ethiopian and white mustard (values between 0.009 and 0.087 mg/g). In both cases, ITCs concentration dropped dramatically, i.e. with a ten-fold reduction. Nevertheless, this result does not necessarily indicate that ITCs have not been produced in the large intestine. Bacterial microbiota plays a key role in generating ITCs; however, ITCs are not always the final products of this process. The metagenomic analysis of colonic samples revealed that ITCs and cruciferous matrix significantly influenced the composition of gut microbiota, inhibiting potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella, while promoting beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Blautia, and Ruminococcus. Interestingly, ITCs-rich environments selected bacterial species (i.e. Enterobacter ludwigii) and promoted metabolic pathways involved in glucosinolate/ITCs metabolism.

The dataset presents the microbial diversity, community structure, and functional potential of the rhizosphere microbiome associated with Sorghum bicolor in response to crop rotation involving a Glycine max precursor. Soil samples were collected from the rhizospheres of two Sorghum bicolor cultivars, Avenger and NS55, cultivated in soils previously used for Glycine max and cultivated in soils that have not previously been used for Glycine max cultivation, as follows: i) Sorghum bicolor Avenger (SA1, SA2, and SA3) cultivated in soils previously used for Glycine max, ii) Sorghum bicolor NS55 (SN1, SN2, and SN3) grown in soils that had been cultivated with Glycine max, iii) Sorghum bicolor Avenger (RA1, RA2, and RA3) cultivated in soils not previously used for Glycine max, iv) Sorghum bicolor NS55 (RN1, RN2, and RN3) grown in soils not previously cultivated with Glycine max. Thereafter, the shotgun sequencing was done to assess the microbial composition and functional genes from the extracted DNA. The effective metagenome after QC of the twelve samples include SA1 (99.72%), SA2 (99.50%), SA3 (99.68%), SN1 (99.75%), SN2 (99.76%), SN3 (99.70%), RA1 (99.72%), RA2 (99.77%), RN3 (99.72%), RN1 (99.67%), RN2 (99.68%), and RN3 (99.54%). Information from the metagenome sequences is accessible under the bioproject numbers PRJNA1166458 (SA1, SA2, and SA3), PRJNA1166463 (SN1, SN2, and SN3), PRJNA1166623 (RA1, RA2, and RA3), PRJNA1166627 (RN1, RN2 and RN3). Actinomycetota and Function unknown dominated the microbiomes across all cropping systems. The insights gained from this dataset hold promise for advancing sustainable agricultural practices, particularly through optimizing crop rotations, developing microbial bioinoculants, and enhancing soil health. Furthermore, the functional data and the function unknown from this dataset could enrich our understanding of microbial roles in nutrient cycling, plant growth promotion, and stress mitigation, which are critical for addressing challenges in food security and environmental sustainability.

The gut microbiota has emerged as an environmental risk factor that affects thrombotic phenotypes in several cardiovascular diseases. Evidence includes the identification of marker species by sequencing studies of the gut microbiomes of patients with thrombotic disease, the influence of antithrombotic therapies on gut microbial diversity, and preclinical studies in mouse models of thrombosis that have demonstrated the functional effects of the gut microbiota on vascular inflammatory phenotypes and thrombus formation. In addition to impaired gut barrier function promoting low-grade inflammation, gut microbiota-derived metabolites have been shown to act on vascular cell types and promote thrombus formation. Therefore, these meta-organismal pathways that link the metabolic capacities of gut microorganisms with host immune functions have emerged as potential diagnostic markers and novel drug targets. In this Review, we discuss the link between the gut microbiota, its metabolites and thromboembolic diseases.

Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of death worldwide, is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to the accumulation of lipid-rich plaques in the intima of large and medium-sized arteries. Accumulating evidence indicates the important regulatory role of the adaptive immune system in atherosclerosis during all stages of the disease. The gut microbiome has also become a key regulator of atherosclerosis and immunomodulation. Whilst existing research extensively explores the impact of the microbiome on the innate immune system, only a handful of studies have explored the regulatory capacity of the microbiome on the adaptive immune system to modulate atherogenesis. Building on these concepts and the pitfalls on the gut microbiota and adaptive immune response interaction, this review explores potential strategies to therapeutically target the microbiome, including the use of prebiotics and vaccinations, which could influence the adaptive immune response and consequently plaque composition and development.

Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) types, such as HPV 16 or 18, is a major factor in cervical cancer development. However, only a small percentage of infected women develop cancer, indicating that other factors are involved. Emerging evidence links vaginal microbiota with HPV persistence and cancer progression. Alterations in microbial composition, function, and metabolic pathways may contribute to this process. Despite the potential of metagenomics to explore these interactions, studies on the vaginal microbiota's role in cervical cancer are limited. This review systematically examines the relationship between cervical microbiota, HPV, and cervical cancer by analyzing studies from PubMed, EBSCO, and Scopus. We highlight how microbial diversity influences HPV persistence and cancer progression, noting that healthy women typically have lower microbiota diversity and higher Lactobacillus abundance compared to HPV-infected women, who exhibit increased Gardenella, Prevotella, Sneathia, Megasphaera, Streptococcus, and Fusobacterium spp., associated with dysbiosis. We discuss how microbial diversity is associated with HPV persistence and cancer progression, noting that studies suggest healthy women typically have lower microbiota diversity and higher Lactobacillus abundance, while HPV-infected women exhibit increased Gardnerella, Prevotella, Sneathia, Megasphaera, Streptococcus, and Fusobacterium spp., indicative of dysbiosis. Potential markers such as Gardnerella and Prevotella have been identified as potential microbiome biomarkers associated with HPV infection and cervical cancer progression. The review also discusses microbiome-related gene expression changes in cervical cancer patients. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore additional microbiome alterations in cancer progression.

Riptortus pedestris is a destructive pest that threatens multiple leguminous crops in China. The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in the growth and reproduction of host insects. However, the composition and function of the gut microbiota at different developmental stages remain unclear.

Here, metagenomic sequencing was performed to clarify the gut microbial diversity and function in 2nd-, 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th- instar nymphs (2 N-5 N) and female adults (FAs) of R. pedestris and the effects of vital gut bacteria on development was detected. The gut bacteria have the stage specificity, indicating their function in the development of R. pedestris.

Enterococcus and Caballerronia were the predominant bacteria present during the development of the 2 N-FAs. In addition, the microbial abundances in the 3 N and 4 N guts were significantly greater than those in the others guts. Furthermore, 5 N harbored the abundant microbiota Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia-Caballeronia. The metabolic pathways were significantly enriched from 2 N to FAs. Carbohydrate metabolism, including glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and glycosyl transferases (GTs), occurs throughout the entire developmental stage. Many antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were detected from 2 N to FAs. The bacteria from Pseudomonadota and Bacillota presented a broad spectrum of antibiotic resistance. Excitingly, Burkholderia bacteria eliminated by antibiotic treatment were unable to molt normally, and their lifespan was shortened in nymphs, indicating that the gut microbiota had a significant effect on nymph development.

In summary, our results, for the first time, systematically illustrate the abundance and function across the gut microbiota from the different developmental stages of R. pedestris and demonstrate that the genera Burkholderia are crucial during the development of R. pedestris. This study provides the basis for stinkbug management strategies that focus on the pivotal gut microbiota.

The animal gut microbiome is a complex system of diverse, predominantly anaerobic microbiota with secondary metabolite potential. These metabolites likely play roles in shaping microbial community membership and influencing animal host health. As such, novel secondary metabolites from gut microbes hold significant biotechnological and therapeutic interest. Despite their potential, gut microbes are largely untapped for secondary metabolites, with gut fungi and obligate anaerobes being particularly under-explored. To advance understanding of these metabolites, culture-based and (meta)genome-based approaches are essential. Culture-based approaches enable isolation, cultivation, and direct study of gut microbes, and (meta)genome-based approaches utilize in silico tools to mine biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) from microbes that have not yet been successfully cultured. In this mini-review, we highlight recent innovations in this area, including anaerobic biofoundries like ExFAB, the NSF BioFoundry for Extreme & Exceptional Fungi, Archaea, and Bacteria. These facilities enable high-throughput workflows to study oxygen-sensitive microbes and biosynthetic machinery. Such recent advances promise to improve our understanding of the gut microbiome and its secondary metabolism. KEY POINTS: • Gut microbial secondary metabolites have therapeutic and biotechnological potential • Culture- and (meta)genome-based workflows drive gut anaerobe metabolite discovery • Anaerobic biofoundries enable high-throughput workflows for metabolite discovery.

The gut microbiota play crucial roles in the digestion and degradation of nutrients, synthesis of biological agents, development of the immune system, and maintenance of gastrointestinal integrity. Gut dysbiosis is thought to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), one of the world's fastest growing diseases. The aim of this systematic review is to identify differences in the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in individuals with T2DM.

A systematic search was conducted to identify studies reporting on the difference in gut microbiota composition between individuals with T2DM and healthy controls. Relevant studies were evaluated, and their characteristics and results were extracted using a standardized data extraction form. The studies were assessed for risk of bias and their findings were reported narratively.

58 observational studies published between 2010 and 2024 were included. Beta diversity was commonly reported to be different between individuals with T2DM and healthy individuals. Genera Lactobacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, Subdoligranulum and Fusobacteria were found to be positively associated; while Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Roseburia, Faecalibacteirum and Prevotella were found to be negatively associated with T2DM.

This systematic review demonstrates a strong association between T2DM and gut dysbiosis, as evidenced by differential microbial abundances and altered diversity indices. Among these taxa, Escherichia-Shigella is consistently associated with T2DM, whereas Faecalibacterium prausnitzii appears to offer a protective effect against T2DM. However, the heterogeneity and observational nature of these studies preclude the establishment of causative relationships. Future research should incorporate age, diet and medication-matched controls, and include functional analysis of these gut microbes.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023459937.

This editorial, inspired by a recent study published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, covers the research findings on microbiota changes in various diseases. In recurrent colorectal polyps, the abundances of Klebsiella, Parvimonas, and Clostridium increase, while those of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus decrease. This dysbiosis may promote the formation and recurrence of polyps. Similar microbial changes have also been observed in colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, autism spectrum disorder, and metabolic syndrome, indicating the role of increased pathogens and decreased probiotics in these conditions. Regulating the gut microbiota, particularly by increasing probiotic levels, may help prevent polyp recurrence and promote gut health. This microbial intervention strategy holds promise as an adjunctive treatment for patients with colorectal polyps.

Objectives: The pathophysiological mechanism of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains unclear. We previously reported that Bifidobacterium adolescentis levels were reduced in the feces of patients with AAA by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) gene sequencing. In this study, we increased the number of cases and conducted metagenomic analyses to examine bacterial genes associated with the pathophysiology of AAA. Methods: For gut microbiota data, feces from 55 patients with AAA and 52 patients with no history of AAA, lower extremity artery disease, or coronary artery disease (control group) were collected. Metagenomic analysis was performed by collecting raw stool samples from patients. For intestinal microbiota analysis, metagenomic analysis of the fecal samples was performed. Results: Oral bacteria, including Actinomyces oris (p <0.0001), Streptococcus salivarius (p <0.001), Lactobacillus salivarius (p <0.001), and Streptococcus sp. (p <0.001), were increased in the feces of patients with AAA. In addition, bacterial genes related to alpha lipoic acid (ALA) biosynthesis (M00882, M00883, and M00884, p <0.0001) were decreased in patients with AAA. Conclusions: In the feces of patients with AAA, there was an increase in oral bacteria, and the expression of bacterial genes related to ALA biosynthesis was reduced. The results suggest the possibility of developing gut microbial drug treatments for AAA.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite dependent on intestinal microbiota, is closely related to the emergence, progression, and prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and has received increasing attention in recent years.

The current research hotspots and future development trends in TMAO and CVD field are found through bibliometrics analysis, which provides reference for further study.

The bibliometrics tools VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. The articles published from 2004 to 2024 about the relationship between TMAO and CVD were retrieved. Bibliometric analysis includes annual publications, countries/regions, institutions, authors and co-cited authors, journals and cited-journals, references and keywords.

After searching and screening, 1,466 publications were included for subsequent bibliometric analysis. Since 2014, the number of publications exposing the relationship between TMAO and CVD has increased rapidly, as has the frequency of citations. China, USA and Italy are the countries that publish the most relevant research. Cleveland Clinic is the leading institution in this field. Stanley L Hazen, Zeneng Wang and W H Wilson Tang are the most prolific authors in this field, and the latter two have the closest academic cooperation. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Journal of the American Heart Association are influential journals that publish research in this field. "Gut Microbial Metabolite TMAO Enhances Platelet Hyperreactivity and Thrombosis Risk" is the most frequently cited article. Keyword analysis shows that gut microbiota, metabolism, phosphatidylcholine and atherosclerosis (AS) are the hotspots in this field.

This study summarizes the research situation of TMAO and CVD in the past 20 years, focusing on the effect of TMAO on pathogenesis of AS, predictive value of TMAO on CVD risk, and dietary and drug intervention for TMAO. Probiotics and natural products may be the research focus of preventing and treating CVD by intervening TMAO in the future.

Metagenomic studies have revealed the critical roles of complex microbial interactions, including horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and functional redundancy (FR), in shaping the gut microbiome's functional capacity and resilience. However, the lack of comprehensive data integration and systematic analysis approaches has limited the in-depth exploration of HGT and FR dynamics across large-scale gut microbiome datasets. To address this gap, we present GutMetaNet (https://gutmetanet.deepomics.org/), a first-of-its-kind database integrating extensive human gut microbiome data with comprehensive HGT and FR analyses. GutMetaNet contains 21 567 human gut metagenome samples with whole-genome shotgun sequencing data related to various health conditions. Through systematic analysis, we have characterized the taxonomic profiles and FR profiles, and identified 14 636 HGT events using a shared reference genome database across the collected samples. These HGT events have been curated into 8049 clusters, which are annotated with categorized mobile genetic elements, including transposons, prophages, integrative mobilizable elements, genomic islands, integrative conjugative elements and group II introns. Additionally, GutMetaNet incorporates automated analyses and visualizations for the HGT events and FR, serving as an efficient platform for in-depth exploration of the interactions among gut microbiome taxa and their implications for human health.

Pathogenic microorganisms pose a severe risk to the aquatic environment and human health. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) have attracted much attention due to their simultaneous biological treatment and virus retention, but membrane fouling is the main obstacle. This study explored the effect of micro-granular activated carbon (μGAC) on bacteriophage MS2 removal efficiency and membrane fouling in a flat-plate MBR. The results showed that the μGAC addition with a particle size of 180-300 μm improved the removal of MS2 (LRVMBR of 4.77 log) and enhanced the removal of COD and ammonia nitrogen. The μGAC integrated MBR (μGAC-MBR) exhibited a higher MS2 retention rate by the membrane filter layers with an average LVRMem of 2.03 log compared to that of a control reactor (C-MBR) of 1.89 log. Meanwhile, the total membrane filter layer resistance of μGAC-MBR was significantly lower than that of C-MBR, particularly in terms of cake layer resistance and organic pore-blocking exclusion. The μGAC addition slightly reduced MS2 adsorption by the activated sludge while significantly altering the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) profiles. The fluorescent components in the bound EPS and PN/PS ratio of the activated sludge were reduced. We found that μGAC enhanced membrane surface roughness and hydrophilicity. Notably, the μGAC significantly influenced the quorum sensing (QS) systems, reducing the abundance and synthesis of AHL-related genes. The synthase luxI in the AHL-QS system was reduced by 93.21% in μGAC-MBR. The AHL-QS system is closely related to biofilm formation, and the total EPS of the surface filer layer of μGAC-MBR decreased by 57.73%, and PN in LB-EPS and TB-EPS decreased by 91.33% and 54.44% compared with C-MBR, indicating a significant reduction in biofilm formation. This study exhibited a new perspective on promoting MS2 removal with the synergistic effect of alleviating fouling in the MBR process.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and there are strong links existing between gut health and cardiovascular health. Gut microbial diversity determines gut health. Dysbiosis, described as altered gut microbiota, causes bacterial translocations and abnormal gut byproducts resulting in systemic inflammation.

To review the current literature on the relationships between gut microbiota, dysbiosis, and CVD development, and explore therapeutic methods to prevent dysbiosis and support cardiovascular health.

Dysbiosis increases levels of pro-inflammatory substances while reducing those of anti-inflammatory substances. This accumulative inflammatory effect negatively modulates the immune system and promotes vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. High Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratios, high trimethylamine-n-oxide to short-chain fatty acid ratios, high indole sulfate levels, low cardiac output, and polypharmacy are all associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. Supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics potentially alleviates some CVD risk. Blood and stool samples may be used in clinical practice to quantify and qualify gut bacterial ratios and byproducts, assess patients' risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and track their gut health progress. Further research is required to set population-based cutoffs for normal and abnormal gut microbiota and byproduct ratios.

Strong-flavor Baijiu (SFB) production has relied on pit mud (PM) as a starter culture. The maturation time of natural PM (NPM) is about 30 years, so artificial PM (APM) with a shorter maturation time has attracted widespread attention. This study reveals the microbial and functional dissimilarities of APM and NPM, and helps to elucidate the different metabolic roles of microbes during substrate degradation and flavor formation. Significant differences in the microbial community were observed between APM and NPM, manifesting as variations in the abundance of core microorganisms. Total of 187 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were obtained based on the metagenomic binning technology, mainly including Firmicutes (n = 106), Bacteroidota (n = 15) and Chloroflexota (n = 14). Furthermore, the relative concentration of flavor compounds in 4-year APM was similar to those in 30-year NPM, but different from those in 100-year NPMs. Methanosarcina, Methanobacterium, Methanoculleus, Anaerolineae bacterium and Aminobacterium were the key bacteria responsible for the flavor differences. From a functional perspective, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism were key functions of PM microbial, and showed differences between APM and NPM. Finally, substrate degradation and flavor generation pathways were found to exist in multiple microorganisms. Combine the relative abundance of microorganisms with the absolute abundance of enzymes, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Petrimonas, Methanoculleus, Prevotella, Methanobacterium, Methanosarcina, Methanothrix, Proteiniphilum, Bellilinea, Anaerolinea, Anaeromassilibacillus, Syntrophomonas and Brevefilum were identified as the key microorganisms in APM and NPM.

Alternative flours can reveal beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of dietary fibers (DFs) of coconut and carob flours on colonic microbiota compositions and function. Coconut flour DFs were found to be dominated by mannose-containing polysaccharides by gas chromatography (GC)/MS and spectrophotometer, whereas glucose and uronic acid were the main monosaccharide moieties in carob flour DFs. In vitro fecal fermentation analysis revealed that coconut flour DFs result in the generation of microbial butyrate as much as inulin does, which is known to be a butyrogenic prebiotic, but at a slower rate. Supportingly, coconut flour DFs promoted butyrate-producing bacteria including Roseburia and Coprococcus, whereas carob flour DFs stimulated Prevotella-related OTUs. In addition, higher microbial diversity was achieved at the end of the fermentation of coconut flour DFs by the fecal microbiota. This study clearly shows that alternative flours have distinct functionalities in terms of colonic microbiota composition and function, and coconut flour could be used as an alternative flour for the development of functional food products targeting colonic health.

Recent research highlights the potential role of sex-specific variations in cardiovascular disease. The gut microbiome has been shown to differ between the sexes in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

The main objective of this study is to analyze the differences between women and men in the relationship between gut microbiota and measures of arterial stiffness.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Spain, selecting 180 subjects (122 women, 58 men) aged between 45 and 74. Subjects with arterial stiffness were identified by the presence of at least one of the following: carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) above 12 mm/s, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) above nine, or brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) above 17.5 m/s. All other cases were considered subjects without arterial stiffness. The composition of the gut microbiome in fecal samples was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing.

We found that women have a more diverse microbiome than men (Shannon, p < 0.05). There is also a significant difference in gut microbiota composition between sexes (Bray-Curtis, p < 0.01). Dorea, Roseburia, and Agathobacter, all of them short-chain fatty-acid producers, were more abundant in women's microbiota (log values > 1, p-value and FDR < 0.05). Additionally, Blautia was more abundant in women when only the subjects with arterial stiffness were considered. According to logistic regression, Roseburia was negatively associated with arterial stiffness in men, while Bifidobacterium and Subdoligranulum were positively related to arterial stiffness.

In the Spanish population under study, women had higher microbiome diversity and potentially protective genera. The host's gender determines the influence of the same bacteria on arterial stiffness.

NCT03900338.