Lifestyle factors toward diet and physical activity (PA) may directly influence the pathophysiology of dyslipidemia. However, the associations of the specific macronutrient-to-PA ratio with dyslipidemia, and the underlying mechanisms regarding gut microbiota and metabolites, remain largely unexplored.

Dietary and PA information from 273 participants with or at risk of metabolic syndrome was collected via a food frequency questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Gut microbial genera and fecal metabolites were profiled through 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted LC-MS metabolomics, respectively. Machine-learning algorithms were applied to identify gut microbiome features of macronutrient-to-PA ratios and to construct microbiome risk score.

Higher macronutrient-to-PA ratios, especially for high saturated fatty acid intake, were associated with increased risks of dyslipidemia, with adjusted odds ratio (95% CIs) of 2.87 (1.41-5.99) for hypercholesteremia, 2.21 (1.11-4.48) for hypertriglyceridemia, and 2.52 (1.26-5.16) for high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Microbiome risk scores were significantly associated with elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, for each macronutrient-to-PA ratio, a core group of gut microbial genera were identified (eg, Phocaeicola, Lachnoclostridium, Limosilactobacillus, and Tyzzerella), exhibiting positive associations with lipid disorders and superior discrimination capacities for hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, we identified 9 metabolites (eg, acetyl phosphate, glycerol, and pyruvic acid), predominantly enriched in dyslipidemia-related pathways and associated with both core gut microbial taxa and macronutrient-to-PA ratios.

This study identified varied associations between macronutrient-to-PA ratios and dyslipidemia and depicted the potential modulatory roles of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients often exhibit hypercoagulable state and gut microbiota dysbiosis. However, the association between coagulation abnormalities and gut microbiota dysbiosis in AIS patients and their predictive value for poor functional outcomes in AIS has not been investigated. Our study enrolled 95 AIS patients and 81 healthy controls, using 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze gut microbiota composition. Baseline fibrinogen level was found to be an independent risk factor for poor functional outcomes at 90-day follow-up (odds ratio = 2.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-4.59, P = 0.044). AIS patients showed significant gut microbiota dysbiosis, with significantly increased Parabacteroides and Alistipes, and decreased Prevotella and Roseburia, associated with coagulation indices. Furthermore, compared with AIS patients with normal coagulation function, those in a hypercoagulable state exhibited a significant increase in Alistipes and a decrease in Prevotella. We identified gut microbial biomarkers consisting of 15 bacteria that predicted poor functional outcome in AIS patients at 90-day follow-up. Coagulation indices improved the predictive performance of these biomarkers. In training and validation cohorts, area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.930 and 0.890 for microbial biomarkers alone, 0.691 and 0.751 for coagulation indices alone, and 0.943 and 0.944 for coagulation indices combined with gut microbial biomarkers. Our study showed that AIS patients with hypercoagulable state had gut microbiota dysbiosis, with Alistipes and Prevotella significantly associated with coagulation indices. A classification model based on coagulation indices and gut microbial biomarkers accurately predicted poor functional outcome in AIS patients at 90-day follow-up.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients often exhibit hypercoagulable state and gut microbiota dysbiosis. However, the relationship between hypercoagulable state and gut microbiota dysbiosis in AIS patients and their predictive value for poor functional outcomes has not been fully explored. Our study of 95 AIS patients showed that baseline fibrinogen level was an independent risk factor for poor functional outcome at 90-day follow-up in AIS patients. Hypercoagulable state in AIS patients correlates with gut microbiota dysbiosis. AIS patients with hypercoagulable state had increased Alistipes abundance and decreased Prevotella abundance. A classification model based on coagulation indices and gut microbial biomarkers accurately predicted poor functional outcome in AIS patients at 90-day follow-up.

To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with Brazilian green propolis-BrGrProp on biochemical parameters and dietary intake in People Living with Diabetes - PLWD.

Randomized double-blind study performed for thirty days. PLWD (n = 62/Phase-1: PLWD supplemented with BrGrProp (G1/n = 31) and another treated with Manihot esculenta starch (Placebo/n = 31). From this group, 22 PLWD (G2) participated in the study being treated with BrGrProp, characterized as Phase-2. PLWD received capsules (2× 500 mg/day) of BrGrProp or Placebo. Fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol and fractions, pyruvic glutamic transaminase, oxalacetic glutamic transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase, and dietary intake data were determined at the beginning and end of the study. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 21/Minitab-17/Prisma 7.0.

Phase-1: no significant changes were observed in the analyzed parameters. Phase 2: Improvement in glycemic parameters (FBG and HbA1c) and most lipid parameters (TC, LDL, HDL and TG), with reduction in the level of Hb1Ac (p = 0.023), increase in the level of HDL (p = 0.048) and in the food intake of the PLWD. The indicators of liver function did not show significant changes.

BrGrProp in the diet generates beneficial effects for diabetics, characterized by improvement of HbA1c and HDL parameters, without causing detectable harmful changes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the third most common chronic metabolic disorder worldwide and seriously dangerous. Novel therapeutics are sought due to the paucity of safe and effective metabolic disorder-related diabetes medicines. Intestinal flora impacts glucose and lipid balance, making it a unique T2DM therapeutic target. Due to gut fermentation, poly/oligo-saccharides are highly beneficial prebiotic carbohydrates for intestinal health. Moreover, supplementation with naturally occurring medicinal and edible homologous traditional Chinese medicines (MEHTCM) poly/oligo-saccharides has significant antidiabetic effects with few side effects. Now, a comprehensive review of research developments of MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharides was presented to explore their prospects. We outlined the structural characteristics, structure classification, and structure-activity relationships. Notably, structure-activity relationships illustrated that molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bond type could influence the hypoglycemic activity and prebiotic effect of MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharides. Additionally, the review systematically summarized the effect and potential mechanism of MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharide on T2DM, focusing on gut microbiota. The potential applications in formulations for special medical purposes, common food, health care product, agriculture and other fields have also been summarized. This review emphasizes MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharides' potential as prebiotics for T2DM treatment. This information provides new insights and a theoretical foundation for MEHTCM poly/oligo-saccharide nutritional and medicinal research.

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of 2-week ingestion of hemp fiber (high and low doses) versus placebo bars on gut permeability and plasma metabolite shifts during recovery from 2.25 h intensive cycling. Hemp hull powder is a rich source of two bioactive compounds, N-trans-caffeoyl tyramine (NCT) and N-trans-feruloyl tyramine (NFT), with potential gut health benefits. Methods: The study participants included 23 male and female cyclists. A three-arm randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design was used with two 2-week supplementation periods and 2-week washout periods. Supplement bars provided 20, 5, or 0 g/d of hemp hull powder. Participants engaged in an intensive 2.25 h cycling bout at the end of each of the three supplementation periods. Five blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), and at 0 h-, 1.5 h-, and 3 h-post-exercise. Five-hour urine samples were collected pre-supplementation and post-2.25 h cycling after ingesting a sugar solution containing 5 g of lactulose, 100 mg of 13C mannitol, and 1.9 g of mannitol in 450 mL of water. An increase in the post-exercise lactulose/13C mannitol ratio (L:13CM) was used as the primary indicator of altered gut permeability. Other outcome measures included muscle damage biomarkers (serum creatine kinase, myoglobin), serum cortisol, complete blood cell counts, and shifts in plasma metabolites using untargeted metabolomics. Results: No trial differences were found for L:13CM, cortisol, blood cell counts, and muscle damage biomarkers. Orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLSDA) showed distinct trial differences when comparing high- and low-dose hemp fiber compared to placebo supplementation (R2Y = 0.987 and 0.995, respectively). Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) scores identified several relevant metabolites, including 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid (VIP = 1.9), serotonin (VIP = 1.5), 5-hydroxytryptophan (VIP = 1.4), and 4-methoxycinnamic acid (VIP = 1.4). Mummichog analysis showed significant effects of hemp fiber intake on multiple metabolic pathways, including alpha-linolenic acid, porphyrin, sphingolipid, arginine and proline, tryptophan, and primary bile acid metabolism. Conclusions: Hemp fiber intake during a 2-week supplementation period did not have a significant effect on post-exercise gut permeability in cyclists (2.25 h cycling bout) using urine sugar data. On the contrary, untargeted metabolomics showed that the combination of consuming nutrient-rich hemp fiber bars and exercising for 135 min increased levels of beneficial metabolites, including those derived from the gut in healthy cyclists.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex disease shaped by genetic and environmental factors, including the gut microbiome. Recent research revealed pathophysiological heterogeneity and distinct subgroups in both T2D and prediabetes, prompting exploration of personalized risk factors. Using metabolomics in two Swedish cohorts (n = 1,167), we identified over 500 blood metabolites associated with impaired glucose control, with approximately one-third linked to an altered gut microbiome. Our findings identified metabolic disruptions in microbiome-metabolome dynamics as potential mediators of compromised glucose homeostasis, as illustrated by the potential interactions between Hominifimenecus microfluidus and Blautia wexlerae via hippurate. Short-term lifestyle changes, for example, diet and exercise, modulated microbiome-associated metabolites in a lifestyle-specific manner. This study suggests that the microbiome-metabolome axis is a modifiable target for T2D management, with optimal health benefits achievable through a combination of lifestyle modifications.

Polysaccharides possessing hypoglycemic effects have shown promising results in treating diabetes. Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) is one of the most active ingredients in the Chinese medicine P. sibiricum Redoute with many biological activities. However, its efficacy in alleviating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unexplored. Our aim is to evaluate the protective effect of PSP against T2DM by measuring body weight and serum biochemical indicators, examining the histopathological images of pancreatic and liver tissues, detecting fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content, and analyzing the intestinal flora diversity and the microbiota structure in T2DM mice. The findings indicated that PSP treatment in T2DM mice could obviously decrease the fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels, ameliorate glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, lipid, and inflammatory factor levels, attenuate pancreatic and liver damage, and increase the fecal SCFA content. In addition, PSP could modulate the composition of gut microbiota in T2DM mice, resulting in the relative abundance of Firmicutes decreasing and that of Bacteroidetes increasing, along with the abundance of beneficial flora significantly increasing, especially SCFA-producing bacteria. The findings indicate that PSP administration protected against diabetes by controlling disordered glucolipid metabolism and modulating the gut microbiota, which provides a valuable strategy for the utilization of PSP to treat T2DM.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.

The risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been increasingly researched, but the lack of systematic identification and categorization makes it difficult for clinicians to quickly and accurately access and understand all the risk factors, which are categorized in this paper into five categories: Social determinants, lifestyle, checkable/testable risk factors, history of illness and medication, and other factors, which are discussed in a narrative review. Meanwhile, this paper points out the problems of the current research, helps to improve the systematic categorisation and practicality of T2DM risk factors, and provides a professional research basis for clinical practice and industry decision-making.

Preclinical literature and behavioral human data suggest that diet profoundly impacts the human gut microbiome and energy absorption-a key determinant of energy balance. To determine whether these associations are causal, domiciled controlled feeding studies with precise measurements of dietary intake and energy balance are needed. Metabolomics-a functional readout of microbiome modulation-can help identify putative mechanisms mediating these effects. We previously demonstrated that a high-fiber, minimally processed Microbiome Enhancer Diet (MBD) fed at energy balance decreased energy absorption and increased microbial biomass relative to a calorie-matched fiber-poor, highly processed Western Diet (WD).

To identify metabolic signatures distinguishing MBD from WD feeding and potential metabolomic mechanisms mediating the MBD-induced negative energy balance.

We deployed global metabolomics in feces, serum, and urine using samples collected at the end of a randomized crossover controlled feeding trial delivering 22 days of an MBD and a WD to 17 persons without obesity. Samples were collected while participants were domiciled on a metabolic ward and analyzed using Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectroscopy. Linear mixed effects models tested metabolite changes by diet. Weighted gene network correlation analysis identified metabolite modules correlated with energy balance phenotypes.

Numerous metabolites consistently altered in the feces, fasting serum, and/or urine may serve as putative dietary biomarkers of MBD feeding. Fecal diet-microbiota co-metabolites decreased by an MBD correlated with reduced energy absorption and increased microbial biomass. An MBD shifted the urinary metabolome from sugar degradation to ketogenesis-evidence of negative energy balance.

Precisely controlled diets disparate in microbiota-accessible substrates led to distinct metabolomic signatures in feces, fasting serum, and/or urine. These diet-microbiota co-metabolites may be biomarkers of a "fed" (MBD) or "starved" (WD) gut microbiota associated with energy balance. These findings lay the foundation for unveiling causal pathways linking diet-microbiota co-metabolism to energy absorption.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although the risk of developing CRC increases with age, approximately 10% of newly diagnosed cases occur in individuals under the age of 50. Significant changes in dietary habits in young adults since industrialization create a favorable microenvironment for colorectal carcinogenesis. We aim here to shed light on the complex interplay between diet and gut microbiome in the pathogenesis and prevention of early-onset CRC (EO-CRC). We provide an overview of dietary risk factors associated with EO-CRC and contrast them with the general trends for CRC. We delve into gut bacteria, fungi, and phages with potential benefits against CRC and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, based on recent findings from human studies, we offer insights into how dietary modifications could potentially enhance gut microbiome composition to mitigate CRC risk. All together, we outline the current research landscape in this area and propose directions for future investigations that could pave the way for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Sleep is essential to maintaining health and wellbeing of individuals, influencing a variety of outcomes from mental health to cardiometabolic disease. This study aims to assess the relationships between various sleep-related phenotypes and blood metabolites.

Utilising data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, we performed association analyses between 40 sleep-related phenotypes, grouped in several domains (sleep disordered breathing (SDB), sleep duration, sleep timing, self-reported insomnia symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and heart rate during sleep), and 768 metabolites measured via untargeted metabolomics profiling. Network analysis was employed to visualise and interpret the associations between sleep phenotypes and metabolites.

The patterns of statistically significant associations between sleep phenotypes and metabolites differed by superpathways, and highlighted subpathways of interest for future studies. For example, primary bile acid metabolism showed the highest cumulative percentage of statistically significant associations across all sleep phenotype domains except for SDB and EDS phenotypes. Several metabolites were associated with multiple sleep phenotypes, from a few domains. Glycochenodeoxycholate, vanillyl mandelate (VMA) and 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-GPE (18:0/18:1) were associated with the highest number of sleep phenotypes, while pregnenolone sulfate was associated with all sleep phenotype domains except for sleep duration. N-lactoyl amino acids such as N-lactoyl phenylalanine (lac-Phe), were associated with sleep duration, SDB, sleep timing and heart rate during sleep.

This atlas of sleep-metabolite associations will facilitate hypothesis generation and further study of the metabolic underpinnings of sleep health.

R01HL161012, R35HL135818, R01AG80598.

The rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in the Qatari population presents a significant public health challenge, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to early detection and management. While most efforts are centered on using blood samples for biomarker discovery, the use of saliva remains underexplored.

Using noninvasive saliva samples from 2974 Qatari subjects, we analyzed the microbial communities from diabetic, pre-diabetic, and non-diabetic participants based on their HbA1C levels. The salivary microbiota was assessed in all subjects by sequencing the V1-V3 regions of 16S rRNA gene. For the proteomics profiling, we randomly selected 50 gender and age-matched non-diabetic and diabetic subjects and compared their proteome with SOMAscan. Microbiota and proteome profiles were then integrated to reveal candidate biomarkers for T2D.

Our results indicate that the salivary microbiota of pre-diabetic and diabetic individuals differs significantly from that of non-diabetic subjects. Specifically, a significant increase in the abundance of Campylobacter, Dorea, and Bacteroidales was observed in the diabetic subjects compared to their non-diabetic controls. Metabolic pathway prediction analysis for these bacteria revealed a significant overrepresentation of genes associated with fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis, as well as aromatic amino acid metabolism in the diabetic group. Additionally, we observed distinct differences in salivary proteomic profiles between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Notably, levels of Haptoglobin, Plexin-C1, and MCL-1 were elevated, while Osteopontin (SPP1), Histone1H3A (HIST3H2A), and Histone H1.2 were reduced in diabetic individuals. Furthermore, integrated correlation analysis of salivary proteome and microbiota data demonstrated a strong positive correlation between HIST1H3A and HIST3H2A with Porphyromonas sp., all of which were decreased in the diabetic group.

This is the first study to assess the salivary microbiota in T2D patients from a large cohort of the Qatari population. We found significant differences in the salivary microbiota of pre-diabetic and diabetic individuals compared to non-diabetic controls. Our study is also the first to assess the salivary proteome using SOMAScan in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Integration of the microbiota and proteome profiles revealed a unique signature for T2D that can be used as potential T2D biomarkers.

Dietary fiber, found in plant-based foods, plays an essential role in human health. It is divided into two types-soluble and insoluble-both offering significant health benefits. Research has shown that increasing fiber intake can reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type II diabetes, obesity, colon cancer, and inflammation. These health conditions are major global challenges, making fiber consumption a key focus for disease prevention. This study reviews a range of clinical trials, cohort studies, and meta-analyses to explore how dietary fiber affects these health risks. By synthesizing data from multiple sources, we found a clear association between higher fiber intake and a lower incidence of these diseases. However, studying the effects of fiber on health presents several challenges. Variations in fiber types and bioavailability make it difficult to generalize results. Additionally, dietary intake is often self-reported, leading to potential inaccuracies in data. Many studies also lack consistency in methodology, and short study durations limit the ability to assess long-term health outcomes. These factors make it harder to draw definitive conclusions about the full range of fiber's health benefits. Despite these challenges, increasing fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes remains a highly recommended strategy for improving health and reducing the risk of chronic disease.

 Previous studies have established a correlation between gut microbiota, metabolites, and diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the inherent limitations of observational studies, including reverse causality and confounding factors, made this relationship uncertain.

In this study, we compiled summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted on gut microbiota, metabolites, and DN. We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, utilizing inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode methods.

 We detected the protective nature of genetically predicted representatives from the family Bacteroidaceae (OR: 0.716, 95% CI: 0.516-0.995, p = 0.046), family Victivallaceae (OR: 0.871, 95% CI: 0.772-0.982, p = 0.026), genus Bacteroides (OR: 0.716, 95% CI: 0.516-0.995, p = 0.046), genus Coprococcus 2 (OR: 0.745, 95% CI: 0.576-0.963, p = 0.025), and genus Lactococcus (OR: 0.851, 95% CI: 0.730-0.992, p = 0.039) against the development of DN. Conversely, we identified a positive correlation between the incidence of DN and entities, such as Phylum Bacteroidetes (OR: 1.427, 95% CI: 1.085-1.875, p = 0.011), class Bacteroidia (OR: 1.304, 95% CI: 1.036-1.641,p = 0.024), order Bacteroidales (OR: 1.304, 95% CI: 1.035-1.641, p = 0.028), genus Catenibacterium (OR: 1.312, 95% CI: 1.079-1.594, p = 0.006), genus Lachnoclostridium (OR: 1.434, 95% CI: 1.129-1.821, p = 0.003), and genus Parasutterella (OR: 1.270, 95% CI: 1.070-1.510, p = 0.006). In our analysis, none of the gut metabolites demonstrated a causal relationship with DN.

 Our results substantiated the potential causal association between specific gut microbiota and DN. Therefore, our study offers novel insight into the mechanisms underlying DN. This finding provides a theoretical foundation for the future development of targeted strategies for the prevention and treatment of DN.

The gut microbiota plays a vital role in various physical and physiological processes, including immune system regulation, neurotransmitter production, inflammatory response modulation, and the inhibition of pathogenic organisms. An imbalance in the microbial community, known as dysbiosis, has been associated with numerous health issues. Biological influences, health behaviors, socioeconomic determinants, and nutritional status can disrupt this balance.

To evaluate the differences in the gut microbiota composition in medical students according to fiber intake, ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, sex, body mass index, and socioeconomic status.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 91 medical students, and 82 fecal samples were analyzed. Sociodemographic and dietary data were collected via questionnaires, UPF consumption was assessed using the NOVA classification, and trained nutritionists performed anthropometry. DNA extraction and 16S rRNA sequencing were performed for the microbial analysis. Bioinformatics and statistical tests included the Dunn and Kruskal-Wallis tests, a PCoA analysis, PERMANOVA, ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation, and alpha and beta diversity metrics.

Dietary fiber intake strongly influences gut microbiota composition. Lower fiber intake was associated with a higher prevalence of Parabacteroides and Muribaculaceae. Prevotella was more prevalent in individuals with lower UPF intake, while Phascolarctobacterium was prevalent in those with higher UPF consumption. Significant differences were associated with sex and UPF consumption but not BMI or SES. Women consumed more UPF, which correlated with distinct gut microbiota profiles.

This study highlights the significant impact of diet, particularly fiber intake and UPF, on gut microbiota composition, emphasizing the importance of dietary habits in maintaining gut health.

Exploring the link between gut microbiota and chronic gastritis (CG), and assessing the potential mediating influence of blood metabolites. Using aggregated data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the genetic links between gut microbiota (412 types) and CG (623,822 cases). Furthermore, we utilized a two-step MR approach to measure the extent to which blood metabolites (1,400 types) mediate the impact of gut microbiota on CG. Through MR, we identified that three genetically predicted gut microbiota increased the risk of CG: the ubiquinol-8 biosynthesis pathway (OR 1.149, 95%CI 1.022-1.291), Odoribacter from the Porphyromonadaceae family (OR 1.260, 95%CI 1.044-1.523), and Coprococcus from the Lachnospiraceae family (OR 1.125, 95%CI 1.010-1.253). Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that genetically predicted CG affects the risk of gut microbiota. Four blood metabolites mediated the proportionate changes in genetically predicted gut microbiota: levels of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate levels by 14.9% (95% CI -0.559%, 30.3%), palmitoleate (16:1n7) levels, and the phosphate to alanine ratio together mediated the same microbiota by 6.97% (95% CI -1.61%, 15.6%) and 7.91% (95% CI -1.67%, 17.5%), while the phosphate to alanine ratio and X-12839 levels together mediated the same microbiota by 8.48% (95% CI -2.87%, 19.8%) and 10.7% (95% CI 0.353%, 21.1%). In conclusion, our research has confirmed a causal link between gut microbiota, blood metabolites, and CG. Metabolites such as 4-hydroxyphenylacetate levels, palmitoleate (16:1n7) levels, the phosphate to alanine ratio, and X-12839 levels have relatively significant mediating roles between gut microbiota and CG. These metabolites may influence the occurrence and development of CG by regulating inflammatory responses, energy metabolism, and gut barrier function. However, the majority of the influence of gut microbiota on CG remains unclear, necessitating further research into other potential mediating risk factors. Clinically, it is crucial to focus on patients suffering from CG who exhibit dysbiosis of gut microbiota.IMPORTANCEThe results indicate that interactions between particular gut microbiota and blood metabolites may significantly contribute to the onset and progression of CG. These findings offer new insights and potential targets for early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prevention of CG.

The gut microbiota has been demonstrated to play an important role in host immunity, metabolism, digestion, and growth. However, studies regarding the gut microbiota in Tibetan chickens remains scarce in comparison with other poultry breeds. Here, we investigated the gut microbial characteristics of Tibetan chickens and Arbor Acres broiler chickens (AA broiler chickens) and compare their gut microbial differences. For this purpose, we collected cecal samples from 10 Tibetan chickens and 10 AA broiler chickens for amplicon sequencing. Results indicated that Tibetan chickens exhibited higher gut microbial diversity and abundance compared with AA broiler chickens. Moreover, PCoA-based scatter plot analysis showed that the gut microbial structure of the both breeds was significantly different. Although the dominant bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota) of Tibetan chickens and AA broiler chickens were the same, the abundance of some bacterial phyla and genera changed significantly. Microbial taxonomic analysis indicated that the relative abundance of 876 genera of 20 phylum in Tibetan chickens increased significantly, while the relative abundance of 160 genera of 3 phyla decreased significantly compared with AA broiler chickens. In summary, these results indicated that there are significant differences in the gut microbiota between Tibetan chickens and AA broiler chickens. This is an important exploration of the gut microbial characteristics and distribution of Tibetan chickens. The findings may contribute to promoting the development of the Tibetan chicken's industry and reveal the adaptability of Tibetan chickens to the environment.

Exercise has emerged as one of the important and effective non-drug therapies used for management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in certain nations. The present report summarizes the latest findings from the research on the beneficial effect of exercise on T2D. The objectives were to provide references for the theoretical study and the clinical practice of exercise-based management of T2D, in addition to identify the limitations of the existing literature, thereby provide direction for future research in this field.

Many studies have shown significant alterations in the gut microbiome of patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls.

The primary objective of the current research was to explore the impact of gut microbiome composition on the progression and severity of plaque psoriasis.

A total of 20 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and 20 healthy individuals were recruited and provided a stool sample to assess the gut microbiome. After the samples were prepared according to the NGS library preparation workflow, they were sequenced using the Illumina platform and the report was generated that underwent statistical analysis.

The microbiome profiles of psoriasis patients exhibited significant differences compared to healthy controls as evidenced by the statistical analysis of various bacterial genera, with the median abundance significantly lower in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.033). The analysis of the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, a commonly evaluated marker of dysbiosis, did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.239). However, there was a noticeable trend towards a higher median ratio in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls. The ratio did not show significant associations with PASI or BSA but trends towards significance with DLQI (B = -12.11, p = 0.095).

Overall, the above findings underscore the importance of the gut microbiome in psoriasis and suggest that modulation of specific bacterial genera, especially that with significant differences, could be a potential strategy for therapeutic intervention. Targeting these depleted genera through microbiome-based interventions, such as probiotic supplementation or faecal microbiota transplantation, could potentially help to restore gut homeostasis and alleviate the inflammatory burden in psoriasis.

Bacteria sense changes in their environment and transduce signals to adjust their cellular functions accordingly. For this purpose, bacteria employ various sensors feeding into multiple signal transduction pathways. Signal recognition by bacterial sensors is studied mainly in a few model organisms, but advances in genome sequencing and analysis offer new ways of exploring the sensory repertoire of many understudied organisms. The human gut is a natural target of this line of study: it is a nutrient-rich and dynamic environment and is home to thousands of bacterial species whose activities impact human health. Many gut commensals are also poorly studied compared to model organisms and are mainly known through their genome sequences. To begin exploring the signals human gut commensals sense and respond to, we have designed a framework that enables the identification of sensory domains, prediction of signals that they recognize, and experimental verification of these predictions. We validate this framework's functionality by systematically identifying amino acid sensors in selected bacterial genomes and metagenomes, characterizing their amino acid binding properties, and demonstrating their signal transduction potential.IMPORTANCESignal transduction is a central process governing how bacteria sense and respond to their environment. The human gut is a complex environment with many living organisms and fluctuating streams of nutrients. One gut inhabitant, Escherichia coli, is a model organism for studying signal transduction. However, E. coli is not representative of most gut microbes, and signaling pathways in the thousands of other organisms comprising the human gut microbiota remain poorly understood. This work provides a foundation for how to explore signals recognized by these organisms.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) related to jobs involving shift work (JSW), but the causality of and mechanism underlying such a relationship remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between JSW and CHD, investigating both causality and potential mediating factors.

We performed univariate, multivariate, and mediation Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses using data from large genome-wide association studies focussed on JSW and CHD, as well as data on some CHD risk factors (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and lipids measurement) and 196 gut microbiota taxa. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with JSW acted as instrument variables. We used inverse-variance weighting as the primary method of analysis.

Bidirectional MR analysis indicated a robust effect of JSW on increased CHD risk; however, the existence of CHD did not affect the choice of JSW. We identified a mediating effects of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in this relationship, accounting for 11.89% and 14.80% of the total effect of JSW on CHD, respectively. JSW were also causally associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension and had an effect on nine microbial taxa. The mediating influence of the Eubacterium brachy group at the genus level explained 16.64% of the total effect of JSW on hypertension. We found limited evidence for the causal effect of JSW on obesity and lipids measurements.

Our findings suggest a causal effect of JSW on CHD, diabetes, and hypertension. We also found evidence for a significant connection between JSW and alterations in the gut microbiota. Considering that certain microbial taxa mediated the effect of JSW on hypertension risk, targeting gut microbiota through therapeutics could potentially mitigate high risks of hypertension and CHD associated with JSW.