scholarly journals Associations of the oral microbiota and Candida with taste, smell, appetite and undernutrition in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina S. Fluitman ◽  
Tim J. van den Broek ◽  
Max Nieuwdorp ◽  
Marjolein Visser ◽  
Richard G. IJzerman ◽  
...  

AbstractPoor taste and smell function are widely thought to contribute to the development of poor appetite and undernutrition in older adults. It has been hypothesized that the oral microbiota play a role as well, but evidence is scarce. In a cross-sectional cohort of 356 older adults, we performed taste and smell tests, collected anthropometric measurements and tongue swabs for analysis of microbial composition (16S rRNA sequencing) and Candida albicans abundance (qPCR). Older age, edentation, poor smell and poor appetite were associated with lower alpha diversity and explained a significant amount of beta diversity. Moreover, a lower Streptococcus salivarius abundance was associated with poor smell identification score, whereas high C. albicans abundance seemed to be associated with poor smell discrimination score. In our population, neither the tongue microbiota, nor C. albicans were associated with poor taste or directly with undernutrition. Our findings do suggest a host-microbe interaction with regard to smell perception and appetite.

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Kiesswetter ◽  
Miriam G Colombo ◽  
Christa Meisinger ◽  
Annette Peters ◽  
Barbara Thorand ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:The origin of malnutrition in older age is multifactorial and risk factors may vary according to health and living situation. The present study aimed to identify setting-specific risk profiles of malnutrition in older adults and to investigate the association of the number of individual risk factors with malnutrition.Design:Data of four cross-sectional studies were harmonized and uniformly analysed. Malnutrition was defined as BMI < 20 kg/m2 and/or weight loss of >3 kg in the previous 3–6 months. Associations between factors of six domains (demographics, health, mental function, physical function, dietary intake-related problems, dietary behaviour), the number of individual risk factors and malnutrition were analysed using logistic regression.Setting:Community (CD), geriatric day hospital (GDH), home care (HC), nursing home (NH).Participants:CD older adults (n 1073), GDH patients (n 180), HC receivers (n 335) and NH residents (n 197), all ≥65 years.Results:Malnutrition prevalence was lower in CD (11 %) than in the other settings (16–19 %). In the CD sample, poor appetite, difficulties with eating, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases were associated with malnutrition; in GDH patients, poor appetite and respiratory diseases; in HC receivers, younger age, poor appetite and nausea; and in NH residents, older age and mobility limitations. In all settings the likelihood of malnutrition increased with the number of potential individual risk factors.Conclusions:The study indicates a varying relevance of certain risk factors of malnutrition in different settings. However, the relationship of the number of individual risk factors with malnutrition in all settings implies comprehensive approaches to identify persons at risk of malnutrition early.


Gut ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiran Wei ◽  
Yanmei Li ◽  
Li Yan ◽  
Chunyan Sun ◽  
Qi Miao ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThe significance of the liver-microbiome axis has been increasingly recognised as a major modulator of autoimmunity. The aim of this study was to take advantage of a large well-defined corticosteroids treatment-naïve group of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) to rigorously characterise gut dysbiosis compared with healthy controls.DesignWe performed a cross-sectional study of individuals with AIH (n=91) and matched healthy controls (n=98) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. An independent cohort of 28 patients and 34 controls was analysed to validate the results. All the patients were collected before corticosteroids therapy.ResultsThe gut microbiome of steroid treatment-naïve AIH was characterised with lower alpha-diversity (Shannon and observed operational taxonomic units, both p<0.01) and distinct overall microbial composition compared with healthy controls (p=0.002). Depletion of obligate anaerobes and expansion of potential pathobionts including Veillonella were associated with disease status. Of note, Veillonella dispar, the most strongly disease-associated taxa (p=8.85E–8), positively correlated with serum level of aspartate aminotransferase and liver inflammation. Furthermore, the combination of four patients with AIH-associated genera distinguished AIH from controls with an area under curves of approximately 0.8 in both exploration and validation cohorts. In addition, multiple predicted functional modules were altered in the AIH gut microbiome, including lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis as well as metabolism of amino acids that can be processed by bacteria to produce immunomodulatory metabolites.ConclusionOur study establishes compositional and functional alterations of gut microbiome in AIH and suggests the potential for using gut microbiota as non-invasive biomarkers to assess disease activity.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Pei Wang ◽  
Liangkun Ma ◽  
Rongjun Guo ◽  
Yongjing Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background : Microbial shifts that correspond to host variations during pregnancy are vital in health maintenance. Significant changes have been reported in the oral microbiota of pregnant women when compared with nonpregnant women, but little is known about the dynamic shifts in oral microbiota during the pregnancy course. Methods : In this study, changes in salivary microbiota in 81 healthy pregnant women throughout the early stage (G1: 9-14 weeks), middle stage (G2: 21-28 weeks), and late stage (G3: 31-38 weeks) were investigated with 16S rRNA sequencing techniques. Correlations between salivary microbiota and maternal characteristics, including fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, were evaluated. Results : Alpha diversity indexes were stable throughout pregnancy, but significant changes were found in beta diversity measured by weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances. Fourteen dominant trimester-specific taxa were identified using the LEfSe method, including Bacteroidetes in G1, Proteobacteria in G2 and Firmicutes in G3 at the phylum level. Tax4Fun prediction analysis revealed significant changes in Genetic Information Processing, Environmental Information Processing, Unclassified and Human Diseases in G2 and in Metabolism in G3 when compared to G1. Significant correlations were found between FBG levels and microbial composition, and these correlations were independent of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) status. Conclusion : Within the limitations of this study, the dynamic changes in salivary microbiota during pregnancy were characterized, and beyond pregnancy, FBG was also involved in shaping the salivary microbiota.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liqin Cheng ◽  
Johanna Norenhag ◽  
Yue O. O. Hu ◽  
Nele Brusselaers ◽  
Emma Fransson ◽  
...  

Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. To define the HPV-associated microbial community among a high vaccination coverage population, we carried out a cross-sectional study with 345 young Swedish women. The microbial composition and its association with HPV infection, including 27 HPV types, were analyzed. Microbial alpha-diversity was found significantly higher in the HPV-infected group (especially with oncogenic HPV types and multiple HPV types), compared with the HPV negative group. The vaginal microbiota among HPV-infected women was characterized by a larger number of bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria (BVAB), Sneathia, Prevotella, and Megasphaera. In addition, the correlation analysis demonstrated that twice as many women with non-Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota were infected with oncogenic HPV types, compared with L. crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota. The data suggest that HPV infection, especially oncogenic HPV types, is strongly associated with a non-Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota, regardless of age and vaccination status.


Author(s):  
Lara S. Yoon ◽  
Jonathan P. Jacobs ◽  
Jessica Hoehner ◽  
Ana Pereira ◽  
Juan Cristóbal Gana ◽  
...  

The gut microbiome has been linked to breast cancer via immune, inflammatory, and hormonal mechanisms. We examined the relation between adolescent breast density and gut microbial composition and function in a cohort of Chilean girls. This cross-sectional study included 218 female participants in the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study who were 2 years post-menarche. We measured absolute breast fibroglandular volume (aFGV) and derived percent FGV (%FGV) using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. All participants provided a fecal sample. The gut microbiome was characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region. We examined alpha diversity and beta diversity across terciles of %FGV and aFGV. We used MaAsLin2 for multivariable general linear modeling to assess differential taxa and predicted metabolic pathway abundance (MetaCyc) between %FGV and aFGV terciles. All models were adjusted for potential confounding variables and corrected for multiple comparisons. The mean %FGV and aFGV was 49.5% and 217.0 cm3, respectively, among study participants. Similar median alpha diversity levels were found across %FGV and aFGV terciles when measured by the Shannon diversity index (%FGV T1: 4.0, T2: 3.9, T3: 4.1; aFGV T1: 4.0, T2: 4.0, T3: 4.1). %FGV was associated with differences in beta diversity (R2 =0.012, p=0.02). No genera were differentially abundant when comparing %FGV nor aFGV terciles after adjusting for potential confounders (q &gt; 0.56 for all genera). We found no associations between predicted MetaCyc pathway abundance and %FGV and aFGV. Overall, breast density measured at 2 years post-menarche was not associated with composition and predicted function of the gut microbiome among adolescent Chilean girls.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12120
Author(s):  
Andreia G. Arruda ◽  
Loic Deblais ◽  
Vanessa L. Hale ◽  
Christopher Madden ◽  
Monique Pairis-Garcia ◽  
...  

Background Cull sows are a unique population on swine farms, often representing poor producing or compromised animals, and even though recent studies have reported that the microbiome is associated with susceptibility to diseases, the microbiome of the cull sow population has not been explored. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether there were differences in fecal and upper respiratory tract microbiota composition for groups of sows of different health status (healthy, cull, and compromised/ clinical sows) and from different farms (1 to 6). Methods Six swine farms were visited once. Thirty individual fecal samples and nasal swabs were obtained at each farm and pooled by five across health status and farm. Samples underwent 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and nasal and fecal microbiota were analyzed using QIIME2 v.2021.4. Results Overall, the diversity of the nasal microbiota was lower than the fecal microbiota (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in fecal or nasal alpha diversity by sow’s health status or by farm. There were significant differences in nasal microbial composition by farm and health status (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05), and in fecal microbiota by farm (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05), but not by health status. Lastly, at the L7 level, there was one differentially abundant taxa across farms for each nasal and fecal pooled samples. Discussion This study provided baseline information for nasal and fecal microbiota of sows under field conditions, and results suggest that farm of origin can affect microbial diversity and composition. Furthermore, sow’s health status may have an impact on the nasal microbiota composition.


Author(s):  
Trym T Flygel ◽  
Evgeniya Sovershaeva ◽  
Shantelle Classen-Weitz ◽  
Erik Hjerde ◽  
Kilaza S Mwaikono ◽  
...  

Abstract Background HIV infection causes impairment of the gastrointestinal barrier, with substantial depletion of CD4+ T-cells in the gut. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) restores CD4+ counts and may have beneficial effects on gut microbiota in adults. Little is known about effect of long-term ART on gut microbiome in HIV infected children. We investigated composition of gut microbiota in HIV infected and uninfected children and assessed associations between gut microbiota and patient characteristics. Methods In a cross-sectional study, rectal swabs were collected from 177 HIV infected and 103 HIV uninfected controls. Gut microbial composition was explored using 16S rRNA sequencing (Illumina Miseq). Results HIV infected children had significantly lower alpha-diversity and higher beta-diversity compared to HIV uninfected. No association was observed between microbiome diversity and CD4+ T-cell count, HIV viral load or HIV-associated chronic lung disease. We found enriched levels of Corynebacterium (p<0.01), Finegoldia (p<0.01) and Anaerococcus (p<0.01) in HIV infected, and enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae (p=0.02) in participants with low CD4+ counts (<400 cells/mm3). Prolonged ART-treatment (≥10 years) was significantly associated with a richer gut microbiota by alpha diversity. Conclusion HIV infected children have altered gut microbiota. Prolonged ART may restore the richness of the microbiota closer to that of HIV-uninfected children.


Author(s):  
Connie K. Porcaro ◽  
Clare Singer ◽  
Boris Djokic ◽  
Ali A. Danesh ◽  
Ruth Tappen ◽  
...  

Purpose Many aging individuals, even those who are healthy, report voice changes that can impact their ability to communicate as they once did. While this is commonly reported, most do not seek evaluation or management for this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and differences in voice disorders in older adults, along with the effect of fatigue on their social interactions. Method This is a cross-sectional investigation of a community-dwelling sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Questionnaire on Vocal Performance, the Social Engagement Index subset “Engagement in Social or Leisure Activities,” and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results Results indicated 32.5% of the 332 participants reported symptoms of voice problems with no difference found between male and female respondents. A slight increase in report of voice problems was noted with each year of age. Participants who self-reported voice problems indicated less interaction in social activities involving communication than those who did not. Finally, as severity of self-reported voice problems increased, an increase was reported by the same individuals for signs of fatigue. Conclusions Voice problems and resulting decreased social interaction are commonly experienced by older individuals. Voice symptoms in older adults have been found to benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies. It is critical to provide education to encourage older individuals to seek appropriate evaluation and management for voice issues through a speech-language pathologist or medical professional.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Shreyan Kar ◽  
Tushar Kanti Das ◽  
Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra ◽  
Brajaballav Kar ◽  
Anupama Senapati ◽  
...  

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaojie Li ◽  
Yongtian Yin ◽  
Lijun Chen ◽  
Guanghui Cui ◽  
Jiaqin Li ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Older adults’ health literacy levels are crucial to improving health outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the impact of eHealth literacy on HRQoL in older adults is unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the association between eHealth literacy and HRQoL of older adults and provide reference for the development of network intervention measures related to the health quality of life of the older adults. METHODS An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,201 adults aged 60 or older from Jinan, China. The eHealth Literacy Scale and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used to measure eHealth literacy and HRQoL. We used linear regression to test the adjusted association between eHealth literacy and HRQoL. RESULTS Most participants (88.9%) had inadequate eHealth literacy. Lower eHealth literacy was related to older age ( F=12.618, P<.001), female gender( t=3.303, P<.01), living in rural areas( F=11.356, P<.001), having less education( F=59.084, P<.001), being unmarried, divorced or widowed( t=4.416, P<.001), having a lower family income( F=38.017, P<.001), living with others(χ2=4.319, P<.05), and not having health insurance( F=12.713, P<.001). There were significant differences across physical functioning( t=-4.862, P<.001), role- physical( t=-2.485, P<.05), bodily pain( t=-3.470, P<.01), general health( t=-4.449, P<.001), vitality( t=-3.498, P<.001), role-emotional( t=-2.654, P<.01), mental health( t=-4.150, P<.001), physical component summary( t=-6.350, P<.001) and mental component summary( t=-4.483, P<.001) between adequate eHealth literacy and inadequate eHealth literacy. After controlling for age, gender, and other covariates, adequate eHealth literacy was positively related to physical component summary ( beta=7.6, P<.001) and mental component summary(beta=4.6, P=.001). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that Chinese older adults with higher eHealth literacy were more likely to contribute to higher HRQoL. Thus, Older adults’ eHealth literacy levels need to be taken into account when formulating health education and promotion programs for older adults, especially when the expected outcome is to improve HRQoL.


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