Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy and early infancy in relation to gut microbiota composition and C. difficile colonization: implications for viral respiratory infections

As a metabolite generated by gut microbiota, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been proven to promote atherosclerosis and is a novel potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to examine whether regulating gut microbiota by vitamin D supplementation could reduce the plasma TMAO level in mice. For 16 weeks, C57BL/6J mice were fed a chow (C) or high-choline diet (HC) without or with supplementation of vitamin D3 (CD3 and HCD3) or a high-choline diet with vitamin D3 supplementation and antibiotics (HCD3A). The results indicate that the HC group exhibited higher plasma trimethylamine (TMA) and TMAO levels, lower richness of gut microbiota, and significantly increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes as compared with group C. Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced plasma TMA and TMAO levels in mice fed a high-choline diet. Furthermore, gut microbiota composition was regulated, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was reduced by vitamin D. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroides and Akkermansia were negatively correlated with plasma TMAO in the HC and HCD3 groups. Our study provides a novel avenue for the prevention and treatment of CVD with vitamin D.

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Vitamin D Supplementation in Exclusively Breastfed Infants Is Associated with Alterations in the Fecal Microbiome

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14010202 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 202

Author(s):

Tengfei Ma ◽

Sihan Bu ◽

Nigel Paneth ◽

Jean M. Kerver ◽

Sarah S. Comstock

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

P Value ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Microbiota Composition ◽

Breastfed Infants ◽

Shannon Diversity ◽

Gut Microbiota Composition

Breastfeeding and introduction of solid food are the two major components of infant feeding practices that influence gut microbiota composition in early infancy. However, it is unclear whether additional factors influence the microbiota of infants either exclusively breastfed or not breastfed. We obtained 194 fecal samples from infants at 3–9 months of age, extracted DNA, and sequenced the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Feeding practices and clinical information were collected by questionnaire and abstraction of birth certificates. The gut microbiota of infants who were exclusively breastfed displayed significantly lower Shannon diversity (p-adjust < 0.001) and different gut microbiota composition compared to infants who were not breastfed (p-value = 0.001). Among the exclusively breastfed infants, recipients of vitamin D supplements displayed significantly lower Shannon diversity (p-adjust = 0.007), and different gut microbiota composition structure than non-supplemented, breastfed infants (p-value = 0.02). MaAslin analysis identified microbial taxa that associated with breastfeeding and vitamin D supplementation. Breastfeeding and infant vitamin D supplement intake play an important role in shaping infant gut microbiota.

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From the Role of Microbiota in Gut-Lung Axis to SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2021/6611222 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Sara Ahmadi Badi ◽

Samira Tarashi ◽

Abolfazl Fateh ◽

Pejman Rohani ◽

Andrea Masotti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Immune Responses ◽

Respiratory Infection ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Microbiota Composition ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

Viral Respiratory Infection ◽

Relationship Of ◽

Gut Microbiota Composition ◽

Viral Respiratory

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the outbreak of a new viral respiratory infection. It has been demonstrated that the microbiota has a crucial role in establishing immune responses against respiratory infections, which are controlled by a bidirectional cross-talk, known as the “gut-lung axis.” The effects of microbiota on antiviral immune responses, including dendritic cell (DC) function and lymphocyte homing in the gut-lung axis, have been reported in the recent literature. Additionally, the gut microbiota composition affects (and is affected by) the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), which is the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and contributes to regulate inflammation. Several studies demonstrated an altered microbiota composition in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, it has been shown that vaccine efficacy against viral respiratory infection is influenced by probiotics pretreatment. Therefore, the importance of the gut microbiota composition in the lung immune system and ACE2 expression could be valuable to provide optimal therapeutic approaches for SARS-CoV-2 and to preserve the symbiotic relationship of the microbiota with the host.

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The lung–gut axis during viral respiratory infections: the impact of gut dysbiosis on secondary disease outcomes

Mucosal Immunology ◽

10.1038/s41385-020-00361-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Valentin Sencio ◽

Marina Gomes Machado ◽

François Trottein

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Critical Role ◽

Good Health ◽

Disease Outcomes ◽

And Function ◽

Viral Respiratory Infections ◽

The Impact ◽

Viral Respiratory

AbstractBacteria that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract are essential for good health. The gut microbiota has a critical role in pulmonary immunity and host’s defense against viral respiratory infections. The gut microbiota’s composition and function can be profoundly affected in many disease settings, including acute infections, and these changes can aggravate the severity of the disease. Here, we discuss mechanisms by which the gut microbiota arms the lung to control viral respiratory infections. We summarize the impact of viral respiratory infections on the gut microbiota and discuss the potential mechanisms leading to alterations of gut microbiota’s composition and functions. We also discuss the effects of gut microbial imbalance on disease outcomes, including gastrointestinal disorders and secondary bacterial infections. Lastly, we discuss the potential role of the lung–gut axis in coronavirus disease 2019.

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Epidemic influenza and vitamin D

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268806007175 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 134 (6) ◽

pp. 1129-1140 ◽

Cited By ~ 497

Author(s):

J. J. CANNELL ◽

R. VIETH ◽

J. C. UMHAU ◽

M. F. HOLICK ◽

W. B. GRANT ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Solar Radiation ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Serological Evidence ◽

Interventional Study ◽

Human Immunity ◽

Viral Respiratory Infections ◽

Live Attenuated Influenza Virus ◽

Viral Respiratory

In 1981, R. Edgar Hope-Simpson proposed that a ‘seasonal stimulus’ intimately associated with solar radiation explained the remarkable seasonality of epidemic influenza. Solar radiation triggers robust seasonal vitamin D production in the skin; vitamin D deficiency is common in the winter, and activated vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, a steroid hormone, has profound effects on human immunity. 1,25(OH)2D acts as an immune system modulator, preventing excessive expression of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the ‘oxidative burst’ potential of macrophages. Perhaps most importantly, it dramatically stimulates the expression of potent anti-microbial peptides, which exist in neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, and in epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract where they play a major role in protecting the lung from infection. Volunteers inoculated with live attenuated influenza virus are more likely to develop fever and serological evidence of an immune response in the winter. Vitamin D deficiency predisposes children to respiratory infections. Ultraviolet radiation (either from artificial sources or from sunlight) reduces the incidence of viral respiratory infections, as does cod liver oil (which contains vitamin D). An interventional study showed that vitamin D reduces the incidence of respiratory infections in children. We conclude that vitamin D, or lack of it, may be Hope-Simpson's ‘seasonal stimulus’.

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Next-Generation Probiotics and Their Metabolites in COVID-19

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9050941 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 941

Author(s):

Thomas Gautier ◽

Sandrine David-Le Gall ◽

Alaa Sweidan ◽

Zohreh Tamanai-Shacoori ◽

Anne Jolivet-Gougeon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Next Generation ◽

Secondary Bile Acid ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Viral Respiratory Infections ◽

Gut Microbiota Composition ◽

Viral Respiratory

Since December 2019, a global pandemic has been observed, caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus, SARS CoV-2. The latter is responsible for the respiratory disease, COVID-19. The infection is also characterized by renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal dysfunctions suggesting the spread of the virus to other organs. A dysregulated immune response was also reported. To date, there is no measure to treat or prevent SARS CoV-2 infection. Additionally, as gut microbiota composition is altered in patients with COVID-19, alternative therapies using probiotics can be considered to fight SARS CoV-2 infection. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge about next-generation probiotics (NGPs) and their benefits in viral respiratory tract infections and in COVID-19. We describe these bacteria, highlighted by studies using metagenomic approaches. In addition, these bacteria generate metabolites such as butyrate, desaminotyrosine, and secondary bile acid, suggested to prevent viral respiratory infections. Gut microbial metabolites transported via the circulation to the lungs could inhibit viral replication or improve the immune response against viruses. The use of probiotics and/or their metabolites may target either the virus itself and/or the immunologic process. However, this review showed that more studies are needed to determine the benefits of probiotics and metabolite products in COVID-19.

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COVID-19, Rate of Case Factors and Nutritional Characteristics of Patients Dying in Italy and Brazil: A Critical Analyze

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v12n7p133 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (7) ◽

pp. 133

Author(s):

Eliza Miranda Ramos ◽

Antônio Carlos de Abreu ◽

Sandra Luzinete Félix de Freitas ◽

Matheus Dullius de Lima ◽

Francisco José Mendes dos Reis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Public Health System ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Emerging Viruses ◽

Nutritional Characteristics ◽

Response Change ◽

Low Levels ◽

Viral Respiratory Infections ◽

Viral Respiratory

Viruses continued to emerge and bring challenges to the global public health system with emerging viruses with respiratory contagion. Previous studies have shown that the increased incidence of certain viral respiratory infections, including influenza and coronavirus, is associated with low levels of Vitamin D, zinc and iron. Elements such as iron, zinc and Vitamin D influence adaptive immunity by inhibiting the proliferation of B cells with differentiation and secretion of immunoglobulins that will supply the proliferation of T cells and this will result in a more pro-inflammatory response change.

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Vitamin D, Zinc and Iron in Adult Patients with Covid-19 and Their Action in The Immune Response as Biomarkers: A Case Report

10.20944/preprints202105.0413.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Eliza Miranda Ramos ◽

Emerson Luiz Lima Araújo ◽

Igor Domingos de Souza ◽

Gilberto Gonçalves Facco ◽

Antônio Carlos de Abreu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Treatment Period ◽

Medical Records ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Blood Levels ◽

Test Results ◽

Emerging Virus ◽

Low Levels ◽

Viral Respiratory Infections ◽

Viral Respiratory

Abstract: COVID-19 in 2020 brought challenges to the Brazilian public health system with an emerging virus with respiratory contagion called SARS-CoV-2. There are few studies in Brazil and in some countries, on the increased incidence of certain viral respiratory infections, includ-ing H1N1 and coronavirus and their association with low levels of vitamin D, zinc and iron. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the deficit of vitamin D, zinc and iron has an impact on the infectious process of patients with COVID-19 and to establish new forms of prevention for the worsening of COVID-19 in the human body. Data were collected from medical records and test results from patients being followed up during the treatment period for COVID-19. Patients with low blood levels of vitamin D, zinc and iron during the treatment period of COVID-19 had a higher percentage of worsening and complications requiring hospitalization in intensive care beds. The ingestion of vitamin D, zinc and iron in the treatment period of patients with COVID-19 in addition to being an immunological protector against SARS-CoV-2 and alleviating the process of worsening the disease can also act as a biomarker in cases of this disease.

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Probiotics in Treatment of Viral Respiratory Infections and Neuroinflammatory Disorders

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25214891 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (21) ◽

pp. 4891

Author(s):

Roghayeh Shahbazi ◽

Hamed Yasavoli-Sharahi ◽

Nawal Alsadi ◽

Nafissa Ismail ◽

Chantal Matar

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Influenza Virus Infection ◽

Mental Illnesses ◽

Host Immune System ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Viral Respiratory Infections ◽

Viral Respiratory

Inflammation is a biological response to the activation of the immune system by various infectious or non-infectious agents, which may lead to tissue damage and various diseases. Gut commensal bacteria maintain a symbiotic relationship with the host and display a critical function in the homeostasis of the host immune system. Disturbance to the gut microbiota leads to immune dysfunction both locally and at distant sites, which causes inflammatory conditions not only in the intestine but also in the other organs such as lungs and brain, and may induce a disease state. Probiotics are well known to reinforce immunity and counteract inflammation by restoring symbiosis within the gut microbiota. As a result, probiotics protect against various diseases, including respiratory infections and neuroinflammatory disorders. A growing body of research supports the beneficial role of probiotics in lung and mental health through modulating the gut-lung and gut-brain axes. In the current paper, we discuss the potential role of probiotics in the treatment of viral respiratory infections, including the COVID-19 disease, as major public health crisis in 2020, and influenza virus infection, as well as treatment of neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and other mental illnesses.

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