Gut Microbiota and SCFAs Play Key Roles in QingFei Yin Recipe Anti-Streptococcal Pneumonia Effects

Emerging evidence has revealed the presence in animals of a bidirectional regulatory “lung-gut axis” that provides resistance to respiratory infections. Clues to the existence of this system stem from observations that respiratory infections are often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, whereby intestinal microbiota appear to play pivotal roles in combating pathogenic infections. Importantly, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut microbiota appear to serve as the biological link between host immune defenses and gut flora. Streptococcus pneumoniae (S.pn), the main cause of lower respiratory tract infections, is involved in more than 1.189 million deaths per year. QingFei Yin (QFY) is known for its excellent therapeutic efficacy in combating bacterial lung infections. In this study, effects of S.pn infection on gut homeostasis were assessed using 16S RNA-based microbiota community profiling analysis. In addition, potential mechanisms underlying QFY recipe beneficial therapeutic effects against bacterial pneumonia were explored using S.pn-infected gut microbiota-depleted mice. Results of data analysis indicated that QFY treatment alleviated lung infection-associated pathogenic processes, while also promoting repair of disordered gut flora and counteracting S.pn infection-associated decreases in levels of SCFAs, particularly of acetate and butyrate. Mechanistically, QFY treatment suppressed inflammatory lung injury through inhibition of the host NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway. These results inspired us to identify precise QFY targets and mechanisms underlying QFY anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, we conducted an in-depth evaluation of QFY as a potential treatment for bacterial pneumonia.

Download Full-text

Meta-analysis of the Parkinson’s disease gut microbiome suggests alterations linked to intestinal inflammation

npj Parkinson s Disease ◽

10.1038/s41531-021-00156-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Stefano Romano ◽

George M. Savva ◽

Janis R. Bedarf ◽

Ian G. Charles ◽

Falk Hildebrand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Fatty Acids ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Intestinal Inflammation ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Inflammatory Status

AbstractThe gut microbiota is emerging as an important modulator of neurodegenerative diseases, and accumulating evidence has linked gut microbes to Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptomatology and pathophysiology. PD is often preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms and alterations of the enteric nervous system accompany the disease. Several studies have analyzed the gut microbiome in PD, but a consensus on the features of the PD-specific microbiota is missing. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis re-analyzing the ten currently available 16S microbiome datasets to investigate whether common alterations in the gut microbiota of PD patients exist across cohorts. We found significant alterations in the PD-associated microbiome, which are robust to study-specific technical heterogeneities, although differences in microbiome structure between PD and controls are small. Enrichment of the genera Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium and depletion of bacteria belonging to the Lachnospiraceae family and the Faecalibacterium genus, both important short-chain fatty acids producers, emerged as the most consistent PD gut microbiome alterations. This dysbiosis might result in a pro-inflammatory status which could be linked to the recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms affecting PD patients.

Download Full-text

Gut–Lung Axis: Microbial Crosstalk in Pediatric Respiratory Tract Infections

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2021.741233 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Wenxia Zhu ◽

Yilin Wu ◽

Hui Liu ◽

Caini Jiang ◽

Lili Huo

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Intestinal Flora ◽

Intestinal Microbes ◽

Important Regulator ◽

Tract Infections ◽

The Relationship ◽

Gut Microbiota Composition

The gut microbiota is an important regulator for maintaining the organ microenvironment through effects on the gut-vital organs axis. Respiratory tract infections are one of the most widespread and harmful diseases, especially in the last 2 years. Many lines of evidence indicate that the gut microbiota and its metabolites can be considered in therapeutic strategies to effectively prevent and treat respiratory diseases. However, due to the different gut microbiota composition in children compared to adults and the dynamic development of the immature immune system, studies on the interaction between children’s intestinal flora and respiratory infections are still lacking. Here, we describe the changes in the gut microbiota of children with respiratory tract infections and explain the relationship between the microbiota of children with their immune function and disease development. In addition, we will provide perspectives on the direct manipulation of intestinal microbes to prevent or treat pediatric respiratory infections.

Download Full-text

Longitudinal Multi-Omics Study of a Mother-Infant Dyad from Breastfeeding to Weaning: An Individualized Approach to Understand the Interactions Among Diet, Fecal Metabolome and Microbiota Composition

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences ◽

10.3389/fmolb.2021.688440 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Giorgia Conta ◽

Federica Del Chierico ◽

Sofia Reddel ◽

Federico Marini ◽

Fabio Sciubba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Milk ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Single Mother ◽

Critical Role ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Lactation Period ◽

Common Component ◽

Sequence Of Events ◽

16S Rna ◽

Stool Samples

The development of the human gut microbiota is characterized by a dynamic sequence of events from birth to adulthood, which make the gut microbiota unique for everyone. Its composition and metabolism may play a critical role in the intestinal homeostasis and health. We propose a study on a single mother-infant dyad to follow the dynamics of an infant fecal microbiota and metabolome changes in relation to breast milk composition during the lactation period and evaluate the changes induced by introduction of complementary food during the weaning period. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics was performed on breast milk and, together with 16S RNA targeted-metagenomics analysis, also on infant stool samples of a mother-infant dyad collected over a period running from the exclusive breastfeeding diet to weaning. Breast milk samples and neonatal stool samples were collected from the 4th to the 10th month of life. Both specimens were collected from day 103 to day 175, while from day 219–268 only stool samples were examined. An exploratory and a predictive analysis were carried out by means of Common component and specific weight analysis and multi-block partial least squares discriminant analysis, respectively. Stools collected during breastfeeding and during a mixed fruit/breastfeeding diet were characterized by high levels of fucosyl-oligosaccharides and glycolysis intermediates, including succinate and formate. The transition to a semi-solid food diet was characterized by several changes in fecal parameters: increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels, including acetate, propionate and butyrate, dissapearance of HMOs and the shift in the community composition, mainly occurring within the Firmicutes phylum. The variations in the fecal metabolome reflected the infant’s diet transition, while the composition of the microbiota followed a more complex and still unstable behavior.

Download Full-text

Role of Gut Microbiota and Short Chain Fatty Acids in Modulating Energy Harvest and Fat Partitioning in Youth

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jc.2016-1797 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 101 (11) ◽

pp. 4367-4376 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

Martina Goffredo ◽

Kendra Mass ◽

Elizabeth J. Parks ◽

David A. Wagner ◽

Emily Ann McClure ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Fatty Acids ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Body Mass ◽

Body Fat ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Short Chain ◽

Gut Flora ◽

Obese Youth ◽

Chain Fatty Acids

Objective: We aimed at determining the relationship of the gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids with obesity and fat partitioning and at testing potential differences in the ability of gut microbiota to ferment equal amounts of carbohydrates (CHO) between lean and obese youth. Research Design and Methods: We analyzed the gut microbiota of 84 youth in whom body fat distribution was measured by fast-magnetic resonance imaging, de novo lipogenesis (DNL) quantitated using deuterated water, and the capability of gut flora to ferment CHO was assessed by 13C-fructose treatment in vitro. Results: A significant association was found between the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, and the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria with body mass index, visceral and SC fat (all P < .05). Plasma acetate, propionate, and butyrate were associated with body mass index and visceral and SC fat (all P < .05) and with hepatic DNL (P = .01, P = .09, P = .04, respectively). Moreover, the rate of CHO fermentation from the gut flora was higher in obese than in lean subjects (P = .018). Conclusions: These data demonstrate that obese youth show a different gut flora composition than lean and that short chain fatty acids are associated with body fat partitioning and DNL. Also, the gut microbiota of obese youth have a higher capability than the gut flora of lean to oxidize CHO.

Download Full-text

Seaweed Components as Potential Modulators of the Gut Microbiota

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md19070358 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (7) ◽

pp. 358

Author(s):

Emer Shannon ◽

Michael Conlon ◽

Maria Hayes

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Large Scale ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Oral Bioaccessibility

Macroalgae, or seaweeds, are a rich source of components which may exert beneficial effects on the mammalian gut microbiota through the enhancement of bacterial diversity and abundance. An imbalance of gut bacteria has been linked to the development of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, immunodeficiency, hypertension, type-2-diabetes, obesity, and cancer. This review outlines current knowledge from in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the potential therapeutic application of seaweed-derived polysaccharides, polyphenols and peptides to modulate the gut microbiota through diet. Polysaccharides such as fucoidan, laminarin, alginate, ulvan and porphyran are unique to seaweeds. Several studies have shown their potential to act as prebiotics and to positively modulate the gut microbiota. Prebiotics enhance bacterial populations and often their production of short chain fatty acids, which are the energy source for gastrointestinal epithelial cells, provide protection against pathogens, influence immunomodulation, and induce apoptosis of colon cancer cells. The oral bioaccessibility and bioavailability of seaweed components is also discussed, including the advantages and limitations of static and dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal models versus ex vivo and in vivo methods. Seaweed bioactives show potential for use in prevention and, in some instances, treatment of human disease. However, it is also necessary to confirm these potential, therapeutic effects in large-scale clinical trials. Where possible, we have cited information concerning these trials.

Download Full-text

Marine Sulfated Polysaccharides: Preventive and Therapeutic Effects on Metabolic Syndrome: A Review

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md19110608 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (11) ◽

pp. 608

Author(s):

Ying Li ◽

Juan Qin ◽

Yinghui Cheng ◽

Dong Lv ◽

Meng Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Dietary Intervention ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

Sulfated Polysaccharides ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Marine Animals ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Sulfation Pattern

Metabolic syndrome is the pathological basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. With the prevalence of modern lifestyles, the incidence of metabolic syndrome has risen rapidly. In recent years, marine sulfate polysaccharides (MSPs) have shown positive effects in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, and they mainly come from seaweeds and marine animals. MSPs are rich in sulfate and have stronger biological activity compared with terrestrial polysaccharides. MSPs can alleviate metabolic syndrome by regulating glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. In addition, MSPs prevent and treat metabolic syndrome by interacting with gut microbiota. MSPs can be degraded by gut microbes to produce metabolites such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and free sulfate and affect the composition of gut microbiota. The difference between MSPs and other polysaccharides lies in the sulfation pattern and sulfate content, therefore, which is very important for anti-metabolic syndrome activity of MSPs. This review summarizes the latest findings on effects of MSPs on metabolic syndrome, mechanisms of MSPs in treatment/prevention of metabolic syndrome, interactions between MSPs and gut microbiota, and the role of sulfate group and sulfation pattern in MSPs activity. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm the potential preventive and therapeutic effects on human body. It may be a better choice to develop new functional foods containing MSPs for dietary intervention in metabolic syndrome.

Download Full-text

Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acid ratios are related to both Depressive and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Young Adults

10.1101/2020.04.24.20078352 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Bettina Müller ◽

Annica J. Rasmusson ◽

David Just ◽

Shishanthi Jayarathna ◽

Ali Moazzami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Young Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Positive Association ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Short Chain ◽

Chain Fatty Acids

AbstractObjectiveShort chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by the gut microbiota and may reflect health. Gut symptoms are common in individuals with depressive disorders and recent data indicates relationships between gut microbiota and psychiatric health. We aimed to investigate potential associations between SCFAs and self-reported depressive and gut symptoms in young adults.MethodFecal samples from 164 individuals, of which 125 were patients with psychiatric disorders, were analyzed for the short chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate, butyrate and propionate by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We then compared SCFA ratios to dimensional measures of self-reported depressive and gut symptoms.ResultsDepressive symptoms showed a positive association to acetate levels and negative associations to both butyrate and propionate levels in relation to total SCFA levels. Furthermore, symptoms of diarrhea and bloating showed positive associations to acetate and negative associations to propionate in relation to total SCFA levels. Cluster analysis revealed a heterogeneous pattern where shifts in SCFA ratios were seen for individuals with either elevated levels of depressive symptoms, elevated levels of gut symptoms or both.ConclusionShifts in SCFAs may have relevance for both depressive symptoms and gut symptoms in young adults.

Download Full-text

New insights into the links with anti-diabetes drugs and gut microbiota

Endocrine Connections ◽

10.1530/ec-20-0431 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ruixin Hu ◽

Yanting Yuan ◽

Chaolong Liu ◽

Ji Zhou ◽

Lixia Ji ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Therapeutic Strategy ◽

Intestinal Flora ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Leaky Gut ◽

Β Cells ◽

Degrading Bacteria ◽

Anti Inflammation

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the intestinal flora is out of balance and accompanied by leaky gut. The flora is characterized by an increase in mucus-degrading bacteria and a decrease in fiber-degrading bacteria. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as the major fiber-degrading bacteria fermentation, not only ameliorate the leaky gut, but also activate GPR43 to increase the mass of functional pancreatic β-cells and exert anti-inflammation effect. At present, the gut microbiota is considered as the potential target for anti-diabetes drugs, and how to reverse the imbalance of gut microbiota has become a therapeutic strategy for T2DM. This review briefly summarizes the drugs or compounds that have direct or potential therapeutic effects on T2DM by modulating the gut microbiota, including biguanides, isoquinoline alkaloids, stilbene and C7N-aminocyclic alcohols.

Download Full-text

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Diabetes and Obesity-Related Kidney Disease

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22179641 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (17) ◽

pp. 9641

Author(s):

Amgad Zaky ◽

Sarah J. Glastras ◽

May Y. W. Wong ◽

Carol A. Pollock ◽

Sonia Saad

Keyword(s):

Kidney Disease ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Renin Angiotensin System ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Obesity And Diabetes ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Diabetes And Obesity

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a progressive disorder, which is increasing globally in prevalence due to the increased incidence of obesity and diabetes mellitus. Despite optimal clinical management, a significant number of patients with diabetes develop DKD. Hence, hitherto unrecognized factors are likely to be involved in the initiation and progression of DKD. An extensive number of studies have demonstrated the role of microbiota in health and disease. Dysregulation in the microbiota resulting in a deficiency of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as propionate, acetate, and butyrate, by-products of healthy gut microbiota metabolism, have been demonstrated in obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, it is not clear to date whether such changes in the microbiota are causative or merely associated with the diseases. It is also not clear which microbiota have protective effects on humans. Few studies have investigated the centrality of reduced SCFA in DKD development and progression or the potential therapeutic effects of supplemental SCFAs on insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic changes. SCFA receptors are expressed in the kidneys, and emerging data have demonstrated that intestinal dysbiosis activates the renal renin-angiotensin system, which contributes to the development of DKD. In this review, we will summarize the complex relationship between the gut microbiota and the kidney, examine the evidence for the role of gut dysbiosis in diabetes and obesity-related kidney disease, and explore the mechanisms involved. In addition, we will describe the role of potential therapies that modulate the gut microbiota to prevent or reduce kidney disease progression.

Download Full-text

The Association Between the Gut Microbiota and Parkinson's Disease, a Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnagi.2021.636545 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Ting Shen ◽

Yumei Yue ◽

Tingting He ◽

Cong Huang ◽

Boyi Qu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Geographical Regions ◽

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) were often observed with gastrointestinal symptoms, which preceded the onset of motor symptoms. Neuropathology of PD has also been found in the enteric nervous system (ENS). Many studies have reported significant PD-related alterations of gut microbiota. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the differences of gut microbiota between patients with PD and healthy controls (HCs) across different geographical regions. We conducted a systematic online search for case-control studies detecting gut microbiota in patients with PD and HCs. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to access alterations in the abundance of certain microbiota families in PD. Fifteen case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis study. Our results showed significant lower abundance levels of Prevotellaceae (MD = −0.37, 95% CI = −0.62 to −0.11), Faecalibacterium (MD = −0.41, 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.24), and Lachnospiraceae (MD = −0.34, 95% CI = −0.59 to −0.09) in patients with PD compared to HCs. Significant higher abundance level of Bifidobacteriaceae (MD = 0.38, 95%; CI = 0.12 to 0.63), Ruminococcaceae (MD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.07 to 1.10), Verrucomicrobiaceae (MD = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.69), and Christensenellaceae (MD = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.34) was also found in patients with PD. Thus, shared alterations of certain gut microbiota were detected in patients with PD across different geographical regions. These PD-related gut microbiota dysbiosis might lead to the impairment of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producing process, lipid metabolism, immunoregulatory function, and intestinal permeability, which contribute to the pathogenesis of PD.

Download Full-text