The Human Microbiome in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Double-Edged Sword

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing global health burden. Current treatments for CKD include therapeutics to target factors that contribute to CKD progression, including renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, and drugs to control blood pressure and proteinuria control. Recently, associations between chronic disease processes and the human microbiota and its metabolites have been demonstrated. Dysbiosis—a change in the microbial diversity—has been observed in patients with CKD. The relationship between CKD and dysbiosis is bidirectional; gut-derived metabolites and toxins affect the progression of CKD, and the uremic milieu affects the microbiota. The accumulation of microbial metabolites and toxins is linked to the loss of kidney functions and increased mortality risk, yet renoprotective metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids help restore kidney functions and increase the survival rate in CKD patients. Specific dietary interventions to alter the gut microbiome could improve clinical outcomes in patients with CKD. Low-protein and high-fiber diets increase the abundance of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids and anti-inflammatory bacteria. Fluctuations in the urinary microbiome are linked to increased susceptibility to infection and antibiotic resistance. In this review, we describe the potential role of the gut, urinary and blood microbiome in CKD pathophysiology and assess the feasibility of modulating the gut microbiota as a therapeutic tool for treating CKD.

Impact of altering gut microbiota metabolism on osteomyelitis severity in obesity-related type 2 diabetes

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen causing osteomyelitis through hematogenous seeding or contamination of implants and open wounds following orthopedic surgeries. The severity of S. aureus-mediated osteomyelitis is enhanced in obesity-related type 2 diabetes (obesity/T2D) due to chronic inflammation impairing both adaptive and innate immunity. Obesity-induced inflammation is linked to gut dysbiosis, with modification of the gut microbiota by high-fiber diets leading to a reduction in the symptoms and complications of obesity/T2D. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which modifications of the gut microbiota alter host infection responses is limited. To address this gap, we monitored tibial S. aureus infections in obese/T2D mice treated with the inulin-like fructan fiber, oligofructose. Treatment with oligofructose significantly decreased S. aureus colonization and lowered proinflammatory signaling post-infection in obese/T2D mice, as observed by decreased circulating inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) and chemokines (IP-10, KC, MIG, MCP-1, and RANTES), indicating partial reduction in inflammation. Oligofructose markedly shifted diversity in the gut microbiota of obese/T2D mice mice, with notable increases in the anti-inflammatory bacterium, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum. Analysis of the cecum and plasma metabolome suggested polyamine production was increased, specifically spermine and spermidine. Oral administration of these polyamines to obese/T2D mice resulted in reduced infection severity similar to oligofructose supplementation, suggesting polyamines can mediate the beneficial effects of fiber on osteomyelitis severity. These results demonstrate the contribution of gut microbiota metabolites to the control of bacterial infections distal to the gut and polyamines as an adjunct therapeutic for osteomyelitis in obesity/T2D.

Productivity of medium-fiber cotton genotypes selected according to test characteristics in combination with classical breeding methods

The most important factor in the intensification and rise of the production of the cotton industry in Tajikistan is the selection of new varieties characterized by high yield and its quality. The increase in the production of the cotton industry can be achieved not by expansion of acreage, since this possibility is very limited in a mountainous country, but by breeding new varieties of cotton and spreading them into production. The use of photosynthetic test characteristics in breeding contributes to the process of creating new varieties that meet the demand of agricultural production and the textile industry, i.e. varieties with a complex of economically useful features — precocity, high productivity, resistance to diseases and pests, optimal adaptive properties, characterized by high fiber yield and its technological quality. By methods of hybridization and selection by offspring on the basis of photosynthetic test characteristics from domestic and foreign variety samples, 28 introgressive genotypes were created that are characterized by complex of economically useful traits. It was found that out of the 28 genotypes of medium-fiber cotton studied by us, according to the main indicators of productivity — the number of full-fledged boxes per plant, the mass of raw cotton of one box and the yield — 6 genotypes were notable. The number of boxes per plant in the most productive was 12–15 pieces, the mass of raw cotton of one box is up to 6.6 g, and the yield of raw cotton is from 71.5 to 93.0 g/plant, which is significantly higher than in the standard Hisor variety.

Development of high fiber rich antioxidant biscuits from purple and orange sweet potato peels

Sweet potato peel (SPP), which consist of various natural bioactive compounds, could play an important role in ameliorating chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other degenerative diseases and yet remained underutilized. The current study investigated the effect of orange or purple SPP powder at different level of substitution (2, 5, 10%) in the production of biscuits on the proximate, antioxidant potentials and consumer acceptance. Dietary fibre increased significantly (P < 0.05) with an increase in SPP powder, ranging from 2 to 2.3 g/100 g. The total phenolic content of the biscuits was between 101.21 and 147.7 GAE/mL, total flavonoid ranged from 22.7 to 42.2 RU/mL, ABTS radical content ranged from 2.7 to 42.2 (µg ascorbic/mL). Acceptable biscuits were obtained by incorporating 2% SPP powder. Thus, SPP powder could be used as a functional and nutraceutical ingredient in biscuit production.

EFFECT OF STEEL FIBER PROPORTION ON SIFCON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete (SIFCON) is a relatively new high-performance material that may be thought of as a high-fiber content version of fiber reinforced concrete. This matrix is comprised of flowing mortar that must penetrate the fiber network implanted in the molds sufficiently. SIFCON combines excellent mechanical properties with a high ductility and toughness grade. SIFCON is utilized in applications that demand a high degree of ductility and energy absorption, most notably seismic-resistant reinforced concrete structures and structures exposed to abnormal or explosive loads. Additionally, pavement overlays, prestressed beam repair, and structural reinforced concrete element restoration have all been effective. The main aim of this study is to determine the effect of hooked-end steel fiber and micro-steel fiber on the strength of SIFCON specimens exposed to flexural and splitting loading. Three volume fractions of steel fiber (8,10, and12) % were used in this investigation. By weight of cement in SIFCON slurry, the proportion of Silica Fume SF substitution was 10%. Flexural strength was determined by testing specimens of (100×100×500) mm, and splitting tensile strength was determined at 7 and 28 days using cylindrical specimens with dimensions (150mm × 300m).. The results obtained from these tests were compared with SIFCON containing micro steel fiber. The test results show superior characteristics of SIFCON containing hooked-end steel fiber, as compared with micro steel fiber. For example, the flexural strength and splitting strength are 24.89 MPa and 10.14 MPa, respectively for SIFCON with 8% hooked-end steel fiber and 17.51 MPa and 9.1 MPa for control specimens with micro steel fiber.

Sustainable feed resources for optimizing broiler performance in tropical countries

Soybean meal and grain corn are feedstuffs that normally used as the main ingredients in poultry feeds as a source of protein and energy in tropical countries. The availability of these feedstuffs for broiler nutrition nowadays is becoming more competitive. Thus, food security, especially in the developing countries, would be susceptible. Currently, efforts are being made to use alternative feedstuffs as a sustainable feed resources to substitute portion of soybean meal and grain corn in poultry diets due to their high price since both of the raw material were imported. In Malaysia, usage of PKC is common in ruminant diets, but limited in the non-ruminant diets especially in poultry diets due to the high fiber content of PKC. Several works have been conducted to increase the nutritional contents of PKC as one of the measures to reduce and/or eliminate the constraints of utilizing PKC in poultry diets. The method used to achieve this target is either through physical, chemical, biological or combination of these treatments. This paper discusses the use of PKC as the sustainable feed resources that can be incorporated in the poultry feeds. Hence, emphasis should be given to improve nutritional values of PKC in order to reduce feeding cost of poultry.

Irritable bowel syndrome – a common problem, individual approach

Irritable bowel syndrome is a recurrent abdominal pain that occurs at least once a week for 3 months, with symptoms at least 6 months associated with at least two features: bowel movements, change in bowel frequency, change in the appearance of stools. According to the Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria, the disease is diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms. This does not apply to people over 50 years of age (and in the case of first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer after 45 years of age) and patients with alarm symptoms. Due to the lack of a single etiological factor, the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome consists in reducing symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life. Non-pharmacological treatment includes a high-fiber diet and modification of the microbiota. The most effective drugs are antispasmodics directly affecting the smooth muscle, inhibiting the influx of calcium, i.e. drotaverine, mebeverine and alverine. There has been proven effectiveness of antidepressants. This confirms that functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are a manifestation of the dysfunction of the brain–gut–microbiota axis.

Nutrition Management in Diabetes Patients during COVID-19: The Role of Nutrients in Immunity

Diabetes patients are vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Therefore, challenges arise concerning how to manage nutrition support to strengthen the immune system in diabetes patients. The purpose of this paper is to review the roles of macronutrients and specific micronutrients such as vitamin D, B12, folate, selenium, and zinc in supporting the immune system and examine the nutritional management method of diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence indicates that adequate amounts of protein, high omega-3 fatty acids, low refined sugars, high fiber content such as whole grains, and micronutrients including vitamin D, Bsub>12, folate, selenium, and zinc impact immune system function in diabetes patients. Consumption of a balanced diet with these nutrients is best to support the immune system in diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Weight Loss and High-Protein, High-Fiber Diet Consumption Impact Blood Metabolite Profiles, Body Composition, Voluntary Physical Activity, Fecal Microbiota, and Fecal Metabolites of Adult Dogs

Canine obesity is associated with reduced lifespan and metabolic dysfunction, but can be managed by dietary intervention. This study aimed to determine the effects of restricted feeding of a high-protein, high-fiber (HPHF) diet and weight loss on body composition, physical activity, blood metabolites, and fecal microbiota and metabolites of overweight dogs. Twelve spayed female dogs [age: 5.5±1.1 yr; body weight (BW): 14.8±2.0 kg, body condition score (BCS): 7.9±0.8] were fed a HPHF diet during a 4-wk baseline phase to maintain BW. After baseline (wk 0), dogs were first fed 80% of baseline intake and then adjusted to target 1.5% weekly weight loss for 24 wk. Body composition using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and blood samples (wk 0, 6, 12, 18, 24), voluntary physical activity (wk 0, 7, 15, 23), and fresh fecal samples for microbiota and metabolite analysis (wk 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24) were measured over time. Microbiota data were analyzed using QIIME 2. All data were analyzed statistically over time using SAS 9.4. After 24 wk, dogs lost 31.2% of initial BW and had 1.43±0.73% weight loss per wk. BCS decreased (P&lt;0.0001) by 2.7 units, fat mass decreased (P&lt;0.0001) by 3.1 kg, and fat percentage decreased (P&lt;0.0001) by 3.1 kg and 11.7% with weight loss. Many serum metabolites and hormones were altered, with triglycerides, leptin, insulin, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 decreasing (P&lt;0.05) with weight loss. Relative abundances of fecal Bifidobacterium, Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002, undefined Muribaculaceae, Allobaculum, Eubacterium, Lachnospira, Negativivibacillus, Ruminococcus gauvreauii group, uncultured Erysipelotrichaceae, and Parasutterella increased (P&lt;0.05), whereas Prevotellaceae Ga6A1 group, Catenibacterium, Erysipelatoclostridium, Fusobacterium, Holdemanella, Lachnoclostridium, Lactobacillus, Megamonas, Peptoclostridium, Ruminococcus gnavus group, and Streptococcus decreased (P&lt;0.01) with weight loss. Despite the number of significant changes, a state of dysbiosis was not observed in overweight dogs. Fecal ammonia and secondary bile acids decreased, while fecal valerate increased with weight loss. Several correlations between gut microbial taxa and biological parameters were observed. Our results suggest that restricted feeding of a HPHF diet and weight loss promotes fat mass loss, minimizes lean mass loss, reduces inflammatory marker and triglyceride concentrations, and modulates fecal microbiota phylogeny and activity in overweight dogs.