Review
Immunology
Mengyu Zheng, Ran Han, Yali Yuan, Yunqi Xing, Wenji Zhang, Zhongmei Sun, Yuyue Liu, Junxiang Li, Tangyou Mao
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases caused by dysregulated immune responses to gut microbiota. Current approaches focus on reducing inflammation and managing complications, but have limitations. Recent evidence suggests that the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila plays a role in regulating host immune response and intestinal barrier function, and decreased colonization of A. muciniphila may contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel diseases. Therefore, targeting A. muciniphila may offer promising therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia G. Vallianou, Dimitris Kounatidis, Dimitrios Tsilingiris, Fotis Panagopoulos, Gerasimos Socrates Christodoulatos, Angelos Evangelopoulos, Irene Karampela, Maria Dalamaga
Summary: Obesity and obesity-associated disorders are major health issues worldwide. Next-generation probiotics (NGPs) are showing promise as potential preventive and therapeutic agents against obesity, with candidate NGPs like Akkermansia muciniphila and Hafnia alvei already demonstrating encouraging results. However, safety issues and strict regulations should be continuously addressed. This review explores the current knowledge regarding NGPs, their utility in obesity and obesity-related disorders, their safety profile, and their therapeutic potential in overweight/obese individuals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Miriam Cabello-Olmo, Miriam Arana, Raquel Urtasun, Ignacio J. Encio, Miguel Barajas
Summary: Postbiotics, defined as functional bioactive compounds obtained from food-grade microorganisms, present a broad range of mechanisms and potential advantages. They are considered as a promising potential novel therapeutic strategy for managing diabetes mellitus.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Vallianou, Gerasimos Socrates Christodoulatos, Irene Karampela, Dimitrios Tsilingiris, Faidon Magkos, Theodora Stratigou, Dimitris Kounatidis, Maria Dalamaga
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, often starting as a benign liver fat accumulation that can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and increase the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies have highlighted the role of gut dysbiosis, which can lead to increased gut permeability and the release of toxic bacterial products and proinflammatory cytokines, causing and sustaining inflammation. The composition of the gut microbiota and various metabolites may vary during different stages of NAFLD and among population groups, and further research is needed to determine the causal relationship between gut microbiota profiles and NAFLD in patients. Additionally, multiple metabolites may contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Supriya Roy, Suneela Dhaneshwar
Summary: Experimental evidence has confirmed that changes in bowel microflora due to environmental or dietary factors play a role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers have focused on the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics to restore the balance between microflora and the body's defense mechanisms in order to prevent intestinal inflammation. Various microbial strains and carbohydrate blends have been tested in experiments and clinical trials, showing promising results in suppressing inflammation and preventing relapse in IBD. However, more research is needed to determine the ideal treatment for IBD and to explore the clinical effects of these treatments in remission and prevention.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sian Robinson, Antoneta Granic, Avan Aihie Sayer
Summary: Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle strength and mass, is common in older populations and associated with poorer health outcomes. Current understanding of its pathophysiology is incomplete, particularly the role of nutrition. More research is needed, particularly from well-characterized prospective cohorts, to inform dietary guidelines for promoting muscle health.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NUTRITION SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Elaine Dempsey, Sinead C. Corr
Summary: This paper reviews the current understanding of how Lactobacillus species can benefit our gastrointestinal health. It emphasizes the need for further research to determine the mechanisms of action of probiotics and the impact of individual differences on health.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bethany K. Hughes, Cleo L. Bishop
Summary: Melanocytes protect the skin from UV damage by producing melanin, but prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to the formation of senescent cells, which may contribute to skin aging.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sergio Paniagua, Raquel Lebrero, Raul Munoz
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the technology for biomethanation of synthesis gas derived from gasification of solid waste, summarizing its potential and areas for further research.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Zsuzsanna Kolbert, Christian Lindermayr, Gary J. Loake
Summary: Nitric oxide (NO) serves as a key regulator in plant growth, development, and environmental interactions by interacting with other molecules to affect various biological processes. Regulatory processes to maintain steady-state NO levels are crucial for its function.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Violetta S. Gogoleva, Kamar-Sulu N. Atretkhany, Arina P. Dygay, Taisiya R. Yurakova, Marina S. Drutskaya, Sergei A. Nedospasov
Summary: This article discusses the multifunctional cytokine TNF, its applications in medicine, and the use of humanized mouse models to study the efficacy and safety of TNF-targeting biologics. The authors explore TNF's roles in immune regulation and its practical implications, as well as the importance of utilizing genetically engineered mice for research purposes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Christophe d'Enfert, Ann-Kristin Kaune, Leovigildo-Rey Alaban, Sayoni Chakraborty, Nathaniel Cole, Margot Delavy, Daria Kosmala, Benoit Marsaux, Ricardo Frois-Martins, Moran Morelli, Diletta Rosati, Marisa Valentine, Zixuan Xie, Yoan Emritloll, Peter A. Warn, Frederic Bequet, Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux, Stephanie Bornes, Mark S. Gresnigt, Bernhard Hube, Ilse D. Jacobsen, Melanie Legrand, Salome Leibundgut-Landmann, Chaysavanh Manichanh, Carol A. Munro, Mihai G. Netea, Karla Queiroz, Karine Roget, Vincent Thomas, Claudia Thoral, Pieter Van den Abbeele, Alan W. Walker, Alistair J. P. Brown
Summary: Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans that can lead to mucosal infections and life-threatening systemic infections. The interactions between fungus, host, and microbiota play a key role in disease development, and understanding these variables could lead to targeted antifungal therapies for vulnerable patients.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Qian-Xia Liu, Zhi-Ping Su, Hui-Hui Liu, Sheng-Ping Lu, Yue Zhao, Bing Ma, You-Ming Hou, Zhang-Hong Shi
Summary: Beetles are the most diverse group of insects with rapid and effective immune defenses being an important factor for their success. Evidence of innate immune memory in invertebrates, including beetles, has been increasing in recent years, suggesting a more complex immune system. Despite potential influences such as epigenetic modifications, mRNA, and microbial signals, solid experimental evidence supporting the causal relationship between these factors and immune priming is still limited.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Despoina E. Kiousi, Antonia Z. Kouroutzidou, Konstantinos Neanidis, Emmanuel Karavanis, Dimitrios Matthaios, Aglaia Pappa, Alex Galanis
Summary: Cancer immunotherapy aims to stimulate the immune response against tumors, and the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in immunity and cancer immunotherapy. Manipulating the gut microbiota through dietary interventions or fecal microbiota transplantation can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy and lead to personalized treatments.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Edouard G. Mills, Lisa Yang, Ali Abbara, Waljit S. Dhillo, Alexander N. Comninos
Summary: The neuropeptide kisspeptin plays a crucial role in regulating the mammalian reproductive axis and has wide-reaching effects on behaviors and mood. It integrates internal and external cues to influence neuroendocrine and behavioral responses. Understanding the behavior and mood-altering roles of kisspeptin is essential for developing therapies for reproductive and psychological disorders.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Siobhan McCarthy, Maurice Barrett, Shivashini Kirthi, Paola Pellanda, Klara Vlckova, Anne-Marie Tobin, Michelle Murphy, Fergus Shanahan, Paul W. O'Toole
Summary: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by nodules, abscesses, and fistulae. This study found that individuals with HS had lower microbial diversity in fecal, skin, and nasal samples, and certain bacteria were more abundant. Finegoldia magna was overabundant in HS skin samples, potentially contributing to local inflammation. These findings suggest that the microbiome alterations in both the gut and skin of HS patients deserve further investigation.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Eduardo L. Almeida, Celine Ribiere, Werner Frei, Denis Kenny, Mary F. Coffey, Paul W. O'Toole
Summary: In this study, the microbiome of honeybees from different time points in various apiaries across Ireland was analyzed. It was found that the microbiome composition showed stronger clustering by time point rather than by apiary site. The study also revealed certain bacteria in the honeybee microbiome that were correlated with hive health, highlighting the importance of the global honeybee microbiome in supporting thriving hives.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tarini Shankar Ghosh, Fergus Shanahan, Paul W. O'Toole
Summary: This review explores the relationship between the gut microbiome and aging, as well as unhealthy aging, and the potential for microbiome-directed interventions to promote healthy aging.
NATURE REVIEWS GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
N. K. Leeuwendaal, J. J. Hayes, C. Stanton, P. W. O'Toole, T. P. Beresford
Summary: This study investigated the survival of two Lacticaseibacillus strains in cheese and found that the Cheddar cheese matrix provided better protection. These findings support further development of these strains as food-delivered probiotics.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Werner C. Albrich, Tarini Shankar Ghosh, Sinead Ahearn-Ford, Flora Mikaeloff, Nonhlanhla Lunjani, Brian Forde, Noemie Suh, Gian-Reto Kleger, Urs Pietsch, Manuel Frischknecht, Christian Garzoni, Rossella Forlenza, Mary Horgan, Corinna Sadlier, Tommaso Rochat Negro, Jerome Pugin, Hannah Wozniak, Andreas Cerny, Ujjwal Neogi, Paul W. O'Toole, Liam O'Mahony
Summary: Protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and its clinical sequelae requires coordinated metabolic and immune responses. The role of gut microbiota in regulating these responses and its association with disease outcomes has not been thoroughly investigated.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Elena Tosti, Ana S. Almeida, Tam T. T. Tran, Mariel Barbachan e Silva, Pilib o. Broin, Robert Dubin, Ken Chen, Amanda P. Beck, Andrew S. Mclellan, Eduardo Vilar, Aaron Golden, Paul W. O'Toole, Winfried Edelmann
Summary: This study demonstrates a synergistic interaction between MMR and TGFBR2 inactivation in inflammation-associated colon tumorigenesis in a mouse model. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating the incidence of inflammation-associated CRCs.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Liam H. Walsh, Mairead Coakley, Aaron M. Walsh, Paul W. O'Toole, Paul D. Cotter
Summary: High-throughput DNA sequencing technologies are revolutionizing our understanding of microbial ecosystems, especially those associated with fermented foods. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches are being used to investigate the characteristics of microbial communities, requiring the development of appropriate bioinformatic tools to interpret the data.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kathleen A. J. Mitchelson, Tam T. T. Tran, Eugene T. Dillon, Klara Vlckova, Sabine M. Harrison, Alexandra Ntemiri, Katie Cunningham, Irene Gibson, Francis M. Finucane, Eibhlis M. O'Connor, Helen M. Roche, Paul W. O'Toole
Summary: This study shows that the gut microbiota in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes has a negative impact on metabolic health, particularly in the liver. However, supplementation with yeast beta-glucan can partially alleviate these adverse effects and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Therefore, targeted dietary interventions that consider the interactions between diet, gut microbiota, and host metabolism may have greater efficacy in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Min Yap, Orla O'Sullivan, Paul W. W. O'Toole, Paul D. D. Cotter
Summary: This study compared different sequencing-based methods for distinguishing between viable and non-viable cells. The results showed that the methods were generally accurate, although differences were found depending on sequencing technologies and library types. Although PMA was successfully applied in this study, further optimization is needed before it can be applied in a more universal context for complex microbiomes.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lauren O'Mahony, Emma O'Shea, Eibhlis M. O'Connor, Audrey Tierney, Mary Harkin, Janas Harrington, Sharon Kennelly, Elke Arendt, Paul W. O'Toole, Suzanne Timmons
Summary: Strategies to improve the gut microbiome through consuming an improved diet, including adopting the Mediterranean Diet (MD), may promote healthy aging. The study explored older adults' and healthcare professionals' perspectives of the MD, gut health, and microbiome for their role in healthy aging. Findings showed that while gut health was considered important, specific effects of the MD on gut microbiota, and the significance of this for healthy aging, was under-recognized.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Fergus Shanahan, Tarini S. Ghosh, Paul W. O'Toole
Summary: The majority of the variance in the human microbiome remains unexplained, with gaps in our understanding of the specific mechanisms by which individual lifestyles shape the microbiome. The current data on human microbiome is predominantly from individuals in economically developed countries, potentially biasing the interpretation of microbiome variance and its relationship to health and disease. Additionally, the under-representation of minority groups in microbiome studies is a missed opportunity to evaluate the context, history, and changing nature of the microbiome in relation to disease risk. Therefore, this article focuses on recent progress in the areas of aging and ethnicity, highlighting their contributions to microbiome variance and their implications for microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Paul W. W. O'Toole, Max Paoli
Summary: The human microbiome plays a crucial role in global health and has implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Understanding and harnessing its potential, while considering its connection to the global ecosystem, can drive innovative strategies for improved public health and promote sustainable development.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liam H. Walsh, Mairead Coakley, Aaron M. Walsh, Fiona Crispie, Paul W. O'Toole, Paul D. Cotter
Summary: A comprehensive metagenomics investigation of milk kefir from different countries revealed the core and non-core components of its microbial community. The dominant species in each kefir were identified, along with associated metabolic pathways. This knowledge can assist in creating tailored kefir communities for various applications, and ensure the microbial composition of kefir products reflects the traditional beverage.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peter Cronin, Clodagh L. Murphy, Maurice Barrett, Tarini Shankar Ghosh, Paola Pellanda, Eibhlis M. O'Connor, Syed Akbar Zulquernain, Shane Kileen, Morgan McCourt, Emmet Andrews, Micheal G. O'Riordain, Fergus Shanahan, Paul W. O'Toole
Summary: This study investigated the colonic microbiota of patients after resection of colorectal cancer (CRC). It found that the microbiota of patients after surgical resection remained significantly different from that of controls in 65% of cases. The study identified two distinct groups of patients after resection of CRC, one with an abnormal microbiota similar to newly diagnosed CRC patients and another similar to non-CRC controls. The findings suggest that lifestyle factors, such as diet and medication, may modulate differential microbiome trajectories after surgical resection.
Article
Cell Biology
Tarini Shankar Ghosh, Fergus Shanahan, Paul W. O'Toole
Summary: The authors analyze microbiome profiles to identify indices that reflect abundance and ranking of disease-associated and health-associated gut microbes for therapeutic modulation. They find that microbiome diversity and uniqueness correlate with aging, and Kendall uniqueness accurately reflects loss of core microbiome and abundance of disease-associated and health-associated taxa. These alterations are stronger correlates of unhealthy aging and help identify better targets for therapeutic modulation of the microbiome.
