Article
Food Science & Technology
Shiqi Zhang, Li Chen, Ming Hu, Jiangjiang Zhu
Summary: This study investigated the impact of 2'-FL on the composition and metabolism of infant gut microbiota using an in-vitro human colonic model. The intervention of 2'-FL resulted in significant changes in the abundance of representative bacterial species and an increase in free fatty acid levels. The study also identified significant extracellular polar metabolites and revealed a significant association between altered microbes and microbial metabolites.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristiano Caruso, Stefania Colantuono, Alberto Nicoletti, Stefania Arasi, Davide Firinu, Antonio Gasbarrini, Angelo Coppola, Loreta Di Michele
Summary: Precision medicine tailors therapeutic strategies to individual characteristics, aiding in the selection of treatment and timing for maximal efficacy and minimum adverse events. Metabolomics, by studying low molecular weight chemicals in biological systems, offers a powerful tool for biomarker discovery and understanding disease mechanisms, potentially playing a key role in precision medicine.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
David R. Hill, Rachael H. Buck
Summary: Human milk is the best source of nutrition for infants, as it provides growth factors, commensal microbes, and prebiotic compounds to the developing gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the effects of adding human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) to infant formula on serum metabolite levels. The results showed that fortifying formula with the HMO 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) significantly increased the production of secondary bile acids, indicating that HMO supplementation may have important implications for gut microbial metabolism.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elizabeth A. Holzhausen, Natalie Shen, Bridget Chalifour, ViLinh Tran, Zhenjiang Li, Jeremy A. Sarnat, Howard H. Chang, Dean P. Jones, Michael I. Goran, Donghai Liang, Tanya L. Alderete
Summary: During the first 2 years of life, the development of the infant gut microbiome and its impact on host health through the production of metabolites have not been thoroughly characterized. In this study, the authors examined the development of the fecal metabolome in a cohort of 101 Latino infants, showing its conservation across time and high individual variability. The study also identified novel metabolites and metabolic pathways that changed significantly with infant age.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Luca Ferrari, Chiara Favero, Giulia Solazzo, Jacopo Mariani, Anna Luganini, Monica Ferraroni, Emanuele Montomoli, Gregorio Paolo Milani, Valentina Bollati, UNICORN Consortium
Summary: The composition of the nasopharyngeal microbiota may be associated with the maintenance of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further research is needed to understand how the nasopharyngeal microbiota influences the immune response to viral infections.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stella A. Verkhnyatskaya, Chunli Kong, Cynthia E. Klostermann, Henk A. Schols, Paul de Vos, Marthe T. C. Walvoort
Summary: The novel compound di-fucosyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DF beta CD), inspired by the molecular structures of hMOs, shows potential in digestion, fermentation, and anti-adhesive capacity, particularly against certain pathogenic bacteria.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alice Bosco, Michele Loi, Giulia Pinna, Roberta Pintus, Vassilios Fanos, Angelica Dessi
Summary: The growing obesity epidemic in childhood is concerning due to its physical and psychological consequences and impact on healthcare costs. The scientific community has yet to fully understand the complex metabolic mechanisms underlying body weight alterations, although lifestyle is a crucial factor in obesity development. During pediatric age, prevention strategies and early intervention can play a significant role in countering comorbidities and preventing obesity in adulthood. While the role of microbiota in obesity etiology is not fully defined, there is emerging evidence of differentiated metabolic profiles in obese children.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Houru Liu, Cuiyue Feng, Ting Yang, Zhenzhen Zhang, Xiyu Wei, Yue Sun, Lina Zhang, Wei Li, Dehong Yu
Summary: Yuquan Pill (YQP), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for many years in treating type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in China and has shown beneficial clinical effects. In this study, the antidiabetic mechanism of YQP was investigated for the first time using metabolomics and intestinal microbiota. The results demonstrated that YQP effectively improved insulin resistance, relieved hyperglycemia, and reduced hyperlipidemia associated with T2DM. It was also found that YQP regulated metabolism and gut microbiota in T2DM rats through identified metabolic pathways and abundance modulation of specific bacteria.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY B-ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Regula Burkhard, Mia Koegler, Kirsty Brown, Kirsten Wilson, Lukas F. Mager, Amanda Z. Zucoloto, Carolyn Thomson, Roopa Hebbandi Nanjundappa, Isla Skalosky, Shokouh Ahmadi, Braedon McDonald, Markus B. Geuking
Summary: Healthy host-microbial mutualism with our intestinal microbiota relies on compartmentalization and regulation of adaptive mucosal and systemic anti-microbial immune responses. However, intestinal commensal bacteria can reach the systemic circulation, leading to commensal bacteremia that needs to be dealt with by the systemic immune system. Germ-free mice show increased systemic immune sensitivity and hyperreactivity to commensal Escherichia coli, indicating that commensal colonization also regulates systemic anti-commensal responses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xinyuan Liu, Mengqian Dun, Tongtong Jian, Yuqing Sun, Mingyu Wang, Guoying Zhang, Jianya Ling
Summary: In this study, the effects of Cordyceps militaris extracts (CE) and cordycepin (CCS) on T2DM mice were analyzed using gut microbiome and metabolomics methods. The results showed that the CCS and CE groups had decreased glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, and inflammation cytokines. Comparative analysis of fecal samples indicated a higher abundance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in the experimental groups. These findings suggest that C. militaris could be used as a food supplement to alleviate T2DM.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Han Wang, Yongxia Fu, Qingyu Zhao, Zhenyu Liu, Chao Wang, Yong Xue, Qun Shen
Summary: Heat-treated foxtail millet starch and protein have hypoglycemic effects on type 2 diabetic mice, and these effects may be attributed to the modulation of gut microbiota and serum metabolic profile.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebeca Santano, Diana Barrios, Fatima Crispi, Francesca Crovetto, Marta Vidal, Jordi Chi, Luis Izquierdo, Eduard Gratacos, Gemma Moncunill, Carlota Dobano
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of serological diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2, finding that ELISA IgG showed high agreement in pregnant women and cord blood samples, while IgM/A had lower agreement. The ELISA test had high sensitivity of 96% but low specificity of 22%, with a negative predictive value of 87% and a positive predictive value of 51%.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tianxiao Mao, Fujian Qin, Mengdi Zhang, Jing Li, Jiankang Li, Maode Lai
Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Metabolic disorders have been linked to CRC, and functional metabolomics is aimed at understanding the disease mechanisms through metabolomics-derived biomarkers. In this study, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was found to be elevated in CRC and its potential tumorigenic effects were confirmed through cell and animal models. The major rate-limiting enzyme, ACAT1, was also found to be increased in human CRC tissues, suggesting its role in the regulation of BHB-induced tumorigenesis. Silencing ACAT1 suppressed CRC progression and counteracted the effects of BHB in vitro and in vivo, indicating that targeting BHB and ACAT1 may offer new therapeutic strategies for CRC.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yongjin Zhang, Ju Wang, Wupeng Ge, Yuxuan Song, Rui He, Zhi Wang, Lili Zhao
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Camel milk peptides (CMPs) on Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and reveal its related mechanism from the aspect of gut microbiota and metabolites. The administering CMPs significantly improved the symptoms of T2DM, reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), and restored hormonal levels, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipid metabolic and tissue damage. CMPs intervention also reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis and affected metabolic pathways. These findings suggest that CMPs could be a beneficial nutritional supplement for intervention T2DM.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jie Gao, Nian Zhou, Mengna Lu, Qixue Wang, Chenyi Zhao, Jian Wang, Mingmei Zhou, Ying Xu
Summary: The treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global problem due to the unclear pathogenesis and lack of therapeutic targets. Recently, the connection between metabolomic and gut microbiome changes in AD patients, known as the microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) axis, has gained attention. This study focuses on the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on the gut microbiota in AD, aiming to find the connection between affected gut microbiota and metabolites.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Marit Zuurveld, Pien C. J. Kiliaan, Sophie E. L. van Grinsven, Gert Folkerts, Johan Garssen, Belinda van't Land, Linette E. M. Willemsen
Summary: The study reveals that food allergens activate intestinal epithelial cells, leading to mucosal immune responses. Human milk oligosaccharides can modulate the allergic phenotype by shaping immune cell development and responses.
JOURNAL OF INNATE IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erika Cortes-Macias, Marta Selma-Royo, Karla Rio-Aige, Christine Bauerl, Maria Jose Rodriguez-Lagunas, Cecilia Martinez-Costa, Francisco J. Perez-Cano, Maria Carmen Collado
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of milk microbiota, cytokine, and adipokine profiles on the risk of overweight in infants at 12 months of life and identify possible mechanisms of host-microbe interactions. The findings indicated that milk microbiota and cytokines were associated with infant development. Further research is needed to understand the specific effects of milk microbiota and cytokines on infant growth and the risk of overweight.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Patricia Ruiz-Iglesias, Sheila Estruel-Amades, Malen Massot-Cladera, Angels Franch, Francisco J. Perez-Cano, Margarida Castell
Summary: Stressful situations such as intense exercise can disrupt the immune system and gastrointestinal function. This study investigated the effect of hesperidin consumption in rats undergoing intense training and exhaustion tests. Results showed that while hesperidin did not prevent immune system changes, it enhanced IgA synthesis in the intestine, potentially strengthening the immune barrier in stressful situations.
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs, Jose Manuel Fernandez-Real
PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Laura Saez-Fuertes, Ignasi Azagra-Boronat, Malen Massot-Cladera, Karen Knipping, Johan Garssen, Angels Franch, Margarida Castell, Francisco J. Perez-Cano, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas
Summary: This study investigated the changes in intestinal gene expression after rotavirus infection and the effect of 2'-FL. The results showed that rotavirus infection upregulated host antiviral genes and downregulated genes involved in absorptive processes and intestinal maturation. Supplementation of 2'-FL reduced diarrhea symptoms caused by rotavirus infection, but had a similar effect on gene expression as in the control-infected group.
Editorial Material
Nutrition & Dietetics
Francisco J. Perez-Cano
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lidia Sojo, Elena Santos-Gonzalez, Lidia Riera, Alex Aguilera, Rebeca Barahona, Paula Pellicer, Maria Buxo, Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs, Merce Fernandez-Balsells, Jose-Manuel Fernandez-Real
Summary: In this study, we investigated the plasma lipidomics profiles of patients with T1DM and explored potential associations. We found significant associations between certain lipid species and subclinical atherosclerosis, as well as differences according to overweight status. Our findings suggest that personalized approaches targeting specific lipid molecules may be useful in preventing cardiovascular disease in T1DM patients.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Nuria Garros, Paola Bustos-Salgados, Oscar Domenech, Maria Jose Rodriguez-Lagunas, Negar Beirampour, Roya Mohammadi-Meyabadi, Mireia Mallandrich, Ana C. C. Calpena, Helena Colom
Summary: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory skin disorder. This study aimed to develop and evaluate new topical liposomal formulations loaded with the reversible Janus-associated kinase (JAK)-inhibitor, Baricitinib (BNB), for the treatment of flare ups. Three liposomal formulations were prepared using different proportions of POPC, CHOL, and CER. Physicochemical characterization, release study, permeation and retention studies, histological analysis, and irritancy tests were performed. All liposomes showed good properties and stability. The POPC:CHOL:CER formulation had the highest flux and permeation, with retention in the skin equal to POPC:CHOL. The formulations exhibited no harmful effects and showed promising results for the aim of the study.
Article
Polymer Science
Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Ana C. Calpena-Campmany, Nuria Bozal-de Febrer, Lyda Halbaut-Bellowa, Mireia Mallandrich, Beatriz Clares-Naveros
Summary: Fungal keratitis is a global cause of corneal blindness. Current treatment involves the use of antibiotics, with Natamycin being commonly used; however, alternative therapies are necessary due to the difficulty in treating fungal keratitis. In situ gelling formulations, which combine the advantages of eye drops and ointments, show promise as an alternative. This study aimed to develop and characterize three formulations containing 0.5% CSP: CSP-O1, CSP-O2, and CSP-O3. The results suggest that these formulations could be potential candidates for the treatment of fungal keratitis.
Article
Polymer Science
Negar Ahmadi, Maria Rincon, Marcelle Silva-Abreu, Lilian Sosa, Jessica Pesantez-Narvaez, Ana Cristina Calpena, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Mireia Mallandrich
Summary: In this study, Pranoprofen (PRA)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were dispersed into blank gels to improve the drug's retention and anti-inflammatory effect for dermal administration. The gels showed sustained release up to 24 hours and demonstrated efficacy in an inflammatory animal model study. The results indicate that these gel formulations could serve as an interesting and effective topical treatment for local skin inflammation caused by abrasion.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cristina Galocha-Leon, Cristina Antich, Ana Voltes-Martinez, Juan A. Marchal, Mireia Mallandrich, Lyda Halbaut, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Eliana B. Souto, Beatriz Clares-Naveros, Patricia Galvez-Martin
Summary: This study developed a hydrogel loaded with human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) for the treatment of superficial skin injuries. The hydrogel, using poloxamer 407 as a biomaterial, showed excellent physical, mechanical, morphological, and biological properties. It demonstrated high swelling capacity and did not affect the viability and healing capacity of keratinocytes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sergio Martinez-Ruiz, Laura Saez-Fuertes, Sergi Casanova-Crespo, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Francisco J. Perez-Cano, Josefa Badia, Laura Baldoma
Summary: This study investigated the effects of EVs from probiotic and commensal E. coli strains on healthy suckling rats during early life. The results showed that administration of EVs enhanced immune function and intestinal maturation in the animals.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marcelle Silva-Abreu, Lilian Sosa, Lupe Carolina Espinoza, Maria-Jose Fabrega, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Mireia Mallandrich, Ana Cristina Calpena, Maria Luisa Garduno-Ramirez, Maria Rincon
Summary: Apremilast (APM) is a novel drug for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This study aims to develop APM gels as a new pharmaceutical formulation for topical psoriasis treatment. The APM gel formulations showed good physicochemical characteristics and sustained release. The gels treated the psoriasis mouse model and reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.