Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yu Shimizu, Ryodai Yamamura, Yuki Yokoi, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Shigekazu Ukawa, Koshi Nakamura, Emiko Okada, Akihiro Imae, Takafumi Nakagawa, Akiko Tamakoshi, Kiminori Nakamura
Summary: Sleep is crucial for our health, and insufficient sleep can increase the risk of diseases due to imbalanced intestinal microbiota. However, the mechanisms through which short sleep leads to dysbiosis remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of short sleep on HD5 secretion and the intestinal microbiota.
Article
Immunology
Julia Beisner, Louisa Filipe Rosa, Valentina Kaden-Volynets, Iris Stolzer, Claudia Guenther, Stephan C. Bischoff
Summary: This study showed that supplementation with inulin or sodium butyrate improved diet-induced liver steatosis in obese mice, reduced weight gain, liver weight, plasma and hepatic triglyceride levels. The supplementation also induced expression of Paneth cell antimicrobials, contributing to improved intestinal barrier function.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Chang Sun, Xing Zhou, Ting Guo, Jia Meng
Summary: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage damage and synovial inflammation. Recent research has recognized the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in OA, which can trigger host immune responses and aggravate the disease. However, the mechanisms modulating the interactions between gut microbiota and host immunity in OA are still unclear. Future research should focus on identifying specific pathogens or changes in gut microbiota composition related to OA and validating the application of gut microbiota modulation in disease onset through immune cell modifications and gene regulation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yu Shimizu, Kiminori Nakamura, Mani Kikuchi, Shigekazu Ukawa, Koshi Nakamura, Emiko Okada, Akihiro Imae, Takafumi Nakagawa, Ryodai Yamamura, Akiko Tamakoshi, Tokiyoshi Ayabe
Summary: The study found significant differences in the intestinal microbiota composition between elderly and middle-aged individuals, with correlations between HD5 concentration and the relative abundance of certain bacteria. Low HD5 concentration may be linked to immunosenescence, leading to an increased risk of diseases in elderly people.
Article
Immunology
Miaomiao Yan, Ang Su, Suvarin Pavasutthipaisit, Rebecca Spriewald, Guntram A. Grassl, Andreas Beineke, Doris Hoeltig, Georg Herrler, Paul Becher
Summary: Researchers have developed different cell culture models that mimic the diversity, structure, and function of the intestine, providing valuable tools for studying the interaction between intestinal epithelial cells and enteric pathogens. These models demonstrate the susceptibility of different types of intestinal epithelial cells to viral infection and the subsequent inflammatory response. This study is significant for understanding enteric diseases and host immune reactions.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariko Kamioka, Yoshiyuki Goto, Kiminori Nakamura, Yuki Yokoi, Rina Sugimoto, Shuya Ohira, Yosuke Kurashima, Shingo Umemoto, Shintaro Sato, Jun Kunisawa, Yu Takahashi, Steven E. Domino, Jean-Christophe Renauld, Susumu Nakae, Yoichiro Iwakura, Peter B. Ernst, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Hiroshi Kiyono
Summary: Paneth cells in mice can be differentiated into two subtypes based on their production and utilization of fucosyltransferase 2 (Fut2). Fut2(+) Paneth cells are involved in host defense by creating niches for commensal bacteria and preventing invasion of pathogens.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sonia Metayer Coustard, Christelle Rossignol, Anne Collin, Fany Blanc, Nathalie Lallier, Catherine Schouler, Elisabeth Le Bihan Duval, Angelique Travel, Anne-Christine Lalmanach
Summary: Poultry production is a crucial sector for human food and the health problems faced by chicks can lead to economic losses for breeders. This study suggests that Avian defensin 2 (AvBD2) could serve as a marker of innate immunity and robustness in poultry. The analysis of AvBD2 content in the cecum of fast-growing and slow-growing lines revealed individual variability and an inverse correlation with seric IgM levels in the fast-growing line.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yu He, Weixia Du, Sa Xiao, Benhua Zeng, Xiang She, Dong Liu, Hua Du, Luquan Li, Fang Li, Qing Ai, Junli He, Chao Song, Hong Wei, Xiaodong Zhao, Jialin Yu
Summary: The study found differences in the microbiota structure and butyrate levels between NEC patients and healthy controls. In mouse experiments, fecal transplantation from NEC patients resulted in more severe intestinal injuries, and alterations in microbiota and butyrate levels were maintained post-transplantation. The microbiota was implicated in NEC, with the microbial butyrate-T-reg axis identified as a potential mechanism for the observed effects.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jacob A. Van Winkle, Stefan T. Peterson, Elizabeth A. Kennedy, Michael J. Wheadon, Harshad Ingle, Chandni Desai, Rachel Rodgers, David A. Constant, Austin P. Wright, Lena Li, Maxim N. Artyomov, Sanghyun Lee, Megan T. Baldridge, Timothy J. Nice
Summary: Bacterial microbiota stimulate the expression of antiviral genes in intestinal epithelial cells, enhancing host defense against enteric viruses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eric B. Nonnecke, Patricia A. Castillo, Malin E. Johansson, Edward J. Hollox, Bo Shen, Bo Lonnerdal, Charles L. Bevins
Summary: This study investigates the differences between ITLN2 and ITLN1 in terms of their structure and expression characteristics. It reveals that ITLN2 is a highly abundant Paneth cell-specific product in the small intestine, and its expression is downregulated in Crohn's disease. ITLN2 mRNA expression is undetectable in control colon tissue, but metaplastic Paneth cells express ITLN2 in both ulcerative colitis and colonic Crohn's disease.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mebratu Melaku, Ruqing Zhong, Hui Han, Fan Wan, Bao Yi, Hongfu Zhang
Summary: Intestinal dysfunction in farm animals is a critical issue affecting welfare and profitability. China has banned the use of antibiotics for improved feed efficiency, turning to organic acids as a promising alternative. Butyric and citric acids positively impact growth, welfare, and intestinal health by reducing pathogenic bacteria and maintaining GIT pH.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
K. Venuprasad, Arianne L. Theiss
Summary: NLRP6 is a protein that recognizes pathogen-derived factors, playing a crucial role in maintaining epithelial integrity and defending against microbial infections. It forms an inflammasome complex with other proteins to cleave pro-inflammatory cytokines into their active forms. Recent advances have shed light on the activation mechanisms of the NLRP6 inflammasome.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ga-Hyun Son, Jae-Jun Lee, Youngmi Kim, Keun-Young Lee
Summary: The article describes the role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in preterm births (PTBs), focusing on the changes of AMPs in the development of the disease, and proposing new perspectives on the role of AMPs in PTB.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xin Li, Jiachen Liang, Wenjie Gao, Yi Zhang, Hongliang Zeng, Baodong Zheng
Summary: In this study, the effects of butyrylated lotus seed starch (LSB) on small intestinal bacteria and SCFA levels in mice were investigated. The results showed that LSB improved small intestine morphology, promoted the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and suppressed harmful genera. This study provides a foundation for designing functional dietary fibers that can induce high levels of butyric acid production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bo Wang, Jiangtao Liu, Ruoyi Lei, Baode Xue, Yanlin Li, Xiaoyu Tian, Kai Zhang, Bin Luo
Summary: Cold exposure has been identified as a significant risk factor for hypertension, and this study explores the association between gut microbiota and cold-induced hypertension (CIH). The researchers found that cold exposure reduces gut microbiota diversity, increases potentially pathogenic bacteria, and decreases beneficial bacteria and butyric acid-producing bacteria. Faecal bacteria cross-transplantation alters gut microbiota composition and regulates blood pressure levels. The study highlights the importance of modulating gut microbiota through supplementation of beneficial bacteria/butyrate for the prevention and treatment of CIH.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yu Shimizu, Kiminori Nakamura, Mani Kikuchi, Shigekazu Ukawa, Koshi Nakamura, Emiko Okada, Akihiro Imae, Takafumi Nakagawa, Ryodai Yamamura, Akiko Tamakoshi, Tokiyoshi Ayabe
Summary: The study found significant differences in the intestinal microbiota composition between elderly and middle-aged individuals, with correlations between HD5 concentration and the relative abundance of certain bacteria. Low HD5 concentration may be linked to immunosenescence, leading to an increased risk of diseases in elderly people.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuji Sato, Yi Wang, Yuchi Song, Weiming Geng, Shaonan Yan, Kiminori Nakamura, Takashi Kikukawa, Makoto Demura, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Tomoyasu Aizawa
Summary: This study reveals that the potent bactericidal activity of Crp4(red) is derived from its hydrophobicity, and its bactericidal mechanism involves the disruption of bacterial membrane. Additionally, Crp4(ox) is found to form electrostatic interactions with the bacterial membrane surface, although it lacks bactericidal activity.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Haruhisa Baba, Yutaka Watanabe, Kazuhito Miura, Kimiya Ozaki, Takae Matsushita, Miyako Kondoh, Kazutaka Okada, Akira Hasebe, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Kiminori Nakamura, Shinji Nakaoka, Katsuhiko Ogasawara, Teppei Suzuki, Hiroshi Saito, Takashi Kimura, Akiko Tamakoshi, Yutaka Yamazaki
Summary: This study examined the association between oral frailty and oral Candida carriage in older adults, as an indicator of deteriorating oral function. The results showed a significant association between oral Candida carriage and oral frailty.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kunihiko Kotake, Toshihiko Kumazawa, Kiminori Nakamura, Yu Shimizu, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Takahiro Adachi
Summary: This study evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of miso on mouse immune cells and found that ingestion of miso can enhance immune response and tolerance in mice, potentially explaining the beneficial effects of miso on human health.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariko Kamioka, Yoshiyuki Goto, Kiminori Nakamura, Yuki Yokoi, Rina Sugimoto, Shuya Ohira, Yosuke Kurashima, Shingo Umemoto, Shintaro Sato, Jun Kunisawa, Yu Takahashi, Steven E. Domino, Jean-Christophe Renauld, Susumu Nakae, Yoichiro Iwakura, Peter B. Ernst, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Hiroshi Kiyono
Summary: Paneth cells in mice can be differentiated into two subtypes based on their production and utilization of fucosyltransferase 2 (Fut2). Fut2(+) Paneth cells are involved in host defense by creating niches for commensal bacteria and preventing invasion of pathogens.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuya Ohira, Yuki Yokoi, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Kiminori Nakamura
Summary: This study reports a rapid and efficient method for generating transgenic enteroids by transferring genes into isolated crypts of the small intestine. The transgenic enteroids containing all lineages of intestinal epithelial cells were obtained quickly and maintained their intestinal function.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Tsukasa Funane, Yuki Yokoi, Masashi Kiguchi, Ryuga Shinozaki, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Hirokazu Atsumori, Ayako Nishimura, Kiminori Nakamura, Akihiko Kandori
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the gut and skin and found that gut stimulation can alter the blood volume in the skin and induce immune-related responses.
BIOMEDICAL PHYSICS & ENGINEERING EXPRESS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shunta Nakamura, Kiminori Nakamura, Yuki Yokoi, Yu Shimizu, Shuya Ohira, Mizu Hagiwara, Zihao Song, Li Gan, Tomoyasu Aizawa, Daigo Hashimoto, Takanori Teshima, Andre J. Ouellette, Tokiyoshi Ayabe
Summary: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease characterized by fibrosis that develops from fatty liver. Dysbiosis, the disruption of intestinal microbiota homeostasis, is associated with fibrosis development in NASH. The decrease of fecal alpha-defensin, an antimicrobial peptide secreted by Paneth cells, and dysbiosis occur before NASH onset. Restoration of alpha-defensin levels improves liver fibrosis and resolves dysbiosis, suggesting Paneth cell alpha-defensin as a potential therapeutic target for NASH.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yu Shimizu, Ryodai Yamamura, Yuki Yokoi, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Shigekazu Ukawa, Koshi Nakamura, Emiko Okada, Akihiro Imae, Takafumi Nakagawa, Akiko Tamakoshi, Kiminori Nakamura
Summary: Sleep is crucial for our health, and insufficient sleep can increase the risk of diseases due to imbalanced intestinal microbiota. However, the mechanisms through which short sleep leads to dysbiosis remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of short sleep on HD5 secretion and the intestinal microbiota.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zihao Song, Yuki Ohnishi, Seiji Osada, Li Gan, Jiaxi Jiang, Zhiyan Hu, Hiroyuki Kumeta, Yasuhiro Kumaki, Yuki Yokoi, Kiminori Nakamura, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Kazuo Yamauchi, Tomoyasu Aizawa
Summary: NMR-based metabolomics is widely used in research to identify biomarkers and investigate the pathogenesis of diseases. This study applied a low-field NMR spectrometer to analyze the metabolic profile of ulcerative colitis model mice and compared it with high-field NMR. The results showed high comparability and accurate quantification of metabolites using the low-field NMR.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li Gan, Yuga Inamura, Yu Shimizu, Yuki Yokoi, Yuki Ohnishi, Zihao Song, Yasuhiro Kumaki, Takashi Kikukawa, Makoto Demura, Masaaki Ito, Tokiyoshi Ayabe, Kiminori Nakamura, Tomoyasu Aizawa
Summary: In this study, analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites in mice treated with mulberry leaf powder (MLP) revealed that long-term MLP consumption can alter gut metabolites without affecting the normal gut microbiota. These findings provide valuable information for considering MLP as a healthy food source.