Review
Pediatrics
Hannah E. Laue, Modupe O. Coker, Juliette C. Madan
Summary: Research on the microbiome's role in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders has greatly expanded in the past decade, shedding light on the potential for using the gut-brain axis as a target for prevention. By exploring the relationships between the microbiome and neurodevelopment, particularly during infancy and early childhood, we may discover new opportunities for intervention and understanding the mechanisms underlying these conditions. The modifiability of the microbiome through simple interventions makes it a promising focus for research in optimizing neurodevelopmental outcomes and potentially preventing neurological disorders and mental illness.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Jessica Gama, Bianca Neves, Antonio Pereira
Summary: Agricultural pesticides, including extremely toxic substances, continue to be used in developing countries like Brazil, posing a potential hazard to human health. Recent studies have shown that chronic dietary exposure to low levels of pesticides can impact the human gut microbiota. However, government regulatory agencies have not specifically recognized the possible harmful effects of pesticides on human health.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan M. Olaguez-Gonzalez, Isaac Chairez, Luz Breton-Deval, Mariel Alfaro-Ponce
Summary: The application of machine learning in studying the gut microbiome composition for the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shows promising results. The use of support vector machines, artificial neural networks, and random forest algorithms yielded a classification accuracy of up to 90%. The analysis also identified less abundant microbial communities as potential important factors in ASD development.
Review
Immunology
Marcela Davoli-Ferreira, Carolyn A. Thomson, Kathy D. McCoy
Summary: Environmental factors, particularly the gut microbiota, play a crucial role in influencing microglial cell behavior, potentially contributing to the development of autism spectrum disorders. Intestinal dysbiosis is commonly reported in ASD patients, and targeting the microbiome with therapies can alleviate behavioral symptoms. The intimate relationship between microglia and intestinal microbes suggests a key role in the etiology of ASD.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Xuejun Kong, Jun Liu, Kevin Liu, Madelyn Koh, Ruiyi Tian, Clara Hobbie, Michelle Fong, Qiuyi Chen, Minxuan Zhao, Christoph Budjan, Jian Kong
Summary: This study explores the relationship between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and gut microbiome in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting potential for using combined autonomic indices and gut microbiome factors to classify ASD cases. By comparing autonomic function in individuals with ASD to their first-degree relative controls, the study also delves into the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD and its correlation with clinical presentation. Additionally, it examines the predictive capability of gut-brain-axis biomarkers for subtyping ASD, aiming to improve the screening and diagnosis process.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Jorge Ojeda, Ariel avila, Pia M. Vidal
Summary: The gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases via the gut-brain axis. Altering the composition of gut microbiota can lead to dysbiosis, disrupting the balance between helpful and pathogenic bacteria.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Barbara Olendzki, Vanni Bucci, Caitlin Cawley, Rene Maserati, Margaret McManus, Effie Olednzki, Camilla Madziar, David Chiang, Doyle Ward, Randall Pellish, Christine Foley, Shakti Bhattarai, Beth A. McCormick, Ana Maldonado-Contreras
Summary: This study aims to investigate the impact of specific foods on the intestinal microbiome in patients with IBD and explore the interactions between diet and immunity to provide personalized nutrition guidance for IBD patients with dysbiosis-related conditions.
Article
Pediatrics
D. Byrne, A. Fisher, L. Baker, E. L. Twomey, K. M. Gorman
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not recommended to be assessed using routine brain MRI, although many physicians still use it routinely. A retrospective review found that 7.2% of children with ASD had abnormal brain MRI, with higher likelihood in those with abnormal neurological examination or genetic/metabolic abnormality. Therefore, brain MRI should not be performed routinely in ASD, and decisions for individual cases should consider potential risks and benefits.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Eleuterio A. Sanchez Romero, Erika Melendez Oliva, Jose Luis Alonso Perez, Sebastian Martin Perez, Silvia Turroni, Lorenzo Marchese, Jorge Hugo Villafane
Summary: This study aimed to review the association between gut microbiome and pain in OA patients and found only three out of 2084 studies supported a relationship, but the results were not conclusive. It also highlighted the lack of high-quality studies and significant technique disparities, making it impossible to draw firm conclusions on the topic.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Blaine Caslin, Kailey Mohler, Shreya Thiagarajan, Esther Melamed
Summary: Alcohol may have complex effects on autoimmune diseases, with potential pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects may be related to factors such as the dose, duration, type, cultural background, and sex of alcohol consumption.
Article
Microbiology
Bassam Abomoelak, Veronica Pemberton, Chirajyoti Deb, Stephani Campion, Michelle Vinson, Jennifer Mauck, Joseph Manipadam, Sailendharan Sudakaran, Samit Patel, Miguel Saps, Hesham A. El Enshasy, Theodoros Varzakas, Devendra Mehta
Summary: This prospective longitudinal study revealed distinct differences in gut microbiome between pediatric patients with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) and healthy controls, with variations observed not only in bacterial populations but also in diversity levels. The severity of symptoms in patients was found to be correlated with the gut microbiome, highlighting a potential relationship between the two. Additionally, the Faecalibacterium/Bacteroides ratio may serve as a promising diagnostic biomarker for FAPDs.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ryan Leung, Mihai Covasa
Summary: This article reviews the role of gut bacteria in taste perception and functions, and discusses how intestinal dysbiosis can alter taste preference and food consumption.
Review
Microbiology
Benjamin H. Levine, Jessica M. Hoffman
Summary: The human gut contains trillions of microbes that play a crucial role in various health functions, but they are also associated with numerous diseases. Microbiome transplants offer a potential solution to mitigate these health issues caused by the gut microbiome. This article provides an overview of the gut's functional relationships, highlights the diseases directly affected, and explores the history and applications of microbiome transplants in various diseases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Bozomitu, Ingrith Miron, Anca Adam Raileanu, Ancuta Lupu, Gabriela Paduraru, Florin Mihai Marcu, Ana Maria Laura Buga, Daniela Carmen Rusu, Felicia Dragan, Vasile Valeriu Lupu
Summary: This article reviews the composition and function of the human gastrointestinal microbiome in healthy individuals, as well as its role in the pathogenesis of different digestive disorders. It also highlights the potential of manipulating the gut microbiota as a therapeutic option for treating gastrointestinal diseases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kunika, Norbert Y. Frey, Ashraf Rangrez
Summary: Recent technological advancements have increased our understanding of the human microbiome, which plays a role in both health and disease progression, including cancer and heart disease. The microbiome may potentially be targeted in cancer therapy to improve treatment effectiveness. Additionally, the altered microbiome composition caused by cancer treatment is linked to long-term effects and can lead to gastrointestinal toxicity. The relationship between the microbiome and cardiac diseases in cancer patients following therapy is poorly understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Caroline Atyeo, Lydia L. Shook, Nadege Nziza, Elizabeth A. Deriso, Cordelia Muir, Arantxa Medina Baez, Rosiane S. Lima, Stepan Demidkin, Sara Brigida, Rose M. De Guzman, Madeleine D. Burns, Alejandro B. Balazs, Alessio Fasano, Lael M. Yonker, Kathryn J. Gray, Galit Alter, Andrea G. Edlow
Summary: This study investigated the immune response to a COVID-19 mRNA booster dose in pregnant, lactating, and nonpregnant women. The results showed that receiving a booster dose during pregnancy induces a strong immune response and provides protection against variants such as Omicron. Boosting in the third trimester of pregnancy can increase the levels of maternal and neonatal immunity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Infectious Diseases
Lael M. Yonker, Oluwakemi Badaki-Makun, Puneeta Arya, Brittany P. Boribong, Gabriela Moraru, Brittany Fenner, Jaimar Rincon, Alex Hopke, Brent Rogers, Jeremiah Hinson, Alessio Fasano, Lilly Lee, Sarah M. Kehoe, Shawn D. Larson, Hector Chavez, Scott Levin, Lyle L. Moldawer, Daniel Irimia
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jacopo Troisi, Martina Lombardi, Giovanni Scala, Pierpaolo Cavallo, Rennae S. Tayler, Steven J. K. Symes, Sean M. Richards, David C. Adair, Alessio Fasano, Lesley M. McCowan, Maurizio Guida
Summary: Metabolomic analysis may provide an important improvement in early prenatal screening for detecting fetal malformations. In this study, an ensemble machine learning model based on maternal serum metabolomic signatures showed a high diagnostic accuracy in detecting both chromosomal anomalies and structural defects. Further research is needed to identify specific types of malformations and confirm these findings on larger study populations.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Braden T. Tierney, James Versalovic, Alessio Fasano, Joseph F. Petrosino, Bruno P. Chumpitazi, Emeran A. Mayer, Jared Boetes, Gerard Smits, Shanthi G. Parkar, Noah Voreades, Ece Kartal, Gabriel A. Al-Ghalith, Marco Pane, Peter A. Bron, Gregor Reid, Raja Dhir, Christopher E. Mason
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a synbiotic on increasing weekly bowel movements in constipated children. The results showed that treatment with the synbiotic increased the number of bowel movements in children with low baseline bowel movements, despite distinct baseline microbiome signatures. These findings suggest that multi-species synbiotic interventions may improve digestive health in pediatric population and that bioinformatics-based methods can predict response to microbial interventions in children.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takumi Konno, Enid E. Martinez, Jian Ji, Alba Miranda-Ribera, Maria R. Fiorentino, Alessio Fasano
Summary: Zonulin is a physiological regulator of epithelial and endothelial permeability, and it plays a role in promoting antigen trafficking and chronic inflammatory diseases. A family of structurally and functionally related proteins called zonulin family proteins (ZFPs) was discovered, and two additional proteins, coagulation factor X (FX) and CD5 antigen-like (CD5L), were identified as potential new members of the ZFPs. These proteins exhibit similarities in structure and function with previously identified ZFPs.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Lael M. Yonker, Zoe Swank, Yannic C. Bartsch, Madeleine D. Burns, Abigail Kane, Brittany P. Boribong, Jameson P. Davis, Maggie Loiselle, Tanya Novak, Yasmeen Senussi, Chi-An Cheng, Eleanor Burgess, Andrea G. Edlow, Janet Chou, Audrey Dionne, Duraisamy Balaguru, Manuella Lahoud-Rahme, Moshe Arditi, Boris Julg, Adrienne G. Randolph, Galit Alter, Alessio Fasano, David R. Walt
Summary: Blood samples from 16 patients who developed myocarditis after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were analyzed for antibody and T-cell responses. The immune profiles of these patients were similar to those of vaccinated control subjects, except for the presence of free spike antigen in the blood of myocarditis patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simone Di Micco, Veronica Di Sarno, Martina Rossi, Vincenzo Vestuto, Takumi Konno, Sara Novi, Mario Felice Tecce, Valeria Napolitano, Tania Ciaglia, Andrea Vitale, Isabel Maria Gomez-Monterrey, Giuseppe Bifulco, Alessia Bertamino, Carmine Ostacolo, Paolo Blasi, Alessio Fasano, Pietro Campiglia, Simona Musella
Summary: Different mechanisms contribute to cancer multidrug resistance, including increased drug efflux, enhanced cellular repair mechanisms, and alterations of drug metabolism or targets. ABCG2, a transporter protein, promotes drug efflux and causes chemotherapeutic resistance in malignant cells. Through a multidisciplinary approach, a new selective inhibitor (8) of ABCG2 has been identified, which effectively improves the cytotoxicity of mitoxantrone in hepatocellular carcinoma and transfected breast cancer cell lines. This inhibitor also demonstrates its efficacy in reversing multidrug resistance with the overexpression of the ABCG2 pump.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariaconcetta Cariello, Angela Squilla, Martina Piacente, Giorgia Venutolo, Alessio Fasano
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs), specifically exosomes, play a crucial role in the communication and information exchange between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), as well as in the development of anti-cancer drug resistance (DR). The release of exosomes by cancer cells is triggered by the alteration of oxygen levels due to increased cancer cell proliferation. This review focuses on discussing the role and mechanism of exosomal miRNA in DR in hematological tumors, namely leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. In conclusion, understanding the cargo of exosomes highlights their potential as targeted drug delivery vehicles, allowing for personalized therapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Birna Asbjornsdottir, Alba Miranda-Ribera, Maria Fiorentino, Takumi Konno, Murat Cetinbas, Jinggang Lan, Ruslan I. I. Sadreyev, Larus S. S. Gudmundsson, Magnus Gottfredsson, Bertrand Lauth, Bryndis Eva Birgisdottir, Alessio Fasano
Summary: The microbiota-gut-brain axis involves bidirectional communication between intestinal microbiota and various systems in the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and neuroendocrine/neuroimmune systems. This study investigates the effects of bovine colostrum administration on the intestinal microbiota and behavior in two mouse models and suggests its potential use in prophylactic approaches in the future.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maureen Leonard, Victoria Kenyon, Francesco Valitutti, Rita Pennacchio-Harrington, Pasqua Piemontese, Ruggiero Francavilla, Lorenzo Norsa, Tiziana Passaro, Marco Crocco, Mariella Baldassarre, Chiara Maria Trovato, Alessio Fasano
Summary: The CDGEMM study is an international birth cohort study focusing on children at-risk of developing celiac disease (CD) and utilizing a multi-omic approach to predict CD onset. Participants are required to have a first-degree family member with biopsy diagnosed CD and be enrolled before solid food introduction. Longitudinal collection of blood, stool samples, and questionnaires related to participant, family, and environment has been ongoing since 2014. With a total of 554 participants and an average age of 56.4 months, the study has identified microbial strains, pathways, and metabolites associated with CD development. Ongoing analysis includes expanding metagenomic and metabolomic analyses, evaluating environmental risk factors, and investigating the role of microbiome and metabolites in CD development.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francesca Anna Cupaioli, Ettore Mosca, Chiara Magri, Massimo Gennarelli, Marco Moscatelli, Maria Elisabetta Raggi, Martina Landini, Nadia Galluccio, Laura Villa, Arianna Bonfanti, Alessandra Renieri, Chiara Fallerini, Alessandra Minelli, Anna Marabotti, Luciano Milanesi, Alessio Fasano, Alessandra Mezzelani
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Athanasios Beopoulos, Manuel Gea, Alessio Fasano, Francois Iris
Summary: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex and highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterized by altered brain function. The exact pathogenesis of ASDs is still unclear, but it is believed to involve disruptions in neuronal migration and connectivity, as well as genetic and epigenetic factors. RNA epitranscriptomics, which affects the differential expression of proteins involved in central nervous system development, may play a prominent role in ASD pathogenesis.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Lael M. Yonker, Alessio Fasano, David R. Walt
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Casey D. D. Wright, Brenda Heaton, Raul I. I. Garcia, Maureen M. M. Leonard, Alessio Fasano, Daniel W. W. McNeil
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of gastrointestinal distress as a mediator between psychological stress and periodontal disease. The results showed that psychological stress was associated with gastrointestinal distress and self-reported periodontal disease. Gastrointestinal distress was also associated with self-reported periodontal disease and mediated the relation between psychological stress and periodontal disease.
COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Chien-Wen Su, Chih-Yu Chen, Tangyou Mao, Ning Chen, Nicholas Steudel, Lefei Jiao, Jinggang Lan, Alessio Fasano, W. Allan Walker, Hai Ning Shi
Summary: This study aimed to determine the impact of maternal immunity and microbial factors on the induction and development of obesity in offspring. The results showed that maternal infection with helminths and the resulting changes in gut microbiota composition significantly reduced offspring obesity. Furthermore, supplementation of short-chain fatty acids to the pups of uninfected mothers protected against high-fat diet-induced weight gain.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)