Article
Cell Biology
Lisa Perruzza, Francesco Strati, Matteo Raneri, Hai Li, Giorgio Gargari, Tanja Rezzonico-Jost, Martina Palatella, Ivo Kwee, Diego Morone, Frauke Seehusen, Paolo Sonego, Claudio Donati, Pietro Franceschi, Andrew J. Macpherson, Simone Guglielmetti, Victor Greiff, Fabio Grassi
Summary: This study demonstrates that hydrolysis of extracellular ATP by apyrase results in amplification of the SIgA repertoire, influencing the distribution of bacteria and gene expression in the intestinal epithelium in mice. Apyrase-induced SIgA improves intestinal homeostasis, attenuating barrier impairment and susceptibility to infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tal Ilani, Nava Reznik, Noa Yeshaya, Tal Feldman, Patrick Vilela, Zipora Lansky, Gabriel Javitt, Michal Shemesh, Ori Brenner, Yoav Elkis, Neta Varsano, Ana M. Jaramillo, Christopher M. Evans, Deborah Fass
Summary: Mucus is composed of mucin glycoproteins that polymerize through disulfide crosslinking in the Golgi apparatus. QSOX1, localized in the Golgi, acts as a catalyst for disulfide bond formation. Knockout mice lacking QSOX1 exhibit impaired mucus barrier function due to defective mucus production. Furthermore, QSOX1 controls the sialylation process, which is essential for maintaining mucosal function.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiangxiang Xu, Meng Zhang, Xiaoyan Liu, Mingze Chai, Lu Diao, Lin Ma, Shuang Nie, Minghao Xu, Yipeng Wang, Fengfeng Mo, Mi Liu
Summary: Probiotics play a crucial role in immune modulation and can potentially enhance the effectiveness of cancer vaccines. Lipid membrane coating of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum improves their activity and colonization in the colon. The combination of probiotics formulation with cancer nanovaccines shows promising preventive and therapeutic efficacy in colon cancer mouse models.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yusuke Ueda, Haruta Mogami, Yosuke Kawamura, Masahito Takakura, Asako Inohaya, Eriko Yasuda, Yu Matsuzaka, Yoshitsugu Chigusa, Shinji Ito, Masaki Mandai, Eiji Kondoh
Summary: Cervical excision leads to decreased expression of MUC5B and MUC5AC in cervicovaginal fluid, which may affect cervical function in pregnant women. The study suggests that MUC5B and MUC5AC may serve as barriers against ascending pathogens during pregnancy. This finding has important implications for understanding the role of the cervix in maintaining pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Xueqin Sang, Qingyu Wang, Yueyan Ning, Huihui Wang, Rui Zhang, Yixuan Li, Bing Fang, Cong Lv, Yan Zhang, Xiaoyu Wang, Fazheng Ren
Summary: During aging, the protective function of mucus barrier, especially in the colon, decreases, leading to an increased incidence of colon-related diseases. This study investigated the changes in the colonic mucus barrier with aging and found that the aged colon exhibited dysfunction and altered properties in the mucus layer. The expression of goblet cells, glycosyltransferase, and enzymes involved in mucin core structure formation and glycan modification were affected by aging. The results indicate the importance of the goblet cells/glycosyltransferase/O-glycan axis in maintaining the physicochemical properties of colonic mucus and the stability of the intestinal environment.
Article
Immunology
Dongqing Wang, Changwei Wu, Sipei Chen, Yi Li, Li Wang, Yong Zhang, Guisen Li
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of complement in the urine of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients using LC-MS/MS and analyzed its correlation with clinical and pathological characteristics. The results showed that urinary complement in IgAN patients was significantly correlated with renal function, proteinuria, and renal tissue damage. This could provide potential biomarkers for monitoring IgAN and insights for therapeutic choices targeting the complement system in IgAN patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elora Fournier, Sylvain Denis, Alessandra Dominicis, Tom Van de Wiele, Monique Alric, Muriel Mercier-Bonin, Lucie Etienne-Mesmin, Stephanie Blanquet-Diot
Summary: Early life is a critical period for the establishment and function of the gut ecosystem. In vitro gut models are used as a relevant alternative to in vivo assays due to regulatory, technical, and cost reasons. This study adapted the Mucosal Artificial Colon (M-ARCOL) to specific physicochemical and microbial parameters from toddlers, resulting in the Tm-ARCOL. In vitro fermentations were performed to validate this model, and results were compared to in vivo data. The newly developed colonic model showed distinct microbial signatures and differences in gut functions between toddler and adult conditions. This in vitro model will be useful for studying gut microbiome in pediatric nutrition and health-related studies.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomas Ozdian, Jan Vodicka, Jiri Dostal, Dusan Holub, Jana Vaclavkova, Michal Jeseta, Barbora Hamernikova, Pavla Kourilova, Ondrej Malchar, Vladimir Dvorak, Pavel Hejtmanek, Katerina Sobkova, Pavel Ventruba, Radovan Pilka, Petr Dzubak, Marian Hajduch
Summary: This study focuses on the proteomic characterization of cervical mucus (CM), examining its potential as a source of non-invasive biomarkers and understanding the molecular physiology of the female genital tract. Proteomic analysis revealed 4370 proteins involved in processes such as neutrophil degranulation, cellular stress response, and hemostasis. The study also identified differences in the proteomic composition of CM during natural ovulatory cycles obtained from intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Viroj Tachapuripunya, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Pramote Chumnanpuen, Teerasak E-kobon
Summary: This study comprehensively identified putative bioactive peptides from the mucus proteomes of seven commonly found or commercially valuable gastropods using biochemical, mass spectrometric, and bioinformatics approaches. High-throughput prediction programs were developed with more than 95% averaged accuracy to identify functional categories of putative bioactive peptides and peptides with multiple bioactive properties. Antihypertensive, drug-delivering, and antiparasitic peptides were predominant, providing potential applications in medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hai Xu, Lingyi Wu, Daodong Pan, Xiaoqun Zeng, Zhendong Cai, Yuxing Guo, Weijun Wang, Zhen Wu
Summary: The study revealed that the hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation of L. reuteri SH23 were significantly reduced under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, affecting gene expression related to cell envelope, metabolic processes, stress response, regulatory systems, and transporters. Additionally, proteomics analysis showed upregulation of proteins related to ABC transporters and LPxTG anchor domain proteins on the cell surface after exposure to gastrointestinal fluid. Recombinant Mub protein was also found to enhance the survival ability of L. reuteri SH23 in the GIT. Overall, mucus-binding proteins played a crucial role in the adhesion and tolerance of L. reuteri in the gastrointestinal tract.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Transplantation
Michael Rudnicki, Justyna Siwy, Ralph Wendt, Mark Lipphardt, Michael J. Koziolek, Dita Maixnerova, Bjorn Peters, Julia Kerschbaum, Johannes Leierer, Michaela Neprasova, Miroslaw Banasik, Ana Belen Sanz, Maria Vanessa Perez-Gomez, Alberto Ortiz, Bernd Stegmayr, Vladimir Tesar, Harald Mischak, Joachim Beige, Heather N. Reich
Summary: This multicenter study developed an algorithm based on urinary biomarkers to predict rapid kidney function decline in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), providing a potential personalized risk stratification.
NEPHROLOGY DIALYSIS TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Ya Ma, Lingli Ma, Menghang Zu, Jianfeng Sun, Fangyin Dai, Lian Duan, Bo Xiao
Summary: This study developed mesoporous manganese oxide-based nanomotors driven by hydrogen peroxide/ultrasound to improve the penetration of oral nanomedicines into colon tumors and activate anti-tumor immunity. The nanomotors demonstrated enhanced locomotory activities and tumor-targeting capacities, and the excess hydrogen peroxide in the tumor microenvironment could be decomposed into oxygen and hydroxyl radicals, leading to effective treatment of colon cancer through chemodynamic therapy and sonodynamic therapy.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Vijay Kumar, Vibhu Kumar, Neha Mahajan, Jasleen Kaur, Kirti Devi, Ravinder Naik Dharavath, Ravindra Pal Singh, Kanthi Kiran Kondepudi, Mahendra Bishnoi
Summary: The study found that taking capsaicin and mucin had similar anti-obesity effects, indicating that mucin modulation might play a crucial role in the anti-obesity effects of capsaicin. 16S rDNA sequencing and in vitro Ca2+ measurement experiments suggested that bacteria, in addition to capsaicin, are involved in TRPV1 modulation.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Stephen Shih-Teng Kao, Ahmed Bassiouni, Mahnaz Ramezanpour, John Finnie, Nusha Chegeni, Alex D. Colella, Timothy K. Chataway, Peter-John Wormald, Sarah Vreugde, Alkis James Psaltis
Summary: Proteomic analysis of nasal mucus revealed dysfunction in immunologic pathways, reduced cellular signaling, and increased cellular metabolism in patients with CRS compared to healthy patients. These findings suggest significant differences in protein abundances and biologic processes in CRS, providing further insight into its pathogenesis and endotypes.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Perez-Polo, Md Abdus Shukur Imran, Sonia Dios, Jaime Perez, Lorena Barros, Monica Carrera, Camino Gestal
Summary: This study conducted the first proteomic analysis of the common octopus skin mucus proteome, identifying proteins related to defense and discussing the potential application of bioactive peptides in biomedicine, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industry.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Mourad Baghour, Mustapha Akodad, Anas Dariouche, Mostapha Maach, Hamza El Haddaji, Abdelmajid Moumen, Ali Skalli, Kees Venema, Maria Pilar Rodriguez-Rosales
Summary: Salinity is a major factor limiting plant growth and productivity. Exogenous plant hormones IAA and GA(3) can improve salt tolerance and increase fruit yield and quality in transgenic tomato plants, possibly by increasing the expression or activity of the LeNHX4 antiporter.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carlos M. N. Mendonc, Nathalia V. Verissimo, Wellison A. . Pereira, Paula M. Cunha, Michele Vitolo, Attilio Converti, Kiki Adi Kurnia, Fernando Segato, Pamela O. S. de Azevedo, Mara G. Freire, Koen Venema, Joao H. P. M. Santos, Ricardo P. S. Oliveira
Summary: Aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) based on sodium polyacrylate (NaPA), ethylene oxide/propylene oxide (EO/PO) polymers, and (EO)x-(PO)y-(EO)x triblock copolymers were prepared and applied for continuous fructooligosaccharide (FOS) production and separation. The hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance of EO/PO had a significant effect on ABS formation. Different carbohydrates and levansucrase showed different partition behavior in these ABSs. By selecting the appropriate ABS composition, high yields of FOS and selective partitioning could be achieved. COSMO-RS suggested that ABS formation was due to competition between NaPA and polymers/copolymers to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Evy Maas, John Penders, Koen Venema
Summary: Most research on the human microbiome has focused on bacteria, with less attention given to fungi and their role in human health, particularly their modulation through diet. This study used a validated in vitro model of the colon to investigate the gut fungal community and its response to different dietary interventions. The results showed that the mycobiome had lower diversity and greater variability compared to the bacterial community, and that diet could influence its composition and diversity.
Article
Microbiology
Evy Maas, John Penders, Koen Venema
Summary: This study investigated the relationships between fungi and bacteria using a complex computer-controlled in vitro model of the colon. The results showed that cross-kingdom interactions exist between fungi and bacteria, and they can influence each other. These findings are important for understanding the role of the microbial community in the human gut.
Article
Microbiology
Evy Maas, John Penders, Koen Venema
Summary: Most studies on the human gut microbiota focus on bacteria, but recent research indicates that intestinal fungi are also important for maintaining health. This study analyzed the mycobiome of healthy individuals and its interaction with the bacterial component of the microbiome. The results showed a lower diversity of fungi compared to bacteria, with significant inter-individual variation. Positive correlations were observed between certain fungi and bacteria, including those associated with alleviating inflammatory bowel disease. Further research is needed to investigate the importance of these correlations and distinguish between gut colonizers and transient species.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Thirza van Deuren, Lotte Smolders, Anita Hartog, Freek G. G. Bouwman, Jens J. J. Holst, Koen Venema, Ellen E. E. Blaak, Emanuel E. E. Canfora
Summary: This study compared the bioaccessibility of two different SCFA-enriched triglycerides and investigated the effects of orally administered Akovita SCT on postprandial metabolism in men with overweight/obesity. The results showed that Akovita SCT delayed the release of SCFA and increased circulating butyrate and hexanoate levels without affecting metabolic parameters.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alpha F. Athiyyah, Ingrid S. Surono, Reza G. Ranuh, Andy Darma, Sukmawati Basuki, Lynda Rossyanti, Subijanto M. Sudarmo, Koen Venema
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate intestinal parasitic infection and its risk factors among children aged 36-45 months in rural and urban areas in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The study found that approximately 30.5% of the children were infected with one or more intestinal parasites, with protozoa accounting for 35.3% and helminths accounting for 64.7% of the infections. The study also found that rural area, lack of treatment with deworming drugs, improper sanitation facilities, unclean water as a source of drinking water, lack of handwashing practice after defecation, and stunted growth were associated with intestinal parasitic infection.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Jose A. Guijarro, Jose A. Lopez, Enric Aguilar, Peter Domonkos, Victor K. C. Venema, Javier Sigro, Manola Brunet
Summary: The homogenization of climate observational series is necessary for accurate studies of their internal variability, as changes in observation methods or surrounding conditions can introduce biases similar in magnitude to underlying climate variations and trends. Various methods have been proposed to remove these unwanted perturbations, with some implemented in freely available software packages. The Spanish project MULTITEST aimed to evaluate the performance of these methods automatically using synthetic monthly series of air temperature and atmospheric precipitation, and found that ACMANT and Climatol minimised errors in root mean squared and trend. However, other packages also performed relatively well, particularly when biases existed in the same direction across most or all of the test series.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Evy Maas, John Penders, Koen Venema
Summary: The rise of antibiotic resistance is a global problem, alternative therapeutic options such as lytic bacteriophage therapy should be explored. However, the effectiveness of oral bacteriophage therapy needs more research. This study used an in vitro colon model to investigate the survival and efficacy of therapeutic bacteriophages, and found that phage titers could be decreased by the commensal microbiota, multiple shots of the phage did not show improved efficacy, and the bacterial community remained stable throughout the experiment.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shan Wang, Myrte van Geffen, Koen Venema, Alex Mommers, Daisy Jonkers, Frederik-Jan van Schooten, Roger Godschalk
Summary: Western diets high in animal protein are associated with chronic inflammatory diseases. This study compares the impact of protein fermentation products from different sources on gut health.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Martha F. Endika, David J. M. Barnett, Cynthia E. Klostermann, Henk A. Schols, Ilja C. W. Arts, John Penders, Arjen Nauta, Hauke Smidt, Koen Venema
Summary: Antibiotic exposure disrupts infant gut microbiota, but the ability to recover from this disruption depends on the type of antibiotic. This study investigated the effect of two common infant prebiotics, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), on the resilience of the gut microbiota after exposure to amoxicillin/clavulanate. The results showed that the prebiotics supported the recovery of the microbiota and restored the production of beneficial fatty acids.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Janine Ziemons, Romy Aarnoutse, Anne Heuft, Lars Hillege, Janneke Waelen, Judith de Vos-Geelen, Liselot Valkenburg-van Iersel, Irene E. G. van Hellemond, Geert-Jan M. Creemers, Arnold Baars, Johanna H. M. J. Vestjens, John Penders, Koen Venema, Marjolein L. L. Smidt
Summary: This study investigated the effect of capecitabine treatment on fecal levels of SCFA and BCFA in colorectal cancer patients. The results showed a significant decrease in valerate and caproate levels during treatment, and a association between baseline iso-butyrate levels and tumor response. Nutritional status, physical performance, and chemotherapy-induced toxicity were not significantly associated with SCFA or BCFA.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Lies E. J. L. Dijkhuis, Femke Crouwel, Marjolijn Duijvestein, Hans J. C. Buiter, Nanne K. de Boer, Henrike M. Hamer
Summary: This study found that patient-performed fecal calprotectin extraction as a sampling method is feasible and preferred by most patients.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
