Structural changes of gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease and its correlation with clinical features

The aim of this study was to compare the structure of gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease(PD) patients and healthy controls;and to explore correlations between gut microbiota and PD clinical features. We analyzed fecal bacterial composition of 24 PD patients and 14 healthy volunteers by using 16 S rRNA sequencing. There were significant differences between PD and healthy controls, as well as among different PD stages. The putative cellulose degrading bacteria from the genera Blautia(P=0.018),Faecalibacterium(P=0.048) and Ruminococcus(P=0.019) were significantly decreased in PD compared to healthy controls.The putative pathobionts from the genera Escherichia-Shigella(P=0.038), Streptococcus(P=0.01), Proteus(P=0.022), and Enterococcus(P=0.006) were significantly increased in PD subjects. Correlation analysis indicated that disease severity and PD duration negatively correlated with the putative cellulose degraders, and positively correlated with the putative pathobionts. The results suggest that structural changes of gut microbiota in PD are characterized by the decreases of putative cellulose degraders and the increases of putative pathobionts, which may potentially reduce the production of short chain fatty acids, and produce more endotoxins and neurotoxins; and these changes is potentially associated with the development of PD pathology.     

Effect of dietary copper level on the gut microbiota and its correlation with serum inflammatory cytokines in Sprague-Dawley rats

In China’s swine industry, copper is generally supplemented above the National Research Council (NRC) requirement (2012) because of its antimicrobial properties and the potential for growth promotion. Yet few are concerned about whether this excess supplementation is necessary. In this study, the 16S rRNA pyrosequencing was designed and used to investigate the effect of dietary copper level on the diversity of the fecal microbial community and the correlation of copper level with the serum level of inflammatory cytokines in Sprague-Dawley rat models. The results showed that the diet containing a high level of Cu (120 and 240 mg/kg) changed the microbial richness and diversity of rat feces associated with the increased copper content in the rat ileac and colonic digesta. Furthermore, a Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that an accumulation of unabsorbed copper in the chyme was correlated with the microbial composition of the rat feces, which was linked with TNF-α in serum. The results suggest that dietary copper level may have a direct impact on circulating inflammatory cytokines in the serum, perhaps inducing an inflammatory response by altering the microbial composition of rat feces. Serum TNF-α could be the chief responder to excessive copper exposure.     

Differences in gut microbiota composition in finishing Landrace pigs with low and high feed conversion ratios

The goal of this study was to evaluate the microbial communities in the gut and feces from female finishing Landrace pigs with high and low feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Many potential biomarkers can distinguish between high and low FCR groups in the duodenum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum, according to linear discriminant analysis effect sizes. The relative abundance of microbes were tested by Mann–Whitney test between the high and low FCR groups in different organs: Campylobacter, Prevotella and Sphaerochaeta were different in the duodenum (P < 0.05); Sanguibacter, Kingella and Anaeroplasma in jejunum; Anaeroplasma, Arthrobacter, Kingella, Megasphaera and SMB53 in the ileum; Butyricicoccus, Campylobacter, Mitsuokella, and Coprobacillus in the cecum; Lactococcus and Peptococcus in the colon; Staphylococcus in the rectum; and Rothia in feces. The prevalence of microbial genera in certain locations could potentially be used as biomarkers to distinguish between high and low FCR. Functional prediction clustering analysis suggested that bacteria in the hindgut mainly participated in carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism, and different in the relative abundance of metabolic pathways, as predicted from the microbial taxa present, were identified by comparing the high and low groups of each location. The results may provide insights for the alteration of the intestinal microbial communities to improve the growth rate of pigs.     

肠道微生物与1型糖尿病的相关性研究

1型糖尿病(type 1 diabetes, T1D)是一种自身免疫性疾病,越来越多的证据支持肠道菌群是T1D发病的重要因素。在T1D发生前,观察到肠道通透性发生改变,使抗原透过肠黏膜进而攻击胰岛β细胞。患有T1D宿主体内的肠道微生物也与健康宿主的微生物有别,其调节性T细胞、Toll样受体(toll-like receptor, TLR)、丁酸、粘蛋白、胰高血糖素样肽-1(glucagon-likepeptide1,GLP-1)等可能与T1D有关。尽管通过细菌定植促进自身免疫的机制在糖尿病动物模型中虽已发现,但有些问题目前尚不清楚。现就肠道黏膜通透性与T1D的关系、宿主体内微生物组成的变化、肠道微生物与T1D的相关性作一阐述。     

按蚊肠道微生物及其在阻断疟疾传播上的应用

按蚊体内,尤其是中肠内定殖着大量的微生物群落。肠道菌群通过与按蚊的长期协同进化形成了相互依存的共生关系。肠道共生菌参与调节按蚊的多种生命活动,对于维持按蚊的健康发挥着重要作用,已经成为一个与宿主按蚊密不可分的重要"器官"。研究表明,肠道共生菌在按蚊物质代谢、营养、发育、生殖、免疫调控和免疫防御等生理过程中发挥着重要的调节作用。蚊虫是疟疾、登革、寨卡等多种疾病的传播媒介,而肠道共生菌对寄生虫和病毒在蚊虫肠道内的发育和感染具有重要影响,因此研究蚊虫与共生菌的相互作用有着重要的理论和实践意义。本文将对按蚊肠道共生菌的多样性、生物学功能、与宿主相互作用的机制及其在防治疟疾上的应用进展进行综述,并对未来的研究提出展望。     

Proteomics, human gut microbiota and probiotics

The various bacterial communities associated with humans have many functions and the gut microbiota has a major role in the host. Bacterial imbalance in the gut, known as dysbiosis, has therefore been linked to several diseases. Probiotics, that is, microbial strains that have beneficial effects on the host, are thought to benefit this intestinal ecosystem. Hence, knowledge of the gut microbiota composition and an understanding of its functionalities are of interest. Recently, efforts have focused on developing new high-throughput techniques for studying microbial cells and complex communities. Among them, proteomics is increasingly being used. The purpose of this article is to focus on the recent development of this technology and its usefulness in analyzing the human gut ecosystem and probiotic strains.     

Effects of weaning age and formic acid-based feed additives on pigs from weaning to slaughter

Abstract

Two hundred and forty piglets were used in a 2×6 factorial experiment to study the effects of weaning age (26 or 36 d) and four formic acid-based feed additives on the performance of pigs from weaning to slaughter. Either formic acid (F) or a mixture of formic acid, propionic acid, and potassium sorbate (FPS) or a mixture of formic acid, propionic acid, and sodium benzoate (FPB) or formic acid in a diatomaceous earth carrier (FD) were added to the diets of weaned piglets (from weaning to 60 d of age) and growing (18 – 46 kg) and finishing pigs (46 – 107 kg) to provide 8, 6, and 6 g acid per kg feed, respectively. The negative control treatment's (C) diets contained no growth promoters, whereas the positive control treatment's weaner and grower diets were supplemented with 40 mg/kg of avilamycin (A). The piglets weaned at the age of 26 and 36 d weighed 7.6 and 10.7 kg at weaning (p < 0.001), and 18.5 and 17.9 kg at the age of 60 d (p > 0.05), respectively. There was a weaning age×feed additive interaction in the weight gain of piglets after weaning (p < 0.05). The weight gain of piglets weaned on day 26 was enhanced by A, FPS, and FD (p < 0.05), and that of piglets weaned on day 36 by A and FPB (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was not affected by weaning ages but was decreased in groups A, F, FBS, and FPB (p < 0.05). The severity of post-weaning diarrhoea was less in groups A, F, FPS, and FD than in C (p < 0.05). In piglets weaned on day 26, faecal water content and the total Escherichia coli count were highest 9 d after weaning. The total E. coli count was reduced only by FD (p < 0.05). Increased faecal water content was characterized by increased faecal Na⁺ and decreased K⁺ concentrations. Weaning age did not influence performance or carcass quality in the growing-finishing pigs. Feed additives did not affect weight gain in the growing pigs, but FPS and FPB enhanced weight gain during finishing period and total fattening (p < 0.05). In summary, the pigs' growth performance from weaning to slaughter was not affected by weaning age but it was enhanced by mixtures of formic and propionic acids with small amounts of sorbate or benzoate.     

Proteomics,human gut microbiota and probiotics

The various bacterial communities associated with humans have many functions and the gut microbiota has a major role in the host. Bacterial imbalance in the gut, known as dysbiosis, has therefore been linked to several diseases. Probiotics, that is, microbial strains that have beneficial effects on the host, are thought to benefit this intestinal ecosystem. Hence, knowledge of the gut microbiota composition and an understanding of its functionalities are of interest. Recently, efforts have focused on developing new high-throughput techniques for studying microbial cells and complex communities. Among them, proteomics is increasingly being used. The purpose of this article is to focus on the recent development of this technology and its usefulness in analyzing the human gut ecosystem and probiotic strains.     

Effects of weaning age and formic acid-based feed additives on pigs from weaning to slaughter

Two hundred and forty piglets were used in a 2 x 6 factorial experiment to study the effects of weaning age (26 or 36 d) and four formic acid-based feed additives on the performance of pigs from weaning to slaughter. Either formic acid (F) or a mixture of formic acid, propionic acid, and potassium sorbate (FPS) or a mixture of formic acid, propionic acid, and sodium benzoate (FPB) or formic acid in a diatomaceous earth carrier (FD) were added to the diets of weaned piglets (from weaning to 60 d of age) and growing (18-46 kg) and finishing pigs (46-107 kg) to provide 8, 6, and 6 g acid per kg feed, respectively. The negative control treatment's (C) diets contained no growth promoters, whereas the positive control treatment's weaner and grower diets were supplemented with 40 mg/kg of avilamycin (A). The piglets weaned at the age of 26 and 36 d weighed 7.6 and 10.7 kg at weaning (p < 0.001), and 18.5 and 17.9 kg at the age of 60 d (p > 0.05), respectively. There was a weaning age x feed additive interaction in the weight gain of piglets after weaning (p < 0.05). The weight gain of piglets weaned on day 26 was enhanced by A, FPS, and FD (p < 0.05), and that of piglets weaned on day 36 by A and FPB (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was not affected by weaning ages but was decreased in groups A, F, FBS, and FPB (p < 0.05). The severity of post-weaning diarrhoea was less in groups A, F, FPS, and FD than in C (p < 0.05). In piglets weaned on day 26, faecal water content and the total Escherichia coli count were highest 9 d after weaning. The total E. coli count was reduced only by FD (p < 0.05). Increased faecal water content was characterized by increased faecal Na+ and decreased K+ concentrations. Weaning age did not influence performance or carcass quality in the growing-finishing pigs. Feed additives did not affect weight gain in the growing pigs, but FPS and FPB enhanced weight gain during finishing period and total fattening (p < 0.05). In summary, the pigs' growth performance from weaning to slaughter was not affected by weaning age but it was enhanced by mixtures of formic and propionic acids with small amounts of sorbate or benzoate.     

昆虫肠道微生物的多样性、功能及应用

昆虫肠道微生物种类繁多、数量巨大,在与宿主长期的协同进化过程中,不仅形成极为多样的种群结构,也进化出多样的生物学功能,对宿主的营养、生理、发育、防御、抗逆等方面都产生显著影响。近年来,越来越多的昆虫肠道微生物的多样性和生物学特性被揭示,具有农业、能源和环保价值的众多微生物种类和活性基因得到了开发,展现出巨大的应用潜力。本文将从昆虫肠道微生物的多样性、生物学功能、应用三个方面对近年来的研究进展进行总结,并进行展望。     

Disruption of the termite gut microbiota and its prolonged consequences for fitness

The disruption of host-symbiont interactions through the use of antibiotics can help elucidate microbial functions that go beyond short-term nutritional value. Termite gut symbionts have been studied extensively, but little is known about their impact on the termite's reproductive output. Here we describe the effect that the antibiotic rifampin has not only on the gut microbial diversity but also on the longevity, fecundity, and weight of two termite species, Zootermopsis angusticollis and Reticulitermes flavipes. We report three key findings: (i) the antibiotic rifampin, when fed to primary reproductives during the incipient stages of colony foundation, causes a permanent reduction in the diversity of gut bacteria and a transitory effect on the density of the protozoan community; (ii) rifampin treatment reduces oviposition rates of queens, translating into delayed colony growth and ultimately reduced colony fitness; and (iii) the initial dosages of rifampin had severe long-term fitness effects on Z. angusticollis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the antibiotic-induced perturbation of the microbial community is associated with prolonged reductions in longevity and fecundity. A causal relationship between these changes in the gut microbial population structures and fitness is suggested by the acquisition of opportunistic pathogens and incompetence of the termites to restore a pretreatment, native microbiota. Our results indicate that antibiotic treatment significantly alters the termite's microbiota, reproduction, colony establishment, and ultimately colony growth and development. We discuss the implications for antimicrobials as a new application to the control of termite pest species.     

肠道菌群与代谢研究进展

从出生伊始肠道菌群就依赖于宿主的基因组、营养和生活方式而变化的,与宿主共同进化发展.肠道菌群参与调控其宿主的多种代谢途径,包括宿主的免疫、营养,并且极大地影响宿主的物质能量代谢及与物质能量代谢相关疾病的发生与发展过程.同时又与多个器官共同作用,在宿主的代谢、信息传递,疾病的感染与防御方面起非常重要的作用.深入了解肠道菌群在其参与代谢的具体作用,对理解物质能量代谢相关疾病病因、优化治疗策略、调节肠道菌群、防治疾病和提高宿主健康水平具有重要作用.本研究对人类肠道菌群的形成、物质能量代谢、代谢相关疾病及其防治等方面的研究进展加以综述.     

Molecular link between dietary fibre,gut microbiota and health

Molecular Biology Reports - Natural polysaccharides cellulose, hemicelluloses, inulin etc., galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) play a significant role in the...     

Characterization of gut microbiota composition in HIV-infected patients with metabolic syndrome

Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry - The presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) per se or its separated components in HIV-infected patients contributes to an accelerated aging and increased...     

Screening for lactobacilli with probiotic properties in the infant gut microbiota

Lactobacilli are believed to be beneficial for the human hosts and are currently being evaluated as potentially probiotic bacteria. In this study, Lactobacillus strains were isolated from infant faeces and were examined in vitro for potential probiotic properties. Faecal specimens from 63 healthy, full-term infants were collected at 4, 30 and 90 days after delivery. Seventy-four Lactobacillus strains were isolated and one or more different phenotypes from each infant (n = 44) were selected for further testing. The bacterial isolates were identified mainly as L. gasseri, L. crispatus, Lactobacillus paracasei, L. salivarius, L. fermentum after amplification and sequencing of 16s rRNA gene. The strains were examined for acid and bile tolerance, adhesion to Caco-2 cells, antibiotic susceptibility and antimicrobial activity against selected enteric pathogens. The great majority of the isolated lactobacilli were susceptible to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, tetracycline, erythromycin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol and rifampicin. Resistance to vancomycin or bacitracin was detected to 34% of the strains. Twenty strains out of forty-four exhibited significant tolerance to bile salts. Those strains were subsequently tested for resistance to low pH conditions (pH 2 and 3). Interestingly, 85% (17 strains) of the tested lactobacilli remained unaffected at pH 3 after 3 h of incubation, 6 strains were found resistant at pH 2 after 1.5 h and only 2 strains found resistant after 3 h of incubation. Two of the strains were able to adhere to Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, two isolates fulfilled the in vitro probiotic criteria and are good candidates for further in vivo evaluation.     

Diversity of gut microbiota increases with aging and starvation in the desert locust

Here we report the effects of starvation and insect age on the diversity of gut microbiota of adult desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria, using denaturing gradient gel electrophoretic (DGGE) analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Sequencing of excised DGGE bands revealed the presence of only one potentially novel uncultured member of the Gammaproteobacteria in the guts of fed, starved, young or old locusts. Most of the 16S rRNA gene sequences were closely related to known cultured bacterial species. DGGE profiles suggested that bacterial diversity increased with insect age and did not provide evidence for a characteristic locust gut bacterial community. Starved insects are often more prone to disease, probably because they compromise on immune defence. However, the increased diversity of Gammaproteobacteria in starved locusts shown here may improve defence against enteric threats because of the role of gut bacteria in colonization resistance.     

Dynamics of heterozygosity and its correlation with fitness in a population of domestic pigs

Variation of heterozygosity at 11 loci for blood group systems (erythrocyte antigens), occurred during 14 years in the domestic pig population of Kemerovskaya breed is described. The two estimates computed for the population examined were represented by expected population heterozygosity, as a measure resistant to stochastic fluctuations, and individual heterozygosity, as a measure with the features of a quantitative trait. Our results showed that relative fitness of genotypic classes, formed by the alleles of erythrocyte antigen loci, was different. It was demonstrated that the population examined carried the alleles responsible for fitness decrease, as well as the alleles with stable and unstable equilibrium points (with increased and decreased relative fitness of heterozygotes). Suggestions based on these results, could be applied not only to the population examined, but also to the domesticated form of Sus scrofa as a whole.