High-Throughput RPLC-MS/MS Quantification of Short- and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids.

Short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SMCFA) are monocarboxylic acids with a carbon chain length of 1-12 carbon atoms. They are mainly produced in humans by the gut microbiota, play crucial metabolic roles, are vital for intestinal health, and have multifaceted impact on immune and neurological functions. Accurate detection and quantification of SMCFA in different human biofluids is achieved using 3-nitro phenylhydrazine (3-NPH) derivatization of the free fatty acids followed by reverse phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) separation and detection by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Here, we describe the simultaneous measurement of 14 SMCFA and lactate in detail. All 3-NPH-SMCFA-hydrazones are separated in less than 5 min with an 8-min total run time (injection-to-injection). Linear dynamic range over 0.1-500 µM is achieved for most SCFAs, while it is 0.05-100 µM for MCFAs. Validation of the procedure depicts good linearity (R2 > 0.98) and repeatability (CV ≤ 20%). The lower limit of detection (LLOD) is 10-30 nM. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) is 50-100 nM for most analytes, while it is 0.5 µM for acetate. In conclusion, the method offers several benefits compared to alternative methods regarding throughput, selectivity, sensitivity, and robustness.

Exploring the gut microbiome's role in colorectal cancer: diagnostic and prognostic implications.

The intricate interplay between the gut microbiome and colorectal cancer (CRC) presents novel avenues for early diagnosis and prognosis, crucial for improving patient outcomes. This comprehensive review synthesizes current findings on the gut microbiome's contribution to CRC pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for non-invasive CRC screening strategies. We explore the mechanisms through which the microbiome influences CRC, including its roles in inflammation, metabolism, and immune response modulation. Furthermore, we assess the viability of microbial signatures as predictive tools for CRC prognosis, offering insights into personalized treatment approaches. Our analysis underscores the necessity for advanced metagenomic studies to elucidate the complex microbiome-CRC nexus, aiming to refine diagnostic accuracy and prognostic assessment in clinical settings. This review propels forward the understanding of the microbiome's diagnostic and prognostic capabilities, paving the way for microbiome-based interventions in CRC management.

Mapping the evolution and impact of ketogenic diet research on diabetes management: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis from 2005 to 2024.

Objective: The ketogenic diet (KD) has been explored for diabetes management; however, a quantitative synthesis of its specific effects on diabetes has not yet been conducted. This study aims to examine the current status and research hotspots of KD in diabetes management from 2005 to 2024, providing a reference for future research. Methods: We retrieved articles published between 2005 and 2024 from the Web of Science database and analyzed them using R software, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Results: This study includes 432 relevant publications. From 2005 to 2024, the volume of literature in this field has shown a steady upward trend, with a notable increase from 2017 to 2021, and a slight decline observed from 2021 to 2023. The United States is the leading country in terms of the number of publications, followed by China, Australia, and Canada. The United States not only leads in publication volume but also maintains a broader international collaboration network. Nutrients and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition are the most frequently published and cited journals. Current research hotspots primarily focus on the impact of KD on blood glucose control, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism in diabetic patients. Mechanistic studies on KD in diabetes management concentrate on aspects such as the "regulation of genes by ß-hydroxybutyrate," "anti-inflammatory effects," and "oxidative stress." The role of the gut microbiome is also emerging as an important research area. Currently, exploring the application of KD in managing different age groups and types of diabetes has become a significant research trend. Conclusion: As an emerging dietary intervention, KD is gradually attracting widespread attention from researchers around the world and is expected to become a major research focus in the future for diabetes management and control. This paper provides a systematic review and analysis of the current research status and hotspots of KD in diabetes management, offering important references and insights for future research in related fields.

Gut microbiota and irritable bowel syndrome: status and prospect.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common gastrointestinal disease that, although not as aggressive as tumors, affects patients' quality of life in different ways. The cause of IBS is still unclear, but more and more studies have shown that the characteristics of the gut microbiota, such as diversity, abundance, and composition, are altered in patients with IBS, compared to the healthy population, which confirms that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of IBS. This paper aims to identify the commonalities by reviewing a large body of literature. Changes in the characteristics of gut microbiota in patients with different types of IBS are discussed, relevant mechanisms are described, and the treatment modalities of gut microbiota in IBS are summarized. Although there are more clinical trials that have made good progress, more standardized, more generalized, larger-scale, multi-omics clinical studies are what is missing. Overall, gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of IBS, and there is even more potential for treating IBS by modulating gut microbiota.

Human-fecal microbiota transplantation in relation to gut microbiome signatures in animal models for schizophrenia: A scoping review.

More recently, attention has turned to the putative role of gut microbiome (GMB) in pathogenesis, symptomatology, treatment response and/or resistance in schizophrenia (SCZ). It is foreseeable that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from SCZ patients (SCZ-FMT) to germ-free mice could represent a suitable experimental framework for a better understanding of the relationship between GMB and SCZ. Thus, we set out to identify literature (i) characterizing the GMB in animal models of SCZ, and (ii) employing SCZ-FMT into rodents to model SCZ in relation to behavioral and molecular phenotypes. Five studies examining animal models of SCZ suggest distinct GMB composition compared to respective control groups, which was correlated with SCZ-like behavioral phenotypes. Four additional studies investigated SCZ-FMT into rodents in relation to behavioral phenotypes, including spontaneous hyperlocomotion, social deficits, exaggerated startle response, and cognitive impairments, resembling those observed in SCZ patients. Mice receiving SCZ-FMT showed altered neurochemical and metabolic pathways in the brain. Animal models of SCZ have shown altered GMB composition, whereas reported behavioral and neurochemical alterations following FMT from patients into rodents suggest early face and construct validity for SCZ-FMT animal models. However, the predictive validity of these models remains to be validated.

Gut microbiota-related modulation of immune mechanisms in post-infarction remodelling and heart failure.

The immune system has long been recognized as a key driver in the progression of heart failure (HF). However, clinical trials targeting immune effectors have consistently failed to improve patient outcome across different HF aetiologies. The activation of the immune system in HF is complex, involving a broad network of pro-inflammatory and immune-modulating components, which complicates the identification of specific immune pathways suitable for therapeutic targeting. Increasing attention has been devoted to identifying gut microbial pathways that affect cardiac remodelling and metabolism and, thereby impacting the development of HF. In particular, gut microbiota-derived metabolites, absorbed by the host and transported to the peripheral circulation, can act as signalling molecules, influencing metabolism and immune homeostasis. Recent reports suggest that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating immune processes involved in HF. Here, we summarize recent advances in understanding the contributory role of gut microbiota in (auto-)immune pathways that critically determine the progression or alleviation of HF. We also thoroughly discuss potential gut microbiota-based intervention strategies to treat or decelerate HF progression.

Exploring the gut microbiome and head and neck cancer interplay.

The gut microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in maintaining human health and influencing disease outcomes. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies have revealed the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and various health conditions. This review explores the impact of gut microbiome dysbiosis on immune function, chronic inflammation, and cancer progression. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in microbial populations, can lead to immune dysfunction, creating a pro-inflammatory environment conducive to tumorigenesis. Gut microbiome metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, also play a significant role in modulating these processes. The interplay between these factors contributes to the development and progression of HNC. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential of therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiome, including probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary modifications, to restore microbial balance and mitigate cancer risk. Understanding the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome influences HNC can provide valuable insights into novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Future research should focus on elucidating the specific microbial taxa and metabolites involved in HNC, as well as the impact of lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol consumption, and oral hygiene on the gut microbiome. By leveraging the growing knowledge of the gut microbiome, it may be possible to develop personalized approaches to cancer prevention and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Mechanistic insight of neurodegeneration due to micro/nano-plastic-induced gut dysbiosis.

Despite offering significant conveniences, plastic materials contribute substantially in developing environmental hazards and pollutants. Plastic trash that has not been adequately managed may eventually break down into fragments caused by human or ecological factors. Arguably, the crucial element for determining the biological toxicities of plastics are micro/nano-forms of plastics (MPs/NPs), which infiltrate the mammalian tissue through different media and routes. Infiltration of MPs/NPs across the intestinal barrier leads to microbial architectural dysfunction, which further modulates the population of gastrointestinal microbes. Thereby, it triggers inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-1α/ß, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) by activating specific receptors located in the gut barrier. Mounting evidence indicates that MPs/NPs disrupt host pathophysiological function through modification of junctional proteins and effector cells. Moreover, the alteration of microbial diversity by MPs/NPs causes the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and translocation of metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, LPS) through the vagus nerve. Potent penetration affects the neuronal networks, neuronal protein accumulation, acceleration of oxidative stress, and alteration of neurofibrillary tangles, and hinders distinctive communicating pathways. Conclusively, alterations of these neurotoxic factors are possibly responsible for the associated neurodegenerative disorders due to the exposure of MPs/NPs. In this review, the hypothesis on MPs/NPs associated with gut microbial dysbiosis has been interlinked to the distinct neurological impairment through the gut-brain axis.

Physical Therapy for Knee Pain Relief Induces Changes in Gut Microbiome Composition: A Secondary Analysis of Data From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercise alters gut microbiome composition, yet the impact of gentle physiotherapy on gut microbiome and its relation to muscle strengthening and physical function remains unexplored. HYPOTHESIS: Physiotherapy exercises modulate gut microbiome composition and changes in gut microbes are linked to improvements in muscle strength or function. STUDY DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of samples from a randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2b. METHODS: Data from a 6-week randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy for knee pain were analyzed. Gut microbiota profiling utilized 16S sequencing. We compared intervention and control (usual care) groups using microbial diversity metrics. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that changed after the program were identified with ALDEX2, and correlations between these ASVs and measures of physical function, muscle strength, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were explored. RESULTS: No diversity changes were observed between standard care (n = 43) and physiotherapy (n = 34). Physiotherapy led to significant increases in Alistipes, Bacteroides, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Faecalibacterium ASVs. Of these, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Faecalibacterium were associated with postintervention muscle strength. Increase in Faecalibacterium was correlated with a decrease in IL-6 in the physiotherapy group. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy had modest effects on gut microbiome composition affecting 4 taxa. Increases in muscle strength were correlated with increases in 2 taxa including Faecalibacterium. Faecalibacterium was also linked to reduced inflammation. Improved walking speed was linked to an increase in Alistipes with no differences found for strength or squatting ability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Improved gut microbiome composition is linked to better overall health outcomes, including enhanced immune function, reduced inflammation, and improved metabolic health. This is particularly relevant for patients with osteoarthritis, who are known to have a high prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities. Integrating physiotherapy protocols that positively influence the gut microbiome can thus enhance overall patient outcomes.

The increased tendency for anemia in traditional Chinese medicine deficient body constitution is associated with the gut microbiome.

Background: Constitution is a valuable part of traditional Chinese medicine theory; it is defined as the internal foundation for the occurrence, development, transformation and outcome of diseases, and has its characteristic gut microbiota. Previous study showed that deficiency constitution was related to lower Hb counts. However, no research has examined how alterations in the gut microbiome induced by deficiency constitution may increase the tendency for anemia. Methods: We used a multiomics strategy to identify and quantify taxonomies and compounds found under deficient constitution individuals and further explore the possible pathological factors that affect red blood cell indices. Results: ① People with deficient constitution showed lower hemoglobin (Hb), more Firmicutes, less Bacteroidetes, and higher α diversity. ② We identified Escherichia coli, Clostridium bolteae, Ruminococcus gnavus, Streptococcus parasanguinis and Flavonifractor plautii as potential biomarkers of deficient constitution. ③ Slackia piriformis, Clostridium_sp_L2_50 and Bacteroides plebeius were enriched in balanced-constitution individuals, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii was the key bacterial marker of balanced constitution. ④ Flavonifractor plautii may be a protective factor against the tendency for anemia among deficient individuals. ⑤ Ruminococcus gnavus may be the shared microbe base of deficiency constitution-related the tendency for anemia. ⑥ The microorganism abundance of the anaerobic phenotype was lower in deficient constitution group. ⑦ Alterations in the microbiome of deficient-constitution individuals were associated with worse health status and a greater risk of anemia, involving intestinal barrier function, metabolism and immune responses, regulated by short-chain fatty acids and bile acid production. Conclusion: The composition of the gut microbiome was altered in people with deficient constitution, which may explain their poor health status and tendency toward anemia.

Advancing microbiome research in Maori populations: insights from recent literature exploring the gut microbiomes of underrepresented and Indigenous peoples.

The gut microbiome plays vital roles in human health, including mediating metabolism, immunity, and the gut-brain axis. Many ethnicities remain underrepresented in gut microbiome research, with significant variation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples due to dietary, socioeconomic, health, and urbanization differences. Although research regarding the microbiomes of Indigenous peoples is increasing, Maori microbiome literature is lacking despite widespread inequities that Maori populations face. These inequities likely contribute to gut microbiome differences that exacerbate negative health outcomes. Characterizing the gut microbiomes of underrepresented populations is necessary to inform efforts to address health inequities. However, for microbiome research to be culturally responsible and meaningful, study design must improve to better protect the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. Here, we discuss barriers to Indigenous participation in research and the role disparities may play in shaping the gut microbiomes of Indigenous peoples, with a particular focus on implications for Maori and areas for improvement.

Oral exposure to benzalkonium chlorides in male and female mice reveals alteration of the gut microbiome and bile acid profile.

Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are commonly used disinfectants in a variety of consumer and food-processing settings, and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased usage of BACs. The prevalence of BACs raises the concern that BAC exposure could disrupt the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus interfering with the beneficial functions of the microbes. We hypothesize that BAC exposure can alter the gut microbiome diversity and composition, which will disrupt bile acid homeostasis along the gut-liver axis. In this study, male and female mice were exposed orally to d7-C12- and d7-C16-BACs at 120 µg/g/day for one week. UPLC-MS/MS analysis of liver, blood, and fecal samples of BAC-treated mice demonstrated the absorption and metabolism of BACs. Both parent BACs and their metabolites were detected in all exposed samples. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing was carried out on the bacterial DNA isolated from the cecum intestinal content. For female mice, and to a lesser extent in males, we found that treatment with either d7-C12- or d7-C16-BAC led to decreased alpha diversity and differential composition of gut bacteria with notably decreased actinobacteria phylum. Lastly, through a targeted bile acid quantitation analysis, we observed decreases in secondary bile acids in BAC-treated mice, which was more pronounced in the female mice. This finding is supported by decreases in bacteria known to metabolize primary bile acids into secondary bile acids, such as the families of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Together, these data signify the potential impact of BACs on human health through disturbance of the gut microbiome and gut-liver interactions.

Identification of age-associated microbial changes via long-read 16S sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Age-related gut microbial changes have been widely investigated over the past decade. Most of the previous age-related microbiome studies were conducted on the Western population, and the short-read sequencing (e.g., 16S V4 or V3-V4 region) was the most common microbiota profiling method. We evaluated the gut compositional differences using the long-read sequencing approach (i.e., PacBio sequencing targeting the full-length V1-V9 regions) to enable a deeper taxonomic resolution and better characterize the gut microbiome of Singaporeans from different age groups. RESULTS: A total of 83 research participants were included in this study. Although no significant differences were detected in alpha and beta diversity, our study demonstrated several bacterial taxa with abundances that were significantly different across age groups. With young individuals as the reference group, Eggerthella lenta and Bacteroides uniformis were found to be significantly altered in the middle-aged group, while Catenibacterium mitsuokai and Bacteroides plebeius were significantly altered in the elderly group. These age-related differences in the gut microbiome were associated with aberrations in several predicted functional pathways, including dysregulations of pathways related to lipopolysaccharide and tricarboxylic acid cycle in older adults. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of long-read sequencing facilitated the identification of species- and strain-level differences across age groups, which was challenging with the partial 16S rRNA sequencing approach. Nevertheless, replication studies are warranted to confirm our findings, and if confirmed, further in vitro and in vivo studies are crucial to better understand the impact of the altered levels of age-related bacterial taxa. Additionally, the modest performance of strain-level taxonomic classification using 16S-ITS-23S gene sequences, likely due to the limited depth of currently available alignment databases, highlights the need for optimization and refinement in curating these databases for the long-read sequencing approach.

Hidden army within: Harnessing the microbiome to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

The gut microbiome has emerged as a critical player in cancer pathogenesis and treatment response. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbial community, impacts tumor initiation, progression, and therapy outcomes. Specific bacterial species have been associated with either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The gut microbiome influences the efficacy and toxicity of conventional treatments and cutting-edge immunotherapies, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer care. However, translating microbiome research into clinical practice requires addressing challenges such as standardizing methodologies, validating microbial biomarkers, and ensuring ethical considerations. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the gut microbiome's role in cancer highlighting the need for ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation to harness its full potential for improving patient outcomes in oncology. The current editorial aims to explore these insights and emphasizes the need for standardized methodologies, validation of microbial biomarkers, and interdisciplinary collaboration to translate microbiome research into clinical applications. Furthermore, it underscores ethical considerations and regulatory challenges surrounding the use of microbiome-based therapies. Together, this article advocates for ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation to realize the full potential of microbiome-guided oncology in improving patient care and outcomes.

Insights into the intestinal microbiota of Exopalaemon annandalei and Exopalaemon carinicauda in the Yangtze River estuary.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in food webs, carbon cycling, and related elements. Exopalaemon annandalei and Exopalaemon carinicauda are two important forage species in the Yangtze River estuary with extremely similar living habits and morphological characteristics. Exploring the microorganisms in the guts of these two shrimp species can help us understand the survival status of forage species and gut microbiota in the Yangtze River estuary. Therefore, this study analyzed the similarities and differences in the intestinal flora of E. annandalei and E. carinicauda through high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The results showed that the dominant bacteria in the intestinal flora of E. annandalei and E. carinicauda at the phylum level were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, respectively. At the genus level, the intestinal flora had higher concentrations of Psychrobacter, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Macrococcus. In both shrimp species, the contents of Acinetobacter and Macrococcus were higher in spring than in winter. The most important potential functions of the intestinal microbiota were amino acid metabolism and purine metabolism. Additionally, the functions of metabolism and diseases in the intestinal microbiota of E. annandalei were greatly influenced by the season. Furthermore, the experimental results indicated that a lower ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was associated with a larger body weight in shrimp. Overall, this study provides a theoretical reference for understanding the intestinal bacterial community of shrimp in estuaries and the healthy cultivation of E. annandalei and E. carinicauda.

Pueraria Extract Ameliorates Alcoholic Liver Disease via the Liver-Gut-Brain Axis: Focus on Restoring the Intestinal Barrier and Inhibiting Alcohol Metabolism.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the causes of hepatocellular carcinoma, accompanied by intestinal leakage and microbial changes. Pueraria has protective effects on liver injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of pueraria in the treatment of ALD. UPLC-Q/TOF-MS was used to analyze the composition of the pueraria extract (PUE). Acute and chronic ALD models were established to evaluate the antialcoholic and hepatoprotective effects of PUE. As a result, PUE treatment reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, and TG and inflammatory factors and alleviated liver inflammation and drunk state. PUE decreased the gene expression of ADH1 and the serum level of acetaldehyde (ACH) to inhibit the generation of ACH from ethanol metabolism, increased the gene level of ALDH2 to accelerate the decomposition of ACH, and thereby alleviated liver inflammation and intestinal barrier damage. Meanwhile, 16 S rDNA revealed that PUE altered the microbiota composition, reduced the amount of Proteobacteria and Desulfobacterota, and thus inhibited the generation of lipopolysaccharide and its downstream-like TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. PUE also increased the abundance of Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, and Prevotella and producted short-chain fatty acids to protect the intestinal wall. Treatment with fecal microbiota transplantation further confirmed that PUE gut microbiota dependently alleviated ALD. Therefore, PUE regulated gut microbiota and inhibited ethanol metabolism to alleviate ALD through the liver-gut-brain axis. It has good prospects in the future.

Oral-gut microbiome interactions in advanced cirrhosis: characterisation of pathogenic enterotypes and salivatypes, virulence factors and antimicrobial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Cirrhosis complications are often triggered by bacterial infections with multidrug-resistant organisms. Alterations in the gut and oral microbiome in decompensated cirrhosis (DC) influence clinical outcomes. We interrogated: (i) gut and oral microbiome community structures, (ii) virulence factors (VFs) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and (iii) oral-gut microbial overlap in patients with differing cirrhosis severity. METHODS: 15 healthy controls (HC), 26 stable cirrhosis (SC), 46 DC, 14 acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and 14 with severe infection without cirrhosis (NLS) participated. Metagenomic sequencing was undertaken on paired saliva (S) and faecal (F) samples. 'Salivatypes' and 'enterotypes' based on genera clustering were assessed against cirrhosis severity and clinical parameters. VFs and ARGs were evaluated in oral and gut niches, and distinct resistotypes identified. RESULTS: Salivatypes and enterotypes revealed a greater proportion of pathobionts with concomitant reduction in autochthonous genera with increasing cirrhosis severity and hyperammonaemia. Increasing overlap between oral and gut microbiome communities was observed in DC and ACLF vs SC and HCs, independent of antimicrobial, beta-blocker and acid suppressant therapies. Two distinct gut microbiome clusters [ENT2/ENT3] harboured genes encoding for the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) system and other VFs in DC and ACLF. Substantial ARGs (oral: 1,218 and gut: 672) were detected [575 common to both sites]. The cirrhosis resistome was distinct, with three oral and four gut resistotypes identified, respectively. DISCUSSION: The degree of oral-gut microbial community overlap, frequency of VFs and ARGs all increment significantly with cirrhosis severity, with progressive dominance of pathobionts and loss of commensals. Despite similar antimicrobial exposure, patients with DC and ACLF have reduced microbial richness compared to NLS, supporting the additive pathobiological effect of cirrhosis. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: This research underscores the crucial role of microbiome alterations in the progression of cirrhosis in an era of escalating multidrug resistant infections, highlighting the association and potential impact of increased oral-gut microbial overlap, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance genes on clinical outcomes. These findings are particularly significant for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure, as they reveal the intricate relationship between microbiome alterations and cirrhosis complications. This is relevant in the context of multidrug-resistant organisms and reduced oral-gut microbial diversity that exacerbate cirrhosis severity, drive hepatic decompensation and complicate treatment. For practical applications, these insights could guide for cirrhosis patients the development of targeted microbiome-based therapeutics and personalised antimicrobial regimens to mitigate infectious complications to improve their clinical outcomes.

Fecal samples and rectal swabs adequately reflect the human colonic luminal microbiota.

The appropriateness of the fecal microbiota to adequately reflect the gut microbiota composition from more difficult to access luminal content at different colonic locations has been debated. Here, in a healthy population, luminal samples were collected from terminal ileum to rectum using an unique sampling technique without the need of prior bowel cleansing/preparation. Rectal swabs were collected immediately prior colonoscopy by an experienced physician, and fecal samples were collected at home by the participants themselves. Microbiota composition was evaluated as relative abundance, α-diversity and Bray-Curtis dissimilarities. Our data suggest that fecal samples and rectal swabs present noninvasive, easily accessible, low-cost sampling tools that are accurate proxies to characterize luminal large intestinal microbiota composition.

The Role of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in the Relationship between the Intestinal Microbiome and Periprosthetic Joint Infections: A Perspective.

Periprosthetic joint infections are still a challenge in orthopedics and traumatology. Nowadays, genomics comes to the aid of diagnosis and treatment, in addition to traditional methods. Recently, a key role of the intestinal microbiota has been postulated, and great efforts are aimed at discovering its interconnection, which shows to be at different levels. Firstly, the gut microbiome influences the immune system through the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). A balanced microbiome promotes a strong immune response, which is essential to prevent all local and systemic infections, including PJI. Thus, a dysbiosis, i.e., the disruption of this system, leads to an imbalance between the various strains of microorganisms co-existing in the gut microbiome, which can result in a weakened immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections, including PJI. Additionally, the dysbiosis can result in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators that enter the systemic circulation, creating a state of chronic inflammation that can compromise the immune system's ability to fend off infections. Furthermore, the microbiome maintains the integrity of the gut barrier, preventing the translocation of harmful bacteria and endotoxins into the bloodstream; dysbiosis can compromise this protective "wall". In addition, the gut microbiome may harbor antibiotic-resistance genes; during antibiotic treatment for other infections or prophylaxis, these genes may be transferred to pathogenic bacteria, making the treatment of PJI more difficult. In this complex landscape, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology can play a key role; indeed, it has revolutionized the study of the microbiome, allowing for detailed and comprehensive analysis of microbial communities. It offers insights into the functional potential and metabolic capabilities of the microbiome, studies the collective genome of the microbiome directly from environmental samples sequencing DNA without isolating individual organisms, analyzes the RNA transcripts to understand gene expression and functional activity of the microbiome, analyzes the RNA transcripts to understand gene expression and functional activity of the microbiome, investigates the metabolites produced by the microbiome and studies the entire set of proteins produced by the microbiome. NGS technology, the study of the micromyoma and its implications in the field of orthopedic trauma are innovative topics on which few publications are yet to be found in the international scientific literature. The costs are still high, the focus of research is maximum, and it will certainly change our approach to infections. Our study is an up-to-date review of the hot topic application of NGS in the study and investigation of periprosthetic infections and the microbiome.

Non/Low-Caloric Artificial Sweeteners and Gut Microbiome: From Perturbed Species to Mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Non/low-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) are recognized as chemical additives substituting sugars to avoid caloric intake and subsequent sugar-derived diseases such as diabetes and hyperglycemia. Six NAS have been claimed safe and are authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for public use, with acceptable daily intake information available: aspartame, acesulfame-K, saccharin, sucralose, neotame, and advantame. However, the impacts of NAS on the gut microbiome have raised potential concerns, since sporadic research revealed NAS-induced microbial changes in the gastrointestinal tracts and alterations in the microbiome-host interactive metabolism. METHODS: Given the fact that the gut microbiome influences kaleidoscopic physiological functions in host health, this review aimed to decipher the impacts of NAS on the gut microbiome by implementing a comprehensive two-stage literature analysis based on each NAS. RESULTS: This review documented disturbed microbiomes due to NAS exposure to a maximal resolution of species level using taxonomic clustering analysis, and recorded metabolism alterations involved in gut microbiome-host interactions. CONCLUSIONS: The results elucidated that specific NAS exhibited discrepant impacts on the gut microbiome, even though overlapping on the genera and species were identified. Some NAS caused glucose tolerance impairment in the host, but the key metabolites and their underlying mechanisms were different. Furthermore, this review embodied the challenges and future directions of current NAS-gut microbiome research to inspire advanced examination of the NAS exposure-gut microbiome-host metabolism axis.