The Role of the Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) Pathway in SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

COVID-19 is a global health threat caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. The present review discusses nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and its potential therapeutical role in treating COVID-19. COVID-19 pathogenesis, the major NF-κB pathways, and the involvement of NF-κB in SARS-CoV-2 have been detailed. Specifically, NF-κB activation and its impact on managing COVID-19 has been discussed. As a central player in the immune and inflammatory responses, modulating NF-κB activation could offer a strategic avenue for managing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the NF-κB pathway's role could aid in developing treatments against SARS-CoV-2. Further investigations into the intricacies of NF-κB activation are required to reveal effective therapeutic strategies for managing and combating the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19.

The Influence of Probiotic Supplementation on the Obesity Indexes, Neuroinflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers, Gut Microbial Diversity, and Working Memory in Obese Thai Children.

Obesity is a worldwide health problem with a complex interaction between gut microbiota and cognition. Several studies have demonstrated that probiotic treatments improve characteristics linked to obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the obesity indexes, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, gut microbiota, and working memory in obese children. Ten obese children were assigned to receive the probiotics (8 × 109 CFU of Lactobacillus paracasei HII01 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) for 12 weeks. Demographic data were recorded. Urine and fecal samples were collected to evaluate biomarkers related to obesity and cognition. Behavioral working memory was assessed using the visual n-back test. Electroencephalography was employed to measure electrical activity during the visual n-back test. All parameters were evaluated at the baseline and after 12 weeks. The results revealed that probiotic supplementation significantly altered some gut microbial metabolites, gut microbiota, total antioxidant capacity, and neuroinflammatory markers. However, no significant changes were observed in the visual n-back test or electroencephalographic recordings after 12 weeks. In conclusion, the use of probiotics might be an alternative treatment that could improve the gut microbial ecosystem and microbial metabolites, as well as host antioxidant and neuroinflammation levels. The preliminary results indicated that further detailed prolonged studies are needed in order to determine the beneficial effects of the studied probiotics.

Lactobacillus paracasei HII01 enhances lifespan and promotes neuroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Achieving healthy aging and providing protection from aging-related diseases is a major global concern. Probiotics, are a safer and more natural alternative. Moreover, identifying novel probiotics can help develop a new therapeutic approach and may help in personalized probiotic-formulations for individual's unique gut microbiome. In this study, we evaluated the benefits of our novel probiotic strains in promoting healthy aging and whether they protect against Amyloid ß toxicity of Alzheimer's disease. Henceforth, we analyzed the impact of four different probiotics (Lactobacillus paracasei HII01, L. rhamnosus, L. reuteri, L. salivarius) on the lifespan extension of Caenorhabditis elegans model. Our results determine that L. paracasei HII01 provided the most positive effect on longevity and antiaging effects on C. elegans. The qPCR data and mutant-based studies indicated that L. paracasei HII01-mediated lifespan extension could be modulated by DAF-16 mediated pathway. The probiotic strains also protected the worms from the toxicity induced by ß-Amyloid-expressing (Aß) transgenic C. elegans strains, and L. paracasei HII01 provided the most significant protection. Overall, identifying novel probiotics is an important area of research that can improve health outcomes. Our study showed that L. paracasei HII01 could be considered a dietary supplement for providing healthy aging and preventing aging-related diseases.

Neurological Insights into Sleep Disorders in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common multidimensional neurological disorder characterized by motor and non-motor features and is more prevalent in the elderly. Sleep disorders and cognitive disturbances are also significant characteristics of PD. Sleep is an important physiological process for normal human cognition and physical functioning. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts human physical, mental, and behavioral functions. Sleep disturbances include problems falling asleep, disturbances occurring during sleep, abnormal movements during sleep, insufficient sleep, and excessive sleep. The most recognizable and known sleep disorders, such as rapid-eye-movement behavior disorder (RBD), insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs), and circadian-rhythm-related sleep-wake disorders (CRSWDs), have been associated with PD. RBD and associated emotional disorders are common non-motor symptoms of PD. In individuals, sleep disorders and cognitive impairment are important prognostic factors for predicting progressing neurodegeneration and developing dementia conditions in PD. Studies have focused on RBD and its associated neurological changes and functional deficits in PD patients. Other risks, such as cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression, are related to RBD. Sleep-disorder diagnosis is challenging, especially in identifying the essential factors that disturb the sleep-wake cycle and the co-existence of other concomitant sleep issues, motor symptoms, and breathing disorders. Focusing on sleep patterns and their disturbances, including genetic and other neurochemical changes, helps us to better understand the central causes of sleep alterations and cognitive functions in PD patients. Relations between α-synuclein aggregation in the brain and gender differences in sleep disorders have been reported. The existing correlation between sleep disorders and levels of α-synuclein in the cerebrospinal fluid indicates the risk of progression of synucleinopathies. Multidirectional approaches are required to correlate sleep disorders and neuropsychiatric symptoms and diagnose sensitive biomarkers for neurodegeneration. The evaluation of sleep pattern disturbances and cognitive impairment may aid in the development of novel and effective treatments for PD.

Role and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Hair Growth and Health.

Hair health is associated with personal distress and psychological well-being. Even though hair loss (alopecia) does not affect humans' biological health, it affects an individual's social well-being. So, treatment for hair problems and improving hair health are obligatory. Several pharmacological and cosmeceutical treatment procedures are available to manage hair loss and promote growth. Several factors associated with hair health include genetics, disease or disorder, drugs, lifestyle, chemical exposure, and unhealthy habits such as smoking, diet, and stress. Synthetic and chemical formulations have side effects, so people are moving towards natural compounds-based remedies for their hair problems. The history of using phytochemicals for hair health has been documented anciently. However, scientific studies on hair loss have accelerated in recent decades. The current review summarizes the type of alopecia, the factor affecting hair health, alopecia treatments, phytochemicals' role in managing hair loss, and the mechanisms of hair growth-stimulating properties of phytochemicals. The literature survey suggested that phytochemicals are potent candidates for developing treatment procedures for different hair problems. Further detailed studies are needed to bring the scientific evidence to market.

Influence of Bifidobacterium breve on the Glycaemic Control, Lipid Profile and Microbiome of Type 2 Diabetic Subjects: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Trial.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most highly prevalent metabolic disorders worldwide. Uncontrolled T2DM can lead to other health threats such as cardiac arrest, lower-limb amputation, blindness, stroke, impaired kidney function, and microvascular and macrovascular complications. Many studies have demonstrated the association between gut microbiota and diabetes development and probiotic supplementation in improving glycemic properties in T2DM. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of Bifidobacterium breve supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile, and microbiome of T2DM subjects. Forty participants were randomly divided into two groups, and they received probiotics (50 × 109 CFU/day) or placebo interventions (corn starch; 10 mg/day) for 12 weeks. The changes in the blood-urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine levels, and other factors such as body-mass index, visceral fat, body fat, and body weight were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. B. breve supplementation significantly reduced BUN, creatinine, LDL, TG, and HbA1c levels compared to the placebo group. Significant changes were observed in the microbiome of the probiotic-treated group compared to the placebo group. Firmicutes and proteobacteria were predominant in the placebo and probiotic-treated groups. Genera Streptococcus, Butyricicoccus, and species Eubacterium hallii were significantly reduced in the probiotic-treated group compared to the placebo. Overall results suggested that B. breve supplementation could prevent worsening of representative clinical parameters in T2DM subjects. The current study has limitations, including fewer subjects, a single probiotic strain, and fewer metagenomic samples for microbiome analysis. Therefore, the results of the current study require further validation using more experimental subjects.

Composition, Microbiota, Mechanisms, and Anti-Obesity Properties of Rice Bran.

Rice is a major cereal crop and a staple food for nearly 50% of people worldwide. Rice bran (RB) is a nutrient-rich by-product of rice processing. RB is rich in carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, lipids, minerals, and several trace elements (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese). The extraction process and storage have influenced RB extracts and RB oil's quality. The RB composition has also varied on the rice cultivars. The color of RB indicates the richness of the bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins. γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and unsaturated fatty acids are major components of RB oil. It has been established that RB supplementation could improve the host's health status. Several preclinical and clinical studies have reported that RB has antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anticolitis, and antidiabetic properties. The beneficial biological properties of RB are partially attributed to its ability to alter the host microbiome and help to maintain and restore eubiosis. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and lung disease, account for 74% of deaths worldwide. Obesity is a global health problem and is a major reason for the development of NCDs. The medical procedures for managing obesity are expensive and long-term health supplements are required to maintain a healthy weight. Thus, cost-effective natural adjuvant therapeutic strategy is crucial to treat and manage obesity. Several studies have revealed that RB could be a complementary pharmacological candidate to treat obesity. A comprehensive document with basic information and recent scientific results on the anti-obesity activity of RB and RB compounds is obligatory. Thus, the current manuscript was prepared to summarize the composition of RB and the influence of RB on the host microbiome, possible mechanisms, and preclinical and clinical studies on the anti-obesity properties of RB. This study suggested that the consumption of RB oil and dietary RB extracts might assist in managing obesity-associated health consequences. Further, extended clinical studies in several ethnic groups are required to develop dietary RB-based functional and nutritional supplements, which could serve as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy to treat obesity.

Mesoporous Silica-Based Nanoplatforms Are Theranostic Agents for the Treatment of Inflammatory Disorders.

Complete recovery from infection, sepsis, injury, or trauma requires a vigorous response called inflammation. Inflammatory responses are essential in balancing tissue homeostasis to protect the tissue or resolve harmful stimuli and initiate the healing process. Identifying pathologically important inflammatory stimuli is important for a better understanding of the immune pathways, mechanisms of inflammatory diseases and organ dysfunctions, and inflammatory biomarkers and for developing therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases. Nanoparticles are an efficient medical tool for diagnosing, preventing, and treating various diseases due to their interactions with biological molecules. Nanoparticles are unique in diagnosis and therapy in that they do not affect the surroundings or show toxicity. Modern medicine has undergone further development with nanoscale materials providing advanced experimentation, clinical use, and applications. Nanoparticle use in imaging, drug delivery, and treatment is growing rapidly owing to their spectacular accuracy, bioavailability, and cellular permeability. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) play a significant role in nano therapy with several advantages such as easy synthesis, loading, controllability, bioavailability over various surfaces, functionalization, and biocompatibility. MSNs can be used as theranostics in immune-modulatory nano systems to diagnose and treat inflammatory diseases. The application of MSNs in the preparation of drug-delivery systems has been steadily increasing in recent decades. Several preclinical studies suggest that an MSN-mediated drug-delivery system could aid in treating inflammatory diseases. This review explains the role of nanoparticles in medicine, synthesis, and functional properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their therapeutic role against various inflammatory diseases.

Role of Probiotics and Diet in the Management of Neurological Diseases and Mood States: A Review.

Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's diseases (PD) are common in older people. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, depression, stress, and cognitive impairment are prevalent among people irrespective of age. The incidence of neurological disorders has been increasing in recent decades. Communication between the gut microbiota and the brain is intrinsically complicated, and it is necessary for the maintenance of the gut, brain, and immune functions of the host. The bidirectional link among the gut, gut microbiota and the brain is designated as the "microbiota-gut-brain axis." Gut microbiota modulates the host immune system and functions of tissue barriers such as gut mucosa and blood-brain barrier (BBB). Gut microbial dysfunction disturbs the gut-brain interplay and may contribute to various gut disorders, neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders. Probiotics could protect intestinal integrity, enhance gut functions, promote intestinal mucosal and BBB functions, and support the synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which enhance neuronal survival and differentiation. Probiotics could be considered an adjunct therapy to manage metabolic and psychiatric diseases. Predominantly, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains are documented as potent probiotics, which help to maintain the bidirectional interactions between the gut and brain. The consumption of probiotics and probiotics containing fermented foods could improve the gut microbiota. The diet impacts gut microbiota, and a balanced diet could maintain the integrity of gut-brain communication by facilitating the production of neurotrophic factors and other neuropeptides. However, the beneficial effects of probiotics and diet might depend upon several factors, including strain, dosage, duration, age, host physiology, etc. This review summarizes the importance and involvement of probiotics and diet in neuroprotection and managing representative neurological disorders, injuries and mood states.

Role of the Gut-Brain Axis, Gut Microbial Composition, Diet, and Probiotic Intervention in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most prevalent neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric disease, affecting 1% of seniors worldwide. The gut microbiota (GM) is one of the key access controls for most diseases and disorders. Disturbance in the GM creates an imbalance in the function and circulation of metabolites, resulting in unhealthy conditions. Any dysbiosis could affect the function of the gut, consequently disturbing the equilibrium in the intestine, and provoking pro-inflammatory conditions in the gut lumen, which send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) through the vagus enteric nervous system, possibly disturbing the blood-brain barrier. The neuroinflammatory conditions in the brain cause accumulation of α-syn, and progressively develop PD. An important aspect of understanding and treating the disease is access to broad knowledge about the influence of dietary supplements on GM. Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotic supplementation improves the function of the CNS, and improves the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Probiotic supplementation could be an adjuvant therapeutic method to manage PD. This review summarizes the role of GM in health, the GM-brain axis, the pathogenesis of PD, the role of GM and diet in PD, and the influence of probiotic supplementation on PD. The study encourages further detailed clinical trials in PD patients with probiotics, which aids in determining the involvement of GM, intestinal mediators, and neurological mediators in the treatment or management of PD.

Nasal Microbiota, Olfactory Health, Neurological Disorders and Aging-A Review.

The nasal region is one of the distinct environments for the survival of various microbiota. The human microbial niche begins to inhabit the human body right from birth, and the microbiota survive as commensals or opportunistic pathogens throughout the life of humans in their bodies in various habitats. These microbial communities help to maintain a healthy microenvironment by preventing the attack of pathogens and being involved in immune regulation. Any dysbiosis of microbiota residing in the mucosal surfaces, such as the nasal passages, guts, and genital regions, causes immune modulation and severe infections. The coexistence of microorganisms in the mucosal layers of respiratory passage, resulting in infections due to their co-abundance and interactions, and the background molecular mechanisms responsible for such interactions, need to be considered for investigation. Additional clinical evaluations can explain the interactions among the nasal microbiota, nasal dysbiosis and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The respiratory airways usually act as a substratum place for the microbes and can act as the base for respiratory tract infections. The microbial metabolites and the microbes can cross the blood-brain barrier and may cause NDs, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). The scientific investigations on the potential role of the nasal microbiota in olfactory functions and the relationship between their dysfunction and neurological diseases are limited. Recently, the consequences of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in patients with neurological diseases are under exploration. The crosstalk between the gut and the nasal microbiota is highly influential, because their mucosal regions are the prominent microbial niche and are connected to the olfaction, immune regulation, and homeostasis of the central nervous system. Diet is one of the major factors, which strongly influences the mucosal membranes of the airways, gut, and lung. Unhealthy diet practices cause dysbiosis in gut microbiota and the mucosal barrier. The current review summarizes the interrelationship between the nasal microbiota dysbiosis, resulting olfactory dysfunctions, and the progression of NDs during aging and the involvement of coronavirus disease 2019 in provoking the NDs.

Probiotics Supplementation Improves Intestinal Permeability, Obesity Index and Metabolic Biomarkers in Elderly Thai Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Intestinal integrity prevents the diffusion of allergens, toxins, and pathogens from the gastrointestinal lumen into the tissue and the circulatory system. Damage in intestinal integrity may cause mild to serious health issues, such as inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier function is essential to sustain health. Probiotics are known for their ability to protect and restore intestinal permeability in vitro and in vivo. The multi-strain probiotics are more efficient than that of a single strain in terms of their protective efficacy. Therefore, the present study was planned and implemented to study the supplementation of probiotic mix (Lactobacillus paracasei HII01, Bifidobacteriumbreve, and Bifidobacterium longum) on intestinal permeability, lipid profile, obesity index and metabolic biomarkers in elderly Thai subjects. The results revealed that the supplementation of studied probiotics improved the intestinal barrier function (up to 48%), significantly increasing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Moreover, the intervention improved obesity-related anthropometric biomarkers and short-chain fatty acid levels in human subjects. The current study strongly recommends further extended research to confirm the beneficial effect of probiotics, which may pave the way to formulate probiotic-based health supplements to adjuvant the treatment of several metabolic diseases.

In Silico Screening of Bioactive Compounds of Representative Seaweeds to Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 ACE2-Bound Omicron B.1.1.529 Spike Protein Trimer.

Omicron is an emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant, evolved from the Indian delta variant B.1.617.2, which is currently infecting worldwide. The spike glycoprotein, an important molecule in the pathogenesis and transmissions of SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially omicron B.1.1.529, shows 37 mutations distributed over the trimeric protein domains. Notably, fifteen of these mutations reside in the receptor-binding domain of the spike glycoprotein, which may alter transmissibility and infectivity. Additionally, the omicron spike evades neutralization more efficiently than the delta spike. Most of the therapeutic antibodies are ineffective against the omicron variant, and double immunization with BioNTech-Pfizer (BNT162b2) might not adequately protect against severe disease induced by omicron B.1.1.529. So far, no efficient antiviral drugs are available against omicron. The present study identified the promising inhibitors from seaweed's bioactive compounds to inhibit the omicron variant B.1.1.529. We have also compared the seaweed's compounds with the standard drugs ceftriaxone and cefuroxime, which were suggested as beneficial antiviral drugs in COVID-19 treatment. Our molecular docking analysis revealed that caffeic acid hexoside (-6.4 kcal/mol; RMSD = 2.382 Å) and phloretin (-6.3 kcal/mol; RMSD = 0.061 Å) from Sargassum wightii (S. wightii) showed the inhibitory effect against the crucial residues ASN417, SER496, TYR501, and HIS505, which are supported for the inviolable omicron and angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptor interaction. Cholestan-3-ol, 2-methylene-, (3beta, 5 alpha) (CMBA) (-6.0 kcal/mol; RMSD = 3.074 Å) from Corallina officinalis (C. officinalis) manifested the strong inhibitory effect against the omicron RBD mutated residues LEU452 and ALA484, was magnificently observed as the essential residues in Indian delta variant B.1.617.2 previously. The standard drugs (ceftriaxone and cefuroxime) showed no or less inhibitory effect against RBD of omicron B.1.1.529. The present study also emphasized the pharmacological properties of the considered chemical compounds. The results could be used to develop potent seaweed-based antiviral drugs and/or dietary supplements to treat omicron B.1.1529-infected patients.

Synbiotic Supplementation Improves Obesity Index and Metabolic Biomarkers in Thai Obese Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The cluster of metabolic disorders includes obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and glucose intolerance, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Evolving proofs suggest an essential role of microbiota in human health and disease, including digestion, energy and glucose metabolism, immunomodulation, and brain function. The frequency of overweight is increasing, and the main causes for this are highly processed foods and less active lifestyles. Research is underway to unravel the probable relationship between obesity and intestinal microbiota. Here, we propose a method to understand and elucidate the synergistic function of prebiotics and probiotics in treating obesity. The biomarkers of obesity, such as cholesterol, gut permeability, oxidative stress, bacterial toxins, cytokines, and short-chain fatty acids, were analyzed in Thai obese individuals after being supplemented with a synbiotic preparation containing Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, inulin, and fructooligosaccharide. The results reveal that the supplementation of synbiotics significantly altered the obesity-associated biomarkers in an appositive way. Further studies are warranted to use synbiotics as an adjuvant therapy for the management of obesity-related health issues.

Role of Herbal Teas in Regulating Cellular Homeostasis and Autophagy and Their Implications in Regulating Overall Health.

Tea is one of the most popular and widely consumed beverages worldwide, and possesses numerous potential health benefits. Herbal teas are well-known to contain an abundance of polyphenol antioxidants and other ingredients, thereby implicating protection and treatment against various ailments, and maintaining overall health in humans, although their mechanisms of action have not yet been fully identified. Autophagy is a conserved mechanism present in organisms that maintains basal cellular homeostasis and is essential in mediating the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer, type II diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. The increasing prevalence of these diseases, which could be attributed to the imbalance in the level of autophagy, presents a considerable challenge in the healthcare industry. Natural medicine stands as an effective, safe, and economical alternative in balancing autophagy and maintaining homeostasis. Tea is a part of the diet for many people, and it could mediate autophagy as well. Here, we aim to provide an updated overview of popular herbal teas' health-promoting and disease healing properties and in-depth information on their relation to autophagy and its related signaling molecules. The present review sheds more light on the significance of herbal teas in regulating autophagy, thereby improving overall health.

A narrative review on biogenic amines in fermented fish and meat products.

Biogenic amines (BAs) are organic nitrogenous compounds, formed mostly by decarboxylation of corresponding amino acids. BAs are responsible for several biological events. However, if the concentration of BAs reached the threshold level, it causes mild to serious health problems in human. The objective of this manuscript was to summarize the prevalence and prevention of Bas formation, detection methods and factors affecting the BAs formation in fermented fish and meat products. Meat sausages are the fermented meat product that contains high BAs. Fish sauces are reported to have high BAs compared to other fish products. Several chemosensors and chromatography methods are available to screen and detect BAs in foods. The prevention measures are vital to avoid toxic outbreaks. The use of starter culture, application of physical factors, control of environmental factors, and use of polyphenols could prevent or diminish the formation of BAs in fermented foods. The literature survey warrants that the development of potent starter with desirable characters, maintenance of hygienic food production and regular monitoring of commercial products are necessary to ensure the quality and safety of fermented fish and meat product.

Role of gut-brain axis, gut microbial composition, and probiotic intervention in Alzheimer's disease.

Gut microbiota represents a diverse and dynamic population of microorganisms harboring the gastrointestinal tract, which influences the host health and disease. Gut microbiota communicates with the brain and vice versa through complex bidirectional communication systems - the gut-brain axis, which integrates the peripheral intestinal function with emotional and cognitive brain centers via neuro-immuno-endocrine mediators. Aging alters the gut microbial population, which not only leads to gastrointestinal disturbances but also causes central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as dementia. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia affecting the older person, characterized by beta-amyloid (Aß) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles leading to the cognitive deficit and memory impairment. Multiple experimental and clinical studies revealed the role of gut microbiota in host cognition, and its dysbiosis associated with aging leads to neurodegeneration. Gut microbial dysbiosis leads to the secretion of amyloid and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which disturbs the gastrointestinal permeability and blood-brain barrier. Thereby modulates the inflammatory signaling pathway promoting neuroinflammation, neuronal injury, and ultimately leading to neuronal death in AD. A recent study revealed the antimicrobial property of Aß peptide as an innate immune response against pathogenic microbes. Another study showed that bacterial amyloid shares molecular mimicry with Aß peptide, which elicits misfolding and aggregation of Aß peptide, it's seeding, and propagation through the gut-brain axis followed by microglial cell activation. As aging together with poor diet and gut-derived inflammatory response due to dysbiosis contributes to the pathogenesis of AD, modification of gut microbial composition by uptake of probiotic-rich food can act as a preventive/therapeutic option for AD. The objective of the present review is to summarize the recent findings on the role of gut microbiota in the development of AD. Understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and CNS will help identify novel therapeutic strategies, especially probiotic-based supplementation, for the treatment of AD.

The Influence of Supplementation of Anthocyanins on Obesity-Associated Comorbidities: A Concise Review.

Anthocyanins are water-soluble plant pigments, and based on their chemical structure (nature, position, and the number of sugar moieties attached; the number of hydroxyl groups; acylation of sugars with acids) about 635 different anthocyanins have been identified and reported from plants. Cyanidin, peonidin, pelargonidin, petunidin, and malvidin are the commonly found anthocyanidins (aglycon forms of anthocyanins) in edible plants out of almost 25 anthocyanidins that are identified (based on the position of methoxyl and hydroxyl groups in the rings) in nature. Anthocyanins are known for numerous health benefits including anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory bowel disease, anti-cancer, etc. Obesity can be defined as excessive or abnormal adipose tissue and body mass, which increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, etc. The manuscript summarizes the recent updates in the effects of anthocyanins supplementation on the health status of obese subjects, and briefly the results of in vitro and in vivo studies. Several studies confirmed that the consumption of anthocyanins-rich food improved obesity-associated dysbiosis in gut microbiota and inflammation in adipose tissue. Anthocyanin consumption prevents obesity in healthy subjects, and aids in maintaining or reducing the body weight of obese subjects, also improving the metabolism and energy balance. Though preclinical studies proved the beneficial effects of anthocyanins such as the fact that daily intake of anthocyanin rich fruits and vegetables might aid weight maintenance in every healthy individual, JuÒ«ara pulp might control the inflammatory status of obesity, Queen garnet plum juice reduced the blood pressure and risk factors associated with metabolic disorders, and highbush organic blueberries improved the metabolism of obese individuals, we don't have an established treatment procedure to prevent or manage the over-weight condition and its comorbidities. Thus, further studies on the optimum dose, duration, and mode of supplementation of anthocyanins are required to develop an anthocyanins-based clinical procedure.

The Role of Microbiome, Dietary Supplements, and Probiotics in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the impairment of the cognitive function of a child. Studies suggested that the intestinal microbiota has a critical role in the function and regulation of the central nervous system, neuroimmune system and neuroendocrine system. Any adverse changes in the gut-brain axis may cause serious disease. Food preferences and dietary patterns are considered as key in influencing the factors of ASD development. Several recent reviews narrated the importance of dietary composition on controlling or reducing the ASD symptoms. It has been known that the consumption of probiotics confers several health benefits by positive amendment of gut microbiota. The influence of probiotic intervention in children with ASD has also been reported and it has been considered as an alternative and complementary therapeutic supplement for ASD. The present manuscript discusses the role of microbiota and diet in the development of ASD. It also summarizes the recent updates on the influence of dietary supplements and the beneficial effect of probiotics on ASD symptoms. An in-depth literature survey suggested that the maternal diet and lifestyle are greatly associated with the development of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Mounting evidences have confirmed the alteration in the gut microbial composition in children suffering from ASD. However, the unique profile of microbiome has not yet been fully characterized due to the heterogeneity of patients. The supplementation of probiotics amended the symptoms associated with ASD but the results are inconclusive. The current study recommends further detailed research considering the role of microbiome, diet and probiotics in the development and control of ASD.