The food additive xylitol enhances the butyrate formation by the child gut microbiota developed in a dynamic colonic simulator.

The gut microbiota should be included in the scientific processes of risk assessment of food additives. Xylitol is a sweetener that shows low digestibility and intestinal absorption, implying that a high proportion of consumed xylitol could reach the colonic microbiota. The present study has evaluated the dose-dependent effects of xylitol intake on the composition and the metabolic activity of the child gut-microbiota. The study was conducted in a dynamic simulator of the colonic microbiota (BFBL Gut Simulator) inoculated with a child pooled faecal sample and supplemented three times per day, for 7 days, with increasing xylitol concentrations (1 g/L, 3 g/L and 5 g/L). Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons and group-specific quantitative PCR indicated a xylitol dose-response effect on the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, particularly the genera Blautia, Anaerostipes and Roseburia. The microbial changes observed with xylitol corresponded with a dose-dependant effect on the butyrate concentration that, in parallel, favoured an increase in epithelial integrity of Caco-2 cells. The study represents a detailed observation of the bacterial taxa that are the main contributors to the metabolism of xylitol by the child gut microbiota and the results could be relevant in the risk assessment re-evaluation of xylitol as a sweetener.

Xylitol associated or not with fluoride: Is the action the same on de- and remineralization?

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of xylitol combined or not with fluoride (F) on reduction of demineralization and increase of remineralization of shallow and deep artificial enamel lesions. METHODS: Bovine enamel samples were allocated to the following solutions groups: no xylitol (negative control), 5% xylitol, 10% xylitol, 20% xylitol, 500 ppm F (as NaF), 5% xylitol+F, 10% xylitol+F or 20% xylitol+F (n = 12-15). For the demin study, a pH-cycling model (demineralization-6 h, pH 4.7/remineralization 18 h, pH 7.0) was employed for 7 days. Treatments were applied 2 × 1 min. In the remin study, specimens were pre-demineralized for 2, 5 or 10 days. Afterwards, a pH-cycling protocol was conducted (2 h demineralizing and 22 h remineralizing solution/day for 8 days) and the same treatments were done. The response variables were percentage surface hardness loss (%SHL) and transverse microradiography. Data were analyzed by RM ANOVA/Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn (p < 0.05) RESULTS: F and Xylitol combined with F reduced the %SHL (23-30%) compared to the negative control (61.5%). The integrated mineral loss and the lesion depth were not reduced by any treatment. Surface hardness recovery was seen only for shallow lesions in case of 20% xylitol+F compared to negative control. No lesion depth recovery, but significant mineral recovery was seen for F (2-days and 10-days lesion). CONCLUSIONS: All concentrations of xylitol+F reduced enamel surface demineralization, while only 20% xylitol+F improved surface remineralization of shallow lesions in vitro. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that while F or any concentration of xylitol + F reduces surface demineralization, only 20% xylitol+F improves surface remineralization of shallow lesions in vitro. Therefore, xylitol may be added into oral products, combined to F, to control dental caries.

Xylitol binding to the M1 site of glucose isomerase induces a conformational change in the substrate binding channel.

Glucose isomerase (GI) is extensively used in the food industry for production of high-fructose corn syrup and for the production of biofuels and other renewable chemicals. Structure-based studies on GI inhibitors are important for improving its efficiency in industrial applications. Here, we report the subatomic crystal structure of Streptomyces rubiginosus GI (SruGI) complexed with its inhibitor, xylitol, at 0.99 Å resolution. Electron density map and temperature factor analysis showed partial binding of xylitol to the M1 metal binding site of SruGI, providing two different conformations of the metal binding site and the substrate binding channel. The xylitol molecule induced a conformational change in the M2 metal ion-interacting Asp255 residue, which subsequently led to a conformational change in the side chain of Asp181 residue. This led to the positional shift of Pro25 by 1.71 Å and side chain rotation of Phe26 by 21°, where located on the neighboring protomer in tetrameric SruGI. The conformation change of these two residues affect the size of the substrate-binding channel of GI. Therefore, xylitol binding to M1 site of SruGI induces not only a conformational changes of the metal-binding site, but also conformational change of substrate-binding channel of the tetrameric SruGI. These results expand our knowledge about the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of xylitol on GI.

A prospective longitudinal cohort study of the effectiveness of 25% xylitol toothpaste on mutans streptococci in high caries-risk young children.

AIM: To compare the prevalence of mutans streptococci (SM) prevalence and categorical distribution in the saliva of high caries-risk children after their 24 months exposure to 25% xylitol toothpaste applied twice a day. To also examine the early caries susceptibility at baseline. BACKGROUND: An observational design with two times of collection. A total of 270 mother-infant dyads (mean age of infant 6.7 months) were initially recruited. At baseline, a dental exam looked for any early clinical signs of caries, and saliva collections were performed to assess SM prevalence. Two years later, other saliva collections were performed on a residual sample of 102 young children at the endpoint. METHODS: Two hundred four saliva samples were analysed with Dentocult, a commercial kit estimating in four categories, the SM distribution, expressed as the number of colonies forming units per milliliter of saliva (CFU/ml). The dental exam used the ICDAS system to include initial carious lesions (d1-2). The dentist administrated a maternal socio-economic questionnaire as the study collector. CONCLUSION: A domestic strategy using a natural toothpaste containing 25% of xylitol as a vehicle, and tooth brushing as a habit, showed a promising antibacterial cariogenic effect. This approach could be a relevant alternative to in-home care to prevent ECC and early SM contamination.

Evaluation of Solutions Containing Fluoride, Sodium Trimetaphosphate, Xylitol, and Erythritol, Alone or in Different Associations, on Dual-Species Biofilms.

Although the association of polyols/polyphosphates/fluoride has been demonstrated to promote remarkable effects on dental enamel, little is known on their combined effects on biofilms. This study assessed the effects of solutions containing fluoride/sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP)/xylitol/erythritol on dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Biofilms were grown in the continuous presence of these actives alone or in different associations. Quantification of viable plate counts, metabolic activity, biofilm biomass, and extracellular matrix components were evaluated. Overall, fluoride and TMP were the main actives that significantly influenced most of the variables analyzed, with a synergistic effect between them for S. mutans CFUs, biofilm biomass, and protein content of the extracellular matrix (p < 0.05). A similar trend was observed for biofilm metabolic activity and carbohydrate concentrations of the extracellular matrix, although without statistical significance. Regarding the polyols, despite their modest effects on most of the parameters analyzed when administered alone, their co-administration with fluoride and TMP led to a greater reduction in S. mutans CFUs and biofilm biomass compared with fluoride alone at the same concentration. It can be concluded that fluoride and TMP act synergistically on important biofilm parameters, and their co-administration with xylitol/erythritol significantly impacts S. mutans CFUs and biomass reduction.

Antimicrobial activity of probiotic Streptococcus salivarius LAB813 on in vitro cariogenic biofilms.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antimicrobial activity of a novel commensal strain of Streptococcus salivarius, LAB813, against Streptococcus mutans biofilms. METHODS: The inhibitory activity of LAB813 towards S. mutans was tested using mono-, dual-, and multi-species cariogenic biofilms formed on three types of orthodontic appliances (metal, ceramic, aligner). The activity of the commercially available probiotic, BLIS M18™ was used as control. RESULTS: LAB813 significantly inhibited S. mutans biofilms with cell killing approximating 99% for all materials. LAB813 showed effectiveness at inhibiting S. mutans in more complex multi-species biofilms with cell killing approximating 90% for all three materials. When comparing the killing kinetics of the probiotics, LAB813 had a faster rate of killing biofilms than M18. Experiments conducted with cell-free culture supernatant confirmed the presence of an inhibitory substance of proteinaceous nature. The addition of xylitol, a common sugar substitute used for human consumption, potentiated the inhibitory effects of LAB813 against S. mutans embedded in a more complex fungal-bacterial biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: LAB813 possesses strong antimicrobial activity, potent anti-biofilm properties, and enhanced antimicrobial activity in the presence of xylitol. The identification and characterization of strain LAB813 exhibiting antimicrobial activity towards S. mutans hold exciting promise for this novel strain to be developed as an oral probiotic for use in the prevention of dental caries.

Effect of experimental toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and propolis, with and without fluoride, on the microcosm biofilm and enamel demineralization.

This study evaluated the antimicrobial and anticaries effects of toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nanoHAP - 5 or 10%), xylitol (2 or 3%) and propolis (1 or 2%), associated or not with 1500 ppm fluoride (F). An in vitro model was used with microcosm biofilm produced from a pool of human saliva and McBain saliva (1:50) in the first 8 h of culture on 162 bovine enamel specimens. At the end of the experimental period, analyses of metabolic activity, colony forming units (CFU) and transverse microradiography (TMR) were performed. This study showed a possible decrease in demineralization and increase in remineralization by the commercial toothpaste (1500 ppm F) and for the experimental toothpaste containing the highest concentration of all agents, combined with F. In addition, a reduction in antimicrobial activity possibly caused by propolis and xylitol, mainly in relation to cariogenic bacteria, was observed.

In vitro effect of low-fluoride toothpaste supplemented with sodium trimetaphosphate, xylitol, and erythritol on enamel demineralization.

OBJECTIVE: Regular use of toothpaste with fluoride (F) concentrations of ≥ 1000 ppm has been shown to contribute to reducing caries increment. However, when used by children during the period of dental development, it can lead to dental fluorosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of a toothpaste formulation with reduced fluoride (F) concentration (200 ppm) supplemented with sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP: 0.2%), Xylitol (X:16%), and Erythritol (E: 4%) on dental enamel demineralization. METHODOLOGY: Bovine enamel blocks were selected according to initial surface hardness (SHi) and then divided into seven experimental toothpaste groups (n=12). These groups included 1) no F-TMP-X-E (Placebo); 2) 16% Xylitol and 4% Erythritol (X-E); 3) 16% Xylitol, 4% Erythritol and 0.2%TMP (X-E-TMP); 4) 200 ppm F (no X-E-TMP: (200F)); 5) 200 ppm F and 0.2% TMP (200F-TMP); 200 ppm F, 16% Xylitol, 4% Erythritol, and 0.2% TMP (200F-X-E-TMP); and 7) 1,100 ppm F (1100F). Blocks were individually treated 2×/day with slurries of toothpastes and subjected to a pH cycling regimen for five days (DES: 6 hours and RE: 18 hours). Then, the percentage of surface hardness loss (%SH), integrated loss of subsurface hardness (ΔKHN), fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) in enamel were determined. The data were analyzed by ANOVA (1-criterion) and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (p<0.001). RESULTS: We found that the 200F-X-E-TMP treatment reduced %SH by 43% compared to the 1100F treatments (p<0.001). The ΔKHN was ~ 65% higher with 200F-X-E-TMP compared to 1100F (p<0.001). The highest concentration of F in enamel was observed on the 1100F treatment (p<0.001). The 200F-X-E-TMP treatment promote higher increase of Ca and P concentration in the enamel (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The association of 200F-X-E-TMP led to a significant increase of the protective effect on enamel demineralization compared to the 1100F toothpaste.

Effect of xylitol on Porphyromonas gingivalis: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This review was conducted to assess the effectiveness of xylitol against Porphyromonas gingivalis anaerobic species, a key microbe contributing to periodontal disease pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant studies published on seven online databases (Cochrane, Ovid, Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) were included in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria allowed all study designs involving xylitol and P. gingivalis, literature published since the year 2000, and all xylitol delivery forms. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 186 papers. After the removal of duplicates, five reviewers screened every article for eligibility and seven articles were selected for data extraction. Four out of seven included studies assessed the dose-dependent effect of xylitol on P. gingivalis growth, two studies assessed the effect of xylitol on P. gingivalis-induced cytokine expression, and one study assessed both domains. CONCLUSIONS: From the in vitro studies included in this systematic review, there is some evidence of xylitol's inhibitory effect on P. gingivalis. However, more evidence derived from in vivo studies is required to confirm its effectiveness warranting their routine use.

Inhibitory effect of the combination of xylitol and funoran on Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation on the uncoated surface.

We investigated the effect of xylitol or/and funoran on biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans, one of cariogenic bacteria, on the surfaces coated and non-coated with saliva. Effects of xylitol and/or funoran were observed on biofilm formation of S. mutans in non-coated and salivary components-coated polystyrene microtiter 96-well plates (s-plate) and flow cell system. Xylitol did not strongly affect biofilm formation of S. mutans UA159 on non-coated and s-plates and, however, changed the quality of the biofilm on the cells in a flow cell system. Funoran had effects on biofilm formation, and the combination of xylitol and funoran strongly inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation on non-coated plates. In particular, funoran had inactivation effects on membrane vesicles (MVs) and inhibited MV-dependent biofilm formation of S. mutans on non-coated plate surfaces but not on the s-plate. These findings suggest that the combination of xylitol and funoran might be useful to remove the oral biofilm formation in elderly individuals with decreased saliva production. This result suggests that the synergistic effect of funoran and xylitol might be useful for the prevention of biofilm-associated diseases such as dental caries in saliva-decreased patients such as elderly patients.

Effects of sugar-free polyol chewing gums on gingival inflammation: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: A systematic review of published data was conducted with the aim of assessing the effects of sugar-free polyol chewing gums on gingival inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic and hand searches were performed to find clinical studies concerning the effects of sugar-free chewing gums on gingival scores. Prospective randomized controlled clinical trials published between 1971 and 2021 were included in the review. RESULTS: The initial search identified 46 erythritol, 102 xylitol, 23 sorbitol, and nine maltitol chewing gum articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven xylitol chewing gum studies, one sorbitol, and one maltitol chewing gum study with either high or fair quality were reviewed. In five out of the seven xylitol studies, xylitol gum decreased gingival scores. In two studies, xylitol decreased gingival scores compared to a polyol gum, and in three studies compared to no gum/gum base. As for sorbitol and maltitol, only sorbitol gum chewing showed a small decrease in gingival scores compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Habitual xylitol gum chewing may reduce gingival inflammation. The low number of studies and their heterogeneity provide clear indications that the effects of sugar-free polyol chewing gums on gingival inflammation need further, well-controlled studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sugar-free chewing gums, especially xylitol gum, may function as adjuncts to toothbrushing for reducing gingival inflammation, but the evidence so far is inconclusive.

Influence of two remineralizing agents on bleached enamel surface morphology and mineral composition - An In Vitro study.

Aim: To investigate the effects of bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide on the structure of tooth enamel and the role of two remineralizing agents for their potential to remineralize any damaged regions of enamel. Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted 32 mature permanent central incisors were selected and sectioned at the level of the cemento-enamel junction. The teeth were divided into four groups consisting of eight teeth each: No bleaching (control) [Group 1], bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide [Group 2], bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide followed by application of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride paste [Group 3], and bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide followed by application of xylitol-coated calcium phosphate fluoride varnish [Group 4]. The enamel surfaces were analyzed under the scanning electron microscope and quantitative energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Results: Results were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's posthoc test. Group 2 revealed changes in enamel surface morphology and a statistically significant decrease in mineral content. Groups 3 and 4 showed statistically significant remineralization potential. Intergroup comparison showed that samples in Group 4 had a higher mineral content compared to Group 3. Conclusions: The application of the tested remineralizing agents following bleaching was effective in repairing the enamel surface morphology with higher efficacy for the fluoride varnish product. Since bleaching regimes with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide adversely affect the enamel surface, these findings can translate to clinical practice to reduce the long-term damaging effects of tooth bleaching.

Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Remin Pro Forte vs Remin Pro on White Spot Lesions: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the remineralization potential of Remin Pro Forte vs Remin Pro remineralizing agents on white spot lesions (WSLs) post-orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with post-orthodontic WSLs were divided into the following two equal groups based on treatment (n = 10): (1) A 3-month program of hydroxyapatite, fluoride, xylitol, ginger, curcuma-containing cream (Remin Pro Forte) as intervention group; (2) A 3-month cream regimen including hydroxyapatite and fluoride, xylitol (Remin Pro) as control group. The main outcomes including caries regression (assessed by ICDAS II), mineral content (assessed by VistaCam iX camera), and color of WSLs (assessed by digital image analysis by Adobe photoshop) were measured at the time of enrollment and 1, 2, and 3 months afterward. Mann-Whitney test used to compare between tested groups. The statistical significance was set at p <0.05. RESULTS: Both Remin Pro Forte and Remin Pro elicited much better caries regression and significantly higher mineral content in WSLs over a 3-month period (p <0.05). However, the difference in mineral content of WSLs between groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.414). In both experimental groups, the appearance of WSLs improved significantly (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Both Remin Pro Forte and Remin Pro were successful in reducing caries, increasing mineral content, and enhancing the appearance of demineralized enamel, indicating that both products could be suggested for post-orthodontic WSL management. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Natural herbal products could be employed as remineralizing agents and included into tooth preventive measures. It is a less harmful alternative to traditional chemical remineralization methods.

Antimicrobial efficacy of Xylitol, Probiotic and Chlorhexidine mouth rinses among children and elderly population at high risk for dental caries - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Chlorhexidine is considered the most potent chemotherapeutic agent against Streptococcus mutans. However, its side effects due to prolonged use, indicates need for alternatives. The study intended to assess and compare antimicrobial efficacies of probiotic, xylitol and chlorhexidine mouth rinses in children and elderly. Methods: The study was a Double blind Randomized Controlled Trial conducted among residential school children aged 5-12 years and elderly greater than 60 years residing in old age homes. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04399161). 30 participants each among children and elderly were chosen based on eligibility criterion (high risk for caries). They were further randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 participants in each group. Participants were asked to rinse with 15 ml of freshly prepared mouth rinses once daily for 2 minutes for 14 days. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined by assessing change in Streptococcus mutans levels in dental plaque. Results: Significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans counts were observed in both children and elderly (Chlorhexidine: mean difference = 3.11 log10CFU/g, p = 0.022, Xylitol: mean difference = 0.93 log10CFU/g, p = 0.046, Probiotic: mean difference = 1.91 log10CFU/g, p = 0.023 in children); (Chlorhexidine: mean difference = 2.23 log10CFU/g, p = 0.004, Xylitol: mean difference = 1.39 log10CFU/g, p = 0.009, Probiotic: mean difference = 1.61 log10CFU/g, p = 0.018 in elderly). Intergroup comparison showed no significant difference. Conclusions: Antimicrobial efficacy of xylitol and probiotic mouth rinses were comparable to that of chlorhexidine in both children and elderly. Probiotics could potentially be more efficacious than xylitol among children.

The effect of toothpaste with reduced concentration of fluoride-containing sodium trimetaphosphate and polyols on initial enamel erosion.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of toothpaste containing fluoride (F), sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), and xylitol and erythritol (XE) to inhibit or repair initial enamel erosion lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine enamel blocks (n = 120) were selected according to surface hardness (SH) and randomly divided into 5 experimental groups (n = 24 blocks/group): Placebo (no F, TMP, XE); 1100 ppm F; 16% xylitol + 4% erythritol (XE); 200 ppm F + 0.2% TMP (200 ppm F/TMP); and 200 ppm F + 0.2% TMP + 16% xylitol + 4% erythritol (200 ppm F/TMP/XE). The sound and softened blocks were immersed in toothpaste slurry in human saliva for 2 min. The blocks were then submitted to 4 erosive challenges in citric acid (0.75%, pH 3.5), each challenge for 1 min, with stirring. The SH of the blocks was determined after treatment (t) and after the 4 erosive challenges. In addition, the precipitates were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Variables were submitted to a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by a Student-Newman-Keuls test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Toothpaste containing 200 ppm F/TMP/XE led to the highest protective and repair effect compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). The protective and repair effect was XE > 200 ppm F/TMP > 1100 ppm F > placebo (p < 0.001). All groups produced precipitates with a thicker layer for XE and TMP groups. CONCLUSIONS: Toothpaste containing 200 ppm F, TMP, and polyols demonstrated a superior protective and repair effect in initial enamel erosive lesions in vitro. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Toothpaste containing F and polyols could be an advantage in patients affected by dental erosion, due to its higher preventive potential, mainly in individuals who frequently drink acidic beverages. However, future studies are needed to confirm these results.

Effect of chewing gum containing Xylitol and blackberry powder on oral bacteria: A randomized controlled crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine the effect of chewing gum containing xylitol and freeze-dried blackberry powder on oral bacteria. DESIGN: This was a randomized, controlled, cross-over study (RCT #: NCT05133557). Fifty participants chewed gum over an 8 h period, four times for 20 min at 2-hour intervals, containing 700 mg xylitol (CG) with or without 50 mg blackberry powder (BG), while wearing a stent containing a sterile enamel chip. After a 1 week washout, participants chewed gum from the other group following the same protocol. The primary outcome was the amount of nine oral bacteria in saliva as determined by quantitative PCR. The secondary outcome was bacteria formed on enamel chips. RESULTS: Chewing BG for four twenty-minute intervals reduced mean total bacteria load and the relative abundance of six of the nine bacteria studied in saliva (p < 0.05). In comparison, only four bacteria were reduced in abundance in the CG group. After gum chewing and regardless of group, S. sanguinis and A. naeslundii were the predominant bacteria adherent to enamel, with S. mutans representing < 1 % of the total bacteria on enamel. CONCLUSION: Bacterial loads in saliva were rapidly, differentially, and significantly reduced after one day of chewing BG.

Whey protein and xylitol complex alleviate type 2 diabetes in C57BL/6 mice by regulating the intestinal microbiota.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that has become a major threat to public health. Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that whey protein isolate (WPI) and xylitol (XY) play an important role on T2D. This manuscript hypothesizes the supplementation of whey protein and xylitol complex (WXY) has the hypoglycemic and hyperlipidemia effect of T2D mice induced by the conjoint action of a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) by modulating of intestinal microbiota. The mice with diabetes displayed higher levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and other serum parameters than the normal mice. Treatment with WXY for 6 weeks significantly modulated the levels of FBG and insulin, improved insulin sensitivity, pancreas impairment and liver function in T2D mice, and the effect was better than that observed with WPI and XY groups. Moreover, supplementation with WXY significantly changed the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota in T2D mice and restored the intestinal bacteria associated with T2D (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Lactobacillus). This may be a potential mechanism for alleviating T2D symptoms. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the relative abundances of specific genera (Turicibacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lactobacillus, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Faecalibaculum and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002) were correlated with the levels of blood glucose and serum parameters. Therefore, WXY may be considered a promising dietary supplement for T2D treatment in the future.

The Effect of Xylitol Gum Chewing After Cesarean on Bowel Functions: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative ileus after cesarean is a common complication. The delay of bowel functions after cesarean influences early parenthood experience, increases the need for analgesic use, extends the duration of hospital stay, and causes cost increase. This study aimed to explore the effect of xylitol gum chewing after cesarean on bowel functions. DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on subjects immediately after second hour of the cesarean in a ward of maternity. METHODS: A total of 69 women were randomized to the xylitol gum chewing group (n = 23), the nonxylitol gum chewing group (n = 23), or the control group (n = 23). Data were collected from the women who agreed to participate and met the inclusion criteria. Starting with the second hour after the cesarean, women in the xylitol and nonxylitol gum chewing group were asked to chew gum for 15 minutes every 2 hours. The practice of chewing gum minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 12 hours continued (until midnight). The data regarding the first times for bowel sounds, flatulation, defecation, a feeling of hunger, and length of hospital stay were compared. FINDINGS: There is no difference in starting time of first bowel sounds (P = .070) and the first feeling of hunger (P = .098) among the groups. The first flatulation started at an earlier time in the xylitol gum chewing group than the control group (17.35 ± 6.27 vs 11.18 ± 5.39 hours, P = .003); first defecation time started earlier in the xylitol gum chewing group than nonxylitol gum chewing group (44.05 ± 9.4 vs 37.58 ± 9.96 hours, P = .022). Xylitol gum chewing group (51.77 ± 10.3 vs 46.33 ± 8.11 hours, P = .028) and nonxylitol gum chewing group (51.77 ± 10.3 vs 50.23 ± 5.72 hours, P = .024) were discharged from the hospital earlier than control group. CONCLUSIONS: In nursing care after cesarean, early period xylitol gum chewing is an efficient and user-friendly method to prompt bowel functions earlier. Xylitol gum chewing in nursing care is suggested to be involved.

Metabolomics analysis of salt tolerance of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and guided exogenous fatty acid addition for improved salt tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Zygosaccharomyces rouxii plays an irreplaceable role in the manufacture of traditional fermented foods, which are produced in a high-salt environment. However, there is little research on strategies for improving salt tolerance of Z. rouxii. RESULTS: In this study, metabolomics was used to reveal the changes in intracellular metabolites under salt stress, and the results show that most of the carbohydrate contents decreased, the contents of xanthohumol and glycerol increased (fold change 4.07 and 5.35, respectively), while the contents of galactinol, xylitol and d-threitol decreased (fold change -9.43, -5.83 and -3.59, respectively). In addition, the content of four amino acids and six organic acids decreased, while that of the ten nucleotides increased. Notably, except for stearic acid (C18:0), all fatty acid contents increased. Guided by the metabolomics results, the effect of addition of seven exogenous fatty acids (C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C16:1, C18:1, and C18:2) on the salt tolerance of Z. rouxii was analyzed, and the results suggested that four exogenous fatty acids (C12:0, C16:0, C16:1, and C18:1) can increase the biomass yield and maximum growth rate. Physiological analyses demonstrated that exogenous fatty acids could regulate the distribution of fatty acids in the cell membrane, increase the degree of unsaturation, improve membrane fluidity, and maintain cell integrity, morphology and surface roughness. CONCLUSION: These results are applicable to revealing the metabolic mechanisms of Z. rouxii under salt stress and screening potential protective agents to improve stress resistance by adding exogenous fatty acids. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Partial Substitution of Glucose with Xylitol Prolongs Survival and Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Glycolysis of Mice Bearing Orthotopic Xenograft of Oral Cancer.

Many types of cancer have metabolic alterations with increased glycolysis. Identification of alternative sweeteners that do not fuel cancer is a novel approach to cancer control. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of xylitol on tumor growth and survival of mice bearing orthotopic xenograft of tongue cancers. The results showed that partial substitution of glucose with xylitol (glucose 0.35 g plus xylitol 2.06 g/kg body weight) non-significantly reduced tumor volume, and significantly prolonged the median survival time from 19 days in the control to 30.5 days in the xylitol group. Immunohistochemical data of the tongue tissue shows significantly lower intense-to-mild staining ratios of the proliferation marker Ki-67 in the xylitol than those of the control group (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the xylitol substitution significantly reduced the expression of the rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme, phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) (p = 0.03), and showed a non-significant inhibition of PFK activity. In summary, partial substitution of glucose with xylitol at the equivalent dose to human household use of 10 g/day slows down tumor proliferation and prolongs survival of mice bearing an orthotopic oral cancer xenograft, possibly through glycolytic inhibition, with minimal adverse events. The insight warrants clinical studies to confirm xylitol as a candidate sweetener in food products for cancer survivors.