Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 on gastrointestinal inflammation induced by a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

AIMS: Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause damage to the gastric and duodenal mucosa. Some probiotics have proven useful in ameliorating the harmful side-effects of NSAIDs. Our aim was to evaluate whether oral administration of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 (B420) can attenuate the increase of calprotectin excretion into faeces induced by intake of diclofenac sustained-release tablets. METHODS: A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled and randomized clinical study was performed in 50 healthy male and female volunteers aged 20-40 years, in Finland. Study participation consisted of 4 phases: run-in, intervention with B420 or placebo, B420 or placebo + NSAID treatment, and follow-up. The primary outcome was the concentration of calprotectin in faeces. Secondary outcomes were haemoglobin and microbial DNA in faeces and blood haemoglobin levels. RESULTS: Intake of diclofenac increased the faecal excretion of calprotectin in both groups. The observed increases were 48.19 ± 61.55 µg/g faeces (mean ± standard deviation) in the B420 group and 31.30 ± 39.56 µg/g in the placebo group (difference estimate 16.90; 95% confidence interval: -14.00, 47.77; P = .276). There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in changes of faecal or blood haemoglobin. Faecal B. lactis DNA was much more abundant in the B420 group compared to the placebo group (ANOVA estimate for treatment difference 0.85 × 109 /g faeces; 95% confidence interval: 0.50 × 109 , 1.21 × 109 ; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term administration of the probiotic B420 did not protect the healthy adult study participants from diclofenac-induced gastrointestinal inflammation as determined by analysis of faecal calprotectin levels.

The effect of an apple polyphenol extract rich in epicatechin and flavan-3-ol oligomers on brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatory function in volunteers with elevated blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that an orally ingested apple polyphenol extract rich in epicatechin and flavan-3-ol oligomers improves endothelium-dependent brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) in volunteers with borderline hypertension. The secondary aim of the study was to test whether the investigational product would improve endothelium-independent nitrate-mediated vasodilatation (NMD). METHODS: This was a single centre, repeated-dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 60 otherwise healthy subjects (26 men, 34 women; aged 40-65 years) with borderline hypertension (blood pressure 130-139/85-89 mmHg) or unmedicated mild hypertension (blood pressure 140-165/90-95 mmHg). The subjects were randomised to receive placebo or the apple polyphenol extract to provide a daily dose of 100 mg epicatechin for 4 weeks, followed by a four to five-week wash-out period, and then 4 weeks intake of the product that they did not receive during the first treatment period. FMD and NMD of the left brachial artery were investigated with ultrasonography at the start and end of both treatment periods, and the per cent increase of the arterial diameter (FMD% and NMD%) was calculated. RESULTS: With the apple extract treatment, a significant acute improvement was detected in the mean change of maximum FMD% at the first visit 1.16 (p = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.04; 2.28), last visit 1.37 (p = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.22; 2.52) and for both visits combined 1.29 (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.40; 2.18). However, such improvement was not statistically significant when apple extract was compared with placebo. The overall long-term effect of apple extract on FMD% was not different from placebo. No statistically significant differences between the apple extract and placebo treatments were observed for endothelium-independent NMD. CONCLUSIONS: A significant acute improvement in maximum FMD% with apple extract administration was found. However, superiority of apple extract over placebo was not statistically significant in our study subjects with borderline hypertension or mild hypertension. The study raised no safety concerns regarding the daily administration of an apple polyphenol extract rich in epicatechin. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT01690676 ). Registered 25th May 2012.

Effects of polydextrose with breakfast or with a midmorning preload on food intake and other appetite-related parameters in healthy normal-weight and overweight females: An acute, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and crossover study.

Polydextrose (PDX) reduces subsequent energy intake (EI) when administered at midmorning in single-blind trials of primarily normal-weight men. However, it is unclear if this effect also occurs when PDX is given at breakfast time. Furthermore, for ecological validity, it is desirable to study a female population, including those at risk for obesity. We studied the effects of PDX, served as part of a breakfast or midmorning preload, on subsequent EI and other appetite-related parameters in healthy normal-weight and overweight females. Per earlier studies, the primary outcome was defined as the difference in subsequent EI when PDX was consumed at midmorning versus placebo. Thirty-two volunteers were enrolled in this acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, and crossover trial to examine the effects of 12.5 g of PDX, administered as part of a breakfast or midmorning preload, on subsequent EI, subjective feelings of appetite, well-being, and mood. Gastric emptying rates and the blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, cholecystokinin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine were measured in the group that received PDX as part of their breakfast. There were no differences in EI between volunteers who were fed PDX and placebo. PDX intake with breakfast tended to elevate blood glucose (P = 0.06) during the postabsorptive phase, significantly lowered insulin by 15.7% (P = 0.04), and increased GLP-1 by 39.9% (P = 0.02); no other effects on blood parameters or gastric emptying rates were observed. PDX intake at midmorning reduced hunger by 31.4% during the satiation period (P = 0.02); all other subjective feelings of appetite were unaffected. Volunteers had a uniform mood profile during the study. PDX was well tolerated, causing one mild adverse event throughout the trial.

Development of dietary soluble fibres by enzymatic synthesis and assessment of their digestibility in in vitro, animal and randomised clinical trial models.

The aim was to develop novel fibres by enzymatic synthesis, to determine their total dietary fibre by AOAC method 2009.01 and to estimate their potential digestibility and assess their digestibility in vivo using glycaemic and insulinaemic responses as markers in mice and randomised clinical trial models. We found that fibre candidates to which α-(1,2) branching was added were resistant to digestion in the mouse model, depending on the amount of branching. These results show that in vivo models are needed to reliably assess the digestibility of α-glycosidic-linked oligomeric dietary fibre candidates, possibly due to absence of brush border α-glucosidase activity in the current in vitro assessment. α-(1,3)-linked and α-(1,6)-linked glucose oligomers were completely digested in humans and mice. In conclusion, it is possible to develop dietary soluble fibres by enzymatic synthesis. Adding α-(1,2) branching increases their resistance to digestion in vivo and can thus improve their suitability as potential fibre candidates. Clinical Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02701270.

Postprandial triglyceride response in normolipidemic, hyperlipidemic and obese subjects - the influence of polydextrose, a non-digestible carbohydrate.

BACKGROUND: Three independent trials were conducted to evaluate postprandial triglyceride (TG) responses in subjects with different lipid metabolism. The effect of polydextrose (PDX), a soluble non-digestible carbohydrate, on postprandial response was also studied using practically relevant, high fat meal interventions. METHODS: A total of 19 normolipidemic (average BMI 24.1 kg/m(2)), 21 overweight/hyperlipidemic (average BMI 29.6 kg/m(2)) and 18 obese/non-diabetic subjects (average BMI 33.6 kg/m(2)) were included in the study. On two separate occasions all subjects ate two high-fat meals (4293 kJ, 36% from fat), one with PDX (either 12.5 g or 15 g) and one without PDX during placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover and randomized trials. To obtain the triglyceride measurements venous blood samples were taken before the consumption of the test meal and five times afterwards, up to 6 h post-test meal. The triglyceride responses were modeled using a mixed-effects linear model. RESULTS: The key variables that explain the variation of the postprandial triglyceride response in the different subject groups were: baseline triglyceride concentration, time point, and PDX vs. placebo treatment (p < 0.05). The maximum postprandial TG concentration was more pronounced in hyperlipidemic group compared to normolipidemic (p < 0.001) or obese groups (p < 0.01). The modeled TG response analysis showed that irrespective of the study population PDX supplementation was one of the factors significantly reducing triglyceride response compared to the placebo treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with elevated fasting triglyceride levels display exaggerated and prolonged postprandial triglyceride responses. PDX, a soluble non-digestible carbohydrate, may offer a dietary concept for reducing the postprandial triglyceride response after the consumption of a meal containing a high concentration of fat.

Postprandial effects of polydextrose on satiety hormone responses and subjective feelings of appetite in obese participants.

BACKGROUND: Dietary fibers are associated with enhanced satiety. However, the mechanism of different dietary fibers contributing to satiety-related gastrointestinal (GI) peptide release, especially in an obese population, is still poorly understood. Polydextrose (PDX), a water-soluble glucose polymer, has demonstrated its ability to reduce energy intake at a subsequent meal, but its mechanism of action requires further research. Also, there is limited evidence on its capacity to regulate subjective feelings of appetite. This study examines the effects of PDX on postprandial secretion of satiety-related GI peptides, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactic acid, and subjective appetite ratings in obese participants. METHODS: 18 non-diabetic, obese participants (42.0 y, 33.6 kg/m2) consumed a high-fat meal (4293 kJ, 36% from fat) with or without PDX (15 g) in an acute, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover trial. Postprandial plasma concentrations of satiety-related peptides, namely ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and peptide YY (PYY), as well as SCFAs and lactic acid were assessed. GI peptide, SCFA and lactate concentrations were then modeled using a linear mixed-effects model.The subjective feelings of hunger, satisfaction, and desire to eat were evaluated using visual analogue scales (VAS), which were analyzed as incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) during the satiation and satiety periods. RESULTS: We found that PDX supplementation increased plasma GLP-1 levels more than the placebo treatment (P = 0.02). In the whole group, GLP-1 concentrations found in participants older than 40 years old were significantly lower (P = 0.01) as compared to those aged 40 years or less. There were no statistically significant differences in postprandial ghrelin, CCK, or PYY responses. The lactic acid concentrations were significantly (P = 0.01) decreased in the PDX group, while no significant changes in SCFAs were found. PDX reduced iAUC for hunger by 40% (P = 0.03) and marginally increased satisfaction by 22.5% (P = 0.08) during the post-meal satiety period. CONCLUSION: Polydextrose increased the postprandial secretion of the satiety hormone GLP-1 and reduced hunger after a high-fat meal. PDX also reduced the elevated postprandial lactic acid levels in plasma. Therefore, PDX may offer an additional means to regulate inter-meal satiety and improve postprandial metabolism in obese participants.

Effects of polydextrose on different levels of energy intake. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dietary fibers help to control energy intake and reduce the risk of developing obesity. Recent studies show that the consumption of polydextrose reduces energy intake at a subsequent meal. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we examine the subsequent effects of polydextrose on different levels of energy intake (EI). METHOD: The review followed the PRISMA methodology. Meta-analyses were expressed as Standardized Mean Difference (SMD). A linear regression approach was used to model the relationship between the polydextrose dose and the different levels of EI expressed as a relative change (%). RESULTS: All the studies included in this review administered polydextrose as part of a mid-morning snack. Six studies were included in the analysis of EI at an ad libitum lunch; and three were included in the analysis of EI during the rest of the day, as well as total daily EI. The meta-analysis showed that the consumption of polydextrose is associated with a reduction in EI at lunch time (SMD = 0.35; P <0.01; I(2) = 0). The dose of polydextrose consumed correlated significantly with this reduction in EI, EILunch (%) = -0.67 Polydextrose (g/day) (R(2) = 0.80; P <0.01). The meta-analysis of EI during the rest of the day and daily EI did not show any difference. Nevertheless, the regression equation indicates that there is a dose-dependent effect on the reduction of daily EI, EIDaily (%) = -0.35 × Polydextrose (g/day) (R(2) = 0.68; P <0.05). Sex-specific results are consistent with results for the whole group. CONCLUSION: The studies included in this meta-analysis support the notion that the consumption of polydextrose reduces voluntary energy intake at a subsequent meal. Furthermore, this reduction in energy intake occurs in a dose-dependent manner.

Effects of Bacterial Lysates and Metabolites on Collagen Homeostasis in TNF-α-Challenged Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

During skin aging, the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as type I collagen, decreases and the synthesis of ECM-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) rises, leading to an imbalance in homeostasis and to wrinkle formation. In this study, we examined the effects of bacterial lysates and metabolites from three bifidobacteria and five lactobacilli on collagen homeostasis in human dermal fibroblasts during challenge with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), modeling an inflammatory condition that damages the skin's structure. Antiaging properties were measured, based on fibroblast cell viability and confluence, amount of type I pro-collagen, ratio of MMP-1 to type I pro-collagen, cytokines, and growth factors. The TNF-α challenge increased the MMP-1/type I pro-collagen ratio and levels of proinflammatory cytokines, as expected. With the probiotics, differences were clearly dependent on bacterial species, strain, and form. In general, the lysates elicited less pronounced responses in the biomarkers. Of all strains, the Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis strains Bl-04 and B420 best maintained type I pro-collagen production and the MMP-1/collagen type I ratio under no-challenge and challenge conditions. Metabolites that were produced by bifidobacteria, but not their lysates, reduced several proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) during the challenge, whereas those from lactobacilli did not. These results indicate that B. animalis ssp. lactis-produced metabolites, especially those of strains Bl-04 and B420, could support collagen homeostasis in the skin.

Treatment of bran containing bread by baking enzymes; effect on the growth of probiotic bacteria on soluble dietary fiber extract in vitro.

Different ways of treating bran by baking enzymes prior to dough making and the baking process were used to increase the amount of water-soluble dietary fiber (DF) in wheat bread with added bran. Soluble DF was extracted from the bread with water and separated from the digestible material with gastrointestinal tract enzymes and by solvent precipitation. The baking enzyme mixtures tested (xylanase and glucanase/cellulase, with and without lipase) increased the amounts of soluble arabinoxylan and protein resistant to digestion. The isolated fiber was used as a growth substrate for 11 probiotic and intestinal Bifidobacterium strains, for commensal strains of Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli, and for potential intestinal pathogenic strains of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Clostridium perfringens. Fermentation analyses indicated that the tested strains had varying capacity to grow in the presence of the extracted fiber. Of the tested probiotic strains B. longum species generally showed the highest ability to utilize the fiber extracts, although the potential pathogens tested also showed an ability to grow on these fiber extracts. In sum, the enzymes used to improve the baking process for high-fiber bread can also be used to produce in situ soluble fiber material, which in turn can exert prebiotic effects on certain potentially beneficial microbes.

Consuming polydextrose in a mid-morning snack increases acute satiety measurements and reduces subsequent energy intake at lunch in healthy human subjects.

Polydextrose (Litesse®, DuPont) is a polysaccharide that is partially fermented in the colon. Evidence suggests that polydextrose increases satiety when consumed over several weeks; however studies assessing its acute effects on satiety are lacking. This study therefore aimed to assess the impact of different doses of polydextrose on satiety and energy intake at subsequent meals during a test day. Three yogurt-based drinks containing different amounts of polydextrose (0, 6.25 and 12.5g) were tested using a randomised, single-blinded, placebo controlled, cross-over design. Thirty-four healthy male and female volunteers were provided with a standard breakfast, then consumed the test product mid-morning, 90min before an ad libitum lunch, which was followed by an ad libitum dinner. Visual analogue scales were used to measure subjective ratings of appetite, liking and discomfort. Consuming 6.25 and 12.5g polydextrose increased satiety and decreased appetite compared to control immediately after consumption. A reduction in energy intake (218.8kJ) at lunchtime was observed for 12.5g polydextrose. This reduction in energy intake was not compensated for at dinner. This study suggests that polydextrose may aid in increasing satiety feelings post consumption and also reduce energy intake as a result.

Simulated colon fiber metabolome regulates genes involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, and energy metabolism in human colon cancer cells.

High level of dietary fiber has been epidemiologically linked to protection against the risk for developing colon cancer. The mechanisms of this protection are not clear. Fermentation of dietary fiber in the colon results in production of for example butyrate that has drawn attention as a chemopreventive agent. Polydextrose, a soluble fiber that is only partially fermented in colon, was fermented in an in vitro colon simulator, in which the conditions mimic the human proximal, ascending, transverse, and distal colon in sequence. The subsequent fermentation metabolomes were applied on colon cancer cells, and the gene expression changes studied. Polydextrose fermentation down-regulated gene ontology classes linked with cell cycle, and affected number of metabolically active cells. Furthermore, up-regulated effects on classes linked with apoptosis, with increased caspase 2 and 3 activity, implicate that polydextrose fermentation plays a role in induction of apoptosis in colon cancer cells. The up-regulated genes involved also key regulators of lipid metabolism, such as PPARα and PGC-1α. These results offer hypotheses for the mechanisms of two health benefits linked with consumption of dietary fiber, reducing risk of development of colon cancer, and dyslipidemia.

Effect of overweight on gastrointestinal microbiology and immunology: correlation with blood biomarkers.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in order to compare intestinal microbiological and immunological biomarkers with blood glucose and lipids, satiety-related hormones and inflammatory biomarkers characterising differences between obese and normal weight subjects. Faecal and blood samples were obtained from twenty obese subjects with an average BMI of 32.9 kg/m2 and twenty normal weight subjects with an average BMI of 23.3 kg/m2. Blood insulin, TAG and leptin were significantly elevated, whereas concentrations of HDL and ghrelin were significantly decreased in the obese subjects. Inflammatory status in the obese subjects was characterised by a trend for elevated blood C-reactive protein (CRP; P = 0.06) and IL-6 (P = 0.02). The faecal microbial composition differed between the groups; less sulphate-reducing bacteria (P = 0.05) and a trend for less Bacteroides (P = 0.07) were measured for overweight subjects. Furthermore, an inverse correlation was demonstrated between faecal Bacteroides levels and waist circumference (P = 0.05). The faecal microbial metabolites differed between the groups; increased concentrations of branched-chain fatty acids, phenolics, valeric acid, di- and hydroxy acids were described in the obese subjects. No differences between the measured intestinal inflammatory biomarkers were detected. However, systemic inflammation (CRP and IL-6) was correlated with the faecal concentrations of phenolics and lactic acid (P < 0.05 and 0.05, and P < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). In summary, weight-related differences were observed both in the intestinal microbial composition and its activity. The role of intestinal signals, such as phenolics and lactic acid in the development of weight-related problems, needs to be studied further.

The effect of age and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on human intestinal microbiota composition.

Ageing has been suggested to cause changes in the intestinal microbial community. In the present study, the microbiota of a previously well-defined group of elderly subjects aged between 70 and 85 years, both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) users (n 9) and non-users (n 9), were further compared with young adults (n 14) with a mean age of 28 years, by two DNA-based techniques: percentage guanine+cytosine (%G+C) profiling and 16S rDNA sequencing. Remarkable changes in microbiota were described with both methods: compared with young adults a significant reduction in overall numbers of microbes in both elderly groups was measured. Moreover, the total number of microbes in elderly NSAID users was higher than in elderly without NSAID. In 16S rDNA sequencing, shifts in all major microbial phyla, such as lower numbers of Firmicutes and an increase in numbers of Bacteroidetes in the elderly were monitored. On the genus level an interesting link between reductions in the proportion of known butyrate producers belonging to Clostridium cluster XIVa, such as Roseburia and Ruminococcus, could be demonstrated in the elderly. Moreover, in the Actinobacteria group, lower numbers of Collinsella spp. were evident in the elderly subjects with NSAID compared both with young adults and the elderly without NSAID, suggesting that the use of NSAID along with age may also influence the composition of intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, relatively high numbers of Lactobacillus appeared only in the elderly subjects without NSAID. In general, the lowered numbers of microbial members in the major phyla, Firmicutes, together with changes in the epithelial layer functions can have a significant effect on the colon health of the elderly.

Metabolomics analysis of plasma and adipose tissue samples from mice orally administered with polydextrose and correlations with cecal microbiota.

Polydextrose (PDX) is a branched glucose polymer, utilized as a soluble dietary fiber. Recently, PDX was found to have hypolipidemic effects and effects on the gut microbiota. To investigate these findings more closely, a non-targeted metabolomics approach, was exploited to determine metabolic alterations in blood and epididymal adipose tissue samples that were collected from C57BL/6 mice fed with a Western diet, with or without oral administration of PDX. Metabolomic analyses revealed significant differences between PDX- and control mice, which could be due to differences in diet or due to altered microbial metabolism in the gut. Some metabolites were found in both plasma and adipose tissue, such as the bile acid derivative deoxycholic acid and the microbiome-derived tryptophan metabolite indoxyl sulfate, both of which increased by PDX. Additionally, PDX increased the levels of glycine betaine and L-carnitine in plasma samples, which correlated negatively with plasma TG and positively correlated with bacterial genera enriched in PDX mice. The results demonstrated that PDX caused differential metabolite patterns in blood and adipose tissues and that one-carbon metabolism, associated with glycine betaine and L-carnitine, and bile acid and tryptophan metabolism are associated with the hypolipidemic effects observed in mice that were given PDX.

Influence of a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and lactitol on healthy elderly: intestinal and immune parameters.

With increasing age, a number of physiological changes take place which are reflected in immune and bowel function. These changes may relate to the commonly assumed age-related changes in intestinal microbiota; most noticeably a reduction in bifidobacteria. The current study aimed at modifying the intestinal microbiota with a potential synbiotic on selected immune and microbiota markers. Healthy elderly subjects were randomised to consume during 2 weeks either a placebo (sucrose) or a combination of lactitol and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM twice daily in a double-blind parallel trial. After the intervention, stool frequency was higher in the synbiotic group than in the placebo group and a significant increase in faecal L. acidophilus NCFM levels was observed in the synbiotic group, after baseline correction. In contrast to the generally held opinion, the study subjects had faecal Bifidobacterium levels that were similar to those reported in healthy young adults. These levels were, nevertheless, significantly increased by the intervention. Levels of SCFA were not changed significantly. Of the measured immune markers, PGE2 levels were different between treatments and IgA levels changed over time. These changes were modest which may relate to the fact that the volunteers were healthy. Spermidine levels changed over time which may suggest an improved mucosal integrity and intestinal motility. The results suggest that consumption of lactitol combined with L. acidophilus NCFM twice daily may improve some markers of the intestinal microbiota composition and mucosal functions.

Xylitol's Health Benefits beyond Dental Health: A Comprehensive Review.

Xylitol has been widely documented to have dental health benefits, such as reducing the risk for dental caries. Here we report on other health benefits that have been investigated for xylitol. In skin, xylitol has been reported to improve barrier function and suppress the growth of potential skin pathogens. As a non-digestible carbohydrate, xylitol enters the colon where it is fermented by members of the colonic microbiota; species of the genus Anaerostipes have been reported to ferment xylitol and produce butyrate. The most common Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species do not appear to be able to grow on xylitol. The non-digestible but fermentable nature of xylitol also contributes to a constipation relieving effect and improved bone mineral density. Xylitol also modulates the immune system, which, together with its antimicrobial activity contribute to a reduced respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, and otitis media risk. As a low caloric sweetener, xylitol may contribute to weight management. It has been suggested that xylitol also increases satiety, but these results are not convincing yet. The benefit of xylitol on metabolic health, in addition to the benefit of the mere replacement of sucrose, remains to be determined in humans. Additional health benefits of xylitol have thus been reported and indicate further opportunities but need to be confirmed in human studies.

The effect of 2'-fucosyllactose on simulated infant gut microbiome and metabolites; a pilot study in comparison to GOS and lactose.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) shape gut microbiota during infancy by acting as fermentable energy source. Using a semi-continuous colon simulator, effect of an HMO, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), on composition of the infant microbiota and microbial metabolites was evaluated in comparison to galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) and lactose and control without additional carbon source. Data was analysed according to faecal sample donor feeding type: breast-fed (BF) or formula-fed (FF), and to rate of 2'-FL fermentation: fast or slow. Variation was found between the simulations in the ability to utilise 2'-FL. The predominant phyla regulated by 2'-FL, GOS and lactose were significant increase in Firmicutes, numerical in Actinobacteria, and numerical decrease in Proteobacteria compared to control. Verrucomicrobia increased in FF accounted for Akkermansia, whereas in fast-fermenting simulations Actinobacteria increased with trend for higher Bifidobacterium, and Proteobacteria decrease accounted for Enterobacteriaceae. Short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid with 2'-FL were produced in intermediate levels being between ones generated by the control and GOS or lactose. In 2'-FL fast-fermenting group, acetic acid specifically increased with 2'-FL, whereas lactose and GOS also increased lactic acid. The results highlight specificity of 2'-FL as energy source for only certain microbes over GOS and lactose in the simulated gut model.

The effect of ageing with and without non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on gastrointestinal microbiology and immunology.

Elderly individuals are more susceptible to gastrointestinal problems such as constipation than young adults. Furthermore, the common use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) among the elderly is known to further increase such gastrointestinal ailments. To describe the specific changes in elderly, intestinal microbes, their metabolites and immune markers were measured from faecal samples obtained from fifty-five elderly individuals (aged 68-88 years), using either NSAID or not, and fourteen young adults (aged 21-39 years). The faecal DM content increased with age but was significantly lower among the elderly NSAID users. The microbial metabolism was especially influenced by NSAID use and/or ageing, although fewer changes were observed in the composition of the microbial community, whilst the level of aerobes was increased in the elderly and the level of Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale reduced in the elderly NSAID users as compared with young adults. An increase in the concentrations of some branched SCFA and l-lactate but a decrease in some major SCFA concentrations were observed. Evidently, the decreased defecation frequency in the elderly directed colonic fermentation toward an unfavourable microbial metabolism but this was partially offset by the use of NSAID. Irrespective of the use of NSAID, the elderly subjects had significantly lower concentrations of faecal PGE2 than the young adults, reflecting possibly a reduced immune response. According to the present study more attention should be paid to the development of dietary products that seek to enhance bowel function, saccharolytic fermentation and immune stimulation in the elderly population.

High-Fat Diet, Betaine, and Polydextrose Induce Changes in Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Metabolism in C57BL/6J Mice.

SCOPE: High-fat diets are a likely cause of low-grade inflammation and obesity-related pathologies. This study measures the effects of a high-fat diet, in combination with two dietary supplements-betaine and polydextrose-on metabolism and inflammation in the adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty male C57BL/6J mice are fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks and compared with low-fat-diet-fed control animals (n = 10). For the last 4 weeks, the high-fat-diet-fed animals are supplemented with 1% betaine, 3.33% polydextrose, their combination, or plain water. Fat depots from subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue are analyzed for inflammatory markers and nontargeted metabolomics by quantitative PCR and LC-QTOF-MS. The high-fat diet significantly increases adipose tissue inflammation in both fat depots. By metabolic profiling, clear differences are noted between low-fat-diet and high-fat-diet groups with regard to the levels of several metabolite species-primarily carnitines, lipids, and amino acids. Dietary betaine mitigates the high-fat-diet-induced IL-6 expression and significantly increases betaine and butyrobetaine levels in adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The high-fat diet induces patent changes in carnitine and lipid metabolism in adipose tissue. Betaine supplementation elevates the levels of betaine and its derivatives and certain carnitine species, as reported in muscle and liver, and moderately reduces inflammation.

Polydextrose changes the gut microbiome and attenuates fasting triglyceride and cholesterol levels in Western diet fed mice.

Obesity and dyslipidemia are hallmarks of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Polydextrose (PDX), a soluble fiber has lipid lowering effects. We hypothesize that PDX reduces triglycerides and cholesterol by influencing gut microbiota, which in turn modulate intestinal gene expression. C57BL/6 male mice were fed a Western diet (WD) ±75 mg PDX twice daily by oral gavage for 14 days. Body weight and food intake were monitored daily. Fasting plasma lipids, caecal microbiota and gene expression in intestine and liver were measured after 14 days of feeding. PDX supplementation to WD significantly reduced food intake (p < 0.001), fasting plasma triglyceride (p < 0.001) and total cholesterol (p < 0.05). Microbiome analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium and Coriobacteriaceae taxa associated with lean phenotype, increased in WD + PDX mice. Gene expression analysis with linear mixed-effects model showed consistent downregulation of Dgat1, Cd36, Fiaf and upregulation of Fxr in duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon in WD + PDX mice. Spearman correlations indicated that genera enriched in WD + PDX mice inversely correlated with fasting lipids and downregulated genes Dgat1, Cd36 and Fiaf while positively with upregulated gene Fxr. These results suggest that PDX in mice fed WD promoted systemic changes via regulation of the gut microbiota and gene expression in intestinal tract.