The preservation of cheese has emerged as a significant concern for the international cheese sector, primarily due to microbial spoilage and the implications of chemical preservatives on human health. Contemporary preservation methodologies encompass sophisticated technologies such as non-thermal processing techniques, innovative packaging solutions, and natural preservatives (encompassing probiotics and postbiotics). Postbiotics are defined as soluble entities (either direct products or metabolic byproducts) that are secreted by living bacteria or released subsequent to bacterial lysis; these include enzymes, peptides, teichoic acids, muropeptides derived from peptidoglycan, polysaccharides, cell surface proteins, and organic acids. The interest in these postbiotics is attributed to their well-defined chemical structures, established safe dose thresholds, long shelf lives, and the presence of diverse signaling molecules that may exhibit nutritional properties (such as cholesterol absorption, degradation of undesirable or antioxidative substances along with increased antioxidant potential or antioxidant compounds). They are intended to enhance food quality and safety through biological control of pathogens and fungi in food, degradation, and removal of mycotoxins and bacterial toxins, biofortification of foods, and enhancement of sensory evaluation criteria. This review highlights the potential of postbiotics as natural preservatives in cheese.

Paraprobiotics are inactivated microbial cells or cell fractions that confer health benefits to the consumer, and possess the ability to regulate both the adaptive and innate immune systems. They exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate these activities of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei lysates isolated from fermented palm sap. The bacterial cell lysates were prepared via sonication, and their antibacterial activity was assessed against three pathogens using agar well diffusion assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity were determined in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by measuring nitric oxide production, secretion, and mRNA level of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Among the lysates, L. paracasei T1901 demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Most lysates exhibited potent antioxidant activity, especially T0601 that showed the highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the lysates effectively reduced nitric oxide levels and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6); simultaneously, the lysates enhanced immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 secretion. Furthermore, no cytotoxic effect was observed in the lysate-treated RAW 264.7 cells. The study highlights the potential of L. paracasei lysates as multifunctional agents with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support their application in developing functional foods or therapeutic agents for managing oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases.

Background: Gut microbiomes play a vital role in maintaining whole-body metabolic homeostasis. It has gained significant attention in recent years due to advancements in genome sequencing technologies and a deeper understanding of its relationship with obesity. However, the specific ways in which different microorganisms directly or indirectly influence host obesity, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remain uncertain because of the complexity of gut microbiota composition. Methods: In this review, we summarize the roles of the major gut microbiota phyla such as Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia in obesity and type 2 diabetes based on studies published in the past five years on PubMed and Google Scholar. The current therapeutic strategies associated with gut microbiota are also explored from clinical trials, and challenges and future directions are discussed. Results and Conclusions: This review will provide a deeper understanding of the functions of major gut microbiota in obesity and type 2 diabetes, which could lead to more individualized and effective treatments for metabolic diseases.

The escalating demand for natural, nutritionally rich food products underscores the significance of exploring the fungal kingdom, comprising yeast, lichens, molds, and mushrooms, as an abundant reservoir of nutritionalcompounds, secondary metabolites and bioactive components. This paper delves into the nutritional profiles of lichen, yeast, and mushrooms, emphasizing their role as prominent sources of myco-nutraceuticals and functional foods. The growing popularity of eco-friendly extraction techniques for mycochemicals is noted, alongside the exploration of established methods for qualitative and quantitative mycochemical analysis. Notably, studies have affirmed that the incorporation of mushroom and yeast extracts, and their derived compounds, enhances the nutritional profile of meals without compromising desirable dietary attributes. The biological health-promoting properties inherent in extracts and chemicals are also discussed. Anticipated trends the incorporation of myconutrients into functional foods and dietary supplements are highlighted. Finally, challenges hindering the optimal utilization of myconutraceuticals are scrutinized.

The holobiome is an interconnected network of microbial ecosystems spanning soil, plants, animals, humans, and the environment. Microbial interactions drive nutrient cycling, pathogen suppression, and climate regulation. Soil microbiomes facilitate carbon sequestration and enhance soil fertility, while marine microbiomes contribute to carbon capture and climate stability. However, industrial agriculture, extensive herbicide use, antibiotic overuse, and climate change threaten microbial diversity, leading to ecosystem and health disruptions. Probiotic interventions help to restore microbial balance. In human health, probiotics support gut microbiota diversity, reduce inflammation, and regulate metabolism. In agriculture, soil probiotics enhance microbial diversity, improve nutrient cycling, and degrade contaminants, increasing crop yields and soil health. Case studies show that microbial inoculants effectively remediate degraded soils and enhance nutrient uptake. Artificial intelligence is transforming microbiome research by enabling predictive modeling, precision probiotic design, and microbial consortia optimization. Interdisciplinary collaboration and supportive policies are essential for restoring microbial equilibria, ensuring ecosystem resilience, and promoting long-term sustainability. The integration of artificial intelligence, clinical research, and sustainable practices is crucial for advancing holobiome science. The holobiome framework underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address global challenges, bridging environmental sustainability, agriculture, and public health for a resilient future.

Obesity is closely related to metabolic diseases, which brings a heavy burden to the health care system. It is urgent to formulate and implement effective treatment strategies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a protein with seven transmembrane domains connected by type B and G proteins, which is widely distributed and expressed in many organs and tissues. GLP-1 analogues can reduce weight, lower blood pressure, and improve blood lipids. Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases have caused scientists' research and development boom. Among them, GLP-1R agonist drugs have developed rapidly in weight-loss drugs. In this paper, based on the target of GLP-1, the mechanism of action of GLP-1 in obesity treatment was deeply studied, and the drugs approved and designed for obesity treatment based on GLP-1 target were elaborated in detail. Innovatively put forward and summarized the double and triple GLP-1 targeted drugs in the treatment of obesity with better effects and less toxic and side effects, and this can make full use of multi-target methods to treat other diseases in the future. Finally, it is pointed out that intestinal flora and microorganisms have many benefits in the treatment of obesity, and fecal bacteria transplantation may be a potential treatment for obesity with less harm to the body. This article provides some promising methods to treat obesity, which have strong practical value.

Thiamine (vitamin B1) in the gut is crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and host health. Our previous study identified significantly lower levels of fecal thiamine in individuals with obesity; however, its potential and mechanisms for alleviating obesity induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD) remain unclear. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of high-dose thiamine supplementation on HFFD-induced obesity and gut microbiota dysbiosis were investigated.

HFFD-fed mice were supplemented with high-dose thiamine for eight weeks. Biochemical analysis and histological analysis were conducted to assess phenotypic changes. Fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to analyze alterations in the gut microbiota.

The results showed that high-dose thiamine supplementation for eight weeks could significantly alleviate symptoms of HFFD-induced obesity and improve HFFD-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction by enhancing the tight junction function. Furthermore, oral administration of high-dose thiamine also regulated HFFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis by reshaping its structure and composition of gut microbiota, such as increasing the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, and reducing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Ruminococcus gnavus, accompanied by decreased level of gut-derived endotoxin. Finally, significant correlations were found between obesity-related phenotypes and gut microbiota through correlation analysis.

Our findings suggest that the potential mechanism by which high-dose thiamine supplementation alleviated HFFD-induced obesity might involve reshaping gut microbiota and restoring the intestinal barrier, thereby ameliorating gut microbiota-related endotoxemia.

To determine whether long-term administration of synbiotics affects clinical, endocrine and metabolic aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in overweight and obese subjects undergoing intensive lifestyle modifications.

During six-month trial, all subjects underwent intensive lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise). The subjects were randomized (1:1) to receive synbiotic supplementation (Synbiotic Group) or placebo (Placebo Group).

Subjects in the Placebo Group and the Synbiotic Group experienced significant reduction of BMI (- 8% and - 11%, respectively; both at P < 0.0001) and body fat percentage (- 11% and - 14%, respectively; both at P < 0.0001). These effects were statistically comparable for both groups. Total testosterone was not significantly changed in the Placebo Group (- 5%, P = 0.41) while it greatly declined in the Synbiotic Group (- 40%; P < 0.0001); the difference between these groups was significant (P = 0.0002). Synbiotic supplementation was superior to placebo in reducing LH (- 21%; P = 0.047), total cholesterol (- 6%; P = 0.002), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (- 6%; P = 0.044), triglycerides (- 29%; P = 0.049), LPS (- 23%; P = 0.001) and LPS-binding protein (- 21%; P = 0.001).

Synbiotic supplementation led to a marked improvement of several key clinical and laboratory aspects of PCOS including an improvement of hyperandrogenism, lipid profile, and markers of endotoxemia.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03325023 (URL, clinicaltrials.gov; date of registration 10/26/2017).

Resistant starch (RS) refers to starch varieties that resist digestion by human digestive enzymes. Owing to its distinctive physicochemical attributes and functional capabilities, RS has gained a wide range of applications as a dietary fiber and prebiotic. In terms of structure and functions, RS can be categorized into five distinct types: RS1 through RS5. These types offer dietary benefits, contributing to improved colonic health, the modulation of microbial communities, the reduction in gallstone formation, the enhancement of mineral absorption, and alterations in fat oxidation potential. From a technical standpoint, RS can be manufactured through an array of physical, enzymatic, and chemical modifications. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the existing literature, summarizing the classification, structural features, raw material origins, preparation methodologies, and functionalities of RS. Furthermore, new production technologies and applications of RS, such as 3D printing, provide valuable insights.

Obesity is a growing global epidemic. The composition of the intestinal microbiota can be influenced by several factors. Studies highlight the role of intestinal bacteria in the pathophysiology of obesity. So, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of probiotics, together with healthy lifestyle habits, contributes to weight reduction in obese individuals by analyzing the intestinal microbiota profile.

A prospective study was carried out with 45 adults with obesity. Participants underwent guidance on healthy lifestyle habits, received a probiotic component containing different microbiological strains and were followed for 60 days. Clinical parameters, body composition, biochemical analysis, and intestinal microbiota assessment were performed before and after treatment. After 60 days, it was observed that the bacterial strains present in the probiotic were present in the patients' intestinal microbiota. Participants also showed improvements in physical activity, sleep quality, and anxiety management, as well as changes in some eating habits, such as a reduction in the consumption of processed foods and a significant increase in water intake.

A reduction in BMI, fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides was observed, in addition to an increase in HDL cholesterol, improvement in bowel movement frequency, and stool consistency. Analysis of the intestinal microbiota revealed an increase in microbial diversity and a better balance between the bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.

The changes related to improving the composition of the intestinal microbiota, dietary habits, increased physical activity, reduced anxiety, and better sleep quality have significantly contributed to weight loss and improvements in physiological parameters in obese individuals.

The mycobiome plays a key role in the host immune responses in homeostasis and inflammation. Recent studies suggest that an imbalance in the gut's fungi contributes to chronic, noninfectious diseases such as obesity, metabolic disorders, and cancers. Pathogenic fungi can colonize specific organs, and the gut mycobiome has been linked to the development and progression of various cancers, including colorectal, breast, head and neck, and pancreatic cancers. Some fungal species can promote tumorigenesis by triggering the complement system. However, in immunocompromised patients, fungi can also inhibit this activation and establish life-threatening infections. Interestingly, the interaction of the fungi and bacteria can also induce unique host immune responses. Recent breakthroughs and advancements in high-throughput sequencing of the gut and tumor mycobiomes are highlighting novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for cancer. We discuss the latest developments in the field of cancer and the mycobiome and the potential benefits and challenges of antifungal therapies.

Nowadays, the usage of probiotics in the food industry has become common. It has been proven that probiotics have many health benefits, such as adjusting the intestinal microbiome, boosting the immune system, and enhancing anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. However, in recent years, some concerns have arisen about the consumption of probiotics, especially in vulnerable populations such as elderly, infants, and people with underlying diseases. As a result, finding a new alternative to probiotics that has the same function as probiotics and is safer has been prioritized. In recent years, postbiotics have been introduced as a great replacement for probiotics. However, the safety of these compounds is not exactly confirmed due to the limited in vivo research. In this review, the definition, classification, activities, limitations, and some advantages of postbiotics over probiotics are discussed. Finally, the limited published data about the safety of postbiotics is summarized.

The gut microbiota plays a role in energy homeostasis: its composition differs in lean and obese mice and may impact insulin sensitivity. The immune system has co-evolved with the gut microbiota, but direct regulation of microbial communities by the immune system and its metabolic impact is unclear. Mice lacking the immune cell specific transcription factor T-bet (Tbx21) are insulin sensitive. Compared with wild-type mice, T-bet deficient mice were found to have a higher proportion of colonic regulatory T cells despite significantly fewer colonic T cells, B cells and NK cells. Microbiota deletion by administration of antibiotics, increased colonic immune cell numbers. Furthermore, we report that T-bet -/- mice have an altered gut microbial composition and fecal short-chain fatty acid content, with an increase in butyrate production, compared with wild-type mice. Finally, in a proof-of concept study, we show that the enhanced insulin sensitivity observed in T-bet -/- mice is temporarily transmissible to antibiotic-treated wild-type mice through fecal transfer. Immune regulation of the gut microbiota by T-bet may be a novel pathway modulating insulin sensitivity.

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that dietary polysaccharides play a crucial role in preventing metabolic syndrome (MetS) through their interaction with gut microbes. Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) flower polysacchride (TFPS) is a novel functional compound known for its diverse beneficial effects in both vivo and vitro. To further investigate the effects of TFPS on MetS and gut microbiota, and the possible association between gut microbiota and their activities, this study was carried out on mice that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and given oral TFPS at a dose of 400 and 800 mg/kg·body weight (BW)/d, respectively. TFPS treatment significantly mitigated HFD-induced MetS, evidenced by reductions in body weight, fat accumulation, plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-1β, along with an increase in plasma IL-10 levels. Furthermore, TFPS induced alterations in the diversity and composition of HFD-induced gut microbiota. Specifically, TFPS influenced the relative abundance of 11 genera, including Lactobacillus and Lactococcus, which showed strong correlations with metabolic improvements and likely contributed to the amelioration of MetS. In conclusion, TFPS exhibits promising prebiotic properties in preventing MetS and regulating gut microbiota.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a condition associated with a high concentration of uric acid (UA) in the bloodstream and can cause gout and chronic kidney disease. The gut microbiota of patients with gout and HUA is significantly altered compared to that of healthy people. This article focused on the complex interconnection between alterations in the gut microbiota and the development of this disorder. Some studies have suggested that changes in the composition, diversity, and activity of microbes play a key role in establishing and progressing HUA and gout pathogenesis. Therefore, we discussed how the gut microbiota contributes to HUA through purine metabolism, UA excretion, and intestinal inflammatory responses. We examined specific changes in the composition of the gut microbiota associated with gout and HUA, highlighting key bacterial taxa and the metabolic pathways involved. Additionally, we discussed the effect of conventional gout treatments on the gut microbiota composition, along with emerging therapeutic approaches that target the gut microbiome, such as the use of probiotics and prebiotics. We also provided insights into a study regarding the gut microbiota as a possible novel therapeutic intervention for gout treatment and dysbiosis-related diagnosis.

Probiotics, known for regulating gut microbiota, may aid those with overweight or obesity, but their mechanisms require more research. This study involved 75 overweight or obese young adults, randomly assigned to either a Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 (BBr60) group or a placebo group. Both groups received diet guidance and took either BBr60 (1 × 1010 CFU/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers analyzed body composition, serum glucose, lipids, liver and kidney function, comprehensive metabolome, and intestinal homeostasis before and after the intervention. After 12 weeks, BBr60 significantly reduced weight and BMI compared to pretreatment levels and outperformed the placebo. The BBr60 group also showed improved blood biochemistry, with notably lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels than the placebo group (p < 0.05). Additionally, BBr60 influenced vital serum and fecal metabolites related to three amino acid metabolic pathways and regulated the bacteria Dialister, Klebsiella, and Bacteroides, which correlated strongly with serum metabolites. These findings indicate that BBr60 can safely and effectively regulate BMI, body weight, serum glucose, lipids, and liver function markers, which may involve BBr60's impact on key gut bacteria, which influence metabolites related to the valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized (1:1) clinical trial was conducted at the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from March to September 2017.

Eligible participants included adults aged 18 years and older, living in the community, diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus according to ADA guidelines, capable of self-managing their diabetes, and able to visit the study site for follow-up. The intervention group received 25 ml of a probiotic beverage containing with over 10^8 CFU/mL of Lactobacillus, administered four times daily. An equal volume of inactivated Lactobacillus was administered to the control group and the control group was administered the same volume of inactivated Lactobacillus. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics on glycemic control and other diabetes-related outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes patients. The primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c and FBG levels post-intervention. Investigators, participants, and study site personnel were blinded to the treatment allocation until the conclusion of the study. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-POR-17010850).

Of the 490 participants screened, 213 were randomized to either the probiotics group (n = 103) or the placebo group (n = 110). After 16 weeks of follow-up, the probiotic group showed reductions in HbA1c [-0.44 (-0.66 to -0.22)] and FBG [-0.97 (-1.49 to 0.46)] post-intervention, similar to the placebo group with reductions in HbA1c [-0.33 (-0.52 to -0.15)] and FBG [-0.90 (-1.32 to -0.47)], but these changes were not statistically significant in PP and ITT analyses (P>0.05). Adverse events were similarly distributed among groups, indicating comparable safety profiles.

Overall, 16-week probiotic supplementation showed no beneficial effects on glycemic control, lipid profiles, or weight.

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=18421, identifier ChiCTR-POR-17010850.

The antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxicity activity of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from probiotics, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae against multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli evaluated in current research. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the CFSs were determined by analyzing inhibition zone formation using agar disk diffusion for antibacterial activity, microtiter plate for biofilm analysis, and auto-aggregation were done. CFSs substances were analyzed by GC-MS. The MTT assay on HEK293 cells investigated CFS's influence on cell viability. CFSs were examined for biofilm-related virulence genes, including aggR and fimH using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). All CFSs had bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. The B. bifidum exhibited the highest antibiofilm activity compared to the others. Bifidobacterium bifidum, L. plantarum, and S. cerevisiae produce 19, 16, and 11 mm inhibition zones against E. coli, respectively. GC-MS indicated that Hydroxyacetone, 3-Hydroxybutyric acid, and Oxime-methoxy-phenyl-dominated CFSs from L. plantarum, B. bifidum, and S. cerevisiae CFSs, respectively. The MTT test demonstrated a cell viability rate of over 90%. Statistically, adding all CFSs lowered the relative expression of both aggR and fimH virulence genes.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) manifests as a consequence of prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption. This disease is closely associated with the interplay between gut health and liver function, which can lead to complex pathophysiological changes in the body. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of ALD's multifaceted nature, with a keen focus on its pathogenesis and the potential of nutritional and microbiota-based therapies. Insights derived from diverse case studies are utilized to shed light on how interventions can rebalance the gut microbiome and enhance liver function in ALD patients. Furthermore, the feasibility of liver transplantation and stem cell therapy as ultimate measures for ALD has been discussed, with acknowledgment of the inherent risks and challenges accompanying them. ALD's complexity underscores the necessity for a thorough understanding of its etiology and progression to devise effective treatments that mitigate its profound impact on an individual's health.

Sarcopenia refers to an age-related systemic skeletal muscle disorder, which is characterized by loss of muscle mass and weakening of muscle strength. Gut microbiota can affect skeletal muscle through a variety of mechanisms. Gut microbiota present distinct features among elderly people and sarcopenia patients, including a decrease in microbial diversity, which might be associated with the quality and function of the skeletal muscle. There might be a gut-muscle axis; where gut microbiota and skeletal muscle may affect each other bi-directionally. Skeletal muscle can affect the biodiversity of the gut microbiota, and the latter can, in turn, affect the anabolism of skeletal muscle. This review examines recent studies exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and skeletal muscle, summarizes the effects of exercise on gut microbiota, and discusses the possible mechanisms of the gut-muscle axis.

The gut microbiota represents a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms residing in the human gastrointestinal tract, which is known to interact with the host physiology and regulate multiple functions. Alterations in gut microbial composition, diversity, and function are referred to as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis has been associated with a variety of chronic diseases, including Clostridioides difficile infections, but also cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The implication of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of both obesity and T2DM has paved the way to implementing novel therapeutic approaches for metabolic diseases through gut microbial reconfiguration. These interventions include probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, while a more innovative approach has been fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). FMT is a procedure that delivers healthy human donor stool to another individual through the gastrointestinal tract, aiming to restore gut microbiota balance. Several studies have investigated this approach as a potential tool to mitigate the adverse metabolic effects of gut microbiota aberrations associated with obesity and T2DM. The aim of the present review was to critically summarize the existing evidence regarding the clinical applications of FMT in the management of obesity and T2DM and provide an update on the potential of this method to remodel the entire host microbiota, leading thus to weight loss and sustained metabolic benefits. Safety issues, long-term efficacy, limitations, and pitfalls associated with FMT studies are further discussed, emphasizing the need for further research and standardization in certain methodological aspects in order to optimize metabolic outcomes.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a chronic disorder featuring overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, and dysfunction of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Microbiome-modulating probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) are promising adjunct therapies for improving parameters of glucose homeostasis and insulinemia.

We conducted a comprehensive systematic review, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions to investigate the effect of the abovementioned microbiome therapies on various biomarkers after screening clinical trials published through April 2023. We pooled data using random effects meta-analyses, reporting them as mean differences (MDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs), and conducting univariate linear model meta-regressions.

Data from 21 trial comparisons across 19 studies (n = 911) revealed that, compared to placebo/control, microbiome-modulating therapies were associated with statistically significant changes in fasting plasma glucose (MD: 4.03 mg/dL [95%CI: 6.93; -1.13]; p effect = 0.006, I2 = 89.8 %), and fasting insulin (MD: 2.56 μU/mL [95%CI: 4.28; -0.84]; p effect = 0.004, I2 = 87.9 %), but not insulin resistance or sensitivity indices and HbA1c. Age, baseline BMI, baseline biomarker value, pro/synbiotic dosage, trial duration, nutraceutical type, and WHO region were factors affecting the efficacy of these interventions at producing changes in biomarkers, signaling the potential role of personalized precision medicine adjunct therapy for deranged glucose homeostasis in patients with MetS. Nevertheless, presence of heterogeneity calls for further investigation before their clinical application.

Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and FMT supplementation improved fasting glucose and insulin in patients with MetS. Further large-scale and high-quality trials are required before potential clinical applications.

Sleep is crucial for wellness, and emerging research reveals a profound connection to gut microbiota. This review explores the bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and sleep, exploring the mechanisms involved and the therapeutic opportunities it presents. The gut-brain axis serves as a conduit for the crosstalk between gut microbiota and the central nervous system, with dysbiosis in the microbiota impairing sleep quality and vice versa. Diet, circadian rhythms, and immune modulation all play a part. Specific gut bacteria, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, enhance sleep through serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid production, exemplifying direct microbiome influence. Conversely, sleep deprivation reduces beneficial bacteria, exacerbating dysbiosis. Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and fecal transplants show therapeutic potential, backed by animal and human research, yet require further study on safety and long-term effects. Unraveling this intricate link paves the way for tailored sleep therapies, utilizing microbiome manipulation to improve sleep and health. Accelerated research is essential to fully tap into this promising field for sleep disorder management.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses an emerging threat topublic health. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is reported to be the most rapidly rising cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in the western world. Recently, a new term has been proposed: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The introduction of this new terminology has sparked a debate about the interchangeability of these terms. The pathogenesis of NAFLD/MASLD is thought to be multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Among these factors, alterations in gut microbiota and gut dysbiosis have recently garnered significant attention. In this context, this review will further discuss the gut-liver axis, which refers to the bidirectional interaction between the human gut microbiota and the liver. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of probiotics, particularly next-generation probiotics and genetically engineered bacteria, will be explored. Moreover, the role of prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and phages as well as fecal microbiota transplantation will be analyzed. Particularly for lean patients with NAFLD/MASLD, who have limited treatment options, approaches that modify the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota may hold promise. However, due to ongoing safety concerns with approaches that modulate gut microbiota, further large-scale studies are necessary to better assess their efficacy and safety in treating NAFLD/MASLD.

The global prevalence of obesity currently exceeds 1 billion people and is accompanied by an increase in the aging population. Obesity and aging share many hallmarks and are leading risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and premature death. Current anti-obesity and pro-longevity pharmacotherapies are limited by side effects, warranting the development of novel therapies. The gut microbiota plays a major role in human health and disease, with a dysbiotic composition evident in obese and aged individuals. The bidirectional communication system between the gut and the central nervous system, known as the gut-brain axis, may link obesity to unhealthy aging. Modulating the gut with microbiome-targeted therapies, such as biotics, is a novel strategy to treat and/or manage obesity and promote longevity. Biotics represent material derived from living or once-living organisms, many of which have therapeutic effects. Pre-, pro-, syn- and post-biotics may beneficially modulate gut microbial composition and function to improve obesity and the aging process. However, the investigation of biotics as next-generation therapeutics has only just begun. Further research is needed to identify therapeutic biotics and understand their mechanisms of action. Investigating the function of the gut-brain axis in obesity and aging may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for obese, aged and comorbid (e.g., sarcopenic obese) patient populations. This review discusses the interrelationship between obesity and aging, with a particular emphasis on the gut microbiome, and presents biotics as novel therapeutic agents for obesity, aging and related disease states.

This review highlights the role of postbiotics, which may provide an underappreciated avenue doe promising therapeutic alternatives. The discovery of natural compounds obtained from microorganisms needs to be investigated in the future in terms of their effects on various metabolic disorders and molecular pathways, as well as modulation of the immune system and intestinal microbiota in children and adults. However, further studies and efforts are needed to evaluate and describe new postbiotics. This review provides available knowledge that may assist future research in identifying new postbiotics and uncovering additional mechanisms to combat metabolic diseases.

Probiotic feed additives have attracted considerable research interest in recent years because the effectiveness of probiotics can differ across microbial strains and the supplemented macroorganisms. The present study was conducted on 16 lambs divided equally into two groups (C-control and E-experimental). The examined lambs were aged 11 days at the beginning of the experiment and 40 days at the end of the experiment. The diet of group E lambs was supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus plantarum AMT14, Lactobacillus plantarum AMT4, Lactobacillus rhamnosus AMT15, and Bifidobacterium animalis AMT30), whereas group C lambs did not receive the probiotic additive. At the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and on experimental days 15 and 30, blood was sampled from the jugular vein to determine and compare: phagocytic activity (Phagotest) and oxidative metabolism (Phagoburst) of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes by flow cytometry. An analysis of the phagocytic activity of granulocytes and monocytes revealed significantly higher levels of phagocytic activity (expressed as the percentage of phagocytic cells and mean fluorescence intensity) in lambs that were administered the multi-strain probiotic formulation compared with lambs in the control group. The probiotic feed additive also exerted a positive effect on the oxidative metabolism of both granulocytes and monocytes (expressed as the percentage of oxidative metabolism and mean fluorescence intensity) after stimulation with Escherichia coli bacteria and with PMA (4-phorbol-12-β-myristate-13-acetate). These findings suggest that the tested probiotic formulation may have a positive effect on the immune status of lambs.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a serious central nervous system disease. Post-IS complications, such as post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), post-stroke depression (PSD), hemorrhagic transformation (HT), gastrointestinal dysfunction, cardiovascular events, and post-stroke infection (PSI), result in neurological deficits. The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) facilitates bidirectional signal transduction and communication between the intestines and the brain. Recent studies have reported alterations in gut microbiota diversity post-IS, suggesting the involvement of gut microbiota in post-IS complications through various mechanisms such as bacterial translocation, immune regulation, and production of gut bacterial metabolites, thereby affecting disease prognosis. In this review, to provide insights into the prevention and treatment of post-IS complications and improvement of the long-term prognosis of IS, we summarize the interaction between the gut microbiota and IS, along with the effects of the gut microbiota on post-IS complications.

The review present data on the intricate relationship between bariatric surgery, gut microbiota, and metabolic health in obesity treatment. Bariatric surgery, is recognized as an effective intervention for managing morbid obesity, including various techniques with distinct mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles including Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB), and Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD). RYGB and SG are the most prevalent procedures globally, inducing gut microbiota changes that influence microbial diversity and abundance. Post-surgery, alterations in bacterial communities occur, such as the increased of Escherichia coli inversely correlated with fat mass and leptin levels. During digestion, microbiota produce physiologically active compounds like bile acids (Bas) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs, derived by microbial fermentation, influence appetite, energy metabolism, and obesity-related pathways. Bas, altered by surgery, modulate glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, SG and RYGB enhance incretin secretion, particularly glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Therefore, understanding microbiota changes after bariatric surgery could be crucial for predicting metabolic outcomes and developing targeted interventions for obesity management.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most common cause of vaginal infection globally after bacterial vaginosis (BV) and associated with adverse reproductive and obstetric outcomes, including preterm delivery, sexually transmitted infections and pelvic inflammatory disease. Although effective control of VVC is achievable with the use of traditional treatment strategies (i.e., antifungals), the possibility of drug intolerance, treatment failure and recurrence, as well as the appearance of antifungal-resistant Candida species remain critical challenges. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies against VVC are urgently required. In recent years, an improved understanding of the dysbiotic vaginal microbiota (VMB) during VVC has prompted the consideration of administering -biotics to restore the balance of the VMB within the context of VVC prevention and treatment. Here, we aim to summarize the current evidence of the anti-Candida effects of probiotics, postbiotics and synbiotics and their potential use as an alternative/complementary therapy against VVC. Additionally, this review discusses advantages and challenges associated with the application of -biotics in VVC to provide guidance for their later use. We also review new developments in VVC therapy, i.e., vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) as an emerging live biotherapeutic therapy against VVC and discuss existing shortcomings associated with this nascent field, expecting to stimulate further investigations for introduction of new therapies against VVC.

The increased prevalence of obesity with several other metabolic disorders, including diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, has reached global pandemic proportions. Lifestyle changes may result in a persistent positive energy balance, hastening the onset of these age-related disorders and consequently leading to a diminished lifespan. Although suggestions have been raised on the possible link between obesity and the gut microbiota, progress has been hampered due to the extensive diversity and complexities of the gut microbiota. Being recognized as a potential biomarker owing to its pivotal role in metabolic activities, the dysregulation of the gut microbiota can give rise to a persistent low-grade inflammatory state associated with chronic diseases during aging. This chronic inflammatory state, also known as inflammaging, induced by the chronic activation of the innate immune system via the macrophage, is controlled by the gut microbiota, which links nutrition, metabolism, and the innate immune response. Here, we present the functional roles of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics as bioactive compounds by underscoring their putative contributions to (1) the reduction in gut hyperpermeability due to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inactivation, (2) increased intestinal barrier function as a consequence of the upregulation of tight junction proteins, and (3) inhibition of proinflammatory pathways, overall leading to the alleviation of chronic inflammation in the management of obesity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health, leading to extensive research focused on developing strategies to enhance outbreak response and mitigate the disease's severity. In the aftermath of the pandemic, attention has shifted towards understanding and addressing long-term health implications, particularly in individuals experiencing persistent symptoms, known as long COVID. Research into potential interventions to alleviate long COVID symptoms has intensified, with a focus on strategies to support immune function and mitigate inflammation. One area of interest is the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and maintaining overall health. Prebiotics and probiotics, known for their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents in bolstering immune function and reducing inflammation. This review delves into the intricate relationship between long COVID, the gut microbiota, and immune function, with a specific focus on the role of prebiotics and probiotics. We examine the immune response to long COVID, emphasizing the importance of inflammation and immune regulation in the persistence of symptoms. The potential of probiotics in modulating immune responses, including their mechanisms in combating viral infections such as COVID-19, is discussed in detail. Clinical evidence supporting the use of probiotics in managing long COVID symptoms is summarized, highlighting their role as adjunctive therapy in addressing various aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its aftermath.

Blastocystis is the most common gastrointestinal protist found in humans and animals. Although the clinical significance of Blastocystis remains unclear, the organism is increasingly being viewed as a commensal member of the gut microbiome. However, its impact on the microbiome is still being debated. It is unclear whether Blastocystis promotes a healthy gut and microbiome directly or whether it is more likely to colonize and persist in a healthy gut environment. In healthy people, Blastocystis is frequently associated with increased bacterial diversity and significant differences in the gut microbiome. Based on current knowledge, it is not possible to determine whether differences in the gut microbiome are the cause or result of Blastocystis colonization. Although it is possible that some aspects of this eukaryote's role in the intestinal microbiome remain unknown and that its effects vary, possibly due to subtype and intra-subtype variations and immune modulation, more research is needed to characterize these mechanisms in greater detail. This review covers recent findings on the effects of Blastocystis in the gut microbiome and immune modulation, its impact on the microbiome in autoimmune diseases, whether Blastocystis has a role like bacteria in the gut-brain axis, and its relationship with probiotics.

Prebiotics and postbiotics have gained attention as functional food additives due to their substantial influence on the gut microbiome and potential implications for human health on a broader scale. In addition, the number of patents for these additives has also increased, yet their functional classification has been problematic. In this study, we classified 2215 patents granted from 2001 to 2020 by functionality to enable predictions of future development directions. These patents encompassed subjects as diverse as feed supplementation, regulation of intestinal homeostasis, prevention of gastrointestinal ailments, targeted drug administration and augmentation of drug potency. The progression of patents issued during this time frame could be divided into three phases: occasional accounts prior to 2001, a period from 2001 to 2013 during which an average of 42 patents were issued annually, followed by a surge exceeding 140 patents annually after 2013. The latter increase has indicated that pre- and post-biotics have been recognized as biologically relevant. Patent mining therefore can enable forecasts of the future trajectory of these biologics and provide insights to evaluate their advancement. Moreover, this research is the first attempt to generalize and predict the directions of prebiotics and postbiotics using patent information and offers a comprehensive perspective for the potential utilization of prebiotics and postbiotics across a wide variety of fields.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from human feces coordinating with inulin on the composition of gut microbiota and metabolic profiles in db/db mice. These supplements were administered to db/db mice for 12 weeks. The results showed that the Lactobacillaceae coordinating with inulin group (LI) exhibited lower fasting blood glucose levels than the model control group (MC). Additionally, LI was found to enhance colon tissue and increase the levels of short-chain fatty acids. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the abundance of Corynebacterium and Proteus, which were significantly increased in the MC group compared with NC group, were significantly decreased by the treatment of LI that also restored the key genera of the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lachnoclostridium, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, Desulfovibrio, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006. Untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that lotaustralin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and 13(S)-HpODE were increased while L-phenylalanine and L-tryptophan were decreased in the MC group compared with the NC group. However, the intervention of LI reversed the levels of these metabolites in the intestine. Correlation analysis revealed that Lachnoclostridium and Ruminococcus_gnavus_group were negatively correlated with 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and 13(S)-HpODE, but positively correlated with L-tryptophan. 13(S)-HpODE was involved in the "linoleic acid metabolism". L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were involved in "tryptophan metabolism" and "serotonergic synapse". These findings suggest that LI may alleviate type 2 diabetes symptoms by modulating the abundance of Ruminococcus_gnavus_group and Lachnoclostridium to regulate the pathways of "linoleic acid metabolism", "serotonergic synapse", and" tryptophan metabolism". Our results provide new insights into prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Compared to that of bacteria, the role of gut fungi in obesity development remains unknown.

Here, alterations in gut fungal biodiversity and composition were confirmed in obese pig models and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Antifungal drugs improved diet-induced obesity, while fungal reconstruction by cohousing or fecal microbiota transplantation maintained the obese phenotype in HFD-fed mice. Fungal profiling identified 5 fungal species associated with obesity. Specifically, Ascomycota_sp. and Microascaceae_sp. were reduced in obese mice and negatively correlated with fat content. Oral supplementation with fungi was sufficient to prevent and treat diet-induced obesity. Clec7a, which is involved in fungal recognition, was highly expressed in HFD-fed mice. The Clec7a agonist accelerated diet-induced obesity, while Clec7a deficieny in mice resulted in resistance to diet-induced obesity and blocked the anti-obese effect of antifungal drugs and fungi.

Taken together, these results indicate that gut fungi/Clec7a signaling is involved in diet-induced obesity and may have therapeutic implications as a biomarker for metabolic dysregulation in humans. Video Abstract.

Probiotics are commonly used after bariatric surgery. However, uncertainty remains regarding their effects. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effect of probiotics in patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery.

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Science Direct, and Web of Science were searched from inception to April 4, 2023. No language restrictions were applied. Relevant randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials were included. We used the aggregated data extracted from the trials and assessed the heterogeneity. When severe heterogeneity was detected, a random effect model was used. All stages of the review were done by independent authors.

We screened 2024 references and included 11 randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials. Compared with the protocol groups, probiotics showed significant effects on regulating aspartate amino transferase level (MD = -4.32 U/L; 95% CI [-7.10, -1.53], p = 0.002), triglycerides (MD = -20.16 mg/dL; 95% CI [-34.51, -5.82], p = 0.006), weight (MD = -1.99 kg; 95% CI [-3.97, -0.01], p = 0.05), vitamin B12 (MD = 2.24 pg/dL; 95% CI [-0.02, 4.51], p = 0.05), dietary energy (MD = -151.03 kcal; 95% CI [-215.68, -86.37], p < 0.00001), dietary protein (MD = -4.48 g/day, 95% CI [-8.76, -0.20], p = 0.04), dietary carbohydrate (MD = -34.25 g/day, 95% CI [-44.87, -23.62], p < 0.00001), and dietary fiber (MD = -2.17 g/day, 95% CI [-3.21, -1.14], p < 0.0001). There were no severe side effects related to probiotics.

Our meta-analysis suggested that probiotics may delay the progression of liver function injury, improve lipid metabolism, reduce weight, and reduce food intake, although the effects on other indicators were insignificant. Probiotics may be helpful for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The review was registered on PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews): CRD42023407970. No primary source of funding.

Obesity is an alarming public health problem. Tailored nutritional therapy is advisable since emerging evidence on complex cross-talks among multifactorial agents. In this picture, the gut microbiota is highly individualized and intricately dependent on dietary patterns, with implications for obesity management. Most of the papers on the topic are observational and often conflicting. This review aimed to systematically organize the body of evidence on microbiota deriving from dietary trials in adult obesity giving the most certain phylogenetic, and metabolomic signatures in relation to both the host metabolism and phenotype changes published until now. We retrieved 18 randomized control trials on 1385 subjects with obesity who underwent several dietary interventions, including standard diet and healthy dietary regimens. Some phyla and species were more related to diets rich in fibers and others to healthy diets. Weight loss, metabolism improvements, inflammatory markers decrease were specifically related to different microorganisms or functions. The Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio was one of the most reported predictors. People with the burden of obesity comorbidities had the most significant taxonomic changes in parallel with a general improvement. These data emphasize the possibility of using symbiotic approaches involving tailored diets, microbiota characteristics, and maybe drugs to treat obesity and metabolic disorders. We encourage Authors to search for specific phylogenetic associations beyond a too generally reported Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio.

Obesity is a public health crisis, presenting a huge burden on health care and the economic system in both developed and developing countries. According to the WHO's latest report on obesity, 39% of adults of age 18 and above are obese, with an increase of 18% compared to the last few decades. Metabolic energy imbalance due to contemporary lifestyle, changes in gut microbiota, hormonal imbalance, inherent genetics, and epigenetics is a major contributory factor to this crisis. Multiple studies have shown that probiotics and their metabolites (postbiotics) supplementation have an effect on obesity-related effects in vitro, in vivo, and in human clinical investigations. Postbiotics such as the SCFAs suppress obesity by regulating metabolic hormones such as GLP-1, and PPY thus reducing feed intake and suppressing appetite. Furthermore, muramyl di-peptides, bacteriocins, and LPS have been tested against obesity and yielded promising results in both human and mice studies. These insights provide an overview of targetable pharmacological sites and explore new opportunities for the safer use of postbiotics against obesity in the future.

Obesity, a multifactorial disorder with pandemic dimensions, is conceded a major culprit of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating efficient therapeutic strategies. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are considered promising adjuvant/complementary approaches for weight management in individuals with obesity who have low adherence to conventional treatments. Current literature supports the weight-reducing efficacy of pro/pre/synbiotics or L-carnitine; however, the superiority of the nutraceutical joint supplementation approach over common single therapies to counter obesity and accompanying comorbidities is well documented. This study was designed to assess the effects of L-carnitine single therapy compared with L-carnitine and multistrain/multispecies synbiotic co-supplementation on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indicators in women with obesity.

The current placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 46 women with obesity, randomly allocated to either concomitant supplementation [L-carnitine tartrate (2 × 500 mg/day) + multistrain/multispecies synbiotic (1 capsule/day)] or monotherapy [L-carnitine tartrate (2 × 500 mg/day) + maltodextrin (1 capsule/day)] groups for 8 weeks. Participants in both groups received healthy eating dietary advice.

Anthropometric, lipid, and glycemic indices significantly improved in both intervention groups; however, L-carnitine + synbiotic co-administration elicited a greater reduction in the anthropometric measures including body mass index (BMI), body weight, and neck, waist, and hip circumferences (p < 0.001, <0.001, <0.001, = 0.012, and =0.030, respectively) after adjusting for probable confounders. Moreover, L-carnitine + synbiotic joint supplementation resulted in a greater reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin (though marginal), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and more increment in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI; p = 0.014, 0.051, 0.024, and 0.019, respectively) compared with the L-carnitine + placebo monosupplementation. No significant intergroup changes were found for the lipid profile biomarkers, except for a greater increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations (HDL-C) in the L-carnitine + synbiotic group (p = 0.009).

L-carnitine + synbiotic co-supplementation was more beneficial in ameliorating anthropometric indices as well as some cardiometabolic parameters compared with L-carnitine single therapy, suggesting that it is a promising adjuvant approach to ameliorate obesity or associated metabolic complications through potential synergistic or complementary mechanisms. Further longer duration clinical trials in a three-group design are demanded to verify the complementary or synergistic mechanisms.

www.irct.ir, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20080904001197N13.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are considered beneficial to human health. The associations between bacterial capacity to produce SCFAs, diet, and health are not fully understood.

We aimed to evaluate the capacity of human fecal microbiota to produce SCFAs and to metabolize soluble and insoluble fiber and to study its associations with human diet, anthropometric parameters, and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 200 adult participants. Diet was evaluated using food records. Capacity to produce acetate, butyrate, and propionate and to degrade soluble fiber were assessed in an ex vivo experiment where fecal samples were inoculated in a pectin-containing broth. Fecal β-glucosidase activity was measured to assess potential to degrade insoluble fiber.

The main dietary determinants of high capacity to metabolize fiber were high intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. After adjusting analyses for confounders, glucose and lipid parameters were not significantly associated with any of the studied microbial capacities, but the capacity to produce propionic acid was significantly associated with hip circumference (β = -0.018, P = 0.044), which was seen especially in people eating healthy.

We confirmed that high intake of fiber-rich products is positively associated with the capacity of fecal microbiota to degrade soluble and insoluble dietary fiber and that people eating healthy food might benefit from enhanced microbial capacity to produce propionic acid.