Tongfu Xiexia Decoction (TFXXD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, comprises six herbs: semen raphani, Rehmannia glutinosa, rhubarb, Magnolia officinalis, trifoliate orange, and mirabilite. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TFXXD on its biotransformation and microbial abundance in the gut of constipated rats.

Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to analyze the biotransformation of TFXXD in the colonic contents, and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to assess the structure and diversity of the gut microbiota across various rat groups.

We identified and analyzed 25 biotransformations of TFXXD in the colonic contents, which undergo various reactions such as deglycosylation, ring opening, and hydration in intestinal bacteria, with 14 originating from trifoliate orange, six from rhubarb, three from Rehmannia glutinosa, one from Semen raphani, and one from M. officinalis. 16S rRNA analysis revealed that TFXXD significantly enhanced the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bacteroides while significantly reducing Oscillospira abundance. Moreover, TFXXD considerably affected the carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Correlation analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between Bacteroides and ACH (Acetylcholine), NO (nitric oxide), D-Lac (D-Lactate), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), and IL-1β (Interleukin-1β) and a significant positive correlation between Bacteroides, hesperetin, and rhein.

In conclusion, our findings indicate that TFXXD can modulate the structure and diversity of the gut microbiota and enhance the metabolic balance in constipated rats.

The human microbiome plays a pivotal role in host health and disease, with emerging evidence underscoring its significant influence on the development and progression of breast cancer. Studies have revealed that dysbiosis in both the gut and breast tissue microbiota is strongly associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer. Distinct microbial profiles have been identified among healthy individuals, patients with benign breast conditions, and those with malignant tumors, with further variations observed across different ethnic groups and breast cancer subtypes. The complex interplay between breast cancer risk factors and microbial populations, coupled with the direct impact of microbial communities and their metabolites on inflammatory pathways and immune responses, underscores the importance of this field. Additionally, the interaction between gut microbiota and therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy is of particular interest, as these interactions can significantly influence treatment outcomes, either enhancing or diminishing efficacy. This review explores the effects of the Mediterranean diet, probiotics, prebiotics, and natural medicinal products on gut microbiota, emphasizing their potential as innovative therapeutic strategies. Notably, the use of engineered probiotics within the tumor microenvironment represents a promising frontier in breast cancer treatment. In conclusion, research on the human microbiome not only deepens our understanding of breast cancer pathogenesis but also lays the groundwork for the development of novel and targeted therapeutic interventions.

Constipation is a common problem which often causes negative impacts on the patient's quality of life. Apart from the pharmacologic and diet approaches, the use of probiotics has gradually shown promising efficacy to alleviate constipation. However, an exact understanding of the underlying mechanisms of probiotic actions on alleviating constipation is still unclear and need to be explored. In this review, we propose a model, 'probiotics in human colon', from a bioprocess engineering perspective. This model can be interpreted as a new concept of bionic colonic bioreactor design of a human colon in vitro, in which the transport phenomena during the fermentation of chyme by probiotics can be detected. By reviewing the anatomy structure and peristalsis mode of the human colon, we have focused on the influence by probiotics on the physical properties of colonic contents during the fermentation process. We relate physical properties such as shape, water content, density, hardness, viscosity, and elasticity to constipation symptoms directly. The influences on the physical properties of colon contents triggered by probiotics can be a potential key to understand the mechanisms for alleviating constipation.

Probiotic supplementation has been proposed as a preventive measure for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. This umbrella meta-analysis assesses the effects of probiotics, including single-strain and multi-strain formulations, on NEC and related mortality.

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Embase for studies up to August 2024. The AMSTAR2 tool assessed the quality of included studies. Meta-analysis studies were selected based on the PICOS framework, focusing on preterm neonates (< 37-week gestation), probiotic supplementation (single-strain or multi-strain), placebo or standard care comparison, and outcomes of NEC and mortality. Pooled relative risks (RR) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models.

Overall, 35 eligible studies were included into the study. Twenty-six and 32 probiotic intervention arms used single- and multi-strain probiotics, respectively. The findings revealed that probiotics decreased NEC significantly (ESRR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.55, p < 0.001, and ESOR: 0.59; 95%CI: 0.48, 0.72, P < 0.001), and mortality rate (ESRR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.76, P < 0.001, and ESOR: 0.77; 95%CI: 0.70, 0.84, p < 0.001).

The present review suggests that supplementation with probiotics reduced NEC and related mortality. Probiotic supplementation can be recognized as a NEC-preventing approach in preterm and very preterm infants, particularly Multi-strain probiotics.

The overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, posing severe threats to animal health and public safety. Salmonella Pullorum (S. Pullorum), a host-specific pathogen targeting poultry, causes high mortality in chicks and disrupts intestinal health. This study evaluated the protective effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum postbiotics (BbP) against S. Pullorum infection, focusing on their mechanisms in regulating pyroptosis, restoring intestinal barrier function, and modulating gut microbiota. Both in vivo (chickens challenged with S. Pullorum) and in vitro (chicken small intestinal epithelial cells, CSIEC) models were used to assess the effects of BbP and its components (bacterial lysates or metabolites). Results showed that BbP significantly improved growth performance in infected chickens, reducing mortality from 66.66 % to 8.33 %. BbP effectively suppressed the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins, including apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1 (cysteine-aspartic acid protease-1), and Gasdermin D N-terminal (GSDMD-N), and reduced inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), thereby mitigating inflammation. Furthermore, BbP restored intestinal barrier function by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1. The cecal microbiota diversity was also improved by BbP, with a decrease in the abundance of harmful bacteria (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella) and an enrichment of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus). These findings demonstrate that BbP provides significant protection against S. Pullorum infection by modulating pyroptosis, protecting the intestinal barrier, and restoring microbial balance. As an effective antibiotic alternative, BbP shows promise for the prevention and control of S. Pullorum infections in poultry farming.

Probiotics, live microorganisms with multiple health benefits, have gained popularity for their roles in maintaining daily health and treating a variety of diseases. However, they have the potential to be opportunistic pathogens in some conditions. This review delves into the intrinsic and extrinsic risks associated with probiotics. Intrinsic risks involve the production of harmful substances, such as toxins and invasive factors, biofilm formation, bacteria emboli, antibiotic resistance with relevant genetic materials, genetic plasticity, and metabolic issues, while extrinsic risks include problems in regulatory oversight and public awareness, host health status and appropriately administration. It emphasizes the need for a balanced view of their therapeutic benefits and potential hazards, advocating for further research to understand the complex interactions between probiotics and the human microbiome, to optimize the safety and efficacy of probiotics.

Vinegar intake reportedly has an antihypertensive effect and reduces visceral fat. Nonetheless, studies on the form of vinegar intake and its effect on defecation are scarce. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between the frequency of vinegar-based dish intake and defecation status using data from the Tarumizu cohort study. The participants (n = 1024, 634 women) responded to a health check survey in 2019 using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. The association between the frequency of vinegar-based dish intake and defecation status was examined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Considering confounding factors influencing the defecation status such as sex, age, dietary fiber intake, and medication history, individuals with a habit of eating vinegar-based dishes, such as "sour main dishes" (odds ratio [OR]: 1.38; p = 0.039), "sunomono" (OR: 1.49; p = 0.035), and "salad with sour dressing" (OR: 1.41; p = 0.049), had a significantly higher defecation frequency. No significant association was observed between the habit of eating vinegar-based dishes and the time required for defecation or straining during defecation. Our study showed that the habit of eating vinegar-based dishes was positively associated with defecation status. Our findings may suggest a novel approach for defecation improvement in people with defecation problems.

With the acceleration of the pace of life and changes in dietary habits, functional gastrointestinal disorders, especially constipation, have become a significant public health issue affecting health and quality of life of people worldwide. Given the limitations of traditional treatments, adjusting dietary structure has become a more economical and convenient therapeutic approach. We aimed to explore the associations between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and constipation in this study.

This study was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005-2010, utilizing bowel movement frequency and stool characteristics questionnaires to determine constipation status, and calculating the DII based on 24-hour dietary recall data. To assess the relationship between the DII and constipation, we employed three models, which were further explored through inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis, and Mendelian randomization.

Individuals with a higher DII exhibited a higher risk of constipation. In the unadjusted model, participants in the highest quartile (Q4) had a 2.85-fold increased risk of constipation compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1) [odds ratio (OR): 2.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.78-4.56; P<0.001], with similar results observed in various adjusted models and IPTW adjusted models. RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between the DII and constipation, with a threshold value (DII =0.974) beyond which the risk of constipation significantly increased. Subgroup analysis showed that gender, income level, and diabetes status affected the relationship between the DII and constipation. Mendelian randomization analysis did not find any significant causal relationships for components of the DII, except for energy intake.

There is a nonlinear relationship between the DII and the risk of constipation, with a threshold value of 0.974, and differences in the risk of constipation associated with the DII across different income, gender, and diabetes status groups. These findings provide a basis for using the DII as a strategy for the prevention and intervention of constipation.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a condition characterized by persistent indigestion symptoms without a clear underlying cause. We investigated the effects on FD of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei HP7 (HP7), which was isolated from kimchi and is known to inhibit Helicobacter pylori. In a mouse model of loperamide-induced FD, HP7 administration significantly improved gastrointestinal (GI) motility and gastric emptying, as demonstrated by increased charcoal movement in the GI tract, decreased stomach weight, and the amount of remaining phenol red solution. HP7 administration significantly enhanced peristalsis by upregulating the expression of smooth muscle contraction-related genes, such as the 5HT4 receptor, anoctamin-1, ryanodine receptor 3, and smooth muscle myosin light-chain kinase. In addition, digestive factors, including GI regulatory hormones such as gastrin, gastric inhibitory peptide, and peptide YY, and the activity of digestive enzymes, such as amylase, trypsin, and lipase, were restored to normal levels. These results indicate that HP7 is a promising probiotic strain to alleviate FD symptoms by modulating peristalsis and digestive factors.

Slow transit constipation (STC) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder caused by colon dysfunction. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), an anionic polymer known for its moisture retention, degradability, and food safety, was studied for its effects on loperamide-induced STC in mice. Treatment with γ-PGA for one week significantly increased both defecation frequency and fecal water content, with the high-dose group (10 g/kg/d) restoring fecal water content to 34.23%, outperforming the low- (16.16%) and medium-dose (27.08%) groups and exceeding the positive control, PEG, by 1.35 times. γ-PGA enhanced intestinal peristalsis and reduced the expression of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-1, TLR2) and water-electrolyte transport genes (AQP3, AQP4, ENaC-β), while improving the expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1) damaged by loperamide. Histopathological analyses confirmed γ-PGA's capacity to repair intestinal damage. Additionally, Western Blot analysis indicated reduced AQP3/4 levels in the colon, and molecular docking showed good binding affinity between γ-PGA and AQPs. γ-PGA also positively altered gut microbiota composition. Overall, γ-PGA shows promise in treating STC by modulating aquaporins and gut microbiota.

Allergic diseases are an increasingly serious health issue worldwide, affecting not only the physiological health of patients but also significantly reducing their quality of life, thereby imposing a substantial economic burden on families and society. According to data from the World Health Organization, the incidence of allergic diseases has risen markedly over the past few decades, particularly among children and adolescents, making it a significant public health challenge. Although several clinical studies have explored the effects of probiotics in the treatment of food-induced allergies and allergic diseases, the results have been inconsistent. Some studies indicate positive effects, while others fail to demonstrate their efficacy. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of probiotics in allergic diseases is particularly important. Some studies indicate that patients with food allergies may also experience respiratory symptoms, and certain foods may be associated with the onset or exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis are characterized by inappropriate immune responses to typically harmless environmental allergens. The incidence of these diseases is continuously rising in urban populations, prompting researchers to extensively explore novel therapeutic strategies that can effectively modulate immune responses.

The aim of this study is to systematically assess the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment of allergic diseases. By integrating the results of existing clinical studies, we hope to provide a clearer scientific basis for the treatment of allergic diseases.

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in databases such as PubMed for articles published before the end of 2023 that evaluated the effectiveness of probiotics in treating allergic diseases. Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting binary outcomes related to the efficacy of probiotics in patients with food allergies, asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis. Data were collected using Excel software, and the Review Manager software was used to analyze the collected binary variable data. The effectiveness of probiotics was assessed by calculating the risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I2 statistic, and publication bias was assessed through funnel plots.

The analysis of the aggregated binary data indicates that probiotics significantly improve clinical outcomes in patients with allergic diseases. Additional analysis using continuous variables (scores) further demonstrates the effectiveness of probiotics in alleviating allergic diseases. Subgroup analyses show that probiotics are effective in treating various common conditions, with two specific probiotics strains being particularly effective for allergic diseases.

We included literature involving pediatric patients with common allergic diseases, Probiotics can help treat allergic diseases by modulating immune mechanisms, but allergic diseases are typically caused by multiple factors and individual variations, however, allergic diseases are typically caused by multiple factors and individual variations, so they should not be used as the sole treatment method.This meta-analysis provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of probiotics in various allergic diseases. The findings suggest that probiotics can serve as a beneficial adjunctive therapy for the treatment of these conditions.

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, CRD42024586317.

Recent research underscores the crucial role of the gut microbiota in human health, particularly during states of altered homeostasis, including pregnancy. Additionally, it is not well understood how dietary changes during pregnancy affect the development of microbiomes of both mother and child.

Here, we describe the study design and methods for our randomized controlled trial, the fermented and fiber-rich foods on maternal and offspring microbiome study (FeFiFo-MOMS). We enrolled 135 women during early pregnancy, randomizing them to one of four diet arms: increased fiber, increased fermented foods, increase in both, and no dietary intervention as a comparator arm. Samples were collected across pregnancy continuing to 18 months post-birth for clinical, microbiome, and immune marker analysis.

Our trial design intended to investigate the effects of dietary interventions-specifically, increased intake of high-fiber and fermented foods-on maternal gut microbiota diversity and its subsequent transmission to infants.

The FeFiFo-MOMS trial was designed to provide valuable insights into the modifiable dietary factors that could influence maternal and infant health through microbiota-mediated mechanisms and examine the broader implications of diet on pregnant mothers' and infants' health and disease.

govID:NCT05123612.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarun HFY11 (LP-HFY11) is a newly discovered microbial strain. This study was the first to investigate the preventive effect of LP-HFY11 on compound diphenoxylate induced constipation in mice by measuring intestinal contents, serum, and small intestinal tissue indexes. In mice suffering from constipation, LP-HFY11 could prevent the reduction in fecal weight, particle count, and water content. The constipated mice that ingested a high LP-HFY11 dose (LP-HFY11H) expelled the first black stool faster than the model group and the drug lactulose-treated group, but they were slower than the normal group. Furthermore, the small intestine in the LP-HFY11H group had a greater propulsion rate of activated charcoal than that in the model and lactulose groups, but the propulsion rate was still lower than that in the normal group. According to hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, LP-HFY11H was more effective than lactulose at reducing intestinal villi breaking and constipation-induced harm to the small intestine. Simultaneously, compared with the model group, the LP-HFY11H group had markedly increased serum levels of motilin (MTL), endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE). Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) expression was only higher than in the normal group, but the mRNA expression of c-Kit, stem cell factor (SCF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was all higher in the small intestine in the LP-HFY11H group than in the model and lactulose groups, according to the results of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments. Analysis of microbial mRNA in the small intestinal contents of the constipated mice further validated the capacity of LP-HFY11 to decrease the abundance of Firmicutes and increase the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus. This revealed that LP-HFY11, which produced better results than the drug lactulose, can control the gut microbiota of constipated mice and successfully cure constipation. LP-HFY11 has the potential to be used as a probiotic in the treatment of constipation. It has good application prospects in the food industry and biopharma.

Constipation is a common complication in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet its impact on mortality remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between constipation and all-cause mortality in patients with T2DM.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2010. Mortality outcomes were ascertained through linkage to National Death Index records until December 31, 2019. The association between constipation and all-cause mortality was assessed using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models. Kaplan-Meier curves were then employed to visualize survival probabilities. Effect modification was explored through stratified analyses and interaction tests.

Of 1,339 participants with T2DM, 146 (10.90%) reported constipation. During a median follow-up of 10.75 years, 411 deaths occurred (57 in the constipation group, 354 in the non-constipation group). Fully adjusted weighted Cox regression analysis revealed that constipation was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.01-2.22, P = 0.04). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significantly lower survival probability in patients with constipation (log-rank P < 0.05). Stratified analyses and interaction tests corroborated these findings across various subgroups.

Constipation is associated with elevated all-cause mortality risk in T2DM patients. These findings suggest that constipation management may be an important consideration in improving long-term outcomes for individuals with T2DM.

Probiotics are well-known therapeutic agents for managing constipation and have been used to improve chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. However, heat-killed probiotics on CKD remain inadequately explored. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria derived from natural sources and to investigate the effects of both live and heat-killed Leuconostoc mesenteroides (Ln.m) on renal and gastrointestinal functions in CKD mice. Ln.m was selected from acid and bile salt intolerance tests, non-hemolytic activity, and antibiotic sensitivity. CKD mice demonstrated significantly elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels compared to control mice (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01). Treatment with live and heat-killed Ln.m significantly reduced BUN and creatinine levels in CKD mice (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Additionally, kidney damage observed in CKD mice compared to control mice, including glomerular necrosis, tubular dilatation, inflammation, and fibrosis, was significantly alleviated following live and heat-killed Ln.m treatments. CKD-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction was characterized by an imbalance in Firmicutes/Bacteroidota populations, increased colonic uremic toxin (p < 0.01), reduced fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (p < 0.05), and constipation. Treatment with live and heat-killed Ln.m restored gut microbiota, decreased uremic toxin (p < 0.001), increased SCFAs (p < 0.05), and alleviated constipation. In summary, both live and heat-killed Ln.m effectively alleviated gastrointestinal dysfunction and renal damage in CKD mice, primarily through modulation of the intestinal environment. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of live and heat-killed Ln.m as the gastrointestinal dysfunction treatment in CKD.

High- and low-quality carbohydrate diets are linked to gut health. However, their specific relationship with constipation or diarrhea is unclear. This study uses 2005-2010 NHANES data to examine the relationship between carbohydrate quality and constipation and diarrhea, and to identify suitable populations for different carbohydrate diets.

Chronic constipation was defined as BSFS types 1 and 2, and chronic diarrhea as types 6 and 7. Dietary intake data were provided by the FPED, using data from the NHANES database. Subjects recalled foods and beverages consumed in the past 24 hours, and intake was averaged and divided into quartiles (Q). After adjusting for covariates, associations between high- and low-quality carbohydrate diets and constipation or diarrhea were assessed using weighted RCS curves and multivariate logistic regression. Results were expressed as weighted ORs and 95% CIs, with subgroup analyses performed.

A total of 11,355 people participated, with 10,488 in the constipation group and 10,516 in the diarrhea group. Multiple regression showed that high-quality carbohydrates were negatively associated with constipation (OR: 0.852, 95% CI: 0.796-0.912, P = 0.0001). Low-quality carbohydrates were positively associated with constipation (OR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.002-1.018, P = 0.0295). There was no significant direct association between carbohydrate quality and diarrhoea (P = 0.5189, P = 0.8278). Segmented regression results showed a non-significant association between low quality carbohydrate intake above 40.65 servings/day and constipation, while quality carbohydrate intake above 3.84 servings/day was not significantly associated with diarrhoea. Subgroup analyses showed differences in carbohydrate quality and constipation or diarrhoea across populations.

High-quality carbohydrates lowered constipation risk by 33.7% and reduced diarrhea risk with intake up to 3.84 servings/day. In contrast, low-quality carbohydrates increased constipation risk by 83.4%, with risk stabilizing beyond 40.65 servings/day. These effects varied across groups, suggesting that better carbohydrate quality supports gut health, especially in sensitive individuals.

The intestinal microecology is comprises intestinal microorganisms and other components constituting the entire ecosystem, presenting characteristics of stability and dynamic balance. Current research reveals intestinal microecological imbalances are related to various diseases. However, fundamental research and clinical applications have not been effectively integrated. Considering the importance and complexity of regulating the intestinal microecological balance, this study provides an overview of the high-risk factors affecting intestinal microecology and detection methods. Moreover, it proposes the definition of intestinal microecological imbalance and the definition, formulation, and outcomes of gut microecological prescription to facilitate its application in clinical practice, thus promoting clinical research on intestinal microecology and improving the quality of life of the population.

Constipation is a common digestive system disorder, which is closely related to the intestinal flora. Zhishi Daozhi decoction (ZDD) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription used to treat constipation caused by indigestion. This study is to evaluate the efficacy of ZDD in treating constipation and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

In this study, Kunming mice were administered a high-protein diet (HFHPD) and loperamide hydrochloride injections to induce constipation. The mice then received varying doses (2.4, 4.7, and 9.4 mg/kg) of ZDD for seven days. Following the sampling process, we measured fecal microbial activity. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and aquaporin-3 (AQP3) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Changes in the gut microbiota were evaluated through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between specific microbiota features and the levels of 5-HT, VIP, and AQP3.

The fecal surface of the mice in the model group (CMM) was rough and dry. The stool of mice in the low-dose ZDD group (CLD), medium-dose ZDD group (CMD), and high-dose ZDD group (CHD) exhibited a smoother texture, closely resembling that of the normal group (CNM). 5-HT levels in the CMM group were significantly lower than in the CNM, CLD, and CHD. VIP levels in the CMD were lower than in the other four groups, and AQP3 levels in CMM showed a decreasing trend. The fecal microbial activity of the CMM group was significantly higher than that of the other groups. Diversity analysis indicated that CMD and CHD treatments were more effective in restoring the intestinal microbiota structure. Potential pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridium, Aerococcus, Jeotgalicoccus, and Staphylococcus were enriched in CMM. In contrast, beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Bacillaceae, and Bacillus were more prevalent in the CLD, CMD, and CHD. Correlation analysis revealed that Streptococcus and Enterococcus were positively correlated with VIP, while Succinivibrio showed a negative correlation with 5-HT.

Constipation induced by HFHPD and loperamide hydrochloride disrupts the structure of the intestinal microbiota. ZDD appears to alleviate constipation, potentially through mechanisms linked to the brain-gut axis and its interaction with the intestinal microbiota. Among the treatment groups, the medium dose of ZDD demonstrated the most effective results.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition, which may occur at any age and affects countless people. The search for new treatments for constipation is ongoing as current drug treatments fail to provide fully satisfactory results. In recent years, probiotics have attracted much attention because of their demonstrated therapeutic efficacy and fewer side effects than pharmaceutical products. Many studies attempted to answer the question of how probiotics can alleviate constipation. It has been shown that different probiotic strains can alleviate constipation by different mechanisms. The mechanisms on probiotics in relieving constipation were associated with various aspects, including regulation of the gut microbiota composition, the level of short-chain fatty acids, aquaporin expression levels, neurotransmitters and hormone levels, inflammation, the intestinal environmental metabolic status, neurotrophic factor levels and the body's antioxidant levels. This paper summarizes the perception of the mechanisms on probiotics in relieving constipation and provides some suggestions on new research directions.

Functional constipation (FC) is a common digestive disorder that affects patients' quality of life and is closely associated with intestinal tumors. This study used a cross-sectional design to assess the changes of intestinal flora and metabolites in different severities of FC patients through 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis. Results showed that patients with severe FC had significantly higher clinical and anxiety scores compared to those in the mild and moderate groups. The species richness of intestinal microorganisms in the severe FC group was also significantly higher, and obvious differences in the flora composition existed. Specifically, the Bacteroidota was more abundant in the severe FC group, which was a characteristic feature distinguishing severe FC. Metabolomic analyses also revealed metabolite differences among patients with mild-to-moderate and severe FC, with the severe FC group showing increased enrichment in L-isoleucine biosynthesis and glycolysis metabolic pathways. The short-chain fatty acid-targeted metabolome suggested that a decrease in butyric acid might be related to worsening constipation. This study suggests that specific flora and metabolic pathways could serve as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets, thereby contributing to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life and therapeutic outcomes for FC patients.

Intestinal constipation is a substantive global health concern, significantly impairing patient quality of life. An emerging view is that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in intestinal function, and probiotics could offer therapeutic benefits. This study aims to consolidate evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assess the effectiveness of probiotics in modulating microbiota and ameliorating symptoms of constipation.

We will execute a systematic evidence search across Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL, employing explicit search terms and further reference exploration. Two independent reviewers will ensure study selection and data integrity while assessing methodological quality via the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias-2 tool. Our primary goal is to outline changes in microbiota composition, with secondary outcomes addressing symptom relief and stool characteristics. Meta-analyses will adopt a random-effects model to quantify the effects of interventions, supplemented by subgroup analyses and publication bias assessments to fortify the rigor of our findings.

This study endeavors to provide a rigorous, synthesized overview of the probiotics interventions evidence for modulating gut microbiota in individuals with intestinal constipation. The insights derived could inform clinical guidelines, nurture the creation of novel constipation management strategies, and direct future research in this field.

As this study aggregates and analyzes existing data without direct human subject involvement, no ethical approval is required. We will disseminate the study's findings through scientific forums and seek publication in well-regarded, peer-reviewed journals.

OSF registration number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/MEAHT.

This study investigated the effects of Bacillus coagulans on alleviating loperamide-induced constipation. To evaluate the efficacy of B. coagulans in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, fecal parameters, the intestinal transit rate, and changes in intestinal mucosal cells were measured through histological analysis. Additionally, serotonin levels, water absorption, tight junction-related gene expression, and the cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content were analyzed. The administration of B. coagulans significantly altered the fecal weight and moisture content and improved gastrointestinal transit in rats with loperamide-induced constipation. Furthermore, B. coagulans supplementation restored the thickness of both muscular and mucosal layers that had been reduced by loperamide and significantly increased the area of intestinal cells, including Cajal and crypt cells. B. coagulans administration upregulated the expression levels of tryptophan hydroxylase and aquaporin genes, which were downregulated by loperamide. As the dose of B. coagulans increased, there was a corresponding upregulation in the expression of tight junction-related genes, including occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), and claudin 1 (CLDN1). Additionally, the levels of c-kit, AQP 3, and OCLN proteins, which were elevated by loperamide treatment, were reduced with higher concentrations of B. coagulans. Loperamide decreased the acetic acid content; however, high doses of B. coagulans increased it, leading to a significant increase in the total cecal SCFA content. Thus, B. coagulans shows potential as a probiotic for improving constipation.

The dietary index for gut microbiota. DI-GM is an innovative metric designed to capture the diversity of the gut microbiome, yet its association with constipation remains unstudied.

In this cross-sectional study, 11,405 adults aged 20 and older were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2010 for the sample. Constipation was defined as fewer than three defecation frequencies per week using bowel health questionnaire (BHQ). Fewer than three bowel movements per week were considered as constipation by Bowel Health Questionnaire (BHQ). DI-GM was derived from dietary recall data, including avocado, broccoli, chickpeas, coffee, cranberries, fermented dairy, fiber, green tea, soybean and whole grains as beneficial elements, red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and high fat as detrimental components. Multivariable weighted logistic was employed to investigate the association of DI-GM with constipation. Secondary analyses included subgroup analyses, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and multiple imputation.

A higher DI-GM and beneficial gut microbiota score were associated with a lower prevalence of constipation (DI-GM: OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.75, 0.90; beneficial gut microbiota score: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.67, 0.89). After grouping DI-GM, in the fully adjusted model, participants with DI-GM ≥ 6 were significantly negatively correlated with both the prevalence of constipation (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.71). RCS indicated a non-linear relationship between DI-GM and constipation. Subgroup analyses by age, sex and common complications showed no statistically significant interactions (p > 0.05).

The newly proposed DI-GM was inversely related with the prevalence of constipation. When treating patients with constipation, it is necessary for clinicians to provide timely and effective dietary interventions incorporating the DI-GM for patients with constipation to avoid further deterioration of the condition.

This study aims to explore the therapeutic mechanism of Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) with different formulations on spleen deficiency constipation in mice by analyzing gastrointestinal hormones, D-xylose, intestinal microbiota, and intestinal enzyme activities.

A spleen deficiency constipation model was established using an oral administration of Sennae Folium decoction combined with controlled diet and water intake. After successful model establishment, the mice with spleen deficiency constipation were treated with MMF S1, S2, S3. Following the intervention, serum samples from each group of mice were collected to measure VIP, 5-HT, and D-xylose. Additionally, small intestine contents were analyzed for intestinal enzyme activity and subjected to 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.

Mice with spleen deficiency constipation showed significant decreases in body weight and fecal water content. In contrast, the body weight of the CS2 and CS3 groups returned to normal levels, and fecal water content in the CS2 and CS3 groups also returned to normal. The MMF S2 and S3 significantly increased protease and sucrase enzymes levels compared with CM group. Serum D-xylose levels were significantly reduced in the CM and CS2 group. VIP levels increased significantly in the CM group but decreased in the CS2 and CS3 groups. Additionally, 5-HT levels in the CM and CS1 groups decreased significantly, with the CS2 group returning to normal and the CS3 group showing significant increases. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that all three MMF formulations effectively restored the intestinal microbiota composition in mice. LEfSe analysis identified characteristic microbiota linked to different intervention groups. The CS3 group significantly upregulated the chloroalkane and chloroalkene degradation and vibrio cholerae pathogenic cycle pathways compared to the CM group. Candidatus_Arthromitus in the CS3 group and Psychrobacter in the CS2 group were positive and negative correlations with 5-HT and VIP, respectively.

The three formulations of MMF significantly alleviated spleen deficiency constipation symptoms by modulating intestinal enzyme activities, D-xylose, VIP, and 5-HT levels, and restoring intestinal microbiota balance. Psychrobacter and Candidatus_Arthromitus were identified as potential biomarkers for the treatment of spleen deficiency constipation. Different formulations of MMF have different mechanisms of regulating constipation through intestinal microbiota.

Breast milk is an essential source of infant nutrition. It is also a vital determinant of the structure and function of the infant intestinal microbial community, and it connects the mother and infant intestinal microbiota. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a critical component in breast milk. HMOs can reach the baby's colon entirely from milk and become a fermentable substrate for some intestinal microorganisms. HMOs can enhance intestinal mucosal barrier function and affect the intestinal function of the host through immune function, which has a therapeutic effect on specific infant intestinal diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis. In addition, changes in infant intestinal microbiota can reflect the maternal intestinal microbiota. HMOs are a link between the maternal intestinal microbiota and infant intestinal microbiota. HMOs affect the intestinal microbiota of infants and are related to the maternal milk microbiota. Through breastfeeding, maternal microbiota and HMOs jointly affect infant intestinal bacteria. Therefore, HMOs positively influence the establishment and balance of the infant microbial community, which is vital to ensure infant intestinal function. Therefore, HMOs can be used as a supplement and alternative therapy for infant intestinal diseases.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal discomfort, bloating, cramping, flatulence, and changes in bowel movements. The pathophysiology of IBS involves a complex interaction between motor, sensory, microbiological, immunological, and psychological factors. Diversity, stability, and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota are frequently altered in IBS, thus leading to a situation of gut dysbiosis. Therefore, the use of probiotics and probiotic-derived metabolites may be helpful in balancing the gut microbiota and alleviating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. This review aimed to report and consolidate recent progress in understanding the role of gut dysbiosis in the pathophysiology of IBS, as well as the current studies that have focused on the use of probiotics and their metabolites, providing a foundation for their potential beneficial effects as a complementary and alternative therapeutic strategy for this condition due to the current absence of effective and safe treatments.

Constipation is a prevalent global health issue that greatly affects human well-being. However, many existing treatments are associated with side effects, necessitating the development of alternative approaches. In this study, a balanced fatty acid red pine seed direct-drinking oil (SFA:MUFA:PUFA = 1.14:1.08:1, n - 6:n - 3 = 4.17:1) was formulated using red pine seed oil as the base oil, blended with coconut oil, rice bran oil, and camellia oil. The study investigated the effects and mechanisms of this red pine seed direct-drinking oil in alleviating constipation in mice. Results showed that, compared to normal mice, constipated mice exhibited symptoms of dry stools, difficulty defecating, abnormal neurotransmitter levels, oxidative stress, and colonic tissue damage. Additionally, the protein expression levels of occludin and claudin-1 were reduced by 86.11% and 25.00%, respectively (p < 0.05), while mRNA expression levels decreased by 70.80% and 59.00% (p < 0.05). Red pine seed direct-drinking oil intake improved defecation, reduced serum levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and nitric oxide (NO), and increased substance P (SP) levels. Furthermore, it also significantly elevated serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05), alleviated colonic tissue damage, and upregulated the protein and mRNA expression levels of occludin and claudin-1 (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that red pine seed direct-drinking oil alleviates constipation in mice by enhancing intestinal motility, regulating serum neurotransmitters, mitigating oxidative stress, repairing intestinal barrier damage, and increasing tight junction protein expression. This study represents the first use of red pine seed direct-drinking oil to alleviate constipation in mice, providing a novel approach to improving symptoms in individuals with constipation.

Constipation is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition marked by difficulty in defecation, abdominal pain and distension, significantly impacting both physical and mental health. Ligilactobacillus salivarius Li01 (Li01) is a probiotic known to prevent constipation in mice, while psyllium husk (PSH) is a dietary fiber with high water retention, acting as an intestinal lubricant. This study investigates the effects of a combined treatment of Li01 and PSH on mice with loperamide-induced constipation. The combination treatment improved GI transit rates, increased the water content of feces, and regulated serum concentrations of GI hormones more effectively than either Li01 or PSH alone. The beneficial effects were linked to higher levels of butyric acid and a greater proportion of non-12-OH bile acids (BAs) in the GI tract. These protective effects were not influenced by changes in gut microbiota. Additionally, Li01 produced butyric acid and fermented PSH in vitro. Our findings suggest that the probiotic Li01 and the prebiotic PSH synergistically protect against constipation in mice, highlighting their potential as functional food components.

Functional constipation (FC) negatively impacts quality of life and is associated with gut microbiota (GM) imbalances. Despite the growing interest in this area, a thorough analysis of research trends is missing. This study uses bibliometric methods to assess the global research on GM's role in FC, pinpointing key topics, impactful studies, and prominent researchers to guide future research and identify gaps.

In our study, we conducted a performance analysis and science mapping using bibliometric indicators such as publication trends, author and institutional contributions, productivity, impact, keyword analysis, and collaboration networks. We employed software tools like VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and SCImago Graphica to automate the assessment of metrics including country, institutional, and journal distribution, authorship, keyword frequency, and citation patterns.

From 2013 to 2024, annual publications on GM and FC rose from 29 to 252, with a slight decrease to 192 in 2024. Average citations per publication peaked at 11.12 in 2021, declining to 6.43 by 2024. China led in research output (37.8%), followed by the United States (14.4%) and Japan (7.5%). Bibliometric analysis identified key authors like CHEN W and ZHANG H, with 30 and 27 articles, respectively. Jiangnan University and Harvard University were top contributors, with 131 and 81 articles. Keywords analysis revealed "constipation," "gut microbiota," and "probiotic" as central themes, with a shift toward "gut microbiota" and "intestinal flora" in recent years. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape, highlighting leading authors, institutions, and evolving research priorities in the field.

Our review synthesizes current GM and FC research, guiding future studies. It suggests exploring GM in various GI disorders, the impact of lifestyle and drugs on GM, advanced research techniques, and probiotics/prebiotics for FC. There's also a focus on therapies targeting GM's effect on the gut-brain axis, paving the way for improved FC management.

Colonoscopy is widely used for screening and treatment of early colonic lesions and is critical for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. However, due to its invasive nature, colonoscopy can cause pain and discomfort for patients and is often associated with prolonged insertion times or failed attempts. Difficult colonoscopy is characterised by a caecal insertion time greater than 10 min, multiple insertion attempts or failed insertion, with an incidence rate of approximately 25%. Studies have shown that objective factors such as gender, age, body mass index, bowel preparation quality and history of abdominal or pelvic surgery can make colonoscopy difficult. Integrating clinical evidence and the established impact of personality traits on certain gastrointestinal conditions, a patient's personality traits and emotional and psychological states may also influence caecal insertion time during colonoscopy. Currently, no studies have investigated the predictive role of patients' personality on the difficulty of colonoscopy. This study used the Chinese-Language 44-Item Big Five Personality Inventory to assess patients' personality traits, aiming to observe whether there is a correlation between the degree of difficulty of colonoscopy and any of the personality traits.

This is a prospective, observational, multicentre study. Patients undergoing colonoscopy will be required to complete the Big Five Inventory, the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item Depression Scale before colonoscopy. During the colonoscopy, the endoscopist will record the primary endpoint of caecal insertion time. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, patients pain scores and willingness to undergo a subsequent colonoscopy will be recorded as the secondary endpoints. The study plans to enrol a total of 322 patients. Survival analysis will be used to examine the correlation between colonoscopy difficulty and the Big Five personality traits.

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (No. K2128). All participants in this study will provide written informed consent. The results of this study will be published in an open-access way. There is no independent data monitoring committee because this is an observational and low-risk study.

NCT05584423.

Among illicit drugs, addiction from opioids and synthetic opioids is soaring in an unparalleled manner with its unacceptable amount of deaths. Apart from these extreme consequences, the liver toxicity is another important aspect that should be highlighted. Accordingly, the chronic use of these substances, of which fentanyl is the most frequently consumed, represents an additional risk of liver damage in patients with underlying chronic liver disease. These observations are drawn from various preclinical and clinical studies present in literature. Several downstream molecular events have been proposed, but recent pieces of research strengthen the hypothesis that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is a solid mechanism inducing and worsening liver damage by both alcohol and illicit drugs. In this scenario, the gut flora modification ascribed to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease performs an additive role. Interestingly enough, HBV and HCV infections impact gut-liver axis. In the end, the authors tried to solicit the attention of operators on this major healthcare problem.

Lactocaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU 101 (NTU101) is a well-known commercial probiotic with multiple health beneficial effects. In this study, the gut microbiota modulation effect of an NTU 101 product, Vigiis 101-LAB, on healthy human was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial.

Vigiis 101-LAB significantly modulated human gut microbiota at fourth and sixth weeks of trial (anosim analysis, P = 0.001). It also significantly improved peristalsis (P = 0.003) and shortened defecation interval of subjects. The shift of gut microbiota is significantly fit with defecation interval (P = 0.009) and stool shape (P = 0.001) of subjects.

Our results suggest that Vigiis 101-LAB promotes human intestinal health with improvement of peristalsis and fecal quality. The gut modulation effects of Vigiis 101-LAB subsequently raised the abundance of vitamin B7, vitamin K, pyrimidine and purine biosynthesis pathways. Vigiis 101-LAB may promote peristalsis via purinergic pathway and possibly conferring prophylactic benefits against irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dietary fiber can alleviate functional constipation (FC) by modulating the gut microbiota. To clarify the prebiotic properties of walnut insoluble dietary fiber (WIDF), we explored its structural characteristics and laxative mechanism. A galacturonic acid and glucose-rich WIDF was isolated from walnuts by using a complex enzymatic method. Animal experiments results showed that WIDF could effectively alleviate the symptoms of loperamide-induced FC in mice, including shortening the defecation time, increasing the wet weight and water content of feces, and promoting intestinal motility. WIDF might alleviate FC through activating serotonergic synapse and inhibiting the delta-opioid receptor/inducible nitric oxide synthase (Oprd/iNOS) pathways. Importantly, WIDF treatment altered the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. Correlation analysis revealed that Bacillus and its dominant ASV17, which is considered to be the key microbe for constipation alleviation, were strongly associated with constipation phenotypes. Based on pure culture and 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis, Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), which is 100 % similar to ASV17, was isolated and identified from the feces of WIDF-treated mice. L. reuteri relieved FC by modulating serotonergic synapse and the Oprd/iNOS pathways. These results suggested that WIDF and L. reuteri treatment is a prospective strategy for the prevention of constipation.

Neurological conditions like Stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD) often include inflammatory responses in the nervous system. Stroke, linked to high disability and mortality rates, poses challenges related to organ-related complications. Recent focus on understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke includes aspects like cellular excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, cell death mechanisms, and neuroinflammation.

The objective of this paper is to summarize and explore the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, elucidates the gut-brain axis mechanism, and discusses recent clinical trials, shedding light on novel treatments and future possibilities.

Changes in gut architecture and microbiota contribute to dementia by enhancing intestinal permeability, activating the immune system, elevating proinflammatory mediators, altering blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and ultimately leading to neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). The gut-brain axis's potential role in disease pathophysiology offers new avenues for cell-based regenerative medicine in treating neurological conditions.

In conclusion, the gut microbiome significantly impacts stroke prognosis by highlighting the role of the gut-brain axis in ischemic stroke mechanisms. This insight suggests potential therapeutic strategies for improving outcomes.

Chronic constipation is a prevalent clinical condition. Its etiology and pathogenesis have not yet been fully understood. In recent years, mounting evidence suggests a close association between chronic constipation and intestinal dysbiosis, including alterations in the colony structure and metabolites, as well as the modulation of bowel movements via the brain-gut-microbiota axis. With the deepening of related research, probiotic-related therapies are expected to become a potential first-line treatment for chronic constipation in the future. In this review, we summarize the current research insights into the intricate relationships between chronic constipation and the gut microbiota and briefly discuss several different approaches for treating chronic constipation. The findings from this review may advance our understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying chronic constipation and, ultimately, translate them into improvements in patient care.

Constipation poses a significant health concern affecting individuals of varying ages and geographic locations worldwide. While the impacts of numerous probiotics on constipation are well-characterized, there has been limited assessment of the potential prebiotic effects of resistant starches. We therefore conducted a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled, clinical trial of resistant starch type 3 (RS-3) in Thai adults with self-reported chronic constipation. The effects of these mixed natural starch fibers on beneficial gut bacteria, bowel movements and stool consistency were evaluated after 6- and 12-week periods. Regardless of subject age, consumption of RS-3 compared to placebo resulted in significant improvements in gut health by dramatically increasing levels of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Akkermansia and Megamonas) in the gut and relieving constipation. RS-3 consumption was associated with a significantly increased frequency of bowel movements, with subjects reporting these as healthy stools. Our findings provide important insights into the therapeutic advantages of RS-3 for constipation, and propose RS-3 as a feasible alternative strategy for management of constipation.

Functional constipation includes a set of gastrointestinal symptoms unexplainable by an identifiable underlying physical cause or pathology. The prevalence of this condition is high and there is a need to develop strategies to reduce it. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics may be an alternative treatment for chronic functional constipation.

To compare the efficacy of dietary supplementation on symptoms of patients who suffer from chronic functional constipation. An exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was conducted with 74 patients diagnosed with chronic functional constipation who were divided into four treatment groups-Group A: probiotics; Group B: prebiotics; Group C: synbiotics; Group D: placebo. Each patient was treated for 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of treatment, data were collected by administering questionnaires and scales, including the Bristol stool scale, on gastrointestinal symptoms, bowel movements, and sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics.

Stool frequency increased in all four study groups, and greatest difference was observed in the synbiotics group (2.8 ± 1.3 vs. 5.9 ± 2.6; P < 0.001). Stool consistency improved only in the active treatment groups. Based on the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms, participants treated with prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics showed the greatest improvement in abdominal pain (8.28 ± 2.63 vs. 6.56 ± 2.62; P = 0.009), gastroesophageal reflux (4.60 ± 2.66 vs. 3.45 ± 2.42; P = 0.039) and constipation symptoms (13.00 ± 3.97 vs. 8.71 ± 3.35; P = 0.003), respectively. As for quality of life, the main changes were observed in physical health domains, with a placebo effect.

The present study provides evidence supporting the efficacy of dietary supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in patients with chronic functional constipation after 8 weeks of treatment.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 are potential probiotic bacteria. The mechanisms of enhanced benefits by muti-strain probiotics are yet fully understood. We elucidated the influence of co-culturing on the metabolite profiles of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 to decipher the impacts of co-culturing on metabolic interactions between the strains.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 were grown in single and co-cultures in defined media. Bacterial cell metabolites were extracted at the mid-stationary growth phase and analysed using two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS). Mass-spectral data were preprocessed and analysed using unsupervised and supervised methods based on the group allocations. A total of 1387 metabolites were identified, with 18.31% significant metabolites (P < 0.05) and 10.17% differential metabolites (P < 0.05, variable importance on projection > 1). The differential metabolites identified include arabinofuranose, methyl-galactoside, N-acetylglutamic acid, phosphoric acid, and decanoic acid. The metabolites impacted carbohydrate and amino-sugar metabolism.

Co-culturing of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 influenced the metabolite profiles of the strains and impacted metabolic/biosynthetic pathways, indicating cell-to-cell interactions between the strains.

The gut microbiota has emerged as an independent risk factor for diabetes and its complications. This research aimed to delve into the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and diabetic retinopathy (DR) through a dual approach of cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies. In our cross-sectional study cross-sectional investigation involving ninety-nine individuals with diabetes, distinct microbial signatures associated with DR were identified. Specifically, gut microbiome profiling revealed decreased levels of Butyricicoccus and Ruminococcus torques group, alongside upregulated methanogenesis pathways among DR patients. These individuals concurrently exhibited lower concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in their plasma. Leveraging machine learning models, including random forest classifiers, we constructed a panel of microbial genera and genes that robustly differentiated DR cases. Importantly, these genera also demonstrated significant correlations with dietary patterns and the molecular profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Building upon these findings, our prospective cohort study followed 62 diabetes patients over a 2-year period to assess the predictive value of these microbial markers. The results underlined the panel's efficacy in predicting DR incidence. By stratifying patients based on the predictive genera and metabolites identified in the cross-sectional phase, we established significant associations between reduced levels of Butyricicoccus, plasma acetate, and increased susceptibility to DR. This investigation not only deepens our understanding of how gut microbiota influences DR but also underscores the potential of microbial markers as early indicators of disease risk. These insights hold promise for developing targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of diabetic complications. KEY POINTS: • Microbial signatures are differed in diabetic patients with and without retinopathy • DR-related taxa are linked to dietary habits and transcriptomic profiles • Lower abundances of Butyricicoccus and acetate were prospectively associated with DR.