Frontiers in Microbiology最新文献

{"title":"Physiological and metabolic fluctuations of the diatom <i>Phaeodactylum tricornutum</i> under water scarcity.","authors":"Ting-Bin Hao, Peng-Yu Lai, Zhan Shu, Ran Liang, Zhi-Yun Chen, Ren-Long Huang, Yang Lu, Adili Alimujiang","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1555989","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1555989","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Water scarcity is an escalating environmental concern. The model diatom, <i>Phaeodactylum tricornutum</i>, holds promise as a potential cell factory for the production of high-value natural compounds. However, its dependence on saline water cultivation restricts its use in areas facing water shortages. Although numerous studies have delved into the metabolic mechanisms of plants under water stress, there is a limited understanding when it comes to microalgae. In our study, we employed polyethylene glycol (PEG) to simulate water scarcity conditions, and assessed a range of parameters to elucidate the metabolic responses of <i>P. tricornutum</i>. Water stress induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), curtailed the photosynthetic growth rate, and amplified lipid content. Our insights shed light on the physiology of <i>P. tricornutum</i> when subjected to water stress, setting the stage for potential applications of microalgae biotechnology in regions grappling with water scarcity.</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1555989"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11962624/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Clostridium butyricum</i> ameliorates indomethacin-induced enteropathy by promoting MUC2 secretion via suppressing the Notch pathway.","authors":"Lanping Zhu, Yang Luo, Yaxin Liu, Siyuan Sun, Junjie Yuan, Lijun Zhang, Weilong Zhong, Shuang Ma, Zihan Yu, Jinjie Zhou, Xin Chen, Jingwen Zhao","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1509876","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1509876","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) enteropathy is a serious clinical complication with no effective treatments available. Modulating the intestinal microbiota through dietary and nutritional targets is a promising strategy for preventing NSAID enteropathy. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of the probiotic <i>Clostridium butyricum</i> (CB) on indomethacin (IND)-induced enteropathy. C57BL/6J mice received CB treatment for 14 days along with concurrent IND gavage for the final 7 days. Caco2 cells were stimulated with IND to evaluate the effect of CB supernatant (CBS) on the intestinal barrier function, and LS174T cells were used to validate the modulatory action of CBS on the Notch signaling pathway. Our findings revealed that CB treatment prevented anorexia and weight loss, reduced the severity of enteropathy, and decreased the inflammatory response of the small intestine. CB also increased the expression of tight junction proteins and reduced permeability in mice and Caco2 cells. Additionally, CB suppressed apoptosis and promoted proliferation in the small intestine. Further research found that CB increased the number of goblet cells and MUC2 secretion. Mechanistically, CB may promote MUC2 secretion by suppressing the Notch signaling pathway, consistent with the results of intervention in LS174T cells with CBS. In conclusion, CB might prevent NSAID enteropathy by increasing MUC2 secretion through the inhibition of the Notch pathway. Our study identified the potential efficacy of CB as a preventive strategy against NSAID enteropathy and showed promising prospects for CB as a food supplement.</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1509876"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11961966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comprehensive strategy for the development of a multi-epitope vaccine targeting <i>Treponema pallidum</i>, utilizing heat shock proteins, encompassing the entire process from vaccine design to <i>in vitro</i> evaluation of immunogenicity.","authors":"Jing Jiang, Linglan Xu, Xuefeng Wang, Ming Wang, Youde Cao, Ranhui Li, Kang Zheng, Xian Wu","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1551437","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1551437","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Treponema pallidum</i>, the causative spirochete of syphilis, is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and has emerged as a significant global health concern. To address this issue, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, strengthening public health interventions, and developing a safe and effective vaccine are critical strategies.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study employed an immunoinformatics approach to design a vaccine with high immunogenic potential, targeting the heat shock proteins of <i>T. pallidum</i>.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Based on heat shock proteins of <i>T. pallidum</i>, we predicted B-cell, CTL, and HTL epitopes and all the selected epitopes were linked to construct a multi-epitope vaccine. Antigenicity, toxicity, and allergenicity of epitopes were checked by VaxiJen 2.0, AllerTOP v2.0, and ToxinPred servers. After constructing the multi-epitope vaccine, we subsequently predicted its secondary and tertiary protein structures. After refining and validating the modeled structure, we utilized advanced computational approaches, including molecular docking and dynamic simulations, to evaluate the binding affinity, compatibility, and stability of the vaccine-adjuvant complexes. Eventually, <i>in silico</i> cloning was conducted to optimize protein expression and production.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The multi-epitope subunit vaccine we developed was constructed by seven cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes, five helper T lymphocyte epitopes, four B cell epitopes, and adjuvant β-defensin. An adjuvant was used to enhance immune responses, all of which were linked to one another using GPGPG, AAY, and KK linkers, respectively. The population coverage of the designed vaccine was 94.41% worldwide. Molecular docking and MD simulations indicated strong binding interactions with TLR1/2, TLR-2 and TLR-4 in a stable vaccine-receptor complex. The final designed vaccine, composed of 502 amino acids, theoretically exhibits high antigenicity and immunity, capable of inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The vaccine developed in this study theoretically represents a safe and potent multi-epitope prophylactic strategy against <i>T. pallidum</i>, subject to further experimental validation to ascertain its actual protective efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1551437"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11962626/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling viral threats to temperate pome fruits: characterization, transmission, and sustainable management strategies.","authors":"Subaya Manzoor, Sajad Un Nabi, Aadil Ayaz, Bushra Rasool, Susheel K Sharma, M H Chesti, Shugufta Parveen, M K Verma, M A Diab, Muhammad Fazle Rabbee","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1560720","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1560720","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Apple (<i>Malus × domestica</i> Borkh.), pear (<i>Pyrus communis</i> L.), and quince (<i>Cydonia oblonga</i> Mill.) are widely cultivated fruit crops in temperate regions due to their desirable flavors and health benefits. However, their production is severely affected by various biotic stresses, with viral diseases being particularly significant challenge. These viral infections are of great economic importance, not only reduce tree vigor and yield but also compromise fruit quality and marketability. To date, more than 26 viruses and viroids have been identified as pathogens of these fruit trees. Many of these viral diseases persist as latent infections, causing permanent infections in these fruit trees. This review provides an overview of the viral pathogens affecting apple, pear, and quince, including their characterization, transmission modes, and the challenges they present for management. Emphasis is placed on accurate diagnosis and effective control strategies to mitigate the impact of these diseases in apple orchards.</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1560720"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11961995/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato</i> promotes osteoclast differentiation through DUSP4-MAPK signaling in osseous echinococcosis.","authors":"Haohao Sun, Yaqing Liu, Yiping Huang, Kangjun Xiong, Zhendong Zhang, Weishan Wang, Yi Dai, Jing Li, Qi Li, Sibo Wang, Chenhui Shi","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1558603","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1558603","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Osseous echinococcosis, caused by <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i> infection, is characterized by progressive bone destruction driven by abnormal osteoclast activation. Dual-specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4), a key negative regulator of the MAPK pathway, inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. This study aimed to elucidate the role of DUSP4 in <i>E. granulosus</i>-induced bone loss.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In vitro, a co-culture system of <i>E. granulosus</i> protoscoleces (PSCs) and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) was established. Osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption were assessed using TRAP staining and F-actin immunofluorescence. Transcriptome sequencing identified DUSP4 as a key regulator. DUSP4 overexpression was performed to evaluate its effects on osteoclast markers and MAPK signaling (ERK, JNK, p38). In vivo, a mouse model of osseous echinococcosis was developed, and DUSP4 overexpression was achieved via lentiviral transduction. Bone destruction was analyzed using X-ray, micro-CT, and histology.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PSCs significantly enhanced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, upregulated osteoclast markers (CTSK, NFATc1), and activated MAPK signaling. DUSP4 overexpression reversed these effects, reducing osteoclast activity and MAPK phosphorylation. In vivo, PSC infection caused severe bone destruction, which was mitigated by DUSP4 overexpression.</p><p><strong>Disscussion: </strong>This study reveals the molecular mechanism by which <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i> drives abnormal osteoclast activation through the DUSP4-MAPK signaling axis. Parasitic infection suppresses DUSP4 expression, relieving its negative regulation of the MAPK pathway and leading to excessive osteoclast differentiation. Restoring DUSP4 expression effectively reverses abnormal MAPK pathway activation, reducing osteoclast bone resorption activity to physiological levels. These findings not only provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms of bone destruction in osseous echinococcosis but also establish DUSP4 as a critical therapeutic target for pathological bone resorption, laying the groundwork for host-directed treatment strategies for parasitic bone diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1558603"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11961949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Crosslinking bacterial postbiotics for microbial and quality control of strawberries postharvest: bacteriological and 16S amplicon metagenome evidence.","authors":"Gabriela N Tenea, Pamela Reyes, Carlos Flores","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1570312","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1570312","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Strawberries are renowned for their exceptional flavor and nutritional properties but have a short shelf life due to rapid ripening and a high vulnerability to postharvest microbial decay. Postbiotic formulations (PBFs) derived from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can be developed into effective preservation products, extending postharvest shelf life while maintaining fruit quality.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study aimed to assess the effects of postbiotic-based formulations (PBFs) consisting of two key components: (1) a precipitated peptide-protein extract (PP) from <i>Weissella cibaria</i> UTNGt21O, serving as the antimicrobial agent, and (2) an exopolysaccharide (EPS) from <i>W. confusa</i> UTNCys2-2, functioning as the biopolymer carrier. These formulations were tested against a multidrug-resistant <i>Serratia liquefaciens</i> P4StpC1 strain, isolated from ready-to-eat strawberries, and their potential mode of action was analyzed <i>in vitro</i>. Time-kill assays and electron microscopy were used to evaluate their impact on the target cells. Furthermore, the performance of PBFs was compared to a commercial disinfectant (C1) in terms of their effects on strawberry microbiota and fruit quality, employing bacteriological techniques and 16S amplicon metagenomic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The selected PBFs showed bacteriolytic effect on <i>Serratia in vitro</i>. The target cell viability was significantly reduced upon 1 h co-cultivation by inducing several morphological and ultrastructural modifications. Dipping strawberries at the ripe stage four in PBFs indicated no increase in total cell counts, thus the microorganisms colonization was retained during storage with refrigeration. The 16S metagenome analysis showed that the treatment impacted the fruit microbiota, significantly increasing <i>Lactobacillus</i> abundance (<i>p</i> < 0.001) by day eight compared to the disinfectant control. This suggests the formulation supports beneficial microbes, enhancing antimicrobial effects. Additionally, the postbiotic coating improved shelf-life, preserved fruit quality, and delayed deterioration in strawberries. The strawberries quality attributes were not affected by the treatment. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed clear sample separation based on maturity stage, independent of the treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results highlight the potential of crosslinking of a peptide-protein fraction with EPS to prevent the colonization of undesirable microorganisms on postharvest strawberries while enhancing their safety and quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1570312"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11961906/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antiparasitic activity of Colombian Amazon palm extracts against <i>Giardia lamblia</i> trophozoites: insights into cellular death mechanisms.","authors":"Juan Javier García-Bustos, Gabriel Luna Pizarro, Rocío G Patolsky, Mariana Belén Joray, Vivian Villalba-Vizcaino, Paula Galeano, Fabián Espitia-Almeida, Marco Correa Múnera, Mehmet Ozturk, Andrea S Rópolo, Constanza Feliziani, María Carolina Touz, Jerónimo Laiolo","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1523880","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1523880","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Colombian plants have a long history of use in traditional medicine and ethnopharmacology, particularly for treating stomach pain, digestive issues, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Recent studies have renewed interest in their potential therapeutic properties.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study evaluated the giardicidal activity of 15 crude plant extracts native to the Colombian Amazon against Giardia lamblia (genotype A, strain WB/1267). The MTT colorimetric assay was used to determine the effectiveness of these extracts at a concentration of 500 μg/mL. Extracts showing significant activity were further analyzed to determine their half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). The cell death mechanisms of Attalea butyracea were studied using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the tested extracts, the <i>Attalea butyracea</i> fruit extract (<b>P-2</b>) exhibited the highest activity against WB/1267 (IC₅₀ = 62.10 ± 6.57 μg/mL) and demonstrated giardicidal activity against GS/M (IC₅₀ = 100.90 ± 3.40 μg/mL, genotype B) human infecting strains. These results prompted a detailed investigation into its mechanism of action using the WB/1267 strain as a model. At its IC₅₀ concentration, <b>P-2</b> primarily exerted its antiproliferative effect by induction of early apoptosis. A notable increase in late apoptosis and necrosis was observed at 2xIC₅₀. Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and confocal microscopy revealed chromatin condensation in treated trophozoites, while flow cytometry indicated G1/S cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, exposure to <b>P-2</b> led to oxidative stress, evidenced by a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). The extract's ability to disrupt various structural components of the parasite was confirmed through IFA and transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, the <b>P-2</b> extract effectively synergized with the first-line drug metronidazole against <i>Giardia</i> WB/1267 trophozoites.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Colombian plant extracts in treating giardiasis, particularly highlighting the novel giardicidal activity of <i>Attalea butyracea</i> fruit extract and its promise for further therapeutic development.</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1523880"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11961968/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy versus bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for patients with <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection: a meta-analysis.","authors":"Xiao Li, Cheng Jiang, Yuwen Su, Ruiyun Gao, Peijun Yang, Yuechen Qin, Yue Zou, Weiming Liang, Jieru Quan, Liying Pan","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1561749","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1561749","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-amoxicillin (VA) dual therapy in comparison to bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (BQT) for patients with <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>H. pylori</i>) infection.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched published from establishment of database to June 1, 2024, for articles studying VA dual therapy compared to BQT for patients with <i>H. pylori</i> infection. Meta-analyses of eradication rates, adverse events, compliance and cost were preformed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 17 studies were included for meta-analysis. Compared with BQT, VA increased the incidence of <i>H. pylori</i> eradication rate, with significant difference under the ITT analysis (86.9% vs. 80.4%, RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12, <i>p</i> = 0.01) but there no significant difference under the PP analysis (90.7% vs. 86.5%, RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.99-1.08, <i>p</i> = 0.13). Besides, VA significantly increased compliance (RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05, <i>p</i> < 0.01) and decreased the occurrence of total adverse events (27.0% vs. 11.5%, RR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.37-0.51, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Furthermore, VA has lower cost compared to BQT.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings indicated that VA dual therapy provided a higher eradication rate, enhanced compliance, decreased adverse events, and lowered cost relative to BQT for patients with <i>H. pylori</i> infection.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024576738, identifier CRD42024576738 (PROSPERO).</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1561749"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11962034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary purslane modulates gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in aging rats.","authors":"Jingwen Deng, Xia Wang, Can Yan, Zicheng Huang, Hui Luo, Caihua Dai, Xiaoliu Huang, Yushan Huang, Qiang Fu","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1549853","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1549853","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Portulaca oleracea L.</i> (purslane) is a highly nutritious and edible wild vegetable beneficial to human health. However, its impacts on the structure of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in aging individuals remain unclear. This study aims to clarify its potential mechanisms in aging-related gut health.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Naturally aged rats (18 months) were divided into two groups. One group was fed a maintenance chow, and the other was fed a mixture with 3.5% purslane for 15 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing were employed to explore the effects of purslane on the intestinal health of these rats.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The fecal concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were significantly increased in aging rats fed the purslane supplement. Purslane significantly reduced the relative abundance levels of Firmicutes and Fusobacteria, as well as the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. KEGG pathway analysis annotated 109 differential metabolites, which mainly affected metabolic pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. There was a strong correlation between <i>Paracbacteroides</i>, the <i>Prevotella</i> NK3B31_group, the <i>Rikenella</i>_RC9_gut_group, and SCFA levels. Aging rats consuming purslane had a more complete and healthy gut morphology than the control group.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These results suggested that the maintenance of intestinal health by purslane in aging rats might be associated with the targeted regulation of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites.</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1549853"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11961954/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dangua Fang induces anti-glucolipid metabolism disorder effects similar to those of direct NFIL3 inhibition.","authors":"Zhuang Han, Linxi Jin, Zhita Wang, Liuqing Yang, Liang Li, Yi Ruan, Qiwei Chen, Shuhong Yao, Weidong He, Xianpei Heng","doi":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1557345","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1557345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dangua Fang (DGF) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula widely used to regulate glucolipid metabolism. Nuclear factor, interleukin-3 regulated (NFIL3) plays a regulatory role in intestinal fat absorption and energy metabolism. Gut microbiota can modulate NFIL3 expression and affect host metabolism.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the effects of DGF or NFIL3 inhibition on the gut microbiota and their metabolites in mice with glucolipid metabolism disorder (GLMD) and explore the relationship between DGF anti-GLMD effects and those of direct NFIL3 inhibition.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A GLMD mouse model was established by induction with a high-glucose and high-fat diet. The mice were divided into the control group (CG), model group (MG), DGF group (DFG), DGF + siRNA group (DFSG), and siRNA group (SG). The mice were administered sterile water, DGF, and/or intraperitoneal injections of siRNA-NFIL3 or normal saline for 15 weeks, following which glucolipid metabolic indicators, NFIL3 levels, and histopathological alterations in the liver and small intestinal tissues were evaluated. Additionally, the gut microbiota and differential metabolites were analysed, and linear regression analysis was conducted between gut microbial species and metabolic indicators to assess the role of the gut microbiota in metabolic regulation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant differences were observed between the CG and MG groups for various indicators. Compared with that in the MG group, the GLMD in the DFG, DFSG, and SG groups was significantly improved, and the pathological morphology of the liver and small intestine was altered. The NFIL3 mRNA and protein expression levels in the serum, liver, and small intestine were significantly decreased. The relative abundance of Bacteroidota decreased, whereas that of Firmicutes increased, and changes in the gut microbiota significantly correlated with serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) levels. Moreover, lipid metabolism-related pathways were significantly altered in all three intervention groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DGF reduced NFIL3 expression in GLMD mice, regulated the gut microbiota and their metabolites, and altered lipid metabolism-related pathways, with anti-GLMD effects similar to those of direct NFIL3 inhibition.</p>","PeriodicalId":12466,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Microbiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1557345"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11962013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143771839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}