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Acute beetroot juice reduces blood pressure in young Black and White males but not females.
Grosicki, GJ, Flatt, AA, Cross, BL, Vondrasek, JD, Blumenburg, WT, Lincoln, ZR, Chall, A, Bryan, A, Patel, RP, Ricart, K, et al
Redox biology. 2023;63:102718
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Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Out of all ethnic groups, CV disease is particularly common in black Americans. High blood pressure (BP) is one of the main contributors to CV disease, and black Americans exhibit a disproportionally higher incident rate of high BP when compared to other ethnic groups. Partly this is due to genetic and physiological differences, yet is also influenced by social, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. One physiological difference that may contribute to higher BP in black adults appears to be a reduced availability of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a gas that is abundant in the human body. It regulates vascular tone and elasticity of the arteries, and therefore helps to manage blood pressure. Nitrates that occur in foods can be converted to NO and thus contribute to NO levels in the body. Beetroot juice (BRJ) is rich in nitrates. This study examined whether BRJ supplementation can reduce resting BP and cardiovascular reactivity in adults. The randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover-design study was completed by 18 black and 20 white young adults, male and female, with an average age of 21. The study monitored heart rate, BP and arterial stiffness in a variety of settings. The study also assessed socioeconomic status, perceived discrimination, sleep and dietary intake. The main findings from this investigation were that despite young black adults having higher resting BP, acute BRJ supplementation reduced the pressure to a similar extent in young black and white adults, but primarily in males. This reduction correlated with increased levels of circulating nitrites. However, acute BRJ supplementation did not influence resting arterial stiffness. The result also highlighted previously seen racial differences relating to social determinants of health and lifestyle, which may contribute to the elevated BP values seen in black participants. The study demonstrated that dietary nitrate from beetroot juice has the potential to be a cost-effective blood pressure-lowering strategy for young black and white males. Yet the findings also highlighted the complex interplay of social, lifestyle, and underlying physiological factors that influence racial differences when it comes to CV health
Abstract
A complex interplay of social, lifestyle, and physiological factors contribute to Black Americans having the highest blood pressure (BP) in America. One potential contributor to Black adult's higher BP may be reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Therefore, we sought to determine whether augmenting NO bioavailability with acute beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation would reduce resting BP and cardiovascular reactivity in Black and White adults, but to a greater extent in Black adults. A total of 18 Black and 20 White (∼equal split by biological sex) young adults completed this randomized, placebo-controlled (nitrate (NO3-)-depleted BRJ), crossover design study. We measured heart rate, brachial and central BP, and arterial stiffness (via pulse wave velocity) at rest, during handgrip exercise, and during post-exercise circulatory occlusion. Compared with White adults, Black adults exhibited higher pre-supplementation resting brachial and central BP (Ps ≤0.035; e.g., brachial systolic BP: 116(11) vs. 121(7) mmHg, P = 0.023). Compared with placebo, BRJ (∼12.8 mmol NO3-) reduced resting brachial systolic BP similarly in Black (Δ-4±10 mmHg) and White (Δ-4±7 mmHg) adults (P = 0.029). However, BRJ supplementation reduced BP in males (Ps ≤ 0.020) but not females (Ps ≥ 0.299). Irrespective of race or sex, increases in plasma NO3- were associated with reduced brachial systolic BP (ρ = -0.237, P = 0.042). No other treatment effects were observed for BP or arterial stiffness at rest or during physical stress (i.e., reactivity); Ps ≥ 0.075. Despite young Black adults having higher resting BP, acute BRJ supplementation reduced systolic BP in young Black and White adults by a similar magnitude, an effect that was driven by males.
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The entero-endocrine response following a mixed-meal tolerance test with a non-nutritive pre-load in participants with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes: A crossover randomized controlled trial proof of concept study.
Muilwijk, M, Beulens, JWJ, Groeneveld, L, Rutters, F, Blom, MT, Agamennone, V, van den Broek, T, Keijser, BJF, Hoevenaars, F
PloS one. 2023;18(8):e0290261
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There is a process within the mouth and gut that is responsible for sensing nutrients and releasing hormones, which is called the entero-endocrine response. This response is responsible for ensuring that we do not overeat and maintain normal metabolism. The use of stevia, which is a sweetener, instead of sugar in food has been reported to have blood sugar lowering effects, which may be of benefit to individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, it is not fully understood how stevia can affect the entero-endocrine response, especially in individuals with T2D and prediabetes. This cross-over randomised control trial aimed to determine the entero-endocrine response in 20 individuals with either T2D or prediabetes following the consumption of stevia before a meal. The results showed that there was an enhanced entero-endocrine response to stevia in individuals with T2D compared to those with prediabetes. Blood sugar and the hormones responsible for lowering blood sugar and appetite suppression were all higher in individuals with T2D. There were no associations between the composition of the oral or gut microbiota and the entero-endocrine response. It was concluded that the consumption of stevia before a meal differentially effects the entero-endocrine response in individuals with T2D and prediabetes. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that the consumption of stevia before a meal elicits an individual response. However, as this was a small study, further understanding of the mechanisms involved would be of benefit.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This crossover randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated differences in short-term entero-endocrine response to a mixed-meal tolerance test preceded by nutrient sensing between participants with pre-diabetes (pre-T2D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Additionally, differences in gut and oral microbiome composition between participants with a high and low entero-endocrine response were investigated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Ten participants with pre-T2D and ten with T2D underwent three test days with pre-loads consisting of either swallowing water (control), or rinsing with a non-nutritive sweetener solution, or swallowing the sweetener solution before a mixed-meal tolerance test. Blood glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon, glucose, insulin and peptide YY (PYY) were determined at t = -20, 0, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes. The composition of the oral and gut microbiome at baseline were also determined. RESULTS The entero-endocrine response differed by pre-loads, e.g. a lower PYY response after swallowing the non-nutritive sweetener (-3585.2pg/mL [95% CI: -6440.6; -729.8]; p = 0.01). But it also differed by T2D status, e.g. a higher glucose, glucagon and PYY response was found in participants with T2D, compared to those with pre-T2D. Evidence for associations between the oral and gut microbiome composition and the entero-endocrine response was limited. Still, the level of entero-endocrine response was associated with several oral microbiome measures. Higher oral anterior α-diversity was associated with a lower PYY response (e.g. Inverse Simpson index -1357pg/mL [95% CI -2378; -336; 1.24]), and higher oral posterior α-diversitywith a higher GIP response (e.g. Inverse Simpson index 6773pg/mL [95% CI 132; 13414]) in models adjusted for sex, age and T2D status. CONCLUSIONS Non-nutritive pre-loads influence the entero-endocrine response to a mixed-meal, and this effect varies based on (pre-)T2D status. The entero-endocrine response is likely not associated with the gut microbiome, and there is limited evidence for association with the α-diversity of the oral microbiome composition. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial register: Netherlands Trial Register NTR7212, accessible through International Clinical Trials Registry Platform: ICTRP Search Portal (who.int).
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Effect of synbiotic supplementation on immune parameters and gut microbiota in healthy adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Li, X, Hu, S, Yin, J, Peng, X, King, L, Li, L, Xu, Z, Zhou, L, Peng, Z, Ze, X, et al
Gut microbes. 2023;15(2):2247025
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The gut microbiota is involved in regulating immunity and synbiotics, that is combinations of pro- and prebiotics, may therefore modulate immunity via the gut microbiota. The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the immune-modulatory effects of a synbiotic supplement (containing Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and fructo-oligosaccharide) in healthy adults. Outcome measures included C-reactive protein (CRP, an inflammatory marker), various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, stool and salivary secretory IgA (sIgA), leukocytes, microbial stool analysis and occurrence, duration, and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Compared to the control group, a significant reduction in the inflammatory markers CRP and interferon-gamma and an increase in the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 and stool sIgA were observed in the supplementation group. There were no differences in types of leukocytes or URTIs between groups. Significant favourable changes in microbiome analysis were observed in the supplemented group which correlated with the observed improvements in inflammatory markers. These changes were dependent on the baseline composition of the microbiome. No adverse events were reported. The authors conclude that the data show that synbiotics are of benefit to healthy adults and support the concept of personalised supplementation.
Abstract
Synbiotics are increasingly used by the general population to boost immunity. However, there is limited evidence concerning the immunomodulatory effects of synbiotics in healthy individuals. Therefore, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 106 healthy adults. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either synbiotics (containing Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 1.5 × 108 CFU/d, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 7.5 × 107 CFU/d, and fructooligosaccharide 500 mg/d) or placebo for 8 weeks. Immune parameters and gut microbiota composition were measured at baseline, mid, and end of the study. Compared to the placebo group, participants receiving synbiotic supplementation exhibited greater reductions in plasma C-reactive protein (P = 0.088) and interferon-gamma (P = 0.008), along with larger increases in plasma interleukin (IL)-10 (P = 0.008) and stool secretory IgA (sIgA) (P = 0.014). Additionally, synbiotic supplementation led to an enrichment of beneficial bacteria (Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Collinsella) and several functional pathways related to amino acids and short-chain fatty acids biosynthesis, whereas reduced potential pro-inflammatory Parabacteroides compared to baseline. Importantly, alternations in anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10 and sIgA) were significantly correlated with microbial variations triggered by synbiotic supplementation. Stratification of participants into two enterotypes based on pre-treatment Prevotella-to-Bacteroides (P/B) ratio revealed a more favorable effect of synbiotic supplements in individuals with a higher P/B ratio. In conclusion, this study suggested the beneficial effects of synbiotic supplementation on immune parameters, which were correlated with synbiotics-induced microbial changes and modified by microbial enterotypes. These findings provided direct evidence supporting the personalized supplementation of synbiotics for immunomodulation.
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Effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei N1115 on Immunomodulatory and Gut Microbial Composition in Young Children: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.
Li, P, Ren, Z, Zhou, J, Zhao, A, Wang, S, Xun, Y, Jiang, H, Wang, P, Yuan, Q, Zhang, Y
Nutrients. 2023;15(8)
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Cesarean section (C-section) is one of the most common obstetrical procedures, and China is among the countries with the highest C-section rates in the world. Lactobacillus is one of the well-known and most studied probiotics and has a broad distribution in the human oral cavity, genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, and milk. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Lp N1115 as a probiotic on immunomodulatory and gut microbial composition in Chinese infants and toddlers born by C-section. This study was a single-centre, randomised, triple-blind placebo-controlled trial. Healthy infants born by C-section were recruited at the age of 6–24 months and divided into two age groups: 6–12 months and 13–24 months. Infants and toddlers were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (Lp N1115 group) or the placebo-control group. Results showed that Lp N1115 can help maintain the intestinal pH of infants aged 6–24 months after C-section, improve immune function, and promote the proliferation of Lactobacillus. Furthermore, Lp N1115 could increase faecal secreted immunoglobulin A levels and, to some extent, reduce cortisol levels in infants and children. Authors conclude that the beneficial effects of Lp N1115 on gut development were more obvious in 6–12-month-old infants.
Abstract
Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 (Lp N1115) was isolated from fermented milk products. The administration of Lp N1115 is safe and well tolerated in Chinese children, but its effectiveness among young Chinese children is still unclear. To investigate the efficacy of Lp N1115 as a probiotic to enhance gut development in Chinese infants and toddlers born by cesarean section, 109 healthy and cesarean-delivered infants aged 6-24 months were recruited for a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial, with 101 finally completing the study. Saliva and stool samples were collected and detected at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the intervention. Statistical analyses were performed by using a per-protocol (PP) approach. After 12 weeks of intervention, the fecal pH in the control group increased (p = 0.003), while the fecal pH in the experimental group did not change. Salivary cortisol decreased from baseline in the experimental group (p = 0.023), while the control group showed little change. In addition, Lp N1115 increased the fecal sIgA content of infants aged 6-12 months (p = 0.044) but had no obvious effect on fecal calprotectin and saliva sIgA. At week 4, the increase in Lactobacillus relative to baseline was higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p = 0.019). Further analysis showed a trend toward a higher detection rate of Lactobacillus in the experimental group than in the control group (p = 0.039). In conclusion, Lp N1115 was able to enhance the content of Lactobacillus and maintain fecal pH levels. Its beneficial effects on gut development were more obvious in 6-12-month-old infants.
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The Effects of Black Tea Consumption on Intestinal Microflora-A Randomized Single-Blind Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study.
Tomioka, R, Tanaka, Y, Suzuki, M, Ebihara, S
Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology. 2023;69(5):326-339
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Tea from the leaves of the tea plant (Camelia sinensis) is consumed around the world. Tea has many health benefits, and in part, this is due to its rich content in compounds classed as polyphenols. Through the fermentation process, black tea is particularly high in polyphenols. Previous studies around respiratory infections indicated that regular consumption of black tea appeared to improve immune defence mechanisms that protect mucous membranes, called mucosal immunity. As this mucosal immunity is closely influenced by gut bacteria, the authors speculated whether the previously seen impact of improved mucosal immunity is related to the ability of black tea to also modulate bacteria in the gut. A previously run randomised single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with 72 Japanese participants who consumed three cups of black tea (2g) or a placebo of barley tea for 12 weeks provided the data for this study. Data gathered included gut flora analysis, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels - fats that play a role in maintaining gut health, and saliva IgA (SIgA) concentrations - which are antibodies made in the lymph tissue of the gut. The results showed that black tea consumption led to a significant increase in the abundance of Prevotella bacteria, which mediate SCFA production and are involved in normalising immune function. Furthermore, tea increased butyrate-producing bacteria. Butyrate is associated with improved barrier function of the gut walls but also helps to manage pathogens and immune responses. Black tea consumption also increased salivary SIgA concentration - a type of antibody on the mucous membranes that prevents pathogens from entering the body -, and a decrease in stool acetic acid concentration, which may be due to the increase in butyrate-producing bacteria which use acetic acid to make butyrate. Notably, participants with low salivary SIgA levels at the start had a more pronounced positive change in total bacteria, after consuming black tea compared to the placebo group. The authors concluded that regular consumption of black tea may help to improve mucosal immunity by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Abstract
We previously reported that black tea consumption for 12 wk reduced the risk of acute upper respiratory tract inflammation, and improved secretory capacity in individuals with low salivary SIgA levels (Tanaka Y et al. 2021. Jpn Pharmacol Ther 49: 273-288). These results suggested that habitual black tea consumption improves mucosal immunity. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the effect of black tea intake on gut microbiota, which is known to be involved in mucosal immunity, by analyzing the bacterial flora and the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration of feces collected during the above clinical study. The clinical design was a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study with 72 healthy Japanese adult males and females, who consumed three cups of black tea (Black Tea Polymerized Polyphenols 76.2 mg per day) or placebo per day for 12 wk. In all subjects intake of black tea significantly increased abundance of Prevotella and decreased fecal acetic acid concentration. Particularly in the subjects with low salivary SIgA levels, the change over time of total bacteria, Prevotella, and butyrate-producing bacteria, which are involved in normalizing immune function, were higher in the black tea group than in the placebo group. In subjects with low abundance of Flavonifractor plautii a butyrate-producing bacteria, black tea consumption significantly increased salivary SIgA concentration and the absolute number of Flavonifractor plautii. In conclusion, our results suggest that improvement of mucosal immunity via an increase in butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut may partly contribute to the suppressive effect of black tea consumption on acute upper respiratory tract inflammation observed in our previous report.
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Effects of 24-week prebiotic intervention on self-reported upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immunity in elite rugby union players.
Parker, C, Hunter, KA, Johnson, MA, Sharpe, GR, Gibson, GR, Walton, GE, Poveda, C, Cousins, B, Williams, NC
European journal of sport science. 2023;23(11):2232-2239
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Elite rugby union players follow physiologically and psychologically demanding training schedules, with frequent competitive matches, limited recovery time, and regular international travel. Collectively, these stressors may impair immunity and increase the risk of acute upper respiratory symptoms (URS) (e.g. cough, sneezing, sore throat & nasal congestion) and gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) (e.g. bloating, belching, flatulence, nausea and diarrhoea). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 168-day Bimuno-galactooligosaccharides (B-GOS) supplementation on the severity, duration and incidence of URS and GIS, salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and TNF-α in elite rugby union players during a competitive season. This study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over 168-days during a regular rugby union season. Participants were matched into pairs based on body mass and playing position before randomly being allocated an intervention. Results showed that daily supplementation with the dietary prebiotic B-GOS reduced the duration of URS and incidence of GI symptoms. Furthermore, B-GOS increased sIgA secretion rate at 168 days when compared to the placebo group. Authors concluded that prebiotic use may have the potential to modulate immune function and reduce illness, which may improve an athlete’s availability to train and compete.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elite rugby union players face numerous physiological and psychological stressors which can increase upper respiratory and gastrointestinal illness risk, and in turn can compromise training and competitive performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of daily prebiotic supplementation on upper respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and markers of immune function in elite rugby union players. METHODS Thirty-three elite rugby union players were randomly assigned to consume a prebiotic (2.8 g/day galactooligosaccharide) or placebo (2.8 g/day maltodextrin), daily for 168 days under double-blind conditions. Participants completed daily and weekly questionnaires for self-reported upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms respectively. Blood and saliva samples were collected at 0, 84, and 168 days for assessment of plasma TNF-α and CRP, and saliva IgA respectively. RESULTS The prebiotic group experienced a 2-day reduction in upper respiratory symptom duration (P = 0.045). Gastrointestinal symptom severity and incidence were lower in the prebiotic group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001, P = 0.041) respectively. Salivary immunoglobulin A secretion rate was 42% greater in the prebiotic group compared to the placebo group at day 168 (P = 0.004), no differences in CRP and TNF-α were found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION A 168-day dietary prebiotic intervention reduced the duration of upper respiratory symptoms and reduced the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in elite rugby union players. These findings suggest that seasonal prebiotic interventions may be beneficial for reducing illness in elite rugby union players, improving their availability to train and compete.Key pointsElite athletes are susceptible to upper respiratory symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms which may impact upon training availability and competition performance.For the first time, this study shows that a dietary prebiotic intervention can reduce the duration of upper respiratory symptoms by 2 days in elite rugby union players.Dietary prebiotic supplementation can improve the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by elite rugby union players.Prebiotic supplementation was able to increase salivary IgA secretion after 168 days.These findings can inform practice suggesting that seasonal prebiotic use has the potential to modulate immune function and reduce illness in elite rugby union, which may improve a player's availability to train and compete.The mechanisms by which prebiotics reduce URS and GIS require further research exploration.
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Effect of a multichannel oral irrigator on periodontal health and the oral microbiome.
Kim, JM, Yoo, SY, An, JS, Woo, JJ, Cho, YD, Park, HE, Karm, MH
Scientific reports. 2023;13(1):12043
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Oral biofilms are the primary cause of dental caries and periodontal diseases. This RCT looked at the effect of a multichannel oral irrigator (MCOI) (a new oral hygiene device which injects clean water onto the teeth at an angle of 45°) on periodontal health in 29 healthy participants randomly divided into two groups. Saliva samples were analysed in the MCOI group and the control group and changes in the oral microbiota investigated with a focus on gingival inflammation. It was assumed that water irrigation using this new device may lower the accumulation of oral biofilms. However, the effectiveness of this new device in decreasing dental plaque was not determined because the MCOI group showed accumulation of plaque in the oral cavity and increased levels of opportunistic pathogens called Captocytopaga species involved in periodontal disease. Streptococcus species also showed an increase in the MCOI group and other bacteria were reduced. The authors agree that these conflicting trends imply the need for a longitudinal study over a longer period as three days was too short to assess gingival status change, let alone detect any changes to the periodontal state. Overall the oral microbiome and oral hygiene is important and relevant to health as certain patients with low dexterity such as the elderly and those with disabilities may struggle with thorough plaque removal so assisted devices to clean the oral cavity are needed. Furthermore this can also apply to patients with Alzheimer disease, dementia and autism.
Abstract
Oral biofilms or dental plaques are one of the major etiological factors for diverse oral diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a multichannel oral irrigator (MCOI) on periodontal health in 29 participants randomly divided into two groups: the MCOI group and the control group. To evaluate the effect of the MCOI on periodontal health, the modified Quigley Hein Plaque Index (PI), Mühlemann-Son Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and swelling were evaluated and compared before and after MCOI use for 3 days. Although PI and SBI showed statistically significant increases in the control group, the MCOI group showed no significant changes in either parameter. Moreover, the percentage of BOP was significantly lower in the MCOI group. Saliva samples were analyzed by 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing to investigate changes in the oral microbiome. Sequencing results showed that Porphyromonas spp. were significantly increased in the control group, whereas no significant change was detected in the MCOI group. Using the MCOI, enriched populations and functional pathways were detected in pioneer species comprising non-mutans streptococci. These findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of the MCOI in maintaining periodontal health and a healthy microbial ecology in the oral cavity.
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Randomized Clinical Trial: Probiotics Alleviated Oral-Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal-Related Complications in Thyroid Cancer Patients Before Radioiodine Therapy Following Thyroidectomy.
Lin, B, Zhao, F, Liu, Y, Wu, X, Feng, J, Jin, X, Yan, W, Guo, X, Shi, S, Li, Z, et al
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2022;13:834674
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The occurrence of thyroid cancer has increased in recent years. Part of the treatment for this disease is removal of the thyroid gland and then the administration of radioactive iodine. To help aid the uptake of radioactive iodine, individuals may need to withdraw from their thyroid hormone therapy, known as thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW). This is however accompanied by side effects such as fatigue, constipation, and weight gain, all of which have been hypothesised to be due to gut microbiota dysbiosis. This randomised control trial aimed to determine any gut and oral microbiota signatures in 50 individuals who have undergone THW because of thyroid cancer and to see if probiotics have any beneficial effects. The results showed that gut and oral microbiota diversity was decreased after THW. Upon the administration of probiotics, diversity was restored, energy and blood lipid levels were improved, and weight gain and a dry mouth were alleviated. It was concluded that probiotics reduce the occurrence of side effects following THW, which may be related to the modification of oral and gut microbiota diversity. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that probiotics may be of benefit to improve the side effects associated with THW in individuals with thyroid cancer.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) in postoperative thyroid cancer patients who need always accompanied by complications (e.g., dyslipidemia and constipation). At present, there are no effective and safe means to alleviate these complications. PURPOSE We aimed to assess the oral-gut microbiota profiles in THW patients then investigate whether probiotics could alleviating alleviate THW related complications and investigate whether these therapeutic effects were associated with the oral-gut microbiota state. METHODS Fifty eligible thyroid carcinoma patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to receive probiotics or placebo during THW. Complications were assessed through validated questionnaires and plasma lipid indicators. The complex probiotics preparation was composed of Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus. RESULTS Probiotics alleviated lack of energy, constipation, weight gain, and dry mouth and decreased the levels of fecal/serum LPS and plasma lipid indicators (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein A) (P < 0.05). Gut and oral microbial diversity were significantly decreased after THW, while an increased microbial dysbiosis index (MDI) was observed. Probiotics distinctly restored the gut and oral microbial diversity. Increased Holdemanella, Enterococcus, and Coprococcus_2, while decreased Fusobacterium, Eubacterium_ruminantium_group, Ruminococcus_1, and Parasutterella in the gut were found after probiotics intervention. Lack of energy, constipation, weight gain, and dyslipidemia were seen to be related to the above microbiota. In addition, probiotics reduced oral Prevotella_9, Haemophilus, Fusobacterium, and Lautropia, which were positively correlated with the occurrence of dry mouth. CONCLUSION Probiotics reduce the incidence of complications in patients after THW, which may be related to modifying the oral and gut microbiota. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier America Clinical Trial Registry NCT03574051.
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Potential role of microbiome in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelits (CFS/ME).
Lupo, GFD, Rocchetti, G, Lucini, L, Lorusso, L, Manara, E, Bertelli, M, Puglisi, E, Capelli, E
Scientific reports. 2021;11(1):7043
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelits (CFS/ME) is a severe multisystemic disease. The main symptom is persistent unexplained fatigue, it has inflammatory symptoms, is characterized by an abnormal immune response and dysfunction of energy metabolism. Recent studies suggest strong correlations between dysbiosis and other conditions such as intestinal disorders, autoimmune conditions, cancer and several neurological disorders. In the case of CFS/ME, some studies have shown an altered composition of the gut and oral microbiomes. In this study the oral and intestinal bacterial composition of CFS/ME patients were analysed and compared to a group of relatives and to a control population outside the families. This was to identify a possible effect of lifestyle habits and a microbial profile of CFS/ME syndrome. The study showed significant variations in both the intestinal and oral bacteria composition between CFS/ME patients, their relatives and external controls. There is a lot of interesting detail about the levels of specific bacteria in each group. Further studies are needed to better understand if the microbial composition changes are cause or consequence of the onset of CFS/ME and if they are related to any of the several secondary symptoms.
Abstract
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a severe multisystemic disease characterized by immunological abnormalities and dysfunction of energy metabolism. Recent evidences suggest strong correlations between dysbiosis and pathological condition. The present research explored the composition of the intestinal and oral microbiota in CFS/ME patients as compared to healthy controls. The fecal metabolomic profile of a subgroup of CFS/ME patients was also compared with the one of healthy controls. The fecal and salivary bacterial composition in CFS/ME patients was investigated by Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The metabolomic analysis was performed by an UHPLC-MS. The fecal microbiota of CFS/ME patients showed a reduction of Lachnospiraceae, particularly Anaerostipes, and an increased abundance of genera Bacteroides and Phascolarctobacterium compared to the non-CFS/ME groups. The oral microbiota of CFS/ME patients showed an increase of Rothia dentocariosa. The fecal metabolomic profile of CFS/ME patients revealed high levels of glutamic acid and argininosuccinic acid, together with a decrease of alpha-tocopherol. Our results reveal microbial signatures of dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota of CFS/ME patients. Further studies are needed to better understand if the microbial composition changes are cause or consequence of the onset of CFS/ME and if they are related to any of the several secondary symptoms.
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Coping Strategies Influence Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Chronic Psychological Stress: A Post Hoc Analysis of A Randomized Pilot Study.
Armborst, D, Bitterlich, N, Alteheld, B, Rösler, D, Metzner, C, Siener, R
Nutrients. 2021;14(1)
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Chronic psychological stress is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to mental and physiological disorders in modern societies. The individual response to chronic stressors and resulting disorders depends on numerous factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiometabolic risk profile in participants with ‘high’ and ‘very high’ chronic stress loads and the impact of positive and negative coping factors used. This study is a post hoc analysis of a randomised pilot study. For this analysis, baseline data were available for 62 chronic psychologically stressed participants, of whom 61 participants (43 women and 18 men) were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Results indicate that: - perceiving high chronic stress is significantly associated with the criteria of the metabolic syndrome. - on the contrary, a very high perceived chronic stress load seemed to be rather associated with mental health risk than with cardiometabolic risk. - inflammation and oxidative stress markers significantly correlated with cardiometabolic risk parameters. - stress load can be coped with in diverse ways and that the coping strategy is crucial for cardiometabolic risk. Authors conclude that long-term studies are necessary to examine further adaptations to chronic stress and to evaluate individual stress-management strategies.
Abstract
Chronic psychological stress can result in physiological and mental health risks via the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, sympathoadrenal activity and emotion-focused coping strategies. The impact of different stress loads on cardiometabolic risk is poorly understood. This post hoc analysis of a randomized pilot study was conducted on 61 participants (18-65 years of age) with perceived chronic stress. The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ30), Psychological Neurological Questionnaire (PNF), anthropometric, clinical and blood parameters were assessed. Subjects were assigned to 'high stress' (HS; PSQ30 score: 0.573 ± 0.057) and 'very high stress' (VHS; PSQ30 score: 0.771 ± 0.069) groups based on the PSQ30. Morning salivary cortisol and CRP were elevated in both groups. Visceral adiposity, elevated blood pressure and metabolic syndrome were significantly more frequent in the HS group vs. the VHS group. The fatty liver index (FLI) was higher (p = 0.045), while the PNF score was lower (p < 0.001) in the HS group. The HS group was comprised of more smokers (p = 0.016). Energy intake and physical activity levels were similar in both groups. Thus, high chronic stress was related to visceral adiposity, FLI, elevated blood pressure and metabolic syndrome in the HS group, while very high chronic stress was associated with psychological-neurological symptoms and a lower cardiometabolic risk in the VHS group, probably due to different coping strategies.