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Effects of dietary fibers or probiotics on functional constipation symptoms and roles of gut microbiota: a double-blinded randomized placebo trial.
Lai, H, Li, Y, He, Y, Chen, F, Mi, B, Li, J, Xie, J, Ma, G, Yang, J, Xu, K, et al
Gut microbes. 2023;15(1):2197837
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Functional constipation is characterised by continuously difficult, incomplete, or infrequent defecation, without an organic origin. Effective intervention strategies are required to relieve the functional constipation difficulties, particularly in rapidly aging populations, such as Chinese populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three dietary fibre formulas (polydextrose, psyllium husk, and wheat bran + psyllium husk) and one probiotic supplement on the improvement of constipation symptoms among Chinese adults with functional constipation. This study was a double-blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial which enrolled 250 participants who were randomly assigned to one of the five groups. Results showed: - that daily supplement of three prebiotic formulas with dietary fibres, or a probiotic formula effectively relieved hard stool in functional constipation patients after 4 weeks intervention. - the capacity of gut microbial genera in shaping the intervention responsiveness in the improvement of bowel movement frequency, Bristol stool scale score, and degree of defecation straining. Authors conclude that the pre or probiotic interventions may modulate gut microbiota, associated with intestinal health.
Abstract
Dietary fibers/probiotics may relieve constipation via optimizing gut microbiome, yet with limited trial-based evidences. We aimed to evaluate the effects of formulas with dietary fibers or probiotics on functional constipation symptoms, and to identify modulations of gut microbiota of relevance. We conducted a 4-week double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial in 250 adults with functional constipation. Intervention: A: polydextrose; B: psyllium husk; C: wheat bran + psyllium husk; D: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 + Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001; Placebo: maltodextrin. Oligosaccharides were also included in group A to D. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to assess the gut microbiota at weeks 0, 2, and 4. A total of 242 participants completed the study. No time-by-group effect was observed for bowel movement frequency (BMF), Bristol stool scale score (BSS), and degree of defecation straining (DDS), while BSS showed mean increases of 0.95-1.05 in group A to D (all P < 0.05), but not significantly changed in placebo (P = 0.170), and 4-week change of BSS showed similarly superior effects of the interventions as compared placebo. Group D showed a marginal reduction in plasma 5-hydroxytryptamine. Group A resulted in a higher Bifidobacterium abundance than placebo at week 2 and 4. Fourteen genera showed intervention-specific increasing or decreasing trends continuously, among which Anaerostipes showed increasing trends in groups B and C, associated with BMF increase. Random forest models identified specific baseline microbial genera panels predicting intervention responders. In conclusion, we found that the dietary fibers or probiotics may relieve hard stool, with intervention-specific changes in gut microbiota relevant to constipation relief. Baseline gut microbiota may predispose the intervention responsiveness. ClincialTrials.gov number, NCT04667884. What is the context?Supplementation of dietary fibers, such as psyllium husk or wheat bran (10 ~ 15 g/day) may relieve constipation symptoms, but bloating and flatulence are major concerns on a high fiber intake.Functional constipation patients had alternated gut microbiota profiles, while meta-analysis suggested that multispecies probiotics may increase bowel movement frequency and relieve hard stool in functional constipation.Dietary fibers or probiotics may lead to before-after changes of gut microbiota in patients with functional constipation, but time-series continued changes of gut microbiota during the intervention are unknown.Elevation of 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis in enterochromaffin cells may affect bowel movement. And the elevated plasma 5-hydroxytryptamine was observed in functional constipation patients.What is new? Daily supplement of three prebiotic formulas with dietary fibers (polydextrose, psyllium husk, wheat bran, together with oligosaccharides), or a probiotic formula with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 + Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 effectively relieved hard stool in functional constipation patients after 4 weeks intervention.We identified continued increasing or decreasing gut microbial genera over the intervention. Dietary fiber – gut microbiota (Anaerostipes)—constipation relieve (bowel movement frequency) evidence axis was identified in this human trial.Probiotic supplementation marginally reduced plasma 5-hydroxytryptamine, possibly associated with changes in BMF-related gut microbial genera.Intervention-specific baseline gut microbiota well predicted the responsiveness of constipation symptom relief.What is the impact? We provided references for the dosage and duration of dietary fiber/probiotics recommendations for adults with functional constipation, and advanced the microbial genera evidences of the fibers/probiotics-microbiota-laxation theory in humans.
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High-fiber diet ameliorates gut microbiota, serum metabolism and emotional mood in type 2 diabetes patients.
Chen, L, Liu, B, Ren, L, Du, H, Fei, C, Qian, C, Li, B, Zhang, R, Liu, H, Li, Z, et al
Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology. 2023;13:1069954
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Accumulating studies have demonstrated that there are strong correlations between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gut microbiota. A nutritious diet composed of an adequate level of dietary fibres could provide enough carbohydrates for the gut microbiota to ferment, and the microbial metabolites could provide energy supply and regulate the immune function of the host. The aim of this study was to analyse the changes in gut microbiota, serum metabolism and emotional mood of patients with T2DM after consumption of a high-fibre diet. This study was a randomised, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial in T2DM patients with a 4-week treatment period. Seventeen patients clinically diagnosed with T2DM enrolled in the clinical trial and were randomly assigned into two groups: the control group (n = 8) or the intervention group (n = 9). Results showed that the high-fibre diet (compared to the control group): - improved glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism of participants with T2DM; - decreased serum levels of inflammatory chemokines in participants with T2DM; - alleviated depression and anxiety symptoms, particularly by the uptake of more diverse carbohydrates in the diet in participants with T2DM; - enhanced the diversity of gut microbiota in the treatment group. Authors conclude that the dietary source of fibre demonstrated protective impacts on the gut ecosystem, and the alteration of the gut microbiota composition improved the glucose homeostasis in patients with T2DM.
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often had the problems of fecal microbiota dysbiosis, and were usually accompanied with psychiatric comorbidities (such as depression and anxiety). Here, we conducted a randomized clinical study to analyze the changes in gut microbiota, serum metabolism and emotional mood of patients with T2DM after consumption of a high-fiber diet. The glucose homeostasis of participants with T2DM was improved by the high-fiber diet, and the serum metabolome, systemic inflammation and psychiatric comorbidities were also altered. The increased abundances of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Akkermansias revealed that the proportions of beneficial gut microbes were enriched by the high-fiber diet, while the abundances of Desulfovibrio, Klebsiella and other opportunistic pathogens were decreased. Therefore, the current study demonstrated that the intestinal microbiota alterations which were influenced by the high-fiber diet could improve the serum metabolism and emotional mood of patients with T2DM.
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Nutritional intervention for diabetes mellitus with Alzheimer's disease.
Li, Z, Li, S, Xiao, Y, Zhong, T, Yu, X, Wang, L
Frontiers in nutrition. 2022;9:1046726
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Diabetes Mellitus (DM) affects more than 463 million people worldwide. Similarly, the number of deaths related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has increased by 145%. There are several common risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes and AD, including obesity, insulin resistance, and ageing, as well as common pathological mechanisms, including altered insulin signalling, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, formation of glycated proteins and metabolic syndrome. This review aims to summarize the therapeutic effects of different nutritional therapy strategies on the reduction of DM and AD risk. Controlling blood sugar levels and reducing calorie intake is crucial to preventing diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, and Mediterranean diets have been found to improve glucose control in people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition, MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) and a ketogenic diet may improve cognition in AD patients. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium probiotics, and prebiotics, such as inulin, may inhibit the progression of T2D and AD diseases by suppressing inflammation and modulating gut microbes. In addition, vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, folate, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, and polyphenols may improve cognitive decline, homocysteine levels, and insulin resistance in AD and T2D patients. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this review to understand the beneficial effects of dietary strategies and multi-nutrient supplementation on DM and AD. However, further robust studies are required to investigate the risk factors and underlying mechanisms behind DM-combined AD progression.
Abstract
The combined disease burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing, and the two diseases share some common pathological changes. However, the pharmacotherapeutic approach to this clinical complexity is limited to symptomatic rather than disease-arresting, with the possible exception of metformin. Whether nutritional intervention might extend or synergize with these effects of metformin is of interest. In particular, dietary patterns with an emphasis on dietary diversity shown to affect cognitive function are of growing interest in a range of food cultural settings. This paper presents the association between diabetes and AD. In addition, the cross-cultural nutritional intervention programs with the potential to mitigate both insulin resistance (IR) and hyperglycemia, together with cognitive impairment are also reviewed. Both dietary patterns and nutritional supplementation showed the effects of improving glycemic control and reducing cognitive decline in diabetes associated with AD, but the intervention specificity remained controversial. Multi-nutrient supplements combined with diverse diets may have preventive and therapeutic potential for DM combined with AD, at least as related to the B vitamin group and folate-dependent homocysteine (Hcy). The nutritional intervention has promise in the prevention and management of DM and AD comorbidities, and more clinical studies would be of nutritional scientific merit.
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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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A cross-sectional study: Associations between sarcopenia and clinical characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Cui, M, Gang, X, Wang, G, Xiao, X, Li, Z, Jiang, Z, Wang, G
Medicine. 2020;99(2):e18708
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Sarcopenia is characterised by the loss of muscle mass, decrease of muscle strength and decline of physical performance and is related to reduced physical ability, impaired cardiorespiratory function, disability and death in the elderly. Type 2 diabetics are at higher risk of developing sarcopenia. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate clinical characteristics of sarcopenia in elderly type 2 diabetics in the Northeast of China. 132 participants completed the study which was based on self-reported medical and lifestyle history, and clinical evaluations including measurements of weight, height and muscle strength, imaging to establish sarcopenia and blood tests. 28.8% of participants had sarcopenia. Age, increased truncal fat mass and increased free thyroxine increased the risk of sarcopenia, whilst regular exercise, being female, taking metformin, a higher body mass index and increased trunk skeletal mass were associated with a lower risk of sarcopenia. The authors point out that limitations include the small sample size and that, as this is a cross-sectional study, cause and effect cannot be established.
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome and it impairs physical function. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at a higher risk of sarcopenia. The purpose of this study is to explore characteristics of general information and metabolic factors of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM in the northeast of China, and provide information for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in clinical practice.Patients with T2DM aged ≥65 were recruited in Changchun from March 2017 to February 2018. Questionnaires of general information, physical examination, laboratory and imaging examination were conducted. The patients were assigned into sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenia group according to the diagnostic criteria proposed by Asian working group for sarcopenia (AWGS), and the differences between 2 groups were analyzed.A total of 132 participants were included in this study, of which, 38 (28.8%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. 94 (71.2%) were with no sarcopenia. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR: 1.182, 95%CI: 1.038-1.346), trunk fat mass (TFM) (OR: 1.499, 95%CI: 1.146-1.960) and free thyroxine (FT4) (OR: 1.342, 95%CI: 1.102-1.635) were independent risk factors for sarcopenia. BMI (body mass index) (OR: 0.365, 95%CI: 0.236-0.661), exercise (OR: 0.016, 95%CI: 0.001-0.169), female (OR: 0.000, 95%CI: 0.00-0.012), metformin (OR: 0.159, 95%CI: 0.026-0.967) and TSM (trunk skeletal muscle mass) (OR: 0.395, 95%CI: 0.236-0.661) were protective factors for sarcopenia.Sarcopenia in patients with T2DM is associated with increased age, increased TFM and increased FT4 level. Regular exercise, female, metformin administrations, high BMI and increased TSM are associated with lower risk of sarcopenia.
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Mixed Spices at Culinary Doses Have Prebiotic Effects in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study.
Lu, QY, Rasmussen, AM, Yang, J, Lee, RP, Huang, J, Shao, P, Carpenter, CL, Gilbuena, I, Thames, G, Henning, SM, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(6)
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An increasing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota has a profound impact on human health. While the microbiome of a healthy individual is relatively stable, gut microbial dynamics can be influenced by host lifestyle and dietary choices. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mixed spices (cinnamon, oregano, ginger, black pepper, and cayenne pepper) at culinary doses consumed over 2 weeks in a standardized 5g capsule on the production of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids The study is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study carried out with a total of 31 healthy women and men aged between 18 and 65. The subjects were randomly allocated to one of the two intervention groups. Results indicate that daily intake of 5g of mixed spices for 2 weeks in healthy subjects resulted in a significant reduction in the relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes (bacteria), and a trend of increasing in phylum Bacteroidetes (bacteria) as compared with a matched control group. Authors conclude that a mixture of spices at culinary doses affects the composition of gut microbiota.
Abstract
Spices were used as food preservatives prior to the advent of refrigeration, suggesting the possibility of effects on microbiota. Previous studies have shown prebiotic activities in animals and in vitro, but there has not been a demonstration of prebiotic or postbiotic effects at culinary doses in humans. In this randomized placebo-controlled study, we determined in twenty-nine healthy adults the effects on the gut microbiota of the consumption daily of capsules containing 5 g of mixed spices at culinary doses by comparison to a matched control group consuming a maltodextrin placebo capsule. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing data were used for microbial characterization. Spice consumption resulted in a significant reduction in Firmicutes abundance (p < 0.033) and a trend of enrichment in Bacteroidetes (p < 0.097) compared to placebo group. Twenty-six operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were different between the spice and placebo groups after intervention. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between fecal short-chain fatty acid propionate concentration and Firmicutes abundance in spice intervention group (p < 0.04). The production of individual fecal short-chain fatty acid was not significantly changed by spice consumption in this study. Mixed spices consumption significantly modified gut microbiota, suggesting a prebiotic effect of spice consumption at culinary doses.