@article {pmid40166311,
year = {2025},
author = {Inglis, LK and Grigson, SR and Roach, MJ and Edwards, RA},
title = {Prophages as a source of antimicrobial resistance genes in the human microbiome.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.03.19.644263},
pmid = {40166311},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Prophages-viruses that integrate into bacterial genomes-are ubiquitous in the microbial realm. Prophages contribute significantly to horizontal gene transfer, including the potential spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, because they can collect host genes. Understanding their role in the human microbiome is essential for fully understanding AMR dynamics and possible clinical implications. We analysed almost 15,000 bacterial genomes for prophages and AMR genes. The bacteria were isolated from diverse human body sites and geographical regions, and their genomes were retrieved from GenBank. AMR genes were detected in 6.6% of bacterial genomes, with a higher prevalence in people with symptomatic diseases. We found a wide variety of AMR genes combating multiple drug classes. We discovered AMR genes previously associated with plasmids, such as blaOXA-23 in Acinetobacter baumannii prophages or genes found in prophages in species they had not been previously described in, such as mefA-msrD in Gardnerella prophages, suggesting prophage-mediated gene transfer of AMR genes. Prophages encoding AMR genes were found at varying frequencies across body sites and geographical regions, with Asia showing the highest diversity of AMR genes.

IMPORTANCE: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to public health, and understanding how resistance genes spread between bacteria is essential for controlling their dissemination. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, have been recognised as potential vehicles for transferring these resistance genes, but their role in the human microbiome remains poorly understood. We examined nearly 15,000 bacterial genomes from various human body sites and regions worldwide to investigate how often prophages carry AMR genes in the human microbiome. Although AMR genes were uncommon in prophages, we identified diverse resistance genes across multiple bacterial species and drug classes, including some typically associated with plasmids. These findings reveal that prophages may contribute to the spread of resistance genes, highlighting an overlooked mechanism in the dynamics of AMR transmission. Ongoing monitoring of prophages is critical to fully understanding the pathways through which resistance genes move within microbial communities and impact human health.},
}

@article {pmid40166302,
year = {2025},
author = {Walker, AR and Pham, DN and Noeparvar, P and Peterson, AM and Lipp, MK and Lemos, JA and Zeng, L},
title = {FRUCTOSE ACTIVATES A STRESS RESPONSE SHARED BY METHYLGLYOXAL AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2024.10.26.620100},
pmid = {40166302},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Fructose catabolism by Streptococcus mutans is initiated by three PTS transporters yielding either fructose-1-phoshate (F-1-P) or fructose-6-phosphate (F-6-P). Deletion of one such F-1-P-generating PTS, fruI, has been shown to reduce the cariogenicity of S. mutans in rats fed a high-sucrose diet. Moreover, a recent study linked fructose metabolism in S. mutans to a reactive electrophile species (RES) methylglyoxal. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of exponentially grown S. mutans shocked with 50 mM fructose, 50 mM glucose, 5 mM methylglyoxal, or 0.5 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The results revealed a striking overlap between the fructose and methylglyoxal transcriptomes, totaling 176 genes, 61 of which were also shared with the H2O2 transcriptome. This core of 61 genes encompassed many of the same pathways affected by exposure to low pH or zinc intoxication. Consistent with these findings, fructose negatively impacted metal homeostasis of a mutant deficient in zinc expulsion and the growth of a mutant of the major oxidative stress regulator SpxA1. We further demonstrated the induction of the superoxide dismutase (sodA) and the fruRKI operon by different levels of fructose. Finally, fructose metabolism lowered culture pH at a faster pace, allowed better survival under acidic and nutrient-depleted conditions, and enhanced the competitiveness of S. mutans against Streptococcus sanguinis, although a moderated level of F-1-P might further boost some of these benefits. In conclusion, fructose metabolism is integrated into the stress core of S. mutans and regulates critical functions required for survival in both the oral cavity and during systemic infections. Importance. Fructose is a common monosaccharide in the biosphere, yet its overconsumption has been linked to various health problems in humans including insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic liver diseases. These effects are in large part attributed to the unique biochemical characteristics and metabolic responses associated with the degradation of fructose. Yet, an understanding of the effects of fructose on the physiology of bacteria and its implications to the human microbiome is severely lacking. Here we performed a series of analyses on the gene regulation of a dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans by exposing it to fructose and other important stress agents. Further supported by growth, persistence, and competition assays, our findings revealed the ability of fructose to activate a set of cellular functions that may prove critical to the ability of the bacterium to persist and cause diseases both within and without of the oral cavity.},
}

@article {pmid40162761,
year = {2025},
author = {Jung, M and Boutin, S and Simon, MM and Frese, C},
title = {Comparative analysis of oral microbiome in molar-incisor-hypomineralization vs healthy age-matched controls.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0289724},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02897-24},
pmid = {40162761},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Molar-incisor-hypomineralization (MIH) is one of the most challenging dental diseases in children. While the association of oral microbiomes with caries and periodontitis has been studied thoroughly, limited data on the microbial composition in MIH and its clinical significance exist. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the supragingival plaque microbiome between children and adolescents affected by MIH and a healthy age-matched control group. Ninety-five patients aged 7-17 years were recruited at the Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University Hospital. The final sample included 29 participants with a confirmed diagnosis of MIH, treated preventively and restoratively, and 35 orally healthy controls. Clinical data were obtained, and supragingival plaque samples were collected using OMNIgene ORAL OMR-110 (DNA Genotek Inc.), followed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The microbiome composition was analyzed using α-diversity (Shannon index) and evenness (Pielou index), with group differences assessed using permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and MaAsLin2. The overall microbiome composition showed mostly similarities between both groups (PERMANOVA: R[2] = 0.019, P-value = 0.287), indicating no major dysbiosis. However, a significant decrease in α-diversity and evenness was observed with an increasing number of MIH-affected teeth. Pronounced positive correlations were found between ASV0055 (Streptococcus spp.), caries experience, and MIH severity. ASV0100 (Mannheimia sp.) increased significantly with the increasing number of MIH-affected teeth, whereas ASV0053 (Bergeyella sp.) decreased with higher caries experience. In summary, the oral microbiome of children and adolescents with MIH exhibits no significant differences from healthy children and adolescents of the same age group. Depending on MIH severity, the presence of early plaque-forming species and cariogenic biofilm may increase, requiring intensive, tailored preventive care and appropriate restorative treatment to achieve microbial homeostasis.

IMPORTANCE: Molar-incisor-hypomineralization (MIH) represents a significant burden for affected children and adolescents, playing an increasingly important role in pediatric dentistry worldwide. Despite its high global prevalence, data on the microbiome of MIH patients remains limited. This study is the first to compare the oral microbiome composition of MIH patients with a healthy control group, making a significant contribution to pediatric dentistry and microbiology. Our results indicate that the oral microbiome of children with MIH is similar to that of healthy children of the same age. Although this structural anomaly predisposes patients to caries, effective preventive and restorative treatments can help maintain microbial homeostasis. However, MIH-affected children remain high-risk patients, as the disease severity may reduce microbial diversity. Furthermore, the increased abundance of Streptococcus spp. in MIH patients indicates a higher caries susceptibility, emphasizing the need for targeted dental care focusing on plaque control and topical fluoride use.},
}

@article {pmid40161742,
year = {2025},
author = {Wong, MK and Armstrong, E and Heirali, AA and Schneeberger, PHH and Chen, H and Cochrane, K and Sherriff, K and Allen-Vercoe, E and Siu, LL and Spreafico, A and Coburn, B},
title = {Assessment of ecological fidelity of human microbiome-associated mice in observational studies and an interventional trial.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.03.11.642547},
pmid = {40161742},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Composition and function of the gut microbiome is associated with diverse health conditions and treatment responses. Human microbiota-associated (HMA) mouse models are used to establish causal links for these associations but have important limitations. We assessed the fidelity of HMA mouse models to recapitulate ecological responses to a microbial consortium using stools collected from a human clinical trial. HMA mice were generated using different routes of consortium exposure and their ecological features were compared to human donors by metagenomic sequencing. HMA mice were more similar in gut composition to other mice than their respective human donors, with taxa including Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides species enriched in mouse recipients. A limited repertoire of microbes was able to engraft into HMA mice regardless of route of consortium exposure. In publicly available HMA mouse datasets from four distinct health conditions, we confirmed our observation that a taxonomically restricted set of microbes reproducibly engrafts in HMA mice and observed that stool microbiome composition of HMA mice were more like other mice than their human donor. Our data suggest that HMA mice are limited models to assess the ecological impact of microbial consortia, with ecological effects in HMA mice being more strongly associated with host species than donor stool ecology or ecological responses to treatment in humans. Comparisons to published studies suggest this may be due to comparatively large host-species effects that overwhelm ecological effects of treatment in humans that HMA models aim to recapitulate.

IMPORTANCE: Human microbiota-associated (HMA) mice are models that better represent human gut ecology compared to conventional laboratory mice and are commonly used to test the effect of the gut microbiome on disease or treatment response. We evaluated the fidelity of using HMA mice as avatars of ecological response to a human microbial consortium, MET4. Our results show that HMA mice in our cohort and across other published studies are more similar to each other than the human donors or inoculum they are derived from and harbour a taxonomically restricted gut microbiome. These findings highlight the limitations of HMA mice in evaluating the ecological effects of complex human microbiome-targeting interventions, such as microbial consortia.},
}

@article {pmid40158322,
year = {2025},
author = {Hamza, M and Wang, S and Liu, Y and Li, K and Zhu, M and Chen, L},
title = {Unraveling the potential of bioengineered microbiome-based strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {296},
number = {},
pages = {128156},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128156},
pmid = {40158322},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {The human microbiome plays a pivotal role in the field of cancer immunotherapy. The microbial communities that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the bacterial populations within tumors, have been identified as key modulators of therapeutic outcomes, affecting immune responses and reprogramming the tumor microenvironment. Advances in synthetic biology have made it possible to reprogram and engineer these microorganisms to improve antitumor activity, enhance T-cell function, and enable targeted delivery of therapies to neoplasms. This review discusses the role of the microbiome in modulating both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms-ranging from the initiation of cytokine production and antigen presentation to the regulation of immune checkpoints-and discusses how these mechanisms improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. We highlight significant advances with bioengineered strains like Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, Lactococcus lactis, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides, which have shown promising antitumor efficacy in preclinical models. These engineered microorganisms not only efficiently colonize tumor tissues but also help overcome resistance to standard therapies by reprogramming the local immune environment. Nevertheless, several challenges remain, such as the requirement for genetic stability, effective tumor colonization, and the control of potential safety issues. In the future, the ongoing development of genetic engineering tools and the optimization of bacterial delivery systems are crucial for the translation of microbiome-based therapies into the clinic. This review highlights the potential of bioengineered microbiota as an innovative, personalized approach in cancer immunotherapy, bringing hope for more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with advanced malignancies.},
}

@article {pmid40158141,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, Y and Aton, M and Zhu, Q and Lu, YY},
title = {Modeling microbiome-trait associations with taxonomy-adaptive neural networks.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {87},
pmid = {40158141},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {RGPIN-03270-2023//Canadian NSERC Discovery Grant/ ; RGPIN-03270-2023//Canadian NSERC Discovery Grant/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; *Microbiota ; Metagenomics/methods ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; Computer Simulation ; },
abstract = {The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms inhabiting the body, plays a critical role in human health. Investigating its association with host traits is essential for understanding its impact on various diseases. Although shotgun metagenomic sequencing technologies have produced vast amounts of microbiome data, analyzing such data is highly challenging due to its sparsity, noisiness, and high feature dimensionality. Here, we develop MIOSTONE, an accurate and interpretable neural network model for microbiome-disease association that simulates a real taxonomy by encoding the relationships among microbial features. The taxonomy-encoding architecture provides a natural bridge from variations in microbial taxa abundance to variations in traits, encompassing increasingly coarse scales from species to domains. MIOSTONE has the ability to determine whether taxa within the corresponding taxonomic group provide a better explanation in a data-driven manner. MIOSTONE serves as an effective predictive model, as it not only accurately predicts microbiome-trait associations across extensive simulated and real datasets but also offers interpretability for scientific discovery. Both attributes are crucial for facilitating in silico investigations into the biological mechanisms underlying such associations among microbial taxa. Video Abstract.},
}

Humans
*Neural Networks, Computer
*Microbiota
Metagenomics/methods
Bacteria/classification/genetics
Computer Simulation

@article {pmid40156096,
year = {2025},
author = {Patjas, A and Kantele, A},
title = {Travel to low- and middle-income countries and travellers' diarrhoea increase risk of mismatching antimicrobial therapy for urinary tract infection.},
journal = {Journal of travel medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jtm/taaf025},
pmid = {40156096},
issn = {1708-8305},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Travel to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), including those caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE). Focusing on international travel, we explored resistance profiles of urinary ESBL-PE and non-ESBL-PE isolates in a low antimicrobial resistance prevalence country and factors associated with UTI treatment failure.

METHODS: During 2015-19, we recruited 18-65-year-old individuals with recent ESBL-PE UTI and a respective cohort of those with non-ESBL-PE UTI to complete questionnaires on symptoms, antibiotic therapies, and treatment failure risk factors. We compared uropathogens' resistance profiles among patients with or without LMIC travel history and conducted multivariable analyses to identify factors contributing to mismatching antimicrobial treatment (uropathogen resistant to the initial antimicrobial used) and clinical failure.

RESULTS: Among non-ESBL-PE UTI patients (n = 187), trimethoprim resistance was more common in isolates from individuals with recent LMIC travel (8/19, 42.1%) compared to those without (30/167, 18.0%) (OR 3.3, CI95% 1.2-9.0). ESBL-PE isolates (n = 130) showed no differences in resistance profiles with respect to LMIC travel history.In the group non-ESBL-PE UTI, risk factors included microbiological mismatching recent LMIC travel (AOR 3.6, CI95% 1.0-12.7) and travellers' diarrhoea (AOR 7.1, CI95% 1.1-45.6); no factors were significantly associated with mismatching in the group ESBL-PE UTI. As risk factors for clinical failure, in the group non-ESBL-PE UTI, we identified microbiological mismatching (AOR 15.2, CI95% 4.0-57.9), and renal/bladder disease (AOR 5.2, CI95% 1.1-23.2), and in the group ESBL-PE UTI, microbiological mismatching (AOR 8.1, CI95% 2.6-24.7).

CONCLUSIONS: LMIC travel increases the risk of nonmatching empiric antimicrobials, concurring with increased trimethoprim resistance rates among the non-ESBL-PE isolates. Our data suggest that UTI patients with recent LMIC travel should not be empirically treated with trimethoprim and, when possible, urinary culturing is warranted.},
}

@article {pmid40155374,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, J and Zhang, D and Xu, Y and Zhang, J and Liu, R and Gao, Y and Shi, Y and Cai, P and Zhong, Z and He, B and Li, X and Zhou, H and Chen, M and Li, YX},
title = {Large-scale biosynthetic analysis of human microbiomes reveals diverse protective ribosomal peptides.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {3054},
pmid = {40155374},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {C7014-24GF//Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee (RGC, UGC)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Peptides/metabolism/chemistry ; *Microbiota ; *Ribosomes/metabolism ; *Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; Biofilms ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology ; Biological Products/metabolism ; Genome, Bacterial ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Ribosomal Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {The human microbiome produces diverse metabolites that influence host health, yet the chemical landscape of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs)-a versatile class of bioactive compounds-remains underexplored. Here, we conduct a large-scale biosynthetic analysis of 306,481 microbial genomes from human-associated microbiomes, uncovering a broad array of yet-to-be-discovered RiPPs. These RiPPs are distributed across various body sites but show a specific enrichment in the gut and oral microbiome. Big data omics analysis reveals that numerous RiPP families are inversely related to various diseases, suggesting their potential protective effects on health. For a proof of principle study, we apply the synthetic-bioinformatic natural product (syn-BNP) approach to RiPPs and chemically synthesize nine autoinducing peptides (AIPs) for in vitro and ex vivo assay. Our findings reveal that five AIPs effectively inhibit the biofilm formation of disease-associated pathogens. Furthermore, when ex vivo testing gut microbiota from mice with inflammatory bowel disease, we observe that two AIPs can regulate the microbial community and reduce harmful species. These findings highlight the vast potential of human microbial RiPPs in regulating microbial communities and maintaining human health, emphasizing their potential for therapeutic development.},
}

Humans
Animals
Mice
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Peptides/metabolism/chemistry
*Microbiota
*Ribosomes/metabolism
*Protein Processing, Post-Translational
Biofilms
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology
Biological Products/metabolism
Genome, Bacterial
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Ribosomal Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid40144639,
year = {2025},
author = {Sabu, P and Pathak, HB and Nissen, E and Chalise, P and Koestler, DC and Godwin, AK and Umar, S and Spoozak, L and Jewell, A and Mahoney, DE},
title = {Translational Implications of The Gut Microbiome in Women with A Benign or Malignant Pelvic Mass.},
journal = {Annals of obstetrics and gynecology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {40144639},
issn = {2641-6522},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The role of the gut microbiome in non-gastrointestinal cancers has generated growing interest in the field of gynecologic oncology. Our objective was to characterize the gut microbiome in women with a pelvic mass suspicious for ovarian cancer. We hypothesized that (1) women with a pelvic mass would have reduced gut microbiota bacterial diversity compared to healthy controls and (2) gut microbial diversity would differ between benign disease compared to ovarian cancer.

METHODS: In this case-control observational study, patients who presented with a suspicious pelvic mass were recruited from university affiliated gynecologic oncology clinics for fecal biospecimen donation. Fecal samples that were obtained from patients underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbial evaluation and statistical analysis. We used the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) Data Portal to compare gut microbiota profiles for our study to that of healthy female controls.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients with a pelvic mass were included ages 24-75 years. When comparing the gut microbiomes of these patients to 82 healthy females from the HMP Dataset, those with a pelvic mass had a significantly lower microbiota gut bacterial diversity. On the final pathology, 8 of the 15 patients with a suspicious pelvic mass had ovarian cancer and 7 had benign disease. Although not statistically significant, the alpha diversity was marginally reduced in patients with ovarian cancer compared to those with benign disease.

CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the necessity for validation in larger patient cohorts for clinical translation as a potential tool for disease diagnostics and disease prediction in diverse populations.},
}

@article {pmid40142442,
year = {2025},
author = {Fan, X and Lv, N and Quan, Z},
title = {Culturable Human Microorganisms and the Impact of Transportation Conditions on Cultivability.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13030549},
pmid = {40142442},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2021YFA1301000//the National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2017SHZDZX01//Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project/ ; 32470099//the National Natural Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The composition of the human microbiome is a critical health indicator, and culture-independent methodologies have substantially advanced our understanding of human-associated microorganisms. However, precise identification and characterization of microbial strains require culture-based techniques. Recently, the resurgence of culturomics, combined with high-throughput sequencing technology, has reduced the high labor demand of pure culture methods, facilitating a more efficient and comprehensive acquisition of culturable microbial strains. This study employed an integrated approach combining culturomic and high-throughput sequencing to identify culturable microorganisms on the human scalp and in human saliva and feces. Several Staphylococcus strains were identified from the scalp, whereas anaerobic microorganisms were dominant in the saliva and fecal samples. Additionally, the study highlighted the beneficial effects of transportation conditions (liquid nitrogen treatment, dry ice transport, and dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] buffer) in preserving culturable microorganisms. A robust methodology was developed for the large-scale acquisition of culturable microorganisms with optimized transport conditions that enhance the potential for isolating a greater diversity of culturable strains.},
}

@article {pmid40140901,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, Y and Cheng, R and Lin, H and Li, L and Jia, Y and Philips, A and Zuo, T and Zhang, H},
title = {Gut virome and its implications in the pathogenesis and therapeutics of inflammatory bowel disease.},
journal = {BMC medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {183},
pmid = {40140901},
issn = {1741-7015},
support = {2023YFS0279//Sichuan Science and Technology Program/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy/microbiology/virology ; *Virome ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to chronic, recurrent inflammatory intestinal disorders, primarily including Crohn's disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC). Numerous studies have elucidated the importance of the gut microbiome in IBD. Recently, numerous studies have focused on the gut virome, an intriguing and enigmatic aspect of the gut microbiome. Alterations in the composition of phages, eukaryotic viruses, and human endogenous retroviruses that occur in IBD suggest potential involvement of the gut virome in IBD. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which it maintains intestinal homeostasis and interacts with diseases are only beginning to be understood. Here, we thoroughly reviewed the composition of the gut virome in both healthy individuals and IBD patients, emphasizing the key viruses implicated in the onset and progression of IBD. Furthermore, the complex connections between the gut virome and the intestinal barrier, immunity, and gut microbiome were dissected to advance the interpretation of IBD pathogenesis. The updated discussion of the evidence regarding the gut virome will advance our knowledge in gut virome and chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Targeting the gut virome is a promising avenue for IBD treatment in future.},
}

Humans
*Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy/microbiology/virology
*Virome
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome

@article {pmid40140341,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodolfi, S and Selmi, C},
title = {Environmental factors and rheumatic diseases.},
journal = {Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102053},
doi = {10.1016/j.berh.2025.102053},
pmid = {40140341},
issn = {1532-1770},
abstract = {The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases is complex and relies on the interaction of different factors. The common view is that the pathological autoimmunity develops in genetically predisposed individuals upon exposure to an environmental trigger. This highlights the importance of recognizing and deconstructing the effects of environmental agents in rheumatic diseases. Several factors have been identified in the last decades, with detrimental or protective effects, impacting not only on disease onset, but also on its natural history. Cigarette smoking has been identified as one of the strongest environmental risk factors, being associated with disease development and severity for several rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and spondyloarthropathies. Moreover, other airborne pollutants, such as silica, solvents, asbestos and metals are recognized risk factors for rheumatic diseases. The effect of some other agents is however not straightforward, of which a remarkable example is alcohol consumption. Alcohol has been associated with both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, exerting a variable effect on rheumatic diseases depending on quantity and frequency of consumption, as well as sex and ethnicity. Similarly, ultraviolet light exposure has been associated with a higher risk of SLE but lower risk of RA. The relationship between microbial exposure and autoimmunity is also complex: while some infectious agents increase the risk of rheumatic diseases, it is widely accepted that less exposure to microbial agents, particularly during immune system development, increases the risk of autoimmunity. Furthermore, in recent years the spotlight has switched to the human microbiome, as alterations in organ-specific microbiome composition are anticipated to be early participants in the onset of immune-mediated illnesses. The aim of this review is to highlight the most relevant environmental factors and their role in Rheumatology, with a specific focus on proposed pathophysiological effect and correlation with clinical outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40137778,
year = {2025},
author = {Papamentzelopoulou, M and Pitiriga, VC},
title = {Unlocking the Interactions Between the Whole-Body Microbiome and HPV Infection: A Literature Review.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens14030293},
pmid = {40137778},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Humans ; *Papillomavirus Infections/immunology/virology ; *Microbiota/physiology ; Female ; Papillomaviridae/genetics ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology/immunology/microbiology ; Dysbiosis/immunology ; },
abstract = {The human microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining human homeostasis, acting as a key regulator of host immunity and defense mechanisms. However, dysbiotic microbial communities may cause disruption of the symbiotic relationship between the host and the local microbiota, leading to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including viral infections and cancers. One of the most common infectious agents causing cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV), which accounts for more than 90% of cervical cancers. In most cases, the host immune system is activated and clears HPV, whereas in some cases, the infection persists and can lead to precancerous lesions. Over the last two decades, the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and bioinformatics has allowed a thorough and in-depth analysis of the microbial composition in various anatomical niches, allowing researchers to unveil the interactions and the underlying mechanisms through which the human microbiota could affect HPV infection establishment, persistence, and progression. Accordingly, the present narrative review aims to shed light on our understanding of the role of the human microbiome in the context of HPV infection and its progression, mainly to cervical cancer. Furthermore, we explore the mechanisms by which the composition and balance of microbial communities exert potential pathogenic or protective effects, leading to either HPV persistence and disease outcomes or clearance. Special interest is given to how the microbiome can modulate host immunity to HPV infection. Lastly, we summarize the latest findings on the therapeutic efficacy of probiotics and prebiotics in preventing and/or treating HPV infections and the potential of vaginal microbiota transplantation while highlighting the significance of personalized medicine approaches emerging from NGS-based microbiome profiling and artificial intelligence (AI) for the optimal management of HPV-related diseases.},
}

Humans
*Papillomavirus Infections/immunology/virology
*Microbiota/physiology
Female
Papillomaviridae/genetics
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology/immunology/microbiology
Dysbiosis/immunology

@article {pmid40137432,
year = {2025},
author = {Ziogou, A and Giannakodimos, I and Giannakodimos, A and Mitakidi, E and Charalampakis, N and Ioannou, P},
title = {Primary Actinomycosis of the Stomach: A Review of the Literature for A Rare Entity.},
journal = {Journal of personalized medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jpm15030116},
pmid = {40137432},
issn = {2075-4426},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Primary gastric actinomycosis is extremely rare and only a limited number of cases are published in the literature. Actinomycosis is caused by anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria; these microorganisms are members of the normal human microbiome and occasionally lead to infection, especially in immunocompromised patients or patients subjected to abdominal surgery. Advances in personalized medicine, including tailored antimicrobial therapy based on individual patient profiles, may enhance treatment efficacy and reduce unnecessary interventions. Methods: A review was performed through a literature search of the PubMed/MedLine and Scopus databases. Results: A total of 27 patients were included, 15 males (55.56%) and 12 (44.44%) females, with a mean age of 55.11 ± 17.48 years. Among the included patients, 25.93% had a history of abdominal surgery. Abdominal pain (73.08%), weight loss (40.74%), nausea or vomiting (30.77%) and fever (19.23%) constitute the most commonly reported clinical manifestations. Endoscopy (59.26%), computed tomography (48.15%), ultrasonography (22.22%) and magnetic resonance imaging (11.11%) assisted in indicating the primary lesion. Diagnosis was achieved preoperatively in 66.66% of patients, via endoscopy and biopsy (51.85%) or via cultures (14.81%), while nine cases (33.33%) were diagnosed postoperatively. The therapeutic approaches included antimicrobial administration (32%), surgery (24%) or both (44%). The most widely used antimicrobial was penicillin (77.78%) and the mean duration of antimicrobial treatment was 5.85 months. The protocol for this review was registered in Prospero (ID:CRD42025649532). Conclusions: Due to the divergent clinical presentation of primary gastric actinomycosis, clinicians should be aware of this rare entity in order to establish diagnosis in a timely manner and provide prompt and effective treatment.},
}

@article {pmid40128848,
year = {2025},
author = {Byrne, SR and DeMott, MS and Yuan, Y and Ghanegolmohammadi, F and Kaiser, S and Fox, JG and Alm, EJ and Dedon, PC},
title = {Temporal dynamics and metagenomics of phosphorothioate epigenomes in the human gut microbiome.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {81},
pmid = {40128848},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {T32-ES007020//NIEHS Training Grant in Environmental Toxicology/ ; R01-OD028099-01//NIH Transformative Award/ ; R01-OD028099-01//NIH Transformative Award/ ; P30-ES002109//NIEHS Core Center Grant/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Feces/microbiology ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; Mice ; Animals ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Epigenome ; Female ; Male ; Phosphates/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Epigenetic regulation of gene expression and host defense is well established in microbial communities, with dozens of DNA modifications comprising the epigenomes of prokaryotes and bacteriophage. Phosphorothioation (PT) of DNA, in which a chemically reactive sulfur atom replaces a non-bridging oxygen in the sugar-phosphate backbone, is catalyzed by dnd and ssp gene families widespread in bacteria and archaea. However, little is known about the role of PTs or other microbial epigenetic modifications in the human microbiome. Here we optimized and applied fecal DNA extraction, mass spectrometric, and metagenomics technologies to characterize the landscape and temporal dynamics of gut microbes possessing PT modifications.

RESULTS: Exploiting the nuclease-resistance of PTs, mass spectrometric analysis of limit digests of PT-containing DNA reveals PT dinucleotides as part of genomic consensus sequences, with 16 possible dinucleotide combinations. Analysis of mouse fecal DNA revealed a highly uniform spectrum of 11 PT dinucleotides in all littermates, with PTs estimated to occur in 5-10% of gut microbes. Though at similar levels, PT dinucleotides in fecal DNA from 11 healthy humans possessed signature combinations and levels of individual PTs. Comparison with a widely distributed microbial epigenetic mark, m[6]dA, suggested temporal dynamics consistent with expectations for gut microbial communities based on Taylor's Power Law. Application of PT-seq for site-specific metagenomic analysis of PT-containing bacteria in one fecal donor revealed the larger consensus sequences for the PT dinucleotides in Bacteroidota, Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes), Actinomycetota (formerly Actinobacteria), and Pseudomonadota (formerly Proteobacteria), which differed from unbiased metagenomics and suggested that the abundance of PT-containing bacteria did not simply mirror the spectrum of gut bacteria. PT-seq further revealed low abundance PT sites not detected as dinucleotides by mass spectrometry, attesting to the complementarity of the technologies. Video Abstract CONCLUSIONS: The results of our studies provide a benchmark for understanding the behavior of an abundant and chemically reactive epigenetic mark in the human gut microbiome, with implications for inflammatory conditions of the gut.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Metagenomics/methods
*Feces/microbiology
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism
Mice
Animals
Epigenesis, Genetic
Epigenome
Female
Male
Phosphates/metabolism

@article {pmid40122597,
year = {2025},
author = {Su, R and Wen, W and Jin, Y and Cao, Z and Feng, Z and Chen, J and Lu, Y and Zhou, G and Dong, C and Gao, S and Li, X and Zhang, H and Chao, K and Lan, P and Wu, X and Philips, A and Li, K and Gao, X and Zhang, F and Zuo, T},
title = {Dietary whey protein protects against Crohn's disease by orchestrating cross-kingdom interaction between the gut phageome and bacteriome.},
journal = {Gut},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/gutjnl-2024-334516},
pmid = {40122597},
issn = {1468-3288},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut microbiome and diet are important factors in the pathogenesis and management of Crohn's disease (CD). However, the role of the gut phageome under dietary influences is unknown.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to explore the effect of diet on the gut phageome-bacteriome interaction linking to CD protection.

DESIGN: We recruited CD patients and healthy subjects (n=140) and conducted a multiomics investigation, including paired ileal mucosa phageome and bacteriome profiling, dietary survey and phenome interrogation. We screened for the effect of diet on the gut phageome and bacteriome, as well as its epidemiological association with CD risks. The underlying mechanisms were explored in target phage-bacteria monocultures and cocultures in vitro and in two mouse models in vivo.

RESULTS: On dietary screening in humans, whey protein (WP) consumption was found to profoundly impact the gut phageome and bacteriome (more pronounced on the phageome) and was associated with a lower CD risk. Indeed, the WP reshaped gut phageome can causally attenuate intestinal inflammation, as shown by faecal phageome versus bacteriome transplantation from WP-consuming versus WP-non-consuming mice to recipient mice. Mechanistically, WP induced phage (a newly isolated phage AkkZT003P herein) lysis of the mucin-foraging bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila, which unleashed the symbiotic bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus to counteract intestinal inflammation.

CONCLUSION: Our study charted the importance of cross-kingdom interaction between gut phage and bacteria in mediating the dietary effect on CD protection. Importantly, we uncovered a beneficial dietary WP, a keystone phage AkkZT003P, and a probiotic S. thermophilus that can be used in CD management in the future.},
}

@article {pmid40120775,
year = {2025},
author = {Onali, T and Slabá, H and Jian, C and Koivumäki, T and Päivärinta, E and Marttinen, M and Määttänen, M and Salonen, A and Pajari, AM},
title = {Berry supplementation in healthy volunteers modulates gut microbiota, increases fecal polyphenol metabolites and reduces viability of colon cancer cells exposed to fecal water- a randomized controlled trial.},
journal = {The Journal of nutritional biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {109906},
doi = {10.1016/j.jnutbio.2025.109906},
pmid = {40120775},
issn = {1873-4847},
abstract = {SCOPE: Diets high in red and processed meat and low in plant-based foods are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. We investigated whether berry supplementation can impact gut metabolism to counteract the presumably cancer promoting luminal environment sustained by high red and processed meat consumption.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Altogether 43 healthy adults were randomized either into Meat group (150 g/d red and processed pork meat) or Meat & Berries group (150 g/d red and processed meat and 200 g/d of mixed berries). Fecal samples and 3-day food records were collected at baseline and at the end of the four-week intervention. Intakes of vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese, insoluble fibre, and the polyphenols available in the database were significantly higher in the Meat & Berries than Meat group. While between-group comparisons found no significant differences in the gut microbiota, the within-group analyses showed that the relative abundances of beneficial Roseburia and Faecalibacterium were decreased and an unclassified group of Peptostreptococcaceae increased significantly in the Meat group. In comparison to the Meat group, berry consumption resulted in higher fecal concentrations of p-coumaric and protocatechuic acids and lower viability of fecal water (FW) -treated CV1-P fibroblastoma and human colon adenocarcinoma HCA-7 and Caco-2 cells (P<0.05 with 30% FW).

CONCLUSIONS: Berry consumption provided protective nutrients and mitigated potentially unfavourable gut microbiota changes seen in the Meat group, increased fecal polyphenol metabolites, and reduced viability of FW-treated colon adenocarcinoma cells, collectively suggesting that berries may protect against colorectal cancer development.},
}

@article {pmid40120687,
year = {2025},
author = {Caffrey, EB and Perelman, D and Ward, CP and Sonnenburg, ED and Gardner, CD and Sonnenburg, JL},
title = {Unpacking food fermentation: Clinically relevant tools for fermented food identification and consumption.},
journal = {Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {100412},
doi = {10.1016/j.advnut.2025.100412},
pmid = {40120687},
issn = {2156-5376},
abstract = {Fermented foods have been consumed for millennia, valued for their extended shelf life, distinctive sensory properties, and potential health benefits. Emerging research suggests that fermented food consumption may contribute to gut microbiome diversity, immune modulation, and metabolic regulation; however, mechanistic insights and clinical validation remain limited. This review synthesizes current scientific evidence on the microbial and metabolite composition of fermented foods, their proposed health effects, and safety considerations for vulnerable populations. Additionally, we highlight the need for standardized definitions, serving sizes, and regulatory frameworks to enhance consumer transparency and research reproducibility. By providing a structured overview of existing data and knowledge gaps, this review establishes a foundation for integrating fermented foods into dietary recommendations and guiding future research directions. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: While fermented foods have demonstrated benefits to human health, the gap between scientific research and marketing claims, including lack of regulatory standards in labeling can be disorienting to consumers seeking these potential benefits. This review provides an updated perspective on the role of fermented foods in health, emphasizing clinically relevant tools, research opportunities, and labeling recommendations to guide their identification and use.},
}

@article {pmid40119445,
year = {2025},
author = {Niaz, H and Skurnik, M and Adnan, F},
title = {Genomic and proteomic characterization of four novel Schitoviridae family phages targeting uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain.},
journal = {Virology journal},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {83},
pmid = {40119445},
issn = {1743-422X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Genome, Viral ; *Uropathogenic Escherichia coli/virology/genetics ; *Host Specificity ; *Phylogeny ; *Proteomics ; Genomics ; Phage Therapy ; Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/virology ; Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology ; Coliphages/genetics/isolation & purification/ultrastructure/classification/physiology ; Wastewater/virology/microbiology ; Proteome ; Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/ultrastructure/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections in humans. Typically, antibiotic medication is used to treat UTIs, but over the time, growth of multidrug resistance among these bacteria has created a global public health issue that necessitates other treatment modalities, such as phage therapy.

METHODS: The UPEC strain PSU-5266 (UE-17) was isolated from human urine samples, while phages were obtained from wastewater. These phages were characterized through host range analysis, stability studies, adsorption assays, and electron microscopy. Additionally, genomic, phylogenetic, and proteomic analyses were conducted to provide further insights.

RESULTS: The current study describes the isolation and characterization of four Escherichia coli phages designated as UE-S5a, UE-S5b, UE-M3 and UE-M6. Bactericidal assays depicted that all bacteriophages exhibited a strong lytic ability against uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strain PSU-5266 (UE-17). The phages displayed a broad host range (31-41%) among 104 tested isolates and adsorption rate of 15-20 min. They were stable within pH range of 5-11 and temperature range of 4 to 55 °C. Electron microscopy showed that all phages have icosahedral heads (70-74 nm) and short non-contractile tails, thus exhibiting a podovirus morphology. Sequencing results showed that they have linear double stranded DNA, genome of 73 to 76 kb in length, with GC content of 42% and short direct terminal repeats. Their genomes contain 84-88 predicted genes with putative functions predicted to 42-48% of gene products. The phylogenetic and comparative genomic analysis results depicted that these phages, sharing > 98% sequence similarity, are new members of genus Gamaleyavirus of subfamily Enquatrovirinae, in the Schitoviridae family. Mass spectrometric analysis of purified phage particles identified 44-56 phage particle-associated proteins (PPAPs) belonging to various functional groups such as lysis proteins, structural proteins, DNA packaging related proteins, and proteins involved in replication, metabolism and regulation. In addition, no genes encoding virulence factors, antibiotic resistance or lysogeny factors were identified.

CONCLUSION: The overall findings suggest that these bacteriophages are potential candidates for phage therapy in treating UTIs caused by UPEC strains.},
}

Humans
*Genome, Viral
*Uropathogenic Escherichia coli/virology/genetics
*Host Specificity
*Phylogeny
*Proteomics
Genomics
Phage Therapy
Urinary Tract Infections/microbiology/virology
Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology
Coliphages/genetics/isolation & purification/ultrastructure/classification/physiology
Wastewater/virology/microbiology
Proteome
Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/ultrastructure/physiology

@article {pmid40119155,
year = {2025},
author = {Heidrich, V and Valles-Colomer, M and Segata, N},
title = {Human microbiome acquisition and transmission.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40119155},
issn = {1740-1534},
abstract = {As humans, we host personal microbiomes intricately connected to our biology and health. Far from being isolated entities, our microbiomes are dynamically shaped by microbial exchange with the surroundings, in lifelong microbiome acquisition and transmission processes. In this Review, we explore recent studies on how our microbiomes are transmitted, beginning at birth and during interactions with other humans and the environment. We also describe the key methodological aspects of transmission inference, based on the uniqueness of the building blocks of the microbiome - single microbial strains. A better understanding of human microbiome transmission will have implications for studies of microbial host regulation, of microbiome-associated diseases, and for effective microbiome-targeting strategies. Besides exchanging strains with other humans, there is also preliminary evidence we acquire microorganisms from animals and food, and thus a complete understanding of microbiome acquisition and transmission can only be attained by adopting a One Health perspective.},
}

@article {pmid40116497,
year = {2025},
author = {Moreland, RB and Choi, BI and Fontes Noronha, M and Baker, J and Kaindl, J and Wolfe, AJ},
title = {Complete genome sequence of Trueperella bernardiae strain UMB8254, isolated from the bladder of a female with metabolic syndrome and nephrolithiasis.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0126524},
doi = {10.1128/mra.01265-24},
pmid = {40116497},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Trueperella bernardiae is infrequently isolated, usually in polymicrobial communities, from human hosts with a wide variety of symptoms and diseases. Here, we report a complete genome sequence of Trueperella bernardiae (UMB8254), isolated from the bladder of a human female with metabolic syndrome and nephrolithiasis.},
}

@article {pmid40111698,
year = {2025},
author = {Vernon, JJ},
title = {Modulation of the Human Microbiome: Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Microbial Transplants.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1472},
number = {},
pages = {277-294},
pmid = {40111698},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Humans ; *Prebiotics/administration & dosage ; *Probiotics/therapeutic use ; *Microbiota/physiology ; Mouth/microbiology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/methods ; },
abstract = {The balance between health and disease is intrinsically linked to the interactions between microbial communities and the host. This complex environment of antagonism and synergy involves both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, whose collaborative metabolic pathways and immunomodulatory elements influence system homeostasis. As with the gut and other niches, the oral microbiome has the capacity to affect distal host sites. The ability to manipulate this environment holds the potential to impact local and systemic disease.With the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance, novel approaches to reduce the burden of disease are essential. The use of probiotics and prebiotics is one such strategy. Probiotics introduce non-pathogenic bacteria into the environment to compete with pathogens for nutrients and attachment sites, or to produce metabolites that counteract disease aetiologies. Prebiotic compounds enhance the growth of health-associated organisms, offering additional benefits, whilst a conjunctive approach with probiotics potentially holds even greater promise. Though widely studied in the gastrointestinal context, their potential for treating oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontitis, is less understood. Additionally, the use of microbial transplantations has demonstrated efficacy in other areas, reducing systemic inflammation and recolonising with commensal bacteria. Here we evaluate their use in the oral context and their modulatory impact on overall health.In this chapter, we discuss how pro- and prebiotic strategies seek to modulate both the oral and gut environments to promote oral health and prevent disease. We assess novel approaches for utilising health-associated microorganisms to combat oral disorders, either administered locally in the mouth or imparting influence through immune modulation via the oral-gut axis. By examining available clinical trial data, we aim to further understand the intricacies involved in this discipline. Furthermore, we consider the challenges facing the research community, including optimal candidate organism/compound selection and colonisation retention, as well as considerations for future research.},
}

Humans
*Prebiotics/administration & dosage
*Probiotics/therapeutic use
*Microbiota/physiology
Mouth/microbiology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/methods

@article {pmid40111686,
year = {2025},
author = {Colombo, APV and Lourenço, TGB and de Oliveira, AM and da Costa, ALA},
title = {Link Between Oral and Gut Microbiomes: The Oral-Gut Axis.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1472},
number = {},
pages = {71-87},
pmid = {40111686},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Mouth/microbiology ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Animals ; Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; },
abstract = {In the last decades, groundbreaking research on the human microbiome has changed our reductionist conception of the etiology and pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. As a result, we have come to appreciate the significance of a balanced microbiome in maintaining human health. In this context, the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) comprise the most abundant and diverse microbiotas of the human body. In addition to its diversity, functional redundancy, and temporal stability, a healthy GIT microbiome is characterized by its body site specificity. In fact, current evidence has indicated that the translocation of oral species to the gut environment through the oral-gut axis is increased in an array of illnesses, including chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. Oral pathogens have also been shown to promote gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation in animal models. Yet, some level of overlapping between oral and gut microbiomes may occur without disruption of these microbial communities and loss of site specificity. The uniqueness of each host-microbiome entity may hinder our ability to define a "universal" normal GIT microbiome. Despite that, this chapter summarizes the predominant health-related taxa along the human GIT, as well as their role in the physiology and immunity of the digestive system. Some mechanisms that may lead to disturbances and relevant shifts in the oral and gut microbiomes of major inflammatory chronic diseases are also pointed out. Lastly, oral-fecal microbial signatures are presented as potential biomarkers for several oral and systemic disorders. The recognition of such symbiotic/dysbiotic microbial profiles may provide insights into the development of more accurate early diagnosis and therapeutic ecological approaches to restore the balance of the GIT microbiome.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Mouth/microbiology
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
Animals
Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology

@article {pmid40111682,
year = {2025},
author = {Dame-Teixeira, N and Do, T and Deng, D},
title = {The Oral Microbiome and Us.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1472},
number = {},
pages = {3-9},
pmid = {40111682},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mouth/microbiology ; *Microbiota/physiology ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Periodontitis/microbiology ; Animals ; Oral Health ; },
abstract = {Oral and systemic human health depend on the symbiotic relationship between the human host and its microbiome. As the second most diverse site of the human microbiome, the oral cavity is instrumental in symbiotic relationships, transforming nutrients and acting as the human body's initial barrier against pathogens. However, under certain conditions, the typically beneficial oral microbiome can become harmful. Systemic inflammatory diseases can send signals through the oral-gut axis, such as cytokines and host defensins, altering gene expression and, consequently, the composition of the oral microbiome. These changes can be responsible for causing oral diseases, such as periodontitis and candidiasis. Evidence of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, exacerbates oral microbiome dysbiosis. On the other hand, the oral microbiota can also influence systemic health. Inflammatory processes in the gingival structures caused by a dysbiotic oral microbiome are linked to worsen glycemic levels in diabetics, premature birth, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others. The idea for this book emerged from the need to explore the multifaceted nature of this relationship in its various dimensions. We discuss multispecies characteristics from an ecological perspective, focusing on how the host affects the microbiome and vice versa. Understanding how the oral microbiome influences human health will guide tailored strategies for disease prevention and treatment, which is discussed in the last section of the book. Looking ahead, predictive health and disease models will enable personalized therapies centered on restoring the healthy human microbiome.},
}

Humans
*Mouth/microbiology
*Microbiota/physiology
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
Periodontitis/microbiology
Animals
Oral Health

@article {pmid40111647,
year = {2025},
author = {Choi, Y and Jeong, J and Kim, M and Cha, S and Han, K},
title = {Backtracking identification techniques for predicting unclear bacterial taxonomy at species level: molecular diagnosis-based bacterial classification.},
journal = {Genes & genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40111647},
issn = {2092-9293},
support = {RS-2024-00355393//National Institute for International Education/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial 16S rRNA genes are widely used to classify bacterial communities within interesting environments (e.g., plants, water, human body) because they contain nine hyper-variable regions (V1-V9) reflecting a large number of sequence variation sites between species. Short-read sequencing platform (targeting partial region of 16S rRNA gene; approximately 150-500 bp) commonly used in the 16S-based microbiome study is favored by many researchers because it is economical and can generate highthroughput sequencing data faster than long-read sequencing platforms. However, this sequencing platform has technical limitations in that it cannot clarify bacterial classification at the species level compared to long-read sequencing technology, which can cover the unclassification issue due to sequence similarity between species by targeting the 16S full-length region. In recent microbiome research-related industries, species-level high-resolution microbial classification is considered a key challenge to secure microbial resources among institutions in the field. However, the long-read sequencing platforms currently offered are still under price adjustment (demanding higher cost than short-read sequencing platforms) and have the disadvantage of low base-calling accuracy compared to short-read sequencing platforms. Therefore, this brief communication introduces the'Molecular diagnosis-based bacterial classification' technology to predict candidate species by backtracking for unclassified bacterial taxonomy at the species level in the NGS-based 16S microbiome study.},
}

@article {pmid40110560,
year = {2025},
author = {Adachi, A and Zhang, F and Kanaya, S and Ono, N},
title = {Quantifying uncertainty in microbiome-based prediction using Gaussian processes with microbial community dissimilarities.},
journal = {Bioinformatics advances},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {vbaf045},
pmid = {40110560},
issn = {2635-0041},
abstract = {SUMMARY: The human microbiome is closely associated with the health and disease of the human host. Machine learning models have recently utilized the human microbiome to predict health conditions and disease status. Quantifying predictive uncertainty is essential for the reliable application of these microbiome-based prediction models in clinical settings. However, uncertainty quantification in such prediction models remains unexplored. In this study, we have developed a probabilistic prediction model using a Gaussian process (GP) with a kernel function that incorporates microbial community dissimilarities. We evaluated the performance of probabilistic prediction across three regression tasks: chronological age, body mass index, and disease severity, using publicly available human gut microbiome datasets. The results demonstrated that our model outperformed existing methods in terms of probabilistic prediction accuracy. Furthermore, we found that the confidence levels closely matched the empirical coverage and that data points predicted with lower uncertainty corresponded to lower prediction errors. These findings suggest that GP regression models incorporating community dissimilarities effectively capture the characteristics of phylogenetic, high-dimensional, and sparse microbial abundance data. Our study provides a more reliable framework for microbiome-based prediction, potentially advancing the application of microbiome data in health monitoring and disease diagnosis in clinical settings.

The code is available at https://github.com/asahiadachi/gp4microbiome.},
}

@article {pmid39854218,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, T and Sun, K and Mai, L and Hong, X and He, X and Lin, W and Chen, S and Yan, L},
title = {Extracellular Vesicle-Associated miR-ERIA Exerts the Antiangiogenic Effect of Macrophages in Diabetic Wound Healing.},
journal = {Diabetes},
volume = {74},
number = {4},
pages = {596-610},
doi = {10.2337/db24-0701},
pmid = {39854218},
issn = {1939-327X},
support = {82222014//The National Natural Science Foundation of China Excellent Young Scientists Fund/ ; 2023A03J0706//Ministry of Education, China; Guangzhou Science and Technology Program/ ; 2020B1111170009//Guangdong Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases/ ; 202102100004//Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases/ ; 32271185//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Sun Yat-sen University//Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases/ ; 82200902//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Wound Healing/drug effects/physiology ; *Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism ; *MicroRNAs/metabolism/genetics ; *Macrophages/metabolism/drug effects ; Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Glycation End Products, Advanced/metabolism ; Cell Movement/drug effects ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism/drug effects ; Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Skin Ulcer/metabolism/genetics ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism ; },
abstract = {An understanding of cell interactions is needed to identify therapeutic targets for diabetic cutaneous ulcers. We explored extracellular vesicles after treatment with advanced glycation end products (AGEs-EVs) derived from macrophages that can suppress diabetic cutaneous wound healing. We found that a novel miRNA enriched in AGEs-EVs (miR-ERIA) suppresses the migration and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells by targeting helicase with zinc finger 2. miR-ERIA offers a potential therapeutic target for diabetic cutaneous ulcers.},
}

*Wound Healing/drug effects/physiology
*Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism
*MicroRNAs/metabolism/genetics
*Macrophages/metabolism/drug effects
Animals
Humans
Mice
Glycation End Products, Advanced/metabolism
Cell Movement/drug effects
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism
Endothelial Cells/metabolism/drug effects
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Skin Ulcer/metabolism/genetics
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism

@article {pmid40102379,
year = {2025},
author = {Deng, L and Taelman, S and Olm, MR and Toe, LC and Balini, E and Ouédraogo, LO and Bastos-Moreira, Y and Argaw, A and Tesfamariam, K and Sonnenburg, ED and Hanley-Cook, GT and Ouédraogo, M and Ganaba, R and Van Criekinge, W and Huybregts, L and Stock, M and Kolsteren, P and Sonnenburg, JL and Lachat, C and Dailey-Chwalibóg, T},
title = {Maternal balanced energy-protein supplementation reshapes the maternal gut microbiome and enhances carbohydrate metabolism in infants: a randomized controlled trial.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {2683},
pmid = {40102379},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {OPP1175213//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Female ; *Dietary Supplements ; Infant ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Burkina Faso ; *Carbohydrate Metabolism ; Infant, Newborn ; Feces/microbiology ; Dietary Proteins/metabolism ; Male ; Lactation ; },
abstract = {Balanced energy-protein (BEP) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation can improve birth outcomes and infant growth, with the gut microbiome as a potential mediator. The MISAME-III randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT03533712) assessed the effect of BEP supplementation, provided during pregnancy and the first six months of lactation, on small-for-gestational age prevalence and length-for-age Z-scores at six months in rural Burkina Faso. Nested within MISAME-III, this sub-study examines the impact of BEP supplementation on maternal and infant gut microbiomes and their mediating role in birth outcomes and infant growth. A total of 152 mother-infant dyads (n = 71 intervention, n = 81 control) were included for metagenomic sequencing, with stool samples collected at the second and third trimesters, and at 1-2 and 5-6 months postpartum. BEP supplementation significantly altered maternal gut microbiome diversity, composition, and function, particularly those with immune-modulatory properties. Pathways linked to lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis were depleted and the species Bacteroides fragilis was enriched in BEP-supplemented mothers. Maternal BEP supplementation also accelerated infant microbiome changes and enhanced carbohydrate metabolism. Causal mediation analyses identified specific taxa mediating the effect of BEP on birth outcomes and infant growth. These findings suggest that maternal supplementation modulates gut microbiome composition and influences early-life development in resource-limited settings.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Female
*Dietary Supplements
Infant
Pregnancy
Adult
Burkina Faso
*Carbohydrate Metabolism
Infant, Newborn
Feces/microbiology
Dietary Proteins/metabolism
Male
Lactation

@article {pmid40099907,
year = {2025},
author = {Reetz, L and Schulze, L and Kronenberger, T and Selim, KA and Schaefle, T and Dema, T and Zipperer, A and Mößner, J and Poso, A and Grond, S and Peschel, A and Krismer, B},
title = {The human microbiome-derived antimicrobial lugdunin self-regulates its biosynthesis by a feed-forward mechanism.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0357124},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.03571-24},
pmid = {40099907},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Many human microbiome members inhibit bacterial competitors by production of antimicrobial compounds whose expression needs to be tightly controlled to balance the costs and benefits of compound biosynthesis. The nasal commensal Staphylococcus lugdunensis outcompetes Staphylococcus aureus using the antimicrobial lugdunin. The lugdunin biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) encodes two potential regulators whose roles have remained unknown. Deletion of the regulator genes lugR or lugJ led to increased lugdunin production and/or immunity. While LugR was found to repress the transcription of the biosynthetic lugRABCTDZ operon, LugJ repressed the lugIEFGH export and immunity genes. Both regulators bound to different inverted repeats in the controlled promoter regions. Notably, both repressors were released from cognate promoters to allow transcription upon addition of exogenous lugdunin. Even minor structural changes disabled lugdunin derivatives to induce expression of its BGC, which is consistent with inferior binding to the predicted LugR and LugJ binding pockets. Thus, lugdunin controls its own biosynthesis through a feed-forward mechanism probably to avoid futile production.IMPORTANCEBiosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are usually tightly controlled to avoid production of costly goods at inappropriate time points or unfavorable conditions. However, in most cases, the regulatory signals of these clusters have remained unknown. Frequently, quorum sensing or two-component regulatory systems are involved in BGC expression control. This study elucidates the sophisticated regulation of lugdunin biosynthesis and secretion via two independent regulators, LugR and LugJ. Although belonging to different families of repressors, both directly interact with the antimicrobial lugdunin and thereby enhance biosynthesis and secretion in a feed forward-like mechanism.},
}

@article {pmid40086654,
year = {2025},
author = {Pietilä, JP and Häkkinen, T and Ollgren, J and Kantele, A},
title = {Modelling international travel as risk of acquiring Dientamoeba fragilis: comparison to Giardia duodenalis data.},
journal = {Travel medicine and infectious disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102836},
doi = {10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102836},
pmid = {40086654},
issn = {1873-0442},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The intestinal parasite Dientamoeba fragilis (DF) is spread worldwide and can cause prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, yet its link to international travel has been scarcely studied. To explore this connection, we examined the association between DF cases and international travel history by destination, comparing the findings to data on Giardia duodenalis (GD), a common travel-acquired intestinal parasite.

METHODS: We analysed clinical data from patients with DF or GD infection in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, categorizing the patients as travellers and non-travellers on the basis of their travel history. To assess acquisition risk by destination, we devised a DF/GD risk score (RS) relating case numbers to travel volumes as denominators in each destination, with travel data retrieved from the Official Statistics of Finland (OSF).

RESULTS: Travel history was reported less frequently by patients with DF (30%) than GD (60%). DF had the highest RSs for Africa (41.3), followed by Asia and Oceania (17.9) and the Americas (11.5). The respective GD RSs were 32.8, 25.4, and 11.9. The lowest RSs for both parasites were recorded for Eastern and Western Europe, Russia and the Baltic countries, and Scandinavia. For Asia and Oceania, the GD RS exceeded that of DF; for the other sites, DF had higher RSs than GD.

CONCLUSIONS: Dientamoeba fragilis appears to be transmitted both domestically and internationally. Although the overall acquisition risk appears low, for both Dientamoeba fragilis and Giardia duodenalis, the highest RSs are linked to visits to (sub)tropical regions, with subregional differences between the two parasites.},
}

@article {pmid40084887,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, Y-Y and Liu, N-N},
title = {Mycobiome: an underexplored kingdom in cancer.},
journal = {Microbiology and molecular biology reviews : MMBR},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0026124},
doi = {10.1128/mmbr.00261-24},
pmid = {40084887},
issn = {1098-5557},
abstract = {SUMMARYThe human microbiome, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses, is intimately linked to both health and disease. The relationship between bacteria and disease has received much attention and intensive investigation, while that of the fungal microbiome, also known as mycobiome, has lagged far behind bacteria. There is growing evidence showing mycobiome dysbiosis in cancer patients, and certain cancer-specific fungi may contribute to cancer progression by interacting with both host and bacteria. It was also demonstrated that the role of fungi-derived products in cancer should also not be underestimated. Therefore, investigating how fungal pathogenesis contributes to the onset and spread of cancer would yield crucial information for cancer diagnosis, prevention, and anti-cancer therapy.},
}

@article {pmid40084234,
year = {2019},
author = {Werlang, C and Cárcarmo-Oyarce, G and Ribbeck, K},
title = {Engineering mucus to study and influence the microbiome.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Materials},
volume = {4},
number = {2},
pages = {134-145},
pmid = {40084234},
issn = {2058-8437},
abstract = {Mucus is a 3D hydrogel that houses the majority of the human microbiome. The mucous environment plays an important role in the differentiation and behaviour of microbial phenotypes and enables the creation of spatial distributions. Dysregulation of mucus is further associated with various diseases. Therefore, mucus is the key ingredient to study the behaviour of commensal and pathogenic microbiota in vitro. Indeed, microorganisms cultured in mucus exhibit phenotypes substantially different from those exhibited in standard laboratory media. In this Review, we discuss the impact of mucus on the microbiome and examine the structure and glycosylation of mucins - the main building blocks of mucus. We investigate the impact of glycans on mucin function and highlight different approaches for the engineering of synthetic mucins, including synthesis of the backbone, the design of mucin-mimetic hydrogels and the engineering of glycans. Finally, mucin mimetics for 3D in vitro cell culture and for modulating microbial community structure and function are discussed.},
}

@article {pmid40077792,
year = {2025},
author = {Costa, CJ and Prescott, S and Fourie, NH and Abey, SK and Sherwin, LB and Rahim-Williams, B and Joseph, PV and Posada-Quintero, H and Hoffman, RK and Henderson, WA},
title = {Host Transcriptome and Microbial Variation in Relation to Visceral Hyperalgesia.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/nu17050921},
pmid = {40077792},
issn = {2072-6643},
support = {1ZIANR000018-01-09; K22MD006143-01/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Hyperalgesia/microbiology ; *Transcriptome ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Visceral Pain/microbiology ; Microbiota ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Mouth/microbiology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chronic visceral hypersensitivity is associated with an overstressed pain response to noxious stimuli (hyperalgesia). Microbiota are active modulators of host biology and are implicated in the etiology of visceral hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVES: we studied the association between the circulating mRNA transcriptome, the intensity of induced visceral pain (IVP), and variation in the oral microbiome among participants with and without baseline visceral hypersensitivity.

METHODS: Transcriptomic profiles and microbial abundance were correlated with IVP intensity. Host mRNA and microbes associated with IVP were explored, linking variation in the microbiome to host RNA biology.

RESULTS: 259 OTUs were found to be associated with IVP through correlation to differential expression of 471 genes in molecular pathways related to inflammation and neural mechanisms, including Rho and PI3K/AKT pathways. The bacterial families Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, and Veillonellaceae showed the highest degree of association. Oral microbial profiles with reduced diversity were characteristic of participants with visceral hypersensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the oral microbiome may be involved in systemic immune and inflammatory effects and play a role in nervous system and stem cell pathways. The interactions between visceral hypersensitivity, differentially expressed molecular pathways, and microbiota described here provide a framework for further work exploring the relationship between host and microbiome.},
}

Humans
*Hyperalgesia/microbiology
*Transcriptome
Male
Female
Adult
Visceral Pain/microbiology
Microbiota
RNA, Messenger/metabolism
Middle Aged
Mouth/microbiology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Bacteria/genetics/classification
Young Adult

@article {pmid40076446,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Zhang, ZJ and Saarela, O and Sharma, D and Xu, W},
title = {Mediation CNN (Med-CNN) Model for High-Dimensional Mediation Data.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26051819},
pmid = {40076446},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {RGPIN-2024-06081//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Algorithms ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; *Microbiota ; Female ; Computer Simulation ; },
abstract = {Complex biological features such as the human microbiome and gene expressions play a crucial role in human health by mediating various biomedical processes that influence disease progression, such as immune responses and metabolic processes. Understanding these mediation roles is essential for gaining insights into disease pathogenesis and improving treatment outcomes. However, analyzing such high-dimensional mediation features presents challenges due to their inherent structural and correlations, such as the hierarchical taxonomic structures in microbial operational taxonomic units (OTUs), gene-pathway relationships, and the high dimensionality of the datasets, which complicates mediation analysis. We propose the Med-CNN model, an iterative approach using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to incorporate the complex biological network of the mediation features. The output values from network-specific CNN models are condensed into an integrative mediation metric (IMM), which captures essential biological information for estimating mediation effects. Our approach is designed to handle high-dimensional data and accommodate their unique structures and non-linear interactive mediation effects. Through comprehensive simulation studies, we evaluated the performance of our algorithm across different scenarios, including various mediation effects, effect sizes, and sample sizes, and we compared it to conventional methods. Our simulations demonstrated consistently lower biases in mediation effect estimates, with values ranging from 0.17 to 0.56, which were lower than other established methods ranging from 0.24 to 13.27. In a real data application, our method identified a mediation effect of 0.06 between ethnicity and vaginal pH levels.},
}

Humans
*Algorithms
*Neural Networks, Computer
*Microbiota
Female
Computer Simulation

@article {pmid40072660,
year = {2025},
author = {Hu, J and Chen, W and Zhu, R and Yang, F and Xu, J and Xiang, B and Li, Y and Wang, W and Zhu, L and Chen, G and Zhi, M},
title = {Dietary risk factors in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: a cohort study with paired healthy relatives as controls.},
journal = {European journal of nutrition},
volume = {64},
number = {3},
pages = {123},
pmid = {40072660},
issn = {1436-6215},
support = {2014008//Sun Yat-sen University Clinical Research 5010 Program/ ; 82170542//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 92251307//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82270544//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2019ZT08Y464//Guangdong Province "Pearl River Talent Plan" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team Project/ ; 2021YFF0703702//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023YFF1104404//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2023AFD124//Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Crohn Disease/epidemiology ; *Colitis, Ulcerative/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Adult ; *Diet/methods/statistics & numerical data ; Cohort Studies ; Middle Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Family ; Feeding Behavior ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Conflicting results have been reported on dietary factors in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Here, we compared the dietary intakes of IBD patients with those of paired healthy relatives (HRs), aiming to minimize the impact of genetic and environmental confounders.

METHODS: Patients with Crohn's disease (CD, N = 45) and ulcerative colitis (UC, N = 20), their paired HRs (NCD-HR = 45, NUC-HR = 20) and healthy non-relative (HNR, NCD-HNR = 25, NUC-HNR = 55) controls were recruited. Participants have kept dietary habits since the onset of IBDs and report no other recent digestive diseases or surgeries. Pre-illness dietary factors were assessed through 24-hour recall interviews. Statistical analyses included Analysis of Variance, Fisher's exact tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, logistic regressions, Area Under the Receiver-Operator Curve (AUROC) analysis, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression.

RESULTS: Dietary features identified in IBD patients using the HR controls differed from those identified using the HNR controls. For CD, lower intakes of vitamin C, dietary fiber, calcium, vegetables, decanoic acid (10:0), milk, dairy foods, and β-carotene were identified as risk factors when compared to HRs. LASSO regression highlighted milk, vegetables, and vitamin C as the most significant risk factors for CD. In UC patients, lower intakes of phosphorus, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5, n-3), vitamins B-2 and B-12, and choline, along with a higher intake of α-carotene, were identified as risk factors compared to HRs. LASSO regression emphasized DPA, vitamins B-2 and B-12, and α-carotene as the most significant risk factors for UC.

CONCLUSION: Monitoring dietary intake patterns is crucial for the prevention and personalized treatment of CD and UC.},
}

Humans
*Crohn Disease/epidemiology
*Colitis, Ulcerative/epidemiology
Female
Male
Risk Factors
Adult
*Diet/methods/statistics & numerical data
Cohort Studies
Middle Aged
Case-Control Studies
Family
Feeding Behavior

@article {pmid40072555,
year = {2025},
author = {Shah, H and Patel, P and Nath, A and Shah, U and Sarkar, R},
title = {Role of human microbiota in facilitating the metastatic journey of cancer cells.},
journal = {Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40072555},
issn = {1432-1912},
abstract = {Cancer continues to be the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with metastasis being the primary contributor to cancer-related deaths. Despite significant advancements in cancer therapies, metastasis remains a major challenge in effective cancer management. Metastasis, the process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to distant organs, is a complex phenomenon influenced by multiple factors, including the human microbiota. The human body encompasses various microorganisms, comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, collectively known as microbiota. In fact, the microbiota is more abundant than human cells, and its disruption, leading to an imbalance in host-microbiota interactions (dysbiosis), has been linked to various diseases, including cancer. Among all microbiota, bacteria are one of the key contributors to cancer progression. Bacteria and bacteria-derived components such as secondary metabolites, QSPs, and toxins play a pivotal role in the metastatic progression of cancers. This review explores the intricate relationship between the human microbiota and cancer progression, focusing on different bacterial species which have been implicated in tumorigenesis, immune evasion, and metastasis. The present review explores the role of the human microbiome, specifically of bacteria in promoting metastasis in different types of cancers, demonstrating its ability to impact both the spread of tumors and their underlying mechanisms. This review also highlights the therapeutic potential and challenges of microbiome-based interventions in combating metastatic cancers. By addressing these challenges and by integrating microbiome-targeted strategies into clinical cancer treatment could represent a transformative approach in the fight against metastasis.},
}

@article {pmid40069468,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Meng, Y and Xu, Z and Zhang, Q and Li, M and Kong, F and Zhang, S and Li, X and Zhu, Y},
title = {Leveraging microbiome signatures to predict tumor immune microenvironment and prognosis of patients with endometrial carcinoma.},
journal = {Discover oncology},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {299},
pmid = {40069468},
issn = {2730-6011},
support = {20214Y0226//Shanghai Municipal Health Commission/ ; 2024CRTS045//Sunshine Clinical Research Incubator Program/ ; 2024CRTS017//Sunshine Clinical Research Incubator Program/ ; 2024CRTS015//Sunshine Clinical Research Incubator Program/ ; },
abstract = {Recent studies suggest that the human microbiome influence tumor development. Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the sixth most common malignancy in women. Recent research has demonstrated the microbes play a critical role in the development and metastasis of EC. However, it remains unclear whether intratumoral microbes are associated with tumor microenvironment (TME) and prognosis of EC. In this study, we collected the EC microbiome data from cBioPortal and constructed a prognostic model based on Resident Microbiome of Endometrium (RME). We then examined the relationship between the RME score, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy-related signature, and prognosis. The findings demonstrated the independent prognostic value of the RME score for EC. The group with low RME scores had higher enrichment of immune cells. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed that the RME score may serve as a potential predictor of chemotherapy efficacy. In conclusion, our research offers new perspectives on the relationships between tumor immunity and microbes.},
}

@article {pmid40069378,
year = {2025},
author = {Gulyaeva, K and Nadinskaia, M and Maslennikov, R and Aleshina, Y and Goptar, I and Lukashev, A and Poluektova, E and Ivashkin, V},
title = {Gut microbiota analysis in cirrhosis and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension suggests that portal hypertension can be main factor of cirrhosis-specific dysbiosis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {8394},
pmid = {40069378},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {123021000156-7//Ministry of Health/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; *Hypertension, Portal/microbiology ; *Liver Cirrhosis/microbiology/complications ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Adult ; Aged ; Feces/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Case-Control Studies ; },
abstract = {Gut dysbiosis plays an important role in cirrhosis, but the mechanism of its development was not established. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that portal hypertension can be the main factor in the development of gut dysbiosis in cirrhosis. This cross-sectional study included 25 patients with chronic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension due to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction after portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (NCPVT group), 29 cirrhotic patients without PVT (CirNoPVT), 15 cirrhotic patients with chronic PVT (CPVT), and 22 healthy controls. The fecal microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The CirNoPVT and CPVT groups had largely similar differences in gut microbiota composition from the control group. Patients with NCPVT, as well as patients with cirrhosis, had a higher abundance of Streptococcus, Escherichia, Enterococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, Bacilli, Gammaproteobacteria, Proteobacteria, and a lower abundance of Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Methanobrevibacter, Ruminococcaceae, Methanobacteriaceae, Clostridia, Methanobacteria, and Euryarchaeota as they were compared with healthy individuals. Patients with NCPVT had a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacteriaceae, Actinobacteria, and a lower abundance of Gemmiger and Catenibacterium compared to healthy individuals, which was not observed in the cirrhosis groups. The abundance of Porphyromonadaceae with the genus Parabacteroides was reduced in both groups with PVT, but not in CirNoPVT. There were no significant differences in gut microbiota beta-diversity among the CirNoPVT, CPVT and NCPVT groups. All these groups had significant differences in beta-diversity from the control group. Portal hypertension seems be the main factor in the development of gut dysbiosis in cirrhosis.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
Male
Female
*Hypertension, Portal/microbiology
*Liver Cirrhosis/microbiology/complications
Middle Aged
Cross-Sectional Studies
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Adult
Aged
Feces/microbiology
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Case-Control Studies

@article {pmid40059472,
year = {2025},
author = {Elahi, Z and Mokhtaryan, M and Mahmoodi, S and Shahroodian, S and Darbandi, T and Ghasemi, F and Ghanavati, R and Darbandi, A},
title = {All Properties of Infertility Microbiome in a Review Article.},
journal = {Journal of clinical laboratory analysis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e25158},
doi = {10.1002/jcla.25158},
pmid = {40059472},
issn = {1098-2825},
support = {4150//Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The microbiome is crucial for many physiological processes, including immunity, metabolism, and reproduction.

AIMS: This review aims to contribute to a detailed understanding of the microbiome of the genital tract, which can lead to better management of dysbiosis and reproductive disorders.

METHODS: Data from the four international information databases Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. The search strategy was based on the combination of the following terms: "microbiota," "microbiome," "microfilm," "microflora," "fertility," or "infertility."

RESULT: The advent of next-generation sequencing-based technologies during the last decade has revealed the presence of microbial communities in nearly every part of the human body, including the reproductive system. Several studies have shown significant differences between the microbiota of the vagina and endometrium, as well as other parts of the upper genital tract.

DISCUSSION: The human microbiome plays a critical role in determining a person's health state, and the microbiome of the genital tract may impact fertility potential before and after assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs).

CONCLUSION: To completely understand the role of the microbiome, future research should focus not only on the description of microbiota but also on the interaction between bacteria, the production of biofilms, and the interaction of microorganisms with human cells.},
}

@article {pmid40055343,
year = {2025},
author = {Qi, H and Gao, H and Li, M and Sun, T and Gu, X and Wei, L and Zhi, M and Li, Z and Fu, D and Liu, Y and Wei, Z and Dou, Y and Feng, Q},
title = {Parvimonas micra promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis through TmpC-CKAP4 axis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {2305},
pmid = {40055343},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {82270980//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Mouth Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism/microbiology ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice ; *Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism/pathology/microbiology ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Female ; Male ; Mice, Nude ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Middle Aged ; Glycolysis ; },
abstract = {Parvimonas micra (P. micra), an opportunistic oral pathogen associated with multiple cancers, has limited research on its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study shows that P. micra is enriched in OSCC tissues and positively correlated with tumor metastasis and stages. P. micra infection promotes OSCC metastasis by inducing hypoxia/HIF-1α, glycolysis, and autophagy. Mechanistically, P. micra surface protein TmpC binds to CKAP4, a receptor overexpressed in OSCC, facilitating bacterial attachment and invasion. This interaction activates HIF-1α and autophagy via CKAP4-RanBP2 and CKAP4-NBR1 pathways, driving metastasis. Targeting CKAP4 with masitinib or antibodies impairs P. micra attachment and abolishes P. micra-promoted OSCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Together, our findings identify P. micra as a pathogen that promotes OSCC metastasis and highlight that TmpC-CKAP4 interaction could be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.},
}

Humans
*Mouth Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism/microbiology
Animals
Cell Line, Tumor
Mice
*Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism/pathology/microbiology
Neoplasm Metastasis
Female
Male
Mice, Nude
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Middle Aged
Glycolysis

@article {pmid40054744,
year = {2025},
author = {Fyhrquist, N and Yang, Y and Karisola, P and Alenius, H},
title = {Endotypes of Atopic Dermatitis.},
journal = {The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jaci.2025.02.029},
pmid = {40054744},
issn = {1097-6825},
abstract = {Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, heterogeneous skin condition driven by a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. The original classification into extrinsic and intrinsic endotypes has proven overly simplistic. Recent research into the varied immune profiles and molecular signatures of AD has revealed distinct endotypes - subtypes defined by specific biological processes rather than visible symptoms alone. These endotypes encompass classifications based on immune pathways, including Th2-dominant, Th1, Th17/Th22-driven responses, genetic factors, and microbial interactions. Recognizing these endotypes has become essential for advancing personalized treatments, as each subtype responds differently to immune-modulating therapies. Current treatment options, such as moisturizers, immunosuppressants, and biologics, show varied efficacy across AD endotypes, underscoring the need for more precise, endotype-specific approaches. Emerging molecular profiling technologies offer promising avenues to identify distinct biomarkers, refining AD classification and paving the way for more targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40051624,
year = {2025},
author = {De Martinis, ECP and Alves, VF and Pereira, MG and Andrade, LN and Abichabki, N and Abramova, A and Dannborg, M and Bengtsson-Palme, J},
title = {Applying 3D cultures and high-throughput technologies to study host-pathogen interactions.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1488699},
pmid = {40051624},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional/methods ; Animals ; High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods ; Microbiota ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; },
abstract = {Recent advances in cell culturing and DNA sequencing have dramatically altered the field of human microbiome research. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture is an important tool in cell biology, in cancer research, and for studying host-microbe interactions, as it mimics the in vivo characteristics of the host environment in an in vitro system, providing reliable and reproducible models. This work provides an overview of the main 3D culture techniques applied to study interactions between host cells and pathogenic microorganisms, how these systems can be integrated with high-throughput molecular methods, and how multi-species model systems may pave the way forward to pinpoint interactions among host, beneficial microbes and pathogens.},
}

Humans
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
*Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional/methods
Animals
High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods
Microbiota
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

@article {pmid40048849,
year = {2025},
author = {Bargheet, A and Noordzij, HT and Ponsero, AJ and Jian, C and Korpela, K and Valles-Colomer, M and Debelius, J and Kurilshikov, A and Pettersen, VK},
title = {Dynamics of gut resistome and mobilome in early life: a meta-analysis.},
journal = {EBioMedicine},
volume = {114},
number = {},
pages = {105630},
doi = {10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105630},
pmid = {40048849},
issn = {2352-3964},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota of infants harbours a higher proportion of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) compared to adults, even in infants never exposed to antibiotics. Our study aims to elucidate this phenomenon by analysing how different perinatal factors influence the presence of ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and their bacterial hosts in the infant gut.

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and Embase up to April 3rd, 2023, for studies reporting infant cohorts with shotgun metagenomic sequencing of stool samples. The systematic search identified 14 longitudinal infant cohorts from 10 countries across three continents, featuring publicly available sequencing data with corresponding metadata. For subsequent integrative bioinformatic analyses, we used 3981 high-quality metagenomic samples from 1270 infants and 415 mothers.

FINDINGS: We identified distinct trajectories of the resistome and mobilome associated with birth mode, gestational age, antibiotic use, and geographical location. Geographical variation was exemplified by differences between cohorts from Europe, Southern Africa, and Northern America, which showed variation in both diversity and abundance of ARGs. On the other hand, we did not detect a significant impact of breastfeeding on the infants' gut resistome. More than half of detected ARGs co-localised with plasmids in key bacterial hosts, such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. These ARG-associated plasmids were gradually lost during infancy. We also demonstrate that E. coli role as a primary modulator of the infant gut resistome and mobilome is facilitated by its increased abundance and strain diversity compared to adults.

INTERPRETATION: Birth mode, gestational age, antibiotic exposure, and geographical location significantly influence the development of the infant gut resistome and mobilome. A reduction in E. coli relative abundance over time appears as a key factor driving the decrease in both resistome and plasmid relative abundance as infants grow.

FUNDING: Centre for Advanced Study in Oslo, Norway. Centre for New Antibacterial Strategies through the Tromsø Research Foundation, Norway.},
}

@article {pmid40040485,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Li, B and Jian, C and Gagaoua, M and Estévez, M and Puolanne, E and Ertbjerg, P},
title = {Oxidative stress-induced changes in wooden breast and mitigation strategies: A review.},
journal = {Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety},
volume = {24},
number = {2},
pages = {e70148},
doi = {10.1111/1541-4337.70148},
pmid = {40040485},
issn = {1541-4337},
support = {348385//Research Council of Finland/ ; },
mesh = {*Oxidative Stress ; Animals ; Poultry Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control ; Meat ; Chickens ; Muscular Diseases ; },
abstract = {Wooden breast (WB) is a multifactorial muscular abnormality resulting from the interplay between genetic predispositions for rapid growth, physiological stress, and anatomical impairments. This myopathy has been a persistent challenge in the poultry industry since its initial identification a decade ago. WB negatively impacts meat quality, leading to increased toughness and reduced nutritional value. Building on foundational research utilizing multiomics technologies, hypoxia-induced oxidative stress has been identified as a key early event driving the pathological processes of WB. This review provides a comprehensive overview and the state-of-the-art evidence on the pivotal role of oxidative stress in WB myopathy. It begins by examining the generation of reactive intermediates that induce oxidative damage and the host's defense mechanisms aimed at mitigating these threats. The discussion then focuses on the consequences of oxidative damage for mitochondria, protein and lipid oxidation, connective tissue remodeling, and inflammation-pathological hallmarks of WB-affected muscles. Additionally, the review highlights how oxidative stress influences satellite cell behavior, impairing the repair and regeneration of muscle tissues, a process implicated in WB. Finally, efforts to prevent or mitigate WB myopathy are summarized, with particular attention to potential intervention strategies targeting oxidative stress. These include innovative feed formulations and gut microbiota modulation, which show promise in alleviating the severity of the condition.},
}

*Oxidative Stress
Animals
Poultry Diseases/microbiology/prevention & control
Meat
Chickens
Muscular Diseases

@article {pmid40033410,
year = {2025},
author = {Ranta, K and Skurnik, M and Kiljunen, S},
title = {Isolation and characterization of fMGyn-Pae01, a phiKZ-like jumbo phage infecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa.},
journal = {Virology journal},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {55},
pmid = {40033410},
issn = {1743-422X},
mesh = {*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/virology/drug effects ; *Host Specificity ; *Genome, Viral ; *Pseudomonas Phages/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/classification ; Biofilms/growth & development ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Phage Therapy ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a wide variety of infections, and belongs to the group of ESKAPE pathogens that are the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections and have high level of antibiotic resistance. The treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa is challenging, which makes it a common target for phage therapy. The successful utilization of phage therapy requires a collection of well characterized phages.

METHODS: Phage fMGyn-Pae01 was isolated from a commercial phage therapy cocktail. The phage morphology was studied by transmission electron microscopy and the host range was analyzed with a liquid culture method. The phage genome was sequenced and characterized, and the genome was compared to closest phage genomes. Phage resistant bacterial mutants were isolated and whole genome sequencing and motility, phage adsorption and biofilm formation assays were performed to the mutants and host bacterium.

RESULTS: The genomic analysis revealed that fMGyn-Pae01 is a lytic, phiKZ-like jumbo phage with genome size of 277.8 kb. No genes associated with lysogeny, bacterial virulence, or antibiotic resistance were identified. Phage fMGyn-Pae01 did not reduce biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa, suggesting that it may not be an optimal phage to be used in monophage therapy in conditions where biofilm formation is expected. Host range screening revealed that fMGyn-Pae01 has a wide host range among P. aeruginosa strains and its infection was not dependent on O-serotype. Whole genome sequencing of the host bacterium and phage resistant mutants revealed that the mutations had inactivated either a flagellar or rpoN gene, thereby preventing the biosynthesis of a functional flagellum. The lack of functional flagella was confirmed in motility assays. Additionally, fMGyn-Pae01 failed to adsorb on non-motile mutants indicating that the bacterial flagellum is the phage-binding receptor.

CONCLUSION: fMGyn-Pae01 is a phiKZ-like jumbo phage infecting P. aeruginosa. fMGyn-Pae01 uses the flagellum as its phage-binding receptor, supporting earlier suggestions that flagellum might be utilized by phiKZ but differs from some other previous findings showing that phiKZ-like phages use the type-IV pili as the phage-binding receptor.},
}

*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/virology/drug effects
*Host Specificity
*Genome, Viral
*Pseudomonas Phages/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology/classification
Biofilms/growth & development
Whole Genome Sequencing
Phage Therapy
Microscopy, Electron, Transmission

@article {pmid40033063,
year = {2025},
author = {Metwaly, A and Kriaa, A and Hassani, Z and Carraturo, F and Druart, C and , and Arnauts, K and Wilmes, P and Walter, J and Rosshart, S and Desai, MS and Dore, J and Blottiere, HM and Maguin, E and Haller, D},
title = {A Consensus Statement on establishing causality, therapeutic applications and the use of preclinical models in microbiome research.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40033063},
issn = {1759-5053},
abstract = {The gut microbiome comprises trillions of microorganisms and profoundly influences human health by modulating metabolism, immune responses and neuronal functions. Disruption in gut microbiome composition is implicated in various inflammatory conditions, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. However, determining the underlying mechanisms and establishing cause and effect is extremely difficult. Preclinical models offer crucial insights into the role of the gut microbiome in diseases and help identify potential therapeutic interventions. The Human Microbiome Action Consortium initiated a Delphi survey to assess the utility of preclinical models, including animal and cell-based models, in elucidating the causal role of the gut microbiome in these diseases. The Delphi survey aimed to address the complexity of selecting appropriate preclinical models to investigate disease causality and to study host-microbiome interactions effectively. We adopted a structured approach encompassing a literature review, expert workshops and the Delphi questionnaire to gather insights from a diverse range of stakeholders. Experts were requested to evaluate the strengths, limitations, and suitability of these models in addressing the causal relationship between the gut microbiome and disease pathogenesis. The resulting consensus statements and recommendations provide valuable insights for selecting preclinical models in future studies of gut microbiome-related diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40030005,
year = {2025},
author = {Darwin, A and Xie, J and Smith, M},
title = {Antibiotic Use: Impact on the Microbiome and Cellular Therapy Outcomes.},
journal = {Blood advances},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1182/bloodadvances.2024013809},
pmid = {40030005},
issn = {2473-9537},
abstract = {Antibiotics disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the human microbiome. Growing evidence indicates a significant relationship between the intestinal microbiome and cellular therapy, which aligns with the established influence of the microbiome on immune responses. When examining the link between cellular therapy and the microbiome, it is essential to understand how disruptions in the microbiome-especially those caused by antibiotics-affect these therapies. Here, we discuss the impact of antibiotics on the intestinal microbiome, cellular therapy outcomes, and associated toxicities, particularly in the context of hematopoietic cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Furthermore, we examine the mechanisms through which antibiotics affect cellular therapy, the future implications of this knowledge, and the areas that warrant further investigation.},
}

@article {pmid40026151,
year = {2025},
author = {Jena, PK and Wakita, D and Gomez, AC and Carvalho, TT and Atici, AE and Aubuchon, E and Narayanan, M and Lee, Y and Fishbein, MC and Takasato, Y and Kurashima, Y and Kiyono, H and Cani, PD and de Vos, WM and Underhill, DM and Devkota, S and Chen, S and Shimada, K and Crother, TR and Arditi, M and Noval Rivas, M},
title = {Intestinal Microbiota Contributes to the Development of Cardiovascular Inflammation and Vasculitis in Mice.},
journal = {Circulation research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325079},
pmid = {40026151},
issn = {1524-4571},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Alterations in the intestinal microbiota contribute to the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular disorders, but how they affect the development of Kawasaki disease, an acute pediatric vasculitis, remains unclear. Here, using a murine model mimicking Kawasaki disease vasculitis, we assessed the contribution of the intestinal microbiota to the development of vascular inflammation.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We report that depleting the gut microbiota reduces the development of cardiovascular inflammation in a murine model mimicking Kawasaki disease vasculitis. The development of cardiovascular lesions was associated with alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition and, notably, a decreased abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Oral supplementation with either of these live or pasteurized individual bacteria or with short-chain fatty acids produced by them attenuated cardiovascular inflammation, as reflected by decreased local immune cell infiltrations. Treatment with Amuc_1100, the TLR-2 signaling outer membrane protein from Akkermansia muciniphila, also reduced the severity of vascular inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals an underappreciated gut microbiota-cardiovascular inflammation axis in Kawasaki disease vasculitis pathogenesis and identifies specific intestinal commensals that regulate vasculitis in mice by producing metabolites or via extracellular proteins capable of enhancing and supporting gut barrier function.},
}

@article {pmid40023841,
year = {2025},
author = {Pérez Escriva, P and Correia Tavares Bernardino, C and Letellier, E},
title = {De-coding the complex role of microbial metabolites in cancer.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {3},
pages = {115358},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115358},
pmid = {40023841},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {The human microbiome, an intricate ecosystem of trillions of microbes residing across various body sites, significantly influences cancer, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies have illuminated the microbiome's pivotal role in cancer development, either through direct cellular interactions or by secreting bioactive compounds such as metabolites. Microbial metabolites contribute to cancer initiation through mechanisms such as DNA damage, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, microbial metabolites exert dual roles on cancer progression and response to therapy by modulating cellular metabolism, gene expression, and signaling pathways. Understanding these complex interactions is vital for devising new therapeutic strategies. This review highlights microbial metabolites as promising targets for cancer prevention and treatment, emphasizing their impact on therapy responses and underscoring the need for further research into their roles in metastasis and therapy resistance.},
}

@article {pmid40023356,
year = {2025},
author = {Das, M and Kiruthiga, C and Shafreen, RB and Nachammai, KT and Selvaraj, C and Langeswaran, K},
title = {Harnessing the Human Microbiome and its Impact on Immuno-Oncology and Nanotechnology for Next-Generation Cancer Therapies.},
journal = {European journal of pharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {177436},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177436},
pmid = {40023356},
issn = {1879-0712},
abstract = {The integration of microbiome research and nanotechnology represents a significant advancement in immuno-oncology, potentially improving the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. Recent studies highlight the influential role of the human microbiome in modulating immune responses, presenting new opportunities to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other cancer therapies. Nanotechnology offers precise drug delivery and immune modulation capabilities, minimizing off-target effects while maximizing therapeutic outcomes. This review consolidates current knowledge on the interactions between the microbiome and the immune system, emphasizing the microbiome's impact on ICIs, and explores the incorporation of nanotechnology in cancer treatment strategies. Additionally, it provides a forward-looking perspective on the synergistic potential of microbiome modulation and nanotechnology to overcome existing challenges in immuno-oncology. This integrated approach may enhance the personalization and effectiveness of next-generation cancer treatments, paving the way for transformative patient care.},
}

@article {pmid40019912,
year = {2025},
author = {Ryan, N and O'Mahony, S and Leahy-Warren, P and Philpott, L and Mulcahy, H},
title = {The impact of perinatal maternal stress on the maternal and infant gut and human milk microbiomes: A scoping review.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {2},
pages = {e0318237},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0318237},
pmid = {40019912},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; *Milk, Human/microbiology ; Female ; Pregnancy ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Stress, Psychological/microbiology ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Perinatal maternal stress, which includes both psychological and physiological stress experienced by healthy women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Infant early exposure to adverse environments such as perinatal stress has been shown to increase the long-term risk to metabolic, immunologic and neurobehavioral disorders. Evidence suggests that the human microbiome facilitates the transmission of maternal factors to infants via the vaginal, gut, and human milk microbiomes. The colonization of aberrant microorganisms in the mother's microbiome, influenced by the microbiome-brain-gut axis, may be transferred to infants during a critical early developmental period. This transfer may predispose infants to a more inflammatory-prone microbiome which is associated with dysregulated metabolic process leading to adverse health outcomes. Given the prevalence and potential impact of perinatal stress on maternal and infant health, with no systematic mapping or review of the data to date, the aim of this scoping review is to gather evidence on the relationship between perinatal maternal stress, and the human milk, maternal, and infant gut microbiomes.

METHODS: This is an exploratory mapping scoping review, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology along with use of the Prisma Scr reporting guideline. A comprehensive search was conducted using the following databases, CINAHL Complete; MEDLINE; PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus with a protocol registered with Open Science Framework DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/5SRMV.

RESULTS: After screening 1145 papers there were 7 paper that met the inclusion criteria. Statistically significant associations were found in five of the studies which identify higher abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Erwinia, Serratia, T mayombie, Bacteroides with higher maternal stress, and lower levels of stress linked to potentially beneficial bacteria such Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Akkermansia. However, one study presents conflicting results where it was reported that higher maternal stress was linked to the prevalence of more beneficial bacteria.

CONCLUSION: This review suggests that maternal stress does have an impact on the alteration of abundance and diversity of influential bacteria in the gut microbiome, however, it can affect colonisation in different ways. These bacterial changes have the capacity to influence long term health and disease. The review analyses data collection tools and methods, offers potential reasons for these findings as well as suggestions for future research.},
}

Humans
*Milk, Human/microbiology
Female
Pregnancy
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Stress, Psychological/microbiology
Infant
Infant, Newborn

@article {pmid40016751,
year = {2025},
author = {Gan, Y and Yuan, Z and Weng, J and Huang, M and Li, T and Wu, Y and Lin, K and Han, J and Li, X and Liu, H and Wan, Z and Li, Z and Chen, Z and Cui, J and Luo, Y and Huang, M and Yu, H and Lin, J},
title = {Transcriptomic profile of RNA pseudouridine modification as a biomarker for cellular senescence associated with survival outcomes in colorectal cancer.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {61},
pmid = {40016751},
issn = {1741-7007},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as an age-related disease, and cellular senescence (CS) plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression. Previous studies have shown the role of epigenetic changes in aging and cancer development, but the role of RNA pseudouridine (Ψ) modification in aging and cancer remains to be explored.

RESULTS: Using bulk RNA sequencing, CRC cells with low Ψ writers expression levels have higher CS levels. We developed the Psi Score for assessing the transcriptomic profile of RNA Ψ modification regulation and found that the Psi Score correlates with CS. Furthermore, Psi-related senescence may be mediated by mTOR, TGF-β, TNF-α, and inflammatory response signaling pathways. Meanwhile, Psi Score could predict the anti-cancer treatment outcomes of anti-aging interventions and could be used to predict the response to immunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings reveal that RNA Ψ modification connected aging and cancer and provided novel insights into biomarker-guided cancer regimens.},
}

@article {pmid40016656,
year = {2025},
author = {Koslovsky, MD},
title = {Analyzing microbiome data with taxonomic misclassification using a zero-inflated Dirichlet-multinomial model.},
journal = {BMC bioinformatics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {69},
pmid = {40016656},
issn = {1471-2105},
support = {DMS-2245492//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {The human microbiome is the collection of microorganisms living on and inside of our bodies. A major aim of microbiome research is understanding the role microbial communities play in human health with the goal of designing personalized interventions that modulate the microbiome to treat or prevent disease. Microbiome data are challenging to analyze due to their high-dimensionality, overdispersion, and zero-inflation. Analysis is further complicated by the steps taken to collect and process microbiome samples. For example, sequencing instruments have a fixed capacity for the total number of reads delivered. It is therefore essential to treat microbial samples as compositional. Another complicating factor of modeling microbiome data is that taxa counts are subject to measurement error introduced at various stages of the measurement protocol. Advances in sequencing technology and preprocessing pipelines coupled with our growing knowledge of the human microbiome have reduced, but not eliminated, measurement error. Ignoring measurement error during analysis, though common in practice, can then lead to biased inference and curb reproducibility. We propose a Dirichlet-multinomial modeling framework for microbiome data with excess zeros and potential taxonomic misclassification. We demonstrate how accommodating taxonomic misclassification improves estimation performance and investigate differences in gut microbial composition between healthy and obese children.},
}

@article {pmid40009328,
year = {2025},
author = {Mivehchi, H and Eskandari-Yaghbastlo, A and Pour Bahrami, P and Elhami, A and Faghihinia, F and Nejati, ST and Kazemi, KS and Nabi Afjadi, M},
title = {Exploring the role of oral bacteria in oral cancer: a narrative review.},
journal = {Discover oncology},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {242},
pmid = {40009328},
issn = {2730-6011},
abstract = {A growing body of research indicates that a wide range of cancer types may correlate with human microbiome components. On the other hand, little is known about the potential contribution of the oral microbiota to oral cancer. However, some oral microbiome components can stimulate different tumorigenic processes associated with the development of cancer. In this line, two prevalent oral infections, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum can increase tumor growth. The microbiome can impact the course of the illness through direct interactions with the human body and major modifications to the toxicity and responsiveness to different kinds of cancer therapy. Recent research has demonstrated a relationship between specific phylogenetic groupings and the results of immunotherapy treatment for particular tumor types. Conversely, there has been a recent upsurge in interest in the possibility of using microbes to treat cancer. At the moment, some species, such as Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridium spp., are being explored as possible cancer treatment vectors. Thus, understanding these microbial interactions highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy oral microbiome in preventing oral cancers. From this perspective, this review will discuss the role of the microbiome on oral cancers and their possible application in oral cancer treatment/improvement.},
}

@article {pmid40005682,
year = {2025},
author = {Ece, G and Aktaş, A and Caner, A and Sağlık, İ and Kula Atik, T and Ulusan Bağcı, Ö and Bayındır Bilman, F and Demirbakan, H and Güdül Havuz, S and Kaya, E and Koyuncu Özyurt, Ö and Yetkin, G and Zorbozan, O},
title = {The Urogenital System Microbiota: Is It a New Gamechanger in Urogenital Cancers?.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13020315},
pmid = {40005682},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {The human microbiome, which encompasses microbial communities and their genetic material, significantly influences health and disease, including cancer. The urogenital microbiota, naturally present in the urinary and genital tracts, interact with factors such as age, lifestyle, and health conditions to affect homeostasis and carcinogenesis. Studies suggest that alterations in this microbiota contribute to the development and progression of genitourinary cancers, emphasizing the concept of oncobiome, which refers to microbial genetic contributions to cancer. Similarly, gut microbiota can influence hormone levels and systemic inflammation, impacting cancers such as cervical and prostate cancer. Advanced studies indicate that microbial communities in genitourinary cancers have distinct profiles that may serve as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Dysbiosis of the urinary microbiota correlates with bladder and kidney cancer. Additionally, gut microbiota influence the effectiveness of cancer treatments. However, further research is necessary to clarify causality, the role of microbial metabolites, and hormonal regulation. The aim of this review is to understand that these dynamics present opportunities for innovative cancer diagnostics and therapies, highlighting the need for integration of microbiology, oncology, and genomics to explore the role of microbiota in genitourinary cancers. For this, a comprehensive search of relevant databases was conducted, applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify studies examining the association between microbiota and urogenital cancers. Research into the mechanisms by which microbiota influence urogenital cancers may pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40005646,
year = {2025},
author = {Choi, Y and Jeong, J and Han, Y and Han, M and Yu, B and Han, K},
title = {Exploring Competitive Relationship Between Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Mitis Streptococci via Co-Culture-Based Molecular Diagnosis and Metabolomic Assay.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13020279},
pmid = {40005646},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {RS-2024-00355393//the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {Various bacterial strains with nitrate-reducing capacity (NRC), such as Haemophilus, Actinomyces, and Neisseria, are known to promote NH3 production, control pH in the oral cavity, and inhibit the growth of aciduric bacteria. However, experimental evidence on various estimated bacterial networks within the salivary microbiome is insufficient. This study aims to explore potential bacterial compositional competition observed within saliva samples from dental caries patients through a co-culture assay of mitis Streptococci, which is a primary colonizer in the salivary microbiome, and nitrate-reducing bacteria Haemophilus parainfluenzae. We investigated bacterial growth efficiency change by co-culture time using the qRT-PCR method. In addition, we applied LC/Q-TOF-based metabolites screening to confirm metabolic interactions between oral bacterial species and their association with dental caries from a metabolomics perspective. As a result, we first found that the nitrate reduction ability of H. parainfluenzae is maintained even in a co-culture environment with the mitis Streptococci group through a nitrate reduction test. However, nitrate reduction efficiency was hindered when compared with monoculture-based nitrate reduction test results. Next, we designed species-specific primers, and we confirmed by qRT-PCR that there is an obvious competitive relationship in growth efficiency between H. parainfluenzae and two mitis Streptococci (S. australis and S. sanguinis). Furthermore, although direct effects of nitrate reduction on competition have not been identified, we have potentially confirmed through LC/Q-TOF-based metabolite screening analysis that the interaction of various metabolic compounds synthesized from mitis Streptococci is driving inter-strain competition. In particular, we constructed a basic reference core-metabolites list to understand the metabolic network between each target bacterial species (H. parainfluenzae and mitis Streptococci) within the salivary microbiome, which still lacks accumulated research data. Ultimately, we suggest that our data have potential value to be referenced in further metagenomics and metabolomics-based studies related to oral health care.},
}

@article {pmid39999339,
year = {2025},
author = {Hohmann, M and Iliasov, D and Larralde, M and Johannes, W and Janßen, KP and Zeller, G and Mascher, T and Gulder, TAM},
title = {Heterologous Expression of a Cryptic BGC from Bilophila sp. Provides Access to a Novel Family of Antibacterial Thiazoles.},
journal = {ACS synthetic biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acssynbio.5c00042},
pmid = {39999339},
issn = {2161-5063},
abstract = {Human health is greatly influenced by the gut microbiota and microbiota imbalance can lead to the development of diseases. It is widely acknowledged that the interaction of bacteria within competitive ecosystems is influenced by their specialized metabolites, which act, e.g., as antibacterials or siderophores. However, our understanding of the occurrence and impact of such natural products in the human gut microbiome remains very limited. As arylthiazole siderophores are an emerging family of growth-promoting molecules in pathogenic bacteria, we analyzed a metagenomic data set from the human microbiome and thereby identified the bil-BGC, which originates from an uncultured Bilophila strain. Through gene synthesis and BGC assembly, heterologous expression and mutasynthetic experiments, we discovered the arylthiazole natural products bilothiazoles A-F. While established activities of related molecules indicate their involvement in metal-binding and -uptake, which could promote the growth of pathogenic strains, we also found antibiotic activity for some bilothiazoles. This is supported by biosensor-experiments, where bilothiazoles C and E show PrecA-suppressing activity, while bilothiazole F induces PblaZ, a biosensor characteristic for β-lactam antibiotics. These findings serve as a starting point for investigating the role of bilothiazoles in the pathogenicity of Bilophila species in the gut.},
}

@article {pmid39998261,
year = {2025},
author = {Woh, PY and Chen, Y and Kumpitsch, C and Mohammadzadeh, R and Schmidt, L and Moissl-Eichinger, C},
title = {Reevaluation of the gastrointestinal methanogenic archaeome in multiple sclerosis and its association with treatment.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0218324},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02183-24},
pmid = {39998261},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {The role of the gut archaeal microbiome (archaeome) in health and disease remains poorly understood. Methanogenic archaea have been linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), but prior studies were limited by small cohorts and inconsistent methodologies. To address this, we re-evaluated the association between methanogenic archaea and MS using metagenomic data from the International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study. We analyzed gut microbiome profiles from 115 MS patients and 115 healthy household controls across Buenos Aires (27.8%), Edinburgh (33.9%), New York (10.4%), and San Francisco (27.8%). Metagenomic sequences were taxonomically classified using kraken2/bracken and a curated profiling database to detect archaea, specifically Methanobrevibacter species. Most MS patients were female (80/115), aged 25-72 years (median: 44.5), and 70% were undergoing treatment, including dimethyl fumarate (n = 21), fingolimod (n = 20), glatiramer acetate (n = 14), interferon (n = 18), natalizumab (n = 6), or ocrelizumab/rituximab (n = 1). We found no significant differences in overall archaeome profiles between MS patients and controls. However, treated MS patients exhibited higher abundances of Methanobrevibacter smithii and M. sp900766745 compared to untreated patients. Notably, M. sp900766745 abundance correlated with lower disease severity scores in treated patients. Our results suggest that gut methanogens are not directly associated with MS onset or progression but may reflect microbiome health during treatment. These findings highlight potential roles for M. smithii and M. sp900766745 in modulating treatment outcomes, warranting further investigation into their relevance to gut microbiome function and MS management.IMPORTANCEMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system, with approximately 2.8 million people diagnosed worldwide, mainly young adults aged 20-30 years. While recent studies have focused on bacterial changes in the MS microbiome, the role of gut archaea has been less explored. Previous research suggested a potential link between methanogenic archaea and MS disease status, but these findings remained inconclusive. Our study addresses this gap by investigating the gut archaeal composition in MS patients and examining how it changes in response to treatment. By focusing on methanogens, we aim to uncover novel insights into their role in MS, potentially revealing new biomarkers or therapeutic targets. This research is crucial for enhancing our understanding of the gut microbiome's impact on MS and improving patient management.},
}

@article {pmid39998226,
year = {2025},
author = {Martino, C and Kellman, BP and Sandoval, DR and Clausen, TM and Cooper, R and Benjdia, A and Soualmia, F and Clark, AE and Garretson, AF and Marotz, CA and Song, SJ and Wandro, S and Zaramela, LS and Salido, RA and Zhu, Q and Armingol, E and Vázquez-Baeza, Y and McDonald, D and Sorrentino, JT and Taylor, B and Belda-Ferre, P and Das, P and Ali, F and Liang, C and Zhang, Y and Schifanella, L and Covizzi, A and Lai, A and Riva, A and Basting, C and Broedlow, CA and Havulinna, AS and Jousilahti, P and Estaki, M and Kosciolek, T and Kuplicki, R and Victor, TA and Paulus, MP and Savage, KE and Benbow, JL and Spielfogel, ES and Anderson, CAM and Martinez, ME and Lacey, JV and Huang, S and Haiminen, N and Parida, L and Kim, H-C and Gilbert, JA and Sweeney, DA and Allard, SM and Swafford, AD and Cheng, S and Inoyue, M and Niiranen, T and Jain, M and Salomaa, V and Zengler, K and Klatt, NR and Hasty, J and Berteau, O and Carlin, AF and Esko, JD and Lewis, NE and Knight, R},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 infectivity can be modulated through bacterial grooming of the glycocalyx.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0401524},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.04015-24},
pmid = {39998226},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a site of replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and GI symptoms are often reported by patients. SARS-CoV-2 cell entry depends upon heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans, which commensal bacteria that bathe the human mucosa are known to modify. To explore human gut HS-modifying bacterial abundances and how their presence may impact SARS-CoV-2 infection, we developed a task-based analysis of proteoglycan degradation on large-scale shotgun metagenomic data. We observed that gut bacteria with high predicted catabolic capacity for HS differ by age and sex, factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity, and directly by disease severity during/after infection, but do not vary between subjects with COVID-19 comorbidities or by diet. Gut commensal bacterial HS-modifying enzymes reduce spike protein binding and infection of authentic SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that bacterial grooming of the GI mucosa may impact viral susceptibility.IMPORTANCESevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019, can infect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and individuals who exhibit GI symptoms often have more severe disease. The GI tract's glycocalyx, a component of the mucosa covering the large intestine, plays a key role in viral entry by binding SARS-CoV-2's spike protein via heparan sulfate (HS). Here, using metabolic task analysis of multiple large microbiome sequencing data sets of the human gut microbiome, we identify a key commensal human intestinal bacteria capable of grooming glycocalyx HS and modulating SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in vitro. Moreover, we engineered the common probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to effectively block SARS-CoV-2 binding and infection of human cell cultures. Understanding these microbial interactions could lead to better risk assessments and novel therapies targeting viral entry mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid39994360,
year = {2025},
author = {Kurt, KC and Kurt, H and Tokuç, E and Özbey, D and Arabacı, DN and Aydın, S and Gönüllü, N and Skurnik, M and Tokman, HB},
title = {Isolation and characterization of new lytic bacteriophage PSA-KC1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis patients.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6551},
pmid = {39994360},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {IUC-BAP 34517//Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, BAP/ ; },
mesh = {*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/virology/isolation & purification/genetics ; Humans ; *Cystic Fibrosis/microbiology ; *Genome, Viral ; *Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology ; Pseudomonas Phages/genetics/isolation & purification ; Bacteriophages/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {A novel lytic bacteriophage, PSA-KC1, was isolated from wastewater. In this study, the whole genome of the bacteriophage PSA-KC1 was analyzed, and its lytic properties were assessed. PSA-KC1 has a linear double-stranded DNA genome with a total length of 43,237 base pairs and a GC content of 53.6%. In total, 65 genes were predicted, 46 of which were assigned functions as structural proteins involved in genome replication, packaging or phage lysis. PSA-KC1 belongs to the genus Septimatrevirus under the Caudoviricetes class. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the lytic bacteriophage PSA-KC1 and compare it with that of the Pyophage phage cocktail on 25 multi drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from sputum samples of cystic fibrosis patients. Seventeen of these strains were susceptible (68%) to the PSA-KC1 lytic phage we isolated, whereas eight clinical strains were resistant. However, 22 (88%) of the P. aeruginosa strains were susceptible to the Pyophage cocktail, and three (12%) were resistant to the Phage cocktail. At the end of our study, a new lytic phage active against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains from CF patients was isolated, and its genome was characterized. Since the PSA-KC1 phage does not contain virulence factors, toxins or integrase genes, it can be expected to be a therapeutic candidate with the potential to be used safely in phage therapy.},
}

*Pseudomonas aeruginosa/virology/isolation & purification/genetics
Humans
*Cystic Fibrosis/microbiology
*Genome, Viral
*Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology
Pseudomonas Phages/genetics/isolation & purification
Bacteriophages/isolation & purification/genetics/physiology
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid39994329,
year = {2025},
author = {Abdelqader, EM and Mahmoud, WS and Gebreel, HM and Kamel, MM and Abu-Elghait, M},
title = {Correlation between gut microbiota dysbiosis, metabolic syndrome and breast cancer.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6652},
pmid = {39994329},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Metabolic Syndrome/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Breast Neoplasms/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Feces/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Bifidobacterium/isolation & purification/genetics ; Lactobacillus/isolation & purification/genetics ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {Breast cancer is a widespread cancer with a high death rate globally. The incidence of breast cancer is expected to increase, particularly in low and middle-income countries due to environmental factors and lifestyle changes. Several risk factors, such as age, family history, hormonal and reproductive factors, have been identified to influence breast cancer development. Metabolic syndrome, is a metabolic disorder that has also been linked to breast cancer risk. The gut microbiome has been suggested as one of the environmental factors leading to breast cancer. The human microbiome is mainly colonized in the intestine by various bacterial species, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus and protect the host against pathogenic microorganisms and regulate the immune system. This study included 50 female breast cancer patients and 50 healthy controls with matched ages. Stool fresh samples were taken from test and control groups and stored at - 20 °C until further investigations. DNA of the bacteria in stool samples was extracted using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction to check for the bacterial 16s rRNA gene. The exclusion criteria included other malignancies, recent intestinal surgery, infectious diarrhea, prolonged use of antibiotics, substance addiction, and pregnancy or lactation. Our findings exhibited that breast cancer patients had a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome (60%) compared to cancer-free controls (40%). Furthermore, breast cancer patients had significantly lower Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus counts than the controls. No significant difference was found in Streptococcus counts between groups. These findings support the relationship between breast cancer and metabolic syndrome and suggest the potential involvement of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in breast cancer pathophysiology. Our study supports the relation between breast cancer and disorder of metabolic syndrome and suggests the potential involvement of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in breast cancer pathophysiology. Further research is necessary to investigate the complex interactions between genes, the environment, and the gut microbiome in breast cancer development. Understanding these interactions could lead to the progress of novel strategies for breast cancer prevention and treatment.},
}

Humans
Female
*Metabolic Syndrome/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Breast Neoplasms/microbiology/epidemiology
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
Middle Aged
Adult
Feces/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Case-Control Studies
Bifidobacterium/isolation & purification/genetics
Lactobacillus/isolation & purification/genetics
Risk Factors

@article {pmid39992142,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, L and Wang, Q and Huang, J and Wang, H and Yu, Z},
title = {Disrupting the balance: how acne duration impacts skin microbiota assembly processes.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0260324},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02603-24},
pmid = {39992142},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Growing interest in the impact of microbial balance on health has driven studies on the ecological processes shaping the skin microbiota. Skin diseases, which alter the skin's local environment, can disrupt the microbial structure and interact with the disease itself. However, research on microbial assembly in diseased skin remains limited. In this study, we applied ecological models to characterize the processes shaping the skin microbiota in acne patients, considering the impact of disease duration on both skin pores and surfaces using bacterial amplicon sequencing. Our results revealed a significant shift in microbial diversity on the skin surface of patients with long-term acne. Further microbial community analyses showed a transition in ecological processes from healthy to diseased skin. Microbial communities on the skin surfaces of healthy controls and individuals with short-duration acne were primarily driven by heterogeneous selection, whereas microbial drift dominated the assembly process in the long-duration groups. Using the Sloan neutral model, we classified amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) into high-effect and low-effect groups based on relative abundance and sample occurrence. High-effect ASVs, likely exerting a greater ecological influence, were predominantly represented by Cutibacterium across all acne-affected skin groups, while Staphylococcus became enriched among high-effect ASVs in patients with long-term acne. Functional profiling further demonstrated that high-effect ASVs were significantly enriched in motility-related pathways. Additionally, we observed a reduction in microbial network complexity on skin surfaces as disease duration increased. Overall, the ecological dynamics of skin microbial communities may offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying disease onset and persistence.IMPORTANCEThe skin microbiota plays a critical role in acne development, yet the processes governing microbial assembly during acne progression remain poorly understood. Previous studies predominantly focused on factors such as acne severity, location, and duration in relation to skin microbial structure, with little attention given to the ecological mechanisms shaping the communities. In this study, we applied ecological models to investigate the processes influencing microbial assembly of skin microbiota in acne patients with varying disease durations and examined functions of ecologically important non-neutral amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Our findings reveal a transition in ecological processes from deterministic to neutral processes as acne duration increased, with non-neutral ASVs potentially contributing to acne pathogenicity and persistence. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the ecological dynamics underlying acne and indicate that targeting these non-neutral ASVs or their associated functions may serve as the basis for future therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid39990405,
year = {2025},
author = {Thinnes, CC and Waschkowitz, R and Courtney, E and Culligan, E and Fahy, K and Ferrazza, RAM and Ferris, C and Lagali, A and Lane, R and Maye, C and Murphy, O and Noone, D and Ryan, S and Bet, M and Corr, MC and Cummins, H and Hackett, D and Healy, E and Kulczycka, N and Lang, N and Madden, L and McHugh, L and Pyne, I and Varley, C and Harkin, N and Meade, R and O'Donnell, G and Nap, B and Martinelli, F and Heinken, A and Thiele, I},
title = {The MicroMap is a network visualisation resource for microbiome metabolism.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.02.13.637616},
pmid = {39990405},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The human microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolism and thereby influences health and disease. Constraint-based reconstruction and analysis (COBRA) has proven an attractive framework to generate mechanism-derived hypotheses along the nutrition-host-microbiome-disease axis within the computational systems biology community. Unlike for human, no large-scale visualisation resource for microbiome metabolism has been available to date. To address this gap, we created the MicroMap, a manually curated microbiome metabolic network visualisation, which captures the metabolic content of over a quarter million microbial genome-scale metabolic reconstructions. The MicroMap contains 5,064 unique reactions and 3,499 unique metabolites, including for 98 drugs. The MicroMap allows users to intuitively explore microbiome metabolism, inspect microbial metabolic capabilities, and visualise computational modelling results. Further, the MicroMap shall serve as an educational tool to make microbiome metabolism accessible to broader audiences beyond computational modellers. For example, we utilised the MicroMap to generate a comprehensive collection of 257,429 visualisations, corresponding to the entire scope of our current microbiome reconstruction resources, to enable users to visually compare and contrast the metabolic capabilities for different microbes. The MicroMap seamlessly integrates with the Virtual Metabolic Human (VMH, www.vmh.life) and the COBRA Toolbox (opencobra.github.io), and is freely accessible at the MicroMap dataverse (https://dataverse.harvard.edu/dataverse/micromap), in addition to all the generated reconstruction visualisations.},
}

@article {pmid39983320,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, D and Wang, T and Zhang, L and Gao, N and Huang, Y and Zhang, J and Yan, J},
title = {Identification of body fluid sources based on microbiome antibiotic resistance genes using high-throughput qPCR.},
journal = {Forensic science international. Genetics},
volume = {77},
number = {},
pages = {103241},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsigen.2025.103241},
pmid = {39983320},
issn = {1878-0326},
abstract = {Identifying the origin of body fluids is a critical step in forensic investigation. Recently, the development of high-throughput sequencing technology has led to the use of microbiomes for body fluid identification in forensic studies. However, high-throughput sequencing data are difficult to analyze, the sequencing protocol is complicated. An increasing number of studies have focused on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the human microbiome. The abundance and diversity of ARGs in different parts of the human body can be detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). To date, no studies have inferred the sources of body fluids based on ARGs. Therefore, we attempted to use ARGs as a tool to infer the origin of body fluids. We assessed the abundance and diversity of 64 ARGs in blood, semen, saliva, vaginal secretions (VS), nasal secretions (NS), and fecal samples using high-throughput qPCR. The results showed that ARGs were more diverse in fecal samples, which was significantly higher than those of other sample types (P < 0.05). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that the samples clustered mainly according to their type. We constructed a random forest classification model based on 64 ARGs with a prediction accuracy of 92.68 %. Next, we evaluated the importance of the features in the random forest model (mean decrease accuracy, MDA). Subsequently, we constructed prediction models for the top 40 and 20 ARGs after sorting genes with the highest MDA, and their prediction accuracies were both 92.68 %. The accuracy of the top 10 ARGs was 87.80 %. Notably, when only the top 10 characterized ARGs were used to construct models for saliva, semen, and VS samples, the prediction accuracy reached was 95.24 %. This shows that blood, semen, saliva, NS, VS, and fecal samples can be accurately identified using ARGs. Our results suggest that ARGs are promising markers for forensic body fluid identification.},
}

@article {pmid39980568,
year = {2025},
author = {Davis, T and Decker, KT and Hosseini, D and Jameson, G and Borazanci, E},
title = {Skin microbiome differences in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, other cancers, and healthy controls: a pilot study.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1495500},
doi = {10.3389/fonc.2025.1495500},
pmid = {39980568},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Many studies have reported the importance of the human microbiome in relationship to the overall health of its host. While recent studies have explored the microbiome's role in various types of cancer compared to healthy patients, this pilot study is the first to investigate differences in the skin microbiome composition among pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients, individuals with other cancers, and cancer-free controls.

METHODS: The study characterizes the skin microbiome's potential associations with cancer status by analyzing skin swabs from the forehead and cheek of 58 participants using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), differential abundance analysis, and machine learning techniques.

RESULTS: The study results indicated that the cancer group displayed a significantly higher mean alpha diversity compared to the control group. Additionally, a machine learning classification model achieved a mean F1 Score of 0.943 in predicting cancer status, indicating measurable differentiation in the skin microbiome between the study groups. This differentiation is supported by differential abundance methods, including ANCOM-BC and MaAsLin2.

DISCUSSION: This pilot study suggests that skin microbiome profiling could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for cancer detection and monitoring, which warrants a larger, longitudinal study to validate these results.},
}

@article {pmid39979818,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, W and Yang, J},
title = {Investigating the Anna Karenina principle of the breast microbiome.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {81},
pmid = {39979818},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {202203021222244//Basic Research Program of Shanxi Province/ ; TYSGJ202201//Critical Talent Workstation Project/ ; 202105AC160030//Top Experts training Project for the Academy and Technology in Yunnan province/ ; XDYC-MY-2022-0005//Famous doctor project of Xingdian talent plan in Yunnan province/ ; 202201AY070001-232//The Scientific Research Fund of Yunnan province of China, Kunming Medical University Joint Research Project/ ; 2024EKKFKT-03//Neonatal Key Specialty of Yunnan province/ ; L-2024015//Yunnan health training project of high level talents/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Microbiota ; Female ; *Mastitis/microbiology/veterinary ; *Milk, Human/microbiology/chemistry ; *Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Breast/microbiology ; Breast Neoplasms/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Adult ; },
abstract = {The relationship between the microbiome and disease has long been a central focus of research in human microbiome. Inspired by Leo Tolstoy's dictum, the Anna Karenina Principle (AKP) offers a framework for understanding the complex dynamics of microbial communities in response to perturbations, suggesting that dysbiotic individuals exhibit greater variability/heterogeneity in their microbiome compared to healthy counterparts. While some studies have proved the alignment of microbiome responses to disease with the AKP effect, it remains uncertain whether the human breast microbiome responds similarly to breast disease. This study used beta-diversity and similarity in Hill numbers, along with shared species analysis (SSA), to explore this issue. We observed that during mastitis, changes in both the taxa richness and composition in the breast milk microbiome align with the AKP effect, while alterations in abundant taxa exhibit an anti-AKP effect. The response of breast tissue microbiome to breast cancer differs from that of milk microbiome to mastitis. Breast cancer induce anti-AKP effects in taxa richness, and non-AKP effects in common taxa and taxa composition. Overall, our findings identified different responses to breast diseases across taxa abundance in the breast microbiome. Mastitis primarily involves increasing the heterogeneity of rare taxa in the breast milk microbiome, while breast cancer associates with decreased dispersion of rare taxa in the tissue microbiome.},
}

Humans
*Microbiota
Female
*Mastitis/microbiology/veterinary
*Milk, Human/microbiology/chemistry
*Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
*Breast/microbiology
Breast Neoplasms/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Adult

@article {pmid39977268,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Q and Cui, K and Kong, Y and Yu, J and Luo, Z and Yang, X and Gong, L and Xie, Y and Lin, J and Liu, C and Zhang, Z and Liu, Y and Liu, B and Liang, D and Zeng, W and He, Z and Lan, P},
title = {Targeting both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions of DHODH as a therapeutic vulnerability in c-Myc-driven cancer.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {3},
pages = {115327},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115327},
pmid = {39977268},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {c-Myc (Myc)-driven cancers exhibit aggressive phenotypes and therapeutic resistance. Here, integrating CRISPR-Cas9 screening, we identify dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) as a promising target in Myc-driven cancer. Mechanistically, DHODH interacts with Myc to stabilize it independently of its enzymatic activity, thereby antagonizing SKP2-mediated polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. EN4, a Myc transcriptional activity inhibitor, disrupts DHODH-Myc interaction, promoting Myc degradation via SKP2. Additionally, Myc transcriptionally activates DHODH, enhancing pyrimidine biosynthesis and ferroptosis defense, processes dependent on DHODH enzymatic activity. Clinically, DHODH positively correlates with Myc, activating pyrimidine metabolism and ferroptosis defense in Myc-driven cancers. Hyperactivation of the DHODH-Myc axis is linked to colorectal cancer progression and poor prognosis. Therapeutically, combining EN4 with a DHODH enzymatic inhibitor demonstrates potent antitumor efficacy in Myc-driven colorectal cancer. Overall, our findings elucidate the metabolic and non-metabolic roles of DHODH in Myc-driven cancer, underscoring its dual potential as a therapeutic target addressing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions.},
}

@article {pmid39830242,
year = {2025},
author = {Carter, MM and Zeng, X and Ward, CP and Landry, M and Perelman, D and Hennings, T and Meng, X and Weakley, AM and Cabrera, AV and Robinson, JL and Nguyen, T and Higginbottom, S and Maecker, HT and Sonnenburg, ED and Fischbach, MA and Gardner, CD and Sonnenburg, JL},
title = {A gut pathobiont regulates circulating glycine and host metabolism in a twin study comparing vegan and omnivorous diets.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39830242},
abstract = {Metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and obesity pose a significant global health burden. Plant-based diets, including vegan diets, are linked to favorable metabolic outcomes, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In a randomized trial involving 21 pairs of identical twins, we investigated the effects of vegan and omnivorous diets on the host metabolome, immune system, and gut microbiome. Vegan diets induced significant shifts in serum and stool metabolomes, cytokine profiles, and gut microbial composition. Despite lower dietary glycine intake, vegan diet subjects exhibited elevated serum glycine levels linked to reduced abundance of the gut pathobiont Bilophila wadsworthia. Functional studies demonstrated that B. wadsworthia metabolizes glycine via the glycine reductase pathway and modulates host glycine availability. Removing B. wadsworthia from a complex microbiota in mice elevated glycine levels and improved metabolic markers. These findings reveal a previously underappreciated mechanism by which diet regulates host metabolic status via the gut microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid39972069,
year = {2025},
author = {Höyhtyä, M and Haaramo, A and Nikkonen, A and Ventin-Holmberg, R and Agrawal, N and Ritari, J and Hickman, B and Partanen, J and Alapulli, H and Tuokkola, J and Salonen, A and de Vos, WM and Kolho, KL},
title = {Fecal microbiota and genetics in pediatric-onset orofacial granulomatosis and Crohn´s disease.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6020},
pmid = {39972069},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {TYH2016224//Helsingin ja Uudenmaan Sairaanhoitopiiri/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Crohn Disease/microbiology/genetics ; *Granulomatosis, Orofacial/genetics/microbiology ; *Feces/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Adolescent ; Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein/genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex/genetics ; Saliva/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition. It is under debate, whether it is a condition of its own or merely a subtype of Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to search for markers characteristic of patients with pediatric-onset OFG compared to patients with pediatric-onset CD. We recruited young patients with OFG (with or without CD, n = 29), CD (n = 24), and healthy controls (n = 20). All participants provided a fecal sample for microbiota and calprotectin analyses and saliva for DNA analysis of genes associated with OFG and kept a 3-day food diary. Oral disease activity was evaluated using The Oral Disease Activity Score by an otorhinolaryngologist and a dentist. We observed decreased relative abundance in class Clostridia and increased relative abundances of classes Actinobacteria and Bacilli in the feces of patients with OFG when compared to patients with CD and healthy controls. The relative abundances of Bifidobacterium adolescentis increased and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii decreased along with the increase in the Oral Disease Activity Score. We found the NOD2 gene rs8057341 allele A to be enriched in patients with OFG compared to patients with CD. These findings support the theory that OFG is a distinct disease phenotype.},
}

Humans
*Crohn Disease/microbiology/genetics
*Granulomatosis, Orofacial/genetics/microbiology
*Feces/microbiology
Male
Female
Child
Adolescent
Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein/genetics
Case-Control Studies
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex/genetics
Saliva/microbiology

@article {pmid39971547,
year = {2025},
author = {Lan, P and He, XS and Zhang, ZJ and Zhang, B},
title = {[Critical issues in surgical treatment for colorectal cancer].},
journal = {Zhonghua wei chang wai ke za zhi = Chinese journal of gastrointestinal surgery},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {21-27},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn441530-20250106-00010},
pmid = {39971547},
issn = {1671-0274},
support = {2022YFA1304000//National Key R&D Program of China/ ; U21A20344//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery ; China ; Neoplasm Staging ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; },
abstract = {Clinical research on colorectal cancer in China has developed rapidly in recent years. Based on evidence-based medicine, the Chinese Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Standards and the CSCO Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer are continuously updated, which have been instrumental in optimizing the full-process management of colorectal cancer and improving cancer outcomes. While significant progress has been made, we must remain aware that there are still many urgent and key issues to be solved in the field of surgical treatment e.g. sphincter-preserving strategies, surgical approaches, management of T1 stage tumors, and surgical treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. In the future, more high-quality, original research from China will be needed to address these challenges, standardize surgical approaches, and improve treatment effect.},
}

Humans
*Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery
China
Neoplasm Staging
Evidence-Based Medicine

@article {pmid39971202,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, T and Wu, X and Li, X and Chen, M},
title = {Cancer-associated fungi: An emerging powerful player in cancer immunotherapy.},
journal = {Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {189287},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189287},
pmid = {39971202},
issn = {1879-2561},
abstract = {The role of the human microbiome in cancer has been extensively studied, focusing mainly on bacteria-host interactions and their impact on tumor development and treatment response. However, fungi, an immune-active component of the human microbiome, have received less attention regarding their roles in cancer. Recent studies have identified the widespread and specific colonization and distribution of fungi in multiple sites in patients across various cancer types. Importantly, host-fungal immune interactions significantly influence immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment. The rapid advancement of immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based cancer immunotherapy creates an urgent need for effective biomarkers and synergistic therapeutic targets. Cancer-associated fungi and their associated antifungal immunity demonstrate significant potential and efficacy in enhancing cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes and discusses the growing evidence of the functions and mechanisms of commensal and pathogenic cancer-associated fungi in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, we emphasize the potential of fungi as predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer immunotherapy.},
}

@article {pmid39966341,
year = {2025},
author = {Qin, L and Sun, T and Li, X and Zhao, S and Liu, Z and Zhang, C and Jin, C and Xu, Y and Gao, X and Cao, Y and Wang, J and Han, T and Yan, L and Song, J and Zhang, F and Liu, F and Zhang, Y and Huang, Y and Song, Y and Liu, Y and Zhang, J and Zhang, X and Yao, Z and Chen, H and Zhang, Z and Zhao, S and Feng, Y and Zhang, YN and Yu, Q and Cao, F and Zhao, L and Xie, L and Geng, L and Feng, Q and Zhao, H and Chen, ZJ},
title = {Population-level analyses identify host and environmental variables influencing the vaginal microbiome.},
journal = {Signal transduction and targeted therapy},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {64},
pmid = {39966341},
issn = {2059-3635},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *Vagina/microbiology ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Vaginosis, Bacterial/microbiology/genetics ; Lactobacillus/genetics ; China ; },
abstract = {The vaginal microbiome is critical for the reproductive health of women, yet the differential impacts exerted by the host and by ambient environmental variables on the vaginal microbiome remain largely unknown. Here, we conducted a comprehensive cross-sectional study of the relationships between the vaginal microbiome and 81 matched host and environmental variables across 6755 Chinese women. By 16S rRNA sequencing, we identified four core vaginal microbiota with a prevalence of over 90% and a total median abundance of 98.8%. Twenty-four variables, including physiology, lifestyle behaviors, gynecologic history, social and environmental information, were found associated with the microbiome composition, of which bacterial vaginosis (BV) showed the largest effect size. Age was among the strongest explanatory variables and the vaginal microbiome dynamically succeeded with increasing age, especially with a composition turning point at the age of 45. Our mediation analyses indicated that the effects of age on the microbiome could be mediated by variables such as parity number and lifestyles. We further classified the vaginal microbiomes of the population into 13 "Vagitypes". Women with Lactobacillus iners- and Lactobacillus jensenii-dominated Vagitypes had significantly higher live birth rate than those with Vagitype dominated by Fannyhessea vaginae (53.40%, 59.09% vs 21.43%; OR [95% CI]: 3.62 [1.12-14.87], 5.39 [1.27-27.36]; P = 0.031, P = 0.021). This study provides a comprehensive overview of the associations between identified variables and the vaginal microbiome, representing an important step toward understanding of environment-microbe-host interactions.},
}

Female
Humans
*Vagina/microbiology
*Microbiota/genetics
Adult
Middle Aged
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Cross-Sectional Studies
Vaginosis, Bacterial/microbiology/genetics
Lactobacillus/genetics
China

@article {pmid39966419,
year = {2025},
author = {Heidrich, V and Fackelmann, G and Malesevic, M and Armanini, F and Dey, H and Mengoni, C and Stanisavljevic, N and Vukotic, G and Segata, N},
title = {Newly identified species from the dog dental plaque microbiome highlight little overlap with humans.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {30},
pmid = {39966419},
issn = {2055-5008},
abstract = {Understudied pet-associated microbiomes represent a rich source for the discovery of microbial taxa important for pet and human health. From a cohort of 23 dogs, we sampled and metagenomically sequenced 64 dental plaque microbiomes, generating 1945 metagenome-assembled genomes spanning 347 microbial species, including 277 undercharacterized species without cultivated representatives. Integration with human microbiome data revealed the dog plaque microbiome is more diverse than - and shows little overlap (5.9% species in common) with - the human plaque microbiome, even though some shared periodontal pathobionts arise as a potential concern.},
}

@article {pmid39956340,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharma, M and Pudlo, N and Järvå, MA and Kaur, A and John, A and Burchill, L and Lingford, JP and Epa, R and Abayakoon, P and Scott, NE and Turkenburg, JP and Davies, GJ and Martens, EC and Goddard-Borger, ED and Williams, SJ},
title = {Sulfoglycolysis sustains Eubacterium rectale in low-fiber diets.},
journal = {The Journal of biological chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108320},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbc.2025.108320},
pmid = {39956340},
issn = {1083-351X},
abstract = {The production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by Firmicutes (Bacillota) within the human gastrointestinal tract is recognized as critical for gut health and the progression of a range of disease states. Firmicutes are the most diverse phylum of human gut bacteria and are highly studied, and are often specialized to degrade just a few polysaccharide substrates. Members of the Firmicutes include key bacteria that produce butyrate, an SCFA that is generally not produced by members of the other major phyla. Recently, it was shown that Eubacterium rectale, a widespread member of the Firmicutes belonging to the Clostridiales cluster XIVa, can grow on the unusual but ubiquitous plant-derived sugar SQ using a sulfoglycolytic sulfofructose transaldolase pathway. Here, we show that in addition to SQ, E. rectale can also grow on the SQ glycoside sulfoquinovosyl glycerol (SQGro). The 3D structure of the E. rectale sulfoquinovosidase (SftG) shares strong structural conservation with other carbohydrate active enzyme family GH31 SQases. Using sequence-similarity networks, we provide new biological context to a conserved domain of unknown function protein SftX belonging to DUF4867, which is conserved in the sulfoglycolytic sulfofructose transaldolase pathway, and determine its 3D structure. Finally, with the aid of a synthetic mini-human microbiome reconstituted in germ-free mice, we show that an SQ dietary supplement can rescue E. rectale from population crashes that occur upon switching from a high-fiber to a low-fiber, high-fat diet. This suggests that SQ or SQGro has potential as a prebiotic for promoting the maintenance of this important butyrate-producing bacterium within the colonic microbiota.},
}

@article {pmid39956335,
year = {2025},
author = {Abreu, MT and Devkota, S and Issokson, K},
title = {A Mediterranean diet for Crohn's disease: Embracing colorful diversity to improve the microbiome.},
journal = {Gastroenterology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1053/j.gastro.2025.02.003},
pmid = {39956335},
issn = {1528-0012},
}

@article {pmid39955481,
year = {2025},
author = {Wan, Y and Pike, R and Harley, A and Mumin, Z and Potterill, I and Meunier, D and Ganner, M and Getino, M and Coelho, J and Jauneikaite, E and Moganeradj, K and Brown, CS and Holmes, AH and Demirjian, A and Hopkins, KL and Pichon, B},
title = {Complete genome assemblies and antibiograms of 22 Staphylococcus capitis isolates.},
journal = {BMC genomic data},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {12},
pmid = {39955481},
issn = {2730-6844},
support = {PSN109/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; NIHR200876//National Institute for Health and Care Research/ ; UGG10057//Price David Evans endowment/ ; },
mesh = {*Staphylococcus capitis/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification ; *Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Humans ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/drug therapy ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Staphylococcus capitis is part of the human microbiome and an opportunistic pathogen known to cause catheter-associated bacteraemia, prosthetic joint infections, skin and wound infections, among others. Detection of S. capitis in normally sterile body sites saw an increase over the last decade in England, where a multidrug-resistant clone, NRCS-A, was widely identified in blood samples from infants in neonatal intensive care units. To address a lack of complete genomes and antibiograms of S. capitis in public databases, we performed long- and short-read whole-genome sequencing, hybrid genome assembly, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 22 diverse isolates.

DATA DESCRIPTION: We present complete genome assemblies of two S. capitis type strains (subspecies capitis: DSM 20326; subspecies urealyticus: DSM 6717) and 20 clinical isolates (NRCS-A: 10) from England. Each genome is accompanied by minimum inhibitory concentrations of 13 antimicrobials including vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, linezolid, and clindamycin. These 22 genomes were 2.4-2.7 Mbp in length and had a GC content of 33%. Plasmids were identified in 20 isolates. Resistance to teicoplanin, daptomycin, gentamicin, fusidic acid, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and erythromycin was seen in 1-10 isolates. Our data are a resource for future studies on genomics, evolution, and antimicrobial resistance of S. capitis.},
}

*Staphylococcus capitis/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification
*Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Genome, Bacterial/genetics
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Humans
Whole Genome Sequencing
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology/drug therapy
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid39952625,
year = {2025},
author = {Javanshir, N and Ebrahimi, V and Mazhari, Z and Saedaei, B and Zuo, T and Fard, NA},
title = {The antiviral effects and underlying mechanisms of probiotics on viral infections.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107377},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107377},
pmid = {39952625},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {In public health emergencies, viral diseases like influenza and COVID-19 have become a major concern. One of the proposed responses to this concern is the use of probiotics. Probiotics have a potent role in arming our bodies to combat viral infections. They affect the innate and adaptive immune systems in various ways. Accumulating studies has shown that probiotics can reduce the possibility of infection or the duration of respiratory symptoms by modulating the functions of the immune system. This review aims to summarize the impacts of probiotics on respiratory viral infections and their potential antiviral mechanisms. Therefore, we herein discussed probiotics in relation to lung immunity, distinct types of respiratory viral infections (VRIs), including influenza, rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, and upper respiratory viral infections, and lastly, probiotics and their effects on COVID-19. However, more studies are needed to explore the antiviral mechanisms of probiotics.},
}

@article {pmid39949350,
year = {2024},
author = {Lee, DB and Hwang, IS},
title = {Macronutrient balance determines the human gut microbiome eubiosis: insights from in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fermentation of eight pulse species.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1512217},
pmid = {39949350},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The interactions between macronutrients, the human gut microbiome, and their metabolites (short-chain fatty acids) were comprehensively investigated via an in vitro digestion and fermentation model subjected to eight pulse species. 16S rRNA sequencing and taxonomic analysis of pulse digesta fermented for up to 24 h revealed an increase in the relative abundance of gut health-detrimental genera represented by Escherichia-Shigella in kidney bean, soybean, cowpea, chickpea, and black bean samples. In contrast, the relative abundance of health-positive genera, including Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Akkermansia, was elevated in red bean, mung bean, and Heunguseul. At the same time, the proportion of the pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella decreased. Concurrently, these three species exhibited an increase in microbial diversity as evidenced by the calculation of α-diversity (Shannon index) and β-diversity (Bray-Curtis distance). Despite the lower nutrient contents in the three pulses, represented by carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids, network analysis revealed that the nutrient contents in the pulse digesta possess complex positive or negative correlations with a variety of bacteria, as well as their metabolites. These correlations were more pronounced in red bean, mung bean, and Heunguseul than in the other pulses. It was postulated that the overall potential to nourish gut environments in these species was due to the balance of their nutritional components. The linear regression analysis demonstrated that there was a negative association between carbohydrate and amino acid contents and the increase in Shannon indices. Furthermore, the ratio of carbohydrates to fatty acids and amino acids to fatty acids displayed negative correlations with the diversity increase. The ratio of carbohydrates to amino acids showed a weak positive correlation. It is noteworthy that a diet comprising foods with a balanced nutritional profile supports the growth of beneficial gut microbes, thereby promoting microbial eubiosis. Consistent work on different ingredients is essential for precise insight into the interplay between food and the human microbiome in complex dietary patterns.},
}

@article {pmid39947133,
year = {2025},
author = {Elmassry, MM and Sugihara, K and Chankhamjon, P and Kim, Y and Camacho, FR and Wang, S and Sugimoto, Y and Chatterjee, S and Chen, LA and Kamada, N and Donia, MS},
title = {A meta-analysis of the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease patients identifies disease-associated small molecules.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {33},
number = {2},
pages = {218-234.e12},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2025.01.002},
pmid = {39947133},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; Mice ; Animals ; *Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology ; Feces/microbiology ; Crohn Disease/microbiology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Multigene Family ; Colitis/microbiology ; Metagenomics ; Clostridium/genetics ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Female ; },
abstract = {Gut microbiome changes have been associated with several human diseases, but the molecular and functional details underlying these associations remain largely unknown. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of small molecule biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in metagenomic samples of the gut microbiome from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and matched healthy subjects and identified two Clostridia-derived BGCs that are significantly associated with Crohn's disease (CD), a main IBD type. Using synthetic biology, we discovered and solved the structures of six fatty acid amides as the products of the CD-enriched BGCs, which we subsequently detected in fecal samples from IBD patients. Finally, we show that the discovered molecules disrupt gut permeability and exacerbate disease in chemically or genetically susceptible mouse models of colitis. These findings suggest that microbiome-derived small molecules may play a role in the etiology of IBD and represent a generalizable approach for discovering molecular mediators of disease-relevant microbiome-host interactions.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Humans
Mice
Animals
*Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology
Feces/microbiology
Crohn Disease/microbiology
Disease Models, Animal
Multigene Family
Colitis/microbiology
Metagenomics
Clostridium/genetics
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Female

@article {pmid39947073,
year = {2025},
author = {Cotugno, N and Sanna, M and Amodio, D and Morrocchi, E and Pighi, C and Medri, C and Pascucci, GR and Santilli, V and Manno, EC and Zangari, P and Rossetti, C and Colantoni, N and Olivieri, G and Emili, E and Neri, A and Rotili, A and Rossi, P and Levy, O and Putignani, L and Palma, P and , },
title = {Pre-vaccination immune markers predict response to BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in vulnerable groups - The CONVERS project, report from a pediatric tertiary hospital.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {49},
number = {},
pages = {126778},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.126778},
pmid = {39947073},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Whereas several studies have demonstrated the long-term immunogenicity of BNT162b2 vaccine in healthy adults, little evidence was provided in vulnerable populations (VPs) with generally low ability to respond to immunizations. We aimed to identify pre-vaccination immune phenotype and transcriptional signatures in B and T-cell subsets associated with immune response and long-term maintenance upon SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in VPs.

METHODS: A cohort of VPs (N = 169) including solid organ transplant recipients (SOT; N = 35), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (N = 31), Down Syndrome (N = 42), people living with HIV (N = 36), primary immune deficiencies (N = 25) and healthy controls (N = 37) were enrolled in the CONVERS Study. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine responsiveness was evaluated by SARS-CoV-2-specific Ab and SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cells in VPs naive to infection or vaccination. Based on the humoral response at T28, individuals were classified as Protected (P: anti-spike antibody [anti-S] titer ≥0.8) and Not-Protected (NP: anti-S titer <0.8). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, after SARS-CoV-2 Prot-S peptides stimulation were sort-purified in four cell subsets and analyzed by multiplexed RT-PCR (Fluidigm, Biomark).

RESULTS: SOT presented a significantly lower serological immunogenicity with 31 % of individuals being NP at T28 whereas only 1 out of the remaining 119 resulted Ab negative at T28. At T0, NP individuals showed a lower increase of Ag specific CD40L+ T cells and lower switched memory B cells compared to P patients. Gene-expression analysis revealed distinct signatures at baseline between P and NP individuals with 63 and 49 DEGs identified in two experimental conditions, respectively unstimulated and stimulated.

CONCLUSIONS: Pre-vaccination B and T-cell characteristics at both phenotypic and gene- expression level correlate with short- and long- term memory maintenance in VPs with lower immunogenicity upon BNT162b2 vaccine. Such signatures need to be validated in larger cohorts and may provide a predictive score to inform personalized and more effective vaccine interventions.},
}

@article {pmid39940948,
year = {2025},
author = {Rastegari, F and Driscoll, M and Riordan, JD and Nadeau, JH and Johnson, JS and Weinstock, GM},
title = {Comparison of Lysis and Amplification Methodologies for Optimal 16S rRNA Gene Profiling for Human and Mouse Microbiome Studies.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26031180},
pmid = {39940948},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {HG01244/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Feces/microbiology ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; },
abstract = {When conducting sequence-based analysis of microbiome samples, it is important to accurately represent the bacterial communities present. The aim of this study was to compare two commercially available DNA isolation and PCR amplification approaches to determine their impact on the taxonomic composition of microbiome samples following 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A well-established 16S rRNA gene profiling approach, which was widely used in the Human Microbiome Project (HMP), was compared with a novel alkaline degenerative technique that utilizes alkaline cell lysis in combination with a degenerate pool of primers for nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification. When comparing these different approaches for the microbiome profiling of human and mouse fecal samples, we found that the alkaline-based method was able to detect greater taxonomic diversity. An in silico analysis of predicted primer binding against a curated 16S rRNA gene reference database further suggested that this novel approach had the potential to reduce population bias found with traditional methods, thereby offering opportunities for improved microbial community profiling.},
}

*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Humans
Animals
Mice
*Microbiota/genetics
*Feces/microbiology
Bacteria/genetics/classification
Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods

@article {pmid39939954,
year = {2025},
author = {Swarup, S and Gupta, A and Chung, M and Radhakrishnan, V and Davis, V and Lynch, MDJ and Charles, TC and Cheng, J and Mendoza, G},
title = {Rapid shift of gut microbiome and enrichment of beneficial microbes during arhatic yoga meditation retreat in a single-arm pilot study.},
journal = {BMC complementary medicine and therapies},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {51},
pmid = {39939954},
issn = {2662-7671},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The human microbiome plays a vital role in human health, mediated by the gut-brain axis, with a large diversity of functions and physiological benefits. The dynamics and mechanisms of meditations on oral and gut microbiome modulations are not well understood. This study investigates the short-term modulations of the gut and oral microbiome during an Arhatic Yoga meditation retreat as well as on the role of microbiome in improving well-being through a possible gut-brain axis.

METHODS: A single-arm pilot clinical trial was conducted in a controlled environment during a 9-day intensive retreat of Arhatic Yoga meditation practices with vegetarian diet. Oral and fecal samples of 24 practitioners were collected at the start (Day0: T1), middle (Day3: T2), and end (Day9:T3) of the retreat. Targeted 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed for both oral and gut samples. Functional pathway predictions was identified using phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt2). DESeq2 was used to identify the differential abundant taxa. Various statistical analyses were performed to assess the significant changes in the data.

RESULTS: Our findings revealed that Arhatic Yoga meditation together with a vegetarian diet led to changes in the oral and gut microbiome profiles within the 9-day retreat. Oral microbiome profile showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the species richness and evenness at the end of study, while non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) confirmed the shift in the gut microbiome profile of the practitioners by T2 timepoint, which was further supported by PERMANOVA analysis (p < 0.05). Health-benefiting microbes known to improve the gastrointestinal and gut-barrier functions, immune modulation, and gut-brain axis were enriched. Gut microbiome of both beginner and advanced Arhatic Yoga practitioners showed similar trends of convergence by the end of study. This implies a strong selection pressure by Arhatic Yoga meditation together with a vegetarian diet on the beneficial gut microbiome.

CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrates that Arhatic Yoga meditation practices combined with a vegetarian diet during a short intensive retreat resulted in enrichment of known health-promoting microbes. Such microbial consortia may be developed for potential health benefits and used as probiotics to improve the gastrointestinal and immune systems, as well as functions mediated by the gut-brain axis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study was submitted in https://clinicaltrials.gov/on28-02-2024 . Retrospective registered.},
}

@article {pmid39932857,
year = {2025},
author = {Lopetuso, LR and Deleu, S and Puca, P and Abreu, MT and Armuzzi, A and Barbara, G and Caprioli, F and Chieng, S and Costello, SP and Damiani, A and Danese, S and Del Chierico, F and D'Haens, G and Dotan, I and Facciotti, F and Falony, G and Fantini, MC and Fiorino, G and Gionchetti, P and Godny, L and Hart, A and Kupčinskas, J and Iqbal, T and Laterza, L and Lombardini, L and Maharshak, N and Marasco, G and Masucci, L and Papa, A and Paramsothy, S and Petito, V and Piovani, D and Pugliese, D and Putignani, L and Raes, J and Ribaldone, DG and Sanguinetti, M and Savarino, EV and Sokol, H and Vetrano, S and Ianiro, G and Cammarota, G and Cominelli, F and Pizarro, TT and Tilg, H and Gasbarrini, A and Vermeire, S and Scaldaferri, F},
title = {Guidance for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Trials in Ulcerative Colitis: The Second ROME Consensus Conference.},
journal = {Inflammatory bowel diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ibd/izaf013},
pmid = {39932857},
issn = {1536-4844},
support = {//European Crohn's and Colitis Organization/ ; //Crohn's & Colitis Foundation: Clinical Research Investigator Initiated Award (CRIA)/ ; 882725//Senior Research Award (SRA)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is emerging as a potential treatment modality for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite its promise, the effectiveness of FMT for treating IBD, particularly for ulcerative colitis (UC), still requires thorough clinical investigation. Notwithstanding differences in methodologies, current studies demonstrate its potential for inducing remission in UC patients. Therefore, standardized and robust randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are needed to further support its efficacy for managing UC. The aim of the second Rome Consensus Conference was to address gaps and uncertainties identified in previous research regarding FMT and to offer a robust framework for future studies applied to the treatment of UC.

METHODS: Global experts in the field of clinical IBD, mucosal immunology, and microbiology (N = 48) gathered to address the need for standardized clinical trials in FMT investigation. The group focused on key issues, such as stool donation, donor selection, characterization of fecal biomass, potential administration routes, as well as the process of induction, maintenance, and endpoint readouts.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The consensus achieved during this conference established standardization of methods and protocols to enhance the current quality of research, with the aim of eventual implementation of FMT in managing UC and the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid39930028,
year = {2025},
author = {Rook, O and Zwart, H},
title = {Awareness of human microbiome may promote healthier lifestyle and more positive environmental attitudes.},
journal = {Communications medicine},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {39},
pmid = {39930028},
issn = {2730-664X},
support = {No 964590//EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020)/ ; No 964590//EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The human microbiome is an essential factor of physical and mental health, yet the general population has little knowledge about it. This survey explores public familiarity with the human microbiome and (potential) public preferences related to monitoring and improving one's microbiome health. The study also examines whether recognizing the importance of one's microbiome may promote a more ecosystem-aware perspective towards microorganisms.

METHODS: We conducted an online survey with nationally representative samples from France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan (N = 2860). The results were interpreted using descriptive statistics and network analysis. We also performed a t-test to compare perceptions of microorganisms before and after a short reflection on the role of human microbiome for one's body and health.

RESULTS: In our data, most respondents express willingness to monitor the health of their microbiome (especially, in the European countries) and to adjust their lifestyle such as diet and exercise to improve it. A paired samples t-test shows a slight positive shift in perceptions of microorganisms and the microbial world after the reflection exercise compared to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the public recognize the essential role of the human microbiome in health and are willing to take care of it, which may have implications for public health policy. Our findings also suggest that stronger awareness of the human microbiome may promote lifestyle change and a more encompassing environmental outlook.},
}

@article {pmid39927868,
year = {2025},
author = {Zouiouich, S and Wan, Y and Vogtmann, E and Porras, C and Abnet, CC and Shi, J and Sinha, R},
title = {Sample size estimations based on human microbiome temporal stability over six months: a shallow shotgun metagenome sequencing analysis.},
journal = {Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-24-0839},
pmid = {39927868},
issn = {1538-7755},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biological factors impact the human microbiome, highlighting the need for reasonably estimating sample sizes in future population studies.

METHODS: We assessed the temporal stability of fecal microbiome diversity, species composition, and genes and functional pathways through shallow shotgun metagenome sequencing. Using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), we measured biological variability over six months. We estimated case numbers for 1:1 or 1:3 matched case-control studies, considering significance levels of 0.05 and 0.001 with 80% power, based on the collected fecal specimens per participant.

RESULTS: The fecal microbiome's temporal stability over six months varied (ICC <0.6) for most alpha and beta diversity metrics. Heterogeneity was seen in species, genes, and pathways stability (ICC 0.0-0.9). Detecting an odds ratio of 1.5 per standard deviation required 1,000-5,000 cases (0.05 significance for alpha and beta; 0.001 for species, genes, pathways) with equal cases and controls. Low-prevalent species needed 15,102 cases; high-prevalent species required 3,527. Similar needs applied to genes and pathways. In a 1:3 matched case-control study with one fecal specimen, 10,068 cases were needed for low-prevalent species; 2,351 for high-prevalent species. For odds ratios of 1.5 with multiple specimens, cases needed for low-prevalent species were 15,102 (one specimen), 8,267 (two specimens), and 5,989 (three specimens).

CONCLUSIONS: Detecting disease associations requires a large number of cases. Repeating prediagnostic samples and matching cases to more controls could decrease the needed number of cases for such detections.

IMPACT: Our results will help future epidemiologic studies design and implement well-powered microbiome studies.},
}

@article {pmid39927761,
year = {2025},
author = {Frame, LA},
title = {Fiber, microbiomes, and SCFAs: insights from companion animal models to inform personalized nutrition.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0145424},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01454-24},
pmid = {39927761},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {A recent study by A. Bhosle, M. I. Jackson, A. M. Walsh, E. A. Franzosa, et al. (mSystems 10:e00452-24, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/msystems.00452-24) enhances our understanding of dietary fiber's impact on the gut microbiome and metabolome in companion animals, uncovering individual variations in microbial and metabolic responses. By examining short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles in response to fiber, the authors reveal potential therapeutic benefits of tailored dietary interventions, such as enhanced gut and immune health. These findings resonate with human microbiome research, where dietary fiber has shown health benefits through microbial diversity and SCFA production. The study emphasizes the potential for breed-specific responses to fiber, given the variation in microbiome composition and physiology across breeds. Such insights align with emerging concepts of personalized nutrition, offering an opportunity to develop precision dietary strategies that address specific health needs in both veterinary and human contexts. This foundational research positions dietary fiber as a valuable tool in preventive health, providing a roadmap for future studies to refine individualized approaches for gut microbiome modulation.},
}

@article {pmid39916516,
year = {2025},
author = {Nunez, H and Nieto, PA and Mars, RA and Ghavami, M and Sew Hoy, C and Sukhum, K},
title = {Early life gut microbiome and its impact on childhood health and chronic conditions.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2463567},
pmid = {39916516},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Chronic Disease ; Animals ; Infant ; Child Health ; Child, Preschool ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Infant, Newborn ; Feces/microbiology ; Child ; },
abstract = {The development of the gut microbiome is crucial to human health, particularly during the first three years of life. Given its role in immune development, disturbances in the establishment process of the gut microbiome may have long term consequences. This review summarizes evidence for these claims, highlighting compositional changes of the gut microbiome during this critical period of life as well as factors that affect gut microbiome development. Based on human and animal data, we conclude that the early-life microbiome is a determinant of long-term health, impacting physiological, metabolic, and immune processes. The early-life gut microbiome field faces challenges. Some of these challenges are technical, such as lack of standardized stool collection protocols, inconsistent DNA extraction methods, and outdated sequencing technologies. Other challenges are methodological: small sample sizes, lack of longitudinal studies, and poor control of confounding variables. To address these limitations, we advocate for more robust research methodologies to better understand the microbiome's role in health and disease. Improved methods will lead to more reliable microbiome studies and a deeper understanding of its impact on health outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Chronic Disease
Animals
Infant
Child Health
Child, Preschool
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Infant, Newborn
Feces/microbiology
Child

@article {pmid39923780,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Z and Liu, Y and Philips, A and Zhang, F and Zuo, T},
title = {Varied prevalence and asymptomatic carriage of Cryptococcus gattii in the gut of Chinese populations.},
journal = {The Lancet. Microbe},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101086},
doi = {10.1016/j.lanmic.2025.101086},
pmid = {39923780},
issn = {2666-5247},
}

@article {pmid39920776,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, Y and Teng, TM and Han, J and Kim, HS},
title = {Antibiotic-associated changes in Akkermansia muciniphila alter its effects on host metabolic health.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {48},
pmid = {39920776},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {NRF-2018M3A9F3055923 and NRF-2015M3C9A4053393//The national research foundation of the Republic of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Altered gut microbiota has emerged as a major contributing factor to the etiology of chronic conditions in humans. Antibiotic exposure, historically dating back to the mass production of penicillin in the early 1940s, has been proposed as a primary contributor to the cumulative alteration of microbiota over generations. However, the mechanistic link between the antibiotics-altered microbiota and chronic conditions remains unclear.

RESULTS: In this study, we discovered that variants of the key beneficial gut microbe, Akkermansia muciniphila, were selected upon exposure to penicillin. These variants had mutations in the promoter of a TEM-type β-lactamase gene or pur genes encoding the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway, and they exhibited compromised abilities to mitigate host obesity in a murine model. Notably, variants of A. muciniphila are prevalent in the human microbiome worldwide.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight a previously unknown mechanism through which antibiotics influence host health by affecting the beneficial capacities of the key gut microbes. Furthermore, the global prevalence of A. muciniphila variants raises the possibility that these variants contribute to global epidemics of chronic conditions, warranting further investigations in human populations. Video Abstract.},
}

@article {pmid39913324,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, H and Mani, J and Vetter, TR and Gan, TJ},
title = {Examining the Impact of the Human Microbiome in the Perioperative Setting.},
journal = {Anesthesia and analgesia},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39913324},
issn = {1526-7598},
}

@article {pmid39912642,
year = {2025},
author = {Masarweh, C and Maldonado-Gomez, M and Paviani, B and Bhattacharya, M and Weng, C-Y and Suarez, C and Ehlers-Cheang, S and Stacy, A and Castillo, J and Krishnakumar, N and Kalanetra, KA and Barile, D and German, JB and Lebrilla, CB and Mills, DA},
title = {Generation of novel prebiotic oligosaccharide pools from fiber drives biological insight in bacterial glycan metabolism.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0207724},
doi = {10.1128/aem.02077-24},
pmid = {39912642},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Prebiotic oligosaccharides are dietary supplements that modulate the intestinal gut microbiome by selectively nourishing subsets of the microbial community with a goal to enhance host health. To date, the diversity of polysaccharide compositions in the fiber consumed by humans is not well represented by the limited scope of oligosaccharide compositions present in current commercial prebiotics. Recently, our UC Davis group developed a novel method to generate oligosaccharides from any polysaccharide fiber, termed Fenton's Initiation Toward Defined Oligosaccharide Groups (FITDOG). Using this method, sugar beet pulp (SBP) was transformed into sugar beet oligosaccharides (SBOs) composed of arabinose- and galactose-containing oligosaccharides. Fecal fermentations of SBO and SBP produced similar shifts in donor-specific bacterial communities and acid metabolite profiles with a general enrichment of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium. However, in vitro tests revealed more Bifidobacterium strains could consume SBO than sugar beet arabinan, and specific strains showed differential consumption of arabinofuranooligosaccharides or galactooligosaccharide (GOS) portions of the SBO pool. Genomic and glycomic comparisons suggest that previously characterized, arabinan-specific, extracellular arabinofuranosidases from Bifidobacterium are not necessary to metabolize the arabino-oligosaccharides within SBO. Synbiotic application of SBO with an SBO-consuming strain Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum SC596 in serial fecal enrichments resulted in enhanced persistence among 9 of 10 donor feces. This work demonstrates a novel workflow whereby FITDOG creates novel oligosaccharide pools that can provide insight into how compositional differences in fiber drive differential gut fermentation behaviors as well as their downstream health impacts. Moreover, these oligosaccharides may be useful in new prebiotic and synbiotic applications.IMPORTANCEPrebiotics seek to selectively alter the host microbiome composition or function, resulting in a concurrent health benefit to the host. However, commercial prebiotics represent a small fraction of the diversity of food polysaccharide compositions. In this work a novel method, Fenton's Initiation Toward Defined Oligosaccharide Groups (FITDOG) was used to generate an oligosaccharide pool from sugar beet pulp (SBP). Sugar beet oligosaccharides (SBOs) resulted in similar changes to SBP in fecal enrichments; however, SBO could be consumed by more beneficial bifidobacterial strains than the cognate polysaccharide. These results demonstrate how the details of glycan structure have a profound influence on how gut bacteria metabolize food carbohydrates. The implications of this work are relevant to understanding how different dietary sources influence the human microbiome and extend to developing novel oligosaccharide pools for prebiotic applications.},
}

@article {pmid39906620,
year = {2025},
author = {Wawrety, W and Kedziora, A},
title = {Role of bacteria in cancers and their therapeutic potential: Review of current knowledge.},
journal = {Iranian journal of basic medical sciences},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {273-282},
doi = {10.22038/ijbms.2024.77667.16798},
pmid = {39906620},
issn = {2008-3866},
abstract = {Cancers are extremely dynamic diseases that can actively cause refractorines to be gained from applied therapies, which is why they are at the forefront of deaths worldwide. In this literature review, we covered the most recent and important discoveries regarding the influence of human microbiota, including tumor bacteriome, on the development and treatment of cancer. Advances in research on microbial communities have enabled us to discover the role of the human microbiome in the development and course of this disease, helping us understand neoplasms better and design new potential therapies. As we show through our findings, by immunomodulation and the secretion of certain chemical substances, the correct bacteriome of the intestinal tract, respiratory system, or skin can protect humans against cancer development and help during the treatment process. Bacteria also reside inside tumors, forming part of the tumor microenvironment (TME), where they interact with immunological and cancer cells in many complex ways. Some bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Akkermansia muciniphila, can stimulate anticancer cell-mediated immune responses or even directly lead to cancer cell death. We also present the clinical possibilities of using some live, usually modified bacteria to develop bacteriotherapies. Modifying the gut microbiome to stimulate standard treatment is also important. Research on the microbiome and cancer remains a challenging topic in microbiology, having a great potential for advancements in cancer therapy in the future, and is continuously becoming a more and more popular field of research, as shown by our statistical analysis of PubMed data.},
}

@article {pmid39895074,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, KA and Ul-Haq, A and Seo, H and Jo, S and Kim, S and Song, HY and Kim, HS},
title = {Characteristics of skin microbiome associated with disease severity in systemic sclerosis.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology (Seoul, Korea)},
volume = {63},
number = {1},
pages = {e.2409018},
doi = {10.71150/jm.2409018},
pmid = {39895074},
issn = {1976-3794},
support = {//Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; HI21C1888//Ministry of Health and Welfare/ ; //National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2023-00219563//Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; //Soonchunhyang University Research Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Scleroderma, Systemic/microbiology ; *Skin/microbiology/pathology ; *Microbiota ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Male ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Adult ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Severity of Illness Index ; Aged ; Biomarkers ; Metagenomics ; },
abstract = {Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by skin fibrosis and internal organ involvement. Disruptions in the microbial communities on the skin may contribute to the onset of autoimmune diseases that affect the skin. However, current research on the skin microbiome in SSc is lacking. This study aimed to investigate skin microbiome associated with disease severity in SSc. Skin swabs were collected from the upper limbs of 46 healthy controls (HCs) and 36 patients with SSc. Metagenomic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene was conducted and stratified by cutaneous subtype and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) severity. Significant differences in skin bacterial communities were observed between the HCs and patients with SSc, with further significant variations based on subtype and mRSS severity. The identified biomarkers were Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium for patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc with high mRSS (≥ 10) and Mycobacterium and Parabacteroides for those with low mRSS (< 10). Gardnerella, Abies, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia were the biomarkers in patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSS) and high mRSS, whereas Coprococcus predominated in patients with lcSS and low mRSS. Cutaneous subtype analysis identified Pediococcus as a biomarker in the HCs, whereas mRSS analysis revealed the presence of Pseudomonas in conjunction with Pediococcus. In conclusion, patients with SSc exhibit distinct skin microbiota compared with healthy controls. Bacterial composition varies by systemic sclerosis cutaneous subtype and skin thickness.},
}

Humans
*Scleroderma, Systemic/microbiology
*Skin/microbiology/pathology
*Microbiota
Female
Middle Aged
Male
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Adult
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Severity of Illness Index
Aged
Biomarkers
Metagenomics

@article {pmid39892949,
year = {2025},
author = {McGann, C and Phyu, R and Bittinger, K and Mukhopadhyay, S},
title = {Role of the Microbiome in Neonatal Infection: Pathogenesis and Implications for Management.},
journal = {Clinics in perinatology},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {147-166},
doi = {10.1016/j.clp.2024.10.010},
pmid = {39892949},
issn = {1557-9840},
mesh = {Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; *Probiotics/therapeutic use ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; *Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/methods ; Neonatal Sepsis/microbiology/therapy ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {The human microbiome refers to the collective genome of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses residing on human body surfaces that are in contact with the environment. Together these communities protect against invasive infections. Conversely, when disrupted, the microbiome can be the source of pathogens causing invasive infection. Interventions to manipulate it via probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal transplantation are available. The risk benefit of these interventions remains unclear. In this review, the authors discuss evidence linking the gut microbiome to neonatal sepsis and also discuss the challenges for translating this knowledge into better clinical care.},
}

Humans
Infant, Newborn
*Probiotics/therapeutic use
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
*Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/methods
Neonatal Sepsis/microbiology/therapy
Microbiota

@article {pmid39891027,
year = {2025},
author = {Nissilä, E and Starck, L and Aho, E and Venerandi, E and Jalkanen, P and Leskinen, K and Uvarov, P and Saavalainen, P and Julkunen, I and Kotimaa, J and Haapasalo, K and Meri, S},
title = {The COVID-19 vaccine ChAdOx1 is opsonized by anti-vector antibodies that activate complement and promote viral vector phagocytosis.},
journal = {Scandinavian journal of immunology},
volume = {101},
number = {2},
pages = {e70000},
doi = {10.1111/sji.70000},
pmid = {39891027},
issn = {1365-3083},
support = {4708373//Sigrid Juséliuksen Säätiö/ ; TYH2023322//Helsingin ja Uudenmaan Sairaanhoitopiiri/ ; 336411//Academy of Finland/ ; 336410//Academy of Finland/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Phagocytosis/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Complement Activation/immunology ; *Immunoglobulin G/immunology/blood ; *ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/immunology ; *Antibodies, Viral/immunology/blood ; *COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control ; Genetic Vectors/immunology ; COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; Opsonization/immunology ; Adenoviruses, Human/immunology ; Female ; Male ; Neutrophils/immunology ; Adult ; },
abstract = {The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine has been in large-scale use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited efficacy compared to mRNA vaccines and certain potential side effects raise the question of whether anti-adenoviral vector antibodies influence immune responses against the vaccine. Complement activation by ChAdOx1 and leukocyte phagocytosis of ChAdOx1 in vitro were studied. Plasma IgG levels against ChAdOx1 and human adenovirus 2 (hAdV2) hexon protein were determined (n = 20) and IgGs from high- and low-titre plasmas were isolated (n = 3). Complement activation was measured as cleavage of C3 by immunoblotting and generation of C3a and sC5b-9 by ELISA. pHrodo-labelled ChAdOx1 was opsonized with complement and IgG, and phagocytosis by isolated blood PMNs in vitro was studied by flow cytometry. The transcriptomic profile of PMN cells exposed to ChAdOx1 was analysed by RNA-seq. ChAdOx1 activated the classical complement pathway in an anti-adenovirus antibody-dependent manner. Generation of the terminal complement complex sC5b-9 in individual sera correlated with anti-hAdV2 hexon and anti-ChAdOx1 IgG levels. Phagocytosis of ChAdOx1 also correlated significantly with anti-hAdV2 hexon IgG, anti-ChAdOx1 IgG and serum sC5b-9 levels. High-titre anti-hAdv2 hexon IgG increased phagocytosis in the presence of normal serum. Anti-vector antibodies induced rapid complement activation and promoted phagocytosis of the ChAdOx1 vaccine by neutrophils. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of complement-related genes induced by the ChAdOx1 vaccine in vitro. Anti-adenovirus vector antibodies and complement activation may thus influence the efficacy of the ChAdOx1 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and be also involved in vaccine-related side effects.},
}

Humans
*Phagocytosis/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Complement Activation/immunology
*Immunoglobulin G/immunology/blood
*ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/immunology
*Antibodies, Viral/immunology/blood
*COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control
Genetic Vectors/immunology
COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
Opsonization/immunology
Adenoviruses, Human/immunology
Female
Male
Neutrophils/immunology
Adult

@article {pmid39886886,
year = {2025},
author = {Pitkänen, HH and Helin, T and Khawaja, T and Pietilä, JP and Kajova, M and Välimaa, H and Vahlberg, T and Ihalainen, J and Vierikko, A and Vapalahti, O and Kantele, A and Lassila, R},
title = {Coagulation Profile of Convalescent Plasma Donors and Recipients.},
journal = {Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis : official journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis},
volume = {31},
number = {},
pages = {10760296251317522},
pmid = {39886886},
issn = {1938-2723},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *COVID-19/blood/therapy ; *Immunization, Passive/methods ; Adult ; Double-Blind Method ; *COVID-19 Serotherapy ; *Blood Donors ; Blood Coagulation/drug effects ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; Plasmapheresis/methods ; },
abstract = {Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy for COVID-19 infection may have favorable safety but varying efficacy, with concerns about its procoagulant impact. We investigated whether administration of CP to hospitalized patients affects their coagulation profile. Fifty-four patients randomized in a double-blinded fashion received either placebo, low-titer CP (LCP) or high-titer CP (HCP). Donor blood samples were obtained at the time of the plasmapheresis, while recipient blood samples were collected before infusion, one day post-infusion and between two and six days after infusion. Routine laboratory follow-up, coagulation biomarkers, antiphospholipid antibodies, and thrombin generation (TG) were assessed. CP donors had normal blood cell counts and coagulation profiles, without differences between LCP and HCP donors at the baseline. All CP recipients were on low-molecular-weight heparin thromboprophylaxis at the time of the infusion. Despite randomization, the HCP group had lower baseline (p = 0.004) and Day 1 platelet counts (p = 0.019) than the LCP group. Von Willebrand antigen (VWF:Ag) levels clearly exceeded normal without differences at baseline. At Day 1, LCP recipients had higher VWF:Ag (mean ± SD 224 ± 15%) than HCP recipients (210 ± 8%) (p = 0.012). In all groups, overall 80% lupus anticoagulant was positive. Baseline TG variables were comparable, but again LCP recipients exhibited higher endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (1313 ± 535 nM.min) (p = 0.038) and peak TG (184 ± 106 nM) (p = 0.037) than the HCP group (870 ± 425 nM.min and 86 ± 54 nM). Our findings show that LCP increases VWF:Ag levels and enhances TG despite the thromboprophylaxis. These results suggest that HCP induces less hypercoagulability than LCP, which may contribute to the variability in CP efficacy.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*COVID-19/blood/therapy
*Immunization, Passive/methods
Adult
Double-Blind Method
*COVID-19 Serotherapy
*Blood Donors
Blood Coagulation/drug effects
SARS-CoV-2
Aged
Plasmapheresis/methods

@article {pmid39885552,
year = {2025},
author = {Koh, H and Kim, J and Jang, H},
title = {MiCML: a causal machine learning cloud platform for the analysis of treatment effects using microbiome profiles.},
journal = {BioData mining},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {10},
pmid = {39885552},
issn = {1756-0381},
support = {2021R1C1C1013861//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The treatment effects are heterogenous across patients due to the differences in their microbiomes, which in turn implies that we can enhance the treatment effect by manipulating the patient's microbiome profile. Then, the coadministration of microbiome-based dietary supplements/therapeutics along with the primary treatment has been the subject of intensive investigation. However, for this, we first need to comprehend which microbes help (or prevent) the treatment to cure the patient's disease.

RESULTS: In this paper, we introduce a cloud platform, named microbiome causal machine learning (MiCML), for the analysis of treatment effects using microbiome profiles on user-friendly web environments. MiCML is in particular unique with the up-to-date features of (i) batch effect correction to mitigate systematic variation in collective large-scale microbiome data due to the differences in their underlying batches, and (ii) causal machine learning to estimate treatment effects with consistency and then discern microbial taxa that enhance (or lower) the efficacy of the primary treatment. We also stress that MiCML can handle the data from either randomized controlled trials or observational studies.

CONCLUSION: We describe MiCML as a useful analytic tool for microbiome-based personalized medicine. MiCML is freely available on our web server (http://micml.micloud.kr). MiCML can also be implemented locally on the user's computer through our GitHub repository (https://github.com/hk1785/micml).},
}

@article {pmid39880761,
year = {2025},
author = {Nandwana, D and Zhang, Y and Feng, N},
title = {Contribution of the Microbiome to Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Mini Review.},
journal = {European urology focus},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.euf.2025.01.008},
pmid = {39880761},
issn = {2405-4569},
abstract = {Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by pelvic pain and urinary urgency and frequency with an unclear etiology. Emerging evidence implicates microbiome dysbiosis-disruptions in the microbial communities inhabiting the body-in IC/BPS pathophysiology. This review synthesizes the literature on microbial alterations in IC/BPS, including urinary, vaginal, and gastrointestinal microbiota, and their interactions with host inflammatory and metabolic pathways. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed studies from the past 10 years on microbial communities in the body for patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Studies have revealed significant changes in microbial species for these patients, especially in urine. However, research on whether IC/BPS can be treated with interventions to modify microbial communities in the body is still needed.},
}

@article {pmid39877362,
year = {2024},
author = {Slater, AS and Hickey, RM and Davey, GP},
title = {Interactions of human milk oligosaccharides with the immune system.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1523829},
pmid = {39877362},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {*Milk, Human/immunology/chemistry/metabolism ; Humans ; *Oligosaccharides/immunology ; *Immune System/metabolism/immunology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; Animals ; Immunomodulation ; Infant, Newborn ; },
abstract = {Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are abundant, diverse and complex sugars present in human breast milk. HMOs are well-characterized barriers to microbial infection and by modulating the human microbiome they are also thought to be nutritionally beneficial to the infant. The structural variety of over 200 HMOs, including neutral, fucosylated and sialylated forms, allows them to interact with the immune system in various ways. Clinically, HMOs impact allergic diseases, reducing autoimmune and inflammatory responses, and offer beneficial support to the preterm infant immune health. This review examines the HMO composition and associated immunomodulatory effects, including interactions with immune cell receptors and gut-associated immune responses. These immunomodulatory properties highlight the potential for HMO use in early stage immune development and for use as novel immunotherapeutics. HMO research is rapidly evolving and promises innovative treatments for immune-related conditions and improved health outcomes.},
}

*Milk, Human/immunology/chemistry/metabolism
Humans
*Oligosaccharides/immunology
*Immune System/metabolism/immunology
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
Animals
Immunomodulation
Infant, Newborn

@article {pmid39877080,
year = {2025},
author = {Fehringer, M and Vogl, T},
title = {Molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.},
journal = {Journal of translational autoimmunity},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100269},
pmid = {39877080},
issn = {2589-9090},
abstract = {Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by excessive and misdirected immune responses against the body's own musculoskeletal tissues. Their exact aetiology remains unclear, with genetic, demographic, behavioural and environmental factors implicated in disease onset. One prominent hypothesis for the initial breach of immune tolerance (leading to autoimmunity) is molecular mimicry, which describes structural or sequence similarities between human and microbial proteins (mimotopes). This similarity can lead to cross-reactive antibodies and T-cell receptors, resulting in an immune response against autoantigens. Both commensal microbes in the human microbiome and pathogens can trigger molecular mimicry, thereby potentially contributing to the onset of ARDs. In this review, we focus on the role of molecular mimicry in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, implications of molecular mimicry are also briefly discussed for ankylosing spondylitis, systemic sclerosis and myositis.},
}