@article {pmid41974789,
year = {2026},
author = {Jia, Z and Zhu, LF and Wang, L and Zhang, J and Liu, S and Tian, F and Yi, Y and Wang, J and Tang, J and Gong, J},
title = {Phosphorus application, nutrient absorption, and endophytic root bacterial communities in maize grown in phosphorus-deficient rocky arid soils, China.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41974789},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Qiankehechengguo[2022] zhongdian 010//Major Scientific and Technological Special Project of Guizhou Province/ ; Qianjiaoji [2023] No.004//Science and Technology Research Project of Guizhou Provincial Department of Education/ ; QKHZC[2021]YB459//Science and Technology Support Project of Guizhou Province/ ; },
abstract = {Phosphorus deficiency is one of the major constraints for crop growth in Karst rocky desertification regions. Different phosphorus treatments have become important strategies for enhancing agricultural productivity; however, the effects of phosphorus fertilization on nutrient allocation and root endophytic microbiome at different growth stages under field conditions remain inadequately explored. Therefore, this study implemented four phosphorus application treatments in a field-based maize cultivation system: P0 (0 kg ha[-1]), P1 (75 kg ha[-1]), P2 (150 kg ha[-1]), and P3 (225 kg ha[-1]). Nutrient distribution and root endophytic microbial community dynamics were analyzed at the jointing and milk-ripening stages. The results demonstrated that: (1) With increasing phosphorus application, the total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in roots and leaves at the jointing, silking, and milk-ripening stages exhibited a pattern of “low phosphorus treatment enhancing TP content, while high phosphorus treatment suppressing TP uptake.” Total potassium (TK) content showed a decreasing trend, with the highest nutrient uptake observed at the phosphorus application rate of 150 kg ha[-1]. (2) Analysis of the root bacterial community revealed a decline in bacterial diversity with increasing phosphorus levels, but the abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were significantly enhanced. (3) Correlation analysis indicated that low phosphorus treatment (P0) induced microbial community restructuring, high phosphorus treatment (P3) promoted the proliferation of functional taxa such as Pseudomonadaceae, while medium phosphorus treatment (P2) showed the most significant correlation between microbial community structure and phosphorus availability. This study provides valuable scientific insights for optimizing phosphorus fertilization in maize production in karst regions.},
}

@article {pmid42010688,
year = {2026},
author = {Yadav, RK and Zhang, Y and Lv, Y and Liu, S and Yang, J and Wang, Y and Gang, X},
title = {Mechanisms of weight recurrence after bariatric surgery.},
journal = {Nutrition & metabolism},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42010688},
issn = {1743-7075},
support = {YDZJ202402042CXJD, YDZJ202401410ZYTS, 82272993, 2022-CXM-06, 81972372//Science and Technology Department, and National Natural Science Fund, Jilin Province, China/ ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Obesity is a major health concern in today’s growing population, significantly raising the risk of disease and death. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and its related conditions. However, weight recurrence remains a common issue post-surgery. This study aims to understand the mechanisms of Weight recurrence after Bariatric surgery, other than anatomic surgery failure. Weight recurrence may result from various factors, including genetic predisposition, psychological and behavioral influences, neuroendocrine changes, alterations in the gut microbiome, bile acid signaling, and post-surgery hypoglycemia. Prevention and management strategies include lifestyle modifications, mental health support, pharmacotherapy, and, in some cases, revision surgery. This study explores the controversial hormonal changes involved in weight recurrence, as well as the roles of gut microbiota, bile acid signaling, and genetic factors. Additionally, the study highlights several preventable factors that are crucial for maintaining long-term weight loss and minimizing weight recurrence after bariatric surgery. By gaining insight into these hormonal changes and other contributing factors, we can implement effective preventive measures and medical treatments to enhance long-term weight loss success and improve patients’ quality of life. Nonetheless, further research is needed to fully understand the contributions of bile acid signaling and gut microbiota in the process.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text]},
}

@article {pmid42228350,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, M and AlQahtani, A and Liu, L and Ran, L and Liu, C and Liang, Y and Yu, J and Wu, Y and Guan, Q},
title = {Microalgae Oil Improves Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in A High-Fat Diet-Induced Mouse Model.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {231},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/71168},
pmid = {42228350},
issn = {1940-087X},
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects ; *Liver/metabolism/drug effects ; *Lipid Metabolism/drug effects ; *Microalgae/chemistry ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Disease Models, Animal ; Docosahexaenoic Acids/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {Metabolically, dysfunctional steatotic liver disease is a prevalent metabolic disorder associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic lipid imbalance. In this study, a high-fat diet-induced mouse model was established to evaluate the effects of supplementation with DHA-rich microalgae oil. Mice (n = 4 per group) were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks and received daily oral administration of microalgae oil, probiotics, or the combination of DHA-rich microalgae oil and probiotics. Metabolic parameters, gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing), microbial functional pathways, and hepatic metabolomic profiles were assessed. The results showed that DHA-rich microalgae oil improved lipid homeostasis, as indicated by reduced serum LDL-c and hepatic triglyceride levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), and was associated with alleviation of liver injury and oxidative stress. Microbiome analysis revealed selective changes in gut microbial composition, including enrichment of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and reduction of high-fat diet-associated taxa such as Clostridium and Ruminococcus. Functional profiling indicated alterations in microbial metabolic pathways, including the L-methionine salvage cycle and phenylethylamine degradation. Integrated microbiome-metabolome analysis further identified associations between microbial taxa and hepatic metabolites involved in fatty acid metabolism, bile acid turnover, and amino acid pathways. These findings indicate that DHA-rich microalgae oil supplementation is associated with improvements in hepatic lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition in this model, without implying a direct causal mechanism.},
}

Animals
Mice
Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
*Liver/metabolism/drug effects
*Lipid Metabolism/drug effects
*Microalgae/chemistry
Male
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Disease Models, Animal
Docosahexaenoic Acids/pharmacology/administration & dosage

@article {pmid42228448,
year = {2026},
author = {Brandt, E and Koivisto, A and Pereira, P and Mustanoja, E and Auvinen, P and Saari, T and Rusanen, M and Leinonen, V and Scheperjans, F and Kärkkäinen, V},
title = {Early Gut Microbiome Alterations in Mild Cognitive Impairment Reflect Changes in Alzheimer Disease.},
journal = {Alzheimer disease and associated disorders},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/WAD.0000000000000732},
pmid = {42228448},
issn = {1546-4156},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Alterations in the gut-brain axis have been increasingly linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD). It remains unclear whether these microbiome changes are already present during early cognitive decline. We examined whether gut microbiome alterations characteristic of AD are detectable in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and whether these changes follow a similar pattern across the cognitive continuum.

METHODS: This case-control study included 78 participants: 37 cognitively healthy controls, 20 individuals with MCI, and 21 individuals with prodromal or mild AD. Cognitive performance was assessed using the CERAD neuropsychological battery, and disease severity was assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating. Dietary data were collected, and fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

RESULTS: We identified 16 bacterial genera associated with cognitive status. Genera such as Lacticaseibacillus, Raoultella, and Buttiauxella were reduced in AD, with similar decreases already evident in MCI. In contrast, Anaerovorax and an unclassified Comamonadaceae genus were increased in AD. Several alterations showed a consistent trend from normal cognition through MCI to AD.

DISCUSSION: Gut microbiome alterations characteristic of AD appear already present in early cognitive decline and follow a similar pattern in MCI. These findings support the potential of microbiome profiles as early, noninvasive biomarkers of AD.},
}

@article {pmid42228521,
year = {2026},
author = {Csorba, AB and Fora, CG and Balog, A},
title = {Diversity analyses of corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) endosymbiotic microbiome and soil microbiome-preliminary results.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {26},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42228521},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0543//UEFISCDI Romania/ ; //Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies/ ; //University of Life Sciences/ ; //Timișoara/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Symbiosis ; *Soil Microbiology ; Zea mays ; Europe ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {The corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), microbial symbiont and 9 soil-type microbial diversities were genetically analyzed along a gradient of maize management systems that includes 3 different crop control strategies from 3 climatic regions. The central point of interest was to assess whether any similarity could be detected between the corn leaf aphid's rapid distribution increase throughout mainland Europe and variation in its endosymbiont microbiome diversity. According to the results, it was detected that the bacterial community differs between regions. The obligate symbiont Buchnera aphidicola dominated across all climate regions, while facultative symbionts such as Serratia symbiotica and Wolbachia varied in relative abundance under different temperature conditions. Fewer effects of soil types were detected. Our study comprises analyses about a pest aphid and its associated symbiont community in relation to ambient temperature conditions, and as such, we believe it may well help in the development of new control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Aphids/microbiology
*Microbiota
*Symbiosis
*Soil Microbiology
Zea mays
Europe
Bacteria/classification/genetics

@article {pmid42228562,
year = {2026},
author = {Werner, L and Nissenbaum-Toren, T and Fibelman, M and Leibovitzh, H and Cohen, NA and Brenner, M and Lobel, L and Maharshak, N},
title = {Antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiome triggers IBD-like proteolytic activity.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {45},
number = {6},
pages = {117478},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117478},
pmid = {42228562},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Antibiotics (Abx) are essential in medicine but can disrupt gut microbiota, potentially contributing to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). This study employed fecal metagenomics and metaproteomics to evaluate the effects of Abx in patients with pouchitis, ulcerative colitis (UC), and non-IBD controls. Each group displayed distinct microbiome profiles, with metaproteomes more affected by Abx than metagenomes. Proteomic analysis revealed increased pancreatic protease activity and fecal proteolytic activity in all groups, except in patients without IBD before Abx, consistent with impaired epithelial barrier integrity. Abx also decreased bacterial protease inhibitors, which may control proteolysis and help maintain gut balance. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding Abx-induced proteolytic shifts in IBD and highlight metaproteomics as a valuable tool for studying host-microbiome interactions. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate bacterial protease inhibitor levels and their effects on intestinal health.},
}

@article {pmid42228606,
year = {2026},
author = {Waghmode, S and Viswanathan, R and Koligudde, V and Umare, P and Lavania, M},
title = {Microbial shifts in early life: the pediatric gut microbiome and its role in health and disease.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2681763},
pmid = {42228606},
issn = {1949-0984},
abstract = {This review explores the pivotal role of the pediatric gut microbiome in shaping early-life development and influencing susceptibility to disease, emphasizing its impact on immune, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental processes. The neonatal period represents a critical window for host-microbiome interactions, beginning at birth when intestinal barrier function is still developing and immune responses remain immature. During this formative stage, rapid microbial colonization and ecological succession are influenced by delivery mode, infant feeding practices, antibiotic exposure, and environmental factors. Beyond bacterial populations, the early-life gut virome composed of bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses evolves dynamically and contributes to microbial community structure, gene exchange, and immune system maturation. Microbially derived signals and metabolites support the development of mucosal integrity, immune programming, and host microbe equilibrium, with long-term implications for systemic immune function. Breastfeeding fosters the establishment of microbial communities and metabolic profiles associated with immune tolerance, whereas formula feeding and early-life antibiotic use may disrupt normal microbiome development. Alterations in early microbial trajectories have been associated with heightened risk of pediatric conditions, including allergic diseases, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The review further evaluates emerging microbiome-directed strategies, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, considering both their therapeutic promise and current challenges. Collectively, current evidence underscores the early-life gut microbiome as a central determinant of host development and a compelling target for disease prevention strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42228693,
year = {2026},
author = {Marquez Rosales, S and Amitabh, P and Olmstead, EM and Avey, EPR and Wall, ES and Ortiz de Ora, L and Wiles, TJ and Parthasarathy, R},
title = {Imaging the impact of rotifer consumption on bacterial behaviors in the zebrafish gut.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {e0349516},
pmid = {42228693},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Zebrafish/microbiology ; *Vibrio/physiology ; Larva/microbiology ; *Rotifera/microbiology/physiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Enterobacter/physiology ; *Intestines/microbiology ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiota influence many aspects of their host's health and physiology including the digestion of food, and food intake in turn influences the composition of the gut microbiome. However, the ways in which food can alter the behavior of intestinal bacteria remain largely unknown, due in large part to the difficulty of assessing behavior in situ. Larval zebrafish provide a model for addressing this gap because of their optical transparency and their ability to be prepared germ-free and then associated with specific microbial species. Using light sheet fluorescence microscopy to visualize bacteria inside the intestines of live zebrafish larvae, we examine the properties of two commensal strains with markedly different physical characteristics. One is a zebrafish-commensal Enterobacter species that forms large aggregates in unfed larvae, and the other is a pathobiont Vibrio species, capable of damaging intestinal tissue, that is motile and planktonic. We use recently developed ultraviolet irradiation methods to dramatically lower the microbial content in rotifers, a common live food for larval fish, thereby enabling the assessment of feeding effects independent of the introduction of new microbes. Following host consumption of rotifers, Enterobacter clusters disintegrate into motile individuals. Vibrio remains planktonic in fed larvae but decreases the activity of its Type VI Secretion System, as revealed by a fluorescent fusion protein comprising one of the secretion apparatus proteins and green fluorescent protein, leading to a strong decrease in damage to host tissue. Our results reveal that feeding can have major impacts on bacterial behavior that should be considered in models of normal gut microbiome dynamics as well as pathogenesis.},
}

Animals
*Zebrafish/microbiology
*Vibrio/physiology
Larva/microbiology
*Rotifera/microbiology/physiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Enterobacter/physiology
*Intestines/microbiology
Microscopy, Fluorescence

@article {pmid42228750,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiu, C and Wang, H and Liu, R},
title = {Associations between body composition and gut microbiota in female college students with and without dance training.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {e0350639},
pmid = {42228750},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Body Composition/physiology ; Students ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Dancing ; Young Adult ; Universities ; Feces/microbiology ; Adiposity ; Electric Impedance ; Adult ; },
abstract = {Physical activity has been associated with gut microbiota variation and body composition phenotypes, but evidence in female dance students remains limited. This study compared body composition profiles and gut microbiota characteristics between female university students majoring in dance and those from non-dance majors. Seventy students were included (n = 35 per group). Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 970), and fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Dance students exhibited significantly lower adiposity related parameters and central fat accumulation indices, including PBF, BFM, FMI, VFA, VFL, WC, WHR, WHtR, ABSI, and conicity index (P < 0.001), while showing higher SMM/WT, TBW/WT, and lower limb lean mass distribution (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in FFM, SMM, or SMI (P > 0.05). Gut microbiota composition differed between groups, with differential taxa observed across multiple taxonomic levels. Notably, Faecalibacterium and Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group showed negative correlations with adiposity related indices and positive correlations with muscle and hydration related parameters, whereas Peptoniphilus, Ezakiella, and Fenollaria were positively correlated with adiposity related indices. In addition, Fusobacterium and Escherichia Shigella were positively associated with central adiposity measures. These findings indicate that female dance students exhibit distinct body composition profiles, while microbiome-related differences and associations appear modest and exploratory, warranting further validation in larger and well-controlled studies.},
}

Humans
Female
*Body Composition/physiology
Students
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Dancing
Young Adult
Universities
Feces/microbiology
Adiposity
Electric Impedance
Adult

@article {pmid42228922,
year = {2026},
author = {Poveda, J and Silva, D and Sousa, B and Romão, IR and Carmo Gomes, JD and Soares, C and Fidalgo, F and Duarte, I and Vilchez, JI},
title = {Endophytic seed microorganisms in legumes: Natural bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erag261},
pmid = {42228922},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {As global food demand rises against the backdrop of environmental and health concerns from intensive agrochemical use, there is an urgent need for sustainable crop-management strategies. In this perspective, seed-borne endophytic microbes, including bacteria and fungi, in legumes offer a naturally inherited bioinoculant system. This review integrates 35 Scopus and Web of Science studies to examine the occurrence, transmission dynamics, and functional diversity of endophytes within seeds of key legume species. Seed endophytes contribute to plant development and productivity through multiple mechanisms: atmospheric nitrogen fixation; solubilization of phosphorus and potassium; synthesis of siderophores and indole-3-acetic acid; and modulation of rhizosphere microbial communities, collectively enhancing germination rate, biomass accumulation, and yield. Under abiotic stress conditions, such as drought, nutrient deficiency, or contaminant exposure (metals and pesticides), such beneficial microbes promote root architecture remodeling, exopolysaccharide secretion, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, thereby improving stress resilience. In biotic contexts, certain bacterial endophytes may contribute to biocontrol through antibiotic production, while fungal inoculants have been reported to synthesize alkaloids that can deter herbivores. By elucidating the multifaceted roles of legume seed endophytes, this review underscores their potential as a turnkey, eco-friendly bioinoculants, paving the way for greener agricultural practices without compromising crop performance.},
}

@article {pmid42229136,
year = {2026},
author = {Delgado, N and Fernández, KG and Zambrano-Alegría, C and Espinosa, ZYD and Ramos-Cabrera, E},
title = {Physiological and microbial alterations induced by pesticides in agricultural systems: A bioassay- and 16S rRNA-based approach.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {514},
number = {},
pages = {142560},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142560},
pmid = {42229136},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The extensive use of pesticides in agricultural production systems has increased interest in understanding their potential impacts on soil environmental dynamics. This study evaluates the effects of pesticide application on Lactuca sativa L. and soil microbiota. An initial field survey identified the main active ingredients commercial pesticides, followed by bioassays assessing germination and early development of Lactuca sativa, as well as soil microbial structure through physiological assessments and metagenomic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, during a three-week soil experiment. Thirty active ingredients were identified in 92 agricultural products. Chlorpyrifos was identified as one of the most commercialized insecticides, where insecticides represented 69% of marketed phytosanitary products, mainly organophosphates (18%) and pyrethroids (21%), despite its hazardous classification and ban in several countries. Germination assays showed a hormetic response at low dose (2200 mg/L), reaching 70% germination compared with 51% in the control, while the germination index decreased to 75% at the recommended dose (4400 mg/L). Statistical analyses revealed inhibition of hypocotyl elongation (p = 0.001) and cotyledon development (p = 0.029). Soil microbiome analysis showed that high chlorpyrifos concentrations reduced microbial richness and diversity, while beta diversity analyses explained 99% of the variance among treatments. Proteobacteria, Burkholderiales, and Sphingomonadales increased under pesticide exposure, indicating microbial adaptation and biodegradation potential. Functional prediction using PICRUSt2 revealed enrichment of genes K03381, K00446, K01048, and K01560 associated with potential organophosphate degradation pathways. These findings demonstrate that chlorpyrifos induces ecological and seedling alterations even at agronomically recommended concentrations. highlighting the need to strengthen sustainable pesticide management and environmental monitoring strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42229147,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, M and Zhou, J and Yang, W and Li, R and Wang, J and Peng, Y and He, Y and Zhou, H and Ye, Q},
title = {Differential Associations of Human Herpesviruses With Oral Bacteria and Periodontitis Severity: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.},
journal = {International dental journal},
volume = {76},
number = {4},
pages = {109650},
doi = {10.1016/j.identj.2026.109650},
pmid = {42229147},
issn = {1875-595X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The polymicrobial synergy and dysbiosis model is increasingly recognized as a key pathogenic factor in periodontitis. Human herpesviruses (HHVs), including EBV, HCMV, and HSV-1, have been linked to periodontitis development. However, current research lacks sufficient evidence to clarify the correlation between HHVs, periodontitis progression, and periodontal microbiota. This study aimed to investigate the association between HHVs in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and periodontitis severity, as well as the correlation patterns between viruses and periodontal microbiota.

METHODS: A total of 339 subjects (64 healthy controls, 275 periodontitis patients) were stratified according to the 2018 periodontitis classification criteria. Viral loads were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and microbial communities were analysed via high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS: HCMV and EBV loads were significantly positively correlated with clinical parameters including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) (all P < .001), and their infection status was closely associated with periodontitis staging. HSV-1 showed no significant association with any periodontal indicators (P > .05). In the EBV/HCMV coinfection group, 92.9% of patients were classified as stage II-IV periodontitis, suggesting potential combined viral associations with disease severity. Microbiome analysis revealed significantly higher microbial diversity in the HCMV-H compared to the HCMV-L. HCMV load was positively correlated with known pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, as well as novel associated bacteria (eg, Schwartzia succinivorans, Peptostreptococcus stomatis). Functional prediction showed significant enrichment of microbial metabolic pathways in HCMV-H patients, including Helicobacter pylori infection and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis.

CONCLUSION: HCMV is strongly associated with periodontitis severity and bacterial dysbiosis, while EBV acts as an independent risk factor correlated with periodontitis severity. In contrast, HSV-1 shows no significant association with periodontitis severity. This study provides new evidence for the polymicrobial pathogenesis of periodontitis and highlights virus-bacteria associations as potential therapeutic targets, although further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality.},
}

@article {pmid42229215,
year = {2026},
author = {Alharthy, OM and Alshegaihi, RM and Fayad, E and Binjawhar, DN and Alshaharni, MO and Alqurashi, M and Alhelaify, SS and Peijnenburg, W},
title = {Oxalic acid enhances wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) resilience to combined abiotic stresses through integrated physiological and rhizospheric microbial modulation.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {236},
number = {},
pages = {111432},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111432},
pmid = {42229215},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {Soil contamination and abiotic stress have become serious global problem due to rapid development of social economy. Oxalic acid (OA), an important organic acid and fertilizer component, has been found effective in enhancing plant tolerance against various abiotic stresses. For this purpose, we have designed the current experiment to explore the contribution of OA in mediating growth and eco-physiology by alleviating abiotic stresses, in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Seedlings of T. aestivum were subjected to the different abiotic stresses including drought, salinity, heat, and cold stress, and were supplemented with exogenous OA at 5 mM. Results from the present study revealed that the abiotic stresses induced a substantial decrease in shoot length, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, soluble sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar contents, calcium (Ca[2+]), magnesium (Mg[2+]), iron (Fe[2+]), and phosphorus (P) contents, microbial diversity, richness, and evenness in T. aestivum plants. In contrast, abiotic stresses in the soil significantly (P < 0.05) increased phenolic content, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), health risk indices, bioaccumulation factors. Although, the activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase in the T. aestivum plants and non-enzymatic such as phenolic, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanin contents were increased with the exposure of abiotic stresses. The application of OA significantly improved photosynthetic efficiency, microbial diversity, richness, and evenness, while reducing health risk indices, bioaccumulation factors, MDA, and H2O2 contents under stress conditions. Proteomic and transcriptomic profiling further supported the regulatory role of OA in modulating stress-responsive signaling pathways and enhancing stress tolerance in T. aestivum plants. Increased antioxidant enzyme activities in OA-treated plants appeared to play a crucial role in scavenging stress-induced reactive oxygen species. Research findings, therefore, suggested that OA application can ameliorate abiotic stresses toxicity in T. aestivum seedlings and resulted in improved plant growth and composition under abiotic stresses.},
}

@article {pmid42229603,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, J and Cao, S and Li, X and Zhou, Z and Du, R},
title = {Extracellular polymeric substances Govern granule size differentiation and microbial assembly in denitratation-Anammox systems.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {135040},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2026.135040},
pmid = {42229603},
issn = {1873-2976},
abstract = {The Complete Ammonium and Nitrate Removal via Denitratation-Anammox over Nitrite (CANDAN) is a promising low-carbon strategy for sustainable nitrogen removal; however, the mechanistic linkage between extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), aggregation behavior, granule size differentiation, and microbial assembly remains unclear. Here, size-fractionated granules from a CANDAN reactor were systematically investigated to establish a multi-scale framework linking EPS structural properties to aggregation-driven granule organization and microbiome assembly. Medium-sized granules (0.5-1.0 mm) exhibited the highest aggregation capacity (74.5%) and fastest aggregation kinetics, indicating a cohesive and dynamically stable matrix. This aggregation advantage was closely associated with optimized functional performance, including high specific anammox activity (8.76 ± 1.36mg N g[-1] VSS h[-1]), the highest nitrate reduction and nitrite production rates, and a high nitrite transformation ratio (90.1%), reflecting efficient pathway coupling in CANDAN systems. EPS analyses revealed that aggregation and stability were governed primarily by structural organization rather than bulk EPS content. Medium-sized granules were characterized by a lower protein-to-polysaccharide ratio, enriched hydrophobic functional groups, and β-sheet-dominated protein conformations, which collectively enhanced intercellular cohesion and stabilized the EPS matrix. This structurally optimized aggregation regime further shaped microbial assembly, promoting the enrichment and coordination of Candidatus Brocadia and Thauera. Overall, this study identifies aggregation capacity as a key mechanistic driver linking EPS structural properties to granule size differentiation and microbial assembly, highlighting granule size as a mesoscale regulator bridging physicochemical structure and ecological function.},
}

@article {pmid42229782,
year = {2026},
author = {Nieboer, M and Rosenow, C and Koch, J and Barlow, J and Sanchez-Sotelo, J and O'Driscoll, S and Morrey, M},
title = {Morrey Award 2025: Cell Count and Differential of Aspirated Fluid in the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection of Total Elbow Arthroplasty.},
journal = {Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jse.2026.05.018},
pmid = {42229782},
issn = {1532-6500},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a common method of failure following total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). Diagnosis is often guided by synovial fluid leukocyte counts and neutrophil percentages. While cutoff values have been defined for hip and knee arthroplasty PJI, the elbow has a different microbiome and a higher rate of PJI. Currently, there are no data to guide determination of PJI following TEA. The purpose of this study was to identify cutoff values of synovial fluid leukocyte counts, neutrophil percentage, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to aid in detection of periprosthetic total elbow infection.

METHODS: We identified 135 TEA undergoing revision surgery that had preoperative aspiration of the synovial fluid at a single institution. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to determine the optimal cutoff points for synovial fluid leukocyte count, the neutrophil differential, the ESR and the CRP. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value were determined. Patients were determined to be infected when they had a positive intraoperative culture or gross purulence at the time of reoperation.

RESULTS: 35 elbows were found to be infected and 100 were determined to be aseptic. The infected elbow group had a higher mean fluid leukocyte count (8100 vs. 687 cells/μL, p <0.01), higher neutrophil differential (63% vs. 18%, p<0.01), higher ESR (32 vs. 15mm/1h, p<0.01) and higher CRP (15 vs. 5mg/L, p<0.01) than the aseptic cohort. Based on the ROC curves the optimal cutoff values were a leukocyte count of 1300 cells/μL (sensitivity 88%, specificity 75%), neutrophil differential of 70% (sensitivity 71%, specificity 92%), ESR >13 (sensitivity 76%, specificity 67%) and CRP >7 (sensitivity 73%, specificity 83%). When both the leukocyte count and neutrophil differential were below the cutoff values, the negative predictive value was 96%. When both the neutrophil differential and ESR were above the cutoff values the positive predictive value was 95%.

DISCUSSION: This study identifies optimal synovial fluid and inflammatory marker cutoff values to help clinicians determine the presence of a TEA PJI prior to revision surgery. The optimal cutoff values were a leukocyte count >1300 cells/μL, neutrophil differential >70%, ESR >13 and CRP >7.},
}

@article {pmid42229820,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, DH and Kim, DY and Joung, HC and Kim, H and Jeon, Y and Lee, S and Shin, CH and Lee, YS and Bang, JY and Lee, EJ and Cha, SY and Bae, SH and Lee, HW},
title = {Probiotic-driven gut-liver redox crosstalk modulates hepatic Nrf2 signaling pathway and attenuates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.},
journal = {Free radical biology & medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2026.05.338},
pmid = {42229820},
issn = {1873-4596},
abstract = {Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a chronic liver disease characterized by persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and progressive fibrosis. There is currently no effective pharmacological therapy for MASH. We investigated whether two defined probiotic bacteria strains, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis (L. lactis) CKDB001 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) Q180, attenuate MASH pathology in association with modulation of gut-liver redox signaling. Using diet-induced preventive and therapeutic mouse models of MASH, we show that oral administration of these strains significantly improves hepatic steatosis, robustly attenuates fibrosis, and reduces inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Probiotic treatment was associated with increased intestinal glutathione availability, and was accompanied by activation of hepatic nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling and upregulation of canonical antioxidant enzymes, consistent with improved hepatic redox homeostasis and reduced hepatocellular injury. Microbiome profiling revealed successful intestinal persistence of the administered strains and enrichment of other bacterial taxa associated with gut barrier integrity and metabolic resilience, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Parabacteroides goldsteinii, and Mediterraneibacter butyricigenes. Functional prediction analysis further suggested enhancement of microbial glutathione metabolism pathways, supporting a potential role for microbiota-driven redox modulation in host protection. Therapeutic efficacy was maintained after disease establishment and under conditions recapitulating features of a lean MASH-like phenotype, highlighting obesity-independent mechanisms of action. Collectively, our findings support a probiotic-driven association between intestinal glutathione dynamics and hepatic Nrf2 activation within the gut-liver axis, providing a mechanistically informed and translationally relevant framework for MASH intervention.},
}

@article {pmid42229856,
year = {2026},
author = {Rittmann, M and Wu, G and Zhao, L and Green, TJ and Hanselman, EC and Green, R and Lam, YY and Miller, JW},
title = {Associations Between Biomarkers of Vitamin B12 Status and Gut Microbial Guilds in a Cohort of Australian Adults.},
journal = {The Journal of nutrition},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101622},
doi = {10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101622},
pmid = {42229856},
issn = {1541-6100},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient required for hematological and neurological function. Human gut microbes either synthesize B12 or utilize B12 consumed by hosts. Consequently, variation in gut microbiota may influence B12 status in humans.

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to assess associations between gut microbiota and serum B12 and a functional biomarker of B12 status, methylmalonic acid (MMA).

METHODS: In 90 adults (44 males/46 females; 20-75y) living in Sydney, Australia, 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 amplicon sequencing was used to profile gut microbiota at the amplicon sequence variant (ASV) level. B12 was measured by automated chemiluminescence and MMA by HPLC-tandem-mass spectrometry. Associations between tertiles of B12 and MMA and microbial alpha and beta diversity and overall microbiota composition were assessed. Microbial guilds were identified via co-abundance analysis on ASVs. Multivariate linear regression and random forest regression were used to assess the associations between guilds and the B12 biomarkers, controlling for age, sex, body mass index, and fiber intake.

RESULTS: Mean serum B12 and MMA were 389±177 pmol/L and 210±80 nmol/L, respectively. Gut microbial diversity and richness was significantly associated with B12 tertiles (Shannon index: p=0.010; Faith's phylogenetic diversity: p=0.048; ASV number: p=0.022). No associations were observed between B12 tertiles and beta diversity or between MMA tertiles and alpha or beta diversity. Thirty guilds were identified, with 2 guilds and age included in the final model predictive of B12 (p=0.03), and 3 different guilds and no covariates included in the final model predictive of MMA (p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that different guilds are predictive of serum B12 versus serum MMA. This suggests that some of the variance in serum MMA in adults is not specific to B12 status, which has ramifications for interpreting MMA as a marker of B12 status.},
}

@article {pmid42229880,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, L and Sun, W and Wang, X and Zhang, Z and Chen, H},
title = {Therapeutic-Dose Enrofloxacin Immersion Induces Intestinal Immunostimulation and Microbiota Dysbiosis in Juvenile Black Seabream Acanthopagrus schlegelii.},
journal = {Journal of applied toxicology : JAT},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jat.70260},
pmid = {42229880},
issn = {1099-1263},
support = {2024YFD2401803//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 326MS0356//Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 426MS0365//Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024RC12//Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund，South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute，CAFS/ ; 2023TD06//Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund, CAFS/ ; },
abstract = {Enrofloxacin (ENR) is a commonly identified veterinary pharmaceutical in global aquaculture products, and short-term therapeutic applications of ENR at recommended doses may exert adverse effects on farmed fish. The present investigation evaluated the toxicological impacts of ENR on intestinal detoxification capacity, immune response, and microbial community dynamics of commercially significant Acanthopagrus schlegelii. Short-term treatment of ENR at the clinically recommended dose (5 mg/L) showed little modulation on expression levels of key detoxification enzymes, while 10 mg/L ENR (over-therapeutic concentration) induced significantly elevated Phase I/II biotransformation enzymes in treated fish. Interestingly, 5 mg/L ENR (decontaminated for 72 h) triggered immunostimulation effects via significantly promoting inflammatory cytokines and lysozyme gene expression. In addition, persistent suppression of the diversity and richness of gut microbial communities was observed following immersion in 5 and 10 mg/L ENR. ENR exposure triggered restructuring of intestinal microbial composition of black seabream, characterized by a reduction in beneficial microbiota and an expansion of opportunistic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which may contribute to the observed immune perturbation and long-term health risks. In summary, our findings raise concerns about the safe use of ENR in aquaculture, suggesting that current practices may pose long-term health risks to marine farmed fish.},
}

@article {pmid42230118,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhong, ZW and Lu, YQ and Duan, Y and Ma, J and Liu, N},
title = {Fusobacterium nucleatum in cancer: from bystander to driver.},
journal = {Gut},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/gutjnl-2025-338000},
pmid = {42230118},
issn = {1468-3288},
abstract = {The human microbiota comprises a diverse and extensive community of microorganisms that participate in intricate interactions with the host, several of which are increasingly acknowledged as key modulators of health and disease. Among these, Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), an oral commensal bacterium, has emerged as a significant oncobacterium implicated in tumour progression. The Fn genus comprises distinct subspecies, clades and strains, exhibiting marked phylogenetic and physiological heterogeneity. Consequently, pinpointing the true functional modulators within this complex community and elucidating their mechanisms in various physio-pathological states remains a critical yet challenging endeavour. Moreover, the complete mechanism underlying Fn's function across different spatial locations and physiological states remains to be fully elucidated. This review details the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity among Fn subspecies, which underlies their differential characteristics and niche adaptation. We further delineate key effectors of Fn, such as adhesins, metabolites and exoproteins, which collectively facilitate host cell invasion, immune evasion and chemoresistance induction. We explore the translational potential of Fn, underscoring its utility as a diagnostic biomarker and a promising target for novel therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42230119,
year = {2026},
author = {Alexander, JL and Mullish, BH and Thomas, L and Weersma, RK and Sokol, H and Roberts, LA and Edwards, LA and Emmanuel, A and Gerasimidis, K and Hall, LJ and Iqbal, TH and Kinross, JM and McIlroy, J and Monaghan, TM and Sergaki, C and Shawcross, DL and Stewart, CJ and Lamb, CA and Williams, HRT and Hansen, R and Hold, G},
title = {Recent advances in our understanding of the gut microbiome: an analysis from the Gut Microbiota for Health Expert Panel of the British Society of Gastroenterology.},
journal = {Gut},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/gutjnl-2026-338252},
pmid = {42230119},
issn = {1468-3288},
abstract = {At around 10 years ago, at the time of the first publication by the Gut Microbiota for Health Expert Panel of the British Society of Gastroenterology, recognition of the gut microbiome's importance in health and disease was transitioning from fringe interest towards major global pursuit. A decade on, we appraise the considerable progress made in the field, while acknowledging ongoing challenges. Earlier human work characterising the 16S rRNA gene amplicon signature of particular conditions in small cohorts has been superseded by larger, multicentre studies with extensive metadata. Studies increasingly employ shotgun metagenomics and other 'omic' techniques-coupled with refined bioinformatic tools and disease models-to better characterise perturbation in gut microbiome functionality. The arrival of 'gold standard' pipelines for microbiome analysis and increased mechanistic validation of signals are key developments towards more clinically-translatable outcomes. Novel clinical areas where the gut microbiome has relevance have emerged, including early life and the efficacy of certain treatments (including immune checkpoint inhibitors and vaccination). Enthusiasm for 'microbiome diagnostics and treatments' has grown, but barriers to widespread adoption remain. Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is established for treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, with donor-derived 'next generation' FMT products licensed for this condition in certain countries. Beyond FMT, other microbial therapeutic techniques-including nutritional, bacteriophage and probiotic therapies-show promise, but have not fulfilled their high expectations yet. Gut microbiome research is now well-established and shows significant translational potential; the future focus will be translational work to drive its utility in clinical diagnostics, prognostics and therapeutics.},
}

@article {pmid42230163,
year = {2026},
author = {Chang, X and MacIsaac, HJ and Chorus, I and Bullerjahn, GS and Kurmayer, R and Ahn, CY and Kong, X and Wilhelm, SW and Wood, SA and Tang, X and Paerl, HW and Hilt, S and Jeppesen, E and Hamilton, DP and Nakano, SI and Visser, P and Huisman, J and Wang, H and Song, L and Mckay, RM and Qin, B and Sitoki, L and Xu, R},
title = {Scanning the horizon for harmful cyanobacterial blooms.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2026.04.012},
pmid = {42230163},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Harmful cyanobacterial blooms are increasing worldwide, threatening freshwater ecosystems, animal health, and human well-being. To guide research needed for effective prediction, prevention, and management, we identify four priorities: understanding eco-evolutionary and phylogeographic drivers that promote toxigenic cyanobacterial genotypes; resolving molecular and environmental controls on cellular cyanotoxin biosynthesis; integrating microbiome science with multiomics and epidemiology to assess associated health risks beyond cyanotoxins; and quantifying ecosystem-scale bottom-up and top-down controls in understudied settings, particularly tropical and benthic habitats. New research tools for addressing these priorities enable elucidating the mechanistic basis for anticipating cyanobacterial blooms and provide the understanding needed for their control in a rapidly changing world.},
}

@article {pmid42230169,
year = {2026},
author = {Octoman, A and Arrieta, MC},
title = {Early-life gut fungi as modulators of metabolic development.},
journal = {Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tem.2026.05.003},
pmid = {42230169},
issn = {1879-3061},
abstract = {Early life is a critical window during which microbes shape immune maturation, nutrient handling, and long-term metabolic health. Although fungi represent a minor proportion of the gut microbiome, emerging evidence suggests they exert a disproportionate influence. In this review, we synthesize current gut mycobiome knowledge during pregnancy and infancy, including ecological assembly, maternal and environmental sources, and links to early metabolic phenotypes. Recent studies on human cohorts and gnotobiotic mice demonstrate that specific fungal species can causally alter adiposity, adipose immune architecture, and bacterial function. We also highlight major knowledge gaps, including questions around true colonization, fungal activity, strain-level transmission, and the molecular basis of fungal-bacterial-host interactions. These findings position the early-life mycobiome as a promising frontier for discovery in metabolic development.},
}

@article {pmid42230260,
year = {2026},
author = {Cabezas-Cruz, A and Piloto-Sardiñas, E and Obregón, D},
title = {Host-vector microbiome similarity predicts immune-mediated disturbance and vector competence.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.010},
pmid = {42230260},
issn = {1471-5007},
abstract = {Vector-borne disease transmission is highly heterogeneous, yet existing models emphasize climate, host density, and pathogen load. We propose that host-vector microbiome similarity represents a previously unrecognized ecological axis in transmission biology. During blood feeding, vectors ingest host-derived immune effectors shaped by the host microbiota. When immune targeting depends on shared microbial features, microbiome similarity predicts the magnitude of immune-mediated disturbance within the vector gut, altering colonization resistance and influencing pathogen establishment. These effects are context-dependent and may enhance or suppress transmission. This framework generates testable predictions linking microbiome similarity, immune-mediated disturbance, and vector competence across systems. Incorporating microbiome similarity into transmission models may help explain heterogeneity and improve ecological understanding and intervention strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42230654,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Liang, X and Liu, P and Zhu, W and Jin, W and Mao, S and Xie, F},
title = {Rumen-derived Pichia membranifaciens modulates the rumen microbiome and metabolome and mitigates methane emissions in dairy cows.},
journal = {NPJ biofilms and microbiomes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41522-026-01029-0},
pmid = {42230654},
issn = {2055-5008},
abstract = {Methane emissions from ruminants represent a significant environmental challenge and dietary energy loss. While yeasts are potential rumen modulators, specific methane-mitigating species remain poorly characterized. Here, we screened 73 rumen-derived strains in vitro, identifying Pichia membranifaciens M12 as the most effective candidate, reducing methane output by 17.1%. Subsequently, a randomized block trial with 36 dairy cows compared a control group with P. membranifaciens M12 supplementation at 2.5 and 5 × 10[11] CFU/cow/day. Methane yield per unit of dry matter intake significantly decreased in the high-dose group (18.7%, P = 0.003), without compromising lactation performance and animal health. Multi-omics analyses revealed that M12 suppressed hydrogenotrophic methanogens (e.g., Methanobrevibacter) and hydrogen-producing bacteria (e.g., Ruminococcus and Fibrobacter), while enriching specific eukaryotic taxa like Orpinomyces and Entodinium. Metabolomic profiling indicated a significant dose-dependent accumulation of metabolites. Metagenomic function analysis demonstrated the decreased abundance of key methanogenesis genes (e.g., mcrABCDG) and increased abundance of hydrogenase (hyaABC), lactate-forming (ghrB), and propionate-forming (mcmA1 and lcdB), suggesting a redirection of reducing equivalents from methanogenesis toward propionate synthesis, alongside enhanced butyrate production. These findings demonstrate that P. membranifaciens M12 mitigates methane emissions via coordinated ecological and metabolic modulation, highlighting its potential as a sustainable strategy for low-carbon ruminant production.},
}

@article {pmid42230678,
year = {2026},
author = {David, H and Balu, P and Vasudevan, S and Narayanan, VHB and Solomon, AP and Ramyadevi, D},
title = {Thermoresponsive carbohydrate polymer mucoadhesive gel for synergistic delivery of acarbose and fluconazole against Candida biofilms.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-52764-5},
pmid = {42230678},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The emerging threat of drug-resistant Candida albicans, especially in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) biofilms, has revealed weaknesses in existing monotherapeutic antifungal treatments. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of a new dual-drug in situ mucoadhesive gel system containing acarbose (AC), a pseudo-oligosaccharide sugar and FDA-approved α-glucosidase inhibitor, together with fluconazole (FLC). Although AC showed mild antifungal activity by itself, when combined with FLC, it dramatically potentiated fungicidal activity, disrupted biofilms, blocked morphogenetic switching, and arrested post-treatment hyphal regrowth. In checkerboard assays and time-kill kinetics, AC-FLC combination was highly synergistic against Candida spp., including clinical isolates, with > 2-log10 decrease in CFU/mL. The thermosensitive gel (PCH16), formulated using poloxamer 407 along with the carbohydrate-based polymers chitosan and HPMC, exhibited sustained drug release, favorable rheological properties, and strong mucoadhesion suitable for vaginal delivery. Notably, the formulation retained Lactobacillus species viability, suggesting microbiome compatibility. These results affirm the promise of repurposing acarbose as a novel, non-traditional antifungal adjuvant that, in co-administration with FLC in vaginal gel, represents an encouraging, localized, and microbiota-conserving therapy for treating recurrent and resistant VVC.},
}

@article {pmid42230679,
year = {2026},
author = {Giorgini, G and Leblanc, N and Muller, C and Dumais, E and Labbé-Blondeau, MN and Thibodeau, A and Flamand, N and Di Marzo, V and Silvestri, C},
title = {Seal and fish oils partially counteract inflammation and modulate endocannabinoidome lipid and oxylipin alterations in DSS-induced colitis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-54447-7},
pmid = {42230679},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {IT19175//Mitacs/ ; },
abstract = {Colitis is associated with endocannabinoidome (eCBome) and gut microbiome alterations, both of which are influenced by the diet, and thus may be modulated through nutritional components as potential therapeutic targets for colitis. We assessed the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich fish (FO) and seal (SO) oils in the dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) colitis mouse model. Mice were assessed for effects on inflammation, intestinal permeability, anxiety-like behaviour, gut microbiota composition and colon, blood and brain eCBome mediator levels. While neither FO or SO counteracted DSS-induced loss of weight, SO mitigated the increase in intestinal permeability and was more efficacious at reducing inflammation markers (Il1b, Il6, Tnfa and Arg1) than FO. DSS-induced changes in the bacterial community were not altered by FO or SO, which however mitigated alterations in the abundance of the Family XII UCG01 genera. DSS altered several eCBome and oxylipin bioactive lipid levels in a tissue-specific manner. FO and/or SO counteracted some of these changes, especially by increasing the levels of those lipids derived from n-3 PUFAs, many of which have anti-inflammatory activities. Interestingly, the novel eicosapentaenoic acid-derived eCBome mediator 2-eicosapentaenoyl glycerol was a top defining lipid of both FO and SO groups in all tissues. These data point to FO and, particularly SO, as potentially beneficial treatments of colitis through alterations in the eCBome, which is dysregulated in colitis.},
}

@article {pmid42230754,
year = {2026},
author = {Bethlehem, L and Bartu, L and Marke, G and Mar, P and Feldman, S and Eggers, J and Ruprecht, C and Britton, GJ and Aggarwala, V and Bongers, G and Li, Z and Yang, N and Hohmann, EL and Mogno, I and Faith, JJ and Grinspan, A},
title = {15-strain live biotherapeutic product or same donor fecal microbiota transplant for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection: a randomized phase 1b trial.},
journal = {Nature medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42230754},
issn = {1546-170X},
abstract = {Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is an effective therapy for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) but has undefined composition and poor scalability. In vitro manufactured live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) enable both scalability and defined strain composition but with higher manufacturing complexity, resulting in few LBP clinical trials. Here we show how an accessible platform to produce human-grade LBPs could accelerate LBP development. We provide regulatory documentation and manufacturing protocols to facilitate translating microbiome advances to human trials. With this platform, we conducted the first direct comparison of the same bacterial strains from donor-sourced FMT compared to an in vitro manufactured 15-strain LBP drug product, MTC01, for the treatment of rCDI. In a phase 1b randomized controlled trial, 18 of 20 screened patients met eligibility and were randomized equally to one of four arms: low-dose FMT (n = 4), high-dose FMT (n = 5), low-dose MTC01 (n = 4) or high-dose MTC01 (n = 5), with a 5:1 female:male ratio. The primary outcome of safety was met with 10 adverse events across eight patients, evenly spread across MTC01 (five events) and FMT (five events) recipients and no treatment-related adverse events across all four groups. For secondary outcomes of efficacy and engraftment, rCDI was prevented 8 weeks after dosing in seven out of nine LBP patients, similar to eight out of nine FMT patients. Strain engraftment was high and durable for both FMT and MTC01 with a dose effect for the LBP. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05911997 .},
}

@article {pmid42230943,
year = {2026},
author = {González-Llera, L and Santos-Durán, GN and Vences, A and Buján, N and Balado, M and Barreiro-Iglesias, A},
title = {Spontaneous axon regeneration is preserved despite gut microbiota disruption after spinal cord injury in larval lampreys.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-56243-9},
pmid = {42230943},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {PID2023-147266NB-I00//Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ ; },
abstract = {Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often result in permanent disabilities in humans. One major reason for the lack of recovery is the inability of adult mammalian descending neurons to regenerate their axons after injury. In contrast, several fish species, such as the sea lamprey, exhibit spontaneous axon regeneration and successful functional recovery following a complete SCI. Recent studies have shown that a SCI in rodents and humans induces gut microbiome dysbiosis, which can impair recovery. Therefore, our goal was to examine how the microbiome changes after SCI in a regenerating animal model (the larval sea lamprey) and whether these changes influence the spontaneous regeneration of descending neuropeptidergic (cholecystokinergic) axons. Our data show that a complete SCI triggers an initial shift (5 weeks post-injury) in gut microbial communities in larval lampreys, characterized by an expansion of Legionellaceae family members. However, a treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotic gentamicin during the first 5 weeks post-injury, which profoundly altered the gut microbiome (eliminating Legionellaceae and promoting Bradyrhizobiaceae expansion), did not affect the spontaneous regeneration of descending cholecystokinergic axons at 10 weeks post-injury. This finding indicates that broad gentamicin-induced disruption of the gut microbiota does not detectably impair spontaneous regeneration of descending cholecystokinergic axons in larval lampreys.},
}

@article {pmid42230971,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, TY and Hung, SC and Abe, T},
title = {An oral tyrosine challenge test for functional phenotyping of microbiota-derived phenyl sulfate production.},
journal = {npj metabolic health and disease},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42230971},
issn = {2948-2828},
support = {112-2314-B-303-009 -MY3, 114-2314-B-303-004//National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan/ ; 113-2314-B-303-012, 114-2314-B-303-017-MY3//National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan/ ; TCRD-TPE-114-01//Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taiwan/ ; TCRD-TPE-114-02, TCMF-CP 111-02//Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taiwan/ ; },
abstract = {Phenyl sulfate (PS), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease, is generated through microbial conversion of dietary tyrosine to phenol, followed by hepatic sulfation via SULT1A1. We developed an oral tyrosine challenge test (OTyCT) to phenotype individual PS-producing capacity. Forty-eight healthy adults underwent a standardized tyrosine load with serial plasma PS levels measured over 48 h using LC-MS. OTyCT revealed substantial interindividual variability of PS production independent of baseline PS levels, highlighting marked heterogeneity in host-microbiome metabolic interactions. Sixteen participants in the highest tertile of the incremental area under the curve of PS were defined as high-PS producers. High PS producers exhibited distinct gut microbial signatures despite comparable abundances of known phenol-biosynthetic genes and host SULT1A1 genotypes. These findings suggest that susceptibility to PS-related complications may vary according to gut microbial profiles, supporting OTyCT as a practical tool for metabolic phenotyping and microbiome-informed precision nutrition. Clinical Trial registry name and registration number: Identification of P-Cresyl Sulfate Producer Phenotype by Oral Tyrosine Challenge Test: Interactions Among Diet, Gut Microbiota, and Host Genome, NCT04204174.},
}

@article {pmid42231021,
year = {2026},
author = {Lagomarsino, VN and Robinson, A and Mitchell, PE and Jiang, M and Hutchinson, LE and Sekela, JJ and Caron, P and Gehris, MK and Navas, KI and Duarte-Silva, M and Netherland, M and Hasan, NA and Guillemette, C and Redinbo, MR and Rao, M},
title = {Microbial reactivation of host androgens directs enteric neuronal regulation of gut motility.},
journal = {Nature neuroscience},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42231021},
issn = {1546-1726},
support = {R01DK130836//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases)/ ; R01DK135707//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases)/ ; R03DK125636//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases)/ ; R01GM135218//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; R35GM152079//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; },
abstract = {The coordinated transit of intestinal contents is crucial for digestion and host defense, and is regulated by cross-talk between neural circuits, the muscular gut wall and luminal factors. Here we show that androgen signaling to Nos1[+] enteric neurons and Scn10a[+] spinal afferent neurons is required for normal intestinal transit in mice and is microbiome dependent. Microbial depletion with antibiotics abolished androgen receptor expression in enteric neurons, diminished serum testosterone and caused dysmotility. Androgens were necessary for antibiotics to affect transit and partly sufficient to rescue dysmotility. Nos1 neurons upregulate androgen receptor upon puberty in parallel with shifts in fecal bacterial beta-glucuronidase (GUS) enzymes that can deconjugate steroid glucuronides in mice and humans. Intracolonic administration of a GUS enzyme found to metabolize androgen glucuronides was sufficient to restore neuronal androgen signaling in microbe-depleted mice. Thus, gut microbial reactivation of host-excreted androgens via GUS enzymes represents a dynamic microbe-host interaction that is essential for peripheral nervous system function in homeostasis.},
}

@article {pmid42231156,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Q and Liang, Y and Liu, J and Jia, R and Li, J and Yan, Z},
title = {Fecal microbiota transplantation from Hezuo pigs alleviates intestinal inflammatory injury in Clostridium perfringens type C-infected piglets via modulation gut microbiota and intestinal barrier.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05169-3},
pmid = {42231156},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {23JRRA1422//Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province/ ; 32460845//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; GSARS10//Pig Industry in Gansu Agriculture Research System/ ; 2023-QN-135//Lanzhou Youth Science and Technology Talent Innovation Project/ ; },
abstract = {Clostridium perfringens type C (CpC)-induced piglet diarrhea is a major challenge in the swine industry. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Hezuo pigs against intestinal injury in Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire (DLY) suckling piglets infected with CpC. Piglets were divided into two groups, including CpC-challenged control group and FMT-treatment group, which received fecal suspension from Hezuo pigs prior to infection. Morphological, immunological, microbiomic, and metabolomic analyses were conducted after post-infection. The results demonstrated that FMT significantly alleviated jejunal damage, leading to a significant increase in jejunal villus height and a significant decrease in crypt depth (P < 0.01). The intervention elevated the number of goblet cells (P < 0.05) and upregulated the expression of tight junction protein genes Occludin, ZO-1, Claudin-1 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, while significantly reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 (P < 0.05). FMT enriched beneficial genera such as Akkermansia, Rothia, Peptococcus, and Proteocatella, and increased the levels of the sphingolipid metabolite ceramide (d18:1/18:0). Correlation analysis further indicated that these microbiota alterations were positively associated with intestinal barrier repair and anti-inflammatory activity, and were strongly correlated with ceramide (d18:1/18:0) levels. In conclusion, FMT mitigates CpC-induced intestinal injury by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolome, thereby enhancing intestinal barrier integrity and regulating inflammatory responses. This study provides theoretical support and practical insights for the application of FMT as a promising microbiome-based strategy to control CpC-associated intestinal diseases in piglets.},
}

@article {pmid42231158,
year = {2026},
author = {Kuang, Z and Zhan, Q and Tu, J and Li, A and Guo, W and Zheng, R and Jiang, H and Xu, B},
title = {Microbiome and metabolome patterns centered on cancer cachexia link skeletal muscle and adipose tissue depletion to clinical outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12866-026-05171-9},
pmid = {42231158},
issn = {1471-2180},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss and tissue wasting; it was associated with adverse survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, its biological basis and links to the gut microbiome, circulating metabolites, and body composition in LARC remain unclear.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 198 LARC patients, including 30 with cachexia. Gut microbial profiles were characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing with predictive functional inference. Serum metabolites were analyzed via orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and validated by ROC analysis. Associations among microbial taxa, metabolites, body composition, and clinical indices were assessed using correlation analyses. Survival outcomes were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression models, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed to validate the robustness of findings.

RESULTS: Cachectic patients exhibited marked reductions in BMI, circulating triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) and skeletal muscle area (SMA) (all P < 0.05). Microbial α- and β-diversity were comparable between groups, yet cachexia was associated with selective enrichment of Peptostreptococcaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Veillonella, and Fusobacterium, alongside depletion of Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Prevotella. Notably, UBA1819 (Ruminococcaceae) was enriched in cachectic patients and inversely correlated with Faecalibacterium, hemoglobin, and albumin, suggesting intra-family functional divergence. Specific cachexia-enriched taxa, including Veillonella and Erysipelotrichaceae, were inversely associated with SMA and VAT, whereas butyrate-producing genera showed positive correlations with muscle preservation. Functional predictions highlighted enrichment of N-acetylneuraminate degradation in cachexia versus TCA cycle pathways in non-cachectic patients. High abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae was associated with poorer overall survival. Metabolomic profiling identified lithocholic acid, cortisone, 3,5,9-trihydroxyergost-7-en-6-one, and 5,6-DHET as cachexia-associated metabolites (AUC 0.65-0.78), which formed cross-domain correlations with microbial taxa and host tissue measures.

CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal a coordinated linkage between the gut microbiome, metabolome, and host body composition in LARC cachexia. Specifically, selective microbial remodeling and metabolite perturbations are closely coupled with skeletal muscle and adipose tissue depletion and adverse survival. These results provide a conceptual foundation for future mechanistic and translational studies exploring the host-microbiome-metabolic interactions in cancer cachexia.},
}

@article {pmid42231385,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, J and Fan, D and Xiao, C and Kang, C and Shi, J and Li, Y and Liu, J and Shen, L and Lin, N},
title = {Curcumin supplementation during high-altitude exposure modulates body composition and its relationship with gut microbiota: a randomized controlled trial.},
journal = {Nutrition journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12937-026-01343-5},
pmid = {42231385},
issn = {1475-2891},
support = {2022NSFSC1422//Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province/ ; KJS2525//Open Research Project of the Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Translational Medicine for Major Chronic Diseases at Soochow University/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Body composition is crucial for athletic performance and linked to the gut microbiota. Curcumin shows potential to promote muscle regeneration and modulate fat metabolism, but evidence from high-altitude populations remains scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin on body composition at high altitudes, and explore potential role of gut microbiota.

METHODS: A total of 102 male Han participants was randomized to curcumin (812 mg/d) or placebo groups for 1-week pre-acclimatization and 6-week high-altitude acclimatization. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis and gut microbiota was analyzed through metagenomic sequencing.

RESULTS: After high-altitude acclimatization, curcumin significantly reduced the percent body fat (PBF, P = 0.030). Soft lean mass (SLM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and fat free mass (FFM) were increased in both groups, but the curcumin group exhibited greater increases although without significant difference. Curcumin supplementation significantly attenuated the upper-limbs FFM and arm muscle circumference reduction (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Eubacterium sp. CAG:180 was significantly negative with SLM and SMM (P < 0.05). Curcumin significantly increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Eubacterium sp. CAG:274 and Eubacterium eligens (P < 0.01). Higher abundance of Eubacterium sp. CAG:274, Roseburia inulinivorans, and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum were observed in high-skeletal muscle index participants. Lachnospira pectinoschiza, Clostridium leptum, and Eubacterium sp. CAG:274 were more abundant in low-PBF participants.

CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin supplementation might increase muscle mass gain and reduce PBF during high-altitude acclimatization that may correlate with changes in gut microbiota composition, and their causal association remains to be further verified.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, ChiCTR220005965. Registered on May 5, 2022.},
}

@article {pmid42231413,
year = {2026},
author = {Chuang, YC and Collman, RG and Ruan, SY and Chien, YC and Huang, YS and Hsu, CC and Wang, JT and Zou, HB and Chang, SC},
title = {Gut microbiome features associated with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus acquisition in intensive care unit patients.},
journal = {Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12941-026-00871-6},
pmid = {42231413},
issn = {1476-0711},
support = {110-2918-I-002-001//National Science and Technology Council/ ; 110-S4901//National Taiwan University Hospital/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infection poses a significant healthcare burden in intensive care units (ICUs), and is preceded by gut colonization. The gut microbiome may influence susceptibility to VRE, but its role in ICU patients remains incompletely defined.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of patients admitted to a medical ICU from 2019 to 2021. Stool samples were collected for bacterial 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, anal swabs were screened for VRE by culture, and bile acids were measured in initial stool samples.

RESULTS: We enrolled 108 patients. Thirty-four patients were VRE + on initial screen and remained so (VRE+/+) while 74 were initially negative, of whom 23 acquired VRE (VRE-/+) and 51 remained negative (VRE-/-). There was no difference in alpha-diversity initially between VRE-/- and VRE-/+ groups, whereas VRE+/+ patients had significantly lower alpha-diversity (P < 0.001). VRE-/+ patients had a significantly more rapid decrease in alpha-diversity than VRE-/- patients (P = 0.04). Beta-diversity of initial stool differed among groups (P = 0.001), driven mainly by VRE+/+ patients. A lower Bacteroides/Enterococcus ratio (P = 0.049) and low Clostridium scindens abundance (P = 0.031) were associated with VRE acquisition. Initial stool from VRE-/- patients had a higher combined concentration of deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid than that of VRE-/+ patients (P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS: VRE acquisition in the ICU was associated with an initial gut microbiome characterized by lower Bacteroides/Enterococcus ratios, lower C. scindens abundance, and lower deoxycholic and lithocholic acid concentrations. Our findings are consistent with a possible role of these microbiome features in colonization resistance, as suggested by in vitro and animal models. However, given the single-center design, these associations should be considered hypothesis-generating and require validation before clinical application.},
}

@article {pmid42231422,
year = {2026},
author = {Maruyama, H and Sato, K and Sakai, K and Yasui, H and Okada, R and Xinheng, L and Umeda, K and Rahman, S and Nguyen, VS and Hibi, H},
title = {Near infrared photo-bacterialflora modulation technology realized controlling periodontitis: modulation of disease-associated dysbiosis in oral microbiota using near infrared photo-antibacterial targeting therapy (NIR-PAT[2]).},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42231422},
issn = {1479-5876},
support = {25K22916//JSPS/ ; 25K03451//JSPS/ ; 18K15923//JSPS/ ; CREST JPMJCR19H2//Japan Science and Technology Corporation/ ; JPMJFR2017,FOREST//Japan Science and Technology Corporation/ ; Research Grant from The Chemo-Sero-Therapeutic Research Institute//The Chemo-Sero-Therapeutic Research Institute/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a complex polymicrobial disease driven by synergistic interactions within a dysbiotic oral community. Within this network, Porphyromonas gingivalis acts as a keystone pathogen that orchestrates the pathogenic transformation of the microbiota. Current broad-spectrum antimicrobials often disrupt the entire microbial ecosystem and release immunogenic lipopolysaccharides (LPS). We aimed to develop a targeted approach, Near-Infrared Photo-Antibacterial Targeting Therapy (NIR-PAT[2]), using an antibody-photosensitizer conjugate (IgY-IR700) to reduce P. gingivalis load within this polymicrobial complex and modulate the community profile.

METHODS: We evaluated the binding and bactericidal mechanism of NIR-PAT[2] in vitro compared to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and endotoxin assays. In vivo, a ligature-induced periodontitis mouse model was used to assess therapeutic effects on alveolar bone resorption and microbiome community structure (16 S rRNA sequencing).

RESULTS: In vitro, NIR-PAT[2] eliminated P. gingivalis without affecting human cells. SEM analysis revealed a distinct mechanism: unlike aPDT, which caused bacterial disintegration, NIR-PAT[2] induced lethal transmembrane perforations while maintaining structural integrity. In parallel, endotoxin assays demonstrated that NIR-PAT[2] treatment significantly suppressed LPS release compared to aPDT. In vivo, NIR-PAT[2] treatment significantly inhibited alveolar bone resorption. Crucially, microbiome analysis demonstrated that NIR-PAT[2] did not merely eliminate the environment but induced a compositional shift toward a health-associated profile. By suppressing Porphyromonas, the treatment facilitated the partial restoration of commensal genera such as Streptococcus, disrupting the dysbiotic network.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that NIR-PAT[2] functions as a "Near-Infrared Photo-Bacterialflora Modulation (NIR-PBAM)" technology. By targeting a keystone pathogen within the polymicrobial community, NIR-PBAM offers a strategy to partially restore microbial balance while presenting a potential advantage in limiting LPS release, thus overcoming the ecological disruption caused by conventional broad-spectrum antimicrobials.},
}

@article {pmid42231509,
year = {2026},
author = {Sarhan, MS and Samadelli, M and Zink, A and Maixner, F},
title = {The Iceman's microbiome: unveiling millennia of microbial diversity and continuity.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42231509},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {FESR1078-MummyLabs//European Regional Development Fund/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Iceman mummy, a 5300-year-old natural alpine glacier mummy, provides a unique opportunity to study ancient microbial ecosystems. However, disentangling the mummy's endogenous microbiome from modern environmental contaminants introduced during three decades of conservation remains a significant challenge.

RESULTS: By integrating culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches, including amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics and de novo metagenomic assembly, as well as isolate-level genomics, we performed a comprehensive characterization of the Iceman's microbial landscape. We identified three distinct microbial drivers: endogenous post-mortem succession, ancient glacier-derived relicts, and modern anthropogenic introduction. Metagenomic analysis of internal tissues revealed anaerobic bacteria, including ancient gut taxa, including such as Romboutsia hominis, Clostridium moniliforme, Eubacterium sp., Ruminococcus bromii, Kineothrix sp., Treponema succinifaciens, Enterousia sp., and Huintestinicola butyrica. These taxa, characterized by ancient DNA (aDNA) damage profiles (C to T deamination frequency), show high similarity to ancestral, non-Westernized human gut communities, providing a rare baseline for Copper Age intestinal ecosystems. Conversely, we identified a shift in the external mycobiome, marked by the recent proliferation of psychrophilic yeasts, including Glaciozyma watsonii, Mrakia robertii, Phenoliferia glacialis, and Goffeauzyma sp. While internal bacterial communities remained stable, these external yeast populations showed increased relative abundance and reduced DNA damage signatures between 2010 and 2019, indicating active, modern colonization. Furthermore, strain-level analysis of Pseudomonas sp. 5C2 confirmed that specific environmental strains have successfully colonized the mummy, persisting across multiple tissue sites with minimal genetic divergence.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the Iceman is not a static relic but a dynamic biological interface. The coexistence of ancient, endogenous gut microbes and modern, psychrophilic colonizers highlights the potential for ongoing microbial activity even at sub-zero temperatures. These findings underscore that maintaining strict environmental parameters is essential to prevent these specialized microbial communities from transitioning from latent persistence to active microorganisms. Video Abstract.},
}

@article {pmid42231528,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, W and Fortuna, R and Mayengbam, S and Seerattan, RA and Mu, C and Rios, JL and Abughazaleh, N and Vaghef Mehrabani, E and Noye Tuplin, EW and Hart, DA and Sharkey, KA and Herzog, W and Reimer, RA},
title = {Multiomics insights into the effects of prebiotics on physical function and metabolism in adults with obesity and knee osteoarthritis.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2679516},
doi = {10.1080/19490976.2026.2679516},
pmid = {42231528},
issn = {1949-0984},
abstract = {Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent, painful, degenerative disease lacking effective disease-modifying drugs. The rise in obesity has increased the prevalence of metabolic OA, underscoring the need for effective management to delay or prevent knee replacement. Prebiotics confer improvement in physical function and metabolic health in adults with comorbid knee OA and obesity by unknown mechanisms. Here, we integrated metagenomic and metabolomic analyzes to investigate prebiotic fiber-linked mechanisms along the gut-knee axis. By reshaping the composition and function of the gut microbiota, prebiotics increased diet-derived carbohydrate availability, mitigated excessive host-glycan degradation and mucosal barrier disruption, reduced systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation, ultimately enhancing metabolic health and improving physical performance. In a diet-induced obese rat model, prebiotics reduced tibial cartilage degeneration and synovial membrane thickening, conferring protection against OA onset and progression through a common inflammatory pathway. Our findings provide mechanistic evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of prebiotic supplementation as a conservative management in humans and as a preventive approach for obesity-related knee OA in a preclinical rat model, mediated through the gut-joint axis.},
}

@article {pmid42231914,
year = {2026},
author = {Lv, Y and Li, J and Xu, Z and Zhang, Y and Li, W and Kan, X and Dai, S and Lin, Y and Xu, X and Chen, W},
title = {Engineered skin commensal nanogels mitigate psoriasiform inflammation through dual regulation of cutaneous flora and host immunity.},
journal = {Materials today. Bio},
volume = {38},
number = {},
pages = {103267},
pmid = {42231914},
issn = {2590-0064},
abstract = {Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by immune dysregulation and alterations in the cutaneous microbiota. Current microbiome-targeted therapeutic strategies predominantly involve the topical delivery of live probiotics using hydrogel platforms. However, these approaches are hindered by limitations such as poor bacterial viability, transient colonization, and unresolved safety concerns, while often failing to address systemic immune dysfunction. To overcome these challenges, we developed nanogels derived from Staphylococcus epidermidis lysates via EDC/NHS crosslinking. The optimized formulation exhibited a uniform hydrodynamic diameter of 98.3 ± 30.2 nm and remained stable for up to 5 days without significant protein degradation. Leveraging their sub-100 nm size, these nanogels enabled multiple therapeutic mechanisms. First, they penetrated the epidermal barrier through psoriatic scales and were internalized by target cells, leading to suppressed keratinocyte hyperproliferation and reduced local inflammation. Second, they trafficked systemically via the cutaneous microvasculature, resulting in decreased activation of splenic dendritic cells (CD11c + CD80[+]) and normalization of the CD4+/CD8+ T-lymphocyte ratio. Concurrently, residual nanogels retained on the skin surface selectively inhibited the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus while promoting the enrichment of commensal Staphylococcus species, thereby restoring microbial homeostasis and reinforcing barrier integrity. This strategy addresses key limitations of conventional live biotherapeutics by leveraging the enhanced biocompatibility of bacterial components and the multifunctional advantages of nanoscale delivery. It offers a synergistic and safe approach for effective psoriasis management.},
}

@article {pmid42231929,
year = {2026},
author = {Mejía-Granados, DM and Kawasaki de Araújo, T and Malan-Müller, S and Oliveira Ribeiro de Aguiar Araújo, PA and Braz Dos Santos, LH and Yasuda, CL and Koutsodontis Machado Alvim, M and Carvalho, BS and Cendes, F and Lopes-Cendes, I},
title = {Intestinal microbial community assessment in patients with different forms of epilepsy and autoimmune encephalitis: An exploratory study.},
journal = {Gut microbes reports},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {2679348},
pmid = {42231929},
issn = {2993-3935},
abstract = {Despite the availability of antiseizure medications (ASMs), approximately one-third of patients with epilepsy remain refractory to treatment. Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota modulates central nervous system function through neuroimmune and metabolic pathways. We characterized the fecal microbiome of patients with epilepsy and autoimmune encephalitis (AE) using 16S rRNA sequencing. Ninety-six participants from a tertiary hospital in Brazil were included: mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE; n = 38), genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE; n = 11), AE (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 37). Microbial community composition differed between treatment-responsive and refractory patients. Compared with responsive individuals (n = 16), refractory patients (n = 43) showed lower relative abundances of Agathobaculum, Bacteroides, Bilophila, and Coprobacter, and higher abundance of Guopingia. Dietary fiber intake was negatively associated with Enterocloster and Frisingicoccus. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and niacin (vitamin B3) were positively associated with Schaalia and Hominimerdicola, respectively. Functional predictions indicated that valproic acid use and treatment responsiveness were associated with increased microbial potential for GABA synthesis and tryptophan degradation, and reduced potential for dopamine and histamine degradation. These findings link the gut microbiome to epilepsy subtype and treatment response.},
}

@article {pmid42232188,
year = {2026},
author = {Shree Kumari, GR and Vaithilingam, M},
title = {Exploring the probiotic landscape in understanding postbiotics from indigenous bacteria isolated from the stool samples of a tribal population at Mulluvadi village, Tamil Nadu, India.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1817531},
pmid = {42232188},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Urbanisation has been associated with a decline in the diversity of the gut microbiome that could potentially limit access to functionally robust probiotic strains. In contrast, traditional tribal populations represent underexplored reservoirs of diverse microbiota with unique metabolic capabilities. In this study, isolated and functionally characterised culturable probiotic bacteria from the gut microbiomes of individuals from the Mulluvadi tribal community (Tamil Nadu, India), with a focus on their inferred postbiotic-producing potential.

METHODS: A total of 112 microbial isolates were obtained from the stool samples of 25 healthy individuals, from which 13 representative bacterial strains were shortlisted by sequential screening based on phenotypic and functional criteria. These isolates were evaluated for tolerance to gastrointestinal stress conditions (pH, bile salts, NaCl, and temperature), cell surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, safety attributes, and functional properties, including antibacterial activity, exopolysaccharide production, protease activity, biofilm formation, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.

RESULTS: The 13 isolates, mainly comprising Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, exhibited >70% survival under simulated gastric and biliary conditions, high levels of hydrophobicity (60%-80%), strong inhibition of pathogens (12-25 mm), significant production of SCFAs, high levels of protease activity (15-20 mm clearance), and marked membrane stabilising effects of human red blood cells (65%-82%). All isolates were non-haemolytic, negative for DNase production, and displayed safety profiles consistent with those of probiotics. In particular, L. plantarum and Heyndrickxia coagulans were identified as the most functionally potent strains.

CONCLUSION: Probiotic isolates from the gut microbiomes of a tribal population show remarkable postbiotic-producing capacity and potential functional relevance. These strains are promising candidates for further investigations toward the development of postbiotic-based functional formulations; however, their efficacies must be first established in animal and clinical trials and validated through additional in vivo and clinical studies for gut dysbiosis and other related disorders.},
}

@article {pmid42232211,
year = {2026},
author = {Cheng, Z and Gao, L and Luo, D and Bi, C and Chen, Q and Chen, X},
title = {A prospective cohort study exploring salivary microbial predictors of white spot lesions during fixed orthodontic treatment.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2679805},
pmid = {42232211},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: White spot lesions (WSLs) are a common adverse outcome of fixed orthodontic treatment, prompting the search for salivary microbial predictors for early risk identification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients undergoing fixed metal self-ligating orthodontic treatment were categorized into WSL and non-WSL groups based on lesion development after 12 months. Clinical indices (DI-S, CI-S, OHI-S, GI) and unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 12 months. The salivary microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS: The prevalence of WSLs was 54.7% at the patient level. Clinical indices did not differ significantly between groups. Although overall microbial community structure was similar at baseline, several taxa were enriched in patients who later developed WSLs, including Actinomyces, Rothia and Granulicatella. After 12 months, the WSL group showed reduced phylogenetic diversity and a microbial profile enriched in acidogenic and anaerobic taxa. Functional prediction indicated increased carbohydrate metabolism and fermentative pathways in WSL patients.

CONCLUSIONS: WSL development during fixed orthodontic treatment was associated with baseline salivary microbial differences and treatment-related ecological shifts. Salivary microbiome profiling may help identify patients at higher risk and support early risk stratification and preventive strategies in orthodontic care.},
}

@article {pmid42232608,
year = {2026},
author = {Lopes, M and Vila Nova, C and Oliveira, RC and Schmitt, F and Mendes, F and Martins, D},
title = {Microbiome and Response to Therapy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Oncology research},
volume = {34},
number = {6},
pages = {4},
pmid = {42232608},
issn = {1555-3906},
abstract = {Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15% of all invasive breast cancers and is characterized by aggressive behavior, limited therapeutic options, and poor clinical outcomes. Due to the absence of hormone receptors and HER2 expression, systemic treatment relies predominantly on chemotherapy, which is associated with high rates of early recurrence and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in the microbiome can contribute to TNBC progression and influence therapeutic response, particularly affecting the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy through immune-mediated mechanisms; however, its role in TNBC remains incompletely understood. This systematic review aims to explore the role of the microbiome in TNBC. It specifically aims to understand if the microbiome influences complete pathological response in TNBC. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and Cochrane databases. Fourteen eligible studies were included, encompassing preclinical and clinical evidence. Results: The findings indicate that both gut and tumor-associated microbiota significantly influence therapeutic response in TNBC, especially in the context of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Higher microbial diversity and the presence of specific commensal taxa were consistently associated with enhanced antitumor immune activation, increased immune cell infiltration, and improved treatment efficacy. Conversely, antibiotic-induced dysbiosis was linked to reduced pCR rates and poorer clinical outcomes. Microbiome-modulating interventions demonstrated potential in restoring eubiosis and enhancing therapeutic responsiveness. Conclusions: Overall, the available evidence supports the microbiome as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for optimizing treatment strategies and improving outcomes in TNBC.},
}

@article {pmid42232902,
year = {2026},
author = {Lachnit, T},
title = {Nutrient-rich environments drive microbiome restructuring and mucus shedding in a coastal cnidarian.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1792133},
pmid = {42232902},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment is increasing in coastal ecosystems, yet its effects on host-microbe interactions and animal fitness remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates how elevated dissolved nutrient availability and differing nutrient compositions influence microbiome structure and host responses in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis.

METHODS: We experimentally enriched seawater with either a complex organic nutrient source or a protein-rich substrate. We then assessed resulting changes in microbiome composition, host behavior (including mucus shedding), and population growth.

RESULTS: Nutrient enrichment caused substantial restructuring of the host-associated microbiome, characterized by reduced diversity and increased dominance of fast-growing bacterial taxa. Community composition differed depending on nutrient type. Enriched conditions also triggered increased ectodermal mucus shedding, which physically removed surface-associated microbes. Copiotrophic taxa that proliferated under nutrient enrichment were disproportionately represented in shed mucus relative to whole polyps, suggesting spatial structuring of microbial associations with host surfaces. While this response limited microbial overgrowth, it imposed significant physiological costs, leading to reduced or negative population growth.

DISCUSSION: These findings demonstrate that nutrient enrichment alters host-associated microbiomes and identify mucus shedding as a host-mediated mechanism for microbial regulation. Although effective, this response carries substantial fitness costs, highlighting a trade-off between microbial control and host performance. This study provides mechanistic insight into how eutrophication may drive microbiome restructuring and impact host physiology in coastal cnidarians.},
}

@article {pmid42232906,
year = {2026},
author = {Jin, Y and Zhu, J and Liao, D and Jin, X},
title = {From "spleen governing muscle" to gut microbiota: mechanisms of sarcopenic obesity in perimenopausal women.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1817839},
pmid = {42232906},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) in perimenopausal women-characterized by the paradoxical coexistence of skeletal muscle loss and visceral adiposity-represents a complex metabolic challenge that conventional estrogen replacement therapies have failed to fully address. Emerging evidence from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) suggests that the "spleen governing muscle" theory may offer a unique lens through which to understand this condition, with the gut microbiota serving as a critical mechanistic link between spleen deficiency and musculoskeletal deterioration.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the mechanisms linking spleen deficiency, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and sarcopenic obesity risk in perimenopausal women, integrating TCM theory with modern biomedical evidence.

METHODS: We synthesized findings from clinical observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and mechanistic investigations examining the "spleen-gut-muscle" axis, with particular attention to studies employing 16S rRNA sequencing, metabolomics, and multi-omics approaches.

RESULTS: Spleen deficiency-manifesting as impaired transformation and transportation of nutrients-correlates with characteristic alterations in gut microbiota composition, including reduced diversity, elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios, and depletion of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing taxa. These microbial changes propagate systemic inflammation through lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-TLR4 signaling, activate muscle protein degradation via MuRF1 upregulation, and compromise insulin sensitivity through diminished GLP-1 secretion. Notably, TCM interventions-including herbal formulations (Sijunzi decoction, Buzhong Yiqi decoction), acupuncture, moxibustion, catgut embedding, and tuina massage-demonstrate potential to restore microbial homeostasis, increase SCFA production, and improve muscle mass and function. However, the evidence quality remains modest, with methodological limitations including inadequate blinding, small sample sizes, and short follow-up durations.

CONCLUSION: The "spleen-gut-muscle" axis represents a promising therapeutic target for perimenopausal sarcopenic obesity, bridging TCM theory with modern microbiome science. Nevertheless, current evidence is predominantly associative rather than causally definitive, derived largely from small-scale trials and preclinical models. Rigorous, large-scale RCTs with standardized TCM protocols, multi-omics endpoints, and extended follow-up are essential to establish efficacy and safety before microbiota-based TCM interventions can be recommended as adjunctive or standalone therapies.},
}

@article {pmid42232910,
year = {2026},
author = {Oskolkov, N},
title = {Refining filtering criteria of Kraken family of tools for accurate taxonomic profiling of ancient metagenomic data.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1603339},
pmid = {42232910},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Taxonomic profiling is a key component of ancient metagenomic analysis, however it is also susceptible to false-positive identifications. In particular, taxonomic classification tools from the Kraken family, such as Kraken2 and KrakenUniq, are highly sensitive to the choice of filtering options. To address this issue, various filtering approaches have been proposed. In this study, I conduct a comprehensive benchmarking of different filtering strategies for Kraken family of tools using simulated microbial and environmental ancient metagenomic data. I evaluate these approaches based on the balance between sensitivity and specificity of ground truth reconstruction (F1-score), and propose an optimal thresholding strategy tailored to specific sequencing depths in ancient metagenomic datasets.},
}

@article {pmid42232978,
year = {2026},
author = {Indolfi, C and Klain, A and Dinardo, G and Colosimo, S and Ferrara, S and Grella, C and Galdiero, M and De Filippis, A and Fiore, V and Miraglia Del Giudice, M},
title = {Association between Staphylococcus aureus colonization and clinical improvement in pediatric atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab: a pilot study.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1836967},
pmid = {42232978},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children is characterized by impaired skin barrier function, type 2 inflammation, and frequent Staphylococcus aureus colonization, contributing to disease severity and risk of superinfection. Dupilumab, an anti-IL-4/IL-13 receptor monoclonal antibody, improves clinical outcomes in pediatric AD, but longitudinal data on culture-based skin and nasal microbial changes remain limited.

OBJECTIVE: To assess dupilumab efficacy in children with moderate-to-severe AD unresponsive to conventional therapy and to describe skin and nasal microbial colonization patterns at the 12-month time point compared with moderate AD receiving conventional topical therapy and healthy controls.

METHODS: Prospective observational study. Children aged 6-16 years were enrolled in three groups: (a) moderate-to-severe AD starting dupilumab (assessments at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months); (b) moderate AD receiving conventional topical therapy not eligible for biologic therapy; and (c) age-matched healthy controls. Outcomes included Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (C-DLQI), and Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). At 12 months, nasal and skin e-Swabs were cultured; isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF with antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Longitudinal changes were analyzed using the Friedman test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: Ten dupilumab-treated children (mean age 13 years; 60% males) showed rapid and sustained improvement in C-DLQI (median 13.5 to 3 at 3 months; 3.5 at 12 months), EASI (24.5 to 5.65 at 3 months, 1.2 at 12 months), and pruritus (NRS 10 to 4.5 at 3 months; 5.5 at 12 months). No adverse events or discontinuations occurred. At 12 months, nasal S. aureus colonization was detected in 2/10 dupilumab-treated patients versus 4/10 moderate AD receiving conventional topical therapy and 1/10 controls; skin S. aureus was absent in dupilumab-treated patients but present in 8/10 children with moderate atopic dermatitis receiving conventional topical therapy and 0/10 controls.

CONCLUSION: Dupilumab provides sustained clinical benefit and, in this cross-sectional assessment of a small pilot cohort, is associated with lower S. aureus colonization and the presence of commensal staphylococci in pediatric atopic dermatitis.},
}

@article {pmid42233016,
year = {2026},
author = {Di Simone, N and Barnea, ER and Mueller, M},
title = {Editorial: Community series in the immunological role of the maternal microbiome in pregnancy, Volume II.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1872195},
doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2026.1872195},
pmid = {42233016},
issn = {1664-3224},
}

@article {pmid42233037,
year = {2026},
author = {Celik, E and Bechara, FG and Stockfleth, E and Ocker-Serger, L and Abu Rached, N},
title = {Dietary patterns, metabolic pathways and metainflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic review.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1830618},
pmid = {42233037},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Hidradenitis Suppurativa/metabolism/immunology/diet therapy ; *Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; *Inflammation/metabolism ; *Diet ; Diet, Mediterranean ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dietary factors have been suggested to influence inflammatory skin diseases; however, their role in the pathogenesis and clinical course of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) remains insufficiently understood. Increasing evidence suggests that HS is a systemic immunometabolic disease characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Dietary patterns may therefore influence HS activity through metabolic and inflammatory pathways.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate available evidence on dietary patterns, nutritional interventions, and micronutrient status in hidradenitis suppurativa and to assess their associations with disease onset, disease severity, and underlying metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/Medline for studies published between 1985 and 2026, following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible study types included observational studies, interventional trials, and case-control or cross-sectional studies investigating dietary exposures or nutritional interventions in HS. Reference lists were screened for additional records.

RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Across observational cohorts, lower adherence to Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, higher glycaemic dietary patterns, and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin D and zinc, were generally associated with greater HS disease severity. Interventional evidence was limited. A small pilot study reported clinical improvement following a very low-calorie ketogenic diet, and yeast-exclusion diets were associated with symptom improvement in small patient cohorts. Evidence from bariatric surgery cohorts suggested that malabsorptive procedures and persistent micronutrient deficiencies may be associated with worsening HS in some patients. Overall, the available studies suggest potential links between diet and HS through metabolic, inflammatory, and microbiome-related pathways, although the evidence remains limited and heterogeneous.

CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that dietary habits and nutritional status may influence hidradenitis suppurativa through metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms. Although data remain heterogeneous and largely observational, promoting anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, optimizing micronutrient intake, and addressing obesity may offer supportive benefits alongside standard HS therapies. Further controlled studies are needed to establish causality.},
}

Humans
*Hidradenitis Suppurativa/metabolism/immunology/diet therapy
*Metabolic Networks and Pathways
*Inflammation/metabolism
*Diet
Diet, Mediterranean

@article {pmid42233644,
year = {2026},
author = {Dubin, CA and Zhao, C and Pollard, KS and Oskotsky, T and Golob, JL and Sirota, M},
title = {Expanding vaginal microbiome pangenomes via a custom MIDAS database reveals Lactobacillus crispatus accessory genes associated with cervical dysplasia.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0149825},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01498-25},
pmid = {42233644},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {The vaginal microbiome plays a central role in reproductive health. Vaginal microbiome dysbiosis is associated with many adverse reproductive health outcomes, but most studies have focused on associations at the species level. The potential contribution of intraspecies microbial variation, especially gene content differences across bacterial strains, remains underexplored in reproductive health contexts. The Metagenomic Intra-Species Diversity Analysis (MIDAS) framework enables such analyses, but depends on comprehensive reference databases. We constructed a MIDAS-compatible pangenome database from over 18,000 genomes in the Vaginal Microbiome Genome Collection (VMGC). Compared to the Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB)-derived reference, the VMGC-derived database expanded the pangenomes of prevalent vaginal species, better capturing vaginal-specific intraspecies diversity. Applying this database to vaginal samples from a cervical dysplasia cohort, we identified 13 Lactobacillus crispatus accessory genes significantly associated with cervical dysplasia, including a HicAB toxin-antitoxin system, three transcriptional regulators, and three phage-derived genes. These findings highlight the utility of body site-specific reference resources and shotgun metagenomic sequencing for uncovering intraspecies microbial variation relevant to reproductive health.IMPORTANCEThe vaginal microbiome plays a critical role in reproductive health, and different bacteria from the same species can carry different genes that influence how the strains interact with the host and other microbes. These strain-level differences are often overlooked when microbiomes are analyzed only at the species level. Existing genomic reference databases are heavily biased toward gut and environmental bacteria, leaving the genetic diversity of vaginal microbes understudied. We built a specialized reference database from over 18,000 vaginal bacterial genomes that better reflects this diversity. We then applied this resource to quantify gene-level variation in vaginal samples from a cervical dysplasia cohort. Focusing on Lactobacillus crispatus, a prevalent and often beneficial vaginal species, we identified 13 genes that were more common in women with cervical dysplasia than in controls. This work demonstrates that body site-specific genomic resources are essential for uncovering strain-level bacterial differences relevant to reproductive health.},
}

@article {pmid42233652,
year = {2026},
author = {Mehta, SD},
title = {Role of the penile microbiome in female sex partner risk of bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections: a narrative review.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0033125},
doi = {10.1128/cmr.00331-25},
pmid = {42233652},
issn = {1098-6618},
abstract = {SUMMARYThe penile microbiome (PMB) can be dominated by skin-associated bacteria (e.g., Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus) or by anaerobic bacteria that are associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), and is influenced by male circumcision status, female partner vaginal microbiome (VMB), BV status, condom use, and antibiotic use. Penile bacteria that are associated with BV and genital mucosal inflammation are associated with men's risk of HIV and STIs. In the few studies that simultaneously evaluate the penile and vaginal microbiome in sex partners, specific taxa are highly correlated, with evidence for bi-directional transmissibility. BV-associated taxa in the PMB are associated with increased risk of BV and STIs in female sex partners. Emergent trials demonstrate that antimicrobial treatment in men can reduce penile anaerobic bacteria and female sex partner's risk of BV recurrence. However, data are lacking on factors influencing penile-vaginal bacterial exchangeability, the durability of bacterial exchange, and the conditions under which exchange may lead to increased risk of adverse outcomes in the index or partner. Optimal and non-optimal PMB have not been defined. Assessment of PMB composition and function across the life course is needed. Association of PMB with intrinsic host factors (genetics and endogenous hormones) is lacking; association with behavioral and lifestyle factors is limited. Addressing these gaps may lead to the development of assays to facilitate screening and monitoring after therapeutic interventions in men and female partners, or the development of therapeutics for optimizing PMB. Studies are needed to refine and develop new treatment and counseling guidelines for men and their sexual partners.},
}

@article {pmid42233654,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, W and Li, Y and Liang, Y and Wang, J and Zhang, Z and Zhang, Y and Xiao, C and Hao, H},
title = {Age-driven shifts of the camel gut microbiome and resistome in extensively reared dromedary camels.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0318325},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03183-25},
pmid = {42233654},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Camels are uniquely adapted to arid environments and are commonly raised in extensive grazing systems. The composition of their gut microbiome and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) is expected to change with host development, but age-related patterns have not been well described. In this study, we analyzed fecal samples from juvenile (approximately 6 months old) and adult (6 years) dromedary camels kept under the same grazing management, with no recorded therapeutic antibiotic treatments during the study period. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to profile bacterial communities, ARGs, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Juvenile camels showed lower alpha diversity and greater inter-individual variation than adults, and their gut communities were dominated by facultative anaerobes such as Escherichia and Streptococcus. Adult camels carried more stable, fiber-adapted communities enriched in Bacteroidaceae and Prevotellaceae. In parallel with these microbiome changes, the resistome also differed by age. Juveniles carried a wider range of ARGs, with higher contributions from multidrug efflux pumps and vancomycin resistance genes. Adults had a smaller and more concentrated set of ARGs, mainly β-lactamase and tetracycline resistance genes, together with lower ARG richness and diversity. MGEs also showed distinct age-related patterns: transposase genes were more common in juveniles, whereas insertion sequence-associated genes were more abundant in adults, suggesting age-specific routes of potential ARG mobility. Overall, these data indicate that maturation of the camel gut microbiome is accompanied by a reduction and focusing of the resistome and by a shift in the dominant types of MGEs. This study provides an age-stratified reference for ARG reservoirs and MGE-associated ARG mobility in camels studied under conditions with no recorded therapeutic antibiotic treatments and may be useful for future work on antimicrobial resistance in extensively managed livestock.

IMPORTANCE: Antimicrobial resistance is often studied in animals heavily exposed to antibiotics, leaving a gap in our understanding of its natural development. Camels, rarely treated with antibiotics, offer a unique model. By comparing juvenile and adult gut microbiomes, we found that early-life communities are diverse, unstable, and rich in mobile resistance genes, while adult communities are more stable and carry fewer mobile elements. These findings establish a natural baseline for how resistance genes emerge and settle without drug pressure, providing critical insights for One Health strategies aimed at limiting the spread of resistance in livestock and wildlife.},
}

@article {pmid42233658,
year = {2026},
author = {Godoy-Vitorino, F and Vargas-Robles, D and Bolaños-Rosero, B and Pagán-Zayas, N and Cortés-Nazario, A and Wiggin, K and Allard, S and Romaguera, J and Gilbert, JA},
title = {Environmental fungi modulate the vaginal mycobiome and cervical disease progression in Hispanic women.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0005626},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00056-26},
pmid = {42233658},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {The vaginal mycobiome, though a minor component of the cervicovaginal ecosystem, plays a crucial role in reproductive health and disease. However, its composition and interactions with bacterial communities remain poorly understood, particularly among Hispanic women, who experience disproportionately high rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer. We characterized the vaginal mycobiota across reproductive stages and examined its associations with cervical disease, HPV status, and bacterial community state types (CSTs) in 86 Hispanic participants from Puerto Rico using ITS1 amplicon sequencing. Amplicon sequence variants were inferred with QIIME2/DADA2 and taxonomically classified using the UNITE database, with diversity and discriminant taxa analyses applied to explore clinical and microbial associations. We detected 173 fungal species hypotheses, dominated by Candida albicans, Agaricomycetes sp., Scopuloides dimorpha, and Hortaea werneckii. While fungal composition did not differ significantly by reproductive stage, non-pregnant individuals exhibited greater inter-individual variability. Alpha diversity was reduced in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions compared with low-grade or normal cytology, and Candida parapsilosis prevalence was elevated in low-grade lesions. CST III, characterized by Lactobacillus iners dominance, showed greater dispersion variance than other CSTs. Collectively, these findings reveal a diverse vaginal mycobiome with stage- and disease-specific features and a notable contribution of environmental fungi that may influence cervical pathogenesis. This work provides foundational insight into cervicovaginal fungal ecology in a high-risk Hispanic population and highlights the importance of integrating bacteriome-mycobiome analyses in women's health research.IMPORTANCEThis study demonstrates that environmental fungi may play an important role in shaping the vaginal microbiome and influencing cervical disease progression in Hispanic women. While most prior research has focused on bacterial communities, our findings highlight fungi as significant yet underexplored contributors to reproductive health. By linking environmental fungal exposures to shifts in the vaginal mycobiome, this work expands understanding of how external factors may affect disease risk. These results underscore the need to include fungal communities in human microbiome research and support more comprehensive approaches to women's health. Ultimately, this study may inform improved risk assessment, prevention strategies, and the development of targeted interventions in diverse populations.},
}

@article {pmid42233676,
year = {2026},
author = {Herzer, KR and Torres, CI and Krajmalnik-Brown, R and Delgado, AG},
title = {Environmental considerations and bioremediation applications of the metal-, nitrate-, and organohalide-respiring bacterium Trichlorobacter lovleyi (formerly Geobacter lovleyi).},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0056326},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00563-26},
pmid = {42233676},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {Trichlorobacter lovleyi (formerly Geobacter lovleyi) is a gram-negative bacterium that can couple the oxidation of acetate or other small organic acids with the reduction of soluble and insoluble electron acceptors, such as chlorinated solvents, heavy metals, and nitrate. Evidence has shown that T. lovleyi plays a direct role in nitrogen, iron, and carbon cycling, and its versatile metabolism can be leveraged for environmental biotechnology applications. However, the contributions of T. lovleyi to treatment of contaminants at groundwater sites or electron transfer in bioelectrochemical systems have been largely overlooked. This minireview examines the genetic and metabolic features of T. lovleyi for dissimilatory reduction of nitrate to ammonium, extracellular electron, and organohalide-respiration, highlighting unique and conserved features relative to other genera in Geobacterales. We highlight applications of T. lovleyi in bioremediation of contaminated environments and identify knowledge gaps to fully leverage the metabolic potential of this bacterium. We feature T. lovleyi's ability to produce the important vitamin B12 cofactor and the syntrophic partnership it establishes with cobalamin-scavenging, obligate organohalide-respiring bacteria, particularly in environments where the concentration of chlorinated solvents poses toxicity challenges to the groundwater microbiome. We conclude that T. lovleyi has a meaningful, multi-faceted, but often neglected, contribution to groundwater and soil bioremediation. We hope this minireview will prompt researchers and bioremediation practitioners to more closely monitor T. lovleyi during reductive dechlorination enrichment efforts and bioremediation applications at sites contaminated with organohalogens, uranium, or nitrate.},
}

@article {pmid42234243,
year = {2026},
author = {Ncir, WB and Abdelhedi, F and Keskes, LA},
title = {Gut microbiome-blood cholesterol crosstalk: towards personalized strategies for dyslipidemia.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42234243},
issn = {1874-9356},
abstract = {Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, influenced by both genetic predisposition and multifactorial acquired factors, including diet, lifestyle, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a causal role in cholesterol metabolism through multiple complementary mechanisms, including bile acid transformation, modulation of hepatic and intestinal receptors (FXR, TGR5), production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis and microbiol conversion of cholesterol into poorly absorbed coprostanol. Host genetic, dietary habits, and lifestyle shape gut microbiol composition, contributing to interindividual variability in lipid profiles and responses to lipid-lowering interventions.Dietary interventions, including polyphenols, phytosterols, L-theanine, and probiotics, can beneficially modulate gut microbial composition, enrich SCFA-producing taxa, and improve cholesterol homeostasis. Pharmacological agents, including statins and berberine, also interact with the gut microbiome, underscoring the bidirectional nature of host-microbiome-drug interactions. Human, animal and in vitro studies collectively support the importance of baseline microbial composition, host genetics, and lifestyle in determining treatment response.This review synthesizes current knowledge on gut microbiome alterations in hypercholesterolemia, their causal role in cholesterol metabolism, and the influence of host and environmental factors on interindividual variability in therapeutic responses. It further discusses dietary and pharmacological strategies targeting the gut microbiome to modulate lipid metabolism. A better understanding these complex interactions may enable the development of personalized, microbiome-based strategies for the prevention and management of hypercholesterolemia.},
}

@article {pmid42234268,
year = {2026},
author = {Hoseini, R and Hoseini, Z and Heydarpour, B and Faraji, M},
title = {A systematic review of molecular signaling in the muscle-brain-gut axis: exercise-induced myokines and microbial metabolites as key mediators.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42234268},
issn = {1573-4978},
abstract = {Exercise physiology is evolving from an organ-based framework toward a systems-level understanding, where molecular interactions between muscle, brain, and the gut microbiome critically influence performance and health. This review systematically examines the genetic, molecular, and cellular bases of this triad, with a focus on translational insights for disease prevention and human optimization. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted up to October 2023 to identify studies exploring molecular pathways linking skeletal muscle, cognitive/affective function, and gut microbiota in exercise contexts. Inclusion criteria were original research articles investigating at least two components of the muscle-brain-gut axis. Exclusion criteria included non-English articles, conference abstracts, and studies without molecular data. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. The search strategy is detailed in Supplementary Material. Evidence was categorized into Grades 1 through 4 based on methodological rigor, omics integration, reproducibility, and translational relevance to human physiology and disease models. Analysis included 154 studies encompassing 987 molecular associations. Among these, 59 associations (Grades 1-2) provided robust evidence for genetically and functionally validated pathways, including myokine-mediated (e.g., irisin, BDNF) and microbially derived metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, tryptophan derivatives) that modulate neuroplasticity, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and HPA axis activity. Psychobiological factors influenced microbial composition, illustrating bidirectional gut-brain-muscle signaling. Most associations (n = 952) were limited by methodological variability or insufficient mechanistic depth. The integration of multi-omics platforms (metagenomics, metabolomics, proteomics) emerges as a key tool for personalized exercise interventions and biomarker discovery. This review synthesizes molecular evidence for the muscle-gut-brain axis as an integrative determinant of exercise responsiveness and disease resilience. We highlight genetic and metabolic pathways with diagnostic and therapeutic potential, aligning with the development of molecular tools for precision medicine. Future interdisciplinary research should leverage artificial intelligence and longitudinal omics to translate these mechanisms into targeted strategies for performance enhancement and disease prevention.},
}

@article {pmid42234685,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, J and Bao, G and Nawaz, M and Ma, W and Xing, N and Yuan, Y and Bao, L},
title = {Biomagnification in Trophic Transfer: Mechanisms of Trans-Trophic Toxicity from Co-Contamination of Aged NPs and TBP in a Soil-Rye-Armyworm System.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.6c01984},
pmid = {42234685},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {The co-contamination of nanoplastics and organic pollutants poses a potential threat to agricultural ecosystems and food chain safety. To systematically reveal the individual and combined toxicity of aged carboxylated nanoplastics (NPs-COOH) and the flame retardant tributyl phosphate (TBP), as well as their transmission mechanisms along the food chain, this study established a "rye-armyworm" model. A multiscale investigation was conducted by integrating molecular docking, multiomics, and traditional toxicological methods. Results indicated that NPs-COOH and TBP form complexes via electrostatic and van der Waals interactions, synergistically enhancing their accumulation in rye roots and translocation into the vascular system. Combined exposure exerted synergistic toxicity on rye, manifested as inhibited photosynthesis, exacerbated oxidative stress, and significant deterioration in yield and nutritional quality. Transcriptomic and microbiome analyses further revealed that rye responds to the stress by systemically activating stress-response and detoxification metabolic pathways, accompanied by disruption of beneficial rhizospheric microbial communities. The pollutants were transferred along the food chain, with TBP undergoing biomagnification from rye to armyworm (BMF = 1.57), leading to growth inhibition, midgut structural damage, suppression of key detoxifying enzyme activities, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This study elucidates the multidimensional ecological risks arising from the "vector effect" and synergistic toxicity of NPs-COOH and TBP in the soil-plant-insect system, providing further insights for a comprehensive assessment of the threats posed by such co-contamination to agricultural product safety and food chain health.},
}

@article {pmid42234773,
year = {2026},
author = {Sakamachi, Y and Wiley, E and Trempus, CS and Jacobs, H and Solis, A and Johnson, CG and Meng, X and Hussain, S and Roselli, A and Lipinski, JH and O'Dwyer, DN and Randall, TA and Malphurs, J and Papas, B and Wu, BG and Li, Y and Kugler, MC and Mehta, S and Scappini, E and Thomas, SY and Li, JL and Zhou, L and Karmaus, PW and Lih, FB and Fessler, MB and McGrath, JA and Gibson, K and Kass, DJ and Gleiberman, A and Andrianova, E and Walts, A and Invernizzi, R and Molyneaux, PL and Yang, IV and Zhang, Y and Kaminski, N and Segal, LN and Schwartz, DA and Gudkov, AV and Garantziotis, S},
title = {Toll-like receptor 5 protects against murine lung fibrosis through reduced dysbiosis, and TLR5 deficiency is associated with human IPF.},
journal = {Science translational medicine},
volume = {18},
number = {852},
pages = {eadw1028},
doi = {10.1126/scitranslmed.adw1028},
pmid = {42234773},
issn = {1946-6242},
abstract = {Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating pulmonary disease with no curative treatment other than lung transplantation that results from maladaptive responses to lung epithelial injury; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and treatment options are limited. Here, we showed that deficiency in the innate immune receptor toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) is associated with IPF in humans and with increased susceptibility to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and that activation of lung epithelial TLR5 through a synthetic flagellin analog protected mice from experimental fibrosis. Mechanistically, epithelial TLR5 activation induced antimicrobial gene expression and ameliorated lung dysbiosis after injury. In contrast, TLR5 deficiency in mice and patients with IPF was associated with lung dysbiosis. Elimination of the microbiome in mice through administration of antibiotics abolished the protective effect of TLR5, and reconstitution of the microbiome by fecal microbiota transplantation rescued the observed phenotype. In conclusion, these studies revealed that TLR5 protects against pulmonary fibrosis through effects on the lung microbiota, providing insight into therapeutic approaches that may ultimately benefit patients with IPF.},
}

@article {pmid42235049,
year = {2026},
author = {Prooyen, NV and Cho, M and Jiang, L and Rodgers, N and Varma, Y},
title = {Randomized Controlled Study of Bacteriophages in Acne Reveals Efficacy and Novel Mechanism for Promoting Long-Term Skin Health.},
journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD},
volume = {25},
number = {6},
pages = {523-529},
doi = {10.36849/JDD.9346},
pmid = {42235049},
issn = {1545-9616},
mesh = {Humans ; *Acne Vulgaris/therapy/microbiology/diagnosis ; Double-Blind Method ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent ; Skin Microbiome ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Child ; Treatment Outcome ; *Bacteriophages ; *Salicylic Acid/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; *Phage Therapy/methods/adverse effects ; Skin/microbiology ; *Propionibacterium acnes/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acne is the most prevalent skin disease globally, with a significant burden and limited therapeutic innovation. Although it has a multifactorial etiology, Cutibacterium acnes (C acnes) overgrowth is a key factor in driving inflammation in acne. Bacteriophages are a novel mechanism that can specifically target C acnes and are found in greater abundance on healthy skin compared to acne-prone skin.

OBJECTIVES: To study the safety and efficacy of phages and salicylic acid (SA) in acne, and to analyze their mode of action and effect on microbiome diversity.

METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 90 participants for 8 weeks. Males and females 12 to 35 years old with mild to moderate acne were enrolled in placebo, phage, and phage + SA arms. Clinic visits at baseline, week 4, and week 8 collected safety data, VISIA imaging, lesion counts, IGA scores, and microbiome samples.

RESULTS: Phage treatment demonstrated an excellent safety profile. Participants in both phage and phage + SA arms showed significant improvement (P<0.05) over baseline at 8 weeks. Phage application resulted in a statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease of C acnes on the skin compared to placebo. Notably, phage use over 8 weeks significantly increased microbiome diversity, a marker of long-term skin health.

CONCLUSION: This study shows the potential of bacteriophages to be a highly promising modality with a unique mode of action for the treatment of acne. Beyond short-term lesion improvement, phage-induced enhancement of microbiome diversity suggests potential for durable, long-term skin health benefits. &nbsp.},
}

Humans
*Acne Vulgaris/therapy/microbiology/diagnosis
Double-Blind Method
Male
Female
Adolescent
Skin Microbiome
Young Adult
Adult
Child
Treatment Outcome
*Bacteriophages
*Salicylic Acid/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
*Phage Therapy/methods/adverse effects
Skin/microbiology
*Propionibacterium acnes/isolation & purification

@article {pmid42235053,
year = {2026},
author = {Hornby, SB and Ly, YH and Obagi, ZA and Obagi, ZE and Stahl, CC and Woodin, FW},
title = {A Novel Retinoid and Salicylic Acid Topical Treatment for Moderate-Severe Acne.},
journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD},
volume = {25},
number = {6},
pages = {558-561},
doi = {10.36849/JDD.9390},
pmid = {42235053},
issn = {1545-9616},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Advances in biotechnology have enabled highly effective, site-specific topical therapies for skin disease. Particle-based delivery systems can be engineered with tailored physicochemical properties and surface modifications to optimize controlled drug release and skin targeting, potentially improving acne treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of a retinol plus site-specific salicylic acid-targeted bio-delivery system in 40 Fitzpatrick skin type I-VI patients with moderate-to-severe acne over 12 weeks.

RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed across multiple efficacy measures, including expert grading, microbiome analysis, visual imaging, and patient self-assessments. Investigator grading demonstrated a 27.8% reduction in inflamed pustules at 2 weeks and a 68.6% reduction at 12 weeks. Acne nodules improved by 61.1% at 2 weeks, with a 92.2% reduction by week 12. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation improved significantly beginning at week 2, with an overall 32.3% improvement at week 12. Microbiome analysis showed a 52% reduction in Cutibacterium acnes levels by week 12. Expert grading revealed no erythema by week 12 and no edema throughout the study period. Patients also reported no significant itching, burning, tingling, or stinging sensations during treatment.

CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with site-specific acne medication and retinol produced significant clinical improvement in acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while demonstrating excellent tolerability over 12 weeks. &nbsp.},
}

@article {pmid42235133,
year = {2026},
author = {Broadwell, NH and Lombardo, K and Kohn, TP and Wu, CQ and Kates, MR and Gearhart, JP and Bivalacqua, TJ},
title = {The effect of neonatal partial upper and lower urinary tract obstruction on the intestinal microbiome in a murine animal model.},
journal = {Journal of pediatric urology},
volume = {22},
number = {5},
pages = {106035},
doi = {10.1016/j.jpurol.2026.106035},
pmid = {42235133},
issn = {1873-4898},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The intestinal microbiome holds promise as a tool for prognostics, diagnostics, and interventions in patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary system. The goal was to characterize the neonatal rat intestinal microbiome in response to partial upper and lower urinary obstruction using 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing.

METHODS: Neonatal Sprague Dawley rats were operated on day three of life. Partial ureteral obstruction was performed in upper urinary tract obstruction (UUTO) via suture ligation. Partial urethral obstruction was created in lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) via clip-applier technique. The intestinal microbiome was evaluated via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Alpha and beta diversity, single taxa abundance, and unique indicator species analysis was performed using R Statistical Software 4.2.0.

RESULTS: At 21 days post-operatively, body mass was higher in LUTO compared to UUTO (p = 0.003). Beta diversity clustered significantly between groups. LUTO had elevated Firmicutes:Bacteroidota ratios compared to UUTO (p = 0.014). A unique LUTO indicator was the absence of CAG-302 (p = 0.014). Lactobacillus_B was significantly downregulated in UUTO (p = 0.033). All unique indicators of UUTO derived from the Lachnospiraceae family.

CONCLUSION: This study evaluated the neonatal response of the gastrointestinal microbiome to urinary obstruction. LUTO resulted in high-risk microbiome profiles consistent with obesity and metabolic syndrome. UUTO rats had microbiome profiles consistent with CKD models, which modulate short chain fatty acids and uremic toxins. Such patterns in the intestinal microbiome may be used as a prognostic model to detect children at high-risk for organ damage secondary to obstructive uropathy.},
}

@article {pmid42235160,
year = {2026},
author = {Lu, T and Chen, Y and He, Q and Zheng, B and Deng, D and Xiong, X},
title = {Gut bacterial species, serum metabolites, and serum cytokines associated with broodiness in chickens.},
journal = {Poultry science},
volume = {105},
number = {9},
pages = {107187},
doi = {10.1016/j.psj.2026.107187},
pmid = {42235160},
issn = {1525-3171},
abstract = {Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota, serving as a "virtual endocrine organ", potentially modulates reproductive behavior in poultry via the gut-brain and gut-ovary axes. Broodiness in hens inhibits egg-laying activity and causes major economic losses in native chicken breeds, but its micro-physiological basis remains unclear. This study used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to delineate the cecal bacterial species associated with brooding status in Chinese Kangle chickens. We identified 34 cecal bacterial species exhibiting significantly varying abundances between the broodiness and control groups, including six species (e.g., Bacteroides sp. An51A and Phocaeicola barnesiae) that were significantly enriched in the broodiness group. Additionally, 28 species significantly enriched in the control group were screened. Among them, Subdoligranulum variabile and Oribacterium asaccharolyticum served as key biomarkers for distinguishing brooding status in Kangle chickens and were associated with functional shifts in the cecal microbiome. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis identified 17 differential metabolites, among which seven (e.g., (13E) -11a-hydroxy-9,15-dioxoprost-13-enoic acid and d-arabitol) were defined as metabolic markers of the broody state and were significantly associated with Subdoligranulum variabile and Oribacterium asaccharolyticum. In addition, our results suggest that serum cytokines, such as IFN-γ and IL-22, are potentially associated with the broody state and the alterations in both serum metabolites and the gut microbiota (e.g., Subdoligranulum variabile and Oribacterium asaccharolyticum). These findings provide a new insight into the mechanisms underlying reproductive behavior in poultry and offer a theoretical basis for alleviating broodiness through microecological interventions, thereby improving the reproductive efficiency of indigenous chicken breeds.},
}

@article {pmid42235180,
year = {2026},
author = {Generali, D and Membrino, A and Fontana, A and Gattazzo, F and Strina, C and Milani, M and Cervoni, V and Caltavituro, A and Castagnetti, A and Del Bianco, S and Schettini, F},
title = {A mixed prebiotic/probiotic intervention (MBR-01) for the management of diarrhea during abemaciclib treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal patients: A single-center prospective case-control pilot study.},
journal = {Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland)},
volume = {88},
number = {},
pages = {104830},
doi = {10.1016/j.breast.2026.104830},
pmid = {42235180},
issn = {1532-3080},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adjuvant abemaciclib + endocrine therapy (ET) improves long-term outcomes in high-risk, hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2-negative early breast cancer (eBC). However, treatment is frequently complicated by diarrhea, affecting adherence and quality-of-life (QoL). Increasing evidence suggests that abemaciclib-induced gastrointestinal toxicity may involve gut microbiota alterations. We conducted a prospective case-control pilot study evaluating the efficacy of MBR-01, a standardized prebiotic/probiotic formulation, in mitigating abemaciclib-induced diarrhea.

METHODS: We enrolled 20 postmenopausal patients with high-risk HR+/HER2-negative eBC considered unfit for adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients received abemaciclib + letrozole (control, n = 10) or abemaciclib + letrozole + MBR-01 (experimental, n = 10). The primary endpoint was the incidence and severity of diarrhea; secondary endpoints included treatment adherence, QoL assessments and exploratory baseline/week-12 microbiota characterization according to treatment arm.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN11948182.

RESULTS: Diarrhea occurred in all patients. In the control group, diarrhea was predominantly grade 1 (50%) or grade 2 (40%), with one grade 3 event (10%). In the MBR-01 group, diarrhea frequency and severity were reduced by ∼70% at the end of week-12; 90% of patients experienced only grade 1 diarrhea or none by week-12, and no grade ≥3 events. Dose modification was only required in one control. Decrease in alpha-diversity and F.prausnitzii were associated with earlier diarrhea onset and longer duration; increase in E.coli correlated with higher grade events. MBR-01 supplementation seemed to preserve microbial diversity and limited E.coli expansion. QoL was significantly improved with MBR-01.

CONCLUSION: MBR-01 may effectively mitigate abemaciclib-induced diarrhea, likely through the achievement of stabilization of gut microbiota composition. Larger prospective studies are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.},
}

@article {pmid42235236,
year = {2026},
author = {Das, A and Singh, D and Behera, RN and Sarangi, PP and Ambatipudi, K},
title = {Bovine milk fat globules containing probiotics enhance colonisation resistance, pathogen exclusion and macrophage modulation in simulated gut environments.},
journal = {Food chemistry},
volume = {521},
number = {},
pages = {149831},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.149831},
pmid = {42235236},
issn = {1873-7072},
abstract = {Probiotics are widely used to manage gastrointestinal disorders; however, their therapeutic effects have been limited by rapid transit and degradation in the gut. Milk fat globules (MFGs) have recently gained attention as a bio-carrier that can shield probiotics and enhance their functionality under gastrointestinal stress. The present study hypothesises that MFGs enhance the survival and functionality of probiotics (e.g., L. fermentum, L. mesenteroides) by supporting colonisation resistance and modulating host immune responses. MFGs+L. fermentum exhibited significantly higher exclusion of enteric pathogens (e.g., E. coli, S. enterica, S. flexineri, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa) and synergistically attenuated oxidative stress. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed adaptive shifts in pathways of amino-acid biosynthesis, peptidoglycan assembly, transporters, and metabolism. Flow cytometry-based marker analysis showed that MFG-containing L. fermentum downregulated inflammatory markers (CD11b, CD14) in macrophages, promoting a more balanced immune state. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that MFGs enhance probiotic resilience, gut microbiome, and immune modulation.},
}

@article {pmid42235313,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, Y and Li, L and Wang, Y and Hu, C and Zhao, Y and Deng, S and Pan, Y and Li, J and Huo, J and Zhu, F},
title = {Sophoraflavanone G alleviates ulcerative colitis in mice by reshaping the gut microbiome and restoring the Th17/Treg balance through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.},
journal = {International immunopharmacology},
volume = {184},
number = {},
pages = {116952},
doi = {10.1016/j.intimp.2026.116952},
pmid = {42235313},
issn = {1878-1705},
abstract = {Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by diarrhea, bloody stool and a feeling of incomplete defecation. Sophoraflavanone G (SFG) is one of the main chemical components of Sophora flavescens Ait and possesses various pharmacological activities. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of naturally derived SFG in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC and the underlying mechanisms. A mouse model of DSS-induced UC was created and treated with SFG, antibiotics (ABX) cocktail, or the AKT agonist SC79. Clinical symptoms and signs of UC were assessed. Expression levels of inflammatory factors, tight junction proteins, and mucin-2 (MUC-2) in colon tissues were detected. The underlying mechanism by which SFG relieved UC in mice was elucidated by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation, and validated in mouse colon tissues. Furthermore, the effects of SFG in remodeling the gut microbiome and restoring the Th17/Treg balance were explored. The results showed that SFG significantly decreased the Disease Activity Index (DAI) score, alleviated bloody diarrhea, splenomegaly, and colon shortening in UC mice; it effectively suppressed the serum and colonic levels of inflammatory factors, and significantly upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins and MUC-2 in colon tissues. Furthermore, molecular studies demonstrated that SFG may bind to p110α to inhibit the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway and further regulate the Th17/Treg balance. Meanwhile, SFG restores the gut microbiome. In conclusion, this study confirms that SFG has a significant therapeutic effect on DSS-induced UC. The underlying mechanism may be partially attributed to the binding of SFG to p110α, which inhibits the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and further regulates the Th17/Treg balance; and restores the gut microbiome to alleviate UC. This research offers a novel natural candidate foundation for the clinical treatment of UC.},
}

@article {pmid42235388,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiao, Y and Xu, L and Zhou, Y and Tang, L and Fu, J and Shi, Y and Li, J},
title = {Synergistic immobilization of lead and enhanced Solanum nigrum growth by phosphogypsum coupled with phosphate-solubilizing Bacillus megaterium: Roles of Pb mineral transformation and rhizosphere microbiome restructuring.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {514},
number = {},
pages = {142539},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142539},
pmid = {42235388},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Phosphogypsum (PG), a gypsum-rich industrial by-product containing residual phosphate, has attracted increasing attention for lead (Pb) risk management in contaminated soils, yet its effects on Pb mobility, phytotoxicity, and rhizosphere processes remain insufficiently understood. Here, a PG-microbe coupled strategy was established by introducing the phosphate-solubilizing bacterium Bacillus megaterium (BM) to enhance Pb immobilization and support the growth of Solanum nigrum. Batch aqueous experiments showed that BM remained active in the presence of PG and improved Pb removal relative to abiotic PG, accompanied by pronounced Pb-P co-existence at the cell-mineral interface. In pot experiments, Pb stress severely inhibited plant growth and induced oxidative damage, whereas the combined PG-BM treatment restored biomass, alleviated cellular injury and increased glutathione levels. In the rhizosphere, PG-BM treatment elevated available P, Ca[2 +] , and SO4[2-] concentrations, altered dissolved organic matter composition, and restored key enzyme activities. The coupled treatment also shifted Pb from labile fractions to stable pools, increasing the combined proportion of oxidizable and residual fractions to 39.6%. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated enhanced formation of Pb phosphate minerals, including Pb3(PO4)2 and Pb5(PO4)3Cl, supporting Pb mineral transformation potentially associated with PG-BM coupling. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed rhizosphere community restructuring under the PG-BM treatment, including the enrichment of genera such as Sphingomonas and Rhodanobacter, whereas PICRUSt2 and FAPROTAX indicated a distinct predicted functional shift. Overall, the PG-BM system reduced Pb phytotoxicity and promoted Pb stabilization under controlled pot conditions, although long-term stability and field-scale environmental safety require further validation.},
}

@article {pmid42235395,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Zhu, T and Tao, C and Li, S and Cheng, H and Chen, W},
title = {Threshold-dependent control of ARG removal in global wastewater treatment plants: Molecular mechanisms of low-abundance functional genes deciphered via metagenomics and explainable AI.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {514},
number = {},
pages = {142574},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142574},
pmid = {42235395},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve as critical barriers against the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from urban water environments to nature, yet the molecular mechanisms governing their biological removal remain poorly understood. By combining experimental metagenomic data from 19 Chinese WWTPs with additional data from 31 global WWTPs (50 WWTPs in total), an explainable machine learning (ML) framework was developed. The RFE-SHAP (Recursive Feature Elimination-SHapley Additive exPlanations) based on feature importance was applied to identify key biological features driving ARG removal. The study revealed that low-abundance microbial functional genes particularly those involved in DNA repair, energy metabolism, and quorum sensing exhibit threshold-dependent control over ARG attenuation. ML models (BFGs-GBDT) incorporating the RFE-SHAP-selected functional genes achieved exceptional predictive accuracy (R[2]test = 0.967), outperforming taxonomy-based models (average R[2]test = 0.805). Strikingly, these functionally critical genes, despite their low abundances (0.04 - 0.15%), exerted disproportionate influence on ARG removal efficiency, challenging the prevailing high-abundance-centric paradigm in WWTPs design. The findings not only elucidated the molecular mechanisms of ARG mitigation but also provided a predictive framework for precision engineering of microbial communities to enhance ARG elimination. This study advances wastewater treatment strategies from empirical ARG removal to mechanism-driven environmental risk control.},
}

@article {pmid42235419,
year = {2026},
author = {Paeslack, N and Mimmler, M and Schulz, J and Kownatzki, J and Kollar, B and Melzow, F and Zamor, J and Dremova, O and Kuntic, M and Kiouptsi, K and Soshnikova, N and Mann, A and Kittner, JM and Daiber, A and Sommer, F and Reinhardt, C},
title = {Toll-like receptor 2 impacts small intestinal villus capillarization through epithelial dual oxidase 2.},
journal = {Redox biology},
volume = {95},
number = {},
pages = {104212},
doi = {10.1016/j.redox.2026.104212},
pmid = {42235419},
issn = {2213-2317},
abstract = {The microbiota shapes postnatal gut development and physiology. In the small intestine, epithelial-to-endothelial crosstalk governs the microbiota-induced remodeling of villus capillary networks essential for nutrient transport. The intestinal epithelial enzyme dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2), an established regulator of the microbiome-host interaction, exerts microbicidal functions through the generation of reactive oxygen species. However, its role in intestinal vascular development remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-dependent regulatory pathway controlling DUOX2 expression that influences villus vascularization in the small intestine. Mice globally lacking DUOX2 activity exhibited a notable reduction in vascularization in the small intestine, accompanied by alterations in gut microbial community structure. Conversely, mice with an intestinal epithelial-specific deficiency of TLR2 displayed an increase in villus vascularization along with elevated expression levels of DUOX2. Notably, DUOX2 expression was strongly upregulated in intestinal epithelial biopsies from patients with Crohn's disease. Similarly, inflammatory conditions induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment in mice resulted in increased epithelial Duox2 expression accompanied by enhanced villus vascularization. Together, our findings suggest a microbiota-TLR2-DUOX2 signaling axis in intestinal epithelial cells that promotes villus vascularization. This mechanism links microbial sensing in the intestinal epithelium to structural remodeling of the villus microvasculature during homeostasis and inflammation.},
}

@article {pmid42235462,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, D and Gong, X},
title = {Association between vitamin D status and bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women of reproductive age: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology},
volume = {324},
number = {},
pages = {115208},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejogrb.2026.115208},
pmid = {42235462},
issn = {1872-7654},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal dysbiosis in women of reproductive age, and vitamin D (VD) has been implicated in mucosal immune regulation. However, the relationship between VD deficiency (VDD) and BV remains inconclusive, with prior reviews limited by inclusion of pregnant populations and incomplete literature coverage.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the association between VD status and BV in non-pregnant women of reproductive age, and to assess the effect of VD supplementation on BV outcomes.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI were searched from inception through January 2025. Observational studies and intervention trials reporting VD status and BV outcomes in non-pregnant reproductive-age women were eligible. Random-effects meta-analysis with restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation and Hartung-Knapp adjustment was performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using I[2] and Cochran Q statistics. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were pre-specified by geographic region, VDD cutoff, BV diagnostic method, and risk of bias.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies (9 observational, 4 interventional) met inclusion criteria. Among observational studies (7 entries from 5 studies; n = 6,862), the pooled odds ratio (OR) for BV with VDD was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.71-1.42; I[2] = 63.9%; prediction interval: 0.66-1.53), indicating no overall association. Substantial geographic heterogeneity was observed: the single Iranian study showed a strong positive association (OR = 4.34), whereas Western (OR = 0.96) and African (OR = 1.01) studies were null. Among intervention studies (4 studies; n = 281), VD supplementation was associated with a non-significant trend toward reduced BV persistence (pooled RR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.28-1.63; I[2] = 85.7%). However, excluding the sole null US trial revealed a consistent protective effect across three non-US studies (RR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.37-0.60; I[2] = 0%). GRADE certainty of evidence was very low for both outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: The VDD-BV relationship is population-dependent. In VDD-prevalent populations, both observational and intervention evidence suggested an association: VD supplementation reduced BV persistence in the Iran subgroup (RR = 0.45, I[2] = 0%). In the limited US data available, no such association was detected, although this finding may not generalize to all Western populations. These findings support targeted VD supplementation for women with documented deficiency rather than universal use, though GRADE certainty is very low and confirmatory RCTs are needed.},
}

@article {pmid42235504,
year = {2026},
author = {Tian, C and Guo, X and Wang, D and Chen, Q and Shen, H and Li, X and Liu, C and Qi, Y and Chen, Y and Wang, L and Wang, Y and Cao, Y and Liu, Y and Yin, H and Chen, Y and Gu, X and Jiang, C and Tang, L and Xie, C and Ding, Q},
title = {Uric acid promotes dietary lipid absorption through microbiome and metabolomic remodeling via a liver-gut endocrine axis.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2026.05.005},
pmid = {42235504},
issn = {1934-6069},
abstract = {Hyperuricemia closely correlates with obesity, yet high uric acid (UA) is largely viewed as a consequence or biomarker of obesity rather than a causal driver. Integrating human clinical analyses with animal studies, we redefine UA as a liver-derived endocrine regulator that drives obesity by modulating gut ecology. UA remodels the gut microbiota, selectively depleting Lactobacillus johnsonii by disrupting peptidoglycan synthesis. This depletion reduces microbial phenyllactic acid (PLA)-a metabolite produced by L. johnsonii lactate dehydrogenase that we identify as an endogenous suppressor of intestinal peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) signaling. Consequently, PPARα disinhibition upregulates fatty acid transporters, accelerating lipid absorption and promoting obesity. Leveraging human genetic data, we pinpoint lysine acetyltransferase 5 (TIP60) as a master regulator of hepatic UA production. Hepatic TIP60 ablation lowers UA, restoring the L. johnsonii-PLA axis and conferring obesity resistance. These findings establish a UA-driven liver-gut axis and nominate TIP60 inhibition as a dual-target therapy for obesity and hyperuricemia.},
}

@article {pmid42235902,
year = {2026},
author = {Salehi, M and Gottardo, A and Russo, TDB and Bonventre, G and Incorvaia, L and Gristina, V and Trecciola, MC and Galvano, A},
title = {Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and Cancer: A Systematic Review on the Emerging Role of Probiotics in Oncology.},
journal = {Critical reviews in oncology/hematology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105416},
doi = {10.1016/j.critrevonc.2026.105416},
pmid = {42235902},
issn = {1879-0461},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of probiotic supplementation in cancer patients and its clinical effects.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: English-written clinical trials, pooled-, or meta-analyses of clinical trials assessing probiotic treatments in cancer patients.

INFORMATION SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to September 2025.

Narrative synthesis of included studies, stratified by assessed outcomes.

INCLUDED STUDIES: 3 clinical trials, 1 in vivo study followed by a clinical trial, 2 meta-analyses and 1 pooled analysis.

SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS: Across chemotherapy settings, probiotic supplementation was associated with a reduction in clinically relevant diarrhea, with the most consistent signal for severe diarrhea and for selected subgroups (e.g., patients with colostomy during irinotecan-based therapy). Meta-analytic evidence also supported improvements in other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (nausea/vomiting, bloating, anorexia). In surgical oncology, perioperative probiotics/synbiotics were associated with faster GI functional recovery and favorable recovery-related markers in individual trials, while pooled randomized evidence in colorectal surgery indicated fewer postoperative infections and shorter length of stay; effects on anastomotic leak were inconsistent. Controlled clinical studies did not report probiotic-strain invasive infections, although rare serious events have been described in broader evidence.

LIMITATIONS OF EVIDENCE: Heterogeneity in study designs, formulations, and outcome definitions; limited reporting of resource-utilization outcomes and adverse-event attribution; few large-scale trials; scarce direct oncologic efficacy endpoints.

INTERPRETATION: Probiotics appear to be a promising adjunct for supportive care in selected cancer pathways, particularly for GI toxicity and perioperative outcomes. Strain-defined, adequately powered trials with harmonized endpoints are needed to inform guideline-ready use.},
}

@article {pmid42236101,
year = {2026},
author = {Borghi, E and Tassi, L and d'Orsi, G and Uzzau, S and Pivari, F and Ricci, E and Longoni, G and Mingarelli, A and Previtali, R and Berardi, R and De Diego, L and Vigano', I and Olivotto, S and Compierchio, E and Veggiotti, P and Canevini, MP and Vignoli, A},
title = {Microbiota-gut-brain axis and treatment resistance in epilepsy: a multicentre prospective study protocol (CARE).},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {e111607},
doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2025-111607},
pmid = {42236101},
issn = {2044-6055},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Approximately one-third of people with epilepsy (PWE) experience resistance to treatment, including pharmacological therapies, epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and dietary interventions such as the ketogenic diet (KD). Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may influence seizure susceptibility and treatment response through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, potentially contributing to treatment resistance. The MiCrobiota-gut-brain Axis in Resistant Epilepsy project investigates how gut microbial features and associated host epigenetic signatures affect clinical outcomes in PWE undergoing diverse treatment strategies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal study involving four clinical centres in Italy and one self-financing partner. Participants aged 3-50 years will be enrolled and stratified into four intervention cohorts: newly diagnosed drug-naïve epilepsy scheduled to start anti-seizure medications, focal drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) undergoing epilepsy surgery, DRE receiving VNS, and DRE initiating KD. Clinical assessments (including body mass index calculation, self-reported monthly seizure count, dietary evaluation, quality of life scale and gastrointestinal symptoms scale), electroencephalography, MRI and biological sample collection (stool and blood) will be obtained at baseline and longitudinally at two or three timepoints over a 12-month observation period. Gut microbiota changes over time will be assessed via metagenomics (using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing) and metaproteomics; the associated host DNA methylation profiles will be obtained from blood using Illumina EPIC arrays. Primary endpoints include identification of microbial or host methylation changes predictive of therapeutic response (ie, reduction from baseline in monthly seizure count) to the intervention. Data will be analysed using multivariate models and mixed-effect regression. Further, omics data and corresponding metadata will be integrated using multi-omics approaches to identify molecular signatures biomarkers predictive of treatment response and prognosis in PWE.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study received ethical approval from the Research Ethic Board (Comitato Etico Territoriale Lombardia 3, ID 4896 - parere numero 4896_17.07.2024_N_bis). All participants or their legal guardians will provide written informed consent. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations or lay summaries targeting patient organisations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT07010445, registered on 2 May 2025.},
}

@article {pmid42236126,
year = {2026},
author = {Goudman, L and Vandeputte, D and Forget, P and Demuyser, T and Moens, M},
title = {Gut microbiome profiles in patients with nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and pain-free controls: a case-control study.},
journal = {Regional anesthesia and pain medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/rapm-2026-107796},
pmid = {42236126},
issn = {1532-8651},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Gut microbiota have been implicated in pain modulation through immune, inflammatory, and neurobiological pathways, yet whether distinct gut microbial signatures differentiate nociceptive from neuropathic low back pain remains unclear.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this longitudinal study, we profiled the gut microbiome of individuals with nociceptive low back pain (n=10), neuropathic low back pain (n=10), and pain-free controls (n=10) at baseline and after 3 months. Pain patients were resampled following standard-of-care treatment, while controls were resampled to capture background temporal variation. Gut microbial profiles were characterized using 16S rRNA gene (V4) sequencing. Alpha diversity was analyzed using mixed-effects models, beta diversity using Bray-Curtis, weighted UniFrac, and centered log-ratio-Euclidean distances, and differential abundance using Analysis of Compositions of Microbiomes with Bias Correction 2 (ANCOM-BC2).

RESULTS: Entropy-based alpha-diversity indices did not differ between groups or over time. Richness-based metrics suggested a possible reduction in the neuropathic-dominant group in pairwise contrasts after rarefaction, although omnibus group effects did not reach conventional statistical significance. Overall microbial community structure did not differ between pain groups and controls, and no population-specific or population-by-time effects were detected at the genus or amplicon sequence variant level.

CONCLUSION: Together, these findings indicate that gut microbiome differences across chronic pain phenotypes are subtle, characterized mainly by changes in low-abundance taxa rather than broad community shifts, underscoring limitations of microbiome-based stratification in chronic pain and the need for larger, integrative studies.},
}

@article {pmid42236487,
year = {2026},
author = {Apjok, G and Sári, T and Méhi, O and Asbóth, A and Barna, L and Sala, D and Gróf, I and Vásárhelyi, BM and Juhász, S and Pál, C and Horváth, P and Migh, E and Schneider, G and Hill, C and Deli, M and Shkoporov, A and Kintses, B},
title = {Prevalent gut phages encode modular adhesins mediating epithelial binding and endoplasmic reticulum trafficking.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-74031-x},
pmid = {42236487},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {9262//European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)/ ; 220646/Z/20/Z//Wellcome Trust (Wellcome)/ ; },
abstract = {Bacteriophages are crucial components of the human microbiome and hold promise as therapeutic agents. Yet, their physical interactions with mammalian cells remain poorly understood. Here, we developed a high-throughput platform to identify phages that adhere to epithelial layers and the proteins that mediate this interaction. The identified phages encode immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domain-containing proteins that, when displayed on a non-adherent phage, confer epithelial binding and internalization in vitro, and increased phage retention in the mouse gut in vivo. Phages encoding these adhesins are among the most abundant and prevalent human gut phages, including crAss-like phages and myoviruses closely related to the recently proposed Flandersviridae family. Domain sequence variation alters epithelial interaction profiles, and internalized phages traffic to the endoplasmic reticulum through the Golgi apparatus, suggesting access to non-degradative internalization pathways. These findings reveal widespread phage-human interactions in the human viral community, with potential impacts on health and implications for next-generation phage therapeutics.},
}

@article {pmid42236502,
year = {2026},
author = {Bansal, S and Chaudhary, R and Bansal, N and Bishnoi, M and Kondepudi, KK and Chopra, K},
title = {Fructooligosaccharide supplementation ameliorates gut associated metabolic dysregulation in estrogen-deprived rats via targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and gut microbiome.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-50101-4},
pmid = {42236502},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {ANRF/ECRG/2024/001702/LS//Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) Program/ ; },
abstract = {Estrogen is a key regulatory hormone that maintains metabolic and gut homeostasis by modulating immune responses, microbial composition, and energy balance. However, estrogen deficiency is strongly associated with gut associated metabolic dysregulation (GAMD), characterised by increased oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and altered gut microbiome (GM). Prebiotic compounds such as fructooligosaccharide (FOS) have shown potential in modulating gut and metabolic health. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of FOS supplementation in restoring GAMD in estrogen-deprived rats. To induce GAMD, female Sprague-Dawley rats were bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) and fed FOS for 28 days to restore the gut and associated metabolic functions. At the end, various physiological, anthropometric, and adiposity markers were assessed. Further, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and histopathological parameters were evaluated in the colon and liver. Furthermore, gut mucosa, tight junction gene (TJG), and GM were also analysed. OVX rats fed FOS (50 & 100 mg/kg) for 28 days showed recovery of basic physiological, anthropometric, and adiposity markers. There was also a substantial reduction in apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in both the colon & liver. Additionally, gut mucosa, TJG, and GM were restored. Histopathological examinations revealed improved gut integrity (mucosal layer & goblet cells) and liver health (healthy hepatocytes). FOS ameliorates the postmenopausal GAMD by targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and GM. Therefore, FOS may be a promising candidate for preventing postmenopausal complications in clinical settings.},
}

@article {pmid42236717,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, Y and Feng, J and Lü, P and Zhou, D and Wei, Y and Jing, T and Zheng, Z and Raza, W and Qi, D and Zhang, M and Zhao, Y and Li, K and Wang, W and Cheng, X and Xie, J},
title = {Streptomyces sesquiterpenes elicit 10-HCA secretion and recruit disease-suppressive microbiota to enhance banana Fusarium wilt resistance.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-73928-x},
pmid = {42236717},
issn = {2041-1723},
abstract = {Plant-beneficial microbe interactions are vital for enhancing soil-borne disease resistance, largely through the assembly of a disease-suppressive microbiome. However, the mechanisms governing these interactions remain elusive. Here, we establish an interaction model between banana and Streptomyces yongxingensis sp. nov. 2-11. We demonstrate that strain Sy2-11 suppresses banana Fusarium wilt (BFW) by recruiting a protective rhizosphere microbiome. Furthermore, we identify sesquiterpenes (aristolene and ledene), produced by strain Sy2-11, as key signaling molecules that trigger banana roots to biosynthesize 10-hydroxycapric acid (10-HCA). Interestingly, 10-HCA specifically enriches beneficial Bacillus spp., which is essential for the suppression of BFW. This effect is validated by synthetic communities (SynComs) and chemotaxis-deficient mutants of Bacillus velezensis. Our findings reveal a previously unreported mechanism that differs from conventional plant-microbe interactions, whereby Streptomyces, acting as a beneficial elicitor, releases sesquiterpene signals to trigger 10-HCA secretion in banana plants, thereby orchestrating the assembly of a rhizosphere microbiome that suppresses BFW. These findings provide a promising strategy for rhizosphere micro-ecological regulation and sustainable soil-borne disease control, with significant potential for advancing sustainable agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid42221783,
year = {2026},
author = {Mingat, SX and Ehara, T and Izumi, H and Ejima, R and Mitsuyama, E and Nakamura, H and Miyaji, K and Xiao, JZ},
title = {Synbiotic effects of 2'-fucosyllactose and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis M-63 in fermented human fecal communities.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1744839},
pmid = {42221783},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid component of human milk. HMOs are selectively utilized by infant-type human-residential bifidobacteria (HRB), resulting in the formation of a gut microbiota dominated by bifidobacteria and the production of health-beneficial metabolites, such as acetate and aromatic lactic acids (ALAs), in breastfed infants. HMOs play key roles in infant health by acting as prebiotics, preventing infections, and regulating the immune system. However, the prevalence of HMO-utilizing bifidobacteria in the gut microbiota of infants and young children varies greatly between countries and regions, with some infants and children containing none.

METHODS: We used a pH-controlled single-batch fermenter to model the human gut microbiota and evaluated whether HMOs provide infants or young children having or lacking bifidobacteria with HMO-utilizing ability with any physiological benefits. We conducted fecal fermentation with 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), with or without supplementation with a probiotic HRB strain (Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis M-63).

RESULTS: 2'-FL alone did not significantly increase the relative abundance of bifidobacteria or the production of acetate and ALAs during fecal fermentation of infants and young children. Conversely, 2'-FL + M-63 significantly increased bifidobacteria and promoted acetate and ALA production in the fecal fermentation of both infants and young children.

CONCLUSION: Health benefits from 2'-FL may be restricted by inter-individual and age-dependent differences in gut microbiota response. Supplementation with a probiotic HRB with high HMO-utilizing ability could overcome this restriction. Our findings provide insights into the development of formulas for infants and young children.},
}

@article {pmid42221821,
year = {2026},
author = {Bischof, F and Krumbholz, P and Kleinau, G and Scheerer, P and Stäubert, C},
title = {Comparative analysis reveals molecular adaptation of mammalian HCA2 to microbial metabolites.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {6},
pages = {116030},
pmid = {42221821},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Metabolite-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2), translate endogenous and microbial signals into physiological responses, regulating metabolism and immunity, yet the extent of HCA2 functional diversification across mammals remain unclear. Here, comparative pharmacology, metabolomics, evolutionary analysis, and structural mapping of mammalian HCA2 orthologs reveal extensive functional diversification across mammals, especially in odd-toed ungulates. Notably, African rhinoceros HCA2 exhibits multiple HCA3-like substitutions, resulting in loss of responsiveness to HCA2 agonists and increased sensitivity to HCA3-specific ligands. Positive selection analyses and metabolomic profiling of fecal extracts implicate microbiome-derived metabolites, particularly phenylpropionic and trans-cinnamic acid, as potential drivers of this adaptive shift. Mutagenesis experiments identified key amino acid substitutions in extracellular and transmembrane regions that modulate ligand potency and efficacy. These findings demonstrate that mammalian HCA2 receptors have undergone lineage-specific molecular evolution shaped by host-microbe metabolic interactions, highlighting how ecological contexts drive receptor adaptation and functional diversification.},
}

@article {pmid42221840,
year = {2026},
author = {Ju, K and Shan, Y and Pan, L},
title = {Functional Recovery After Chemotherapy- and Radiotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Injury: Mechanisms, Clinical Assessment, and Management.},
journal = {International journal of general medicine},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {610529},
pmid = {42221840},
issn = {1178-7074},
abstract = {Chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced gastrointestinal injury is a common complication of cancer treatment and may present with diarrhea, abdominal pain, urgency, bloating, rectal bleeding, and reduced oral intake. Although many cases improve after treatment completion, some patients develop persistent or late bowel dysfunction that impairs nutrition, treatment tolerance, daily functioning, and quality of life. Conventional terms such as toxicity, mucositis, and enteritis are clinically useful, but they do not fully capture the problem of incomplete functional recovery. We propose a practical recovery-oriented framework that operationalizes meaningful recovery across four interconnected domains: structural recovery, barrier recovery, clinical recovery, and patient-centered recovery. Using this framework, we summarize the acute-to-chronic clinical spectrum of luminal gastrointestinal injury, examine mechanisms of failed recovery, review clinical assessment and management, and discuss emerging strategies including biomarker-guided monitoring, microbiome-directed interventions, organoid-based platforms, and regenerative therapies. Current care remains largely supportive and symptom-centered. A recovery-oriented model may improve clinical decision-making by integrating symptom trajectory, nutritional status, treatment tolerance, patient-reported burden, and selected biological signals to better monitor and restore gastrointestinal function.},
}

@article {pmid42221959,
year = {2026},
author = {Wen, Y},
title = {Gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites: molecular mechanisms, nutritional strategies and implications for swine health.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1807477},
pmid = {42221959},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, has nutritional value. Beyond that, it is an important signaling molecule that connects the gut microbiota with host physiology. While host-mediated pathways are well-characterized, the microbiota-driven indole pathway has emerged as a major modulator of host homeostasis. Commensal bacteria metabolize unabsorbed tryptophan into indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) and other bioactive indole derivatives. These bioactive indole derivatives can act as ligands for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR). This review makes a summary of the main tryptophan metabolic pathways. It also elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which microbial metabolites derived from tryptophan restore the integrity of the intestinal barrier, maintain immune homeostasis, and modulate host metabolism. Building on this, we discuss nutritional strategies, such as dietary patterns and probiotic interventions, and their potential to modulate tryptophan metabolism. Using pigs as a translational model, we summarize the potential applications of these metabolites in alleviating weaning stress and improving growth performance. This review focuses on tryptophan metabolism and provides a theoretical basis for microbiome interventions and precision nutrition strategies in swine production.},
}

@article {pmid42222135,
year = {2026},
author = {Gabriel, PO and Velasco-Cruz, C and Randall, JJ},
title = {Host genotype and environment shape rhizosphere and root microbiome composition of pecan rootstocks.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiomes},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1778537},
pmid = {42222135},
issn = {2813-4338},
abstract = {The rhizosphere and root-associated microbiomes play a crucial role in nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance, and overall plant performance. However, little is known about how microbial communities assemble and shift across environments in pecan (Carya illinoinensis). In this study, we compared the bacterial and fungal community compositions in the roots and rhizosphere of four pecan clonal rootstocks (NMU03, NMU04, NMU05, and NMU155) cultivated under greenhouse conditions, as well as their subsets that were subsequently transplanted to the field. Amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS regions revealed significant differences in microbial diversity and taxonomic composition across environments and genotypes. Bacterial assemblages in greenhouse roots were typically dominated by a few families (e.g., Burkholderiaceae, Rhodanobacteraceae, and unclassified taxa). In contrast, field samples exhibited broader taxonomic distributions, with families such as Xanthobacteraceae, Haliangiaceae, and Geminicoccaceae emerging as dominant members. Fungal OTU abundance was consistently higher than bacterial abundance across all genotypes, likely reflecting mutualistic associations with mycorrhizal fungi, such as those in the Elaphomycetaceae family. Interestingly, Aspergillaceae dominated greenhouse and field fungal communities, suggesting ecological adaptability and potential contributions to plant stress tolerance. Comparisons with earlier greenhouse studies revealed that while some signature core microbiome members were retained following transplantation from the greenhouse to the field, the abundance of others decreased, highlighting successional shifts in community structure driven by environmental transitions. Together, these findings demonstrate the dynamic, genotype and environment-specific structuring of pecan microbiomes and highlight the importance of microbiome-informed breeding strategies to improve plant-microbe associations under variable growth conditions among pecan breeders.},
}

@article {pmid42222136,
year = {2026},
author = {Crippen, TL and Kim, D and Swiger, SL and Anderson, RC},
title = {Protist community sites and structure under two barn management systems at a commercial dairy.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiomes},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1803341},
pmid = {42222136},
issn = {2813-4338},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Investigations into the location and load of protists in the environment arounddairies are scarce but are essential to maintaining the health of livestock.Moreover, the design of dairy barns has fluctuated over the decades to maximizecattle health and milk production without regard to influences on environmentalmicrobiomes. Beyond cost, the major emphasis of barn design is the managementof appropriate temperature and comfort for cattle. However, there havebeen no corresponding investigations into whether these design changes affect protist communities within barns.

METHODS: In this study, community shotgun metagenomic analysis was used to define the spatial composition and relative abundance of protist communities from 118 samples of manure, lagoons, troughs, and house and stable flies at a commercial dairy implementing two free-stall management systems: flow-through and cross-vent. Sequence reads were mapped to the CosmosID database. Viability was not assessed; therefore, results reflect DNA detection only not viability or disease occurrence.

RESULTS: The protist composition differed significantly between dairy components. Ecological findings showed that troughs and lagoons harbored high protist diversity, including the possible pathogen Neobalantidium coli and potential carriers Paramecium biaurelia and Acanthamoeba. Manure had the lowest protist diversity. Stable flies carried more protist taxa than house flies. Both fly species uniquely carried the non-pathogenic alveolate parasite Hammondia hammondi. The water mold plant pathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis was identified in all sample types. Of the total relative abundance of protists, 2.10% were amoebas, 7.63% alveolate parasites, 62.71% water molds, 23.31% ciliates, 1.74% foraminifera, and 2.50% diatoms.

DISCUSSION: These results describe preliminary spatial overlaps and possible avenues of dissemination, providing a basis for assessing appropriate management systems and identifying protist reservoir sites within dairy operations.},
}

@article {pmid42222207,
year = {2026},
author = {Colussi-Pelaez, E},
title = {Histamine Intolerance Through a Functional Medicine Lens: A Systems-Based Review.},
journal = {Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.)},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {86-88},
pmid = {42222207},
issn = {1546-993X},
}

@article {pmid42222260,
year = {2026},
author = {Alfaro-García, RG and Vargas-Mejía, P and Patiño-Conde, V and Rebollar, EA and Guerrero-Analco, JA and Vega-Arreguín, J and Reverchon, F and Méndez-Bravo, A},
title = {Phytophthora root rot induces compositional and functional changes in avocado rhizosphere bacterial communities.},
journal = {FEMS microbes},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {xtag025},
pmid = {42222260},
issn = {2633-6685},
abstract = {Understanding how plant pathogens modulate the rhizosphere microbiota is essential to integrated disease management. Here, the compositional and functional shifts in the avocado rhizosphere bacteriome induced by Phytophthora cinnamomi were assessed to identify bacterial taxa enriched in the symptomatic condition and elucidate the microbial functions modulated by the infection. Metabarcoding and metatranscriptomics analyses revealed that Phytophthora root rot (PRR) induced compositional shifts in bacterial communities, leading to the enrichment of members of MND1, RB41, and Nitrospira. Functional analysis showed that this enrichment might be due to the release of nutrients following root rot, as carbohydrate metabolism was stimulated in rhizobacterial communities of infected trees. Moreover, the relative abundance of transcripts from genes associated with stress response and cell signaling increased in some of the most active genera in the rhizosphere of PRR-symptomatic trees, suggesting their potential to mitigate the adverse effects of infection. These findings highlight the need to combine compositional and functional microbiome data to differentiate between taxa attracted by nutrient release and those contributing to the plant defense. The interactions of beneficial bacterial taxa with the pathogen should be further studied, as they may constitute promising biocontrol agents.},
}

@article {pmid42222261,
year = {2026},
author = {Wassermann, B and Kögl, I and Gokul, JK and Wicaksono, WA and Schweitzer, M and Korsten, L and Berg, G},
title = {Diversity and selected functional traits of microbiota associated with traditional dried plant foods from South African informal markets.},
journal = {FEMS microbes},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {xtag026},
pmid = {42222261},
issn = {2633-6685},
abstract = {Traditional plant-based products provide nutritional benefits and support cultural heritage; however, their sale in urban informal markets raises potential food safety considerations. We characterized the microbiota of five traditional dried plant products (baobab, masau, nyii, dinawa, and lude) obtained from three informal markets in South Africa (n = 51 samples) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR; bacterial isolates (n = 87) were further evaluated using selected phenotypic assays. Bacterial abundance and composition varied across products and vendors. Baobab exhibited the highest microbial richness (1460 ASVs) but relatively low bacterial loads (10[6] 16S rRNA gene copies g[-1]), whereas dried leafy greens showed the lowest richness (470 ASVs) but the highest bacterial abundance (10[9] copies g[-1]). Across products, higher bacterial diversity correlated with genera such as Bifidobacterium and Prevotella, while higher bacterial abundance correlated with genera such as Salmonella, Vibrio, and Acinetobacter. Notably, health implications of detected taxa cannot be inferred from genus-level identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Phenotypic traits observed among selected isolates included growth in the presence of several antibiotics (particularly sulfadiazine and ampicillin), protease activity, and inhibition of indicator strains under laboratory conditions. Overall, traditional dried plant foods harbor diverse microbial communities shaped by plant characteristics and vendor-related practices, highlighting the importance of improved handling and drying practices.},
}

@article {pmid42222391,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, S and Du, Z and Wang, Y and Ma, H and Ma, Z and Wang, X},
title = {Dynamic changes and clinical significance of the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in breast cancer onset, progression and chemotherapy intervention.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1795317},
pmid = {42222391},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Alterations of the gut microbiota and host metabolic reprogramming are closely associated with the development of breast cancer and the treatment response; however, integrated studies of the gut microbiota and metabolome spanning the transition from benign breast disease (BBD) to malignancy and the postchemotherapy phase remain limited. This study aims to systematically characterize the dynamic changes in the "gut microbiota-serum metabolome-breast tumor" axis from benign breast disease (BBD) to breast cancer (BC) and postchemotherapy breast cancer (PCBC) and to evaluate its potential value in diagnosis and disease monitoring.

METHODS: We enrolled 295 female participants, who were divided into a BBD group (n = 83), a BC group (n = 100), and a PCBC group (n = 88), and included 24 paired fecal samples from the same patients that were collected before and after chemotherapy. Fecal samples underwent 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing, while serum samples underwent an liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based nontargeted metabolomic analysis; we compared differences in gut microbiota diversity, taxonomic composition, and functional predictions across groups and screened for differentially abundant metabolites and enriched metabolic pathways. In a subset of patients with paired multiomics data (BBD n=19, BC n=31, and PCBC n=34), Spearman's correlation analysis, multiomics principle component analysis (PCA)/partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and random forest models were employed to integrate the microbiota and metabolic features.

RESULTS: Cross-sectional remodeling of the gut microbiome structure occurred. The α diversity of the gut microbiota was similar across the three groups (BBD, BC, and PCBC); however, the β diversity analysis based on the weighted UniFrac distance revealed the significant separation of the microbial community structure among the three groups. At the taxonomic level, the BBD group was significantly enriched with beneficial commensal bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (e.g., Faecalibacterium and Roseburia); in contrast, the BC group shifted toward the enrichment of inflammation- or tumor-associated genera (e.g., Blautia, Fusobacterium, Sneathia, and Prevotella), while the PCBC group further accumulated various opportunistic pathogens (such as Phocaeicola, Sutterella, Enterococcus, and Chlamydia). As the disease progressed and chemotherapy was administered, the microbiome gradually shifted from a "metabolic protective" state to an "inflammatory/pathogenic" state. The characteristics of the dynamic remodeling of serum metabolomic profiles were identified. Nontargeted metabolomics revealed more than 3,000 metabolites, and the multivariate analysis indicated significant heterogeneity in the metabolomic profiles associated with malignant transformation and those measured before and after chemotherapy. In the BC group, energy, amino acid, and lipid metabolism were significantly disrupted, and widespread metabolite depletion was observed; however, in the postchemotherapy PCBC group, adaptive pathways such as estrogen, bile acid, and drug metabolism were activated, and persistent abnormalities in purine/nucleotide, carbon, and multiple amino acid metabolism were detected. Overall, the serum metabolic network underwent a dynamic remodeling process, transitioning from homeostasis to severe disruption and then to partial reconstruction following treatment. Among these changes, the differentially abundant metabolites torsemide, cortolone-3-glucuronide, and trimethylselenonium all had area under the curve (AUC) values greater than 0.75 in distinguishing between different disease stages and chemotherapy statuses, demonstrating their good potential as biomarkers. Interaction networks and multiomics predictive models of the "gut-metabolism-tumor" axis were established. Multiomics association networks revealed a systemic shift in gut-metabolism interaction patterns from a steady state characterized by "probiotic-energy/amino acid and polyphenol metabolism coupling" during the benign phase to a new steady state dominated by "proinflammatory/opportunistic pathogens-lipid reprogramming, exogenous metabolite metabolism, and oxidative stress." A multiomics classification model based on random forests demonstrated that the combined analysis of the gut microbiota and serum metabolite profiles exhibited exceptional efficacy in distinguishing between the BBD, BC, and PCBC groups. It identified a cluster of strongly associated features characterized by anaerobic gram-positive cocci, Lactobacillus-associated microbiota, and their paired metabolites, providing an important molecular fingerprint for clinical assessment.

CONCLUSIONS: This study integrates gut microbiome and serum metabolomic data to reveal that during the progression of benign breast lesions to breast cancer and throughout chemotherapy, the "gut microbiota-host metabolism-breast tumor" axis transforms from a state characterized by commensal depletion, the expansion of opportunistic pathogens, and reprogramming of energy/lipid metabolism to a persistent metabolic signature associated with drug metabolism and the activation of oxidative stress pathways. The integrated multiomics model helps characterize the biological differences across various stages of breast disease. The identified characteristic bacterial genera and metabolite combinations provide preliminary theoretical clues for the future exploration of microbiome-related mechanisms in breast cancer and for auxiliary assessments.},
}

@article {pmid42222592,
year = {2026},
author = {O'Shea, KM and Brooks, E and Polmear-Swendris, N and Slack, IF and Smith, JA and Gordon, A and Aquino, DM and Gern, JE and Khurana Hershey, GK and Johnson, CC and Wilkowski, J and Hines, J and Lukacs, NW and Schuler, CF and Baker, JR},
title = {The Michigan Sibling Immunity Birth Study (M-SIBS): Study design protocol for a unique food allergy birth cohort.},
journal = {The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. Global},
volume = {5},
number = {4},
pages = {100721},
pmid = {42222592},
issn = {2772-8293},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Food allergy is a rapidly escalating public health concern, yet the biologic pathways that link early-life exposures with disease onset remain poorly defined. No existing food-allergy birth cohort has yet paired criterion-standard oral food challenges with comprehensive, family-wide multiomics profiling.

OBJECTIVE: The Michigan Sibling Immunity Birth Study (M-SIBS) was established to elucidate early-life genetic and environmental interactions that drive disease. By enrolling entire families, including atopic siblings, the study leverages shared genetics, perinatal sampling, and household exposures to identify modifiable factors in food allergy development.

METHODS: M-SIBS is a prospective birth cohort at the University of Michigan that will enroll 1000 infants who have a first-degree relative with atopic disease. Mothers are recruited prenatally along with biologic fathers and siblings. Infants are then followed through 36 months of life. Extensive longitudinal phenotyping includes (1) serial skin prick and serum-specific IgE testing to the 9 most common food allergens at designated intervals; (2) standardized oral food challenges to confirm any positive result; (3) biospecimen collection at specified time points prebirth and postbirth; and (3) validated clinical, psychosocial, and environmental surveys administered longitudinally. It is designed to integrate genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, metabolomics, and microbiome data into a single multiomics framework across the family unit.

CONCLUSIONS: M-SIBS integrates criterion-standard clinical diagnostics for food allergy with family-based multiomics to generate an unprecedented data set on the earliest drivers of food allergy.},
}

@article {pmid42222691,
year = {2026},
author = {L'Orphelin, JM and Morice, C and Gardères, J and Chopin, S and Lucas, C and Bouchet, C and Bailly-Caillé, B and Da Silva-Dias, V and Mourad, N and Jouandet, M and Akroun, J and Acher, A and Dompmartin, A and Parienti, JJ},
title = {Sensoriality of emollient creams: can sensory experience compromise blinding in trials?.},
journal = {Skin health and disease},
volume = {6},
number = {3},
pages = {250-258},
pmid = {42222691},
issn = {2690-442X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Regular application of emollients, particularly those that enhance the skin's acid mantle and promote ceramide production, can help restore skin barrier integrity, reduce inflammation and prevent disease flares. These emollients not only protect the skin, but also modulate on the skin microbiome, which has become a cornerstone in disease management. Sensory properties, such as texture, appearance and the sensation of freshness, are critical factors influencing patient perception, treatment adherence and product efficacy.

OBJECTIVES: To test, a controlled study involving 120 participants, the ability of consumers to recognize emollient creams based solely on sensory characteristics to ensure that sensory stimuli from emollients cannot be a source of unblinding in a clinical trial involving topical corticosteroids.

METHODS: We conducted a double-blind quantitative assessment in a controlled environment involving 120 healthy volunteers who were regular users of moisturizing creams, of whom 50% were classified as 'naïve' users and 50% as 'connoisseurs'. The creams under investigation (n = 4) were placed in identical bottles and evaluated in monadic sequence according to a Latin square experimental design.

RESULTS: There were no significant statistical differences in overall appearance, shine or transparency between the four emollients. Only 6% of consumers recognized Neutraderm, 8% La Roche-Posay, 6% Avene and 4% Uriage (i.e. figures below any recognition by chance). Overall, we report a satisfaction rate of almost 60% for the topicals used (from 45% up to 64%).

CONCLUSIONS: This finding supports the feasibility of conducting blinded clinical trials on the emollients used in this study as sensory cues are unlikely to compromise the blinding.},
}

@article {pmid42222730,
year = {2026},
author = {Rahim, M and Lawrence, B and Ganga, G},
title = {Indole-3-acetic acid production by endophytic consortia from red ginger lily (Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum) and its application in plant growth promotion.},
journal = {Physiology and molecular biology of plants : an international journal of functional plant biology},
volume = {32},
number = {5},
pages = {1041-1053},
pmid = {42222730},
issn = {0971-5894},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a widely studied plant hormone, produced by plants and microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, which regulates plant growth and development. The current study was conducted to investigate the IAA production by endophytes isolated from Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum (red ginger lily), a medicinally and ornamentally important rhizomatous plant whose endophytic microbiome remains largely unexplored, particularly with respect to phytohormone production. This study assembled an effective IAA producing consortium, confirming IAA production by LC MS and evaluated its plant growth promotion potential by seed-germination assays, hydroponics, tissue culture, and field trials. A total of fifty morphologically distinct bacteria were obtained, whose IAA production ranged from 17.75 ± 0.02 to 257.35 ± 0.77 µg/mL. Three strains, Agrobacterium radiobacter, Pseudomonas psychrophila, and Lysinibacillus macroides, were used to form a microbial consortium that produced more IAA (320.77 ± 02 µg/mL) than the individual isolates. IAA was confirmed to be present in the sample at 0.442 µg/mL with a typical retention period by LC MS analysis. When compared to untreated controls, plant growth assessments showed improved rhizome yield (70.8%), shoot development (41.7%), leaf characteristics (45.6%), and seed germination (50%). This is the first study to report on IAA production by endophytic bacteria derived from Alpinia purpurata, resulting in the formation of a functionally compatible microbial consortium that produces biologically active IAA, validated by LC-MS/MS, and shown to promote germination and plant growth in tissue culture, hydroponic, and field environments.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-026-01745-z.},
}

@article {pmid42222738,
year = {2026},
author = {Park, JH and Chung, J and Lee, HJ and Na, HS},
title = {Comparison of 16S rRNA gene amplicon and whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing for subgingival oral microbiome profiling.},
journal = {Journal of oral microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2679807},
pmid = {42222738},
issn = {2000-2297},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by a dysbiotic subgingival microbiome. While 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing is widely used, whole-genome shotgun (WGS) metagenomics is increasingly applied for higher taxonomic and functional resolution.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to directly compare 16S rRNA gene amplicon (V1-V2) sequencing and WGS metagenomic sequencing using matched subgingival plaque samples from patients with periodontitis.

METHODS: Subgingival plaque samples from 28 patients with periodontitis were analyzed using both 16S rRNA gene amplicon (V1-V2) sequencing and WGS metagenomics. Taxonomic composition, microbial diversity, differential abundance and functional analysis were compared across platforms.

RESULTS: WGS generated markedly higher read counts than 16S rRNA gene amplicon but showed wide variability in non-human reads, whereas 16S rRNA gene amplicon yielded a consistent proportion of non-chimeric reads. High taxonomic overlap was observed at the phylum level but declined at higher taxonomic ranks. WGS preferentially detected taxa such as Actinomyces, Corynebacterium and Olsenella, while the 16S rRNA gene amplicon more frequently captured Saccharibacteria (TM7) and low-abundance taxa. Core genera, including Rothia, Neisseria and Cardiobacterium showed comparable abundance patterns across platforms. When patients were grouped depending on probing pocket depth (PPD), LEfSe analysis resulted in platform-specific enrichment patterns. Functional analyses revealed shared central pathways, such as pyruvate metabolism, while 16S-based PICRUSt2 emphasized reductive and degradative pathways and WGS-based HUMAnN highlighted oxidative and biosynthetic pathways. Notably, WGS-based functional profiles were strongly influenced by microbial read depth.

CONCLUSIONS: This comparative analysis demonstrates that 16S rRNA gene amplicon (V1-V2) sequencing and WGS both robustly capture core subgingival microbial signatures. While WGS provides higher species-level and functional resolution, the resolution was strongly constrained by microbial read depth in host-rich subgingival samples. These findings provide practical guidance for selecting appropriate sequencing strategies and optimizing sample preparation when designing WGS-based periodontal microbiome studies.},
}

@article {pmid42223229,
year = {2026},
author = {Miao, S and Liu, W and Li, Y and Gu, R and Wang, Y},
title = {Mapping the Research Landscape of Gut Microbiota in Autoimmune Eye Diseases: A Bibliometric Analysis and Knowledge Evolution Study.},
journal = {Ocular immunology and inflammation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-14},
doi = {10.1080/09273948.2025.2606819},
pmid = {42223229},
issn = {1744-5078},
abstract = {PURPOSE: This study aims to systematically analyze and map the research landscape of gut microbiota in autoimmune eye diseases through comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

METHODS: We retrieved 261 relevant publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2010-2024) and analyzed them using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and biblioshiny.

RESULTS: The results reveal three distinct developmental phases: initial exploration (2010-2015), emerging growth (2016-2020), and rapid expansion (2021-2024). International collaboration analysis identified the United States and China as leading contributors, with strong European research clusters. Core research themes centered on gut microbiota-host immune system interactions, inflammatory pathways, and disease-specific microbial signatures. Temporal analysis demonstrated evolution from fundamental studies to mechanistic investigations and therapeutic applications. Citation analysis identified landmark studies that established gut-eye axis mechanisms and pathogenic processes. Analysis of research hotspots revealed increasing focus on personalized medicine approaches, multi-omics integration, and microbiome-based therapeutics.

CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the field, identifies research frontiers, and proposes future research directions, namely, methodological advancement, mechanistic understanding, and clinical translation.},
}

@article {pmid42223258,
year = {2026},
author = {Riedmuller, KC and Dyer, JE and Ottesen, EA},
title = {Large temperature excursions have modest impacts on community composition in the high diversity gut microbiome of omnivorous American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana).},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0028826},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00288-26},
pmid = {42223258},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Microbial residents of ectothermic hosts are exposed to variations in temperature that have the potential to impact their physiology and the host-microbe symbiotic relationship. In this experimental warming study, laboratory populations of American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) were kept at a baseline low room temperature of 20-22°C or a high temperature of 30°C, for 2 weeks. We quantified bacterial load and performed high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess the hindgut microbiome's response to a near 10°C shift in environmental temperature. We report modest impacts of temperature on cockroach gut microbiome composition. The high temperature treatment induced increases in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Euryarchaeota phyla, as well as the Lactobacillaceae and Enterococcaceae families. We also observed increased interindividual variability. There were no significant differences in the dominant Bacteroidota or Firmicutes phyla, and no significant losses or reductions in taxa, or bacterial load, respectively. This suggests that the gut community of American cockroaches is largely resilient to prolonged increases in temperature, and has implications for the cockroach to withstand the impacts of climate change.

IMPORTANCE: Insects, as with most animals, often harbor microbial symbionts that play an essential role in host health and nutrition. As insects are ectotherms, these microbial symbionts are subject to the same temperature fluctuations as their hosts, potentially impacting host temperature responses. Here, we demonstrate that the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) gut microbiome exhibits only modest changes following an ~10°C increase in environmental temperature. This contrasts with studies in other insects, whose microbiota were highly responsive to temperature variation. This work illustrates that the microbiota of insects may vary in their sensitivity to long-term temperature shifts, providing a more comprehensive understanding of potential variability in insect responses to climate change.},
}

@article {pmid42223272,
year = {2026},
author = {Borton, MA and Oliverio, AM and Narrowe, AB and Villa, JA and Rinke, C and Hoyt, DW and Liu, P and McGivern, BB and Bechtold, EK and Ellenbogen, JB and Daly, RA and Smith, GJ and Angle, JC and Flynn, RM and Freiburger, AP and Louie, KB and Stemple, B and Northen, TR and Henry, C and Miller, CS and Morin, TH and Bohrer, G and Wrighton, KC},
title = {Mapping the soil microbiome functions shaping wetland methane emissions.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0068025},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00680-25},
pmid = {42223272},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Accounting for only 8% of Earth's land cover, freshwater wetlands remain the foremost contributors to global methane emissions. Yet the microorganisms and processes underlying methane emissions from wetland soils remain poorly understood. Over a five-year period, we surveyed the microbial membership and in situ methane measurements from over 700 samples in one of the most prolific methane-emitting wetlands in the United States. We constructed a catalog of 2,502 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), with more than half of the 70 bacterial and archaeal phyla sampled containing novel lineages. Integration of these data with 133 soil metatranscriptomes provided a genome-resolved view of the biogeochemical specialization and versatility expressed over wetland soil spatial and temporal gradients. Centimeter-scale depth differences best explained patterns of microbial community structure and transcribed functionalities, even more than land cover or temporal information. Moreover, while extended flooding restructured soil redox, this perturbation failed to reconfigure the transcriptional profiles of methane-cycling microorganisms, contrasting with theoretically expected responses to hydrological perturbations. Co-expression analyses, coupled with depth-resolved methane measurements, revealed the metabolisms and trophic structures most predictive of methane hotspots. Mapping the spatiotemporal transcriptional patterns on this compendium of biogeochemically classified soil-derived genomes begins to untangle the microbial carbon, energy, and nutrient processing contributing to wetland methane production.IMPORTANCESoil microbial ecology is increasingly recognized as essential to climate mitigation, but realizing its full potential requires shifting from static genome inventories to dynamic assessments of microbial activity. This study shows that methane-cycling microbes exhibit stable, depth-stratified expression patterns, even in response to major redox and flooding shifts, undermining assumptions that water-table manipulations common in wetland management can alone reduce methanogenesis. Instead, methane cycling is shaped by spatially organized, transcriptionally active networks involving not only methanogens but also methanotrophs, fermenters, and iron reducers. These findings expose the limitations of genome-only models and highlight the need for soil diagnostics that capture in situ activity. Together, we provide a foundation for developing activity-based microbiome tools, embedding microbial functions into Earth system models, and designing interventions that move beyond "single-lever" strategies and instead work with the structure and dynamics of microbial communities as complex, layered systems.},
}

@article {pmid42223530,
year = {2026},
author = {Pokharel, SK and Walsh, S and Shehata, N and Ahearne, A and Belin, D and Larson, B and Tabor, B and Wall, D and Stevens, DC},
title = {Predator avoidance promotes inter-bacterial symbiosis with myxobacteria in polymicrobial communities.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag140},
pmid = {42223530},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Myxobacteria are predatory soil bacteria with the largest known bacterial genomes, rich in biosynthetic gene clusters for specialized metabolites. Despite their ecological importance as potential keystone taxa in soil food webs, there is a disconnect between laboratory-isolated myxobacteria and abundant Myxococcota detected in environmental metagenomic studies. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of stable myxobacterial swarm consortia from rhizospheric soil, consisting of myxobacteria associated with novel Microvirga species. Using metagenomic sequencing, we assembled metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) for four consortia, revealing phylogenetically distinct yet stably associated bacterial partnerships. Comparative genomics identified evidence of horizontal gene transfer, including acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthases and ankyrin repeat (ANKYR) proteins shared between consortium members, and genome-scale metabolic modeling predicted complementary auxotrophies. Time-lapse microscopy revealed that Archangium exhibited reduced predation toward its Microvirga companion (0.7% predation rate) compared to non-symbiotic Myxococcus xanthus (14.9% predation rate) but maintained robust predatory capacity against Escherichia coli prey. These findings indicate that predation avoidance and metabolic complementarity can drive stable inter-bacterial symbiosis in predatory myxobacterial communities, providing foundational insights into previously overlooked myxobacterial partnerships that may be prevalent in natural soil ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42223629,
year = {2026},
author = {Bahar, A and Khazaei, M and Tahmasebi, H},
title = {The complex of gut microbial metabolites and sex hormones in Alzheimer's disease.},
journal = {Seminars in immunopathology},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42223629},
issn = {1863-2300},
mesh = {Humans ; *Alzheimer Disease/metabolism/etiology ; *Gonadal Steroid Hormones/metabolism ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Animals ; Disease Susceptibility ; Dysbiosis ; Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a complex pathophysiological mechanism and a marked sex difference in prevalence and disease severity, with women being more affected and showing a more aggressive disease course. Recent studies indicate that a complex interplay among gut microbiota (GM), their metabolites, and sex hormones is a crucial factor in AD pathogenesis. In this review, we attempted to synthesize current studies to critically discuss the tripartite interplay among GM, sex hormones, and the brain in AD. Firstly, we discuss the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in AD pathogenesis with a focus on how gut dysbiosis contributes to neuroinflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and accumulation of pathological proteins. Then, we discuss the mechanistic roles of various GM-derived metabolites in AD pathogenesis, with a focus on the two-edged role of SCFAs and their derivatives, the neuroactive role of tryptophan and its derivatives, and the modulatory roles of bile acids and trimethylamine N-oxide. Finally, we discuss a novel concept, the "microgenderome," referring to the bidirectional interplay between sex hormones and GM, and how GM regulates sex hormone levels through unique enzymatic functions termed the "estrobolome" and a newly proposed "testobolome."},
}

Humans
*Alzheimer Disease/metabolism/etiology
*Gonadal Steroid Hormones/metabolism
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Animals
Disease Susceptibility
Dysbiosis
Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism

@article {pmid42223784,
year = {2026},
author = {Moghaddam, NA and Mohabbat, A and Jigheh, MP and Mahboubi, A and Ravanlo, ZZ and Shanehbandi, D and Shokri, S and Baghi, HB},
title = {The interplay between HPV, vaginal microbiota and host immunity in cervical carcinogenesis.},
journal = {Discover oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s12672-026-05169-9},
pmid = {42223784},
issn = {2730-6011},
abstract = {Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major global health challenge, largely driven by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes. Emerging evidence suggests that the interplay between HPV, the vaginal microbiota (VM), and host immune responses critically influences viral persistence and disease progression. In particular, dysbiotic VM marked by reduced Lactobacillus dominance and increased prevalence of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella, Sneathia, Prevotella, and Atopobium-can impair HPV clearance, promote chronic inflammation, and facilitate progression from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to invasive carcinoma. Understanding these tripartite interactions offers opportunities for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies, including microbiome modulation, immunotherapy, and gene editing. This review highlights the potential of microbiome-targeted interventions to enhance immune responses against HPV and reduce the burden of CC, although the underlying causal mechanisms require further investigation in prospective studies.},
}

@article {pmid42223828,
year = {2026},
author = {J, G and Ranganathan, N and A S, V and Chopra, H},
title = {Targeting Type 2 and Non-type 2 Asthma: Emerging Biologics and Personalized Strategies.},
journal = {Current allergy and asthma reports},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42223828},
issn = {1534-6315},
mesh = {Humans ; *Asthma/immunology/drug therapy/therapy ; *Precision Medicine/methods ; *Biological Products/therapeutic use ; *Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use ; Cytokines/antagonists & inhibitors ; Th2 Cells/immunology ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Asthma continues to pose a serious global health issue affecting billions of people and causing significant morbidity. It is immunologically heterogeneous disease, classified as Type 2 (Th2/ILC2-mediated, eosinophilic) or Type 1 (Th1-mediated, neutrophilic, steroid-resistant) inflammation. This review aims to evaluates current biologic therapies, emerging strategies, and challenges in asthma management and highlights the challenges and future directions in personalized asthma management.

RECENT FINDINGS: Current biologics for Type 2 asthma like anti-IgE (omalizumab), anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab), anti-IL-4/IL-13 (dupilumab) and anti-TSLP (tezepelumab) were effectively controlling severe eosinophilic asthma. Emerging therapies for Type 1 and mixed phenotypes include anti-TNF-α agents, CXCR2 antagonists, IL-17 blockers, JAK-STAT inhibitors and microbiome-based approaches and upstream epithelial cytokine-targeting therapies such as anti-TSLP agents. Dual or broad-spectrum strategies, such as bispecific antibodies and endotype-guided biologic selection offer more targeted interventions. Despite these advances, challenges persist regarding high costs, limited accessibility, absence of robust biomarkers, and potential risks of immunosuppression. Biologics have transformed severe Type 2 asthma management, but effective treatments for Type 1 and steroid-resistant asthma remain limited. Future directions involve multi-omics, machine learning and gene therapy to optimize personalized therapy and develop inclusive strategies for the diverse inflammatory endotypes.},
}

Humans
*Asthma/immunology/drug therapy/therapy
*Precision Medicine/methods
*Biological Products/therapeutic use
*Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use
Cytokines/antagonists & inhibitors
Th2 Cells/immunology

@article {pmid42223880,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Liu, Y and Jia, L},
title = {The Role of Lacticaseibacillus Rhamnosus in Periodontitis Management: From Microecological Regulation to Clinical Application.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42223880},
issn = {1867-1314},
support = {82571088//the National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; 82101009//the National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024-1-2141//Capital's Funds for Health Improvement and Research/ ; G202532300//Beijing High-Level Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Support Program young backbone talent projects/ ; L242122//Beijing Natural Science Foundation/ ; YSP20200904//Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University Young Scientist Program/ ; },
abstract = {Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by dysbiosis of the periodontal microbiome, threatening both oral and systemic health. Current prevention and treatment strategies for periodontitis mainly rely on mechanical therapy, with antibiotics used as supplements. However, limitations of mechanical therapy and increasing antibiotic resistance have prompted the exploration of new adjunctive strategies. Probiotic therapy, particularly Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), formerly known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, has emerged as a promising approach due to its ability to modulate periodontal microecology. L. rhamnosus exerts therapeutic effects by inhibiting pathogens, modulating immune responses, and promoting tissue repair. L. rhamnosus has been applied in various forms for the adjuvant treatment of periodontitis and numerous clinical trials have confirmed its safety and effectiveness, indicating broad potential for application. Nevertheless, current clinical studies still face challenges such as unclear strain-specific effects and a lack of standardized administration protocols. Future research should investigate the mechanisms of different strains and evaluate targeted interventions in diverse patient populations to advance the clinical use of probiotic therapies.},
}

@article {pmid42224056,
year = {2026},
author = {Paiva, BR and Schultz, J and Modolon, F and Brito, JS and Ribeiro-Alves, M and Rosado, AS and Cardozo, LFMF and Mafra, D},
title = {Intestinal microbiota profile and inflammation in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a comparison between the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil.},
journal = {Jornal brasileiro de nefrologia},
volume = {48},
number = {3},
pages = {e20250097},
pmid = {42224056},
issn = {2175-8239},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *Renal Dialysis ; Brazil ; Female ; *Inflammation/microbiology/blood/etiology ; Middle Aged ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy/microbiology/blood ; Feces/microbiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Exogenous lifestyle factors, such as different cultures, diets, and geo-graphic location, can alter the microbiota in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is closely related to inflammation. However, few studies have examined how these factors influence the composition of the microbiota. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize and compare the intestinal microbiota profile and inflammation in CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil.

METHODS: Blood and stool samples were obtained from two groups of HD patients: one from the city of Blumenau (Southern region) and the other from the city of Rio de Janeiro (Southeastern region). Fecal DNA was extracted, and the V4 region of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene was sequenced. The fecal microbiome was analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the study, with 14 individuals residing in the Southern region (group S) [50% male, 58 (13.5) years of age] and 16 individuals residing in the Southeastern region (group SE) [47.1% male, 57 (19) years of age]. The α- and β-diversity indices of the intestinal microbiota did not differ significantly between the groups. However, patients from the Southern region had higher plasma TNF-α (p = 0.008) and IL-6 (p = 0.003) levels than those from the Southeastern region.

CONCLUSION: Although HD patients with CKD residing in the Southern and Southeastern regions present similar intestinal microbial patterns, patients from the Southern region had higher concentrations of inflammatory markers.},
}

Humans
Male
*Renal Dialysis
Brazil
Female
*Inflammation/microbiology/blood/etiology
Middle Aged
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy/microbiology/blood
Feces/microbiology

@article {pmid42224283,
year = {2026},
author = {Correale, J and Marrodan, M and Piedrabuena, MA and Soman, K and Farez, MF and Baranzini, SE},
title = {Microbiome-derived metabolites from vitamin B2 and B9 pathways modulate MAIT cells from multiple sclerosis patients.},
journal = {Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {13524585261447695},
doi = {10.1177/13524585261447695},
pmid = {42224283},
issn = {1477-0970},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells recognize microbial vitamin B2 and B9 metabolites via MR1 and have been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS). How patient-specific gut microbiota shape human MAIT-cell pathogenicity at the clonal level remains unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We generated 62 MAIT-cell clones from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and 50 from healthy controls (HCs). Clones were stimulated with riboflavin- or folate-pathway metabolites, paraformaldehyde-fixed patient-matched gut bacterial isolates, or interleukin (IL)-12/IL-18. Activation markers, cytokine secretion, cytotoxicity, and competitive MR1-ligand inhibition were assessed. Intestinal permeability was evaluated using I-FABP, LBP, GLP-2, and fecal α-1-antitrypsin.

RESULTS: MS-derived MAIT clones showed markedly enhanced activation, increased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-17, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) secretion, and greater cytotoxicity compared with HCs when stimulated with riboflavin-producing taxa isolated from the same patients. Importantly, several responses diverged from predictions based on murine models and genomic inference, including mixed cytokine profiles and graded competitive inhibition by folate-derived ligands. These findings highlight species-specific differences in MR1 ligand handling and MAIT-cell activation. Activation required uptake of intact bacteria and acid-dependent MR1 loading. MS patients exhibited significant intestinal barrier dysfunction, linking dysbiosis to systemic MAIT-cell hyperactivation.

CONCLUSION: At clonal resolution, this study demonstrates that patient-specific microbial metabolism, MR1-ligand competition, and epithelial barrier disruption cooperate to amplify MAIT-cell pathogenicity in MS, revealing human-specific mechanisms not predicted by animal models.},
}

@article {pmid42224874,
year = {2026},
author = {Kenzi, M and Benbernou, M and Khelifa, H and Tbahriti, HF},
title = {Machine learning-based prediction of antibiotic resistance gene distribution in agricultural soils under different climate change scenarios.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {1042},
number = {},
pages = {181905},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181905},
pmid = {42224874},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in agricultural soils represent a major public health concern, as climate change is believed to augment their dissemination and abundance. Understanding the impact of future climate change scenarios on ARG abundance is essential to implement predictive and proactive One Health strategies. In this study, a total of 2301 soil samples from 67 countries across six continents were compiled from three global metagenome databases, namely NCBI SRA, MG-RAST, and JGI IMG/M. Six machine learning models, namely LightGBM, XGBoost, Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, Deep Neural Networks, and Logistic Regression, were used to predict ARG distribution patterns in agricultural soils, and their performance was evaluated using stratified 10-fold cross-validation with metrics such as AUC-ROC, precision, recall, F1 score, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient. WorldClim 2.1 and CMIP6 models were used to project ARG distribution under three Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios, namely RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5, for the years 2050 and 2070. The LightGBM model achieved the best predictive performance, with an AUC-ROC of 0.957 (95% CI: 0.951-0.963), substantially higher than that of the other models, while the Deep Neural Networks model achieved an AUC-ROC of 0.891. The LightGBM model demonstrated high stability across cross-validation folds, with minimal fold-to-fold variance, defined as the standard deviation of AUC-ROC scores across the 10 folds (SD = 0.008). SHAP feature importance analysis identified soil temperature, pH, and organic carbon content as the top three factors influencing ARG relative abundance, with SHAP values of 0.342, 0.287, and 0.251, respectively. Annual precipitation and soil moisture level were also identified as significant contributors to ARG distribution. SHAP dependency plots revealed critical thresholds for ARG relative abundance, with a sharp increase observed independently when soil temperature exceeds 18 °C and when soil pH drops below 6.5. Furthermore, a non-linear accelerating increase in ARG abundance risk was observed as climate change intensity worsened across scenarios. Projections for future climate change scenarios indicate a potential 34.7% increase in high-risk ARG zones by the year 2070, with the largest changes expected in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Mediterranean regions. Paired t-tests revealed significant differences in performance among all models (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that gradient-boosting methods such as LightGBM outperform deep learning approaches for ARG prediction from soil microbiome data, offering higher accuracy and interpretability. As climate change is projected to increase ARG risks in a non-linear manner, the development of climate-adaptive agricultural practices and global surveillance systems is urgent. This framework provides actionable risk-mapping tools to support precision farming and region-specific policy interventions within the One Health approach.},
}