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Bibliography on: Microbiome

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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 05 Jul 2026 at 01:51 Created: 

Microbiome

It has long been known that every multicellular organism coexists with large prokaryotic ecosystems — microbiomes — that completely cover its surfaces, external and internal. Recent studies have shown that these associated microbiomes are not mere contamination, but instead have profound effects upon the function and fitness of the multicellular organism. We now know that all MCEs are actually functional composites, holobionts, composed of more prokaryotic cells than eukaryotic cells and expressing more prokaryotic genes than eukaryotic genes. A full understanding of the biology of "individual" eukaryotes will now depend on an understanding of their associated microbiomes.

Created with PubMed® Query: microbiome[tiab] NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2026-07-04

Venter C, Beltran J, Bracchiglione J, et al (2026)

Immunonutrition in Early Life: The Role of Complementary Feeding, Dietary Patterns, and Nutritional Exposures on the Health of Young Children-An EAACI Scoping Review.

Allergy [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Immunonutrition examines how diet influences immune development. Complementary feeding represents a critical window for long-term health. We aimed to map evidence linking complementary feeding to immune outcomes, allergy, infection, and growth in infants and toddlers (≤ 3 years). We conducted a scoping review and evidence-gap mapping, following PRISMA-ScR. MEDLINE and Epistemonikos were searched from inception to November 2024. Concepts included diet diversity/patterns, feeding practices/models, and timing of allergen introduction, timing of complementary feeding, macronutrients, micronutrients, foods, supplementation, and ultra-processed foods. We included systematic reviews and recent primary studies meeting criteria.

RESULTS: From 13,512 records screened, 108 systematic reviews were included, comprising 99 randomized controlled trials, 41 cohorts, 22 case-control, and 14 cross-sectional studies. Most reviews addressed nutrient intake, supplementation, or timing of allergen introduction, while fewer reviews explored diet diversity, foods, or ultra-processed food intake. Responsive complementary feeding was consistently associated with healthier growth and lower obesity risk, whereas restrictive practices showed adverse effects. Greater diet diversity was linked to reduced asthma and food allergy risk, though eczema findings were inconsistent. Western-style diets high in processed foods, fat, sugar, and meat correlated with higher allergy risk, while home-prepared diets were protective. Micronutrient supplementation (iron, zinc, vitamin D) reduced infection and anemia risk but had mixed effects on allergy. Early allergen introduction reduced food allergy incidence.

CONCLUSIONS: Complementary feeding research now extends beyond calorie counting, macronutrients, and early allergen introduction to dietary patterns and early life nutrition that supports the microbiome. Evidence supports dietary diversity, timely food allergen introduction, and responsive feeding, while discouraging restrictive practices and ultra-processed foods. Future work should harmonize definitions and investigate plant-based diets, advanced glycation end products, and processed food exposures.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Wang Y, Xue X, Usyk M, et al (2026)

Multi-omics profiles of sex hormone-binding globulin are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in men with HIV.

Genome medicine pii:10.1186/s13073-026-01709-8 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Sex hormones and HIV infection both influence cardiovascular health. However, the association between sex hormones and subclinical atherosclerosis is not fully understood, especially in the context of HIV.

METHODS: Among 321 men (65% with HIV) from the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study, we measured 14 serum sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), assessed carotid artery plaque (IMT > 1.5 mm) using high-resolution B-mode ultrasound, and performed metagenomic sequencing on stool samples. In 312 men, we measured 986 plasma metabolites via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and 2883 plasma proteins using the Olink Explore 3072 platform. In stratified analyses of men with (MWH) and without HIV (MWOH) and adjusting for covariates and multiple testing, we (1) examined associations of sex hormones with plaque; (2) characterized multi-omics profiles related to sex hormones; and (3) generated sex hormone-related omics scores via linear combination of related species, metabolites, and proteins, respectively, to explore whether these sex hormone-related multi-omics profiles were associated with plaque.

RESULTS: Median age of participants was 62 years (interquartile range: 58-68), and 31.5% had carotid artery plaque. Sex hormones were differentially associated with plaque in MWH and MWOH. In MWH, an inverse association was observed between SHBG and plaque (OR = 0.60 per 1-SD increase, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.90). Furthermore, higher SHBG levels were associated with overall gut microbial composition, lower abundance of species from genera Prevotella, Fibrobacter and Coprococcus, higher levels of certain metabolites (primarily lipid and carnitine metabolites) and proteins enriched in the cell-cell adhesion pathway. Some SHBG-related species (e.g., Mediterranea massiliensis), metabolites (e.g., phosphatidylcholine-based lipids) and proteins (e.g., enriched in immune response pathway) were also associated with plaque in MWH. All three SHBG-related omics scores were inter-correlated and inversely associated with plaque in MWH. In MWOH, estrone-sulfate was positively associated with plaque (OR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.41, 10.22) but not with any species, metabolites or proteins.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher SHBG, and related microbial species, circulating metabolites, and proteins, were inversely associated with carotid artery plaque. These findings suggested that SHBG may play a protective role in subclinical atherosclerosis in MWH.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Franić I, Sherwood P, Stolarek K, et al (2026)

DNA and RNA metabarcoding reveal shared dominant seed-borne fungi.

Environmental microbiome pii:10.1186/s40793-026-00923-6 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Tree seeds harbor diverse fungal communities, including both pathogens and mutualists, that can influence plant health. These communities comprise living, metabolically active organisms as well as dormant or dead cells. Because only active fungi interact with their hosts, distinguishing active from inactive taxa is crucial, especially for environmental and phytosanitary monitoring. Traditional culturing methods capture living fungi but account for only a small fraction of the total fungal diversity. Currently, these methods are increasingly replaced by high-throughput DNA metabarcoding, which detects a broader range of taxa. However, DNA persists after cell death and occurs in dormant cells, preventing distinction between active and inactive fungi. In contrast, RNA metabarcoding may better reflect living fungal communities than the other two methods, though its use in assessing plant-associated fungi remains underexplored. We used culturing, DNA-, and RNA-based metabarcoding to compare fungal communities associated with seeds of three key European tree species (Fagus sylvatica, Abies alba, Pinus sylvestris).

RESULTS: Dominant fungal communities in seeds were strongly shaped by host species identity and were largely shared across DNA and RNA metabarcoding datasets, with roughly half of the most abundant genera detected by both methods. Differences between DNA- and RNA-derived communities were predominantly associated with rare taxa in the RNA dataset, although distinguishing true biological signals from noise introduced by different methodological workflows remains challenging. Several cultured genera, likely both abundant and metabolically active, were consistently detected by both approaches.

CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the complementary nature of the three methods for characterising seed-associated fungi. Combining culturing, DNA- and RNA-based metabarcoding may provide the most comprehensive assessment of fungal diversity, while RNA metabarcoding alone offers a promising opportunity to identify the active members of fungal communities for improved environmental and phytosanitary monitoring.

RevDate: 2026-07-04
CmpDate: 2026-07-04

Ghosh S, Vanwinkle ZM, Sinha Roy K, et al (2026)

Microbial metabolite Urolithin A protects against inorganic arsenic-induced gut barrier dysfunction in humanized AS3MT mice.

Gut microbes, 18(1):2696618.

Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) remains a major environmental health concern and is associated with significant gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel disease-like symptoms. Gut microbiota plays a critical role in mitigating arsenic toxicity, as germ-free or antibiotic-treated mice exhibit reduced fecal arsenic excretion and greater tissue accumulation. We previously showed that the microbial metabolite Urolithin A (UroA) protects against iAs-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and ROS production in vitro. In this study, using humanized AS3MT mice (mouse arsenic methyltransferase gene (As3mt)replaced with human AS3MT, hAS3MT), we evaluated the in vivo effects of iAs and UroA on gut barrier function. Long-term iAs exposure (100 ppb for 28 weeks) significantly reduced expression of tight junction proteins, indicating compromised intestinal barrier integrity. UroA treatment protected hAS3MT mice from iAs-induced gut permeability, inflammation, colon shortening, and elevated colon weight/length ratio. UroA also reduced iAs-induced inflammatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and preserved intestinal epithelial cell tight junction protein expression. Further, microbiome and metabolomic analysis suggested that UroA treatment protected from iAs-induced gut microbial dysbiosis, especially restored several beneficial bacterial strains and short chain fatty acids (e.g., acetate and butyrate) and led to gut homeostasis. Together, these findings demonstrate that UroA mitigates iAs-induced gut toxicity and restores microbiota homeostasis.

RevDate: 2026-07-04
CmpDate: 2026-07-04

Kim D, Li M, Nguyen TH, et al (2026)

Vitamin B6 produced by gut microbiome regulates host behavioral phenotypes through dopaminergic metabolism.

Gut microbes, 18(1):2695485.

The gut microbiome modulates host neuropathology, but the mechanisms linking specific microbial genes and metabolites to host phenotypes remain poorly defined. Here, we identify microbiome-derived vitamin B6 (VB6) and its biosynthesis gene as key regulators of host dopaminergic homeostasis. Metagenomic analysis of fecal samples from Parkinson's disease (PD) patients revealed enrichment of biosynthetic pathways for pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP), the active form of VB6, and tyrosine decarboxylase genes. Using E. coli-C. elegans symbiotic models, we demonstrate that the bacterial pdxJ gene, encoding a key enzyme in de novo VB6 synthesis, is essential in regulating host dopaminergic homeostasis. Colonization with pdxJ-deficient bacteria led to reduced host VB6 and dopamine levels, reduced dopaminergic enzyme activity, and altered motor behavior, which were all rescued by VB6 supplementation. In PD-relevant C. elegans models, bacterial PLP biosynthesis modulated α-synuclein aggregation and behavioral deficits associated with human LRRK2 mutations. In mice, colonization with pdxJ-deficient bacteria reduced serum VB6 levels, decreased tyrosine hydroxylase staining in the substantia nigra, and impaired motor coordination, which were rescued by VB6 supplementation. Overall, our results define a bacterial pdxJ-PLP-dopamine axis that links gut microbial metabolism to host dopaminergic phenotypes and suggest bacterial VB6 biosynthesis as a potential modifier of PD risk and a context-dependent therapeutic target.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Jiao S, Tang H, Jia N, et al (2026)

The Impact of Storage Conditions on the Microbiome Composition and Metabolites of Fecal Samples.

Biopreservation and biobanking [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of storage time and temperature on the quality of fecal samples and to provide a reference for clinical laboratories and biobanks in formulating sample storage operation guidelines.

METHODS: Fresh fecal samples were collected from healthy volunteers and immediately aliquoted into aliquots. Different temperature and time gradients were established to simulate common pre-analytical storage processes in clinical practice, with samples snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately after collection as the control group. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted lipid metabolomics were employed to determine changes in microbial diversity, species abundance, and metabolite concentrations under different storage conditions, and sample quality was evaluated based on these indicators.

RESULTS: Storage at 4°C significantly minimized fluctuations in α-diversity indices, with the most pronounced protective effect observed within 2-4 hours; beyond 4 hours, changes in microbial community structure intensified. β-diversity analysis revealed that 4°C storage delayed the increase in microbial dissimilarity between samples and the liquid nitrogen-frozen control group, among which samples stored for 2-4 hours exhibited the highest similarity to the control. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes increased significantly after 6 hours of storage at room temperature, while 4°C storage effectively delayed this change. Metabolomic analysis identified more metabolomic differences (including bile acids and amino acids) in samples stored at room temperature, whereas only minor changes in fatty acid metabolites were observed at 4°C. 3β-hydroxy-5-cholenic acid exhibited a continuous upward trend with prolonged storage at both temperatures, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for evaluating sample storage quality.

CONCLUSION: Short-term storage at 4°C (≤4 hours) can effectively delay the quality degradation of fecal microbial communities and metabolites, making it the optimal transitional storage strategy when immediate liquid nitrogen freezing is not feasible in clinical practice. These findings provide critical experimental data for the establishment of standardized fecal sample storage protocols.

RevDate: 2026-07-04
CmpDate: 2026-07-04

Saati-Santamaría Z, Pérez-Gorjón S, Abel-Schaad D, et al (2026)

Soil Microbial Diversity and Network Organization Respond to Land Use and Agricultural Inputs Worldwide.

Global change biology, 32(7):e70984.

Soil microbiomes are critical for ecosystem functioning, yet the global influences of climate and agricultural practices on their diversity and structure remain incompletely characterized. Here we analyzed 1921 soil samples from 33 countries worldwide across diverse biomes to assess how climate gradients and agricultural inputs, including pesticides and fertilizers, shape prokaryotic and fungal communities. We found that microbial diversity peaks at intermediate temperatures and differs markedly between natural and agricultural soils, with agriculture increasing microbial diversity while altering community composition and ecological guilds. Pesticide use selectively reduced bacterial diversity and shifted fungal guilds, decreasing ectomycorrhizal fungi while increasing saprotrophs, whereas fertilization reduced microbial network cohesion, with organic and inorganic fertilizers eliciting distinct community responses. These findings reveal that climatic factors and agricultural management jointly influence soil microbial diversity, community structure, and network connectivity, with implications for soil health and ecosystem resilience in managed landscapes. Overall, our results demonstrate that agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides and both organic and inorganic fertilizers, act as strong ecological filters that reshape soil microbiomes worldwide-enhancing apparent diversity but driving a functional shift toward less mutualistic, more fragmented, and potentially less resilient communities.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Yousefi M, Farahpour MR, Alizadeh N, et al (2026)

Tumor-induced immune escape mechanisms and translational immunotherapeutic strategies.

Discover oncology pii:10.1007/s12672-026-05518-8 [Epub ahead of print].

Tumor-induced immune evasion is a critical mechanism that promotes resistance to anticancer therapies and facilitates cancer progression. Notwithstanding the emergence of immunotherapies, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapies, several cancers show resistance against such therapeutic interventions by adopting various methods of immune evasion. These include alterations to the tumor microenvironment (TME), infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, overexpression of inhibitory checkpoint molecules, and modified antigen presentation. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the cellular and molecular principles behind immune evasion, as well as novel and established strategies for its prevention. The mechanisms, clinical implications, and limitations of significant therapeutic modalities, including checkpoint blockade, CAR-T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virotherapy, are addressed. Particular emphasis is placed on combinatorial approaches, TME reprogramming, and next-generation targets like LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT. The research examines the potential of predictive biomarkers, including PD-L1, Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB), Microsatellite Instability (MSI), and the microbiome, to guide personalized immunotherapy. Overcoming resistance and achieving enduring responses requires the integration of immunological insights with high-throughput molecular profiling and adaptive clinical trial design as the subject develops. The efficacy of immunotherapies across many cancer types may be enhanced by adopting a systems-level perspectives on tumor-immune interactions. Ultimately, restoring effective antitumor immunity with new, customized therapies is a crucial advancement in current oncology.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Dutta S, Dutta TK, Nanda PK, et al (2026)

Paradigm Shift of Microbiota-gut-brain Axis During Aging: Potential Role of Probiotics to Improve Cognitive Decline.

Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins [Epub ahead of print].

Population aging is a global demographic inevitability, driven by advancements in healthcare, increased life expectancy, and declining fertility rates. Growing evidence implicates gut microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative disorders commonly associated with aging, primarily through disruptions in immune, metabolic, and neuroendocrine signaling along the gut-brain axis. This review synthesizes current literature on the therapeutic potential of probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, to enhance glial function, maintain blood-brain barrier integrity, and neurocognitive performance in older adults. However, probiotic efficacy is highly strain-specific and context-dependent, necessitating individualized evaluation of each microbial strain's therapeutic profile. Future research should prioritize precision microbiome-based strategies to elucidate mechanisms of action, optimal strain combinations, and their effectiveness across varying degrees of cognitive decline in the aging population. Furthermore, diet, physical activity, and microbial exposures represent essential, non-pharmacological tools for maintaining microbiota eubiosis and supporting neurocognitive health in aging populations.

RevDate: 2026-07-04
CmpDate: 2026-07-04

Lieberman OJ, Rojas-Valencia L, Amorim E, et al (2026)

Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Critically Ill Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: Clinical Implications and Putative Mechanisms: a Narrative Review.

Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 26(1):.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring intensive care is associated with high morbidity, mortality and long-term disability. In addition to neurologic sequelae, TBI causes a systemic disease with associated injury to other organ systems, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Here, we review the evidence that GI tract dysfunction occurs after TBI and discuss the clinical implications of GI tract dysfunction on the clinical care of TBI patients, including inadequate nutritional support, elevated risk of pneumonia, and a hyperactive inflammatory response.

RECENT FINDINGS: We highlight recent findings that highlight putative mechanisms through which GI tract pathology may arise after TBI, including vagal nerve and enteric nervous system dysfunction, gut microbiome dysbiosis, sympathetic hyperactivity and iatrogenic injury. Finally, we highlight future approaches to target the GI tract that could improve outcomes in this critically ill patient population. In summary, we review the evidence supporting a role for GI tract dysfunction in the pathophysiology of critically ill TBI patients and highlight potential mechanisms through which GI tract dysfunction may worsen outcomes in this population.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Li X, Yan M, Cao A, et al (2026)

Podophyllotoxin-induced nephrotoxicity via the microbiota-gut-kidney axis in SD rats based on the toxicological evidence chain (TEC) concept.

International immunopharmacology, 186:117094 pii:S1567-5769(26)00940-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) exhibits limited clinical utility due to its nephrotoxicity, and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study employs the toxicological evidence chain (TEC) framework and integrated multi-omics analyses to investigate the potential involvement of the microbiota-gut-kidney (MGK) axis in PPT-induced nephrotoxicity in SD rats. Toxicity was systematically evaluated through longitudinal monitoring of body weight, general behavior, biochemical markers, intestinal barrier function, and histopathological alterations. In parallel, multi-omics analyses, encompassing microbiome, metabolomics, and transcriptomics, were conducted to delineate the mechanistic underpinnings. The results showed that PPT exposure induced pronounced renal and intestinal damage, manifesting as significant weight loss, diarrhea, elevated renal injury biomarkers, increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, and diamine oxidase (DAO), along with histopathological lesions and enhanced apoptosis in renal and colonic tissues. PPT exposure perturbed gut microbiota homeostasis, characterized by depletion of beneficial taxa (e.g., Lactobacillus) and enrichment of potentially pathogenic genera (e.g., Bacteroides and Aggregatibacter), concomitant with diminished short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and altered metabolite profiles in fecal, serum, and renal samples. Integrated multi-omics analysis further revealed activation of the JAK1/2-STAT3 signaling pathway, upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, LPS, TMAO), and suppression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-4). These in vivo molecular and inflammatory patterns were partially reproduced in HK-2 cells co-cultured with fecal microbiota supernatant from PPT-treated rats. In addition, the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib attenuated PPT-induced JAK1/2-STAT3 phosphorylation and inflammatory cytokine secretion in HK-2 cells. Correlation network analysis further identified associations between gut dysbiosis, systemic inflammation, and metabolic perturbations. Collectively, these findings support a mechanistic hypothesis that MGK-axis disruption and JAK1/2-STAT3 signaling may contribute to PPT-associated nephrotoxicity. However, in vivo interventional studies are required to establish definitive causality.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Green KD, Thomason GK, LC Czuba (2026)

Reduction of secondary 3-keto bile acids by aldo-keto reductase 1C1 and 1C4.

Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals, 54(7):100340 pii:S0090-9556(26)00609-4 [Epub ahead of print].

Secondary "keto" bile acids (BAs) are produced by the gut microbiome and contain one or more ketones on the steroid core. Plasma concentrations of keto BAs are limited by hepatic reductase activity, leading to hydroxylation of keto BAs. Although the aldo-keto reductase 1 (AKR1) family is implicated, it is not known which enzymes provide this function in the liver. We hypothesized that AKR1C1 and AKR1C4 metabolize 3-keto BAs. Six BAs with 3-keto groups were tested as potential substrates using purified, recombinant His6-tagged AKR1C1-4, and kinetic parameters were determined. AKR1C1 and AKR1C4 were found to exhibit isoform-specific substrate specificity, which may be explained in part by the hydroxylation pattern at carbon 12 of the BA core. This may suggest distinct biological roles in mediating BA homeostasis in humans. Both enzymes produced only α-OH products, as determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We further hypothesized that fatty acids would impair reductase activity. AKR1C4 was more susceptible to inhibition compared to AKR1C1, but unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, were the most potent inhibitors for both. We observed a 2- to 10-fold difference in the IC50 of fatty acids for AKR1C4 depending on the tested substrate. Further mechanistic and structure-function studies aim to characterize the substrate-specific kinetic and inhibition patterns observed and to evaluate the translational impact of AKR activity on plasma BA concentrations and cellular signaling. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Keto bile acids are bioactive secondary metabolites that are reduced upon enterohepatic recycling to the liver. Here, the substrate specificity, kinetics, and inhibition potential of 2 aldo-keto reductase enzymes, AKR1C1 and AKR1C4, were evaluated. This study suggests that AKR1C1 and AKR1C4 exhibit disparate substrate specificity patterns, reductase activity, and susceptibility to inhibition by fatty acids, which may have broad implications in understanding changes in bile acid homeostasis in metabolic diseases.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

El-Sehrawy AAMA, Farah H, Oripov F, et al (2026)

Estrobolome and the Endocrine-Microbiome Axis in Breast and Endometrial Carcinogenesis.

Critical reviews in oncology/hematology pii:S1040-8428(26)00358-6 [Epub ahead of print].

The estrobolome, the community of gut microbial genes involved in estrogen metabolism, may influence hormone bioavailability and cancer risk, although human evidence remains largely associative. This review summarizes evidence that bacterial β-glucuronidases, sulfatases, and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases regulate enterohepatic estrogen recycling, while microbial metabolism also shapes receptor signaling, genotoxic estrogen metabolites, inflammation, and immune responses. Observational studies link gut microbial composition and function with breast and endometrial cancer, but causality remains unproven. Early dietary, probiotic, antibiotic, and fecal microbiota transplantation studies show biological effects, yet they are not sufficient for clinical application. We propose a functional framework that prioritizes microbial enzymatic activity over taxonomy and highlight multiparametric biomarkers and selective β-glucuronidase inhibition as promising research directions for prevention and adjunct therapy in hormone-driven cancers.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

El-Sehrawy AAMA, Oriquat G, Rizaev J, et al (2026)

The Microbiome-Gut-Gonad Axis: How Microbial Metabolites Orchestrate Reproductive Physiology, Pathology, and Therapy.

The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology pii:S0960-0760(26)00145-7 [Epub ahead of print].

The human microbiome, a dynamic endocrine organ, exerts profound systemic influence through the production of bioactive metabolites. While the microbiome-gut-brain axis is well-established, the direct conduit between the gut microbiota and the reproductive system, the Microbiome-Gut-Gonad Axis, remains an emerging paradigm. This review explored cutting-edge evidence to construct a comprehensive model of the Microbiome-Gut-Gonad axis, focusing on the mechanistic roles of specific microbial metabolites in both physiological reproductive function and the pathogenesis of endocrine disorders. We move beyond mere correlation to elucidate how gut-derived molecules, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secondary bile acids, and indole derivatives, directly and indirectly modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by modulating the production of neuropeptides and hormones (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)) that regulate reproductive functions and also steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. We examine novel mechanisms including: the epigenetic regulation of steroidogenic enzymes by butyrate; the modulation of enterohepatic circulation of estrogens by β-glucuronidase-producing bacteria; and the role of tryptophan metabolites as ligands for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in ovarian and testicular function. Furthermore, we critically appraise the disruptive potential of dysbiosis-driven metabolite shifts in PCOS, endometriosis, and male infertility, highlighting microbial metabolite signatures as promising exploratory biomarkers that require standardized, multi-center clinical validation before diagnostic use. At present, these signatures should be considered candidate biomarkers only, because external validation cohorts, assay reproducibility, and clinically meaningful estimates of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and clinical utility have not yet been established. Therapeutically, we evaluate innovative interventions, including precision probiotics, postbiotics, and dietary strategies targeting specific bacterial guilds, but these approaches remain investigational because current human evidence is still limited and heterogeneous. Finally, by integrating microbial endocrinology into reproductive medicine, this review establishes a new framework for understanding the etiology of reproductive endocrine disorders and paves the way for microbiome-targeted therapeutic avenues. Importantly, the evidence base is tiered: mechanistic statements in this review are drawn primarily from in vitro and animal studies, human disease links are described separately as observational evidence, and interventional claims are limited to early clinical studies and randomized trial summaries.

RevDate: 2026-07-04
CmpDate: 2026-07-04

Yang CH, Tang HY, Fan CM, et al (2026)

Integrated multi-matrix bile acid metabolic metrics (BAMMs): A methodological framework for functional metabolic phenotyping in human subjects.

Analytica chimica acta, 1416:345822.

Traditional single-matrix bile acid (BA) analysis, which typically relies on a limited set of analytes in plasma or feces, often fails to capture the compartmentalized complexity of the microbiome-gut-liver axis. To address this, we developed a high-coverage, 61-analyte metabolomics platform integrated via a multifaceted Bile Acid Metabolic Metrics (BAMMs) framework across plasma, urine, and feces. In a 12-week clinical intervention study (n = 13), conventional single-matrix concentration profiling exhibited high inter-individual variance and failed to reflect significant metabolic shifts. In contrast, the BAMMs successfully identified multifaceted metabolic shifts-including carbon-position-specific transformations-that remained obscured in concentration-based analyses. Notable findings include significant decreases in fecal C-3 oxidation (dehydroLCA/LCA) and epimerization (isoLCA/LCA) metrics, alongside a significant increase in urinary C-7 oxidation (7-ketoCA/CA). These results demonstrate that standardized functional ratios are superior to concentrations for resolving the physiological "uncoupling" between the gut lumen and the systemic circulation. A key advantage of our approach is its high extensibility; by disclosing our full calculation methodologies and metabolic ratios, we provide a transparent and adaptable template that researchers can tailor for additional metabolites, such as muricholic acids, or diverse research models. This validated "Three-Matrix Workflow" provides a comprehensive lens for dissecting the compartmentalized dynamics of BA metabolism, offering a scalable and robust tool for future clinical and microbiome-based investigations.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Jin S, Kim YT, Yang J, et al (2026)

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SLpl116 attenuates OVA-induced food allergy with ecological restoration of the gut microbiota and immune rebalancing.

NPJ science of food pii:10.1038/s41538-026-00978-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Gut dysbiosis is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to food allergy, yet probiotic strains capable of restoring allergic microbiota and rebalancing host immunity remain limited. Here, we identified Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SLpl116 through a multi-criteria screening pipeline integrating anti-allergic activity, safety, and processing stability, and evaluated its efficacy in a prophylactic ovalbumin (OVA)-induced murine food allergy model. SLpl116 significantly attenuated allergic symptoms, including diarrhea and hypothermia, and suppressed serum IgE, IgG1, OVA-specific immunoglobulins, and mucosal mast cell protease-1. It was also associated with suppression of Th2-related responses and enhancement of systemic Th1-associated signaling, indicating restoration of Th1/Th2 immune balance. Microbiome analysis showed that SLpl116 was associated with ecological restoration of the dysbiotic gut community, including suppression of allergy-associated taxa such as Alistipes finegoldii and Bacteroides and enrichment of beneficial commensals, particularly Lachnospiraceae. Correlation analysis supported an association between microbial reconfiguration and immune rebalancing, while PICRUSt2-based functional prediction suggested enriched butyrate-associated metabolic potential in the effective strain groups. Comparative genome-informed analysis further indicated that SLpl116 possessed distinctive phenotype-linked features, providing a plausible molecular rationale for its favorable phenotype. Together, these findings identify SLpl116 as a promising strain-level probiotic candidate associated with direct immune rebalancing and microbiome-associated ecological restoration.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Zhang B, Zhong Y, Pascal Muvunyi B, et al (2026)

Multi-omics profiling of high-carotenoid hybrid potato lines reveals coordinated metabolic reprogramming and associates with distinct tuber microbiota.

NPJ science of food pii:10.1038/s41538-026-00842-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Potato is a critical staple crop, and enhancing its carotenoid content is a promising strategy to improve its nutritional value. However, the synergistic mechanisms underlying carotenoid accumulation, superior nutritional traits, and the role of the endophytic microbiome remain unclear. Using an integrated multi-omics strategy, we systematically analyzed two high-zeaxanthin/lutein hybrids and four commercial cultivars. The hybrids accumulated significantly higher levels of zeaxanthin, lutein, and minerals, while exhibiting superior processing traits (e.g., higher dry matter/starch, lower reducing sugars). Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling revealed a coordinated upregulation of carotenoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, alongside enrichment of stress-responsive phenolic acids. Notably, the endophytic microbiome in high-carotenoid tubers was distinct, dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, with genera like Bacillus and Latilactobacillus positively correlating with carotenoid content. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified a core regulatory module containing key genes (e.g., CCD4, BCH2) and novel transcription factors. Our findings elucidate a synergistic network linking metabolism, gene regulation, and the endophytic microbiome that collectively is associated with carotenoid accumulation and tuber quality. This provides critical targets for breeding nutritionally enhanced potatoes with desirable agronomic performance, supporting nutritional security and sustainable agriculture.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Huang L, Lu C, Hu Y, et al (2026)

Washed microbiota transplantation is associated with short-term changes in selected spirometric parameters in patients with abnormal spirometry.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-60829-8 [Epub ahead of print].

Gut microbiota may modulate pulmonary inflammation through the gut-lung axis. This study investigated the association between washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) and short-term changes in pulmonary function, inflammatory markers, and gut microbiota in patients with abnormal spirometric patterns. A total of 110 patients who underwent fecal microbiota transplantation, also referred to as WMT, were consecutively screened between March 2023 and January 2025. Of these, 47 patients with paired baseline and post-WMT spirometric data were included in the primary spirometric analysis. According to baseline spirometric patterns, WMT recipients were classified into an abnormal spirometric-pattern group (DG, n = 19) and a normal spirometric-pattern WMT-recipient group (HC, n = 28; HC denotes WMT recipients with normal spirometry rather than healthy community controls). In addition, 43 patients receiving conventional treatment without WMT were included as a non-WMT comparison group (CON). The WMT group underwent multi-course interventions with longitudinal monitoring of pulmonary function parameters, inflammatory markers, breath-holding time (BHT), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores (SF-36). Gut microbiota composition and predicted functional profiles were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. After one WMT course, DG patients showed increases in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Compared with the non-WMT comparison group, the change in FVC was greater in WMT recipients, whereas the between-group difference in FEV1 change was not statistically significant. Other spirometric indices, BHT, inflammatory markers, SF-36 scores, and microbiome-related findings were considered exploratory. Exploratory 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified differences in selected gut microbial taxa between WMT recipients with abnormal and normal spirometric patterns, including differences in Firmicutes, Faecalibacterium, and Alistipes. Predicted functional profiling suggested changes in glycerolipid metabolism-, Nod-like receptor signaling-, and bacterial chemotaxis-related functional potentials. WMT was associated with short-term changes in selected spirometric parameters, particularly FVC and FEV1, in patients with abnormal spirometric patterns. Changes in inflammatory markers, BHT, SF-36 scores, and microbiome-related findings were exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Further randomized, disease-specific studies with standardized pulmonary function testing and mechanistic validation are needed.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Lee JW, Loo EXL, Chong SS, et al (2026)

An AI-augmented review of childhood atopic dermatitis biomarkers across genetic, immune, microbial, and metabolic domains.

Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.) pii:10.1186/s10020-026-01533-1 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disease and a major source of disease burden in children. Biomarker studies in childhood AD span genetic, immune, microbial and metabolic domains, but prior reviews have often focused on single molecular layers, specific sample sites or clinical classification. As a result, the field lacks an integrated, systems-level synthesis that compares and contextualizes biomarkers across domains while clearly distinguishing evidence strength. The rapid growth of literature in this field also poses practical challenges for traditional manual review workflows.

MAIN BODY: To address these gaps, we conducted an AI-augmented, multi-domain review of childhood AD biomarkers. ASReview supported title and abstract screening, while ChatGPT assisted structured data extraction with human validation. Across 526 studies, we identified 141 genome, 95 immunome, 57 microbiome and 75 metabolome childhood AD biomarkers. The most frequently reported biomarkers included Filaggrin, IgE, CCL17, Staphylococcus, Bifidobacterium and vitamin D. Using a structured evidence-grading framework, eight biomarkers were categorized as having strong evidence: IgE, CCL17, CCL27, eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil, IL-18, IL-31 and Escherichia. By synthesizing evidence across biomarker domains, we developed a systems-level, conceptual AD model in which barrier defects, Th2 inflammation, microbial dysbiosis and metabolic imbalance drive a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation and barrier dysfunction. We also developed a web app for exploration of the biomarker findings: https://leejw.shinyapps.io/eczema_review_526/.

CONCLUSION: This review provides a broad synthesis of childhood AD biomarkers and frames the evidence within an integrated, multi-domain conceptual model. The findings support the rationale for approaches that consider multiple biological nodes, including barrier repair, immune modulation, microbiome-directed strategies and metabolic factors, while underscoring the need for further validation before clinical implementation. Methodologically, the study illustrates how a hybrid human-AI review workflow can support scalable biomedical evidence synthesis without replacing human oversight.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Karami F, Shabkhiz F, Aadeli S, et al (2026)

The combined effects of probiotic and high-intensity interval training on memory function in high fat diet-fed rats.

Behavioral and brain functions : BBF pii:10.1186/s12993-026-00347-9 [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate whether the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) (alone or combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT)) could improve cognitive, electrophysiological changes, oxidative stress and metabolic parameters in HFD-fed rats.

METHOD: Rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): HFD group, HFD + LGG group, HFD+ HIIT group, and HFD + LGG+ HIIT group. Rats were fed HFD daily for a period of 16 weeks, during which LGG (1 × 10[10] colony forming unit (CFU)/ rats, orally), and HIIT protocol were administered four times a week on alternating days. At the end of study, assessment of social behavior, memory function, and Long-term potential (LTP) were performed using three-chambered apparatus, Y-maze task, and electrophysiology technique, respectively. Next, oxidative stress, lipid profiles, and liver enzymes were evaluated with routine kits.

RESULTS: Both LGG and HIIT alone or in combination improved working memory, social memory, and LTP in HFD-fed rats. In addition, both LGG and HIIT alone or in combination increased the hippocampal levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and increased the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and decreased the serum levels of leptin, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in HFD-fed rats.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of LGG and HIIT provides a multi-pathway intervention that improves HFD-induced memory impairments by concurrently targeting oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and hippocampal synaptic function. This supports the potential of combined lifestyle and microbiome-based therapies for preventing metabolic and cognitive disorders.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Pangga GM, Richmond A, Hughes C, et al (2026)

Integrated metabolomics and metagenomics reveal divergent caecal metabolic signatures following commercial gut health interventions in broilers.

Animal microbiome pii:10.1186/s42523-026-00596-z [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: The intensification of food production systems highlights the need for poultry gut health strategies aligned with One Health goals. Central to this is a balanced gut microbiota, which supports nutrient absorption, immunity, and disease resilience.

RESULTS: We applied integrative multi-omics, combining untargeted LC-MS metabolomics and shotgun metagenomics, to explore the caecal responses of commercial Ross-308 broilers to two widely used gut health interventions: ionophore supplementation (T1) and anticoccidial vaccination (T2). Across 7,554 detected metabolites, we identified candidate metabolic signatures: T1 was marked by trends in prenol lipids, including multiple soyasaponins, and enrichment of cellular stress-related pathways (e.g. glutathione pathway). T2 instead was associated with shifts in aromatic amino acid metabolism, elevating tryptophan-derived indoles such as 5-methoxyindole. While global metabolic profiles did not differ significantly (PERMANOVA p > 0.05), supervised integration (DIABLO algorithm) identified 405 potential metabolite-MAG correlations. Bacteroides fragilis emerged as a dominant associate, correlating positively with a diverse range of metabolites (n = 271). Functional gene analysis suggested a link between Mediterraneibacter spp. and soyasaponin deglycosylation, while Ruminococcaceae UBA3818 showed genomic potential for tryptophan utilisation and indole-linked metabolic steps.

CONCLUSION: Our exploratory findings suggest that prophylactic interventions impact the gut microbiome, resulting in divergent subsets of metabolic features. This highlights the potential of microbiome-informed strategies to improve enteric disease management and advance gut health centred approaches in both veterinary and human contexts.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Guleria A, Bagal D, Mishra S, et al (2026)

Phytomicrobiome-based approaches for sustainable crop performance and environmental resilience.

Microbiological research, 311:128605 pii:S0944-5013(26)00169-2 [Epub ahead of print].

The plant microbiome refers to the dynamic microbial communities including bacteria, fungi, protists, viruses, and nematodes that colonize diverse plant tissues and coevolve intimately with their host. The primary objective of microbiome engineering is to improve plant performance by enhancing tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, increasing plant fitness, and boosting crop productivity. By discovering the modern approaches and plant-microbe interactions, many experts can design artificial microbial consortia and other biotechnological tools suited to specific crops and environmental conditions. Therefore, in current work special attention is given to the goals, applications, and advanced tools-such as genome editing, synthetic biology, metagenomics, and AI-driven modelling used to optimize plant-microbe interactions for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration. Further, recent advances in ecological, biochemical, and molecular approaches have also introduced a new paradigm for addressing microbiome-based challenges in agricultural management. In this context, microbiome engineering has emerged as a promising biotechnological strategy aimed at the targeted addition, removal, or modification of microbial community traits to achieve greater specificity and efficacy.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Sleytr UB, B Schuster (2026)

S-layers as natural building blocks for nanobiotechnology and synthetic biology.

Current opinion in microbiology, 92:102787 pii:S1369-5274(26)00081-0 [Epub ahead of print].

Crystalline bacterial cell surface layers (S-layers) are self-assembling protein lattices that constitute the outermost envelope structure of many Bacteria and most Archaea. Beyond their classical role as cell surface components, S-layers are increasingly recognized as programmable, two-dimensional biological materials that combine nanometer-scale precision, defined porosity, and exceptional physicochemical properties. In this review, we synthesize current understanding of S-layer architecture, assembly, and functionalization to position them as a unifying platform for nanobiotechnology and synthetic biology. We highlight how their intrinsic self-assembly and genetic engineerability enable the design of ordered biomolecular interfaces with applications ranging from molecular sieving, biosensors, biomineralization, and nanoscale patterning. Engineered S-layer fusion proteins allow the modular and spatially controlled display of functional domains, bridging bottom-up materials design with biological complexity. Beyond their technological relevance, S-layers play underappreciated roles in host-microbe interactions, where their structural regularity and surface accessibility shape immunogenicity and cellular recognition, with implications for vaccine development, targeted delivery, and microbiome engineering. We argue that overcoming current limitations in scalable production, stability, and system integration will be key to unlocking the full potential of S-layers as genetically programmable, bio-inspired interfaces, enabling a new class of adaptive nanomaterials and advancing the design principles of synthetic biological systems.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Sridhar A, JD Minna (2026)

Co-medications and gut microbiome in NSCLC immunotherapy.

The Lancet. Oncology pii:S1470-2045(26)00289-5 [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Brunetti L, Santo V, Pinato DJ, et al (2026)

Differential impact of proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics on immunotherapy efficacy after chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a post-hoc analysis of the PACIFIC trial.

The Lancet. Oncology pii:S1470-2045(26)00191-9 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Baseline exposure to antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors has been associated with reduced efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced tumours, possibly through gut microbiome disruption. Whether this outcome extends to those with earlier-stage disease remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association of baseline antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors with progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS: PACIFIC was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial done in patients aged 18 years or older with unresectable stage III squamous or non-squamous NSCLC, WHO performance status 0-1, and no progression after two or more cycles of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to durvalumab 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks for up to 12 months or placebo, starting 1-42 days after chemoradiotherapy; patients were stratified by age, sex, and smoking history. This post-hoc analysis was based on the final 5-year data cutoff date of the completed trial and included the treated population with consent for exploratory analyses. Co-primary endpoints were progression-free survival and overall survival, assessed according to baseline exposure to proton pump inhibitors and systemic antibiotics. This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02125461).

FINDINGS: Between May 9, 2014, and April 22, 2016, 713 patients were randomly assigned; 660 were included in this post-hoc analysis, of whom 449 received durvalumab and 211 received placebo; 203 (30·8%) were female and 453 (68·6%) were male. Race was reported as Asian in 153 (23·1%) patients, Black or African American in five (0·7%), White in 424 (64·2%), and unknown in 78 (11·8%). Baseline proton pump inhibitor exposure was recorded in 263 (40%) of 660 patients and antibiotic exposure was recorded in 69 (10%). Median follow-up in the pooled population was 62·4 (IQR 61·9-63·2) months. In the durvalumab group baseline exposure to proton pump inhibitors was associated with shorter progression-free survival (9·4 months [95% CI 7·6-13·7] vs 17·2 months [15·4-23·2]; hazard ratio [HR] 1·57 [95% CI 1·28-1·93]; p<0·0001) and overall survival (33·0 months [95% CI 21·9-46·7] vs 57·9 months [48·7-not computable (NC)]; HR 1·66 [95% CI 1·30-2·13]; p<0·0001) compared to no exposure to proton pump inhibitors, while baseline exposure to antibiotics was associated with shorter progression-free survival (9·2 months [95% CI 4·9-18·1] vs 15·6 months [13·6-17·6]; HR 1·50 [95% CI 1·08-2·10]; p=0·016) compared to no exposure to antibiotics, but there was no significant change in overall survival (37·7 months [95% CI 18·8-NC; 28 events] vs 49·2 months [39·7-57·3]; HR 1·33 [95% CI 0·90-1·97]; p=0·16). In the placebo group, neither proton pump inhibitor exposure nor antibiotic exposure was associated with changes in progression-free survival and overall survival. Interactions between treatment and proton pump inhibitors for progression-free survival (p=0·023) and overall survival (p<0·0001) were significant, but not for antibiotics.

INTERPRETATION: Baseline exposure to proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics was associated with inferior outcomes with durvalumab, but not with placebo, consistent with potential attenuation of the benefit of durvalumab with proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.

FUNDING: None.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Khalil W, Song H, Li Z, et al (2026)

Role of oral microbiome in cancer immunotherapy.

Seminars in cancer biology pii:S1044-579X(26)00069-6 [Epub ahead of print].

The oral microbiome is comparable to the gut microbiome in ecological complexity and is now recognized as a contributor to anticancer immune responses. Although the relationship between the gut microbiome and anticancer immunity is well established, the connection between the oral microbiome and anticancer immunity has received increasing attention, with accumulating evidence pointing to the direct effects of the oral microbiome on immune cell populations. The relationship between cancer and the oral microbiome is bidirectional: each influences the behavior of the other. The tumor microenvironment (TME) and oncological therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause oral microbiome dysbiosis. Once dysbiosis is established, it creates conditions that favor tumor initiation and recurrence through chronic inflammation and impaired immune surveillance. Furthermore, the oral microbiome indirectly affects distant cancers and contributes to systemic inflammation and microbial dissemination through gastrointestinal, respiratory, hematogenous, neurological, and lymphatic pathways. Prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and microbiota transplantation represent promising therapies targeting this microbial community to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Majeed A, Javaid MH, Mahreen N, et al (2026)

Nucleic acid and multi-omics approaches for understanding plant-microbiome interactions in grassland ecosystems.

International journal of biological macromolecules pii:S0141-8130(26)03296-4 [Epub ahead of print].

Grasslands are among the largest terrestrial biomes and play essential roles in livestock production, carbon sequestration and global food security. The productivity and resilience of these ecosystems are driven by complex molecular interactions between plants and their associated microbiomes. Although recent advances in nucleic acid research and multi-omics approaches have provided new insights into these interactions, the molecular mechanisms underpinning plant-microbiome interactions in these ecosystems remain insufficiently explored. This review synthesizes the latest progress in nucleic-acid and multi-omics approaches to better understand plant-microbiome interactions. It integrates nucleic acid-based technologies with multi-omics frameworks to explain plant-microbiome interactions across molecular, ecological, and management scales. By linking microbial community structure, functional genes, gene expression, metabolite profiles, ecosystem multifunctionality and sustainable grassland management, this review provides a broader framework for translating molecular insights into practical strategies for grassland resilience, productivity, and food security. Advances in amplicon sequencing, shotgun and long-read metagenomics, environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, plant and microbiome genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptomics have provided valuable insights into plant-microbiome interaction. This review highlights how these techniques enable functional and mechanistic understanding by linking microbial diversity with gene expression, nutrient cycling and plant performance. Additionally, long-read sequencing technologies provide genome-resolved analysis, improving the detection of structural and epigenetic variations, which are essential for understanding these interactions. These approaches reveal the role of beneficial microbes in enhancing grassland fertility, ultimately improving grassland productivity. Integrating these findings with metabolomics and phenomics offers a novel approach for predictive modeling in sustainable grassland management. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for standardized protocols, longitudinal field studies and experimental validation through synthetic communities and genome editing to harness plant-microbiome interactions for enhanced productivity and food security.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Becetti I, Lamont H, Dysart L, et al (2026)

Rationale, design, and statistical analysis plan for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Limosilactobacillus reuteri to support mother-infant bonding and maternal socioemotional functioning in postpartum women at increased risk for postpartum depression.

Contemporary clinical trials pii:S1551-7144(26)00185-0 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is common and can impair early mother-infant bonding. Oxytocin (OXT) supports socioemotional adaptation, yet intranasal OXT yields supraphysiological exposure and mixed results. The probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) increases endogenous oxytocin levels in rodents, suggesting that it may enhance OXT signaling via gut-brain pathways in humans. We designed a proof-of-concept trial to test whether postpartum L. reuteri improves early mother-infant bonding and maternal mental health, impulse control, and emotion recognition.

METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, mothers aged ≥18 years at elevated PPD risk (history of depression, prior PPD, and/or increased prenatal depressive symptoms) received 6 weeks of once-daily L. reuteri or placebo, stratified by delivery mode (vaginal/Cesarean section). The primary endpoint is mother-infant bonding quality at Week 6; secondary endpoints include maternal mental health, impulse control, and emotion recognition at Week 6. Salivary OXT at Week 2 serves as a mechanistic endpoint.

RESULTS: Forty-six participants (mean age ± SD: 34.3 ± 4.5 years) were enrolled and randomized; 38 (82.6%) completed the Week-6 visit. Baseline characteristics are reported.

CONCLUSION: This trial evaluates whether a lactation-compatible L. reuteri intervention targeting endogenous OXT improves early mother-infant bonding and maternal well-being. Findings will inform feasibility, safety, and effect size estimates, clarify OXT's mechanistic role in PPD pathophysiology, and guide development of microbiome-based therapeutics for perinatal mental health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04472065.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

He J, Xue Y, Ji C, et al (2026)

Integrated Microbiome and Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Dynamic Changes in Raw Camel Milk During Refrigeration Storage.

Journal of dairy science pii:S0022-0302(26)03065-1 [Epub ahead of print].

This study investigated microbial and metabolite dynamics in raw camel milk stored at 4°C. Physicochemical and microbial monitoring identified d 3 as a critical transition point, with samples from d 0, 1, 3, and 6 subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis. The dominant genera shifted from Lactococcus to Pseudomonas. Metabolomic analysis showed that non-volatile metabolites were primarily composed of esters, lipids, and organic acids, with 9 of these metabolites exhibiting a continuous increasing trend. Similarly, the levels of volatile metabolites, including ketones, esters, and alcohols also increased gradually throughout refrigeration. Correlation analysis linked Lactococcus to organic acid production, while Pseudomonas was associated with esters and lipids. These findings highlight microbial succession and metabolite shifts as key determinants of refrigerated camel milk quality, providing theoretical support for improved quality control and product development.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Gao S, Yin N, Wei R, et al (2026)

Oral microbiome modulation mitigates hyperglycemia exacerbation in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Nature communications pii:10.1038/s41467-026-74917-w [Epub ahead of print].

Dysglycaemia and periodontal inflammation frequently co-occur during pregnancy, but the microbial mechanisms linking these conditions and their potential for intervention remain incompletely understood. Here, we establish prospective pregnancy cohorts including more than 2500 volunteers and longitudinally profile oral microbiome dynamics in 534 pregnant women. We show that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with a progressive shift from Streptococcus-dominated oral microbiota to Prevotella/Porphyromonas-enriched dysbiosis. In mouse and cellular models, this dysbiotic oral microbiota induces periodontal inflammation, systemic IL-17 and IL-1β responses, suppression of glucagon-like peptide-1 and insulin, and exacerbation of hyperglycemia. Conversely, oral microbiota remodeling through transplantation of Streptococcus-dominated bacteria attenuates periodontal inflammation, restores glucagon-like peptide-1 and insulin levels, and improves glycaemic status in mice. Salivary metabolomics identifies docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) depletion in GDM, and in vitro assays show selective suppression of dysbiosis-associated oral pathogens by DHA. We therefore test topical gingival DHA in a double-blind randomized controlled trial of 40 pregnant women with GDM (ChiCTR2400080741), with probing depth and fasting blood glucose as primary endpoints and gingival index, attachment loss and plaque index as secondary endpoints. Daily gingival DHA application for six weeks improves probing depth and attenuates fasting glucose increase compared with placebo, with median fasting glucose changes from baseline of 0.10 versus 0.27 mmol/L. Together, these findings identify oral dysbiosis as a microbial driver of periodontal and glycaemic deterioration during pregnancy and support oral microbiome modulation as a potential adjunctive strategy for pregnancy care, although the clinical findings remain preliminary and require validation in larger trials with broader glycaemic endpoints.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Dai D, Wang P, Zhang H, et al (2026)

Temporal landscapes of the gut microbiota-host axis reveal mechanisms of age-related eggshell quality decline in laying hens.

NPJ biofilms and microbiomes pii:10.1038/s41522-026-01079-4 [Epub ahead of print].

Age-related shifts in the gut microbiota of laying hens significantly affect eggshell quality. However, the temporal interactions of the gut microbiota during the eggshell mineralization cycle remain unclear. Existing research often overlooks the rhythmic synchronization required for mineralization, as well as the specific cellular landscape of the aging intestine that impairs effective host-microbe crosstalk. We integrated 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, untargeted metabolomics, and single-cell RNA sequencing to compare young and aged hens during the initial (7 h post-oviposition) and rapid growth (17 h post-oviposition) phases of eggshell mineralization. Aged hens exhibited significantly lower eggshell strength, thickness, and Ca/P concentrations (P < 0.05), which were associated with mitochondrial cristae disruption and necrocytosis in ileal tissues. 16S and metagenomic analyses revealed that young hens maintain stochastic microbial assembly, whereas aged hens shift toward deterministic processes driven by environmental stress. Rhythmic shifts in Lactobacillus and Ligilactobacillus were observed in young hens, supporting energy metabolism and mineral absorption pathways. In contrast, the aged hen microbiome remained focused on basal survival and oxidative stress responses. scRNA-seq identified nine cell populations, highlighting T cell exhaustion and HIF-1-driven metabolic reprogramming in epithelial cells of aged hens. Mediation analysis identified Ligilactobacillus salivarius as a keystone species that enhances eggshell breaking strength and thickness by increasing rhamnose and tyrosol levels and modulating host CALB1 and BLB2 expression. These findings indicate that aging disrupts proactive host-microbe synergy required for eggshell formation and identify L. salivarius-derived metabolites as promising candidates for restoring mineralization function in aged hens.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Sun Y, Cheng X, Zhou J, et al (2026)

Bio-stimulants improve tomato growth by regulating the rhizosphere microbiome involved in phosphorus and nitrogen cycling.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-59808-w [Epub ahead of print].

Bio-stimulants are promising environment friendly alternatives to support sustainable agricultural development, capable of boosting crop growth and yield while cutting down excessive dependence on chemical synthetic fertilizers. Nevertheless, the explicit regulatory mechanisms by which bio-stimulants exert the role of growth-promoting functions still remain largely unclear and require further systematic clarification. In this study, we explored the influences of bio-stimulants (rich in humic acid) on tomato growth performance and rhizosphere microbial community assembly via greenhouse trials, and comparatively analyzed the functional differences between foliar spraying and root irrigation application modes. The results demonstrated that bio-stimulants treatment markedly improved tomato aboveground biomass, plant nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation by 17.1%, 27.4% and 22.7%, respectively. Meanwhile, bio-stimulants application effectively raised soil available nitrogen and soil organic matter levels, and further facilitated phosphorus assimilation in tomato plants. Metagenomic sequencing confirmed that bio-stimulants substantially reshaped the overall structure and composition of tomato rhizosphere microbiome. Specifically, they dramatically enriched the relative abundance of core microbial taxa responsible for soil nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization. Collectively, these results clearly elaborate the underlying action mechanism: bio-stimulants optimize rhizosphere micro-ecological environment, enrich functional nutrient-solubilizing microorganisms, improve soil nutrient availability, and ultimately promote nutrient absorption and vegetative growth of tomato plants. This study confirms that bio-stimulants can serve as efficient and reliable regulators to advance green and sustainable crop production.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Basting CM, Schroeder TA, Ferbas KG, et al (2026)

Gut barrier integrity biomarkers are associated with increased inflammation and predict disease status in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-59934-5 [Epub ahead of print].

The COVID-19 global pandemic persists as an endemic disease with case spikes and a significant continued burden on public health. One hallmark of severe COVID-19 is a dysregulated immune response that leads to systemic inflammation and contributes to disease severity but is not explained by viral replication alone. Severe COVID-19 has been shown to disrupt the gut microbiome and increase intestinal permeability which may contribute to immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation. Here, we investigated the differences in plasma biomarkers for intestinal permeability as well as circulating cytokines between healthy volunteers and patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Correlation analyses were used to characterize differences in biomarker relationships between groups, and a random forest model was used to assess their discriminative accuracy. Our results demonstrated that hospitalized COVID-19 patients have elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microbial translocation markers, and the relationships between these biomarkers were significantly altered compared to healthy volunteers, especially those related to mucosa-associated homeostatic cytokines IL-17A and IL-23. Further, IL-6 and LBP were the top biomarkers for prediction accuracy in the random forest model. This work highlights the importance of managing microbial translocation in COVID-19 and its potential utility as a biomarker for disease severity.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Davis ET, Afshin EE, Stratigakis N, et al (2026)

Microbial characterization of oral microbiome in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-59687-1 [Epub ahead of print].

Glaucoma is a progressive optic nerve degenerative disease that often leads to blindness. Local inflammatory responses in the retina and optic nerve are implicated in the pathology of glaucoma. In addition, microbial populations in other parts of the body have been linked to glaucoma. To explore the relationship between oral health and glaucoma we queried the FinnGen database (Risteys 10.0) to assess whether poor oral health carries an increased risk of subsequently developing primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). In a separate study, we also collected mouthwash samples and administered a questionnaire relating to oral health status to a cohort of participants enrolled in Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS) that included 107 participants with glaucoma and 19 healthy non-glaucomatous controls. 16S sequencing was performed to characterize the number of bacteria species and total bacteria count of the samples. A significant association between having dental conditions affecting the teeth, gingiva, or periodontium and developing glaucoma after 1 year, 1-5 years, 5-15 years and cumulatively was detected in the FinnGen data, a population of 429,209 with at least 153,661 having a dental condition and 10,687 having POAG. Among the cohort of the DIGS ancillary study, the total bacterial count of the glaucoma group was significantly higher compared to that of controls (Mean ± SD: 1.7 ± 1.4 and 0.9 ± 0.6, respectively, p < 0.03, two-sample t-test), while the species richness was significantly lower in glaucoma subjects compared to controls (p < 0.0005, Wilcoxon rank sum test). While the top taxa ordered by total abundance were similar between the two groups, mostly organisms associated with the commensal oral microbiome, there were some taxa linked with periodontal disease that were associated with glaucoma cases. However, the study was underpowered for the differences in top taxa between the glaucoma and non-glaucomatous control groups to achieve statistical significance (< 0.05) after adjusting for multiple comparison testing. A different bacterial abundance profile was detected between cases and controls by stepwise linear discriminant analysis. Inclusion of sleep apnea and the presence of cardiovascular disease as covariates in the analysis models did not significantly affect the results. Answers to the questionnaire about oral health and oral/dental history did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The above findings suggest a potential link between oral health and glaucoma that may warrant further investigation.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Parthiban R, Bhavya E, Shireen SM, et al (2026)

Neonatal predictors of neurodevelopment: the interplay between APGAR score and neonatal microbiome.

Irish journal of medical science [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Neonatology has made significant advances in identifying factors that influence long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in newborns. Among these, APGAR scores and the neonatal microbiome have emerged as important determinants of neurological development.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current evidence regarding the relationship between APGAR scores, neonatal microbiome composition, and neurodevelopmental outcomes and to explore their combined influence on neurodevelopmental pathways.

RESULTS: The APGAR score remains an important clinical tool for assessing neonatal health immediately after birth, with low scores often indicating potential central nervous system compromise. However, its ability to predict long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes remains variable. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of the gut-brain axis and neonatal microbiome in shaping neurodevelopment. Alterations in microbial colonization may contribute to inflammatory processes and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder. Current findings suggest that APGAR scores and microbiome composition may act synergistically in influencing neurodevelopmental trajectories.

CONCLUSION: Understanding the interplay between APGAR scoring, neonatal microbiome composition, and central nervous system development may enhance early risk assessment and facilitate the development of personalized microbiome-targeted interventions. Further research is warranted to clarify these relationships and improve strategies for preventing long-term neurological complications.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Yuan J, Zhang XY, Yang S, et al (2026)

Peripartum hypophosphatemia is associated with a hindgut-centered microbiota-metabolite-host axis in transition dairy cows.

NPJ biofilms and microbiomes pii:10.1038/s41522-026-01078-5 [Epub ahead of print].

The transition period in dairy cows is accompanied by profound shifts in mineral homeostasis and gut microbial ecology. While endocrine regulation of hypocalcemia has been extensively characterized, adaptive responses to hypophosphatemia-and the potential involvement of the gut microbiota-have received far less attention. Twenty-four Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to control or low-phosphorus groups. Hypophosphatemia was induced by dietary supplementation with 300 g/d synthetic zeolite from 21 days prepartum to 3 days postpartum. Blood and feces samples were collected at -21, -7, 0, 1, and 3 d relative to calving for longitudinal analysis of physiology, hindgut microbiome and plasma metabolomics to investigate host-microbiome adaptation to peripartum hypophosphatemia in dairy cows. Cows with hypophosphatemia exhibited pronounced compositional remodeling of their hindgut microbiota and extensive, persistent alterations in their plasma metabolome, with glycerophospholipid metabolism being a consistently affected pathway. Integrated correlation and mediation analyses revealed close associations between hindgut microbial variation, host metabolic reprogramming, and circulating phosphorus dynamics. In addition, a plasma feature putatively annotated as α-methyl-m-tyrosine (AMT) was identified as a candidate statistical mediator associated with the observed relationships between Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group abundance with systematic phosphorus concentrations. Collectively, these findings indicate that peripartum hypophosphatemia in dairy cows is accompanied by coordinated host metabolic and hindgut microbial remodeling, supporting a hindgut-centered host-metabolite-microbiome framework for understanding phosphorus adaptation during early lactation.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Steele S, Mazengenya P, R Chambuso (2026)

Pathology-derived clinical micro-architectural diagnostics of tumour-microbiome interactions in colorectal cancer.

Journal of translational medicine pii:10.1186/s12967-026-08426-1 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Classical tumour pathology reports contain a largely untapped layer of information that may indicate tumour-microbial interactions. However, routine colorectal cancer pathology staging does not take into account microbiome-associated tumour micro-architecture signatures, thus limiting insights into intratumoral microbial ecology, prognostic stratification and treatment-relevant microbial information. In this study, we analysed scanned USA pathology reports to quantify likely intratumoral microbiome-associated micro-architectural signatures.

METHODS: We studied 1,978 TCGA colorectal cancer pathology reports from 1,249 colon adenocarcinomas, 559 rectal adenocarcinomas and 170 reports without a definitive anatomic site using rule-based natural language processing to extract microbiome-linked micro-architectural features. Barrier-disruption and invasion-access signatures were identified from the reports as microbiome-associated pathology micro-architecture signatures that occur with microbial-related necrosis, hypoxia, toxins, colonisation, persistence, metabolic activity and/or tumour interaction. We developed a z-scored composite index called Report-based Microbial Ecology Likelihood Score (RMELS) and used Kaplan-Meier log-rank analyses, multivariable Cox regression, Kruskal-Wallis tests and receiver operation characteristic curves with bootstrap confidence intervals. Proportional hazards assumptions were tested for statistical significance at two-sided p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Microbiome-associated pathology micro-architectural signatures were highly prevalent in the pathology reports. Barrier-disruption features, including ulceration (41.1%) and mucin alteration (16.7%), were common and increased with tumour stage (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.0001). Prominent invasion-access features included infiltrative growth (59.4%, 95% CI 57.2-61.5), lymphovascular invasion (18.6%, 95% CI 17.0-20.4) and perineural invasion (22.9%, 95% CI 21.1-24.8). All showed heterogeneous, non-monotonic distributions across pathologic stages, indicating activation of microbial injury and invasion programmes. Integration of these features into our signature score, ordered tumours along a continuous microbiome-permissiveness gradient independent of pathological stage. With limited information, our signature score discriminated early (T1) from advanced (T4) disease more effectively than barrier or invasion features alone (AUC = 0.66, 95% CI 0.58-0.74, p < 0.0001). Right-sided colonic tumours exhibited significantly higher scores than left-sided colonic and rectal tumours (FDR q < 0.001), aligning with known microbial biogeography. In multivariable Cox models adjusted for pathological stage, our signature score RMELS showed modest but directionally consistent association with overall and progression-free survival, capturing microbiology-relevant risk not resolved by pathological staging.

CONCLUSIONS: Routine classical colorectal cancer pathology reports contain intratumoral microbiome-associated pathology micro-architectural signatures. Quantifying these exploratory tumour-microbial signatures using digital pathology will enable scalable, microbiology-informed risk stratification and prognostic modelling to complement the current pathological staging.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Putpim A, Noonin C, Chawanpaiboon P, et al (2026)

Lactobacillus acidophilus abolishes oxalate-mediated renal epithelial barrier disruption and calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal adhesion to renal epithelial cells.

Cellular & molecular biology letters pii:10.1186/s11658-026-00985-x [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: It is generally known that kidney stone disease (KSD) is associated with alterations in urinary microbiome, but the roles of the urinary microbiome in KSD pathogenesis remain unclear.

METHODS: This study addressed the impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus (a commensal bacterium found in normal urine) on renal epithelial integrity, calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal-cell adhesion, expression of membrane receptors of COM crystals, and oxalate degradation under oxalate-induced stress (a known inducer of KSD). Inner medullary collecting duct cells (mIMCD-3) were cultured for 24 h under control or oxalate-induced (by 0.6 mM sodium oxalate; NaOx) conditions without or with L. acidophilus (at 1 × 10[3] colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml) co-incubation.

RESULTS: NaOx reduced transepithelial resistance (TER) of the mIMCD-3 monolayer and downregulated ZO-1, a tight junction (TJ) protein. Additionally, NaOx enhanced the COM crystal-binding capability of mIMCD-3 cells by upregulating a COM crystal receptor, annexin A2, on cell membranes. Such harmful effects of NaOx were abolished when mIMCD-3 cells were co-cultured with L. acidophilus. Moreover, culturing L. acidophilus in artificial urine (AU) supplemented with NaOx for 24 h revealed that the oxalate level in AU decreased, suggesting the oxalate-degrading activity of the bacterium in an AU environment.

CONCLUSIONS: L. acidophilus prevented oxalate-mediated renal epithelial barrier disruption and COM crystal adhesion to renal epithelial cells by preserving ZO-1 and annexin A2 expression at their basal levels, at least in part, via its oxalate-degrading property.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable (This is not a clinical trial).

RevDate: 2026-07-03

Ismail H, Al-Daoud F, G Mushtaq (2026)

Association between dental plaque index and COVID-19 severity: a cross-sectional study in a conflict-affected humanitarian setting.

BMC oral health pii:10.1186/s12903-026-09169-7 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 shows marked variation in clinical severity. Identifying demographic and clinical factors associated with severity is particularly important in conflict-affected, resource-limited settings. This study assessed the relationship between COVID-19 symptom severity and selected variables, including sex, age, marital status, and dental plaque index, among patients in northwest Syria.

METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from 12 October to 23 November 2021 in three COVID-19 isolation centers in northwest Syria. Sixty adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled through consecutive screening with purposive quota balancing by clinical severity category, resulting in 20 patients in each of the mild, moderate, and severe groups. Demographic data were recorded, and oral examination was performed by one trained examiner to assess plaque index using the modified Greene-Vermillion index. Associations were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation, Pearson correlation, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and chi-squared test, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: The sample included 38 females (63.3%) and 22 males (36.7%), aged 18-82 years. COVID-19 severity was significantly associated with sex, with greater severity among males (Spearman's ρ = - 0.428, p = 0.001). Age showed a weak but significant positive correlation with severity (Pearson's r = 0.287, p = 0.026). Marital status was also associated with severity (Spearman's ρ = 0.329, p = 0.010), although this relationship appeared to be strongly confounded by age. Dental plaque index showed a moderate positive association with COVID-19 severity (Spearman's ρ = 0.533, 95% CI: 0.307-0.702; p < 0.001), indicating that higher plaque accumulation was associated with more severe symptoms.

CONCLUSION: In this conflict-affected humanitarian setting, male sex, older age, and higher dental plaque index were significantly associated with increased COVID-19 symptom severity. These findings are preliminary and should be interpreted cautiously because of the cross-sectional design, small sample size, and limited data on potential confounders. Nevertheless, the study contributes evidence from an underrepresented crisis-affected population and suggests that oral health assessment may have value as part of broader COVID-19 risk evaluation in resource-constrained settings.

RevDate: 2026-07-03

He N, Tian J, Wu J, et al (2026)

Optimal dietary nano-VD3 enhances growth performance and bone development in broilers through remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolites.

BMC veterinary research pii:10.1186/s12917-026-05558-w [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Skeletal maldevelopment is a significant challenge in broiler production, causing substantial economic losses. Vitamin D3 (VD3) plays a critical role in poultry skeletal health, but its optimal dietary inclusion level for medium-growth broilers remains to be determined due to bioavailability differences among forms. This study investigated the effects of dietary VD3 levels (conventional vs. nano-formulated) on growth performance, bone development, and gut microbiota composition and metabolite profile in broilers. A total of 420 one-day-old male Luhua broilers were randomly assigned to four groups in an 84-day experiment: a control group fed a basal diet, and three treatment groups supplemented with 3,750 IU/kg conventional VD3 (CVD), 2,500 IU/kg low-dose nano-VD3 (LNVD), or 3,750 IU/kg high-dose nano-VD3 (HNVD).

RESULTS: Both CVD and LNVD significantly enhanced average daily gain (ADG) and bone development by improving bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD), mechanical properties (yield strength, stiffness, Elastic modulus), increasing calcium and ash content, and upregulating osteogenic gene expression (ALP, OC, OPG, BMP1) in the femur and tibia. Compared to CVD, LNVD led to significantly higher ADG from days 1-84 and greater bone indices at days 28, 56 and 84, including fresh bone weight (FBW), fat-free dry weight (FFDW), yield strength, elastic modulus, and calcium and ash content in the femur and tibia. In contrast, HNVD significantly decreased ADG and bone indices. Furthermore, cecal microbiome and metabolomics analysis showed that LNVD increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Ligilactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, NK4A214_group) and key metabolites (e.g., butyric acid, kynurenic acid, glutathione), while reducing harmful taxa (e.g., Desulfovibrio, Campylobacter_jejuni) and detrimental metabolites (e.g., leukotriene E3, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-Cys-Gly conjugate). These shifts significantly correlated with improved growth and bone traits.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, 2,500 IU/kg nano-VD₃ is recommended as the optimal supplementation level for Luhua broilers under the conditions of this study, offering a strategy to enhance VD₃ nutrition and skeletal health.

RevDate: 2026-07-04

Ma K, Zhang Q, Jin Z, et al (2026)

Gut microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles: bridging microbial-host crosstalk in metabolic disorders.

Cell communication and signaling : CCS pii:10.1186/s12964-026-03034-4 [Epub ahead of print].

Gut microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles have emerged as crucial mediators in microbe-host communication, not only facilitating intracellular communication, quorum sensing, and horizontal gene transfer among bacteria but also playing a central role in cross-kingdom dialogue. In recent years, bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) have attracted widespread attention due to their ability to carry a diverse array of bioactive molecules-such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids-and deliver them to host cells, thereby precisely regulating host metabolic and immune homeostasis. This review systematically elaborates the entire biological process of BEVs, from their biogenesis to functional interactions with host cells, with a specific emphasis on revealing their roles in the pathogenesis of various metabolic diseases-including obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), atherosclerosis, and hypertension-at both molecular and cellular levels. Furthermore, leveraging their inherent stability, biocompatibility, and targeting capabilities, we discuss the translational potential and challenges of BEVs in the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disorders. Beyond summarizing the latest research advances on BEVs in metabolic disorders, this review provides a critical analysis of current mechanistic insights and clinical translation pathways, aiming to establish a theoretical framework for developing novel microbiome-based metabolic interventions. Deciphering the BEV-mediated microbiota-host interaction network holds promise for pioneering new strategies for the precision prevention and treatment of metabolic disease.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Lee D, Jeong H, Gwon H, et al (2026)

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7715 Attenuates Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurobiological Aging-Related Changes by Modulating Senescence-Associated Markers and Gut Microbiota.

Journal of microbiology and biotechnology, 36:e2604063.

External stressors can accelerate biological aging-related processes by promoting oxidative stress and senescence-associated molecular alterations in the brain. This study investigated the potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HY7715 to attenuate oxidative stress-induced neurobiological aging-related changes using H2O2-induced HT22 hippocampal cells and a restraint-stressed mouse model. In HT22 cells, HY7715 reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation, decreased 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, and lowered the proportion of senescence-associated β-galactosidase-positive cells. These effects were accompanied by suppression of p53/p21 signaling and restoration of Tert expression. In restraint-stressed mice, HY7715 reduced the number of p21-positive cells in the hippocampus, significantly lowered p53 expression, restored Tert expression, reduced Il-6 expression, and improved antioxidant-related gene expression, including Gpx1 and Sod1. Microbiome analysis showed that HY7715 reshaped the stress-altered gut microbiota toward a Lactobacillus-enriched profile and reduced the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Acetatifactor, Desulfovibrio, and Oscillibacter. Collectively, these findings suggest that HY7715 may attenuate oxidative stress-induced neurobiological aging-related changes by modulating senescence-associated molecular markers and stress-altered gut microbiota, highlighting its potential as a candidate for supporting healthy brain aging.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Jakubczyk D, Pyclik M, Kozakiewicz D, et al (2026)

Comprehensive Protocol for Handling Human Small Airway Epithelial Cells (HSAECs) to Establish Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) Cultures With TEER-Based Barrier Integrity Assessment.

Bio-protocol, 16(11):e5699.

Understanding epithelial barrier function is essential for studying both its normal physiology and its role in disease, yet choosing an appropriate experimental model remains challenging. Animal models are commonly used but often suffer from interspecies differences that limit translational relevance. Human-derived cell lines offer a more suitable alternative, although establishing them often requires immortalisation strategies that involve overexpression of oncogenes, which can introduce phenotypic and functional changes. In contrast, primary cells, such as human small airway epithelial cells (HSAECs), provide a more physiologically accurate model. A critical aspect of replicating the native respiratory environment is maintaining continuous air exposure, which can be achieved through air-liquid interface (ALI) culture. This protocol provides a unified, step-by-step workflow for cultivating primary HSAECs under ALI conditions, covering the entire process from initial recovery after cryopreservation to the formation of a barrier-like layer. The protocol incorporates non-invasive methods such as transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements to monitor its integrity. While individual elements of this workflow have been described separately in different studies, a consolidated version encompassing the full workflow has not been widely available. This resource is intended for researchers with limited experience in airway epithelial culture and offers practical, clear guidance through each step of the process. Key features • Using primary HSAECs enables modelling the human respiratory barrier while avoiding limitations of immortalised or animal-derived cell lines. • ALI culture technique allows continuous air exposure, closely resembling in vivo conditions for airway epithelial cells. • TEER measurement offers a non-invasive, rapid method to assess epithelial barrier integrity without damaging the cultured cell layer. • Protocol supports barrier function studies, including but not limited to respiratory infections, allergic responses, toxicology screening, microbiome interactions, and drug delivery investigation.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Park JW, Choi SA, Kim JW, et al (2026)

Anti-inflammatory effect of Canis familiaris (dog) gingival derived microorganisms on Porphyromonas gingivalis derived lipopolysaccharide treated RAW 264.7 macrophage.

Journal of animal science and technology, 68(3):875-888.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is recognized for its significant association with periodontal diseases, encompassing conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. P. gingivalis infiltrates periodontal tissues, liberating diverse outer membrane vesicles, notably lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These vesicles serve as triggers for innate immune responses, fostering inflammation. For this reason, LPS is commonly studied in research as a key tool for exploring microbiome infection and colonization dynamics. In the present study, we discovered a Canis familiaris Canine derived novel microbiome associated with the reduction of PG-LPS. We identified C. familiaris Canine derived microbiome, and we cultured candidate effective microbiome. Subsequently, in order to investigate the PG-LPS reducing effects of the microbiome, we conducted RAW 264.7 macrophage culture. We validated the expression patterns of inflammation marker genes on microbiome treatment in PG-LPS induced RAW 264.7. As a result, concentration of Nitric oxide, which were used for inflammation markers were decreased by candidate microbiome treatment. In addition, inflammation marker genes (interleukin 1 beta [IL1B], interleukin 6 [IL6], and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-a]) were down regulated in microbiome and LPS co-treatment while it was up-regulated in RAW 264.7 cell induced with LPS as control group, which suggested that the candidate microbiome may have reduced the inflammation, but the mechanism in which this would have been done is yet known. Further studies should focus on elucidating the mechanism associated with candidate microbiomes and Inflammation reduction.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Ku JY, Lee MJ, Jung Y, et al (2026)

Differences in gut microbiome of Hanwoo (Korean indigenous cattle) calves as driven by bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus infection.

Journal of animal science and technology, 68(3):904-916.

The gut microbiome of cattle suppresses pathogens and aids host immunity. However, the gut microbiome of newborn calves is still developing; therefore, diarrhea caused by pathogen infection is common. Rapid changes in the gut microbiome due to diarrhea have a significant impact on the health and growth of calves. Until recently, there have been few studies on the changes in the gut microbiome following infection with major digestive pathogens that cause diarrhea in Hanwoo (Korean indigenous cattle) calves. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify viral digestive pathogens that cause severe diarrhea in Hanwoo calves. Seven normal calves without diarrhea and eight calves with diarrhea were selected, and their feces were collected to analyze pathogens and the gut microbiome. Bovine rotavirus (BRV) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) were detected in the feces of the calves with diarrhea. There was no significant difference in the alpha diversity of the microbiome between normal calves and calves infected with viruses; however, a significant decrease in NPShannon and Shannon indices and a significant increase in Simpson index were observed in calves infected with BRV compared to calves infected with BCoV. In addition, beta diversity of the microbiome differed distinctly between normal calves and calves infected with BRV or BCoV. At the class level, BRV infection increased Gammaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria, whereas BCoV infection increased Clostridia and decreased Bacilli. In addition, the abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly reduced upon infection with BRV and BCoV. In this study, we confirmed the differences in the gut microbiome based on viral pathogens causing diarrhea in Hanwoo calves. The results of pathogen-targeting research are expected to be helpful in preventing common pathogens in calves.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Zicos MH, Barnes I, Frantz L, et al (2026)

Megaherbivore coprolite DNA: yields and comparison of three ancient DNA extraction protocols on coprolites of giant ground sloth Mylodon darwinii.

PeerJ, 14:e21009.

Coprolites offer rich potential for palaeodietary studies as snapshots of past dietary behaviour and environment. They require adapted laboratory methods to retrieve the DNA of the depositor, its microbiome, diet and environmental taxa. Here we compare the performance of three common ancient DNA (aDNA) extraction methods to recover metagenomes from coprolites of Darwin's ground sloth Mylodon darwinii from Cueva del Milodón (Chile). The Qiagen PowerSoil Kit outperformed the other two methods in terms of DNA recovery and library complexity, but the communities inferred from the DNA extracted by the three methods were similar. We were able to recover signatures of local Patagonian flora, as well as sloth mitochondrial genomes, confirming the taxonomic identity of the coprolite depositors.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

He Y, Wang X, Hu Q, et al (2026)

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes are associated with changes in renal injury markers, gut microbiota composition, and inflammatory signaling in IgA nephropathy.

Frontiers in immunology, 17:1854005.

BACKGROUND: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease, yet disease-specific therapeutic options remain limited. Emerging evidence implicates gut microbiota dysbiosis and innate immune activation, particularly NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome-related signaling, in IgAN pathogenesis. However, whether human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hUCMSC-Exos) are associated with changes in renal injury and gut-immune-related parameters in IgAN remains unclear.

METHODS: hUCMSC-Exos were isolated and administered to an IgAN-like mouse model. Renal function, histopathological changes, and systemic inflammatory markers were assessed. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and exploratory microbial co-occurrence networks were constructed. In vitro, podocytes stimulated with galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) were used to evaluate inflammasome-related markers following exosome exposure. Transcriptomic data from human IgAN glomeruli (GSE93798) were analyzed to explore inflammatory and immune-related gene signatures.

RESULTS: hUCMSC-Exos were associated with changes in renal injury markers in IgAN-like mice, along with alterations in gut microbial composition. Microbiome analysis showed a shift toward a microbial profile closer to controls, with enrichment of bacterial taxa previously reported in association with gut metabolic homeostasis in other cohorts, including Anaerostipes, Dorea, and Ruminococcus. These taxa showed correlations with renal dysfunction indicators and inflammatory markers and were identified as hub taxa in an exploratory co-occurrence network. Transcriptomic analysis of human IgAN glomeruli revealed altered expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-related signaling components, suggesting context-dependent inflammatory activity requiring further validation. In vitro, hUCMSC-Exos were associated with reduced levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 in Gd-IgA1-stimulated podocytes.

CONCLUSIONS: hUCMSC-Exos were associated with changes in renal injury markers in an IgAN-like model, accompanied by alterations in gut microbiota composition and inflammasome-related inflammatory markers. These findings are consistent with a potential association between gut microbiota, innate immune-related signaling, and renal injury in IgAN. hUCMSC-Exos may represent a cell-free candidate for further investigation in IgAN. However, these observations are descriptive and associative in nature, and causal mechanisms cannot be inferred from the present study.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Wu Y, Li H, Peng Y, et al (2026)

Sustained complete response to TMEp-CI-M platform in refractory small-cell lung cancer with brainstem metastasis: a case report with over 20 months of disease-free survival.

Frontiers in immunology, 17:1807865.

BACKGROUND: Brainstem metastasis from small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is exceedingly rare and is associated with a dismal prognosis. This study presents a case of brainstem metastasis from SCLC treated with the TMEp-CI-M platform, achieving no evidence of disease (NED) for more than 20 months. The TMEp-CI-M platform is designed to overcome resistance in immunologically "cold" tumors through sequential tumor microenvironment priming (TMEp), checkpoint inhibition (CI), and microbiome modulation. We have previously reported its efficacy in pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and colorectal cancer.

CASE INTRODUCTION: A 60-year-old male with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-negative extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and brainstem metastasis received the TMEp-CI-M regimen. The TMEp phase integrated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), low-dose etoposide, and anlotinib, followed by CI with the programmed death 1 (PD-1)/cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) bispecific antibody cadonilimab and concurrent probiotic supplementation. The patient's pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) level normalized after the first cycle (from 1803 pg/mL to 23.71 pg/mL) during a total of 6 treatment cycles. At the time of this report (20 months after treatment initiation), the patient remains NED, with only Grade 1 hypothyroidism as an adverse event.

CONCLUSION: The TMEp-CI-M platform may enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in ES-SCLC, enabling durable responses even in patients with brainstem metastases. Although this platform has demonstrated promise across multiple tumor types, further prospective and mechanistic studies are warranted to confirm its clinical utility.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Yang Y, Zhang H, Shuang Q, et al (2026)

Bacterial microbiome and flavor metabolome shifts in traditional Hinggan league sauerkraut fermentation.

Food chemistry. Molecular sciences, 13:100430.

Microbial diversity is crucial for the flavor and quality of fermented vegetables. The unique geography and fermentation techniques of Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia, endow local sauerkraut with distinctive characteristics; however, the association between its microbiota and metabolites, as well as the underlying flavor formation mechanism, remains unclear, representing a gap in current research. Therefore, this study systematically investigated the interactions between microbial communities and metabolites during traditional sauerkraut fermentation in Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia, before and after fermentation. Using MiSeq sequencing technology, the core microbiota was identified, mainly including Lactobacillus, Halomonas, and Psychrobacter, with specific strains Azospirillum and Aureimonas observed exclusively in pre-fermentation (VC) samples. Metabolomics analysis detected a total of 335 abundant metabolites, among which 146 upregulated metabolites such as organic acids, amino acids, and fatty acid derivatives significantly accumulated during the late fermentation stage. Notably, 3-phenyllactic acid and 5-aminovaleric acid were the most representative characteristic metabolites. Metabolites pathway enrichment analysis revealed that arginine and proline metabolism, alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism, and cyanoamino acid metabolism were the major pathways significantly activated during fermentation, closely associated with energy metabolism, acid-base homeostasis regulation, and flavor generation. Correlation analysis showed a strong association between Lactococcus and 31 flavor compounds, including palmitic acid, L-phenylalanine, and heptadecanoic acid. Functional annotation indicated that Lactococcus-driven protein degradation, amino acid conversion, and lipolytic activities generate key precursors for sour and umami flavor development. Collectively, this study elucidates the microbial community succession characteristics, inter-microbial interaction patterns, and the associated metabolic regulation mechanisms of flavor formation during sauerkraut fermentation, providing a theoretical basis for the targeted modulation of characteristic flavor compound synthesis and the optimization of traditional fermentation processes.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Wu Y, Lu Z, Ma S, et al (2026)

The variation profile of associated microbiota in juvenile whelk Hemifusus tuba (Gmelin, 1791) in dietary transition.

Frontiers in microbiology, 17:1843060.

Hemifusus tuba (Gmelin, 1791) is a commercial marine gastropod that undergoes an ontogenetic dietary transition from egg-capsule nutrition (lecithotrophy) to herbivory and finally to lifelong carnivory. How associated microbiota respond to this feeding habit transition remained largely unexplored. Here, we characterized taxonomic composition, diversity and functional prediction of associated microbiota in H. tuba across three dietary stages (CK, egg-capsule nutrition or lecithotrophic; He, herbivory; Ca, carnivory) using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. A total of 457,412 high-quality reads from 14 libraries were clustered into 12,091 OTUs, identifying 811 genera within 38 phyla. And five dominant phyla (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Planctomycetota) accounted for 99% of total abundance and formed the core microbiota. Alpha diversity increased from CK to He and peaked in Ca, whereas beta diversity analyses consistently separated Ca from CK and He, indicating microbiota restructuring following the transition to carnivory. During the feeding habit transition, Proteobacteria and Planctomycetota increased, while Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteriota declined. LEfSe identified Hyphomicrobiales/Bradyrhizobiaceae, Burkholderiales/Betaproteobacteria, and Rhodobacterales/Roseobacteraceae as biomarkers for CK, He, and Ca, respectively. PICRUSt2 functional predictions indicated that CK enriched for tryptophan and butyrate metabolism and fatty acid degradation, whereas Ca appeared to be enriched for methane and pyruvate metabolism and the TCA cycle. These diet-associated microbiome shifts might facilitate nutrient utilization and energy metabolism during feeding habit transition, and provided microbial candidates for feed optimization in H. tuba domestication.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Carbone RG, AM Russell (2026)

Editorial: Deciphering the microbiome's role in the progression of interstitial lung diseases.

Frontiers in medicine, 13:1879251.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Mei L, Zhang P, Xiang T, et al (2026)

Pyroptosis-immunity-microbiome axis in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: mechanisms, risk prediction, and individualized strategies.

Frontiers in medicine, 13:1780566.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a critical emergency commonly encountered in gastroenterology. Its pathogenesis is complex and involves diverse etiologies. Emerging evidence indicates that pyroptosis, dysregulated immune-inflammatory responses, and gut microbiome imbalance are pivotal mechanisms driving gastric mucosal injury and hemorrhage. This review systematically synthesizes the risk factors, pathophysiological mechanisms, risk prediction models, and therapeutic strategies for UGIB, with particular emphasis on the intricate interplay among pyroptosis, immunity, and the microbiome and on their value as potential therapeutic targets. We first summarize the common etiologies and risk factors of UGIB, including pharmacological agents, infections, advanced age, comorbidities, and genetic predispositions. We then delineate the pathogenic role of pyroptosis in gastric mucosal injury, with particular focus on activation of the GKN2-NLRP3 axis. Next, we discuss the utility of systemic inflammatory markers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in UGIB risk stratification, together with the mechanisms by which gut microbiome dysbiosis compromises mucosal barrier integrity and amplifies inflammatory responses through microbial metabolites and pathogen translocation. The core section provides an in-depth analysis of the reciprocal, self-amplifying network linking pyroptosis, immune activation, and microbiome perturbation, thereby elucidating the basis for the frequent co-occurrence of systemic inflammation and microbial dysbiosis in UGIB. Finally, we critically evaluate established risk-scoring systems (Glasgow-Blatchford Score, Rockall score, and AIMS65) and emerging biomarkers. Overall, this review assesses emerging therapeutic strategies, including pyroptosis inhibitors and microbiome-modulating interventions, and provides a theoretical framework for personalized management of UGIB.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Birigwa C, Tong Q, Qu B, et al (2026)

Gut microbiota-epigenetic interactions in systemic aging: mechanistic drivers for endocrine and reproductive network remodeling and therapeutic modulation.

Frontiers in aging, 7:1826382.

Researchers now see aging as a process shaped by the interactions among metabolism, epigenetics, and hormones. Recent studies suggest that gut microbes play an important role in this system by making metabolites that can affect gene expression and chromatin structure. Still, it is not fully clear how gut microbes and the body influence each other as we age, since both are constantly changing. This review brings together current research on how metabolites from gut microbes-such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, tryptophan derivatives, and polyamines-affect the body's epigenetic machinery through processes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling. We examine evidence from cell studies, animal experiments, and human research to assess the strength of the links and distinguish direct effects on chromatin from indirect metabolic or gene-expression changes. We focus especially on endocrine and reproductive organs, such as the hypothalamus, pancreas, liver, fat tissue, and cells that support the gonads, where signals from gut microbes overlap with hormonal control and metabolism. In these tissues, microbial metabolites influence key pathways related to inflammation, mitochondria, and nutrient sensing, but there is still little direct evidence in humans. The review also points out differences between lab models and what is observed in patients, highlighting the need for further work to apply these findings in real-world settings. Interactions between gut microbes and epigenetics form a two-way link between metabolism, immunity, and aging of the endocrine system. While more evidence shows that microbial metabolites can shape gene activity and epigenetic patterns, most of what we know comes from animal studies rather than direct tests in people. Moving forward, researchers will need to use broad, long-term studies that combine different types of data to figure out cause and effect and which tissues are involved. Understanding this system better could help create new biomarkers and treatments to influence aging by targeting the microbiome and its effects on epigenetics.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Bandi DP, Krishnaswamy B, DJ Victor (2026)

Differential prevalence of periodontal pathogens in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and periodontitis: A cross-sectional microbiological study.

Journal of oral biology and craniofacial research, 16(4):101479.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized by pregnancy-induced insulin resistance, and periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the periodontium, are intricately linked and may collectively amplify the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate periodontal microbial associations in periodontitis in relation to GDM.

METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 pregnant women with periodontitis, stratified into GDM (Group A; n = 40) and non-GDM (Group B; n = 40) groups. Clinical parameters, including Plaque Index, Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified, Modified Sulcular Bleeding Index, and Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), along with glycemic parameters (OGTT), were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were analyzed using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction for key periodontal pathogens (Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Selenomonas sputigena, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia). Pearson correlation analysis assessed associations between clinical and glycemic parameters and pathogens, followed by multiple linear regression to determine the independent effects of predictors on the outcomes (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: Group A demonstrated significantly lower Ct values (higher bacterial load) for P. gingivalis, S. sputigena, P. nigrescens, T. denticola, and F. nucleatum (p ≤ 0.005). Strong positive correlations in the overall population were observed between P. gingivalis and probing pocket depth (r = 0.79, p = 0.001) and clinical attachment loss (r = 0.73, p = 0.010), followed by S. sputigena (r = 0.64, p = 0.01). Multiple regression analysis identified MSBI, PPD, and CAL as significant predictors of P. intermedia and P. gingivalis in both groups (p < 0.05), with OGTT-1h emerging as an additional predictor of P. gingivalis. In contrast, F. nucleatum and S. sputigena demonstrated significant inverse associations with these parameters (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrate that GDM is associated with an increased periodontal pathogenic burden, with clinical and glycemic parameters emerging as significant independent determinants, highlighting the intricate interplay between metabolic dysregulation and periodontal disease.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Zhang J, Liu Q, Chen J, et al (2026)

Moderate organic-inorganic fertilization optimizes soybean productivity by reshaping rhizosphere microbiome-metabolite networks.

Frontiers in plant science, 17:1823609.

Soybean, a key oilseed and fodder crop, is pivotal for national food security in China. And sustainable soybean production requires fertilization strategies that enhance yield while restoring rhizosphere ecological function. Balancing chemical and organic fertilization is crucial for sustainable soybean production, yet the underlying rhizosphere mechanisms driving crop performance remain underexplored. We conducted a nutrient-equalized gradient substitution experiment comparing chemical fertilizer (CF) with 30%, 70%, and 100% organic fertilizer replacement (OF30, OF70, OF100), investigating the effects on soybean growth, rhizosphere soil properties, bacterial and fungal microbiomes, and metabolomes, while maintaining equivalent nutrient inputs. Moderate organic-inorganic fertilization (30/70% organic substitution, designated as OF30 and OF70) significantly enhanced plant height, root length, biomass, nodulation, nitrogenase activity, photosynthetic capacity, and yield compared to full chemical fertilization (CF, 0% organic) and full organic fertilization (OF100%, 100% organic), the application of 30% organic and 70% inorganic fertilization in combination identified as the optimal strategy. These gains suggest that rhizosphere soil exhibited improved pH, organic carbon, and nutrient availability (K and P), alongside balanced nitrogen. Bacterial communities showed conserved core structure but increased α-diversity and turnover toward metabolically versatile genera (e.g., Flavobacterium, Geobacter, Luteibacter) under organic-inorganic fertilization. Fungal assemblages preserved a stable core while enriching saprotrophic and beneficial guilds (e.g., Serendipita, Chaetomium, Arthrobotrys). Metabolomics revealed conserved profiles with targeted enrichment of carbon-related classes (e.g., glycerophospholipids, flavonoids like delphinidin), supporting microbial activity and plant-microbe signaling. Integrated analyzes indicated that moderate organic substitution (30/70%) reshapes the rhizosphere toward balanced nutrient cycling, enhanced microbiome diversity, and functional metabolite pools, fostering symbiotic interactions and improving nutrient availability. These findings highlight moderate organic-inorganic blending as an optimal strategy for improving soybean productivity and soil health, with implications for sustainable cropping systems.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Hang M, Liu Y, Shen X, et al (2026)

The clinical and translational perspectives on the lung microbiome in interstitial lung diseases: a bibliometric review.

Journal of thoracic disease, 18(5):478.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests that microbiota plays important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). However, the global research landscape and emerging trends in this field remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to systematically characterize the research landscape, evolving hotspots, and future trends in the field of host microbiota and ILDs using bibliometric and visualization approaches, and to further explore the progress of related clinical studies.

METHODS: Publications up to November 8, 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Concurrently, clinical trials within the same timeframe were extracted from PubMed to assess advancements in the field. Bibliometric and visual analyses were conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, SCImago Graphica, and Microsoft Excel.

RESULTS: A total of 295 publications were included, showing a marked increase in research output since 2012. China and the United States were the leading contributors, with the United States demonstrating higher academic impact and stronger international collaboration. Core institutions and authors were mainly concentrated in North America and Europe. Keyword analysis revealed a clear evolution of research focus, shifting from early exposure-related studies and hypersensitivity pneumonitis to lung microbiome dysbiosis, the gut-lung axis, and metagenomic approaches. Recent hotspots emphasize microbiome-based clinical applications, with increasing attention to host-microbiome interactions and immune regulatory mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS: Research on microbiota and ILDs has expanded rapidly and shows increasing interdisciplinary integration. Future studies should enhance international collaboration, clarify underlying mechanisms, and promote clinical translation of microbiome-based biomarkers and personalized therapeutic strategies.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

B J, SAO Adeyeye (2026)

Application of artificial intelligence in synbiotic and functional food development for precision nutrition.

Food & function [Epub ahead of print].

Synbiotic and functional food formulations modulate gut microbiota, SCFA production, immune signalling and metabolic pathways, yet current development pipelines remain largely empirical and constrained by nonlinear trade-offs among probiotic viability, prebiotic functionality and sensory acceptance. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches offer data-driven strategies to support formulation, multi-objective optimization and functional assessment. This review systematically identified and critically synthesized literature published between 2020 and 2025 across five thematic domains: (i) formulation and ingredient selection; (ii) viability and shelf-life modelling; (iii) functional and antioxidant bioactivity assessment; (iv) sensory and consumer prediction; and (v) personalization and precision nutrition. Studies were identified through database searches and screened for relevance to synbiotics, functional foods, microbiome modulation and nutrition outcomes, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Current evidence indicates that AI can assist ingredient pairing, viability forecasting, sensory modelling and functional property prediction, often complementing conventional statistical tools such as Response Surface Methodology in multivariate design spaces. However, most implementations remain computational or pilot-scale, with minimal integration of microbiome-informed personalization, clinical endpoints or adherence outcomes. Major translational gaps include data heterogeneity, model interpretability, regulatory substantiation and scarcity of longitudinal evidence. AI should therefore be considered a complementary decision-support tool that can accelerate hypothesis generation and formulation refinement rather than substitute mechanistic validation or human trials. Bridging computational modelling with microbiome science and nutritional evidence may enable precision synbiotic strategies and next-generation functional food innovation.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Dubey AA, M Ermolaeva (2026)

Microbiome-host proteostasis crosstalk-An emerging perspective on mechanisms and interventions toward healthy longevity.

FEBS letters [Epub ahead of print].

Proteostasis and the gut microbiota are two major determinants of host health and longevity. Proteostasis ensures proper protein folding and degradation thereby preventing the accumulation of unwanted proteins. Similarly, microbiota contribute to host metabolism, immunity, and protection from pathogens. However, as aging progresses, the proteostasis network declines, and the composition and functionality of gut microbiota are altered, often resulting in dysbiosis. While the impact of the microbiota on various aspects of host physiology is extensively studied, its specific influence on host protein quality control remains relatively underexplored. In this review, we provide an integrated overview of the relationship between microbiota and host proteostasis. Accumulating findings, particularly from C. elegans models, provide substantial support for the concept that microbiota-derived factors (vitamins and RNA) can shape host proteostasis and influence aging-related phenotypes. We discuss emerging evidence showing that microbial communities and their metabolites can either support or impair cellular proteostasis, highlighting their potential as prebiotics or dietary intervention candidates for promoting healthy aging. Understanding the intricate interplay between microbiota and proteostasis opens new avenues for designing microbiota-based strategies for healthy aging.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Zhang F, Zhang W, Ren X, et al (2026)

Butyrate-Producing Bacteria in Intestinal Disease Therapy: Potential and Challenges.

Biotechnology journal, 21(6):e70260.

Butyrate-producing bacteria have emerged as keystone species whose metabolic activity orchestrates host-microbial homeostasis in the human gut. This review synthesizes current understanding of how these anaerobic Firmicutes, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia spp., and Eubacterium rectale, function as key contributors to intestinal health through convergent mechanisms: serving as the primary energy source for colonocytes, enforcing mucosal hypoxia that excludes facultative pathogens, and modulating immunity via histone deacetylase inhibition and G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. We critically examine the translational trajectory of butyrogenic therapies across inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and emerging applications in radiation injury, infection, and graft-versus-host disease. Despite compelling mechanistic rationale and consistent clinical associations linking butyrate-producer depletion with disease activity, therapeutic translation faces formidable bottlenecks: extreme oxygen sensitivity complicates manufacturing; cross-feeding networks necessitate ecological rather than monostrain approaches; and host context determines whether butyrate exerts protective or permissive effects. We evaluate cutting-edge strategies to overcome these barriers, including rationally designed consortia, precision prebiotics, phage-mediated niche engineering, synthetic biology approaches, and AI-guided personalization. By integrating mechanistic insight with translational pragmatism, this review outlines a path toward evidence-based butyrogenic therapies that may complement existing strategies for intestinal disease.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Hoffbeck C, MW Taylor (2026)

The microbiome in reptile health, disease, and ecology.

Microbiology and molecular biology reviews : MMBR [Epub ahead of print].

SUMMARYReptiles are a diverse and speciose class of animals that are broadly threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and other factors. From a microbiological perspective, reptiles have historically been examined as a source of disease, particularly salmonellosis, with most studies being culture-based investigations into causative agents of disease and potential for zoonoses. More recent work has sought to characterize the oral, skin, and gut microbiomes of reptiles more broadly to understand their contribution to reptile health and digestion. Non-avian reptiles are particularly interesting as ectothermic tetrapods, which usually lay eggs and have limited interaction with their young, as their digestion and life history strategies diverge substantially from the more well-studied mammals. Here, we review the reptile skin, oral, gut, eggshell, and nest microbiomes, along with the relationship between the microbiome and temperature stress. We present findings that distinguish the reptile microbiome from those of other studied vertebrate taxa, and place them in the context of their phylogenetic and ecological similarities to other animals. We discuss major disease-causing agents in reptiles, which was historically the main lens through which to view reptile microbiology, along with potential zoonoses. Finally, we examine how temperature and thermoregulation interact with the microbiome in reptiles, and how the microbiome may play a role in reptile conservation.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Liao Y, Yu Q, Chen T, et al (2026)

Interaction between rhizobacterial community and host root metabolism influences poplar salt tolerance.

mSystems [Epub ahead of print].

Soil salinization worldwide affects agroforestry, restraining output and functions of farmland and forest ecosystems. Soil microbiota play vital roles in plant growth and resistance to stress, but how plants interact with root microbiomes to fight adverse environments remains elusive. Here, we employed high-throughput sequencing to investigate the rhizobacterial community composition of three poplar varieties that were Populus davidiana × P. bolleana Loucne (SXY), P. deltoides × P. euramericana "Nanlin 895" (NL895), and P. alba × P. glandulosa "84K" (84K) under salt stress. Our results showed that no differences in growth parameters and damage indices were observed across varieties before treatments. Furthermore, SXY exhibited the highest salt tolerance, characterized by the highest growth parameters and lowest damage indices under salt stress, while NL895 was the most sensitive genotype. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing unveiled the lowest diversity and distinct composition in the rhizobacterial community of SXY compared to other varieties. SXY accumulated a higher abundance of Pseudomonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Rhizobiaceae in the rhizosphere, which showed positive correlations with host salt tolerance. Moreover, metabolomic analysis revealed higher levels of certain secondary metabolites in SXY roots than in the roots of the other varieties. Four metabolites, including D-threitol, maslinic acid, 4',5-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone, and trans-3-coumaric acid, were identified as key regulators that potentially mediate the enrichment of salt tolerance-associated rhizobacterial taxa. Our findings indicate an interaction between root metabolism and rhizosphere microbiome in poplar adaptation to salt stress, providing a theoretical basis for directional modulation of plant resistance under global change.IMPORTANCEAgroforestry frequently encounters soil salinization that limits crop yields and ecosystem services. Soil microbiota plays an important role in plant adaptation to stress, but their interaction mechanisms with host roots remain unclear. Through combining high-throughput sequencing and root metabolome analysis, we unraveled the interactions between rhizobacterial communities and host root metabolism, as well as their role in plant adaptation to salt stress, providing new strategies for microbial application under global change.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Carasso S, Kasher-Dvora M, Gefen T, et al (2026)

Phase variation-mediated bacterial functional plasticity as a lens for understanding microbe‒host interactions.

Gut microbes, 18(1):2687913.

The human gut microbiome represents a dynamic microbial ecosystem profoundly influencing host physiology, immune development, and disease susceptibility. While metagenomic approaches have advanced our understanding of microbial composition and functional potential, they remain insufficient to capture the real-time molecular events governing host‒microbe interactions. Taxonomic abundance and genomic content alone do not reflect active gene expression or phenotypic output, and functional roles cannot be reliably inferred from phylogenetic identity, given the substantial heterogeneity observed even within species. Central to bridging this gap is the concept of bacterial functional plasticity, with a focus on phase-mediated functional plasticity, the intrinsic capacity of microbes to rapidly remodel their activity and phenotype in response to environmental and host-derived cues. This review highlights phase variation as a prominent and evolutionarily conserved mechanism underlying plasticity, encompassing DNA inversions, short-sequence repeat modifications, and broader structural genomic variation. Emerging evidence demonstrates not only the prevalence of phase-variable mechanisms across diverse gut taxa but also their significant regulatory, ecological, and immunological consequences. These findings reframe the microbiome from a static consortium of species to a functionally dynamic system capable of rapid rewiring in response to environmental pressures. By integrating genomic, ecological, and host-response data, this review lays the groundwork for mechanistic frameworks that could explain how flexible microbial strategies influence bacterial behavior and host outcomes. Moving beyond cataloging microbial composition toward deciphering the logic of functional adaptation will be essential for translating microbiome research into predictive, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Dogra KA, Sharma M, Ghosh N, et al (2026)

Gut microbiota and immune modulation: role in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

Molecular biology reports, 53(1):.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining host metabolic balance and immune homeostasis, with increasing evidence linking its dysregulation to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and integrative analysis of gut microbiota-mediated immune modulation in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. A structured literature-based approach was employed to examine recent studies focusing on microbial composition, metabolite production, and host microbe immune interactions. We summarize the role of key microbial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids, in regulating immune responses, maintaining gut barrier integrity, and modulating systemic inflammation. In addition, the bidirectional communication along the gut-brain axis is discussed, highlighting its differential involvement in neurodegenerative disorders, while microbiota driven immune mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis are also evaluated. Importantly, this review emphasizes the translational relevance of microbiome-targeted interventions, including prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and emerging postbiotic strategies, in modulating disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. Although limitations lies in correlating the human gut microbiota to the results obtained from the animal studies which may not fully reflect the physiological conditions of the human gut as it is affected by several factors, this work provides a unified framework linking gut microbiota, immune regulation, and disease pathogenesis, and outlines future directions for the development of targeted and personalized microbiome-based therapies which may be achieved through well designed longitudinal and large scale clinical studies further.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Laiton L, FE Acevedo (2026)

Gut microbiome of the grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larvae through the grape ripening process revealed by high-throughput 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing.

Microbial genomics, 12(6):.

The grape berry moth (GBM) Paralobesia viteana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is an important pest of grapes in eastern North America. The larvae damage grape clusters by direct feeding and by increasing susceptibility to fungal and bacterial pathogens. In this study, we sequenced the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene to characterize the composition and diversity of GBM larval gut bacterial and fungal communities when fed on immature and mature 'Concord' grapes. The data were analysed with QIIME 2, and downstream analyses included taxonomic composition, differential abundance, phylogenetic, functional and alpha/beta diversity analyses. While overall bacterial community diversity did not differ significantly between treatments, differential abundance analysis identified specific bacterial taxa enriched in each larval group. Ninety-three per cent of the bacterial communities belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria, and some may play roles in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism in the insect gut. Analyses of the 18S rRNA region showed significant taxon-level compositional differences in fungal communities between larvae grown on grapes at different ripening stages. Ascomycota was the dominant phylum (98%) present in the guts of larvae fed on mature grapes, while larvae fed on immature grapes mainly contained fungi within the Cryptomycota (51%). Larvae fed on ripe grapes had a 10-fold higher fungal abundance and were enriched in Saccharomycetales yeasts. Several of the identified microbial taxa in larval guts are commonly found in grapes, which suggests they might be transient insect residents that are ingested with the diet. In conclusion, diet strongly shaped GBM gut-associated fungal communities; specific bacterial taxa also differed between larval groups despite similar overall bacterial diversity. These results contribute to basic knowledge of gut-associated microbes in fruit-feeding insects.

RevDate: 2026-06-30
CmpDate: 2026-06-30

Sirigu S, Roret T, Mocaër PY, et al (2026)

Biochemical and structural characterization of a tail-spike protein with depolymerase activity identified in a marine podovirus.

Acta crystallographica. Section D, Structural biology, 82(Pt 7):785-799.

Marine phages are, through the infection of their bacterial hosts, key regulators of microbiome and carbon fluxes in the ocean. Despite their important role, the specific molecular mechanisms that underlie infection are so far understudied. Previously, the podovirus Cobetia marina virus 1 (Carin-1), which infects the marine γ-proteobacterium C. marina, was shown to display exopolysaccharide depolymerase activity. This activity is likely to mediate degradation of the host capsule to facilitate access to the bacterial membrane receptor, but no corresponding gene could be annotated in the genome of Carin-1 by comparative genomics. Biochemical characterization enabled assignment of this activity to Dpo31, a protein sharing less than 10% sequence identity with any characterized protein. Here, we report the structural domain organization and biochemical characterization of Dpo31, revealing an overall structure that is analogous to podovirus tail-spike proteins, allowing us to locate the depolymerase activity to the D3 domain and to identify original structural features that explain the absence of detectable similarity at the primary-sequence level.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Bottacin G, Raach B, Fröhlich L, et al (2026)

Opposing range-dependent interactions create complex spatial patterns of antibiotic tolerance in multispecies biofilms.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 123(25):e2604163123.

Many microbial communities form multispecies biofilms where cells interact through diffusible molecules. In these biofilms, multiple interactions, often with opposing effects, occur simultaneously, yet we lack quantitative frameworks to predict how they combine to shape community functions. Here, we hypothesized that complex spatial patterns can emerge when opposing interactions have distinct spatial ranges. To test this, we studied how two Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoproducts, HQNO and rhamnolipids, jointly modulate Staphylococcus aureus antibiotic tolerance by respectively increasing and decreasing it. Using microfluidics-based imaging, we quantified spatial-tolerance patterns at single-cell resolution and found that tolerance indeed shows a complex spatial pattern: S. aureus cells survived treatment only at intermediate distances from P. aeruginosa, while cells closer or farther away did not. Combining experiments and modeling, we showed that this remarkable pattern emerges because rhamnolipids have a stronger but short-ranged effect, while HQNO has a weaker but longer-ranged effect. We found that spatial arrangement affects overall tolerance by shifting the balance between the two opposing interactions. Finally, using bioprinting, we confirmed that HQNO and rhamnolipids modulate tolerance in highly mixed biofilms. In more segregated biofilms, spatial arrangement still strongly modulated tolerance, but independently of these compounds, suggesting additional interactions. Together, our results show that spatial-tolerance patterns emerge from the combined effect of opposing range-dependent interactions and cannot be predicted from either alone. By predicting how opposing interactions jointly determine community properties, our framework provides a foundation for understanding and ultimately engineering microbiome functions.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Holman DB, Gzyl KE, Kommadath A, et al (2026)

Multi-omic characterization of the sow colostrum and milk microbiome and proteome.

Microbial genomics, 12(6):.

Sow colostrum and milk provide essential nutrients, immune protection and one of the earliest microbial exposures for piglets. However, the microbial composition, functional potential and host interactions of these mammary secretions remain poorly characterized. Here, we combined culturomics, metagenomics and proteomics to comprehensively characterize the microbiome and proteome of sow colostrum and milk collected at farrowing and at 7 and 21 days postpartum. We recovered 132 bacterial isolates representing at least 42 species, including 15 putatively novel taxa. These isolates included both potentially pathogenic species, such as Sarcina perfringens and Streptococcus suis, and potentially beneficial bacterial species like Lactobacillus amylovorus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The microbial composition and functional potential shifted significantly as the milk matured, with L. amylovorus, Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Rothia spp. among the most relatively abundant taxa. Several antimicrobial resistance genes, including erm(C), tet(K), tet(M), lnu(A), poxtA and fexB, were identified on contigs encoding plasmid replicons in the isolates, indicating potential for horizontal gene transfer. Functional annotation of isolate genomes indicated broad carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) repertoires, including β-galactosidase-associated families and other CAZyme families consistent with potential milk oligosaccharide utilization. The colostrum and milk proteome also shifted during lactation, reflecting declining immune-related proteins and increasing metabolic and structural proteins. Correlations between specific microbial taxa and host proteins, including Rothia spp. and immune proteins or glycoproteins, suggested potential host-microbe interactions during lactation. Together, these findings provide a multi-omic perspective on how mammary microbiome dynamics and host responses during lactation may influence neonatal microbial colonization and health.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

He M, Ferrini A, Chisari E, et al (2026)

Heading Toward a Different Future: The Microbiome, Dysbiosis, Microbial Translocation, and Beyond.

The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume pii:00004623-990000000-01892 [Epub ahead of print].

➢ The relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and joint diseases has garnered increased attention over recent decades, leading to the introduction of the gut-joint axis concept.➢ Infections at sites such as joints and the spine may originate endogenously from the gut microbiome.➢ The idea of microbial translocation through a compromised epithelial barrier, resulting in the circulation of pathogens or their byproducts, and the idea of immune cell-mediated transport of pathogens to various sites are gaining further attention.➢ By understanding the interaction between the immune system and gut microbiota, potential therapeutic strategies, such as the use of organoids, can be developed to restore the gut barrier integrity, to replenish gut microbiota, and to provide biodiversity.➢ To better understand the mechanisms linking gut health and joint diseases, future basic-science research and well-designed clinical trials, exploiting advanced next-generation sequencing techniques, are needed.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Yuan Y, Yin X, Liu J, et al (2026)

Bifidobacterium lactis XLTG11 Reduces Eczema and Infections in Infants: A Randomized Trial.

QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians pii:8709962 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Early-life gut microbiota profoundly influences immune system maturation and disease susceptibility. Perturbations in microbial development have been linked to rising rates of allergic and infectious diseases in children. Probiotic interventions offer a promising strategy to restore microbial-immune homeostasis; however, evidence from rigorously designed, strain-specific randomized trials integrating clinical and microbiome outcomes remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 in reducing the incidence of eczema and respiratory infections during early childhood, and to explore its associations with gut microbial ecology and immune function.

METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 352 healthy infants and young children (aged <3 years) were randomly allocated to receive XLTG11 (1 × 1010 CFU/day) or placebo for 180 days. Primary outcome was eczema incidence; secondary outcomes included respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, growth parameters, gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing), and gut immune biomarkers.

RESULTS: Children receiving XLTG11 showed significantly lower incidence of eczema (p = 0.017) and erythema (p = 0.028), and a lower incidence of physician-confirmed pneumonia (RR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.17-0.94; p = 0.030) compared with placebo. Probiotic supplementation improved stool consistency (p = 0.018) without affecting growth. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed enrichment of Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, and other short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa, alongside suppression of Helicobacter and Citrobacter. Predictive functional profiling suggested enrichment of pathways related to energy metabolism, vitamin biosynthesis, and antimicrobial peptide (DEFB2, LL-37) production, alongside preservation of secretory IgA.

CONCLUSIONS: Daily B. lactis XLTG11 supplementation safely reduces eczema and respiratory infection risk in early childhood by remodeling the gut microbiome and reinforcing mucosal immunity. These findings support its use as a preventive strategy for allergy and infection via gut-immune modulation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07490587).

ETHICS APPROVAL: Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Human Ethics Committee (No. 2023-142).

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Choi Y, Park J, Kang A, et al (2026)

Synergistic effects of two bacteriophages with distinct infection patterns and broad host specificity against multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium and their potential applications in the poultry industry.

Poultry science, 105(9):107289 [Epub ahead of print].

Controlling Salmonella Typhimurium in poultry requires effective alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. This study evaluated the efficacy of a two-phage cocktail composed of S. Typhimurium-infecting phages SLAM_phiST45 and SLAM_phiST56 and investigated its mechanistic basis. Host-range profiling of 61 phages against 10 S. Typhimurium strains revealed two major host-associated clusters (swine-human vs. poultry). Notably, the cocktail exhibited broad host ranges that crossed these clusters. The cocktail showed clear synergy, supported by complementary receptor usage and reduced emergence of phage-resistant mutants. In egg-based food application assays, the cocktail achieved rapid bacterial suppression even at an MOI of 1 and fully eliminated S. Typhimurium under refrigerated conditions. In a chick infection model, the cocktail improved growth performance, reduced intestinal and systemic bacterial loads, alleviated intestinal lesions, and restored inflammatory and barrier-related gene expression. While the overall gut microbiota structure remained stable, subtle alterations in low-abundance taxa indicated that phage treatment may cause minor off-target shifts. Overall, this study demonstrates that the phage cocktail is a potent and practical biocontrol tool capable of reducing Salmonella in both food matrices and live birds. These findings support its application in poultry production and highlight the importance of monitoring microbiome-level impacts in future phage-based interventions.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Tabish RW, Lin Y, Rochell SJ, et al (2026)

Jejunal histopathology, metagenome, and mucosal transcriptome of broilers after an enteric challenge and fed diets with different fiber types and concentrations.

Poultry science, 105(9):107215 [Epub ahead of print].

This study investigated the efficacy of various dietary fiber sources and combinations in mitigating subclinical enteric infection in broilers. Using a randomized complete block design, 2,160 d-old YP x Ross 708 male broilers were assigned to eight treatments. These included an unchallenged control and a challenged control, followed by six dietary treatments applied to challenged broilers. The dietary treatments consisted of fiber supplementation with oat hulls (OH) or soy hulls (SH), either alone or in combination with wheat middlings (WM) or sugar beet pulp (SBP). Birds were challenged with Eimeria spp. followed by Clostridium perfringens, and a multi-omics approach was employed to analyze jejunal histopathology, microbiome, and host mucosal transcriptome. While the enteric challenge induced significant histopathological changes, fiber combinations including OH-WM and OH-SBP significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cumulative pathology scores. The challenge caused a shift toward Lactobacillus crispatus dominance in the microbiome. Each fiber source altered the microbiome distinctively: OH increased Romboutsia sp., OH-SBP enriched beneficial Limosilactobacillus spp., and SH combinations enhanced butyrate-producing Dysosmobacter welbionis. Transcriptome analysis revealed that fiber supplementation suppressed inflammatory pathways while upregulating cell cycle progression and DNA repair pathways. Integration of bacteriome with host gene expression data revealed coordinated associations, including a link between Glutamicibacter protophormiae, Spirosoma, Eggerthella, and Blautia through host genes APOB, DSEL, and ENPP7, indicating a correlation of fiber-degrading bacteria with host lipid metabolism and extracellular matrix remodeling. These findings suggest that combining insoluble and soluble fibers may create a more resilient gut environment against enteric challenges through complementary mechanisms, with OH based combinations notably exhibiting reduced pathology, stronger anti-inflammatory response and suppression of opportunistic species.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Lyte JM, Seyoum MM, Ayala D, et al (2026)

Best practices framework for using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in poultry microbiota research.

Poultry science, 105(9):107275 [Epub ahead of print].

Microbiome research has shown significant potential in enhancing poultry health and productivity. Despite the increasing volume of data linking the microbiota with various host traits, challenges persist regarding the consistency and reproducibility of findings. A major underlying issue is the variability in methodologies employed across studies. As such, a need exists to establish a set of standardized guidelines that help guide experimental design, DNA extraction, sequencing, data analysis, and reporting in poultry microbiota research. Rather than advocating for a single standardized protocol, we propose a best practices framework designed to enhance methodological rigor while accommodating distinct research contexts. Such a framework emphasizes the use of appropriate positive and negative controls and improved data reporting to facilitate cross-study comparisons and reproducibility. As a companion to our previous review of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing landscape in poultry microbiota research, this manuscript represents a collaborative effort among experts from academia, industry, and government. It aims to offer a practical set of guidelines that serve as a checklist for designing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting poultry microbiota studies. These guidelines seek to improve consistency, reproducibility, and robustness of poultry microbiota research.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Wang J, Ryou K, Shim H, et al (2026)

Advancing in vitro gut fermentation: the convergence of gut-on-a-chip and digital twins.

Current opinion in biotechnology, 100:103541 pii:S0958-1669(26)00106-0 [Epub ahead of print].

The gut has gained increasing recognition as a key organ affecting systemic physiological regulation, and the gut microbiota is strongly associated with various human diseases. In vitro gut fermentation systems provide a robust alternative to in vivo clinical experiments for functional food development and for studies of nutrition and drug metabolism. Despite their cost-effectiveness, ethical compliance, and precise control of experimental variables, critical challenges remain, most notably the lack of physiological host interactions and profound interindividual variability. Emerging technologies, specifically gut-on-a-chip platforms and digital twin systems, can be integrated with in vitro gut fermentation to overcome these fundamental limitations and markedly advance its translational applicability. Here, we review the current landscape of in vitro gastrointestinal-simulating methodologies and explore their convergence with these cutting-edge technologies to model the complex host-microbiome ecosystem.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Xu Z, Zhu W, Xia Q, et al (2026)

Synbiotics and antioxidants synergistically attenuate disease progression in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 201:119656 pii:S0753-3322(26)00692-X [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is linked to gut dysbiosis, highlighting gut microbiome modulation as a promising therapeutic strategy. This study investigated the synergistic effects of synbiotics and antioxidants in MASLD.

METHODS: We evaluated the effects of synbiotics, antioxidants, and their combination (SLD07) on metabolic and histopathological parameters and energy balance (Promethion system) in high-fat diet-fed mice. Plasma metabolome and faecal microbiome were analysed. In a 3-month pilot study of patients with MASLD (n = 27), we examined the safety and efficacy of SLD07 (20 billion CFU/day), with microbiome alterations assessed by metagenomic sequencing.

RESULTS: In mice, SLD07 significantly attenuated metabolic and hepatic parameters, including body weight gain, white adipose tissue, serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, liver histology (p < 0.05), and increased the respiratory exchange ratio (p < 0.001). Synbiotics enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05), while antioxidants primarily reduced adipose tissue (p < 0.05). Liver tissue MDA levels were reduced only in the combination group, whereas GSSG levels were reduced in the combination and antioxidants alone groups (p < 0.05). Liver transcriptomics revealed that all treatments reversed HFD-upregulated inflammation and oxidative pathways, with the combination showing the broadest effect. Gut microbiota was mainly modulated by synbiotics, while systemic metabolome changes were driven by antioxidants. In the clinical pilot study, treatment reduced liver fat and stiffness (p < 0.01), increased Bifidobacterium, and upregulated the L-glutamine pathway, with no serious adverse events.

CONCLUSION: This integrated translational investigation demonstrates that the synbiotic-antioxidant combination alleviates MASLD through dual modulation of gut microbiota and systemic oxidative stress.

RevDate: 2026-06-26
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Yang X, Liu W, Mao Y, et al (2026)

Correlation analysis of lead stress-induced alterations in root metabolome and rhizosphere microbiome of Cuminum cyminum L.

Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 320:120390.

Lead (Pb) contamination in agricultural soils poses serious threats to crop production and food safety. Cuminum cyminum L. is an important spice crop widely cultivated in arid regions, but its rhizosphere responses to Pb stress remain poorly understood. Here we conducted a field plot experiment with four Pb treatment levels (0, 400, 800, and 1200 mg/kg) and employed an integrated approach combining soil physicochemical and enzymatic analyses, metagenomics, and root metabolomics to characterize the rhizosphere of C. cyminum after 40 days of Pb exposure. Pb significantly decreased soil pH, organic matter, nitrogen availability, and available phosphorus and potassium, while altering soil enzyme activities by suppressing urease and acid phosphatase and enhancing catalase activity. Pb stress reshaped rhizosphere microbial communities by increasing microbial richness at low and moderate Pb levels but reducing community evenness under high Pb stress. Metal-tolerant taxa, including Sphingomonas, Arenimonas, and Gemmatimonas, were selectively enriched. Functional analyses revealed a broad enhancement of microbial metabolic potential, particularly in amino acid, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism pathways. Concurrently, Pb exposure correlated with extensive root metabolic reprogramming, characterized by accumulation of amino acids, organic acids, and flavonoids. The random forest results indicated that soil physicochemical properties had a stronger correlation with plant growth than root metabolites or rhizosphere microorganisms under Pb stress conditions. Overall, this study reveals a coordinated rhizosphere strategy of C. cyminum to Pb stress, providing new insights into heavy metal adaptation mechanisms in spice crops and informing sustainable cultivation in Pb-contaminated soils.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Sutthiboonyapan P, Jungpraditphol I, Krasaesin A, et al (2026)

Supragingival Plaque Microbiome Composition Associated with Oral Lichen Planus Activity and Desquamative Gingivitis Severity: An Exploratory, Cross-Sectional, Shotgun Metagenomic Study.

European journal of dentistry [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: The microbial contribution to desquamative gingivitis (DG), a frequent and debilitating form of immune-mediated oral lichen planus (OLP), remains undefined. This study employed shotgun metagenomic sequencing to investigate the role of the oral microbiome in DG site involvement and severity, as well as OLP disease activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this exploratory, cross-sectional study, supragingival plaque samples were collected from nine OLP patients at desquamative gingivitis-affected sites (DG sites), sites not affected by desquamative gingivitis (non-DG sites), and pooled full-mouth samples. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed to reveal oral microbial profiles and their functional pathways. Disease severity was assessed using the Oral Lichen Planus Disease Activity Scale (OLP-DAS) and the Desquamative Gingivitis Clinical Score (DGCS).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Associations between microbial profiles and disease severity were assessed using Spearman's correlation. Microbial and functional pathway profiles were compared between DG and non-DG sites using the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Significant differences in microbial composition between DG and non-DG sites were identified, including 6 genera and 17 species (p < 0.05). Several taxa showed notable correlations with disease severity (r ≥ 0.7), according to DGCS, with 10 genera and 16 species positively associated with DGCS, and 5 genera and 8 species associated with OLP-DAS. Notably, the fructan biosynthesis pathway showed a significant inverse correlation with DG severity (r = - 0.70, p < 0.05) and was linked to Actinomyces sp. oral taxon 448, which was enriched in DG sites. This suggested that increasing disease severity may be associated with reduced microbial polysaccharide-production potential.

CONCLUSIONS: The DG microbiome shows distinct functional and taxonomic changes. Fructan biosynthesis was more abundant in DG sites than in non-DG sites, but showed an inverse correlation with DG severity, highlighting candidate biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

RevDate: 2026-06-25

R K, Chandra A, Pal S, et al (2026)

Microbial dysbiosis in oral potentially malignant disorders: A systematic review.

Journal of stomatology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, 127(6):102876 pii:S2468-7855(26)00172-2 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) including oral leukoplakia (OLK), proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL), and oral verrucous hyperplasia (OVH) pose variable malignant transformation risk to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), yet the role of microbial dysbiosis in their progression remains ambiguous.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate microbial shifts in OPMDs, their association with dysplasia progression and malignant transformation, highlighting prospects for early detection and risk stratification.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across scientific databases up to May 2025. Studies investigating microbial dysbiosis in OLK, PVL, or OVH using 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomic, or transcriptomic analyses were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS: OPMDs showed inconsistent alpha diversity and distinct beta diversity compared to controls. Microbial composition differed by lesion type: OLK was enriched with Fusobacterium periodonticum, Porphyromonas pasteri, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus; PVL with Campylobacter concisus, Leptotrichia, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae; and OVH with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Saccharibacteria TM7. High-risk OLK showed reduced diversity and enrichment of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas, and Streptococcus infantis. Malignant transformation revealed lesion-specific shifts, including increased Fusobacterium, Capnocytophaga and Porphyromonas in OLK-OSCC, while Neisseria was specifically enriched in progressive OLK lesions, Treponema and Campylobacter in PVL-OSCC, and Capnocytophaga sputigena and Prevotella oris in OVHOSCC.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights the pivotal role of microbial dysbiosis in the evolution of OPMDs to malignancy. Distinct microbial signatures across OLK, PVL, and OVH may serve as biomarkers for disease stratification and early detection of high-risk lesions.

RevDate: 2026-06-19

Curcio R, Di Serio A, Sica A, et al (2026)

Sustainable valorization of waste horticultural biomasses to develop a novel hydrochar to improve soil health and modulate the lettuce metabolism.

Environmental research, 305(Pt 2):125034 pii:S0013-9351(26)01365-4 [Epub ahead of print].

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) represents an innovative and sustainable chemical approach based on sub-critical water and useful to valorize waste biomass to develop a novel solid material with a huge potential for soil microbiota and plant productivity. Two hydrochar types were produced, under mild (180 °C, 10 Bar) and severe (215 °C, 20 Bar) HTC conditions (HC180 and HC215, respectively), by processing spinach, red chicory, and escarole wastes resulting from industrial horticultural production. These hydrochars were characterized for elemental composition and molecular composition via advanced techniques ([13]C CPMAS NMR and ATR-FT-IR) and compared with the values detected for initial biomass types. HTC progressively converted labile into carbon-dense, aromatic materials, with greater severity reducing nutrient availability. Solid hydrochars retained up to 2.82 g of water per g of material, thus representing a tool to make soil more resilient against the drought. Greenhouse pot experiments on baby-leaf lettuce revealed that HC180 strongly promoted plant shoot and root growth, matching conventional mineral fertilization, while HC215 showing only limited effects. [1]H NMR metabolomics indicated that HC180 stimulated primary metabolism, increasing the level of sugars and amino acids, linked to energy production and stress responses, highlighting a biostimulant effect mediated by enhanced nutrient availability and soil-microbiome interactions. These findings demonstrate that mild HTC conditions produce safe hydrochars with plant biostimulant activity, characterized by a balanced composition of labile carbon and nitrogen as well as a spectrum of plant-available nutrients. This offers a tunable strategy for sustainable horticultural residue management to produce a product enhancing soil fertility and vitality.

RevDate: 2026-06-17

Plotkin L, Aharoni-Frutkoff Y, Pollak D, et al (2026)

Tasty&Healthy exclusive whole food diet in asymptomatic children and young adults with biologically active Crohn's disease: the TASTI-E randomized controlled trial.

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association pii:S1542-3565(26)00433-7 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Tasty&Healthy is an exclusive whole food diet designed to reduce inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD) without the need for formula. This TASTI-E randomized-controlled trial compared the effect of Tasty&Healthy versus habitual diet on subclinical inflammation in CD (NCT#04239248).

METHODS: Clinically quiescent patients with CD, 6-40 years of age, with Mucosal Inflammation Non-invasive (MINI) index >8 reflecting bowel inflammation, were randomized to an 8-week Tasty&Healthy intervention or to continue their regular diet. Thereafter, the habitual group was offered an 8-week open-label Tasty&Healthy intervention. The primary outcome was >50% decline in calprotectin. The study was terminated early due to COVID-19-related challenges.

RESULTS: Of the 46 randomized patients (mean age, 18.2±7.6 years; median disease duration, 9.01 months [IQR 2.9-17.1]), 19 were allocated to Tasty&Healthy and 27 to habitual diet. Calprotectin response was greater in the Tasty&Healthy (53%) versus habitual arm (7%, relative risk=3.23 [95%CI 1.15-9.01], p=0.028). Among 15 patients who crossed-over to Tasty&Healthy, the rates of calprotectin<250 μg/g (53% vs. 7%, respectively, p=0.045) and MINI <8 (93% versus 20%, p=0.002) were higher at week 16 versus week 8. Adherence to Tasty&Healthy was 77% based on self-reported questionnaires and 71% by fecal gluten. Micronutrient and macronutrient consumption was similar between the groups, except for higher fiber intake with Tasty&Healthy. The Tasty&Healthy intervention resulted in a unique serum metabolic signature.

CONCLUSIONS: The Tasty&Healthy diet may reduce calprotectin levels in patients with CD with subclinical inflammation. Its flexible structure, free of formula, likely explains the high adherence among asymptomatic individuals.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Barros DC, de Freitas LHK, MP Gomes (2026)

Microbiome-Informed Pathways Linking Nature-Based Treatment Systems to Antimicrobial Resistance Outcomes.

Environmental microbiology, 28(6):e70358.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a One Health challenge driven by clinical antibiotic use and environmental processes that shape microbial selection and genetic exchanges. Nature-based solutions (NbS), particularly constructed wetlands, are increasingly used to remove complex contaminant mixtures from aquatic systems. Although these systems often achieve considerable efficiencies, their effects on AMR dynamics remain unclear. This review synthesizes evidence on how aquatic rhizospheres function as microbiome-associated ecological reactors, in which contaminant mixtures, redox gradients and microbial interactions jointly influence resistance. We show that wetlands can function along a continuum between antimicrobial resistance attenuation, persistence, and dissemination, depending on the design, operation, and ecological context. Importantly, the removal of bioactive compounds does not necessarily translate to a reduced resistance risk, as selective pressures may persist within biofilms, sediments, and plant-associated compartments. We propose a microbiome-informed conceptual framework for interpreting AMR in nature-based systems. This perspective identifies potentially modifiable leverage points for understanding, interpreting, and potentially mitigating resistance-related risks and underscores the need for monitoring and risk assessment strategies that extend beyond conventional chemical metrics and incorporate the One Health exposure pathways. Together, these insights reposition wetlands as conditional solutions, whose sustainability depends on explicitly addressing antimicrobial resistance, alongside contaminant removal.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Kumar H, Kumar P, Prajapati MR, et al (2026)

Profiling of bacterial community associated with sugarcane rhizosphere.

Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology, 24(2):100694.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an important cash crop in India, and its cultivation contributes significantly to the country's economy by producing sugar, bioethanol, and other valuable by-products. The rhizosphere microbiome plays a vital role in nutrient cycling, plant health, and soil functioning. Hence, the soil microbiome associated with sugarcane cultivation plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling, plant health, and overall ecosystem functioning. However, information on the composition and diversity of bacterial communities in sugarcane rhizosphere soils of Uttar Pradesh remains limited. In different places, the outcomes of different cropping systems on the microbiome differ, affecting crop health and productivity. In the present study, bacterial diversity was characterized using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing across different locations. The results revealed distinct variations in microbial community composition among sites, as supported by beta diversity analysis. Dominant bacterial phyla included Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, Bacteroidota, Actinomycetota, and Acidobacteriota, indicating their potential roles in rhizosphere functioning. These findings provide insights into the structure of sugarcane-associated microbial communities and highlight their importance in sustainable crop production.

RevDate: 2026-06-17
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Veitch DP, Miller MJ, Kanoria S, et al (2026)

Contributions of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative to advancing AD research: a targeted review of recent publications.

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 22(6):e71566.

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, reflecting two decades of major contributions to Alzheimer's research through open data sharing and longitudinal multimodal assessments. This review synthesizes 122 high-impact studies using ADNI data or biospecimens from 2023 to mid-2025 to clarify mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Studies describe impairment of glymphatic clearance and the impact of cerebral small vessel disease, trajectories of amyloid beta and tau deposition, inflammation, metabolic disturbances, synaptic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration, leading to cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Multifactorial contributions from genetic and epigenetic influences, co-pathologies and comorbidities, and mechanisms of resilience modulate disease progression. Finally, heterogeneity of clinical presentation and disease course is described in the context of multiple contributing factors, highlighting the complexity of AD. By integrating imaging, fluid biomarkers, genetics, and clinical measures, ADNI provides a comprehensive research dataset for unraveling mechanisms underlying AD progression.

RevDate: 2026-06-24
CmpDate: 2026-06-17

Askari P, Dashtbin S, Navidifar T, et al (2026)

Fecal Microbiome Alterations in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review of Compositional Changes and Microbial Biomarkers.

MicrobiologyOpen, 15(3):e70326.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in its development. In the study, we examine the variation in gut microbial community composition among individuals diagnosed with CRC based on human fecal samples. A systematic search of online databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus up to March 2026, following the requirements outlined in the PRISMA guideline. The search strategy was based on a combination of keywords, including "colorectal cancer," "gut microbiome", and "feces." The study analyzed 43 research articles on colorectal cancer microbiome. Most investigations utilized culture-independent techniques, revealing variations in microbial profiles between colorectal cancer cases and healthy controls. Fusobacterium and Porphyromonas emerged as potential colorectal cancer biomarkers, while multi-bacteria predictive models showed promise in enhancing colorectal cancer detection sensitivity and specificity. In this review, we will explore how advanced sequencing techniques have the potential to complement current non-invasive methods for early diagnosis and prevention of colorectal cancer. This includes conducting studies with robust statistical power and consistent, replicable methodologies, taking into consideration host factors, and performing external validation of predictive models.

RevDate: 2026-06-18

Rutkowska N, Sekuła B, O Marchut-Mikołajczyk (2026)

Mining the Galium aparine L. microbiome: genome-guided discovery and experimental validation of metallophore-producing endophytic bacteria.

BMC genomics pii:10.1186/s12864-026-13037-7 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Environmental pollution resulting from heavy metals constitutes a critical global issue. Remediation technologies offer potential solutions, particularly through the innovative use of endophytic microbes, either independently or in conjunction with plants. This solution is based on the ability of certain endophytic bacteria to produce metallophores, which are low-molecular-weight compounds capable of chelating various heavy metals.

METHODS: This study investigates ten bacterial endophytes isolated from the medicinal plant Galium aparine L. belonging to the Bacillus, Priestia, and Peribacillus genera. We tested different media to efficiently induce their production and assessed their ability to chelate various heavy metals, including highly toxic Pb[2+], Cd[2+] and Hg[2+]. Moreover, we examined in detail of their metallophore gene clusters, their organization, diversity and prevalence, by broad homology search.

RESULTS: All strains exhibited moderate to high metallophore production ability, with few strains capable of chelating more metals than iron. Among them, Priestia sp. GS2 was identified as promising producer, reaching up to 60% SU, with binding activity also towards Co[2+], Mn[2+], Zn[2+], Ni[2+] or Cu[2+]. Also, Peribacillus frigoritolerans GR2 exhibits a remarkable ability to chelate Pb[2+], Hg[2+] and Cd[2+]. An in-depth analysis of the biosynthetic gene clusters and enzymes involved in metallophore biosynthesis revealed homologous clusters within previously deposited genomes, highlighting their distribution and potential evolutionary conservation.

CONCLUSIONS: The strains demonstrated capacity for metallophore production and heavy metal chelation, which makes them promising candidates for the development of advanced microbial solutions. A genome-guided selection approach can guide the selection of strains for agricultural applications, where they enhance plant nutrient uptake, suppress soil pathogens, and support sustainable fertilization strategies beyond sequestering crucial metals. Apart from agriculture, purified metallophores can aid bioremediation and mobilization of heavy metals from various environments and matrices.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Farhat ES, Abd El Halim AM, Elessawy AF, et al (2026)

The bacteriology of bronchiectasis patients and relation to disease severity.

BMC pulmonary medicine, 26(1):.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is a progressive pulmonary disease with repeated cough, expectoration and frequent respiratory infections. Every patient should have sample collected for routine bacteriological culture. Determining the disease's severity can help with therapy and follow-up choices.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To detect the bacteriology of bronchiectasis patients and relation to disease severity.

RESULTS: 60 patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation were investigated at chest department of Fayoum University Hospital. Broncho alveolar lavage for culture and sensitivity was done. Disease severity was assessed by cough score, mMRC dyspnea score, oxygen saturation, no of lobes affected in CT chest and modified rieff score, Spirometry and classification of severity by FEV1, and finally FACED and BSI scores were calculated. Isolation of H.Influenza represents 40%, Pseudomonas represents 26.7%, Klebsiella represents 20%, Staph aureus represents 10% and Pseudomonas& Klebsiella represent 3.3%. There was a statistically significant lower mean of oxygen saturation in cases infected with both pseudomonas and Klebsiella. There was a statistically significant high percentage of mild Modified Reiff score among cases infected with H. influenza, moderate degree among cases infected with Klebsiella, but severe degree among cases infected with pseudomonas.

CONCLUSION: H. influenzae consider as a major pathogen isolated by BAL culture in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation, followed by P. aeruginosa, then klebsiella then S. aureus. Cases infected with P. aeruginosa and klebsiella have the worst oxygen saturation. The highest modified Rieff score was in P. aeruginosa than other isolated organisms.

RevDate: 2026-06-18

Nabeshima K, M Onuma (2026)

Winter migratory birds may carry diverse antimicrobial resistance genes into Japan.

One health outlook pii:10.1186/s42522-026-00223-6 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Environmental surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in wildlife remains limited, despite increasing recognition that resistance determinants can circulate across human, livestock, and natural ecosystems. Migratory waterbirds move long distances and aggregate at shared stopover and wintering sites, potentially facilitating the acquisition and redistribution of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) across regions. However, nationwide evidence describing the breadth of ARGs carried by winter migratory birds in Japan is scarce. We assessed the diversity and distribution of ARGs in pooled fecal samples from winter migratory birds across Japan.

METHODS: We analyzed pooled fecal DNA collected at migratory bird habitats across 12 local governments during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 winter seasons (24 pools). Avian host origin was inferred by DNA metabarcoding, and ARGs were profiled by probe-based target enrichment with read-based detection (ARG detected at ≥ 10 reads).

RESULTS: Ducks (Anas spp. and Mareca spp.) were the predominant inferred hosts. ARGs were detected in all areas and included genes associated with resistance to multiple antibiotic classes used in livestock production. Across the two seasons, genes associated with resistance to gentamicin, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, fosfomycin, clindamycin, penicillins, streptogramins, sulfonamides/trimethoprim, colistin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, and isoniazid were detected in all 12 areas in at least one season. Genes associated with resistance to agents restricted for use in Japanese livestock production, including colistin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and rifampicin, were also detected in all 24 pools. Isoniazid-, gentamicin-, meropenem-, and tigecycline-associated genes were detected in 23/24, 20/24, 11/24, and 9/24 pools, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate widespread environmental occurrence of diverse ARGs and support the possibility that migratory birds could contribute to long-distance dispersal of ARGs. Culture-based isolation, phenotypic testing, and quantitative analyses will be needed to identify host bacteria and assess clinical relevance.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Zhu F, Ying H, Siadat SD, et al (2026)

Retraction Note: The gut-lung axis and microbiome dysbiosis in non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections: immune mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic frontiers.

Gut pathogens, 18(1): pii:10.1186/s13099-026-00856-y.

RevDate: 2026-06-18

Harden M, Koos DS, Arzuyan K, et al (2026)

Heat stress induces organelle alterations in Macrocystis pyrifera gametophytes.

Journal of phycology [Epub ahead of print].

Kelp, brown macroalgae in the order Laminariales, provide ecosystem services vital to ocean biodiversity. However, kelp forests worldwide are declining due to abiotic stressors such as ocean warming. In this study, we present results from high-resolution confocal microscopy and in vivo imaging system imaging using protocols developed to visualize kelp gametophyte cells exposed to heat-stress treatments. Imaging revealed chloroplast mislocalization, fragmentation, and subsequent loss of chloroplasts in heat-stressed gametophyte cells. Additionally, nuclei exhibited fragmentation and a progressive loss of fluorescent signal, and the associated microbiome proliferated under various heat-stress treatments. Notably, because brown algae possess a continuous outer membrane that connects the nuclear envelope and the chloroplast envelope, these observations suggest a cellular vulnerability underlying thermal sensitivity in brown macroalgae. Finally, by comparing heat-stress tolerant and heat-stress sensitive genotypes, we found that genotypes with higher heat tolerance exhibited substantially fewer abnormalities compared to sensitive ones.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Gehlot P, Yadav J, T Jain (2026)

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of phosphate-solubilizing ability of Lysinibacillus macroides: a climate-resilient biofertilizer candidate for sustainable crop nutrition.

Frontiers in microbiology, 17:1849362.

Phosphorus (P) is a critical macronutrient governing plant productivity, however its bioavailability in agricultural soils remains severely constrained due to fixation in insoluble mineral complexes, particularly calcium-bound phosphates in alkaline systems. The low use efficiency of chemical fertilizers, coupled with escalating environmental concerns, necessitates biologically driven strategies for sustainable phosphorus management. In this study, rhizospheric bacteria associated with chili (Capsicum annuum L.) were systematically investigated to elucidate the phosphate-solubilizing potential of Lysinibacillus macroides, an underexplored spore-forming plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR). A total of 23 isolates were characterized using integrated qualitative and quantitative assays. All isolates exhibited halo formation on Pikovskaya's agar (1.26-4.70 mm), while NBRIP broth analysis revealed substantial tricalcium phosphate solubilization, reaching up to 30.03 μg mL[-1]. This activity was consistently associated with pronounced acidification, with pH declining from 7.0 to 3.2-4.1, indicating an acidification-driven solubilization mechanism. A strong inverse correlation between soluble phosphate and pH (r = -0.91, p < 0.01), supported by multivariate analysis, suggests that phosphate mobilization is governed by metabolically regulated acidification dynamics, likely mediated through organic acid production and proton extrusion. Among the isolates, 2.B (L. macroides) and 4.1 (L. fusiformis) exhibited superior solubilization efficiency and were distinctly separated through clustering analysis. Functional validation through seed biopriming demonstrated significant enhancement in germination (96.66%) and Seedling Vigor Index (766.88), establishing a direct linkage between microbial phosphorus mobilization and early plant development. Lysinibacillus macroides maintained significant growth across a broad range of pH (4-10), temperature (15-45°C), and salinity (0.01-0.1% NaCl), demonstrating its inherent tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses and confirming its potential as a climate-resilient plant growth-promoting bacterium. This study provides a quantitative and multivariate demonstration of acidification-coupled phosphate solubilization in Lysinibacillus macroides, integrating biochemical, statistical, and plant-based validation to elucidate a consistent mechanism of phosphorus mobilization. Collectively, the findings establish L. macroides as a resilient biofertilizer candidate for enhancing phosphorus-use efficiency and sustainable nutrient management in chili and other crops.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Bachir A, Altaie AM, Bendardaf R, et al (2026)

Microbial dysbiosis drives colorectal carcinogenesis via integrated inflammatory, metabolic, and biofilm pathways.

Frontiers in microbiology, 17:1795882.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) arises from a multifaceted interplay among the intestinal microbiota, chronic inflammation, and host genomic instability, with microbial dysbiosis serving as an active driver rather than a by-product of malignant transformation. Genotoxic Escherichia coli (colibactin-positive), enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum contribute to distinct stages of CRC progression by engaging the DNA-damage response and activating β-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling and NF-κB/STAT3 transcriptional programs controlling pro-inflammatory (IL-6, IL-8), pro-survival (BCL-2, BCL-XL), and proliferative (MYC, CCND1) gene expression.. Here, we propose a tri-axial pathogenic framework in which (i) cyclic dinucleotide-mediated activation of the cGAS-STING pathway engages TBK1-IRF3 and NF-κB signaling, driving type I interferons (IFN-β) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) that couple microbial genotoxic stress to innate inflammation; (ii) altered microbial metabolites, including indoles and bile acids, reprogram AhR and FXR/TGR5 signaling; and (iii) crypt-anchored biofilms spatially amplify IL-6 leading to activation of STAT3, epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressors, and immune evasion. This review critically synthesizes current evidence supporting these axes and maps them onto CRC molecular subsets and tumor location. Recognition of these integrated microbial-host circuits identifies mechanistically grounded candidates for biomarker development, microbiome-based diagnostics, and targeted interventions to restore microbial and immune equilibrium, thereby providing a refined framework for the molecular classification and precision management of CRC.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Amso D, Fahur Bottino G, Forest TT, et al (2026)

Microbiome-behavior coupling shapes infant adaptation to early maternal unpredictability.

Frontiers in microbiology, 17:1830339.

How do some human infants adapt to environmental challenges while others do not? We examined whether infant behavioral responses to maternal unpredictability predict early inhibitory control and are linked to gut microbial community composition and neuroactive metabolic potential. Maternal unpredictability, quantified as the entropy of sensory signal transitions during mother-infant interaction (N = 255; 2-6 months), predicted poorer infant inhibitory control at 19-28 months. However, infants who exhibited high visual orienting behavior (VOB) under high unpredictability showed later inhibitory control comparable to infants exposed to low unpredictability, suggesting an adaptive behavioral buffering strategy. In a subset of infants (n = 87), we tested whether infant age, sex, delivery mode, feeding, maternal education, and maternal unpredictability explained variation in gut microbial community diversity. Only feeding status and VOB were significantly associated with both taxonomic and functional microbial profiles. VOB was associated with taxonomic and functional variation along a Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium longum axis and enrichment of microbial tryptophan and glutamate synthesis genes. Although feeding groups differed in alpha diversity, VOB was not associated with feeding status, suggesting that feeding is not the primary driver of the observed VOB-microbiome signatures. Interaction models of neuroactive gene functions revealed that microbial signatures vary across combinations of VOB and maternal unpredictability, suggesting that the microbial support for deploying visual attentional strategies differs under distinct levels of environmental unpredictability. Together, these findings support a framework in which infant behavioral strategy is associated with variation in gut microbial composition and metabolic gene potential.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Sun M, Li D, Wang L, et al (2026)

The selenium-enriched Rhodotorula mucilaginosa JAASRY1 improved oxidative stress during the aging process via the gut-liver-brain axis.

Frontiers in microbiology, 17:1809542.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress, induced by the aging process, has been demonstrated to engender a variety of deleterious effects on the organism. The effectiveness of selenium-enriched Rhodotorula mucilaginosa remains unproven.

METHODS: In this study, selenium-enriched Rhodotorula mucilaginosa JAASRY1 (Se-RMSRY) was comprehensively characterized. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was employed to analyze its morphology and the elemental distribution of selenium. Furthermore, the specific chemical forms of biogenic selenium in Se-RMSRY were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The potential of Se-RMSRY to exert antioxidant mechanisms for anti-aging effects was then systematically elucidated. Animal behavioral tests demonstrated behavioral differences induced by Se-RMSRY, thereby evaluating the improvement in aging phenotypes. Histopathological analysis of the hippocampus, liver, and intestine was performed to examine structural integrity and pathological changes. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using fluorescence-based assays to confirm oxidative stress mitigation. Western blotting was employed to validate the expression of aging-related proteins. Additionally, gut microbiome analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing was carried out to explore the composition and diversity of gut microbiota, thereby uncovering potential links between antioxidant activity and gut health in the anti-aging process.

RESULTS: The results showed that selenomethionine (SeMet) was the predominant bioselenium composition of Se-RMSRY, with a concentration of 1213.16 mg/kg. Furthermore, Se-RMSRY significantly enhanced intestinal homeostasis by enriching beneficial Lactobacillus sp. populations and reprogramming microbial metabolism toward carbohydrate utilization while suppressing amino acid metabolism in aging mice (p < 0.05). Systemic antioxidant capacity was augmented via coordinated activation of the Nrf2/NQO1/HO-1 signaling pathway and glutathione metabolism, with concomitant reductions in hepatic and intestinal oxidative stress markers (p < 0.05). The intervention attenuated apoptosis through Bcl-2/Bax pathway modulation and improved gut barrier integrity (p < 0.05), while hippocampal CA1 neuronal preservation correlated with reduced anxiety-like behaviors and enhanced cognitive performance (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: These findings establish Se-RMSRY as a promising dietary intervention against age-related pathologies through gut-microbiota-organ axis regulation, thereby addressing the previously unproven efficacy of Se-RMSRY in counteracting aging-related oxidative stress.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Velasco AJ, LM Dalmacio (2026)

COVID-19 Infection and Gut Microbial Dysbiosis Among Filipinos with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies, 41(1):72-81.

BACKGROUND: Both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and COVID-19 are associated with gut microbial alterations. It remains unclear whether COVID-19 causes further gut dysbiosis among individuals with T2DM.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiome of Filipinos with T2DM who had COVID-19.

METHODOLOGY: 101 Filipinos, aged 30-59, residing in the Greater Manila Area, were recruited into one of four groups: non-COVID/non-T2DM (A), COVID-recovered/non-T2DM (B), non-COVID/T2DM (C), and COVID-recovered/T2DM (D). Gut microbial composition was characterized through 16S rRNA gene profiling of stool samples using Illumina MiSeq-nextgeneration Sequencing. These sequences were subjected to mothur and PICRUSt2 for taxonomic and functional analyses.

RESULTS: Gut microbial analysis revealed potential disease biomarkers, as Roseburia is more abundant among participants with COVID-19 history, while Parabacteroides is more abundant among participants with T2DM. Principal coordinate analysis (PCOA) revealed that participants with T2DM clustered together, while participants without T2DM displayed significantly different clustering.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that COVID-19 does not cause further gut dysbiosis among individuals with T2DM and that T2DM exerts a stronger influence on the gut microbiome compared to COVID-19. These findings are useful for clinicians to better understand the COVID-19 risk to T2DM.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Li Y (2026)

Multimodal biomarker panel for early prediction of anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery: from inflammation to ischemia.

Frontiers in surgery, 13:1809885.

Anastomotic leakage is one of the most serious complications following colorectal surgery, with an incidence ranging from 2% to 19%, and is closely associated with increased perioperative mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and poor oncological outcomes. Traditional clinical diagnosis relies on signs, symptoms, and imaging studies, which exhibit significant time delays. In recent years, researchers have explored early warning biomarkers from multiple perspectives including inflammatory response, tissue ischemia, microbial changes, and extracellular matrix remodeling, accumulating abundant research data. This article systematically reviews the current application status of serum inflammatory markers, peritoneal drain fluid cytokines, ischemic metabolites, microbiome markers, and tissue repair-related molecules in predicting anastomotic leakage, with emphasis on analyzing the diagnostic performance, optimal detection time windows, and clinical operability of various biomarker categories. Based on this foundation, we propose a multimodal prediction framework integrating four dimensions of "inflammation-ischemia-microbiome-tissue repair" and discuss the challenges in translating this framework into clinical decision-making tools. Machine learning algorithms demonstrate application potential in integrating multi-source heterogeneous data, but insufficient external validation remains the primary bottleneck constraining clinical implementation. Future research directions should focus on large-scale multicenter prospective cohort validation, establishment of standardized detection protocols, and development of implantable real-time monitoring technologies.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Liu Z, Mao Y, Zhang L, et al (2026)

Association between oral microbiome alpha and beta diversity and MASLD risk: a large-scale, population-based retrospective study.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 16:1784034.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease globally, yet its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. The "oral-gut-liver axis" hypothesis suggests that oral microbiota may influence liver metabolism through direct or indirect pathways; however, large-scale population-based evidence is still limited.

METHODS: Data from the 2009 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) included 2,759 U.S. adults aged ≥ 20 years. MASLD was defined using a U.S. Fatty Liver Index score ≥ 30. Oral rinse samples were sequenced targeting the 16S rRNA V4 region to evaluate alpha diversity (Observed OTUs, Faith's Phylogenetic Diversity, Shannon-Wiener Index, and Inverse Simpson Index) and beta diversity (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity and UniFrac distance). Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models with sequential adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical metabolic covariates evaluated the association between oral microbial diversity and MASLD. Analyses were stratified by body mass index and smoking status.

RESULTS: The final analysis included 2,759 adults, of whom 183 individuals had MASLD. Oral microbial richness and diversity were significantly lower in individuals with MASLD. Multivariable analyses demonstrated a strong inverse association between oral microbial diversity and MASLD risk: Each increase in diversity was associated with a substantially reduced likelihood of MASLD. A clear dose-response relationship was observed, with individuals in the highest bacterial diversity group having a 65% lower risk than those in the lowest group. This association remained significant after adjusting for age, body weight, and diabetes. Stratified analysis revealed that the association was consistent across different body weight groups but was modified by smoking status. Finally, we identified that the overall makeup of the bacterial communities in the mouth was distinctly different between individuals with and without MASLD.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the association between oral bacteria and liver disorders. We found that lower diversity of oral microbes is independently correlated with a higher risk of disease, even after accounting for factors such as weight and blood sugar. The protective role of a diverse oral microbiome can be reduced by smoking and increased body weight. These findings establish the oral microbiome as a new and independent factor in liver health.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Radzieta M, Malone M, Schwarzer S, et al (2026)

Anaerobe-associated microbial shifts at infection onset in diabetes-related foot ulcers revealed by longitudinal metagenomics.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 16:1812721.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes-related foot infections (DRFIs) are a major cause of hospitalisation and carry a significantly increased risk of lower extremity amputation. To date there is a lack of longitudinal studies examining within-patient microbiome dynamics during the transition from non-infected to infected diabetes-related foot ulcers (DRFUs).

METHODS: We used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to longitudinally profile the wound microbiome of 6 patients with DRFUs who developed clinical infections, utilising taxonomic profiling, metagenome assembly and binning and strain level analysis to characterise within-patient microbial shifts.

RESULTS: DRFUs with no signs of clinical infection were colonised by virulent pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter hormaechei and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In most patients, infection onset was associated with a decrease in pathogen abundance and a significant increase in obligate anaerobes including Prevotella spp, Peptoniphilus spp, Porphyromonas spp and Anaerococcus spp.

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential importance of anaerobes and hypoxia in DRFIs and may support monitoring of tissue oxygen saturation as a predictor of infection onset.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Wang Z, Zhu Y, Liu X, et al (2026)

iSymBase: an integrative functional-genomic platform for ecological exploration of insect symbionts.

ISME communications, 6(1):ycag128.

Insect symbionts play essential roles in host biology, influencing nutrition, immunity, reproduction, and environmental adaptation, ultimately shaping insect physiology, ecology, and evolution. With the rapid growth of functional and genomic datasets on insect symbionts, there remains a critical need for a dedicated platform to systematically compile, organize, and analyze these datasets from an integrative ecological perspective. Here, we developed an insect Symbiont database, named as iSymBase, by manually curating functional records and genomic datasets of insect symbionts from published academic literature. Currently, iSymBase contains over 2657 insect symbiont functional records spanning 795 host species, along with 1494 metagenomes, 14 992 amplicon datasets, and standardized genome and gene catalogs, providing a comprehensive resource for ecological and comparative insect symbiont researches. iSymBase offers standardized query functionalities, such as data browsing, keyword associative search, sequence alignment, data download, and submission. Beyond conventional database functionalities, iSymBase provides several innovative tools: insect-symbiont interaction network for host-symbiont ecological relationships, a batch annotation tool for detecting ecologically functional symbionts from microbiome profiles, and an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot iSymSeek designed to assist researchers with related knowledge queries. Taken together, iSymBase will serve as an open-access and continually updated platform for storing, querying, and analyzing insect symbiont data, supporting ecological exploration of host-symbiont interactions, symbiont functional diversity, and microbiome-driven adaptation. Database URL: http://symbiont.insect-genome.com/.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Zheng YL, Guo YS, Ren XY, et al (2026)

Unveiling the role of soil microorganisms in indicating paddy soil health via metagenomics combined with machine learning.

ISME communications, 6(1):ycag133.

The soil microbiome performs various ecological functions, making it a potentially vital component of soil health assessment; however, the indicator taxa of soil health remain unidentified. This study explored these taxa in paddy soils of the black soil region in Northeast China. First, the soil health index (SHI) was evaluated using representative physicochemical and biological parameters, revealing that approximately one-third of the soils had a low health level. A Random Forest model was then developed based on microbial species' relative abundance to predict the SHI, achieving an R [2] value greater than 0.6. Based on the SHapley Additive exPlanations values of this model, 40 microbial species were identified as potential indicator taxa of soil health, with 39 of these taxa occurring in more than 50% of the samples. Specifically, paddy soils with more abundant carbon (C)- and nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria exhibited higher soil organic matter and total N contents, along with higher health levels. Conversely, soils rich in denitrifying bacteria exhibited lower SHI values because of increased N loss. Furthermore, C-fixing, N-fixing, and denitrifying genes showed functional relationships with the corresponding soil properties and SHI. In addition, halophilic, halotolerant, and eutrophic bacteria indicated soil health by reflecting salinity and nutrient status. The potential of these indicator taxa was validated at multidecadal and regional spatial scales. These results highlight the practical value of such indicator taxa, which elucidate the ecological processes associated with soil health and respond predictably to changes in soil health, thereby serving as rapid diagnostic tools for assessing soil health.

RevDate: 2026-06-18
CmpDate: 2026-06-18

Millar ME, Abele M, Harris HC, et al (2026)

Bifidobacterial genes upregulated by resistant starch investigated using multi-omics have orthologs in infant gut isolates.

ISME communications, 6(1):ycag136.

Bifidobacterium species and strains are key members of the human gut microbiota, appearing soon after birth and persisting into adulthood. Resistant starch is an important dietary substrate for adult-associated bifidobacteria, where its fermentation supports host health. However, less is known about how different starch structures interact with bifidobacteria. Here we show that growth kinetics and gene expression differ depending on starch structure. Using detailed growth assays, genomics, and metabolomic analyses, bifidobacterial starch hydrolysis capabilities were closely associated with their CAZyme profiles. In one isolate of Bifidobacterium globosum, we identified a gene cluster encoding three multi-functional amylase enzymes complemented by several starch-binding modules, the genes and proteins of which were significantly upregulated in response to starch. Homologs of genes in the cluster were found in the genomes of bifidobacterial isolates from weaning infants providing insights into their role in the maturation process of the microbiota. Uncovering mechanisms of metabolic interaction between starch structures and bifidobacteria underscores the importance of this ecological function and potential health implications.

RevDate: 2026-06-18

Heidrich V, Fackelmann G, Ricci L, et al (2026)

Strain transmission links human microbiomes along the oral-gut axis and across cohabiting individuals.

Cell press blue, 1(3):None.

Interpersonal strain transmission shapes the human microbiome, yet a comparative understanding of the transmission dynamics across body sites is lacking. We analyzed 1,644 paired oral and fecal metagenomes to investigate microbiome transmission among healthy cohabitants and intra-individual oral-gut overlap. Cohabitants shared significantly more oral and gut strains than non-cohabitants. Romantic partners exhibited the highest oral strain-sharing rates, exceeding their gut strain sharing. Higher oral transmissibility was associated with increased longitudinal strain replacement, while the most transmissible gut species were linked to poorer cardiometabolic health. Within individuals, 74.5% of cases of species detected in both sites involved the same strains, primarily related to abundant oral species such as Streptococcus salivarius, suggesting saliva-mediated transmission. Conversely, Bifidobacterium longum strains never overlapped between sites, with the recently proposed B. longum subsp. nexti uniquely colonizing the oral cavity. These findings extend our understanding of microbiome spread and its potential consequences for human health.

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ESP Quick Facts

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In the early 1990's, Robert Robbins was a faculty member at Johns Hopkins, where he directed the informatics core of GDB — the human gene-mapping database of the international human genome project. To share papers with colleagues around the world, he set up a small paper-sharing section on his personal web page. This small project evolved into The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.

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In 1995, Robbins became the VP/IT of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. Soon after arriving in Seattle, Robbins secured funding, through the ELSI component of the US Human Genome Project, to create the original ESP.ORG web site, with the formal goal of providing free, world-wide access to the literature of classical genetics.

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Although the methods of molecular biology can seem almost magical to the uninitiated, the original techniques of classical genetics are readily appreciated by one and all: cross individuals that differ in some inherited trait, collect all of the progeny, score their attributes, and propose mechanisms to explain the patterns of inheritance observed.

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In reading the early works of classical genetics, one is drawn, almost inexorably, into ever more complex models, until molecular explanations begin to seem both necessary and natural. At that point, the tools for understanding genome research are at hand. Assisting readers reach this point was the original goal of The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.

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Usage of the site grew rapidly and has remained high. Faculty began to use the site for their assigned readings. Other on-line publishers, ranging from The New York Times to Nature referenced ESP materials in their own publications. Nobel laureates (e.g., Joshua Lederberg) regularly used the site and even wrote to suggest changes and improvements.

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When the site began, no journals were making their early content available in digital format. As a result, ESP was obliged to digitize classic literature before it could be made available. For many important papers — such as Mendel's original paper or the first genetic map — ESP had to produce entirely new typeset versions of the works, if they were to be available in a high-quality format.

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Early support from the DOE component of the Human Genome Project was critically important for getting the ESP project on a firm foundation. Since that funding ended (nearly 20 years ago), the project has been operated as a purely volunteer effort. Anyone wishing to assist in these efforts should send an email to Robbins.

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With the development of methods for adding typeset side notes to PDF files, the ESP project now plans to add annotated versions of some classical papers to its holdings. We also plan to add new reference and pedagogical material. We have already started providing regularly updated, comprehensive bibliographies to the ESP.ORG site.

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Papers in Classical Genetics

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Along with papers on classical genetics, ESP offers a collection of full-text digital books, including many works by Darwin and even a collection of poetry — Chicago Poems by Carl Sandburg.

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