scholarly journals A Polyphenol Enriched Variety of Apple Alters Circulating Immune Cell Gene Expression and Faecal Microbiota Composition in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1092
Author(s):  
Matthew P. G. Barnett ◽  
Wayne Young ◽  
Kelly Armstrong ◽  
Diane Brewster ◽  
Janine M. Cooney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Composition Analysis ◽  
Cell Mediated Immunity ◽  
Anthocyanin Content ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Faecal Microbiota ◽  
Apple Variety ◽  
Relative Abundances

Polyphenols within fruits and vegetables may contribute to health benefits due to their consumption, with the anthocyanin sub-set also adding colour. The Lemonade™ apple variety has green skin and white flesh, with low anthocyanin content, while some apple varieties have high anthocyanin content in both the skin and flesh. Effects of red compared with white-fleshed apples were studied in healthy human subjects in a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over intervention trial. Twenty-five healthy subjects consumed dried daily portions of the red-fleshed or placebo (white-fleshed) apple for two weeks, followed by one-week washout and further two-week crossover period. During the study, volunteers provided faecal samples for microbiota composition analysis and blood samples for peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression analysis. Subtle differences were observed in the faecal microbiota of subjects that were fed the different apples, with significant (p < 0.05) reductions in relative abundances of Streptococcus, Ruminococcus, Blautia, and Roseburia, and increased relative abundances of Sutterella, Butyricicoccus, and Lactobacillus in subjects after consuming the red apple. Changes in PBMC gene expression showed 18 mRNA transcripts were differentially expressed between the two groups, of which 16 were immunoglobulin related genes. Pathway analysis showed that these genes had roles in pathways such as immunoglobulin production, B cell-mediated immunity, complement activation, and phagocytosis. In conclusion, this study shows that anthocyanin-rich apples may influence immune function compared to control apples, with changes potentially associated with differences in the faecal microbiota.

scholarly journals Inflamm-Aging Is Associated with Lower Plasma PTX3 Concentrations and an Impaired Capacity of PBMCs to Express hTERT following LPS Stimulation

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron L. Slusher ◽  
Tiffany M. Zúñiga ◽  
Edmund O. Acevedo
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Telomere Length ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Htert Gene ◽  
Age Related

Age-related elevations in proinflammatory cytokines, known as inflamm-aging, are associated with shorter immune cell telomere lengths. Purpose. This study examined the relationship of plasma PTX3 concentrations, a biomarker of appropriate immune function, with telomere length in 15 middle-aged (40-64 years) and 15 young adults (20-31 years). In addition, PBMCs were isolated from middle-aged and young adults to examine their capacity to express a key mechanistic component of telomere length maintenance, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), following ex vivo cellular stimulation. Methods. Plasma PTX3 and inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, and TNF-α), PBMC telomere lengths, and PBMC hTERT gene expression and inflammatory protein secretion following exposure to LPS, PTX3, and PTX3+LPS were measured. Results. Aging was accompanied by the accumulation of centrally located visceral adipose tissue, without changes in body weight and BMI, and alterations in the systemic inflammatory milieu (decreased plasma PTX3 and TGF-β; increased TNF-α (p≤0.050)). In addition, shorter telomere lengths in middle-aged compared to young adults (p=0.011) were negatively associated with age, body fat percentages, and plasma TNF-α (r=−0.404, p=0.027; r=−0.427, p=0.019; and r=−0.323, p=0.041, respectively). Finally, the capacity of PBMCs to increase hTERT gene expression following ex vivo stimulation was impaired in middle-aged compared to young adults (p=0.033) and negatively associated with telomere lengths (r=0.353, p=0.028). Conclusions. Proinflammation and the impaired hTERT gene expression capacity of PBMCs may contribute to age-related telomere attrition and disease.

scholarly journals The Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Lactococcus lactis Strain Plasma on Skin Microbiome and Skin Conditions in Healthy Subjects—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 563
Author(s):  
Ryohei Tsuji ◽  
Kamiyu Yazawa ◽  
Takeshi Kokubo ◽  
Yuumi Nakamura ◽  
Osamu Kanauchi
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Lactococcus Lactis ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Skin Microbiome ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Lactis Strain ◽  
Skin Conditions

(1) Background: Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma) is a unique strain which directly activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells, resulting in the prevention against broad spectrum of viral infection. Additionally, we found that LC-Plasma intake stimulated skin immunity and prevents Staphylococcus aureus epicutaneous infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LC-Plasma dietary supplementation on skin microbiome, gene expression in the skin, and skin conditions in healthy subjects. (2) Method: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted. Seventy healthy volunteers were enrolled and assigned into two groups receiving either placebo or LC-Plasma capsules (approximately 1 × 1011 cells/day) for 8 weeks. The skin microbiome was analyzed by NGS and qPCR. Gene expression was analyzed by qPCR and skin conditions were diagnosed by dermatologists before and after intervention. (3) Result: LC-Plasma supplementation prevented the decrease of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus pasteuri and overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes. In addition, LC-Plasma supplementation suggested to increase the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes but not tight junction genes. Furthermore, the clinical scores of skin conditions were ameliorated by LC-Plasma supplementation. (4) Conclusions: Our findings provided the insights that the dietary supplementation of LC-Plasma might have stabilizing effects on seasonal change of skin microbiome and skin conditions in healthy subjects.

scholarly journals Bioinformatics analysis of DNMT1 expression and its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma prognosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jili Cui ◽  
Lian Zheng ◽  
Yuanyuan Zhang ◽  
Miaomiao Xue
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Dnmt1 Expression

AbstractHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common type of malignancy in the world. DNA cytosine-5-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) play key roles in carcinogenesis and regulation of the immune micro-environment, but the gene expression and the role of DNMT1 in HNSCC is unknown. In this study, we utilized online tools and databases for pan-cancer and HNSCC analysis of DNMT1 expression and its association with clinical cancer characteristics. We also identified genes that positively and negatively correlated with DNMT1 expression and identified eight hub genes based on protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Enrichment analyses were performed to explore the biological functions related with of DNMT1. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database was performed to explore the relationship between DNMT1 expression and immune-cell infiltration. We demonstrated that DNMT1 gene expression was upregulated in HNSCC and associated with poor prognosis. Based on analysis of the eight hub genes, we determined that DNMT1 may be involved in cell cycle, proliferation and metabolic related pathways. We also found that significant difference of B cells infiltration based on TP 53 mutation. These findings suggest that DNMT1 related epigenetic alterations have close relationship with HNSCC progression, and DNMT1 could be a novel diagnostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for HNSCC.

scholarly journals Effects of long-acting, broad spectra anthelmintic treatments on the rumen microbial community compositions of grazing sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina D. Moon ◽  
Luis Carvalho ◽  
Michelle R. Kirk ◽  
Alan F. McCulloch ◽  
Sandra Kittelmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Archaeal Community ◽  
Fungal Communities ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Rumen Microbiota ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Methanobrevibacter Ruminantium ◽  
Group 12 ◽  
Relative Abundances ◽  
Long Acting

AbstractAnthelmintic treatment of adult ewes is widely practiced to remove parasite burdens in the expectation of increased ruminant productivity. However, the broad activity spectra of many anthelmintic compounds raises the possibility of impacts on the rumen microbiota. To investigate this, 300 grazing ewes were allocated to treatment groups that included a 100-day controlled release capsule (CRC) containing albendazole and abamectin, a long-acting moxidectin injection (LAI), and a non-treated control group (CON). Rumen bacterial, archaeal and protozoal communities at day 0 were analysed to identify 36 sheep per treatment with similar starting compositions. Microbiota profiles, including those for the rumen fungi, were then generated for the selected sheep at days 0, 35 and 77. The CRC treatment significantly impacted the archaeal community, and was associated with increased relative abundances of Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, Methanosphaera sp. ISO3-F5, and Methanomassiliicoccaceae Group 12 sp. ISO4-H5 compared to the control group. In contrast, the LAI treatment increased the relative abundances of members of the Veillonellaceae and resulted in minor changes to the bacterial and fungal communities by day 77. Overall, the anthelmintic treatments resulted in few, but highly significant, changes to the rumen microbiota composition.

scholarly journals Efficacy of metformin and fermentable fiber combination therapy in adolescents with severe obesity and insulin resistance: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward C. Deehan ◽  
Eloisa Colin-Ramirez ◽  
Lucila Triador ◽  
Karen L. Madsen ◽  
Carla M. Prado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Fecal Microbiota ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence suggests that the metabolic effects of metformin and fermentable fibers are mediated, in part, through diverging or overlapping effects on the composition and metabolic functions of the gut microbiome. Pre-clinical animal models have established that the addition of fiber to metformin monotherapy improves glucose tolerance. However, possible synergistic effects of combination therapy (metformin plus fiber) have not been investigated in humans. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms of synergy have yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to compare in adolescents with obesity the metabolic effects of metformin and fermentable fibers in combination with those of metformin or fiber alone. We will also determine if therapeutic responses correlate with compositional and functional features of the gut microbiome. Methods This is a parallel three-armed, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Adolescents (aged 12–18 years) with obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) will receive either metformin (850 mg p.o. twice/day), fermentable fibers (35 g/day), or a combination of metformin plus fiber for 12 months. Participants will be seen at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months, with a phone follow-up at 1 and 9 months. Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome is change in IR estimated by homeostatic model assessment of IR; key secondary outcomes include changes in the Matsuda index, oral disposition index, body mass index z-score, and fat mass to fat-free mass ratio. To gain mechanistic insight, endpoints that reflect host-microbiota interactions will also be assessed: obesity-related immune, metabolic, and satiety markers; humoral metabolites; and fecal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids, and bile acids. Discussion This study will compare the potential metabolic benefits of fiber with those of metformin in adolescents with obesity, determine if metformin and fiber act synergistically to improve IR, and elucidate whether the metabolic benefits of metformin and fiber associate with changes in fecal microbiota composition and the output of health-related metabolites. This study will provide insight into the potential role of the gut microbiome as a target for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of emerging treatments for T2DM prevention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04578652. Registered on 8 October 2020.

scholarly journals Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 Supplementation Improves Glycemic Control in Prediabetic Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2337
Author(s):  
Mi-Ra Oh ◽  
Hui-Yeon Jang ◽  
Si-Yeon Lee ◽  
Su-Jin Jung ◽  
Soo-Wan Chae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glycemic Control ◽  
Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Postprandial Glucose ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Single Strain ◽  
Hba1c Levels

A recent animal study demonstrated that administration of Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 isolated from Korean kimchi improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetic mice. In the present study, we evaluated Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01’s effects on metabolic parameters of prediabetic human subjects. Forty subjects with isolated impaired glucose tolerance were randomly assigned to receive a daily placebo (n = 20) or a dose of Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 (n = 20) over eight weeks. The primary endpoint was a change in 2 h postprandial glucose (2h-PPG) levels and the secondary endpoints were assessment of other glucose metabolism parameters, including HbA1c, gut microbiota composition, and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The group with a diet supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum HAC01 saw a significant reduction in 2h-PPG and HbA1c levels compared to the placebo group. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, microbiota composition, and fecal SCFAs, however, were not significantly altered. No serious adverse effects were reported. This is the first clinical trial to show a beneficial effect of single-strain probiotic supplementation administered over eight weeks on HbA1c levels in prediabetic subjects.

scholarly journals Differences in Anthocyanin Accumulation Profiles between Teinturier and Non-Teinturier Cultivars during Ripening

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1073
Author(s):  
Meng-Bo Tian ◽  
Lin Yuan ◽  
Ming-Yuan Zheng ◽  
Zhu-Mei Xi
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Plant Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Anthocyanin Synthesis ◽  
Anthocyanin Content ◽  
Anthocyanin Accumulation ◽  
Total Anthocyanin ◽  
Total Anthocyanin Content ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Relative Gene ◽  
High Expression Level

Anthocyanins are vital components of plant secondary metabolites, and are also the most important coloring substances in wine. Teinturier cultivars are rich in anthocyanins. However, the differences in anthocyanin accumulation and profiles between teinturier and non-teinturier cultivars have not been reported. In this study, Yan 73 and Dunkelfelder were selected as the experimental materials, and three non-teinturier cultivars were used for comparison. LC-MS and qRT-PCR were used to determine the individual anthocyanin contents and the relative gene expression. The results show that the total anthocyanin content of the teinturier cultivars was considerably higher than that in non-teinturier cultivars, and the levels of individual anthocyanins increased gradually during ripening. Lower ratios of modified anthocyanins were found in the teinturier cultivars, which was not only due to the high expression level of VvUFGT and VvGST4, but also due to the relatively low expression of VvOMT in these cultivars. Cluster analysis of gene expression and anthocyanin accumulation showed that VvUFGT is related to anthocyanin accumulation, and that AM1 is related to the synthesis and transport of methylated anthocyanins. Our results will be useful for further clarifying the pathways of anthocyanin synthesis, modification, and transport in teinturier cultivars.

scholarly journals Predicting Host Immune Cell Dynamics and Key Disease-Associated Genes Using Tissue Transcriptional Profiles

Processes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 301
Author(s):  
Muying Wang ◽  
Satoshi Fukuyama ◽  
Yoshihiro Kawaoka ◽  
Jason E. Shoemaker
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Expression Data ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Mean Squared Error ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Expression Data ◽  
Cell Dynamics ◽  
Cell Counts

Motivation: Immune cell dynamics is a critical factor of disease-associated pathology (immunopathology) that also impacts the levels of mRNAs in diseased tissue. Deconvolution algorithms attempt to infer cell quantities in a tissue/organ sample based on gene expression profiles and are often evaluated using artificial, non-complex samples. Their accuracy on estimating cell counts given temporal tissue gene expression data remains not well characterized and has never been characterized when using diseased lung. Further, how to remove the effects of cell migration on transcript counts to improve discovery of disease factors is an open question. Results: Four cell count inference (i.e., deconvolution) tools are evaluated using microarray data from influenza-infected lung sampled at several time points post-infection. The analysis finds that inferred cell quantities are accurate only for select cell types and there is a tendency for algorithms to have a good relative fit (R 2 ) but a poor absolute fit (normalized mean squared error; NMSE), which suggests systemic biases exist. Nonetheless, using cell fraction estimates to adjust gene expression data, we show that genes associated with influenza virus replication and increased infection pathology are more likely to be identified as significant than when applying traditional statistical tests.

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