SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Microbiota”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2025

Gut microbiota: a hidden player in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects reproductive-aged women worldwide, causing hormonal imbalances and ovarian dysfunction. PCOS affects metabolic health and increases the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease, in addition to infertility. This review delves deeper into the connections of gut microbiota with PCOS pathophysiology, particularly into its impact on hormone metabolism, obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance by way of short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, and gut-brain axis. Studies also show that changes in the metabolic processes and immune responses are seen in changes in the gut microbiota in PCOS subjects, such as changes in the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes groups. Some bacteria, like Escherichia and Shigella, have been associated with dysbiosis in patients with PCOS, leading to systemic inflammation and changed hormone levels, which further worsen the clinical symptoms. Therapeutic interventions targeting the gut microbiota comprise probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation; these have potential to alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. Other precision microbiome-based therapies include postbiotics, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, which are relatively new avenues toward precision treatment. This complex interlink of gut microbiota and PCOS pathophysiology will open the avenues for possible treatments for hormonal imbalances and metabolic problems that characterize these complex disorders. The review here focuses on the requirement of further studies to be able to elucidate the specific pathways relating gut microbiota dysregulation to PCOS and, thus, improve microbiome-based therapies for better clinical outcomes in affected individuals.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

[Mechanism of Tianshu Capsules in treating migraine rats based on gut microbiota].

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Tianshu Capsules(TS) on migraine rat model and explore its potential mechanism of action from the perspectives of the structure of the gut microbiota and functional pathway regulation. A migraine rat model was established via subcutaneous injection of nitroglycerin. The Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a low-dose TS group, a medium-dose TS group, a high-dose TS group, and an ibuprofen group. The efficacy of TS in improving migraine was evaluated by general condition observation and measurement of the craniofacial pain threshold. The expression of the gene c-fos in the trigeminal ganglion was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The contents of endothelin-1(ET-1), calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP), and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Fecal samples were subjected to metagenomic sequencing for systematic analysis of gut microbial diversity, taxonomic composition difference, and functional pathway changes of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and their correlations with behavioral and biochemical indices were further evaluated. The results show that TS significantly improves the increased body temperature and decreased craniofacial pain threshold in migraine rats. It also markedly suppresses the elevated expression levels of the gene c-fos in the trigeminal ganglion and reduces the levels of ET-1, CGRP, and 5-HT in serum. Metagenomic beta diversity analysis and differential taxonomic abundance analysis reveal that the migraine model induces significant gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by enrichment of harmful genera, including Streptococcus and Enterococcus, as well as a decline in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Allobaculum, Eubacterium, and Muribaculum. Functional pathway analysis results of KEGG further reveal that the relative abundances of pathways associated with biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, bacterial secretion system, citrate cycle, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites are significantly decreased in the model group. TS intervention increased the abundance of the genus, such as Parabacteroides, Eubacterium, Allobaculum, and Muribaculum, while decreasing levels of microbiota, including Staphylococcus. TS also significantly upregulated pathways associated with barrier function(tight junction), amino acid biosynthesis pathways, and biosynthesis pathways of neurotransmitter precursors such as cysteine and methionine metabolism. In addition, it downregulated inflammatory pathways(Toll and IMD signaling) and pathways related to Staphylococcus aureus infection, thereby restoring the structure and function of the microbiota to a state close to those of the normal group. Spearman correlation analysis reveals that partial gut microbiota are significantly associated with migraine-related behavioral and biochemical indices(c-fos, ET-1, CGRP, and 5-HT). In conclusion, TS can regulate the disrupted gut microbiota structure and microbial functions related to neurotransmitter metabolism, intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory regulation in migraine model rats, which may be one of the potential key ways through which TS exert its anti-migraine effect.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Novel Insights into Immune Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes Mediated by Gut Microbiota: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

INTRODUCTION: The role of immune cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development is well-studied, but their interactions with the gut microbiota and the mediating role in this process remain unclear. METHODS: We analyzed 731 immune cell phenotypes (3,757 Europeans), 473 gut microbiota traits (5,959 Finns), and T2DM data (over 400,000 Finns). Mendelian randomization (MR) was based on three assumptions: the instrumental variable (IV) is associated with exposure, IV is not influenced by confounding, and IV affects the outcome only through exposure. We selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genome-wide association studies as instrumental variables (IVs) to infer causal effects in two-sample MR analysis. RESULTS: We identified 36 immune cell phenotypes associated with T2DM, including 29 protective factors and seven risk factors, as well as 10 gut microbiota significantly linked to T2DM, with eight protective factors and two risk factors. MR revealed that five gut microbiota mediated the relationship between immune cells and T2DM. For example, the effects of CD3 on resting Treg (OR: 1.0136), CD3 on CM CD4+ (OR: 1.0180), and CD3 on naive CD4+ cells (OR: 1.0150) in T2DM were found to be partially mediated by the species Bacillus. AYThe corresponding mediation effect proportions were 8.99%, 11.8%, and 11.4%. DISCUSSION: MR analysis identified multiple gut microbiota mediators in the relationship between immune cells and T2DM, addressing previous observational evidence. Limitations included the European ancestry bias, among others. CONCLUSION: This study has highlighted the gut microbiota as a mediator between immune cells and T2DM, offering new insights for its early prevention and intervention.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

PubMed2026

Isolation of folate-producing probiotic candidates and their effects on homocysteine metabolism and gut microbiota composition.

BACKGROUND: Folate deficiency is a global nutritional problem associated with multiple adverse health outcomes, including impaired one-carbon metabolism and elevated homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia). Gut microbiota-mediated folate biosynthesis has emerged as a promising strategy for improving the host's folate status. This study aimed to isolate folate-producing probiotic strains, clarify their folate synthesis mechanisms, and evaluate their regulatory effects on folate metabolism and gut microbiota. METHODS: High-throughput cultivation and screening were performed to isolate folate-producing candidate probiotics. Whole-genome sequencing analysis, pathway reconstruction, and metabolite profiling in fermented milk were performed to explore folate biosynthesis pathways and microbial cross-feeding interactions. A folate-deficient mouse model was established to evaluate the effects of a candidate probiotic cocktail on serum folate, homocysteine (Hcy) levels, and gut microbiota composition using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: High-throughput screening identified 8 high-folate-producing candidate probiotic strains, including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Heyndrickxia coagulans, from over 1,000 isolates. Genomic analysis revealed that most commonly used probiotics lacked para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) biosynthesis genes but retained downstream modules, suggesting a reliance on cross-feeding with pABA-producing gut commensals such as Bacteroides. Metabolite profiling of fermented milk demonstrated that selected strains significantly increased bioactive 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MeTHF) and tetrahydrofolate levels. In vivo, only a high-dose candidate probiotic cocktail significantly elevated serum folate (p < 0.05) and reduced homocysteine levels (p < 0.05) in deficient mice. Fecal qPCR confirmed dose-dependent transient persistence of the administered bacterial species. Consistent with the qPCR data, 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated significant enrichment of these administered species observed in the high-dose group. Furthermore, beta-diversity analysis found that high-dose candidate probiotic supplementation promoted a shift in the gut microbiota composition toward a normal profile, partially mitigating the dysbiosis induced by the folate-deficient diet. This effect was accompanied by a significant enrichment of potential short-chain fatty acid producers (e.g., Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospiraceae) and the depletion of potential opportunistic pathogens. CONCLUSION: This study screened high-folate-producing candidate probiotic strains and demonstrated their ability to synthesize the active form of 5-MeTHF. Moreover, folate-producing candidate probiotic cocktail treatment significantly improved folate status and Hcy metabolism and modulated the gut microbiota by enriching potential beneficial bacterial taxa. These findings suggested that folate-producing probiotics may serve as a promising microbiota-based strategy to improve folate availability and homocysteine metabolism.

B vitamin↗

PubMed2019

Dietary iron variably modulates assembly of the intestinal microbiota in colitis-resistant and colitis-susceptible mice.

Iron deficiency, a common comorbidity of gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), is often treated with oral iron supplementation. However, the safety of oral iron supplementation remains controversial because of its association with exacerbated disease activity in a subset of IBD patients. Because iron modulates bacterial growth and function, one possible mechanism by which iron may exacerbate inflammation in susceptible hosts is by modulating the intestinal microbiota. We, therefore, investigated the impact of dietary iron on the intestinal microbiota, utilizing the conventionalization of germ-free mice as a model of a microbial community in compositional flux to recapitulate the instability of the IBD-associated intestinal microbiota. Our findings demonstrate that altering intestinal iron availability during community assembly modulated the microbiota in non-inflamed wild type (WT) and colitis-susceptible interleukin-10-deficient (Il10-/-) mice. Depletion of luminal iron availability promoted luminal compositional changes associated with dysbiotic states irrespective of host genotype, including an expansion of Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli. Mechanistic in vitro growth competitions confirmed that high-affinity iron acquisition systems in E. coli enhance its abundance over other bacteria in iron-restricted conditions, thereby enabling pathobiont iron scavenging during dietary iron restriction. In contrast, distinct luminal community assembly was observed with dietary iron supplementation in WT versus Il10-/- mice, suggesting that the effects of increased iron on the microbiota differ with host inflammation status. Taken together, shifts in dietary iron intake during community assembly modulate the ecological structure of the intestinal microbiota and is dependent on host genotype and inflammation status.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Causal Relationships Between Oral Microbiota and Inflammatory Skin Diseases.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The oral microbiome has been increasingly linked to systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation, but whether specific oral bacteria causally contribute to inflammatory skin diseases remains unclear due to confounding and reverse causation. This study aimed to assess the causal effects of 43 oral microbiota taxa on the risk of five inflammatory skin diseases using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. METHODS: We performed a two-sample MR analysis using genetic instruments for oral microbiota derived from publicly available genome-wide association studies and outcome data from the FinnGen consortium. Causal effects of oral taxa on systemic lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, pemphigus, localized scleroderma, and dermatitis herpetiformis were estimated. The inverse-variance weighted method served as the primary analysis, complemented by sensitivity analyses to evaluate horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and reverse causality. RESULTS: MR analyses identified several putative causal associations between oral microbiota and inflammatory skin diseases. Genus Granulicatella and an unknown Streptococcus species (ASV0009) showed causal effects on systemic lupus erythematosus. Family Lachnospiraceae_[XIV] and an unknown Rothia species (ASV0016) were associated with vitiligo. Five oral microbiota taxa demonstrated causal associations with pemphigus. Actinomyces species micronuciformis was linked to localized scleroderma. Order Fusobacteriales and an unknown Neisseria species (ASV0004) were associated with dermatitis herpetiformis. No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: This MR study provides genetic evidence supporting a causal role of specific oral bacteria in the development of several inflammatory skin diseases, highlighting the oral microbiome as a potential contributor to cutaneous autoimmunity and inflammation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings highlight the putative role of the oral microbiome as a plausible candidate for mechanistic and clinical investigations into the prevention or adjunctive management of selected inflammatory skin diseases. However, oral hygiene improvement, targeted antimicrobials, and other microbiota-directed interventions were not directly tested in this MR study and remain hypothetical strategies requiring validation in experimental and clinical studies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of pharmacological and microbiota-based therapies in preclinical models of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition in which pharmacological and microbiota-targeted interventions are emerging as promising therapeutic avenues. Animal models are the main tool to investigate etiology, molecular mechanisms and screening for pharmacological therapies. Methodological differences, outcome measure variability, incomplete reporting, biological confounders, and overgeneralization of the results made evaluating innovative pharmacological agents challenging. These limitations in the field highlight a need for systematic and standardized research to reliably assess and translate pharmacological interventions from ASD animal models to human clinical relevance. SUBJECTS: This systematic review synthesized efficacy evidence for pharmacological and microbiota-based therapies across established ASD animal models. RESULTS: We identified 52 recent (2010-2025) studies that reported key ASD behavioral outcomes after pharmacological or microbiota-focused treatments. Interventions were grouped into therapeutic classes - including oxytocinergic agents, E/I balance therapeutic targets, metabolic drugs, cannabinoids, purine-based interventions and emerging targets - alongside microbiota-directed strategies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. By integrating effect directions and robustness across models, we identified most potential drug candidates, evaluated the efficacy of novel strategies, and recognized critical translational gaps. The reviewed studies demonstrate that ASD-like behavioral deficits in preclinical models can be modulated through interventions targeting diverse biological systems, including neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, metabolism, and the gut-brain axis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the multifactorial nature of ASD pathophysiology which arises from a network of interacting systemic processes rather than a single molecular defect. It could explain the limited success of traditionally narrowly targeted interventions and suggest a paradigm shift into a more systemic approach.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Postpartum compositional changes in bovine calf nasal and dam vaginal microbiota and concurrent immune responses following prepartum betadine lavages.

As interest in bovine reproductive tract microbial communities increases, there remains limited information on how the insult of parturition influences postpartum dam reproductive microbiota and early-life microbial development. The objective of this study was to characterize postpartum changes in dam vaginal microbiota and neonatal calf nasal microbiota following transient prepartum disruption of the dam vaginal microbiota using betadine lavages (BLGs), and to evaluate concurrent systemic immune responses in dams and calves. Multiparous beef cows (n = 12) were randomly assigned to either BLG (n = 7) or control (CON; n = 5) 3 wk prior to the expected calving date, and dam vaginal swabs, calf nasal swabs, and blood were collected at 0 (+1), 15 (±1), 30 (±1), and 60 (±1) d postpartum. Samples from Angus cow-calf pairs (n = 12) underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing with standard contamination controls and QIIME2 processing. Blood samples were analyzed using the D2Dx immunity assay to evaluate systemic humoral immune responses. Microbial alpha diversity (ANOVA), Bray-Curtis beta diversity (PERMANOVA), taxonomic composition (LEfSe), and D2Dx immune responses (repeated-measures mixed model) were analyzed (P < 0.05). In calves, treatment influenced nasal alpha diversity at d 0 (P = 0.03), while nasal beta diversity tended to differ at d 0 (P = 0.08); however, treatment effects were not detected at d 15, 30, or 60 for alpha diversity (P ≥ 0.76) or beta diversity (P ≥ 0.14). Calf nasal communities shifted over time (P = 0.001), with d 0 differing from d 15, 30, and 60, and beta diversity differing over time (P = 0.006). In dams, BLG did not alter vaginal alpha diversity (P ≥ 0.42) or beta diversity (P ≥ 0.14) over time, and time did not affect vaginal alpha diversity (P = 0.60) while vaginal beta diversity tended to shift over time (P = 0.06). Postpartum dam vaginal and calf nasal communities differed compositionally regardless of time (P < 0.05). Systemic immune responses, measured via D2Dx scores, fluctuated postpartum in dams (day effect: P < 0.001) and calves (day effect: P < 0.001), with BLG calves tending toward decreased immune response compared with CON (P = 0.08). Prepartum BLG minimally influenced neonatal nasal microbial diversity at birth and did not alter postpartum dam vaginal community structure, while calf nasal microbiota and D2Dx immune responses changed markedly over the first 60 d of life.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Sex-Dependent Microbial and Host Profiles Following Fecal Microbiota and Bifidobacterium longum Treatment in Stress-Induced Gut Dysbiosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder influenced by stress, microbial dysbiosis, and immune activation. Microbiota-directed therapies, including fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics, show promise, but their sex-specific effects remain unclear. We compared the therapeutic effects of lyophilized fecal microbiota (LFM) with Bifidobacterium longum BBH016 in male and female Wistar rats subjected to repeated water avoidance stress. METHODS: Fecal pellet output (FPO), colonic mast cell infiltration, and fecal short-chain fatty acids were measured. Gut microbial composition and function were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway prediction. RESULTS: Both interventions significantly reduced FPO and mast cell infiltration in males but had less pronounced effects in females. Microbiota analyses revealed sex-dependent responses, with distinct microbial trajectories in each treatment group. Using linear discriminant analysis effect size, we identified seven key taxa with treatment- or sex-specific enrichment. Alistipes onderdonkii and Bacteroides uniformis consistently increased in both LFM- and B. longum-treated groups, regardless of sex. Bacteroides finegoldii and Barnesiella intestinihominis were specifically enriched in the LFM group. In males, Blautia faecis and Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans were enriched following the interventions, whereas Parabacteroides goldsteinii appeared exclusively in stressed males. Functional predictions revealed the enrichment of estrogen signaling and bile acid pathways in males and the attenuation of proinflammatory pathways in females following LFM. Correlations between microbial taxa and host outcomes were predominantly observed in male rats. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight sex-specific microbial and host responses to microbiota-targeted therapies in a stress-induced IBS model, emphasizing sex as a biological variable in designing personalized microbiome-based treatments.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Multi-Omic Insights Into Mediterranean Diet-Associated Microbiota.

This study aimed to evaluate the gut microbiota and mycobiota composition, depending on the Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence, using metataxonomics. Combining metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, we also investigate the gene expression level in the bacterial community. Two groups of healthy subjects greatly differing in adherence were selected. Significant differences in microbiota composition were observed between individuals with high adherence (HAMD; mean 10.5 +/- 0.9 points) and low adherence (LAMD; 5.23 +/- 83 points). Notably, the olive oil, vegetable, and fruit consumption presented an important discriminant power between groups. Saccharomyces, Penicillium, and Candida were the most abundant genera. Mycobiota richness was higher in LAMD than in HAMD. Aspergillus was identified as a biomarker for LAMD, whereas Yarrowia, a potential probiotic, was a biomarker for HAMD. Metatranscriptomics indicated that Bacillota was the most metabolically active phylum in the gut microbiota. The low-abundant genus, Methanobrevibacter, showed high transcriptional activity, contributing to the crucial methanogenesis process. Gene expression analyses further highlighted functional differences. Overall, HAMD microbiota presented increased metabolic activity, protein synthesis, and cellular mobility. Overexpression of flagellin and urease genes may enhance immune response in HAMD. Further metatranscriptomic studies are necessary to deepen our understanding of intestinal microbiota transcriptional programs and their interactions with the diet and human health.

Humans↗

PubMed2024

Dissecting the anti-obesity components of ginseng: How ginseng polysaccharides and ginsenosides target gut microbiota to suppress high-fat diet-induced obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Ginseng demonstrates therapeutic potential in treating obesity, with both experimental and clinical studies suggesting its anti-obesity effects are mediated by gut microbiota. Nonetheless, the specific chemical components responsible for this effect remain largely unidentified. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of ginseng polysaccharides (GP) and ginsenosides (GS), the primary chemical components of ginseng, with a focus on their impact on gut microbiota. METHODS: The impact of GP and GS on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity was assessed using a mouse model. Molecular mechanisms were explored through a combination of chemical analysis, metagenomics, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and biochemical assays. RESULTS: GP or GS administration effectively prevented adiposity in HFD-fed mice, and both effects were mediated by gut microbiota. Chemical analysis revealed diverse glycosyl groups in GP and GS. Metagenomics data suggested that GP-enriched species, e.g., Bacteroides stercorirosoris and Clostridiales bacterium encoded carbohydrate-active enzymes GH35, GH43 and PL9_1, while GS-enriched Sulfurospirillum halorespirans encoded GH16_5. These enzymes facilitated the utilization of glycosyl groups in GP and GS, selectively stimulating bacterial growth and reshaping the gut microbiota. Furthermore, bacterial species enriched by GP or GS encoded specific functional genes involved in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis (K00625 and K00925 for GP; K18118, K00100, and K18122 for GS) and intestinal gluconeogenesis (IGN) (K01678, K00024, and K01596 for GP; K18118 and K00278 for GS). Consequently, the SCFA-GLP-1/PYY signaling and IGN were activated by both GP and GS to ameliorate obesity phenotypes. CONCLUSION: GP and GS, containing diverse glycosyl groups, selectively stimulate specific gut bacteria, triggering mechanisms involved in SCFA-GLP-1/PYY signaling and IGN activation to reduce adiposity in HFD-fed mice. The study enhances understanding of the chemical components crucial for the gut microbiota-mediated anti-obesity effect of ginseng. The mechanistic understanding provides valuable insights for developing ginseng-based drugs or health products to combat obesity.

Gastrointestinal Microbiome↗

PubMed2026

Human skin microbiota and postpartum depression: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health disorder after childbirth. Although microbiome research in PPD has mainly focused on the gut, the role of skin microbiota remains unclear. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess potential causal associations between skin microbiota and PPD. A bidirectional 2-sample MR analysis used genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics. Genetic instruments for skin microbial features were obtained from a published skin microbiota GWAS, and PPD data were derived from 67,205 mothers (7604 cases, 59,601 controls). Instruments were selected at P <1 × 10-5, linkage disequilibrium-clumped, harmonized, and filtered for weak instruments (F statistic <10). Because this microbiome threshold is exploratory, Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate correction was applied within taxonomic levels. The inverse-variance weighted method was primary, complemented by weighted median and mode-based methods. Heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and outliers were assessed using Cochran Q, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO. Three skin microbial taxa showed nominal associations with PPD. Higher genetically predicted Acinetobacter on the dorsal forearm (dry skin; 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]; mean F = 22.12) and Proteobacteria in the antecubital fossa (moist skin; 6 SNPs; mean F = 23.44) were associated with increased PPD risk, whereas Betaproteobacteria in the antecubital fossa (11 SNPs; mean F = 21.54) was associated with decreased risk. Associations were directionally consistent, with no substantial heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. After multiple-testing assessment, the findings were exploratory rather than definitive. Reverse MR did not support an effect of PPD on the identified skin microbiota. This MR study provides exploratory genetic evidence linking specific skin microbial features to PPD risk. The findings extend microbiota-related hypotheses beyond the gut microbiome but require validation in larger microbiome GWAS datasets, longitudinal cohorts, and mechanistic studies before clinical or causal conclusions are drawn.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Toxoplasma gondii infection disrupts secondary bile acid transformation in feline gut microbiota.

UNLABELLED: Bile acid (BA) transformation relies on gut microbiota and is vulnerable to Toxoplasma gondii infection, yet feline microbial BA-transforming capacity upon toxoplasmosis remains unclear. Here, we constructed a catalog of 2,474 nonredundant feline gut microbial genomes and integrated serum metabolomic data to verify BA transformation alterations. The results revealed that the feline gut microbiome harbored widespread genetic potential for BA transformation but lacked a complete 7α-dehydroxylation pathway due to the absence of the key gene baiE. The BA transformation-related genomes (2,045 in total) were predominantly from the phyla Bacillota_A and Actinomycetota, among which only 37 encoded baiB, all belonging to Bacillota_A. The distribution of BA transformation-related genes varied across intestinal regions: genes encoding 7α-HSDH were primarily enriched in the small intestine, whereas genes encoding 3α-HSDH, baiCD, and baiH were more abundant in the large intestine. Additionally, the abundance of genes encoding BSH and 3α-HSDH increased significantly in the small intestine on day 3 post-infection, accompanied by increases in the phylum Bacillota_C and genera such as Blautia_A, Enterococcus_E, and Ligilactobacillus. Serum metabolomics revealed a significant increase in cholesterol levels post-infection, supporting the impact of T. gondii infection on intestinal BA transformation. These findings illustrated that the feline gut microbiota played an important role in BA transformation and that T. gondii infection disrupted the microbial potential for secondary BA transformation. This study provided new insights into gut microbiota-associated metabolic perturbations during feline toxoplasmosis. IMPORTANCE: Bile acid (BA) transformation plays a critical role in host metabolism and immune regulation. Although studies on BA transformation are increasing, the capacity for BA transformation within the feline gut microbiota and the impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on this capacity remain unclear. To bridge this gap, we constructed a catalog of 2,474 nonredundant feline gut microbial genomes and integrated serum metabolomic data to verify BA transformation alterations. Our findings revealed that the feline gut microbiome lacked a complete 7α-dehydroxylation pathway, and the specific functions involved in BA transformation may differ between the small and large intestines. Furthermore, integrated metagenomic and serum metabolomic analyses suggested that T. gondii infection disrupted BA transformation capacity in the small intestine. This study provided new insights into gut microbiota-associated metabolic perturbations during feline toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma gondii↗

PubMed2025

Evaluation of the gastric microbiota based on body mass index using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a multifactorial condition influenced by various factors, including the gut microbiota. However, the relationship between the gastric microbiota and obesity remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the composition of gastric microbiota, excluding Helicobacter pylori, in relation to body mass index (BMI) and metabolic indicators. METHODS: Thirty participants undergoing health checkups were classified into three groups-normal weight (BMI 18.5-22.9), overweight (BMI 23.0-24.9), and obese (BMI ≥25.0)-with ten individuals per group. Those with H. pylori infection, atrophic gastritis, or intestinal metaplasia were excluded. Gastric microbiota from four antral biopsies per subject were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and functional profiling by metagenomic prediction. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Alpha diversity (Gini-Simpson index) was significantly lower in the combined overweight/obese group than that in the normal group (P=0.049). Beta diversity analysis revealed clear group separation (Bray-Curtis, P=0.005; unweighted UniFrac, P=0.004). Significant species differences between the groups were observed; specifically, the abundances of Muribaculum gordoncarteri, Turicibacter bilis, and Duncaniella dubosii, were significantly reduced in the overweight/obese group. Functional predictions showed differential enrichment of pathways related to fatty acid, amino acid, vitamin, and carbohydrate metabolism across BMI categories. These findings suggest that alterations in the gastric microbiota may be linked to obesity and metabolic dysregulation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Microbial allies in a cotton pest: A descriptive account of associated microbiota dynamics in Dysdercus cingulatus across development.

BACKGROUND: Hemipteran insects harbour several symbiotic partners, mainly bacteria, which play pivotal roles for hosts like dietary provision, support overall physiology, xenobiotic degradation and manipulate/regulate behaviour. Most of these symbionts usually reside and operate from the digestive tracts of the animals. Cotton is one of the major cash crops in India and Dysdercus cingulatus (D. cingulatus) though a secondary pest, is causing significant destruction of cotton bolls, poor lint quality and reduce oil content of seeds. Premature opening of cotton bolls often leads to bacterial and fungal infections, thus resulting in extensive economic loss worldwide. D. cingulatus is a hemimetabolous insect that comprises of developmental stages like egg, nymph (5 instar stages), and adult. The present work explored the ontogeny specific diversity in the associated microbiota and predicted their probable functional inputs in D. cingulatus. RESULTS: The data obtained using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (NovaSeq 6000) revealed presence of members of Proteobacteria (65.83%), Firmicutes (24%), Actinobacteria (10%) phyla throughout the ontogeny of D. cingulatus. Highest alpha diversity of these symbiotic bacteria was recorded in the third instar nymphs in contrast to rest of the developmental stages. Among all the observed genera, Stenotrophomonas, Hungatella and Glutamicibacter were predominant from egg to adult stages. MicFunPred, a tool used for predicting the probable functional inputs of these symbionts, hinted at their probable stage specific contribution in crucial biochemical pathways such as polyketide biosynthesis, ascorbate/aldarate metabolism, pentose phosphate and glyoxylate cycles, steroid hormone and peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and glycolysis/pyruvate metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: The primary investigations on the ontogenetic composition and diversity of associated microbiota, suggest dynamic shifts in D. cingulatus, concurrent with their probable functions/roles in the host development and metabolism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on symbiotic microbiota variation across the developmental stages of D. cingulatus that provides preliminary descriptive observations that may guide future functional and experimental investigations into microbiota-based pest management.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Natural products alleviate exercise-induced fatigue by modulating gut microbiota: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced fatigue critically impairs athletic performance and training quality. The gut microbiota, as a key regulator of the "gut-muscle axis," has emerged as a promising anti-fatigue target. Natural products - owing to their diverse sources, structural complexity, and favorable safety profiles - have attracted growing research interest. However, a systematic synthesis comparing their anti-fatigue effects via gut microbiota modulation across different sources is lacking. SCOPE AND APPROACH: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI for original studies that administered natural products and concurrently assessed gut microbiota changes and anti-fatigue outcomes. Twenty-six studies (25 animal experiments and 1 human trial) were included and categorized into seven groups by source and chemical characteristics. A descriptive systematic review was conducted to identify common mechanisms and source-specific differentiations. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The enrichment of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and the activation of the SCFA-AMPK/PGC-1α axis were shared core events across all product categories. However, source-dependent mechanistic divergences emerged: polysaccharides acted primarily as fermentable substrates with an optimal dose window; polyphenols and saponins exerted dual modulation on both microbiota and host signaling pathways; compound extracts achieved systemic synergy through functional complementation; marine- and animal-derived products exhibited unique targeting profiles and rapid action. Intestinal barrier maintenance and brain-gut axis regulation further extended the anti-fatigue repertoire. Collectively, natural products possess a solid mechanistic basis for alleviating exercise-induced fatigue via gut microbiota remodeling. The differentiated characteristics of these methods in targeting precision and pathway engagement provide a theoretical foundation for designing precision intervention strategies tailored to specific fatigue contexts.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

The mouse gut microbiota responds to predator odor and predicts host behavior.

Chronic stressors can alter the mammalian gut microbiota in ways that mediate host stress responses, but the impacts of acute stressors on these interactions are less well understood. Here, we show that brief exposure of wild-derived mice to predator odor altered gut-microbiota composition, which in turn predicted host behavior. We investigated the individual and combined effects of 15-minute exposures to synthetic fox fecal odor and 30 days of chronic social isolation, an established chronic stressor. Using ethological assays, visceral adipose tissue transcriptomics, and genome-resolved metagenomics, we found that predator-odor exposure significantly affected mouse behavior, gene expression, and gut microbiota. Predator odor-responsive bacteria were associated with the expression of genes involved in anti-microbial defense, and host behavioral responses were predicted by random forest models trained on gut-microbiota profiles. These findings indicate interactions between the gut microbiota and wild-mouse responses to the threat of predation, an ecologically relevant acute stressor.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Impact of Tilapinevirus tilapiae (TiLV) infection on the composition and functional dynamics of gut microbiota in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (Linnaeus, 1758).

Tilapinevirus tilapiae (TiLV) (formerly Tilapia Lake Virus) is a highly prevalent pathogen capable of inducing significant mortality rates in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The alterations induced by Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) in the gut microbiota composition, diversity and functional prediction of Nile tilapia have not been thoroughly investigated. This study investigated the gut microbiota of a healthy control group and a TiLV-infected group of Nile tilapia of size 30 ± 2.45g. The alpha diversity of microbiota was hardly affected by TiLV infection, whereas species richness and beta diversity patterns explained the significant differences between control and TiLV-infected groups. The study highlighted a decline in Cetobacterium and an increase in Mycobacterium in the TiLV-infected group. The phyla, including Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria, exhibited a significant increase in the TiLV-infected group, while Bacteroidota and Fusobacteriota decreased substantially. The PICRUSt-based functional gene prediction revealed that TiLV infection had considerably changed the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways associated with membrane transport, amino acid metabolism, transcription, carbohydrate metabolism, cellular process and signalling in the gut microbiota of Nile tilapia. The results suggest that the infection by TiLV altered the composition and functional pathways in the gut microbiota of Nile tilapia.

Animals↗