Beta-Glucan (Prebiotic)

Evidence has demonstrated established associations and causal links between gut microbiota and host aging, with microbiota-targeted dietary interventions potentially mitigating age-related decline. In addition, current formulations considering comprehensive and balanced nutritional needs of the elderly are very few. Therefore, we developed a Novel Formulated Food for the Elderly (NFFE) that is enriched with prebiotics (fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and edible fungal β-glucans) targeting gut microbiota and addresses complete and specific nutritional requirements of the elderly. After an 8-week intervention in a randomized self-controlled trial, age-related physiological decline in participants was significantly mitigated. Notably, NFFE selectively enriched short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (Bifidobacterium ↑42 % and Ruminococcus ↑35 %). Interaction network analysis identified three functional microbial groups within the prebiotic metabolic pathway, revealing a fine metabolic relay among the three microbial guilds/groups, characterized by a flow of step-by-step degradation of prebiotics from microbes of Group 1, via microbes within Group 2, finally to those of Group 3. Notably, inter-individual variability in response was observed following NFFE intervention, and we identified two distinct host responder groups: high responders (HR, 50 %) and low responders (LR, 50 %) with the baseline characteristics of these two groups varying. HR group exhibited more significant improvements in aging-related physiological parameters, with enrichment of Ruminococcus 1 and Faecalibacterium in baseline microbiota, taxa known to degrade NFFE-derived prebiotics. These findings position NFFE as a promising dietary intervention against age-related decline via gut-microbiota modulation and comprehensive nutritional supplementation. The baseline-microbiota-dependent heterogeneity in response underscores the necessity of developing personalized formulations in future diet intervention trials.

This study explores the effects of a nutraceutical blend with prebiotics, β-glucans, essential minerals, and silymarin on gut microbiota, inflammation, and sleep quality in obesity through microbiota reshaping and metabolic improvements over 90 days. A double-blind, randomized trial was conducted on 77 participants divided into two groups receiving either a standard nutraceutical blend (NSupple) or a silymarin-enriched blend (NSupple_Silybum). Fecal and plasma samples were collected at baseline and post-supplementation for gut microbiota, metabolic, and inflammatory marker analysis. The results showed a reduction in body weight, waist-to-height ratio, total cholesterol, and fractions in the NSupple_Silybum group. There was a dysbiosis recovery shown by the increase in beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lentisphaerae phylum, Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium genera, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the NSupple group, with a concurrent reduction in Adlercreutzia and Sutterella in the NSupple_Silybum group. Both groups demonstrated improved inflammatory profiles by the reduced TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, reduced cortisol levels, and reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio. Additionally, improvements in sleep quality were associated with reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved microbiota composition. The nutraceutical blend reshaped gut microbiota, enhanced anti-inflammatory species, and improved metabolic and sleep parameters, highlighting its potential as a nutritional strategy for managing obesity and reducing inflammation. © 2025 The Author(s). Molecular Nutrition & Food Research published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The search for integrative and natural therapies that favor homeostasis to boost sleep and diet quality took place for young adult populations as a non-pharmacological strategy for long-term good quality of life. Thus, the present pilot study aims to investigate the effects of 90-day consumption of a nutraceutical composition on the neuro-immune-endocrine axis, providing better sleep quality and health improvement. METHODS: For this, from March 2021 to June 2021, twenty-two Brazilian young adult volunteers (women and men) with BMI between 18.5 and 34.9 kg/m2 were divided into three distinct supplementation groups: NSupple; NSupple plus_S, and NSupple plus. Briefly, the supplement compositions included yeast β-glucan, prebiotics, and minerals in different concentrations associated or not with the herbal medicine silymarin. Neither nutritional nor physical activity interventions were performed during this pilot study period. The anthropometrics measures, questionnaires answer data, and harvest blood for metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal tests were collected at baseline time (day zero-T0) and day 90 (T90) post-supplementation. RESULTS: Our results highlight that the supplementation reduced body mass index (BMI), Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference, AST/ALT ratio, alkaline phosphatase, and HbA1c. Post-supplementation the IL-6 and IL-10 levels and the sleep, humor, and quality of life scores were suggested to improve. Sleep quality improvement seems to predict the reduction of adiposity-related body measures. CONCLUSION: In sum, the nutraceutical supplementation might be related to anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine parameters after 90 days reflecting on perception of humor, sleep, and life quality enhancement. However, it is important to recognize the limitation of the data presented considering that this was a pilot study. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04810572 registered on 20th February 2021.

Nutraceutical interventions supporting microbiota and eliciting clinical improvements in metabolic diseases have grown significantly. Chronic stress, gut dysbiosis, and metainflammation have emerged as key factors intertwined with sleep disorders, consequently exacerbating the decline in quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effects of two nutraceutical formulations containing prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), yeast β-glucans), minerals (Mg, Se, Zn), and the herbal medicine Silybum marianum L. Gaertn., Asteraceae (Milk thistle or Silymarin). These formulations, namely NSupple (without silymarin) and NSupple_Silybum (with silymarin) were tested over 180 days in overweight/obese volunteers from Brazil's southeastern region. We accessed fecal gut microbiota by partial 16S rRNA sequences; cytokines expression by CBA; anthropometrics, quality of life and sleep, as well as metabolic and hormonal parameters, at baseline (T0) and 180 days (T180) post-supplementation. Results demonstrated gut microbiota reshaping at phyla, genera, and species level post-supplementation. The Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroides, and Prevotella genera were positively modulated especially in the NSupple_Silybum group. Gut microbiota modulation was associated with improved sleep patterns, quality-of-life perception, cytokines expression, and anthropometric parameters post-supplementation. Our findings suggest that the nutraceutical blends positively enhance cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. Particularly, NSupple_Silybum modulated microbiota composition, underscoring its potential significance in ameliorating metabolic dysregulation. Clinical trial registry number: NCT04810572. 23/03/2021. © 2024. The Author(s).

PURPOSE: It is known that obesity has a multifactorial etiology that involves genetic and environmental factors. The WHO estimates the worldwide prevalence of 1.9 billion overweight adults and more than 650 million people with obesity. These alarming data highlight the high and growing prevalence of obesity and represent a risk factor for the development and aggravation of other chronic diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that is frequently considered the hepatic outcome of type 2 diabetes. The use of non-pharmacological therapies such as food supplements, nutraceuticals, and natural integrative therapies has grown as an alternative tool for obesity-related diseases compared to conventional medications. However, it is a still little explored research field and lacks scientific evidence of therapeutic effectiveness. Considering this, the aim is to evaluate whether a new nutraceutical supplement composition can improve and supply essential mineral nutrients, providing an improvement of obesity-related metabolic and endocrine parameters. METHODS: Sedentary volunteers (women and men) with body mass index (BMI) ≤34.9 kg/m2 were divided into two groups: Novel Nutraceutical Supplement_(S) (n = 30) and Novel Nutraceutical Supplement (n = 29), differing in the absence (S) or presence of silymarin, respectively. Volunteers were instructed to take two capsules in the morning and two capsules in the evening. No nutritional intervention was performed during the study period. The data (anthropometrics and anamneses) and harvest blood (biochemistry and hormonal exams) were collected at three different time points: baseline time [day 0 (T0)], day 90 (T90), and day 180 (T180) post-supplementation. RESULTS: In the anthropometric analysis, the waist circumference in middle abdomen (WC-mid) and waist circumference in iliac crest (WC-IC) were reduced. Also, the waist-to-height ratio (WHt R) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) seem to slightly decrease alongside the supplementation period with both nutraceutical supplements tested as well as transaminase enzyme ratio [aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR)], a known as a biomarker

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and/or cereal enriched with oat-derived beta-glucan (OBG) on metabolic and mental health outcomes when administered to adults with pre-diabetes. DESIGN: 2×2 factorial design randomised, parallel-groups placebo-controlled; double-blinded for probiotic, single-blinded for cereals. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling adults aged 18-80 years with pre-diabetes: glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 41-49 mmol/mol. INTERVENTIONS: Capsules containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HN001) (6×109 colony-forming units/day), or placebo capsules; and cereal containing 4 g/day OBG or calorie-matched control cereal, taken daily, for 6 months. Study groups were: (A) HN001 capsules+OBG cereal; (B) HN001 capsules+control cereal; (C) placebo capsules+OBG cereal and (D) placebo capsules+control cereal. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome: HbA1c at 6 months. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting lipids, blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, body mass index and mental well-being. RESULTS: 153 participants were randomised. There was complete HbA1c outcome data available for 129 participants. At 6 months the mean (SD) HbA1c was 45.9 (4.4) mmol/mol, n=66 for HN001, and 46.7 (4.3) mmol/mol, n=63 for placebo capsules; 46.5 (4.0) mmol/mol, n=67 for OBG and 46.0 (4.6) mmol/mol n=62 for control cereal. The estimated difference between HN001-placebo capsules was -0.83, 95% CI -1.93 to 0.27 mmol/mol, p=0.63, and between OBG-control cereals -0.17, 95% CI -1.28 to 0.94 mmol/mol, p=0.76. There was no significant interaction between treatments p=0.79. There were no differences between groups or significant interactions between treatments for any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study found no evidence of clinical benefit from the supplementation with either HN001 and/or cereal containing 4 g OBG on HbA1c and all secondary outcomes relevant to adults with pre-diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian New Zealand Clincial Trials Registry number ACTRN12617000990325. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC

Phytochemicals derived from oats are reported to possess a beneficial effect on modulating dyslipidemia, specifically on lowering total and LDL cholesterol. However, deeper insights into its mechanism remain unclear. In this randomized controlled study, we assigned 210 mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects from three study centers across China (Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai) to consume 80 g of oats or rice daily for 45 days. Plasma lipid profiles, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and fecal microbiota were measured. The results showed that total cholesterol (TC) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) decreased significantly with both oats and rice intake after 30 and 45 days. The reduction in TC and non-HDL-C was greater in the participants consuming oats compared with rice at day 45 (p = 0.011 and 0.049, respectively). Oat consumption significantly increased the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Roseburia, and the relative abundance of Dialister, Butyrivibrio, and Paraprevotella, and decreased unclassified f-Sutterellaceae. In the oat group, Bifidobacterium abundance was negatively correlated with LDL-C (p = 0.01, r = -0.31) and, TC and LDL-C were negatively correlated to Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (p = 0.02, r = -0.29; p = 0.03, r = -0.27, respectively). Enterobacteriaceae, Roseburia, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were positively correlated with plasma butyric acid and valeric acid concentrations and negatively correlated to isobutyric acid. HDL-C was negatively correlated with valeric acid (p = 0.02, r = -0.25) and total triglyceride (TG) was positively correlated to isovaleric acid (p = 0.03, r = 0.23). Taken together, oats consumption significantly reduced TC and LDL-C, and also mediated a prebiotic effect on gut microbiome. Akkermansia muciniphila, Roseburia, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and plasma SCFA correlated with oat-induced changes in plasma lipids, suggesting prebiotic activity of oats to modulate gut microbiome could contribute towards its cholesterol-lowering effect.

The prevalence of gastritis in humans is constantly growing and a prediction of an increase in this health problem is observed in many countries. For this reason, effective dietary therapies are sought that can alleviate the course of this disease. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of chemically pure oat beta-glucan preparations with different molar masses, low or high, used for 30 days in patients with histologically diagnosed chronic gastritis. The study enrolled 48 people of both genders of different ages recruited from 129 patients with a gastritis diagnosis. Before and after the therapy, hematological, biochemical, immunological and redox balance parameters were determined in the blood and the number of lactic acid bacteria and SCFA concentrations in the feces. Our results demonstrated a beneficial effect of oat beta-glucans with high molar mass in chronic gastritis in humans, resulting in reduced mucosal damage and healthy changes in SCFA fecal concentration and peripheral blood serum glutathione metabolism and antioxidant defense parameters. This fraction of a highly purified oat beta-glucan is safe for humans. Its action is effective after 30 days of use, which sheds new light on the nutritional treatment of chronic gastritis.

Senior individuals can suffer from immunosenescence and novel strategies to bolster the immune response could contribute to healthy ageing. In this double-blind, randomised, controlled pilot trial, we investigated the ability of non-digestible polysaccharide (NPS) preparations to enhance the immune response in a human vaccination model. In total, 239 subjects (aged 50-79 years) were randomised to consume one of five different NPS (yeast β-glucan (YBG), shiitake β-glucan (SBG), oat β-glucan (OBG), arabinoxylan (AX), bacterial exopolysaccharide (EPS)) or control (CTRL) product daily for five weeks. After two weeks of intervention, subjects were vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccine. The post-vaccination increases in haemagglutination inhibition antibody titres and seroprotection rate against the influenza strains were non-significantly enhanced in the NPS intervention groups compared to CTRL. Specifically, a trend towards a higher mean log2 fold increase was observed in the AX group (uncorrected p = 0.074) combined with a trend for an increased seroprotection rate, AX group (48.7%) compared to CTRL (25.6%) (uncorrected p = 0.057), for the influenza A H1N1 strain. Subjects consuming AX also had a reduced incidence of common colds compared to CTRL (1 vs. 8; p = 0.029 in Fisher exact test). No adverse effects of NPS consumption were reported. The findings of this pilot study warrant further research to study AX as an oral adjuvant to support vaccine efficacy.

BACKGROUND: The rates of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus are increasing worldwide, producing significant burdens for individuals, families, and healthcare systems. In New Zealand, type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes disproportionally affect Māori, Pacific, and South Asian peoples. This research evaluates the efficacy, acceptability, and economic impact of a probiotic capsule and a prebiotic cereal intervention in adults with pre-diabetes on metabolic and mental health and well-being outcomes. METHODS: Eligible adults (n = 152) aged 18-80 years with pre-diabetes (glycated haemoglobin 41-49 mmol/mol) will be enrolled in a 2 × 2 factorial design, randomised, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. Computer-generated block randomization will be performed independently. Interventions are capsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (6 × 109 colony-forming units/day) (A) and cereal containing 4 g β-glucan (B), placebo capsules (O1), and calorie-matched control cereal (O2). Eligible participants will receive 6 months intervention in the following groups: AB, AO1, BO2, and O1O2. The primary outcome is glycated haemoglobin after 6 months. Follow-up at 9 months will assess the durability of response. Secondary outcomes are glycated haemoglobin after 3 and 9 months, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, blood pressure, body weight, body mass index, and blood lipid levels. General well-being and quality of life will be measured by the Short-Form Health Survey 36 and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 at 6 and 9 months. Outcome assessors will be blind to capsule allocation. An accompanying qualitative study will include 24 face-to-face semistructured interviews with an ethnically balanced sample from the β-glucan arms at 2 months, participant focus groups at 6 months, and three health professional focus groups. These will explore how interventions are adopted, their acceptability, and elicit factors that may support the uptake of interventions. A simulation model of the pre-diabetic New Zealand population will be used to estimate the likely impact in quality-adjusted life years and health system costs of the interventions if rolled out in New Zealand. DISCUSSION

Prebiotics, particularly non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs), are increasingly recognized for their role in modulating immune responses in the gut, lungs, and urinary tract. This review systematically evaluates evidence from human studies on the effects of NDCs and prebiotics on immune markers, infection risk and severity, inflammation, and vaccine responses. Prebiotics such as inulin, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) positively influence gut microbiota by promoting beneficial species like Bifidobacteria. They also enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which interact with immune cells via G-protein-coupled receptors, inducing anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to microbiota-mediated mechanisms, NDCs and prebiotics may directly affect immune and epithelial cells by interacting with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), enhancing gut barrier function, and modulating immunity. A systematic review of human studies showed that prebiotics, including GOS, FOS, and 2'-fucosyllactose (2FL), reduced infections and increased IgA in healthy infants, while yeast β-glucan reduced respiratory infection symptoms in healthy adults. Yeast β-glucan and GOS supplementation resulted in improvements in NK cell activity. Some effects on vaccine efficacy were noted in young adults, but the overall impact of NDCs and prebiotics on vaccination and systemic inflammation was inconsistent. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms involved and to optimize health applications.

Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation and yogurt consumption (a probiotic food) alter gut microbial diversity, which may influence colorectal carcinogenesis. This systematic review evaluates the existing literature on the effect of these nutritional supplements and yogurt consumption on colorectal neoplasia incidence among adults. We systematically identified ten randomized controlled trials and observational studies in adults age ≥ 18 without baseline gastrointestinal disease. Prebiotics included inulin, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, and β-glucans. Probiotics included bacterial strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, and Escherichia coli. Synbiotic supplements, a mixture of both prebiotic and probiotic supplements, and yogurt, a commonly consumed dietary source of live microbes, were also included. We defined colorectal neoplasia as colorectal adenomas, sessile serrated polyps, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Overall, findings suggest a moderate decrease in risk of adenoma and CRC for high levels of yogurt consumption compared to low or no consumption. Prebiotic supplementation was not associated with colorectal neoplasia risk. There was some evidence that probiotic supplementation may be associated with lower risk of adenomas but not with CRC incidence. Higher yogurt consumption may be associated with lower incidence of colorectal neoplasia. We found little evidence to suggest that prebiotic or probiotic supplements are associated with significant decreases in CRC occurrence.

Introduction: Viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) have been recognized as a global public health burden. Despite current theories about their effectiveness, the true benefits of dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral RTIs remain elusive, due to contradictory reports. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral RTIs.Areas covered: We systematically searched databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar through 4 March 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of consuming selected dietary supplements on the prevention or treatment of viral RTIs.Expert opinion: Thirty-nine randomized controlled trials (n = 16,797 participants) were eligible and included. Namely, vitamin D supplementation appeared to improve viral RTIs across cohorts particulate in those with vitamin D deficiency. Among the evaluated dietary supplements, specific lactobacillus strains were used most commonly with selected prebiotics that showed potentially positive effects on the prevention and treatment of viral RTIs. Further, ginseng extract supplementation may effectively prevent viral RTIs as adjuvant therapy. However, longitudinal research is required to confirm these observations and address the optimal dose, duration, and safety of dietary supplements being publicly recommended.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by severe organ dysfunction resulting from an uncontrolled host response to infection. Sepsis treatment poses a challenge due to its complexity and the need for effective therapeutic approaches. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects of exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Auricularia auricula in a murine model of lethal sepsis. Our findings demonstrated that treatment with EPS significantly enhances the proliferation of circulating lymphocytes and granulocytes, which is associated with improved host defense mechanisms. Additionally, EPS administration effectively mitigates sepsis-induced pulmonary damage, as evidenced by preserved lung function. Furthermore, EPS treatment significantly reduces microbial translocation to the bloodstream, maintaining a lower colony-forming unit (CFU) count and thereby restricting systemic infection. The polysaccharides also prevent the development of thrombocytopenia in septic animals, thereby preserving platelet homeostasis. The compound modulates serum cytokine profiles, contributing to a more regulated inflammatory response. The interactome analysis reveals that the Dectin-1 → Syk pathway activates NF-κB/AP-1 and involves p38 MAPK, thereby explaining the observed cytokine modulation. The presence of Nod2/Ripk2 suggests that the EPS primes leukocytes to effectively combat both fungi and bacteria, leading to a reduced bacterial load and increased survival. Collectively, these data indicate that EPS, a prebiotic agent, represents a novel therapeutic strategy with potential for modulating immune responses, controlling microbial proliferation, and improving survival outcomes in a model of severe sepsis.

Microbiome-linked pathologies in humans have significantly increased over recent decades, suggesting that lifestyle changes, particularly those related to diet, have contributed to the disruption of beneficial microbial composition and functions. Specifically, modern processed diets that are low in dietary fiber and high in fat and sugar can lead to the depletion of bacterial taxa over generations and contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases. These pathologies can potentially be prevented by increasing fiber intake, making the promotion of dietary fiber crucial for human health. Despite the recognized importance of fiber integration, there remains a significant gap in the understanding of the use of multiple dietary fibers in food to promote microbiota diversity, as well as which dietary fibers promote specific microbial taxa to restore symbiosis. To address this gap, we conducted an in vitro fermentation study using fecal samples from two individuals. We tested three types of dietary fibers of varying complexity: inulin, pectin, and dextran in a β-glucan-based medium. Samples were collected over a 48 h fermentation period (0-4-8-24-32-48 h) to evaluate temporal shifts in microbial composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we found that the introduction of different fibers steered the microbiota of both individuals toward a convergent trajectory by 24-48 h. This result indicated that fiber complexity can reduce inter-individual variation in microbial community structure. Distinct levels of polysaccharide complexity between fiber types modulated specific bacterial taxa, supporting the concept that consuming a diversity of dietary fiber acts on complementary microbial niches. Notably, the observed shifts toward butyrate-associated taxa and reduction of pro-inflammatory lineages with dextran/β-glucan are relevant for pathologies characterized by dysbiosis, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Together, these results underscore the value of incorporating multiple fibers into food production, including fermented foods, to enhance prebiotic properties, stimulate the growth of fiber-fermenting bacteria,

The gut microbiota-liver axis is a critical target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) intervention, yet effective strategies to restore gut microbiota balance and mitigate hepatic metabolic inflammation remain limited. Curdlan, a Food and Drug Administration-approved microbial exopolysaccharide, is widely used as a food additive, but its role in modulating the gut-liver axis to combat NAFLD has never been explored. Here, we demonstrate that curdlan alleviates high-fat and fiber-deficient (HFFD) diet-induced NAFLD by orchestrating gut microbiota remodeling and enhancing gut-liver crosstalk associated with the enrichment of butyrate-producing bacteria. In the mouse model of NAFLD, curdlan significantly attenuated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and M1 macrophage infiltration. Hepatic transcriptome analysis revealed that curdlan modulated immune response and metabolism pathways, as further evidenced by the improvement of the NFκB-PTP1B-Akt signaling axis. Crucially, curdlan reversed gut barrier disruption by enhancing tight junction proteins and enriching butyrate-producing genera (Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Anaerovorax, Roseburia, Turicibacter, and others), thereby increasing serum butyrate levels. Integrative correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between butyrate-producing bacteria, increased serum butyrate levels, reduced serum lipopolysaccharide, and downregulated hepatic proinflammatory cytokines. Strikingly, Clostridium butyricum supplementation recapitulated the protective effects of curdlan, suggesting a role for butyrate in mediating gut-liver interactions. These findings establish curdlan as a novel prebiotic and metabolic modulator with therapeutic potential for NAFLD and support the translational application of functional food additives in metabolic disease management.

Background/Objectives: Mushroom-derived phenolic compounds are gaining attention as bioactive molecules with potential roles in gut microbiota modulation, intestinal health, and metabolic regulation. Although mushroom polysaccharides are well established as fermentable substrates, the contribution of fungal phenolics to microbiota-host interactions remains less defined. This review aimed to critically analyse the evidence supporting mushroom-derived phenolic compounds as emerging prebiotic-like modulators of gut microbiota, intestinal function, and host metabolism. Methods: A narrative critical review was conducted using scientific literature retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies addressing phenolic profiling in edible and medicinal mushrooms, gastrointestinal digestion, colonic fermentation, microbial biotransformation, gut microbiota modulation, intestinal barrier function, inflammation, and metabolic outcomes were considered. Particular attention was given to chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based studies, in vitro digestion/fermentation models, mechanistic studies, animal experiments, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results: Current evidence shows that mushrooms contain diverse phenolic compounds, mainly phenolic acids such as gallic, protocatechuic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, vanillic, syringic, and cinnamic acids. Due to limited small intestine absorption, a substantial fraction of these compounds may reach the colon, where they undergo microbial biotransformation into smaller phenolic metabolites. These metabolites may influence microbial ecology, support beneficial taxa, modulate short-chain fatty acid production indirectly, attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, and contribute to intestinal barrier integrity. However, most evidence derives from in vitro and preclinical studies, while human data remain limited and are mainly based on whole-mushroom interventions. Conclusions: Mushroom-derived phenolic compounds are promising prebiotic-like modulators within the microbiota-metabolite-host axis. Nevertheless, their specific contribution cannot yet be quantitatively disting

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently reclassified as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a prevalent metabolic disorder with significant inflammatory underpinnings. Emerging evidence underscores the gut-liver axis as a pivotal pathway in MASLD pathogenesis through which dysbiosis drives cytokine-mediated inflammation, fibrosis, and disease progression. This review synthesizes preclinical and clinical findings on how probiotics and prebiotics modulate key inflammatory cytokines-including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17, and TGF-β-to ameliorate MASLD. The literature demonstrates that these interventions converge on the TLR4/NF-κB axis as the central mechanistic driver of cytokine dysregulation in MASLD. By restoring gut barrier integrity and reducing endotoxin (LPS) translocation, probiotics and prebiotics suppress TLR4/NF-κB activation, which secondarily inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome (reducing IL-1β/IL-18), downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17), and enhances anti-inflammatory signals (IL-10) through crosstalk with PPAR-α, AMPK, and Nrf2 pathways. In animal models, probiotic strains such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia muciniphila consistently downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhance anti-inflammatory signals. The same is true for prebiotics, including inulin, oat β-glucan, and synbiotic formulations. However, clinical trial outcomes remain heterogeneous, influenced by strain specificity, intervention duration, and patient heterogeneity. Collectively, this review highlights the therapeutic potential of microbiota-targeted interventions to rebalance cytokine networks and proposes future directions for personalized, mechanism-driven approaches to the management of MASLD. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

This critical review examines research advances from 2017 to 2025 on Ganoderma formosanum (G. formosanum) as a fermentation-optimized alternative within the Ganoderma genus. Optimized submerged and immobilized fermentation strategies enable high-yield, consistent production of mycelial biomass (up to 11.5 g/L) and β-1,3-glucan-rich exopolysaccharides (EPS), alongside synergistic phenolic and organic-acid fractions. These fermentation-derived metabolites exhibit distinct structural features, including high β-glucan content (up to 53%) with potential resistance to gastric digestion, supporting prebiotic effects through colonic fermentation and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. The resulting bioactives demonstrate targeted health-promoting activities: Th1-biased immunomodulation with ∼40% tumor volume reduction in murine Lewis lung carcinoma models (moderate-quality evidence), potent tyrosinase inhibition (IC50 ≈118 ppm; high-quality evidence) for anti-melanogenic applications, and emerging protective effects against TGF-β1-induced lung fibrosis and PM2.5-triggered inflammation. Compared with G. lucidum, G. formosanum offers advantages in fermentation scalability, phenolic potency for cosmeceuticals, and Th1-skewed immune modulation, although it shows relatively lower triterpenoid diversity. Despite lacking human trials, its fermentation-driven consistency, safety, and multi-target bioactivities make it a promising candidate for functional foods, synbiotic beverages and nutricosmetics. Future work requires genetic stability, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant scale-up, standardized markers, and clinical validation to support nutritional use and integration into circular bioeconomy systems.

This study investigates the distinct biological activities of two structurally different polysaccharides, SIP-1 and SIP-2, isolated from the mushroom Sarcodon imbricatus. SIP-1 is a 2.4 kDa heteropolysaccharide composed of a β-(1 → 6)-glucan backbone with glucuronic acid-containing side chains. In contrast, SIP-2 is a 4.1 kDa branched β-(1 → 4)-glucan notable for its terminal mannose residues. Biologically, SIP-1 significantly enhanced intestinal barrier function, demonstrated by increased transepithelial electrical resistance and reduced fluorescently labeled dextran permeability. It also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and enriched beneficial gut microbes like Muribaculaceae. Conversely, SIP-2 showed limited barrier-protective properties but acted as a pronounced immunomodulator. It enhanced immune responses in normal macrophages while reducing inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells, and its administration was associated with increased abundance of immune-regulating bacteria such as Blautia and Akkermansia. This work shows that two purified S. imbricatus polysaccharide fractions with different glycosidic linkages and terminal sugar residues exhibit distinct biological profiles under the experimental conditions examined. Overall, these findings provide new insight into how variations in composition and linkage patterns in fungal polysaccharides may relate to different effects on gut barrier function, immune responses, and microbiota and they highlight their potential relevance for gut health and immune modulation.

Circadian rhythms play a critical role in regulating immune function and behavior, and disruptions to these rhythms are increasingly linked to systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of prebiotic polysaccharides, yeast β-glucan and chicory inulin, on systemic inflammation-induced disruptions in circadian rhythms, gut microbiota composition and neuroinflammation, in comparison with melatonin and ibuprofen. Here, we induced systemic inflammation in C57BL/6J mice using intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The i.p. injection of LPS disrupted diurnal expressions of circadian clock genes and proinflammatory cytokines, inducing inflammatory responses in liver and brain tissues. Yeast β-glucan and chicory inulin modulated diurnal rhythmicity of circadian clock genes and proinflammatory cytokines, and reduced neuroinflammation. These modulatory effects were comparable to those observed following melatonin and ibuprofen treatment. Notably, yeast β-glucan reversed LPS-induced microglial activation in the hippocampus and memory deficits. Both prebiotics reversed LPS-induced gut microbial imbalance, showing similar modulatory effects to melatonin and ibuprofen treatment. Network analysis revealed strong correlations between bacterial taxa, short-chain fatty acids production, and expression of circadian clock genes and proinflammatory cytokines. These findings underscore the novel potential role of prebiotic polysaccharides (yeast β-glucan and chicory inulin) for ameliorating circadian disruption and neuroinflammation under challenge.

Oral administration of probiotics holds great promise for regulating gut microbiota and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. However, its practical effectiveness can be limited due to the digestive tract's harsh environment. Natural polysaccharide-based hydrogel microsphere systems are increasingly used for probiotic protection and oral delivery; the conventional materials used in these systems exhibit defects such as poor structural strength and instability in gelation, causing premature probiotic release. Here, we created hydrogel microspheres with gut-adaptive structures (GG/GN-TA HMs) using gellan gum (GG) as the backbone and β-glucan-tannic acid (GN-TA) as the antioxidative, adhesive, and gut-targeting prebiotic donor, involving structural enhancement via TA-Ca2+ metal-phenol networks during cross-linking. The structurally optimized microspheres exhibited excellent structural integrity at low pH conditions while disassembling in the gut environment to release probiotics. Such advantages of GG/GN-TA HMs enabled the survival of probiotics in harsh environments and subsequent promotion of probiotic colonization in the colon. In colitis mice, EcN@GG/GN-TA exhibited superior therapeutic effects compared to those of other groups. GG/GN-TA HMs promoted probiotic-prebiotic synergy, which resulted in significant alleviation of gut inflammation, gut barrier repair, and gut microbiota remodeling. Given its simple preparation and efficacy, the GG/GN-TA HMs system has great potential for the protection and targeted delivery of probiotics.

The comorbidity of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Diabetes Mellitus presents a formidable clinical challenge, as these conditions engage in vicious cycles mediated by intestinal barrier dysfunction, microbiota dysbiosis, and chronic inflammatory stress. This complex pathophysiological interplay substantially limits the efficacy of conventional monotherapeutic approaches. Therefore, we developed an innovative nanotherapeutic platform (BG@EGCG-Mn) that harnesses the synergistic potential of natural bioactive compounds. This platform combines the complementary biological activities of oat β-glucan (BG) and epigallocatechin gallate-Mn complex (EGCG-Mn). BG exerts multimodal therapeutic effects by modulating glucose absorption kinetics, thereby improving glycemic control and promoting intestinal barrier restoration through prebiotic mechanisms. Mn (Ⅱ) coordination stabilizes EGCG, preserving its dual therapeutic capacity: inhibition of α-glucosidase activity for hypoglycemia and potent free radical scavenging for anti-inflammatory action. The therapeutic mechanisms are distinctly complementary: BG primarily targets macroscopic barrier reconstruction and microbiota homeostasis, while EGCG-Mn operates at the cellular level to mitigate inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Remarkably, BG@EGCG-Mn demonstrated robust therapeutic efficacy across multiple mice models, including acute UC, chronic UC, and diabetes-associated UC. This platform integrates four critical therapeutic modalities: hypoglycemic action, anti-inflammatory activity, barrier repair and gut microbiota modulation.This novel platform avoids antagonism in conventional drug combinations, significantly advancing treatment for metabolic-inflammatory diseases. © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that disrupts gut microbiota composition, promoting dysbiosis associated with chronic inflammation, impaired nutrient absorption, and poor clinical outcomes. While modulation of the intestinal microbiota through prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy, clinical evidence remains limited, especially in children. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three supplementation strategies (a prebiotic (β-glucan), a probiotic (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG), and their synbiotic combination) on the gut microbiota and metabolic activity of a CF child faecal donor using a dynamic in vitro colonic fermentation model (SHIME®). METHODS: Microbial composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing), and metabolic activity (quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ammonia, and lactate) were analysed. RESULTS: Results showed that the prebiotic increased alpha diversity; while both the prebiotic and probiotic treatments significantly reduced Bacillota and increased Bacteroidota, modulating the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio. The synbiotic treatment showed the most beneficial overall profile, including enhanced production of SCFAs, particularly butyrate and propionate, and increased abundance of Faecalibacterium and Agathobacter, which are two bacterial genera generally associated with gut health. Notably, the synbiotic also reduced the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic genera such as Veillonella, Megasphaera, and Stenotrophomonas, but paralleled with an increase in Clostridium ss 1. Although the probiotic alone showed some positive effects, it was less effective overall compared to the prebiotic and synbiotic approaches. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the potential of synbiotic supplementation as a promising strategy to modulate gut dysbiosis in CF, though in vivo studies are needed to confirm the translational relevance of these results.

Beta-glucans (βTGs) are a class of dietary fibers and biologically active polysaccharides derived from natural sources, known for their diverse bioactive properties. Their documented effects include anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, anti-obesity, anti-allergic, anti-microbial, antiviral, anti-osteoporotic, and immunomodulating activities. Despite these well-established benefits, the role of βTG in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the protective effects of βTG treatment on PCOS and its potential to reverse PCOS-induced changes. Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 each): control, PCOS, PCOS+βTG, and βTG. We assessed biochemical markers related to oxidative stress, antioxidant status, inflammation, cytokines, and hormone levels. Additional analyses included immunohistochemistry and histopathology. Membrane array analysis was used to profile growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. However, βTG normalized deviations in the estrous cycle caused by PCOS and positively affected the reproductive system (p < 0.05). It also reduced the inflammatory response in PCOS rats by decreasing inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05). Furthermore, oxidative stress was significantly reduced, and antioxidant enzyme activities were markedly elevated in the βTG group (p < 0.05). Histopathological alterations were prevented by βTG, which also induced the expression of essential proteins such as beta-nerve growth factor (bNGF), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), Agrin, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2/bFGF) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, βTG treatment effectively protects against oxidative stress, inflammation, hormone imbalance, and histopathological damage in ovarian tissue caused by PCOS.

Glucan, a common dietary fiber, shows prebiotic potential for managing metabolic disorders, intestinal inflammation, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Although our earlier work found that glucans from various sources differ in molecular weight and linkage, how these variations affect their protective efficacy against metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still unknown. This study examined the effects of β-glucan from barley, highland barley, and oat bran on mice with high-fat diet-induced MetS. Various MetS-related indicators were analyzed, including overweight, dyslipidemia, hypertension, liver function, and host metabolites. Findings revealed that the differential effects of β-glucans primarily occurred in serum and hepatic lipid metabolism. HBBG was most effective at reducing LDL-C and hepatic lipid accumulation. Furthermore, changes in liver inflammation and lipid transport gene expression indicated that HBBG more effectively alleviated hepatic inflammation and regulated CCL2 and CD36 gene expression. These results highlight the source-dependent bioactivity of dietary β-glucans in improving metabolic disorders.

The combination of probiotics and prebiotics has emerged as a promising strategy for managing ulcerative colitis (UC). Among these, β-glucan (BG) and Lactobacillus johnsonii have individually shown potential in alleviating colitis, with BG notably enriching L. johnsonii populations, suggesting a synergistic therapeutic potential when combined. This study investigates the protective effects of a novel synbiotic formulation, BG and L. johnsonii NSP009 (LJ), termed BGLJ, in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Our results reveal that BGLJ significantly mitigated DSS-induced weight loss, reduced the disease activity index, and alleviated intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Notably, BGLJ markedly increased L. johnsonii abundance in mouse feces, with LJ producing substantial levels of indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist. BGLJ treatment robustly elevated ILA levels in the gut, activating AhR and upregulating IL-22 production. Collectively, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the BGLJ-based synbiotic in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and underscore its promise as a novel intervention for UC management.

Functional foods consumption, included the synbiotics, has garnered attention of the consumers because of their health's benefits, being lactic acid bacteria (LAB) the microorganisms most used for their manufacturing. Twelve potential probiotic LAB strains were evaluated for cholesterol removal, phenolic content, antioxidant properties, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (anti-diabetic effect), and in vitro angiotensin-I-converting enzyme- (ACE) inhibitory activity (anti-hypertensive effect), together with the assimilatory capacity of different prebiotics such as inulin, lactulose, β-glucans, and fructooligosaccharides, to be used in the production of a synbiotic yogur. Their anti-inflammatory potential in Caco-2 cells was also assayed. Lactobacillus (Lact.) acidophilus UCLM-104 and Lacticaseibacillus (Lc.) paracasei UCLM-41, exhibited interesting health promoting properties and an effective modulation of inflammation. Sensory analysis of the synbiotic yogurts manufactured with each of the strains displayed no significant differences between them, but there were statistically significant differences with the control yogurt, garnering greater acceptance from taste-testers. Therefore, both strains emerge as promising probiotic candidates to be used to produce synbiotic yogurts with potential health-promoting attributes and sensory appeal. This study represents a pioneering endeavor, being the first to comprehensively evaluate the health-enhancing properties of potential probiotic strains and subsequently apply them in the production of synbiotic yogurts. © 2025 The Author(s). Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by a disruption of intestinal homeostasis, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis. Prebiotic supplementation may be useful for managing IBD in dogs. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of two prebiotics, Biolex MB40 or Leiber Beta-S, on the gut microbiota isolated from three dogs with IBD, using the Colon-on-a-plate technology. Biolex MB40 and Leiber Beta-S contain concentrated 1,3-1,6- β-D-glucan isolated from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls. Biolex MB40 also contains mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS). Wells of the Colon-on-a-plate set up were inoculated with fecal suspensions and supplemented with either Biolex MB40 and Leiber Beta-S, or no test product (blank). Following 48h incubation, bacterial metabolites were measured and 16S rRNA targeted gene sequencing was performed. Colonic supernatants were added to a Caco-2/THP1 co-culture model to evaluate their effects on barrier integrity upon inflammation-induced barrier disruption and interleukin (IL)-10 production. Acetate and propionate concentrations were significantly increased versus blank with Biolex MB40, and biologically relevant numerical increases were observed with Leiber Beta-S supplementation. A donor-dependent, biologically relevant increase in butyrate was observed with both test products versus blank. Alpha diversity and microbiota biomass were increased, as well as the abundance of the five predominant phyla with both test products relative to blank. The greatest increases in abundance were observed for the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla. Fermentation of both test products had a protective effect on the gut epithelial barrier (measured by transepithelial electrical resistance) that was donor dependent. IL-10 production was significantly increased with Biolex MB40 supplementation for all donors, and with Leiber Beta-S supplementation for one donor. These in vitro findings confirm a prebiotic effect for both products and suggest that supplementation with either Biolex MB40 or Leiber Beta-S may have beneficial effects on the gut microbiota of dogs with IBD. Copyright: © 2025 Ghyselinck et al. This is an open access article distr

The liver-gut axis plays a central role in maintaining the health and productivity of poultry. In addition, the liver-gut axis serves as a key regulator of digestion, metabolism, immunity, and detoxification. The gut, with its diverse microbiota, is the primary site for nutrient absorption and immune modulation, while the liver metabolizes nutrients, detoxifies harmful substances, and acts as a frontline defense against pathogens translocated from the gut. Disruptions in this interconnected system, including gut dysbiosis or liver inflammation, can lead to compromised immunity and reduced productivity. This mini-review explores integrated nutritional and immunological strategies aimed at optimizing the liver-gut axis to enhance poultry performance. Nutritional interventions, such as the use of flavonoids, vitamins, amino acids, micronutrients, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, have demonstrated their potential to support liver and gut health. Dietary components such as phytogenic additives, fiber, and fatty acids further contribute to immune modulation and systemic health. Immunological approaches, such as beta-glucans and in ovo stimulation, and molecular approaches, including advanced genetic techniques, offer additional avenues for improving disease resistance and organ function. Despite notable advancements, challenges including antibiotic resistance, environmental stressors, and implementation costs persist. Emerging technologies like metagenomics, metabolomics, and precision breeding offer innovative solutions to enhance liver-gut interactions. This review underscores recent advancements in understanding the liver-gut axis and calls for holistic strategies to improve sustainable poultry production. Future research should integrate these approaches to enhance resilience, productivity, and sustainability in the poultry industry.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, with unclear aetiology but with known factors contributing to the disease, including genetics, immune responses, environmental factors and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Existing pharmacotherapies mainly target the inflammatory symptoms of disease, but recent research has highlighted the capacity for microbial-accessible carbohydrates that confer health benefits (ie, prebiotics) to selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria for improved IBD management. However, since prebiotics v

Yeast β-glucan (YBG), an indigestible polysaccharide from yeast cell walls, is multifunctional. It plays a pivotal role in regulating gut microbiota (GM) and boosting the immune system, which is central to research on inflammation, cancer, and metabolic diseases. By modulating the GM, YBG exhibits various prebiotic effects, including hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and immune-regulating properties. Additionally, acting as a bioreactor modulator, it activates immune responses, demonstrating potential in anti-infection and anticancer applications. This article synthesizes the latest data from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. It comprehensively evaluates the therapeutic potential of YBG, starting from its structure-function relationship. It particularly focuses on the application prospects of yeast β-glucan in probiotic-like effects, anti-infectious properties, and anti-cancer activity, and explores the underlying mechanisms of these actions. The aim of this article is to elucidate the positive impact of YBG on health by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing immune responses. Simultaneously, it identifies critical areas for future research to provide theoretical support for its development in biomedical applications.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a global intestinal disease, and conventional therapeutic drugs often fail to meet the needs of patients. There is an urgent need to find efficient and affordable novel biological therapies. Saccharomyces boulardii has been widely used in food and pharmaceutical research due to its anti-inflammatory properties and gut health benefits. However, there is still a relatively limited comparison and evaluation of different forms of S. boulardii treatment for UC. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of S. boulardii, heat-killed S. boulardii, and S. boulardii β-glucan on UC, to explore the potential of heat-killed S. boulardii as a new biological therapy. The results demonstrate that all three treatments were able to restore body weight, reduce the disease activity index (DAI), inhibit splenomegaly, shorten colon length, and alleviate histopathological damage to colonic epithelial tissues in DSS-induced colitis mice. The oral administration of S. boulardii, heat-killed S. boulardii, and S. boulardii β-glucan also increased the levels of tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1), decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the serum, and suppressed the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA in the colon. In particular, in terms of gut microbiota, S. boulardii, heat-killed S. boulardii, and S. boulardii β-glucan exhibited varying degrees of modulation on DSS-induced dysbiosis. Among them, heat-killed S. boulardii maximally restored the composition, structure, and functionality of the intestinal microbiota to normal levels. In conclusion, heat-killed S. boulardii showed greater advantages over S. boulardii and S. boulardii β-glucan in the treatment of intestinal diseases, and it holds promise as an effective novel biological therapy for UC. This study is of great importance in improving the quality of life for UC patients and reducing the burden of the disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Changes in gut microbiota in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are important drivers of disease progression towards fibrosis. Therefore, reversing microbial alterations could ameliorate MASLD progression. Oat beta-glucan, a non-digestible polysaccharide, has shown promising therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia associated with MASLD, but its impact on gut microbiota and most importantly MASLD-related fibrosis remains unknown. METHODS: We performed detailed metabolic phenotyping, including assessments of body composition, glucose tolerance, and lipid metabolism, as well as comprehensive characterization of the gut-liver axis in a western-style diet (WSD)-induced model of MASLD and assessed the effect of a beta-glucan intervention on early and advanced liver disease. Gut microbiota were modulated using broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: Oat beta-glucan supplementation did not affect WSD-induced body weight gain or glucose intolerance and the metabolic phenotype remained largely unaffected. Interestingly, oat beta-glucan dampened MASLD-related inflammation, which was associated with significantly reduced monocyte-derived macrophage infiltration and fibroinflammatory gene expression, as well as strongly reduced fibrosis development. Mechanistically, this protective effect was not mediated by changes in bile acid composition or signaling, but was dependent on gut microbiota and was lost upon broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. Specifically, oat beta-glucan partially reversed unfavorable changes in gut microbiota, resulting in an expansion of protective taxa, including Ruminococcus, and Lactobacillus followed by reduced translocation of Toll-like receptor ligands. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings identify oat beta-glucan as a highly efficacious food supplement that dampens inflammation and fibrosis development in diet-induced MASLD. These results, along with its favorable dietary profile, suggest that it may be a cost-effective and well-tolerated approach to preventing MASLD progression and should be assessed in clinical studies. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Herein, we investigated the effect of oat beta-glucan on the

Oral administration of probiotics is a promising method to alleviate inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, gastrointestinal environmental sensitivity and inferior intestinal colonization of probiotics hinder the alleviation effect. Here, we developed a simple yet effective modified prebiotic-based "shield" (Fe-TA@mGN) composed of an Fe3+-tannic acid cross-linking network and carboxymethylated β-glucan for arming Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN@Fe-TA@mGN). The Fe-TA@mGN "shield" not only acted as a dynamic barrier to enhance the gastrointestinal stress resistance ability of EcN but also aided the intestinal colonization of EcN as well as synergized with EcN for the alleviation of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis. More specifically, with the protection of the Fe-TA@mGN "shield", the survival rate of armed EcN could be up to ∼1720 times higher than that of bare EcN after exposure to simulated gastric fluid. Excitingly, the intestinal retention rate of EcN@Fe-TA@mGN was as high as 47.54 ± 6.06% at 16 h post-administration, while almost all bare EcNs were excreted out at 8 h post-administration. With all of the aforementioned attributes, EcN@Fe-TA@mGN efficiently alleviated colitis, verified by the repair of the intestinal barrier and the attenuation of inflammation. Moreover, for EcN@Fe-TA@mGN, mGN synergized with EcN to positively modulate gut microbiota and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs, especially for butyric acid, a primary source for maintaining intestinal health), both of which would further advance the alleviation of colitis. We envision that the strategy developed here will inspire the exploitation of various prebiotics to arm probiotics for the effective alleviation of IBD.