Bifidobacterium adolescentis

BACKGROUND: Postbiotics produced by kefir lactic acid bacteria through bioconversion of polyphenol-rich extract and whey protein are emerging as promising modulators of gut microbiota and muscle health. This study investigated whether Lentilactobacillus kefiri DH5-derived postbiotics, prepared with Cucumis melo L. and whey protein (KP, Kefir lactic acid bacteria-derived postbiotics), improve muscle strength and gut microbiota composition in healthy adults. METHODS: In this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants consumed either KP (6 g/day) or placebo. Handgrip strength, circulating biomarkers, and fecal microbiota profiling (using 16S rRNA sequencing) were analyzed. Correlations between microbial taxa and muscle-related biomarkers were assessed. RESULTS: KP supplementation significantly increased dominant-hand grip strength and plasma irisin and reduced IL-1β concentrations after 12 weeks, whereas IGF-1, lean mass, and non-dominant grip strength showed no significant changes. Gut microbiota profiling revealed enrichment of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Latilactobacillus sakei, Lentihominibacter hominis, Mediterraneibacter gnavus, Streptococcus anginosus and Phocaeicola plebeius, with concomitant reductions in Lachnospira eligens, Roseburia inulinivorans, Ruthenibacterium lactatiformans and Vescimonas fastidiosa. Notably, relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was positively correlated with plasma irisin concentration. CONCLUSIONS: KP supplementation produced a modest within-group improvement in grip strength, potentially through gut-muscle axis modulation involving irisin and anti-inflammation pathways. These preliminary findings suggest that kefir-derived postbiotics may have potential relevance for muscle health.

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates the gut microbiome may be altered in ADHD, suggesting that targeting gut bacteria could alleviate symptoms. This study examined the effects of kefir supplementation on ADHD symptoms, sleep, attention, and gut microbiome composition in children diagnosed with ADHD. METHODS: A six-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in UK children aged 8-13 years with ADHD. Participants were assigned either to a daily kefir or placebo drink group. The primary outcome was ADHD symptom severity measured by the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviour (SWAN) scale. Secondary outcomes included gut microbiota composition (analysed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing), gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep (actigraphy, parent/self-report), attention and impulsivity. RESULTS: Fifty-three participants (mean age = 10.2 years, SD = 1.7) completed the study. Kefir had no significant overall effect on parent or teacher-rated ADHD symptom severity. A non-significant interaction was observed between baseline symptom severity and group for teacher-rated SWAN scores, with children in the kefir group who had the highest baseline ADHD symptoms showing lower scores at week six (M = 2.03, SE = 0.33 vs. 2.86, SE = 0.34), p = 0.088. Actigraphy revealed the kefir group spent fewer minutes awake during the down period at week six (M = 70.10, SE = 0.09) than the placebo group (M = 89.72, SE = 0.07), p = 0.04. However, the kefir group self-reported more sleep problems post-intervention (M = 39.81, SE = 0.75 vs. 37.40, SE = 0.65), p = 0.02. For Go/NoGo RT variance, a non-significant interaction (p = 0.052) between baseline and post intervention scores was found. No other significant group differences were observed. Kefir supplementation did not significantly affect gut microbiota alpha or beta diversity. However, relative abundance of several species including bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. infantis, and B. longum and Alistipes sp021204515 and A. timonensi increased significantly in the kefir group. CONCLUSIONS: Kefir supplementation may support modest improvements in sleep quality, in children with ADHD. These findings co

OBJECTIVE: To identify baseline multiomic and phenotypic predictors and develop prediction models for weight and body composition loss and regain in the Low-Carbohydrate Diet and Time-Restricted Eating (LEAN-TIME) trial. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A post hoc analysis was conducted of the LEAN-TIME feeding trial using data from 88 adults with overweight/obesity completing a 12-week calorie-restricted weight-loss phase and 79 completing a 28-week weight-regain phase. Baseline dietary, metabolic, fecal metabolome, and gut microbiome data were candidate predictors of changes in weight, body fat mass (BFM), and soft lean mass (SLM). Multivariable regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model were used to identify predictors and develop weighted-sum prediction models. RESULTS: Multiomic and phenotypic models significantly outperformed phenotype-only models (P < 0.05), demonstrating strong predictive performance during both phases. During weight loss, the multiomic and phenotypic model yielded R2 values of 0.49, 0.61, and 0.54 for changes in weight, BFM, and SLM, respectively, with corresponding root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 1.59, 1.41, and 0.98 kg. For binary classification of clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%), the model achieved an area under the curve of 0.95 (sensitivity 94.12%; specificity 86.79%). During weight regain, R2 values reached 0.72, 0.73, and 0.66 for weight, BFM, and SLM (RMSEs 1.40, 1.62, and 0.73 kg), respectively. Several key baseline predictors, primarily gut microbes and fecal metabolites, such as N-acetyl-l-aspartic acid, Ruminococcus callidus, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, were shared for weight and body composition changes during both phases. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline multiomic and phenotypic data effectively predict weight and body composition loss and regain, offering insights for personalized weight management. © 2025 by the American Diabetes Association.

Sleep disorders associated with lifestyle changes and unhealthy habits are major public health concerns. Our previous study showed that Bifidobacterium adolescentis SBT2786 has a potent sleep-promoting effect on fruit flies. Fruit flies share many similarities with mammals, making them suitable model organisms for studying sleep. Thus, in the present study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to test whether SBT2786 has sleep-enhancing effects in humans. In this study, 61 participants in the SBT2786 group and 65 participants in the placebo group were analyzed. The results showed that SBT2786 increased sleep time; however, it predominantly increased light sleep and did not improve subjective sleep quality. Interestingly, mood improvement was observed. A subgroup analysis was conducted on participants with high stress levels, and results showed that these participants experienced an increase in sleep duration and an improvement in sleepiness upon waking up and reported feeling well-rested during the day. We concluded that SBT2786 may improve sleep quality, particularly in individuals experiencing high levels of stress, and that SBT2786 can be used as a dietary supplement to improve sleep and mood.

Emerging evidence suggests that modulation of gut microbiota by dietary fibre may offer solutions for metabolic disorders. In a randomized placebo-controlled crossover design trial (ChiCTR-TTRCC-13003333) in 37 participants with overweight or obesity, we test whether resistant starch (RS) as a dietary supplement influences obesity-related outcomes. Here, we show that RS supplementation for 8 weeks can help to achieve weight loss (mean -2.8 kg) and improve insulin resistance in individuals with excess body weight. The benefits of RS are associated with changes in gut microbiota composition. Supplementation with Bifidobacterium adolescentis, a species that is markedly associated with the alleviation of obesity in the study participants, protects male mice from diet-induced obesity. Mechanistically, the RS-induced changes in the gut microbiota alter the bile acid profile, reduce inflammation by restoring the intestinal barrier and inhibit lipid absorption. We demonstrate that RS can facilitate weight loss at least partially through B. adolescentis and that the gut microbiota is essential for the action of RS. © 2024. The Author(s).

BACKGROUND: Weight loss is the most effective treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There is evidence that the Mediterranean diets rich in unsaturated fatty acids and fiber have beneficial effects on weight homeostasis and metabolic risk factors in individuals with NAFLD. Studies have also shown that higher circulating concentrations of pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) are associated with a lower risk for NAFLD. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of a Mediterranean-like, culturally contextualized Asian diet rich in fiber and unsaturated fatty acids, with or without C15:0 supplementation, in Chinese females with NAFLD. METHODS: In a double-blinded, parallel-design, randomized controlled trial, 88 Chinese females with NAFLD were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups for 12 wk: diet with C15:0 supplementation (n = 31), diet without C15:0 supplementation (n = 28), or control (habitual diet and no C15:0 supplementation, n = 29). At baseline and after the intervention, body fat percentage, intrahepatic lipid content, muscle and abdominal fat, liver enzymes, cardiometabolic risk factors, and gut microbiome were assessed. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat analysis, weight reductions of 4.0 ± 0.5 kg (5.3%), 3.4 ± 0.5 kg (4.5%), and 1.5 ± 0.5 kg (2.1%) were achieved in the diet-with-C15:0, diet without-C15:0, and the control groups, respectively. The proton density fat fraction (PDFF) of the liver decreased by 33%, 30%, and 10%, respectively. Both diet groups achieved significantly greater reductions in body weight, liver PDFF, total cholesterol, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and triglyceride concentrations compared with the control group. C15:0 supplementation reduced LDL-cholesterol further, and increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium adolescentis. Fat mass, visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (deep and superficial), insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and blood pressure decreased significantly in all groups, in parallel with weight loss. CONCLUSION: Mild weight loss induced by a Mediterranean-like diet adapted for Asians has multiple beneficial health effects in females with NAFLD. C15:0 supplementation lowers LDL-cholesterol and may

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapeutic modality for the treatment and prevention of metabolic disease. We previously conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial of FMT in obese metabolically healthy patients in which we found that FMT enhanced gut bacterial bile acid metabolism and delayed the development of impaired glucose tolerance relative to the placebo control group. Therefore, we conducted a secondary analysis of fecal samples collected from these patients to assess the potential gut microbial species contributing to the effect of FMT to improve metabolic health and increase gut bacterial bile acid metabolism. Fecal samples collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of FMT or placebo treatment underwent shotgun metagenomic analysis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to profile fecal bile acids. FMT-enriched bacteria that have been implicated in gut bile acid metabolism included Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis and Clostridium hylemonae. To identify candidate bacteria involved in gut microbial bile acid metabolism, we assessed correlations between bacterial species abundance and bile acid profile, with a focus on bile acid products of gut bacterial metabolism. Bacteroides ovatus and Phocaeicola dorei were positively correlated with unconjugated bile acids. Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Collinsella aerofaciens, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were positively correlated with secondary bile acids. Together, these data identify several candidate bacteria that may contribute to the metabolic benefits of FMT and gut bacterial bile acid metabolism that requires further functional validation.

BACKGROUND: Renal anemia is caused by end-stage renal disease (ESRD) but has a complex etiology. The application of dietary fiber (DF) to regulate the gut microbiota has shown effective therapeutic effects in some diseases, but its role in renal anemia is not clear. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of DF on renal anemia by regulating the gut microbiota and its metabolite, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). METHODS: A total of 162 ESRD patients were enrolled and randomly distributed into a DF or a control group (received oral DF or potato starch, 10 g/day for 8 weeks). Hemoglobin (Hb), serum iron (Fe2+), serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin and the dosage of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) before and after intervention in patients were analyzed. The gut microbiota and SCFAs in both groups were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Spearman's correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between the gut microbiota, SCFAs and the hematological indicators. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, (1) the patients in the DF group had higher Hb [117.0 (12.5) g/L vs. 94.0 (14.5) g/L, p < 0.001], Fe2+ [13.23 (4.83) μmol/L vs. 10.26 (5.55) μmol/L, p < 0.001], and SF levels [54.15 (86.66) ng/ml vs. 41.48 (36.60) ng/ml, p = 0.003]. (2) The rhEPO dosage in the DF group was not significantly decreased (p = 0.12). (3) Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Lactobacillus and Lactobacillaceae were increased in the DF group, and Lactobacillus and Lactobacillaceae were positively correlated with Hb (r = 0.44, p < 0.001; r = 0.44, p < 0.001) and Fe2+ levels (r = 0.26, p = 0.016; r = 0.26, p = 0.016) and negatively correlated with rhEPO dosage (r = - 0.45, p < 0.001; r = - 0.45, p < 0.001). (4) Patients in the DF group had elevated serum butyric acid (BA) levels [0.80 (1.65) vs. 0.05 (0.04), p < 0.001] and BA levels were positively correlated with Hb (r = 0.26, p = 0.019) and Fe2+ (r = 0.31, p = 0.005) and negatively correlated with rhEPO dosage (r = - 0.36, p = 0.001). Lactobacillus and Lactobacillaceae were positively correlated with BA levels (r = 0.78, p < 0.001; r = 0.78, p < 0

Probiotics are widely used as an adjuvant therapy in various diseases. Nonetheless, it is uncertain how they affect the gut microbiota composition and metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in women who have recently experienced gestational diabetes mellitus (post-GDM). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 132 asymptomatic post-GDM women was conducted to close this gap (Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05273073). The intervention (probiotics) group received a cocktail of six probiotic strains from Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus for 12 weeks, while the placebo group received an identical sachet devoid of living microorganisms. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical analyses, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing results were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. After the 12-week intervention, the probiotics group’s fasting blood glucose level significantly decreased (mean difference −0.20 mmol/L; p = 0.0021). The HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Sequencing data also demonstrated a large rise in the Bifidobacterium adolescentis following probiotic supplementation. Our findings suggest that multi-strain probiotics are beneficial for improved metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in post-GDM women by modulating gut dysbiosis. This study emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive strategy for postpartum treatment that includes probiotics to protect post-GDM women from developing glucose intolerance.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with considerable imbalances in intestinal microbiota that may underlie pathological conditions in both mothers and infants. To more definitively identify these alterations, we evaluated the maternal and infant gut microbiota through the shotgun metagenomic analysis of a subset of stool specimens collected from a randomized, controlled trial in diet-controlled women with GDM. The women were fed either a CHOICE diet (60% complex carbohydrate/25% fat/15% protein, n=18) or a conventional diet (CONV, 40% complex carbohydrate/45% fat/15% protein, n=16) from 30 weeks' gestation through delivery. In contrast to other published studies, we designed the study to minimize the influence of other dietary sources by providing all meals, which were eucaloric and similar in fiber content. At 30 and 37 weeks' gestation, we collected maternal stool samples; performed the fasting measurements of glucose, glycerol, insulin, free fatty acids, and triglycerides; and administered an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to measure glucose clearance and insulin response. Infant stool samples were collected at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 4-5 months of age. Maternal glucose was controlled to conventional targets in both diets, with no differences in Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). No differences in maternal alpha or beta diversity between the two diets from baseline to 37 weeks' gestation were observed. However, women on CHOICE diet had higher levels of Bifidobacteriaceae, specifically Bifidobacterium adolescentis, compared with women on CONV. Species-level taxa varied significantly with fasting glycerol, fasting glucose, and glucose AUC after the OGTT challenge. Maternal diet significantly impacted the patterns of infant colonization over the first 4 months of life, with CHOICE infants showing increased microbiome alpha diversity (richness), greater Clostridiaceae, and decreased Enterococcaceae over time. Overall, these results suggest that an isocaloric GDM diet containing greater complex carbohydrates with reduced fat leads to an ostensibly beneficial effect on the maternal microbiome, improved infant gut microbi

The increased interest of consumers in probiotic foods requires a deeper knowledge on the possible interactions with drugs, because their pharmacological properties could be modified. In this context, these studies are relevant for drugs such as acenocoumarol, whose dosage must be controlled due to, among other factors, food-drug interactions. Acenocoumarol is an oral anticoagulant with a narrow therapeutic range. The aim of the present research is to evaluate, in vitro, the effect of bifidobacteria on acenocoumarol. The drug was incubated with Bifidobacterium bifidum CIDCA 5310 or Bifidobacterium adolescentis CIDCA 5317 in MRS broth at 37°C for 24 h in anaerobic conditions. The effect of incubation with sterilized spent culture supernatants (SSCS) was also evaluated. Analysis by RP-HPLC showed that both bifidobacterial strains reduced the area of the acenocoumarol peak and two new peaks were evidenced. In addition, a decrease in the intensity of the bands at 1650, 1390 and 1110/cm was observed in the FTIR spectroscopic determinations. Moreover, a new band appeared at 1720/cm. No effect on the drug was observed when incubation was performed with SSCS. The present study showed a significant change in the concentration of the anticoagulant after incubation with bifidobacteria and results are compatible with biomodification of the drug due to enzymatic activity of bifidobacteria. © The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of FEMS. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected].

Evidence suggests that possible imbalances in intestinal microbiota composition may be implicated in the occurrence of allergic diseases. Although several studies published until 2006 indicated a correlation between microbiota composition and allergic symptoms, it has not been possible to distinguish protective microorganisms from those associated with increased risk of allergic diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to review the studies published since 2007 that address the intestinal microbiota in allergic diseases. Twenty-one studies were identified after excluding those that performed a clinical intervention before stool collection. In the early microbiota of children who later developed allergies, lower bacterial diversity was observed, with a predominance of Firmicutes; a higher count of Bacteroidaceae; a higher prevalence of the anaerobic bacteria Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, Bifidobacterium catenulatum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium longum; and a lower prevalence of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. bifidum, and Lactobacillus. In the microbiota of allergic children whose intestinal microbiota was assessed at the onset of allergic symptoms, there was a higher count of Bacteroides; a lower count of Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Clostridium; a higher prevalence of B. adolescentis; a lower prevalence of B. catenulatum and Staphylococcus aureus; and a lower bacterial diversity.

Obesity, marked by visceral fat accumulation, has a complex relationship with the gut microbiome that impacts body weight and fat accumulation. However, previous studies did not account for fat distribution, reflecting only overall fat mass, leaving specifics of this relationship partially understood. Here we analyzed the mechanistic links between visceral fat and the microbiome in a large cohort of healthy Koreans. Using permutational multivariate analysis of variance and prediction modeling, we examined associations between microbial profiles and metabolic variables including insulin, triglycerides, waist circumference and visceral fat. The strongest correlations were noted with specific enterotypes. Shotgun sequencing revealed that visceral fat is linked to the glycogen synthesis pathway influenced by Dorea longicatena and Bifidobacterium adolescentis. This suggests that these specific microbial signatures and their associated functional potential play a role in visceral fat-related obesity. To validate these findings, we conducted an in vivo study using diet-induced obesity mouse model. Oral administration of D. longicatena or B. adolescentis significantly promoted body weight gain and fat mass expansion and induced hepatic lipogenic gene upregulation. The prevalence of these strains in Korean and American populations highlights their global relevance, contributing to the development of personalized treatments and advanced health strategies. © 2026. The Author(s).

PURPOSE: Activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) has emerged as a promising strategy for combating obesity due to its thermogenic capacity. However, chronic high-fat diet (HFD) exposure impairs BAT function and promotes a "whitening" phenotype characterized by lipid droplet enlargement and reduced thermogenic activity. Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B. adolescentis) has been reported to improve lipid metabolism and energy balance. This study investigated whether B. adolescentis supplementation attenuates HFD-induced BAT whitening, evaluated at transcriptional and histological levels, and examined its association with thermogenic and lipolytic gene expression. METHODS: Twenty-four six-weeks-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into four groups for 16 weeks: control (standard chow diet), HFD, HFD-B. adolescentis-8 W (4 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day from week 8 to week 16), and HFD-B. adolescentis-16 W (4 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day for 16 weeks). Probiotic supplementation was administered via drinking water. Metabolic parameters, serum lipid profile, BAT histomorphmetery assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and mRNA expression of thermogenesis- and lipolysis-related genes (Ucp1, Prdm16, Pgc-1α, Sirt1, Ampk, Atgl, and Hsl) were evaluated. RESULTS: B. adolescentis supplementation significantly attenuated HFD-induced weight gain and improved serum lipid parameters. These effects were accompanied by increased mRNA expression of Sirt1, Ampk, and key thermogenic and lipolytic genes in BAT. Histological analysis revealed partial preservation of multilocular adipocyte morphology and reduced cytoplasmic hypertrophy compared with the HFD group. CONCLUSION: B. adolescentis supplementation mitigated HFD-induced metabolic disturbances and attenuated BAT whitening. These effects were associated with the upregulation of thermogenesis- and lipolysis-related genes, including Sirt1 and Ampk. Further mechanistic studies are required to determine whether these molecular changes play a causal role in mediating the protective effects of this probiotic. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

This study aimed to develop a simple and efficient method for producing mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) from spent coffee grounds (SCG) and to investigate their structural characteristics and potential health benefits. The SCG used exhibited a high mannan content and low galactan content. Direct hydrolysis with formic acid at 90 °C for 2.5 h efficiently produced MOS. A total of 19.56 g of mannan-rich oligosaccharides with a high sugar purity of 96.8% (designated FACG) was obtained from 100 g of SCG, corresponding to a yield of 60.6%. FACG consisted of 92.07% mannose, 2.96% galactose, and 1.88% glucose, with uniform distribution of short-chain mannan oligosaccharides (M2-M6), accounting for 61.21% of the total sugars. FACG had a degree of polymerization of 9.00 and a molecular weight of 1459 Da. Its backbone was primarily composed of → 4)-β-Manp-(1 → linkages, with branching at O-3 or O-6 by Glcp-(1 → ), Galp-(1 → ), → 3)-β-Glcp-(1→, and → 4)-β-Galp-(1 → . FACG exhibited dose-dependent hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, highlighting its potential for applications in food and feed industries. Cop

Obesity-associated diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by cardiac structural remodeling and modification of gene expression. Increasing evidence has led to the conclusion that gut microbiota, particularly probiotics, may modulate cardiac health through systemic and molecular pathways. The aim of the current study was to explore the cardioprotective effects of Bifidobacterium adolescentis on cardiac structure and gene expression in a rat model of high-fat diet (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced obesity-associated diabetic cardiomyopathy. Male Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups: control, HFD, HFD- B. adolescentis (8 weeks), and HFD-B. adolescentis (16 weeks). Stereological studies were conducted to quantify left ventricular and myocardial volume. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the levels of genes associated with cardiac stress, fibrosis, inflammation, and contractility, like ANP, BNP, TGF-β, GATA4, Myc, Nfkb1, NPR1, Kcnq1, MEF2D, and SERCA2a. HFD/STZ treatment significantly increased heart weight (+ 68%) and left ventricular volume (+ 63%), elevated myocardial volume (+ 42%), and reduced vascular volume. Hypertrophic and inflammatory genes (ANP, BNP, TGF-β, GATA4, Myc, Nfkb1) were markedly upregulated, while contractility-related genes (MEF2D, SERCA2a, NPR1, KCNQ1) were downregulated. B. adolescentis supplementation for 8–16 weeks reversed these alterations, normalizing structural indices and restoring gene expression toward control levels. Bifidobacterium adolescentis attenuated obesity- and hyperglycemia-associated cardiac remodeling by improving structural and molecular parameters. These findings identify B. adolescentis as a potential probiotic candidate for preventing obesity-associated diabetic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: This two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation aimed to explore how gut microbiota influences functional dyspepsia (FD) via plasma metabolites. The results were then confirmed in vivo. METHODS: A GWAS of 7,738 people was used to generate genetic instruments for 412 gut microbiota characteristics. The NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog listed 1,400 plasma metabolites, and the FinnGen biobank provided FD summary statistics. Using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach, potential causal links between gut microbiota and plasma metabolites in FD were assessed. To make sure it was resilient, pleiotropy and heterogeneity evaluations were performed. For experimental validation, the combination of 0.2% iodoacetamide gavage combined with tail-clamp stress was used to create an FD rat model. Fecal and plasma samples from the rats were analyzed to verify the MR findings. RESULTS: Three gut microbiota taxa and two microbial metabolic pathways were identified to be associated with FD. The superpathway of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate biosynthesis and salvage (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81-0.97; p = 0.01), p_Actinobacteria (0.85, 0.77-0.94, p = 0.002), and s_Bifidobacterium adolescentis (0.86, 0.75-0.97, p = 0.017) were protective factors against FD. In contrast, the superpathway of menaquinol-8 biosynthesis II (1.13, 1.03-1.25, p = 0.01) and s_Lachnospiraceae bacterium_5_1_63FAA (1.09, 1.02-1.16, p = 0.008) were identified as risk factors. MR analysis of 1,400 plasma m

In this paper, the physicochemical, structural properties, antioxidant, and prebiotic activities of polysaccharides obtained from Nitraria sibirica pall fruit with different extraction methods were investigated and compared. Structural features were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Congo red staining, thermogravimetric analysis, periodate oxidation, and Smith degradation analysis. Results showed that extraction methods had a remarkable impact on the chemical compositions and structural properties of the polysaccharides. Ultrasound or enzyme-assisted extraction significantly increased the yield and functionality of Nitraria sibirica polysaccharides (NSPs), yielding the highest amount of 14.11% ± 1.23% and exhibiting the strongest DPPH/•OH scavenging ability with IC50 values of 0.209/0.138 mg/mL. At the same time, pectinase released the highest neutral sugar of 61.24% ± 1.39%. All NSPs are rhamnose-rich heteropolysaccharides with distinct Mw and surface morphology, and the extraction method did not alter monosaccharide types, but affected their molar ratio. Crucially, each NSP selectively stimulated probiotic growth (Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Enterococcus faecalis), confirming the NSP's prebiotic potential. The biological activity correlates with uronic acid level, molecular weight, and surface porosity, rather than any single factor. These results could provide a theoretical and technical found

BACKGROUND: To overcome the limitations in the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in cyanobacteria, we genetically modified Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 focusing on carbon metabolism at the phosphoketolase pathway. In addition, for the baseline of the control strain (Ct), an inhibition of the pyruvate-to-lactate reaction was created by the disruption of the native ddh gene that encodes lactate dehydrogenase. RESULTS: The effects on cell growth of phosphoketolase (pk) gene expression derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442 (Ct_OXpkPa), Bifidobacterium breve strain 203 (Ct_OXpkBb), and Bifidobacterium adolescentis ATCC 15703 (Ct_OXpkBa) were comparable to that observed in the Ct strain. Notably, the PHB production in the Ct_OXpkBb strain increased under the normal growth condition without any stress, reaching 32.5% of dry cell weight. Combined nitrogen and phosphorus deprivation, the Ct_OXpkBb strain significantly accumulated PHB up to 62.2% of dry cell weight within 7 days of treatment. Compared with the Ct strain, the Ct_OXpkBb strain also exhibited a significant reduction in glycogen, in accordance with decreased glgC transcript levels for glycogen synthesis and increased glgX transcript levels for glycogen degradation. Furthermore, under the NP-deprived condition, the Ct_OXpkBb strain exhibited reduced transcript levels of acetate metabolism genes, in particular ackA and

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of Bifidobacterium adolescentis SPM2022 (SPM2022). Culture supernatant of SPM2022 reduced lipid accumulation (p < 0.01) and expression of adipogenic genes (p < 0.001) during 3T3-L1 differentiation. The effects on anti-obesity and lipid metabolism were assessed in the high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL6 mouse after 4 weeks of obese induction. Experimental groups (n = 6/group): normal diet, HFD, and HFD fed with 109 CFU/day of SPM2022. After 5 weeks, the weight gain of SPM2022 group was reduced by 72% and the weight of mesenteric fat was reduced by 60% in the SPM2022 compared to the HFD group. The expression of FABP4, CD36 and leptin in epididymis were decreased to 4.5, 2 and twofold respectively in the SPM2022 compared to HFD group. Based on these results, SPM2022 has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for addressing obesity and lipid metabolism. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-025-02013-8. © The Korean Society of Food Science and Technology 2025. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

The mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulate host immune responses remain incompletely understood. Here, we screened Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains isolated from healthy individuals to identify symbionts capable of suppressing gut inflammation. Among them, Bifidobacterium adolescentis (Bifi-94) induced IL-10 production in mononuclear cells in vitro. Oral administration of Bifi-94 to mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium attenuated weight loss and reduced colonic inflammation scores. In wild-type C57BL/6 mice, Bifi-94 increased IL-10 levels in colonic tissue homogenates without altering the frequency of regulatory T cells. Instead, CD19+CD11b+ regulatory B (Breg) cells emerged as the primary source of IL-10, with their numbers significantly increasin

This study aimed to investigate the structural characteristics and bifidogenic effects of a low-molecular weight polysaccharide (PKP2-1) purified from a herb, Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl (Huangjing) rhizome via SephadexG-200 and DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography. The weight-average molecular weight of PKP2-1 was 7.422 kDa. The backbone of PKP2-1 mainly contained residue linkages of →1)-β-D-Fruf-(2→, →1,6)-β-D-Fruf-(2 → and →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, where the O6 position of →1,6)-β-D-Fruf-(2 → was substituted by the side chain residues β-D-Fruf-(2→. There also existed a few terminal residues β-D-Galp-(1 → linked at the end of the sugar chains. In vitro tests showed PKP2-1 had relatively high resistance to gastrointestinal digestion without significant changes (p > 0.05) in reducing sugar content and molecular weight, and could reshape fecal microbial composition by remarkably increasing the abundance of Bifidobacterium from 5.38 % to 42.66 %. Bifidogenic effects of PKP2-1 were further confirmed by single strain culture of three bifidobacterial strains (B. adolescentis, B. longum and B. infantis). A model based on the genomic analysis of the three bifidobacterial strains and the structure of PKP2-1 was proposed to describe the hydrolysis and uptake of PKP2-1 by th

The rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes poses a major public health challenge due to its negative impact on metabolic health and increased risk of complications. Lipophagy, which targets lipid breakdown, is crucial for maintaining lipid balance and may offer therapeutic options for metabolic disorders. Recent studies suggest that probiotics like Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium bifidum can positively influence lipid metabolism by affecting lipophagy. This study involved 30 male Sprague Dawley rats divided into five groups: control group, high-fat diet (HFD) plus streptozotocin (STZ) group, and three groups receiving B. adolescentis, B. bifidum, or a combination of both probiotics following HFD and STZ induction. Over a 16-week period, the effects of these probiotics on hepatic lipophagy and lipid profiles were evaluated using stereological and molecular analyses. The probiotic-treated groups exhibited significant improvements in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels. This was accompanied by an upregulation of autophagy markers (ATG7, LAMP2) and a downregulation of lipogenic markers (PLIN2, FAS, DGAT2, SREBP1). The probiotics effectively modulated lipid accumulation and prevented weight gain. Notably, stereological analysis indicated preserved liver architecture and a reduction in pathological alterations in the treated groups. The results suggest that B. adolescentis and B. bifidum might enhance hepatic lipophagy and consequently reduce lipid accumulation. This combination can improve metabolic markers, underscoring their therapeutic potential for managing obesity and diabetes. Further research is needed to clarify the specific pathways involved and to assess the clinical applicability of these probiotics in the management of metabolic disorders. © 2025 The Author(s). MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

This study primarily investigated the effects of ultra-high pressure (UHP) treatment on the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of the soluble dietary fiber (SDF) derived from litchi pomace. Compared to SDF prepared using conventional methods (CSDF), there was minimal difference in monosaccharide composition; however, the molecular weight of SDF obtained through UHP-assisted extraction (PSDF) was lower, resulting in a rougher and looser internal structure. Moreover, PSDF exhibited superior water-holding capacity, swelling capacity, and cation exchange capacity compared to CSDF. These alterations in physicochemical properties contributed to enhanced biological activities of SDF. Specifically, PSDF demonstrated a more pronounced proliferative effect on Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. In addition, PSDF showed greater efficacy in promoting probiotic proliferation and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria within the gut microbiota. For example, after 48 h of fermentation, the contents of Bifidobacterium longum, Bacteroides vulgatus, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis in the PSDF group were 1.12, 1.06, and 1.07 times higher than those in the CSDF group, respectively, while the content of Escherichia coli was only 80.94% of that in the CSDF group

Obesity is a major global public health challenge, affecting billions and serving as a primary risk factor for many chronic diseases. Certain probiotics have shown promise in regulating energy balance and enhancing fat metabolism, offering potential strategies for managing obesity. In this study, we evaluated three strains of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and identified B. adolescentis FJSSZ23M10 as the most effective in alleviating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. This strain significantly reduced weight gain, improved abnormal serum biochemical indicators, decreased lipid accumulation in adipocytes, and enhanced energy expenditure. Furthermore, B. adolescentis FJSSZ23M10 treatment modulated the gut microbiota, notably increasing the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Faecalibaculum. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that B. adolescentis FJSSZ23M10 uniquely upregulated beneficial metabolites, such as butyrate and pyruvic acid, suggesting its superior metabolic impact. Genomic analysis indicated that B. adolescentis FJSSZ23M10 harbored the highest abundance of unassigned genes and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) c

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the causal relationship between gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and Kawasaki disease (KD), and whether cytokines mediate the effect of gut microbiota on KD. METHODS: A Mendelian randomization analysis using the inverse-variance weighted method assessed the causal effects of gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokines on KD and explored potential mediation. RESULTS: The study found causal links between 20 types of gut microbiota and KD. Ten types increased KD risk, notably Francisellales (OR = 27.82, P = 0.0309). Ten types provided protection, with Fusobacteriaceae showing the strongest effect (OR = 0.0424, P = 0.002). Five inflammatory cytokines were significantly associated with KD; adenosine deaminase was most protective (OR = 0.7447, P = 0.0037), while Fractalkine indicated higher risk (OR = 2.0448, P = 0.0315). Mediation analysis revealed that the Interleukin-10 receptor subunit beta mediates the effect of Bifidobacterium adolescentis on KD, with a mediation effect of -0.0237 (4.75% ratio). Interleukin-20 mediates the effect of Faecalicatena lactaris on KD, with a mediation effect of -0.1168 (15.30% ratio). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a causal relationship among gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and KD, suggesting that the gut microbiome influences KD through specific cytokines. IMPACT: The study confirmed a causal relationship between 20 types of gut microbiota and Kawasaki disease, finding that 10 types increase the risk of Kawasaki d

Bifidobacterium adolescentis is a key probiotic that has been proven to possess various bioactivities. A water-soluble heteropolysaccharide (BEP-1A) was isolated from the probiotic and systematically investigated for the first time. The molecular weight of BEP-1A was calculated to be 9.69 × 106 Da. Combined with monosaccharide composition, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, BEP-1A was composed of mannose, glucose and galactose at a molar ratio of 0.11⁚4.30⁚1.32. The backbone included β-1,2-Glcp, β-1,3-Glcp, α-1,4-Glcp, α-1,4-Galp, α-1,6-Galp and α-1,3-Manp, with the branch at the O-2 position of α-1,6-Galp, consisting of α-1,2-Galp and α-1-Glcp

Numerous studies have confirmed that gut microbiota is a key driver in the occurrence and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Based on the bacterial collection constructed in our previous studies, we founded that Bifidobacterium adolescentis AF91-08b2A has the potential beneficial function. We designed cohort studies, genomic studies and animal experiments to further explore the probiotic function of Bifidobacterium adolescentis AF91-08b2A and its therapeutic effect on IBD. The depletion of B. adolescentis in individuals with IBD suggested its significance for intestinal health. Genomic analysis highlighted the probiotic attributes of B. adolescentis AF91-08b2A, including resistance to antibiotics and stress, and metabolic pathways related to energy and carbohydrate metabolism, which are likely to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. In DSS-induced mice colitis model, the strain significantly enhanced the disease activity index (DAI), curbed weight loss, a

The functional properties of starch-polyphenol complexes closely related to the digestion process. Here, dynamic in vitro digestion properties and prebiotic activities of lotus seed starch-chlorogenic acid complexes under autoclaving treatment (A-LS-CA) were investigated. The results showed that the ordered structure, thermal stability and molecular weight of the A-LS-CA complexes significantly altered during dynamic in vitro digestion. Remarkably, the ordered structure of digestive products significantly decreased in oral-gastric phase, while the ordered structure was increased in oral-gastric-small intestinal phase. The molecular weight of A-LS-CA complexes decreased gradually in oral, oral-gastric and oral-gastric-small intestinal phase, which were 7.40 ± 0.57, 2.23 ± 0.98 and 0.46 ± 0.10 × 107 g/mol, respectively. In addition, chlorogenic acid was attached to the surface of starch by hydrogen bonding during dynamic in vitro digestion, improving the bioavailability of chlorogenic acid. Interestingly, the dynamically digested A-LS-CA complexes stimulated the proliferation of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lacticaseibacillus casei, and promoted to produce acetic acid, which was 1.07-1.49 folds that of the controls. In summary

Celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that is not well understood in relation to the microbiome. Our objective was to demonstrate changes in the microbiota and the relationships between nutrients in children with celiac disease (CD) who followed a gluten-free diet (GFD). A group of 11 children who were recently diagnosed with CD, ranging in age from 3 to 12, were monitored for a period of 6 months. GFD is designed based on the individual's specific energy and nutrient needs, with strict control over dietary adherence. Food consumption, blood, and fecal samples were taken. Fecal samples were put through 16s rRNA sequencing. Microbial modifications were demonstrated using alpha diversity, beta diversity, nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis (NDMS), t-test, and metastats. Mean age was 6.4 ± 2.66 years and 54.5% were male participants. Serological parameters were negative after 6 months. Both unweighted (p = .019) and weighted (p = .021) Unifrac distances were higher before GFD, and differences were reliable according to NDMS analysis (stress = 0.189). The abundance of Bacteroides ovatus was increased (p = .014), whereas unidentified Lachnospiraceae, Paeniclostridium, Paraclostridium Peptostreptococcus, and Dielma were decreased after GFD (p < .001). Associations between nutrients and several genera and species were identified. The presence of genus Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium adolescentis was inversely associated with fat intake after GFD (p < .01). Microbiota changes became evident over a period of 6 months. The pres

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that microbial communities differ in obese and lean individuals, and dietary fiber can help reduce obesity-related conditions through diet-gut microbiota interactions. However, the mechanisms by which dietary fibers shape the gut microbiota still need to be elucidated. In this in vitro study, we examined how apple fibers affect lean and obese microbial communities on a global scale. We employed a high-throughput micro-matrix bioreactor system and a multi-omics approach to identify the key microorganisms and metabolites involved in this process. RESULTS: Initially, metagenomics and metabolomics data indicated that obese and lean microbial communities had distinct starting microbial communities. We found that obese microbial community had different characteristics,

Bifidobacteria, which are increasingly linked to health benefits to the host, produce structurally complex exopolysaccharides which are considered to be effector molecules responsible for health effects. It is currently not clear how the bacterial growth conditions, and especially the carbon source, affect the structural composition of the EPS. Here we present our investigations into the impact of the addition of 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which are non-digestible carbohydrates added to infant formula, as the sole carbon source during the growth of B. adolescentis and B. infantis. Intriguingly, B. adolescentis produced EPS with larger molecular weights in the presence of GOS or a mixture of GOS/2'-FL. B. infantis showed increased growth levels in the presence of 2'-FL, and also produced an α-1,4-glucan polymer, whose amount was increased when grown on GOS. These findings highlight the species-specific effects of growth conditions

BACKGROUND: An escalating body of clinical trials and observational studies hints at a plausible link between gut flora and postpartum depression (PPD). The definitive causal dynamics between these two entities remain shrouded in ambiguity. Therefore, in this study, we employed the two-sample Mendelian randomization approach to ascertain the causal link between gut microbiota and PPD. METHODS: Summary-level GWAS data related to the human gut microbiota were obtained from the international consortium MiBioGen and the Dutch Microbiome Project (species). For PPD, GWAS data were derived from the FinnGen biobank, consisting 57,604 cases and 596,601 controls. The inverse variance weighted method (IVW) as the cornerstone of our analytical approach. Subsequent to this, a comprehensive suite of tests for pleiotropy and heterogeneity were conducted to ensure the reliability and robustness of our findings. RESULTS: We identified 12 bacterial taxa associated with the risk of PPD. Veillonellaceae, Ruminococcaceae UCG 011, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Paraprevotella clara, Clostridium leptum, Eubacterium siraeum, Coprococcus catus exhibited an inversely associated with the risk of PPD. Alphaproteobacteria, Roseburia, FamilyXIIIAD3011group, Alistipes onderdonkii, Bilophila wadsworthia showed a positive correlation with the risk of PPD. LIMITATIONS: The GWAS data derived from the MiBioGen consortium, DMP, and FinnGen consortium, may introduce selection bias. Moreover, the data primarily originates from European populations, hence extrapolating these results to diverse populations sh

INTRODUCTION: Liuweizhiji Gegen-Sangshen beverage (LGS) is popular in China, which has been used for alleviating alcohol-mediated discomfort and preventing alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This beverage is consisted of six herbal components that are known as functional foods and fruits. LGS is rich in polysaccharides, however, the activity and quality evaluation of LGS-derived polysaccharides remain unexplored. The purpose of this study is thus to establish a comprehensive quality control methodology for the assessment of LGS polysaccharides (LGSP) and to further explore the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as prebiotic effect of LGSP. METHODS: LGSP was extracted, followed by analysis of molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide content and structural characterization via integrating the application of high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone-HPLC (PMP-HPLC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as well as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) techniques. The anti-oxidation activit

The daylily (Hemerocallis citrina Baroni) flower is a traditional raw food material that is rich in a variety of nutrients. In particular, the content of polysaccharides in daylily is abundant and has been widely used as a functional component in food, cosmetics, medicine, and other industries. However, studies on the structure-effective relationship of daylily flower polysaccharides are still lacking. In view of this, daylily flower polysaccharides were isolated and purified, and their physical and chemical properties, structure, antioxidant activity, and adhesion-promoting effect on probiotics were evaluated. The results showed that a novel water-soluble polysaccharide (DPW) with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 2.224 kDa could be successfully isolated using column chromatography. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that DPW only comprised glucose and fructose, with a molar ratio of 0.242:0.758. Through methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, it was inferred that DPW belonged to the fructans group with a structure of α-D-Glcp-1→2-β-D-Fruf-1→(2-β-D-Fruf-1)n→. Antioxidant analysis showed that DPW showed strong 2-Phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-Oxide (PTIO-scavenging activity with IC50 of 1.54 mg/mL. DPW of 1.25 to 5 mg/mL could significantly increase the adhesion rate of Lactobacillus acidophilu, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium adolescen