112 research outputs found
Nutrition, Microbiota and Noncommunicable Diseases
The advent of new sequencing technologies has inspired the foundation of novel research to ascertain the connections between the microbial communities that reside in our gut and some physiological and pathological conditions [...]
Physical Activity, Gut Microbiota, and Genetic Background for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
It is estimated that one in 100 children worldwide has been diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD). Children with ASD frequently suffer from gut dysbiosis and gastrointestinal issues,
findings which possibly play a role in the pathogenesis and/or severity of their condition. Physical
activity may have a positive effect on the composition of the intestinal microbiota of healthy adults.
However, the effect of exercise both on the gastrointestinal problems and intestinal microbiota
(and thus possibly on ASD) itself in affected children is unknown. In terms of understanding the
physiopathology and manifestations of ASD, analysis of the gut–brain axis holds some promise.
Here, we discuss the physiopathology of ASD in terms of genetics and microbiota composition,
and how physical activity may be a promising non-pharmaceutical approach to improve ASDrelated
symptoms."Fundacion Ramon Areces", Madrid, SpainANID/BECAS ChileSpanish Ministry Universities 7218054
Effect of Intensity and Duration of Exercise on Gut Microbiota in Humans: A Systematic Review
(1) Background: The gut microbiota might play a part in affecting athletic performance and
is of considerable importance to athletes. The aim of this study was to search the recent knowledge
of the protagonist played by high-intensity and high-duration aerobic exercise on gut microbiota
composition in athletes and how these effects could provide disadvantages in sports performance.
(2) Methods: This systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines. An exhaustive bibliographic
search in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted considering the articles published
in the last 5 years. The selected articles were categorized according to the type of study. The risk of
bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews.
(3) Results: Thirteen studies had negative effects of aerobic exercise on intestinal microbiota such as
an upsurge in I-FABP, intestinal distress, and changes in the gut microbiota, such as an increase in
Prevotella, intestinal permeability and zonulin. In contrast, seven studies observed positive effects of
endurance exercise, including an increase in the level of bacteria such as increased microbial diversity
and increased intestinal metabolites. (4) Conclusions: A large part of the studies found reported
adverse effects on the intestinal microbiota when performing endurance exercises. In studies carried
out on athletes, more negative effects on the microbiota were found than in those carried out on
non-athletic subjects."Fundacion Ramon Areces", Madrid, Spai
Dietary Polysaccharides and Gut Microbiota Ecosystem
The intestinal microbiota is a community of microorganisms that subsists within the
gastrointestinal ecosystem. In human health, the role of the gastrointestinal microbiota is to
maintain a dynamic balance with the host. This balance plays both local and remote roles
in critical physiological processes, particularly inflammation, and the immune response [1].
Natural polysaccharides are polymeric carbohydrate macromolecules and sources of
fermentable dietary fiber. Polysaccharides are the most abundant dietary components in
the gut microbiota and are deeply involved in host health [2]. Emerging evidence shows the
involvement of polysaccharides in numerous functions in gut microbiota-host symbiosis,
such as microbial interactions with endogenous host glycans, and the key role of microbial
polysaccharides [3]. Additionally, bacterial polysaccharides act as immunomodulators, and
host-derived polysaccharides protect host cells from pathogenic microbial neighbors and
affect overall gut health through interactions with gut microbes. The growth of certain
beneficial intestinal bacteria can be promoted by polysaccharides (among other things)
during intestinal fermentation, changing the microbiota profile of the gut and altering both
local and remote host physiology, which can reduce disease development [3,4]
The Interplay between Microbiota and Chemotherapy-Derived Metabolites in Breast Cancer
UGR Plan Propio de Investigación 2016” and the
“Excellence Actions: Unit of Excellence in Exercise and Health (UCEES), University of Granada”Postdoctoral contract (RPS 24665, 2021) from Consejería de
Salud y Familias, Junta de Andalucía, Spain)
Dietary Polysaccharides as Modulators of the Gut Microbiota Ecosystem: An Update on Their Impact on Health
A polysaccharide is a macromolecule composed of more than ten monosaccharides with a
wide distribution and high structural diversity and complexity in nature. Certain polysaccharides are
immunomodulators and play key roles in the regulation of immune responses during the progression
of some diseases. In addition to stimulating the growth of certain intestinal bacteria, polysaccharides
may also promote health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. In the last years, studies about
the triad gut microbiota–polysaccharides–health have increased exponentially. In consequence, in the
present review, we aim to summarize recent knowledge about the function of dietary polysaccharides
on gut microbiota composition and how these effects affect host health.Regional Ministry of Health and Families (Andalucia, Spain)CSyF 2021-Postdoctoral RPS 24665"Fundacion Ramon Areces", Madrid, Spai
Innova 2020: A Follow-Up Study of the Fecal Microbiota of Infants Using a Novel Infant Formula between 6 Months and 12 Months of Age
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding on demand until at least the sixth month of life. Breast milk or infant formula is the infant’s primary food source until the age of one year, followed by the gradual introduction of other foods. During weaning, the intestinal microbiota evolves to a profile close to that of the adult, and its disruption can result in an increased incidence of acute infectious diseases. We aimed to determine whether a novel starting formula (INN) provides gut microbiota compositions more similar to those of breastfed (BF) infants from 6 to 12 months of age compared to a standard formula (STD). This study included 210 infants (70 per group) who completed the intervention until they reached the age of 12 months. In the intervention period, infants were divided into three groups. Group 1 received an INN formula with a lower protein content, a casein to whey protein ratio of approximately 70/30, twice as much docosahexaenoic acid as the STD formula, a thermally inactivated postbiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BPL1TM HT), and twice as much arachidonic acid as the STD formula contained. The second group received the STD formula, while the third group was exclusively BF for exploratory purposes. In the course of the study, visits were conducted at 6 months and 12 months of age. Compared to the BF and STD groups, the Bacillota phylum levels in the INN group were significantly reduced after 6 months. At the end of 6 months, the alpha diversity indices of the BF and INN groups differed significantly from those of the STD group. At 12 months, the Verrucomicrobiota phylum levels in the STD group were significantly lower than those in the BF and INN groups. Based on the comparison between 6 and 12 months, the Bacteroidota phylum levels in the BF group were significantly higher than those in the INN and STD groups. When comparing the INN group with the BF and STD groups, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was significantly higher in the INN group. The STD group had higher levels of calprotectin than the INN and BF groups at 6 months. The immunoglobulin A levels in the STD group were significantly lower than those in the INN and BF groups after 6 months. Both formulas had significantly higher levels of propionic acid than the BF group at 6 months. At 6 months, the STD group showed a higher quantification of all metabolic pathways than the BF group. The INN formula group exhibited similar behavior to the BF group, except for the superpathway of phospholipid biosynthesis (E. coli). We hypothesize that the novel INN formula may promote an intestinal microbiota that is more similar to the microbiota of an infant who consumes only human milk before the weaning period.Alter Farmacia S A as part of the INNOVA2020 projec
Vitamin D: Classic and Novel Actions
Background: Classically, vitamin D has been implicated in
bone health by promoting calcium absorption in the gut and
maintenance of serum calcium and phosphate concentrations,
as well as by its action on bone growth and reorganization
through the action of osteoblasts and osteoclasts cells.
However, in the last 2 decades, novel actions of vitamin D
have been discovered. The present report summarizes both
classic and novel actions of vitamin D. Summary: 1,25(OH)2
vitamin D, the active metabolite of vitamin D, also known as
calcitriol, regulates not only calcium and phosphate homeostasis
but also cell proliferation and differentiation, and has
a key a role to play in the responses of the immune and nervous
systems. Current effects of vitamin D include xenobiotic
detoxification, oxidative stress reduction, neuroprotective
functions, antimicrobial defense, immunoregulation,
anti-inflammatory/anticancer actions, and cardiovascular
benefits. The mechanism of action of calcitriol is mediated
by the vitamin D receptor, a subfamily of nuclear receptors that act as transcription factors into the target cells after
forming a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor. This kind
of receptors has been found in virtually all cell types, which
may explain its multiple actions on different tissues. Key
Messages: In addition to classic actions related to mineral
homeostasis, vitamin D has novel actions in cell proliferation
and differentiation, regulation of the innate and adaptative
immune systems, preventive effects on cardiovascular and
neurodegenerative diseases, and even antiaging effects
Effects of a Novel Infant Formula on Weight Gain, Body Composition, Safety and Tolerability to Infants: The INNOVA 2020 Study
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life to promote adequate
infant growth and development, and to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. However, whenever
some mothers are not able to breastfeed their infants, infant formulas mimicking human milk are
needed, and the safety and efficacy of each formula should be tested. Here, we report the results of
a multicenter, randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial that aimed to evaluate a novel starting
formula on weight gain and body composition of infants up to 6 and 12 months, as well as safety and
tolerability. For the intervention period, infants were divided into three groups: group 1 received
formula 1 (Nutribén® Innova 1 (Alter Farmacia S.A., Madrid, Spain) or INN (n = 70)), with a lower
amount of protein, a lower casein to whey protein ratio by increasing the content of -lactalbumin,
and a double amount of docosahexaenoic acid/arachidonic acid than the standard formula; it also
contained a thermally inactivated postbiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BPL1TM HT).
Group 2 received the standard formula or formula 2 (Nutriben® Natal (Alter Farmacia S.A., Madrid,
Spain) or STD (n = 70)) and the third group was exclusively breastfed for exploratory analysis and
used as a reference (BFD group (n = 70)). During the study, visits were made at 21 days and 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age. Weight gain was higher in both formula groups than in the BFD group at 6
and 12 months, whereas no differences were found between STD and INN groups either at 6 or at
12 months. Likewise, body mass index was higher in infants fed the two formulas compared with
the BFD group. Regarding body composition, length, head circumference and tricipital/subscapular
skinfolds were alike between groups. The INN formula was considered safe as weight gain and
body composition were within the normal limits, according to WHO standards. The BFD group
exhibited more liquid consistency in the stools compared to both formula groups. All groups showed
similar digestive tolerance and infant behavior. However, a higher frequency of gastrointestinal
symptoms was reported by the STD formula group (n = 291), followed by the INN formula (n = 282),
and the BFD groups (n = 227). There were fewer respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
among BFD children. Additionally, infants receiving the INN formula experienced significantly
fewer general disorders and disturbances than those receiving the STD formula. Indeed, atopic
dermatitis, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis were significantly more prevalent among infants who were
fed the STD formula compared to those fed the INN formula or breastfed. To evaluate whether there
were significant differences between formula treatments, beyond growth parameters, it would seem
necessary to examine more precise health biomarkers and to carry out long-term longitudinal studies.Alter Farmacia S.
Editorial: Interplay between gut microbiota and the immune system in liver surgery and liver diseases
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