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

Effects of Whole-Grain and Sugar Content in Infant Cereals on Gut Microbiota at Weaning: A Randomized Trial

The introduction of complementary foods during infancy marks an important step in the development of the infant gut microbiome. Infant cereals are popular weaning foods but consistent evidence on their effect on the intestinal microbiota, especially when differing in nutritional quality, is lacking. Fecal samples from 4–7-month-old Spanish infants who consumed infant cereals differing in whole grain and sugar content as first weaning foods were analyzed on changes in microbial composition by massively parallel sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene at baseline and after 7 weeks of intervention. Samples were obtained from a previous trial conducted in Spain demonstrating whole-grain cereal acceptability. In total, samples of 18 infants consuming 0% whole grain cereals with 24 g sugar (0-WG) and 25 infants consuming 50% whole grain cereals with 12 g sugar (50-WG) were analyzed. Microbial composition changed significantly over time (p = 0.001), per intervention group (p = 0.029) and per infant (p = 0.001). Abundance of genus Veillonella increased in both groups while Enterococcus decreased. Within the 0-WG group, phylum Actinobacteria decreased along with genus Bifidobacterium. In the 50-WG, we observed an increase in Lachnoclostridium and Bacteroides. In addition, 50-WG decreased Proteobacteria and Escherichia to levels lower than 0-WG. Although weaning itself appeared to be responsible for most changes, the increased presence of anaerobic fermenters together with inhibition of pathogenic Escherichia may indicate a supporting effect of infant cereals with 50% whole grains and a reduced sugar content over infant cereals manufactured with refined hydrolyzed flours on the infant microbiota. In fact, using a novel methodology for the identification of microbial signatures, we found two groups of microbial taxa predictive of infants consuming enriched whole-grain infant cereals with a high predictive value of about 93%.European funding from ICEX and FEDER—Program R + D Invest 539 in Spain 2015European Regional Development Fund: 20150347

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

Una exploración a las motivaciones e interacciones de los usuarios de Grindr en Lima, Perú

Grindr is a dating application that is oriented to non-heterosexual males and that works by geolocation. With a profile, users can interact, search for a partner, meet new people, create contact networks and, above all, arrange casual sexual encounters. The aim of this study was to describe the motivations, gratifications and interactions generated among Grindr users in Lima, Peru. The methodology was mixed: both a questionnaire with 110 participants and 8 in-depth interviews. The results describe negative consequences in the use of this application. These include discrimination and objectification among users, seen in users’ language and self- generated behaviors, as well as stereotypes of toxic masculinity that condemn the feminine and exalt the masculine.Grindr es una aplicación de citas orientada al público no heterosexual masculino que funciona por geolocalización. A través de un perfil, los usuarios pueden interactuar, buscar pareja, conocer gente nueva, crear redes de contacto y, sobre todo, concretar encuentros sexuales casuales. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las motivaciones, gratificaciones e interacciones que se generan entre los distintos usuarios de Grindr en Lima, Perú. La metodología fue mixta, a partir de la aplicación de un cuestionario a 110 participantes y 8 entrevistas en profundidad. Los resultados describen consecuencias negativas en el uso de esta aplicación, como la discriminación y la cosificación entre los usuarios, el lenguaje propio y las conductas autogeneradas en la aplicación, los estereotipos presentes y tipos de masculinidades tóxicas, las cuales condenan lo femenino y enaltecen lo masculino

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