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Tobacco smoking is positively correlated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)(1–5), but the underlying mechanism for this association is unclear. Here, we report that nicotine accumulates in the intestine during tobacco smoking and activates intestinal AMPKα. Notably, we identify the gut bacterium Bacteroides xylanisolvens as an effective nicotine degrader. B. xylanisolvens colonization reduces intestinal nicotine concentrations in nicotine-exposed mice, and it improves nicotine-exacerbated NAFLD progression. Mechanistically, AMPKα promotes the phosphorylation of sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (SMPD3), stabilizing the latter and thus increasing intestinal ceramide formation, which contributes to NAFLD progression. Our results establish a role for intestinal nicotine accumulation in NAFLD progression and reveal an endogenous bacterium in the human intestine capable of metabolizing nicotine. These findings suggest a possible avenue to reduce tobacco smoking-exacerbated NAFLD progression.

Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the predominant bacterial phyla colonizing the healthy human gut. Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary fiber plays a crucial role in host health, yet most studies have focused on how the dietary fiber affects health through gut Bacteroides. More recently, gut Firmicutes have been found to possess many genes responsible for fermenting dietary fiber, and could also interact with the intestinal mucosa and thereby contribute to homeostasis. Consequently, the relationship between dietary fiber and Firmicutes is of interest, as well as the role of Firmicutes in host health. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism of dietary fiber degradation by gut Firmicutes and explain the communication pathway of the dietary fiber-Firmicutes-host axis, and the beneficial effects of dietary fiber-induced Firmicutes and their metabolites on health. A better understanding of the dialogue sustained by the dietary fiber-Firmicutes axis and the host could provide new insights into probiotic therapy and novel dietary interventions aimed at increasing the abundance of Firmicutes (such asDietary fiber-induced gut Firmicutes and their metabolites exhibit relevant health-promoting functions.Most of dietary fiber have a great effect on gut Firmicutes.Mechanisms of dietary fiber uptake by gut Firmicutes are outlined.Mechanisms of dietary fiber- gut Firmicutes-host interactions require more investigation for the development of dietary fiber in food production and host health.

Crude polysaccharides extracted from red kidney bean (RK) display significant antidiabetic activity in type 2 diabetic mice, but the underlying mechanism and the core functional component has not been elucidated. In this study, the antidiabetic effect and mechanism of RK are investigated by serum metabolomics and high-throughput sequencing. In addition, the key component was identified by evaluating the improvement on glucose and lipid homeostasis in type 2 diabetic rats. Our data indicated that RK relieved the symptoms of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia in STZ-induced diabetic rats. RK not only improved the metabolic disturbance by regulating the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, but also modified gut microbiota composition by selectively enriching in key genera of Bacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, Succinivibrio, Blautia. We further found the purified polysaccharides (RKP) were identified as the core biofunctional component in RK. Our present studies provide evidence that RKP are potential effective dietary supplement for type 2 diabetic individuals.

Diabetes mellitus is a serious threat to human health. Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja (C.paliurus) is one of the traditional herbal medicine and food in China for treating type 2 diabetes, and the C. paliurus polysaccharides (CP) were found to be one of its major functional constituents. This research aimed at investigating the hypoglycemic mechanism for CP. It was found that CP markedly attenuated the symptoms of diabetes, and inhibited the protein expression of Bax, improved the expression of Bcl-2 in pancreas of diabetic rats, normalized hormones secretion and controlled the inflammation which contributed to the regeneration of pancreatic β-cell and insulin resistance. CP treatment increased the beneficial bacteria genus Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 which was reported to be a key genus for protecting against diabetes, and the fecal short-chain fatty acids levels were elevated. Uric metabolites analysis showed that CP treatment helped to protect with the diabetes by seven significantly improved pathways closely with the nutrition metabolism (amino acids and purine) and energy metabolism (TCA cycle), which could help to build up the intestinal epithelial cell defense for the inflammation associated with the diabetes. Our study highlights the specific mechanism of prebiotics to attenuate diabetes through multi-path of gut microbiota and host metabolism.

This work established an effective method for kale flavonoids enrichment by resins. Resin screening, adsorption kinetics and isotherms, dynamic adsorption and desorption tests were conducted to optimize the appropriate resins and enrichment conditions. The results showed that NKA-9 was the optimum resin. The best adsorption conditions were 0.2 mg/mL flavonoids concentration, 12.5 bed volume (BV) sample volume and 2 BV/h adsorption rate. The desorption conditions were 3 BV of 80% ethanol at 2 BV/h elution rate. Under these conditions, the product purity was 31.16%. The purified flavonoids extract was mainly comprised of Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-diglucoside, Kaempferol-3,7,4’-O-D-triglucoside, Kaempferol-3-O-feruloyl-sophoroside-7-O-D-glucoside, and Kaempferol-3-O-sinapoyl-sophoroside. Moreover, it presented higher scavenging ability against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydroxyl (•OH) radical than crude extract. In conclusion, kale flavonoids can be well concentrated by NKA-9 resin and the purified flavonoids extract has good antioxidant activity which can be potentially applied in food, cosmetic or pharmacy industries.

Various structural types of polysaccharides are recognized by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, the mechanism of interaction between the polysaccharides with different structures and TLR4 is unclarified. This review summarized the primary structure of polysaccharides related to TLR4, mainly including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bonds, functional groups, and branched-chain structure. The optimal primary structure for interacting with TLR4 was obtained by the statistical analysis. Besides, the dual-directional regulation of TLR4 signaling cascade by polysaccharides was also elucidated from an immune balance perspective. Finally, the 3D interaction model of polysaccharides to TLR4-myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) complex was hypothesized according to the LPS-TLR4-MD2 dimerization model and the polysaccharides solution conformation. The essence of polysaccharides binding to TLR4-MD2 complex is a multivalent non-covalent bond interaction. All the arguments summarized in this review are intended to provide some new insights into the interaction between polysaccharides and TLR4.

Background As an important role of host homeostasis, the glycometabolism was closely related to the process and metabolic pathways of carbohydrates such as glycolysis, hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, and pentose phosphate in the host. Disorders of glycometabolism result in a series of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypoglycemia, and etc. Scope and approach Polysaccharides, which were widely existing in daily diet and cannot be directly digested by gastrointestinal enzymes in the host, were considered to have beneficial effects on the glycometabolism. Furthermore, the relationship between polysaccharides and gut microbiota, have attracted extensive attention in the researches for glycometabolism-related diseases. Gut microbiota participates in the process of glycometabolism based on the fermentation of dietary polysaccharides and related metabolites. Key findings and conclusions This review aims at summarizing the state of the effects of the polysaccharides on glycometabolism through gut microbiota modification and exploring the underlying mechanisms for the beneficial effects of the polysaccharides on glycometabolism disorders.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a pandemic disease chiefly characterized by hyperglycemia. In this study, the combination of serum lipidomic and metabolomic approach was employed to investigate the effect of arabinoxylan on type 2 diabetic rats and identify the critical biomarkers of T2D. Metabolomics analysis revealed that branched-chain amino acids, 12α-hydroxylated bile acids, ketone bodies, and several short- and long-chain acylcarnitines were significantly increased in T2D, whereas lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) were significantly decreased. Lipidomics analysis indicated T2D-related dyslipidemia was mainly associated with the increased levels of acetylcarnitine, free fatty acids (FFA), diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, and cholesteryl esters and the decreased levels of some unsaturated phosphatidylcholines (less than 22 carbons). These variations indicated the disturbed amino acid and lipid metabolism in T2D, and the accumulation of incompletely oxidized lipid species might eventually contribute to impaired insulin action and glucose homeostasis. Arabinoxylan treatment decreased the concentrations of 12α-hydroxylated bile acids, carnitines, and FFAs and increased the levels of LPCs. The improved bile acid and lipid metabolism by arabinoxylan might be involved in the alleviation of hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia in T2D.

The effect of Lactobacillus plantarum-fermentation on the anti-diabetic functionality of Momordica charantia was examined using a high-fat-diet and low-dose streptozocin-induced type 2 diabetic rat model. Fermented Momordica charantia juice (FMCJ) administration mitigated the hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress in diabetic rats more favorably than the non-fermented counterpart. Treatments with FMCJ improved ergosterols and lysomonomethyl-phosphatidylethanolamines metabolisms more effectively. Supplement of FMCJ regulated the composition of the gut microbiota, such as increased the abundance of Bacteroides caecigallinarum, Oscillibacter ruminantium, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Prevotella loescheii, Prevotella oralis, and Prevotella melaninogenica, in diabetic rats compared with untreated diabetic rats. Moreover, FMCJ-treated diabetic rats exhibited higher concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, total short-chain fatty acids and lower pH values in colonic contents than that in non-fermented juice-treated rats. These results demonstrated that Lactobacillus plantarum-fermentation enhanced the anti-diabetic property of MC juice by favoring the regulation of gut microbiota and the production of SCFAs.

Momordica charantia L. has been consumed as a vegetable for thousands of years, and its fruit has various bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) NCU116 on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and volatile profile of M. charantia juice. Fermentation and sterilization increased the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, while the total saponins in the juice was reduced. Fermentation increased lactic acid, total phenolics, and total flavonoids. Fermentation improved the phenolic composition of the juice, such as decreased caffeic and p-coumaric acids, and increased dihydrocaffeic and phloretic acids. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of the juice and phenolic extracts increased after fermentation. Fermentation altered the aroma profile of the juice to confer a more desirable flavor by reducing aldehydes and ketones, while increasing alcohols and acids. Sterilization decreased lactic acid, total phenolic content, phenolic composition, antioxidant activities, and the aroma profile. These results suggested that L. plantarum fermentation had a beneficial effect on the physico-chemical properties, bioactive compounds, antioxidant property, as well as aroma composition of M. charantia.

Diabetes and its complications are one of the most concerned metabolic diseases worldwide and threaten human health severely. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of glucomannan extracted from konjac on high-fat diet and streptozocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats were evaluated in this study. Administration of konjac glucomannan significantly decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and glycated serum protein. The concentrations of serum lipids, including total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-esterified fatty acid, were notably reduced by konjac glucomannan treatment. In addition, antioxidant capacity, pancreatic injury, and adipose cell hypertrophy were ameliorated by konjac glucomannan administration in type 2 diabetic rats. Besides, ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based lipidomics analysis was used to explore the improvement of lipid metabolic by konjac glucomannan treatment. The disturbance of glycerolipid (diacylglycerol, monoacylglycerol, and triacylglycerol), fatty acyl (acylcarnitine and hydroxyl fatty acid), sphingolipid (ceramide and sphingomyelin), and glycerophospholipid (phosphatidylcholine) metabolism were attenuated by the glucomannan treatment. This study provided new insights for investigating the anti-diabetic effects of konjac glucomannan and suggests that konjac glucomannan may be a promising nutraceutical for treating type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder worldwide, which causes severe health and economic problems. The effects of polysaccharide from Plantago asiatica L. (PLP) on high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats were examined. Administration of PLP caused significant decreases in the concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, non-esterified fatty acid and maleic dialdehyde, and significant increases in the levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and the activities of antioxidant enzymes compared with diabetic rats after 4 weeks’ treatment. The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were significantly higher in the feces of diabetic rats after treatment with PLP. Moreover, colon bacterial diversity and abundance of bacteria, including Bacteroides vulgatus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Prevotella loescheii and Bacteroides vulgates were significantly increased by PLP treatment. These results indicated that the anti-diabetic effect of PLP in type 2 diabetic rats may be associated with regulation of gut microbiota and increased levels of SCFA.

High intake of dietary fibers was found to be inversely associated with type-2 diabetes (T2D), whereas the difference among different dietary fibers on T2D remains unclear. Therefore, we have investigated the effects of different dietary fibers on T2D. Nine types of dietary fibers were used to investigate and evaluate their effects on type-2 diabetic rats via physiology, genomics, and metabolomics. We found that supplementation with β-glucan, arabinogalactan, guar gum, apple pectin, glucomannan, and arabinoxylan significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose, whereas carrageenan, xylan, and xanthan gum did not affect glycemic control in diabetic rats. Also, bioactive dietary fibers (β-glucan, arabinogalactan, guar gum, and apple pectin) associated with the increased butyric acid level and abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lachnobacterium, Parabacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, and some butyric acid-producing bacteria), as well as improved host metabolism by decreasing 12α-hydroxylated bile acids, acylcarnitines, and amino acids (leucine, phenylalanine, citrulline, etc.), thereby exert beneficial effects on T2D. It was also found that β-glucan might attenuate insulin resistance via downregulation of Prevotella copri-mediated biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids in T2D. Together, our study uncovered the effects of different dietary fibers on T2D, along with their potential mechanism.

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by overweight resulting from fat accumulation, along with disturbance of metabolism and gut microbiota. Fermentation, as a green processing method, is beneficial for improving the nutrition capacity of food components. Polysaccharides are considered as one of the important components in food and are also potential supplements for anti-obesity treatment. This study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of polysaccharides from fermented and non-fermented Momordica charantia L. with Lactobacillus plantarum NCU116 (FP and NFP) on obese rats by serum metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis. Metabolomics results revealed that abnormal lipid metabolism was formed due to obesity. The supplement of FP and NFP improved the glycerophospholipids, glycosphingolipids, and amino acid metabolism of the obese rats, which alleviated the hypercholesterolemia and overweight in rats. Furthermore, the disorder of gut microbiota was ameliorated by FP and NFP. FP promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as phylum Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and genera Anaerostipes, Coprococcus, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium. FP also reduced several harmful bacteria belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria and genera Helicobacter. The positive correlation of the weight loss and lowering of serum lipids with the increased beneficial bacteria further elucidated that the anti-obesity effect of FP in obese rats is associated with the regulation of gut microbiota and serum metabolites. The results of this study could provide information for developing probiotic products in the future that may have beneficial effects on the prevention or treatment of obesity.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a worldwide epidemic associated with metabolic disorders and intestinal microbiota alterations. Polysaccharides have been considered to be beneficial to the prevention and alleviation of T2D. In the present study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple-time-of-flight-based metabolomics and proteomics and 16S rRNA sequencing methods were employed to evaluate the effects of glucomannans from Dendrobium officinale stem, konjac, and Aloe vera leaves on host metabolism and intestinal microbiota regulation in type 2 diabetic rats and potential mechanisms. The metabolism of amino acids was significantly disturbed in the type 2 diabetic rats, especially the upregulated branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism. Host-derived BCAA metabolism was significantly decreased in type 2 diabetic rats. However, the levels of BCAAs in host circulation and gene abundance of BCAA biosynthesis in gut microbiota were significantly increased in diabetic rats, which suggested that the disturbed intestinal microbiota might be responsible for the increased circulation of BCAAs in T2D. Glucomannan treatment decreased the abundance of microbial BCAA biosynthesis-related genes and ameliorated the host BCAA metabolism. Also, glucomannan with a higher molecular weight and a lower ratio of mannose/glucose possessed better antidiabetic effects. In summary, the antidiabetic effects of glucomannans might be associated with the amelioration of BCAA metabolism by modulating intestinal microbiota.

Diabetes mellitus is a serious threat to human health. Tea is cultivated around the world, and its polysaccharide components are reported to be an effective approach for managing type 2 diabetes with fewer adverse effects than medication. To examine the therapeutic effect of tea polysaccharides on diabetes, a type 2 diabetic rat model was generated. We showed that tea polysaccharides remarkably decreased fasting blood glucose and the levels of total cholesterol, total triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and free fatty acid of type 2 diabetic rats. 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics were used to investigate the variation of gut microbiota and the metabolites profiles of diabetic rats after intervention of tea polysaccharides. We found that tea polysaccharides maintained the diversity of gut microbiota and restored the relative abundance of some bacterial genera (

Background High intake of dietary fiber was found to be inversely associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), whereas the difference among different dietary fibers on T2D is still not clear.Results Here we investigated the effects of 9 types of dietary fiber on type 2 diabetic rats. we found supplementation with β-glucan, arabinogalactan, guar gum, apple pectin, glucomannan, arabinoxylan (especially β-glucan and arabinogalactan treatment) significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose, whereas carrageenan, xylan and xanthan gum had no effect on glycemic control in rats with T2D. Fibers with hypoglycemic effects associated with the increased butyric acid level and abundance of beneficial bacteria (Anaeroplasma, Parabacteroides and some butyric acid-producing bacteria), as well as improved host metabolism by decreasing 12α-hydroxylated bile acids, acylcarnitines and amino acids (leucine, phenylalanine, citrulline, and etc.). It was also found that only β-glucan can attenuate insulin resistance in T2D via down-regulation of Prevotella copri mediated branched chain amino acids biosynthesis.Conclusions not all dietary fibers were able to improve T2D, which mainly relied on the improvement of composition and functions of gut microbiota.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complicated endocrine metabolic disease, accompanied with oxidative stress injury and low-grade inflammation. The effects of polysaccharide extracted from Dendrobium officinale stem (DOP) on oxidative stress, inflammation and dysregulated metabolism in the liver of type 2 diabetic rats and its potential mechanism were evaluated in the study. Here, ultra performance liquid chromatography - quadrupole - time - of - flight (UPLC-Q-TOF) mass spectrometry-based lipidomics and metabolomics analysis were carried out to study the amelioration of DOP on the liver metabolism disorders of type 2 diabetic rats. Lipidomics analysis indicated that the disturbed degree of fatty acid, glycerolipid (diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol), and glycerophospholipid (phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine) metabolism were mitigated by the DOP treatment. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the DOP treatment balanced the metabolism of ceramide and bile acids, including deoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, and cholic acid. In addition, the symptoms of oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatic lipid accumulation of liver were ameliorated by DOP administration. The above results suggest that the study of functional ingredient application of DOP might be meaningful for the management of T2D.

Summary Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiota regulates obesity through metabolite-host interactions. However, the mechanisms underlying such interactions have been unclear. Here, we found that intestinal hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) positively regulates gut lactate by controlling the expression of intestinal Ldha. Intestine-specific HIF-2α ablation in mice resulted in lower lactate levels, and less Bacteroides vulgatus and greater Ruminococcus torques abundance, respectively. Together, these changes resulted in elevated taurine-conjugated cholic acid (TCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA) levels and activation of the adipose G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor, GPBAR1 (TGR5). This activation upregulated expression of uncoupling protein (UCP) 1 and mitochondrial creatine kinase (CKMT) 2, resulting in elevation of white adipose tissue thermogenesis. Administration of TCA and DCA mirrored these phenotypes, and colonization with B. vulgatus and R. torques inhibited and induced thermogenesis, respectively. This work deepens our understanding of how host genes regulate the microbiome and provides novel strategies for alleviating obesity.

Pyrimidines are critical nutrients and key biomolecules in nucleic acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Here, we proposed the concept of the pyrimidine metabolome, which covers 14 analytes in pyrimidine de novo and salvage synthetic pathways, and established a novel analytical strategy with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to efficiently illustrate pyrimidine transient distribution and dynamic balance. The lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) of all analytes were less than 10 ng/mL. Acceptable inter- and intra-day relative deviation (15%) was detected, and good stability was obtained under different storage conditions. Metabolomics analysis revealed pyrimidine metabolic diversity in the plasma and brain among species, and a visualization strategy exhibited that pyrimidine biosynthetic metabolism is quite active in brain. Distinct metabolic features were also observed in cells with pyrimidine metabolomic disorders during proliferation and apoptosis. Absolute concentrations of pyrimidine metabolites in different bio-samples offered reference data for future pyrimidine studies.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. Intake of dietary fiber is inversely associated with risks of T2D. Here, metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were employed to investigate the effects of arabinoxylan on gut microbiota and their metabolites in type 2 diabetic rats. T2D increased the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (such as Desulfovibrio and Klebsiella) and the levels of 12α-hydroxylated bile acids and acylcarnitines (C3) in diabetic rats, which eventually contribute to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Supplementation with arabinoxylan promoted the growth of fiber-degrading bacteria to increase short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as well as decreased the abundance of opportunistic pathogens. Arabinoxylan treatment also decreased the concentrations of 12α-hydroxylated bile acids, and increased the levels of equol, indolepropionate, and eicosadienoic acid. This study indicated that the beneficial effects of arabinoxylan on T2D may be partially attributed to the modification of gut microbiota and related metabolites.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications are major public health concerns which strongly influence the quality of humans' life. Modification of gut microbiota has been widely used for the management of diabetes. In this review, the relationship between diabetes and gut microbiota, as well as the effects of different dietary components and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on gut microflora are summarized. Dietary compounds and TCM possessing bioactive components (fiber and phytochemicals) first change the composition of gut microbiota (inhibiting pathogens and promoting the beneficial bacteria growth) and then influence the production of their metabolites, which would further modify the intestinal environment through inhibiting the production of detrimental compounds (such as lipopolysaccharide, hydrogen sulfide, indol, etc.). Importantly, metabolites (short chain fatty acids and other bioactive components) fermented/degraded by gut microbiota can target multiple pathways in intestine, liver, pancreas, etc., resulting in the improvement of gut health, glycemic control, lipids profile, insulin resistance and inflammation. Furthermore, understanding the interaction between different dietary components and gut microbiota, as well as underlying mechanisms would help design different diet formula for the management of diabetes. Further researches could focus on the combination of different dietary components for preventing and treating diabetes, based on the principle of "multiple components against multiple targets" from the perspective of gut microbiota.

In vivo an ecological network of polysaccharides utilization by gut microbiota is not only an intense competition but also an impressive cooperation pattern. The present study evaluated the in vivo protective effect of combined fungal polysaccharides (CFP) from Cordyceps sinensis and Ganoderma atrum on colon immune dysfunction, induced by 150mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CP). The results showed that C. sinensis polysaccharides (CSP) significantly promoted microbial-derived butyrate to improve histone h3 acetylation mediating regulatory T (Treg) cell specific Foxp3, as well as significantly restored CP-induced elevation of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-21. Additionally, G. atrum polysaccharides (PSG) significantly down-regulated MyD88, as well as significantly increased IL-10 and TGF-β3. Furthermore, CFP balanced the disequilibrium of cytokines secretion and Foxp3/RORγt ratio related Treg/T helper 17 (Th17) balance, as well as down-regulated the TLR-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway and promoted secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) secretion to suppress colonic inflammation. Therefore, our results typically contribute to understand the in vivo immunoregulatory function of fungal polysaccharides compounds, involving microbial-associated inflammatory signals and specific metabolic products.

Cordyceps sinensis is a traditional Chinese edible food with many bioactive constituents. The study aimed to explore the restorative effects of eight fractions, including the raw material. The content of bioactive constituents was measured, and their effects on intestinal restorative activities was evaluated. Results showed that all fractions decreased the crypt depth, increased the villus height and goblet cells. The number of CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes, levels of transcription factor and cytokines in small intestine were also enhanced. Furthermore, the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in feces promoted after given the extracted fractions. The results indicated that the extracted fractions from natural Cordyceps sinensis could alleviate intestinal injury in immunosuppressed mice, and the effect was generally better than that of the raw material. These findings may provide fundamental aspect of Cordyceps sinensis utilization.

Background and objectives Dietary fibers have beneficial effects on human health through the interaction with gut microbiota. Larch wood arabinogalactan (LA-AG) is one kind of complex soluble dietary fibers that may be utilized by human gut microbiota. Methods and results In this study, the LA-AG degradation by gut microbiota were characterized by investigating the change of LA-AG, microbiota composition, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactic acid, succinic acid, as well as volatile organic metabolites. During the fermentation, pH decreased continuously, along with the organic acids (especially acetic acid and lactic acid) accumulating. LA-AG was degraded by gut microbiota then some beneficial metabolites were produced. In addition, LA-AG inhibited the proliferation of some gut microbiota (Unclassified_Enterobacteriaceae and Citrobacter) and the accumulation of some metabolites (Sulfide and indole) released by gut microbiota. Conclusion LA-AG was partly fermentable fibers with prebiotic potential for human gut health.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a powerful tool for product composition testing and quality controlling. HPLC has become an important means to improve food quality and food traceability, and to understand the bioactivity of food and food ingredients in the food industry. For food analysis and food quality evaluation, HPLC focuses on the analysis of nutrients (amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, etc.), bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, isoflavones, ellagitannins, flavonoids, etc.), and hazardous compounds (mycotoxins, herbicides, fungicides, some food additives, etc.). In this chapter, we summarize HPLC technology used in different types of food, such as fish and fishery products, cereals, milk, fruits and vegetables, and fruit wine and fruit juice for food quality evaluation, and it is an essential reference for those in the fields of chromatography and food technology.

BACKGROUND Blueberry products have various health benefits due to their high content of dietary anthocyanins. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fermentation and sterilization on total anthocyanin content, composition and some quality attributes of blueberry puree. The blueberry puree used here was fermented for 40 h at 37 °C by Lactobacillus after sterilization. The method of ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was optimized for the rapid analysis of anthocyanins. Quality attributes including pH, color, total soluble solids and viscosity were measured. RESULTS A total of 21 anthocyanins and five anthocyanidins were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Fermented blueberry had reduced total anthocyanin content (29%) and levels of individual anthocyanins compared with fresh blueberry. Total anthocyanin content was decreased 46% by sterilization, and different degradation behavior of individual anthocyanin was appeared between fermented and sterilized–fermented blueberry puree. Fermentation and sterilization decreased the total soluble solids and pH and changed color parameters, while minimally influencing viscosity. CONCLUSIONS The loss of total anthocyanin content by fermentation was related to the unstable structure of blueberry anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are sensitive to temperature (>80 °C), and degradation of anthocyanins by sterilization in blueberry should be considered in the fermentation procedure. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

Previous researches focused on the chemical structure of Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1), and found it has antitumor and immunoregulatory activities. However, the mechanisms behind these biological activities remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible signaling pathways involved in the PSG-1 activated macrophage of S180 tumor-bearing mice. In vitro, PSG-1 probably stimulated macrophages resulting in an increase in phosphorylation of NF-κB, Akt and MAPK family proteins, which are indicative of activations of NF-κB pathway activation. Furthermore, the levels of TNF-α protein and TNF-α mRNA expression were significantly suppressed when macrophages were pretreated with various inhibitors, including NF-κB inhibitors, IκB inhibitors, MAPK inhibitors and PI3K/Akt inhibitors. These findings indicated the possible involvement of NF-κB signaling pathway in PSG-1-induced TNF-α secretion and mRNA expression, and provided new insights into the therapeutic potential of modulating NF-κB by PSG-1.

Diabetes is a metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion and/or action. The anti-diabetic effects of polysaccharide from Dendrobium officinale stem (DOP) on type II diabetic rats was evaluated in this study. Treatment with DOP significantly decreased the concentrations of fasting blood glucose, insulin, glycated serum protein, serum lipids (TC, TG, LDL-c, NEFA), and increased the concentration of HDL-c, compared with the untreated diabetic rats. In addition, DOP treatment alleviated the oxidative stress injury by increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity, as well as decreased the level of malonaldehyde. Histopathological analysis revealed that DOP has protective effects on type II diabetes induced pancreatic injury. Serum metabolomics and lipidomics analysis also found DOP treatment could decrease serum fatty acids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids, phospholipids and bile acids, and alleviate the metabolism disorders of lipid, bile acids and amino acids.

Gastrointestinal tract disease is a global health problem which affects a major part of the world population. In this study, the gastroprotective effects of β-glucan isolated from highland barley on ethanol-induced gastric damage in rats and its benefits to mice gut health were investigated. Biochemical and pathological analysis methods were adopted to evaluating the gastrointestinal tract protective of β-glucan isolated from highland barley. In the ulceration model, it was found that β-glucan treatment could mitigate the gastric lesions and gastric mucosal damage caused by ethanol, decrease the gastric ulcer index. Furthermore, β-glucan treatment alleviated the gastric oxidative stress injury in vehicle rats through increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, decreasing the level of malondialdehyde. In addition, β-glucan treatment also could decrease the level of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and increased level of prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide. In the mouse gut health promoting model, β-glucan treatment increased the colon length, faces water contents and the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) both in mice colon and cecum. Taken together, these results may indicate that β-glucan isolated from highland barley exert protective effects on the gastrointestinal tract of laboratory rodents.

The influence of Lactobacillus plantarum-fermentation on the structure and anti-diabetic effects of Momordica charantia polysaccharides were evaluated. High-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats were administrated with polysaccharides from fermented and non-fermented Momordica charantia (FP and NFP) for 4 weeks. Fermentation affected the physicochemical characterization, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and viscosity of Momordica charantia polysaccharides. Treatment with FP significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress in diabetic rats compared with NFP. Moreover, the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota (Lactococcus laudensis and Prevotella loescheii) in diabetic rats were notably increased by treatment with FP in comparison to NFP. Meanwhile, FP-treated diabetic rats exhibited more colonic short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lower pH values than that in NFP-treated rats. Overall, Lactobacillus plantarum-fermentation could enhance the anti-diabetes effects of Momordica charantia polysaccharides in rats by modifying the structure of polysaccharides to optimize gut microbiota and heighten the production of SCFAs.

Phyto-estrogens are plant-derived compounds that can exert various estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects, and are usually used as a natural alternative to estrogen replacement due to their health benefits, including a lowered risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms. Phyto-estrogens are also considered as endocrine disruptors due to their structure similar to human female hormone 17-β oestradiol. However, the issue of whether phyto-estrogens are beneficial or harmful to human health remains unknown, as this may depend on the dose, form, level and duration of administration of phyto-estrogens, and influence by genetics, metabolism, gut physiology, age, diet, and the health status of individuals. Clarification on this issue is necessary for the sake of their two-side effects on human health and rapidly increasing global consumption of phyto-estrogens. This review mainly includes the metabolism of phyto-estrogens and weighs the evidence for and against the purported health benefits and adverse effects of phyto-estrogens.

The effect of fumigation with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas on inhibiting enzymatic browning of fresh-cut lotus root slices was investigated. Browning degree, changes in color, total phenol content, superoxide anion production rate (O2(-)), H2O2 content, antioxidant capacities (DPPH radical scavenging ability, ABTS radical scavenging activity and the reducing power) and activities of the phenol metabolism-associated enzymes including phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were evaluated. The results showed that treatment with 15 μl L(-1) H2S significantly inhibited the browning of fresh-cut lotus root slices (P

Scope This study is aimed to investigate the kidney protective effects of glucomannans from Dendrobium officinale stem, konjac, and Aloe vera leaves on type 2 diabetic rats and explore its potential mechanisms. Methods and results Pathological and metabolomics analysis methods are adopted in this study. Compared with the model group, lower levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and glycated serum protein are observed in glucomannan-treated groups. Concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and nonesterified fatty acid are significantly decreased by glucomannan treatment. Furthermore, glucomannan treatment significantly decreased the levels of uric acid, creatinine, urea in serum, and glycosuria, ketone body, and protein in the urine. Histopathological analysis showed that glucomannan treatment normalized the architecture of glomerulus. Metabolomic analysis indicated glucomannan treatment could improve urea cycle, metabolism of lipid, glucose, and amino acids on diabetes. In particular, the konjac glucomannan treatment is more effective in lipid and glucose regulation. Glucomannan from D. officinale is more effective in balancing the urea cycle and amino acid metabolism. Conclusions The disturbance of lipid, glucose, and amino acid metabolism is closely associated with the advancement of diabetic kidney disease, and glucomannan treatment could be efficient in the management of diabetic kidney disease.

Blueberry products have various health benefits due to their high content of dietary anthocyanins. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fermentation and sterilization on total anthocyanin content, composition and some quality attributes of blueberry puree. The blueberry puree used here was fermented for 40 h at 37 °C by Lactobacillus after sterilization. The method of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was optimized for the rapid analysis of anthocyanins. Quality attributes including pH, color, total soluble solids and viscosity were measured.A total of 21 anthocyanins and five anthocyanidins were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Fermented blueberry had reduced total anthocyanin content (29%) and levels of individual anthocyanins compared with fresh blueberry. Total anthocyanin content was decreased 46% by sterilization, and different degradation behavior of individual anthocyanin was appeared between fermented and sterilized-fermented blueberry puree. Fermentation and sterilization decreased the total soluble solids and pH and changed color parameters, while minimally influencing viscosity.The loss of total anthocyanin content by fermentation was related to the unstable structure of blueberry anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are sensitive to temperature (80 °C), and degradation of anthocyanins by sterilization in blueberry should be considered in the fermentation procedure. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder worldwide, which causes severe health and economic problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which arabinoxylan from Plantago asiatica L. attenuates type 2 diabetes from the perspective of urine metabolomics.High-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats are treated with arabinoxylan, then the urine samples are collected for untargeted metabolomics analysis by UPLC-Triple-TOF/MS. Diabetes causes significant increases in the levels of acetone, glucose, 2-oxoglutarate, and leucine, and significant decreases in the concentrations of creatine, histidine, lysine, l-tryptophan, hippurate, l-cysteine, kynurenine, and arabitol as compared with normal rats (p 0.01). And these 12 metabolites (with VIP cut-off value 1) can be used as biomarkers in type 2 diabetes. A total of 21 urinary metabolites are significantly improved by arabinoxylan administration in diabetic rats, and these metabolites are mainly involved in TCA cycle, and metabolism of lipid and ketone body, taurine and hypotaurine, tryptophan, and branched chain amino acids.Arabinoxylan administration improves carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats, which provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes as well as the effects of arabinoxylan.