Search

In recent times, dietary restriction (DR) has received considerable attention for its promising effects on metabolism and longevity. Previous studies on DR have mainly focused on the health benefits produced by different restriction patterns, whereas comprehensive reviews of the role of gut microbiota during DR are limited. In this review, we discuss the effects of caloric restriction, fasting, protein restriction, and amino acid restriction from a microbiome perspective. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms by which DR affects metabolic health by regulating intestinal homeostasis are summarized. Specifically, we reviewed the impacts of different DRs on specific gut microbiota. Additionally, we put forward the limitations of the current research and suggest the development of personalized microbes-directed DR for different populations and corresponding next-generation sequencing technologies for accurate microbiological analysis. DR effectively modulates the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites. In particular, DR markedly affects the rhythmic oscillation of microbes which may be related to the circadian clock system. Moreover, increasing evidence supports that DR profoundly improves metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and cognitive impairment. To summarize, DR may be an effective and executable dietary manipulation strategy for maintaining metabolic health, however, further investigation is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Because of their diverse biological activities, polysaccharides derived from Tremella fuciformis have received growing attention. This study aimed to investigate the structural characterization of a purified polysaccharide (designated as PTP‐3a) derived from T. fuciformis and explore its interaction with gut microbiota in vitro. RESULTS: The findings revealed that PTP‐3a had a molecular weight of 1.22 × 103 kDa and consisted of fucose, glucose, xylose, mannose and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 0.271:0.016:0.275:0.400:0.038. The primary linkage types identified in PTP‐3a were 1,3‐linked‐manp, 1,4‐linked‐xylp and 1,2,3‐linked‐fucp, with corresponding ratios of 0.215:0.161:0.15. In addition, PTP‐3a demonstrated notable thermal stability and exhibited a triple‐helical structure. Moreover, following in vitro fermentation for 48 h, PTP‐3a was efficiently utilized, resulting in a reduction in carbohydrate levels, the production of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and pH adjustment. Furthermore, during in vitro fecal microbial fermentation, PTP‐3a decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes while increasing the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, resulting in a significantly reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Additionally, PTP‐3a stimulated the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Parabacteroides merdae, Gordonibacter pamelaeae, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and Parabacteroides distasonis. Importantly, a strong correlation was observed between the production of SCFAs and specific microorganisms. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that PTP‐3a has potential as a prebiotic for modulating the gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat germ protein is a potential resource to produce bioactive peptides. As a cheap, safe, and healthy nutritional factor, wheat germ-derived bioactive peptides (WGBPs) provide benefits and great potential for biomedical applications. The objective of this review is to reveal the current research status of WGBPs, including their preparation methods and biological functions, such as antibacterial, anti-tumor, immune regulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, etc. We also reviewed the information in terms of the preventive ability of WGBPs to treat serious infectious diseases, to offer their reference to further research and application. Opinions on future research directions are also discussed. Through the review of previous research, we find that there are still some scientific issues in the basic research and industrialization process of WGBPs that deserve further exploration. Firstly, based on current complex enzymolysis, the preparation and production of WGBPs need to be combined with other advanced technology to achieve efficient and large-scale production. Secondly, studies on the bioavailability, biosafety, and mechanism against different diseases of WGBPs need to be carried out in different in vitro and in vivo models. More human experimental evidence is also required to support its industrial application as a functional food and nutritional supplement. The purification and identification of wheat germ-derived bioactive peptides. The main biological activities and potential mechanisms of wheat germ hydrolysates/peptides. Possible absorption and transport pathways of wheat germ hydrolysate/peptide. Wheat germ peptide shows a variety of health benefits according to its amino acid sequence. Current food applications and future perspectives of wheat germ protein hydrolysates/peptide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the protective properties and potential mechanisms of wheat-germ-derived peptide APEPEPAF (APE) against ulcerative colitis. Colitis mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were used as the animal model. The results showed that the APE peptide could alleviate colitis symptoms including weight loss, colon shortening, and histopathological changes. This peptide attenuated the generation of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the phosphorylation of protein kinase PKCζ (Thr410) and NF-κB transcriptional activity in DSS-induced mice, suggesting that APE ameliorates colitis inflammation by regulating the PKCζ/NF-κB signaling pathway. APE also preserved the barrier function of the colon by dose-dependently promoting the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, zonula occluded-1, and occludin). In addition, APE significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroides and increased the abundance of Dubosiella and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 to improve the intestinal flora imbalance in DSS-induced colitis mice. Therefore, wheat germ peptide APE can be used as a novel agent and dietary supplement to treat ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]