Galacto-Oligosaccharides and the Elderly Gut: Implications for Immune Restoration and Health - Peeref (2024)

Summary: This study found that supplementation of XOS can alleviate the negative effects of Eimeria infection on broiler chickens' growth performance and nutrient utilization. In addition, XOS supplementation reversed the gene expression changes induced by Eimeria infection and showed potential in improving cecal fermentation.

POULTRY SCIENCE (2022)

Summary: Enterotoxin-producing bacteria disrupt gut homeostasis by secreting enterotoxins, but non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) can inhibit the pathogenicity of these bacteria and reduce the cytotoxicity of enterotoxins, potentially serving as effective agents against enterotoxins.

TOXINS (2021)

Summary: This study assessed the potential of using lactic acid bacteria for depleting non-GOS sugars from a crude GOS mixture, aiming to combine the prebiotic characteristics of purified GOS with the health-promoting effects of lactic acid fermentation metabolites. Supplementation of crude GOS with casein hydrolysate and retardation of acidification during fermentation stimulated cell growth, mono- and disaccharide consumption, overall organic acid production and diversity of the produced acids. Fermentation by specific strains resulted in the production of high purity GOS media.

LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (2021)

Summary: This study found that GOS and FOS may slightly improve the iron status of anemic rats, with FOS also increasing the production of SCFA in the colon of anemic rats. Other prebiotics did not show noticeable effects on the iron status of anemic rats.

FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS (2021)

Summary: This study found that dietary fiber levels have a significant impact on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, oligosaccharide concentration, and cecal short-chain fatty acid profile in broilers. The combination of xylanase and protease enzymes can affect substrate generation, indicating strong digestive capacity in broilers fed with fibrous feedstuffs.

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (2021)

Summary: Gut inflammation, with increasing incidence, significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Current treatment methods, such as surgery and drugs, may cause irreversible damage, particularly in infants. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), as natural components in breast milk, serve as probiotics in the treatment and prevention of gut inflammation. They improve gut microbiota abundance, enhance the gut barrier function, and reduce inflammatory reactions. Functional oligosaccharides are being explored as substitutes for HMOs due to their complex synthesis and high cost. This review summarizes the therapeutic and preventive effects of HMOs and their potential application in replacing breast milk for infants.

FOOD & FUNCTION (2023)

Summary: The study confirmed the significant symptom reduction and alteration of fecal microbiome in lactose intolerant patients with the administration of pure galacto-oligosaccharides. The analysis further suggested long-term benefits when individuals continued consumption of dairy products after the treatment.

GUT MICROBES (2021)

Summary: The current study evaluated the potential of 2'-FL and GOS, individually and combined, in modulating the microbial composition of infant and toddler feces. It was found that supplementation of GOS and 2'-FL increased beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Veillonella, and Streptococcus, and decreased harmful bacteria like Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium XIVa, and Roseburia. In addition, the combination of GOS and 2'-FL showed the most significant impact on reducing Proteobacteria and promoting the growth of specific subspecies of Bifidobacterium.

CHILDREN-BASEL (2023)

Summary: This study investigated the effects of whey protein isolate (WPI)-galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)/fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) conjugates on RAW264.7 cells and CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice. The results showed that WPI-GOS conjugates had a deeper glycation extent, more pronounced structural changes, and better improvement in macrophage functional indicators. In addition, WPI-GOS conjugates could also repair immune organs and intestinal barriers, and increase cytokine levels in immunosuppressed mice. The study also found that WPI-GOS conjugates activated the NFκB pathway by altering the gut microbiota and serum metabolites, thereby enhancing the immune system. However, the specific mechanism by which the NFκB pathway interacts with the mTOR signal pathway and ABC transporters to modulate the immune response still needs further study.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES (2024)

Summary: This study characterized raffinose-derived oligosaccharides produced by glucansucrase E81, showing their potential prebiotic activity, particularly in promoting the growth of Bifidobacteria, and their resistance to digestion in human gastric fluid and α-amylase tests.

LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (2021)

Summary: In this study, three different inoculants (active sludge, pit mud and mixture of sludge and pit mud) were used to produce medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) from food waste with ethanol as electron donor. The results showed that the mixed inoculum of sludge and pit mud produced the highest MCFA concentration. Microbial community analysis revealed the key genera involved in MCFA production. Metagenomic analysis identified the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway as the main pathway for MCFA synthesis. Overall, this study provides new strategies and insights for MCFA production.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2023)

Summary: Combining GOS and 2'-FL accelerates the fermentation of GOS by infant fecal microbiota, while the fermentation digesta of GOS and 2'-FL can attenuate dendritic cell cytokine responses in a similar manner, dependent on the AhR receptor.

FOOD & FUNCTION (2022)

Summary: This study evaluated the application of ferrous gluconate as an iron source in high-iron rice flour for infants and young children. The results showed that the iron absorption rate of ferrous gluconate was higher than that of ferrous fumarate, and the low phytic acid environment was more conducive to iron absorption and utilization. Therefore, ferrous gluconate can be used as an alternative iron source.

FOOD & FUNCTION (2024)

Summary: This study analyzed oligosaccharides in human milk and infant formula using advanced techniques, revealing significant differences in oligosaccharide composition between the two, providing important references for the improvement of infant formula.

JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY (2024)

Summary: A novel beta-galactosidase gene was cloned from an aquatic habitat metagenome, and its characteristics were studied. The protein encoded by this gene exhibited beta-galactosidase activity across a wide range of pH and temperature. It also showed efficient catalytic activity in the presence of certain metal ions and displayed tolerance to glucose and galactose. In addition, it had transglycosylation activity for the production of galacto-oligosaccharides. These properties make it a promising biocatalyst for milk and whey processing applications.

APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (2022)

Summary: This study examines the relationship between the intestinal microbiome and the efficacy of iron sulfate treatment in anemic children from an evolutionary medicine perspective. It finds that although gut microbiota diversity is not associated with treatment response, there are differential abundance patterns between responders and non-responders before and after treatment, and a lower relative abundance of Barnesiellaceae is associated with response to iron supplementation. The study suggests that investigating nutritional status and pathogen exposure is important for understanding the gut microbiome and the impact of iron fortification.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY (2024)

Summary: This study aimed to determine if gallbladder bile in apparently healthy cats contains a core microbiota composed of bacterial taxa common to many individuals and compare the results of bile cytology, bile culture, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in healthy cats and cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease.

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE (2023)

Summary: This study investigated the role of altered gut microbiota in obesity-associated osteoarthritis (OA). The results showed no differences in gut microbiota composition between patients and controls, but increased serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in patients. This suggests that increased intestinal permeability may contribute to the development of obesity-associated OA.

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY (2022)

Summary: The prevalence of dementia is expected to increase with the growing older adult population, and prevention strategies are urgently needed. Physical activity (PA) and probiotic supplementation are two promising interventions, with combined use potentially providing greater cognitive benefits. However, this study found that probiotic supplementation may not improve cognitive function in healthy, physically active older adults.

APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY NUTRITION AND METABOLISM (2022)

Summary: The study shows that gut microbial composition may influence HPA axis reactivity in early human development, suggesting potential for future clinical interventions targeting gut microbes to promote the development of stress-response systems.

PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY (2021)

JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY (2021)

Summary: Recent and ongoing developments in microbiome science are shaping new frontiers for research on probiotics and prebiotics. The potential for novel types, mechanisms, and applications to change scientific understanding and nutritional and healthcare applications is significant. The expanding landscape for microbiome-targeted interventions across regulatory, policy, prescriber, and consumer spheres indicates a forthcoming era of substantial change.

TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY (2021)

Summary: This study examined the impact of cognitive dysfunction on medication adherence in a clinical trial and found that overall cognitive performance predicted adherence to capsule intake, suggesting that cognitive dysfunction may impact clinical trial outcomes.

APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT (2021)

MICROBIOME (2021)

Summary: Dietary GOS had a positive impact on the microbiome composition and intestinal health of both old and young animals, but a consistent bifidogenic effect was not observed. Antibiotics had a more significant impact on regulating inflammation markers, while GOS improved the intestinal barrier homeostasis and increased mucus production to promote gut health in the elderly.

MICROBIOME (2021)

Summary: GOS, resistant to digestion, selectively stimulates microbial growth in the colon. A novel enzymatic method for generating humanized GOS has been developed, showing the ability to modulate the gut microbiome in vivo, promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION (2021)

IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-ANIMAL (2021)

CANCER RESEARCH (2021)

Summary: The study confirmed the significant symptom reduction and alteration of fecal microbiome in lactose intolerant patients with the administration of pure galacto-oligosaccharides. The analysis further suggested long-term benefits when individuals continued consumption of dairy products after the treatment.

GUT MICROBES (2021)

Summary: This review synthesized evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses to assess the health outcomes associated with various vegetable oils. The study found that different vegetable oils have different effects on health, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids helping to reduce blood lipids, while oils high in saturated fats increasing blood lipids. In addition, the consumption of olive oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil may also improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Future research should focus on long-term studies and comprehensive dietary assessments to better understand the health impacts of vegetable oils.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This review presents the evidence on CIR as an objective biomarker of AS and SSB intake. Studies show that CIR can be sampled from blood, hair, breath, and adipose tissue, and CIR from amino acid alanine and breath has the strongest association with intake. Future studies are needed to refine the utility and specificity of CIR and adjust for underlying dietary patterns.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This study evaluated the effects of antioxidants on fertility in women with ovarian aging through meta-analysis. The results showed that antioxidants could increase the number of retrieved oocytes, high-quality embryo rates, and clinical pregnancy rates, and the lower dose was more effective. CoQ10 was more effective than other antioxidants. The study also determined the optimal treatment regimen of CoQ10. This study provides new ideas and methods for the treatment of women with ovarian aging.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This article mainly introduces the role of different forms of vitamin E in the vitamin E family in prostate cancer. Studies have shown that a modest dose of αT can reduce the PCa mortality rate in heavy smokers, while a high dose of αT is ineffective in preventing PCa in nonsmokers. In contrast, γT, δT, γTE, and δTE have shown preventive effects on early-stage PCa in animal studies, and existing evidence supports the therapeutic effects of γTE and its related combinations on advanced PCa. Different forms of vitamin E show different efficacies in inhibiting cancer hallmarks. Overall, the existing evidence suggests that a modest αT supplement may be beneficial to smokers, and γT, δT, γTE, and δTE are promising agents for PCa prevention.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the difference in the prevalence of cachexia in patients with cancer and its association with OS. The results showed that the prevalence of cachexia varied depending on the diagnostic criteria, and the HR for OS was higher when the prevalence of cachexia was lower. The study emphasizes the need to carefully consider the diagnostic criteria when assessing cachexia in patients with cancer.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This study evaluated the effect of time-restricted eating combined with exercise compared with control diet with exercise on body composition and metabolic health in adults. The results showed that TRE combined with exercise may be more effective in reducing body weight and fat mass and improving lipid profile, but had no additional benefit on glucose profile and other lipid profiles.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This study found that probiotics can reshape the taxonomy and function of the gut microbiota in preterm infants, making it shift in a beneficial direction, and this shift is independent of the type and dose of probiotics. The results of this study provide guidance for the nutritional feeding of preterm infants.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: The evolution of human dietary habits is closely related to the evolution of humans themselves. Key developments in human history have had a significant impact on human anatomical, physiological, social, cognitive, and behavioral changes. Advances in scientific methods have provided unprecedented insights into past diets, but the isolation of ancient food matrices remains analytically challenging. Future technological breakthroughs and the integration of multiple disciplines will help to gain a deeper understanding of early human diets, which is of great significance for contemporary dietary recommendations and health challenges.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This study examines lunches brought from home by children, finding them generally less nutritious and slightly cheaper than school lunches. Parents prefer LBFH due to concerns about school meal quality. Future research is needed to improve parents' perception of school lunches and increase participation in the school lunch program.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: Dietary diversity is important for health, but there are also risks. The methods for assessing dietary diversity are different, and its association with health outcomes is uncertain. Dietary diversity is a multi-dimensional concept, including the number, proportion, and nutritional differences of foods. Comprehensive assessment of dietary diversity can determine the optimal complementary level to improve health and diet quality. In high-income countries, nutrient-dense food groups should be prioritized, and within-food group diversity may also have an impact on health.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This article reviews the benefits of probiotics for healthy people, including the prevention of infections and the improvement of cardiovascular health. Although there is evidence to support the use of probiotics in some cases, the evidence for other preventive endpoints is insufficient. Therefore, the use of probiotics should be weighed and decided on a case-by-case basis.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This study aimed to synthesize Asian dietary patterns and quantify their association with cardiovascular diseases. Forty-one observational studies were included. The results showed that higher adherence to high-quality dietary patterns was associated with lower CVD risk, while plant-based, low-quality, animal-based, and diet diversity index dietary patterns were not. In addition, the association between Asian diet quality indices and CVD risk was weaker than that with non-Asian indices.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This research highlights the significance and current status of using AI technology to detect malnutrition. Through a systematic literature review, it provides detailed information on patient groups, screening tools, machine learning algorithms, data types, and variables, as well as the current limitations and implementation stages. The results indicate that over 90% of AI models are not utilized in daily clinical practice, with supervised learning models being the most popular. Additionally, disease-related malnutrition is the most common category of malnutrition identified in the analysis of all primary studies. This study serves as a resource for researchers, guiding them in identifying the direction of their research on the use of AI in malnutrition.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This article mainly focuses on the regulatory effects and mechanisms of dietary compounds on the synthesis of host defense peptides (HDPs) in the context of the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Various dietary compounds can enhance the synthesis of endogenous HDPs without triggering inflammatory responses or compromising barrier integrity, and different classes of compounds have synergistic effects in enhancing HDP synthesis and disease resistance. These compounds have shown strong protective effects in experimental infections, and the efficacy of these compounds in inducing HDP synthesis varies considerably among different compounds. The regulation of HDP genes is specific. These HDP-inducing compounds have great clinical potential in antimicrobial therapy.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)

Summary: This review explores the relationship between prenatal metabolism and the risk of autism spectrum disorder, focusing on metabolic changes in the maternal-placental-fetal unit and the impact of prenatal environmental exposures. By studying these associations, promising ways to prevent suboptimal neurodevelopment can be identified.

ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (2024)