Lactate, primarily produced by the gut microbiota, performs as a necessary “information transmission carrier” between the gut and the microbiota. To investigate the role of lactate in the gut epithelium cell–microbiota interactions as a metabolic signal, we performed a combinatory, global, and unbiased analysis of metabolomic and transcriptional profiling in human colon epithelial cells (Caco-2), using a lactate treatment at the physiological concentration (8 mM). The data demonstrated that most of the genes in oxidative phosphorylation were significantly downregulated in the Caco-2 cells due to lactate treatment. Consistently, the levels of fumarate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and creatine significantly decreased, and these are the metabolic markers of OXPHOS inhibition by mitochondria dysfunction. The one-carbon metabolism was affected and the polyol pathway was activated at the levels of gene expression and metabolic alternation. In addition, lactate significantly upregulated the expressions of genes related to self-protection against apoptosis. In conclusion, lactate participates in gut–gut microbiota communications by remodeling the metabolomic and transcriptional signatures, especially for the regulation of mitochondrial function. This work contributes comprehensive information to disclose the molecular mechanisms of lactate-mediated functions in human colon epithelial cells that can help us understand how the microbiota communicates with the intestines through the signaling molecule, lactate.

Hypertension (HTN) is associated with gut dysbiosis and the depletion of butyrate-producing bacteria in animal models and people. Furthermore, fecal material transfer from donor hypertensive patients increases blood pressure in normotensive recipient animals and ameliorates HTN-associated pathophysiology. These observations have implications in the impaired interactions between the gut and gut microbiota in HTN. Although this concept is supported in animal models, little is known about human HTN. Therefore, our objective for this study was to compare gene expression with transcriptomics and its potential to influence microbiota in subjects with normal and high blood pressure (HBP). Colon samples from reference subjects with normal blood pressure (REF) and HBP were used for RNA-seq to analyze their transcriptomes. We observed the significant downregulation of gene sets governing immune responses (e.g., SGK1 and OASL), gut epithelial function (e.g., KRT20 and SLC9A3R1), gut microbiota (e.g., PPARG and CIDEC) and genes associated with cardiovascular and gut diseases (e.g., PLAUR and NLN) in HBP subjects; the expression of genes within these pathways correlated with blood pressure. Potential drug targets in the gut epithelium were identified using the Drug Gene International Database for possible use in HTN. They include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPRG), active serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid isomerase type II inhibitor (HSD3B). Finally, butyrate, a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acid, restored the disrupted expression of certain functional genes in colonic organoids from HBP subjects. Patients with HBP exhibit a unique transcriptome that could underlie impaired gut–microbiota interactions. Targeting these interactions could provide a promising new therapeutic intervention for hypertension management.

Diosgenin, known as “medicinal gold”, is the main precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormone drugs. Currently, diosgenin is primarily produ

This review emphasizes the importance of investigating the gut itself—beyond microbiota—centered studies in the context of hypertension. Since the initial discovery of the connection between gut microbiota and blood pressure regulation, research has increasingly focused on understanding the role of gut microbiota and exploring strategies to modify it for better blood pressure management. The intestine as an organ has received comparatively less attention. Yet, hypertension-associated intestinal pathological changes are well documented in both rodent models and human patients. Research to restore the intestinal function may serve as a valuable but unexplored therapeutic target. This underscores the need for a summary of our understanding of the gut’s intrinsic physiological and pathological roles in hypertension. To address this, we structured our review to (1) revisit the physiological functions of the intestine; (2) describe the pathological changes that are associated with hypertension; (3) summarize available current studies targeting to restore intestinal function for blood pressure control; and (4) discuss knowledge gaps and future opportunities.

Esters are predominant fragrance components in various traditional fermented foods. Hongqu rice wine, a beverage gaining popularity among young consumers in China, largely owes its aromatic profile to esterases derived from Monascus species. However, research on esterification characteristics of Monascus strains remains limited, constraining efforts to improve the quality and flavor of Hongqu rice wine. To better understand their esterification characteristics of commercial Monascus strains from different regions of China and further develop a high-quality esterifying Monascus strain for the liquor industry, we identified five Monascus isolates from red koji samples used in rice wine fermentation. Their esterification activity was evaluated by preparing red koji through solid-state fermentation of wheat bran under conditions simulating industrial production. Among the isolates, M. purpureus M21 exhibited the highest reported esterification activity to date, reaching 88.5 ± 8.6 U. Through atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis breeding, the esterification activity of M. purpureus M21 was further enhanced by 41% to 124.8 U. In summary, this study not only figures out the properties of commercial esterifying Monascus from diverse regional sources but also significantly enhances the esterification performance of a potent esterifying Monascus strain without invoking GMO controversies. This high-performance esterifying Monascus strain presents a promising fermentation starter to enhance the flavor profile of Hongqu rice wine and diverse fermented beverages, thereby meeting evolving consumer preferences.