Alteration in the composition of the gut microbiota can lead to a number of chronic clinical diseases. Akkermansia muciniphila is an anaerobic bacteria constituting 3–5% of the gut microbial community in healthy adults. This bacterium is responsible for degenerating mucin in the gut; its scarcity leads to diverse clinical disorders. In this review, we focus on the role of A. muciniphila in diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis, as well as the use of this bacterium as a next-generation probiotic. In regard to obesity and diabetes, human and animal trials have shown that A. muciniphila controls the essential regulatory system of glucose and energy metabolism. However, the underlying mechanisms by which A. muciniphila alleviates the complications of obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis are unclear. At the same time, its abundance suggests improved metabolic disorders, such as metabolic endotoxemia, adiposity insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. The role of A. muciniphila is implicated in declining aortic lesions and atherosclerosis. Well-characterized virulence factors, antigens and cell wall extracts of A. muciniphila may act as effector molecules in these diseases. These molecules may provide novel mechanisms and strategies by which this bacterium could be used as a probiotic for the treatment of obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Unsuccessful axonal regeneration in transected spinal cord injury (SCI) is mainly attributed to shortage of growth factors, inhibitory glial scar, and low intrinsic regenerating capacity of severely injured neurons. Previously, we constructed an axonal growth permissive pathway in a thoracic hemisected injury by transplantation of Schwann cells overexpressing glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor (SCs-GDNF) into the lesion gap as well as the caudal cord and proved that this novel permissive bridge promoted the regeneration of descending propriospinal tract (dPST) axons across and beyond the lesion. In the current study, we subjected rats to complete thoracic (T11) spinal cord transections and examined whether these combinatorial treatments can support dPST axons’ regeneration beyond the transected injury. The results indicated that GDNF significantly improved graft–host interface by promoting integration between SCs and astrocytes, especially the migration of reactive astrocyte into SCs-GDNF territory. The glial response in the caudal graft area has been significantly attenuated. The astrocytes inside the grafted area were morphologically characterized by elongated and slim process and bipolar orientation accompanied by dramatically reduced expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein. Tremendous dPST axons have been found to regenerate across the lesion and back to the caudal spinal cord which were otherwise difficult to see in control groups. The caudal synaptic connections were formed, and regenerated axons were remyelinated. The hindlimb locomotor function has been improved.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common among hospitalized stroke patients, leading to increased hospital stays and patient discomfort. While it’s known that post-stroke infections generally worsen outcomes, specific factors contributing to UTIs after stroke remain unclear. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of post-stroke UTI (PSUTI) in patients admitted to the Hospitals from September 2020 to June 2021. The study included patients with a suspected diagnosis of stroke at the time of initial visit by a specialist. The final diagnosis was approved by an experienced neurologist and radiologist according to their brain CT scan. Data was collected from patients’ files, including demographics, comorbidities, drug history, smoking history, admission unit, clinical manifestations, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, type of stroke, etiology, laboratory findings, admission unit, in-hospital stay duration, therapies, use of NG tubes, urinary catheters, CV lines, brain drain, intratracheal tube, chest tube, dialysis catheter, and their durations. Results: A study involving 612 patients found that PSUTI-positive patients had worse conditions at admission, with ischemic stroke being more common. They had longer stays in the ward or ICU, and were more likely to have a death outcome. The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus spp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In-hospital complications were more prevalent in PSUTI-positive patients, except for hydrocephalus and pulmonary embolism. Positive history of diabetes, falling symptoms, urinary catheter, and intubation were independent risk factors for post-stroke UTI. Conclusion: The study highlights the impact of urinary tract infections (UTIs) on stroke outcomes, revealing severe clinical profiles, comorbidities, longer hospital stays, and increased invasive interventions. Key risk factors like diabetes and urinary catheter use highlight the need for vigilant monitoring and tailored management strategies.