Introduction. The oral microbiota is the second most complex microbial community in the human body. It has been suggested that poor oral health may be associated with an increased risk of obesity. Hypothesis/Gap Statement. However, both previous observational and mechanistic studies on oral microbiota do not take into account the obesity-related acanthosis nigricans (AN), which is the most common dermatological manifestation in individuals with obesity. Aim. This study aimed to investigate the altered composition, function and diagnostic value of the oral microbiota in obesity with or without acanthosis nigricans (AN). Methodology. We characterized the oral bacteria signature in a Chinese cohort (ChiCTR2300073353) of 99 patients with obesity and obesity-related AN (Ob_AN) and 50 healthy controls using 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 region sequencing. Results. The microbial richness (abundance-based coverage estimators and observed species indices) was significantly greater in the Ob_AN and obesity groups than in the control group; however, microbial diversity (Shannon index) did not differ significantly. Distinct separation in the microbial community amongst the three groups was observed. Prevotella species, including Prevotella melaninogenica, Prevotella nanceiensis and Prevotella pallens, were associated with composition alterations and predicted functions (significant downregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporters) associated with microbial dysbiosis in the obesity and Ob_AN groups. Moreover, Prevotella and Lautropia genera assessments could indicate obesity and obesity-related AN risk. Conclusions. The notable reduction of plenty of oral microbiota and high levels of Prevotella spp. may play a critical role in obesity with AN. Oral microbiota may serve as biomarkers for diagnosing, preventing and even treating obesity-related AN.

Background: Recent research has increasingly focused on plant-derived products as potential alternatives to chemotherapeutic agents, aiming to reduce side effects. Among these, plant-derived nanovesicles (NVs) have garnered significant attention for their potential in treating colitis. Methods: In this study, we extracted NVs from the leaves (LNVs) and stems (SNVs) of Taxus, a well-known natural anti-cancer plant. The targeting ability of these NVs was evaluated in the mouse colon using an IVIS imaging system. Additionally, we assessed the therapeutic effects of these plant-derived NVs on ulcerative colitis in a mouse model. Results: Our findings reveal that the NVs exhibit an ideal vesicle size of 150.0 nm and contain a rich array of lipids, functional proteins, and bioactive small molecules. In vitro anti-inflammatory experiments demonstrated that both LNVs and SNVs enhanced cell viability and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, neither LNVs nor SNVs induced significant cytotoxicity. In vivo, oral administration of LNVs and SNVs ameliorated colitis-related symptoms in mice and accelerated colitis resolution by suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, 16S rDNA sequencing data suggested that LNVs play a crucial role in regulating gut microbiota. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings suggest that plant-derived NVs from Taxus represent a promising novel natural nanomedicine for use as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of colonic diseases.

Obesity has emerged as a global health crisis. Increasing evidence suggests that imbalances in gut and oral microbiota are linked to obesity, with specific

Salecan-based hydrogel (thereafter called Sal-hydrogel) dressings and gut microbiota have been associated with enhanced wound healing. However, the relationship between these two factors remains unclear. This study investigated the dynamic characteristics of the intestinal microbiota in relation to the Sal-hydrogel dressings and their role in promoting wound healing. Fecal samples were collected at day 0, 3, 7, and 12 after wounds were inflicted on 48 mice, which were treated with either Sal-hydrogel, Staphylococcus aureus, or a combination of S. aureus and Sal-hydrogel, using a full-thickness skin perforation wound model. The samples were subjected to 16S rRNA V3-V4 gene sequencing. The results indicated a general trend for Shannon diversity of the intestinal microbiota to increase by day 3 following injury. On the final day, the diversity in both the hydrogel group and the S. aureus plus hydrogel group was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the bacterial community structure in the mouse gut exhibited substantial changes when comparing the hydrogel-treated groups to the controls (hydrogel group: p = 0.027; S. aureus plus hydrogel group: p = 0.039). The genus uncultured_Oscillospiraceae, which was significantly associated with wound closure (R-squared = 0.2154, p = 6.657e-05), was found to be dominant in the gut of the hydrogel group during the wound healing process. Overall, our findings suggest that significant and rapid alterations in gut microbiota occur in response to skin injury and wound infection. The enhanced wound healing properties of the Sal-hydrogel dressing are associated with increased intestinal microbiota diversity and the presence of the bacterium uncultured_Oscillospiraceae.