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Prof. Hao Zhang
Jiangnan University, China

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0 Biotechnology
0 Lactobacillus
0 Bifidobacterium
0 gut and microbiome
0 Probiotic and prebiotic properties

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Lactobacillus
Bifidobacterium
gut and microbiome

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Journal article
Published: 11 August 2021 in Microorganisms
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Bifidobacterium longum is one of the most widely distributed and abundant Bifidobacterium in the human intestine, and has been proven to have a variety of physiological functions. In this study, 80 strains of B. longum isolated from human subjects were classified into subspecies by ANI and phylogenetic analyses, and the functional genes were compared. The results showed that there were significant differences in carbohydrate metabolism between the two subspecies, which determined their preference for human milk oligosaccharides or plant-derived carbohydrates. The predicted exopolysaccharide (EPS) gene clusters had large variability within species but without difference at the subspecies level. Four subtype CRISPR-Cas systems presented in B. longum, while the subtypes I-U and II-C only existed in B. longum subsp. longum. The bacteriocin operons in B. longum subsp. infantis were more widely distributed compared with B. longum subsp. longum. In conclusion, this study revealed the similarities and differences between B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum, which could provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the probiotic characteristics of B. longum.

ACS Style

Mingjie Li; Xingya Zhou; Catherine Stanton; R. Paul Ross; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Bo Yang; Wei Chen. Comparative Genomics Analyses Reveal the Differences between B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum in Carbohydrate Utilisation, CRISPR-Cas Systems and Bacteriocin Operons. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 1713 .

AMA Style

Mingjie Li, Xingya Zhou, Catherine Stanton, R. Paul Ross, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Bo Yang, Wei Chen. Comparative Genomics Analyses Reveal the Differences between B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum in Carbohydrate Utilisation, CRISPR-Cas Systems and Bacteriocin Operons. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (8):1713.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mingjie Li; Xingya Zhou; Catherine Stanton; R. Paul Ross; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Bo Yang; Wei Chen. 2021. "Comparative Genomics Analyses Reveal the Differences between B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. longum in Carbohydrate Utilisation, CRISPR-Cas Systems and Bacteriocin Operons." Microorganisms 9, no. 8: 1713.

Review
Published: 20 July 2021 in Foods
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Accumulating evidence from animal studies supports the potential role of probiotics and prebiotics in alleviating neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether dietary supplementation with probiotics improves cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is unclear. We searched literature databases for relevant randomized control trials and compared the outcomes between control/placebo and intervention groups. The results of the included studies were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model, with standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated as summary statistics. We also performed a risk-of-bias assessment, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis. Among the 294 articles identified, eight articles involving 174 patients with AD and 446 with MCI were included in the qualitative synthesis and seven studies were meta-analyzed. Our analysis detected high between-group heterogeneity (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI −0.02–0.88, p< 0.0001, I2 = 86.4%) in cognitive function across the included studies. Subgroup analyses identified a significant effect of probiotics on cognitive function only in the studies involving people with MCI (I2 = 44%, p = 0.15 for heterogeneity, p = 0.0002 for overall effect). Our findings suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotics improves cognitive function, especially in people with MCI.

ACS Style

Guangsu Zhu; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. Probiotics for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Foods 2021, 10, 1672 .

AMA Style

Guangsu Zhu, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Gang Wang. Probiotics for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Foods. 2021; 10 (7):1672.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Guangsu Zhu; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. 2021. "Probiotics for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Foods 10, no. 7: 1672.

Journal article
Published: 15 July 2021 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Bifidobacterium bifidum strains, an important component of probiotic foods, can form biofilms on abiotic surfaces, leading to increased self-resistance. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of B. bifidum biofilm formation. A time series transcriptome sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis of both B. bifidum biofilm and planktonic cells was performed to identify key genes and metabolites involved in biofilm formation. Two hundred thirty-five nonredundant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (including vanY, pstS, degP, groS, infC, groL, yajC, tadB and sigA) and 219 nonredundant differentially expressed metabolites (including L-threonine, L-cystine, L-tyrosine, ascorbic acid, niacinamide, butyric acid and sphinganine) were identified. Thirteen pathways were identified during the integration of both transcriptomics and metabolomics data, including ABC transporters; quorum sensing; two-component system; oxidative phosphorylation; cysteine and methionine metabolism; glutathione metabolism; glycine, serine and threonine metabolism; and valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis. The DEGs that relate to the integration pathways included asd, atpB, degP, folC, ilvE, metC, pheA, pstS, pyrE, serB, ulaE, yajC and zwf. The differentially accumulated metabolites included L-cystine, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tyrosine, methylmalonate, monodehydroascorbate, nicotinamide, orthophosphate, spermine and tocopherol. These results indicate that quorum sensing, two-component system and amino acid metabolism are essential during B. bifidum biofilm formation.

ACS Style

Zongmin Liu; Lingzhi Li; Zhifeng Fang; Yuankun Lee; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Haitao Li; Wenwei Lu. Integration of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals the Genes and Metabolites Involved in Bifidobacterium bifidum Biofilm Formation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 7596 .

AMA Style

Zongmin Liu, Lingzhi Li, Zhifeng Fang, Yuankun Lee, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Haitao Li, Wenwei Lu. Integration of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals the Genes and Metabolites Involved in Bifidobacterium bifidum Biofilm Formation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22 (14):7596.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zongmin Liu; Lingzhi Li; Zhifeng Fang; Yuankun Lee; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Haitao Li; Wenwei Lu. 2021. "Integration of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals the Genes and Metabolites Involved in Bifidobacterium bifidum Biofilm Formation." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 14: 7596.

Review article
Published: 08 July 2021 in Biotechnology Advances
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The oleaginous fungus Mortierella alpina has distinct advantages in long-chain PUFAs production, and it is the only source for dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) certificated by FDA and European Commission. This review provides an overall introduction to M. alpina, including its major research methods, key factors governing lipid biosynthesis, metabolic engineering and omics studies. Currently, the research interests in M. alpina focus on improving lipid yield and fatty acid desaturation degree by enhancing fatty acid precursors and the reducing power NADPH, and genetic manipulation on PUFAs synthetic pathways is carried to optimise fatty acid composition. Besides, multi-omics studies have been applied to elucidate the global regulatory mechanism of lipogenesis in M. alpina. However, research challenges towards achieving a lipid cell factory lie in strain breeding and cost control due to the coenocytic mycelium, long fermentation period and insufficient conversion rate from carbon to lipid. We also proposed future research goals based on a multilevel regulating strategy: obtaining ideal chassis by directional evolution and high-throughput screening; rewiring central carbon metabolism and inhibiting competitive pathways by multi-gene manipulation system to enhance carbon to lipid conversion rate; optimisation of protein function based on post-translational modification; application of dynamic fermentation strategies suitable for different fermentation phases. By reviewing the comprehensive research progress of this oleaginous fungus, we aim to further comprehend the fungal lipid metabolism and provide reference information and guidelines for the exploration of microbial oils from the perspectives of fundamental research to industrial application.

ACS Style

Lulu Chang; Hengqian Lu; Haiqin Chen; Xin Tang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Yong Q. Chen; Wei Chen. Lipid metabolism research in oleaginous fungus Mortierella alpina: Current progress and future prospects. Biotechnology Advances 2021, 107794 .

AMA Style

Lulu Chang, Hengqian Lu, Haiqin Chen, Xin Tang, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Yong Q. Chen, Wei Chen. Lipid metabolism research in oleaginous fungus Mortierella alpina: Current progress and future prospects. Biotechnology Advances. 2021; ():107794.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lulu Chang; Hengqian Lu; Haiqin Chen; Xin Tang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Yong Q. Chen; Wei Chen. 2021. "Lipid metabolism research in oleaginous fungus Mortierella alpina: Current progress and future prospects." Biotechnology Advances , no. : 107794.

Accepted manuscript
Published: 30 June 2021 in FEMS Microbiology Ecology
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Bacterial species in the human gut predominantly exist in the form of mixed-species biofilms on mucosal surfaces. In this study, the biofilm-forming ability of many human gut bacterial strains (133 strains recovered from human faeces) on mucin-coated and non-coated polystyrene surfaces was determined. A significant variation (P < 0.05) in the biofilm-forming ability of many bacterial species on both surfaces was noticed. Based on some preliminary trials, four bacterial species were selected (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, Parabacteroides distasonis, and Bacteroides ovatus), which could not form any abundant biofilm individually under the in vitro conditions investigated, but produced abundant biofilms when co-cultured in different combinations of two, three, and four species, giving an evidence of synergistic interactions in multispecies biofilm formation. There was a 4.74-fold increase in the biofilm mass when all strains developed a biofilm together. Strain-specific qPCR analysis showed that B. bifidum was the most dominant species (56%) in the four-species biofilm after 24 h, followed by B. longum subsp. infantis (36.2%). Study involving cell free supernatant of the cooperating strains showed that cell viability as well as physical presence of cooperating cells were prerequisites for the observed synergy in biofilms. The molecular mechanism behind these interactions and subsequent effects on the functionality of the strains involved were not determined in our study but merit further work.

ACS Style

Faizan Ahmed Sadiq; Lu Wenwei; Marc Heyndrickx; Steve Flint; Chen Wei; Zhao Jianxin; Hao Zhang. Synergistic interactions prevail in multispecies biofilms formed by the human gut microbiota on mucin. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Faizan Ahmed Sadiq, Lu Wenwei, Marc Heyndrickx, Steve Flint, Chen Wei, Zhao Jianxin, Hao Zhang. Synergistic interactions prevail in multispecies biofilms formed by the human gut microbiota on mucin. FEMS Microbiology Ecology. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Faizan Ahmed Sadiq; Lu Wenwei; Marc Heyndrickx; Steve Flint; Chen Wei; Zhao Jianxin; Hao Zhang. 2021. "Synergistic interactions prevail in multispecies biofilms formed by the human gut microbiota on mucin." FEMS Microbiology Ecology , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 11 June 2021 in Nutrients
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Psoriasis is an immune-mediated systemic disease that may be treated with probiotics. In this study, probiotic strains that could or could not decrease interleukin (IL)-17 levels were applied to imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mice via oral administration. Bifidobacteriumadolescentis CCFM667, B. breve CCFM1078, Lacticaseibacillusparacasei CCFM1074, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri CCFM1132 ameliorated psoriasis-like pathological characteristics and suppressed the release of IL-23/T helper cell 17 (Th17) axis-related inflammatory cytokines, whereas B. animalis CCFM1148, L. paracasei CCFM1147, and L. reuteri CCFM1040 neither alleviated the pathological characteristics nor reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines. All effective strains increased the contents of short-chain fatty acids, which were negatively correlated with the levels of inflammatory cytokines. By performing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the diversity of gut microbiota in psoriasis-like mice was found to decrease, but all effective strains made some specific changes to the composition of gut microbiota compared to the ineffective strains. Furthermore, except for B. breve CCFM1078, all other effective strains decreased the abundance of the family Rikenellaceae, which was positively correlated with psoriasis-like pathological characteristics and was negatively correlated with propionate levels. These findings demonstrated effects of strain-specificity, and how probiotics ameliorated psoriasis and provide new possibilities for the treatment of psoriasis.

ACS Style

Wenwei Lu; Yadan Deng; Zhifeng Fang; Qixiao Zhai; Shumao Cui; Jianxin Zhao; Wei Chen; Hao Zhang. Potential Role of Probiotics in Ameliorating Psoriasis by Modulating Gut Microbiota in Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Mice. Nutrients 2021, 13, 2010 .

AMA Style

Wenwei Lu, Yadan Deng, Zhifeng Fang, Qixiao Zhai, Shumao Cui, Jianxin Zhao, Wei Chen, Hao Zhang. Potential Role of Probiotics in Ameliorating Psoriasis by Modulating Gut Microbiota in Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Mice. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (6):2010.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wenwei Lu; Yadan Deng; Zhifeng Fang; Qixiao Zhai; Shumao Cui; Jianxin Zhao; Wei Chen; Hao Zhang. 2021. "Potential Role of Probiotics in Ameliorating Psoriasis by Modulating Gut Microbiota in Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Mice." Nutrients 13, no. 6: 2010.

Journal article
Published: 11 June 2021 in Foods
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Lactobacillus ruminis can stimulate the immune response in vitro, but previous studies were only carried out in vitro and the anti-inflammatory effects of L. ruminis needs more in vivo evidences. In this study, the immune regulation and potential mechanisms of L. ruminis was investigated in DSS-induced colitis mice. L. ruminis FXJWS27L3 and L. ruminis FXJSW17L1 relieved the symptoms of colitis, including inhibition of colon shortening and colon tissue damage. L. ruminis FXJWS27L3 significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17, while L. ruminis FXJSW17L1 significantly increased short chain fatty acids in mice feces. Moreover, L. ruminis FXJWS27L3 and L. ruminis FXJSW17L1 treatments significantly increased the gut microbiota diversity and balance the intestine microbiota profiles, which improved the imbalance of intestine microbiota composition to a certain extent. The results showed that L. ruminis can alleviate DSS-induced colitis, which possibly was related to promoting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, up-regulating SCFAs and restoring the imbalance of gut microbiota.

ACS Style

Bo Yang; Mingjie Li; Shuo Wang; R. Ross; Catherine Stanton; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen. Lactobacillus ruminis Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis by Inflammatory Cytokines and Gut Microbiota Modulation. Foods 2021, 10, 1349 .

AMA Style

Bo Yang, Mingjie Li, Shuo Wang, R. Ross, Catherine Stanton, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen. Lactobacillus ruminis Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis by Inflammatory Cytokines and Gut Microbiota Modulation. Foods. 2021; 10 (6):1349.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Bo Yang; Mingjie Li; Shuo Wang; R. Ross; Catherine Stanton; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen. 2021. "Lactobacillus ruminis Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis by Inflammatory Cytokines and Gut Microbiota Modulation." Foods 10, no. 6: 1349.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2021 in Food Bioscience
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The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has increased and a therapeutic strategy using probiotic intervention has been reported. The effects of different Bifidobacterium (B. breve, B. bifidum, B. animalis, B. infants, and B. adolescentis) on gut microbial changes were explored in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD, a T helper type 2-dominant allergic disease. Oral administration of Bifidobacterium suppressed skin thickening and mast cell infiltration, blocked pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, CCL11, IL-13, and CCL22), increased IL-10 and IFN-γ, and modulated the microbiome and ecology in the gut. Based on 16S rRNA results, DNFB treatment resulted in gut microbial dysbiosis, characterized by a decrease in the proportion of Firmicutes and an increase in Bacteroidetes. The core microbiome related to AD were also observed (Dorea, Prevotella, Sutterella, Odoribacter, and Pseudomonas). B. breve and B. bifidum treatments increased the relative abundance of Adlercreutzia, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Anaerostipes, and Anaerotruncus. The functional modules involved in fructose and mannose metabolism, propanoate metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis were upregulated, and these might be related to immune regulation and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production. Taken together, these results suggested that Bifidobacterium treatments affected gut microbial composition and structure, altered gut microbial ecosystem, and these alterations were closely associated with inflammation and SCFA production.

ACS Style

Zhifeng Fang; Lingzhi Li; Wenwei Lu; Jianxian Zhao; Hao Zhang; Yuan-Kun Lee; Wei Chen. Bifidobacterium affected the correlation between gut microbial composition, SCFA metabolism, and immunity in mice with DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis. Food Bioscience 2021, 41, 100648 .

AMA Style

Zhifeng Fang, Lingzhi Li, Wenwei Lu, Jianxian Zhao, Hao Zhang, Yuan-Kun Lee, Wei Chen. Bifidobacterium affected the correlation between gut microbial composition, SCFA metabolism, and immunity in mice with DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis. Food Bioscience. 2021; 41 ():100648.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhifeng Fang; Lingzhi Li; Wenwei Lu; Jianxian Zhao; Hao Zhang; Yuan-Kun Lee; Wei Chen. 2021. "Bifidobacterium affected the correlation between gut microbial composition, SCFA metabolism, and immunity in mice with DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis." Food Bioscience 41, no. : 100648.

Journal article
Published: 28 May 2021 in Microorganisms
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We adopted a bioinformatics-based technique to identify strain-specific markers, which were then used to quantify the abundances of three distinct B. longum sup. longum strains in fecal samples of humans and mice. A pangenome analysis of 205 B. longum sup. longum genomes revealed the accumulation of considerable strain-specific genes within this species; specifically, 28.7% of the total identified genes were strain-specific. We identified 32, 14, and 49 genes specific to B. longum sup. longum RG4-1, B. longum sup. longum M1-20-R01-3, and B. longum sup. longum FGSZY6M4, respectively. After performing an in silico validation of these strain-specific markers using a nucleotide BLAST against both the B. longum sup. longum genome database and an NR/NT database, RG4-1_01874 (1331 bp), M1-20-R01-3_00324 (1745 bp), and FGSZY6M4_01477 (1691 bp) were chosen as target genes for strain-specific quantification. The specificities of the qPCR primers were validated against 47 non-target microorganisms and fecal baseline microbiota to ensure that they produced no PCR amplification products. The performance of the qPCR primer-based analysis was further assessed using fecal samples. After oral administration, the target B. longum strains appeared to efficiently colonize both the human and mouse guts, with average population levels of >108 CFU/g feces. The bioinformatics pipeline proposed here can be applied to the quantification of various bacterial species.

ACS Style

Yue Xiao; Chen Wang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Qixiao Zhai. Quantitative Detection of Bifidobacterium longum Strains in Feces Using Strain-Specific Primers. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 1159 .

AMA Style

Yue Xiao, Chen Wang, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Qixiao Zhai. Quantitative Detection of Bifidobacterium longum Strains in Feces Using Strain-Specific Primers. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (6):1159.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yue Xiao; Chen Wang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Qixiao Zhai. 2021. "Quantitative Detection of Bifidobacterium longum Strains in Feces Using Strain-Specific Primers." Microorganisms 9, no. 6: 1159.

Journal article
Published: 25 May 2021 in Nutrients
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The decrease in ovarian hormone secretion that occurs during menopause results in an increase in body weight and adipose tissue mass. Probiotics and soy isoflavones (SIFs) could affect the gut microbiota and exert anti-obesity effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotics and a diet containing SIF (SIF diet) on ovariectomized mice with menopausal obesity, including the gut microbiome. The results demonstrate that Bifidobacterium longum 15M1 can reverse menopausal obesity, whilst the combination of Lactobacillus plantarum 30M5 and a SIF diet was more effective in alleviating menopausal lipid metabolism disorder than either components alone. Probiotics and SIFs play different anti-obesity roles in menopausal mice. Furthermore, 30M5 alters the metabolites of the gut microbiota that increase the circulating estrogen level, upregulates the expression of estrogen receptor α in abdominal adipose tissue and improves the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). A SIF diet can significantly alter the structure of the fecal bacterial community and enrich the pathways related to SCFAs production. Moreover, 30M5 and a SIF diet acted synergistically to effectively resolve abnormal serum lipid levels in ovariectomized mice, and these effects appear to be associated with regulation of the diversity and structure of the intestinal microbiota to enhance SCFAs production and promote estrogen circulation.

ACS Style

Qian Chen; Botao Wang; Shunhe Wang; Xin Qian; Xiu Li; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. Modulation of the Gut Microbiota Structure with Probiotics and Isoflavone Alleviates Metabolic Disorder in Ovariectomized Mice. Nutrients 2021, 13, 1793 .

AMA Style

Qian Chen, Botao Wang, Shunhe Wang, Xin Qian, Xiu Li, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Gang Wang. Modulation of the Gut Microbiota Structure with Probiotics and Isoflavone Alleviates Metabolic Disorder in Ovariectomized Mice. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (6):1793.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Qian Chen; Botao Wang; Shunhe Wang; Xin Qian; Xiu Li; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. 2021. "Modulation of the Gut Microbiota Structure with Probiotics and Isoflavone Alleviates Metabolic Disorder in Ovariectomized Mice." Nutrients 13, no. 6: 1793.

Journal article
Published: 11 May 2021 in Nutrients
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Psychobiotics are used to treat neurological disorders, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying their neuroprotective effects remain unclear. Herein, we report that the administration of bifidobacteria in an AD mouse model improved behavioral abnormalities and modulated gut dysbiosis. Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 and WX treatment significantly improved synaptic plasticity and increased the concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95). Furthermore, the microbiome and metabolomic profiles of mice indicate that specific bacterial taxa and their metabolites correlate with AD-associated behaviors, suggesting that the gut–brain axis contributes to the pathophysiology of AD. Overall, these findings reveal that B. breve CCFM1025 and WX have beneficial effects on cognition via the modulation of the gut microbiome, and thus represent a novel probiotic dietary intervention for delaying the progression of AD.

ACS Style

Guangsu Zhu; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. Administration of Bifidobacterium breve Improves the Brain Function of Aβ1-42-Treated Mice via the Modulation of the Gut Microbiome. Nutrients 2021, 13, 1602 .

AMA Style

Guangsu Zhu, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Gang Wang. Administration of Bifidobacterium breve Improves the Brain Function of Aβ1-42-Treated Mice via the Modulation of the Gut Microbiome. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (5):1602.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Guangsu Zhu; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. 2021. "Administration of Bifidobacterium breve Improves the Brain Function of Aβ1-42-Treated Mice via the Modulation of the Gut Microbiome." Nutrients 13, no. 5: 1602.

Journal article
Published: 23 April 2021 in Microorganisms
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In recent years, Blautia has attracted attention for its role in ameliorating host diseases. In particular, Blautia producta DSM 2950 has been considered a potential probiotic due to its ability to mitigate inflammation in poly(I:C) induced HT-29 cells. Thus, to promote the development of indigenous intestinal microorganisms with potential probiotic function, we conducted a comprehensive experimental analysis of DSM 2950 to determine its safety. This comprised a study of its potential virulence genes, antibiotic resistance genes, genomic islands, antibiotic resistance, and hemolytic activity and a 14-day test of its acute oral toxicity in mice. The results indicated no toxin-related virulence genes in the DSM 2950 genome. Most of the genomic islands in DSM 2950 were related to metabolism, rather than virulence expression. DSM 2950 was sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics but was tolerant of treatment with kanamycin, neomycin, clindamycin, or ciprofloxacin, probably because it possessed the corresponding antibiotic resistance genes. Oral acute toxicity tests indicated that the consumption of DSM 2950 does not cause toxic side effects in mice. Overall, the safety profile of DSM 2950 confirmed that it could be a candidate probiotic for use in food and pharmaceutical preparations.

ACS Style

Xuemei Liu; Weiling Guo; Shumao Cui; Xin Tang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Bingyong Mao; Wei Chen. A Comprehensive Assessment of the Safety of Blautia producta DSM 2950. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 908 .

AMA Style

Xuemei Liu, Weiling Guo, Shumao Cui, Xin Tang, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Bingyong Mao, Wei Chen. A Comprehensive Assessment of the Safety of Blautia producta DSM 2950. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (5):908.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xuemei Liu; Weiling Guo; Shumao Cui; Xin Tang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Bingyong Mao; Wei Chen. 2021. "A Comprehensive Assessment of the Safety of Blautia producta DSM 2950." Microorganisms 9, no. 5: 908.

Journal article
Published: 21 April 2021 in Microorganisms
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Bifidobacteria are among the first colonizers of the human gastrointestinal tract. Different bacterial species use different mechanisms for utilization of various carbon sources in order to establish themselves in the complex microbial ecosystem of the gut. However, these mechanisms still need to be explored. Here, a large gene–phenotype correlation analysis was carried out to explore the metabolic and genetic diversity of bifidobacterial carbohydrate utilization abilities. In this study, we used 21 different carbohydrates to determine the growth phenotypes, the distribution of glycoside hydrolases (GHs), and gene clusters related to the utilization of multiple carbon sources in six human-residential Bifidobacterium species. Five carbohydrates significantly stimulated growth of almost all strains, while the remaining sugars exhibited species- and strain-specificity. Correspondingly, different Bifidobacterium species also had specific GHs involved in fermentation of plant or host glycans. Moreover, we analyzed several carbohydrate utilization gene clusters, such as 2-fucosyllactose (2′FL), sialic acid (SA), and fructooligosaccharide (FOS). In summary, by using 217 bifidobacterial strains and a wide range of growth substrates, our research revealed inter- and intra-species differences in bifidobacterial in terms of carbohydrate utilization. The findings of this study are useful for the process of developing prebiotics for optimum growth of probiotics, especially Bifidobacterium species.

ACS Style

Shijie Liu; Zhifeng Fang; Hongchao Wang; Qixiao Zhai; Feng Hang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wenwei Lu; Wei Chen. Gene–Phenotype Associations Involving Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) Reveal Significant Species- and Strain-Specificity in Carbohydrate Catabolism. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 883 .

AMA Style

Shijie Liu, Zhifeng Fang, Hongchao Wang, Qixiao Zhai, Feng Hang, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wenwei Lu, Wei Chen. Gene–Phenotype Associations Involving Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) Reveal Significant Species- and Strain-Specificity in Carbohydrate Catabolism. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (5):883.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Shijie Liu; Zhifeng Fang; Hongchao Wang; Qixiao Zhai; Feng Hang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wenwei Lu; Wei Chen. 2021. "Gene–Phenotype Associations Involving Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB) Reveal Significant Species- and Strain-Specificity in Carbohydrate Catabolism." Microorganisms 9, no. 5: 883.

Journal article
Published: 20 April 2021 in Foods
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Influenza A virus induces severe respiratory tract infection and results in a serious global health problem. Influenza infection disturbs the cross-talk connection between lung and gut. Probiotic treatment can inhibit influenza virus infection; however, the mechanism remains to be explored. The mice received Lactobacillus mucosae 1025, Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1026, and their mixture MIX for 19 days. Effects of probiotics on clinical symptoms, immune responses, and gut microbial alteration were evaluated. L. mucosae 1025 and MIX significantly reduced the loss of body weight, pathological symptoms, and viral loading. B. breve CCFM1026 significantly reduced the proportion of neutrophils and increased lymphocytes, the expressions of TLR7, MyD88, TRAF6, and TNF-α to restore the immune disorders. MIX increased the antiviral protein MxA expression, the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Mucispirillum, Adlercreutzia, Bifidobacterium, and further regulated SCFA metabolism resulting in an enhancement of butyrate. The correlation analysis revealed that the butyrate was positively related to MxA expression (p < 0.001) but was negatively related to viral loading (p < 0.05). The results implied the possible antiviral mechanisms that MIX decreased viral loading and increased the antiviral protein MxA expression, which was closely associated with the increased butyrate production resulting from gut microbial alteration.

ACS Style

Wenwei Lu; Zhifeng Fang; Xinyang Liu; Lingzhi Li; Pinghu Zhang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen. The Potential Role of Probiotics in Protection against Influenza a Virus Infection in Mice. Foods 2021, 10, 902 .

AMA Style

Wenwei Lu, Zhifeng Fang, Xinyang Liu, Lingzhi Li, Pinghu Zhang, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen. The Potential Role of Probiotics in Protection against Influenza a Virus Infection in Mice. Foods. 2021; 10 (4):902.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wenwei Lu; Zhifeng Fang; Xinyang Liu; Lingzhi Li; Pinghu Zhang; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen. 2021. "The Potential Role of Probiotics in Protection against Influenza a Virus Infection in Mice." Foods 10, no. 4: 902.

Journal article
Published: 25 March 2021 in Annual Review of Food Science and Technology
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Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. are best understood for their applications as probiotics, which are often transient, but as commensals it is probable that stable colonization in the gut is important for their beneficial roles. Recent research suggests that the establishment and persistence of strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut are species- and strain-specific and affected by natural history, genomic adaptability, and metabolic interactions of the bacteria and the microbiome and immune aspects of the host but also regulated by diet. This provides new perspectives on the underlying molecular mechanisms. With an emphasis on host–microbe interaction, this review outlines how the characteristics of individual Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria, the host genotype and microbiome structure,diet, and host–microbe coadaptation during bacterial gut transition determine and influence the colonization process. The diet-tuned and personally tailored colonization can be achieved via a machine learning prediction model proposed here.

ACS Style

Yue Xiao; Qixiao Zhai; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Colin Hill. Gut Colonization Mechanisms of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium: An Argument for Personalized Designs. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology 2021, 12, 213 -233.

AMA Style

Yue Xiao, Qixiao Zhai, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Colin Hill. Gut Colonization Mechanisms of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium: An Argument for Personalized Designs. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology. 2021; 12 (1):213-233.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yue Xiao; Qixiao Zhai; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Colin Hill. 2021. "Gut Colonization Mechanisms of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium: An Argument for Personalized Designs." Annual Review of Food Science and Technology 12, no. 1: 213-233.

Journal article
Published: 21 March 2021 in Nutrients
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The incidence of obesity, which is closely associated with the gut microbiota and chronic inflammation, has rapidly increased in the past 40 years. Therefore, the probiotic-based modification of the intestinal microbiota composition has been developed as a strategy for the treatment of obesity. In this study, we selected four Bifidobacterium adolescentis strains isolated from the feces of newborn and elderly humans to investigate whether supplementation with B. adolescentis of various origins could alleviate obesity in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% energy as fat) received one of the following 14-week interventions: (i) B. adolescentis N4_N3, (ii) B. adolescentis Z25, (iii) B. adolescentis 17_3, (iv) B. adolescentis 2016_7_2, and (v) phosphate-buffered saline. The metabolic parameters, thermogenesis, and immunity of all treated mice were measured. Cecal and colonic microbial profiles were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Intestinal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The B. adolescentis strains isolated from the feces of elderly humans (B. adolescentis Z25, 17_3, and 2016_7_2) decreased the body weight or weight gain of mice, whilst the strain isolated from the newborn (B. adolescentis N4_N3) increased the body weight of mice. The B. adolescentis strains isolated from the elderly also increased serum leptin concentrations and induced the expression of thermogenesis- and lipid metabolism-related genes in brown adipose tissue. All the B. adolescentis strains alleviated inflammations in the spleen and brain and modified the cecal and colonic microbiota. Particularly, all strains reversed the HFD-induced depletion of Bifidobacterium and reduced the development of beta-lactam resistance. In addition, the B. adolescentis strains isolated from the elderly increased the relative abundances of potentially beneficial genera, such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Faecalibaculum. We speculate that such increased abundance of commensal bacteria may have mediated the alleviation of obesity, as B. adolescentis supplementation decreased the intestinal production of SCFAs, thereby reducing energy delivery to the host mice. Our results revealed that certain strains of B. adolescentis can alleviate obesity and modify the gut microbiota of mice. The tested strains of B. adolescentis showed different effects on lipid metabolism and immunity regulation, with these effects related to whether they had been isolated from the feces of newborn or elderly humans. This indicates that B. adolescentis from different sources may have disparate effects on host health possibly due to the transmission of origin-specific functions to the host.

ACS Style

Botao Wang; Qingmin Kong; Shumao Cui; Xiu Li; Zhennan Gu; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. Bifidobacterium adolescentis Isolated from Different Hosts Modifies the Intestinal Microbiota and Displays Differential Metabolic and Immunomodulatory Properties in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet. Nutrients 2021, 13, 1017 .

AMA Style

Botao Wang, Qingmin Kong, Shumao Cui, Xiu Li, Zhennan Gu, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Gang Wang. Bifidobacterium adolescentis Isolated from Different Hosts Modifies the Intestinal Microbiota and Displays Differential Metabolic and Immunomodulatory Properties in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (3):1017.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Botao Wang; Qingmin Kong; Shumao Cui; Xiu Li; Zhennan Gu; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. 2021. "Bifidobacterium adolescentis Isolated from Different Hosts Modifies the Intestinal Microbiota and Displays Differential Metabolic and Immunomodulatory Properties in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet." Nutrients 13, no. 3: 1017.

Review article
Published: 02 March 2021 in Critical Reviews in Microbiology
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Existence of most bacterial species, in natural, industrial, and clinical settings in the form of surface-adhered communities or biofilms has been well acknowledged for decades. Research predominantly focusses on single-species biofilms as these are relatively easy to study. However, microbiologists are now interested in studying multispecies biofilms and revealing interspecific interactions in these communities because of the existence of a plethora of different bacterial species together in almost all natural settings. Multispecies biofilms-led emergent properties are triggered by bacterial social interactions which have huge implication for research and practical knowledge useful for the control and manipulation of these microbial communities. Here, we discuss some important bacterial interactions that take place in multispecies biofilm communities and provide insights into community-wide changes that indicate bacterial interactions and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

ACS Style

Faizan Ahmed Sadiq; Mette Burmølle; Marc Heyndrickx; Steve Flint; Wenwei Lu; Wei Chen; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang. Community-wide changes reflecting bacterial interspecific interactions in multispecies biofilms. Critical Reviews in Microbiology 2021, 47, 338 -358.

AMA Style

Faizan Ahmed Sadiq, Mette Burmølle, Marc Heyndrickx, Steve Flint, Wenwei Lu, Wei Chen, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang. Community-wide changes reflecting bacterial interspecific interactions in multispecies biofilms. Critical Reviews in Microbiology. 2021; 47 (3):338-358.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Faizan Ahmed Sadiq; Mette Burmølle; Marc Heyndrickx; Steve Flint; Wenwei Lu; Wei Chen; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang. 2021. "Community-wide changes reflecting bacterial interspecific interactions in multispecies biofilms." Critical Reviews in Microbiology 47, no. 3: 338-358.

Journal article
Published: 22 February 2021 in Microorganisms
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Vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in cardiovascular diseases and the antioxidative effects of probiotics have been widely reported. To screen the probiotic strains that may prevent cardiovascular diseases, we tested the antioxidative effects of supernatants of different Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains on A7R5 cells. Preincubation with supernatants of B. longum CCFM752, L. plantarum CCFM1149, or L. plantarum CCFM10 significantly suppressed the angiotensin II-induced increases in ROS levels and increased catalase (CAT) activity in A7R5, whereas CCFM752 inhibited NADPH oxidase activation and CCFM1149 enhanced the intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity simultaneously. Treatment with CCFM752, CCFM1149, or CCFM10 supernatants had no significant impact on transcriptional levels of Cat, Sod1, Sod2, Nox1, p22phox, or p47phox, but altered the overall transcriptomic profile and the expression of genes relevant to protein biosynthesis, and up-regulated the 60S ribosomal protein L7a (Rpl7a). A positive correlation between Rpl7a expression and intracellular CAT activity implied that Rpl7a may participate in CAT synthesis in A7R5. Supernatant of CCFM752 could also down-regulate the expression of NADPH oxidase activator 1 (Noxa1) and angiotensinogen in A7R5. Collectively, the probiotic strains CCFM752, CCFM1149, and CCFM10 exhibited antioxidative attributes on A7R5 cells and might help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

ACS Style

Yusheng Wang; Zhifeng Fang; Qixiao Zhai; Shumao Cui; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Wenwei Lu. Supernatants of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillusplantarum Strains Exhibited Antioxidative Effects on A7R5 Cells. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 452 .

AMA Style

Yusheng Wang, Zhifeng Fang, Qixiao Zhai, Shumao Cui, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Wenwei Lu. Supernatants of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillusplantarum Strains Exhibited Antioxidative Effects on A7R5 Cells. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (2):452.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yusheng Wang; Zhifeng Fang; Qixiao Zhai; Shumao Cui; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Wenwei Lu. 2021. "Supernatants of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillusplantarum Strains Exhibited Antioxidative Effects on A7R5 Cells." Microorganisms 9, no. 2: 452.

Paper
Published: 18 February 2021 in Food & Function
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The present study aimed to assess the ability of three Lactobacillus strains (L. helveticus CCFM1076, L. acidophilus La28, and L. acidophilus JCM 1132) to alleviate autistic-like behavioral symptoms in VPA-treated rats from weaning to sexual maturation.

ACS Style

Qingmin Kong; Botao Wang; Peijun Tian; Xiu Li; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. Daily intake of Lactobacillus alleviates autistic-like behaviors by ameliorating the 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolic disorder in VPA-treated rats during weaning and sexual maturation. Food & Function 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Qingmin Kong, Botao Wang, Peijun Tian, Xiu Li, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Gang Wang. Daily intake of Lactobacillus alleviates autistic-like behaviors by ameliorating the 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolic disorder in VPA-treated rats during weaning and sexual maturation. Food & Function. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Qingmin Kong; Botao Wang; Peijun Tian; Xiu Li; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Gang Wang. 2021. "Daily intake of Lactobacillus alleviates autistic-like behaviors by ameliorating the 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolic disorder in VPA-treated rats during weaning and sexual maturation." Food & Function , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 14 February 2021 in Microorganisms
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Biofilm formation has evolved as an adaptive strategy for bacteria to cope with harsh environmental conditions. Currently, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation in bifidobacteria. A time series transcriptome sequencing analysis of both biofilm and planktonic cells of Bifidobacterium longum FGSZY16M3 was performed to identify candidate genes involved in biofilm formation. Protein–protein interaction network analysis of 1296 differentially expressed genes during biofilm formation yielded 15 clusters of highly interconnected nodes, indicating that genes related to the SOS response (dnaK, groS, guaB, ruvA, recA, radA, recN, recF, pstA, and sufD) associated with the early stage of biofilm formation. Genes involved in extracellular polymeric substances were upregulated (epsH, epsK, efp, frr, pheT, rfbA, rfbJ, rfbP, rpmF, secY and yidC) in the stage of biofilm maturation. To further investigate the genes related to biofilm formation, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed with 2032 transcript genes, leading to the identification of nine WGCNA modules and 133 genes associated with response to stress, regulation of gene expression, quorum sensing, and two-component system. These results indicate that biofilm formation in B. longum is a multifactorial process, involving stress response, structural development, and regulatory processes.

ACS Style

Zongmin Liu; Lingzhi Li; Qianwen Wang; Faizan Sadiq; Yuankun Lee; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Haitao Li; Wenwei Lu. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Genes Involved in Bifidobacterium Longum FGSZY16M3 Biofilm Formation. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 385 .

AMA Style

Zongmin Liu, Lingzhi Li, Qianwen Wang, Faizan Sadiq, Yuankun Lee, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Haitao Li, Wenwei Lu. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Genes Involved in Bifidobacterium Longum FGSZY16M3 Biofilm Formation. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (2):385.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zongmin Liu; Lingzhi Li; Qianwen Wang; Faizan Sadiq; Yuankun Lee; Jianxin Zhao; Hao Zhang; Wei Chen; Haitao Li; Wenwei Lu. 2021. "Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Genes Involved in Bifidobacterium Longum FGSZY16M3 Biofilm Formation." Microorganisms 9, no. 2: 385.