The yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 is a unique, non-bacterial microorganism classified as a probiotic agent. In this review article, at first, we briefly summarized the mechanisms responsible for its probiotic properties, e.g. adhesion to and elimination of enteropathogenic microorganisms and their toxins; extracellular cleavage of pathogens’ virulent factors; trophic and anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal mucosa. The efficacy of S. boulardii administration was tested in variety of human diseases. We discussed the results of S. boulardii CNCM I-745 use in the treatment or prevention of Helicobacter pylori infections, diarrhoea (Clostridium difficile infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, and traveller’s diarrhoea), inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, candidiasis, dyslipidemia, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth in patients with multiple sclerosis. In case of limited number of studies regarding this strain, we also presented studies demonstrating properties and efficacy of other strains of S. boulardii. Administration of S. boulardii CNCMI I-745 during antibiotic therapy has certain advantage over bacterial probiotics, because—due to its fungal natural properties—it is intrinsically resistant to the antibiotics and cannot promote the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Even though cases of fungemia following S. boulardii CNCM I-745 administration were reported, it should be treated as a widely available and safe probiotic strain.

Background Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), the most frequent cause of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, is an autoimmune disease with complex pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on T cells and summarize knowledge about their involvement in pathophysiology and treatment of IgAN Methods We reviewed the literature for (1) alterations of T cell subpopulations in IgAN, (2) experimental and clinical proofs for T cells’ participation in IgAN pathogenesis, (3) clinical correlations with T cell-associated alterations, and (4) influence of drugs used in IgAN therapy on T cell subpopulations. Results We found that IgAN is characterized by higher proportions of circulatory Th2, Tfh, Th17, Th22 and γδ T cells, but lower Th1 and Treg cells. We discuss genetic and epigenetic makeup that may contribute to this immunological phenotype. We found that Th2, Th17 and Tfh-type interleukins contribute to elevated synthesis of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) and that the production of anti-Gd-IgA1 autoantibodies may be stimulated by Tfh cells. We described the roles of Th2, Th17, Th22 and Treg cells in the renal injury and summarized correlations between T cell-associated alterations and clinical features of IgAN (proteinuria, reduced GFR, hematuria). We detailed the impact of immunosuppressive drugs on T cell subpopulations and found that the majority of drugs have nonoptimal influence on T cells in IgAN patients. Conclusions T cells play an important role in IgAN pathogenesis and are correlated with its clinical severity. Clinical trials with the drugs targeting the reported alterations of the T-cell compartment are highly desirable.

Background: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from humans with specific medical conditions to animal models can demonstrate causality by inducing or exacerbating pathophenotypes, linking the gut microbiota to health outcomes. Methods: We conducted a scoping review searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science through July 2024 to identify human noninfectious diseases studied using FMT in animal models, investigate FMT methodologies, and assess the feasibility of systematic reviews on the role of the microbiota in specific diseases. Results: From 605 reports of 489 studies, we found that inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, colorectal cancer, and depression were the most commonly studied, with cancer research focusing on immunotherapy non-responsiveness. In a random sample of studies, gastrointestinal outcomes were most frequently reported, with remarkably high rates (> 80%) of successful induction of disease-specific alterations for intestinal barrier function, gastrointestinal inflammation, circulating immune parameters, and fecal metabolites. Most studies used C57BL/6 mice and oral gavage administration, with recipients being either germ-free or antibiotic-pretreated. We created tables linking conditions with publications to facilitate future systematic reviews. Conclusions: Although human-to-animal FMT studies cover diverse conditions, methodological heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting hinder comparability. Standardized protocols and guidelines are needed. For several conditions, sufficient literature exists to assess the role of the gut microbiota in human health through systematic reviews.

Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder that in general population is associated with worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The epidemiology of constipation has not been reliably determined in conservatively-treated CKD patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of constipation and constipation-related symptoms in conservatively-treated CKD patients, to find factors associated with their altered prevalence ratio (PR), and to verify the associations between constipation and HRQoL.