@article {pmid42628725,
year = {2026},
author = {Niazi, SA and Zhang, Y},
title = {Apical Periodontitis: A Hidden Non-Communicable Disease in Global Health - a Narrative Review of Longitudinal Research.},
journal = {Journal of endodontics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.joen.2026.08.028},
pmid = {42628725},
issn = {1878-3554},
abstract = {Apical periodontitis (AP) is a highly prevalent oral disease increasingly recognized as a hidden non-communicable disease (NCD) with systemic consequences. This narrative review integrates the findings from longitudinal studies on a well-characterized AP cohort to elucidate the link between AP systemic conditions. Evidence highlights AP as a reservoir for low-grade bacteremia and systemic inflammatory burden. Elevated baseline levels of inflammatory markers including fibroblast growth factor-23, interleukin-1β, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and asymmetric dimethylarginine were observed in AP patients, correlating with lesion size and microbial profiles in both root canal and blood microbiomes. AP is also associated with altered metabolic syndrome indicators - such as hemoglobin A1C, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and shifts in serum metabolomic profiles involving glucose, lipid, branched-chain amino acid, and tryptophan metabolism. Importantly, successful endodontic treatment can lead to significant reductions in inflammatory biomarkers, improved metabolic syndrome (MetS) indicators, and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. Collectively, these findings position AP as an important NCD which impacts beyond the oral cavity via linking to systemic conditions and related cardiometabolic risks, highlighting the importance of its timely diagnosis and successful management.},
}

@article {pmid42628727,
year = {2026},
author = {Fouad, AF},
title = {Comprehensive Microbiome Analyses for Regenerative Endodontic Therapy.},
journal = {Journal of endodontics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.joen.2026.08.016},
pmid = {42628727},
issn = {1878-3554},
abstract = {Comprehensive microbiome analyses include the study of all microbial taxa, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, as well as their functional activities and antibiotic resistance gene expression. Regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) presents a clinical situation where the most effective antimicrobial approaches are needed in order to ensure clinical success. In this paper, different contemporary technologies for the identification of endodontic microorganisms, such as with next generation sequencing (NGS), and their functional characterization, such as with whole genome sequencing (WGS), are described. The role of transcriptomics, as well as resistome analysis, are also discussed. Furthermore, the manner in which all this work and knowledge could be incorporated into clinical endodontics in general, and RET as a special treatment, is outlined.},
}

@article {pmid42628828,
year = {2026},
author = {Hela, A and Donthineni, PR and Singh, S and Basu, S and Arunasri, K},
title = {Tear film Microbiota in Meibomian gland dysfunction: Compositional changes and their correlation with meibum lipids and tear film parameters.},
journal = {Experimental eye research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {111212},
doi = {10.1016/j.exer.2026.111212},
pmid = {42628828},
issn = {1096-0007},
abstract = {Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease. The multifactorial pathogenesis of MGD remains poorly understood, with limited understanding of the interplay between the microbiome and meibum lipid composition. This study investigates the ocular microbiota and lipid profiles in patients with MGD (n = 20, diagnosed according to DEWSIII criteria) and in Healthy Controls (HC, n = 24). Bacterial isolates from the tear film wash, cultured on blood agar, were assessed for their ability to form biofilms. Meibum collected from the upper and lower eyelids of the same patients was profiled for lipidomics (LC-MS/MS). Bacteria were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and BLAST search analysis. MGD samples showed an increased abundance of Gram-negative bacteria and a significant reduction in the Genus Bacillus. Biofilm-forming capacity was markedly higher in MGD isolates. MGD meibum revealed increased levels of phospholipids and cholesteryl esters. Lipid pathway enrichment analysis (LIPEA) of the differentially abundant lipids linked them to glycerophospholipid metabolism, ferroptosis, autophagy, inflammation, and apoptosis. Spearman correlation analysis between MGD and HC revealed positive correlations between the abundance of biofilm formers and the percentage of polar lipids, total bacterial counts and reduced lipid layer thickness, suggesting their potential interactions in MGD. The results of the study indicate that MGD is characterized by an altered ocular surface microbial composition, increased biofilm-forming capability, and disrupted lipid composition.},
}

@article {pmid42628955,
year = {2026},
author = {Mai, HT and Nguyen, CC and Nguyen, TTB and Vo, HTN and Pham, TT and Nguyen, NT and Nguyen, NT and Doan, HL and Vu, HT and Nguyen, MD and Nguyen, NTB and Ta, HTK and Nguyen, AH and Pham, TD and Tran, VC and Nguyen, ATV},
title = {Clinical, microbiological, and immune marker improvement with adjunctive vaginal-spray spore-forming probiotics in women with vaginal infections.},
journal = {Beneficial microbes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-21},
doi = {10.1163/18762891-bja00131},
pmid = {42628955},
issn = {1876-2891},
abstract = {Symptomatic vaginal and cervicovaginal conditions include bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and other sexually transmitted infection (STI)-related conditions with overlapping clinical features. Adjunctive probiotic therapies are increasingly explored to complement standard antimicrobial treatment. This randomised, double-blind, controlled trial examined clinical, microbiological, and immune marker patterns associated with the adjunctive use of vaginal-spray spore-forming probiotics (LiveSpo X-Secret; Bacillus subtilis ANA46, Bacillus clausii ANA39, Heyndrickxia coagulans ANA40; 1 × 109 cfu/ml) in women with BV, VVC, and STI-related co-infections. A total of 120 symptomatic women were randomised (1:1; n = 60 per group) to receive either physiological saline spray (Control) or probiotic spray (LiveSpo X-Secret) for 28 days, in addition to standard treatment. Outcomes included clinical signs and symptoms, pathogen positivity and relative load (real-time PCR), vaginal microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing), and IL-1β, IL-8, and secretory IgA (ELISA) at days 7 and 28 versus baseline. No adverse events were reported. Symptom improvement was observed from day 7. By day 28, the X-Secret group showed a substantial reduction in the proportion of patients with ≥3 symptoms/signs (from 68.18% to 4.55%; OR = 6.42, P = 0.0147). Multi-pathogen positivity decreased from 50 to 11.36%. Gardnerella vaginalis relative load decreased 275-fold more in the X-Secret group than in the Control group, calculated based on 2ΔCt (P = 0.0185). Stratified subsample microbiome analysis indicated increased lactobacilli dominance and reduced dysbiosis-associated genera (Prevotella, Gardnerella). IL-1β and IL-8 levels decreased by 62.98% (P < 0.0001) and 42.95% (P = 0.0002), respectively, while sIgA increased by 65.67% (P < 0.0001). In summary, this two-arm randomised study describes clinical, microbiological, and immune marker patterns associated with adjunctive vaginal-spray Bacillus spore probiotic versus saline spray, both in combination with standard treatment. While causal inferences cannot be drawn, these findings highlight the need for further aetiology-specific and longer-term studies. The trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06165354).},
}

@article {pmid42629014,
year = {2026},
author = {Nissen, L and Casciano, F and Di Nunzio, M and Bordoni, A and Gianotti, A},
title = {Simulation of insect enriched bread consequences on gut microbiota.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {242},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {119750},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119750},
pmid = {42629014},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bread/microbiology/analysis ; Fermentation ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Humans ; *Gryllidae ; *Food, Fortified ; Bacteria/classification/metabolism ; Colon/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Insect powders are newly regulated in Europe and can be used to fortify protein-enriched bakery products. Because protein sources influence gut microbial balance, assessing their impact on the human microbiome is essential. This study investigated how cricket (Acheta domesticus) powder affects colon microbiota and whether sourdough fermentation improves protein-enriched breads. Using an in vitro gut model combining Infogest® digestion with MICODE© colon microbiota fermentation, four bread prototypes were examined. Metabolomic and microbiomic analyses showed that sourdough breads with insect powder increased some beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacteriaceae), contained opportunists (Clostiridium group I), reduced sulfurate producers (Desulfovibrio spp.), and enhanced production of acetate and butyrate. However, they also reduced certain beneficial taxa (Verrucomicrobiaceae) and increased the level of Enterobacteriaceae. Acetate, butyrate, and hexanoate correlated positively with lactic acid bacteria, as both increased after colon microbiota fermentation of insect sourdough bread Although further studies are needed, sourdough processing appears the most promising approach for producing cricket-enriched protein breads. These findings highlight both benefits and risks of insect-based protein fortification, showing modulation of different core groups of the colon microbiota.},
}

Animals
*Bread/microbiology/analysis
Fermentation
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Humans
*Gryllidae
*Food, Fortified
Bacteria/classification/metabolism
Colon/microbiology

@article {pmid42629059,
year = {2026},
author = {Lv, J and Qu, Y and Yan, Q and Cheng, K and Wu, Q and Zhang, J and Duan, X and Han, S and Tian, H and Shi, L},
title = {Polygonatum kingianum polysaccharides ameliorate cognitive impairments in alcohol-exposed obese mice in a sex-specific manner by regulating the gut microbiome and metabolome.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {242},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {119827},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119827},
pmid = {42629059},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {Animals ; *Polygonatum/chemistry ; Male ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Polysaccharides/pharmacology ; Female ; Mice ; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects ; *Ethanol/adverse effects ; *Metabolome/drug effects ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy/metabolism ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Obese ; Sex Factors ; Hippocampus/drug effects ; Obesity ; },
abstract = {High-fat diet and alcohol are often co-exposed in real life, contributing to cognitive deficits and posing a significant yet modifiable public health challenge. We extensively evaluated the efficacy of polysaccharides extracted from Polygonatum kingianum (PP) in mitigating cognitive deficits in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice exposed to alcohol in females and males. PP alleviated cognitive deficits assessed via open-field and Y-maze tests, with a more pronounced efficacy in females, accompanied by restored hippocampal histopathology and improved synaptic integrity markers. PP also ameliorated metabolic dysregulation (i.e., hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress), improved colon morphology and tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-1). Sex-specific alterations were significantly prominent in remodeling gut microbiome and fecal metabolome induced by PP. For instance, Parabacteroides goldsteinii, Bacteroides caecimuris, and the families Staphylococcaceae and Prevotellaceae were elevated in females while Lactobacillus spp. and Clostridium spp. exclusively elevated in males. Mendelian randomization using large-scale human GWAS data demonstrated causal relationships between certain gut bacteria and cognitive function. Metabolomics identified largely non-overlapping sets of PP-regulated metabolites and pathways in females and males. Correlation analysis linked microbiota to microbiota-derived metabolites and network pharmacology identified core targets (e.g., BCL2, CASP3, TNF, STAT3, PTGS2, PPARG) involved in PP's cognition protection benefits. Molecular docking validated the binding ability of core targets to 8 pharmacokinetically favorable metabolites regulated by PP in each sex, reinforcing the sex-specific mechanism. Collectively, our findings provide novel insights into the benefits of PP in alleviating diet-induced cognitive deficits and underscore the necessity of considering sex as a critical biological variable in developing microbiome-targeted nutritional therapies.},
}

Animals
*Polygonatum/chemistry
Male
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Polysaccharides/pharmacology
Female
Mice
Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
*Ethanol/adverse effects
*Metabolome/drug effects
*Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy/metabolism
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice, Obese
Sex Factors
Hippocampus/drug effects
Obesity

@article {pmid42629065,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, F and Luo, Z and Jabeen, S and Liu, G and Li, P and Wu, T and Li, W},
title = {Structural programmability of jujube polysaccharides: Extraction, molecular architecture, and microbiota-mediated fermentation Design for gut-Brain-Axis-Relevant Applications.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {242},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {119833},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2026.119833},
pmid = {42629065},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Fermentation ; *Polysaccharides/chemistry/isolation & purification/metabolism ; *Ziziphus/chemistry ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Humans ; *Brain/physiology ; Pectins/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Jujube polysaccharides (JPs) are heterogeneous food pectic glycans, but how extraction and post-isolation modification define their molecular architecture and microbiota-accessible functionality remains insufficiently integrated. This review critically synthesizes evidence linking extraction conditions to JP structural templates and evaluates how post-isolation remodeling tunes molecular weight, RG-I/HG balance, side-chain architecture, esterification, charge, conformation, and assembly state. Using an evidence-stratified framework, we distinguish direct JP findings from mechanisms inferred from broader pectin and dietary-fiber literature. We propose that backbone architecture, RG-I-associated side chains, esterification, and supramolecular organization may shape microbial accessibility, fermentation kinetics, selective utilization, short-chain fatty acid production, and gastrointestinal substrate availability. This structure-microbiota-metabolite perspective supports a validation pipeline based on defined JP fractions, matched pectin controls, standardized fermentation models, and causal microbiome designs. Gut-brain-axis relevance is discussed as an indirect, evidence-limited downstream implication rather than an established JP mechanism.},
}

*Fermentation
*Polysaccharides/chemistry/isolation & purification/metabolism
*Ziziphus/chemistry
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Humans
*Brain/physiology
Pectins/chemistry

@article {pmid42629157,
year = {2026},
author = {Wilborn, D and Constantinou, A and Franz, A and Schwarzer, R and Menzel, P and Engelhardt, G and Tomova-Simitchieva, T and Amin, R and Zhou, G and Hillmann, K and Kottner, J and Ralle, J and Konietschke, F and Blume-Peytavi, U},
title = {Maternal and Infant Skin Microbiome Synchrony and Divergence: A Longitudinal Study of Skin Microbial Ecology and Early-Life Assembly.},
journal = {Experimental dermatology},
volume = {35},
number = {8},
pages = {e70349},
doi = {10.1111/exd.70349},
pmid = {42629157},
issn = {1600-0625},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Longitudinal Studies ; Pregnancy ; *Skin Microbiome ; Infant ; *Skin/microbiology ; Infant, Newborn ; Adult ; *Microbiota ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {During pregnancy and after childbirth, women's skin undergoes significant changes which may affect the skin's functional and structural characteristics and microbial diversity. Like their mothers, the newborns also experience various skin challenges in the months following birth. Temporal changes in skin microbiome in special groups such as pregnant women and newborns, as well as the interrelation between their skin's microbial diversity, have not been investigated. We followed women from pregnancy through 6 months after delivery, and their infants from 4 weeks to 6 months of age to investigate their skin characteristics and the microbiome, and potential associations. We enrolled 109 pregnant females residing in Berlin, Germany, with 93 mothers-infant pairs completing the study. Microbiome investigations included DNA isolation as single-site sampling using volar forearm skin swabs. Bioinformatic analysis involved OTU clustering at 97% sequence identity, taxonomic assignment using NCBI reference databases, and calculation of biodiversity metrics, including relative abundance of the dominant bacterial phylotypes, bacterial diversity and Shannon diversity index. The maternal skin microbiome showed mild to moderate changes throughout pregnancy and the 6 months postpartum period. In infants, alpha diversity significantly increased (mean species richness from 82.6 at 4 weeks to 116.1 at 6 months), although it did not reach maternal diversity levels (145.4 at 6 months postpartum). Regarding the microbiome consistency of the included women and infants, the within-pair similarity was always significantly higher than between-pair similarity for both time points. Therefore, we conclude that there is likely a relationship between the microbiome of the mother and that of her child.},
}

Humans
Female
Longitudinal Studies
Pregnancy
*Skin Microbiome
Infant
*Skin/microbiology
Infant, Newborn
Adult
*Microbiota
Biodiversity

@article {pmid42629271,
year = {2026},
author = {Brix, F and Demetrowitsch, T and Jensen-Kroll, J and Roeder, N and Rohmann, N and Hasler, M and Kosch, R and Waschina, S and Szymczak, S and Schreiber, S and Laudes, M and Zacharias, HU and Schwarz, K},
title = {Corrigendum to "Educational inequalities are associated with distinct metabolomic and gut microbiome patterns in adults" [Soc. Sci. Med. 403 (2026) 119454].},
journal = {Social science & medicine (1982)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {119701},
doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119701},
pmid = {42629271},
issn = {1873-5347},
}

@article {pmid42629340,
year = {2026},
author = {Wan, X and Zhou, Y and Yang, J and Guo, G and Lei, M and Chen, T},
title = {Engineering Plant-Microbiome Interaction Networks for Predictive Soil Bioremediation Under the Stress-Stability Paradox.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {178},
number = {4},
pages = {e71082},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.71082},
pmid = {42629340},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {2023YFD1702300//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 4257072380//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Plants/microbiology/metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Microbiota/physiology ; Soil/chemistry ; Soil Pollutants/metabolism ; Metals, Heavy/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Soil pollution poses a profound threat to ecosystem and human health. This review proposes a novel framework centered on engineering biological interaction networks for efficient and sustainable soil decontamination, moving beyond the traditional single-species paradigm. We dissect the architecture and dynamics of key interactions, including plant-plant, plant-microbe, and microbe-microbe interactions, within remediation contexts, elucidating how mechanisms like mutualism, competition, and cross-kingdom signaling govern the fate of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and complex mixtures. Crucially, we explore how these natural networks can be actively engineered through strategies such as targeted bioaugmentation, precision biostimulation, and rational plant community assembly to enhance remediation outcomes. Furthermore, we highlight how cutting-edge multi-omics, synthetic ecology, and computational modeling are transitioning the field from descriptive ecology to predictive network design, enabling the decoding of the soil black box and the rational construction of tailored, resilient remediation consortia. Finally, we discuss the ecological challenges of introducing designed networks and outline a future road map toward precision restoration ecology, where theory-guided interaction network management enables effective, stable, and ecologically sound soil clean-up. This network-centric paradigm represents a fundamental shift from experience-based trial-and-error to a principled design approach for restoring soil health.},
}

*Biodegradation, Environmental
*Plants/microbiology/metabolism
*Soil Microbiology
*Microbiota/physiology
Soil/chemistry
Soil Pollutants/metabolism
Metals, Heavy/metabolism
Stress, Physiological

@article {pmid42629403,
year = {2026},
author = {ELHindi, S and Abdalla, S and Azab, MM and Bendary, MM},
title = {Impact of Infant Feeding Mode on Gut Microbiome Composition in Early Life: Evidence from an Egyptian Cohort.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42629403},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; *Breast Feeding ; Infant ; Egypt ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Feces/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics ; Biodiversity ; Cohort Studies ; },
abstract = {The infant gut microbiome develops rapidly in early life, shaping immune maturation and metabolic pathways. Data from Middle Eastern populations remain limited. We studied Egyptian infants aged 1 to 6 months to assess feeding related differences in gut microbiome composition. Stool samples were collected and the gut microbiota was profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3-V4 region. Sequence processing, denoising, and taxonomic assignment were performed in QIIME2. Differentially abundant taxa between feeding groups were identified using LEfSe. Alpha and beta diversity, and co-occurrence networks were analyzed. Feeding mode was the dominant factor shaping microbiome composition and diversity. Artificial feeding showed Actinobacteria dominance, near absence of Bacteroidetes, and lowest diversity. Breastfeeding was associated with a more balanced phylum distribution, detectable Bacteroidetes, increased Proteobacteria, and significantly higher richness and diversity. Mixed feeding showed the highest alpha diversity and a Firmicutes dominated profile, consistent with a transitional microbial state. Beta diversity clearly separated breastfed from artificially fed infants, with mixed feeding intermediate. Genus level signatures differed by feeding mode. Artificial feeding enriched Bifidobacterium. Breastfeeding enriched facultative anaerobes including Escherichia Shigella and Enterobacter. Mixed feeding enriched fermentative genera such as Subdoligranulum and Eubacterium. Network analysis revealed structured co-variation among anaerobic commensals in breastfed infants and denser opportunistic connectivity in artificially fed infants. Feeding mode strongly influences gut microbiome development in Egyptian infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with greater microbial richness and broader ecological structure, whereas formula feeding is linked to reduced diversity and a narrower community profile. Mixed feeding reflects an intermediate configuration. These findings support breastfeeding promotion for optimal early immune development.},
}

Humans
*Breast Feeding
Infant
Egypt
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Feces/microbiology
Male
Female
*Bacteria/classification/genetics
Biodiversity
Cohort Studies

@article {pmid42629862,
year = {2026},
author = {Luo, HN and Wu, ZX and Guan, JY},
title = {Frequency locking to environmental forcing suppresses oscillatory extinction in phage-bacteria interactions.},
journal = {Physical review. E},
volume = {114},
number = {1-1},
pages = {014412},
doi = {10.1103/rch2-2hsr},
pmid = {42629862},
issn = {2470-0053},
mesh = {*Bacteriophages/physiology ; *Models, Biological ; *Bacteria/virology/growth & development ; *Extinction, Biological ; *Environment ; },
abstract = {Bacteriophage-bacteria interactions are central to microbial ecology, influencing evolution, biogeochemical cycles, and pathogen behavior. Most theoretical models assume static environments and passive bacterial hosts, neglecting the joint effects of bacterial traits and environmental fluctuations on coexistence dynamics. This limitation hinders the prediction of microbial persistence in dynamic ecosystems such as soils and oceans. Using a minimal ordinary differential equation framework, we demonstrate that environmental fluctuations can suppress destructive oscillations through resonance, promoting coexistence where static models otherwise predict collapse. Counterintuitively, we find that lower bacterial growth rates are helpful in enhancing survival under high infection pressure, elucidating the observed postinfection growth reduction. Our studies highlight bacterial hosts as active builders of ecological dynamics and environmental variation as a potential stabilizing force. Our findings thus bridge a theory-experiment gap and provide a framework for predicting microbial responses to environmental stress, which might have potential implications for phage therapy, microbiome management, and climate-impacted community resilience as well.},
}

*Bacteriophages/physiology
*Models, Biological
*Bacteria/virology/growth & development
*Extinction, Biological
*Environment

@article {pmid42630122,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, Y and Shen, H},
title = {Overcoming Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade: Mechanistic Insights and Emerging Therapeutic Directions.},
journal = {Iranian journal of immunology : IJI},
volume = {23},
number = {3},
pages = {1},
doi = {10.22034/iji.2026.111387.3205},
pmid = {42630122},
issn = {1735-367X},
abstract = {Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy by delivering long-lasting responses in a subset of patients across many cancer types. Yet, their effectiveness is often limited by high rates of primary and acquired resistance. This resistance is driven by complex interactions among tumor-intrinsic alterations, immunosuppressive factors within the tumor microenvironment, and host-related determinants. This review critically examines the biological mechanisms underlying resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, including defects in antigen presentation, dysregulated interferon signaling, activation of oncogenic pathways, compensatory upregulation of alternative immune checkpoints, and microbiome-associated immune modulation. In addition to defining these challenges, this review also highlights emerging opportunities for overcoming these obstacles. Emerging opportunities to circumvent resistance include biomarker-guided patient stratification, rational combination therapies that engage complementary immune pathways, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and integration of multi-omics approaches to identify predictive resistance signatures. The central conclusion of this review is that effective clinical translation will necessitate a paradigm shift from discrete pathway inhibition toward integrated precision immuno-oncology strategies that combine molecular profiling, immune-contexture analysis, and mechanism-based combination therapies. Such integrated approaches may improve patient selection, overcome resistance, and expand the proportion of patients who achieve durable responses to immune checkpoint blockade.},
}

@article {pmid42630173,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Wang, L and Han, Z and Wang, Z and Jia, W},
title = {Systemic inflammatory biomarkers in gastroesophageal reflux disease: current evidence and future perspectives.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1893763},
pmid = {42630173},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects a large proportion of the population and is associated with impaired quality of life and increased healthcare utilization. Although GERD has traditionally been attributed to excessive reflux and dysfunction of the anti-reflux barrier, growing evidence indicates that inflammatory and immune-related processes also contribute to symptom development, mucosal injury, and disease progression. Accordingly, peripheral blood-derived inflammatory biomarkers, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), have been investigated as simple and readily available indicators of systemic inflammation. Clinical studies have suggested that these hematological indices may be associated with the presence of GERD, endoscopic phenotypes, and disease severity, although reported values and cutoff thresholds remain inconsistent. In addition, chronic low-grade inflammation, impaired epithelial barrier function, obesity-associated metabolic inflammation, and alterations in the microbiome are increasingly recognized as interacting mechanisms that may influence both local esophageal injury and systemic inflammatory responses. However, published findings remain inconsistent, and the clinical utility of these biomarkers has yet to be clearly established. This review provides an overview of the inflammatory mechanisms involved in GERD and evaluates current evidence regarding the potential role of hematological inflammatory biomarkers in clinical practice. Their strengths, current limitations, and priorities for future research are also discussed.},
}

@article {pmid42630190,
year = {2026},
author = {Ray, S and Francis, GA and Jeyakumar, SS and Chavan, P and Supreethee, S and Vashishth, R},
title = {Millet: a functional powerhouse against chronic lifestyle disease.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1884184},
pmid = {42630190},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {Chronic lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity are increasing globally, now accounting for more than two-thirds of deaths worldwide. In this context, millets are regaining attention as nutrient-dense, climate-resilient grains from traditional diets. They are rich in protein, dietary fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that contribute to improved metabolic health and overall well-being. This review compiles and synthesizes current scientific evidence on the nutritional composition, bioactive profile, and disease-modulating mechanisms of millets. It also explores the role of millets in gut microbiome modulation, particularly their prebiotic potential in stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enhancing gut barrier integrity. Furthermore, the review highlights innovative food applications, including the incorporation of millets into modern food products such as fortified flours, breakfast cereals, snack bars, and beverages. Millets have demonstrated the ability to blunt postprandial blood glucose spikes by up to 15%, reduce cholesterol levels by nearly 10%, and promote natural calorie regulation, thereby supporting weight management and metabolic balance. Their prebiotic fibers nourish beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to improved gut health and immune defense. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern nutritional science, millets emerge as promising functional foods for preventing and managing chronic lifestyle disorders. Promoting millet-based diets offers a sustainable and health-promoting approach to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.},
}

@article {pmid42630261,
year = {2026},
author = {Colom, J and Baig, A and Kalmar, L and Belkhiri, A and Travers, A and Gigante, AM and Connerton, PL and Connerton, IF and Grant, AJ and Holmes, M and Barrow, PA and Atterbury, RJ},
title = {The pig as a preclinical model for human phage therapy of polybacterial enteric infections.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1857948},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2026.1857948},
pmid = {42630261},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in low-and-medium-income countries (LMIC). Polybacterial infections and increasing antimicrobial resistance complicate treatment, underscoring the need for alternative approaches. Bacteriophage therapy offers a targeted treatment capable of combating multiple pathogens simultaneously. Here, we report use of a bacteriophage cocktail targeting Enterotoxigenic E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter in a polybacterial porcine model of infant enteric disease.

METHODS: Weaned pigs were challenged with all three pathogens and subsequently treated with a cocktail of three phages. Pathogen loads, phage titres, clinical scores and fecal microbiome composition were measured and compared with untreated pathogen-challenged controls and unchallenged sentinel animals.

RESULTS: Phage-treated pigs exhibited significant reductions in E. coli and Salmonella burdens, each decreasing by >1.8 log10 CFU/g relative to unchallenged controls (p < 0.05). Treatment produced corresponding increased in bacteriophage titres and led to significant improvements in clinical scores. Conversely, Campylobacter loads remained largely unchanged following phage administration. Microbiome analysis showed differences between challenged and unchallenged pigs (p = 0.09), and between pathogen-challenged and phage-treated pigs (p = 0.5), although these were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the first use of phage therapy to target polybacterial enteric infections in a pig model of human disease. Simultaneous reductions in pathogen load and improved clinical outcomes highlight the potential of bacteriophage cocktails as treatments for bacterial enteric infections of relevance to children in low and middle-income countries, and to livestock health.},
}

@article {pmid42630413,
year = {2026},
author = {Mu, S and Wang, Y and Qin, W and Mao, M and Wang, Y and Zhang, Y and Wang, Y},
title = {A systemic epithelial-immune-neural framework for pediatric atopic dermatitis-allergic rhinitis comorbidity.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1864351},
doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2026.1864351},
pmid = {42630413},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dermatitis, Atopic/immunology/epidemiology ; *Rhinitis, Allergic/immunology/epidemiology ; Comorbidity ; Child ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic rhinitis (AR) commonly coexist in childhood and are associated with an important clinical burden. Their frequent coexistence and substantial mechanistic overlap suggest that pediatric AD-AR comorbidity may involve patterns more complex than simple co-occurrence. However, existing models do not provide an operational approach for determining whether reproducible coupling between AD and AR disease activity extends beyond shared susceptibility and disease-specific responses occurring in parallel. In this Hypothesis and Theory article, we propose the systemic epithelial-immune-neural framework as an operational and falsifiable model for investigating pediatric AD-AR comorbidity. The framework integrates four interacting proposed mechanistic domains-epithelial barrier and alarmin signaling, type 2 immune activation, neuroimmune signaling, and microbiome regulation-and distinguishes established organ-specific mechanisms from candidate cross-organ coupling. It also separates core mechanisms from external inputs, contextual modifiers, and observable outcomes, and translates the proposed relationships into directed edges, feedback loops, testable predictions, and falsification criteria. Current evidence supports the biological plausibility of the framework and demonstrates substantial mechanistic overlap between AD and AR, but direct pediatric evidence for reproducible cross-organ coupling between AD and AR disease activity remains limited. The framework should therefore be regarded as a research model rather than a new diagnostic classification, composite network score, or separate treatment pathway. Clinical assessment and management should remain grounded in validated, guideline-based approaches for AD and AR. By organizing shared mechanisms and clinical observations into explicit and testable claims, the framework provides a structured basis for investigating the existence, potential mechanisms, heterogeneity, and clinical relevance of cross-organ coupling in pediatric AD-AR comorbidity.},
}

Humans
*Dermatitis, Atopic/immunology/epidemiology
*Rhinitis, Allergic/immunology/epidemiology
Comorbidity
Child
Animals

@article {pmid42630427,
year = {2026},
author = {Snelling, TJ and Johnson, CA and Warren, HE and Taylor-Pickard, J and Huntington, JA and Sinclair, LA},
title = {Modulation of the rumen microbiome and metabolism in dairy cows by altering the concentrate feeding pattern and the inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiomes},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1884444},
doi = {10.3389/frmbi.2026.1884444},
pmid = {42630427},
issn = {2813-4338},
abstract = {Dairy cattle are typically fed a total mixed ration (TMR), which is prepared in an automated mixer wagon. On-farm, effective TMR mixing can often be neglected due to lack of time or training. This leads to a disbalance of intake and potentially detrimental effects on health and production. Using dietary treatments to simulate this effect, this study determined the response of rumen metabolism and microbiome to different concentrate allocations in combination with a live Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplement (yeast supplementation, YS). The 4 × 4 Latin square design consisted of four dairy cows fitted with permanent rumen cannulae, which were fed a partial mixed ration with dietary concentrates (4 kg per cow per day) in an even or an uneven pattern of allocation (concentrate allocation, CA). YS was included in the TMR at a rate of 10 g per cow per day. Rumen metabolism was determined by measuring the pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). The rumen microbial community was characterised using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Both CA and YS had no effect (p > 0.05) on the dry matter intake, milk yield, or composition. CA did not affect the rumen NH3-N and VFA concentrations (p > 0.05). YS inclusion tended to increase the rumen pH (p = 0.088), acetate (p = 0.076), and valerate (p = 0.091). YS significantly increased the total VFA (p = 0.033) and propionate concentrations (p < 0.016). CA had little overall effect on the rumen microbiome beta diversity. However, there was a reduction in the relative abundance of a Prevotellaceae feature associated with an uneven pattern of CA. Bray-Curtis clustering of the microbiome was observed with YS (p = 0.002), driven by a decrease of Gammaproteobacteria and Prevotellaceae features and an increase of a Christensenellaceae feature (LDA > 2.0).},
}

@article {pmid42630435,
year = {2026},
author = {Peng, P and Cai, J and Zhang, L and Lu, Y and Kuang, P},
title = {The subgingival microbiome in periodontitis: from ecological dysbiosis and metabolic reprogramming to precision interventions.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1906205},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2026.1906205},
pmid = {42630435},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Periodontitis is a dysbiosis-driven chronic inflammatory disease characterized by complex interactions among the subgingival microbiome, microbial metabolism, and host immune responses. Accumulating evidence indicates that disease progression is not solely determined by the enrichment of specific periodontal pathogens but is critically associated with ecological disruption and functional reprogramming of the subgingival microbial community. During the transition from periodontal health to disease, microbial metabolism shifts from carbohydrate utilization toward proteolysis and amino acid fermentation, resulting in altered production of short-chain fatty acids, polyamines, volatile sulfur compounds, hydrogen sulfide, and nitric oxide. These metabolic alterations contribute to inflammasome activation, immune dysregulation, osteoclastogenesis, and progressive periodontal tissue destruction. Beyond local pathology, periodontal microorganisms and their metabolites can disseminate through the oral-systemic axis, thereby influencing the pathogenesis of multiple systemic disorders. Recent advances in multi-omics technologies have further revealed that metabolic reprogramming represents a critical mechanistic link connecting ecological dysbiosis with host inflammatory responses. Consequently, therapeutic strategies are evolving from conventional antimicrobial approaches toward precision microbiome-based interventions, including probiotics, postbiotics, bacteriophages, predatory bacteria, metabolic modulation, and oral microbiome transplantation. In this review, we integrate current evidence on microbial ecology, metabolism, and host interactions and propose the Ecological Dysbiosis-Metabolic Reprogramming-Host Crosstalk framework. This framework highlights metabolic reprogramming as the central bridge linking microbial dysbiosis to host inflammatory damage and provides a conceptual basis for the development of precision periodontal medicine.},
}

@article {pmid42630507,
year = {2026},
author = {Cox-Holmes, AN and Green, GBH and Potier, ACE and Wang, Y and Chen, D and Morrow, CD and McFarland, BC},
title = {Microbial and metabolic signatures of humanized microbiome mice associate with Tlr2 expression and Th17 immune programming.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1879544},
doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2026.1879544},
pmid = {42630507},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Animals ; *Th17 Cells/immunology/metabolism ; Mice ; *Toll-Like Receptor 2/genetics/metabolism/immunology ; Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; Germ-Free Life ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The gut microbiota plays a critical role in immune system development. However, whether normal variation in healthy human microbiota alone can establish distinct baseline immune states that influences responses to disease and therapy remains unclear.

METHODS: To address this, we employed a humanized microbiome (HuM) mouse model where fecal matter is transplanted from healthy human donors into gnotobiotic mice. Our previous studies found that HuM mouse lines have differential responses to glioma immunotherapy, so we sought to define how microbiota composition mediates host immunity prior to disease development.

RESULTS: Despite being genetically identical and disease-free, HuM mice exhibited distinct microbiota-driven immune profiles. Mice harboring responder-associated microbiota (HuM2) had higher proportions of gram-positive gut bacteria and decreased acetate and propionate compared to nonresponder-associated (HuM1) mice. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of colonic CD45[+] cells from HuM2 mice had a higher portion of B cells and neutrophils, an increase in Tlr2 in the lamina propria, and a systemic increase in Th17 cells compared to HuM1.

DISCUSSION: Together, these findings reveal a microbiota dependent program associating gram-positive enrichment and altered metabolite production to TLR2-associated immune activation and Th17 response. Our results demonstrate that human microbiome variation alone correlates with distinct baseline immune profiles that may predispose hosts to differential immunotherapy responses.},
}

Animals
*Th17 Cells/immunology/metabolism
Mice
*Toll-Like Receptor 2/genetics/metabolism/immunology
Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
Germ-Free Life
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

@article {pmid42630573,
year = {2026},
author = {Nie, Q and Hu, X and Zhang, Y and Pan, L and Zhang, X and Zhou, Y and Fu, T and Zheng, L and Xiao, F and Liu, Y and Du, S and Liu, J and Liu, L and Xiong, X and Wu, Y and Fan, D and Tao, L and Ren, F},
title = {Gut microbiota-driven immunomodulation in tuberculosis: targeting dysbiosis to overcome drug resistance.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1889315},
doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2026.1889315},
pmid = {42630573},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dysbiosis/immunology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology/drug effects ; Animals ; *Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; *Immunomodulation ; *Tuberculosis/immunology/microbiology/drug therapy ; *Mycobacterium tuberculosis/immunology/drug effects ; *Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/immunology/microbiology/therapy ; Host-Directed Therapy ; },
abstract = {Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat, hampered by the escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. Managing these resistant infections demands protracted, intricate, and frequently hepatotoxic drug regimens with poor efficacy, toxicity, and adherence issues. This landscape underscores an urgent need to move beyond a purely antimicrobial-focused paradigm. Converging lines of evidence now firmly position the gut microbiota-a pivotal orchestrator of systemic immunity, metabolic homeostasis, and drug metabolism-as a central determinant in both TB pathogenesis and therapeutic success. Our review describes a vicious cycle at the heart of contemporary TB management. A critical and often overlooked trigger is the profound and persistent gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by the anti-TB medications themselves. Far from an incidental side effect, this dysbiosis is strongly implicated as a pathological driver in preclinical models and observational studies. It undermines pulmonary host defense through the gut-lung axis, aggravates anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATB-DILI), and cultivates a systemic state of chronic inflammation coupled with metabolic dysregulation (such as impaired lipid metabolism). Paradoxically, this host environment fosters Mycobacterium tuberculosis persistence and disease progression. In drug-resistant TB, this vicious cycle is amplified, is associated with therapeutic failure and may contribute to the selection of resistance in correlative studies. To disrupt this cycle, we assess the translational promise of interventions targeting the microbial ecosystem. This encompasses a multi-pronged strategy: employing probiotics, prebiotics, and tailored dietary modifications to restore ecological balance; utilizing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for more profound restoration; and pioneering the development of novel, narrow-spectrum antimicrobials designed to preserve commensal flora. We contend that the integration of microbiome stewardship into TB care is an indispensable evolution in our approach. By concurrently targeting the pathogen and fortifying the host's intrinsic microbial defenses, this holistic strategy presents a transformative pathway to surmount drug resistance, alleviate treatment-related toxicity, and improve patient outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Dysbiosis/immunology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology/drug effects
Animals
*Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use/adverse effects
*Immunomodulation
*Tuberculosis/immunology/microbiology/drug therapy
*Mycobacterium tuberculosis/immunology/drug effects
*Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/immunology/microbiology/therapy
Host-Directed Therapy

@article {pmid42630587,
year = {2026},
author = {Boutin, S and Rondeau-Leclaire, J and Roy, A and Laforest-Lapointe, I},
title = {A field-based study of phyllosphere mycobiomes in apple orchards under varying agricultural management strategies.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag203},
doi = {10.1093/ismeco/ycag203},
pmid = {42630587},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Microbial communities in the phyllosphere are key players in plant health and disease resistance, yet their response to agricultural management strategies remains poorly understood under field conditions. Here, we compare fungal community composition and diversity across conventional and organic apple orchards using ITS amplicon sequencing. Leaf samples were collected from six sites at three distinct time points during the 2023 growing season (in May, July, and August) corresponding approximately to monthly intervals throughout the summer. Flower samples were collected from the same trees in May. Our analyses reveal that agricultural management strategies are significantly associated with fungal community structure, with effects intensifying from May to July. Both types of management strategies showed enrichment for different genera known to include common apple tree pathogens: Alternaria and Podosphaera were associated with conventional sites, while Didymella and Ramularia were associated with organic sites. Although fungal alpha diversity was higher in May at conventional orchards compared to organic orchards, it declined over time at conventional sites while it remained stable at organic sites. Together, these patterns indicate that distinct management interventions impose contrasting selective pressures on the apple tree phyllosphere mycobiome, thus shaping both broad fungal community composition and the dominance dynamics of key fungal taxa. Our findings underscore the ecological relevance and inherent challenges of field-based microbiome research, and provide insights to inform the development of sustainable orchard management strategies grounded in fungal community dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid42630741,
year = {2026},
author = {Hou, L and Wu, Y and Hou, R and Li, Y and Song, Z},
title = {Perioperative microbiota at the colorectal anastomosis: local host-microbe interactions in healing and leak.},
journal = {Frontiers in surgery},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1895315},
doi = {10.3389/fsurg.2026.1895315},
pmid = {42630741},
issn = {2296-875X},
abstract = {Anastomotic leak remains a major complication after colorectal resection, but established clinical and technical risk factors do not fully explain why some repairs fail during early healing. This review treats perioperative microbiota as part of a local host-microbe wound environment at the colorectal anastomosis rather than as a broad gut microbiome signal. Literature was identified through PubMed and Web of Science searches covering 1 January 2010-6 July 2026, using terms combining colorectal anastomosis, anastomotic leak, microbiota, microbiome, and host-microbe interactions. Evidence was tiered by directness to the anastomotic wound, distinguishing stool-based proxy signals from mucosal, tissue-adjacent, and functional measurements. Stool and broader luminal profiles provide indirect signals for suture-line events unless paired with site-aware sampling. Mucosal, mucus, and tissue-adjacent studies move closer to the repair site but remain mostly exploratory and associative. Animal and in vitro work supports plausible mechanisms, including collagenase activity, biofilm-like persistence, metabolite signaling, inflammatory modulation, and extracellular matrix injury, but does not establish human clinical causality. Current evidence justifies better perioperative sampling, function-aware microbial analysis, and integration with conventional leak-risk factors; it does not justify routine microbiome-guided risk stratification or leak-prevention interventions. The most useful next step is longitudinal, site-aware human work anchored to standardized leak outcomes and surgical context.},
}

@article {pmid42630981,
year = {2026},
author = {Bi, Y and Song, W and Glymenaki, M and Hu, J and Li, X and Huang, H and Peng, Y and Ni, S and Haonon, O and Liu, Z and Daowtak, K and Shen, X and Peng, H and Phetcharaburanin, J and Tang, H and Wang, Y and Li, JV and Jiang, M and Powell, N and Zhong, VW and Holmes, E and Xianyu, Y and Liu, Z},
title = {The gut microbiome organ.},
journal = {iMeta},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70144},
doi = {10.1002/imt2.70144},
pmid = {42630981},
issn = {2770-596X},
abstract = {The human gut microbiome is increasingly viewed as an active regulator of host physiology, extending beyond earlier taxonomy-centered descriptions of a complex microbial community. Accumulating evidence supports an organ-like conceptual framework in which the gut microbiome exhibits spatially structured organization, extensive metabolic capacity, and continuous bidirectional communication with host systems. Through the production of bioactive metabolites with endocrine-like, immunomodulatory, and neuromodulatory properties, the microbiome contributes to metabolic, immune, and neuroendocrine regulation, thereby influencing systemic homeostasis and disease susceptibility. Recent advances in multi-omics, spatial biology, and computational modeling are moving the field from taxonomic association toward functional interpretation, mechanistic insight, and causal inference. These approaches are beginning to reveal microbiome-derived functional modules and host-microbe signaling networks that are shaped by host genetics, diet, medications, feeding patterns, circadian rhythms, and environmental exposures. In this review, we synthesize current mechanistic and translational evidence to conceptualize the gut microbiome as an organ-like functional system, delineate its structural and functional organization, and propose a framework for mapping, modeling, and therapeutically targeting microbiome-derived circuits to support precision medicine in metabolic, inflammatory, and selected gut-brain axis-related disorders.},
}

@article {pmid42631006,
year = {2026},
author = {Ripollés-Campos, E and Hernández-Calderón, P and Palomino-Schätzlein, M and Jorge-Bueno, L and Bono, A and Miralpeix, A and Sastre-Bataller, I and García-Villarreal, L and Tugores, A and Mariño, Z and Berenguer, M and Benítez-Páez, A and Espinós, C},
title = {Integrated multiomics analysis reveals metabolic and microbiome alterations in Wilson disease.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {9},
pages = {117101},
doi = {10.1016/j.isci.2026.117101},
pmid = {42631006},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Wilson disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in ATP7B, which encodes a copper transporter. Abnormal ATP7B function leads to copper deposition, mainly in the liver and brain, resulting in hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric impairments. Metabolic alterations have been reported in patients with WD and in murine WD models. We performed a multiomics study in an in-depth phenotyped and multi-center cohort to establish gut microbiota perturbations and metabolic dysfunctions in WD. Metabolomics helped distinguish changes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, and dyslipidemia in patients with WD. Metataxonomics allowed the detection of attenuated pivotal bacterial species. Independent WD cohorts and in vitro assays validated the lipid metabolism alterations and loss of Akkermansia muciniphila. Our results indicate a profound metabolic dysfunction in patients with WD beyond ATP7B-linked copper toxicity. Pharmacological treatment appears detrimental for beneficial species, aggravating organ cross-talk in the gut-liver axis.},
}

@article {pmid42631058,
year = {2026},
author = {Medrano, M and Pacheco-Herrero, M and Borges, Z and Laureano, JR and Dominguez-Garcia, J and Gil-Ventura, R and Castro-Tejada, G},
title = {Characterization of the intestinal microbial profile in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.},
journal = {Dementia & neuropsychologia},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {e20250440},
doi = {10.1590/1980-5764-DN-2025-0440},
pmid = {42631058},
issn = {1980-5764},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are major contributors to dementia, with growing prevalence in Latin America. Evidence suggests that gut microbiota alterations may influence neurodegeneration, but data on Hispanic population are lacking.

OBJECTIVE: Characterize gut microbiota in individuals with AD, MCI, and controls in the Dominican Republic, exploring clinical, demographic, and dietary associations.

METHODS: Prospective-translational study including 88 participants aged ≥60 years. Performed clinical, cognitive, and functional assessments. Stool samples analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bioinformatic processing using Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology Version 2 (QIIME2) and R. Alpha and beta diversity, taxonomy, and differential abundance were evaluated. Dietary influences were assessed using PERMANOVA.

RESULTS: No significant differences in alpha diversity (Shannon index 4-5, Simpson index 0.94-0.99, p>0.05) or beta diversity (p>0.05) were observed between groups. Firmicutes (51.9%) and Bacteroidota (34.1%) dominated the microbiota. Higher Desulfobacterota abundance in MCI and AD (0.54 and 0.61%, respectively, vs. 0.34% in controls; p<0.05). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio was lower in men with MCI (1.09) compared to controls and AD (1.70). MCI and AD were associated with increased levels of the genera Bilophila, Odoribacter, and Parabacteroides (p<0.05) and reduced levels of Mitsuokella and Eubacterium ruminantium. Dietary interactions, e.g., mango, lettuce, and carrot, influenced specific taxa (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study pioneers gut microbiota characterization in AD and MCI in the Dominican Republic, identifying microbial alterations in cognitive impairment and highlighting regional dietary and ethnic factors. Longitudinal and multi-omics studies are warranted to clarify causality and therapeutic potential.},
}

@article {pmid42631188,
year = {2026},
author = {Webb, B and Farrell, M and Montelius, C and Önning, G},
title = {Probiotics and iron bioavailability: mechanisms, clinical evidence, and translational applications-a comprehensive review of the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V®).},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1905459},
doi = {10.3389/fnut.2026.1905459},
pmid = {42631188},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {Iron deficiency remains the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency globally, driven in large part by the limited bioavailability of non-heme iron and compounded by dietary inhibitors, inflammation-mediated hepcidin regulation, and challenges associated with conventional iron supplementation. Health effects of prolonged iron deficiency include heart irregularities, weakened immunity, and cognitive impairment. Growing evidence highlights the gut microbiome as a key modulator of nutrient absorption, with probiotics emerging as a promising adjunctive strategy. Among these, the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain Lp299v (LP299V®, proprietary strain of Probi®) has demonstrated consistent efficacy in enhancing non-heme iron bioavailability through multiple complementary mechanisms, including luminal acidification via organic acid production, stabilization and chelation of soluble iron complexes, facilitation of ferric-to-ferrous reduction, and potential mitigation of inhibitors such as phytates. Additional effects on host physiology, such as improved intestinal barrier function, increased short-chain fatty acid production, and attenuation of inflammation, further support its role in optimizing iron uptake. The present review gives an overview of how probiotic strains may modulate iron absorption, and more specifically focuses on describing effects obtained with the Lp299v strain. Ten peer-reviewed clinical studies have described the effects of Lp299v for increasing iron absorption. Human isotope studies show that Lp299v increases fractional iron absorption by approximately 20-50% across diverse dietary contexts, while randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicate meaningful improvements in iron status, particularly in populations with elevated requirements such as women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and athletes. From the mechanistic studies combined with clinical evidence, results suggest that Lp299v functions as a bioavailability enhancer rather than a substitute for iron intake. Given its versatility in delivery formats, favorable safety profile, and applicability across a range of dietary patterns and socioeconomic settings, Lp299v represents a microbiome-informed approach to addressing the persistent global burden of iron deficiency that has great potential for widespread adoption. This review aims to describe the gut microbiome as an important determinant of micronutrient bioavailability, and, more specifically, to summarize the data supporting Lp299v as a key modulator of iron absorption.},
}

@article {pmid42631497,
year = {2026},
author = {Gopal, RK and Pathoor, NN and Ganesh, PS},
title = {Eubiosis and dysbiosis in periodontitis-related systemic diseases.},
journal = {Journal of periodontology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jper.70188},
pmid = {42631497},
issn = {1943-3670},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This narrative review examines the eubiosis-dysbiosis spectrum in periodontitis and its systemic implications. Evidence is drawn from the literature through 2026; as a narrative review, some selection bias cannot be excluded. Periodontitis, affecting 10%-15% of adults globally, drives systemic health disorders through microbial dysbiosis.

OBJECTIVES: This narrative review examines microbial ecological shifts in periodontitis and their implications for cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (T2D), neurodegenerative disorders, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other systemic conditions.

METHODS: We have synthesized the current evidence on oral microbiome transitions from eubiosis to dysbiosis, focusing on mechanistic pathways linking periodontal disease to systemic health outcomes.

RESULTS: Periodontal dysbiosis may influence systemic health through mechanisms including bacteremia, chronic inflammation, molecular mimicry, and microbiome axis interactions. Individuals with periodontitis show 1.5 to 2-fold increased cardiovascular risk, bidirectional relationships with diabetes (HbA1c reductions of 0.3%-0.5% following periodontal treatment), and associations with Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Key pathogens including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum have been proposed as keystone species capable of remodeling microbial communities and potentially contributing to systemic effects.

CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the eubiosis-dysbiosis spectrum provides crucial insights into oral-systemic health connections and offers therapeutic targets for managing both periodontal and systemic diseases. Integrated medical-dental care approaches, precision medicine strategies, and microbiome-based therapeutics represent promising future directions.},
}

@article {pmid42631722,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, F and Wang, Q and Wang, X and Ye, Y and Chen, T and Cai, B},
title = {Exploring the Nasal Microbiome-Metabolite Axis as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Parkinson's Disease-Associated Olfactory Dysfunction.},
journal = {Letters in applied microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/lambio/ovag071},
pmid = {42631722},
issn = {1472-765X},
abstract = {Olfactory impairment is a common early non-motor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), often preceding motor symptoms by several years. However, the biological mechanisms underlying PD-associated olfactory dysfunction remain poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between nasal microbiota, metabolites, and olfactory function in PD and explored potential therapeutic targets. A total of 66 participants, including PD patients and healthy controls, were enrolled. Nasal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomic profiling by GC-MS. An MPTP-induced PD mouse model was used to evaluate the effects of cholic acid supplementation. PD patients exhibited distinct alterations in nasal microbial composition and metabolic profiles, which were associated with olfactory dysfunction severity. Cholic acid showed potential as a candidate biomarker for PD-associated olfactory impairment (AUC > 0.97). In MPTP mice, cholic acid improved olfactory performance and increased TH expression in the olfactory bulb and substantia nigra, but did not significantly improve motor deficits or striatal dopaminergic neuron loss. These findings suggest a potential association between nasal microbiota-associated metabolic alterations and olfactory dysfunction in PD.},
}

@article {pmid42631832,
year = {2026},
author = {Jeyavelkumaran, R and Keerthivasan, N and Dhanapal, MS},
title = {Phyllanthus emblica as a prebiotic modulator of the gut-endocrine axis in polycystic ovary syndrome: a translational perspective on synbiotic therapeutics.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42631832},
issn = {1874-9356},
abstract = {Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and hyperandrogenism, with emerging evidence implicating gut microbiome dysbiosis in its pathogenesis. This review explores the therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) as a prebiotic scaffold within synbiotic systems targeting the gut-endocrine axis. Rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, and dietary fibers, Amla functions both as a microbial substrate and a bioactive modulator, promoting beneficial microbiota, enhancing short-chain fatty acid production, and regulating metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Mechanistically, synbiotic modulation improves intestinal barrier integrity, suppresses NF-κB-mediated inflammation, enhances insulin sensitivity, and restores hormonal balance, thereby improving ovarian function. Evidence from preclinical studies and indirect clinical investigations in metabolic disorders suggests that Phyllanthus emblica exhibits multi-target efficacy in modulating metabolic, endocrine, and immune pathways relevant to PCOS. However, direct clinical evidence from PCOS-specific human studies remains limited. From a translational perspective, Amla-based synbiotic formulations, particularly when integrated with advanced delivery systems, represent promising pharmacological candidates for microbiome-informed therapeutics. Overall, this systems-level framework highlights the therapeutic potential of Amla-driven synbiotics while emphasizing the need for well-designed randomized clinical trials to establish their efficacy and safety in women with PCOS.},
}

@article {pmid42631876,
year = {2026},
author = {Ebrahim, RA and Raghu, SV and Das, SP},
title = {The underexplored mycobiome: insights from Drosophila into human health and disease.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {119},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {42631876},
issn = {1572-9699},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology ; *Mycobiome ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Disease Models, Animal ; },
abstract = {Drosophila melanogaster serves as a powerful and experimentally tractable genetic model for microbiome research due to its relatively simple gut community, ease of genetic manipulation, and the ability to generate germ-free flies. Despite extensive research on bacterial components of the human microbiome, the role of the mycobiome in host health and disease remains largely underexplored, presenting a significant knowledge gap. Although yeasts form a minor component of the Drosophila gut microbiome, they serve as a critical dietary source of essential micronutrients that drive larval development, growth, and metabolic rate. Furthermore, live yeasts directly shape adult fly behaviour, including oviposition, mating, and aggression, while interacting with gut bacteria to regulate lipid metabolism. Drosophila can be used as an invaluable tool for modelling neurodegenerative disorders, offering platforms for high-throughput screening and dissecting disease mechanisms. Despite these advantages, translation to human clinical contexts requires careful consideration of the fly's evolutionary limitations, including its exclusive reliance on the innate immune system, the absence of an adaptive immune system, the absence of certain vertebrate-specific genes and physiological pathways, and fundamental differences in brain architecture, neuronal organisation, and neurotransmission. Nevertheless, Drosophila provides essential mechanistic insights that are accelerating our understanding and guiding the development of novel therapeutic strategies against mycobiome-associated, metabolic, and neurological disorders. It also advances our understanding of the mycobiome's integral role in shaping insect behaviours, development, ecology, and overall health. These studies can significantly influence the understanding of fungi in human health and their roles in various disease conditions.},
}

Animals
Humans
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology
*Mycobiome
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Disease Models, Animal

@article {pmid42631903,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahmadi, P and Mozaffari-Jovin, S and Faraj, TA and Razavi, FT and Javanmardi, Z and Fadaee, A and Doulabi, H and Esmaeili, SA},
title = {"IL-40: A novel immunoregulatory axis at the crossroads of inflammation, tissue remodeling, and cancer immunity".},
journal = {Immunologic research},
volume = {74},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42631903},
issn = {1559-0755},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neoplasms/immunology ; Animals ; *Inflammation/immunology ; Autoimmune Diseases/immunology ; *Interleukin-1/immunology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Interleukin-40 (IL-40), encoded by the C17orf99 gene, is a recently identified B cell-associated cytokine that bridges innate and adaptive immune responses. Since its discovery in 2017, IL-40 has emerged as a pleiotropic immunoregulatory factor with broad implications in human diseases. Elevated IL-40 levels are consistently reported across systemic and organ-specific autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and autoimmune thyroid diseases. In these conditions, IL-40 correlates with disease activity, inflammatory burden, and adverse outcomes. Mechanistically, beyond B-cell differentiation and IgA production, IL-40 induces neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation (NETosis), triggering extracellular release of peptidylarginine deiminase 4. PAD4 catalyzes citrullination of intracellular proteins, converting arginine to citrulline residues, generating neoepitopes that break immune tolerance and drive anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) production-a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmunities. Beyond autoimmunity, dysregulated IL-40 is observed in viral infections (COVID-19, Epstein-Barr virus), sepsis, and pneumonia, suggesting roles in host defense, systemic inflammation, and immunopathology. IL-40 deficiency impairs IgA homeostasis and alters gut microbiota, implicating it in mucosal immunity and microbiome crosstalk. In oncology, aberrant IL-40 expression is reported in solid tumors (breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma) and hematologic malignancies (acute/chronic myeloid leukemias, Hodgkin lymphoma), indicating context-dependent functions in tumor biology. Elevated IL-40 in obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and allergic diseases further implicates this cytokine in low-grade chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity. Overall, IL-40 represents a promising immunoregulatory cytokine with diagnostic and therapeutic potential across immune-mediated diseases and cancer. However, current evidence remains largely observational and animal-based, while mechanistic and clinical investigations are scarce. Future research should prioritize identifying IL-40 receptor(s) and downstream signaling pathways through well-designed cellular and molecular studies, alongside large-scale multicenter trials, to fully elucidate its biological functions and clinical utility.},
}

Humans
*Neoplasms/immunology
Animals
*Inflammation/immunology
Autoimmune Diseases/immunology
*Interleukin-1/immunology/metabolism

@article {pmid42631930,
year = {2026},
author = {Choi, W and Mangal, U and Cha, JK and Cho, H and Ryu, JH and Kim, JY and Koh, WG and Lee, KJ and Kim, KW and Choi, SH and Traverso, G and Hong, J},
title = {A Mucosa-Inspired Dynamic Biointerface Engineering a Biofilm-Preventive Niche Against Pathogenic Microbiome Dysbiosis.},
journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e74745},
doi = {10.1002/adma.74745},
pmid = {42631930},
issn = {1521-4095},
support = {//Korea-US Collaborative Research Fund/ ; RS-2024-00468036//Ministry of Science and ICT and Ministry of Health & Welfare/ ; 2025-RISE-10-101//Regional Innovation System & Education/ ; //Regional Anchor company-Academia Partnership Innovation Development/ ; //Institute for Project-Y Seed/ ; RS-2024-00438634//Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute/ ; //Nano & Material Technology Development Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2024-00449435//Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; RS-2021-NR059601//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2023-00217709//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; RS-2025-00522998//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
abstract = {A stable symbiosis within the microbiome-host axis is essential for human health. However, preventing microbiome dysbiosis using biomaterials remains challenging due to their unpredictable influence on microbiome evolution. Inspired by the defensive niche of symbiotic mucosa, we have developed a biointerface that forms an engineered mucosa-inspired dynamic niche to prevent pathogenic dysbiosis. This biointerface features a dynamic zwitterionic network that emulates the mucosa's biophysical defensive functions. Notably, by leveraging its dynamic niche, the biointerface restricts microbial attachment and aggregation, thereby preventing biofilm formation. Comprehensive metagenomic analyses reveal that microbial communities adapt to this biofilm-preventive dynamic biointerface compositionally and functionally. In particular, Gram-negative bacteria were relatively reduced, along with decreased abundance of pathways associated with virulence and biofilm formation. Consequently, the mucosa-inspired biointerface intrinsically prevents the development of pathogenic dysbiosis. This study demonstrates the groundbreaking potential of material-based niche engineering to guide the ecological shifts of microbial communities from the material scale.},
}

@article {pmid42632035,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, LC and Chen, YC and Sun, PW and Cheng, YP and Lin, SC and Guo, JW},
title = {Systemic Interventions Targeting Epidermal Barrier Function: Translational Insights from Oral Probiotics.},
journal = {Skin pharmacology and physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1},
doi = {10.1159/spp/aetag003},
pmid = {42632035},
issn = {1660-5535},
abstract = {The epidermal barrier is increasingly recognized as a dynamic and pharmacologically targetable system that extends beyond its traditional role as a passive structural defense. In inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, barrier dysfunction contributes not only to increased permeability and environmental susceptibility but also to complex bidirectional interactions involving immune dysregulation, microbial imbalance, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation. Emerging evidence further supports the concept of the gut-skin axis as a systemic regulatory network linking intestinal microbiota, microbial metabolites, immune signaling, and epidermal homeostasis. Microbiota-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and aryl hydrocarbon receptor-related microbial metabolites, have been implicated in the regulation of keratinocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, and epithelial integrity. Within this framework, oral probiotics have attracted increasing attention as biologically plausible systemic modulators of skin barrier function. Experimental and translational studies suggest that probiotics may improve transepidermal water loss, barrier-associated protein expression, inflammatory signaling, and microbial homeostasis through immune and metabolic mechanisms. However, current evidence remains heterogeneous because of strain-specific variability, inconsistent study methodologies, and limited standardized barrier-associated endpoints. Consequently, the clinical utility of microbiome-targeted therapy remains substantially stronger at the mechanistic and preclinical level than at the level of standardized large-scale clinical validation. Current evidence is also considerably more developed in atopic dermatitis than in psoriasis and other inflammatory dermatoses. Future progress will likely depend on integrated multi-omics analyses, functional barrier phenotyping, host-genetic stratification, and longitudinal therapeutic monitoring to enable precision barrier-centered interventions and personalized dermatologic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42624068,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Z and Yan, Y and Han, IL and Lee, J and Li, G and He, P and Onnis-Hayden, A and Tooker, NB and Meng, Z and Miller, MW and McCullough, K and Klaus, S and Sabba, F and Jimenez, JA and Bott, CB and deBarbadillo, C and Giometto, A and Weinberger, KQ and Gu, AZ},
title = {Artificial intelligence-assisted phenotypic monitoring and diagnostic of wastewater microbiome management towards sustainability.},
journal = {Water research},
volume = {307},
number = {},
pages = {126624},
doi = {10.1016/j.watres.2026.126624},
pmid = {42624068},
issn = {1879-2448},
abstract = {Wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) rely on functional microbiome to remove pollutants and safeguard water sustainability towards United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, conventional DNA-based and operator experience-based monitoring approaches often fail to provide early warning of functional instability, leading to sudden WRRF performance loss and increased risk of regulatory noncompliance, primarily due to the lack of precise, functionality-driven monitoring systems. Here, we develop an artificial intelligence(AI)-assisted single-cell Raman spectroscopy (SCRS) platform and assemble a large Ramanome database (46,892 single cells across 12 WRRF configurations) for high-resolution phenotypic monitoring and diagnostics of wastewater microbiomes for a reliable and sustainable WRRF system. Our results demonstrate that Ramanome-defined operational phenotypic units (OPUs) and their associated phenotypic metrics (e.g., phenotypic diversity, network structures) can serve as robust phenotypic signals for accurate WRRF performance monitoring, complementing the conventional taxonomy-based signals (e.g., 16S rRNA). Moreover, our explainable AI models accurately identify key functional phenotypes and OPUs (accuracy 0.95-1.00) and enable quantitative diagnosis of WRRF health across regulatory compliance levels (accuracy 0.55-1.00). Overall, this function-driven SCRS-AI framework establishes a robust and scalable platform for predictive microbiome monitoring, diagnostics, and management, advancing sustainable wastewater treatment innovations in alignment with the SDGs.},
}

@article {pmid42624113,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Xie, S and Li, C and Huang, R and Zheng, Z and Chen, S and Wu, Y and Zhang, H and Yang, R and Chan, YL and Sun, Y and Chan, FKL and Chan, NY and Ng, SC and Su, Q},
title = {Faecalibacterium prausnitzii-derived L-arginine ameliorates insomnia by inhibiting POMC-ACTH-cortisol axis.},
journal = {Cell reports. Medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102997},
doi = {10.1016/j.xcrm.2026.102997},
pmid = {42624113},
issn = {2666-3791},
abstract = {Insomnia is associated with gut microbial dysbiosis, but the specific microbial metabolites mediating gut-brain communication remain elusive. Here, we integrate metagenomic sequencing from 171 individuals (primary insomnia, post-COVID insomnia, and controls) with functional pathway analysis and preclinical validation. We identify Faecalibacterium prausnitzii depletion and reduced L-arginine biosynthesis as consistent features in both insomnia subtypes, accompanied by elevated cortisol levels. Genomic and in vitro analyses confirm that F. prausnitzii is a key microbial contributor to L-arginine production. In a chronic mild stress mouse model, administration of either F. prausnitzii or L-arginine restores sleep duration, normalizes corticosterone levels, and reverses stress-induced gut dysbiosis. Mechanistically, L-arginine suppresses POMC gene expression and dampens adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulated corticosterone release, implicating the POMC-ACTH-cortisol axis as a key target. These findings uncover a gut-brain axis driven by F. prausnitzii-derived L-arginine that modulates sleep through endocrine signaling, positioning this metabolite as a potential therapeutic avenue for insomnia.},
}

@article {pmid42624114,
year = {2026},
author = {Jang, LG and Huh, JW and Kim, S and Lee, JY and Hwang, HS and Yoon, J and Lee, HG and Kim, TI and Lee, YC and Jee, SH and Kim, JF},
title = {Mouth-to-gut microbial transmission signatures enable robust, non-invasive diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2026.07.007},
pmid = {42624114},
issn = {1934-6069},
abstract = {The human microbiome is spatially compartmentalized, yet oral bacteria can ectopically colonize distal sites such as the gut, potentially influencing disease. By analyzing paired oral and fecal microbiomes from 507 participants across healthy controls and patients with metabolic disorders or gastrointestinal cancers, we established a quantitative mouth-to-feces (MF) index to measure MF microbial transmission. The MF index revealed elevated mouth-to-gut transmission in cancer and a strong association with host metabolic and inflammatory indicators. Using transmitted taxa, we developed a random forest classifier that accurately distinguished gastric/colorectal cancer from healthy controls across seven independent cohorts, even when trained solely on oral microbiome data. When benchmarked against the conventional screening test, the MF-based model achieved markedly higher sensitivity than the fecal occult blood test. These findings uncover disease-specific transmission signatures and highlight MF microbial profiling as a generalizable, non-invasive framework for gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis and risk stratification.},
}

@article {pmid42624237,
year = {2026},
author = {Iqbal, H and Baig, AM and Shi, X and Shi, R and Zeb, A and Khan, S and Liu, J and Wu, Z and Hussain, S and Liu, W},
title = {Photoaging-Induced Phytotoxicity of Tire Wear Particles on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.): Evidence from Oxidative Stress, Metabolic Reprogramming, and Microbial Shifts.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {129002},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.129002},
pmid = {42624237},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Tire wear particles (TWPs) undergo intricate photoaging processes that substantially alter their physicochemical properties and enhance their environmental behavior and ecological effects. However, the combined effects of particle size and exposure concentration of photoaged TWPs on plant growth and rhizosphere microbial communities remain inadequately characterized. In this study, a 30-day tomato cultivation experiment was conducted using UV-aged TWPs of two sizes (100 and 200 μm) applied at two concentrations (0.1% and 1%, w/w). The results revealed distinct size- and concentration-dependent phytotoxicity. The highest concentration of 100 μm TWPs (1%, w/w) induced the most pronounced inhibitory effects, reducing shoot biomass by 77.1% and net assimilation rate by 62.1%, while increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 72%. UV photoaging altered TWP surface morphology, chemical composition, and hydrophilicity, promoting the leaching of heavy metals. Furthermore, UV-aged TWPs disrupted soil nutrient cycling and enzyme activities, triggered extensive metabolic reprogramming in tomatoes, particularly in carbon metabolism and TCA cycle, and reduced rhizosphere bacterial and fungal diversity, shifting microbial communities toward more stress-tolerant taxa. Integrated analyses demonstrated that the phytotoxicity of UV-aged TWPs was linked to oxidative stress, metabolic disturbance, impaired soil function, and microbial community shifts. These findings advance the understanding of UV-aged TWP toxicity and underscore the necessity of incorporating particle size and aging status into environmental risk assessments.},
}

@article {pmid42624309,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, P and Li, S and Liu, Y and Li, J and Liu, B and Li, N and Wang, C and Xia, C and Liu, F},
title = {Schisandrin B protects against oxaliplatin-induced liver injury by suppressing ferroptosis via the canonical KEAP1-Nrf2 and non-canonical microbiota-driven Lactobacillus reuteri-CLA-Nrf2 axes.},
journal = {Pharmacological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108408},
doi = {10.1016/j.phrs.2026.108408},
pmid = {42624309},
issn = {1096-1186},
abstract = {Ferroptosis is a critical contributor to chemotherapy-induced liver injury. Schisandrin B (SchB), a bioactive compound from Schisandra chinensis, exerts hepatoprotection, but the underlying mechanisms in oxaliplatin (OXA)-induced liver injury are unclear. In this study, OXA treatment induced hepatic dysfunction, lipid accumulation, and gut dysbiosis, with marked depletion of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri). A lipidomic analysis showed that SchB reversed OXA-induced linoleic acid (LA) metabolic reprogramming, particularly PE (18:0_18:2) and PE (18:2_18:2) accumulation. A targeted quantification revealed that OXA increased the levels of the LA-derived oxidation products 9-HODE and 13-HODE, which were significantly reduced by SchB treatment. Mechanistically, SchB mitigated OXA-induced DILI by suppressing ferroptosis through the dual-targeted activation of Nrf2. Notably, in addition to the canonical KEAP1-dependent mechanism, an important gut microbiota-mediated pathway appeared to contribute substantially to Nrf2 activation. SchB reshaped the gut microbiota by enriching L. reuteri, which metabolized the accumulated LA into conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The CLA contributed to Nrf2 activation via a microbiome-dependent non-canonical pathway. Nrf2 knockout rats and FMT experiments further confirmed the causal roles of Nrf2 and L. reuteri in SchB-mediated hepatoprotection against lipid peroxidation. Importantly, in microbiota-depleted rats with OXA-induced liver injury, CLA supplementation partially restored Nrf2 activation and attenuated lipid peroxidation, indicating that CLA positively affected the microbiota-dependent hepatoprotective pathway associated with SchB. Collectively, these findings identify SchB as a potent therapeutic candidate against OXA-induced liver injury and highlight a microbiota-driven L. reuteri-CLA-Nrf2 axis as a key non-canonical pathway regulating gut-liver metabolic crosstalk and ferroptosis to maintain hepatic homeostasis.},
}

@article {pmid42624437,
year = {2026},
author = {Kyriazopoulou, E and Stylianakis, E and Damoraki, G and Spyrou, A and Symbardi, S and Chrysos, G and Adamis, G and Giamarellos-Bourboulis, EJ},
title = {Development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in sepsis patients is associated with dysbiosis at baseline: Data from the PROGRESS Controlled Trial.},
journal = {International journal of antimicrobial agents},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107979},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2026.107979},
pmid = {42624437},
issn = {1872-7913},
abstract = {The randomized PROGRESS trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03333304) proved that early stop of antibiotics in sepsis guided by procalcitonin (PCT) changes leads, among others, to decrease of the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and preservation of gut microbiome diversity. We aimed to explore an association of AAD with baseline microbiome composition. Patients with sepsis were followed-up for 28 days for AAD development. As PCT guidance led to decrease of AAD, only patients of the comparator arm, i.e. under treatment with standard-of-care (SoC) duration of antimicrobials, were considered for this exploratory analysis. In case of diarrhea, Clostridioides difficile infection was thoroughly investigated and excluded. Fecal samples were collected before initiation of antimicrobials and microbiome analysis was done by 16S rRNA Nanopore sequencing. Shannon diversity index was similar at baseline in 31 AAD (3.01; Q1-Q3, 2.49-3.49) and 54 non-AAD (2.83; Q1-Q3, 2.16-3.27; p: 0.456) patients. Relative abundance of Bacillota was lower (p: 0.038) and of Pseudomonadota higher (p: 0.019) in AAD patients. Abundance of the butyrate-producing anaerobic genus Faecalibacterium ≥ 0.15% was protective against AAD whereas abundance of Pseudomonas at baseline ≥ 0.75% (ORadj, 5.70; 95% CI, 1.70-19.06; p: 0.005) and Enterococcus at baseline ≥ 2.1% (ORadj, 7.16; 95% CI, 2.12-24.25; p: 0.002), were independent risk factors. Development of AAD in sepsis patients is associated with dysbiosis before start of antimicrobial treatment.},
}

@article {pmid42624662,
year = {2026},
author = {Outeiro, TF and Tolosa, E},
title = {How (We Think) Parkinson's disease begins.},
journal = {Parkinsonism & related disorders},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108943},
doi = {10.1016/j.parkreldis.2026.108943},
pmid = {42624662},
issn = {1873-5126},
abstract = {Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex heterogeneous neurodegenerative syndrome that is clinically defined. However, how it begins at the molecular and systems level remains unresolved. In this review, we cover selected evidence from neuropathology, imaging, genetics, microbiome and immune studies to examine competing and complementary models of PD initiation. We discuss classical pathology-staging concepts alongside brain-first and periphery-first subtypes, olfactory and gut routes, and threshold and multifocal models that posit parallel central and peripheral involvement. Emerging work on microbiome dysbiosis, endotoxin exposure, environmental toxicants at the nose-brain interface, genetically defined cellular vulnerabilities, and neuroinflammation, suggest these factors may act as potential upstream drivers of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) aggregation and spread. This supports a view in which PD comprises multiple initiating biologies leading to phenotypes that converge on a shared degenerative cascade. Altogether, we posit that understanding how PD starts impacts on our ability for performing biology-based subtyping, prodromal stratification, and for devising mechanism-based early preventive strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42624708,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, G and Du, Y and Huang, X and Luo, R and Zhou, H and Song, K},
title = {Associations between post-bariatric surgery gut microbiota changes and type 2 diabetes remission: a narrative review.},
journal = {Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.soard.2026.07.013},
pmid = {42624708},
issn = {1878-7533},
abstract = {Bariatric surgery is accompanied by substantial remodeling of the gut microbiota, which has been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission. This review summarizes evidence from recent years on how surgery-induced microbial changes contribute to metabolic improvement. Key findings include a sustained increase in beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing taxa, coupled with a decrease in proinflammatory organisms. These shifts enhance intestinal barrier function, reduce systemic inflammation, modulate immune responses, and alter bile acid metabolism and SCFAs signaling-collectively improving glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. We conclude that gut microbiota restructuring is a plausible contributor to the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery, offering insights for future microbiome-targeted therapies in T2DM.},
}

@article {pmid42624765,
year = {2026},
author = {Kao, CM and Fritz, SA},
title = {The Role of Decolonization in Prevention of Staphylococcus aureus Infection.},
journal = {Infectious disease clinics of North America},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.idc.2026.07.002},
pmid = {42624765},
issn = {1557-9824},
abstract = {Staphylococcus aureus is a common skin commensal with significant pathogenic potential. S aureus is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, such as central-line associated bloodstream infections and surgical site infections, as well as skin and soft tissue infections. S aureus colonization is a significant risk factor for subsequent infection; thus, surveillance and decolonization with topical antimicrobials and antiseptics remain the mainstay of prevention. However, widespread implementation of decolonization protocols in hospitals and the community has been associated with antimicrobial resistance and microbiome perturbation. Thus, novel methods of S aureus decolonization and prevention remain a public health priority.},
}

@article {pmid42624857,
year = {2026},
author = {Sewunet, T and Razavi, M and Hanrott, K and Norris, V and Kricker, J and Giske, CG},
title = {Impact of the anti-inflammatory macrolide glasmacinal on the gut microbiota of healthy adults: an open-label trial.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42624857},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Humans ; *Macrolides/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; Feces/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Adult ; Female ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics ; Male ; *Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Azithromycin/pharmacology ; Healthy Volunteers ; Phylogeny ; Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification ; Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification/isolation & purification ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {Glasmacinal (EP395) is an oral macrolide, with immunomodulatory properties like antibiotic macrolides (such as azithromycin), but with negligible in vitro antimicrobial activity, which is being developed as a potential treatment to reduce exacerbations in respiratory conditions. In an open-label healthy participant trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06118684), with the primary objective of assessing potential drug-drug interactions of glasmacinal, faecal samples were collected to evaluate the impact on the gut microbiota of daily doses of glasmacinal for 2 weeks, using both phenotypic and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Glasmacinal produced modest effects: reduced phylogenetic richness (p < 0.0001), but not evenness, and altered beta-diversity (PERMANOVA R[2] = 0.104 p.adj=0.0018 after 1 week, and R[2] = 0.059, p.adj=0.028 after 2 weeks) with reductions in Clostridiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Sutterellaceae abundance. The community shift was approximately 10% after 1-week glasmacinal, and 6% after 2-weeks. With quantitative culture, only Enterobacterales was impacted. No increase or selection of resistance to azithromycin in Enterobacterales and Bacteroides, nor increase in Candida spp. or Clostridioides difficile, were detected. Overall, glasmacinal induced limited restructuring of the gut microbiome (without the defining hallmarks of antibiotic-like dysbiosis), core anaerobic phyla of the gut (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) were preserved, and there was no selection of antimicrobial resistance.},
}

Humans
*Macrolides/pharmacology/administration & dosage
Feces/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Adult
Female
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/genetics
Male
*Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Azithromycin/pharmacology
Healthy Volunteers
Phylogeny
Enterobacteriaceae/drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification
Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification/isolation & purification
Young Adult

@article {pmid42624911,
year = {2026},
author = {Ray, K},
title = {Phase I trial of faecal microbiome transplantation for food allergy.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42624911},
issn = {1759-5053},
}

@article {pmid42625107,
year = {2026},
author = {Theocharidou, E and Arvanitakis, K and Koufakis, T and Tsochatzis, E and Francque, S and Germanidis, G},
title = {Non-invasive Assessment and Therapeutic Targeting in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH): Overcoming the Dissonance Between Drug Development and Precision Medicine.},
journal = {Drugs},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42625107},
issn = {1179-1950},
abstract = {Despite two decades of therapeutic clinical trials in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), only two drugs have been approved so far for those with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with fibrosis but not cirrhosis. Treatment responses are variable and difficult to predict, reflecting the complexity of disease pathophysiology as well as the current inability to capture disease heterogeneity, all precluding making informed individualized choices that potentially might improve treatment results. Liver biopsy for diagnosis and efficacy assessment is to date a prerequisite in late-stage trials, which limits large-scale trials and translation to routine clinical practice, and also fails to capture that heterogeneity. Several non-invasive tests (NITs) have been developed as a diagnostic surrogate to reflect disease severity, mostly addressing fibrosis, which is the strongest predictor of liver-related outcomes. This article highlights the dissonance between drug development for 'at-risk' MASH that targets both active disease and fibrosis relying on strict histological criteria, and current NITs that have been proposed for patient selection for pharmacotherapy and monitoring in clinical practice but largely reflect fibrosis. Although increasing evidence suggests their usefulness in diagnosis and follow-up, their ability to capture disease heterogeneity and select the right patients for the right treatments seems limited. Emerging NITs are derived from disease pathophysiological mechanisms and integrate lipidomic and proteomic analysis with existing biomarkers, as well as with other parameters such as the genetic background, the liver microenvironment, or the gut microbiome. Utilizing novel NITs therefore has the potential to identify appropriate candidates for therapy and also monitor responses, allowing in the future for true personalized medicine. Furthermore, understanding the complex pathophysiological mechanisms can potentially unravel not only novel diagnostics but also innovative therapeutic targets. This could lead to (personalized) choices of drugs and drug combinations that engage multiple pathways to improve efficacy, not only in terms of liver disease, but also in relation to the cardiometabolic risk profile. Moving towards precision medicine in MASLD, information provided non-invasively via circulating biomarkers (liquid liver biopsy) may hence guide risk stratification and therapeutic decisions in the near future.},
}

@article {pmid42625144,
year = {2026},
author = {Alhassan, L and Alrabadi, B and Batarseh, SF and Alghzawi, Y and Bandak, N and Badwan, A and Al Kayed, H},
title = {The role of artificial intelligence in predicting immunotherapy treatment outcomes based on gut microbiota composition in cancer patients: a meta-analysis.},
journal = {Immunotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1080/1750743X.2026.2717074},
pmid = {42625144},
issn = {1750-7448},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer treatment, but response varies across patients. Gut microbiota may influence immunotherapy outcomes, while artificial intelligence (AI) can help characterize complex microbiome-host interactions. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated AI models for predicting immunotherapy outcomes using gut microbiota data.

METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched through January 2025. The primary outcome was pooled area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the systematic review, with eight eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled AUC was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91), indicating strong predictive performance. Several studies identified microbial taxa, including Bacteroides and Porphyromonadaceae, associated with treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION: AI-based models show promising potential for predicting immunotherapy response using gut microbiota data. However, limited evidence, substantial methodological heterogeneity, and restricted patient populations limit the reliability and generalizability of current estimates. Larger multicenter studies with standardized AI pipelines and external validation are needed before clinical implementation.},
}

@article {pmid42625364,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, D and Zhang, C and Wang, W and Ma, L and Huang, Y and Liu, L and Yang, J and Wang, E and Jiang, F and Yuan, H},
title = {Sucrose and pipecolic acid-mediated enrichment of rhizosphere Rhizobiale Burkholderiale bacteria improve soybean growth under low light conditions.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102083},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2026.102083},
pmid = {42625364},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {Low light (LL) is a major constraint on the productivity of intercropped legumes and dense planting crops, and also affects the root-associated microbial communities. However, how LL reshapes the root-microbe interactions and whether the root microbiota can mitigate LL-induced damage in legumes remain unclear. Here, a meta-analysis based on field observations revealed that negative effects predominated (>70%) in intercropped and dense planting legume systems, with the light intensity emerging as the primary determinant of yield variation. Using soybean as a model, we found that LL suppressed photosynthesis, biomass accumulation and nodulation, and these effects were further aggravated in sterile soil. Furthermore, soil-transplantation experiments showed that soils conditioned by LL-grown plants reduced subsequent plant biomass. Compared to normal light (NL), LL shifted rhizosphere microbial assembly toward a more deterministic process, reducing bacterial diversity and simplifying bacterial co-occurrence networks, with Rhizobiales and Burkholderiales being the significantly reduced taxa. Metabolomic analysis identified sucrose and pipecolic acid as LL-responsive metabolites that were strongly correlated with these taxa. Chemotaxis and growth assays demonstrated that sucrose functions as both a carbon source and a chemoattractant, whereas pipecolic acid acts as a chemoattractant. Reintroduction of representative isolates or simplified SynCom alleviated LL-induced growth inhibition by enhancing photosynthetic performance, modulating redox status, and reprogramming host transcriptional responses. Together, our findings provide evidence of a belowground regulatory mechanism linking root exudates, rhizosphere microbiota, and plant performance under LL, and highlight the potential of microbiome-based strategies to improve crop production in low-light environments.},
}

@article {pmid42625391,
year = {2026},
author = {Santos Dantas, R and Souza Santos, LV and Carvalho de Oliveira, AG and Dos Santos Barreto, M and Rego Rodrigues Silva, DM and Macedo Moura, PH and Dias Silva, EE and Santana Santos, R and Alves da Mota Santana, L and Gandhi Gopalsamy, R and Gibara Guimarães, A and Pinto Borges, L},
title = {Effects of GLP-1 agonists on the gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.},
journal = {The FEBS journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/febs.70656},
pmid = {42625391},
issn = {1742-4658},
abstract = {Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterised by chronic hyperglycemia. The Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been highlighted for their potential benefits to the gut microbiota in the context of this pathology. Therefore, it is important to investigate the relationship between microbiota and GLP-1 RAs used in T2DM. This review aimed at evaluating the effects of GLP-1 agonists on gut microbiota in T2DM individuals. The protocol was previously registered in PROSPERO, and the search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases in March 2025. Two reviewers have read the titles and abstracts and selected the included articles based on established criteria. The initial search identified 5532 publications, of which 17 studies were included: 12 preclinical and 5 clinical. Most were conducted in China between 2016 and 2025. GLP-1 agonists have been shown to modulate the gut microbiota, characterised by an increase in Bacteroidetes, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Lactobacillus. These changes are accompanied by an improvement of intestinal villi, increase in occludin expression, as well as an improvement in colonic inflammation. We identified a higher abundance of bacterial species associated with intestinal balance (eubiosis), accompanied by reduced inflammation and insulin resistance. Conversely, there was a lower abundance of bacteria related to dysbiosis, such as Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, which can be unfavourable when in excess. GLP-1 agonists influence the intestinal microbiota, improving metabolic parameters and anti-inflammatory effects. However, further clinical studies are needed to corroborate the findings of this review.},
}

@article {pmid42625439,
year = {2026},
author = {Hilliard, MA and Oliver, A and Wilson, SMG and Shahab-Ferdows, S and Hampel, D and Bennett, BJ and Allen, LH and G Lemay, D},
title = {High dietary B12 is associated with reduced gut microbial B12 biosynthesis capacity and lower fecal short-chain fatty acids in healthy United States adults.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2718567},
doi = {10.1080/19490976.2026.2718567},
pmid = {42625439},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {*Feces/chemistry/microbiology ; Humans ; *Fatty Acids, Volatile/analysis/metabolism ; *Vitamin B 12/blood/metabolism/administration & dosage ; Male ; Adult ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Female ; United States ; *Bacteria/classification/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification ; Middle Aged ; Diet ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {Vitamin B12 is acquired through the consumption of animal-source foods and supplements. In animal models, interventions with B12 and/or methionine influence fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration. Yet the relevance of dietary B12 to microbially produced SCFAs in humans is unknown. This study determined associations between dietary B12 and the gut microbiome in a deeply phenotyped cohort of healthy U.S. adults. Habitual diet and fecal shotgun metagenomes were integrated alongside measurements of fecal SCFAs, plasma SCFAs, and plasma B12 (n = 277). Vitamin B12 intake ranged from 2.4 to 1062 µg/day, and nearly all participants were B12 replete. Stratification of participants into adequate (2.4-8.51 µg/day) and high B12 intake (>8.51 µg/day) groups revealed the association of high intake with a reduction in bacteria capable of anaerobic B12 biosynthesis. High B12 intake was also associated with lower fecal SCFA concentrations even after controlling for fiber and methionine intake. Differences in microbial taxa between dietary groups were limited. However, machine learning models demonstrated the ability to predict fecal propionate and butyrate from microbial pathways in the adequate or no supplement groups, but not in the high intake or supplement groups. Our results indicate that dietary B12 greater than 8.51 µg/day may be associated with reduced microbial synthesis of B12 and lower fecal SCFA production.},
}

*Feces/chemistry/microbiology
Humans
*Fatty Acids, Volatile/analysis/metabolism
*Vitamin B 12/blood/metabolism/administration & dosage
Male
Adult
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Female
United States
*Bacteria/classification/metabolism/genetics/isolation & purification
Middle Aged
Diet
Young Adult

@article {pmid42625577,
year = {2026},
author = {Lesiak, A and Krawczyk, A and Piasta, J and Spałek, J and Szajkowska, J and Papros, E and Kręcisz, B and Durnaś, B and Gosiewski, T and Bucki, R},
title = {Gut and skin dysbiosis in acne vulgaris: a comparative microbiome analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1904271},
pmid = {42625577},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Acne Vulgaris/microbiology ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Skin Microbiome ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Female ; Pilot Projects ; Male ; Adult ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Young Adult ; *Skin/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Feces/microbiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Microbiota ; Adolescent ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with multifactorial etiology involving host-microbiome interactions. While cutaneous dysbiosis has been extensively studied, the contribution of the gut microbiome and its potential interaction with the skin microbiome remains insufficiently characterized.

METHODS: In this pilot study, paired facial skin swabs and stool samples were collected from 17 patients with moderate-to-severe AV and 14 healthy controls. Microbial DNA was extracted and the V3-V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform.

RESULTS: Acne patients exhibited significantly reduced gut microbial alpha diversity compared to controls (p < 0.001 across indices), accompanied by decreased diversity in the skin microbiome. Beta diversity analyses revealed distinct gut microbial community structures between groups, whereas skin microbial composition showed more subtle differences. Taxonomic profiling identified pronounced alterations in gut microbiota, contrasting with relatively modest shifts in skin communities.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal a systemic pattern of microbial dysbiosis in AV, characterized by marked alterations in the gut microbiome alongside concurrent, albeit less pronounced, changes in the skin microbiome. These results support a role for the gut-skin axis in acne pathophysiology and highlight the need for integrative, system-level analyses of host-microbiome interactions in inflammatory skin diseases.},
}

Humans
*Acne Vulgaris/microbiology
*Dysbiosis/microbiology
Skin Microbiome
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Female
Pilot Projects
Male
Adult
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Young Adult
*Skin/microbiology
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Feces/microbiology
Sequence Analysis, DNA
*Microbiota
Adolescent
Biodiversity

@article {pmid42625606,
year = {2026},
author = {Čelakovská, J and Čermáková, E and Boudkova, P and Andrýs, C},
title = {The evaluation of cytokine profiles in atopic dermatitis patients treated with dupilumab: association with ocular complications.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1873001},
pmid = {42625606},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy/blood/immunology ; *Cytokines/blood ; Female ; Male ; *Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Biomarkers/blood ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dupilumab is an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), yet a substantial proportion of patients develop ocular complications collectively termed dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease (DAOSD). Despite multiple proposed mechanisms - including goblet cell depletion, mucin deficiency, Th1/Th17 immune shifts, and microbiome alterations - no upstream epithelial cytokine marker has been clearly identified.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether plasma cytokines differ between AD patients treated with dupilumab who develop ocular complications and those without ocular involvement.

METHODS: Complex dermatological examination was performed in adult AD patients receiving dupilumab for ≥24 months. Plasma cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-23, IL-2, IL-31, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17E, IL-12p70, TSLP, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-10, IL-33) were quantified under unstimulated and PMA/ionomycin-stimulated conditions in winter and summer seasons. Differences between groups were assessed using non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). To account for multiple comparisons across the large number of tested cytokines, false discovery rate (FDR) correction was performed using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure with a significance threshold of q = 0.05. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate biomarker potential to explore potential discriminative performance. AUC values were calculated using empirical (non-parametric) ROC analysis.

RESULTS: During the summer period, stimulated thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels were nominally higher in patients with ocular complications compared with those without (p = 0.045). However, this difference did not remain statistically significant after FDR correction. In winter, stimulated TSLP showed a non-significant trend toward higher levels (p = 0.088). No other cytokines differed between groups. ROC analysis demonstrated moderate discriminative ability of stimulated TSLP (AUC 0.81 in summer; 0.70 in winter), although confidence intervals were wide.

CONCLUSION: Stimulated TSLP may represent a preliminary observation requiring confirmation in dupilumab-treated AD patients with ocular complications.},
}

Humans
*Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy/blood/immunology
*Cytokines/blood
Female
Male
*Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects/therapeutic use
Adult
Middle Aged
Biomarkers/blood
Young Adult

@article {pmid42625628,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, Y and Duan, H and Chen, F and Chang, Y and An, Y},
title = {Intestinal microbiota alteration in women with adenomyosis and clinical characteristics correlation.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1773822},
pmid = {42625628},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Adenomyosis is an enigmatic disease with estrogen dependence, and the exact pathogenic mechanisms remain confusing. Limited evidence points out the presence of gut flora changes in adenomyosis. However, evidence on how adenomyosis and gut microbiota crosstalk remains insufficient.

METHODS: This study included 30 female diagnosed with adenomyosis and 28 healthy control participants. Fecal samples were collected from all subjects prior to the initiation of pharmacological treatment. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique was utilized to analyze the fecal samples, with the objective of characterizing the composition and potential functional profile of the gut microbiota, as well as examining the correlations between the gut microbiota and disease-related clinical variables.

RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, patients with adenomyosis showed a distinct gut microbial community composition. The adenomyosis group was significantly enriched in Prevotella_9 and Ligilactobacillus, whereas the control group had an enrichment in Anaerofustis, Akkermansia, and Anaerostipes. PICRUSt2 results showed significant down-regulation of PWY0-1061 (superpathway of L-alanine biosynthesis), P184-PWY (protocatechuate degradation I (meta-cleavage pathway)), and DHGLUCONATE-PYR-CAT-PWY (glucose degradation (oxidative)) pathways in the ADS group. Correlation analysis further revealed that the relative abundances of Akkermansia, Roseburia, Dialister, and Lachnoclostridium were significantly associated with clinical features of the disease.

CONCLUSION: A potential association exists between adenomyosis and the intestinal microbiome. Clinical characteristics of adenomyosis are related to the intestinal microbiota. These findings offer microbiota-derived evidence and new perspectives on the pathophysiology of adenomyosis.},
}

@article {pmid42625640,
year = {2026},
author = {Zou, P and Liu, X and Wang, Y and Xue, Z and Yang, J and Meng, F and Dong, N},
title = {Analysis of gut microbiota characteristics in osteoarthritis patients.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1915556},
pmid = {42625640},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Osteoarthritis/microbiology/blood ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Female ; Feces/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Biomarkers/blood ; Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Cytokines/blood ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Interleukin-6/blood ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and debilitating disease that represents a leading cause of disability among middle-aged and elderly individuals. With the aging population, the incidence of OA and its associated socioeconomic burden is increasing; however, the underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Based on the "gut-bone axis" theory, this study systematically characterized the gut microbiota of patients with OA to identify potential biological targets for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS: Fecal samples from 32 OA patients and 26 healthy controls were analyzed for gut bacterial and fungal microbiota using 16S rRNA and ITS high-throughput sequencing. ELISA measured serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess relationships between gut microbiota and inflammatory markers. Random forest and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were applied to identify characteristic microbial taxa associated with OA.

RESULTS: Serum levels of the inflammatory factors LPS, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly elevated in OA patients. Both alpha diversity and overall composition of the gut bacterial and fungal microbiota were altered in OA patients. At the phylum level, the abundance of Proteobacteria increased significantly, whereas that of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota decreased markedly. At the genus level, the abundances of Escherichia-Shigella and the Ruminococcus gnavus group were significantly increased, while those of Bacteroides, the Eubacterium halli group, Subdoligranulum, and Faecalibacterium were significantly decreased. Regarding gut fungi, the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were significantly enriched in OA patients. At the genus level, Saccharomyces and Aureobasidium were significantly more abundant, whereas Aspergillus, Exophiala, and Kurtzmaniella were significantly reduced. Cross-kingdom network analysis revealed weakened interactions between gut bacteria and fungi in OA patients, disrupting the overall ecological balance of the gut microbiome. Random forest and ROC analyses indicated that the combination of the Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group, Subdoligranulum, the Ruminococcus gauvreauii group, Malassezia, and Aspergillus exhibited strong diagnostic potential for OA. These microbial changes were closely correlated with inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSION: OA patients present with both elevated serum inflammatory factors and gut microbial dysbiosis, and significant associations exist between specific microbiota and inflammatory markers. While these findings suggest that certain gut microbes could serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for OA, further validation is necessary to confirm their clinical applicability.},
}

Humans
*Osteoarthritis/microbiology/blood
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Female
Feces/microbiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Aged
Middle Aged
Male
Biomarkers/blood
Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Cytokines/blood
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Interleukin-6/blood
DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry

@article {pmid42625690,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiu, R and Yang, L and Li, X and Li, S and Liu, L and Che, J},
title = {Effect of Golden Wanhong Ointment on wound microbiota in patients with diabetic foot ulcer.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1820893},
pmid = {42625690},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Diabetic Foot/drug therapy/microbiology ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; Ointments/administration & dosage ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Wound Healing/drug effects ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Interleukin-6/metabolism ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effect of the hospital preparation Golden Wanhong Ointment on wound microbiota structure in patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), to provide microbiological evidence for its traditional functions of "clearing heat and detoxifying, removing necrotic tissue and promoting granulation."

METHODS: A total of 31 DFU patients were enrolled, and 62 wound secretion samples were collected before and after treatment. 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region amplicon sequencing was performed to analyze changes in microbiota composition and diversity. Wound area, pain score (VAS), and inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α) were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS: Compared to pre-treatment, post-treatment assessments showed significantly reduced wound area, lower pain scores, and decreased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (all P<0.001). Sequencing yielded 4,579,390 high-quality Clean Reads, with an average of 73,861 high-quality reads per sample. Microbiota analysis revealed a significant compositional remodeling. of wound microbiota structure after treatment: at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria decreased while Firmicutes increased; at the genus level, the abundances of Prevotella and Escherichia-Shigella, which are closely associated with infection, were significantly reduced.

CONCLUSION: Golden Wanhong Ointment may promote wound healing by regulating DFU wound microbiota structure, inhibiting the abundance of key pathogenic bacteria, reducing local inflammatory response, and improving the wound microenvironment. This study provides a modern scientific interpretation of its traditional effects from a microbiological perspective.},
}

Humans
*Diabetic Foot/drug therapy/microbiology
*Microbiota/drug effects
Ointments/administration & dosage
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage/therapeutic use/pharmacology
Female
Male
Bacteria/classification/genetics/drug effects/isolation & purification
Middle Aged
Aged
Wound Healing/drug effects
DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry
Sequence Analysis, DNA
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Interleukin-6/metabolism

@article {pmid42625710,
year = {2026},
author = {Ding, M and Li, H and Guo, W},
title = {Intratumoral bacteria in cancer: from detection to biological relevance.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1904204},
pmid = {42625710},
issn = {2234-943X},
}

@article {pmid42625739,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Q and Wang, X and Cao, J and Fu, C and Yang, C and Wang, B and Liu, P and Wang, Y and Huang, S and Tang, X},
title = {Early esophageal squamous neoplasia and the microbiome: evidence, mechanisms, and early-detection potential.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1885729},
pmid = {42625739},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains a major cause of cancer mortality, largely because most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. High-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) represents an important and clinically actionable precancerous stage in the ESCC pathway, during which timely detection and endoscopic therapy can be curative. However, population screening with endoscopy is resource-intensive and has limited acceptability. Accumulating observational evidence suggests that ESCC and its precancerous stages are accompanied by alterations in the esophageal, oral, and tumor-associated microbiome, although the reproducibility and clinical significance of these findings vary across cohorts, sample types, and analytical methods. These microbial changes are shaped by shared risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, hot beverages, poor oral hygiene, local mucosal injury and host immunity. Dysbiosis involves not only bacteria but also fungi and cross-kingdom interactions, which may be associated with barrier disruption, chronic inflammation, and malignant transformation. In this review, we summarize current evidence on the bacteriome and mycobiome across the normal squamous mucosa-HGIN-ESCC, focusing on microbial candidates, potential host-microbe mechanisms, and early-detection relevance. We also discuss saliva-based testing, non-endoscopic esophageal sampling, blood-derived microbial signals, and AI-assisted risk models. At present, microbiome-based biomarkers should be regarded as promising but not yet clinically implementation-ready tools. Further longitudinal validation, standardized methodology, and external cohort testing are required before they can be integrated into routine ESCC early-detection or risk-stratification pathways.},
}

@article {pmid42625746,
year = {2026},
author = {Du, Y and Wu, M and Wu, H and Wu, Y and Fang, C and Li, L and Zhang, H and Wang, Y},
title = {Heatwave exposure and gastrointestinal and liver diseases: complementary evidence from a population-based study and animal experiments.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1883010},
pmid = {42625746},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent under climate change, yet their association with gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between heatwave exposure and the prevalence of GI and liver diseases in middle-aged and older adults and to explore the biological plausibility using a heat-exposure mouse model.

METHODS: We analyzed 10,409 participants from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) using 12 city-level heatwave definitions and applied multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate associations between heatwave exposure and the prevalence of GI and liver diseases. A heat exposure mouse model was further used for histopathological, biochemical, immunofluorescence, inflammatory, and gut microbiome analyses.

RESULTS: Heatwave exposure was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal and liver diseases in middle-aged and older adults, with a sex-divergent pattern observed in subgroup analyses. Smokers also showed stronger associations between heatwave exposure and disease prevalence. In mice, heat exposure induced gastrointestinal and hepatic injury, accompanied by dysregulated metabolism, elevated ALT, AST, TNF-α, and LPS levels, reduced colonic ZO-1 expression, and marked alterations in gut microbial composition and predicted metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that heatwave exposure is associated with GI and liver diseases and may be related to gut microbiome dysregulation.},
}

@article {pmid42625750,
year = {2026},
author = {Peng, YC and Xu, JX and Lu, HY and Bi, YM and Qi, LN and Chen, YG and Zhong, JH and Schlegel, A and Li, LQ},
title = {Preoperative gut microbiota combined with machine learning for predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot study.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1877450},
pmid = {42625750},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *Hepatectomy/adverse effects ; *Liver Neoplasms/surgery/virology ; *Machine Learning ; *Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/surgery/virology ; *Liver Failure/etiology/diagnosis ; Pilot Projects ; Male ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Female ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Middle Aged ; Feces/microbiology ; Boosting Machine Learning Algorithms ; Predictive Learning Models ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Random Forest ; Preoperative Period ; Biomarkers ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between preoperative gut microbiota (GM) profiles and post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients with newly diagnosed HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC), aiming to explore non-invasive, modifiable GM biomarkers for perioperative risk stratification.

METHODS: A total of 233 fecal samples underwent 16S rRNA sequencing and were stratified into three distinct sets: a training set (n = 179), an internal validation set (n = 32), and an independent external validation set (n = 22). Preoperative GM features were compared between patients with and without PHLF to identify diagnostic biomarkers and construct machine learning-driven risk models (XGBoost, Random Forest [RF], and Gradient Boosting Machine [GBM]).

RESULTS: Significant β-diversity differences (Weighted UniFrac) were observed between the groups, identifying 11 differential genera; PHLF patients exhibited a characteristic enrichment of Faecalibacterium, and Blautia, alongside a profound depletion of Bacteroides. Functional inferences revealed distinct metabolic remodeling in the PHLF group, characterized by the upregulation of amino acid biosynthesis (specifically lysine and arginine) and nucleoside catabolism, coupled with a prominent downregulation of the hepatic-interactive urea cycle, central carbon metabolism (glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid [TCA] cycle), and short-chain fatty acid [SCFA] (butyrate) metabolism. In the independent external validation set, the XGBoost, RF, and GBM models achieved areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of 78.12%, 71.88%, and 63.54%, respectively. Importantly, the models showed potent exclusionary performance, with specificities of 81.25% for XGBoost and RF versus 72.22% for GBM, while all three maintained a stable negative predictive value (NPV) of 81.25% and exceptionally stable negative F1-scores (F1- negative).Decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed notable clinical net benefit of all models.

CONCLUSION: We are among the first to characterize distinct GM signatures in PHLF patients with cross-geographic reproducibility. GM demonstrates strong potential as a non-invasive tool for preoperative risk stratification targeting the primary endpoint of PHLF. Characterized by high specificity and potent exclusionary capacity, this signature establishes a clinically robust framework for accurate low-risk patient identification and triage, thereby optimizing perioperative management.},
}

Humans
*Hepatectomy/adverse effects
*Liver Neoplasms/surgery/virology
*Machine Learning
*Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/surgery/virology
*Liver Failure/etiology/diagnosis
Pilot Projects
Male
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Female
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Middle Aged
Feces/microbiology
Boosting Machine Learning Algorithms
Predictive Learning Models
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Random Forest
Preoperative Period
Biomarkers

@article {pmid42625862,
year = {2026},
author = {Biazzo, M and De Jaegher, S and Morganti, L and Kirithras, E and D'Aguanno, M and Podrini, C},
title = {Hybrid-sport participation is associated with gut microbiota composition: an exploratory longitudinal study.},
journal = {Frontiers in sports and active living},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {1868776},
pmid = {42625862},
issn = {2624-9367},
abstract = {Hybrid sports combine high-intensity resistance exercise with sustained aerobic demands, yet their association with gut microbiota composition and response to dietary or microbiota-targeted interventions remains unclear. Hybrid sports athletes have rarely been examined in human gut microbiome studies, which have largely focused on endurance disciplines. We investigated whether the combined study-group characteristics, including exercise modality, dietary intervention, and microbiota-targeted supplementation, were associated with differences in gut microbiota composition Thirty-eight adults were recruited into three groups: Hyrox® athletes (dietary intervention plus microbiota-targeted supplementation), Muay Thai fighters (dietary intervention), and sedentary adults (no intervention). Stool samples were collected at from all participants and at follow-up from a subset after the three-month study period. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for all samples (n = 38), while paired shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted in 15 participants with complete paired samples. Alpha diversity did not differ significantly between study groups or over time. Beta diversity analysis identified sex as the strongest determinant of microbial community structure, whereas study group showed a modest association. Differential abundance analyses identified study-group-associated differences in selected taxa, including lower Enterococcaceae abundance in Hyrox® athletes and differences in Dialister hominis, Dialister massiliensis, and Succiniclasticum ruminis. Paired differential-abundance analyses accounting for repeated measurements identified a limited number of significant species- and family-level taxa, including subgroup-specific changes in Dialister succinatiphilus, Megasphaera elsdenii, Clostridium herbivorans, and Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus. Exploratory shotgun metagenomic analyses performed in a subset did not identify statistically significant gene- or pathway-level differences after multiple-testing correction, although descriptive differences were observed in selected pathways. Together, these findings suggest that the study-group characteristics were associated with fine-scale differences in gut microbiota composition. No significant large-scale changes in community-level microbial diversity were detected over the study period, whereas paired differential-abundance analyses in participants with complete follow-up samples identified a limited number of significant taxon-level changes. Because exercise modality, dietary intervention, and microbiota-targeted supplementation differed simultaneously between study groups, these findings should be interpreted as observational and hypothesis-generating rather than evidence of independent effects of exercise modality. Validation in larger controlled longitudinal studies is therefore required.},
}

@article {pmid42625869,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, P and Chen, J and Yan, H and Li, T and Gao, X and Li, A and Ding, S},
title = {Integrated gut microbiome and serum lipidomics reveals microbial-lipid interactions for predicting incident metabolic syndrome: a nested case-control study.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1862738},
pmid = {42625869},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Although gut microbiota and lipid metabolism are both known to influence MetS development, their interactions remain incompletely characterized.

METHODS: We conducted an exploratory nested case-control study within a prospective health examination cohort. We selected 100 participants (50 incident MetS cases and 50 matched controls) based on age, sex, and baseline MetS components. Gut microbial profiles were characterized by metagenomic sequencing, and serum lipid metabolites were measured using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Multi-omics integration was performed using correlation-based feature fusion. We constructed a support vector machine (SVM) model, optimized with recursive feature elimination (RFE) and five-fold cross-validation, to predict the incidence risk of MetS.

RESULTS: MetS participants differed from controls in gut microbial composition, metabolic pathway activities, and lipidomic profiles. Circos analysis revealed positive associations between Blautia and sphingomyelins and negative associations between Bacteroides and triglycerides. The integrated model combining microbiota and lipidomic features demonstrated strong discrimination in the training set (AUC = 0.995, 95% CI: 0.987-0.999) and acceptable performance in the validation set (AUC = 0.722, 95% CI: 0.525-0.919).

CONCLUSION: Integration of baseline gut microbiota and lipidomic data revealed specific pre-disease microbial-lipid signatures, including positive Blautia-sphingomyelin and negative Bacteroides-triglyceride associations. A multi-omics model improved prediction of incident MetS over single-omics models, supporting the potential of microbiota-metabolite panels for early risk detection.},
}

@article {pmid42625898,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Song, W and Liu, X and Du, J and Li, L and Wang, F and Zhang, K},
title = {Unveiling functional heterogeneity in pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila identifies AKK2645 as a superior postbiotic for metabolic syndrome.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1908600},
pmid = {42625898},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents an escalating global health burden, underscoring an urgent need for innovative microbiome-targeted therapeutics. This investigation involved a systematic functional evaluation of 42 pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila strains, providing the first direct evidence of significant differences among strains in their ability to alleviate MetS. Through systematic screening using cell and mouse models, we identified strain Akkermansia muciniphila YGMCC2645 (AKK2645) emerged as the lead candidate. Furthermore, it demonstrated superior and reproducible efficacy in attenuating diet-induced obesity, restoring glucose homeostasis, and ameliorating hepatic steatosis. AKK2645 uniquely modulated host immunity, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β) and increasing anti-inflammatory markers (Il4, Il10, and Foxp3) in both adipose and hepatic tissues. It also favorably altered gut microbiota (increasing Akkermansia, Lactobacillus,and Bifidobacterium) and activated intestinal GLP-1 signaling. Collectively, these findings establish strain-specific functional heterogeneity as a fundamental principle governing postbiotic efficacy and identify AKK2645 as a high-potency, precision postbiotic for MetS intervention.},
}

@article {pmid42625911,
year = {2026},
author = {Al-Beltagi, M and Saeed, NK and Bediwy, AS and Bediwy, EA and Elbeltagi, R},
title = {From genes to environment: A life-course approach to prevent pediatric autoimmune diseases.},
journal = {World journal of clinical pediatrics},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {117421},
pmid = {42625911},
issn = {2219-2808},
abstract = {Autoimmune diseases in children, including type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, and juvenile arthritis, represent a growing global health challenge. This surge, too rapid to be explained by genetic shifts alone, highlights the critical role of environmental factors and underscores the urgent need for proactive prevention. This review presents an integrated, evidence-based framework for preventing pediatric autoimmune diseases across the care spectrum, from primordial to tertiary prevention. We define high-risk pediatric populations using a multidimensional approach that integrates family history, genetic data (e.g., polygenic risk scores), and preclinical biomarkers. The review details a multi-tiered prevention strategy: Primordial prevention focuses on optimizing maternal and early-life health to establish immune tolerance in the first 1000 days; primary prevention targets at-risk children with personalized nutritional and lifestyle interventions; secondary prevention uses early screening and surveillance to identify preclinical autoimmunity, allowing for targeted immunomodulatory therapies that can delay or prevent disease onset; and tertiary prevention employs early aggressive therapy to limit long-term complications in children with established disease. By synthesizing epidemiological data, mechanistic understanding, and a comprehensive prevention framework, this article aims to inform clinical practice, guide research priorities, and support public health policies to combat the increasing incidence of pediatric autoimmunity.},
}

@article {pmid42625955,
year = {2026},
author = {Lin, Y and Zhu, J and Visconti, A and Wong, K and Michelotti, G and Spector, TD and Falchi, M and Valdes, AM and Louca, P and Menni, C},
title = {Predicting Gut Microbiome Diversity and Core Species From the Urine Metabolome.},
journal = {MedComm},
volume = {7},
number = {9},
pages = {e70950},
pmid = {42625955},
issn = {2688-2663},
}

@article {pmid42626072,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, X and Huang, Y and Jiang, H},
title = {Assessment of gut microbiota dynamics and probiotic impact on HPV-associated head and neck cancer using 16S rRNA sequencing and cytokine profiling.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1779580},
pmid = {42626072},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Probiotics/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Cytokines/metabolism ; *Head and Neck Neoplasms/virology/therapy ; *Human Papillomavirus Viruses ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Papillomavirus Infections/complications/virology ; Oncogene Proteins, Viral/metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/metabolism ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Repressor Proteins ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major etiological factor in head and neck cancers, primarily through the oncogenic activities of viral proteins E6 and E7, which disrupt the p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor pathways. This disruption promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation, immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and malignant transformation. Although probiotics have emerged as promising modulators of the microbiome and host immune responses, their mechanistic role in HPV-associated head and neck cancer remains insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study investigated the therapeutic potential of selected probiotic strains and their metabolic derivatives against HPV-positive head and neck cancer using integrated experimental and computational approaches.

METHODS: Three probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium longum were evaluated as live cultures, heat-killed preparations, extracellular vesicles, and metabolite extracts in HPV-positive head and neck cancer cell models. Microbial community alterations were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, while functional pathway prediction was performed through PICRUSt2 and KEGG enrichment analyses. Cellular responses were assessed using MTT assays for cell viability, BrdU incorporation for proliferation, and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining with caspase activity assays for apoptosis. Cytokine profiling was conducted to evaluate immune modulation. Network-based systems biology analyses were performed using Cytoscape and protein-protein interaction mapping. Molecular docking simulations using AutoDock Vina examined the binding interactions of probiotic-derived metabolites with HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Probiotic treatments significantly reshaped the microbial community by enriching short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing beneficial taxa while reducing pathogenic Proteobacteria. Functional analyses indicated enhanced SCFA biosynthesis, IL-10-mediated immune regulation, oxidative stress defense, and epithelial barrier maintenance pathways. In vitro experiments demonstrated significantly reduced cancer cell viability and proliferation together with increased apoptosis, supported by elevated caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities. Increased production of IL-10 and TGF-β further confirmed immunoregulatory effects. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of probiotic-derived metabolites, particularly butyrate and bacteriocins, toward HPV16 E6 and E7 proteins, suggesting potential inhibition of viral oncogenic activity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that probiotics exert microbiome-associated, immunomodulatory, and anti-oncogenic effects in HPV-positive head and neck cancer models, supporting their potential as promising adjunctive therapeutic agents for HPV-related malignancies.},
}

Humans
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Probiotics/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Cytokines/metabolism
*Head and Neck Neoplasms/virology/therapy
*Human Papillomavirus Viruses
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Papillomavirus Infections/complications/virology
Oncogene Proteins, Viral/metabolism
Cell Line, Tumor
Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/metabolism
Apoptosis
Cell Proliferation
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
Cell Survival/drug effects
Repressor Proteins

@article {pmid42626190,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, P and Sun, JK and Li, D and Shi, Z and Lu, PY and Jin, DF and Huang, SF and Ruan, YH and Li, WT and Shi, MD and Ma, ZH and Wang, ZH and Hu, LY and Xue, ME and Zhang, CJ and Li, ZP},
title = {Precision management of gastrointestinal tumor-associated osteoporosis driven by cutting-edge technologies: Current status, challenges, and future prospects.},
journal = {World journal of methodology},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {121456},
pmid = {42626190},
issn = {2222-0682},
abstract = {Gastrointestinal tumor-associated osteoporosis (GTO) is defined as secondary osteoporosis in patients with gastrointestinal tumors caused by tumorderived factors, chemotherapy, surgery, or malabsorption; it is an underrecognized but clinically significant complication that adversely affects skeletal health, treatment adherence, quality of life, and longterm prognosis. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and involves a metabolic imbalance in the tumor microenvironment, antitumor therapy-related bone toxicity, and nutrient malabsorption caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction. These factors collectively increase the risk of skeletal-related events and worsen clinical outcomes. The aim of this review is to systematically evaluate the methodological quality, clinical validity, and translational evidence of cutting-edge technologies in GTO precision management and to clarify key methodological gaps and standardized directions for future research. In recent years, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), nanotargeted drug delivery systems, and multiomics approaches have provided new opportunities for the precision management of GTO. This review summarizes their current applications in AI-assisted early screening and risk prediction, nanoenabled targeted bone protection, and multiomics-based mechanistic exploration of the tumor-bone-gut axis. It also discusses major barriers to clinical translation, including limited AI generalizability, nanomedicine safety and manufacturing challenges, difficulties in multidimensional data integration and standardization, imperfect multidisciplinary collaboration, and ethical concerns. Overall, these technologies are expected to drive the transition of GTO management from empirical practice to precision medicine and ultimately improve long-term patient outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid42626218,
year = {2026},
author = {Kandhari, A and Jagga, M and Banerjee, S},
title = {Antibiotic stewardship in the context of management of early onset neonatal sepsis-an evolving paradigm shift.},
journal = {World journal of clinical pediatrics},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {120971},
pmid = {42626218},
issn = {2219-2808},
abstract = {Early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in term and late preterm infants. Clinicians face the challenge of promptly identifying and treating the small subset of neonates with true sepsis, while avoiding unnecessary intervention in the majority who remain unaffected. The clinical overlap between sepsis and normal physiological adaptation in the first 72 hours of life, combined with the limitations of current diagnostic modalities, has historically led to a culture of presumed safety, resulting in the overtreatment of many healthy infants with antibiotics. Such early antibiotic exposure is associated with numerous invasive procedures, disruption of mother-infant bonding, increased healthcare utilisation, and significant costs. Moreover, the global rise of antibiotic resistance, the slow pace of novel antibiotic development, and growing concerns regarding microbiome dysgenesis and its long-term health consequences have catalysed a paradigm shift. Neonatal antibiotic stewardship now stands as a cornerstone of EOS management, seeking to balance the imperative for rapid, effective therapy against the risks of antimicrobial overuse. This review traces the evolution of antibiotic stewardship within neonatal care, highlighting the development and implementation of risk-based guidelines and strategies and decision-support models designed to curtail inappropriate antibiotic use without compromising clinical safety. By synthesising contemporary evidence and practice innovations, we emphasise the necessity for ongoing evaluation and refinement of stewardship approaches to optimise outcomes for neonates at risk of EOS. The journey of neonatal antibiotic stewardship is dynamic and ongoing, demanding sustained collaboration, research, and a commitment to safe, evidence-based clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid42626238,
year = {2026},
author = {Goyal, MK and Brahmandam, G and Chowdhary, R and Subhasri Guna, SD and Shah, D and Goyal, P and Vuthaluru, AR and Goyal, O},
title = {Management of constipation: A narrative review of evolving strategies and methodological challenges.},
journal = {World journal of methodology},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {118399},
pmid = {42626238},
issn = {2222-0682},
abstract = {Constipation is a common multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder with a significant impact on quality of life, healthcare utilization, and economic burden. It encompasses a spectrum of symptoms, including infrequent bowel movements (fewer than three per week), lumpy or hard stools (Bristol Stool Form Scale 1 or 2), straining, difficult stool passage, a sense of incomplete evacuation, etc. When no organic cause is identifiable, the condition is labeled as functional constipation. Pharmacological management of constipation has been extensively explored, with several new therapies added to the armamentarium in the last decade. However, its management remains challenging due to heterogeneous etiologies, varied diagnostic approaches, and the broad spectrum of therapeutic options. This narrative review summarizes contemporary strategies for the management of constipation, encompassing lifestyle and dietary modifications, pharmacological therapies, behavioral interventions, and surgical options for refractory cases. Traditional laxatives continue to form the mainstay of treatment, but newer agents such as prosecretory drugs, serotonergic agonists, and bile acid modulators have expanded therapeutic possibilities, offering targeted mechanisms and improved tolerability. Non-pharmacological approaches, including biofeedback for pelvic floor dysfunction and neuromodulation techniques, provide effective alternatives in selected patients. Despite these advances, substantial methodological variability exists in clinical trials, including differences in diagnostic criteria, endpoints, and follow-up durations, limiting the generalizability of findings. A more standardized framework for defining outcomes and assessing long-term efficacy is needed to strengthen evidence-based practice. Ultimately, the management of constipation requires an individualized approach that integrates symptom severity, underlying pathophysiology, patient preference, and availability of resources. Newer research is focused on tailoring treatment to special groups of patients with refractory constipation, surgical modalities for patients with neurogenic bowel, and microbiome modulation using artificial intelligence.},
}

@article {pmid42626275,
year = {2026},
author = {Stafford, MM and Smith, PE and Waters, SM and Buckley, F and Kirwan, SF and O'Hara, E and Kenny, DA},
title = {Microbial colonisation of the neonatal beef calf gastrointestinal tract: limited influence of birth delivery method across five anatomical regions.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1883207},
pmid = {42626275},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The microbiome assembly of the neonatal gastrointestinal tract is critical for immune and metabolic development, and birth delivery method can influence initial microbial colonisation. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we investigated the effect of transvaginal and elective caesarean section delivery on microbial composition across five gastrointestinal regions (colon, ileum, jejunum, meconium, and rumen) in Aberdeen Angus calves (transvaginal, TV; n = 12; caesarean section, CS; n = 10) across two research farms. Absolute microbial quantities were measured using 16S rRNA qPCR. Alpha diversity (Observed, Shannon, Simpson) was compared between delivery methods within each region using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, whereas beta diversity (Bray-Curtis PERMANOVA) and differential abundance (MaAsLin2) analyses were conducted with sex and farm as fixed effects. Alpha diversity varied among gastrointestinal regions (p < 0.05) but did not differ between delivery methods within any region (all BH-adjusted q ≥ 0.74). Gastrointestinal region was the primary determinant of microbial community composition (R[2] = 0.24, p < 0.001), with delivery method explaining minimal additional variance. A statistically significant but weak Region × Delivery interaction was observed (R[2] = 0.06, p = 0.02), indicating that any influence of delivery method was site-dependent rather than uniform across the gastrointestinal tract. Farm explained negligible variation (R[2] = 0.01, p = 0.17) and no overall delivery method effect was detected. Per-region analyses found no statistically significant treatment effects within individual regions (all p ≥ 0.06), suggesting the interaction reflected modest region-specific trends rather than strong site-specific shifts. Microbial load and community composition were comparable between CS and TV calves at birth. Early microbial establishment was therefore primarily driven by anatomical site, with postnatal environmental exposure and host-microbe interactions likely playing a greater role than delivery method in shaping early gastrointestinal microbial assembly in neonatal beef calves.},
}

@article {pmid42626304,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, JG and Tay, CJ and Aw, MM and Lee, YS and Ooi, DS},
title = {Microbial and functional shifts between flare and remission in a single-center cohort of children with inflammatory bowel disease.},
journal = {World journal of clinical pediatrics},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {120066},
pmid = {42626304},
issn = {2219-2808},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gut microbial dysbiosis is central to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While gut microbiome differences between patients with and without IBD are well established, microbiome changes associated with disease activity and remission remain limited, particularly in paediatric populations.

AIM: To examine intra-individual taxonomic and functional gut microbiome changes during transition from active flare to remission under maintenance immunosuppression in a pilot single-center Singapore cohort of children with IBD.

METHODS: Paired stool samples and clinical data were collected from seven patients with paediatric IBD [5 Crohn's disease (CD), 2 ulcerative colitis; ≤ 18 years] during active disease/flare (visit 1; Pediatric CD Activity Index/Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index ≥ 10) and subsequent clinical remission (visit 2; Pediatric CD Activity Index/Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index < 10). Samples underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing for high-resolution taxonomic profiling and functional annotation of Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathways.

RESULTS: Gut microbial diversity was reduced during flare compared to remission, with Actinobacteria abundance significantly higher in remission. Two distinct microbial clusters differentiated flare and remission states: The remission cluster was enriched with Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium dentium, Lactobacillus gasseri, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, while the flare state showed increased Klebsiella pneumoniae. Remission was further characterized by a downregulation of pathogenic microbes and an upregulation of beneficial microbes including a higher abundance of the butyrate producer Anaerostipes hadrus (P = 0.046). Microbial functional genes enriched in remission were predominantly associated with metabolic pathways including vitamin and cofactor biosynthesis, as well as carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSION: The transition from flare to remission in Singaporean children with IBD is characterized by functional remodeling of the gut microbiome, which may contribute to recovery processes related to intestinal barrier integrity, cellular maintenance, and tissue repair. Targeted modulation of the gut microbiome may help sustain remission in paediatric IBD.},
}

@article {pmid42626434,
year = {2026},
author = {Nekvasilová, P and Glozlová, M and Vopálenská, A and Petrásková, L and Kulik, N and Bojarová, P},
title = {Identification of a Novel Fungal α‑l‑Fucosidase with Transfucosylation Potential.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {11},
number = {32},
pages = {47335-47345},
pmid = {42626434},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Fucosylated carbohydrates are a vital part of human nutrition. They act as prebiotics, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and helping shape the gut microbiome. Enzymatic synthesis is a convenient method to access these molecules. Fungal α-l-fucosidases are glycoside hydrolases that naturally cleave terminal α-linked fucose residues from glycans; those with synthetic capabilities are conveniently applicable in glycoengineering. This study investigates the fucosylation potential and regioselectivity of rare GH29 α-l-fucosidases from filamentous fungi. The screening of production of putative α-l-fucosidases by fungal strains using various inducers was combined with in silico analysis. Recombinant α-l-fucosidases were produced on a large scale and characterized with respect to their substrate specificities and pH optima. A novel transfucosylating α-l-fucosidase from Aspergillus phoenicis was thus identified and characterized. It was capable of regioselective formation of an α-(1 → 2)-linked fucosylated product. These findings highlight the potential of selected fungal α-l-fucosidases as promising tools for glycoengineering of fucosylated carbohydrates.},
}

@article {pmid42626640,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, L and Ling, Y and Jin, W},
title = {Urolithins in clinical translation: from gut microbial metabolites to precision interventions.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1854240},
pmid = {42626640},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {Urolithins are gut microbiota-derived metabolites generated from ellagitannins and ellagic acid, and have emerged as promising mediators at the diet-microbiota-host interface. Interest in this metabolite family has increased substantially owing to growing evidence that urolithins, particularly urolithin A, influence mitochondrial quality control, autophagy, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic homeostasis across multiple tissues. These mechanistic properties have positioned urolithins as candidate interventions for aging-related functional decline, cardiometabolic disorders, neuroinflammatory conditions, and other chronic diseases characterized by impaired cellular resilience. However, their path to clinical application remains incompletely defined. In this Review, we synthesize current knowledge on the origin, microbial biotransformation, metabotypes, pharmacokinetics, and exposure biology of urolithins, with particular attention to the determinants of interindividual variability and the unresolved question of which molecular species are truly active in vivo. We then examine the core mechanisms of urolithin action and evaluate evidence across major disease contexts, integrating pre-clinical findings with available human data. Particular emphasis is placed on the current clinical literature on urolithin A, including safety, tolerability, dosing, target-engagement biomarkers, and functional endpoints. We further analyze the major factors underlying the translational gap between experimental promise and clinical outcomes, including differences in microbial production capacity, free vs. conjugated molecular forms, exposure-response uncertainty, responder heterogeneity, and limitations in trial design. Finally, we discuss how metabotype-guided stratification, microbiome-targeted strategies, improved formulations, and standardized biomarkers may support the development of urolithins within precision nutrition and translational medicine. Collectively, urolithins represent a compelling yet still evolving class of diet-derived microbial metabolites whose clinical utility will depend on resolving key mechanistic, pharmacological, and methodological uncertainties.},
}

@article {pmid42626746,
year = {2026},
author = {González-Pino, K and Undabarrena, A and Morales, F and Serna-Cardona, N and Muñoz, PT and Celis-Plá, PSM and Rago, D and Molina, V and Navarro, NP and Sáez, CA and Lavergne, C and Cámara, B and Tessini, C and Pérez-Hernández, GB and Pereira-Rojas, J and Ahonen, L and Aguilar-Muñoz, P and Rodríguez-Rojas, F},
title = {Integrated holobiont responses of the Antarctic brown seaweed Adenocystis utricularis to thermal stress under a climate change scenario.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag208},
pmid = {42626746},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {The Antarctic intertidal zone hosts ecologically pivotal holobionts such as the brown macroalga Adenocystis utricularis, whose response to climate-driven stressors remains poorly understood. Here, we applied an integrative holobiont framework combining microbial community profiling, host physiological assays, and phycosphere metabolomics to assess how thermal stress (2°C vs. 8°C) influences microbiome dynamics, host stress responses, and algal surface chemistry after 5 days under experimental conditions. Results showed that warming induced a transient reduction in microbial diversity, with Shannon diversity decreasing at Day 3 under 8°C and returning to levels comparable to the control by Day 5, accompanied by marked community structural reorganization. Elevated temperature enriched Campylobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, while Bacteroidia and Verrucomicrobia decreased. Functional predictions revealed a shift from nutrient cycling and carbon turnover at 2°C toward heterotrophy, fermentation, and bacterivory-related pathways at 8°C. Microbiome disruption was associated with impaired photosynthetic performance, increased oxidative damage, reduced antioxidant defenses, and altered osmolyte accumulation, under warming conditions. Untargeted metabolomics uncovered pronounced thermal reprogramming of the algal surface metabolome, with >98% of detected features remaining chemically uncharacterized. Detected key metabolites included ceramides, N-acyl amino acids, and amphipathic compounds with putative cytotoxic or antioxidant activities, many of which increased under 8°C. Together, these findings demonstrate that A. utricularis response to thermal stress emerges from dynamic host-microbiome-metabolome interactions. By linking microbial restructuring, host physiology, and metabolomic plasticity, our study highlights the holobiont as the operative unit of adaptation in Antarctic coastal ecosystems facing climate change.},
}

@article {pmid42626924,
year = {2026},
author = {Chawaguta, A and Sanders, D and Ruzsanyi, V and Mayhew, CA and Petralia, LS},
title = {Sweet interference: oral fermentation volatile confounders in exhaled breath revealed by minimal glucose exposure.},
journal = {Journal of breath research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1088/1752-7163/ae9ca5},
pmid = {42626924},
issn = {1752-7163},
abstract = {Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human breath have been explored as non-invasive biomarkers for disease, including respiratory infections and cancer, yet very few breath tests have reached clinical validation and regulatory approval. A major barrier is the difficulty of identifying and controlling confounding factors that affect volatile exhaled breath composition. A critical and overlooked confounder is the oral microbiome, which produces VOCs that can obscure the trace volatiles originating from the lower airways. To investigate this, we conducted an intervention study on sixteen healthy volunteers, using real-time breath analysis, which demonstrates that oral microbiota rapidly alter exhaled VOC profiles following a low-dose (0.5 g) oral glucose administration. Acetoin levels respond promptly to glucose, confirming its oral microbial origin. However, pathogenic bacteria resulting from respiratory infections can also produce acetoin, underscoring the challenge of distinguishing sources of breath VOCs. Similarly, other volatiles, such as acetic acid and ethanol, are also influenced by small glucose doses, complicating their use as biomarkers in non-targeted volatilomic studies. Recognizing the metabolic context of each volatile is essential to distinguish infection signals from physiological background. Beyond serving as a cautionary note for exhaled breath research, these results may encourage the oral health and dentistry communities to adopt breathomics analytical tools for rapid chairside diagnostics, transforming respiratory confounders into clinical opportunities for dental care.},
}

@article {pmid42627056,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, S and Gou, G and Liu, Y and Wang, F and Shu, F and Deng, Y and Zhang, T and Xu, J and Xie, R},
title = {Inflammatory bowel disease treatment: Mechanisms to clinical translation (Review).},
journal = {International journal of molecular medicine},
volume = {58},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3892/ijmm.2026.5961},
pmid = {42627056},
issn = {1791-244X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy/microbiology ; Animals ; *Translational Research, Biomedical ; },
abstract = {Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic, relapsing and systemic inflammatory disorders primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and rarer distinct subtypes such as indeterminate colitis. IBD has shown a marked shift in global epidemiology, with increasing incidence in newly industrialized regions across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The pathogenesis of IBD reflects a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility, mucosal immune dysregulation, intestinal barrier dysfunction, microbial dysbiosis and environmental exposures. Clinically, conventional therapy, including 5‑aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressants, is limited by incomplete efficacy and safety concerns. Alternative therapeutic strategies included biological agents (anti‑tumor necrosis factor α, anti‑integrin, anti‑IL‑12/23 and anti‑tumor necrosis factor‑like ligand 1A), small‑molecule inhibitors (JAK inhibitors, tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitors, sphingosine‑1‑phosphate receptor modulators and NLRP3 inhibitors), microbiome‑based interventions (fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics and engineered microbes) and regenerative approaches (mesenchymal stem cells and intestinal organoids). The present review aimed to summarize mechanistic insights and clinical evidence for established and emerging therapies and discusses current challenges and future directions for individualized, disease‑modifying treatment of IBD.},
}

Humans
*Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/therapy/microbiology
Animals
*Translational Research, Biomedical

@article {pmid42627093,
year = {2026},
author = {Duan, Y and Li, J and Li, Z and Wang, Z and Zhang, M and Bi, Z},
title = {Age-Associated Differences and Rearing Strategy-Related Alterations in the Gut Microbiome of Captive African Elephants (Loxodonta africana).},
journal = {Zoo biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/zoo.70101},
pmid = {42627093},
issn = {1098-2361},
support = {U23A20357//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome is critical for the health and dietary adaptation of African elephants (Loxodonta africana), but how age and rearing strategies influence microbial communities remains unclear. Understanding these factors is essential for improving conservation and captive management practices, particularly given the high mortality rates in formula-fed calves. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and clinical data from 17 African elephants (calves: breastfed n = 3, formula-fed n = 2; adults n = 12), we investigated age-associated differences in gut microbiome composition and explored the potential relationship with rearing practices. Due to the limited sample size, results from formula-fed calves were analyzed as exploratory. Healthy adults were dominated by Bacteroidota, a phylum linked to fiber digestion, and showed higher microbial diversity compared to breastfed calves. Exploratory analysis of formula-fed calves revealed distinct compositional features, including reduced Bacteroidota and Lachnospiraceae and enrichment of Gammaproteobacteria, which co-occurred with clinical signs of diarrhea, growth failure. This study highlights age-associated differences in the gut microbiome of healthy African elephants and suggests that formula-feeding may be associated with altered microbial composition. These findings provide a foundation for future research to optimize rearing protocols for captive elephant calves.},
}

@article {pmid42627153,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, N and Lu, J and Chai, B and Sun, S and Zhou, B and Lin, Z},
title = {Stage- and host-dependent microbiome remodeling and reciprocal changes between Haemaphysalis longicornis and host skin.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0086426},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00864-26},
pmid = {42627153},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Ticks harbor diverse microbial communities that are crucial for their biology and capacity to transmit pathogens. Although interactions between tick and host skin microbiomes are likely to play critical roles in feeding and pathogen transmission, these reciprocal changes during tick-host interactions remain largely unexplored. Here, we used 16S rRNA-seq to investigate how blood feeding by Haemaphysalis longicornis (larvae, nymphs, and adults) influences both the tick microbiome and the host skin microbiome. We further characterized microbial distribution across major tick tissues. Results revealed that feeding on different host species (mice vs rabbits) significantly altered the tick microbiome. Blood feeding reshaped microbial communities in the salivary glands and midgut, whereas the ovarian microbiome exhibited remarkable stability, suggesting the maintenance of a conserved symbiotic microbial core. Notably, Coxiella was identified as the dominant and stable bacterial symbiont across developmental stages and tissues and was consistently detected in eggs, suggesting that persistent vertical transmission may contribute to tick development, fitness, and nutritional homeostasis. On the other hand, Staphylococcus was consistently enriched at tick bite sites across host species and developmental stages, indicating that it may represent a key microbial responder involved in local microbiome remodeling and host skin responses to tick feeding. Collectively, these findings suggest that blood feeding drives dynamic remodeling of both tick and host skin-associated microbiomes and highlights Coxiella persistence and Staphylococcus enrichment as key microbial signatures of tick-host microbial interactions. Our study advances current understanding of microbiome cross-talk at the tick-host interface and provides new insights into microbiome-mediated mechanisms that may influence tick adaptation, host responses, and pathogen transmission. These findings also highlight potential opportunities for the development of microbiome-based strategies for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.IMPORTANCEMicrobial communities are fundamental regulators of host physiology, development, and ecological interactions. In arthropod vectors, microbiomes play important roles in development, reproduction, and pathogen transmission. However, the dynamic interactions between vector-associated microbiomes and host skin microbiomes during blood feeding remain poorly understood, particularly in ticks. Here, we found that both tick-associated and host skin microbiomes showed stage- and host-dependent alterations following tick bites. Host species differentially reshaped microbial communities across tick tissues, whereas tick bites reciprocally altered the composition of host skin microbiomes. The stable vertical maintenance of Coxiella and the enrichment of Staphylococcus at bite sites suggest that specific microbial taxa might be involved in tick and host ecological interactions. Collectively, our findings provide evidence for bidirectional microbiome modulation at the tick-host interface and highlight potential targets for the development of microbiome-based strategies to control ticks and tick-borne diseases.},
}

@article {pmid42627175,
year = {2026},
author = {Post, A and Webb, T and Indugu, N and Smith, BI and Pitta, DW},
title = {Dynamic changes in the hindgut bacterial community of pre-weaning crossbred beef calves in a pasture-based system.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0173026},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01730-26},
pmid = {42627175},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {The early-life gut microbiome represents a window during which microbial alterations may impact long-term health and productivity. However, most research has focused on confined dairy systems with limited breed variation. To address this gap, we examined bacterial community dynamics in pasture-raised South Poll × Angus and Angus cow-calf pairs (n = 7). Fecal samples were collected from calves at birth and weekly through 8 weeks, with dam's samples collected post-calving. DNA was extracted from fecal samples, and bacterial communities were profiled using the V1-V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Alpha diversity increased significantly with age (richness ρ < 0.01, Shannon ρ < 0.01), while beta diversity exhibited strong temporal structuring (weighted R[2] = 0.33, ρ = 0.001; unweighted R[2] = 0.38, ρ = 0.001), as calf communities converged toward adult reference states by 8 weeks. Sex exerted modest but detectable effects on community structure. Taxonomic analyses identified a core microbiome of 25 taxa that accounted for most community structure and defined discrete temporal phases of development. Early fecal samples were dominated by Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and facultative anaerobes. These taxa declined rapidly with age, coincident with increases in Ruminococcus, Blautia, Dorea, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridiales (q < 0.05). Calf average daily gain was positively correlated with Streptococcus, Dorea, and Bacillus and negatively correlated with Ruminococcaceae (ρ > 0.3, q < 0.05). These findings demonstrate rapid gut microbiome development in pastured beef calves, similar in pace but distinct in composition from confined dairy systems, underscoring the importance of environment and breed diversity in shaping early-life microbial colonization.IMPORTANCEEarly-life microbial colonization plays a critical role in shaping gastrointestinal physiology and immune-cell maturation, with impacts on long-term productivity in cattle. However, most studies describing microbial succession focused on Holstein calves raised in confinement systems, leaving the microbial ecology of beef calves, particularly crossbreds and those on pasture, poorly characterized. In this study, we longitudinally characterized hindgut microbial development in Angus × South Poll and Angus calves during the first 8 weeks of life. We demonstrate a structured microbial succession driven by a core set of taxa that evolves with age, with continuous dominance of Lactobacillus. These findings establish foundational knowledge of microbiome assembly in a breed of beef calves growing in popularity and highlight microbial taxa and community structures that may relate to breed genetics influencing growth and health. Understanding microbial development in pasture-based beef systems provides an essential framework for designing microbiome-informed management or nutritional interventions aimed at improving productivity and sustainability, particularly in pasture-raised animals.},
}

@article {pmid42627212,
year = {2026},
author = {Fehse, L and Ribeiro, AH and Winter, NR and Thanarajah, SE and Fisch, L and Welzel, M and Bang, C and Meinert, S and Flinkenflügel, K and Borgers, T and Goltermann, J and Leehr, EJ and Bloemendaal, M and Natasha, EE and Mulder, D and Arias Vasquez, A and Stein, F and Thomas-Odenthal, F and Usemann, P and Teutenberg, L and Nenadic, I and Straube, B and Alexander, N and Jamalabadi, H and Jansen, A and Nitsch, R and Lügering, A and Reif, A and Kittel-Schneider, S and Cryan, J and Franke, A and Valderrama, B and Clarke, G and Lavelle, A and Dannlowski, U and Kircher, T and Heider, D and Hahn, T},
title = {From gut to brain: data-driven evidence suggests causal contribution of gut-microbiota to major depressive disorder in humans.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {2718589},
doi = {10.1080/19490976.2026.2718589},
pmid = {42627212},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Major Depressive Disorder/microbiology/physiopathology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; *Brain/physiopathology ; *Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; Middle Aged ; Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; },
abstract = {Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent, severe mental health condition that constitutes one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. While recent animal studies suggest a causal role of the gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of MDD models, evidence in humans is still unclear due to small sample sizes, inconsistent clinical assessment of MDD diagnosis, and methodological limitations regarding causal inference in cross-sectional data. Here, we explicitly address these shortcomings to investigate the potential causal link between the gut microbiome and MDD: First, we replicate previously reported microbiome-depression associations using one of the largest multicenter MDD cohorts for which microbiome data and in-depth diagnostic assessment are available (N = 1,269 MDD patients and controls). We find a significant difference between healthy controls and MDD patients for the relative abundance of four taxa: Eggerthella, Hungatella, Coprobacillus, and Lachnospiraceae FCS020. Second, we employ state-of-the-art, fully data-driven causal inference tools within Judea Pearl's framework, allowing us to derive model constraints from the data rather than relying on potentially strong, unrealistic assumptions. Using this approach, we found evidence for Eggerthella and Hungatella as potential causal contributors to MDD. Furthermore, we show that the potential causal effects of Eggerthella and Hungatella on MDD persist beyond the influence of body mass index, revealing two distinct potential causal pathways linking the gut microbiome to MDD. Finally, the difference in relative abundance of these taxa between healthy and MDD patients was independent of antidepressant medication. Our study provides the first data-driven evidence for a potential causal role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of depression in humans.},
}

Humans
*Major Depressive Disorder/microbiology/physiopathology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Female
Male
Adult
*Brain/physiopathology
*Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
Middle Aged
Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology
Cross-Sectional Studies

@article {pmid42627216,
year = {2026},
author = {Wilson, J and Amir Hamzah, AS and Jordan, C and Hayward, JA and Kullin, BR and Manhanzva, MT and Tyssen, D and Mehou-Loko, C and Abrahams, AG and Radzey, N and Harryparsad, R and Meyer, B and Hearps, AC and Ziemann, M and Humphries, H and Mkhize, P and Bekker, L-G and Passmore, J-AS and Jaspan, HB and Sheppard, AE and Tachedjian, G and Masson, L},
title = {Characterization of vaginal lactobacilli from South African women toward the development of a biotherapeutic to optimize the vaginal microbiome.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0056626},
doi = {10.1128/aem.00566-26},
pmid = {42627216},
issn = {1098-5336},
abstract = {HIV remains among the world's most serious healthcare challenges, with adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa at particularly high risk of infection. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a key risk factor for HIV acquisition; however, current treatment strategies are limited. Optimal vaginal lactobacilli protect against BV and HIV, largely through immunoregulatory and antimicrobial activities mediated in part by lactic acid. Toward the development of a live biotherapeutic for African women, we sampled 181 isolates of vaginal lactobacilli from 25 BV-negative South African women. Fifty isolates were selected for evaluation of inflammatory responses using vaginal epithelial cells, D- and L-lactate, lactic acid production, and culture acidification. Aside from a single Ligilactobacillus salivarius strain, Lactobacillus crispatus isolates acidified the culture media the most and produced the most D- and L-lactic acid. Inflammatory cytokine responses to different strains of lactobacilli were variable, with Lb. crispatus eliciting the lowest levels of cytokine production, while some strains induced substantial inflammatory responses. When all properties were evaluated collectively, Lb. crispatus strains exhibited the most desirable biotherapeutic characteristics. Whole genome sequence analysis of 10 Lb. crispatus isolates led to the identification of putative bacteriocins and intact prophage sequences in all isolates, while no antimicrobial resistance elements were detected. Importantly, the majority of Lb. crispatus isolates were more closely related to one another than to isolates from other geographical regions. This supports the need for live biotherapeutics to be tailored for the population of intended use.IMPORTANCEHIV remains highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), characterized by the loss of protective lactobacilli, affects approximately one in four women in this region and increases HIV susceptibility. However, effective and durable therapeutics are lacking. Live biotherapeutics containing beneficial lactobacilli represent a promising treatment strategy, yet there are no approved products including strains isolated from African women, despite well-established geographic variation in vaginal microbiome composition. Through the characterization of 50 vaginal Lactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, and Ligilactobacillus strains from 25 BV-negative South African women, we demonstrate substantial strain-level variation in live biotherapeutic-relevant properties. Some isolates produced minimal lactic acid or induced marked inflammatory responses, highlighting the importance of rigorous strain selection. Notably, whole genome sequencing revealed that South African Lactobacillus crispatus strains had distinct genomes compared to isolates from other regions, providing evidence that vaginal live biotherapeutics should be tailored to the populations of intended use.},
}

@article {pmid42627354,
year = {2026},
author = {Qian, L and Surmont, F and Ji, L},
title = {Recent Advances in Diabetes Therapies in Asia.},
journal = {Diabetes care},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2337/dci26-0057},
pmid = {42627354},
issn = {1935-5548},
abstract = {Asia confronts a disproportionately high diabetes burden, characterized by aggressive pathophysiology and early-onset complications. For addressing this crisis, established therapeutic agents are actively leveraged across Asia via multifaceted approaches, e.g., developing fixed-dose combinations to improve adherence or optimizing drug structures to enhance therapeutic profiles. Concurrently, Asian innovators are advancing emerging target-based agent classes into clinical use, including glucagon-like peptide 1 multiagonists, glucokinase activators, pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor modulators, AMP-activated protein kinase/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 dual targeted compound, glimins-class oral small molecule, and G-protein-coupled receptor 119 receptor agonist, etc. Technologies such as antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) inhibitors targeting glucagon receptor, stem cell therapy, and microbiome-based glycemic management are also being clinically validated in Asia. Meanwhile, devices such as continuous glucose monitoring, automated insulin delivery systems, and noninvasive glucose monitors are advancing toward broader clinical adoption. This review critically synthesizes Asia's contemporary strategies against diabetes, spanning from the optimization of established target-based agents to the breakthroughs of novel therapeutics and the advancement of maturing technologies and devices. This evolution reflects Asia's accelerating transition from a major clinical trial hub and product consumer to a global driver and leader in innovative glucose-lowering drug development. Propelled by pioneering drug innovators, surging research and development investment, and robust multistakeholder collaboration across industry, academia, and health care, the region is fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Through synergistically advancing the research and application of glucose-lowering therapeutics alongside context-adapted implementation, Asia's practical experience delivers a referable approach for diabetes management across the globe and promotes sustained innovation within diabetology.},
}

@article {pmid42627443,
year = {2026},
author = {Ghosh, T and Mittal, P},
title = {Epigenetic regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis in PCOS: HDAC inhibitors and short-chain fatty acids.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42627443},
issn = {1573-4978},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/genetics/metabolism ; *Epigenesis, Genetic ; *Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Animals ; *Ovary/metabolism ; Histone Deacetylases/metabolism/genetics ; *Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism/pharmacology ; Histones/metabolism ; Steroids/biosynthesis ; Aromatase/genetics/metabolism ; Acetylation ; },
abstract = {Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic condition characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and insulin resistance. Epigenetic regulation seems to play a role in the pathophysiology of PCOS, with an increasing number of studies showing such. Recent studies have proposed that the regulation of genes related to steroidogenesis in the ovary may be related to the dysregulation of the activity of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) and histone acetylation. This review is a narrative summary of the current experimental and preclinical evidence compiled to date supporting the role of epigenetic regulation, HDACs overactivity and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) signalling pathway in the contribution of ovarian steroidogenic dysfunction in PCOS. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases considering molecular pathways involved in the regulation of chromatin structure, gene expression and ovarian metabolism. The time searched was from 2000 to 2026. In vitro and animal model studies have shown that overexpression of HDAC and decreased histone H3/H4 acetylation at the promoter regions of key genes such as CYP19A1 (aromatase) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) may contribute to decreased aromatase activity, follicular arrest, and hyperandrogenism in PCOS. SCFAs, especially sodium butyrate, appear to exert a natural HDAC inhibitory effect and in pre-clinical studies, have been found to restore histone acetylation, regulate inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, and enhance steroidogenic balance. So far, there is only observational microbiome research on humans, and a few pilot clinical trials, and there is no causality yet established.},
}

Female
Humans
*Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/genetics/metabolism
*Epigenesis, Genetic
*Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology
Animals
*Ovary/metabolism
Histone Deacetylases/metabolism/genetics
*Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism/pharmacology
Histones/metabolism
Steroids/biosynthesis
Aromatase/genetics/metabolism
Acetylation

@article {pmid42627463,
year = {2026},
author = {Pieretto, G and Sansavini, M and Cortes, ARG and Bacci, C},
title = {Periodontitis as a Modulator of Malignant Transformation in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Narrative Review of Biological Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.},
journal = {Current oncology reports},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42627463},
issn = {1534-6269},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology ; *Mouth Neoplasms/pathology/etiology ; *Periodontitis/complications/pathology ; Disease Progression ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of lesions with a variable risk of progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Although conventional risk assessment relies primarily on clinical and histopathological features, increasing evidence suggests that the local oral microenvironment may also influence malignant transformation. This narrative review examines the potential role of periodontitis as a modulator of OPMD progression, with particular emphasis on the underlying biological mechanisms and clinical implications. A targeted literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus/EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2000 and March 2026.

RECENT FINDINGS: Available evidence suggests that periodontitis may promote a pro-tumorigenic oral microenvironment through the interconnected effects of chronic inflammation, microbial dysbiosis, and metabolic alterations. These processes may enhance epithelial proliferation, genomic instability, immune evasion, and field cancerization, potentially facilitating the progression of OPMDs to OSCC. Although direct longitudinal and interventional evidence remains limited, converging mechanistic, biological, and epidemiological findings support the hypothesis that periodontal disease may contribute to early oral carcinogenic processes. Periodontitis may represent an underrecognized component of oral cancer risk, particularly in patients with OPMDs. Incorporating periodontal assessment into their clinical management may support more comprehensive risk stratification. Although causality has not been established, controlling periodontal inflammation and dysbiosis may offer a potential preventive strategy. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are required to determine the clinical relevance of this association.},
}

Humans
*Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
*Mouth Neoplasms/pathology/etiology
*Periodontitis/complications/pathology
Disease Progression

@article {pmid42627594,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, J and Chen, X and Feng, C and Fan, J and Fang, M and Chen, J and Zhou, M and Zhang, Y and Huang, D and Yin, P},
title = {Dose-Dependent Commercial Probiotic Intervention Modulates Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolome Associated with Improved Intestinal Function in a Loperamide-Induced Constipation Rat Model.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42627594},
issn = {1867-1314},
support = {2023tszb02//Project for Clinical-Specific Diseases of the Putuo District Health System/ ; },
abstract = {Therapeutic probiotic formulations are promising microbiome-directed interventions for constipation, but their dose-dependent mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated whether probiotic treatment induces dose-dependent gut microbiota and fecal metabolome remodeling in a loperamide-induced rat model of constipation and identified microbiome-metabolome association signatures linked to intestinal recovery. Male SPF Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to Control, Model, low-dose probiotic (1 × 10[9] CFU/day), high-dose probiotic (1 × 10[10] CFU/day), and PFK groups. Constipation was induced with loperamide (10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, followed by 14 days of intervention. Intestinal function was assessed by body weight, food intake, fecal output, fecal water content, and intestinal transit rate. Gut microbiota was profiled by 16 S rRNA sequencing, and fecal untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics was performed in 36 samples. Differential metabolites were identified using VIP > 1 and p < 0.05, followed by microbiome-metabolome correlation analysis. Given the exploratory nature and limited group sizes, these metabolites were considered candidate features rather than statistically validated biomarkers. High-dose probiotic intervention significantly improved intestinal function and reshaped the gut microbiota, enriching short-chain fatty acid-associated genera including Blautia, Fusicatenibacter, and Muribaculaceae-related taxa. Despite reduced alpha diversity, functional recovery was accompanied by selective microbial restructuring. Metabolomics identified 5,257 annotated features, with high-dose probiotics producing the strongest remodeling (1,006 differential metabolites vs. Model). Reversal analysis identified 68 constipation-associated metabolites shifted in the opposite direction after treatment. Microbiome-metabolome correlation analysis identified associations between key genera and lipid-, organic acid-, and indole-related metabolites, highlighting potential immunometabolic interactions. High-dose probiotic intervention was associated with coordinated changes in the gut microbiota and fecal metabolome together with improved intestinal function, supporting further investigation of dose optimization for microbiome-based constipation therapies.},
}

@article {pmid42627783,
year = {2026},
author = {Ohdera, A and Wang, M and Mansbridge, M and Yu, C and Ginn, R and DeMerit, H and Guillen, I and Lam, C and Kim, AH and Notaro, G and Ong, J and Herman, D and Goentoro, L},
title = {Microbiome modulation in regeneration in jellyfish.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {8},
pages = {e0355863},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0355863},
pmid = {42627783},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Regeneration/drug effects/physiology ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; Symbiosis ; *Scyphozoa/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; Arginine/pharmacology/metabolism ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {The moon jelly Aurelia coerulea does not typically regenerate appendages. A previous study found that increasing nutrient availability promotes the activation of appendage regeneration. In this study, we found that changes in nutrient availability alter microbiome composition. Genome-scale metabolic modeling of the microbial symbionts suggests that the microbiome modulation reduces the abundance of a symbiont that competes with the host for metabolic resources. Antibiotic treatment that recapitulates the microbiome shift significantly promotes regeneration. Transcriptomic analysis of the host shows an upregulation of genes involved in the arginine biosynthetic pathway, including argininosuccinate synthase and carbamoyl phosphate synthase. Exogenous arginine supplementation promotes appendage regeneration. These findings suggest that microbiome composition, influenced by nutrient availability, contributes to the activation of host regeneration, and identify a role for arginine in promoting regeneration.},
}

Animals
*Regeneration/drug effects/physiology
*Microbiota/drug effects
Symbiosis
*Scyphozoa/microbiology/physiology/genetics
Arginine/pharmacology/metabolism
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology

@article {pmid42627814,
year = {2026},
author = {Dong, J and Zhang, L and Wang, X and Zhang, Y and Zhu, M and Jiang, H},
title = {Climate change impacts on Xanthium strumarium distribution: Integrating species distribution models with rhizosphere microbiome analysis in China.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {8},
pages = {e0351471},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0351471},
pmid = {42627814},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; China ; *Microbiota ; *Xanthium/physiology ; *Climate Change ; Soil Microbiology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Global environmental changes increasingly alter species distributions, yet their effects on plants serving both ecological and economic functions remain inadequately explored. We examined Xanthium strumarium, a species with medicinal and invasive properties, throughout China using integrated approaches: species distribution modeling (Biomod2), niche analysis (Ecospat), and rhizosphere microbiome profiling (Tax4Fun). Our findings demonstrate that human footprint index (66.6% variable importance), elevation, and topographic slope primarily determine current distribution patterns. Future climate scenarios predict habitat expansion of 8.9-28.6%, identifying high-risk invasion zones primarily concentrated in Yunnan, Guangdong, and Inner Mongolia provinces. Although niche overlap analysis indicates high conservatism (Schoener's D = 0.8986-0.9338), ecological adaptability shows a modest decline under elevated emission scenarios. Rhizosphere bacterial assemblages, characterized by Proteobacteria dominance and nitrogen-cycling taxa enrichment (Nitrospira, Verrucomicrobia), facilitate adaptation through enhanced metabolic pathways and environmental stress responses, promoting establishment in anthropogenically disturbed environments. Our results underscore the interactive effects of climate-mediated range shifts and microbiome-assisted resilience mechanisms underlying X. strumarium's invasive potential. This research offers essential guidance for managing dual-function species, emphasizing integrated strategies that consider both anthropogenic pressures and microbial associations in conservation planning under accelerating global change.},
}

*Rhizosphere
China
*Microbiota
*Xanthium/physiology
*Climate Change
Soil Microbiology
Ecosystem

@article {pmid42628145,
year = {2026},
author = {Narduzzo, A and Favaretto, F and Chitarra, W and Nerva, L},
title = {On the road with RNA interference: Missed stops and future directions in leveraging spray-induced gene silencing for sustainable fungal management in agriculture.},
journal = {Current opinion in plant biology},
volume = {93},
number = {},
pages = {102953},
doi = {10.1016/j.pbi.2026.102953},
pmid = {42628145},
issn = {1879-0356},
abstract = {Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) has moved from proof-of-concept to one of the most compelling RNA-based routes for crop protection, yet its field deployment still rests on unresolved biological interfaces. In this review, we revisit SIGS against fungal pathogens by asking where exogenous double-stranded RNAs go, which organisms perceive them, and how delivery technologies may reshape their ecological footprint. We first examine double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) uptake as a limiting and still unevenly understood step: clathrin-mediated endocytosis is emerging as a recurrent entry route in fungi, whereas plant perception, transport across surface barriers, and systemic movement remain mechanistically obscure. We then discuss evidence that dsRNAs are not inert silencing triggers. Beyond sequence-specific RNA interference, they can activate pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-like and stress-response pathways, including fungal high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) signaling, implying that dose, formulation, and exposure context may influence both efficacy and nontarget effects. This perspective is extended to the plant holobiont, where direct off-target silencing and indirect microbiome remodeling represent distinct but often conflated risk layers, particularly for endophytic and beneficial fungi exposed through systemic RNAi. Finally, we evaluate how nanocarriers, BioClay, chitosan particles, and artificial vesicles are being developed to protect dsRNAs from degradation, improve uptake and enable more precise delivery. We argue that the next phase of SIGS research must integrate molecular uptake biology, concentration-aware risk assessment, and scalable formulation design. Such integration will determine whether SIGS becomes merely another promising laboratory technology or a robust, ecologically informed platform for sustainable fungal disease management in agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid42628218,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, H and Zhang, W and Pang, Q and Deng, H},
title = {Mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to colorectal cancer development and progression.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {313},
number = {},
pages = {128689},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128689},
pmid = {42628218},
issn = {1618-0623},
abstract = {Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of global cancer mortality, with a concerning rise in early-onset cases driven by complex interactions between environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and host genetics. Mounting evidence indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis critically modulates this oncogenic process, acting as an active participant rather than a passive bystander. This review systematically synthesizes the dichotomous roles of the intestinal microbiome in colorectal tumorigenesis through the conceptual framework of the driver-passenger model. We discuss how early initiating driver bacteria, such as Polyketide synthase-positive Escherichia coli and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, compromise mucosal barriers, induce chronic mucosal inflammation, and inflict direct genomic instability. As the local tumor microenvironment undergoes profound metabolic remodeling, opportunistic passenger pathogens, notably Fusobacterium nucleatum, become enriched, further promoting cellular proliferation and facilitating tumor immune evasion. Conversely, protective commensals, exemplified by Clostridium butyricum and Streptococcus thermophilus, exert robust tumor-suppressive effects through multifaceted mechanisms. These beneficial microbes actively antagonize malignant progression by redirecting tumor metabolic fluxes toward oxidative stress, orchestrating deep epigenetic reprogramming, and degrading core oncoproteins to reverse chemoresistance. Transitioning from fundamental mechanisms to clinical application, we evaluate a comprehensive spectrum of microbiota-targeted interventions, encompassing non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers, fecal microbiota transplantation, engineered bacteria, phage therapy, and postbiotics. Finally, we critically address the formidable translational challenges associated with microbial heterogeneity, long-term safety, and regulatory standardization, aiming to provide a balanced perspective on integrating microbiome-based strategies into next-generation precision oncology for colorectal cancer.},
}

@article {pmid42628247,
year = {2026},
author = {Millar, CL and Chopra, MP and Morgan, X and Green, EA and Wolfe, A and Pierce, KA and Gao, L and Blesso, CN and Dufour, AB and Kiel, DP and Lipsitz, LA},
title = {A pilot study of daily blueberry intake modulates the gut microbiota enzyme commissions in older, sedentary adults with mild depressive symptoms.},
journal = {The journal of nutrition, health & aging},
volume = {30},
number = {10},
pages = {100958},
doi = {10.1016/j.jnha.2026.100958},
pmid = {42628247},
issn = {1760-4788},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fiber and anthocyanins in blueberries have potential to modify the gut microbiome and metabolites that are relevant to depression in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to preliminarily determine the effect of blueberry consumption on the gut microbiome, metabolites, and depressive symptoms.

DESIGN: Sedentary, older adults (≥65y) with mild depressive symptoms were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled pilot study. Participants consumed 48 g/day of blueberry powder (∼2 cups of fresh berries) or placebo for 3 months. Metagenomic sequencing measured the abundance of fecal bacterial species and genes, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry evaluated gut-derived fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and validated questionnaires evaluated depressive symptoms before and after the intervention.

PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen participants who were predominantly female and white completed the intervention (Placebo Group, n = 8, mean age: 75 ± 6; Blueberry Group, n = 10, mean age: 71 ± 4).

RESULTS: Measures of species abundance, MetaCyc pathways, and metabolites did not change. There were statistically significant in the gene abundance of several Enzyme Commissions (EC) of the gut microbiome within the Blueberry Group-including EC 3.6.3.31 Polyamine Transporting ATPase, which is involved in the production of the neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

CONCLUSION: While there were no statistically significant differences in changes in depressive symptoms between groups, the magnitude of reduction in depressive symptom severity appeared greater, with smaller variability in the Blueberry Group, which was paired with minor changes in the gut microbial ECs. Our data are preliminary and warrant additional studies to investigate the link between blueberries, the gut-microbiome, and mood in older adults.},
}

@article {pmid42628360,
year = {2026},
author = {Machí-Camacho, C and Moreno, Y and Moreno-Mesonero, L},
title = {Free-living amoebae as vectors of antimicrobial resistance in regenerated sludge for agricultural systems.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {516},
number = {},
pages = {143353},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143353},
pmid = {42628360},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment plays a relevant role in the clinical area, since agriculture can act as a bypass that connects the environment with the population. In recent years, it is being studied the potential role of Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) as reservoirs and vectors of AMR. This study aims to analyse the role of FLA as a reservoir of AMR, focusing specifically on beta-lactam and, concretely, carbapenem resistance, in regenerated sludge for agricultural purposes. Forty sludge samples, 20 of dehydrated sludge and 20 of anaerobically digested sludge, were collected and analysed using a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular and culture-based techniques. FLA populations and their associated microbiome were characterized using 18S and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Vermamoeba vermiformis (97.5%) and Naegleria spp. (95.0%) were the dominant FLA among the samples. The FLA-associated microbiome was dominated by Stenotrophomonas and Aeromonas, while dehydrated sludge exhibited significantly higher bacterial diversity. HT-qPCR detected clinically relevant AMR determinants with significant differences between sludge types. A total of 63 viable beta-lactam-resistant bacterial isolates, predominantly Pseudomonas and Klebsiella, were recovered from the FLA microbiome. Most isolates were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, whereas approximately half were resistant to carbapenems. These findings demonstrate the role of FLA as AMR reservoirs and the importance of including FLA in sludge safety monitoring for agricultural reuse.},
}

@article {pmid42628489,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, GW and Song, HY and Kim, BM and Hwang, IY and Lee, JW},
title = {Microbial remodeling of bile acids: emerging engineering strategies for precision fermentation and functional food innovation.},
journal = {Current opinion in biotechnology},
volume = {101},
number = {},
pages = {103572},
doi = {10.1016/j.copbio.2026.103572},
pmid = {42628489},
issn = {1879-0429},
abstract = {Bile acids (BAs) are emerging as key signaling metabolites at the interface of diet, the gut microbiota, and host physiology. Microbial transformation generates structurally diverse BA species that regulate host metabolism and immunity via receptor-mediated signaling pathways. Recent advances in synthetic biology enable the modular reconstruction of BA metabolic pathways in tractable microbial hosts, moving the field toward programmable control of BA composition. Integrating engineered chassis with process optimization and emerging technologies such as computational design, biosensors, and encapsulation is accelerating the development of scalable and predictable BA-remodeling platforms. These advances contribute to an emerging paradigm of precision microbiome engineering with broad implications in pharmabiotics, functional foods, and personalized microbiome therapies.},
}

@article {pmid42628525,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, Y and Hong, H and Chen, Q and Shi, Z and Liang, X and Jiang, M and Khan, MM and Zhu, ZR and Hu, L and Zhou, Y},
title = {Herbivory leaves a soil-borne defensive legacy that recruits parasitoids.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {117869},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117869},
pmid = {42628525},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {How organisms convert short-term stress into long-term defense is a key ecological question. Classic herbivore-induced plant volatiles recruit natural enemies but act briefly only in damaged tissues. Here, we report that leaf herbivory establishes a persistent soil defensive legacy to help uninfested subsequent plants attract parasitoids. During the conditioning phase, herbivory systemically activates jasmonate signaling, which reprograms root metabolism and promotes the exudation of specific flavonoids, notably daidzein and genistein. These compounds selectively restructure the rhizosphere microbiome, enriching functionally specialized bacterial taxa that constitute the soil-borne legacy. During the feedback phase, these enriched rhizosphere bacteria, in turn, increase jasmonate signaling in succeeding plants, boosting emission of the key parasitoid-attracting volatile (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate in the absence of herbivory. Together, our findings reveal plant-soil feedback as an active ecological process that extends the spatial and temporal reach of plant defenses, with broad implications for plant-enemy interactions and sustainable pest management.},
}

@article {pmid42628529,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, X and Zhang, X and Ran, L and Liu, D and Jia, H and Zhang, J and Zhang, N and Khashi U Rahman, M and Jousset, A and Dini-Andreote, F and Wu, F and Wei, Z},
title = {Bacterial endosymbionts enhance fungal virulence by disrupting the disease-suppressive rhizobiome.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2026.08.001},
pmid = {42628529},
issn = {1934-6069},
abstract = {The mechanisms by which bacterial endosymbionts (bacteria living within fungal cells) enhance the fitness and virulence of fungal pathogens remain poorly understood. Here, we report that the tomato Fusarium wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) hosts Achromobacter spp. endosymbionts that enhance fungal virulence. This virulence potentiation is partially dependent on interactions with the native rhizosphere microbiota. We show that bacterial endosymbiont-harboring FOL reshapes the rhizosphere bacterial community during pathogen infection and decreases the abundance of disease-suppressive bacteria, including Streptomyces spp. taxa. This inhibitory effect is mediated by bacterial endosymbiont-stimulated production of beauvericin (an antibacterial cyclic hexadepsipeptide) by FOL. Together, our findings reveal a tripartite interaction in which a fungal pathogen leverages its bacterial endosymbiont to weaken rhizosphere microbiome-based disease suppression by inhibiting plant-protective bacterial taxa. This work highlights how cross-kingdom symbioses can modulate pathogen ecology and virulence in soil environments.},
}

@article {pmid42617633,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Duan, N and Xin, T and Cao, Y and Qian, H},
title = {Integrated Metabolomic and Gut Microbiome Analyses Reveal the Therapeutic Effects of Xuanfei Heji in Rats With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.},
journal = {Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM},
volume = {40},
number = {21},
pages = {e70166},
doi = {10.1002/rcm.70166},
pmid = {42617633},
issn = {1097-0231},
support = {XZR2024106//Natural Science Foundation of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy/metabolism/microbiology ; Male ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; Rats ; Metabolomics/methods ; *Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology/chemistry ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; *Metabolome/drug effects ; Lung/drug effects/pathology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects ; Feces/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death, underscoring the need for improved therapies. Xuanfei Heji (XFHJ), a hospital-prepared herbal formula, has been used clinically in the treatment of COPD. However, its mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS: XFHJ constituents were profiled using UHPLC-HRMS. COPD was induced in rats by intratracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation and cigarette smoke exposure. Treatment effects were assessed using pulmonary function, lung histopathology, and proinflammatory cytokines. Untargeted serum metabolomics and fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed; associations among differential metabolites, microbial taxa, and inflammatory markers were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation analysis.

RESULTS: Chemical profiling tentatively identified 374 constituents. XFHJ improved pulmonary function and attenuated lung histopathological injury and inflammation. Tryptophan and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the principal treatment-associated pathways. XFHJ also altered gut microbial diversity and composition, with enrichment of potentially beneficial taxa such as Bifidobacterium, Roseburia, and several Clostridia-related taxa. Treatment-responsive taxa correlated positively with indole-related metabolites, which correlated inversely with pulmonary inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSIONS: XFHJ exhibited significant therapeutic effects on COPD rats, and its mechanism may be correlated with regulating the intestinal microbiota structure and metabolic profiles of COPD rats, thereby attenuating lung histopathological injury and pulmonary inflammation.},
}

Animals
*Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy/metabolism/microbiology
Male
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
Rats
Metabolomics/methods
*Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology/chemistry
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
*Metabolome/drug effects
Lung/drug effects/pathology
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects
Feces/microbiology

@article {pmid42617660,
year = {2026},
author = {Marsella, R},
title = {The impact of changing living conditions, pollutants, and climate change on allergic skin disease in our pets: highlighting our interconnectedness.},
journal = {Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.2460/javma.26.06.0472},
pmid = {42617660},
issn = {1943-569X},
abstract = {Our pets share our living conditions. Many transformations have occurred over the past few decades, including lifestyle shifts and increased exposure to chemicals, pollution, and climate change. Our pets have left a rural environment to join our urban lifestyle, with a loss of plant and microbial diversity; increased exposure to pollution from car traffic, plastics, and chemicals; and more time spent indoors. Concurrently, they have experienced, with us, the effects of climate-related events, including extreme heat, humidity, wind, and exposure to dust from fires. Higher carbon dioxide levels have intensified pollen production and allergenicity, while pollution and chemicals damage epithelia, increasing their permeability. Pollen seasons are longer and more intense. These changes contribute to the rising incidence of allergic diseases and their increased severity. These factors affect the immune system, epithelial barriers, and microbiome, collectively leading to dysbiosis, increased allergen penetration, inflammation, and a higher risk of allergic sensitization. Our pets have mirrored the rise in certain conditions, such as allergic diseases, as seen in people. Atopic dermatitis has been linked to epithelial damage and gut dysbiosis in both dogs and people. This Currents in One Health article aims to present the current state of knowledge on our changing environmental conditions and their impact on our pets, with a focus on skin diseases. The purpose is to increase our awareness of the fact that animal, human, and environmental health are connected and changes in our environmental conditions are driving the rise of inflammatory skin diseases in pets and people.},
}

@article {pmid42617663,
year = {2026},
author = {Sánchez-Lafuente, CL and Gänzle, M and Gobbetti, M and Hardy, A and Holscher, H and Hutkins, R and Kort, R and Marles, RJ and Paraskevakos, G and Perelman, D and Burton-Pimentel, KJ and Reid, G and Sanders, ME and Saville, S and Vinderola, G and Willing, BP and Reimer, RA and Burton, JP},
title = {Fermented Foods in Canada: A Perspective on Research Evidence, Policy, and Future Priorities.},
journal = {Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {100719},
doi = {10.1016/j.advnut.2026.100719},
pmid = {42617663},
issn = {2156-5376},
abstract = {Fermented foods are attracting renewed scientific, public, and policy interest due to their appealing sensory qualities and their potential health benefits, particularly in light of emerging research on microbiome-diet interactions and food-derived bioactive compounds. Despite their long history of consumption and cultural significance, fermented foods remain largely absent from national dietary guidance in Canada. Although emerging evidence suggests fermented foods may contribute to health, important uncertainties remain regarding mechanisms of action, product-specific effects, and the strength of evidence across health outcomes. This perspective synthesizes insights from the inaugural workshop of the Canadian Fermented Foods Initiative, integrating viewpoints from microbiology, nutrition, clinical research, policy, industry, and patient partners. We argue that progress in this field requires moving beyond broad, category-level claims toward mechanism-informed, well-characterized research that reflects the biological and cultural diversity of fermented foods. Drawing on both the published literature and workshop discussions key priorities are identified, including improved characterization of fermented food interventions, clearer alignment between evidence generation and regulatory standards, and greater integration of culturally grounded research approaches. Workshop discussions highlighted the potential value of complementary study designs, including pragmatic trials and citizen science approaches, for evaluating fermented foods within real-world dietary patterns, although their role in future dietary guidance frameworks remains to be established. Finally, we outline a coordinated national pathway to strengthen the evidence base, support responsible science communication, and facilitate the credible integration of fermented foods into dietary guidance and public health strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42617705,
year = {2026},
author = {Ling, Z and Xu, X and Cheng, Y and Liu, X and Ding, W and Zhu, Z and Wu, L and Chen, Y and Hu, P and Xia, L},
title = {Integrated multi-omics profiling identifies a convergent gut-metabolic-immune signature in Alzheimer's disease.},
journal = {Free radical biology & medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2026.08.023},
pmid = {42617705},
issn = {1873-4596},
abstract = {Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with rising global prevalence, yet the peripheral mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis, systemic redox imbalance, and immune activation remain poorly understood. Here, we performed integrated multi-omics profiling of fecal microbiome, serum metabolome, and circulating cytokines in 40 patients with AD and 40 cognitively matched controls, with a specific focus on oxidative stress and antioxidant signatures. Compared with controls, AD patients exhibited marked gut microbial dysbiosis characterized by butyrate-producing genera (including Faecalibacterium and Roseburia) and enrichment of pro-inflammatory taxa (including Escherichia/Shigella). Serum metabolomics identified a distinct oxidative stress phenotype: AD samples showed significantly elevated levels of xanthosine, (±)-3-hydroxynonanoic acid, and several acyl-carnitines, alongside a marked reduction in the antioxidant carotenoid capsorubin (AUC = 0.98) and other protective compounds. Lipid peroxidation products, including 15,16-epoxy-9,12-octadecadienoic acid and (Z)-5,8,11-trihydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid, inversely correlated with cognitive scores (MMSE, Barthel Index, WAIS-IV). Concurrently, circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, MCP-1, IP-10, TNF-α) were elevated and correlated positively with both AD-enriched bacteria and oxidative metabolites, while showing negative correlations with antioxidant-related compounds. Integrated network analysis linked loss of butyrate-producing microbes to accumulation of oxidative stress biomarkers and heightened chemokine signaling, which together associated with worse cognitive performance. Selected microbial and redox-related metabolic features achieved excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC > 0.95). Collectively, these findings define a convergent gut-metabolic-immune axis in AD where systemic oxidative stress serves as a central hub, providing specific, measurable redox biomarkers and mechanistic insights for noninvasive screening and therapeutic targeting.},
}

@article {pmid42617743,
year = {2026},
author = {Alanazi, A and Ibrahim, MN and Mazhari, BZ and Alzhrani, K and Alzahrani, W and Azab, EFE and Shahin, OR},
title = {AI-Guided Computational Design of Synthetic Microbiota for Next-Generation Immunomodulatory Applications.},
journal = {SLAS technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {100460},
doi = {10.1016/j.slast.2026.100460},
pmid = {42617743},
issn = {2472-6311},
abstract = {The growing recognition of the human microbiome as a key regulator of immune homeostasis has accelerated the application of computational intelligence for microbiome-driven disease understanding and therapeutic design. However, existing microbiome studies largely rely on classical machine learning or shallow deep learning models that fail to capture higher-order microbial interactions, multimodal functional dependencies, and immune feasibility constraints simultaneously. Moreover, most approaches lack biological constraint enforcement, leading to predictions that may be statistically accurate but immunologically implausible. To address these limitations, this study introduces SIMT, the Synthetic Immune Modulation Transformer, a novel immune-aware deep learning framework for microbial interaction modelling and synthetic microbiota design. SIMT integrates a graph transformer for microbe-microbe interaction learning, a multimodal transformer for immune-associated functional inference, and a newly proposed Immune-Aware Constraint Layer (IACL) that enforces immune feasibility and homeostasis during optimization. The framework operates by learning weighted microbial interaction networks, integrating taxonomic abundance with inferred functional pathways, and constraining latent representations to physiologically meaningful immune ranges. The entire pipeline was implemented using Python-based deep learning libraries for scalable and reproducible analysis. Experimental evaluation demonstrated that the proposed approach achieved an F1-score of 96.41% and an AUC of 95.12%, outperforming existing microbiome-based models, including Random Forest, explainable RF frameworks, convolutional neural networks, fine-tuned language models, and regularized logistic regression reported in prior studies. Beyond predictive performance, SIMT enables immune-stable synthetic consortium optimization, offering interpretable and biologically grounded insights. Overall, the results confirm that immune-aware transformer modelling significantly advances microbiome analytics, supporting reliable in silico design of immune-compatible microbial communities for translational biomedical applications.},
}

@article {pmid42617801,
year = {2026},
author = {Schaefer, L and Cantú, JO and Demianova, EA and Scholand, KK and Pflugfelder, SC and Britton, RA and de Paiva, CS},
title = {Oral administration of probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 suppresses dry eye disease in the desiccating stress mouse model.},
journal = {The ocular surface},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtos.2026.08.005},
pmid = {42617801},
issn = {1937-5913},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Gut dysbiosis can adversely affect the ocular surface, resulting in inflammation and dry eye. We investigated the potential of an orally administered probiotic bacteria, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 (LR17938), on dry eye disease in the desiccating stress (DS) mouse model.

METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were treated with antibiotics (ABX) to induce dysbiosis; stools were analyzed using 16S sequencing. Mice were subjected to 5 days DS while receiving daily gavage of PBS or LR17938. Conjunctival goblet cell (GC) density was assessed in formalin-fixed histological sections. Corneal barrier function was evaluated by Oregon-Green-Dextran dye uptake. T-cells were assessed by flow cytometry. MMP-9 was visualized in corneal epithelium with immunofluorescence. LR17938 efficacy was tested in the context of human gut microbiota by using mice colonized with fecal microbes from Sjögren's disease (SjD) or healthy patients. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on stool collected before and after DS.

RESULTS: 16S sequencing confirmed profound intestinal dysbiosis after ABX treatment. LR17938 administration in ABX-treated mice exposed to DS improved corneal barrier function, preserved GC density, reduced MMP-9 in corneal epithelium, increased T-regulatory cells and decreased inflammatory T-cells in cervical lymph nodes. In mice colonized with human microbiota, treatment improved corneal barrier function and GC number regardless of microbiota source. Microbiome differences were driven by SjD disease status regardless of DS exposure or probiotic treatment. While DS caused minor shifts, probiotic treatment did not result in significant changes to the gut microbiome.

CONCLUSIONS: LR17938 is a promising complementary treatment for dry eye, showing protective effects to the ocular surface.},
}

@article {pmid42617855,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, G and Sun, Y and Liu, S and Zhai, S and Zhao, Z and Xu, J and Ren, J and Li, X and Yao, J and Wu, S},
title = {Multi-omics identifies microbial and miRNA biomarkers from rumen fluid for susceptibility of subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy goats.},
journal = {Journal of dairy science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3168/jds.2025-27860},
pmid = {42617855},
issn = {1525-3198},
abstract = {With the increasing intensification of animal husbandry, high-concentrate diets are often used in production to ensure high production performance in dairy animals, leading to susceptibility to subacute rumen acidosis (SARA), yet reliable early diagnostic biomarkers remain lacking. In this study, a high-RDS diet was fed to dairy goats as a model, and SARA-tolerant and SARA-susceptible individuals were identified under this diet. By combining 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomic binning, and miRNA transcriptome sequencing, the changes in rumen microbial composition, function, and miRNAs in dairy goats after SARA onset were analyzed, with the goal of screening for potential diagnostic targets. Analysis of rumen fermentation parameters showed that, compared with the CON, the SARA group had significantly higher butyrate and total VFAs, together with increasing trends in acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and valerate. Compared with CON, SARA and SARA-T goats showed increased NH3-N concentration, whereas the abundance of rumen microbes such as Prevotella, which is involved in cellulose degradation, significantly decreased. Compared with CON and SARA-T, the microbial functions of SARA shifted toward energy acquisition pathways. The miRNA analysis revealed that Compared with CON, the differentially upregulated miRNAs in the SARA group target immune-related genes such as IL-12RB. Comparing SARA with SARA-T revealed that differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched in the TNF signaling pathway. By integrating random forest and ROC analyses, a combined "microbe-miRNA" signature comprising the low-abundance genus Ruminobacter, the miRNA 7_14677, and chi-miR-361-5p was identified. This signature exhibited high diagnostic accuracy not only between CON and SARA but also between SARA and SARA-T, as well as between pooled healthy (CON+SARA-T) and SARA animals.},
}