Project description:We have previously demonstrated that the gut microbiota can play a role in the pathogenesis of conditions associated with exposure to environmental pollutants. It is well accepted that diets high in fermentable fibers such as inulin can beneficially modulate the gut microbiota and lessen the severity of pro-inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we aimed to test the hypothesis that hyperlipidemic mice fed a diet enriched with inulin would be protected from the pro-inflammatory toxic effects of PCB 126.
Project description:Adequate sleep is essential for relieving stress and rejuvenating the mind; however, undesirable physiological and pathological responses resulting from sleep insufficiency or sleep deprivation (SD) are becoming increasingly common. However, the influence of sleep deficiency on gut microbiota and microbiota-associated human diseases, especially on cardiac diseases remain controversial. Here, we constructed the experimental SD model in mice and found it significantly resulted in weakness, depression-like behaviors, and multiple organs dysfunction. Intriguingly, SD mice developed pathogenic cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis with poor ejection fraction as well as fractional shortening. 16s rRNA sequencing demonstrated that SD-induced the pathogenic effects of gut microbiota, which was also observed in mice received by fecal microbe from SD mice in fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) assays. Next, we investigated the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of oxygen therapy in gut microbiota-associated cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. The environment of 30% oxygen concentration effectively ameliorated the pathological effects on cardiac function. Transcriptome data also found oxygen therapy targeted several hypoxia-dependent pathways and suppressed cardiac collagen production. In conclusion, these results indicated the importance of sufficient sleep in gut microbiota and may represent a potential therapeutic strategy of oxygen environment exerts protective effects in sleepless sufferings through gut microbiota.
Project description:Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a widespread heart condition caused by atherosclerosis and influences millions of people worldwide. Early detection of CAD is challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers. The gut microbiota and host-microbiota interactions have been well documented to affect human health. However, investigation that reveals the role of gut microbes in CAD is still limited. This study aims to uncover the synergistic effects of host genes and gut microbes associated with CAD through integrative genomic analyses.
Project description:Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a widespread heart condition caused by atherosclerosis and influences millions of people worldwide. Early detection of CAD is challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers. The gut microbiota and host-microbiota interactions have been well documented to affect human health. However, investigation that reveals the role of gut microbes in CAD is still limited. This study aims to uncover the synergistic effects of host genes and gut microbes associated with CAD through integrative genomic analyses.
Project description:Metformin is the therapy of choice for treating type 2 diabetes and is currently repurposed for a wide range of diseases including aging. Recent evidence implicates the gut microbiota as a site of metformin action. Combining two tractable genetic models, the bacterium E. coli and the nematode C. elegans, we performed C. elegans RNAseq to investigate the role of the metformin sensitive OP50 and metformin resistant OP50-MR E. coli microbiota in the drug effects on the host. Our data suggest an evolutionarily conserved bacterial mediation of metformin effects on host lipid metabolism and lifespan.