3D printed rectal swabs for assessing the gut microbiome, metabolome and inflammation.

Investigating the gut microbiome and metabolome frequently requires faecal samples, which can be difficult to obtain. Previous studies have shown that rectal swabs are comparable to faecal samples for analysing gut microbiota composition and key metabolites. In this study, 3D printed rectal swabs were compared with conventional flocked swabs and faecal samples, due to the potential advantages 3D printing as a technique offers for swab production and development.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis is mediated by polyfunctional lymphocytes and is dependent on an IL23/IFNγ axis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are a relatively newly licenced cancer treatment, which make a once previously untreatable disease now amenable to a potential cure. Combination regimens of anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1 show enhanced efficacy but are prone to off-target immune-mediated tissue injury, particularly at the barrier surfaces. To probe the impact of immune checkpoints on intestinal homoeostasis, mice are challenged with anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and manipulation of the intestinal microbiota.

Small Intestinal Permeability and Metabolomic Profiles in Feces and Plasma Associate With Clinical Response in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis Participating in a Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Trial: Exploratory Findings From the FLORA Trial.

Objective: We investigated intestinal permeability and fecal, plasma, and urine metabolomic profiles in methotrexate-treated active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and how this related to clinical response following one sham or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

Methods: This exploratory study is based on the FLORA trial cohort, in which 31 patients with moderate-to-high peripheral PsA disease activity, despite at least 3 months of methotrexate-treatment, were included in a 26-week, double-blind, 1:1 randomized, sham-controlled trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either one healthy donor FMT (n = 15) or sham (n = 16) via gastroscopy.

A synthetic biology approach to engineering circuits in immune cells.

A synthetic circuit in a biological system involves the designed assembly of genetic elements, biomolecules, or cells to create a defined function. These circuits are central in synthetic biology, enabling the reprogramming of cellular behavior and the engineering of cells with customized responses. In cancer therapeutics, engineering T cells with circuits have the potential to overcome the challenges of current approaches, for example, by allowing specific recognition and killing of cancer cells.

Ethnicity Associated Microbial and Metabonomic Profiling in Newly Diagnosed Ulcerative Colitis.

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) differs across geography and ethnic groups. Gut microbial diversity plays a pivotal role in disease pathogenesis and differs across ethnic groups. The functional diversity in microbial-driven metabolites may have a pathophysiologic role and offer new therapeutic avenues.

The impact of almonds and almond processing on gastrointestinal physiology, luminal microbiology, and gastrointestinal symptoms: a randomized controlled trial and mastication study.

Background: Almonds contain lipid, fiber, and polyphenols and possess physicochemical properties that affect nutrient bioaccessibility, which are hypothesized to affect gut physiology and microbiota.

Objectives: To investigate the impact of whole almonds and ground almonds (almond flour) on fecal bifidobacteria (primary outcome), gut microbiota composition, and gut transit time.

Methods: Healthy adults (n = 87) participated in a parallel, 3-arm randomized controlled trial.

A Multi-Factorial Observational Study on Sequential Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Patients with Medically Refractory Infection.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is highly effective in recurrent infection (CDI); increasing evidence supports FMT in severe or fulminant infection (SFCDI). However, the multifactorial mechanisms that underpin the efficacy of FMT are not fully understood. Systems biology approaches using high-throughput technologies may help with mechanistic dissection of host-microbial interactions.

Longitudinal profiling of the gut microbiome in patients with psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: a multicentre, prospective, observational study.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin affecting 2-3% of UK population. 30% of people affected by psoriasis will develop a distinct form of arthritis within 10 years of the skin condition onset. Although the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis is still unknown, there is a genetic predisposition triggered by environmental factors.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Outcomes Following Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Recurrent C. difficile Infection.

Background: Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a clinical challenge. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a recurrent CDI therapy. Anecdotal concerns exist regarding worsening of IBD activity; however, prospective data among IBD patients are limited.

A natural mutation in Pisum sativum L. (pea) alters starch assembly and improves glucose homeostasis in humans.

Elevated postprandial glucose (PPG) is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases globally. Currently, there is a limited understanding of how starch structures within a carbohydrate-rich food matrix interact with the gut luminal environment to control PPG. Here, we use pea seeds (Pisum sativum) and pea flour, derived from two near-identical pea genotypes (BC1/19RR and BC1/19rr) differing primarily in the type of starch accumulated, to explore the contribution of starch structure, food matrix and intestinal environment to PPG.

Understanding the mechanisms of efficacy of fecal microbiota transplant in treating recurrent infection and beyond: the contribution of gut microbial-derived metabolites.

Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a highly-effective therapy for recurrent infection (rCDI), and shows promise for certain non-CDI indications. However, at present, its mechanisms of efficacy have remained poorly understood. Recent studies by our laboratory have noted the particular key importance of restoration of gut microbe-metabolite interactions in the ability of FMT to treat rCDI, including the impact of FMT upon short chain fatty acid (SCFAs) and bile acid metabolism.

Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation With Oral Capsules in Obese Patients.

Background & Aims: Studies in mice have shown that the intestinal microbiota can contribute to obesity via the anorexigenic gut hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) and bile acids, which affect lipid metabolism. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot study of the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in obese, metabolically uncompromised patients.

Methods: We performed a double-blind study of 22 obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥5 kg/m) without a diagnosis of diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or metabolic syndrome.