Cytolethal distending toxin B inoculation leads to distinct gut microtypes and IBS-D-like microRNA-mediated gene expression changes in a rodent model.

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), associated with increased intestinal permeability, inflammation, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, can be triggered by acute gastroenteritis. Cytolethal distending toxin B (CdtB) is produced by gastroenteritis-causing pathogens and may underlie IBS-D development, through molecular mimicry with vinculin. Here, we examine the effects of exposure to CdtB alone on gut microbiome composition, host intestinal gene expression, and IBS-D-like phenotypes in a rat model.

Hydrogen Sulfide Producers Drive a Diarrhea-Like Phenotype and a Methane Producer Drives a Constipation-Like Phenotype in Animal Models.

Background: We recently demonstrated that diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) subjects have higher relative abundance (RA) of hydrogen sulfide (HS)-producing Fusobacterium and Desulfovibrio species, and constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) subjects have higher RA of methanogen Methanobrevibacter smithii.

Aims: In this study, we investigate the effects of increased methanogens or HS producers on stool phenotypes in rat models.

Methods: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for 60 days to increase M.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic Lifestyle Changes May Have Influenced Small Bowel Microbial Composition and Microbial Resistance.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic necessitated many severe lifestyle changes, including lockdowns, social distancing, altered food consumption and exercise patterns, and extensive hygiene practices. These extensive changes may have affected the human gut microbiome, which is highly influenced by lifestyle.

Aims: To examine the potential effects of pandemic-related lifestyle changes on the metabolically relevant small bowel microbiome.

Defining Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth by Culture and High Throughput Sequencing.

Background& Aims: Despite accelerated research in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), questions remain regarding optimal diagnostic approaches and definitions. Here, we aim to define SIBO using small bowel culture and sequencing, identifying specific contributory microbes, in the context of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods: Subjects undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (without colonoscopy) were recruited and completed symptom severity questionnaires.

Methanogens and Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria Guide Distinct Gut Microbe Profiles and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Subtypes.

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) includes diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) and constipation-predominant (IBS-C) subtypes. We combined breath testing and stool microbiome sequencing to identify potential microbial drivers of IBS subtypes.

Methods: IBS-C and IBS-D subjects from 2 randomized controlled trials (NCT03763175 and NCT04557215) were included.

A Single Fasting Exhaled Methane Level Correlates With Fecal Methanogen Load, Clinical Symptoms and Accurately Detects Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth.

Introduction: A 2-hour breath test is the gold standard for diagnosing intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO). This method can be cumbersome especially if used repetitively to monitor treatment response. Therefore, we aimed to assess the reliability of a fasting single methane measurement (SMM) in diagnosing IMO and its utility as a biomarker to monitor treatment response in subjects with IMO.

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors on the Small Bowel and Stool Microbiomes.

Background: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is extremely common. PPIs have been suggested to affect the gut microbiome, and increase risks of Clostridium difficile infection and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). However, existing data are based on stool analyses and PPIs act on the foregut.

Judicialization of health arising from prepaid insurance plans and health law: an integrative review.

Objective: To analyze publications regarding judicial demands related to the violation of the rights of the client who uses private health insurance in Brazil.

Method: Integrative review, from September to October 2017, of national character, with complete texts online, in Portuguese and English, published between 2012 and 2017 in the Virtual Health Library portal, excluding studies that were duplicated or with indiscriminate methodology.

Results: The judicial demands were for: medication (32%); ward hospitalization (11%); surgical procedures (9%); orthosis, prothesis and special materials (9%); others (9%); and diagnostic procedures, outpatient service, hospitalization in Intensive Care Units, food formulas and disposable diapers (30%).

Mapping the Segmental Microbiomes in the Human Small Bowel in Comparison with Stool: A REIMAGINE Study.

Background: Most gut microbiome studies have been performed using stool samples. However, the small intestine is of central importance to digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function, and characterizing its microbial populations is essential for elucidating their roles in human health and disease.

Aims: To characterize the microbial populations of different small intestinal segments and contrast these to the stool microbiome.

Glutathione Directly Intercepts DNA Radicals To Inhibit Oxidative DNA-Protein Cross-Linking Induced by the One-Electron Oxidation of Guanine.

Oxidative DNA damage can lead to cancer, and as enzymatic DNA repair systems become compromised during the aging process, the role of exogenous antioxidants becomes more critical. Here, we examined whether such non-enzymatic DNA repair can be effected by the common cellular antioxidant glutathione, investigating both permanent DNA damage products and the guanine radical intermediates that form them, using the flash-quench technique to carry out the one-electron oxidation of guanine. In gel-shift assays, the presence of reduced glutathione at physiological (millimolar) concentrations strongly inhibits oxidative DNA-protein cross-linking.