Microbiome Interorgans Axis (MIA): A Future Option in Health and Diseases

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Gut Microbiota".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2021) | Viewed by 78782

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is increasing evidence suggesting that the gut and other organs do not act as isolated organs but are involved in a direct relationship. Emerging research has shown that gut and probably skin microbiota may play a critical role at the interface of many organs. Therefore, it is not surprising that conditions affecting one organ’s microbiota may also have manifestations in the others.

More importantly, a better understanding of the intestinal microflora and its subsequent relationship with the brain, skin, or lungs may provide new insights into developing unique product candidates that will accurately treat a spectrum of diseases. As the microbiome continues to enter the scientific mainstream, these multiple complexity organs remain largely unexplored, although some examples are already published on gut–brain connections in autism, Parkinson, and depressive illnesses. Recent publications have described a gut–brain–skin connection in some dermatoses as well as how the skin could be involved in some neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Lionel Breton
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • microbiome
  • interorgan links
  • gut-brain
  • gut-lung
  • gut-skin
  • skin-brain
  • neurodegenerative links

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2354 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Age of Cecal Material Transfer Donors on Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology in 5xFAD Mice
by Francesco Valeri, Malena dos Santos Guilherme, Fuqian He, Nicolai M. Stoye, Andreas Schwiertz and Kristina Endres
Microorganisms 2021, 9(12), 2548; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122548 - 9 Dec 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3275
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting around 30 million patients worldwide. The predominant sporadic variant remains enigmatic as the underlying cause has still not been identified. Since efficient therapeutic treatments are still lacking, the microbiome and its manipulation have been considered [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting around 30 million patients worldwide. The predominant sporadic variant remains enigmatic as the underlying cause has still not been identified. Since efficient therapeutic treatments are still lacking, the microbiome and its manipulation have been considered as a new, innovative approach. 5xFAD Alzheimer’s disease model mice were subjected to one-time fecal material transfer after antibiotics-treatment using two types of inoculation: material derived from the caecum of age-matched (young) wild type mice or from middle aged, 1 year old (old) wild type mice. Mice were profiled after transfer for physiological parameters, microbiome, behavioral tasks, and amyloid deposition. A single time transfer of cecal material from the older donor group established an aged phenotype in the recipient animals as indicated by elevated cultivatable fecal Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae representative bacteria, a decreased Firmicutes amount as assessed by qPCR, and by increased levels of serum LPS binding protein. While behavioral deficits were not accelerated, single brain regions (prefrontal cortex and dentate gyrus) showed higher plaque load after transfer of material from older animals. We could demonstrate that the age of the donor of cecal material might affect early pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. This could be relevant when considering new microbiome-based therapies for this devastating disorder. Full article
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14 pages, 1733 KiB  
Article
Impact of Gut Microbiome Manipulation in 5xFAD Mice on Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Pathology
by Malena dos Santos Guilherme, Vu Thu Thuy Nguyen, Christoph Reinhardt and Kristina Endres
Microorganisms 2021, 9(4), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040815 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4689
Abstract
The gut brain axis seems to modulate various psychiatric and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Growing evidence has led to the assumption that the gut microbiome might contribute to or even present the nucleus of origin for these diseases. In this [...] Read more.
The gut brain axis seems to modulate various psychiatric and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Growing evidence has led to the assumption that the gut microbiome might contribute to or even present the nucleus of origin for these diseases. In this regard, modifiers of the microbial composition might provide attractive new therapeutics. Aim of our study was to elucidate the effect of a rigorously changed gut microbiome on pathological hallmarks of AD. 5xFAD model mice were treated by antibiotics or probiotics (L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus) for 14 weeks. Pathogenesis was measured by nest building capability and plaque deposition. The gut microbiome was affected as expected: antibiotics significantly reduced viable commensals, while probiotics transiently increased Lactobacillaceae. Nesting score, however, was only improved in antibiotics-treated mice. These animals additionally displayed reduced plaque load in the hippocampus. While various physiological parameters were not affected, blood sugar was reduced and serum glucagon level significantly elevated in the antibiotics-treated animals together with a reduction in the receptor for advanced glycation end products RAGE—the inward transporter of Aβ peptides of the brain. Assumedly, the beneficial effect of the antibiotics was based on their anti-diabetic potential. Full article
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14 pages, 1320 KiB  
Article
Autoimmune Hepatitis: Shifts in Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Pathways among Egyptian Patients
by Nahla M. Elsherbiny, Mohammed Rammadan, Elham A. Hassan, Mohamed E. Ali, Abeer S. Abd El-Rehim, Wael A. Abbas, Mohamed A. A. Abozaid, Ebtisam Hassanin and Helal F. Hetta
Microorganisms 2020, 8(7), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8071011 - 6 Jul 2020
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3391
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with complex immunopathogenesis. Dysbiosis has been linked to many autoimmune diseases, but its detailed role in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) still needs rigorous evaluation, especially in Egypt. We aimed to identify the shift in the gut [...] Read more.
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with complex immunopathogenesis. Dysbiosis has been linked to many autoimmune diseases, but its detailed role in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) still needs rigorous evaluation, especially in Egypt. We aimed to identify the shift in the gut microbiota profile and resultant metabolic pathways in AIH Egyptian patients compared to healthy individuals. Stool samples were collected from 15 AIH-naive patients and from 10 healthy individuals. The V3-V4 hyper-variable regions in16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq platform. Significantly lower bacterial diversity in AIH patients was found compared to the controls. A phylum-level analysis showed the overrepresentation of Firmicutes, Bacteroides, and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, AIH-associated enrichment of Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Bacteroides, Veillonella, Eubacterium, Lachnospiraceae and Butyricicoccus was reported in contrast to Prevotella, Parabacteroides and Dilaster, which were significantly retracted in such patients. Overall, the predicted metabolic pathways associated with dysbiosis in AIH patients could orchestrate the potential pathogenic roles of gut microbiota in autoimmune disease, though not in a disease-specific manner, calling for future large-scale studies. Full article
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Review

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21 pages, 387 KiB  
Review
The Future of Functional Clothing for an Improved Skin and Textile Microbiome Relationship
by Rosie Broadhead, Laure Craeye and Chris Callewaert
Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061192 - 31 May 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7394
Abstract
The skin microbiome has become a hot field of research in the last few years. The emergence of next-generation sequencing has given unprecedented insights into the impact and involvement of microbiota in skin conditions. More and more cosmetics contain probiotics or bacteria as [...] Read more.
The skin microbiome has become a hot field of research in the last few years. The emergence of next-generation sequencing has given unprecedented insights into the impact and involvement of microbiota in skin conditions. More and more cosmetics contain probiotics or bacteria as an active ingredient, with or without scientific data. This research is also acknowledged by the textile industry. There has been a more holistic approach on how the skin and textile microbiome interacts and how they influence the pH, moisture content and odour generation. To date, most of the ingredients have a broad-spectrum antibacterial action. This manuscript covers the current research and industry developments in the field of skin and textiles. It explores the nature of antimicrobial finishing in textiles which can disrupt the skin microbiome, and the benefits of more natural and microbiome friendly therapies to combat skin conditions, malodour and skin infection. Full article
13 pages, 1110 KiB  
Review
Next-Generation Probiotics and Their Metabolites in COVID-19
by Thomas Gautier, Sandrine David-Le Gall, Alaa Sweidan, Zohreh Tamanai-Shacoori, Anne Jolivet-Gougeon, Olivier Loréal and Latifa Bousarghin
Microorganisms 2021, 9(5), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9050941 - 27 Apr 2021
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 9756
Abstract
Since December 2019, a global pandemic has been observed, caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus, SARS CoV-2. The latter is responsible for the respiratory disease, COVID-19. The infection is also characterized by renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal dysfunctions suggesting the spread of [...] Read more.
Since December 2019, a global pandemic has been observed, caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus, SARS CoV-2. The latter is responsible for the respiratory disease, COVID-19. The infection is also characterized by renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal dysfunctions suggesting the spread of the virus to other organs. A dysregulated immune response was also reported. To date, there is no measure to treat or prevent SARS CoV-2 infection. Additionally, as gut microbiota composition is altered in patients with COVID-19, alternative therapies using probiotics can be considered to fight SARS CoV-2 infection. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge about next-generation probiotics (NGPs) and their benefits in viral respiratory tract infections and in COVID-19. We describe these bacteria, highlighted by studies using metagenomic approaches. In addition, these bacteria generate metabolites such as butyrate, desaminotyrosine, and secondary bile acid, suggested to prevent viral respiratory infections. Gut microbial metabolites transported via the circulation to the lungs could inhibit viral replication or improve the immune response against viruses. The use of probiotics and/or their metabolites may target either the virus itself and/or the immunologic process. However, this review showed that more studies are needed to determine the benefits of probiotics and metabolite products in COVID-19. Full article
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33 pages, 3202 KiB  
Review
Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions
by Britta De Pessemier, Lynda Grine, Melanie Debaere, Aglaya Maes, Bernhard Paetzold and Chris Callewaert
Microorganisms 2021, 9(2), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020353 - 11 Feb 2021
Cited by 270 | Viewed by 37991
Abstract
The microbiome plays an important role in a wide variety of skin disorders. Not only is the skin microbiome altered, but also surprisingly many skin diseases are accompanied by an altered gut microbiome. The microbiome is a key regulator for the immune system, [...] Read more.
The microbiome plays an important role in a wide variety of skin disorders. Not only is the skin microbiome altered, but also surprisingly many skin diseases are accompanied by an altered gut microbiome. The microbiome is a key regulator for the immune system, as it aims to maintain homeostasis by communicating with tissues and organs in a bidirectional manner. Hence, dysbiosis in the skin and/or gut microbiome is associated with an altered immune response, promoting the development of skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, dandruff, and even skin cancer. Here, we focus on the associations between the microbiome, diet, metabolites, and immune responses in skin pathologies. This review describes an exhaustive list of common skin conditions with associated dysbiosis in the skin microbiome as well as the current body of evidence on gut microbiome dysbiosis, dietary links, and their interplay with skin conditions. An enhanced understanding of the local skin and gut microbiome including the underlying mechanisms is necessary to shed light on the microbial involvement in human skin diseases and to develop new therapeutic approaches. Full article
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16 pages, 1309 KiB  
Review
Pathophysiological Roles of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in the Context of Gut Microbiota-Liver Axis
by Yoseph Asmelash Gebru, Mi Ran Choi, Ganesan Raja, Haripriya Gupta, Satya Priya Sharma, Ye Rin Choi, Hyeong Seop Kim, Sang Jun Yoon, Dong Joon Kim and Ki Tae Suk
Microorganisms 2021, 9(2), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020296 - 1 Feb 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3817
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of T lymphocytes expressing a semi-invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) present as TCR Vα7.2-Jα33 in humans and TCR Vα19-Jα33 in mice. They are activated by ligands produced during microbial biosynthesis [...] Read more.
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of T lymphocytes expressing a semi-invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) present as TCR Vα7.2-Jα33 in humans and TCR Vα19-Jα33 in mice. They are activated by ligands produced during microbial biosynthesis of riboflavin that is presented by major histocompatibility complex class I-related (MR1) molecules on antigen-presenting cells. MAIT cells also possess interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 receptors and can be activated by the respective cytokines released from microbially stimulated antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, MAIT cells can be involved in bacterial and viral defenses and are a significant part of the human immune system. They are particularly abundant in the liver, an organ serving as the second firewall of gut microbes next to the intestinal barrier. Therefore, the immune functions of MAIT cells are greatly impacted by changes in the gut-microbiota and play important roles in the gut-liver pathogenesis axis. In this review, we discuss the nature and mechanisms of MAIT cell activation and their dynamics during different types of liver pathogenesis conditions. We also share our perspectives on important aspects that should be explored further to reveal the exact roles that MAIT cells play in liver pathogenesis in the context of the gut microbiota. Full article
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15 pages, 816 KiB  
Review
Biological and Chemical Processes that Lead to Textile Malodour Development
by Florence Van Herreweghen, Caroline Amberg, Rita Marques and Chris Callewaert
Microorganisms 2020, 8(11), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8111709 - 31 Oct 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7203
Abstract
The development of malodour on clothing is a well-known problem with social, economic and ecological consequences. Many people still think malodour is the result of a lack of hygiene, which causes social stigma and embarrassment. Clothing is washed more frequently due to odour [...] Read more.
The development of malodour on clothing is a well-known problem with social, economic and ecological consequences. Many people still think malodour is the result of a lack of hygiene, which causes social stigma and embarrassment. Clothing is washed more frequently due to odour formation or even discarded when permastink develops. The malodour formation process is impacted by many variables and processes throughout the textile lifecycle. The contact with the skin with consequent transfer of microorganisms, volatiles and odour precursors leads to the formation of a distinctive textile microbiome and volatilome. The washing and drying processes further shape the textile microbiome and impact malodour formation. These processes are impacted by interindividual differences and fabric type as well. This review describes the current knowledge on the volatilome and microbiome of the skin, textile and washing machine, the multiple factors that determine malodour formation on textiles and points out what information is still missing. Full article
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