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Background Extracellular metabolites of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) excreted by gut microbiota have been reported to play an important role in the regulation of intestinal homeostasis. Apart from supplying energy, SCFA also elicit immune stimulation in animal and human cells. Therefore, an attempt was conducted to isolate SCFA producing bacteria from healthy human microbiota. The anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects of extracellular metabolites and individual SFCA were further investigated by using breast, colon cancer and macrophage cells. Toxin, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expressions were investigated by RT-qPCR analyses in this study. Results Escherichia coli KUB-36 was selected in this study since it has the capability to produce seven SCFA extracellularly. It produced acetic acid as the main SCFA. It is a non-exotoxin producer and hence, it is a safe gut microbiota. The IC 50 values indicated that the E. coli KUB-36 metabolites treatment elicited more potent cytotoxicity effect on MCF7 breast cancer cell as compared to colon cancer and leukemia cancer cells but exhibited little cytotoxic effects on normal breast cell. Furthermore, E. coli KUB-36 metabolites and individual SCFA could affect inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-induced THP-1 macrophage cells since they suppressed inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α well as compared to the control, whilst inducing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 expression. Conclusion SCFA producing E. coli KUB-36 possessed vast potential as a beneficial gut microbe since it is a non-exotoxin producer that exhibited beneficial cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and elicited anti-inflammatory activity simultaneously. However, the probiotic characteristic of E. coli KUB-36 should be further elucidated using in vivo animal models.

Preliminary animal and in vitro studies suggest banana blossoms, a byproduct of banana farming, may help regulate blood sugar and lipid levels and offer antioxidant benefits, though human evidence is limited. This study examined the effects of freeze-dried banana blossom powder (FBP) on fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, and related health markers in prediabetic Thai adults. In an eight-week double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 42 participants received either 3000 mg/day of FBP or a placebo. Block randomization and third-party blinding ensured unbiased procedures, with similar baseline characteristics across groups. At week eight, measurements included FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile, insulin, liver and kidney function, blood pressure, and anthropometric data. FBP had no significant impact on FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile, or insulin. However, participants in the FBP group showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and diastolic blood pressure. Improved bowel movements were also reported, suggesting benefits from FBP’s bioactive compounds. No significant changes in glycemic parameters were detected following FBP supplementation. FBP was well tolerated with no adverse effects, supporting its potential as a functional food for managing weight and blood pressure. The trial was registered at TCTR20240326003.

A synbiotic is a combination of live microorganisms and specific substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms, resulting in health benefits for the host. Previous studies have demonstrated the protective effects of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 against Salmonella infection in chicken and mouse models. The probiotic activity of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 in these hosts was influenced by nutritional supplements. Water-based plants contain significant amounts of carbohydrates, particularly dietary fiber and proteins, making them potential prebiotic substrates. In this study, four water-based plants ( Ulva rigida , Caulerpa lentillifera , Wolffia globosa , and Gracillaria fisheri ) were screened for their ability to support the growth of L. reuteri KUB-AC5. Under monoculture testing, U. rigida exhibited the highest capacity to support the growth of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 and the production of organic acids, including acetic acid, lactic acid, and propionic acid ( p  ≤ 0.05). In co-culture experiments, the synbiotic combination of U. rigida and L. reuteri KUB-AC5 demonstrated the potential to eliminate Salmonella Typhimurium DMST 48437 when inoculated at 10 4  CFU/mL within 9 h. The synbiotic activities of U. rigida and L. reuteri KUB-AC5 were further investigated using an in vitro human gut model. Compared to the probiotic treatment, the synbiotic combination of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 and U. rigida showed significantly higher levels of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 (5.1 log copies/mL) and a reduction of S . Typhimurium by 0.8 log (CFU/ml) after 24 h ( p  ≤ 0.05). Synbiotic treatment also significantly promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyric acid, propionic acid, and acetic acid, compared to prebiotic and probiotic treatments alone ( p  ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the synbiotic formulation modulated the in vitro simulated gut microbiome, enhancing putatively beneficial gut microbes, including lactobacilli, Faecalibacterium , and Blautia . Our findings demonstrated that L . reuteri KUB-AC5, in combination with U . rigida , exhibited synergistic activity, as indicated by increased viability, higher anti-pathogenicity toward Salmonella , and the ability to modulate the gut microbiome.

The association between the gut mycobiome and its potential influence on host metabolism in the Thai Cohort was assessed. Two distinct predominant enterotypes, Saccharomyces (Sa) and Aspergillus / Penicillium (Ap/Pe) showed differences in gut mycobiota diversity and composition. Notably, the Sa enterotype exhibited lower evenness and richness, likely due to the prevalence of Saccharomyces , while both enterotypes displayed unique metabolic behaviors related to nutrient metabolism and body composition. Fiber consumption was positively correlated with adverse body composition and fasting glucose levels in individuals with the Sa enterotype, whereas in the Ap/Pe enterotype it was positively correlated with fat and protein intake. The metabolic functional analysis revealed the Sa enterotype associated with carbohydrate metabolism, while the Ap/Pe enterotype involved in lipid metabolism. Very interestingly, the genes involved in the pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathway, such as polygalacturonase and l -arabinose-isomerase, were enriched in the Sa enterotype signifying a metabolic capacity for complex carbohydrate degradation and utilization of less common sugars as energy sources. These findings highlight the interplay between gut mycobiome composition, dietary habits, and metabolic outcomes within the Thai cohort studies.

Synbiotic interventions have gained increasing attention for modulating gut microbiota and metabolic functions in obesity-related disorders. This study evaluated the effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 (10⁸ CFU) and Wolffia globosa powder (6 g/day) using an in vitro continuous human gastrointestinal model. Fecal samples from obese donors were used to simulate the ascending and descending colon, with microbial viability, diversity, and metabolite production assessed over 14 days via culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Synbiotic supplementation increased anaerobic bacterial counts by 2.6 log CFU/mL in the ascending colon and 2.2 log CFU/mL in the descending colon, with notable increases in lactic acid bacteria and reductions in Enterobacteriaceae . Metagenomic analysis revealed an increasing trend in microbial diversity and evenness after 7 days of treatment, though the changes were not statistically significant. PERMANOVA analysis confirmed significant shift in microbial community composition between stabilization, treatment, and washout periods ( p  < 0.05). Additionally, butyrate levels significantly increased ( p  < 0.05), while p -cresol, a deleterious metabolite, significantly decreased ( p  < 0.05). Bile acid composition was modulated, with increased tertiary bile acid 3-oxo-LCA and enhanced bile acid deconjugation, suggesting improved lipid metabolism and potential weight management benefits. These findings highlight the potential of synbiotic supplementation to enhance beneficial bacterial populations, improve microbial diversity, and support metabolic health in obesity management.

The impact of copra meal hydrolysate (CMH) on gut health was assessed by conducting a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Sixty healthy adult participants, aged 18–40 years were assigned to daily consume 3 g of CMH, 5 g of CMH or placebo in the form of drink powder for 21 days. Consumption of CMH at 3 g/d improved defecating conditions by reducing stool size and also relieved flatulence and bloating symptoms. Fecal samples were collected serially at the baseline before treatment, after the treatment and after a 2-week washout period. The gut microbiomes were similar among the treatment groups, with microbial community changes observed within the groups. Intake of CMH at 3 g/d led to increase microbial diversity and richness. Reduction of the ratio between Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was observed, although it was not significantly different between the groups. The 3 g/d CMH treatment increased beneficial microbes in the group of fiber-degrading bacteria, especially human colonic Bacteroidetes , while induction of Bifidobacteriaceae was observed after the washout period. Intake of CMH led to increase lactic acid production, while 3 g/d supplement promoted the present of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in stool samples. The 3 g daily dose of CMH led to the potentially beneficial effects on gut health for healthy individuals.

In Thailand, food consumption by people from each region is different. This can be an important environmental factor which shapes the gut microbiota further affecting their health. This study aimed to use quantitative PCR (qPCR) to investigate the intestinal microbial community in 60 healthy children (aged 8–11 years) living in specific areas, namely central (CT) and northeastern (NE) Thailand where each region has its own typical food consumption. The children from NE had significantly higher consumption frequency of meat (chicken and beef), a wide variety of carbohydrate sources (noodle, fermented rice and sweet potato) including vegetables and fruit, while in CT, there was a significant preference for rice, breakfast cereal and cow milk. The qPCR analysis resulted in significantly higher abundance of lactobacilli, Clostridium coccoides–Eubacterium rectale, Clostridium leptum, Prevotella and Bacteroides fragilis in children from the NE region. However, no significant difference in the count of Bifidobacterium spp., Enterobacteriaceae and methanogens was observed. Considering the correlation of food sources and microbial groups, the consumption frequency of vegetables showed a moderately positive correlation coefficient of 0.42 and 0.34 to the Lactobacillus group (P = 0.001) and the Prevotella group (P = 0.008), respectively, while a diet of fish and beef showed a moderately negative correlation coefficient of −0.41 (P = 0.001) and −0.33 (P = 0.09) to Bifidobacterium spp., respectively. Our results suggested that high frequency consumption of varieties of carbohydrates, protein sources, fruits and vegetables by the NE children promoted a high abundance of bacterial species in the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.

This study focused on the characterization of mannanase from Bacillus circulans NT 6.7 for mannooligosaccharides (MOS) production. The enzyme from B. circulans NT 6.7 was produced using defatted copra meal as a carbon source. The mannanase was purified by ultrafiltration and column chromatography of Q-Sepharose. The purified protein (M1) was a dimeric protein with a 40 kDa subunit. The purified M1 exhibited optimum pH and temperature at pH 6.0 and 60 °C, respectively. It was activated by Mn 2+, Mg 2+, and Cu 2+ , and as inhibited by EDTA (45–65 %). The purified enzyme exhibited high specificity to beta-mannan: konjac (glucomannan), locust bean gum (galactomannan), ivory nut (mannan), guar gum (galactomannan) and defatted copra meal (galactomannan). The defatted copra meal could be hydrolyzed by purified M1 into mannooligosaccharides which promoted beneficial bacteria, especially Lactobacillus group, and inhibited pathogenic bacteria; Shigella dysenteria DMST 1511, Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 029, and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis DMST 17368. Therefore, the mannanase from B. circulans NT 6.7 would be a novel source of enzymes for the mannooligosaccharides production as prebiotics.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 has been widely used as probiotic in chicken for Salmonella reduction. However, a preferable carbon source and growth phase is poorly characterized underlying metabolic responses on growth and inhibition effects of L. reuteri KUB-AC5. This study therefore aimed to investigate transcriptome profiling of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 revealing global metabolic responses when alteration of carbon sources and growth phases. Interestingly, L. reuteri KUB-AC5 grown under sucrose culture showed to be the best for fast growth and inhibition effects against Salmonella Enteritidis S003 growth. Towards the transcriptome profiling and reporter proteins/metabolites analysis, the results showed that amino acid transport via ABC systems as well as sucrose metabolism and transport are key metabolic responses at Logarithmic (L)-phase of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 growth. Considering the Stationary (S)-phase, we found the potential reporter proteins/metabolites involved in carbohydrate metabolism e.g ., levansucrase and levan. Promisingly, levansucrase and levan were revealed to be candidates in relation to inhibition effects of L. reuteri KUB-AC5. Throughout this study, L. reuteri KUB-AC5 had a metabolic control in acclimatization to sucrose and energy pools through transcriptional co-regulation, which supported the cell growth and inhibition potentials. This study offers a perspective in optimizing fermentation condition through either genetic or physiological approaches for enhancing probiotic L. reuteri KUB-AC5 properties.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 displays the hallmark features of probiotic properties for food and feed industries. Optimization of cultivation condition for the industrial production is important to reach cell concentration and cost reduction. Considering the strain-specific growth physiology, metabolic capability, and essential nutrients of L. reuteri KUB-AC5, the genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) of L. reuteri KUB-AC5 was developed. Hereby, the GSMM of iTN656 was successfully constructed which contained 656 genes, 831 metabolites, and 953 metabolic reactions. The iTN656 model could show a metabolic capability under various carbon sources and guide potentially 14 essential single nutrients (e.g., vitamin B complex and amino acids) and 2 essential double nutrients (pairwise glutamine-glutamate and asparagine-aspartate) for L. reuteri KUB-AC5 growth through single and double omission analysis. Promisingly, the iTN656 model was further integrated with transcriptome data suggesting that putative metabolic routes as preferable paths e.g., sucrose uptake, nucleotide biosynthesis, urea cycle, and glutamine transporter for L. reuteri KUB-AC5 growth. The developed GSMM offers a powerful tool for multi-level omics analysis, enabling probiotic strain optimization for biomass overproduction on an industrial scale.