Editorial: Insights in Microorganisms in Vertebrate Digestive Systems

Thi Thu Hao Van ^1* Klibs N Galvao ²

• ¹ RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
• ² University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States

In ruminant nutrition, research by Ma et al. highlights how dietary energy levels impact the rumen microbiota and metabolites in yaks. They reveal how varying nutritional energy inputs can reshape microbial communities and fermentation parameters, which provides a scientific basis for optimising yak diets. Similarly, Liu et al. investigate the impact of crude protein content on Huanjiang mini-pigs, showing the importance of balanced protein levels for intestinal health and growth performance.Exploring gut microbiota during weaning, Yang and colleagues demonstrate significant shifts in microbial composition and serum metabolites in Dezhou donkey foals. Their work highlights essential adaptations for transitioning from milk to solid feed, offering insights into effective nutritional strategies for young mammals.Li et al.'s study on Eimeria infections in plateau pika examines the effects on the gut microbiome, behaviour, and physiology. The research found that while overall bacterial community structures were stable, Eimeria influenced temporal variations, notably affecting the genus Ruminococcus. Changes in thyroid hormones and exploration behaviour suggest a potential energy trade-off. In a different angle, Xu and colleagues focus on Christensenella minuta, exploring its interactions within the gut microbiota network. C. minuta was found to support beneficial bacteria, enhancing overall microbial diversity and stability. This research highlights its potential role in promoting gastrointestinal health and microbiome management strategies.The study by Fagundes et al. explores how Faecalibacterium prausnitzii might reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases through the HIF1α pathway. Their findings suggest these bacteria aid in managing IBD by promoting healing, offering new treatment possibilities. This is complemented by research from Meng et al. on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Xielikang, which modulates gut microbiota in AIDS patients to reduce diarrhea symptoms, adding a complementary approach to managing gut health and immunity.Other significant studies include work by Gao et al., which link gut microbiota with juvenile idiopathic arthritis through Mendelian randomisation, identifying plasma metabolites as potential mediators. Yang and colleagues' research associates sheep faecal scores with gastrointestinal microorganisms, indicating specific bacteria that influence growth and health indices in livestock. Gao et al.'s study examines the impact of dietary D-lactate on rumen fermentation in beef cattle. Higher D-lactate levels increased gas and volatile fatty acid production, altering rumen pH and bacterial communities. While enhancing energy supply, it also raised methane emissions and the prevalence of Escherichia-Shigella. Ding and colleagues' research on Hong-bailanshen supplementation in horses highlights enhancements in antioxidant enzyme activity and beneficial gut bacteria, suggesting dietary interventions for improved equine health.Research by Xu et al. uncovers age-related shifts in buffalo rumen microbiota, highlighting their roles in lignocellulose degradation and immune response in adults, and galactose conversion and antibiotic synthesis in breastfed calves. These insights deepen our understanding of how gut microorganisms adapt to different diets and growth stages. Additionally, Wang et al. uncover distinct microbiomic signatures in hemorrhoids compared to surrounding areas, with Staphylococcus prevalent on surfaces and Prevotella linked to thrombosed hemorrhoids. These findings suggest a microbial role in hemorrhoid development. Finally, Gao et al. investigate the causal link between Lachnospiraceae abundance and appendicular lean mass (ALM) using Mendelian randomization. The study finds that increased Lachnospiraceae is associated with higher ALM, with Aminopeptidase O Protein (AOPEP) as a mediator. The findings indicate that targeting gut microbiota and AOPEP could improve sarcopenia management in the elderly.Together, these studies illuminate how gut microbiota notably affect vertebrate health, offering promising avenues for advancing health and disease management through microbial strategies. Continued research in this field could lead to innovative treatments and preventative measures for a variety of health conditions.