ScopeHuman salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) is a therapeutic target for various pathological oral conditions. Several studies have reported that different probiotic strains can inhibit alpha-amylase in vitro. However, the mechanisms behind remain largely unknown. To explore this topic, we focused on Levilactobacillus brevis (L. brevis), a probiotic species known for its beneficial effects on oral health.Methods and ResultsThe effect of L. brevis on sAA activity was evaluated in vivo by analyzing saliva samples from healthy subjects involved in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Additionally, we assessed the effects of probiotic lysate in vitro using a commercial sAA. An amylase-binding assay was conducted to investigate the interaction between probiotic soluble components and the enzyme. Our findings demonstrate that L. brevis effectively inhibits alpha-amylase activity, supporting its positive role in promoting both oral and systemic health. We also observed a similar effect on pancreatic alpha-amylase.ConclusionOur data provide the first evidence of a direct interaction between alpha-amylase and bioactive molecules from L. brevis, suggesting that the observed effects could be due to the ability of these probiotic-derived molecules to bind and inhibit alpha-amylase activity. This research expands our understanding of the anticariogenic and antihyperglycemic properties of specific probiotics. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06457724ConclusionOur data provide the first evidence of a direct interaction between alpha-amylase and bioactive molecules from L. brevis, suggesting that the observed effects could be due to the ability of these probiotic-derived molecules to bind and inhibit alpha-amylase activity. This research expands our understanding of the anticariogenic and antihyperglycemic properties of specific probiotics. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06457724
BackgroundLobaric and rhizocarpic acids are secondary metabolites isolated from Antarctic lichens. While several biological activities have been described for lobaric acid, the cellular effects of rhizocarpic acid remain poorly characterized. This study investigated the impact of these compounds on proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation in human leukemic cell models.Methods and ResultsHuman leukemic K562 and MOLM-6 cells were exposed to lobaric and rhizocarpic acids under defined experimental conditions; cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and protein expression were evaluated using cell proliferation assays, flow cytometry, and western blot analysis. Both metabolites reduced cell growth and promoted caspase-dependent apoptosis in K562 and MOLM-6 cells. At the molecular level, in K562 cells, lobaric acid treatment was associated with increased Bax protein expression, whereas rhizocarpic acid induced upregulation of Bcl-2. In MOLM-6 cells, both compounds decreased STAT5 protein expression. In addition, both metabolites altered cell cycle distribution. Lobaric acid caused a significant increase of K562 cells in the G2/M phase and a transient rise of MOLM-6 cells in G1 phase, whereas rhizocarpic acid increased the proportion of cells in the G1 phase, with a concomitant reduction in S and G2/M populations in both leukemic cell lines. Analysis of cell cycle regulatory protein expression showed modulation of cyclin B1, cyclin D3, CDK4, and CDK6 by rhizocarpic acid, and upregulation of cyclin D3 by lobaric acid in both cell lines.ConclusionsOverall, these findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of lichen-derived metabolites in leukemic cells and identify rhizocarpic acid as a previously uncharacterized modulator of apoptosis- and cell cycle-related pathway progression. Further studies, including comprehensive dose-response analyses and in vivo evaluations, will be necessary to fully define their therapeutic potential.
Mitochondrial metabolism in the trabecular meshwork (TM) plays a critical role in maintaining intraocular pressure homeostasis by supporting the energy-demanding processes involved in aqueous humour outflow. In primary open-angle glaucoma, oxidative stress impairs mitochondrial function, leading to TM dysfunction. Therefore, understanding and targeting mitochondrial health in TM cells could offer a novel therapeutic strategy. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a redox cofactor with antioxidant and mitochondrial-enhancing properties. However, its effects on human TM (HTM) cells remain largely unexplored. This study examined PQQ cytoprotective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HTM cells. Seahorse analyses revealed that PQQ alone improves mitochondrial respiration and ATP production. Moreover, PQQ mitigates H2O2-induced cellular damage and preserves mitochondrial function by normalising proton leak and increasing ATP levels. Furthermore, TEM and confocal microscopy showed that PQQ can partially alleviate structural damage, restoring mitochondrial network morphology, thereby leading to reduced cell death. Although these protective effects seem not to be mediated by changes in mitochondrial content or activation of the SIRT1/PGC1-α pathway, they may involve modulation of SIRT3, a key factor of mitochondrial metabolism and homeostasis. Overall, these results suggest that PQQ may represent a promising candidate for restoring mitochondrial function and reversing oxidative damage in HTM cells.
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and, to date, effective and safe antifibrotic drugs are still lacking. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may provide novel strategies to counteract fibrotic processes. In this study, we evaluated the anti-fibrotic potential of a multi-strain probiotic formulation, OxxySlabTM, using in vitro models of intestinal fibrosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Human intestinal fibroblasts (CCD-18Co cell line) and epithelial cells (Caco-2 cell line, IECs) were stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to induce fibrotic and EMT phenotypes, respectively. Treatment with OxxySlab modulated cell proliferation and fibrosis-related markers, which we assessed through CCK-8 assay, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The probiotic lysate inhibited both canonical and non-canonical TGF-β1 signaling pathways, and it also reduced TGF-β1 gene expression in activated myofibroblasts, as shown by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, probiotic treatment reversed EMT features by restoring epithelial markers and downregulating mesenchymal markers. These findings highlight the beneficial effects of the multi-strain probiotic formulation as an adjunctive therapeutic agent targeting key pathways involved in intestinal fibrosis.
A growing number of in vitro and in vivo studies suggest the application of probiotics as a natural approach to maintaining oral health. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Levilactobacillus brevis CD2 (CNCM I-5566), a multifunctional probiotic frequently used in oral medicine, in preserving or improving several recognized oral health indicators. Thirty consenting healthy adults were randomized to receive four lozenges per day of L. brevis CD2 probiotic (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) over four weeks. Clinical parameters (full-mouth bleeding on probing (BoP) and plaque index (PI) scores) were recorded. Unstimulated saliva was collected to measure salivation rate, pH, and buffer capacity. Salivary biomarkers were analyzed, including glucose, D-lactate, and secretory immunoglobulins A (sIgA). Clinical and salivary parameters were assessed at baseline, after four weeks of intervention, and two weeks post-intervention. Wilcoxon rank-sum test and robust regression analysis were used for statistical comparisons. The possible mediating effect of PI on BoP changes was assessed. After four weeks, the probiotic group showed significant improvements in BoP and PI compared to baseline and placebo. The probiotic group had a higher salivation rate than baseline and placebo after four weeks of treatment and washout. While changes in salivary pH were not significant, buffering capacity increased in the probiotic group after four weeks of treatment and washout. Salivary glucose and D-lactate levels were lower in the probiotic group post-treatment and after washout. sIgA values increased and remained stable after washout in the probiotic group. No adverse effects were reported. The treatment with L. brevis CD2 significantly improved clinical and salivary parameters, supporting its efficacy as a probiotic for oral health. ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT06457724; Registered 7 June 2024 - Retrospectively registered; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06457724?viewType=Table page=452 rank=4512#study-overview .
Oxidative stress critically influences the pathophysiology of glioblastoma (GBM), a deadly and aggressive brain tumor. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate cancer cell homeostasis, influencing the treatment response. The transcription factor Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) activates antioxidant defenses, protecting GBM cells from therapy-induced oxidative stress and contributing to Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a key role in GBM chemoresistance by modulating the tumor microenvironment and supporting a pro-survival phenotype. The impact of COX-2 inhibition by celecoxib (CXB), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, combined with TMZ on oxidative stress modulation linked to resistance was investigated in GBM primary cultures and cell lines. The drug combination CXB+TMZ was tested on TMZ-sensitive and -resistant cells, and ROS levels and Nrf2 activation were evaluated via a DCFH-DA probe and Western blotting, respectively. The oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes were assayed using standard methods. COX-2 inhibition combined with TMZ significantly increased ROS, while TMZ alone induced a compensatory antioxidant response, sustaining resistance. Drug combination reduced this response, restoring oxidative stress even in TMZ-resistant cells. Prostaglandin E2 reversed these effects, confirming the role of the COX-2/PGE2 axis in redox balance. Drug combination increased ROS, disrupted redox homeostasis and overcame TMZ resistance, supporting COX-2 inhibition as a promising GBM therapy strategy.
Aim: The benefit of topical application of probiotics on pain and itching associated with skin disorders has become an increasingly intriguing topic in recent years. These effects are mainly associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of probiotics. Given the crucial role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in skin pathophysiology, here, the ability of Streptococcus thermophilus was evaluated, in comparison with Lactobacillus acidophilus, to inhibit two enzymes involved in endocannabinoid (eCB) degradation: fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Methods: Bacterial lysates were obtained from both probiotics. FAAH and MAGL activities were assayed using fluorometric and colorimetric methods. The effect of probiotic lysates on FAAH and MAGL activities was also evaluated on human keratinocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results: S. thermophilus inhibited both FAAH and MAGL, although to varying extents. In comparison, L. acidophilus had a minimal effect on FAAH and did not influence MAGL activity. Conclusions: Although preliminary, our findings suggest that S. thermophilus may exert both potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the ECS and reducing the degradation of EC, known to play a key role in immune regulation and inflammation. Results presented confirm the selective actions of probiotics and propose a novel mechanism that may contribute to the beneficial effects of S. thermophilus in alleviating signs and symptoms associated with inflammatory skin conditions. Our evidence shows significant inhibitory activity of S. thermophilus on FAAH and MAGL activity, suggesting its ability to influence skin conditions by modulating ECS and preventing the eCB degradation.
Growing evidence supports the use of nitrate-reducing bacterial strains as probiotics to enhance the benefits of nitrate metabolism for both oral and systemic health. This study aimed to test the nitrate reductase activity of Levilactobacillus brevis CD2 (DSM-27961/CNCM I-5566), a strain widely used as a starter culture in fermented foods and recognized for its multifaceted health-promoting probiotic properties. We also sought to determine whether the probiotic lysate enhances nitrate reduction ex vivo using six salivary samples from healthy subjects while evaluating its potential influence on pH and buffering capacity. Considering the established link between lactate metabolism and nitrite production, we assessed the salivary levels of D-lactate after a 3-hour incubation with or without Lv. brevis. The results indicate that Lv. brevis CD2 exhibits significant intrinsic and concentration-dependent nitrate reductase activity. Additionally, treatment with Lv. brevis for 3 h significantly increased nitrite generation across all saliva samples, with further enhancement observed after the addition of exogenous nitrates. Lv. brevis also significantly improved salivary pH and buffering capacity, particularly when combined with nitrate. Furthermore, the probiotic treatment resulted in reduced levels of salivary D-lactate. To further support and validate our in vitro and ex vivo findings, we evaluated the oral nitrate-reducing activity in saliva samples from healthy individuals treated for four weeks with Lv. brevis CD2 lozenges. Of note, the results indicated that the probiotic group showed a significant increase in oral nitrate-reducing capacity compared to baseline and placebo after four weeks of treatment. Overall, our study suggests that Lv. brevis CD2 acts as a nitrate-reducing probiotic, providing new insights into its health benefits and complementing findings from previous studies.
Blue light (BL) is a known risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a retinal pathology where damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is one of the earliest events. While the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is implicated in various physio-pathological conditions of the retina, its role in BL-injured RPE has not yet been addressed. To fill this gap, we developed an in vitro model of BL-induced human RPE damage showing key features of AMD: cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular senescence. Notably, our model demonstrates modulation of gene and protein expression of specific ECS elements, particularly cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), thus providing unprecedented evidence of ECS dysregulation in RPE cells upon BL exposure.
Bladder cancer (BC), particularly its muscle-invasive subtype (MIBC), remains a clinical challenge due to high recurrence and limited therapeutic options. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may offer selective anticancer effects while preserving healthy tissue. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor potential of OxxySlab, a multistrain probiotic formulation, in two BC cell lines (T24 and 5637) and a non-tumorigenic urothelial cell line (SV-HUC1). OxxySlab lysate dose-dependently inhibited BC cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and migration, while sparing normal cells. Mechanistically, the treatment suppressed epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), induced senescence, and disrupted redox homeostasis in malignant cells. These effects were associated with the induction of oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defenses. Co-treatment with vitamin C attenuated ROS accumulation and senescence, implicating oxidative stress as a key mediator. Notably, SV-HUC1 cells retained viability and phenotype, confirming the formulation’s selectivity. Overall, these findings support OxxySlab as a promising adjunctive strategy in BC therapy, capable of reducing tumor aggressiveness through redox-mediated senescence and EMT inhibition without harming normal urothelial cells.
Previous studies have highlighted the in vitro and in vivo anti-aging potential of Streptococcus thermophilus prompting us to investigate the biomolecular mechanisms underlying its effects. We evaluated the reparative ability of S. thermophilus lysate in a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced senescence model of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Cell proliferation, cell number, and senescence level were evaluated by IncuCyte® Live Cell Imager system, trypan blue dye exclusion test and β-galactosidase activity, respectively. We analyzed p21, prolyl 4-hydroxylase A1, intracellular collagen I, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and heme oxygenase-1 expression through western blot. Extracellular levels of collagen I, interleukin-1β, and IL-6 were assessed by ELISA. The oxidative stress markers were assayed using standard methods. The direct antioxidant activity of probiotic was quantified using multiple techniques. The presence of antioxidant genes in probiotic was detected via PCR assay. Probiotic lysate exposure increased the proliferation rate, counteracted the aging by reducing β-galactosidase activity and p21 levels, promoted collagen I synthesis and neutralized oxidative stress by activating Nrf2. The probiotic lysate inhibited the NF-κB pathway with pro-inflammatory marker downregulation. Notably, we revealed that probiotic exhibited strong free radical scavenging ability, iron-chelating properties, and significant ferric reducing power in a concentration-dependent manner. We identified seven genes with antioxidant function in its genome. Our results show that S. thermophilus lysate is efficacious in suppressing the biomolecular events associated with H2O2-induced cellular aging, thus supporting the reparative action of S. thermophilus, helpful in treating skin aging.
Neuroinflammation is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders that has been extensively studied in recent years. Microglia, the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are key players in this physiological process, demonstrating a remarkable adaptability in responding to various stimuli in the eye and the brain. Within the complex network of neuroinflammatory signals, the fatty acid N-ethanolamines, in particular N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), emerged as crucial regulators of microglial activity under both physiological and pathological states. In this study, we interrogated for the first time the impact of the signaling of these bioactive lipids on microglial cell responses to a sub-lethal acute UVB radiation, a physical stressor responsible of microglia reactivity in either the retina or the brain. To this end, we developed an in vitro model using mouse microglial BV-2 cells. Upon 24 h of UVB exposure, BV-2 cells showed elevated oxidative stress markers and, cyclooxygenase (COX-2) expression, enhanced phagocytic and chemotactic activities, along with an altered immune profiling. Notably, UVB exposure led to a selective increase in expression and activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the main enzyme responsible for degradation of fatty acid ethanolamides. Pharmacological FAAH inhibition via URB597 counteracted the effects of UVB exposure, decreasing tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) release and reverting reactive oxidative species (ROS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels to the control levels. Our findings support the potential of enhanced fatty acid amide signaling in mitigating UVB-induced cellular damage, paving the way to further exploration of these lipids in light-induced immune responses.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) strictly associated with therapy resistance. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) fuels GBM proliferation, stemness, and chemoresistance. We previously reported that COX-2 upregulation induced by temozolomide (TMZ) supported chemoresistance. Also, COX-2 transfer by extracellular vesicles released by T98G promoted M2 polarization in macrophages, whereas COX-2 inhibition counteracted these effects. Here, we investigated the COX-2 role in the stemness potential and modulation of the GBM immunosuppressive microenvironment. The presence of macrophages U937 within tumorspheres derived from GBM cell lines and primary cultures exposed to celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) with or without TMZ was studied by confocal microscopy. M2 polarization was analyzed by TGFβ-1 and CD206 levels. Osteopontin (OPN), a crucial player within the TME by driving the macrophages’ infiltration, and CD44 expression was assessed by Western blot. TMZ strongly enhanced tumorsphere size and induced the M2 polarization of infiltrating macrophages. In macrophage-infiltrated tumorspheres, TMZ upregulated OPN and CD44 expression. These TMZ effects were counteracted by the concurrent addition of CXB. Remarkably, exogenous prostaglandin-E2 restored OPN and CD44, highlighting the COX-2 pivotal role in the protumor macrophages’ state promotion. COX-2 inhibition interfered with TMZ’s ability to induce M2-polarization and counteracted the development of an immunosuppressive TME.
The mechanism underlying intestinal fibrosis, the main complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is not yet fully understood, and there is no therapy to prevent or reverse fibrosis. We evaluated, in in vitro cellular models, the ability of different classes of drugs currently used in IBD to counteract two pivotal processes of intestinal fibrosis, the differentiation of intestinal fibroblasts to activated myofibroblasts using CCD-18Co cells, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of intestinal epithelial cells using Caco-2 cells (IEC), both being processes induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The drugs tested included mesalamine, azathioprine, methotrexate, prednisone, methylprednisolone, budesonide, infliximab, and adalimumab. The expression of fibrosis and EMT markers (collagen-I, α-SMA, pSmad2/3, occludin) was assessed by Western blot analysis and by immunofluorescence. Of the drugs used, only prednisone, methylprednisolone, budesonide, and adalimumab were able to antagonize the pro-fibrotic effects induced by TGF-β1 on CCD-18Co cells, reducing the fibrosis marker expression. Methylprednisolone, budesonide, and adalimumab were also able to significantly counteract the TGF-β1-induced EMT process on Caco-2 IEC by increasing occludin and decreasing α-SMA expression. This is the first study that evaluates, using in vitro cellular models, the direct antifibrotic effects of drugs currently used in IBD, highlighting which drugs have potential antifibrotic effects.
Background. Enamel plays an essential role in protecting the underlying layers of the human tooth; therefore, preserving it is vital. This experimental study aimed to evaluate the potential ability of L. brevis to counteract the action of a demineralizing agent on dental enamel morphology and mineral composition in vitro. Methods. The sample consisted of 12 healthy human posterior teeth. The coronal portion of each tooth was subdivided into two equal parts longitudinally. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups: artificial saliva, L. brevis suspension, demineralizing agent (DA), and DA plus L. brevis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to evaluate the surface micromorphology and the mineral content, respectively. The statistical analysis was conducted using a one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Results. SEM analysis did not highlight significant changes in the enamel microstructure of L. brevis-treated specimens compared to the control. DA-induced damage to the enamel structure was drastically reduced when the specimens were contextually exposed to the probiotic. The treatment with DA substantially reduced the weight % of crucial enamel minerals, i.e., Ca and P. Notably, the probiotic was able to reverse the demineralization process, bringing Ca and P weight % back to basal levels, including the Ca/P ratio. Conclusions. The findings indicate that L. brevis is able to efficiently protect the dental enamel surface from the damage caused by DA and increase the enamel resistance to demineralization. Overall, L. brevis confirms its efficacy in preventing or counteracting the action of carious lesions through a novel mechanism that protects the tooth surface under a chemical challenge that mimics the caries process.
Skin aging is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors that progressively impair skin functionality over time. Investigating the skin aging process requires thorough research using innovative technologies. This review explores the use of in vitro human 3D culture models, serving as valuable alternatives to animal ones, in skin aging research. The aim is to highlight the benefits and necessity of improving the methodology in analyzing the molecular mechanisms underlying human skin aging. Traditional 2D models, including monolayers of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, or melanocytes, even if providing cost-effective and straightforward methods to study critical processes such as extracellular matrix degradation, pigmentation, and the effects of secretome on skin cells, fail to replicate the complex tissue architecture with its intricated interactions. Advanced 3D models (organoid cultures, “skin-on-chip” technologies, reconstructed human skin, and 3D bioprinting) considerably enhance the physiological relevance, enabling a more accurate representation of skin aging and its peculiar features. By reporting the advantages and limitations of 3D models, this review highlights the importance of using advanced in vitro systems to develop practical anti-aging preventive and reparative approaches and improve human translational research in this field. Further exploration of these technologies will provide new opportunities for previously unexplored knowledge on skin aging.
Skin aging is characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, principal players in triggering events associated with aging. Our recent data on the ability of an innovative poly-component formulation (KARISMA Rh Collagen® FACE: K formulation) to suppress the biomolecular events associated with oxidative stress-induced aging prompted us to deepen the mechanisms underlying the observed effects on aged human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Here, we evaluated K’s ability to perform a direct free radical-scavenging action and modulate anti-oxidant systems by counteracting the inflammatory process in an H2O2-induced cellular senescence model. Standard methods were used to measure scavenging capacity and enzymatic anti-oxidant system activities. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) levels were analyzed by Western blot. We assessed pro-inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Our results show that K counteracted stress-induced aging in a dose-dependent manner by exerting a direct scavenging action and increasing anti-oxidant systems, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) up to control values. These findings could be associated with increased phospho-Nrf2 (p-Nrf2) expression, generally reduced in aged HDFs following exposure to different concentrations of K formulation. Moreover, K formulation caused a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β and -6, MMP-1 and -9, and AGE levels, events related to a downregulation of p-NF-κB level. The results indicate that K formulation re-established the normal physiology of HDFs by reducing p-NF-κB expression and restoring Nrf2 activation, thus supporting its efficacious reparative and regenerative action in treating skin aging.
Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease characterized by persistent low-grade tissue and systemic inflammation. Fat accumulation in adipose tissue (AT) leads to stress and dysfunctional adipocytes, along with the infiltration of immune cells, which initiates and sustains inflammation. Neutrophils are the first immune cells to infiltrate AT during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that the formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a significant role in the progression of obesity and related diseases. Additionally, obesity is associated with an imbalance in gut microbiota and increased intestinal barrier permeability, resulting in the translocation of live bacteria, bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and pro-inflammatory cytokines into the bloodstream and AT, thereby contributing to metabolic inflammation. Recent research has also shown that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by gut microbiota, can influence various functions of neutrophils, including their activation, migration, and the generation of inflammatory mediators. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advancements in understanding the role of neutrophils and NET formation in the pathophysiology of obesity and related disorders while also focusing on updated potential therapeutic approaches targeting NETs based on studies conducted in humans and animal models.