Immunomodulation by treatment with Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota

Adherence to Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern and Risk of Bladder Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Iran

Few dietary patterns are related to reduce the Bladder Cancer (BC) risk. One of the well-known dietary patterns is the Mediterranean diet (MD). This case-control study investigated the association between MD and the odds of BC among Iranian population. The present case-control study was performed on 103 eligible cases and 200 controls age 45 to 92 years. Diet of participants was assessed by a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Adherence to MD was measured by Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score (MSDPS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between MSDPS and risk of BC. After controlling for potential confounders, a negative association was observed between MSDPS and risk of BC (OR = 0.22; 95%CI = 0.09-0.52; p trend = 0.001). Furthermore, significant negative associations were observed for dairy, fish and other seafood, whole-grain, bread intake and risk of BC (p for trend < 0.05). In contrast, the risk of BC increased for high intake of poultry (OR = 1.09; 95%CI = 1.03-1.15; p trend = 0.003), sweets (OR = 1.24; 95%CI = 1.03-1.48; p trend = 0.018) and egg (p for trend = 0.01). Our results suggested that dietary habit in concordance with the principles of the Mediterranean dietary pattern may protect against BC.

Bacteria for Treatment: Microbiome in Bladder Cancer

The human body contains a variety of microbes. The distribution of microbes varies from organ to organ. Sequencing and bioinformatics techniques have revolutionized microbial research. Although previously considered to be sterile, the urinary bladder contains various microbes. Several studies have used urine and bladder tissues to reveal the microbiome of the urinary bladder. Lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus, are particularly beneficial for human health and are linked to bladder cancer. This review highlights the analysis protocols for microbiome research, the studies undertaken to date, and the microbes with therapeutic potential in bladder cancer.

Probiotic Properties and Immunomodulatory Activity of Lactobacillus Strains Isolated from Dairy Products

Lactobacilli species are an effective biotherapeutic alternative against bacterial infections and intestinal inflammatory disorders. However, it is important to evaluate their beneficial properties, before considering them as probiotics for medical use. In this study we evaluated some probiotic properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus rhamnosus KLSD, Lactobacillus helveticus IMAU70129, and Lactobacillus casei IMAU60214 previously isolated from dairy products and as control Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Experimental evaluations revealed that all strains expressed hydrophobicity (25–40%), auto-aggregation (55–60%), NaCl tolerance (1–4%), adhesion to Caco-2 cells (25–33%), partial inhibition on adherence of Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 23219. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) of Lactobacilli also inhibit growth of these pathogens. In immunomodulatory properties a reduction of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and nitric oxide (NO) release was observed in assays with Caco-2 cells stimulated with interleukin-1β (1 ng/mL), or lipopolysaccharide (0.1 µg/mL). On the other hand, the damage induced to Caco-2 cells with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was attenuated when the cultured cells were pretreated with L. rhamnosus KLDS, L. helveticus IMAU70129 and L. casei IMAU60214. These Lactobacilli possess probiotic properties determined by both an antagonistic activity on pathogenic bacteria and reduction in the inflammatory response of cells treated with SDS, a pro-inflammatory stimulant.

Gut Microbiota in NSAID Enteropathy: New Insights From Inside

As a class of the commonly used drugs in clinical practice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause a series of adverse events including gastrointestinal injuries. Besides upper gastrointestinal injuries, NSAID enteropathy also attracts attention with the introduction of capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy. However, the pathogenesis of NSAID enteropathy remains to be entirely clarified. Growing evidence from basic and clinical studies presents that gut microbiota is a critical factor in NSAID enteropathy progress. We have reviewed the recent data about the interplay between gut microbiota dysbiosis and NSAID enteropathy. The chronic medication of NSAIDs could change the composition of the intestinal bacteria and aggravate bile acids cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, NSAIDs impair the intestinal barrier by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and destroying mitochondria. Subsequently, intestinal bacteria translocate into the mucosa, and then lipopolysaccharide released from gut microbiota combines to Toll-like receptor 4 and induce excessive production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Intestinal injuries present in the condition of intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress. In this paper, we also have reviewed the possible strategies of regulating gut microbiota for the management of NSAID enteropathy, including antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, mucosal protective agents, and fecal microbiota transplant, and we emphasized the adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors on NSAID enteropathy. Therefore, this review will provide new insights into a better understanding of gut microbiota in NSAID enteropathy.

Microbial Metabolites as Molecular Mediators of Host-Microbe Symbiosis in Colorectal Cancer

The symbiosis between the gut microbiota and the host has been identified as an integral part of normal human physiology and physiological development. Research in germ-free or gnotobiotic animals has demonstrated the importance of this symbiosis in immune, vascular, hepatic, respiratory and metabolic systems. Disruption of the microbiota can also contribute to disease, and the microbiota has been implicated in numerous intestinal and extra-intestinal pathologies including colorectal cancer. Interactions between host and microbiota can occur either directly or indirectly, via microbial-derived metabolites. In this chapter, we focus on two major products of microbial metabolism, short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, and their role in colorectal cancer. Short-chain fatty acids are the products of microbial fermentation of complex carbohydrates and confer protection against cancer risk, while bile acids are compounds which are endogenous to the host, but undergo microbial modification in the large intestine leading to alterations in their bioactivity. Lastly, we discuss the ability of microbial modulation to mediate cancer risk and the potential to harness this ability as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment in colorectal cancer.

Effects of the Probiotic Mixture Slab51® (SivoMixx®) as Food Supplement in Healthy Dogs: Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota, Clinical Parameters and Immune Function

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in several physiologic functions of the host. In humans and animals, manipulation of the intestinal microbiota by oral administration of probiotic lactic acid bacteria plays a significant role in modulating the immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the probiotic mixture Slab51® and the capacity of this mixture to stimulate immune function in healthy dogs. Twenty dogs were divided in two groups and received a control diet or the same diet supplemented with a dose of 400 billion cfu of lyophilized bacteria for a period of 60 days. Body weight, food intake, body condition score (BCS), fecal score (FSS), fecal immunoglobulin IgA concentration, plasma IgG concentration, and fecal microbiota composition were monitored. Weight, food intake, BCS, FSS, and biochemical parameters remained unchanged during the treatment in both groups of animals. The fecal microbiota showed a significant decrease in the abundance of Clostridium perfringens and a significant increase in the abundance of beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus organisms (p < 0.05). Fecal IgA and plasma IgG levels were significantly higher in the group receiving the probiotic compared to healthy controls. These data show that dietary supplementation with the probiotic mixture Slab51® is safe and well-tolerated, modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota, and enhancing specific immune functions in healthy dogs.

Patients With LR-HPV Infection Have a Distinct Vaginal Microbiota in Comparison With Healthy Controls

Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a benign epithelium hyperplasia mainly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is now the second most common viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in China. In total, 90% of CA patients are caused by the low-risk HPV 6 and 11. Aside from low-risk HPV infection there are likely other factors within the local microenvironment that contribute to CA and there has been related research before. In this study, 62 vaginal specimens were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The diversity of the vaginal microbiota was higher and the composition was different with LR-HPV infection. While the relative abundance of dominant Firmicutes was lower, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria phyla were significantly higher; at the genus level Gardnerella, Bifidobacterium, Sneathia, Hydrogenophilus, Burkholderia, and Atopobium were higher. This study firstly confirmed a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the relationship between low-risk HPV infection and vaginal microbiota, in order to provide a theoretical basis for further research on the occurrence and development of CA.

Gut Microbial Dysbiosis in Indian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a term associated with a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. The etiology of ASD is not yet completely understood; however, a disorder in the gut-brain axis is emerging as a prominent factor leading to autism. To identify the taxonomic composition and markers associated with ASD, we compared the fecal microbiota of 30 ASD children diagnosed using Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score, DSM-5 approved AIIMS-modified INCLEN Diagnostic Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder (INDT-ASD), and Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) tool, with family-matched 24 healthy children from Indian population using next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 16S rRNA gene amplicon. Our study showed prominent dysbiosis in the gut microbiome of ASD children, with higher relative abundances of families Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteraceae, and Veillonellaceae, whereas the gut microbiome of healthy children was dominated by the family Prevotellaceae. Comparative meta-analysis with a publicly available dataset from the US population consisting of 20 ASD and 20 healthy control samples from children of similar age, revealed a significantly high abundance of genus Lactobacillus in ASD children from both the populations. The results reveal the microbial dysbiosis and an association of selected Lactobacillus species with the gut microbiome of ASD children.

Prospective study of probiotic supplementation results in immune stimulation and improvement of upper respiratory infection rate

The human gut microbiota is an important environmental factor for human health with evolutionarily conserved roles in immunity, metabolism, development, and behavior of the host. Probiotic organisms are claimed to offer several functional properties including stimulation of immune system. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a probiotic supplementation on adult volunteers who have contracted the common cold four or more times in the past year. This study is a single center, double-blind, randomized, controlled, prospective trial. Subjects received a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus paracasei (at least 3 × 107 colony forming units (CFU) ml-1), Lactobacillus casei 431® (at least 3 × 107 CFU ml-1) and Lactobacillus fermentium PCC® (at least 3 × 106 CFU ml-1) or an identical placebo without probiotics for a 12-week study period. The consumption of probiotics significantly reduced the incidence of upper respiratory infection (p < 0.023) and flu-like symptoms with an oral temperature higher than 38 °C (p < 0.034) as compared to the placebo group. Subjects that consumed probiotics demonstrated a significantly higher level of IFN-γ in the serum (p < 0.001) and sIgA in the gut (p < 0.010) as compared to the placebo group and a significant higher level of serum IFN-γ (p < 0.001) and gut sIgA (p < 0.001) as compared to their baseline test results. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the serum IL-4, IL-10, IgA, IgG or IgM between the probiotics and the placebo groups. Results of this study demonstrated that probiotics were safe and effective for fighting the common cold and influenza-like respiratory infections by boosting the immune system.

Effective identification of Lactobacillus casei group species: genome-based selection of the gene mutL as the target of a novel multiplex PCR assay

Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillusrhamnosus form a closely related taxonomic group (the L. casei group) within the facultatively heterofermentative lactobacilli. Strains of these species have been used for a long time as probiotics in a wide range of products, and they represent the dominant species of nonstarter lactic acid bacteria in ripened cheeses, where they contribute to flavour development. The close genetic relationship among those species, as well as the similarity of biochemical properties of the strains, hinders the development of an adequate selective method to identify these bacteria. Despite this being a hot topic, as demonstrated by the large amount of literature about it, the results of different proposed identification methods are often ambiguous and unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to develop a more robust species-specific identification assay for differentiating the species of the L. casei group. A taxonomy-driven comparative genomic analysis was carried out to select the potential target genes whose similarity could better reflect genome-wide diversity. The gene mutL appeared to be the most promising one and, therefore, a novel species-specific multiplex PCR assay was developed to rapidly and effectively distinguish L. casei, L. paracasei and L. rhamnosus strains. The analysis of a collection of 76 wild dairy isolates, previously identified as members of the L. casei group combining the results of multiple approaches, revealed that the novel designed primers, especially in combination with already existing ones, were able to improve the discrimination power at the species level and reveal previously undiscovered intraspecific biodiversity.

Microbiota Plays a Key Role in Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Small Intestinal Damage

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) damage the small intestine by causing multiple erosions and ulcers. However, to date, no established therapies and prophylactic agents are available to treat such damages. We reviewed the role of intestinal microbiota in NSAID-induced intestinal damage and identified potential therapeutic candidates.

SUMMARY

The composition of the intestinal microbiota is an important factor in the pathophysiology of NSAID-induced small intestinal damage. Once mucosal barrier function is disrupted due to NSAID-induced prostaglandin deficiency and mitochondrial malfunction, lipopolysaccharide from luminal gram-negative bacteria and high mobility group box 1 from the injured epithelial cells activate toll-like receptor 4-signaling pathway and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome; this leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often used for the prevention of NSAID-induced injuries to the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, several studies indicate that PPIs may induce dysbiosis, which may exacerbate the NSAID-induced small intestinal damage. Our recent research suggests that probiotics and rebamipide could be used to prevent NSAID-induced small intestinal damage by regulating the intestinal microbiota. Key Messages: Intestinal microbiota plays a key role in NSAID-induced small intestinal damage, and modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota could be a new therapeutic strategy for treating this damage.

Immunotherapeutic efficacy of a Lactobacillus casei lysate as an adjuvant combined with a heated-4T1 mammary carcinoma cell lysate in a murine model of breast cancer

Background

Immunotherapy, during which the immune system of the patient is manipulated to act against tumors has been among the most successful methods in the treatment of breast cancer, a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide.

Objectives

To investigate the immunotherapeutic efficacy of Lactobacillus casei lysate as an adjuvant in combination with a heated-4T1 mammary carcinoma cell lysate in a model of breast cancer.

Methods

After ethics committee approval of all animal procedures, a murine model of breast cancer was induced in BALB/c mice using 4T1 cells. These mice were immunized with a combination of lysates of heated 4T1 cells and L. casei. Subsequent changes in tumor size and weight, and the production of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-12, IL-17, and IL13 were measured. Lung weights were measured as an indicator of metastasis to other organs.

Results

The tumor size and weight in mice immunized with the combined vaccine were significantly reduced compared with controls. The combined immunotherapy altered the pattern of cytokine production to the advantage of antitumor immunity, and was significantly more potent than immunization with heated-4T1-cell lysate or L. casei lysate alone.

Conclusions

Coadministration of L. casei lysate enhanced the immunotherapeutic efficacy of the heated-4T1-cell lysate as a source of tumor-associated antigens. L. casei can potentially be used as an adjuvant combined with sources of tumor antigens in the treatment of cancers, and as a safe alternative to the current adjuvants that cause greater irritation to hosts. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms underlying these effects.

Mechanistic Insight of Probiotics Derived Anticancer Pharmaceuticals: A Road Forward for Cancer Therapeutics

Probiotics are living organisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. Probiotics are continuously being explored for their different health beneficiary activities. Anticancer activity is one of the most important benefits both from a preventive and therapeutic point of view. Though not many studies have been conducted to date in this area, a number suggest using laboratory animal models and different cell lines that there may be a mechanistic basis for the anticancer effects of probiotics and require more scientific justification and clinical trials. Most studies of probiotics are conducted for colon cancer associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Studies are also being extended to other types of cancer in different cell lines. This review summarizes studied probiotics considered for treatment of colon cancer and some other cancers (in cancer cell lines) and also proposed mechanism how probiotics are inhibiting cancer growth along with some challenges and future perspectives.

Capacity of lactic acid bacteria in immunity enhancement and cancer prevention

Lactic acid bacteria are associated with the human gastrointestinal tract. They are important for maintaining the balance of microflora in the human gut. An increasing number of published research reports in recent years have denoted the importance of producing interferon-gamma and IgA for treatment of disease. These agents can enhance the specific and nonspecific immune systems that are dependent on specific bacterial strains. The mechanisms of these effects were revealed in this investigation, where the cell walls of these bacteria were modulated by the cytokine pathways, while the whole bacterial cell mediated the host cell immune system and regulated the production of tumor necrosis factors and interleukins. A supplement of highly active lactic acid bacteria strains provided significant potential to enhance host's immunity, offering prevention from many diseases including some cancers. This review summarizes the current understanding of the function of lactic acid bacteria immunity enhancement and cancer prevention.

Protective Effect of a Lactobacillus salivarius Strain of Human Origin

The protective effect of a Lactobacillus salivariusstrain from human faeces (HA8) was evaluated against the cytotoxicity of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) and N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. L. salivariusHA8 strain showed a moderate protective effect against NPYR and weak against NDBA and NPIP. No protective effect against cytotoxicity of NDMA was observed at the bacterial population used. To test the effect of L. salivariusHA8 on cytokine production (interleukin-1 ± (IL-1 ±), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-≥)), the human macrophage cell line (THP-1) was cultured in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). L. salivariusHA8 induced IL-1 ±, IL-8 and TNF-≥ releases when cells were stimulating with and without LPS.

Effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota ingestion on common cold infection and herpes virus antibodies in endurance athletes: a placebo-controlled, randomized trial

Aims

To assess evidence of health and immune benefit by consumption of a Lactobacillus casei Shirota probiotic in highly physically active people.

Methods

Single-centre, population-based, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Daily ingestion of probiotic (PRO) or placebo (PLA) for 20 weeks for n = 243 (126 PRO, 117 PLA) university athletes and games players. Subjects completed validated questionnaires on upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (URS) on a daily basis and on physical activity status at weekly intervals during the intervention period. Blood samples were collected before and after 20 weeks of the intervention for determination of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus and antibody levels.

Results

URS episode incidence was unexpectedly low (mean 0.6 per individual) and was not significantly different on PRO compared with PLA. URS episode duration and severity were also not influenced by PRO. A significant time × group interaction effect was observed for plasma CMV antibody titres in CMV seropositive participants (p < 0.01) with antibody titre falling in the PRO group but remaining unchanged in the PLA group over time. A similar effect was found for plasma EBV antibody titres in EBV seropositive participants (p < 0.01) with antibody titre falling in the PRO group but increasing in the PLA group over time.

Conclusions

In summary, regular ingestion of PRO did not reduce URS episode incidence which might be attributable to the low URS incidence in this study. Regular ingestion of PRO reduced plasma CMV and EBV antibody titres, an effect that can be interpreted as a benefit to overall immune status.

Enhancement of Tumor-Targeted Delivery of Bacteria with Nitroglycerin Involving Augmentation of the EPR Effect

The use of bacteria, about 1 μm in size, is now becoming an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Solid tumors exhibit the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect for biocompatible macromolecules such as polymer-conjugated anticancer agents, liposomes, and micelles. This phenomenon permits tumor-selective delivery of such macromolecules. We report here that bacteria injected intravenously evidenced a property similar to that can of these macromolecules. Bacteria that can accumulate selectively in tumors may therefore be used in cancer treatment.Facultative or anaerobic bacteria will grow even under the hypoxic conditions present in solid tumors. We found earlier that nitric oxide (NO) was among the most important factors that facilitated the EPR effect via vasodilatation, opening of endothelial cell junction gaps, and increasing the blood flow of hypovascular tumors. Here, we describe the augmentation of the EPR effect by means of nitroglycerin (NG), a commonly used NO donor, using various macromolecular agents in different tumor models. More importantly, we report that NG significantly enhanced the delivery of Lactobacillus casei to tumors after intravenous injection of the bacteria, more than a tenfold increase in bacterial accumulation in tumors after NG treatment. This finding suggests that NG has a potential advantage to enhance bacterial therapy of cancer, and further investigations of this possibility are warranted.

Immunomodulatory effects of Lactobacillus strains: emphasis on their effects on cancer cells

Lactobacilli are a group of normal microbiota whose immunomodulatory effects have been known for a long time. Recently, they have gained more attention for their direct and indirect effects on cancer cells. Several cell line experiments, animal model studies as well as clinical trials have indicated their inhibitory effects on cancer initiation and progression. Different lactobacilli strains could modulate innate and adoptive immune system. Such effects have been documented in modulation of function of T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages as well as cytokine production. In this review, the various immunomodulatory effects of lactobacilli on tumor cells as well as their direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells are discussed.

Mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness of lactobacilli

The gut microbiome is not a silent ecosystem but exerts several physiological and immunological functions. For many decades, lactobacilli have been used as an effective therapy for treatment of several pathological conditions displaying an overall positive safety profile. This review summarises the mechanisms and clinical evidence supporting therapeutic efficacy of lactobacilli. We searched Pubmed/Medline using the keyword ‘Lactobacillus’. Selected papers from 1950 to 2015 were chosen on the basis of their content. Relevant clinical and experimental articles using lactobacilli as therapeutic agents have been included. Applications of lactobacilli include kidney support for renal insufficiency, pancreas health, management of metabolic imbalance, and cancer treatment and prevention. In vitro and in vivo investigations have shown that prolonged lactobacilli administration induces qualitative and quantitative modifications in the human gastrointestinal microbial ecosystem with encouraging perspectives in counteracting pathology-associated physiological and immunological changes. Few studies have highlighted the risk of translocation with subsequent sepsis and bacteraemia following probiotic administration but there is still a lack of investigations on the dose effect of these compounds. Great care is thus required in the choice of the proper Lactobacillus species, their genetic stability and the translocation risk, mainly related to inflammatory disease-induced gut mucosa enhanced permeability. Finally, we need to determine the adequate amount of bacteria to be delivered in order to achieve the best clinical efficacy decreasing the risk of side effects.

Evaluation of the potential anti-allergic effects of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus paracasei V0151 in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo

The efficacy of Lactobacillus paracasei V0151 (V0151), isolated from the faeces of a child, to modulate immune responses was investigated. In RAW 264.7 cells expressing an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-directed luciferase gene, heat-inactivated V0151 stimulated iNOS expression followed by nitric oxide production. V0151 significantly elevated interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and IL-1β production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In splenocytes isolated from ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitised BALB/c mice treated with OVA and V0151 at different bacterium-to-cell ratios (1:1, 10:1, and 20:1) for 96 h, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production was dose-dependently downregulated, whereas IL-12 was dose-dependently upregulated. Collectively, our findings indicate that V0151 might regulate pro-inflammatory factors in macrophages and splenocytes. Furthermore, the T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) balance was also skewed toward Th1 dominance through the elevation of Th1 cytokine production.

Intestinal microbiome and lymphoma development

The intestinal microbiota and gut immune system must communicate to maintain a balance between tolerance and activation. Our immune system protects us from pathogenic microbes at the same time that our bodies are host to trillions of microbes, symbionts, mutualists, and some that are essential to human health. Since there is such a close interaction between the immune system and the intestinal microbiota, it is not surprising that some lymphomas such as mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma have been shown to be caused by the presence of certain bacteria. Animal models have played an important role in elucidating the causation and establishing the mechanism of bacteria-induced mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. In this review, we discuss different ways that animal models have been applied to investigate links between the gut microbiota and lymphoma and have helped to reveal the mechanisms of microbiota-induced lymphoma. Although there is a paucity of published studies demonstrating the interplay between the microbiota and lymphoma development, we believe that the connection is real and that it can be exploited in the future to enhance our understanding of causation and to improve the prognosis and treatment of lymphoma.

Effects of 12 weeks of probiotic supplementation on quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Probiotics may help resolve bowel symptoms and improve quality of life. We investigated the effects of 12 weeks of probiotics administration in colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The participants took probiotics (Lacidofil) or placebo twice a day for 12 weeks. The cancer-related quality of life (FACT), patient's health-9 (PHQ-9), and bowel symptom questionnaires were completed by each participant.

RESULTS

We obtained data for 32 participants in the placebo group and 28 participants in the probiotics group. The mean ages of total participants were 56.18 ± .86 years and 58.3% were male. Administration of probiotics significantly decreased the proportion of patients suffering from irritable bowel symptoms (0 week vs. 12 week; 67.9% vs. 45.7%, p=0.03), improved colorectal cancer-related FACT (baseline vs. 12 weeks: 19.79 ± 4.66 vs. 21.18 ± 3.67, p=0.04) and fatigue-related FACT (baseline vs. 12 weeks: 43.00 (36.50-45.50) vs. 44.50 (38.50-49.00), p=0.02) and PHQ-9 scores (0 weeks vs. 12 weeks; 3.00 (0-8.00) vs. 1.00 (0-3.00), p=0.01). We found significant differences in changes of the proportion of patients with bowel symptoms (p<0.05), functional well-being scores (p=0.04) and cancer-related FACT scores (p=0.04) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Probiotics improved bowel symptoms and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors.

Immune system stimulation by probiotic microorganisms

Probiotic organisms are claimed to offer several functional properties including stimulation of immune system. This review is presented to provide detailed informations about how probiotics stimulate our immune system. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Bifidobacterium animalis Bb-12, Lactobacillus johnsonii La1, Bifidobacterium lactis DR10, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii are the most investigated probiotic cultures for their immunomodulation properties. Probiotics can enhance nonspecific cellular immune response characterized by activation of macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in strain-specific and dose-dependent manner. Mixture and type (gram-positive and gram-negative) of probiotic organisms may induce different cytokine responses. Supplementation of probiotic organisms in infancy could help prevent immune-mediated diseases in childhood, whereas their intervention in pregnancy could affect fetal immune parameters, such as cord blood interferon (IFN)-γ levels, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 levels, and breast milk immunoglobulin (Ig)A. Probiotics that can be delivered via fermented milk or yogurt could improve the gut mucosal immune system by increasing the number of IgA(+) cells and cytokine-producing cells in the effector site of the intestine.

Lymphoma caused by intestinal microbiota

The intestinal microbiota and gut immune system must constantly communicate to maintain a balance between tolerance and activation: on the one hand, our immune system should protect us from pathogenic microbes and on the other hand, most of the millions of microbes in and on our body are innocuous symbionts and some can even be beneficial. Since there is such a close interaction between the immune system and the intestinal microbiota, it is not surprising that some lymphomas such as mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma have been shown to be caused by the presence of certain bacteria. Animal models played an important role in establishing causation and mechanism of bacteria-induced MALT lymphoma. In this review we discuss different ways that animal models have been applied to establish a link between the gut microbiota and lymphoma and how animal models have helped to elucidate mechanisms of microbiota-induced lymphoma. While there are not a plethora of studies demonstrating a connection between microbiota and lymphoma development, we believe that animal models are a system which can be exploited in the future to enhance our understanding of causation and improve prognosis and treatment of lymphoma.

Enhanced bacterial tumor delivery by modulating the EPR effect and therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus casei

Bacteria of micrometer size could accumulate in tumor based on enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. We report here Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), a nonpathogenic facultatively anaerobic bacterium, preferentially accumulated in tumor tissues after intravenously (i.v.) injection; at 24 h, live bacteria were found more in the tumor, whereas the bacteria in normal tissues including the liver and spleen were cleared rapidly. The tumor-selective accumulation and growth of L. casei is probably due to the EPR effect and the hypoxic tumor environment. Moreover, the bacterial tumor delivery was significantly increased by a nitric oxide (NO) donor nitroglycerin (NG, 10-70 times) and an angiotensin II converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril (6-18 times). Consequently significant suppression of tumor growth was found in a colon cancer C26 model, and more remarkable antitumor effect was achieved when L. casei was combined with NG, probably by modulating the host nonspecific immune responses; tumor necrosis factor-α significantly increased in tumor after the treatment, as well as NO synthase activity and myleoperoxidase activity. These findings suggest the potential of L. casei as a candidate for targeted bacterial antitumor therapy, especially in combine with NG or other vascular mediators.

Induction of HT-29 cells apoptosis by lactobacilli isolated from fermented products

A total of 138 lactobacillus strains were obtained from the traditional fermented foods of minority nationalities or infant faeces, respectively. The lactobacillus strains were screened for anticancer effects and probiotic potential. The results showed that 10 strains exerted anti-proliferative activity and higher adhering capability on HT-29 cells. They were then screened for resistance to biological barriers (acid and bile salts), and the four most promising strains were selected. Further analysis revealed that the 4 strains (cell walls and cytoplasm extracts) displayed the high anti-proliferative activity and the large extent of DNA strand breakage in individual cells. Through the selected procedure, cell walls that were extracted from X12, M5 and K14 strains induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells. Further investigation confirmed that apoptosis-inducing ability of cell wall extracts was attributed to the breakdown of mitochondrial membrane potential, which is a known initiation of apoptotic mitochondrial pathway. Cell walls from X12, M5 and K14 strains, were determined to be less harmful to noncancerous Vero cells than to human colon cancer HT-29 cells. These findings suggested that X12, M5 and K14 strains opposing the ability to induce HT-29 cells apoptosis, and cell wall extracts were involved in this apoptosis induction.

Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and human gastrointestinal cancers

INTRODUCTION

Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract account for 25 % of all cancers and for 9 % of all causes of cancer death in the world, so gastrointestinal cancers represent a major health problem. In the past decades, an emerging role has been attributed to the interactions between the gastrointestinal content and the onset of neoplasia.

METHODS

Thus, exogenous microbial administration of peculiar bacterial strains (probiotics) has been suggested as having a profound influence on multiple processes associated with a change in cancer risk. Probiotics are mono or mixed cultures of live microorganisms that might beneficially affect the host by improving the characteristics of indigenous microflora. Although the effects of probiotic administration has been intensively investigated in vitro, in animal models, in healthy volunteers, and in some human gastrointestinal diseases, very little is still known about the possible cross-interactions among probiotic administration, changes of intestinal flora, and the neoplastic transformation of gastrointestinal mucosa.

RESULTS

Theoretically, probiotics are able to reduce cancer risk by a number of mechanisms: (a) binding and degradation of potential carcinogens; (b) quantitative, qualitative and metabolic alterations of the intestinal microflora; (c) production of anti-tumorigenic or anti-mutagenic compounds; (d) competitive action towards pathogenic bacteria; (e) enhancement of the host's immune response; (f) direct effects on cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION

This review will attempt to highlight the literature on the most widely recognized effects of probiotics against neoplastic transformation of gastrointestinal mucosa and in particular on their effects on cell proliferation.

A potential role of probiotics in colorectal cancer prevention: review of possible mechanisms of action

A number of investigations, mainly using in vitro and animal models, have demonstrated a wide range of possible mechanisms, by which probiotics may play a role in colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. In this context, the most well studied probiotics are certain strains from the genera of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. The reported anti-CRC mechanisms of probiotics encompass intraluminal, systemic, and direct effects on intestinal mucosa. Intraluminal effects detailed in this review include competitive exclusion of pathogenic intestinal flora, alteration of intestinal microflora enzyme activity, reduction of carcinogenic secondary bile acids, binding of carcinogens and mutagens, and increasing short chain fatty acids production. Reduction of DNA damage and suppression of aberrant crypt foci formation have been well demonstrated as direct anti-CRC effects of probiotics on intestinal mucosa. Existing evidence clearly support a multifaceted immunomodulatory role of probiotics in CRC, particularly its ability to modulate intestinal inflammation, a well known risk factor for CRC. The effectiveness of probiotics in CRC prevention is dependent on the strain of the microorganism, while viability may not be a prerequisite for certain probiotic anticancer mechanisms, as indicated by several studies. Emerging data suggest synbiotic as a more effective approach than either prebiotics or probiotics alone. More in vivo especially human studies are warranted to further elucidate and confirm the potential role of probiotics (viable and non-viable), prebiotics and synbiotics in CRC chemoprevention.

Palliative treatment of advanced cervical cancer with radiotherapy and thai herbal medicine as supportive remedy - analysis of survival

BACKGROUND

To evaluate outcomes using a Thai herbal medicine, Vilac Plus (G716/45) with standard radiotherapy in comparison with historic controls from literature reports of the results of treatment in stage IIIB cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2003 and June 2005, thirty patients with advanced cervical cancer stage IIIB-IV who had a poor performance status were treated by palliative radiotherapy along with an adjuvant daily dose of 15-30 ml of Thai herbal tonic solution (Vilac Plus G716/45) administered orally three times after meals as an additional supportive therapy. The results were analyzed from the aspect of the overall survival rates with curves estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The median follow -up time for stage IIIB was 4.2 years with a range of 7.9 months - 6.1 years. The overall 1, 3, and 5 year survival rates for stage IIIB were 88%, 60% and 52%.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall 5 year survival rate for stage IIIB with a poor performance status was 52% when compared with 34-54.8% for historic controls. The combined complementary palliative radiotherapy (CCPR) had low rates of radiation morbidity. It was a simple technique and feasible for developing countries. The pilot study was limited by the small number of patients and further research will be necessary to assess interrelated and confounding factors in treatment of cervical cancer patients.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Lactococcus lactis A17 from Taiwan Fermented Cabbage in OVA-Sensitized BALB/c Mice

From fermented Taiwan foods, we have isolated numerous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of plant origin and investigated their biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effect and mechanism of Lactococcus lactis A17 (A17), isolated from Taiwan fermented cabbage, on ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used to verify immune responses of A17 by IFN-γ production. Live (A17-A) and heat-killed A17 (A17-H) were orally administered to OVA-sensitized BALB/c mice to investigate their effects on immunoglobulin (Ig) and cytokine production. The mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) and nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like protein receptors in spleen cells was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Both live and heat-killed A17 modulate OVA-induced allergic effects. B-cell response was modulated by diminishing IgE production and raising OVA-specific IgG2a production, while T-cell response was modulated by increasing IFN-γ production and decreasing IL-4 production. The mRNA expression of NOD-1, NOD-2, and TLR-4 was down-regulated by A17 as well. This is the first report to describe a naïve Lactococcus lactis A17 strain as a promising candidate for prophylactic and therapeutic treatments of allergic diseases via oral administration. Our results suggest the ameliorative effects of A17 may be caused by modulating NOD-1 NOD-2, and TLR-4 expression.

Potential role of probiotics on colorectal cancer prevention

Background

Colorectal cancer represents the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Owing to differences in dietary habits and lifestyle, this neoplasm is more common in industrialized countries than in developing ones. Evidence from a wide range of sources supports the assumption that the link between diet and colorectal cancer may be due to an imbalance of the intestinal microflora.

Discussion

Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a healthy benefit on the host, and they have been investigated for their protective anti-tumor effects. In vivo and molecular studies have displayed encouraging findings that support a role of probiotics in colorectal cancer prevention.

Summary

Several mechanisms could explain the preventive action of probiotics against colorectal cancer onset. They include: alteration of the intestinal microflora; inactivation of cancerogenic compounds; competition with putrefactive and pathogenic microbiota; improvement of the host’s immune response; anti-proliferative effects via regulation of apoptosis and cell differentiation; fermentation of undigested food; inhibition of tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.

The effects of microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei on tumour cell growth: In vitro and in vivo studies

It has been known for some time that the micro-milieu of solid tumours provides an ideal environment for growth of facultative and strictly anaerobic bacteria, and it has been shown that certain species including Lactobacillus and Clostridium can colonise those environments leading to regression of tumour growth. Such observations have given rise to the concept of bacteriolytic therapy where live microorganisms might be employed to colonise the tumour and exert a tumorolytic effect. In choosing such an approach, it would be advantageous to exploit a relatively non-pathogenic strain and provide some form of containment that would enable site-specific injection and minimise dispersion of the microorganism throughout the host. In testing the feasibility of such an approach, we prepared microencapsulated formulations of Lactobacillus casei NCDO 161 and demonstrated that conditioned extra-capsular culture media were toxic to tumour cells in vitro. We further investigated the effects of the microencapsulated formulations on tumour growth in vivo following direct intra-tumoural injection. The study demonstrates significant inhibition of tumour growth in vivo by these formulations and suggests potential therapeutic benefit of this approach in the treatment of solid tumours.

The effects of probiotics on colon cancer development

While several effects beneficial to health have been attributed to the probiotic lactic acid bacteria, perhaps the most interesting and controversial remains that of anti-cancer activity. The vast majority of studies in this area deal with protective effects against colon cancer. There is no direct experimental evidence for cancer suppression in human subjects as a result of the consumption of probiotic cultures in fermented or unfermented dairy products. However, there is a wealth of indirect evidence, based largely on laboratory studies. Reports in the literature, regarding the anti-cancer effects of lactic acid bacteria, fall into the following categories: in vitro studies, animal studies, epidemiological studies and human dietary intervention studies. Examples of these reports will be given in the present review. The mechanisms by which probiotic bacteria may inhibit colon cancer are still poorly understood. However, several potential mechanisms are being discussed in the literature and these will also be addressed in the present review.

Efficacy of daily intake of Lactobacillus casei Shirota on respiratory symptoms and influenza vaccination immune response: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy elderly nursing home residents

BACKGROUND

Age is associated with immune dysregulation, which results in an increased infection rate and reduced effectiveness of vaccination.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed whether an intervention with Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) in elderly nursing home residents reduced their susceptibility to respiratory symptoms and improved their immune response to influenza vaccination.

DESIGN

Between October 2007 and April 2008, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 737 healthy people aged ≥ 65 y in 53 nursing homes in Antwerp, Belgium. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive a probiotic (n = 375; 2 bottles of fermented milk that contained ≥ 6.5 × 10(9) live LcS/bottle) or a placebo (n = 362; similar drink with no bacteria) for 176 d. After 21 d, all subjects received an influenza vaccination. Primary outcome parameters were the number of days with respiratory symptoms, the probability of respiratory symptoms, and antiinfluenza antibody titer by hemagglutination inhibition after vaccination.

RESULTS

Univariate and multivariate modeling showed no effect of the probiotic on clinical outcome parameters. Generalized linear mixed modeling showed no effect of the probiotic itself on the probability of respiratory symptoms [OR of probiotic: 0.8715; 95% CI: 0.6168, 1.2887). No significant difference regarding the influenza-vaccination immune response was shown.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that daily consumption of a fermented milk drink that contains LcS has no statistically or clinically significant effect on the protection against respiratory symptoms. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00849277.

The intraperitoneal inoculation of Lactobacillus casei in mice induces total protection against Trichinella spiralis infection at low challenge doses

The following effects of Lactobacillus casei in NIH mice were evaluated: the establishment of Trichinella spiralis adult worms in the intestine (AWI), larvae per gram of muscle tissue (LPG), levels of IgG and IgA, and levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ. One hundred and eight mice were allocated at random into 18 groups of six mice each. Each mouse in treated or non-treated groups was inoculated intraperitoneally once a week during 6 weeks with L. casei or phosphate-buffered solution. Later each mouse was challenged either with 200, 50, or 25 T. spiralis infective larvae. When the infection dose was 200 T. spiralis infective larvae, the reductions in AWI were 78.6% at 4 days after infection (dai) and 76.7% at 10 dai; while the reduction of LPG was 80.9% with respect to control groups. When the infection dose was 50 or 25 T. spiralis infective larvae, the reductions of AWI were 100% both at 4 and 10 dai; while the reduction of LPG at 30 dai was also 100% with respect to control groups. The levels of IgG and IgA anti-T. spiralis and IL-4 were significantly higher (P < 0.01) at 4 and 10 dai in mice from groups treated with L. casei than in animals in control groups; while at 10 dai, the levels of IFN-γ were higher in control mice (P < 0.01) than in L. casei-treated animals. The results suggest that frequent treatment of mice with L. casei induces a total protection against infection with low doses of T. spiralis.

Cancer-preventing attributes of probiotics: an update

Cancer is a serious global public health problem. Cancer incidence and mortality have been steadily rising throughout the past century in most places of the world. There are several epidemiological evidences that support a protective role of probiotics against cancer. Lactic acid bacteria and their probioactive cellular substances exert many beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal tract, and also release various enzymes into the intestinal lumen and exert potential synergistic (LAB) effects on digestion and alleviate symptoms of intestinal malabsorption. Consumption of fermented dairy products with LAB may elicit anti-tumor effects. These effects are attributed to the inhibition of mutagenic activity, the decrease in several enzymes implicated in the generation of carcinogens, mutagens, or tumor-promoting agents, suppression of tumors, and epidemiology correlating dietary regimes and cancer. Specific cellular components in lactic acid bacteria seem to induce strong adjuvant effects including modulation of cell-mediated immune responses, activation of the reticulo-endothelial system, augmentation of cytokine pathways, and regulation of interleukins and tumor necrosis factors. Studies on the effect of probiotic consumption on cancer appear promising, since recent in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that probiotic bacteria might reduce the risk, incidence and number of tumors of the colon, liver and bladder. The protective effect against cancer development may be ascribed to binding of mutagens by intestinal bacteria, may suppress the growth of bacteria that convert procarcinogens into carcinogens, thereby reducing the amount of carcinogens in the intestine, reduction of the enzymes beta-glucuronidase and beta-glucosidase and deconjugation of bile acids, or merely by enhancing the immune system of the host. There are isolated reports citing that administration of LAB results in increased activity of anti-oxidative enzymes or by modulating circulatory oxidative stress that protects cells against carcinogen-induced damage. These include glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. However, there is no direct experimental evidence for cancer suppression in human subjects as a result of the consumption of probiotic cultures in fermented or unfermented dairy products, but there is a wealth of indirect evidence based largely on laboratory studies.

Dairy intake and the risk of bladder cancer in the Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer

The authors examined the association between the intake of different dairy products and the risk of bladder cancer in 120,852 men and women aged 55-69 years participating in the Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer. Dairy product intake was assessed in 1986 by using a 150-item food frequency questionnaire. The cohort was followed for 16.3 years, and 1,549 incident cases of bladder cancer were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied with a case-cohort approach by using the follow-up data of a random subcohort (n = 5,000). Multivariate hazard ratio estimates comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of total dairy intake were 1.01 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81, 1.27; P(trend) = 0.68). A statistically significant association for fermented milk products was found only for the second quintile (median, 12 g/day) (hazard ratio = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.91). Compared with nonconsumers, women with 25-75 g/day of butter consumption had a hazard ratio of 1.61 (95% CI: 1.03, 2.50; P(trend) < 0.01). No association was found with cheese, calcium, lactose, or nonfermented dairy intake. These results provide weak evidence that bladder cancer risk is inversely associated with low intake of fermented dairy products and suggest a positive association with butter intake in women.

Live and lyophilized Lactobacillus species elicit differential immunomodulatory effects on immune cells

To study the mechanism of action of the lactobacilli, splenocytes were incubated with lactobacilli. We compared the ability of live and lyophilized Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus to modulate the production of interleukin 12p40 (IL-12p40), tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-10 by splenocytes from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. Blocking contact between lactobacilli and immune cells abrogated all cytokine production. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) was partially responsible, but not TLR4 or TLR9, for the induction of cytokine production in splenocytes. All cytokine production declined to basal levels when bacterial phagocytosis was inhibited. This shows that lactobacilli stimulation of cytokine production in splenocytes requires the process of phagocytosis and engagement of TLR2, but not TLR4 or TLR9.

Probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota prevents indomethacin-induced small intestinal injury: involvement of lactic acid

Inflammatory responses triggered by activation of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling pathway are a key mechanism in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced enteropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the probiotic effect of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) on indomethacin-induced small intestinal injury. Rats pretreated with viable LcS or heat-killed LcS once or once daily for a week were administered indomethacin by gavage to induce injury. Anti-inflammatory effects of L-lactic acid (1-15 mM) were evaluated in vitro by use of THP-1 cells. One-week treatment with viable LcS prevented indomethacin-induced intestinal injury with increase in the concentration of lactic acid in small intestinal content and inhibited increases in myeloperoxidase activity and expression of mRNA for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) while affecting neither TLR4 expression nor the number of gram-negative bacteria in intestinal content, whereas neither heat-killed LcS nor a single dose of viable LcS inhibited intestinal injury. Prevention of this injury was also observed in rats given l-lactic acid in drinking water. Both L-lactic acid and LcS culture supernatant containing 10 mM lactic acid inhibited NF-kappaB activation and increases in TNF-alpha mRNA expression and TNF-alpha protein secretion in THP-1 cells treated with LPS. Western blot analyses showed that both L-lactic acid and LcS culture supernatants suppressed phosphorylation and degradation of I-kappaB-alpha induced by LPS without affecting expression of TLR4. These findings suggest that LcS exhibits a prophylactic effect on indomethacin-induced enteropathy by suppressing the LPS/TLR4 signaling pathway and that this probiotic effect of LcS may be mediated by L-lactic acid.

Effect of Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain intraperitoneal administration in CD1 mice on the establishment of Trichinella spiralis adult worms and on IgA anti-T. spiralis production

The effect of the intraperitoneal (ip) administration of Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain (LcS) in CD1 mice on the establishment of Trichinella spiralis adult worms (TSAW), and on the generation of intestinal IgA anti-T. spiralis after challenge (AC) were evaluated. One hundred and twenty mice were allocated at random into two groups of 60 mice each: Treated group (T) and Non-treated group (NT). Each mouse in T group was inoculated with LcS at days -21, -14, and -7. On day 0 each mouse was challenged with 200 larvae of T. spiralis. At days 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, and 28 AC, six mice from each group were sacrificed to obtain TSAW. At days 7, 14, 21, and 28 IgA-s anti-T. spiralis levels in intestinal washings were evaluated by ELISA. From day five on AC, mice in LcS group showed significantly less TSAW (P<0.05) than animals from NT group. At days 7, 14, 21, and 28 AC IgA anti-T. spiralis levels were higher in mice from T group (P<0.05) than in the NT group. The results indicate that LcS inoculated into mice induces protection against T. spiralis and an increase in the production of IgA anti-T. spiralis.

Role of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in chemoprevention for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer. Current treatments are all associated with a high risk of complications and a low success rate. Recently, synbiotics have been proposed as a new preventive and therapeutic option. There is no direct experimental evidence for cancer suppression in humans as a result of the consumption of pro-, pre- or synbiotics. However, there is a wealth of evidence emerging from laboratory studies. The mechanisms by which pro-, pre- and synbiotics may inhibit colon cancer are now beginning to be understood and will be addressed in the present review.