Antioxidant status and gut microbiota change in an aging mouse model as influenced by exopolysaccharide produced by Lactobacillus plantarum YW11 isolated from Tibetan kefir

Harnessing the potential of Lactobacillus species for therapeutic delivery at the lumenal-mucosal interface

Lactobacillus species have been studied for over 30 years in their role as commensal organisms in the human gut. Recently there has been a surge of interest in their abilities to natively and recombinantly stimulate immune activities, and studies have identified strains and novel molecules that convey particular advantages for applications as both immune adjuvants and immunomodulators. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in Lactobacillus-related activity at the gut/microbiota interface, the efforts to probe the boundaries of the direct and indirect therapeutic potential of these bacteria, and highlight the continued interest in harnessing the native capacity for the production of biogenic compounds shown to influence nervous system activity. Taken together, these aspects underscore Lactobacillus species as versatile therapeutic delivery vehicles capable of effector production at the lumenal-mucosal interface, and further establish a foundation of efficacy upon which future engineered strains can expand.

Role of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics in the Elderly: Insights Into Their Applications

Elderly people are an important part of the global population who suffer from the natural processes of senescence, which lead to changes in the gut microbiota composition. These modifications have a great impact on their quality of life, bringing a general putrefactive and inflammatory status as a consequence. Some of the most frequent conditions related to this status are constipation, undernutrition, neurodegenerative diseases, susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens, and metabolic disbalance, among others. For these reasons, there is an increasing interest in improving their quality of life by non-invasive treatments such as the consumption of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. The aim of the present mini-review is to describe the benefits of these functional supplements/food according to the most recent clinical and pre-clinical studies published during the last decade. In addition, insights into several aspects we consider relevant to improve the quality of future studies are provided.

Decoding the Capability of Lactobacillus plantarum W1 Isolated from Soybean Whey in Producing an Exopolysaccharide

This study aims at producing exopolysaccharides (EPS) from a lactic acid bacterial strain. The soybean whey-isolated Lactobacillus plantarum W1 (EPS-W1), which belongs to genus Lactobacillus, is identified using the phenylalanyl-tRNA sequencing method. Of all the examined strains, R-49778 (as numbered by BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Ghent University, Belgium) showed the highest capability of producing exopolysaccharides. Structural characterization revealed a novel exopolysaccharide consisting of repeating units of →6)-d-Glcp-(1→; →3)-d-Manp-(1→; →3)-d-Glcp-(1→ and a branch of →6)-d-Manp-(1→; →2)-d-Glcp-(1→. This discovery opens up avenues for the production of EPS for food industries, functional foods, and biomedical applications.

Chemoprevention of DMH-Induced Early Colon Carcinogenesis in Male BALB/c Mice by Administration of Lactobacillus Paracasei DTA81

We evaluated the effects of the probiotic candidate Lactobacillus paracasei DTA81 (DTA81) on liver oxidative stress, colonic cytokine profile, and gut microbiota in mice with induced early colon carcinogenesis (CRC) by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Animals were divided into four different groups (n = 6) and received the following treatments via orogastric gavage for 8 weeks: Group skim milk (GSM): 300 mg/freeze-dried skim milk/day; Group L. paracasei DTA81 (DTA81): 3 × 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU)/day; Group Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG): 3 × 10⁹ CFU/day; Group non-intervention (GNI): 0.1 mL/water/day. A single DMH dose (20 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p), weekly, in all animals (seven applications in total). At the end of the experimental period, DTA81 intake reduced hepatic levels of carbonyl protein and malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, low levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-17, as well as a reduced expression level of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were observed in colonic homogenates. Lastly, animals who received DTA81 showed an intestinal enrichment of the genus Ruminiclostridium and increased concentrations of caecal acetic acid and total short-chain fatty acids. In conclusion, this study indicates that the administration of the probiotic candidate DTA81 can have beneficial effects on the initial stages of CRC development.

Interaction of exopolysaccharide produced by Lactobacillus plantarum YW11 with whey proteins and functionalities of the polymer complex

Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing lactic acid bacteria have been widely used in fermented milk, but interaction between the EPS and milk proteins has not been well studied. In this study, interaction between the EPS from Lactobacillus plantarum YW11 (EPS-YW11) and whey proteins (WP), and functional properties of the EPS-YW11/WP were investigated. The results showed that EPS-YW11 tended to encase WP by ζ-potential analysis with a decrease in the surface charge of the protein fraction (from -26.00 mV to 15.30 mV), and an increase in the melting temperature of the protein fraction (from 76.31 °C to 84.48 °C) as shown by differential scanning calorimetry. Circular dichroism spectrometry showed that the EPS could induce structural change of WP, that is, increment in the content of α-helixes and random coils, There was stronger interaction between EPS-YW11 and WP at higher temperatures (60 °C, 90 °C) due to formation of intermolecular H-bonds and OH stretching vibration as indicated by infrared spectral analysis. A significant improvement in the texture (hardness, springiness, gumminess, resilience, cohesiveness, and chewiness) of the EPS-YW11/WP complex was also observed when compared to that of the EPS or WP alone. This was confirmed by microstructural observation of the EPS-YW11/WP complex that formed branched and porous structures, and it became more complex and stable with increased temperature treatment. Due to the strong interaction the EPS-YW11/WP exhibited improved functionality. This study identifies the potential of the EPS-YW11 to serve as a functional agent in the processing of fermented dairy products with enhanced textural stability and bioactivities such as cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, and antibiofilm.

Characterization and antitumor activity of novel exopolysaccharide APS of Lactobacillus plantarum WLPL09 from human breast milk

Two exopolysaccharides, NPS and APS, were isolated from L. plantarum WLPL09 and purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The structural analyses showed that molecular weight of NPS and APS were 72.60 kDa and 33.22 kDa, respectively. NPS was mainly composed of mannose and glucose, in molar ratio of 85.35:14.65, while APS was composed of mannose, glucose and galactose, in molar ratio of 89.69:8.65:1.66. In in vitro antitumor assays, APS displayed strong anti-proliferative effect against HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells and HCT-8 colon adenocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Morphological and flow cytometry analyses revealed that APS strongly induced apoptosis of HepG2 and HCT-8, especially for HCT-8. Furthermore, APS significantly up-regulated the mRNA level of apoptosis-related genes in cancer cells, and remarkably improved the activities of caspase-3, -8 and -9 in HepG2, caspase-3 and -8 in HCT-8. These results suggest APS might be explored as a potential, natural antitumor agent for functional food.

The effects of exopolysaccharides and exopolysaccharide-producing Lactobacillus on the intestinal microbiome of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have reported the health-promoting effects of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) in in vitro models; however, a functional evaluation of EPSs will provide additional knowledge of EPS-microbe interactions by in vivo intestinal microbial model. In the present study, high-throughput amplicon sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) and intestinal inflammation evaluation were performed to explore the potential benefits of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and EPS-producing Lactobacillus (HNUB20 group) using the healthy zebrafish (Danio rerio) model.

RESULTS

The results based on microbial taxonomic analysis revealed that the abundance of four genera, Ochrobactrum, Sediminibacterium, Sphingomonas and Sphingobium, were increased in the control group in comparison to HNUB20 group. Pelomonas spp. levels were significantly higher and that of the genera Lactobacillus and Brachybacterium were significantly decreased in EPS group compared with control group. PICRUSt based functional prediction of gut microbiota metabolic pathways indicated that significantly lower abundance was found for transcription, and membrane transport, whereas folding, sorting and degradation and energy metabolism had significantly higher abundance after HNUB20 treatment. Two metabolic pathways, including metabolism and endocrine functions, were more abundant in the EPS group than control group. Similar to the HNUB20 group, transcription was also decreased in the EPS group compared with the control group. However, SCFAs and immune indexes indicated EPS and HNUB20 performed limited efficacy in the healthy zebrafish.

CONCLUSIONS

The present intestinal microbial model-based study indicated that EPSs and high-yield EPS-producing Lactobacillus can shake the structure of intestinal microbiota, but cannot change SCFAs presence and intestinal inflammation.

Minireview Exploring the Biological Cycle of Vitamin B3 and Its Influence on Oxidative Stress: Further Molecular and Clinical Aspects

Vitamin B3, or niacin, is one of the most important compounds of the B-vitamin complex. Recent reports have demonstrated the involvement of vitamin B3 in a number of pivotal functions which ensure that homeostasis is maintained. In addition, the intriguing nature of its synthesis and the underlying mechanism of action of vitamin B3 have encouraged further studies aimed at deepening our understanding of the close link between the exogenous supply of B3 and how it activates dependent enzymes. This crucial role can be attributed to the gut microflora and its ability to shape human behavior and development by mediating the bioavailability of metabolites. Recent studies have indicated a possible interconnection between the novel coronavirus and commensal bacteria. As such, we have attempted to explain how the gastrointestinal deficiencies displayed by SARS-CoV-2-infected patients arise. It seems that the stimulation of a proinflammatory cascade and the production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species culminates in the subsequent loss of host eubiosis. Studies of the relationhip between ROS, SARS-CoV-2, and gut flora are sparse in the current literature. As an integrated component, oxidative stress (OS) has been found to negatively influence host eubiosis, in vitro fertilization outcomes, and oocyte quality, but to act as a sentinel against infections. In conclusion, research suggests that in the future, a healthy diet may be considered a reliable tool for maintaining and optimizing our key internal parameters.

Changes in the gut microbiota mediate the differential regulatory effects of two glucose oxidases produced by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium amagasakiense on the meat quality and growth performance of broilers

BACKGROUND

Glucose oxidase (GOD), an aerobic dehydrogenase, has been used as an antibiotic substitute in feed. A study was conducted to evaluate the differential effects of 2 different GODs fermented by Aspergillus niger or Penicillium amagasakiense on caecal microbiota and to further illuminate the potential roles of changes in the gut microbiota in regulating the growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens.

RESULTS

A total of 420 one-day-old healthy Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: the control group, the antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) supplementation group, and the GOD-A and GOD-P (GODs produced by A. niger and P. amagasakiense, respectively) groups. As a result, supplementation with GOD produced by P. amagasakiense could significantly improve the average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake of broilers before 21 days of age by significantly increasing the enzymatic activities of jejunal amylase and those of ileal amylase, chymotrypsin, and lipase in 21-day-old broilers and could increase the enzymatic activities of duodenal amylase, jejunal amylase and lipase, and ileal chymotrypsin and lipase in 42-day-old broilers. Meanwhile, compared with AGP treatment, supplementation with GOD produced by P. amagasakiense significantly decreased the L value of 21-day-old broilers and the ΔpH and L* value of 42-day-old broilers, while supplementation with GOD produced by A. niger significantly increased the pH_24 h value of 21-day-old and 42-day-old broilers by reducing plasma malondialdehyde content. By using 16S rRNA sequencing, we found that the beneficial bacteria and microbiota in broilers were not disturbed but were improved by GOD supplementation compared with ADP treatment, including the genera Eubacterium and Christensenella and the species uncultured_Eubacterium_sp, Clostridium_asparagiforme, and uncultured_Christensenella_sp, which were positively related to the improved intestinal digestive enzymatic activities, growth performance, and meat quality of broilers.

CONCLUSION

The altered gut microbiota induced by supplementation with glucose oxidase produced by P. amagasakiense mediate better regulatory effects on the meat quality and growth performance of broilers than that induced by supplementation with glucose oxidase produced by A. niger.

Bio-functional properties of probiotic Lactobacillus: current applications and research perspectives

Lactic acid bacteria as a starter culture are very important component in the fermentation process of dairy and food industry. Application of lactic acid bacteria as probiotic bacteria adds more functionality to the developed product. Gut colonizing bacteria have attractive benefits related to human health. Bio-functional properties such as antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory, ACE-inhibitory, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antiviral, immunomodulatory, hypocholesterolemic, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer activities are the most applicable research areas of lactic acid bacteria. Different strains of Lactobacillus are generally consumed as probiotics and colonize the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes these bacteria may possess antimicrobial activity and may positively influence the effect of antibiotics. Use of Lactobacillus spp. for the development of functional foods is one of the promising areas of current research and applications. Individual bacterial species have unique biological activity, which may vary from strains to strains and identification of this uniqueness could be helpful in the development of functional and therapeutic food products.

The novel peptides ICRD and LCGEC screened from tuna roe show antioxidative activity via Keap1/Nrf2-ARE pathway regulation and gut microbiota modulation

In this study, a high-throughput strategy combined with MALDI TOF/TOF-MS and Discovery Studio 2017 was developed to screen peptides with certain functions from hydrolysate. Two dominant peptides, Ile-Cys-Arg-Asp (ICRD) and Leu-Cys-Gly-Glu-Cys (LCGEC), were predicted to have antioxidant activity by Discovery Studio 2017. Then the activity in vitro of peptides had been confirmed via DPPH assay. Both two peptides decreased apoptosis induced by UVB treatment in HaCaT cells and altered Keap1/Nrf2-ARE pathway transcription. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of LCGEC was achieved after 6-week treatment in mice via regulating the Keap1/Nrf2-ARE pathway, inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines, increasing the abundance of 3-indolepropionic acid and short-chain fatty acids production in feces and modulating gut microbiota composition. This study provided two tuna roe peptides with in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity.

Ready to Use Therapeutical Beverages: Focus on Functional Beverages Containing Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics

The growing global interest in functional foods containing nutrients capable of adding possible beneficial health effects is rapidly increasing both interest and consumer demand. In particular, functionalized beverages for their potential positive effect on health e.g., decreasing cholesterol level, lowering sugar, high fiber content, ability to enhance the immune system, and help digestion, have recently received special attention. Among the different beverages available on the market, probiotic dairy and non-dairy products have attracted much attention because of their affordable cost and their numerous therapeutic activities. Fermented milk and yogurt are currently worth €46 billion, with 77% of the market reported in Europe, North America, and Asia. Consumption of dairy beverages has some limitations due for example to lactose intolerance and allergy to milk proteins, thereby leading consumers to use non-dairy beverages such as fruit, grains, and vegetable juices to add probiotics to diet as well as driving the manufacturers to food matrices-based beverages containing probiotic cultures. The purpose of this review article is to evaluate the therapeutic performance and properties of dairy and non-dairy beverages in terms of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic activities.

Cold-Stress Response of Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum K25 by iTRAQ Proteomic Analysis

To understand the molecular mechanism involved in the survivability of cold-tolerant lactic acid bacteria was of great significance in food processing, since these bacteria play a key role in a variety of low-temperature fermented foods. In this study, the cold-stress response of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum K25 isolated from Tibetan kefir grains was analyzed by iTRAQ proteomic method. By comparing differentially expressed (DE) protein profiles of the strain incubated at 10°C and 37°C, 506 DE proteins were identified. The DE proteins involved in carbohydrate, amino acid and fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism were significantly down-regulated, leading to a specific energy conservation survival mode. The DE proteins related to DNA repair, transcription and translation were up-regulated, implicating change of gene expression and more protein biosynthesis needed in response to cold stress. In addition, two-component system, quorum sensing and ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters also participated in cell cold-adaptation process. These findings provide novel insight into the cold-resistance mechanism in L. plantarum with potential application in low temperature fermented or preserved foods.

Potential effects of rapeseed peptide Maillard reaction products on aging-related disorder attenuation and gut microbiota modulation in d-galactose induced aging mice

As a good flavor enhancer, rapeseed peptide Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were developed, and the effects of MRPs on d-galactose induced aging Kunming mice were investigated for 6 weeks with low (200 mg kg-1 day-1), medium (400 mg kg-1 day-1) and high (800 mg kg-1 day-1) doses. Compared with the natural aging group and d-galactose induced aging mice, the mice with MRP administration showed increases in body weight gain, food intake, organ indexes, feces color and urine fluorescence intensity. MRP intake significantly decreased the MDA content and elevated the activities of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px, and T-AOC in the serum and tissues of the liver, kidney and brain. Additionally, AChE activity was decreased in the brain, while Na+-K+ ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+ ATPase activity increased in a dose-dependent manner, and decreasing levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in the liver and kidney. Histopathological analysis suggested an attenuation of inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver and kidney without cell necrosis. High-throughput sequencing results revealed that the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes increased in MRP groups, and the pathogenic bacteria were significantly inhibited, while some beneficial bacteria were significantly increased in the intestine. Overall, our results indicated that MRP consumption might have potential beneficial effects on postponing the aging process via reducing the oxidative stress and gut microflora modulation.

The Facilitating Effect of Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoids and Lactobacillus plantarum on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Antioxidant Capacity, and Fecal Microbiota of Weaned Piglets

Simple Summary

There has been a growing interest in the use of flavonoids and probiotics as alternatives of antibiotics in livestock production and as natural products for human health benefit. The effect of tartary buckwheat flavonoid supplementation in the diet has not been clearly investigated. The supplementation of tartary buckwheat flavonoids or Lactobacillus plantarum improved the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. In combination, they exhibited a synergistic effect on nutrient digestibility.

Abstract

Natural plant extracts and probiotics has been proved as the most preferred and effective alternatives for antibiotics in animal feeding. The current study aimed to investigate the facilitating effect of tartary buckwheat flavonoids and Lactobacillus plantarum on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and microbiota of weaned piglets. Fifty 35-day-old weaned piglets (7.85 ± 0.67 kg) were randomly divided into five treatments with 10 piglets per treatment. Piglets in the negative control (NC) group were fed a basal diet, and others were fed basal diets supplemented with 40 mg/kg of colistin sulfate (positive control, PC), 10⁹ CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), 40 mg/kg of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (BF), and a combination of 10⁹ CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum and 40 mg/kg of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (LB). Supplementation of BF increased the average daily gain of piglets in the BF group (p < 0.05). The nutrient digestibility of piglets in the NC group was lower than that in other groups, while the digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, organic matter, and phosphorus of piglets in the LB group was higher than the other four groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC and pC group, supplementation of Lp increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), and catalase (CAT), while the BF increased the content of IgA and IgM (p < 0.05). Supplementation of colistin sulfate decreased the alpha diversity index, including chao and observed species, while the addition of Lp or combination of Lp and BF increased the abundance of Selenomonas or Mitsuokella in fecal samples, respectively. The results indicated that supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum can improve the antioxidant capacity, while tartary buckwheat flavones can increase the growth performance and immune ability of weaned piglets. Moreover, in combination, they promote nutrient digestibility.

Exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus buchneri TCP016 Attenuate LPS- and d-GalN-Induced Liver Injury by Modulating the Gut Microbiota

Liver diseases alter the gut microbiota, but several lactic acid bacteria can reduce the degree of liver damage. The present study investigated whether Lactobacillus buchneri TCP016 reduces the degree of liver damage by modifying the gut microbiota via its exopolysaccharides (EPSs). First, it was illustrated that the main EPS (EPS016; molecular weight = 8.509 × 10⁴ Da) comprised rhamnose, xylose, glucosamine, glucuronic acid, galactose, galacturonic acid, glucose, and mannose in molar ratios of 9.2:3.9:3.8:2.8:2.1:2.0:1.6:1.0. Our data showed that EPS016 alleviated the increase in plasma and hepatic enzyme and cytokine levels, increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione activity, and alleviated bacterial translocation to the liver and mesenteric lymph nodes in vivo. Furthermore, EPS016 ameliorated intestinal mucosal injury and gut flora dysbiosis, thereby decreasing the enrichment of Helicobacteraceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Enterobacteriaceae and increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus, Rikenellaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroidales_S24-7_group, and Prevotellaceae. These findings indicated that EPS016 inhibits lipopolysaccharides/d-galactosamine-induced liver injury and improves the modification of the gut microbiota.

Glycerol-Monolaurate-Mediated Attenuation of Metabolic Syndrome is Associated with the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Mice

SCOPE

The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome. Glycerol monolaurate (GML), a widely consumed food emulsifier, is reported to promote metabolic disorder and gut microbiota dysbiosis in low-dose supplementation upon low-fat-diet feeding. However, little is known about whether GML produce the same effects in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

C57BL/6 mice are fed a HFD with or without GML supplementation (150, 300, and 450 mg kg^-1 ) for 10 weeks. The results demonstrated that higher GML treatment (450 mg kg^-1 ) ameliorates HFD-induced metabolic disorders, supported by prevented visceral fat deposition, improved hyperlipidemia, modulated hepatic lipid metabolism, and reduced serum proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-α. Additionally, all doses of GML attenuated circulating lipopolysaccharide load and insulin resistance. Notably, GML ameliorates HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, with increases in Bacteroides uniformis, Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus and decreases in Escherichia coli, Lactococcus, and Flexispira. Spearman's correlation analysis indicates that these enriched specific genera are significantly associated with the metabolic improvements of GML.

CONCLUSION

The findings identify the links between gut microbiota and GML-induced metabolic improvements, suggesting that the attenuation of HFD-induced metabolic disorders by higher GML supplementation may occur through targeting gut microbiota.

Preparation, partial characterization and biological activity of exopolysaccharides produced from Lactobacillus fermentum S1

A high slime-producing Lactobacillus fermentum strain (named as L. fermentum S1) was isolated from traditional fermented Fuyuan pickle, which was made of white turnip and collected from Fuyuan county, Yunnan province, China. We extracted and purified the exopolysaccharides from L. fermentum S1, and investigated their preliminary structure characteristics and biological activities. Three purified exopolysaccharide fractions, designated as EPS1, EPS2 and EPS3, were obtained from the culture supernatant of L. fermentum S1 by ethanol precipitation, anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The EPS2 and EPS3 were homogeneous with molecular weights of 4.45 × 10⁶ and 2.82 × 10⁶ Da, respectively. All the purified EPS fractions were composed of glucose, galactose, mannose and arabinose, but with different molar ratios. EPS1, EPS2 and EPS3 presented different surface morphologies and their degradation temperatures were 302.7°C, 316.3°C and 316.9°C, respectively. Bioactivity research showed that L. fermentum S1 EPS elicited free radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power, and 1 mg/mL of EPS significantly improved the gastrointestinal transit tolerance of non EPS-producing strain L. fermentum LG1. Moreover, S1 EPS had a favorable anti-biofilm activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These results indicated that S1 EPS could be explored as a promising functional adjunct for application in foods.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of an exopolysaccharide produced by Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS1.8701 for the alleviative effect on oxidative stress

Correlations between oxidative stress and degenerative diseases have been gaining increasing attention. A number of studies affirm that exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can alleviate oxidative stress and further prevent the related diseases. In our previous study, Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS1.8701 has been shown to possess high antioxidant capacity in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of EPS produced by L. helveticus KLDS1.8701 on oxidative stress. Firstly, EPS was isolated from the culture of L. helveticus KLDS1.8701 and purified using DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow chromatography. Secondly, the antioxidant capacities of EPS fractions were evaluated using in vitro methods. Thirdly, an in vivo study was performed to investigate the possible protective effects of EPS on d-galactose (d-gal)-induced liver damage and gut microbiota disorder. In vitro antioxidant activity results suggested that EPS-1 exhibited strong scavenging properties on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, and chelating activity on ferrous ion. In vivo, EPS-1 supplementation significantly attenuated oxidative status such as decreased organic index, liver injury and liver oxidative stress. EPS-1 supplementation shifted the gut microbiota composition to that of the control group. In addition, the analysis of Spearman's rank correlation suggested that the protective effects of EPS correlated with manipulating the gut microbiota composition in d-gal-induced mice. These results implied that EPS-1 supplementation could mitigate hepatic oxidative stress via manipulating the gut microbiota composition and be used as a potential candidate to attenuate oxidative damage.

Analysis of Health Benefits Conferred by Lactobacillus Species from Kefir

Lactobacilli are among the most common microorganisms found in kefir; a traditional fermented milk beverage produced locally in many locations around the world. Kefir has been associated with a wide range of purported health benefits; such as antimicrobial activity; cholesterol metabolism; immunomodulation; anti-oxidative effects; anti-diabetic effects; anti-allergenic effects; and tumor suppression. This review critically examines and assesses these claimed benefits and mechanisms with regard to particular Lactobacillus species and/or strains that have been derived from kefir; as well as detailing further potential avenues for experimentation.

Food Supplements to Mitigate Detrimental Effects of Pelvic Radiotherapy

Pelvic radiotherapy has been frequently reported to cause acute and late onset gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although the underlying mechanisms of pelvic radiation-induced GI toxicity are poorly understood, they are known to involve a complex interplay between all cell types comprising the intestinal wall. Furthermore, increasing evidence states that the human gut microbiome plays a role in the development of radiation-induced health damaging effects. Gut microbial dysbiosis leads to diarrhea and fatigue in half of the patients. As a result, reinforcement of the microbiome has become a hot topic in various medical disciplines. To counteract GI radiotoxicities, apart from traditional pharmacological compounds, adjuvant therapies are being developed including food supplements like vitamins, prebiotics, and probiotics. Despite the easy, cheap, safe, and feasible approach to protect patients against acute radiation-induced toxicity, clinical trials have yielded contradictory results. In this review, a detailed overview is given of the various clinical, intestinal manifestations after pelvic irradiation as well as the role of the gut microbiome herein. Furthermore, whilst discussing possible strategies to prevent these symptoms, food supplements are presented as auspicious, prophylactic, and therapeutic options to mitigate acute pelvic radiation-induced GI injury by exploring their molecular mechanisms of action.

Mechanistic Insights Into Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Associated With Ethnic Fermented Dairy Products

Gut microbes and their metabolites maintain the health and homeostasis of the host by communicating with the host via various biochemical and physical factors. Changing lifestyle, chronic intake of foods rich in refined carbohydrates and fats have caused intestinal dysbiosis and other lifestyle-based diseases. Thus, supplementation with probiotics has gained popularity as biotherapies for improving gut health and treating disorders. Research shows that probiotic organisms enhance gastrointestinal health, immunomodulation, generation of essential micronutrients, and prevention of cancer. Ethnically fermented milk and dairy products are hotspots for novel probiotic organisms and bioactive compounds. These ethnic fermented foods have been traditionally prepared by indigenous populations, and have preserved unique microflora for ages. To apply these unique microflora for amelioration of human health, it is important that probiotic properties of the bacterial species are well studied. Majority of the published research and reviews focus on the probiotic organisms and their properties, fermented food products, isolation techniques, and animal studies with their health pathologies. As a consequence, there is a dearth of information about the underlying molecular mechanism behind probiotics associated with ethnically prepared dairy foods. This review is targeted at stimulating research on understanding these mechanisms of bacterial species and beneficial attributes of ethnically fermented dairy products.

Influence of Lactobacillus plantarum P-8 on Fermented Milk Flavor and Storage Stability

Previously, we demonstrated that the flavor of milk fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (IMAU20401) and Streptococcus thermophilus (IMAU40133) at a 1:1000 ratio was superior to that of other ratios of the two strains. In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum P-8 was used as the probiotic bacterium. Six ratios (1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 1:50, 1:100, and 1:1000) of L. plantarum P-8 to yogurt starter were evaluated. A total of 66 volatile compounds including aldehydes, ketones, acids, alcohols, esters, alcohols, and aromatic compounds were identified in milk fermented with the six different L. plantarum P-8 to yogurt starter ratios at 0 d of storage. In particular, key flavor compounds, such as 3-methylbutanal, hexanal, (E)-2-octenal, nonanal, 2-heptanone, 2-nonanone, and acetoin, were identified in the 1:100 ratio treatment. Furthermore, the viable cell count, pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, and syneresis of the milk samples were analyzed during fermentation over 14 d of storage at 4°C. The results indicated that milk can be fermented with L. plantarum P-8 in combination with S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and the physicochemical characteristics of the milk were not affected by the probiotic bacteria.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) alters gut microbiota and modulates redox status, partially via caffeine in Wistar rats

Microbiota alterations are observed in pathological conditions, and their regulation is a subject of great interest. Gut microbes are affected by diet, and plant polyphenols may have positive effect on gut microbiota; however, plant-derived extracts may have toxic effects. Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) is a nontraditional medicinal plant applied worldwide. Guarana yields an alkaloid and polyphenol-rich seed with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, where caffeine is the major compound. We evaluated the effects of guarana seed powder (GSP) and purified caffeine on gut microbial composition and redox and inflammatory parameters in Wistar rats after 21 days of treatment. Fecal microbiota was analyzed utilizing 16S rDNA sequencing. Antioxidant enzymes activities from liver, kidney, and colon, as well as oxidative damage markers, were evaluated. Total nonenzymatic antioxidant potential was also evaluated. Microbiota was altered by both treatments, GSP and caffeine, without loss of diversity. In the liver, the kidney, and the colon, we observed a decrease in the antioxidant enzymes activities in the GSP group with no increase in the expression of oxidative damage markers, although some enzymes were also regulated by caffeine. Taken together, these results suggested that GSP ameliorates redox parameters but negatively affected gut microbiota, partially via caffeine.

Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC06 Activity Prevents Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Regulating the IL-8 Pathway

Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC06 (LP-CQPC06) is a newly discovered lactic acid bacterial strain. Here, the beneficial effects of this strain on C57BL/6J mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis were investigated. LP-CQPC06 was more resistant to gastric acid and bile salts than L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB). In the DSS-induced colitis mouse model, LP-CQPC06 treatment decreased the colon weight/length ratio and increased the colon length as compared to untreated mice with DSS-induced colitis. LP-CQPC06 also reduced the serum levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha, as well as reducing levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) in the colon tissues of mice with DSS-induced colitis. In all cases, the effects of LP-CQPC06 were significantly stronger than those of LB. Quantitative polymerase chain reactions and western blots indicated that LP-CQPC06 increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor alpha, while decreasing the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor kappa-beta, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1), and CXCR2. Thus, L. plantarum CQPC06 had a good protective effect against colitis in a mouse model via the IL-8 pathway. Therefore, L. plantarum CQPC06 might have potential uses as a probiotic for colonic protection.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

In this study, a newly discovered lactic acid bacteria was investigated. This bacterial strain had a good prophylactic effect against colitis in a mouse model, and might have potential utility as a probiotic.

Gastroprotective effect of oral kefir on indomethacin-induced acute gastric lesions in mice: Impact on oxidative stress

AIMS

This study investigated the gastroprotective effects and the systemic oxidative status of oral kefir pretreatment in albino mice submitted to acute gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin.

MAIN METHODS

Male Swiss mice were divided into three groups (n = 7): Vehicle (0.3 mL of whole milk/100 g body weight, pH adjusted to 5.0), Kefir (0.3 mL of kefir/100 g body weight) and Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI, 30 mg/kg of lansoprazole), via gavage for 14 days. Animals were fasted for 16 h and treated orally with indomethacin (40 mg/kg). After 6 h the animals were euthanized, the blood samples were obtained and used for the determination of ROS production, oxidation of macromolecules and apoptosis. The stomachs were removed, opened by the greater curvature, and a macroscopic analysis of the gastric lesions was performed.

KEY FINDINGS

Our findings demonstrated that the symbiotic kefir significantly alleviated blood oxidative stress by reducing superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl/peroxynitrite radicals, thereby leading to reduced oxidative damage to macromolecules due to a decreased oxidative stress status in induced gastric lesions. These anti-oxidative properties might contribute favorably to the ulcer attenuation in the kefir group.

SIGNIFICANCE

Taken together, these findings support a significant role played by the antioxidant actions of kefir in counteracting the gastric damage induced by this cyclooxygenase inhibitor. It is also worthy to mention that, kefir also exerted the gastroprotective property partly by inhibiting oxidative systemic damage. Based on these considerations, it was implied that kefir might be a contributor for the ROS-scavenging effect.

Differential Analysis of Gut Microbiota Correlated With Oxidative Stress in Sows With High or Low Litter Performance During Lactation

It has been suggested that gut microbiota play a critical role in maternal metabolic oxidative stress responses and offspring growth. However, whether the gut microbiota and oxidative stress status of the sows affect the litter performance during lactation is unclear. A total of 66 Yorkshire sows were identified as high (H) or low (L) litter performance sows based on litter weight at day 21 of lactation. Ten sows per group with similar parity, backfat thickness, and litter weight after cross-foster from the H or L group were collected randomly to analyze the oxidative stress and gut microbiota during lactation. The result showed that the serum total antioxidant capacity was higher in the H group, while 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were lower in the H group at farrowing. Four distinct clusters of bacteria were related to litter performance and reproductive periods of sows. Twelve differentially abundant taxa during gestation and 13 taxa during lactation were identified as potential biomarkers between the H group and the L group. Moreover, the litter performance and the antioxidant capacity of sows were positively correlated with Bacteroides_f__Bacteroidaceae but negatively with Phascolarctobacterium and Streptococcus. In conclusion, this study found that gut microbiota and oxidative stress were significantly correlated with the litter performance of sows during lactation.

Anti-hypertensive peptides released from milk proteins by probiotics

The development of agricultural products as well as the industrialization of food production have led to dramatic lifestyle changes, particularly in dietary patterns, which in turn has increased the occurrence of chronic diseases and hypertension. In order to help overcome this, the food industry has developed functional milk products. Milk products, particularly fermented milk containing probiotics, are popular. Probiotics may promote gut health, reduce allergenicity, increase the bio-accessibility of fats/proteins in foods, and lower blood pressure because they contain poly-amines and bioactive peptides. Bioactive peptides have been shown to lower the risk of hypertension and cancer. Herein, we discuss the potential role of fermented milk as a functional drink acting against hypertension. However, longer-term research studies are necessary to evaluate the role of fermented milk drinks in supporting human health.

Effect of two seaweed polysaccharides on intestinal microbiota in mice evaluated by illumina PE250 sequencing

Effect of polysaccharides from two seaweeds, Porphyra haitanensis and Ulva prolifera, on intestinal microbiota in mice was evaluated by illumina PE250 sequencing. Analysis showed significant structural changes in fecal microbiota among the three sample groups. There were significant differences in the composition of fecal microbiota among the three groups at phylum and genus levels. At the phylum level, the most predominant phylum was Bacteroidetes contributing 58.76%, 73.39%, 75.38% and 64.40% of the fecal microbiota in K, Z, H and D groups respectively, followed by Firmicutes, contributing 37.61%, 23.99%, 21.87% and 30.82% respectively. Many genera were significantly higher in the Z and H group than in the K group, including Prevotellaceae UCG-001 (p<0.05) and Rikenellaceae RC9 (p<0.01). In conclusion, our results suggest that polysaccharide type and glycoside may contribute to shaping mice gut microbiota.

Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS1.8701 alleviates d-galactose-induced aging by regulating Nrf-2 and gut microbiota in mice

We first revealed a close association between probiotic-manipulated gut microbiota and hepatic Nrf-2 dependent mechanisms to suppress d-galactose-induced aging.