Regulation of abdominal adiposity by probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055) in adults with obese tendencies in a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010;64:636-643. [PMID: 20216555 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2010.19]

How to select a probiotic? A review and update of methods and criteria

International competition within the dairy market and increasing public awareness about the importance of functional food consumption are providing new challenges for innovation in the probiotic sector. In this context, countless references are currently dedicated to the selection and characterization of new species and more specific strains of probiotic bacteria. In general, these studies adopt basic selection criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO), including host-associated stress resistance, epithelium adhesion ability, and antimicrobial activity. These aspects are applied to ensure that the candidate probiotic could withstand the stressful conditions of the human digestive system and exert functional proprieties. However, it cannot be assumed that these novel microbial strains are capable of offering several biological benefits attributed to probiotics. Additionally, safety-associated selection criteria, such as plasmid-associated antibiotic resistance spreading and enterotoxin production, are often neglected. This article reviews the recent developments in the processes, strategies, and methods, such as anticarcinogenic, antidepression, antianxiety, antiobesity, antidiabetic, immunostimulatory, and cholesterol-lowering assessments, to select probiotic strains with the ultimate objective of assisting future probiotic microbe evaluation studies.

The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Novel Treatments

Background

The human gut microbiome comprise a huge number of microorganisms with co-evolutionary associations with humans. It has been repeatedly revealed that bidirectional communication exists between the brain and the gut and involves neural, hormonal, and immunological pathways. Evidences from neuroscience researches over the past few years suggest that microbiota is essential for the development and maturation of brain systems that are associated to stress responses.

Method

This review provides that the summarization of the communication among microbiota, gut and brain and the results of preclinical and clinical studies on gut microbiota used in treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Result

Recent studies have reported that diverse forms of neuropsychiatric disorders (such as autism, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia) are associated with or modulated by variations in the microbiome, by microbial substrates, and by exogenous prebiotics, antibiotics, and probiotics.

Conclusion

The microbiota–gut–brain axis might provide novel targets for prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, further studies are required to substantiate the clinical use of probiotics, prebiotics and FMT.

Chronic folate deficiency induces glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and subsequent cognitive dysfunction in mice

Previous studies have shown that folate levels were decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and further lowered in T2D patients with cognitive impairment. However, whether folate deficiency could cause T2D and subsequent cognitive dysfunction is still unknown. The present study aimed to explore the effects of chronic folate deficiency (CFD) on glucose and lipid metabolism and cognitive function in mice. Seven-week-old mice were fed with either a CFD or control diet for 25 weeks. Serum folate was significantly reduced, whereas serum total homocysteine was significantly increased in the CFD group. Moreover, CFD induced obesity after a 6-week diet treatment, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance after a 16-week-diet treatment. In addition, CFD reduced the hepatic p-Akt/Akt ratio in response to acute insulin administration. Moreover, CFD increased serum triglyceride levels, upregulated hepatic Acc1 and Fasn mRNA expression, and downregulated hepatic Cd36 and ApoB mRNA expression. After a 24-week diet treatment, CFD induced anxiety-related activities and impairment of spatial learning and memory performance. This study demonstrates that folate deficiency could induce obesity, glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and subsequent cognitive dysfunction.

Identification of therapeutic effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 in the treatment of STZ-induced diabetes mellitus in rats by restoring the balance of intestinal flora

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in the treatment of STZ-induced diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

Mice were treated with STZ to establish an animal model of DM, which was further treated with a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Subsequently, the status of glucose, insulin, nitric oxide, inflammatory and oxidative factors was evaluated and compared among Sham, STZ, and STZ + GLP-1 groups. In addition, the intestinal flora spectrum in each group was also evaluated.

RESULTS

In this study, it was found that the administration of STZ increased the level of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin but reduced the level of insulin. It was also found that the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in STZ-induced DM were both enhanced, as evidenced by a decreased level of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, as well as increased levels of malonyldialdehyde, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6. Meanwhile, the expression of nitric oxide, a factor associated with both oxidative stress and inflammation, was also suppressed in STZ-induced DM. More importantly, the imbalance of intestinal flora was observed in STZ-induced DM, as shown by a decreased level of both total bacteria and that of some strains including Clostridium, Bacteroides, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the findings of this study confirmed the antihyperglycemic effect of GLP-1 and demonstrated that the therapeutic effect of GLP-1 in the treatment of STZ-induced DM was mediated, at least partially, by its ability to restore the balance of intestinal flora.

Effect ofBifidobacterium lactisHN019 on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in subjects with and without the metabolic syndrome

Beneficial effects of probiotics have been reported on body weight, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, inflammatory state and oxidative stress in healthy subjects and in many metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects ofBifidobacterium lactisHN019 on inflammatory state and nitro-oxidative stress in patients with and without the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The usual diets of the thirty-three subjects were supplemented with probiotic milk for 90 d. Inflammatory markers and oxidative measurements were performed. In relation to the baseline values, subjects in both groups showed a decrease in homocysteine (P=0·02 andP=0·03, respectively), hydroperoxides (P=0·02 andP=0·01, respectively) and IL-6 levels (P=0·02). Increases in adiponectin (P=0·04) and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx,P=0·001) levels were only seen in the group with the MetS in relation to the baseline values, whereas only the individuals without the MetS had increases in total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter levels (P=0·002). In conclusion,B. lactisHN019 have several beneficial effects on inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in healthy subjects and the MetS patients. Patients with the MetS showed a specific improvement in adiponectin and NOx levels, whereas a specific favourable effect was shown in the antioxidant defenses in healthy subjects. If the results obtained in the present study are confirmed, supplementation of fermented milk with probiotics in healthy subjects and patients with the MetS must be further discussed.

Adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic syndrome. The proactive role of probiotics

PURPOSE

The first part of this review focuses on the role of cells and molecules of adipose tissue involved in metabolic syndrome-induced inflammation and in the maintenance of this pathology. In the second part of the review, the potential role of probiotics-modulating metabolic syndrome-related inflammatory components is summarized and discussed.

METHODS

The search for the current scientific literature was carried out using ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar search engines. The keywords used were: metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistant, adipose tissue, adipose tissue inflammation, chronic low-grade inflammation, immune cells, adipokines, cytokines, probiotics, and gut microbiota.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Chronic low-grade inflammation that characterized metabolic syndrome can contribute to the development of the metabolic dysfunctions involved in the pathogenesis of its comorbidities. Adipose tissue is a complex organ that performs metabolic and immune functions. During metabolic syndrome, an imbalance in the inflammatory components of adipose tissue (immune cells, cytokines, and adipocytokines), which shift from an anti-inflammatory to a pro-inflammatory profile, can provoke metabolic syndrome linked complications. Further knowledge concerning the immune function of adipose tissue may contribute to finding better alternatives for the treatment or prevention of such disorders. The control of inflammation could result in the management of many of the pathologies related to metabolic syndrome. Due to the strong evidence that gut microbiota composition plays a role modulating the body weight, adipose tissue, and the prevalence of a low-grade inflammatory status, probiotics emerge as valuable tools for the prevention of metabolic syndrome and health recovery.

Oral supplementation of Bifidobacterium longum strain BR-108 alters cecal microbiota by stimulating gut immune system in mice irrespectively of viability

Effect on cecal microbiota and gene expression of various cytokines in ileal Peyer’s patches and cecal tissues were compared between viable and heat-killed Bifidobacterium longum strain BR-108 (BR-108) using a mouse model. Irrespectively of viability, oral supplementation of BR-108 altered the cecal microbiota and stimulated gene expression of cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-10 in ileal Peyer’s patches and cecal tissue of mice. In addition, BR-108 supplementation significantly affected the relative abundance of bacterial genera and family, Oscillospira, Bacteroides and S24-7. The abundance of these bacterial genera and family strongly correlated with gene expression induced by BR-108. This study demonstrated that the effect of heat-killed BR-108 on the mouse cecal microbiota is similar to that of viable BR-108, most likely due to stimulation of the gut immune system by both heat-killed and viable BR-108 is also similar.

Stress and Obesity

Many pathways connect stress and obesity, two highly prevalent problems facing society today. First, stress interferes with cognitive processes such as executive function and self-regulation. Second, stress can affect behavior by inducing overeating and consumption of foods that are high in calories, fat, or sugar; by decreasing physical activity; and by shortening sleep. Third, stress triggers physiological changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, reward processing in the brain, and possibly the gut microbiome. Finally, stress can stimulate production of biochemical hormones and peptides such as leptin, ghrelin, and neuropeptide Y. Obesity itself can be a stressful state due to the high prevalence of weight stigma. This article therefore traces the contribution of weight stigma to stress and obesogenic processes, ultimately describing a vicious cycle of stress to obesity to stigma to stress. Current obesity prevention efforts focus solely on eating and exercise; the evidence reviewed in this article points to stress as an important but currently overlooked public policy target.

The Gut Microbiome as a Target for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The objective of this review is to critically assess the contributing role of the gut microbiota in human obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RECENT FINDINGS

Experiments in animal and human studies have produced growing evidence for the causality of the gut microbiome in developing obesity and T2D. The introduction of high-throughput sequencing technologies has provided novel insight into the interpersonal differences in microbiome composition and function. The intestinal microbiota is known to be associated with metabolic syndrome and related comorbidities. Associated diseases including obesity, T2D, and fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH) all seem to be linked to altered microbial composition; however, causality has not been proven yet. Elucidating the potential causal and personalized role of the human gut microbiota in obesity and T2D is highly prioritized.

A Controlled Fermented Samjunghwan Herbal Formula Ameliorates Non-alcoholic Hepatosteatosis in HepG2 Cells and OLETF Rats

Hepatosteatosis (HS), a clinical feature of fatty liver with the excessive intracellular accumulation of triglyceride in hepatocytes, is manifested by perturbation of the maintenance of liver lipid homeostasis. Samjunghwan (SJH) is an herbal formula used mostly in Korean traditional medicine that is effective against a number of metabolic diseases, including obesity. Herbal drugs, enriched with numerous bioactive substances, possess health-protective benefits. Meanwhile, fermented herbal products enriched with probiotics are known to improve metabolic processes. Additionally, current lines of evidence indicate that probiotics-derived metabolites, termed as postbiotics, produce the same beneficial effects as their precursors. Herein, the anti-HS effects of 5-weeks naturally fermented SJH (FSJH) was investigated with FSJH-mixed chow diet in vivo using Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats as animal models of HS and controls, respectively. In parallel, the anti-HS effects of postbiotic-metabolites of three bacterial strains [Lactobacillus brevis (LBB), Lactococcus lactis (LCL) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LBP)] isolated from FSJH were also evaluated in vitro using the FFAs-induced HepG2 cells. Feeding OLETF rats with FSJH-diet effectively reduced body, liver, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) weights, produced marked hypolipidemic effects on serum and hepatic lipid parameters, decreased serum AST and ALT levels, and upregulated the HMGCOR, SREBP, and ACC, and downregulated the AMPK and LDLR gene expressions levels. Additionally, exposure of FFAs-induced HepG2 cells to postbiotic metabolic media (PMM) of bacterial strains also produced marked hypolipidemic effects on intracellular lipid contents and significantly unregulated the HMGCOR, SREBP, and ACC, and downregulated the AMPK and LDLR genes expressions levels. Overall, our results indicate that FSJH enriched with fermented metabolites could be an effective anti-HS formulation.

Anti-obesity properties of the strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 in Zücker fatty rats

We evaluated the effect of oral administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 strain in Zücker fatty rats. The Zücker fatty rats were randomly divided into two groups (n=10 each) and administered either B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 (1010 cfu/day) suspended in skim milk, or skim milk alone (control group). Each treatment was administered in drinking bottles from week 5 until week 17 of age. A lean Zücker rat group (standard group) was included to provide normal values for the Zücker strain. This group was administered skim milk in the drinking bottle for the same experimental period as Zücker fatty rats. Body weight gain was greater in the fatty control group than in the fatty rats treated daily with B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145. Furthermore, dry and liquid food intake significantly decreased in the treated Zücker fatty group and these rats also showed decreased plasma ghrelin levels as compared with the Zücker fatty control group. B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 intake also decreased plasma tumour necrosis factor-α (a proinflammatory cytokine) and plasma malondialdehyde (a biomarker of oxidative stress). Moreover, the ratio plasma total cholesterol/plasma cholesterol transported by high-density lipoproteins, considered as an index for cardiovascular disease, also significantly decreased in the Zücker fatty rats treated with B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145. By contrast, this bacterial strain significantly increased plasma adiponectin (an insulin-sensitising adipokine), but did not produce significant effects on triglyceride levels or glucose metabolism biomarkers. Although further research is required to confirm B. animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 is an efficient anti-obesity treatment in humans, the results obtained in this study are promising and point to the health and anti-obesity properties of this bacterial strain.

Effect of Probiotic Soy Milk on Serum Levels of Adiponectin, Inflammatory Mediators, Lipid Profile, and Fasting Blood Glucose Among Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Probiotic therapies are going to be an effective alternative therapeutic strategy in the treatment and management of diabetes. The mechanism behind the essential effects of probiotic therapies in diabetic patients was not fully understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic soy milk containing Lactobacillus planetarum A7 on inflammation, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and serum adiponectin among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Forty patients with type 2 diabetes, at the age of 35-68 years old, were assigned to two groups in this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. The patients in the intervention group consumed 200 ml/day of probiotic soy milk containing L. planetarum A7 and those in control group consumed 200 ml/day of pure soy milk for 8 weeks. Serum TNF-α, C reactive protein, adiponectin, lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose were determined before and after intervention. In intervention group, serum adiponectin in pre- and post-treatment did not show any significant changes (2.52 ± 0.74 vs 2.84 ± 0.61, P = 0.658), as well as changes in serum TNF-α and C reactive protein (172.44 ± 5.7 vs 172.83 ± 7.6, P = 0.278, 4.2 ± 1.4 vs 4.5 ± 1.9, P = 0.765, respectively). Low-density cholesterol and high-density cholesterol changed significantly (P = 0.023, P = 0.017, respectively), but fasting blood glucose did not show any significant changes. The results of this study showed that consumption of probiotic soy milk and soy milk has no effect on serum adiponectin and inflammation, but it can change lipid profile among type 2 diabetic patients.

The development of probiotics therapy to obesity: a therapy that has gained considerable momentum

Obesity is a growing epidemic worldwide. The most frequent cause leading to the development of obesity is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. The gut microbiota is an environmental factor involved in obesity and metabolic disorders which reveals that obese animal and human subjects present alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota compared to their lean counterparts. Furthermore, evidence has so far demonstrated that the gut microbiota, which influences whole-body metabolism, by affecting energy balance, but also inflammation and gut barrier function, integrates peripheral and central food intake regulatory signals, thereby altering body weight. At the same time, these data suggest that species of intestinal commensal bacteria may play either a pathogenic or a protective role in the development of obesity. Though still a relatively nascent field of research, evidence to date suggests that manipulating the gut microbiome may represent effective treatment for the prevention or management of obesity. Various studies have described the beneficial effects of specific bacteria on the characteristics of obesity. However, the available data in this field remain limited and the relevant scientific work has only recently begun. This review aims to summarize the notable advances and contributions in the field that may prove useful for identifying probiotics that target obesity and its related disorders.

The Effects of Lactobacillus casei on Glycemic Response, Serum Sirtuin1 and Fetuin-A Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related to the gut microbiota with numerous molecular mechanisms. Modulating the gut microbiota by probiotics could be effective in management of T2DM. The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei on glycemic control and serum sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and fetuin-A in patients with T2DM.

Methods:

Forty patients with T2DM (n = 20 for each group) were divided into intervention (probiotic) and placebo groups. The intervention group received a daily capsule containing 10⁸ cfu of L. casei for eight weeks. The patients in placebo group took capsules containing maltodextrin for the same time duration. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake questionnaires, and blood samples were collected, and the patients were assessed by an endocrinologist at the beginning and at the end of the trial.

Results:

Fasting blood sugar, insulin concentration, and insulin resistance significantly decreased in probiotic group compared with placebo group (-28.32 [-50.23 to -6.41], 0.013; -3.12 [-5.90 to -0.35], 0.028; -32.31 [-55.09 to -9.54], 0.007, respectively). Moreover, HbA1c reduced after intervention, but the reduction was not significant (-0.45 [-0.96 to 0.05], 0.077). In comparison with placebo, the L. casei supplementation significantly increased SIRT1 and decreased fetuin-A levels at the end of the trial (0.52 [0.026 to 1.02], 0.040; -17.56 [-32.54 to -2.58], 0.023, respectively).

Conclusion:

L. casei supplementation affected SIRT1 and fetuin-A levels in a way that improved glycemic response in subjects with T2DM. Affecting the SIRT1 and fetuin-A levels introduces a new known mechanism of probiotic action in diabetes management.

Influence of the microbiota and probiotics in obesity

Gut microbiota plays a key role in the control of body weight. In the present review the different ways in which it can modify the energy homeostasis of the host are exposed, based on its capacity to modify the metabolism of the individual and its contribution in the energy consumption regulation. With the current evidence, it is not clear what microbiota profile is associated with the presence of obesity, although in animal models it seems to be related to a higher proportion of bacteria of the Firmicutes phylum, to the detriment of those of the Bacteroidetes phylum. Other factors clearly involved would be the diversity in the gut microbiota or its possible functional changes. More studies in humans are needed to clarify how dysbiosis can influence weight control. On the other hand, probiotics directly affect the gut microbiota, modulating its composition and, possibly, its functionality. A large number of studies in humans have evaluated the impact of probiotics on obesity. Although this intervention may have a potentially beneficial effect, more effort is needed to clarify which strains of probiotics should be recommended, at what dose and for how long.

The human gut microbiota: Metabolism and perspective in obesity

The gut microbiota has been recognized as an important factor in the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity and is considered an endocrine organ involved in the maintenance of energy homeostasis and host immunity. Dysbiosis can change the functioning of the intestinal barrier and the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) by allowing the passage of structural components of bacteria, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which activate inflammatory pathways that may contribute to the development of insulin resistance. Furthermore, intestinal dysbiosis can alter the production of gastrointestinal peptides related to satiety, resulting in an increased food intake. In obese people, this dysbiosis seems be related to increases of the phylum Firmicutes, the genus Clostridium, and the species Eubacterium rectale, Clostridium coccoides, Lactobacillus reuteri, Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium histolyticum, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Lactobacillus plantarum Strain Ln4 Attenuates Diet-Induced Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Changes in Hepatic mRNA Levels Associated with Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

The prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic disorders, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is rapidly becoming a severe global health problem. Recent reports have suggested that the alteration of the gut ecosystem through the consumption of probiotics and fermented foods, such as yogurt and Kimchi, can significantly impact obesity and Type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related biomarkers. In this study, we screened over 400 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that were isolated from fermented foods to identify potent anti-obesogenic and diabetic probiotics in vitro. Of the strains tested, Lactobacillus plantarum Ln4 (Ln4), which was obtained from napa cabbage kimchi, significantly reduced lipid accumulation and stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oral administration of Ln4 reduced weight gain and epididymal fat mass in mice fed on a high-fat diet (HFD). Total plasma triglyceride level was significantly lower in mice that were treated Ln4 as compared with mice fed HFD. The protein levels of adipokines such as C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin-like growth factor binding proteins-3 (IGFBP-3), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) decreased in white adipose tissues of Ln4-treated mice. Furthermore, these mice exhibited a significant reduction of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and the improvement of glucose tolerance (OGTT) and insulin response (ITT) following Ln4 administration. This was associated with changes in several hepatic gene expressions (increased mRNA levels of IRS2, Akt2, AMPK, LPL, and reduced CD36) that regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Taken together, these results indicate that in vitro and in vivo Ln4 treatment attenuates diet-induced obesity and T2D biomarkers, highlighting the potential of Ln4 as a therapeutic probiotic agent for metabolic disorders.

Sterilized bifidobacteria suppressed fat accumulation and blood glucose level

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium improve the balance of intestinal microflora and have various physiological functions beneficial to human health. It is not always known whether the ingested microbial cells are viable- or killed. However, even sterilized bacterial cells are functional. Bacterial cell functions are strain-specific and their modes of action are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the roles of sterilized bifidobacteria in obesity and lipid metabolism. To this end, mice were orally ingested sterilized bacteria. Male C57BL/6J mice aged 7 wks were raised on a high-fat diet and received oral sterilized bifidobacteria for 4 wks. Although the amount of food they ingested did not change in response to bifidobacteria administration, both weight gain and epididymal body fat mass were significantly reduced. In addition, the elevated blood glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels observed in the mice on the high-fat diet all decreased in response to bifidobacteria treatment. Hepatic triglyceride levels also decreased. Furthermore, oral glucose tolerance and insulin resistance tests indicated that sterilized bifidobacteria improved glucose tolerance and diminished insulin resistance. Sterilized bifidobacteria also decreased blood lipopolysaccharides and altered intestinal flora. The present study indicates that in mice on a high-fat diet, sterilized bifidobacteria suppressed fat accumulation, improved insulin resistance, and lowered blood glucose levels.

Effects of Bifidobacterium breve B-3 on body fat reductions in pre-obese adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Accumulating evidence suggests a relationship between the gut microbiota and the development of obesity, indicating the potential of probiotics as a therapeutic approach. Bifidobacterium breve B-3 has been shown to exert anti-obesity effects in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. In the present study, the anti-obesity effects of the consumption of B. breve B-3 by healthy pre-obese (25 ≤ BMI < 30) adults were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (trial registration: UMIN-CTR No. 000023919; preregistered on September 2, 2016). Eighty participants were randomized to receive placebo or B. breve B-3 capsules (2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day) daily for 12 weeks. The visceral fat area significantly increased at weeks 4 and 8 in the placebo group only; no significant change was observed in the B-3 group. Body fat mass and percent body fat were significantly lower in the B-3 group than in the placebo group at weeks 8 and 12 (p<0.05, ANCOVA adjusted with baseline values). Although no significant differences were observed in blood parameters between the groups, the intake of B. breve B-3 slightly decreased triglyceride levels and improved HDL cholesterol from the baseline. No serious adverse effects were noted in either group. These results suggest that the probiotic strain B. breve B-3 has potential as a functional food ingredient to reduce body fat in healthy pre-obese individuals.

Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 Supplementation Reduces the Visceral Fat Accumulation and Waist Circumference in Obese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 is a probiotic strain isolated from human breast milk. Animal studies reported that BNR17 inhibited increases in body weight and adipose tissue weights. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiobesity effects of BNR17 in humans. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 90 volunteers aged 20-75 years with body mass index (BMI) from 25 to 35 kg/m² were randomized to receive a placebo, low-dose BNR (BNR-L, 10⁹ CFU/day), or high-dose BNR (BNR-H, 10¹⁰ CFU/day) for 12 weeks. Body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, abdominal adipose tissue areas, body fat mass, lean body mass, and biochemical parameters were assessed at the beginning and end of the trial. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was significantly decreased in the BNR-H group compared with the placebo group (P = .038). Difference of VAT areas of the BNR-H group compared with the placebo group after 12-week consumption of BNR17 was significant (-21.6 cm², P = .012). Waist circumferences were significantly decreased in both the BNR-L and BNL-H groups (P = .045 and .012, respectively) compared with the baseline values, but not in the placebo group. Biochemical parameters were not significantly different among the groups. These findings suggest that daily consumption of BNR17 may contribute to reduced visceral fat mass in obese adults.

Modulation of Active Gut Microbiota by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in a Diet Induced Obesity Murine Model

Gut microbiota play a key role in the development of metabolic disorders. Defining and correlating structural shifts in gut microbial assemblages with conditions related to metabolic syndrome have, however, been proven difficult. Results from 16S genomic DNA and 16S ribosomal RNA analyses of fecal samples may differ widely, leading to controversial information on the whole microbial community and metabolically active microbiota. Using a C57BL/6J murine model, we compared data from 16S genomic DNA and ribosomal RNA of the fecal microbiota. The study included three groups of experimental animals comprising two groups with high fat diet induced obesity (DIO) while a third group (control) received a low fat diet. One of the DIO groups was treated with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). Compared to the data obtained by DNA analysis, a significantly higher abundance of OTUs was accounted for by RNA analysis. Moreover, rRNA based analysis showed a modulation of the active gut microbial population in the DIO group receiving LGG, thus reflecting a change in the induced obesity status of the host. As one of the most widely studied probiotics the functionality of LGG has been linked to the alleviation of metabolic syndrome, and, in some cases, to an impact on the microbiome. Yet, it appears that no study has reported thus far on modulation of the active microbiota by LGG treatment. It is postulated that the resulting impact on calorie consumption affects weight gain concomitantly with modulation of the functional structure of the gut microbial population. Using the 16S rRNA based approach therefore decisively increased the precision of gut microbiota metagenome analysis.

Evaluating Causality of Gut Microbiota in Obesity and Diabetes in Humans

The pathophysiology of obesity and obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is complex and driven by many factors. One of the most recently identified factors in development of these metabolic pathologies is the gut microbiota. The introduction of affordable, high-throughput sequencing technologies has substantially expanded our understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in modulation of host metabolism and (cardio)metabolic disease development. Nevertheless, evidence for a role of the gut microbiome as a causal, driving factor in disease development mainly originates from studies in mouse models: data showing causality in humans are scarce. In this review, we will discuss the quality of evidence supporting a causal role for the gut microbiome in the development of obesity and diabetes, in particular T2DM, in humans. Considering overlap in potential mechanisms, the role of the gut microbiome in type 1 diabetes mellitus will also be addressed. We will elaborate on factors that drive microbiome composition in humans and discuss how alterations in microbial composition or microbial metabolite production contribute to disease development. Challenging aspects in determining causality in humans will be postulated together with strategies that might hold potential to overcome these challenges. Furthermore, we will discuss means to modify gut microbiome composition in humans to help establish causality and discuss systems biology approaches that might hold the key to unravelling the role of the gut microbiome in obesity and T2DM.

Determining risk of severe gastrointestinal toxicity based on pretreatment gut microbial community in patients receiving cancer treatment: a new predictive strategy in the quest for personalized cancer medicine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Currently, our ability to accurately predict a patient's risk of developing severe gastrointestinal toxicity from their cancer treatment is limited. Risk stratification continues to rely on traditional patient-related and treatment-related factors including age, ethnicity, sex, comorbidities, genetics, agent, dose and schedule. Although informative, these crude measures continue to underestimate toxicity risk, and hence alternative methods of risk prediction must be investigated. Given the increasing focus on the gut microbiome in driving disease, this review will provide an overview of the current literature proposing the gut microbiome as a novel predictive tool for treatment-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.

RECENT FINDINGS

Predictive gut microbial phenotypes have been identified for gastrointestinal toxicity induced by radiation and the checkpoint blocker, Ipilimumab. Each study employed slightly different methods of gut microbiome assessment; however, in all cases, separation of toxic versus nontoxic patients was achieved. No studies have investigated chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.

SUMMARY

The gut microbiome offers an exciting new method of risk stratification for gastrointestinal toxicity. This would enable identification of high-risk patients prior to treatment, enabling tailored treatment regimens based on personalized risk assessment and the proactive provision of supportive care measures. Based on the plasticity of the gut microbiome, methods of risk mitigation may be investigated.

Dietary Alteration of the Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Weight and Fat Mass: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dietary alteration of the gut microbiome is an important target in the treatment of obesity. Animal and human studies have shown bidirectional weight modulation based on the probiotic formulation used. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis to assess the impact of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics on body weight, body mass index (BMI) and fat mass in adult human subjects. We searched Medline (PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science to identify 4721 articles, of which 41 were subjected to full-text screening, yielding 21 included studies with 33 study arms. Probiotic use was associated with significant decreases in BMI, weight and fat mass. Studies of subjects consuming prebiotics demonstrated a significant reduction in body weight, whereas synbiotics did not show an effect. Overall, when the utilization of gut microbiome-modulating dietary agents (prebiotic/probiotic/synbiotic) was compared to placebo, there were significant decreases in BMI, weight and fat mass. In summary, dietary agents for the modulation of the gut microbiome are essential tools in the treatment of obesity and can lead to significant decreases in BMI, weight and fat mass. Further studies are needed to identify the ideal dose and duration of supplementation and to assess the durability of this effect.

Prebiotic attenuation of olanzapine-induced weight gain in rats: analysis of central and peripheral biomarkers and gut microbiota

Olanzapine is an effective antipsychotic drug but since it causes significant weight gain, it is not well tolerated by psychosis patients. The prebiotic, B-GOS^®, attenuates metabolic dysfunction in obese subjects, and in rodents, alters central NMDA receptors and may affect serotonin receptors that are relevant in psychosis. We have determined whether B-GOS^® influenced olanzapine-associated weight gain and central NMDA and serotonin receptors. Circulating acetate, IL-1β, IL-8 and TNFα, liver acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), white adipose tissue (WAT) acetate receptor GPR43, and specific faecal bacteria genera were also measured to provide mechanistic information. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a B-GOS^® (0.5 g/kg/day) solution or water for 21 days, and received a single, daily, intraperitoneal injection of olanzapine or saline on days 8-21. The intake of B-GOS^® significantly attenuated olanzapine-induced weight gain without altering frontal cortex 5-HT2AR blockade. Cortical GluN1 levels were elevated by olanzapine in the presence of B-GOS^®. Plasma acetate concentrations increased following B-GOS^® or olanzapine administration alone, but reduced when prebiotic and drug were administered in combination. This pattern was paralleled by hepatic ACC mRNA expression. The abundance of WAT GPR43 mRNA was reduced by olanzapine, only in the absence of B-GOS^®. Co-administration of B-GOS^® and olanzapine also elevated plasma TNFα, which is reported to influence lipid metabolism. Finally, B-GOS^® elevated faecal Bifidobacterium spp. and reduced some bacteria in the Firmicutes phylum, whilst olanzapine treatment either alone or with B-GOS^®, was without effect. These data suggest that inclusion of B-GOS^® as an adjunct to olanzapine treatment in schizophrenia may prevent weight gain and have benefits on cognitive function in psychosis. The role of acetate in these effects requires further investigation.

Effects of probiotics on body weight, body mass index, fat mass and fat percentage in subjects with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to examine the effects of probiotic supplementation on body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass and fat percentage in subjects with overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg m^-2 ) or obesity (BMI ≥30 kg m^-2 ). MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies published between 1946 and September 2016. A meta-analysis, using a random effects model, was performed to calculate the weighted mean difference between the intervention and control groups. Of 800 studies identified through the literature search, 15 were finally included. The studies comprised a total of 957 subjects (63% women), with the mean BMI being 27.6 kg m^-2 and the duration of the interventions ranging from 3 to 12 weeks. Administration of probiotics resulted in a significantly larger reduction in body weight (weighted mean difference [95% confidence interval]; -0.60 [-1.19, -0.01] kg, I²  = 49%), BMI (-0.27 [-0.45, -0.08] kg m^-2 , I²  = 57%) and fat percentage (-0.60 [-1.20, -0.01] %, I²  = 19%), compared with placebo; however, the effect sizes were small. The effect of probiotics on fat mass was non-significant (-0.42 [-1.08, 0.23] kg, I²  = 84%).

Characterization of the Stool Microbiome in Hispanic Preschool Children by Weight Status and Time

BACKGROUND

Variations in gut microbiota composition and diversity have been associated with childhood adiposity, although most studies describing this have been cross-sectional in nature. Our objective was to evaluate associations between body weight and the gut microbiota over time in obese preschool-age children.

METHODS

Obese, preschool-age, Hispanic children provided stool samples at baseline and following a 6-month behavioral intervention. Normal-weight (NW) children also provided stool samples. Stool microbial community composition was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Estimates of within-sample diversity were calculated on operational taxonomic unit (OTU) count data, and the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes (F:B) ratio was determined on per-sample basis. Estimates of between-sample diversity were generated using the weighted Unifrac metric, differential abundances were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and associations of microbiome features with clinical data were quantified using Spearman rank correlations.

RESULTS

For the 30 obese children sampled preintervention and postintervention, a decrease in body mass index (BMI) z-score from 2.55 to 2.34 (p = 0.004, paired t-test) was observed. Bacteroides massiliensis was significantly enriched in obese children, while B. plebius was significantly enriched in NW controls. We identified significant correlations between multiple Bacteroides-like OTUs and BMI z-score, but neither F:B ratios nor OTU-level abundances were altered in conjunction with weight change in the obese children. Rather, highly individualized OTU-level responses were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although differences exist between the gut microbiota of obese and NW children, we detected highly individualized responses of the gut microbiota of obese children over time and following weight loss.

Flavonoids, Dairy Foods, and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health: A Review of Emerging Biologic Pathways

A growing body of nutritional science highlights the complex mechanisms and pleiotropic pathways of cardiometabolic effects of different foods. Among these, some of the most exciting advances are occurring in the area of flavonoids, bioactive phytochemicals found in plant foods; and in the area of dairy, including milk, yogurt, and cheese. Many of the relevant ingredients and mechanistic pathways are now being clarified, shedding new light on both the ingredients and the pathways for how diet influences health and well-being. Flavonoids, for example, have effects on skeletal muscle, adipocytes, liver, and pancreas, and myocardial, renal, and immune cells, for instance, related to 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, endothelial NO synthase activation, and suppression of NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) and TLR4 (toll-like receptor 4). Effects of dairy are similarly complex and may be mediated by specific amino acids, medium-chain and odd-chain saturated fats, unsaturated fats, branched-chain fats, natural trans fats, probiotics, vitamin K1/K2, and calcium, as well as by processing such as fermentation and homogenization. These characteristics of dairy foods influence diverse pathways including related to mammalian target of rapamycin, silent information regulator transcript-1, angiotensin-converting enzyme, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, osteocalcin, matrix glutamate protein, hepatic de novo lipogenesis, hepatic and adipose fatty acid oxidation and inflammation, and gut microbiome interactions such as intestinal integrity and endotoxemia. The complexity of these emerging pathways and corresponding biological responses highlights the rapid advances in nutritional science and the continued need to generate robust empirical evidence on the mechanistic and clinical effects of specific foods.

Interactions between human microbiome, diet, enteric viruses and immune system: Novel insights from gnotobiotic pig research

Studies over the past few decades demonstrated that gnotobiotic (Gn) pigs provide an unprecedented translational model to study human intestinal health and diseases. Due to the high degree of anatomical, physiological, metabolic, immunological, and developmental similarity, the domestic pig closely mimics the human intestinal microenvironment. Also, Gn piglets can be efficiently transplanted with human microbiota from infants, children and adults with resultant microbial profiles remarkably similar to the original human samples, a feat consistently not achievable in rodent models. Finally, Gn and human microbiota-associated (HMA) piglets are susceptible to human enteric viral pathogens (including human rotavirus, HRV) and can be fed authentic human diets, which further increases the translational potential of these models. In this review, we will focus on recent studies that evaluated the pathophysiology of protein malnutrition and the associated dysbiosis and immunological dysfunction in neonatal HMA piglets. Additionally, we will discuss studies of potential dietary interventions that moderate the effects of malnutrition and dysbiosis on antiviral immunity and HRV vaccines in HMA pigs. Such studies provide novel models and novel mechanistic insights critical for development of drug interventions.

Antiobesity Effect of Exopolysaccharides Isolated from Kefir Grains

Physiological properties of water-soluble exopolysaccharides (EPS) and residues after EPS removal (Res) from the probiotic kefir were determined in high-fat (HF) diet-fed C57BL/6J mice. EPS solutions showed rheological properties and lower viscosity compared to those of β-glucan (BG). EPS significantly suppressed the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Mice were fed HF diets containing 5% EPS, 5% BG, 8% Res, or 5% microcrystalline cellulose (control) for 4 weeks. Compared with the control, EPS supplementation significantly reduced HF diet-induced body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, and plasma very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (P < 0.05). Res and BG significantly reduced body weight gain; however, reduction in adipose tissue weight was not statistically significant, suggesting that the antiobesity effect of EPS occurs due to viscosity and an additional factor. EPS supplementation significantly enhanced abundance of Akkermansia spp. in feces. These data indicate that EPS shows significant antiobesity effects possibly via intestinal microbiota alterations.

Probiotic strains and mechanistic insights for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

The intestinal microbial composition appears to differ between healthy controls and individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). This observation has led to the hypothesis that perturbations of the intestinal microbiota may contribute to the development of T2D. Manipulations of the intestinal microbiota may therefore provide a novel approach in the prevention and treatment of T2D. Indeed, fecal transplants have shown promising results in both animal models for obesity and T2D and in human clinical trials. To avoid possible complications associated with fecal transplants, probiotics are considered as a viable alternative therapy. An important, however often underappreciated, characteristic of probiotics is that individual strains may have different, even opposing, effects on the host. This strain specificity exists also within the same species. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms at the strain level is therefore crucial for the selection of suitable probiotic strains.

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is to discuss the mechanisms employed by specific probiotic strains of the Lactobacillus and the Bifidobacterium genuses, which showed efficacy in the treatment of obesity and T2D. Some probiotic strains employ recurring beneficial effects, including the production of anti-microbial lactic acid, while other strains display highly unique features, such as hydrolysis of tannins.

CONCLUSION

A major obstacle in the evaluation of probiotic strains lays in the great number of strains, differences in detection methodology and measured outcome parameters. The understanding of further research should be directed towards the development of standardized evaluation methods to facilitate the comparison of different studies.

Gut microbiota as a potential target of metabolic syndrome: the role of probiotics and prebiotics

Metabolic syndrome (MS) comprises central obesity, increased plasma glucose levels, hyperlipidemia and hypertension, and its incidence is increasing due to changes in lifestyle and dietary structure in recent years. MS has been proven to be associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus, leading to morbidity and mortality. In this manuscript, we review recent studies concerning the role of the gut microbiota in MS modulation. Manipulation of the gut microbiota through the administration of prebiotics or probiotics may assist in weight loss and reduce plasma glucose and serum lipid levels, decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. To the best of our knowledge, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile salt hydrolase (BSH), metabolic endotoxemia and the endocannabinoid (eCB) system are essential in regulating the initiation and progression of MS through the normalization of adipogenesis and the regulation of insulin secretion, fat accumulation, energy homeostasis, and plasma cholesterol levels. Therefore, the gut microbiota may serve as a potential therapeutic target for MS. However, further studies are needed to enhance our understanding of manipulating the gut microbiota and the role of the gut microbiota in MS prevention and treatment.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) supplementation affects markers of sperm kinematic parameters in a diet-induced obesity mice model

Probiotics have been proposed as alternatives to pharmacological products in several medical conditions including the modulation of obesity, which is frequently associated with poor semen quality. However, effects of probiotics on male fertility have been less investigated. This study assessed the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM-14870) on sperm kinematic parameters in Normal-weight (NW) and diet-induced obese (DIO) models. NW and DIO C57BL/6NTac mice were divided into two subgroups with or without a single daily dose (1x109CFU) of L. rhamnosus for four weeks. Sperm motility and kinematics together with blood lipid profiles and reproductive hormone levels were assessed using the sperm class analyzer system. Probiotic supplementation increased serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels in both NW and DIO groups resulting in significantly (P<0.05) higher velocity (VSL, VCL and VAP) and percentages of progressively motile sperm and significantly lower percentages of immotile sperm. Other kinematic parameters (Lin, STR, ALH and BCF) were also increased in both probiotic supplemented DIO and NW groups at the 10% level of significance. Probiotic supplemented DIO mice demonstrated significantly higher percentages of progressively motile sperm versus DIO controls. This study demonstrated the potential of L. rhamnosus PB01 as a regulatory agent with positive effects on weight loss and reproductive-hormones, significantly improving sperm motility and kinematic parameters in male DIO models.

Association Between Gut Microbiota and Bone Health: Potential Mechanisms and Prospective

CONTEXT

It has been well established that the human gut microbiome plays a critical role in the regulation of important biological processes and the mechanisms underlying numerous complex diseases. Although researchers have only recently begun to study the relationship between the gut microbiota and bone metabolism, early efforts have provided increased evidence to suggest an important association.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

In this study, we attempt to comprehensively summarize the relationship between the gut microbiota and bone metabolism by detailing the regulatory effects of the microbiome on various biological processes, including nutrient absorption and the intestinal mucosal barrier, immune system functionality, the gut-brain axis, and excretion of functional byproducts. In this review, we incorporate evidence from various types of studies, including observational, in vitro and in vivo animal experiments, as well as small efficacy clinic trails.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We review the various potential mechanisms of influence for the gut microbiota on the regulation of bone metabolism and discuss the importance of further examining the potential effects of the gut microbiota on the risk of osteoporosis in humans. Furthermore, we outline some useful tools/approaches for metagenomics research and present some prominent examples of metagenomics association studies in humans.

CONCLUSION

Current research efforts, although limited, clearly indicate that the gut microbiota may be implicated in bone metabolism, and therefore, further exploration of this relationship is a promising area of focus in bone health and osteoporosis research. Although most existing studies investigate this relationship using animal models, human studies are both needed and on the horizon.

Development of the gut microbiota in infancy and its impact on health in later life

Gut microbial ecology and function are dynamic in infancy, but are stabilized in childhood. The 'new friends' have a great impact on the development of the digestive tract and host immune system. In the first year of life, especially, the gut microbiota dramatically changes through interactions with the developing immune system in the gut. The process of establishing the gut microbiota is affected by various environmental factors, with the potential to be a main determinant of life-long health. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding gut microbiota establishment, including the importance of various factors related to the development of the immune system and allergic diseases later in life.

Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-32 exerts a therapeutic effect on cardiac abnormalities in NZB/W F1 mice

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease that mostly affects women. Accelerated atherosclerosis is a high-risk factor associated with SLE patients. SLE associated with cardiovascular disease is one of the most important causes of death. In this study, we demonstrated that Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-32 (GMNL-32), a probiotic species, exhibits anti-fibrosis and anti-apoptotic effects on the cardiac tissue of NZB/WF1 mice. Female NZB/W F1 mice, a well-known and commonly used lupus-prone mouse strain, were treated with or without GMNL-32 administration for 12 weeks. Oral administration of GMNL-32 to NZB/WF1 mice significantly increased the ventricular thickness when compared to that of NZB/WF1 mice. Administration of GMNL-32 significantly attenuated the cardiac cell apoptosis that was observed in exacerbate levels in the control NZB/WF1 mice. Further, the cellular morphology that was slightly distorted in the NZB/WF1 was effectively alleviated in the treatment group mice. In addition, GMNL-32 reduced the level of Fas death receptor-related pathway of apoptosis signaling and enhanced anti-apoptotic proteins. These results indicate that GMNL-32 exhibit an effective protective effect on cardiac cells of SLE mice. Thus, GMNL-32 may be a potential therapeutic strategy against SLE associated arthrosclerosis.

Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health

The human gastrointestinal tract is colonised by a complex ecosystem of microorganisms. Intestinal bacteria are not only commensal, but they also undergo a synbiotic co-evolution along with their host. Beneficial intestinal bacteria have numerous and important functions, e.g., they produce various nutrients for their host, prevent infections caused by intestinal pathogens, and modulate a normal immunological response. Therefore, modification of the intestinal microbiota in order to achieve, restore, and maintain favourable balance in the ecosystem, and the activity of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract is necessary for the improved health condition of the host. The introduction of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics into human diet is favourable for the intestinal microbiota. They may be consumed in the form of raw vegetables and fruit, fermented pickles, or dairy products. Another source may be pharmaceutical formulas and functional food. This paper provides a review of available information and summarises the current knowledge on the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health. The mechanism of beneficial action of those substances is discussed, and verified study results proving their efficacy in human nutrition are presented.

Human Gut Microbiota: Toward an Ecology of Disease

Composed of trillions of individual microbes, the human gut microbiota has adapted to the uniquely diverse environments found in the human intestine. Quickly responding to the variances in the ingested food, the microbiota interacts with the host via reciprocal biochemical signaling to coordinate the exchange of nutrients and proper immune function. Host and microbiota function as a unit which guards its balance against invasion by potential pathogens and which undergoes natural selection. Disturbance of the microbiota composition, or dysbiosis, is often associated with human disease, indicating that, while there seems to be no unique optimal composition of the gut microbiota, a balanced community is crucial for human health. Emerging knowledge of the ecology of the microbiota-host synergy will have an impact on how we implement antibiotic treatment in therapeutics and prophylaxis and how we will consider alternative strategies of global remodeling of the microbiota such as fecal transplants. Here we examine the microbiota-human host relationship from the perspective of the microbial community dynamics.

Effect of Lactobacillus on body weight and body fat in overweight subjects: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials

Gut microbiota is important for maintaining body weight. Modulation of gut microbiota by probiotics may result in weight loss and thus help in obesity treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus on weight loss and/or fat mass in overweight adults. A search was performed on the Medline (PubMed) and Scopus electronic databases using the search terms: 'probiotics', 'Lactobacillus, 'obesity', 'body weight changes', 'weight loss', 'overweight', 'abdominal obesity', 'body composition', 'body weight', 'body fat' and 'fat mass'. In the total were found 1567 articles, but only 14 were included in this systematic review. Of these nine showed decreased body weight and/or body fat, three did not find effect and two showed weight gain. Results suggest that the beneficial effects are strain dependent. It can highlight that Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus when combined with a hypocaloric diet, L. plantarum with Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus amylovorus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei with phenolic compounds, and multiple species of Lactobacillus.

Probiotics and gastrointestinal conditions: An overview of evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration

Alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota are associated with a number of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, including diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and liver diseases. Probiotics, live microorganisms that may confer a health benefit to the host when consumed, are commonly used as a therapy for treating these GI conditions by means of modifying the composition or activity of the microbiota. The purpose of this review was to summarize the evidence on probiotics and GI conditions available from Cochrane, a nonprofit organization that produces rigorous and high-quality systematic reviews of health interventions. Findings from this review will help provide more precise guidance for clinical use of probiotics and to identify gaps in probiotic research related to GI conditions.

Effects of Probiotic and Prebiotic Supplementation on Leptin, Adiponectin, and Glycemic Parameters in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

According to previous studies, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation have desirable effects on glycemic parameters. Thus far, the effect of supplementation on the glycemic parameters and adipokines in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been assessed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with probiotic and prebiotic on adiokines and glycemic parameters in the patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

In the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 89 patients with NAFLD were randomly divided into three groups to receive one probiotic capsule + 16 g/d maltodextrin (probiotic group) or 16 g/d oligofructose powder + one placebo capsule (prebiotic group), and one placebo capsule + 16 g/d maltodextrin (control group) for 12 weeks. All the subjects in the study were advised to follow the weight loss diet and physical activity recommendations during the intervention. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the intervention to measure leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and fasting blood sugar.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, serum concentrations of leptin, insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased significantly in the probiotic and prebiotic groups compared with the control group. Despite the changes within the groups, serum concentrations of adiponectin did not change significantly between the three groups. Also, fasting blood sugar did not change between the groups, but decreased in the prebiotic group. Quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) increased significantly in probiotic and prebiotic groups compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation along with lifestyle intervention has a favorable impact on glycemic parameters and leptin levels compared with lifestyle intervention alone.