Probiotics in Disease Prevention and Treatment

Integrative Analysis of Probiotic-Mediated Remodeling in Canine Gut Microbiota and Metabolites Using a Fermenter for an Intestinal Microbiota Model

In contemporary society, the increasing number of pet-owning households has significantly heightened interest in companion animal health, expanding the probiotics market aimed at enhancing pet well-being. Consequently, research into the gut microbiota of companion animals has gained momentum, however, ethical and societal challenges associated with experiments on intelligent and pain-sensitive animals necessitate alternative research methodologies to reduce reliance on live animal testing. To address this need, the Fermenter for Intestinal Microbiota Model (FIMM) is being investigated as an in vitro tool designed to replicate gastrointestinal conditions of living animals, offering a means to study gut microbiota while minimizing animal experimentation. The FIMM system explored interactions between intestinal microbiota and probiotics within a simulated gut environment. Two strains of commercial probiotic bacteria, Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, along with a newly isolated strain from domestic dogs, Lactobacillus acidophilus SLAM AK001, were introduced into the FIMM system with gut microbiota from a beagle model. Findings highlight the system's capacity to mirror and modulate the gut environment, evidenced by an increase in beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium and a decrease in the pathogen Clostridium. The study also verified the system's ability to facilitate accurate interactions between probiotics and commensal bacteria, demonstrated by the production of short-chain fatty acids and bacterial metabolites, including amino acids and gamma-aminobutyric acid precursors. Thus, the results advocate for FIMM as an in vitro system that authentically simulates the intestinal environment, presenting a viable alternative for examining gut microbiota and metabolites in companion animals.

Effect of a seven-strain probiotic on dietary intake, inflammatory markers, and T-cells in severe traumatic brain injury patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory processes are key factors in pathological events associated with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI). The aim of this trial was to determine the effect of probiotics on anthropometric measures, disease severity, inflammatory markers, and T cells in patients with STBI.

METHODS

Forty adult patients with STBI were enrolled in this parallel randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Energy and protein status, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), T-helper 17 (Th17), and T- Regulator (T-reg) cells were assessed at baseline (day 1), and week 2 (day 14) for each patient.

RESULTS

Probiotic supplementation led to a substantial reduction in the serum levels of TNF-α (from 10.15 ± 6.52 to 5.05 ± 3.27) (P = 0.034), IL-1β (from 11.84 ± 7.74 to 5.87 ± 3.77) (P < 0.001), and Th17 cells (from 5.19 ± 1.69 to 2.67 ± 1.89) (P < 0.001) and a substantial increase in the serum levels of IL-10 (from 3.35 ± 1.45 to 6.17 ± 2.04) (P = 0.038), TGF-β (from 30.5 ± 15.27 to 46.25 ± 21.05) (P < 0.001), and T-reg cells (from 2.83 ± 1.43 to 4.29 ± 1.89) (P < 0.001) compared with the placebo group. Furthermore, no notable changes were observed in energy and protein intake and also, terms of SOFA and APACHE II scores following probiotic treatment compared with the placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Probiotics could reduce inflammation and improve cellular immunity and may be considered as an adjunctive therapy in STBI patients.

Harnessing the power of probiotic strains in functional foods: nutritive, therapeutic, and next-generation challenges

Functional foods have become an essential element of the diet in developed nations, due to their health benefits and nutritive values. Such food products are only called functional if they, "In addition to basic nutrition, have valuable effects on one or multiple functions of the human body, thereby enhancing general and physical conditions and/or reducing the risk of disease progression". Functional foods are currently one of the most extensively researched areas in the food and nutrition sciences. They are fortified and improved food products. Presently, probiotics are regarded as the most significant and commonly used functional food product. Diverse probiotic food products and supplements are used according to the evidence that supports their strength, functionality, and recommended dosage. This review provides an overview of the current functional food market, with a particular focus on probiotic microorganisms as pivotal functional ingredients. It offers insights into current research endeavors and outlines potential future directions in the field.

The molecular architecture of Lactobacillus S-layer: Assembly and attachment to teichoic acids

S-layers are crystalline arrays found on bacterial and archaeal cells. Lactobacillus is a diverse family of bacteria known especially for potential gut health benefits. This study focuses on the S-layer proteins from Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus amylovorus common in the mammalian gut. Atomic resolution structures of Lactobacillus S-layer proteins SlpA and SlpX exhibit domain swapping, and the obtained assembly model of the main S-layer protein SlpA aligns well with prior electron microscopy and mutagenesis data. The S-layer's pore size suggests a protective role, with charged areas aiding adhesion. A highly similar domain organization and interaction network are observed across the Lactobacillus genus. Interaction studies revealed conserved binding areas specific for attachment to teichoic acids. The structure of the SlpA S-layer and the suggested incorporation of SlpX as well as its interaction with teichoic acids lay the foundation for deciphering its role in immune responses and for developing effective treatments for a variety of infectious and bacteria-mediated inflammation processes, opening opportunities for targeted engineering of the S-layer or lactobacilli bacteria in general.

Engineered microorganisms: A new direction in kidney stone prevention and treatment

Numerous studies have shown that intestinal and urinary tract flora are closely related to the formation of kidney stones. The removal of probiotics represented by lactic acid bacteria and the colonization of pathogenic bacteria can directly or indirectly promote the occurrence of kidney stones. However, currently existing natural probiotics have limitations. Synthetic biology is an emerging discipline in which cells or living organisms are genetically designed and modified to have biological functions that meet human needs, or even create new biological systems, and has now become a research hotspot in various fields. Using synthetic biology approaches of microbial engineering and biological redesign to enable probiotic bacteria to acquire new phenotypes or heterologous protein expression capabilities is an important part of synthetic biology research. Synthetic biology modification of microorganisms in the gut and urinary tract can effectively inhibit the development of kidney stones by a range of means, including direct degradation of metabolites that promote stone production or indirect regulation of flora homeostasis. This article reviews the research status of engineered microorganisms in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones, to provide a new and effective idea for the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

Impact of Habitual Yogurt Intake in Mother-Child Dyads on Incidence of Childhood Otitis Media: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)

Otitis media, one of the most common childhood diseases, is characterized by inflammation or infection of the middle ear. Due to their ease of access, daily probiotics are recommended for the prevention of early childhood otitis media. This study aimed to assess the impact of probiotics on the incidence of otitis media using a dataset (n = 95,380) from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide birth cohort study. After multiple imputations, the association between the incidence of otitis media in early childhood and the daily frequency of yogurt intake in children and mothers was examined using a generalized linear model after adjusting for several confounders. Repeated incidence of otitis media during the 2 years after birth was found in 14,874 participants (15.6%). Based on participants with the lowest frequency of yogurt intake ("almost never") as the reference group, risk ratios for otitis media incidence decreased with higher frequencies of yogurt intake in children at one year of age, but also independently in mothers during pregnancy. The lowest risk ratio (95% confidence interval) for otitis media incidence at six months of age was observed with the most frequent yogurt intake (once/day or more) (0.54 [0.46-0.63]). Additionally, although a similar association was observed in the subgroup of those with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), a high-risk group for severe recurrent otitis media, no statistical significance was observed. Thus, increased regular yogurt intake in both children and mothers was associated with a decrease of otitis media during early childhood.

Revolutionizing lung health: Exploring the latest breakthroughs and future prospects of synbiotic nanostructures in lung diseases

The escalating prevalence of lung diseases underscores the need for innovative therapies. Dysbiosis in human body microbiome has emerged as a significant factor in these diseases, indicating a potential role for synbiotics in restoring microbial equilibrium. However, effective delivery of synbiotics to the target site remains challenging. Here, we aim to explore suitable nanoparticles for encapsulating synbiotics tailored for applications in lung diseases. Nanoencapsulation has emerged as a prominent strategy to address the delivery challenges of synbiotics in this context. Through a comprehensive review, we assess the potential of nanoparticles in facilitating synbiotic delivery and their structural adaptability for this purpose. Our review reveals that nanoparticles such as nanocellulose, starch, and chitosan exhibit high potential for synbiotic encapsulation. These offer flexibility in structure design and synthesis, making them promising candidates for addressing delivery challenges in lung diseases. Furthermore, our analysis highlights that synbiotics, when compared to probiotics alone, demonstrate superior anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities. This review underscores the promising role of nanoparticle-encapsulated synbiotics as a targeted and effective therapeutic approach for lung diseases, contributing valuable insights into the potential of nanomedicine in revolutionizing treatment strategies for respiratory conditions, ultimately paving the way for future advancements in this field.

Effects of extremely preterm birth on cytokine and chemokine responses induced by T-cell activation during infancy

Objectives

Extremely preterm (EPT; gestational week < 28 + 0, < 1000 g) neonates are vulnerable to infections and necrotising enterocolitis, important contributors to mortality and morbidity. However, knowledge regarding their immune maturation remains limited. We here investigated the longitudinal development of functional T-cell capacity in EPT infants.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at 14th and 28th day (D) and at gestational week 36 + 0 (Gw36) from EPT infants, participated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 probiotic supplementation. Blood collected from 25 full-term (FT) infants at D14 was used as control. The secretion of immune mediators was determined through comprehensive Luminex panels after stimulation with human T-cell activator CD3/CD28 beads.

Results

The levels of many mediators were low in EPT infants at D14, whereas the secretion of several chemokines was higher in EPT than in FT infants. Furthermore, Th2:Th1 cytokine ratios were higher in EPT than in FT infants. Progressively elevated secretion of, for example, IFN-γ, TNF and IL-17A in EPT infants was observed from D14 to D28 and then at Gw36. Elevated levels were observed for many proinflammatory mediators at D28. Probiotic supplementation or perinatal factors (e.g. clinical chorioamnionitis, preeclampsia and delivery mode) did not influence the cytokine and chemokine responses.

Conclusions

Immune mediators induced by T-cell activation in EPT infants were mainly reduced at D14 and Th2 skewed compared to those in FT infants, but mostly recovered at Gw36, indicating immune maturation. Increased proinflammatory responses at D28 may be related to the heightened risk of severe immune-associated complications seen in EPT infants.

Probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 Changes Foxp3 Deficiency-Induced Dyslipidemia and Chronic Hepatitis in Mice

The probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 produces anti-inflammatory effects in scurfy (SF) mice, a model characterized by immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, and X-linked inheritance (called IPEX syndrome in humans), caused by regulatory T cell (Treg) deficiency and is due to a Foxp3 gene mutation. Considering the pivotal role of lipids in autoimmune inflammatory processes, we investigated alterations in the relative abundance of lipid profiles in SF mice (± treatment with DSM 17938) compared to normal WT mice. We also examined the correlation between plasma lipids and gut microbiota and circulating inflammatory markers. We noted a significant upregulation of plasma lipids associated with autoimmune disease in SF mice, many of which were downregulated by DSM 17938. The upregulated lipids in SF mice demonstrated a significant correlation with gut bacteria known to be implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Chronic hepatitis in SF livers responded to DSM 17938 treatment with a reduction in hepatic inflammation. Altered gene expression associated with lipid metabolism and the positive correlation between lipids and inflammatory cytokines together suggest that autoimmunity leads to dyslipidemia with impaired fatty acid oxidation in SF mice. Probiotics are presumed to contribute to the reduction of lipids by reducing inflammatory pathways.

Effect of Pre-, Pro-, and Synbiotics on Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation in Children: A Scoping Review

Systemic inflammation plays a central role in many diseases and is, therefore, an important therapeutic target. In a scoping review, we assessed the evidence base for the anti-inflammatory effects of pre-, pro-, and synbiotics in children. Of the 1254 clinical trials published in English in Ovid Medline and Cochrane Library PubMed from January 2003 to September 2022, 29 were included in the review. In six studies of healthy children (n = 1552), one reported that fructo-oligosaccharides added to infant formula significantly reduced pro-inflammatory biomarkers, and one study of a single-strain probiotic reported both anti- and pro-inflammatory effects. No effects were seen in the remaining two single-strain studies, one multi-strain probiotic, and one synbiotic study. In 23 studies of children with diseases (n = 1550), prebiotics were tested in 3, single-strain in 16, multi-strain probiotics in 6, and synbiotics in 2 studies. Significantly reduced inflammatory biomarkers were reported in 7/10 studies of atopic/allergic conditions, 3/5 studies of autoimmune diseases, 1/2 studies of preterm infants, 1 study of overweight/obesity, 2/2 studies of severe illness, and 2/3 studies of other diseases. However, only one or two of several biomarkers were often improved; increased pro-inflammatory biomarkers occurred in five of these studies, and a probiotic increased inflammatory biomarkers in a study of newborns with congenital heart disease. The evidence base for the effects of pre-, pro-, and synbiotics on systemic inflammation in children is weak. Further research is needed to determine if anti-inflammatory effects depend on the specific pre-, pro-, and synbiotic preparations, health status, and biomarkers studied.

Clinical research with probiotics as an indicator of global valorization since the year 2000

Probiotics are becoming increasingly popular due to their potential health benefits. With this rise in popularity and demand as indicated by ever-growing market prospects, it seems evident that innovation and valorization are on the rise as well. However, an increasing body of literature shows that innovation is stagnating, which may be detrimental to the exploitation of the benefits of probiotics, for example the development of alternative therapies to manage the increasing prevalence of metabolic and autoimmune disorders. To this end, this study investigated global clinical trials that have been executed since the year 2000 as a first indicator of the status of probiotic valorization. The cumulative number of clinical trials has indeed increased significantly from 0 at the start of the century up to 2,517 registered trials in 2023. However, in Asia, Europe, and North America, the continents with the highest numbers of clinical trials, stagnating or declining trends have been found. In these locations, most clinical trials were funded by non-industry sponsors and targeting probiotic supplements or undefined products. Considering the overall stagnation in clinical trials and viewing these trends in the context of developments in local markets and regulations, the global valorization of probiotics appears to slow down. This could impact the transition from academic research to the development of products that are beneficial and accessible for consumers, either to maintain a healthy lifestyle or to treat medical conditions.

Lactobacillus casei combined with Lactobacillus reuteri alleviate pancreatic cancer by inhibiting TLR4 to promote macrophage M1 polarization and regulate gut microbial homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with no effective treatments. Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) and Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) exhibited therapeutic effects on several cancers, but their roles in pancreatic cancer are unknown. This study aims to explore how L. casei & L. reuteri influence pancreatic cancer and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Pancreatic cancer cells were treated with L. casei & L. reuteri and co-cultured with macrophages in a transwell system in vitro. Pancreatic cancer xenograft model was established and L. casei & L. reuteri was used to treat mice in vivo. MTT, CCK-8 assay or immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells or tumor tissues. Transwell assay was applied to test the migration and invasion of pancreatic cells. RT-qPCR was utilized to assess TLR4 and MyD88 expressions in pancreatic cells or tumor tissues. WB, immunofluorescence staining, or flow cytometry was used to evaluate the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. Besides, the composition of gut microbiota of tumor-bearing mice was determined by 16 S rRNA sequencing, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) untargeted metabolomics was used to evaluate the metabolic profiles of feces.

RESULTS

L. casei & L. reuteri inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion of pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic cancer cell-induced M2 polarization of macrophages by suppressing TLR4. Meanwhile, L. casei & L. reuteri repressed pancreatic cancer growth and promoted M1 macrophage polarization. Besides, L. casei & L. reuteri reduced fecal Alloprevotella and increased fecal azelate and glutamate in nude mice, while TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 increased Clostridia UCG-014, azelate, uridine, methionine sulfoxide, oxypurinol, and decreased glyceryl monoester in the feces of pancreatic tumor-bearing mice. Fecal oxypurinol and glyceryl monoester levels were positively or negatively associated with gut Clostridia UCG-014 abundance, respectively.

CONCLUSION

L. casei & L. reuteri alleviate pancreatic cancer by inhibiting TLR4 to promote macrophage M1 polarization and regulate gut microbial homeostasis.

Postbiotic Fractions of Probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum 299v and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Show Immune-Modulating Effects

Probiotic bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus spp. are important producers of bioactive molecules, known as postbiotics, that play essential roles in the immunological support of the intestinal mucosa. In this study, the system of co-culture of intestinal epithelial cells with macrophage cells in vitro was used to study the potential effect of postbiotic fractions of L. rhamonosus and L. plantarum on the modulation of the immune response induced by pro-inflammatory stimuli. This study's results revealed that the presence of probiotic bacterial components on the mucosal surface in the early and late stage of inflammatory conditions is based on cellular interactions that control inflammation and consequent damage to the intestinal epithelium. In our studies, heat killed fractions of probiotic bacteria and their extracted proteins showed a beneficial effect on controlling inflammation, regardless of the strain tested, consequently protecting intestinal barrier damage. In conclusion, the presented results emphasize that the fractions of probiotic bacteria of L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus may play a significant role in the regulation of LPS-mediated cytotoxic activity in intestinal epithelial cells. The fractions of probiotic strains of L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum showed the potential to suppress inflammation, effectively activating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and modulating the IL-18-related response.

The Role of Gut Microbiome Supplementation in COVID-19 Management

COVID-19, which is caused by the RNA virus, SARS-CoV-2, mainly affects the respiratory system and has a varied clinical presentation. However, several studies have shown that COVID-19 can also affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Patients can experience various GI symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and the virus has been detected in the stool samples of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. There have also been rare reports of COVID-19 presenting with isolated GI symptoms and lack of respiratory symptoms, and the virus has also been detected for prolonged periods in the fecal samples of COVID-19 patients. Major alterations in the gut microbiome in the form of depletion of beneficial organisms and an abundance of pathogenic organisms have been reported in the fecal samples of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Although the US FDA has approved several drugs to manage COVID-19, their efficacy remains modest. So, there is a constant ongoing effort to investigate novel treatment options for COVID-19. Health supplements like probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics have been popularly known for their various health benefits. In this review, we have summarized the current literature, which shows the potential benefit of these health supplements to mitigate and/or prevent the clinical presentation of COVID-19.

Probiotics and Their Bioproducts: A Promising Approach for Targeting Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus

Antibiotic resistance is a serious global health problem that poses a threat to the successful treatment of various bacterial infections, especially those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Conventional treatment of MRSA and VRE infections is challenging and often requires alternative or combination therapies that may have limited efficacy, higher costs, and/or more adverse effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Probiotics and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are two promising approaches that have shown potential benefits in various diseases. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. AMPs, usually produced with probiotic bacteria, are short amino acid sequences that have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Both probiotics and AMPs can modulate the host immune system, inhibit the growth and adhesion of pathogens, disrupt biofilms, and enhance intestinal barrier function. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the role of probiotics and AMPs in targeting multi-drug-resistant bacteria, with a focus on MRSA and VRE. In addition, we discuss future directions for the clinical use of probiotics.

Eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal microbiota

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an antigen-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus, the prevalence of which has steadily increased in recent years. The pathogenesis of EoE is not yet well-defined; however, recent studies have demonstrated that the esophageal microbiota is an essential regulator of physiological and pathological processes of EoE. Currently, research on EoE and microbiota is an emerging field of study that is receiving increasing attention. Here, we review existing EoE-related esophageal microbiota studies to explore the potential mechanisms underlying esophageal microbiota-mediated EoE. The esophageal microbiome is altered in patients with EoE. Although α diversity is usually not significantly different, an increase in Haemophilus and a decrease in Firmicutes were observed in EoE patients. The role of microbiota in initiating and perpetuating inflammation is not fully understood. Current evidence suggests that the penetration of microbiota leads to the activation of epithelial cells as well as innate and adaptive immune cells, with the subsequent release of cytokines, leading to immune responses and inflammation. The involvement of toll-like receptors in EoE also supports the potential role of the microbiota in the progression of this disease. While EoE-induced inflammation can also lead to alterations in the local microbiome. Moreover, dietary modifications, proton pump inhibitors, and corticosteroids can modulate the esophageal microbiota; however, definitive conclusions about the alterations of microbes after treatment cannot be drawn. These findings provide promising avenues for future studies.

Enhanced probiotic potential of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens OSU-BDGOA1 through co-culture with Kluyveromyces marxianus bdgo-ym6

Introduction

Due to the increasing consumer demand for the development and improvement of functional foods containing probiotics, new probiotic candidates need to be explored as well as novel means to enhance their beneficial effects. Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens OSU-BDGOA1 is a strain isolated from kefir grains that has demonstrated probiotic traits. This species is the main inhabitant of kefir grains and is responsible for the production of an exopolysaccharide (EPS) whit vast technological applications and potential bioactivities. Research has shown that interkingdom interactions of yeast and lactic acid bacteria can enhance metabolic activities and promote resistance to environmental stressors.

Methods

Comparative genomic analyses were performed to distinguish OSU-BDGOA1 from other strains of the same species, and the genome was mined to provide molecular evidence for relevant probiotic properties. We further assessed the cumulative effect on the probiotic properties of OSU-BDGOA1 and Kluyveromyces marxianus bdgo-ym6 yeast co-culture compared to monocultures.

Results

Survival during simulated digestion assessed by the INFOGEST digestion model showed higher survival of OSU-BDGOA1 and bdgo-ym6 in co-culture. The adhesion to intestinal cells assessed with the Caco-2 intestinal cell model revealed enhanced adhesion of OSU-BDGOA1 in co-culture. The observed increase in survival during digestion could be associated with the increased production of EPS during the late exponential and early stationary phases of co-culture that, by enhancing co-aggregation between the yeast and the bacterium, protects the microorganisms from severe gastrointestinal conditions as observed by SEM images. Immune modulation and barrier function for recovery and prevention of flagellin-mediated inflammation by Salmonella Typhimurium heat-killed cells (HKSC) in Caco-2 cells were also measured. OSU-BDGOA1 in mono- and co-culture regulated inflammation through downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and increased membrane barrier integrity assessed by TEER, FD4 permeability, and expression of tight junctions.

Discussion

The results of the study warrant further research into the application of co-cultures of yeast and LAB in functional probiotic products and the potential to increase EPS production by co-culture strategies.

Probiotic-Derived Ecto-5'-Nucleotidase Produces Anti-Inflammatory Adenosine Metabolites in Treg-Deficient Scurfy Mice

Probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (DSM 17938) prolongs the survival of Treg-deficient scurfy (SF) mice and reduces multiorgan inflammation by a process requiring adenosine receptor 2A (A2A) on T cells. We hypothesized that L. reuteri-derived ecto-5'-nucleotidase (ecto-5'NT) activity acts to generate adenosine, which may be a central mediator for L. reuteri protection in SF mice. We evaluated DSM 17938-5'NT activity and the associated adenosine and inosine levels in plasma, gut, and liver of SF mice. We examined orally fed DSM 17938, DSM 17938Δ5NT (with a deleted 5'NT gene), and DSM 32846 (BG-R46) (a naturally selected strain derived from DSM 17938). Results showed that DSM 17938 and BG-R46 produced adenosine while "exhausting" AMP, whereas DSM 17938∆5NT did not generate adenosine in culture. Plasma 5'NT activity was increased by DSM 17938 or BG-R46, but not by DSM 17938Δ5NT in SF mice. BG-R46 increased both adenosine and inosine levels in the cecum of SF mice. DSM 17938 increased adenosine levels, whereas BG-R46 increased inosine levels in the liver. DSM 17938Δ5NT did not significantly change the levels of adenosine or inosine in the GI tract or the liver of SF mice. Although regulatory CD73+CD8+ T cells were decreased in spleen and blood of SF mice, these regulatory T cells could be increased by orally feeding DSM 17938 or BG-R46, but not DSM 17938Δ5NT. In conclusion, probiotic-5'NT may be a central mediator of DSM 17938 protection against autoimmunity. Optimal 5'NT activity from various probiotic strains could be beneficial in treating Treg-associated immune disorders in humans.

Clinical efficacy of probiotics in prevention of infectious diseases among hospitalized patients in ICU and non-ICU wards in clinical randomized trials: A systematic review

Background and Aims

The present study aimed to review probiotics' clinical efficacy in preventing infectious diseases among hospitalized patients in ICU and non-ICU wards.

Methods

A search of Medline, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Open Grey, and Google Scholar was conducted for eligible publications from 2002 to 2020 following the requirements outlined in the PRISMA guideline. The search strategy was based on the combination of the following terms: "probiotics," "prebiotics," "synbiotics," and "cross-infection." The logical operators "AND" (or the equivalent operator for the databases) and "OR" (e.g., probiotics OR prebiotics OR synbiotics) were used.

Results

The results indicated that the probiotic consumption caused a significant reduction in antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in 2/8 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating AAD/CDI. Also, 5/12 clinical trials highlighted the considerable effects of probiotics on the reduction or prevention of ventilator associated pneumoniae (VAP), so the mean prevalence of VAP was lower in the probiotic group than in the placebo group. The total rate of nosocomial infections among preterm infants was nonsignificantly higher in the probiotic group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

This systematic review shows that the administration of probiotics has moderate preventive or mitigating effects on the occurrence of VAP in ICU patients, CDI, AAD, and nosocomial infections among children. Consequently, applying antibiotics along with the proper probiotic species can be advantageous.

Limosilactobacillus mucosae and Lactobacillus amylovorus Protect Against Experimental Colitis via Upregulation of Colonic 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 4 and Transforming Growth Factor-β2

BACKGROUND

Limosilactobacillusmucosae (LM) exerts anti-inflammatory and health-promoting effects. However, its role in the modulation of gut serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) metabolism and 5-HT receptors (HTRs) in inflammation requires further investigation.

OBJECTIVES

We compared LM with Lactobacillus amylovorus (LA) for the regulation of 5-HT, HTRs, inflammatory mediators, and their correlations in the colon of mice with experimental colitis.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 6 groups: control (Con), LM, LA, dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), and DSS with pre-administration of LM (+LM) or LA (+LA). After 7 d of DSS treatment, mice were killed to analyze the expression of inflammatory mediators, HTRs, and concentrations of 5-HT and microbial metabolites in the colon.

RESULTS

LM was more effective than LA in alleviating DSS-induced colonic inflammation. Compared with mice in the DSS group, mice receiving DSS + LM or DSS + LA treatment had lower (P < 0.05) colonic mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines. DSS + LM treatment had lower mRNA expression of Il1b, Tnfa, and Ccl3, an abundance of p-STAT3, and greater expression of Tgfb2 and Htr4 in the colon (P < 0.05). The expression of inflammatory mediators (including Tgfb-1) was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with 5-HT and Htr2a and negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with Htr4. However, the expression of Tgfb-2 showed reversed correlations with the 5-HT and HTRs described above. Patterns for these correlations were different for LM and LA. Mice receiving the DSS + LM treatment had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of acetate and valerate and lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid in the cecal and colonic contents.

CONCLUSIONS

LM showed greater efficacy than LA in alleviating DSS-induced colonic inflammation. The coordinated regulation of transforming growth factor-β subtypes and serotonin receptors in the colon may be one of the most important mechanisms underlying the probiotic effects of lactobacilli in gut inflammation.

Probiotics as an Alternative to Antibiotics: Genomic and Physiological Characterization of Aerobic Spore Formers from the Human Intestine

A total of thirty-two aerobic spore former strains were isolated from intestinal samples of healthy children and analyzed for their hemolytic and antibiotic-resistant activities. Four strains selected as non-hemolytic and sensitive to all antibiotics recommended as relevant by regulatory agencies were short-listed and evaluated for their in silico and in vitro probiotic potentials. The four selected strains were assigned to the Bacillus velezensis (MV4 and MV11), B. subtilis (MV24), and Priestia megaterium (formerly Bacillus megaterium) (MV30) species. A genomic analysis indicated that MV4, MV11, and MV24 contained a homolog of the gene coding for the fibrinolytic enzyme nattokinase while only MV30 encoded a glutamic acid decarboxylase essential to synthesize the neurotransmitter GABA. All four strains contained gene clusters potentially coding for new antimicrobials, showed strong antioxidant activity, formed biofilm, and produced/secreted quorum-sensing peptides able to induce a cytoprotective stress response in a model of human intestinal (HT-29) cells. Altogether, genomic and physiological data indicate that the analyzed strains do not pose safety concerns and have in vitro probiotic potentials allowing us to propose their use as an alternative to antibiotics.

Lactobacillus Probiotic Strains Differ in Their Ability to Adhere to Human Lung Epithelial Cells and to Prevent Adhesion of Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Cystic Fibrosis Lung

The field of probiotic applications is rapidly expanding, including their use for the control of respiratory tract infections. Nevertheless, probiotics ability to colonize the lung environment and to compete with pulmonary pathogens is still a poorly investigated research area. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the adhesion ability of a number of commercial probiotic strains to the human lung epithelial cell line A549. Furthermore, we assessed probiotic ability to prevent host cell adhesion of one of the major lung pathogens in cystic fibrosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and to reduce the pathogen-induced inflammatory response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in terms of cytokine release. Lactobacillus acidophilus displayed the highest adhesion ability to A549 cells evaluated as percent of adhered bacteria compared to the inoculum. In agreement with such an observation, L. acidophilus was the most efficient in preventing adhesion to A549 cells of a P. aeruginosa isolate from CF sputum. Three-color fluorescence labeling of A549 cells, P. aeruginosa, and L. acidophilus, and confocal microcopy image analyses revealed a likely exclusion effect played by both live and UV-killed L. acidophilus towards P. aeruginosa. Such results were confirmed by CFU count. When co-cultured with PBMCs, both live and UV-killed L. acidophilus reduced the amount of IL-1β and IL-6 in culture supernatants in a statistically significant manner. Overall, the results obtained point to L. acidophilus as an interesting candidate for further studies for a potential aerogenous administration to control P. aeruginosa infections.

Impact of probiotic on anxiety and depression symptoms in pregnant and lactating women and microbiota of infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Probiotics are non-invasive therapies composed of live bacteria and yeast. Administration of prebiotics improved the health status of pregnant and lactating women, as well as newborns. This review aimed to appraise the evidence concerning the effectiveness of probiotics on the mental health of pregnant women, lactating mother and the microbiota of the newborn.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis ascertained quantitative studies published in Medline (PubMed), Clinical Key, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Cochrane Library, and Google scholar. Two authors independently screened and extracted the data from the primary studies that analysed the efficacy of probiotics on the mental health of pregnant and lactating women and the microbiota of the newborn. We adopted Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The qualities of included trials were assessed by Cochrane collaboration's risk of bias tool (ROB-2).

Results

Sixteen trials comprised 946 pregnant women, 524 were lactating mothers, and 1678 were infants. The sample size of primary studies ranged from 36 to 433. Probiotics were administered as interventions, using either a single strain of Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus or a double-strain combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics supplementation reduced anxiety in pregnant (n = 676, standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.28,0.30, P = 0.04, I² = 70) and lactating women (n = 514, SMD = -0.17; 95% CI = -1.62,1.27, P = 0.98, I² = 0). Similarly, probiotics decreased depression in pregnant (n = 298, SMD = 0.05; 95% CI = -0.24,0.35, P = 0.20, I² = 40) and lactating women (n = 518, SMD = -0.10; 95% CI = -1.29,-1.05, P = 0.11, I² = 60%). Similarly, probiotics supplementation improved the gut microbiota and reduced the duration of crying, abdominal distension, abdominal colic and diarrhoea.

Conclusion

Non-invasive probiotic therapies are more useful to pregnant and lactating women and newborns.

Registration

The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022372126).

Sjögren's Syndrome Treatments in the Microbiome Era

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands, resulting in acinar epithelial cell atrophy, cell death, and loss of exocrine function. At least half of SS patients develop extraglandular inflammatory disease and have a wide range of systemic clinical manifestations that can affect any organ system, including connective tissues. As many as 3.1 million people in the U.S. suffer from SS, a disease that causes severe impairment. Women are nine times more likely than men to be affected by this condition. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment for SS, and the available options only provide partial relief. Treatment involves using replacement therapies such as artificial saliva and eye lubricants, or immunosuppressive agents that have limited efficacy. The medical community recognizes that there is a significant need for more effective treatments for SS. Increasing evidence demonstrates the links between the dysfunction of the human microbial community and the onset and development of many human diseases, signifying the potential use of microorganisms as an alternative strategy to conquer these issues. The role of the microbiome in controlling immune function of the human host in the context of autoimmune diseases like SS is now becoming better understood and may help to enable new drug development strategies. Natural probiotics and synthetic biology applications hold promise for novel treatment approaches to solve the encryption of many complex and multifactorial immune disorders, like SS.

Probiotic-derived ecto-5'-nucleotidase produces anti-inflammatory adenosine metabolites in Treg-deficient scurfy mice

Probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (DSM 17938) prolonges the survival of Treg-deficient scurfy (SF) mice and reduces multiorgan inflammation by a process requiring adenosine receptor 2A (A _2A ) on T cells. We hypothesized that L. reuteri -derived ecto-5'-nucleotidase (ecto-5'NT) activity acts to generate adenosine, which may be a central mediator for L. reuteri protection in SF mice. We evaluated DSM 17938-5'NT activity and the associated adenosine and inosine levels in plasma, gut and liver of SF mice. We examined orally fed DSM 17938, DSM 17938Δ5NT (with a deleted 5'NT gene), and DSM 32846 (BG-R46) (a naturally selected strain derived from DSM 17938). Results showed that DSM 17938 and BG-R46 produced adenosine while "exhausting" AMP, whereas DSM 17938∆5NT did not generate adenosine in culture. Plasma 5'NT activity was increased by DSM 17938 or BG-R46, but not by DSM 17938Δ5NT in SF mice. BG-R46 increased both adenosine and inosine levels in the cecum of SF mice. DSM 17938 increased adenosine levels, whereas BG-R46 increased inosine levels in the liver. DSM 17938Δ5NT did not significantly change the levels of adenosine or inosine in the GI tract or the liver of SF mice. Although regulatory CD73 ⁺ CD8 ⁺ T cells were decreased in spleen and blood of SF mice, these regulatory T cells could be increased by orally feeding DSM 17938 or BG-R46, but not DSM 17938Δ5NT. In conclusion, probiotic-5'NT may be a central mediator of DSM 17938 protection against autoimmunity. Optimal 5'NT activity from various probiotic strains could be beneficial in treating Treg-associated immune disorders in humans.

Microbiome and Its Dysbiosis in Inborn Errors of Immunity

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) can present with infections, autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, granulomas, and malignancy. IEIs are due to genetic abnormalities that disrupt normal host-immune response or immune regulation. The microbiome appears essential for maintaining host immunity, especially in patients with a defective immune system. Altered gut microbiota in patients with IEI can lead to clinical symptoms. Microbial dysbiosis is the consequence of an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria or a reduction in anti-inflammatory bacteria. However, functional and compositional differences in microbiota are also involved. Dysbiosis and a reduced alpha-diversity are well documented, particularly in conditions like common variable immunodeficiency. Deranged microbiota is also seen in Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, selective immunoglobulin-A deficiency, Hyper IgE syndrome (HIGES), X-linked lymphoproliferative disease-2, immunodysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, x-linked syndrome, and defects of IL10 signalling. Distinct gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cutaneous symptoms linked to dysbiosis are seen in several IEIs, emphasizing the importance of microbiome identification. In this study, we discuss the processes that maintain immunological homeostasis between commensals and the host and the disruptions thereof in patients with IEIs. As the connection between microbiota, host immunity, and infectious illnesses is better understood, microbiota manipulation as a treatment strategy or infection prevention method would be more readily employed. Therefore, optimal prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbial transplantation can be promising strategies to restore the microbiota and decrease disease pathology in patients with IEIs.

Probiotic-educated Tregs are more potent than naïve Tregs for immune tolerance in stressed new-born mice

When new-born mice are subjected to acute maternal separation stress, cow-milk based formula feeding, and brief recurrent hypoxia with cold stress, they develop gut inflammation similar to the phenotype of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, characterised by an increase in gut mucosal effector T (Teffs) and reduced Foxp3⁺ regulatory T (Tregs) cells. The imbalance can be prevented by probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (LR 17938). We hypothesised that LR 17938 could potentiate a tolerogenic function of Tregs. To analyse whether LR 17938 can educate Tregs to improve their tolerogenic potency during neonatal stress, we isolated T cells (Tregs and Teffs) from 'donor' mice fed with either LR 17938 (10⁷ cfu) or control media. The cells were adoptively transferred (AT) by intraperitoneal injection (5 × 10⁵ cells/mouse) to new-born (d5) recipient mice. Mice were then separated from their dams, fed formula by gavage, and exposed to hypoxia and cold stress (NeoStress) for 4 days. We analysed the percentage of Tregs in CD4⁺T helper cells in the intestine (INT) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of recipient mice. We found that: (1) the percentage of Tregs in the INT and MLN following NeoStress were significantly reduced compared to dam-fed unstressed mice; (2) AT of either naïve Tregs or LR-educated Tregs to mice with Neostress increased the percentage of Tregs in the INT and MLN compared to the percentage in NeoStress mice without Treg treatment; however, LR-educated Tregs increased the Tregs significantly more than naïve Tregs; and (3) AT of LR-educated Tregs reduced pro-inflammatory CD44⁺Foxp3^-NonTregs and inflammatory CX3CR1⁺ dendritic cells in the intestinal mucosa of NeoStress mice. In conclusion, adoptive transfer of Tregs promotes the generation of and/or migration of endogenous Tregs in the intestinal mucosa of recipient mice. Importantly, probiotic-educated Tregs are more potent than naïve Tregs to enhance immune tolerance following neonatal stress.

Living symbiotic bacteria-involved skin dressing to combat indigenous pathogens for microbiome-based biotherapy toward atopic dermatitis

Many skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), are featured with the dysbiosis of skin microbiota. The clinically recommended options for AD treatments suffer from poor outcomes and high side-effects, leading to severe quality-of-life impairment. To deal with this long-term challenge, we develop a living bacterial formulation (Hy@Rm) that integrates skin symbiotic bacteria of Roseomonas mucosa with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), poly(vinyl alcohol) and sodium alginate into a skin dressing by virtue of the Ca²⁺-mediated cross-linking and the freezing-thawing (F-T) cycle method. Hy@Rm dressing creates a favorable condition to not only serve as extrinsic culture harbors but also as nutrient suppliers to support R. mucosa survival in the harsh microenvironment of AD sites to defeat S. aureus, which predominantly colonizes AD skins as an indigenous pathogen, mainly through the secretion of sphingolipids metabolites by R. mucosa like a therapeutics bio-factory. Meanwhile, this elaborately designed skin dressing could accelerate wound healing, normalize aberrant skin characters, recover skin barrier functions, alleviate AD-associated immune/inflammation responses, functioning like a combinational therapy. This study offers a promising means for the topical bacteria transplant to realize effective microbe biotherapy toward the skin diseases feature with microbe milieu disorders, including but not limited to AD disease.

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Symbiotic bacteria were employed to defeat pathogenic bacteria in the diseased skins to treat atopic dermatitis (AD).

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A living symbiotic bacteria-involved skin dressing was designed to serve as extrinsic culture harbors and nutrient suppliers to support R. mucosa survival in the harsh microenvironment to defeat S. aureus, which predominantly colonizes AD skins.

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This study offered a promising means for the topical bacteria transplant to realize effective microbiome-based biotherapy toward the skin diseases feature with microbe milieu disorders.

Gut microbiota and synbiotic foods: Unveiling the relationship in COVID-19 perspective

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across the globe and is causing widespread disaster. The impact of gut microbiota on lung disease has been widely documented. Diet, environment, and genetics all play a role in shaping the gut microbiota, which can influence the immune system. Improving the gut microbiota profile through customized diet, nutrition, and supplementation has been shown to boost immunity, which could be one of the preventative methods for reducing the impact of various diseases. Poor nutritional status is frequently linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can affect the immune system. This review emphasizes the necessity of maintaining an adequate level of important nutrients to effectively minimize inflammation and oxidative stress, moreover to strengthen the immune system during the COVID-19 severity. Furthermore, the purpose of this review is to present information and viewpoints on the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics as adjuvants for microbiota modification and its effects on COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

Multi-dimensional experimental and computational exploration of metabolism pinpoints complex probiotic interactions

Multi-strain probiotics are widely regarded as effective products for improving gut microbiota stability and host health, providing advantages over single-strain probiotics. However, in general, it is unclear to what extent different strains would cooperate or compete for resources, and how the establishment of a common biofilm microenvironment could influence their interactions. In this work, we develop an integrative experimental and computational approach to comprehensively assess the metabolic functionality and interactions of probiotics across growth conditions. Our approach combines co-culture assays with genome-scale modelling of metabolism and multivariate data analysis, thus exploiting complementary data- and knowledge-driven systems biology techniques. To show the advantages of the proposed approach, we apply it to the study of the interactions between two widely used probiotic strains of Lactobacillus reuteri and Saccharomyces boulardii, characterising their production potential for compounds that can be beneficial to human health. Our results show that these strains can establish a mixed cooperative-antagonistic interaction best explained by competition for shared resources, with an increased individual exchange but an often decreased net production of amino acids and short-chain fatty acids. Overall, our work provides a strategy that can be used to explore microbial metabolic fingerprints of biotechnological interest, capable of capturing multifaceted equilibria even in simple microbial consortia.

A systematic review on selection characterization and implementation of probiotics in human health

Probiotics are live bacteria found in food that assist the body's defence mechanisms against pathogens by reconciling the gut microbiota. Probiotics are believed to aid with gut health, the immune system, and brain function, among other factors. They've furthermore been shown to help with constipation, high blood pressure, and skin issues. The global probiotics market has been incrementally growing in recent years, as consumers' demand for healthy diets and wellness has continued to increase. This has prompted the food industry to develop new probiotic-containing food products, as well as researchers to explore their specific characteristics and impacts on human health. Although most probiotics are fastidious microorganisms that are nutritionally demanding and sensitive to environmental conditions, they become less viable as they are processed and stored. In this review we studied the current literature on the fundamental idea of probiotic bacteria, their medical benefits, and their selection, characterization, and implementations.

Graphical Abstract

Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurological Disorders and Its Therapeutic Significance

In humans, the gut microbiota (GM) are known to play a significant role in the metabolism of nutrients and drugs, immunomodulation, and pathogen defense by inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The role of the GM in the gut-brain axis (GBA) has been documented for different regulatory mechanisms and associated pathways and it shows different behaviors with individualized bacteria. In addition, the GM are known as susceptibility factor for neurological disorders in the central nervous system (CNS), regulating disease progression and being amenable to intervention. Bidirectional transmission between the brain and the GM occurs in the GBA, implying that it performs a significant role in neurocrine, endocrine, and immune-mediated signaling pathways. The GM regulates multiple neurological disorders by supplementing them with prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, fecal transplantations, and/or antibiotics. A well-balanced diet is critically important for establishing healthy GM, which can alter the enteric nervous system (ENS) and regulate multiple neurological disorders. Here, we have discussed the function of the GM in the GBA from the gut to the brain and the brain to the gut, the pathways associated with neurology that interacts with the GM, and the various neurological disorders associated with the GM. Furthermore, we have highlighted the recent advances and future prospects of the GBA, which may require addressing research concerns about GM and associated neurological disorders.

C. S, Budha KR, Karki G, Díaz-Sánchez S, Gortazar C, de la Fuente J, Rajbhandari P, Manandhar P, Napit R, Karmacharya D. Identification and characterization of probiotics isolated from indigenous chicken (Gallus domesticus) of Nepal

BACKGROUND

Excessive and irrational use of antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry has been one of key factors contributing to increased emergence of antibiotics resistant bacteria. Several alternatives for antibiotic growth promoters are being sought, and the search for effective probiotics to be used as feed additives is amongst the promising ones. Our study aimed to isolate and test potential probiotics bacteria from cloacal swabs of various indigenous chicken (Gallus domesticus) breeds from rural outskirts of the Kathmandu valley (Nepal).

METHODS

Selective isolation of probiotics was conducted by micro-aerophilic enrichment of sample in MRS Broth at 37°C, followed by culturing on MRS agar supplemented with 5 g/L of CaCO3. Isolated bacterial colonies producing transparent halo were selected as potential lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and tested for their antibacterial activity, phenotypic and biochemical characteristics, acidic yield, and tolerance to acid and bile.

RESULTS

A total of 90 potential LAB were isolated from cloacal samples collected from 41 free-ranging chickens of indigenous breeds. Of these, 52 LAB isolates (57%) showed variable antibacterial activity to at least one bacterial pathogen. Of 52 LAB, 46 isolates fulfilled phenotypic and biochemical criteria of Lactobacillus spp. Of these, 37 isolates produced varying percentage yields of lactic acid, 27 isolates showed survival at pH 3.0, and 17 isolates showed survival tolerances in the presence of 0.3% and 0.5% bile salts for 24 hours. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequencing of LAB isolates fulfilling in vitro probiotics properties showed that 3 isolates had genetic identity of 99.38% with Lactobacillus plantarum, while one isolate was genetically similar (99.85%) with the clade of L. reuteri, L. antri and L. panis.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified four Lactobacillus spp. strains having potential probiotics properties. Further investigations are needed to evaluate these isolates to be used as poultry probiotics feed supplement.

A Reciprocal Link between Oral, Gut Microbiota during Periodontitis: The Potential Role of Probiotics in Reducing Dysbiosis-Induced Inflammation

Human body is colonized by a florid microbial community of bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, helminths, and viruses, known as microbiota, which co-evolves with the host and influences its health through all stages of its life. It is well known that oral microorganisms form highly structurally and functionally organized multi-species biofilms and establish a network of complex mutual inter-species interactions having a primary function in synergy, signaling, or antagonism. This ecological model allows the microorganisms to increase their resistance to antimicrobial agents and settle a balanced microbes-host symbiotic relationship that ensures oral and global health status in humans. The host-associated microbiome is an important factor in human health and disease. Therefore, to develop novel diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies, microbiome's functions and the reciprocal interactions every microbiome entertains with other microbial communities in the human body are being investigated. This review provides an analysis of the literature about the close connection between the two largest microbial communities in humans: the oral and the gut microbiomes. Furthermore, it focuses on how the alteration of their microbial and functional characteristics can lead to and reciprocally influence the onset of both oral and intestinal microbiome-associated illness, along with the potential role of probiotics in ameliorating inflammation and microbial dysbiosis.

Immune System and Epidemics: The Role of African Indigenous Bioactive Substances

With over 6 million coronavirus pandemic deaths, the African continent reported the lowest death rate despite having a high disease burden. The African community's resilience to the pandemic has been attributed to climate and weather conditions, herd immunity, repeated exposure to infectious organisms that help stimulate the immune system, and a disproportionately large youth population. In addition, functional foods, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements contain micronutrients and bioactive compounds that can help boost the immune system. This review identified significant traditional fermented foods and herbal remedies available within the African continent with the potential to boost the immune system in epidemics and pandemics. Methodology: Databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched using relevant search terms to identify traditional African fermented foods and medicinal plants with immune-boosting or antiviral capabilities. Cereal-based fermented foods, meat-, and fish-based fermented foods, and dairy-based fermented foods containing antioxidants, immunomodulatory effects, probiotics, vitamins, and peptides were identified and discussed. In addition, nine herbal remedies and spices belonging to eight plant families have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and antiviral properties. Peptides, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, ascorbic acid, minerals, vitamins, and saponins are some of the bioactive compounds in the remedies. Bioactive compounds in food and plants significantly support the immune system and help increase resistance against infectious diseases. The variety of food and medicinal plants found on the African continent could play an essential role in providing community resilience against infectious diseases during epidemics and pandemics. The African continent should investigate nutritional, herbal, and environmental factors that support healthy living and longevity.

Non-saccharomyces yeast probiotics: revealing relevance and potential

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts are unicellular eukaryotes that play important roles in diverse ecological niches. In recent decades, their physiological and morphological properties have been reevaluated and reassessed, demonstrating the enormous potential they possess in various fields of application. Non-Saccharomyces yeasts have gained relevance as probiotics, and in vitro and in vivo assays are very promising and offer a research niche with novel applications within the functional food and nutraceutical industry. Several beneficial effects have been described, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and gastrointestinal modulation and regulation functions. In addition, several positive effects of bioactive compounds or production of specific enzymes have been reported on physical, mental and neurodegenerative diseases as well as on the organoleptic properties of the final product. Other points to highlight are the multiomics as a tool to enhance characteristics of interest within the industry; as well as microencapsulation offer a wide field of study that opens the niche of food matrices as carriers of probiotics; in turn, non-Saccharomyces yeasts offer an interesting alternative as microencapsulating cells of various compounds of interest.

Chemopreventive role of probiotics against cancer: a comprehensive mechanistic review

Probiotics use different mechanisms such as intestinal barrier improvement, bacterial translocation and maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis to treat cancer. Probiotics' ability to induce apoptosis against tumor cells makes them more effective to treat cancer. Moreover, probiotics stimulate immune function through an immunomodulation mechanism that induces an anti-tumor effect. There are different strains of probiotics, but the most important ones are lactic acid bacteria (LAB) having antagonistic and anti-mutagenic activities. Live and dead probiotics have anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-oxidant and anti-metastatic properties which are useful to fight against different diseases, especially cancer. The main focus of this article is to review the anti-cancerous properties of probiotics and their role in the reduction of different types of cancer. However, further investigations are in progress to improve the efficiency of probiotics in cancer treatment.

The Emerging Role of Probiotics and their Derivatives against Biofilm-Producing MRSA: A Scoping Review

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main bacterial pathogens causing chronic infections, mainly because of its capacity to produce biofilm. Biofilm production is one of the underlying strategies for antibacterial drug resistance. Accordingly, preventing and attenuating biofilm production has become an emerging approach to controlling persistent infections. Therefore, this scoping review is aimed at surveying the published literature describing the usage of probiotics and their derivatives against biofilm-producing MRSA.

Methods

Updated literature searches were conducted across seven electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify all original published articles about probiotics against MRSA. In this regard, studies were summarized and analyzed in the present review.

Results

In the reviewed studies, various microorganisms and compounds were used as probiotics as follows: Lactobacillus species (8 studies), Enterococcus species (4 studies), Bacillus species (2 studies), Streptomyces species (2 studies), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1 study), Corynebacterium accolens (1 study), and Lactococcus lactis derived Nisin (3 studies). Based on our comprehensive search, 21 studies with eligibility criteria were included in the present review including 12 studies on clinical strains, 6 studies on ATCC, 2 studies simultaneously on clinical and standard strains, and finally 1 study on food sample.

Conclusions

Our study showed that there was an increasing trend in the number of publications reporting probiotics against biofilm-producing MRSA. The results of this scoping review could use to guide the undertaking of the subsequent systematic reviews. In summary, probiotics with antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties can use as an embedded agent in food products or as a biopharmaceutical in the prevention and treatment of MRSA infections.

Fabrication of electrospun gum Arabic-polyvinyl alcohol blend nanofibers for improved viability of the probiotic

In the current study, the probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus) was encapsulated using Gum Arabic and polyvinyl alcohol blended nanofibers by electrospinning. Obtained nanofibers were characterized in terms of particle size, diameter, mechanical strength, and encapsulation efficiency. The molecular and internal structure characterization was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction respectively. Thermo Gravimetric (TGA) analysis was conducted to determine the thermal features of PVA/GA/probiotics nanofibers. Free and encapsulated probiotics were also subjected to in vitro assay under different detrimental conditions. Images obtained using SEM indicated that probiotics were successfully encapsulated in blends by a nano-spider. FTIR and XRD spectra showed bonding interactions between the wall and core materials. In-vitro assay indicated that probiotics with encapsulated showed significantly (P < 0.05) viability compared to free cells. Free cells lost their viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions while encapsulated cells retained viability count above the therapeutic number (107 cfu).

Current and future perspectives for Helicobacter pylori treatment and management: From antibiotics to probiotics

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and is the leading cause of gastric diseases such as chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, as well as the most definite and controllable risk factor for the development of gastric cancer. Currently, the regimen for H. pylori eradication has changed from triple to quadruple, the course of treatment has been extended, and the type and dose of antibiotics have been adjusted, with limited improvement in efficacy but gradually increasing side effects and repeated treatment failures in an increasing number of patients. In recent years, probiotics have become one of the most important tools for supporting intestinal health and immunity. Numerous in vitro studies, animal studies, and clinical observations have demonstrated that probiotics have the advantage of reducing side effects and increasing eradication rates in adjuvant anti-H. pylori therapy and are a valuable supplement to conventional therapy. However, many different types of probiotics are used as adjuncts against H. pylori, in various combinations, with different doses and timing, and the quality of clinical studies varies, making it difficult to standardize the results. In this paper, we focus on the risk, status, prevention, control, and treatment of H. pylori infection and review international consensus guidelines. We also summarize the available scientific evidence on using Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) as a critical probiotic for H. pylori treatment and discuss its clinical research and application from an evidence-based perspective.

Antibiotic Resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Potential Use of Natural and Biological Products as Alternative Anti-Mycobacterial Agents

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). TB treatment is based on the administration of three major antibiotics: isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide. However, multi-drug resistant (MDR) Mtb strains are increasing around the world, thus, allowing TB to spread around the world. The stringent response is demonstrated by Mtb strains in order to survive under hostile circumstances, even including exposure to antibiotics. The stringent response is mediated by alarmones, which regulate bacterial replication, transcription and translation. Moreover, the Mtb cell wall contributes to the mechanism of antibiotic resistance along with efflux pump activation and biofilm formation. Immunity over the course of TB is managed by M1-macrophages and M2-macrophages, which regulate the immune response against Mtb infection, with the former exerting inflammatory reactions and the latter promoting an anti-inflammatory profile. T helper 1 cells via secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma, play a protective role in the course of TB, while T regulatory cells secreting interleukin 10, are anti-inflammatory. Alternative therapeutic options against TB require further discussion. In view of the increasing number of MDR Mtb strains, attempts to replace antibiotics with natural and biological products have been object of intensive investigation. Therefore, in this review the anti-Mtb effects exerted by probiotics, polyphenols, antimicrobial peptides and IFN-gamma will be discussed. All the above cited compounds are endowed either with direct antibacterial activity or with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating characteristics.

Microbiome engineering: engineered live biotherapeutic products for treating human disease

The human microbiota is implicated in many disease states, including neurological disorders, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. This potentially huge impact on human health has prompted the development of microbiome engineering methods, which attempt to adapt the composition and function of the human host-microbiota system for a therapeutic purpose. One promising method is the use of engineered microorganisms that have been modified to perform a therapeutic function. The majority of these products have only been demonstrated in laboratory models; however, in recent years more concepts have reached the translational stage. This has led to an increase in the number of clinical trials, which are designed to assess the safety and efficacy of these treatments in humans. Within this review, we highlight the progress of some of these microbiome engineering clinical studies, with a focus on engineered live biotherapeutic products.

Inborn errors of immunity and related microbiome

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are characterized by diverse clinical manifestations that are dominated by atypical, recurrent, chronic, or severe infectious or non-infectious features, including autoimmunity, lymphoproliferative disease, granulomas, and/or malignancy, which contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality. Some data suggest a correlation between clinical manifestations of IEI and altered gut microbiota. Many IEI display microbial dysbiosis resulting from the proliferation of pro-inflammatory bacteria or a decrease in anti-inflammatory bacteria with variations in the composition and function of numerous microbiota. Dysbiosis is considered more established, mainly within common variable immunodeficiency, selective immunoglobulin A deficiency, severe combined immunodeficiency diseases, Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, Hyper-IgE syndrome, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal-dystrophy (APECED), immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy X-linked (IPEX) syndrome, IL-10 receptor deficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, and Kostmann disease. For certain IEIs, the specific predominance of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cutaneous involvement, which is frequently associated with dysbiosis, justifies the interest for microbiome identification. With the better understanding of the relationship between gut microbiota, host immunity, and infectious diseases, the integration of microbiota modulation as a therapeutic approach or a preventive measure of infection becomes increasingly relevant. Thus, a promising strategy is to develop optimized prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbial transplantation to rebalance the intestinal microbiota and thereby attenuate the disease activity of many IEIs.

A multistrain probiotic improves handgrip strength and functional capacity in patients with COPD: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The age-related muscle loss, termed sarcopenia and functional dependency, are common findings in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, an effective bedside treatment remains elusive.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of probiotics on sarcopenia and physical capacity in COPD patients.

METHODS

Randomized, double-blind, computer-controlled, multicenter trial in two tertiary-care hospitals for 16 weeks. A central computer system randomly allocated male, 63-73 years old COPD patients into placebo (n=53) and probiotic (n=51) groups. The intervention was Vivomix 112 billion*, one capsule a day for 16 weeks. The main outcomes measured were sarcopenia phenotype, short physical performance battery (SPPB), plasma markers of intestinal permeability (zonulin and claudin-3) and neuromuscular junction degradation (CAF22), body composition, and handgrip strength (HGS) before and following the probiotics treatment.

FINDINGS

4 patients discontinued intervention due to poor compliance and 100 patients, including placebo (n=53) and probiotic (n=47) groups were analyzed. Probiotics reduced plasma zonulin, claudin-3, and CAF22, along with an improvement in HGS, gait speed, and SPPB scores (all p<0.05). Probiotic treatment also reduced the plasma c-reactive proteins and 8-isoprostane levels, the markers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (p<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed varying degrees of association of plasma biomarkers with sarcopenia indexes. Despite a statistical trend, we did not find a reduction in sarcopenia prevalence in the probiotic group.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the multistrain probiotic improves muscle strength and functional performance in COPD patients by reducing intestinal permeability and stabilizing neuromuscular junction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

GMC clinical trial unit, GMC-CREC-00263.

Dairy-Based Probiotic-Fermented Functional Foods: An Update on Their Health-Promoting Properties

Numerous studies have shown a link between the consumption of fermented dairy foods and improved health outcomes. Since the early 2000s, especially probiotic-based fermented functional foods, have had a revival in popularity, mostly as a consequence of claims made about their health benefits. Among them, fermented dairy foods have been associated with obesity prevention and in other conditions such as chronic diarrhea, hypersensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infection, lactose intolerance, and gastroenteritis which all are intimately linked with an unhealthy way of life. A malfunctioning inflammatory response may affect the intestinal epithelial barrier’s ability to function by interfering with the normal metabolic processes. In this regard, several studies have shown that fermented dairy probiotics products improve human health by stimulating the growth of good bacteria in the gut at the same time increasing the production of metabolic byproducts. The fermented functional food matrix around probiotic bacteria plays an important role in the survival of these strains by buffering and protecting them from intestinal conditions such as low pH, bile acids, and other harsh conditions. On average, cultured dairy products included higher concentrations of lactic acid bacteria, with some products having as much as 109/mL or g. The focus of this review is on fermented dairy foods and associated probiotic products and their mechanisms of action, including their impact on microbiota and regulation of the immune system. First, we discussed whey and whey-based fermented products, as well as the organisms associated with them. Followed by the role of probiotics, fermented-product-mediated modulation of dendritic cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils, cytokines, immunoglobulins, and reinforcement of gut barrier functions through tight junction. In turn, providing the ample evidence that supports their benefits for gastrointestinal health and related disorders.

Applications of Probiotic-Based Multi-Components to Human, Animal and Ecosystem Health: Concepts, Methodologies, and Action Mechanisms

Probiotics and related preparations, including synbiotics and postbiotics, are living and non-living microbial-based multi-components, which are now among the most popular bioactive agents. Such interests mainly arise from the wide range and numerous beneficial effects of their use for various hosts. The current minireview article attempts to provide an overview and discuss in a holistic way the concepts, methodologies, action mechanisms, and applications of probiotic-based multi-components in human, animal, plant, soil, and environment health. Probiotic-based multi-component preparations refer to a mixture of bioactive agents, containing probiotics or postbiotics as main functional ingredients, and prebiotics, protectants, stabilizers, encapsulating agents, and other compounds as additional constituents. Analyzing, characterizing, and monitoring over time the traceability, performance, and stability of such multi-component ingredients require relevant and sensitive analytical tools and methodologies. Two innovative profiling and monitoring methods, the thermophysical fingerprinting thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry technique (TGA-DSC) of the whole multi-component powder preparations, and the Advanced Testing for Genetic Composition (ATGC) strain analysis up to the subspecies level, are presented, illustrated, and discussed in this review to respond to those requirements. Finally, the paper deals with some selected applications of probiotic-based multi-components to human, animal, plant, soil and environment health, while mentioning their possible action mechanisms.

Emerging story of gut dysbiosis in spondyloarthropathy: From gastrointestinal inflammation to spondyloarthritis

As a set of inflammatory disorders, spondyloarthritis (SpA) exhibits distinct pathophysiological, clinical, radiological, and genetic characteristics. Due to the extra-articular features of this disorder, early recognition is crucial to limiting disability and improving outcomes. Gut dysbiosis has been linked to SpA development as evidence grows. A pathogenic SpA process is likely to occur when a mucosal immune system interacts with abnormal local microbiota, with subsequent joint involvement. It is largely unknown, however, how microbiota alterations predate the onset of SpA within the “gut-joint axis”. New microbiome therapies, such as probiotics, are used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of SpA, suggesting that the modulation of intestinal microbiota and/or intestinal barrier function may contribute to the prevention of SpA. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms of SpA by which the gut microbiota impacts gut inflammation and triggers the activation of immune responses. Additionally, we analyze the regulatory role of therapeutic SpA medication in the gut microbiota and the potential application of probiotics as adjunctive therapy for SpA.

Gut Microbiota—A Future Therapeutic Target for People with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents an increasing cause of liver disease, affecting one-third of the population worldwide. Despite many medications being in the pipeline to treat the condition, there is still no pharmaceutical agent licensed to treat the disease. As intestinal bacteria play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of liver damage in patients with NAFLD, it has been suggested that manipulating the microbiome may represent a therapeutical option. In this review, we summarise the latest evidence supporting the manipulation of the intestinal microbiome as a potential therapy for treating liver disease in patients with NAFLD.

Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii attenuates cardiopulmonary bypass-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis

OBJECTIVE

Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common and fatal complications of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Probiotics treatment has been shown to reduce lung injury in different experimental models. However, the effect of probiotics on CPB-induced ALI is still poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate whether probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 treatment protects against lung injury in a rat model of CPB.

METHODS

Rats were orally gavaged with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 once a day for 5 days before being subjected to CPB. Rats were euthanized post-CPB, and samples of lung tissue were processed for later investigation. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. The expression levels of ferroptosis markers in lungs were assessed by western blot. The microbes in feces and proximal colon of rats were analyzed by using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing method. The ratio and maturity of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) were determined by flow-cytometry.

RESULTS

Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 treatment improved lung function, attenuated pathologic lung changes and decelerated the exacerbation of inflammatory cytokine level after experimental CPB. Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 treatment also inhibited CPB-induced ferroptosis, as evidenced by the changes of main markers of ferroptosis, namely, the increase of Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and the decrease of Acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4). In addition, after Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 treatment, the ratio and maturity of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in the guts of rats with CPB were significantly up-regulated.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 reduces CPB-induced lung injury through suppression of the ferroptosis in lung and up-regulation of the ratio and maturity of cDCs in gut.