Characterization of the intestinal microbiota and its interaction with probiotics and health impacts

Benefits of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immunity, and cecal microbiota of rabbits

Introduction

Heat-killed probiotics, as a type of inactivated beneficial microorganisms, possess an extended shelf life and broader adaptability compared to their live counterparts. This study aimed to investigate the impact of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus, LA) - a deactivated probiotic on the growth performance, digestibility, antioxidant status, immunity and cecal microbiota of rabbits.

Methods

Two hundred weaned Hyla rabbits were randomly allocated into five equal groups (CON, L200, L400, L600, and L800). Over a 28-day period, the rabbits were fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg of heat-killed LA, respectively.

Results

Results revealed a significant reduction in the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the L800 group exhibited significantly higher apparent digestibility of crude fiber (CF) and crude protein (CP) (p < 0.05). Regarding digestive enzyme activities, enhanced trypsin and fibrinase activities were observed in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05). Concerning the regulation of the body's antioxidant status, the L800 group demonstrated elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in both serum and ileal tissue (p < 0.05). In terms of immune capacity modulation, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly lower in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05), while immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were higher (p < 0.05). Additionally, the L800 group exhibited a substantial increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in the intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05). In comparison to the CON group, the L800 group exhibited a significant increase in the relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium and Alistipes in the cecum (p < 0.05). Phascolarctobacterium demonstrated a positive correlation with SIgA (p < 0.05), IgM (p < 0.01), and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05), while displaying a negative correlation with TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). Concurrently, Alistipes exhibited positive correlations with IgA (p < 0.05), IgM (p < 0.05), SIgA (p < 0.01), GSH-Px (p < 0.05), SOD (p < 0.05), and T-AOC (p < 0.01), and a negative correlation with TNF-α (p < 0.05).

Discussion

In conclusion, the dietary incorporation of 600 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of heat-killed LA positively influenced the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immune capacity and cecal microbiota of rabbits. This highlights the potential benefits of utilizing heat-killed probiotics in animal nutrition.

Regulation and analysis of Simiao Yong'an Decoction fermentation by Bacillus subtilis on the diversity of intestinal microbiota in Sprague-Dawley rats

Background and Aim

Simiao Yong'an decoction (SYD) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription that has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain. In this study, we investigated the effect of SYD on the diversity of intestinal microbiota after fermentation by Bacillus subtilis.

Materials and Methods

SYD was fermented using B. subtilis. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups with six rats in each group: Negative sample group (NS), water exaction non-fermentation group (WE), B. subtilis group (BS), and fermentation liquid group (FL). All rats were orally administered for 14 days. High-throughput Illumina sequencing was used to analyze 16S rRNA expression in rat fecal samples.

Results

A total of 2782 operational taxonomical units (OTUs) were identified in this study, and 634 OTUs were shared among all samples. Bacteroidetes (28.17%-53.20%) and Firmicutes (48.35%-67.83%) were the most abundant phyla identified among the four groups. The abundance of Escherichia and Alistipes was lower in the FL group than in the NS group, whereas the abundance of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus was increased in the FL group (p < 0.05). The abundance of Bifidobacterium was significantly upregulated in the FL group compared with the WE and BS groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

After fermentation, SYD had a significantly better effect than SYD or B. subtilis. SYD significantly promoted the growth of intestinal probiotics, inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and maintained the balance of intestinal microbiota in SD rats. This study provides new insights into the development and use of SYD.

Acetolactate Decarboxylase as an Important Regulator of Intracellular Acidification, Morphological Features, and Antagonism Properties in the Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri

SCORE

This study identifies the coding gene (aldB) of acetolactate decarboxylase (ALDC) as an important regulatory gene of the intracellular pH in Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), uncovering the important role of ALDC in regulating intracellular pH, morphological features, and antagonism properties in the probiotic organism L. reuteri.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The aldB mutant (ΔaldB) of L. reuteri is established using the homologous recombination method. Compare to the wild-type (WT) strain, the ΔaldB strain shows a smaller body size, grows more slowly, and contains more acid in the cell cytoplasm. The survival rate of the ΔaldB strain is much lower in low pH and simulated gastric fluid (SGF) than that of the WT strain, but higher in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). The antagonism test demonstrates the ΔaldB strain can inhibit Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Salmonella more effectively than the WT strain. Additionally, there is a dramatic decrease in the adhesion rate of Salmonella to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells in the presence of the ΔaldB strain compared to the WT strain. Simultaneously analyze, the auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), hemolytic, temperature, NaCl, oxidative stress, and antibiotic susceptibility of the ΔaldB strain are consistent with the features of probiotics.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that the aldB gene plays a significant role in the growth and antibacterial properties of L. reuteri.

A novel approach to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: From probiotic properties to the omics insights

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (previously known as Lactobacillus plantarum) strains are one of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) commonly used in fermentation and their probiotic and functional properties along with their health-promoting roles come to the fore. Food-derived L. plantarum strains have shown good resistance and adhesion in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, many strains of L. plantarum can produce bacteriocins with interesting antimicrobial activity. This probiotic properties of L. plantarum and existing in different niches give a great potential to have beneficial effects on health. It is also has been shown that L. plantarum can regulate the intestinal microbiota composition in a good way. Recently, omics approaches such as metabolomics, secretomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and genomics try to understand the roles and mechanisms of L. plantarum that are related to its functional characteristics. This review provides an overview of the probiotic properties, including the specific interactions between microbiota and host, and omics insights of L. plantarum.

In Vitro Study of Probiotic, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities among Indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains

Nowadays, the interest toward products containing probiotics is growing due to their potential health benefits to the host and the research is focusing on search of new probiotic microorganisms. The present work was focused on the characterization of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, isolated from different food matrixes, with the goal to select strains with probiotic or health-beneficial potential. A preliminary screening performed on fifty S. cerevisiae indigenous strains, in comparison to a commercial probiotic strain, allowed to individuate the most suitable ones for potential probiotic aptitude. Fourteen selected strains were tested for survival ability in the gastrointestinal tract and finally, the strains characterized for the most important probiotic features were analyzed for health-beneficial traits, such as the content of glucan, antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activities. Three strains, 4LBI-3, LL-1, TA4-10, showing better attributes compared to the commercial probiotic S.cerevisiae var. boulardii strain, were characterized by interesting health-beneficial traits, such as high content of glucan, high antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activities. Our results suggest that some of the tested S. cerevisiae strains have potential as probiotics and candidate for different applications, such as dietary supplements, and starter for the production of functional foods or as probiotic to be used therapeutically.

Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis supplementation on gastrointestinal symptoms: systematic review with meta-analysis

CONTEXT

The effects of probiotics on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have been increasingly investigated, particularly that of Bifidobacterium animalis. Clinical trials so far have shown differing evidence regarding these effects in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize the published evidence on the effects of B. animalis subspecies lactis on GI symptoms (GIS) in healthy adults.

DATA SOURCE

A search of the Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for reports on randomized controlled trials published up to October 2021.

DATA EXTRACTION

Population characteristics and data on colonic transit time (CTT), stool consistency, defecation frequency, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, volunteer compliance, and adverse events were extracted. A random-effects model was used to estimate the effect of probiotic treatment on these variables.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In total, 1551 studies were identified, of which 14 were included in the qualitative synthesis and 13 in the meta-analysis. Overall, probiotic supplementation increased defecation frequency (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.26; 95%CI, 0.13-0.39). Subgroup analysis revealed a decrease in CTT (SMD, -0.34; 95%CI, -0.62 to -0.07) in short-term treatment (≤14 d) and an improvement in stool consistency (SMD, 0.76; 95%CI, 0.44-1.08) in individuals without GIS. No improvement in abdominal pain and bloating was found.

CONCLUSIONS

B. animalis subspecies lactis supplementation may increase defecation frequency and, in short-term treatment, may reduce CTT in healthy adults and improve stool consistency in individuals without GIS. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to develop a clinical protocol for the use of this strain to improve these symptoms.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020154060.

Weissella cibaria MG5285 and Lactobacillus reuteri MG5149 attenuated fat accumulation in adipose and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-induced C57BL/6J obese mice

Background

Excessive consumption of dietary fat is closely related to obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Recently, probiotics have been highly proposed as biotherapeutic to treat and prevent diseases. Previously, there are studies that demonstrated the beneficial effects of probiotics against metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes.

Objective

We investigated the anti-obesity effect and mechanism of action of four human-derived lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MG4502, Lactobacillus gasseri MG4524, Limosilactobacillus reuteri MG5149, and Weissella cibaria MG5285) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice.

Design

Obesity was induced in mice over 8 weeks, with a 60% HFD. The four human-derived LAB strains (2 × 10⁸ CFU/mouse) were orally administered to male C57BL/6J mice once daily for 8 weeks. Body weight, liver and adipose tissue (AT) weights, glucose tolerance, and serum biochemistry profiles were determined. After collecting the tissues, histopathological and Western blot analyses were conducted.

Results

Administration of these LAB strains resulted in decreased body weight, liver and AT weights, and glucose tolerance. Serum biochemistry profiles, including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and leptin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved. Hepatic steatosis and TG levels in liver tissue were significantly reduced. In addition, the size of adipocytes in epididymal tissue was significantly reduced. In epididymal tissues, Limosilactobacillus reuteri MG5149 and Weissella cibaria MG5285 groups showed a significantly reduced expression of lipogenic proteins, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and adipocyte-protein 2. In addition, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1-c and its downstream protein FAS in the liver tissue were significantly decreased. These strains attenuated fat accumulation in the liver and AT by upregulating the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in HFD-fed mice.

Conclusion

We suggest that L. reuteri MG5149 and W. cibaria MG5285 could be used as potential probiotic candidates to prevent obesity.

Role of fermented goat milk as a nutritional product to improve anemia

Goat milk, like cow milk, needs some modifications to be used as the sole source of nutrition during early infancy. For goat milk to be more like human milk and more nutritionally complete, sugar, vitamins and minerals need to be added to it and for reduction of renal solute load, it needs to be diluted. To prevent megaloblastic anemia in infants fed exclusively on goat milk, folic acid should be supplied either by adding it to goat milk or by an oral folic acid supplement. In fortification of milk products, thermal processing, fermentation, and species differences in milk folate bioavailability are three additional factors that should be considered besides absolute difference in folate concentration between goat and human milk. Whether different feeding regimes (e.g., iron and folate content of diets) influence milk folate content needs to be elucidated by more research. Our findings showed that fermented goat milk during anemia recovery can be improve antioxidant status, protection from oxidative damage to biomolecules, protective effects on testis, improve Fe and skeletal muscle homeostasis as well as improve cardiovascular health. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: To be used as part of a postweaning nutritionally well-balanced diet, fermented goat milk is most likely an excellent source of nutrition for the human.

Probiotics and gut microbiome - Prospects and challenges in remediating heavy metal toxicity

The gut microbiome, often referred to as "super organ", comprises up to a hundred trillion microorganisms, and the species diversity may vary from person to person. They perform a decisive role in diverse biological functions related to metabolism, immunity and neurological responses. However, the microbiome is sensitive to environmental pollutants, especially heavy metals. There is continuous interaction between heavy metals and the microbiome. Heavy metal exposure retards the growth and changes the structure of the phyla involved in the gut microbiome. Meanwhile, the gut microbiome tries to detoxify the heavy metals by altering the physiological conditions, intestinal permeability, enhancing enzymes for metabolizing heavy metals. This review summarizes the effect of heavy metals in altering the gut microbiome, the mechanism by which gut microbiota detoxifies heavy metals, diseases developed due to heavy metal-induced dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, and the usage of probiotics along with advancements in developing improved recombinant probiotic strains for the remediation of heavy metal toxicity.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Recombinant Plectasin on Growth Performance, Intestinal Health and Innate Immunity Response in Broilers

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of recombinant plectasin (Ple) on the growth performance, intestinal health, and serum immune parameters in broilers. A total of 288 1-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acres) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments including the basal diet (NC) and basal diet supplemented with 10 mg enramycin/kg (PC), 100 mg Ple/kg (LPle), and 200 mg Ple/kg (HPle) diets. The results indicated Ple increased (P < 0.01) average daily gain and decreased (P ≤ 0.02) feed to gain ratio of broilers. In addition, the supplementation of Ple in the diets increased (P ≤ 0.01) duodenal lipase (day 21) and trypsin (day 42) activities compared with the NC group. Similar as the supplementation of enramycin, Ple also increased villus height and decreased crypt depth in jejunum (day 21), and thus the villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.01) was increased compared to the NC group on day 42. The serum immunoglobulin M (days 21 and 42), immunoglobulin G (day 42), complement 3 (day 21), and complement 4 (days 21 and 42) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.02) due to the supplementation of Ple and enramycin, while the concentration of malondialdehyde in jejunum was decreased (P < 0.01) in PC, LPle, and HPle groups on day 21 compared with those in the NC group. Furthermore, Ple reduced (P < 0.01) Escherichia coli and total aerobic bacteria population in ileum and cecum of birds on days 21 and 42. These results indicate that the recombinant plectasin has beneficial effects on growth performance, intestinal health, and innate immunity in broilers.

Characterization of Ocular Surface Microbial Profiles Revealed Discrepancies between Conjunctival and Corneal Microbiota

The ocular microbiome composition has only been partially characterized. Here, we used RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) data to assess microbial diversity in human corneal tissue. Additionally, conjunctival swab samples were examined to characterize ocular surface microbiota. Short RNA-Seq reads, obtained from a previous transcriptome study of 50 corneal tissues, were mapped to the human reference genome GRCh38 to remove sequences of human origin. The unmapped reads were then used for taxonomic classification by comparing them with known bacterial, archaeal, and viral sequences from public databases. The components of microbial communities were identified and characterized using both conventional microbiology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques in 36 conjunctival swabs. The majority of ocular samples examined by conventional and molecular techniques showed very similar microbial taxonomic profiles, with most of the microorganisms being classified into Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria phyla. Only 50% of conjunctival samples exhibited bacterial growth. The PCR detection provided a broader overview of positive results for conjunctival materials. The RNA-Seq assessment revealed significant variability of the corneal microbial communities, including fastidious bacteria and viruses. The use of the combined techniques allowed for a comprehensive characterization of the eye microbiome's elements, especially in aspects of microbiota diversity.

Val-Val-Tyr-Pro protects against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice by modulating the gut microbiota and gut-liver axis activation

Val‐Val‐Tyr‐Pro (VVYP) peptide is one of the main active components of Globin digest (GD). Our previous studies indicated that VVYP could protect against acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride‐induced acute liver failure in mice and decrease blood lipid level. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of VVYP in the treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have not been discovered. Our present study was designed to investigate the preventive effect of VVYP on NASH and its underlying specific mechanisms. We found that VVYP inhibited the cytotoxicity and lipid accumulation in L‐02 cells that were exposed to a mixture of free fatty acid (FFA). VVYP effectively alleviated the liver injury induced by methionine‐choline‐deficient (MCD) diet, demonstrated by reducing the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/triglycerides (TG)/non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and improving liver histology. VVYP decreased expression levels of lipid synthesis‐related genes and reduced levels of the proinflammation cytokines in the liver of mice fed by MCD diet. Moreover, VVYP inhibited the increased level of LPS and reversed the liver mitochondria dysfunction induced by MCD diet. Meanwhile, VVYP significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Eubacteriaceae, coriobacteriacease, Desulfovibrionaceae, S24‐7 and Bacteroidia in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice, however, VVYP reduced the abundance of Lactobacillus. Moreover, VVYP conferred the protective effect of intestinal barrier via promoting the expression of the mucins and tight junction (TJ)‐associated genes and inhibited subsequent liver inflammatory responses. These results indicated that the protective role of VVYP on NASH is mediated by modulating gut microbiota imbalance and related gut‐liver axis activation. VVYP might be a promising drug candidate for NASH.

Probiotics and COVID-19: is there any link?

Understanding mechanisms of the novel SARS-CoV2 infection and progression can provide potential novel targets for prevention and/or treatment. This could be achieved via the inhibition of viral entry and/or replication, or by suppression of the immunologic response that is provoked by the infection (known as the cytokine storm). Probiotics are defined as 'live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host'. There is scarcity of evidence about the relationship between COVID-19 and gut microbiota. So, whether or not these supplements can prevent or ameliorate COVID-19-associated symptoms is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to provide an indirect evidence about the utility of probiotics in combating COVID-19 or its associated symptoms, through the review of its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, animal models and human trials. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The role of probiotics in alleviation of the novel COVID-19 has not been established. This review provides an insight about the anti-inflammatory, antiviral effects of probiotics in vitro, animal models and human. The latter can provide an indirect evidence and/or hypothesis-driven approach to investigate the use of probiotics as adjunctive therapy in the prophylaxis and/or alleviation of COVID-19 symptoms.

Intermingling of gut microbiota with brain: Exploring the role of probiotics in battle against depressive disorders

Depression is a debilitating psychiatric ailment which exerts disastrous effects on one's mental and physical health. Depression is accountable for augmentation of various life-threatening maladies such as neurodegenerative anomalies, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Depressive episodes are recurrent, pose a negative impact on life quality, decline life expectancy and enhance suicidal tendencies. Anti-depression chemotherapy displays marked adverse effects and frequent relapses. Thus, newer therapeutic interventions to prevent or combat depression are desperately required. Discovery of gut microbes as our mutualistic partner was made a long time ago and it is surprising that their functions still continue to expand and as of yet many are still to be uncovered. Experimental studies have revealed astonishing role of gut commensals in gut-brain signaling, immune homeostasis and hormonal regulation. Now, it is a well-established fact that gut microbes can alleviate stress or depression associated symptoms by modulating brain functions. Here in, we provide an overview of physiological alleyways involved in cross-talk between gut and brain, part played by probiotics in regulation of these pathways and use of probiotic bacteria as psychobiotics in various mental or depressive disorders.

Influence of moderate beer consumption on human gut microbiota and its impact on fasting glucose and β-cell function

Beer is a beverage that has been consumed worldwide for thousands of years due to social, religious, and cultural reasons; it contains polyphenolic compounds as well as phenolic acids with a potential positive effect on human health. This study aimed to explore the impact of moderate beer consumption on human health and gut microbiota diversity. Three hundred fifty-five mL of non-alcoholic beer (NAB) or alcoholic beer (AB) were consumed daily by the participants for 30 days in each study. Anthropometric measures, blood samples for biochemistry, and fecal samples for microbiota analysis were collected on Day 1 and Day 30. Microbial diversity was characterized by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA libraries, and data were analyzed using the QIIME pipeline. We found that NAB and AB have effects on the composition of the gut microbiota, favoring the proliferation of Bacteroidetes with respect to Firmicutes. No increase in weight, waist, and hip parameters was observed, and the liver and lipid profile values were not modified for NAB. In addition, the consumption of NAB induced a decrease in fasting blood serum glucose and an increase in functional β cells, while, on the other hand, there was an increase in blood serum glucose and a decrease in functional β cells with the consumption of AB. In general, beer consumption neither changed anthropometric values, nor affected liver function. Although the glucose values decreased with NAB or increased with AB, they remained within the normal range. Our conclusion is that moderate consumption of NAB has a positive effect on human health via supplementation of biological active polyphenol and phenolic acids, and by enrichment of the gut microbiota diversity with beneficial bacteria, while the presence of alcohol in AB interferes with this effect. More work should be done on this topic before general conclusions are drawn.

Whole genome sequence analysis and in vitro probiotic characteristics of a Lactobacillus strain Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM54

AIM

The aim was to identify a Lactobacillus strain with potential probiotic characteristics by whole-genome sequence analysis and in vitro experimental studies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The whole-genome sequencing was carried out using PacBio RSII sequencing method and Illumina's paired-end sequencing technology. Gene prediction and annotation were achieved using GlimmerVersion 3.02 and NCBI prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline. Identification was done by biochemical tests and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. mega 6 software was used to build phylogenetic tree. Antagonism against pathogen was determined by agar well diffusion method. Resistance and stability to bile, simulated gastric acid, different salt concentration and thermostability were investigated. Hydrophobicity assay, aggregation assay and anti-oxidation assay were performed to check further probiotic traits. Finally antibiotic susceptibility and acute oral toxicity of the strain in mice were investigated to check its safety status. The strain showed >99% similarity to Lactobacillus paracasei which was further confirmed by biochemical tests. It significantly inhibited pathogens in agar well diffusion assay. It showed tolerance to simulated gastric acid (pH 3), 0·3% bile salt and 10% NaCl. Significant hydrophobic, aggregation and anti-oxidizing activities were observed. No resistance to antibiotics tested was observed and no adverse effects during acute oral toxicity in mice were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM 54, a new and safe Lactobacillus strain was identified with numerous probiotic-associated genes and characteristics confirmed by experimental studies.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

A new probiotic strain has been identified which is highly stable, safe and suitable to be used in health and food industries.

Long-term metal exposure changes gut microbiota of residents surrounding a mining and smelting area

In this epidemiologic study, 16 S rRNA sequencing was used to investigate the changes of diversity and composition profile of gut microbiota resulting from long-term exposure to multiple metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cuprum (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Due to long-term exposure to various metals, the relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Eubacterium eligens, Ruminococcaceae UGG-014, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003, Tyzzerella 3, Bacteroides, Slackia, italics, and Roseburia were found to become much higher, whereas the abundance of Prevotella 9 presented an opposite trend. Additionally, differences between males and female groups were found, such as the greater richness and evenness of bacteria for men subjected to long-term metal exposure in polluted areas. The changes of men’s microbiomes were more significant as a result of higher daily intake, mining and smelting activity, and living habits. This research presents a new theoretical basis for the correlation between long-term metal exposure and gut health for people living in contaminated areas.

Antibacterial activity of viable and heat-killed probiotic strains against oral pathogens

Probiotics can stabilize gut flora, regulate intestinal immunity and protect the host from enteric diseases; however, their roles in oral health have received little attention compared to their roles in gut health. Nowadays, the prevalence of sugar-sweetened foods and abuse of antibiotics contribute towards dysbiosis of oral microbiota and drug resistance development in oral pathogens, resulting in various intractable oral diseases. We screened the antibacterial activities of viable and heat-killed probiotic strains against the oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The probiotic strains Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salicinius AP-32, L. rhamnosus CT-53, L. paracasei ET-66 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CP-9 displayed strong antipathogenic activities, whereas heat-killed AP-32, CT-53 and ET-66 displayed high levels of pathogen inhibition. The antibacterial activities of these probiotics were not associated with their H₂ O₂ production; L. acidophilus TYCA02 produced high levels of H₂ O₂ but merely exhibited moderate antibacterial activities. Oral tablets containing probiotics showed positive inhibitory effects against oral pathogens, particularly those containing viable probiotics. Our results indicate that probiotics prevent the growth of oral pathogens and improve oral health, providing insights into the antipathogenic efficacy of different probiotic species and their potential role in functional foods that improve oral health. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our study provides insights into the antipathogenic efficacy of different probiotic species and their potential roles in developing functional foods to improve oral health. We showed that the probiotic strains Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salicinius AP-32, L. rhamnosus CT-53, L. paracasei ET-66 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CP-9 have great potential for use in the development of functional foods to improve oral health. Since active probiotics may provide strong and long-term protection, the development of functional food products should favour the use of viable bacteria.

Impact of global PTP1B deficiency on the gut barrier permeability during NASH in mice

OBJECTIVE

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by a robust pro-inflammatory component at both hepatic and systemic levels together with a disease-specific gut microbiome signature. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP1B) plays distinct roles in non-immune and immune cells, in the latter inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling cascades. In this study, we have explored the role of PTP1B in the composition of gut microbiota and gut barrier dynamics in methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH in mice.

METHODS

Gut features and barrier permeability were characterized in wild-type (PTP1B WT) and PTP1B-deficient knockout (PTP1B KO) mice fed a chow or methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks. The impact of inflammation was studied in intestinal epithelial and enteroendocrine cells. The secretion of GLP-1 was evaluated in primary colonic cultures and plasma of mice.

RESULTS

We found that a shift in the gut microbiota shape, disruption of gut barrier function, higher levels of serum bile acids, and decreased circulating glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 are features during NASH. Surprisingly, despite the pro-inflammatory phenotype of global PTP1B-deficient mice, they were partly protected against the alterations in gut microbiota composition during NASH and presented better gut barrier integrity and less permeability under this pathological condition. These effects concurred with higher colonic mucosal inflammation, decreased serum bile acids, and protection against the decrease in circulating GLP-1 levels during NASH compared with their WT counterparts together with increased expression of GLP-2-sensitive genes in the gut. At the molecular level, stimulation of enteroendocrine STC-1 cells with a pro-inflammatory conditioned medium (CM) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages triggered pro-inflammatory signaling cascades that were further exacerbated by a PTP1B inhibitor. Likewise, the pro-inflammatory CM induced GLP-1 secretion in primary colonic cultures, an effect augmented by PTP1B inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Altogether our results have unraveled a potential role of PTP1B in the gut-liver axis during NASH, likely mediated by increased sensitivity to GLPs, with potential therapeutic value.

Functional characterization and in vitro screening of Fructobacillus fructosus MCC 3996 isolated from Butea monosperma flower for probiotic potential

The fructophilic bacterium Fructobacillus fructosus MCC 3996 described in the present investigation was isolated from the nectar of Butea monosperma flower and evaluated in vitro for the manifestation of probiotic features. The strain utilizes fructose faster than glucose and is capable to grow in the range of 1-35% fructose concentration (optimum 5% w/v) and thus denotes its fructophilic nature. In vitro assessments of the strain have examined for the endurance in acidic environment/gastric juice, the better auto-aggregation ability even in the presence of hydrolytic enzymes, co-aggregation with pathogenic bacteria, hydrophobicity properties and no haemolytic activity to elucidate its feasible probiotic use. The significant antagonistic activity against several detrimental bacteria, despite lacking the bacteriocin secretion, is an astonishing feature. Owing to the indigenous origin of the isolate, it could be used as a probiotic, starter culture, and/or the active ingredient of food formulation may contribute to improve the desirable fermentation, long-term storage and nutritional benefits of foods especially rich in fructose. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provided in vitro evidence that Fructobacillus fructosus MCC 3996 have endurance in acidic gastric juice, better co-aggregation, auto-aggregation properties, splendid antagonistic activities against several bacteria involved in food spoilage/human infections, pertinent antibiotic susceptibility profile and no haemolytic activity. Also, F. fructosus have the capability to survive in the appreciable amount of fructose, and this advocates that the strain could be used as starter culture and/or the active ingredient of fructose-rich foods. The current in vitro study provided a strong basis for further in vivo research to identify the health beneficial characteristics of F. fructosus and its potential could be effectively utilized as health-boosting ingredient in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Incorporation of probiotics (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis) into 3D printed mashed potatoes: Effects of variables on the viability

3D printing is an emerging technology with the potential to revolutionize people's eating habits. This study firstly optimized the mashed potatoes (MP) formulation and correlated its 3D performance with rheological properties. Yield stress and consistency index (K) were closely related with MP's extrusion behavior, and too high values of them (like 2558 Pa and 2794 Pa·sⁿ) caused the difficulty in extrusion process. Yield stress and elastic modulus (G') were critical to MP's self-supporting performance and too low values of them resulted in the deformation of printed parts during storage. The feasibility of incorporation of probiotics (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BB-12) into 3D printed mashed potatoes (MP) was then studied. MP with probiotics was printed with different nozzle diameter (0.6, 1.0 and 1.4 mm), printing temperature (25, 35, 45 and 55 °C) and evaluated for survival during extrusion and storage at 5 °C. It was found only the small nozzle diameter (0.6 mm) resulted in the reduction of probiotic viability from 9.93 log CFU/g to 9.74 log CFU/g. Greater reduction of viable counts of probiotics (from 10.07 log CFU/g to 7.99 log CFU/g) was found when the MP was held in a heating nozzle barrel at 55 °C for 45 min. No significant difference of probiotics viability in 3D printed samples was found during 12-day storage period at 5 °C. This study provides a new dimension on the development of functional foods by 3D printing.

The Step of Incorporation of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086 Into "requeijão cremoso" Processed Cheese Does Not Affect Metabolic Homeostasis of Rats

Dairy product consumption is a common habit in Brazil. These products present a good matrix for probiotic incorporation. Thus, in this study the feasibility of producing a probiotic “requeijão cremoso” incorporated with Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086 in three different steps and its metabolic effect in an animal model for 2 weeks has been evaluated. Wistar adult health rats were randomized into one to five groups (n = 8 for each group): Control (C); “requeijão cremoso” without probiotic (RC); probiotic inoculated in the milk before pasteurization at 65°C/30 min (RPP); “requeijão cremoso” inoculated before the fusion step and consequently exposed to 90°C/5 min (RPF); and “requeijão cremoso” inoculated after fusion step, i.e., once the product temperature reached 50°C (RPAF). At the end of treatment, analysis of molecular markers of proteins of stress and antioxidant system, HSP 25, 60, 70 and 90, SOD and catalase were performed in the animals’ muscles by Western Blot technique. The HSP25, HSP90 and catalase levels of C, RPP, RPF, and RPAF were similar, indicating that the homeostasis remained unchanged. The incorporation of B. coagulans GBI-30 6086 in the “requeijão cremoso” was shown to be stable and the microorganism remained viable in all steps tested. The incorporation of the probiotic strain in the fusion stage facilitated the technological process, since it allowed a better homogenization of the product and did not affect the maintenance of the metabolic homeostasis of rats.

Probiotic Prato cheese attenuates cigarette smoke-induced injuries in mice

The efficacy of probiotic Prato cheese against the inflammatory and oxidative damage in mice organs induced by cigarette smoke exposure was investigated. Forty C57BL/6 male mice were assigned to four groups: (CS) exposed to cigarette smoke and fed regular chow; (CS + C) exposed to cigarette smoke and fed daily conventional cheese ad libitum; (CS + PC) exposed to cigarette smoke and fed daily probiotic (Lactobacillus casei-01) cheese ad libitum; and a control group (C) exposed to ambient smoke-free air and fed regular chow. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), blood, gut and liver homogenates were used for biochemical assays. The (CS + PC) group exhibited fewer BAL leukocytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and BAL and gut lipid peroxidation than the (CS) and (CS + C) groups, which had findings similar to the (C) group. Probiotic cheese consumption did not change the red blood cell count, but lower lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in plasma, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and peroxynitrite expression were observed compared to the (CS) and (CS + C) groups, with findings similar to the (C) group. These results suggest that probiotic Prato cheese consumption reduced oxidative stress in the lungs, gut, and liver.

Effects of dietary probiotic supplementation on the growth, gut health and disease resistance of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study investigated the effects of the Streptococcus agalactiae antagonizing probiotics Bacillus cereus NY5 and Bacillus subtilis as feed additives for Nile tilapia in terms of growth performance, intestinal health and resistance to S. agalactiae. A total of 720 apparently healthy juvenile Nile tilapia (0.20 ± 0.05 g) were randomly divided into 4 equal groups with 3 replicates for each group. Fish were fed a basal diet (control check group, CK group) supplemented with B. subtilis (1 × 10⁸ CFU/g feed, BS group), B. cereus NY5 (1 × 10⁸ CFU/g feed, BC group), and B. subtilis + B. cereus NY5 (0.5 × 10⁸ CFU/g feed of each probiotic, BS + BC group) for 6 wk, and the probiotic supplementation groups were then fed the basal diet for 1 wk to investigate the gut microbial community. The results of this study showed that BS + BC and BC treatments significantly increased weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and S. agalactiae resistance in Nile tilapia (P < 0.05). Gut microvilli length and density and c-type lysozyme (lyzc) gene expression were significantly increased by probiotic supplementation (P < 0.05). The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that the B. cereus NY5 and B. subtilis + B. cereus NY5-supplemented feed resulted in a significant improvement in tilapia autochthonous gut bacterial communities and had a stimulation effect on a variety of potential probiotics after 6 wk of feeding. After cessation of probiotic administration for 1 wk, the gut bacteria of the fish in the BS + BC and BC groups had minor changes and maintained a stable state. Consequently, it was inferred that, as a feed supplement, B. cereus NY5 and the mixture of B. subtilis and B. cereus NY5 at 1 × 10⁸ CFU/g feed were able to promote growth and disease resistance, which may be associated with the supplement's effects on gut immune status, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbial community composition.

The resistance of Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus strains with claimed probiotic properties in different food matrices exposed to simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions

The resistance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacillus strains with claimed probiotic properties in different food matrices was evaluated. Lactobacillus paracasei PXN 37, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12, Bifidobacterium breve PXN 25, Bacillus subtilis PXN 21, Bacillus coagulans GBI30 6086 and Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 strains were inoculated in "requeijão cremoso" cheese, pasteurized orange juice, and bread. Further, the counts of the strains with claimed probiotic properties were determined throughout the products' shelf-life. Additionally, the survival (%), at the beginning and at the end of their shelf-life, of each strain with claimed probiotic properties inoculated in the three foods was estimated by using a static in vitro system simulating the gastric (pH 2), enteric I (pH 5) and enteric II (pH 7) phases of gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Overall, it has been found that the Bacillus strains with claimed probiotic properties showed greater viability than probiotic Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains no matter the food studied. The percentage of survival of the Bacillus strains with claimed probiotic properties were always above 83%. The Bacillus strains with claimed probiotic properties were able to survive well in all the food matrices tested. Therefore, this study shows that these strains of Bacillus may comprise a feasible strategy for expanding the range of "probiotic food" choices given their high resistance to the composition of foods, manufacturing steps, and resistance to simulated GIT conditions.

Probiotics in Goat Milk Products: Delivery Capacity and Ability to Improve Sensory Attributes

Dairy foods, particularly those of bovine origin, are the predominant vehicles for delivery of probiotic bacteria. Caprine (goat) milk also possesses potential for successful delivery of probiotics, and despite its less appealing flavor in some products, the use of goat milk as a probiotic carrier has rapidly increased over the last decade. This review reports on the diversity, applicability, and potential of using probiotics to enhance the sensory properties of goat milk and goat milk-based products. A brief conceptual introduction to probiotic microorganisms is followed by an account of the unique physicochemical, nutritive, and beneficial aspects of goat milk, emphasizing its advantages as a probiotic carrier. The sensory properties of probiotic-enriched goat milk products are also discussed. The maintenance of probiotic viability and desirable physicochemical characteristics in goat milk products over shelf life is possible. However, the unpleasant sensory features of some goat milk products remain a major disadvantage that hinder its wider utilization. Nevertheless, certain measures such as fortification with selected probiotic strains, inclusion of fruit pulps and popular flavor compounds, and production of commonly consumed tailor-made goat milk-based products have potential to overcome this limitation. In particular, certain probiotic bacteria release volatile compounds as a result of their metabolism, which are known to play a major role in the aroma profile and sensory aspects of the final products.

Probiotics-fermented Massa Medicata Fermentata ameliorates weaning stress in piglets related to improving intestinal homeostasis

Weaning stress has serious negative effects on piglets' health and the swine industry. Probiotics-fermented Chinese herbal medicines are potential feed additives to ameliorate weaning stress. In this study, the effects of probiotics-fermented Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMFP) on intestinal homeostasis were evaluated in weaning piglets. Dietary supplementation with MMFP promoted the development of the intestinal structure and elevated the concentrations of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestinal contents and antioxidant capacities in serum. MMFP reduced the levels of inflammatory factors in the intestinal mucosa. Microbial community analysis demonstrated that MMFP led to the selective and progressive enrichment of lactic acid- and SCFA-producing bacteria along the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, OTUs corresponding to Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Acetitomaculum, Roseburia, and Eubacterium xylanophilum group, while MMFP reduced the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria. On the contrary, antibiotics had negative effects on intestinal histology and increased the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory bacterium, such as Marvinbryantia, Peptococcus, Turicibacter, and Blautia. Correlation analysis reflected that the bacteria enriched in MMFP group were positively correlated with enhanced intestinal homeostasis, which suggested that dietary supplementation with MMFP enhanced host intestinal homeostasis by modulating the composition of gut microbiota and the levels of beneficial SCFAs, thus ameliorating weaning stress in piglets.

Staying alive: growth and survival of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis under in vitro and in vivo conditions

Members of the Bifidobacterium genus are widely used as probiotics in fermented milk products. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis CNCM I-4602 grows and survives poorly in reconstituted skimmed milk (RSM). Availing of genome and transcriptome information, this poor growth and survival phenotype in milk was substantially improved by the addition of certain compounds, such as yeast extract, uric acid, glutathione, cysteine, ferrous sulfate, and a combination of magnesium sulfate and manganese sulfate. Carbohydrate utilization of CNCM I-4602 was also investigated, allowing the identification of several carbohydrate utilization gene clusters, and highlighting this strain's inability to utilize lactose, unlike the type strain of this subspecies, B. animalis subsp. animalis ATCC25527 and the B. animalis subsp. lactis subspecies. In addition, the ability of B. animalis subsp. animalis CNCM I-4602 to colonize a murine model was investigated, which showed that this strain persists in the murine gut for a period of at least 4 weeks. Associated in vivo transcriptome analysis revealed that, among other genes, a gene cluster encoding a predicted type IVb tight adherence (Tad) pilus was upregulated, indicating that this extracellular structure plays a role in the colonization/adaptation of the murine gastrointestinal tract by this strain.

Involvement of shared mucosal-associated microbiota in the duodenum and rectum in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Most studies of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) focused on microbiota dysbiosis in a single segment of the intestine such as the colon. However, the intestine as a whole is involved in IBS-D and knowledge about the role of microbiota shared by the duodenum and rectum in IBS-D is limited. Here, we investigated the characteristics of mucosal microbiota shared by the duodenum and rectum in IBS-D patients.

METHODS

We collected duodenal and rectal mucosal samples from 33 adult IBS-D patients and 15 healthy control (HC) subjects. The 454 pyrosequencing method and multiple bioinformatics analyses were used to examine bacterial 16S rRNA. Clinical data including symptoms and Bristol Stool Form were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mucosal microbiota in duodenal samples differed from rectal samples in HC, while less difference was shown in IBS-D. More numbers in terms of shared operational taxonomic units and genera found in IBS-D compared with HC. The frequency of genera in the duodenum and rectum of HC differed from that of IBS-D. We identified 24 genera shared in the duodenum and rectum, which both changed dramatically in IBS-D. Among these 24 genera, half had similar trends in frequency differences, and the other half had opposite trends. The frequency of Faecalibacterium and Hyphomicrobium were associated with clinical data of IBS-D patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Shared mucosal-associated microbiota in the duodenum and rectum appear to contribute to the etiology and pathophysiology of whole intestine of IBS-D and to be potential therapeutic targets.

Study on the effect of citric acid adaptation toward the subsequent survival of Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 8826 in low pH fruit juices during refrigerated storage

Pre-treatment of stationary phase cells of Lactobacillus plantarum NCMIB 8826 with citric acid (pH 3 to 6) for a short period of time significantly improved subsequent cell survival in several highly acidic fruit juices namely cranberry (pH 2.7), pomegranate (pH 3.5), and lemon & lime juices (pH 2.8). Although the mechanism for this adaptation is still unclear, the analysis of the cellular fatty acid content of acid adapted cells and the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed a significant increase (by ~1.7 fold) of the cellular cyclopropane fatty acid, cis-11,12-methylene octadecanoic acid (C_19:0cyclow7c) and a significant upregulation (~12 fold) of cyclopropane synthase (cfa) were observed, respectively, during acid adaptation. It is likely that these changes led to a decrease in membrane fluidity and to lower membrane permeability, which prevents the cells from proton influx during storage in these low pH fruit juices.

Whether viable and dead probiotic are equally efficacious?

Purpose

Consumer inclination towards probiotic foods has been stimulated due to well-documented evidence of health benefits of probiotic-containing products and consumer demand for natural products. It is assumed that the viability and metabolic activities of probiotics are essential for extending health benefits and for successful marketing of probiotics as a functional food. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that even dead or inactivated probiotic cells could extend health benefits, indicating that probiotic viability is not always necessary for exhibiting health benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempt has been made to review the literature on the status of probiotic foods available in the world market, their impact on the gut flora and the various factors affecting their viability. Both review and research papers related to efficacy of inactivated, killed or dead probiotic cells towards health benefits have been considered. Keywords used for data search included efficacy of viable or killed, inactivated probiotic cells.

Findings

The reviewed literature indicated that inactivated, killed or dead probiotic cells also possess functional properties but live cells are more efficacious. All live probiotic cultures are not equally efficacious, and accordingly, dead or inactivated cells did not demonstrate functional properties to extend health benefits to all diseases.

Originality/value

Capability of non-viable microorganisms to confer health benefits may attract food manufacturers owing to certain advantages over live probiotics such as longer shelf-life, handling and transportation and reduced requirements for refrigerated storage and inclusion of non-bacterial, biologically active metabolites present in fermented milks’ fraction as dried powders to food matrixes may result in the development of new functional foods.

Changes of gut microbiota structure and morphology in weaned piglets treated with fresh fermented soybean meal

This study investigated the effects of dietary fresh fermented soybean meal (FSM) on the intestinal microbiota and metabolites, bacterial enzyme activity and intestinal morphology of weaning piglets. A total of 64 weaned piglets were randomly allocated into two treatments. A corn-soybean-based diet was used as the control and other treatment was fed the same basal diet containing 15% fresh FSM. The feeding trial lasted for 21 days. Bacterial community structure and diversity in the cecum and colon were assessed using pyrosequencing-based analysis. The results showed that the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Tenericutes were dominant in the cecum or colon. Gut Firmicutes increased, while Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria decreased in the fresh FSM-fed piglets. At the genus level, the relative abundances of butyrate-producing bacteria, Lactobacillus and Prevotella were higher in both cecum and colon of fresh FSM fed piglets. Meanwhile, fresh FSM could promote the development of intestinal morphological and reduce the incidence of diarrhea. The results indicated that fresh FSM might change intestinal function by influencing intestinal microenvironment.

The effects of combined probiotic ingestion and circuit training on muscular strength and power and cytokine responses in young males

To our knowledge, the efficacy of combined probiotic supplementation with circuit training has not been evaluated. Thus, we investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation combined with circuit training on isokinetic muscular strength and power and cytokine responses in young males. Forty-eight healthy sedentary young males were recruited and randomised into 4 separate groups: sedentary placebo control, probiotics (P), circuit training with placebo (CT), and circuit training with probiotics (CTP). Participants in the CT and CTP groups performed circuit training 3 times/week with 2 circuits of exercises from weeks 1-8 followed by 3 circuits of exercises from weeks 9-12. Participants in the P and CTP groups consumed multi-strain probiotics containing 3 × 10¹⁰ colony-forming units of Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. lactis, L. casei, Bifidobacterium longum, B. bifidum and B. infantis twice daily for 12 weeks. Measurements of body height and weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate, blood samples, and isokinetic muscular strength and power were carried out at pre- and post-tests. Isokinetic knee strength and power in CT and CTP groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at post-test. In addition, interleukin (IL)-10 concentration was significantly increased (P < 0.0001) at post-test in P and CT but a trend toward significant increase in CTP (P = 0.09). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in IL-6. This study suggests that 12 weeks of circuit training alone and the combination of circuit training and probiotic consumption improved muscular performance while circuit training alone and probiotics alone increased IL-10 concentration.