Probiotics and Probiotic Metabolic Product Improved Intestinal Function and Ameliorated LPS-Induced Injury in Rats

The Combination of Bacillus natto JLCC513 and Ginseng Soluble Dietary Fiber Attenuates Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB Pathway and Gut Microbiota

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is currently difficult to treat effectively. Both Bacillus natto (BN) and ginseng-soluble dietary fiber (GSDF) are anti-inflammatory and helps sustain the intestinal barrier. In this study, the protective effects and mechanism of the combination of B. natto JLCC513 and ginseng-soluble dietary fiber (BG) in DSS-induced UC mice were investigated. Intervention with BG worked better than taking BN or GSDF separately, as evidenced by improved disease activity index, colon length, and colon injury and significantly reduced the levels of oxidative and inflammatory factors (LPS, ILs, and TNF-α) in UC mice. Further mechanistic study revealed that BG protected the intestinal barrier integrity by maintaining the tight junction proteins (Occludin and Claudin1) and inhibited the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB pathway in UC mice. In addition, BG increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides and Turicibacter and reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Allobaculum in the gut microbiota of UC mice. BG also significantly upregulated genes related to linoleic acid metabolism in the gut microbiota. These BG-induced changes in the gut microbiota of mice with UC were significantly correlated with changes in pathological indices. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that BG exerts protective effect against UC by regulating the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the structure and metabolic function of gut microbiota. Thus, BG can be potentially used in intestinal health foods to treat UC.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Impacts of Lentinan Combined with Probiotics in Ulcerative Colitis

Multi-methods have been developed to control ulcerative colitis. This research targeted to probe that lentinan combined with probiotics suppresses inflammation and oxidative stress responses in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. A mouse model of colitis was induced through oral administration with 2.5% DSS and treated with lentinan and probiotics independently or in combination. Then, bodyweight and Disease Activity Index (DAI) of mice were determined. Histopathology of colon tissue was analyzed, and apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in the colon tissue of mice were observed. An HT-29 cell model of colitis was established by DSS stimulation and cultured with lentinan and/or probiotics to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis. The data discovered that after DSS induction of colitis, mice developed weight loss, increased DAI score, and shortened the length of colon. Also, severe histopathology of the colon, and increased apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were recognizable. Lentinan could alleviate DSS-induced colitis, and the highest dose was the most significant. Probiotics could also relieve UC in mice, and mixed probiotics had a better therapeutic effect than single probiotics. Lentinan combined with probiotics could further alleviate DSS-induced colitis damage. In addition, lentinan combined with probiotics impaired apoptosis and enhanced proliferation of DSS-treated HT-29 cells. In a word, lentinan combined with probiotics reduces the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of UC.

Bacillus licheniformis prevents and reduces anxiety-like and depression-like behaviours

As common mental disorders, depression and anxiety impact people all around the world. Recent studies have found that the gut microbiome plays an important role in mental health. It is becoming possible to treat mental disorders by regulating the composition of the gut microbiota. Bacillus licheniformis is a probiotic used to treat gut diseases through balancing the gut microbiome during lasting years. Considering the role of gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis, this study used chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model rats to explore whether Bacillus licheniformis can prevent and treat depression and anxiety. We found that B. licheniformis reduced the depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours of the rats during the CUMS process. Meanwhile, B. licheniformis changed the gut microbiota composition; increased the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon, decreased kynurenine, norepinephrine, and glutamate levels; and increased the tryptophan, dopamine, epinephrine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. After correlation analysis, we found Parabacteroides, Anaerostipes, Ruminococcus-2, and Blautia showed significant correlation with neurotransmitters and SCFAs, indicating the gut microbiome plays an important role in B. licheniformis reducing depressive-like behaviours. Therefore, this study suggested B. licheniformis may prevent depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours while regulating the gut microbiota composition and increasing the SCFA levels in the colon to alter the levels of the neurotransmitters in the brain. KEY POINTS: • B. licheniformis reduced depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours induced by the chronic unpredictable mild stress. • GABA levels in the brain are assonated with B. licheniformis regulating depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours. • Gut microbiota composition alteration followed by metabolic changes may play a role in the GABA levels increase.

The Combined Effect of Potential Probiotic Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2514 and Bifidobacterium breve NCIM 5671 Towards Anti-inflammatory Activity on HT-29 Cell Lines

Probiotics are considered a natural source for treating many intestinal disorders, which deliver health benefits in different ways. The study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory gene expression on HT-29 cell line using Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2514 and Bifidobacterium breve NCIM 5671 as a single culture and in combination. Upon inflammation induced by LPS, the combination of bacteria downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α (13.4), IL-12 (14.6), IL-8 (2.6), and IL-6 (1.9), and in contrast, TNF-α (21.2) folds has upregulated. However, anti-inflammatory genes such as IL-4 (0.6), IL-10 (2.9), TGF-2 (92.2), and TGF-3 (85.8) folds were upregulated. The combination of bacteria against oxidative stress downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α & β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-18, and upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-4, TGF-2, and TGF-3. On the introduction of Kocuria rhizophila, the pro-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated. On supplementation of B. licheniformis and B. breve, the upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines were decreased, and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 (6.2), IL-10 (23.5), TGF-2 (166), and TGF-3(28.4) folds were increased. However, gene expression of toll-like receptor-2 was found high (26 folds) upon introducing probiotic bacteria. ELISA results of Interferon-γ found that the expression was higher (7.19 ng/mL) on the introduction of both the bacteria in combination. The higher anti-inflammatory activity was observed when potential probiotic bacteria were used in combination compared to a single culture. Overall study indicates that the combination of aerobic B. licheniformis and anaerobic B. breve has an anti-inflammatory activity that can sustain an excellent gastrointestinal environment during pathogen invasion and inflammation.

Dietary Bacillus licheniformis shapes the foregut microbiota, improving nutrient digestibility and intestinal health in broiler chickens

Bacillus licheniformis is considered a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters of animal growth and health. However, the effects of Bacillus licheniformis on the foregut and hindgut microbiota, and their relationships with nutrient digestion and health, in broiler chickens remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of Bacillus licheniformis BCG on intestinal digestion and absorption, tight junctions, inflammation, and the fore- and hind-gut microbiota. We randomly assigned 240 1-day-old male AA broilers into three treatment groups: CT (basal diet), BCG1 (basal diet + 1.0 × 10⁸ CFU/kg B. licheniformis BCG), and BCG2 (basal diet + 1.0 × 10⁹ CFU/kg B. licheniformis BCG). On day 42, the jejunal and ileal chyme and mucosa were subjected to analysis of digestive enzyme activity, nutrient transporters, tight junctions, and signaling molecules associated with inflammation. The ileal and cecal chyme were subjected to microbiota analysis. Compared with the CT group, the B. licheniformis BCG group showed significantly greater jejunal and ileal α-amylase, maltase, and sucrase activity; moreover, the α-amylase activity in the BCG2 group was higher than that in the BCG1 group (P < 0.05). The transcript abundance of FABP-1 and FATP-1 in the BCG2 group was significantly greater than that in the CT and BCG1 groups, and the GLUT-2 and LAT-1 relative mRNA levels were greater in the BCG2 group than the CT group (P < 0.05). Dietary B. licheniformis BCG resulted in significantly higher ileal occludin, and lower IL-8 and TLR-4 mRNA levels than observed in the CT group (P < 0.05). B. licheniformis BCG supplementation significantly decreased bacterial community richness and diversity in the ileum (P < 0.05). Dietary B. licheniformis BCG shaped the ileac microbiota by increasing the prevalence of f_Sphingomonadaceae, Sphingomonas, and Limosilactobacillus, and contributed to nutrient digestion and absorption; moreover, it enhanced the intestinal barrier by increasing the prevalence of f_Lactobacillaceae, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus. Dietary B. licheniformis BCG decreased microbial community diversity by diminishing Desulfovibrio, Alistipes, Campylobacter, Vibrio, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli-Shigella levels, and down-regulating inflammatory associated molecule expression. Therefore, dietary B. licheniformis BCG contributed to digestion and absorption of nutrients, enhanced the intestinal physical barrier, and decreased intestinal inflammation in broilers by decreasing microbial diversity and optimizing the microbiota structure.

Protective effects of Bacillus licheniformis on growth performance, gut barrier functions, immunity and serum metabolome in lipopolysaccharide-challenged weaned piglets

Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) is a well-accepted probiotic that has many benefits on both humans and animals. This study explored the effects of B. licheniformis on growth performance, intestinal mucosal barrier functions, immunity as well as serum metabolome in the weaned piglets exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). One hundred and twenty piglets weaned at four weeks of age were separated into two groups that received a basal diet (the control group, CON), and a basal diet complemented with B. licheniformis (500 mg/kg, the BL group, BL). Twenty-four piglets were chosen from the above two groups and 12 piglets were injected with LPS intraperitoneally at a concentration of 100 μg/kg and the others were injected with sterile saline solution of the same volume. All the piglets were sacrificed 4 h after LPS challenge. Results showed that B. licheniformis enhanced the ADG and final body weight and lowered the F/G and diarrhea rate. Pre-treatment with B. licheniformis markedly attenuated intestinal mucosal damage induced by LPS challenge. Supplementation with B. licheniformis strengthened immune function and suppressed inflammatory response by elevating the concentrations of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and jejunum mucosal IgA and IgG and decreasing serum IL-6 and jejunum mucosal IL-1β. In addition, B. licheniformis pretreatment prevented LPS-induced intestinal injury by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, pretreatment with B. licheniformis tended to reverse the reduction of acetate and propionic acids in the colonic contents that occurred due to LPS stress. B. licheniformis markedly modulated the metabolites of saccharopine and allantoin from lysine and purine metabolic pathways, respectively. Overall, these data emphasize the potentiality of B. licheniformis as a dietary supplement to overcome the challenge of bacterial LPS in the animal and to enhance the food safety.

Naringinin ratlarda bakteriyel endotoksin kaynaklı ince bağırsak hasarı üzerindeki anti-inflamatuvar ve anti-apoptotik etkileri

Amaç. Bu çalışmanın amacı, birçok biyolojik özelliği bulunan naringinin (NRG) ratlarda bakteriyel endotoksin kaynaklı ince bağırsak hasarı üzerine anti-inflamatuar ve antiapoptotik etkilerinin araştırılmasıdır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu amaçla, 40 adet dişi Wistar albino ırkı rat 4 gruba ayrılmıştır: Kontrol (hiçbir uygulama yapılmayan grup), LPS (10 mg/kg/ip lipopolisakkarit uygulanan grup), NRG (14 gün boyunca 100 mg/kg/ip naringin uygulanan grup) ve LPS+NRG (10 mg/kg/ip lipopolisakkarit uygulamasından önce 14 gün boyunca naringin uygulanan grup). Deneysel prosedürün uygulanmasından sonra, deney hayvanlarının ince barsak dokuları çıkarıldı ve doku takibi protokolüne göre hazırlandı. Barsak dokusundaki histopatolojik değişiklikleri değerlendirmek amacıyla Hematoksilen-Eozin boyaması gerçekleştirildi ve histopatolojik değişiklikler açısından deney gruplarının karşılaştırılması amacıyla hasar skorlaması yapıldı. Ayrıca, immunohistokimyasal boyamalar ile TNF- ve Kaspaz-3 ekspresyon seviyeleri belirlendi ve gruplar arasında bu proteinlerin ekspresyon seviyelerindeki değişikliklerin belirlenmesi için immunohistokimyasal boyanma yoğunluğu skorlandı. Bulgular: LPS grubunda epitel ve Brunner bezlerinde hasar, mononüklear hücre infiltrasyonu, hemorajik alanlar belirlendi. Ayrıca TNF- ve Kaspaz-3 ekspresyonları bu grupta anlamlı bir şekilde arttı. Ancak, NRG uygulamaları bu parametreler açısından LPS+NRG grubundaki deney hayvanlarının ince barsak dokusunda güçlü bir koruyucu etki gösterdi. Sonuç: Bu çalışma, 100 mg/kg NRG enjeksiyonunun endotoksin kaynaklı enfeksiyonun bağırsak mukozası üzerindeki olumsuz etkilerine karşı koruyucu bir ajan olarak kabul edilebileceğini ve daha ileri klinik çalışmalarda göz ardı edilmemesi gerektiğini göstermiştir.

Potential application of the probiotic Bacillus licheniformis as an adjuvant in the treatment of diseases in humans and animals: A systematic review

The use of Bacillus licheniformis as a probiotic has increased significantly in recent years. Published reports demonstrate that it provides multiple benefits for health. Although there are already studies in humans and is marketed, it is mostly used in the veterinary industry still. However, its benefits could be extrapolated to humans in future. This review addresses the application of B. licheniformis, its sporulation, mechanisms of action, and its role in the resolution, treatment, and prevention of different conditions and diseases. It focuses on scientific advances from 2016 to mid-2022 and emphasizes the most common diseases in the general population. Most of the 70% of published studies about the health benefits of B. licheniformis have been published from 2016 until now. The intake of B. licheniformis has been related to the effects of modulation of the intestinal microbiota, antimicrobial activity, growth promotion, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory effects, promotion of the regulation of the lipid profile, increase of neurotransmitters, and stress reduction, among others. These results provide novel possible applications of this and other probiotics in general. Although many benefits can be reported on a microorganism, the combination with others could provide a better effect. Further studies like this need to be done to understand the specific advantages of each probiotic and its strains and therefore achieve a better selection of them for a specific disease or disorder.

Modulation of lymphocyte subpopulations in the small intestine of mice treated with probiotic bacterial strains and infected with Trichinella spiralis

AIMS

To study the local intestinal lymphocyte immunity in mice with trichinellosis affected by probiotic bacteria.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Enterococcus faecium CCM8558, E. durans ED26E/7, Limosilactobacillus fermentum CCM7421 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 17L/1 were administered daily (10⁹ CFU.ml^-1 ) and mice were infected with Trichinella spiralis (400 larvae) on 7^th day of treatment. T. spiralis infection significantly inhibited lymphocyte subpopulations from 5 to 25 days post infection (dpi). L. fermentum CCM7421 and L. plantarum 17L/1 restored the CD4+T cell numbers in the epithelium and lamina propria at control level from 11 dpi. All strains stimulated the CD8+T cells numbers in infected mice, which were restored in the lamina propria on 11 dpi and in the epithelium only on 32 dpi. B cells (CD19+) inhibition after T. spiralis infection was not affected by treatment till 25dpi.

CONCLUSIONS

The strain-specific immunomodulatory effect of tested bacteria was confirmed. L. fermentum CCM7421 and L. plantarum 17L/1 showed the greatest immunomodulatory potential on CD4+ and CD8+T lymphocytes in trichinellosis. E. faecium CCM8558 and E. durans ED26E/7 activated only CD8+T cells in the lamina propria.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

Positive modulation of the gut lymphocyte immunity in T. spiralis infection with bacterial strains showed their beneficial effect in the host's antiparasitic defense.

Effects of Probiotics on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Functions, Immune Responses, and Caecal Microbiota of Broilers Challenged by Lipopolysaccharide

We aimed to study the effects of dietary Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans) and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on broilers challenged by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). One-day-old Cobb 500 chicks (360) were divided randomly into three treatment groups for 47 days: no supplementation (control, CON), B. coagulans supplementation (BC), and L. plantarum supplementation (LA). Broilers were routinely fed for 42 days and intraperitoneally injected with 500 μg LPS per kg body weight at 43, 45, and 47 days of age, respectively. Samples were collected 3 h after the last injection. At 1-21 days of age, the ADG in the BC and LA groups was higher than that in the CON group, and the feed to gain ratio (F/G) in the BC group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with that in CON birds, the ADG was increased and the F/G was decreased in the BC and LA birds at 22-42 and 1-42 days of age, respectively (P < 0.05). After LPS stimulation, the endotoxin (ET), diamine oxidase (DAO), and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels in the BC group were lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). The IgY, IgA, and IgM contents in the BC group and the IgY and IgM contents in the LA group were higher than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). The pro-inflammatory factor and interferon-β (IFN-β) contents (P < 0.05) decreased, and the anti-inflammatory factor content in the serum (P < 0.05) increased in the BC and LA groups. Compared with the CON and LA treatments, the BC treatment increased the concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and decreased that of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05). In contrast with the CON treatment, the BC and LA treatments increased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae and reduced that of Desulfovibrio (P < 0.05). Moreover, BC increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Overall, supplementation with B. coagulans and L. plantarum promoted the growth of broilers, improved their immunity and antioxidant capacity, and alleviated the LPS-stimulated inflammatory response by regulating the intestinal flora.

Lactobacillus casei relieves liver injury by regulating immunity and suppression of the enterogenic endotoxin-induced inflammatory response in rats cotreated with alcohol and iron

Excessive alcohol and iron intake can reportedly cause liver damage. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus casei on liver injury in rats co-exposed to alcohol and iron and evaluated its possible mechanism. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups for 12 weeks: the Control group (administered normal saline by gavage and provided a normal diet); alcohol +iron group (Model group, treated with alcohol [3.5-5.3 g/kg/day] by gavage and dietary iron [1,500 mg/kg]); Model group supplemented with L. casei (8 × 108 CFU kg-1 day-1) (L. casei group). Using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy, we observed that L. casei supplementation could alleviate disorders associated with lipid metabolism, inflammation, and intestinal mucosal barrier injury. Moreover, levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, triglyceride (TG), and hepatic TG were significantly increased in the model group; however, these levels were significantly decreased following the 12-week L. casei supplementation. In addition, we observed notable improvements in intestinal mucosal barrier function and alterations in T lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cells in L. casei-treated rats when compared with the model group. Furthermore, L. casei intervention alleviated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, accompanied by decreased serum endotoxin levels and downregulated expression of toll-like receptor 4 and its related molecules MyD88, nuclear factor kappa-B p65, and TNF-α. Accordingly, supplementation with L. casei could effectively improve liver injury induced by the synergistic interaction between alcohol and iron. The underlying mechanism for this improvement may be related to immune regulation and inhibition of enterogenic endotoxin-mediated inflammation.

Fermentation products of Danshen relieved dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental ulcerative colitis in mice

With the increased incidence and recognition, ulcerative colitis (UC) has become a global public health problem in the world. Although many immunosuppressant and biological drugs have been used for UC treatment, the cure rate is still very low. It is necessary to find some safe and long-term used medicine for UC cure. Recently, the Chinese traditional herb Danshen has been investigated in the treatment of UC. However, it is a limitation of Danshen that many of the active components in Danshen are not easily absorbed by the human body. Probiotics could convert macromolecules into smaller molecules to facilitate absorption. Thus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (F-B4-1) and Bacillus subtillis Natto (F-A7-1) were screened to ferment Danshen in this study. The fermented Danshen products were gavaged in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model mice. Danshen had better results to attenuate symptoms of DSS-induced UC after fermented with F-B4-1 and F-A7-1. Loss of body weight and disease activity index (DAI) were reduced. The abnormally short colon lengths and colonic damage were recovered. And fermented Danshen had the better inhibitory effect than Danshen itself on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression during DSS-induced UC. The results indicated that compared with Danshen, fermented Danshen relieved DSS-induced UC in mice more effectively. Danshen fermented by probiotics might be an effective treatment to UC in clinic stage in the future.

Protective effects of a novel Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain with probiotic characteristics against lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammation in vitro and in vivo

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a main component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall, can damage the epithelial wall barrier and induce chronic intestinal inflammation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the novel L. rhamnosus could alleviate intestinal inflammation and damage induced by LPS and explore the possible underlying molecular mechanism. L. rhamnosus JL-1 was selected from five L. rhamnosus strains due to its strong adherence capacity to Caco-2 cells (92.89%) and it could survive in simulated gastrointestinal juices. Whole genome sequencing analysis showed that there were no translocation and inversion regions in the genome of L. rhamnosus JL-1 compared with L. rhamnosus GG. Comparative genomic analysis showed that there were encoding genes related to adhesion, acid resistance and bile salt resistance in the genome of L. rhamnosus JL-1. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that LPS challenge inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6). However, the mRNA and protein expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines were inhibited by pre-treatment with L. rhamnosus JL-1 in a dose-dependent manner. The result of histopathology analysis of ileum showed that oral administration of L. rhamnosus JL-1 reduced pathological damage induced by LPS. Furthermore, it was revealed that L. rhamnosus JL-1 could inhibit the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB. These results strongly suggested that L. rhamnosus JL-1 relieved LPS-induced intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. To sum up, L. rhamnosus JL-1 has a potential probiotic function and plays an important role in preventing LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and damage.

The Mechanisms of the Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids during Methotrexate-Induced Intestinal Damage in Cell Line and in a Rat Model

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic patterns of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) during methotrexate (MTX) induced intestinal damage in cell culture and in a rat model. Methods: Non-treated and treated with MTX HT 29 and HCT116cells were exposed to increasing doses of n-3 PUFAs and cell viability was evaluated using PrestoBlue^® assay. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 experimental groups: Control rats, CONTR+n-3 PUFA rats that were treated with oral n-3 PUFA, MTX rats were treated with MTX given IP, and MTX+n-3 PUFA rats were treated with oral n-3 PUFA before and following injection of MTX. Intestinal mucosal parameters and mucosal inflammation, enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis, TNF-α in mucosal tissue and plasma (ELISA), NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, Fas, FasL, Fadd, Bid, Bax and Bcl-2gene and protein levels were determined 72 h following MTX injection. Results: Exposure of HT 29 and HCT116cells to n-3 PUFA attenuated inhibiting effects of MTX on cell viability. MTX-n-3 PUFA rats demonstrated a lower intestinal injury score and enhanced intestinal repair. A significant decrease in enterocyte apoptosis in MTX+n-3 PUFA rats was accompanied by decreased TNF-α, FAS, FasL, FADD and BID mRNA levels. Decreased NF-κB, COX-2 and TNF-α levels in mucosa was accompanied by a decreased number of IELs and macrophages. Conclusions: n-3 PUFAs inhibit NF-κB/COX-2 induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit cell apoptosis mainly by extrinsic pathway in rats with MTX-induced intestinal damage.

The polysaccharides from the Grifola frondosa fruiting body prevent lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury via the miR-122-Nrf2/ARE pathways

The polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa fruiting body can be used as a potential hepatoprotective agent in the treatment of acute liver injury.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, serum parameters, digestive enzyme, intestinal morphology, and colonic microbiota in piglets

The present study was conducted to investigate effects of Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, serum parameters, digestive enzymes, intestinal morphology, and colonic microbiota in piglets. A total of 72 piglets were weighed and randomly allotted into three treatments (four replication pens per treatment with six piglets/pen) for a 28-day experiment. The dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet (control group, CTR), basal diet supplementation with antibiotic (antibiotic group, ABT), and basal diet supplementation with 0.1% Bacillus subtilis (probiotic group, PBT). The average daily gain of body weight increased in both the ABT and PBT groups, and dietary antibiotics decreased the feed:gain ratio (F:G), as compared to the CTR group (P < 0.05). Both ABT and PBT piglets had increased serum triglycerides and lipase, amylase, maltase activities and villus height:crypt depth ratio (V/C) in ileum (P < 0.05). The PBT group also showed an increase in serum glucose and villus height in the ileum (P < 0.05). Dietary antibiotics increased Lactobacillus johnsonii, as compared to the CTR group, but decreased bacterial diversity and increased Escherichia coli, as compared to the PBT group (P < 0.05). Piglets dietary with B. subtilis modulated the microbiota by increasing the abundance of Firmicutes (L. johnsonii, L. reuteri) and decreasing the abundance of E. coli, as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary of B. subtilis improves growth performance and intestinal health and can be a promising alternative to antibiotics in piglets diet.

Neuroprotective effects of p62(SQSTM1)-engineered lactic acid bacteria in Alzheimer's disease: a pre-clinical study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegeneration characterized by neuron death ending in memory and cognitive decline. A major concern in AD research is the identification of new therapeutics that could prevent or delay the onset of the disorder, with current treatments being effective only in reducing symptoms. In this perspective, the use of engineered probiotics as therapeutic tools for the delivery of molecules to eukaryotic cells is finding application in several disorders. This work introduces a new strategy for AD treatment based on the use of a Lactobacilluslactis strain carrying one plasmid (pExu) that contains a eukaryotic expression cassette encoding the human p62 protein. 3xTg-AD mice orally administered with these bacteria for two months showed an increased expression of endogenous p62 in the brain, with a protein delivery mechanism involving both lymphatic vessels and neural terminations, and positive effects on the major AD hallmarks. Mice showed ameliorated memory, modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy, reduced levels of amyloid peptides, and diminished neuronal oxidative and inflammatory processes. Globally, we demonstrate that these extremely safe, non-pathogenic and non-invasive bacteria used as delivery vehicles for the p62 protein represent an innovative and realistic therapeutic approach in AD.

Dietary pterostilbene supplementation attenuates intestinal damage and immunological stress of broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide

The present study explored the potential effect of pterostilbene as a prophylactic treatment on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injury of broiler chickens by monitoring changes in mucosal injury indicators, redox status, and inflammatory responses. In total, 192 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups. This trial consisted of a 2 × 2 factorial design with a diet factor (supplemented with 0 or 400 mg/kg pterostilbene from 1 to 22 d of age) and a stress factor (intraperitoneally injected with saline or LPS at 5.0 mg/kg BW at 21 da of age). The results showed that LPS challenge induced a decrease in BW gain (P < 0.001) of broilers during a 24-h period postinjection; however, this decrease was prevented by pterostilbene supplementation (P = 0.031). Administration of LPS impaired the intestinal integrity of broilers, as indicated by increased plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) activity (P = 0.014) and d-lactate content (P < 0.001), reduced jejunal villus height (VH; P < 0.001) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth (VH:CD; P < 0.001), as well as a decreased mRNA level of jejunal tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1; P = 0.002). In contrast, pterostilbene treatment increased VH:CD (P = 0.018) and upregulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 (P = 0.031) and occludin (P = 0.024) in the jejunum. Consistently, pterostilbene counteracted the LPS-induced increased DAO activity (P = 0.011) in the plasma. In addition, the LPS-challenged broilers exhibited increases in nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 (P < 0.001), the protein content of tumor necrosis factor α (P = 0.033), and the mRNA abundance of IL-1β (P = 0.042) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3; P = 0.019). In contrast, pterostilbene inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 (P = 0.039) and suppressed the mRNA expression of IL-1β (P = 0.003) and NLRP3 (P = 0.049) in the jejunum. Moreover, pterostilbene administration induced a greater amount of reduced glutathione (P = 0.017) but a lower content of malondialdehyde (P = 0.023) in the jejunum of broilers compared with those received a basal diet. Overall, the current study indicates that dietary supplementation with pterostilbene may play a beneficial role in alleviating the intestinal damage of broiler chicks under the conditions of immunological stress.

Lactobacillus reuteri Enhances the Mucosal Barrier Function against Heat-killed Salmonella Typhimurium in the Intestine of Broiler Chicks

Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) infection in chickens inhibits their growth and can lead to food-borne diseases in humans. Probiotics are expected to enhance the function of host intestinal barrier against pathogen infection. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of viable Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) on the response of the mucosal barrier function to antigen stimulation in broiler chicks. Day-old male (n=8) and female (n=4) broiler chicks were orally administered either 1 × 10⁸ LR or a water-only control, every day for 7 days. After 7 days, either 1 × 10⁸ heat-killed ST (k-ST), or a buffer-only control, was administered via intra-cardiac injection. The ileum and cecum were collected 3 h post-injection, and paraffin sections were prepared for either mRNA extraction (males), or gut permeability tests (females). Villus and crypt lengths were determined via histological analysis. Real-time PCR was used to calculate expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, avian β-defensins, and tight-junction-associated molecules. Gut permeability was assessed using the inverted intestine method. We found that (1) expression of TLR2-1, TLR21, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 were reduced following k-ST stimulation, but were unaffected by LR-treatment; (2) oral administration of LR led to increased Claudin1, Claudin5, ZO2, and JAM2 expression following k-ST stimulation; (3) cecal permeability was reduced by co-treatment with LR and k-ST, but not by treatment with LR or k-ST alone. These results suggest that LR, as used in this study, may enhance the intestinal mucosal physical barrier function, but not the expression of other immune-related factors in newly hatched chicks.

Positive effects of a Clostridium butyricum-based compound probiotic on growth performance, immune responses, intestinal morphology, hypothalamic neurotransmitters, and colonic microbiota in weaned piglets

Weaning stress in piglets can lead to poor health outcomes and reduced production. We investigated the effects of probiotics, one potential antibiotic alternative, on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, mucosal immunity, hypothalamic neurotransmitters, and colonic microflora in weaned piglets. Thirty-six weaned piglets were fed a basal diet, a diet supplemented with colistin sulphate antibiotic, or a diet supplemented with probiotics including Clostridium butyricum, Bacillus subtilis, and B. licheniformis. Probiotics significantly increased the feed : gain ratio, improved the average day gain from day 1 to day 28, and decreased the diarrhoea index. Probiotics also lowered the serum concentrations of AST, ALT, and ALP on day 14 and lowered the serum concentration of ALT on day 28 compared with the control. Probiotic supplementation caused fewer ileal apoptotic cells. The serum and ileal concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β on day 28 were significantly lowered, and the serum concentrations of IL-6 were significantly lowered on days 14 and 28. Probiotic-fed piglets exhibited higher contents of hypothalamic serotonin and dopamine as well as serum γ-aminobutyric acid along with higher colonic concentrations of butyrate and valerate on day 28. High-throughput sequencing showed 972 core operational taxonomic units among all groups, of which 48 were unique to the probiotic-treated group. The relative abundance of genus Bacillus and species Bacillus velezensis was enriched in probiotic piglets; the phylogenetic investigation of communities by the reconstruction of unobserved states indicated that amino acid metabolism, DNA repair, replication and recombination proteins, and secretion systems were enriched with probiotics. In conclusion, the Clostridium butyricum-based probiotics improved growth performance, enhanced intestinal morphology, changed hypothalamic neurotransmitters and modulated colonic microflora in weaned piglets.

Milk Fermented by Specific Lactobacillus Strains Regulates the Serum Levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 Cytokines in a LPS-Stimulated Murine Model

Studies report that metabolites, such as peptides, present in fermented milk with specific lactic acid bacteria, may regulate cytokine production and exert an anti-inflammatory effect. Hence, the cytokine regulatory effect of fermented milk by specific Lactobacillus strains was evaluated in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine model. From twelve strains, three (J20, J23 and J28) were selected for their high proteolytic and acidifying capacities in milk and used for the in vivo study. Three treatments (fermented milk, FM; pasteurized fermented milk, PFM; and its 0.05) reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) concentrations and significantly increased anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine concentrations in comparison to the control; also, pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced for animals treated with PFM10 (p < 0.05). RP-HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that water-soluble extracts (.