Characterization of Some Microorganisms from Human Stool Samples and Determination of Their Effects on CT26 Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Line

Absence of measurable quantities of Candida auris and Cryptococcus spp. in the gut microbiota of Ghanaian individuals with and without HIV infection as confirmed by applying multiple real-time PCR assays

Introduction. Fungal infections are relevant health risks for individuals with acquired immunodeficiency in the resource-limited tropics, but available surveillance data are scarce. For Candida auris and Cryptococcus spp., the evolution from environmental reservoirs to human pathogens causing life-threatening diseases is currently discussed as a public health concern in the context of climate change and limited treatment options.Gap statement. Uncovering the gastrointestinal tract as an epidemiological niche of fungi emerging from the environment into individuals for whom fungal infections are not diagnosed.Aim. To contribute to data on the local epidemiology of C. auris and Cryptococcus spp. in Western African Ghana by analysing gastrointestinal samples of Ghanaian individuals.Methodology. Four real-time PCR assays targeting C. auris and five real-time PCR assays targeting Cryptococcus spp. were applied with stool samples of 875 non-age-stratified Ghanaian HIV patients and 30 Ghanaian control individuals without known HIV infection. Also, 664 samples from Ghanaian children under 2 years of age were investigated. The true abundance of the target micro-organism was considered as unlikely in the case of one or fewer positive signals, likely in the case of two to three positive signals and highly likely in the case of four or more positive signals per sample in the real-time PCR assays.Results. The combined application of sensitive, target-specific real-time PCR assays indicates that neither C. auris, Cryptococcus neoformans complex nor Cryptococcus gattii complex were part of the gut microbiota of Ghanaian individuals with or without HIV infection.Conclusion. Despite the significant disease burden from these pathogens in immunosuppressed Ghanaian individuals, detection from gastrointestinal samples was unlikely, which should be taken into account when discussing screening strategies for these fungi of public health concern. In contrast, the detection of these fungi from such samples should not routinely be considered as commensal colonization flora.

Properties and stability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AB6-25 and Saccharomyces boulardii T8-3C single and double-layered microcapsules containing Na-alginate and/or demineralized whey powder with lactobionic acid

The present study aimed to enhance the survivability of the encapsulated biocomposites of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AB6-25 and Saccharomyces boulardii T8-3C within the gastrointestinal system (GIS) and during storage period. AB6-25 and T8-3C were individually co-encapsulated using either lactobionic acid (LBA) in Na-alginate (ALG)/demineralized whey powder (DWP) or solely potential probiotics in ALG microcapsules. Free probiotic cells were utilized as the control group. Both microcapsules and free cells underwent freeze-drying. The encapsulation and freeze-drying efficiency of core materials were evaluated. The protective effect of encapsulation on the probiotics was examined under simulated GIS conditions and during storage at either 25 °C or 4 °C. Additionally, the microcapsules underwent analysis using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Encapsulation and freeze-drying processes were carried out efficiently in all groups (88.46 %-99.13 %). SEM revealed that the microcapsules possessed a spherical and homogeneous structure, with sizes ranging from 3 to 10 μm. ALG/DWP and LBA presence in the microcapsule structure was confirmed through FTIR, XRD analysis indicated the formation of a new composite. Over 180 days, all microcapsule groups stored at 4 °C maintained their therapeutic dosage viability. However, after four months, microcapsules stored at 25 °C exhibited a decline in yeast survivability below the therapeutic threshold. Experimental groups demonstrated better viability under simulated GIS conditions compared to the control. These findings suggest the potential use of microencapsulated probiotics as a food supplement and indicate that microcapsule groups containing AB6-25 and T8-3C stored at 4 °C can be preserved for six months.

Antiproliferative effects of mesenchymal stem cells carrying Newcastle disease virus and Lactobacillus Casei extract on CT26 Cell line: synergistic effects in cancer therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a frequent malignancy with a high mortality rate. Specific inherited and environmental influences can affect CRC. Oncolytic viruses and bacteria in treating CRC are one of the innovative therapeutic options. This study aims to determine whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) infected with the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) in combination with Lactobacillus casei extract (L. casei) have a synergistic effects on CRC cell line growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MSCs taken from the bone marrow of BALB/c mice and were infected with the 20 MOI of NDV. Then, using the CT26 cell line in various groups as a single and combined treatment, the anticancer potential of MSCs containing the NDV and L. casei extract was examined. The evaluations considered the CT26 survival and the rate at which LDH, ROS, and levels of caspases eight and nine were produced following various treatments.

RESULTS

NDV, MSCs-NDV, and L. casei in alone or combined treatment significantly increased apoptosis percent, LDH, and ROS production compared with the control group (P˂0.05). Also, NDV, in free or capsulated in MSCs, had anticancer effects, but in capsulated form, it had a delay compared with free NDV. The findings proved that L. casei primarily stimulates the extrinsic pathway, while NDV therapy promotes apoptosis through the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that MSCs carrying oncolytic NDV in combination with L. casei extract as a potentially effective strategy for cancer immunotherapy by promoting the generation of LDH, ROS, and apoptosis in the microenvironment of the CT26 cell line.