Probiotics and prebiotics potential for the care of skin, female urogenital tract, and respiratory tract

The Hygienic Significance of Microbiota and Probiotics for Human Wellbeing

The human body can be viewed as a combination of ecological niches inhabited by trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, all united by the microbiota concept. Human health largely depends on the nature of these relationships and how they are built and maintained. However, personal hygiene practices have historically been focused on the wholesale elimination of pathogens and "hygiene-challenging microorganisms" without considering the collateral damage to beneficial and commensal species. The microbiota can vary significantly in terms of the qualitative and quantitative composition both between different people and within one person during life, and the influence of various environmental factors, including age, nutrition, bad habits, genetic factors, physical activity, medication, and hygienic practices, facilitates these changes. Disturbance of the microbiota is a predisposing factor for the development of diseases and also greatly influences the course and severity of potential complications. Therefore, studying the composition of the microbiota of the different body systems and its appropriate correction is an urgent problem in the modern world. The application of personal hygiene products or probiotics must not compromise health through disruption of the healthy microbiota. Where changes in the composition or metabolic functions of the microbiome may occur, they must be carefully evaluated to ensure that essential biological functions are unaffected. As such, the purpose of this review is to consider the microbiota of each of the "ecological niches" of the human body and highlight the importance of the microbiota in maintaining a healthy body as well as the possibility of its modulation through the use of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of certain human diseases.

Revisiting the Concepts of Prebiotic and Prebiotic Effect in Light of Scientific and Regulatory Progress-A Consensus Paper From the Global Prebiotic Association

The term prebiotic has been used for almost 3 decades and has undergone numerous updates over the years. The scientific literature reveals that despite continuous efforts to establish a globally unified definition to guide jurisdictional regulations and product innovations, ambiguity continues to surround the terms prebiotic and prebiotic effect, leading to products that lack in full regulatory adherence being marketed worldwide. Thus, to reflect the current state of scientific research and knowledge and for the continuous advancement of the category, an update to the current prebiotic definition is warranted. This update includes removing the term selectivity, considering additional locations of action besides the gut, highlighting prebiotic performance benefits such as cognitive and athletic, and providing a clear standalone definition for prebiotic effect. The Global Prebiotic Association (GPA) is a leading information and industry hub committed to raising awareness about prebiotics, their emerging and well-established health benefits, and prebiotic product integrity and efficacy. In this position paper, GPA builds on previous prebiotic definitions to propose the following expanded definition for prebiotic: "a compound or ingredient that is utilized by the microbiota producing a health or performance benefit." In addition to prebiotic, GPA also defines prebiotic effect as "a health or performance benefit that arises from alteration of the composition and/or activity of the microbiota, as a direct or indirect result of the utilization of a specific and well-defined compound or ingredient by microorganisms." With these 2 definitions, GPA aims to paint a clearer picture for the term prebiotic, and by incorporating an industry point of view, these updated definitions may be used alongside current scientific and regulatory perspectives to move the category forward.

The Role of Probiotics in Skin Care: Advances, Challenges, and Future Needs

The skin, being the largest organ in the human body, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the body against invasive pathogens. Therefore, it is essential to reinforce and protect this vital organ. Current research supports the impact of probiotics on skin health and their ability to alleviate various skin disorders. However, the effectiveness and probable side effects of probiotics in skin care remain a subject of debate, necessitating further investigation and analysis. Hence, this study aims to highlight existing gaps and future needs in the current research on probiotics in skin care and pave the way for future investigations. Therefore, we scrutinized the effects of oral (fermented foods and dietary supplements) and non-oral/topical probiotics on skin care, and the mechanism of probiotics that affect skin health. The results of most studies showed that fermented foods containing probiotics, particularly dairy products, positively impact skin health. The research results regarding the efficacy of probiotic supplements and live strains in treating skin disorders show promising potential. However, safety evaluations are crucial, to identify any potential adverse effects. While research has identified numerous potential mechanisms by which probiotics may influence skin health, a complete understanding of their precise mode of action remains elusive. However, it seems that probiotics can exert their positive effects through the gut-skin and gut-skin-brain axis on the human body. Therefore, following the identification of safe probiotics, additional studies should be carried out to establish optimal dosages, potential side effects, suitable regulatory guidelines, and validation methods.

Assessment of Biofilm Formation and Anti-Inflammatory Response of a Probiotic Blend in a Cultured Canine Cell Model

Gut dysbiosis and an inflamed bowel are growing concerns in mammals, including dogs. Probiotic supplements have been used to restore the natural microbial community and improve gastrointestinal health. Biofilm formation, antimicrobial activities, and immunological responses of probiotics are crucial to improving gut health. Thus, we tested a commercial probiotic blend (LabMAX-3), a canine kibble additive comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Enterococcus faecium for their ability to inactivate common enteric pathogens; their ability to form biofilms; epithelial cell adhesion; and their anti-inflammatory response in the Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line. Probiotic LabMAX-3 blend or individual isolates showed a strong inhibitory effect against Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter jejuni. LabMAX-3 formed biofilms comparable to Staphylococcus aureus. LabMAX-3 adhesion to the MDCK cell line (with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment) showed comparable adhesion and biofilm formation (p < 0.05) to L. casei ATCC 334 used as a control. LabMAX-3 had no cytotoxic effects on the MDCK cell line during 1 h exposure. The interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) ratio of LabMAX-3, compared to the L. casei control, showed a significant increase (p < 0.05), indicating a more pronounced anti-inflammatory response. The data show that LabMAX-3, a canine kibble supplement, can improve gastrointestinal health.

Gut microbiota: a crucial player in the combat against tuberculosis

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract quickly becomes densely populated with foreign microorganisms shortly after birth, thereby establishing a lifelong presence of a microbial community. These commensal gut microbiota serve various functions, such as providing nutrients, processing ingested compounds, maintaining gut homeostasis, and shaping the intestinal structure in the host. Dysbiosis, which is characterized by an imbalance in the microbial community, is closely linked to numerous human ailments and has recently emerged as a key factor in health prognosis. Tuberculosis (TB), a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, presents a pressing need for improved methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Thus, we aim to explore the latest developments on how the host's immune defenses, inflammatory responses, metabolic pathways, and nutritional status collectively impact the host's susceptibility to or resilience against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The review addresses how the fluctuations in the gut microbiota not only affect the equilibrium of these physiological processes but also indirectly influence the host's capacity to resist M. tuberculosis. This work highlights the central role of the gut microbiota in the host-microbe interactions and provides novel insights for the advancement of preventative and therapeutic approaches against tuberculosis.

Administration of Lacticaseibacillus casei CSL3 in Swiss Mice with Immunosuppression Induced by Cyclophosphamide: Effects on Immunological, Biochemical, Oxidative Stress, and Histological Parameters

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Lacticaseibacillus casei CSL3 in Swiss mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide on immunological, biochemical, oxidative stress, and histological parameters. The animals were distributed into four groups (control, CSL3, cyclophosphamide, and CSL3 + cyclophosphamide), where two groups were treated with L. casei CSL3 (10 log CFU mL-1) for 30 days, and two groups received chemotherapy (days 27 and 30-total dose of 250 mg kg-1). Counts of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bile-resistant LAB in stool samples; blood count (erythrogram, leukogram, and platelets); serum total cholesterol levels; catalase enzyme activity; and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in liver, kidney, and brain; IL-4 expression; IL-23, TNF-α, NF-κβ in the spleen; and histological changes in the liver, kidneys, and intestine were evaluated. The CSL3 + cyclophosphamide group showed a significant increase in bile-resistant LAB counts in feces (p = 0.0001), leukocyte counts, and expression of IL-23, TNF-α, and NF-κβ (p < 0.05) significantly reduced total cholesterol levels (p = 0.001) and protected liver damage of supplemented animals. For oxidative stress damage, the bacterium did not influence the results. It is concluded that the bacterium is safe at a concentration of 10 log CFU mL-1 and has probiotic potential due to its positive influence on the immune response and lipid metabolism.

Predicting potential microbe-disease associations based on dual branch graph convolutional network

Studying the association between microbes and diseases not only aids in the prevention and diagnosis of diseases, but also provides crucial theoretical support for new drug development and personalized treatment. Due to the time-consuming and costly nature of laboratory-based biological tests to confirm the relationship between microbes and diseases, there is an urgent need for innovative computational frameworks to anticipate new associations between microbes and diseases. Here, we propose a novel computational approach based on a dual branch graph convolutional network (GCN) module, abbreviated as DBGCNMDA, for identifying microbe-disease associations. First, DBGCNMDA calculates the similarity matrix of diseases and microbes by integrating functional similarity and Gaussian association spectrum kernel (GAPK) similarity. Then, semantic information from different biological networks is extracted by two GCN modules from different perspectives. Finally, the scores of microbe-disease associations are predicted based on the extracted features. The main innovation of this method lies in the use of two types of information for microbe/disease similarity assessment. Additionally, we extend the disease nodes to address the issue of insufficient features due to low data dimensionality. We optimize the connectivity between the homogeneous entities using random walk with restart (RWR), and then use the optimized similarity matrix as the initial feature matrix. In terms of network understanding, we design a dual branch GCN module, namely GlobalGCN and LocalGCN, to fine-tune node representations by introducing side information, including homologous neighbour nodes. We evaluate the accuracy of the DBGCNMDA model using five-fold cross-validation (5-fold-CV) technique. The results show that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and area under the precision versus recall curve (AUPR) of the DBGCNMDA model in the 5-fold-CV are 0.9559 and 0.9630, respectively. The results from the case studies using published experimental data confirm a significant number of predicted associations, indicating that DBGCNMDA is an effective tool for predicting potential microbe-disease associations.

New Polymeric Hydrogels with Cannabidiol and α-Terpineol as Potential Materials for Skin Regeneration-Synthesis and Physicochemical and Biological Characterization

Dermatology and cosmetology currently prioritize healthy, youthful-looking skin. As a result, research is being conducted worldwide to uncover natural substances and carriers that allow for controlled release, which could aid in the battle against a variety of skin illnesses and slow the aging process. This study examined the biological and physicochemical features of novel hydrogels containing cannabidiol (CBD) and α-terpineol (TER). The hydrogels were obtained from ε-caprolactone (CL) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) copolymers, diethylene glycol (DEG), poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTHF), 1,6-diisocyanatohexane (HDI), and chitosan (CHT) components, whereas the biodegradable oligomers were synthesized using the enzyme ring-opening polymerization (e-ROP) method. The in vitro release rate of the active compounds from the hydrogels was characterized by mainly first-order kinetics, without a "burst release". The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-aging qualities of the designed drug delivery systems (DDSs) were evaluated. The findings indicate that the hydrogel carriers that were developed have the ability to scavenge free radicals and impact the activity of antioxidant enzymes while avoiding any negative effects on keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Furthermore, they have anti-inflammatory qualities by impeding protein denaturation as well as the activity of proteinase and lipoxygenase. Additionally, their ability to reduce the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria and inhibit the activity of collagenase and elastase has been demonstrated. Thus, the developed hydrogel carriers may be effective systems for the controlled delivery of CBD, which may become a valuable tool for cosmetologists and dermatologists.

Immunological aspects of probiotics for improving skin diseases: Influence on the Gut-Brain-Skin Axis

The interplay between gut microbiota and human health, both mental and physical, is well-documented. This connection extends to the gut-brain-skin axis, linking gut microbiota to skin health. Recent studies have underscored the potential of probiotics and prebiotics to modulate gut microbiota, supported by in vivo and clinical investigations. In this comprehensive review, we explore the immunological implications of probiotics in influencing the gut-skin axis for the treatment and prevention of skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne, diabetic ulcers, atopic dermatitis, and skin cancer. Our analysis reveals that probiotics exert their effects by modulating cytokine production, whether administered orally or topically. Probiotics bolster skin defenses through the production of antimicrobial peptides and the induction of keratinocyte differentiation and regeneration. Yet, many questions surrounding probiotics remain unanswered, necessitating further exploration of their mechanisms of action in the context of skin diseases.

Microbiome Dynamics: A Paradigm Shift in Combatting Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases have long posed a significant threat to global health and require constant innovation in treatment approaches. However, recent groundbreaking research has shed light on a previously overlooked player in the pathogenesis of disease-the human microbiome. This review article addresses the intricate relationship between the microbiome and infectious diseases and unravels its role as a crucial mediator of host-pathogen interactions. We explore the remarkable potential of harnessing this dynamic ecosystem to develop innovative treatment strategies that could revolutionize the management of infectious diseases. By exploring the latest advances and emerging trends, this review aims to provide a new perspective on combating infectious diseases by targeting the microbiome.

Incidence of Urinary Infections and Behavioral Risk Factors

This evaluation of the impact of behavioral risk factors on the incidence of urinary infections was based on a questionnaire in which 1103 respondents, predominantly women (883), participated. From the statistical processing of the data, it was observed that 598 of the respondents were of normal weight; the rest, more than half, were underweight or overweight (χ2 = 32.46, p < 0.001), with male respondents being predominantly overweight or obese (169 out of a total of 220). Most of the respondents were young (χ2 = 15.45, p < 0.001), under the age of 45 (840). According to the processed data, it was found that respondents in the age group of 26-35 years showed the greatest vulnerability to recurrent urinary infections, while the age group of 18-25 years recorded the highest number of responses related to the rare presence or even absence of episodes of urinary infections. A body weight-related vulnerability was also noted among the respondents; the majority of obese people declared that they face frequent episodes of urinary infections. Regarding diet quality, 210 respondents reported an adherence to an unhealthy diet, 620 to a moderately healthy diet, and 273 to a healthy diet. Of the respondents who adhered to a healthy diet, 223 were women (χ2 = 2.55, p = 0.279). There was a close connection between diet quality and the frequency of urinary infections: from the statistical processing of the data, it was observed that the highest percentage of respondents who rarely (57.14%) or never got urinary infections (29.30%) were among those who adhered to a healthy diet, and the highest percentage of those who declared that they often got urinary infections were among those with increased adherence to an unhealthy diet (χ2 = 13.46, p = 0.036). The results of this study highlight a strong impact of obesity, reduced consumption of fruit and vegetables, and sedentary lifestyle on the risk of recurring urinary infections.

A Bird's-Eye View of the Pathophysiologic Role of the Human Urobiota in Health and Disease: Can We Modulate It?

For a long time, urine has been considered sterile in physiological conditions, thanks to the particular structure of the urinary tract and the production of uromodulin or Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) by it. More recently, thanks to the development and use of new technologies, i.e., next-generation sequencing and expanded urine culture, the identification of a microbial community in the urine, the so-called urobiota, became possible. Major phyla detected in the urine are represented by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Particularly, the female urobiota is largely represented by Lactobacillus spp., which are very active against urinary pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli (UPEC) strains via the generation of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Gut dysbiosis accounts for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), so-called gut-bladder axis syndrome with the formation of intracellular bacterial communities in the course of acute cystitis. However, other chronic urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial strains of intestinal derivation. Monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections account for the outcome of acute and chronic UTIs, even including prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain. E. coli isolates have been shown to be more invasive and resistant to antibiotics. Probiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and immune-mediated therapies, even including vaccines for the treatment of UTIs, will be described.

Bioactive-Loaded Hydrogels Based on Bacterial Nanocellulose, Chitosan, and Poloxamer for Rebalancing Vaginal Microbiota

Biocompatible drug-delivery systems for soft tissue applications are of high interest for the medical and pharmaceutical fields. The subject of this research is the development of hydrogels loaded with bioactive compounds (inulin, thyme essential oil, hydro-glycero-alcoholic extract of Vitis vinifera, Opuntia ficus-indica powder, lactic acid, citric acid) in order to support the vaginal microbiota homeostasis. The nanofibrillar phyto-hydrogel systems developed using the biocompatible polymers chitosan (CS), never-dried bacterial nanocellulose (NDBNC), and Poloxamer 407 (PX) incorporated the water-soluble bioactive components in the NDBNC hydrophilic fraction and the hydrophobic components in the hydrophobic core of the PX fraction. Two NDBNC-PX hydrogels and one NDBNC-PX-CS hydrogel were structurally and physical-chemically characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and rheology. The hydrogels were also evaluated in terms of thermo-responsive properties, mucoadhesion, biocompatibility, and prebiotic and antimicrobial effects. The mucin binding efficiency of hydrogel base systems was determined by the periodic acid/Schiff base (PAS) assay. Biocompatibility of hydrogel systems was determined by the MTT test using mouse fibroblasts. The prebiotic activity was determined using the probiotic strains Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum. Antimicrobial activity was also assessed using relevant microbial strains, respectively, E. coli and C. albicans. TEM evidenced PX micelles of around 20 nm on NDBNC nanofibrils. The FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that the binary hydrogels are dominated by PX signals, and that the ternary hydrogel is dominated by CS, with additional particular fingerprints for the biocompounds and the hydrogel interaction with mucin. Rheology evidenced the gel transition temperatures of 18-22 °C for the binary hydrogels with thixotropic behavior and, respectively, no gel transition, with rheopectic behavior for the ternary hydrogel. The adhesion energies of the binary and ternary hydrogels were evaluated to be around 1.2 J/m2 and 9.1 J/m2, respectively. The hydrogels exhibited a high degree of biocompatibility, with the potential to support cell proliferation and also to promote the growth of lactobacilli. The hydrogel systems also presented significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity.

The microbiome and the gut-lung axis in tuberculosis: interplay in the course of disease and treatment

Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) that remains a significant global health challenge. The extensive use of antibiotics in tuberculosis treatment, disrupts the delicate balance of the microbiota in various organs, including the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. This gut-lung axis involves dynamic interactions among immune cells, microbiota, and signaling molecules from both organs. The alterations of the microbiome resulting from anti-TB treatment can significantly influence the course of tuberculosis, impacting aspects such as complete healing, reinfection, and relapse. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the gut-lung axis in the context of tuberculosis, with a specific focus on the impact of anti-TB treatment on the microbiome.

The Use of Prebiotics from Pregnancy and Its Complications: Health for Mother and Offspring—A Narrative Review

Pregnancy involves a metabolic reprogramming that includes changes in the gut microbiota composition in women. Evidence shows that maternal dysbiosis is linked to neonatal dysbiosis, and this factor can determine health status in adulthood. Although there is little literature available on this topic, high heterogeneity is a limitation when examining nutritional interventions. Information has been gathered to contrast the benefits of prebiotic usage, specifically in pregnancy, in its possible complications and in newborns’ gut microbiota development. The objective pursued in this brief narrative review is to provide a clear summary of relevant content when searching with regard to the use of prebiotics in pregnancy, the effects in prenatal and postnatal periods, and to help in clinical decision-making in pregnancy management and lactation. A search has found that the nutritional status of the pregnant mother is key for the earliest microbial colonization in newborns, and thus intervention programs from pregnancy could assure better outcomes in both the mother and offspring. In this sense, prebiotics (administered to mothers who breastfeed or provided in formula milk) are feasible and cost-effective elements that can prevent allergies, colic, and other maladies in newborns.

A Deep Insight into the Correlation Between Gut Dysbiosis and Alzheimer’s Amyloidopathy

Background

Recent research has shown a strong correlation between gut dysbiosis and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between gut dysbiosis, immune system activation, and the onset of AD and to examine current breakthroughs in microbiota-targeted AD therapeutics.

Methods

A review of scientific literature was conducted to assess the correlation between gut dysbiosis and AD and the various factors associated.

Results

Gut dysbiosis produces an increase in harmful substances, such as bacterial amyloids, which makes the gut barrier and blood-brain barrier more permeable. This leads to the stimulation of immunological responses and an increase in cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β). As a result, gut dysbiosis accelerates the progression of AD.

Conclusion

The review highlights the connection between gut dysbiosis and AD and the potential for microbiota-targeted therapies in AD treatment.

Pictorial Abstract

Recombinant Probiotic Preparations: Current State, Development and Application Prospects

The article is devoted to the latest achievements in the field of research, development, and implementation of various types of medicinal products based on recombinant probiotics. The benefits of probiotics, their modern use in medicine along with the most frequently used genera and species of probiotic microorganisms were highlighted. The medicinal and therapeutic activities of the studied probiotics were indicated. The review suggests various methods of creating recombinant probiotic microorganisms, including standard genetic engineering methods, as well as systems biology approaches and new methods of using the CRISPR-Cas system. The range of potential therapeutic applications of drugs based on recombinant probiotics was proposed. Special attention was paid to modern research on the creation of new, more effective recombinant probiotics that can be used for various therapeutic purposes. Considering the vast diversity of therapeutic applications of recombinant probiotics and ambiguous functions, their use for the potential treatment of various common human diseases (non-infectious and infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, and allergic conditions) was investigated. The prospects for creating different types of vaccines based on recombinant probiotics together with the prospects for their implementation into medicine were considered. The possibilities of using recombinant probiotics in veterinary medicine, particularly for the prevention of domestic animal diseases, were reviewed. The prospects for the implementation of recombinant probiotics as vaccines and diagnostic tools for testing certain diseases as well as modeling the work of the human digestive system were highlighted. The risks of creation, application, including the issues related to the regulatory sphere regarding the use of new recombinant microorganisms, which can potentially enter the environment and cause unforeseen circumstances, were outlined.

Journey of the Probiotic Bacteria: Survival of the Fittest

This review aims to bring a more general view of the technological and biological challenges regarding production and use of probiotic bacteria in promoting human health. After a brief description of the current concepts, the challenges for the production at an industrial level are presented from the physiology of the central metabolism to the ability to face the main forms of stress in the industrial process. Once produced, these cells are processed to be commercialized in suspension or dried forms or added to food matrices. At this stage, the maintenance of cell viability and vitality is of paramount for the quality of the product. Powder products requires the development of strategies that ensure the integrity of components and cellular functions that allow complete recovery of cells at the time of consumption. Finally, once consumed, probiotic cells must face a very powerful set of physicochemical mechanisms within the body, which include enzymes, antibacterial molecules and sudden changes in pH. Understanding the action of these agents and the induction of cellular tolerance mechanisms is fundamental for the selection of increasingly efficient strains in order to survive from production to colonization of the intestinal tract and to promote the desired health benefits.

Selection of Beneficial Bacterial Strains With Potential as Oral Probiotic Candidates

This study aimed to select beneficial strains from the oral cavity of healthy volunteers and to evaluate these as potential oral probiotic candidates. The selection process was based on the isolation, differentiation, identification, and safety assessment of LAB strains, followed by a series of experiments for the selection of appropriate candidates with beneficial properties. In the screening procedure, 8 isolates from the oral cavity of a Caucasian volunteers were identified as Streptococcus (Str.) salivarius ST48HK, ST59HK, ST61HK, and ST62HK; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lb.) (Lactobacillus plantarum) ST63HK and ST66HK; Latilactobacillus sakei (Lb.) (Lactobacillus sakei) ST69HK; and Lactobacillus (Lb.) gasseri ST16HK based on 16S rRNA sequencing. Physiological and phenotypic tests did not show hemolytic, proteinase, or gelatinase activities, as well as production of biogenic amines. In addition, screening for the presence of efaA, cyt, IS16, esp, asa1, and hyl virulence genes and vancomycin-resistant genes confirmed safety of the studied strains. Moreover, cell-to-cell antagonism indicated that the strains were able to inhibit the growth of tested representatives from the genera Bacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus in a strain-specific manner. Various beneficial genes were detected including gad gene, which codes for GABA production. Furthermore, cell surface hydrophobicity levels ranging between 1.58% and 85% were determined. The studied strains have also demonstrated high survivability in a broad range of pH (4.0-8.0). The interaction of the 8 putative probiotic candidates with drugs from different groups and oral hygiene products were evaluated for their MICs. This is to determine if the application of these drugs and hygiene products can negatively affect the oral probiotic candidates. Overall, antagonistic properties, safety assessment, and high rates of survival in the presence of these commonly used drugs and oral hygiene products indicate Str. salivarius ST48HK, ST59HK, ST61HK, and ST62HK; Lb. plantarum ST63HK and ST66HK; Lb. sakei ST69HK; and Lb. gasseri ST16HK as promising oral cavity probiotic candidates.

Psoriasis: Interplay between dysbiosis and host immune system

With advancement in human microbiome research, an increasing number of scientific evidences have endorsed the key role of both gut and skin microbiota in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Microbiome dysbiosis, characterized by altered diversity and composition, as well as rise of pathobionts, have been identified as possible triggers for recurrent episodes of psoriasis. Mechanistically, gut dysbiosis leads to "leaky gut syndrome" via disruption of epithelial bilayer, thereby, resulting in translocation of bacteria and other endotoxins to systemic circulation, which in turn, results in inflammatory response. Similarly, skin dysbiosis disrupts the cutaneous homeostasis, leading to invasion of bacteria and other pathogens to deeper layers of skin or even systemic circulation further enhanced by injury caused by pruritus-induced scratching, and elicit innate and adaptive inflammation. The present review explores the correlation of both skin and gut microbiota dysbiosis with psoriasis. Also, the studies highlighting the potential of bacteriotherapeutic approaches including probiotics, prebiotics, metabiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation for the management of psoriasis have been discussed.

Biodetoxification and Protective Properties of Probiotics

Probiotic consumption is recognized as being generally safe and correlates with multiple and valuable health benefits. However, the mechanism by which it helps detoxify the body and its anti-carcinogenic and antimutagenic potential is less discussed. A widely known fact is that globalization and mass food production/cultivation make it impossible to keep all possible risks under control. Scientists associate the multitude of diseases in the days when we live with these risks that threaten the population’s safety in terms of food. This review aims to explore whether the use of probiotics may be a safe, economically viable, and versatile tool in biodetoxification despite the numerous risks associated with food and the limited possibility to evaluate the contaminants. Based on scientific data, this paper focuses on the aspects mentioned above and demonstrates the probiotics’ possible risks, as well as their anti-carcinogenic and antimutagenic potential. After reviewing the probiotic capacity to react with pathogens, fungi infection, mycotoxins, acrylamide toxicity, benzopyrene, and heavy metals, we can conclude that the specific probiotic strain and probiotic combinations bring significant health outcomes. Furthermore, the biodetoxification maximization process can be performed using probiotic-bioactive compound association.

Non-conventional therapeutical approaches to acne vulgaris related to its association with metabolic disorders

The ever-increasing frequency of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still a major challenge of the public health care system, worldwide. In recent years, researchers have been drawn to the uncommon (at first look) link between skin illnesses and MetS. Because of the pro-inflammatory mechanisms and insulin resistance (IR) that are upregulated in metabolic syndrome, many skin disorders are correlated to metabolic dysfunctions, including acne vulgaris. A comprehensive understanding of the link between MetS and acne vulgaris may contribute to the development of new treatment strategies. The current review focuses on dietary and therapeutic interventions and assesses the effect of various approaches such as improving diet by avoiding certain food products (i.e., milk and chocolate) or increasing the intake of others (i.e., food products rich in omega-3 fatty acids), metformin administration, therapy with plant extracts, plant essential oils, and probiotic supplementation on the improvement of certain acne vulgaris severity parameters. These therapeutic approaches, when combined with allopathic treatment, can improve the patients' quality of life.

Ingestion, Immunity, and Infection: Nutrition and Viral Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory infections place a heavy burden on the health care system, particularly in the winter months. Individuals with a vulnerable immune system, such as very young children and the elderly, and those with an immune deficiency, are at increased risk of contracting a respiratory infection. Most respiratory infections are relatively mild and affect the upper respiratory tract only, but other infections can be more serious. These can lead to pneumonia and be life-threatening in vulnerable groups. Rather than focus entirely on treating the symptoms of infectious disease, optimizing immune responsiveness to the pathogens causing these infections may help steer towards a more favorable outcome. Nutrition may have a role in such prevention through different immune supporting mechanisms. Nutrition contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, with various nutrients acting as energy sources and building blocks during the immune response. Many micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) act as regulators of molecular responses of immune cells to infection. It is well described that chronic undernutrition as well as specific micronutrient deficiencies impair many aspects of the immune response and make individuals more susceptible to infectious diseases, especially in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. In addition, other dietary components such as proteins, pre-, pro- and synbiotics, and also animal- and plant-derived bioactive components can further support the immune system. Both the innate and adaptive defense systems contribute to active antiviral respiratory tract immunity. The initial response to viral airway infections is through recognition by the innate immune system of viral components leading to activation of adaptive immune cells in the form of cytotoxic T cells, the production of neutralizing antibodies and the induction of memory T and B cell responses. The aim of this review is to describe the effects of a range different dietary components on anti-infective innate as well as adaptive immune responses and to propose mechanisms by which they may interact with the immune system in the respiratory tract.

Streptococcus strain C17T as a potential probiotic candidate to modulate oral health

In the microbiome, probiotics modulate oral diseases. In this study, Streptococcus strain C17^T was isolated from the oropharynx of a five-year-old healthy child, and its potential probiotic properties were analysed using human bronchial epithelial cells (16-HBE) used as an in vitro oropharyngeal mucosal model. The results demonstrated that the C17^T strain showed tolerance to moderate pH ranges of 4-5 and 0.5-1% bile. However, it was more tolerant to 0.5% bile than 1% bile. It also demonstrated an ability to accommodate maladaptive oropharyngeal conditions (i.e., tolerating lysozyme at 200 μg mL-1) . It was also resistant to hydrogen peroxide at 0.8 mM . In addition, we found out that the strain possesses inhibitory activities against various common pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, C17^T was not cytotoxic to 16-HBE cells at different multiplicities of infection. Scanning electron microscopy disclosed that C17^T adhesion to 16-HBE cells. Competition, exclusion, and displacement assays showed that it had good anti-adhesive effect against S. aureus. The present study revealed that Streptococcus strain C17^T is a potentially efficacious oropharyngeal probiotic.

Influence of culture conditions on co-aggregation of probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii with Candida spp. and their auto-aggregation

Systemic infections caused by pathogenic Candida species pose a significant threat to public health in the past decades due to increasing resistance to existing antifungal drugs. Given this scenario, probiotics have been suggested as an alternative approach for managing Candida infections. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii co-aggregate with Candida spp. as well as to determine their auto-aggregation ability in dependence on temperature (28 °C, 37 °C, 42 °C) and pH (4.5, 7.0, 8.5) after 5 h and 24 h. Our results revealed that the aggregation of tested yeasts was lower in the first 5 h but increased significantly after 24 h. All strains were able to auto-aggregate in different degrees ranging from 47.46 to 95.95% assessed at 24 h of incubation. Among them the highest auto-aggregation values had C. albicans and C. krusei strains followed by probiotic strain S. boulardii, while the less were observed in C. glabrata strains. In addition, co-aggregation between probiotic and Candida strains was strain-specific. It was evident that S. boulardii significantly inhibited the aggregation of C. albicans ATCC 10261, C. krusei ATCC 6258, and C. glabrata ZIM 2369. However, in C. glabrata ZIM 2382, the aggregation was even enhanced. Temperature and pH also affected the ability to aggregate in a different way only after 5 h of incubation, with the highest cell aggregation evidenced at temperature 37 °C in most cases and pH 4.5. These findings may be of importance when trying to establish probiotic use against pathogenic Candida species.

Relationship between Mucosal Barrier Function of the Oviduct and Intestine in the Productivity of Laying Hens

The mucosa of the intestine and oviduct of hens are susceptible to pathogens. Pathogenic infections in the mucosal tissues of laying hens lead to worsened health of the host animal, decreased egg production, and bacterial contamination of eggs. Therefore, better understanding of the mechanisms underlying mucosal barrier function is needed to prevent infection by pathogens. In addition, pathogen infection in the mucosal tissue generally causes mucosal inflammation. Recently, it has been shown that inflammation in the oviduct and intestinal tissue caused by disruption of the mucosal barrier function, can affect egg production. Therefore, it is vitla to understand the relationship between mucosal barrier function and egg production to improve poultry egg production. This paper reviews the studies on (1) oviductal mucosal immune function and egg production, (2) intestinal inflammation and egg production, and (3) improvement of mucosal immune function by probiotics. The findings introduced in this review will contribute to the understanding of the mucosal barrier function of the intestine and oviduct and improve poultry egg production in laying hens.

A dermocosmetic formulation containing Vichy volcanic mineralizing water, Vitreoscilla filiformis extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E regenerates and repairs acutely stressed skin

The exposome has an impact on skin from life-long exposure. Acute short-term exposure to exposome stressors can also alter skin functions such as skin physical barrier and immune defenses, leading to skin dryness, sensitivity, flares of inflammatory skin conditions, or viral reactivations. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. An extract produced by lysing Vitreoscilla filiformis (VfeV) cultured in Vichy volcanic mineralizing water (VVMW) has properties of probiotic fractions. In this review, we present in vivo and ex vivo studies with a dermocosmetic formulation containing 80% VVMW, 5% VfeV, 4% niacinamide (vitamin B3), 0.4% hyaluronic acid, and 0.2% vitamin E (M89PF) to evaluate the clinical efficacy in preventing and repairing stressed skin. Skin barrier benefits of M89PF were shown in studies after the skin was exposed to sudden thermal changes, after skin irritation by tape stripping, and in sleep-deprived women. M89PF significantly accelerated skin renewal compared to untreated skin. Skin antioxidant defense activity of M89PF was shown after exposure to stress from UVA plus cigarette smoke aggression. Skin microbiome recovery after acute stress from a harsh cleanser was significantly better in M89PF-treated skin compared to bare skin. Clinical benefits of M89PF on correcting clinical signs of stressed skin were shown in both Caucasian and Asian women exposed to a stressful lifestyle and various external (pollution, tobacco smoking, solar radiation) and internal (poor sleep, stressful work, unbalanced diet, and alcohol consumption) exposome factors. M89PF also showed depigmenting properties on dark spots in Asian women. Further clinical studies are now warranted to evaluate the efficacy of M89PF as adjuvant care to prevent and repair skin barrier disruption and reinforce skin defenses in skin exposed to acute stresses.

A combination of Vitreoscilla filiformis extract and Vichy volcanic mineralizing water strengthens the skin defenses and skin barrier

Probiotics are live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Semiactive, non-replicating bacteria or extracts used in dermocosmetics have interesting properties for skin quality. Vitreoscilla filiformis is cultured by a fermentation process to obtain an extract. It is considered as a probiotic fraction and topical application of this extract has shown activity to strengthen the skin physical barrier function and maintain good homeostasis of skin defenses. Vichy volcanic mineralizing water (VVMW) is a pure, highly mineralized water that has been shown to strengthen the skin against exposome aggressions. This manuscript reviews properties of probiotic fractions used in skin care, especially studies on an extract of V. filiformis grown in a medium containing VVMW (VfeV) and evaluated in combination with VVMW. Skin barrier function: In normal human epidermal keratinocyte cultures, the combination of 10% VVMW and 0.002% VfeV significantly increased transglutaminase, filaggrin, involucrin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 in comparison with the controls. Antimicrobial peptide defenses: The combination of 16.7% VVMW and 0.1% VfeV increased the expression of β-defensin-4A and S100A7. Skin immune defense functions: In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the combination of 16.7% VVMW and 0.1% VfeV down-regulated IL-8, TNF-α, IL-12/IL-23p40, and increased IL10 and IL-10/IL-12 ratio compared to the control. Additionally, the combination of 79% VVMW plus 5% VfeV protected Langerhans cells in skin explants exposed to ultraviolet radiation. In conclusion, the combination of VfeV plus VVMW has properties to strengthen the skin barrier by stimulating skin differentiation and tight junctions, biochemical defenses by stimulating antimicrobial peptides, and cellular immune defenses by increasing the IL-10/IL-12 ratio and by protecting Langerhans cells challenged by ultraviolet radiation.

Does Probiotic Consumption Enhance Wound Healing? A Systematic Review

The use of probiotics is one of the emerging lines of treatment for wound healing. This systematic review aimed to summarize currently available evidence on the effect of oral or enteral probiotic therapy on skin or oral mucosal wound healing in humans. To verify the developments in this field and the level of available scientific evidence, we applied a broad search strategy with no restrictions on wound type, target population, probiotic strain, or intervention protocol used. This review included seven studies involving 348 individuals. Four studies reported positive outcomes for healing improvement after probiotic therapy, and none of the studies reported adverse effects or a marked increase in wound healing time. The positive or neutral results observed do not generate strong evidence regarding the effectiveness of probiotics for wound healing. However, they suggest a promising field for future clinical research where the probiotic strains used, type of wounds, and target population are controlled for.

Antituberculosis Therapy and Gut Microbiota: Review of Potential Host Microbiota Directed-Therapies

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern with millions of deaths every year. The overlap with HIV infections, long treatment duration, and the emergence of drug resistance are significant obstacles to the control of the disease. Indeed, the standard first-line regimen TB treatment takes at least six months and even longer for the second-line therapy, resulting in relapses, drug resistance and re-infections. Many recent reports have also shown prolonged and significant damage of the gut microbial community (dysbiosis) from anti-TB drugs that can detrimentally persist several months after the cessation of treatment and could lead to the impairment of the immune response, and thus re-infections and drug resistance. A proposed strategy for shortening the treatment duration is thus to apply corrective measures to the dysbiosis for a faster bacterial clearance and a better treatment outcome. In this review, we will study the role of the gut microbiota in both TB infection and treatment, and its potential link with treatment duration. We will also discuss, the new concept of "Host Microbiota Directed-Therapies (HMDT)" as a potential adjunctive strategy to improve the treatment effectiveness, reduce its duration and or prevent relapses. These strategies include the use of probiotics, prebiotics, gut microbiota transfer, and other strategies. Application of this innovative solution could lead to HMDT as an adjunctive tool to shorten TB treatment, which will have enormous public health impacts for the End TB Strategy worldwide.

Probiotics as Therapeutic Tools against Pathogenic Biofilms: Have We Found the Perfect Weapon?

Bacterial populations inhabiting a variety of natural and human-associated niches have the ability to grow in the form of biofilms. A large part of pathological chronic conditions, and essentially all the bacterial infections associated with implanted medical devices or prosthetics, are caused by microorganisms embedded in a matrix made of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids. Biofilm infections are generally characterized by a slow onset, mild symptoms, tendency to chronicity, and refractory response to antibiotic therapy. Even though the molecular mechanisms responsible for resistance to antimicrobial agents and host defenses have been deeply clarified, effective means to fight biofilms are still required. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), used as probiotics, are emerging as powerful weapons to prevent adhesion, biofilm formation, and control overgrowth of pathogens. Hence, using probiotics or their metabolites to quench and interrupt bacterial communication and aggregation, and to interfere with biofilm formation and stability, might represent a new frontier in clinical microbiology and a valid alternative to antibiotic therapies. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the experimental and therapeutic applications of LAB to interfere with biofilm formation or disrupt the stability of pathogenic biofilms.

Theoretical benefits of yogurt-derived bioactive peptides and probiotics in COVID-19 patients - A narrative review and hypotheses

The world is currently facing a frightening coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. Severity of COVID-19 presentation is highly variable among infected individuals with increasingly recognized risk factors. Although observational studies suggested lower COVID-19 severity in populations consuming fermented foods, no controlled study investigated the role of diet. Yogurt, a fermented dairy product, exhibits interesting properties related to the presence of bioactive peptides and probiotics that may play a beneficial role in COVID-19 presentation and outcome. Peptides contained in yogurt are responsible for angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory, bradykinin potentiating, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antioxidant effects. The types and activity of these peptides vary widely depending on their amino acid sequence, on the probiotics used in yogurt production and on intestinal digestion. Additionally, probiotics used in yogurt exhibit direct angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory, antiviral and immune boosting activities. Since COVID-19 pathogenesis involves angiotensin II accumulation and bradykinin deficiency, yogurt bioactive peptides appear as potentially beneficial. Therefore, epidemiological investigations and randomized controlled clinical trials to evaluate the exact role of yogurt consumption on COVID-19 manifestations and outcome should be encouraged.

Recent advances in the enzymatic production and applications of xylooligosaccharides

The majority of lignocellulosic biomass on the planet originates from plant cell walls, which are complex structures build up mainly by cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The largest part of hemicellulose, xylan, is a polymer with a β-(1→4)-linked xylose residues backbone decorated with α-D-glucopyranosyl uronic acids and/or L-arabinofuranose residues. Xylan is the second most abundant biopolymer in nature, which can be sustainably and efficiently degraded into decorated and undecorated xylooligosaccharides (XOS) using combinations of thermochemical pretreatments and enzymatic hydrolyses, that have broad applications in the food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Endo-xylanases from different complex carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) families can be used to cleave the backbone of arabino(glucurono)xylans and xylooligosaccharides and degrade them into short XOS. It has been shown that XOS with a low degree of polymerization have enhanced prebiotic effects conferring health benefits to humans and animals. In this review we describe recent advances in the enzymatic production of XOS from lignocellulosic biomass arabino- and glucuronoxylans and their applications as food and feed additives and health-promoting ingredients. Comparative advantages of xylanases from different CAZy families in XOS production are discussed and potential health benefits of different XOS are presented.

The potential prebiotic effect of 2-Butyloctanol on the human axillary microbiome

OBJECTIVE

The human axilla is colonized by a wide array of microorganisms that contribute to the generation of body odour. Traditional antiperspirant/deodorant products are used to reduce perspiration in the axillary region and to treat or prevent the growth of bacteria in this region, thereby reducing or eliminating body odour. However, they may also compromise the axillary microbiome balance. The personal care industry has been seeking new ingredients, such as prebiotics or probiotics, to maintain a healthy balance of the skin microbiome by inhibiting odour-causing bacteria, whilst maintaining and promoting the growth of good bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the prebiotic effect of a skin-care ingredient, 2-butyloctanol, on the human axillary microbiome.

METHODS

An in vitro growth inhibition/promotion assay was performed to test whether 2-butyloctanol inhibited or promoted skin bacterial growth. The impact of 2-butyloctanol on the axillary microbiome was also investigated in a human clinical study using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

In-vitro testing showed that 2-butyloctanol significantly inhibited the growth of corynebacteria at concentrations of 0.64%, 2.56% and 5.12%, whilst the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis was maintained at the same concentrations. The impact of 2-butyloctanol on the axillary microbiome was also validated in a human clinical study. A deodorant roll-on product containing 3% of 2-butyloctanol significantly reduced the relative abundance of corynebacteria, whilst increasing the relative abundance of Staphylococcus and the ratio of Staphylococcus to corynebacteria after four weeks of application, whilst the placebo showed no significant change.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, it was demonstrated that 2-butyloctanol had a potential prebiotic effect on the human underarm microbiome in inhibiting odour-causing Corynebacterium, whilst maintaining and promoting skin-friendly Staphylococcus in both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Therefore, 2-butyloctanol could be used as a potential prebiotic ingredient in personal care products for underarm microbiome protection.

Self-preserving gelatin emulgel containing whole cell probiotic for topical use: preclinical safety, efficacy, and germination studies

BACKGROUND

Dermal disorders, owing to disruption of skin-microflora balance can be served by direct application of probiotics. However, there are few topical whole probiotic products in market because of (i) loss of viability during manufacturing and storage(ii) inadequate germination and retention on skin. Presently we report a novel (IPA 201811010395) emulgel incorporatingBacillus coagulans (Unique IS-2) for possible topical use.

METHODS

Developed emulgel was characterized for particle size, texture, rheology, morphology, water activity, self-preservation, safety, and stability.

RESULTS

We successfully incorporated 97 ± 5% (1.7×10⁸CFU/g) Bacillus coagulans in honeycomb network of gelatin nanoparticles (≈600 nm). Maintenance of CFU at 30 ± 2°C, 65 ± 5% RH for 3 months confirmed viability of incorporated probiotic. Low water-activity (0.66-0.732a_w) and challenge test (0.05-0.5% viability) confirmed its self-preserving nature. Early initiation (6 h) and complete (24 h) spore germination was evident onrabbit skin. No cytotoxicity, dermal irritation or translocation established its safety. Faster wound closure and reduced oxidative stress (LPO, catalase, SOD, glutathione reductase) in comparison to Soframycin® (1%w/w Framycetin) was observed in excision wound in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

A whole cell probiotic formulation that is self-preserving, maintains probiotic viability, guarantees germination, and has wound healing properties was successfully formulated.

Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals

This study proposes a review on hyaluronic acid (HA) known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate and its derivates and their application in cosmetic formulations. HA is a glycosaminoglycan constituted from two disaccharides (N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid), isolated initially from the vitreous humour of the eye, and subsequently discovered in different tissues or fluids (especially in the articular cartilage and the synovial fluid). It is ubiquitous in vertebrates, including humans, and it is involved in diverse biological processes, such as cell differentiation, embryological development, inflammation, wound healing, etc. HA has many qualities that recommend it over other substances used in skin regeneration, with moisturizing and anti-ageing effects. HA molecular weight influences its penetration into the skin and its biological activity. Considering that, nowadays, hyaluronic acid has a wide use and a multitude of applications (in ophthalmology, arthrology, pneumology, rhinology, aesthetic medicine, oncology, nutrition, and cosmetics), the present study describes the main aspects related to its use in cosmetology. The biological effect of HA on the skin level and its potential adverse effects are discussed. Some available cosmetic products containing HA have been identified from the brand portfolio of most known manufacturers and their composition was evaluated. Further, additional biological effects due to the other active ingredients (plant extracts, vitamins, amino acids, peptides, proteins, saccharides, probiotics, etc.) are presented, as well as a description of their possible toxic effects.

The Insights of Microbes' Roles in Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review

A diverse range of normal flora populates the human skin and numbers are relatively different between individuals and parts of the skin. Humans and normal flora have formed a symbiotic relationship over a period of time. With numerous disease processes, the interaction between the host and normal flora can be interrupted. Unlike normal wound healing, which is complex and crucial to sustaining the skin’s physical barrier, chronic wounds, especially in diabetes, are wounds that fail to heal in a timely manner. The conditions become favorable for microbes to colonize and establish infections within the skin. These include secretions of various kinds of molecules, substances or even trigger the immune system to attack other cells required for wound healing. Additionally, the healing process can be slowed down by prolonging the inflammatory phase and delaying the wound repair process, which causes further destruction to the tissue. Antibiotics and wound dressings become the targeted therapy to treat chronic wounds. Though healing rates are improved, prolonged usage of these treatments could become ineffective or microbes may become resistant to the treatments. Considering all these factors, more studies are needed to comprehensively elucidate the role of human skin normal flora at the cellular and molecular level in a chronic injury. This article will review wound healing physiology and discuss the role of normal flora in the skin and chronic wounds.

Application of probiotics in candidiasis management

Candidiasis (e.g., oral, gastrointestinal, vaginal, urinary tract, systemic) is a worldwide growing problem, since antifungal resistance and immunosuppression states are rising. To address this problem, very few drugs are available for the treatment of Candida spp. infections. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Probiotics have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections due to their safety record and efficacy, however, little is still known about their potential role regarding fungal infections. The purpose of this review is to present an updated summary of the evidence of the antifungal effects of probiotics along with a discussion of their potential use as an alternative/complementary therapy against Candida spp. infections. Thus, we performed a literature search using appropriate keywords ("Probiotic + Candida", "Candidiasis treatment", and "Probiotic + candidiasis") to retrieve relevant studies (both preclinical and clinical) with special emphasis on the works published in the last 5 years. An increasing amount of evidence has shown the potential usefulness of probiotics in the management of oral and vulvovaginal candidiasis in recent years. Among other results, we found that, as for bacterial infections, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces are the most studied and effective genus for this purpose. However, in other areas, particularly in skincandidiaisis, studies are low or lacking. Thus, further investigation is necessary including in vitro and in vivo studies to establish the usefulness of probiotics in the management of candidiasis.

Therapeutic modulation methods of gut microbiota and gut-liver axis

Liver diseases are considered global health problems that cause more than 1 million deaths each year. Due to the increase in the prevalence of liver diseases worldwide, studies on different treatment methods have increased. Some of these methods is diagnostic and therapeutic applications based on the examination of the intestinal and intestinal microbiota. In this study, research articles, systematic review and review in the literature were examined in order to determine gut-liver axis relationship and treatment methods for liver diseases with gut modulation methods. Studies related to the subject have been searched in Google Scholar and Pubmed databases. The keywords "liver disease" and "gut-liver axis" and "microbiota" and "gut modulation methods" or "probiotic" or "prebiotic" or "symbiotic" or "antibiotic" or "bile acid regulation" or "adsorbent" or "fecal microbiota transplantation" were used in the searches. Improvements have been achieved in biomarkers of liver diseases by providing intestinal modulation with probiotic, prebiotic, symbiotic, antibiotic and adsorbents applications, bile acid regulation and fecal microbiota transplantation. In the results of experimental and clinical studies, it was seen that the therapeutic potential of the treatments performed by applying probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics was higher.

Effective microencapsulation of Enterococcus faecium in biopolymeric matrices using spray drying

The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of whey protein concentrate (WPC), native agave fructans (NAF), and their mixture (WPC-NAF, 1:1 w/w) as wall materials and evaluate the physicochemical properties and stability of encapsulated Enterococcus faecium during the spray drying, storage, and passage through the simulated gastrointestinal tests. The encapsulated microorganisms with WPC-NAF by spray drying showed greater viability (9.26 log CFU/g) and a higher microencapsulation yield (88.43%). They also had a smaller reduction in the cell count (0.61 log cycles), while the microcapsules produced with NAF had the greatest reduction in viability during the simulated gastrointestinal tests. Similarly, probiotics encapsulated with WPC-NAF revealed a higher survival rate (> 8 log CFU/g) when stored at a water activity of 0.328. The thermal analysis showed that the addition of NAF to the WPC produced a slight shift in the Tg towards temperatures higher than that shown by NAF. Therefore, this study provides evidence that the spray drying process was appropriate to encapsulate the probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium and that the mixture WPC-NAF protected it from adverse drying conditions and improved the viability of Enterococcus faecium during storage and simulated gastrointestinal tests, demonstrating that the combination of NAF and WPC as encapsulating material is adequate in the production of more stable microcapsules with potential application in various foods.Key Points• E. faecium was successfully encapsulated in WPC and NAF.• WPC-NAF offered protection to E. faecium in the gastrointestinal tests and during storage.• Aw around 0.328 positively influenced the viability of the microorganism during storage. Graphical abstract.

The potential application of probiotics and prebiotics for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This new viral infection was first identified in China in December 2019, and it has subsequently spread globally. The lack of a vaccine or curative treatment for COVID-19 necessitates a focus on other strategies to prevent and treat the infection. Probiotics consist of single or mixed cultures of live microorganisms that can beneficially affect the host by maintaining the intestinal or lung microbiota that play a major role in human health. At present, good scientific evidence exists to support the ability of probiotics to boost human immunity, thereby preventing colonization by pathogens and reducing the incidence and severity of infections. Herein, we present clinical studies of the use of probiotic supplementation to prevent or treat respiratory tract infections. These data lead to promising benefits of probiotics in reducing the risk of COVID-19. Further studies should be conducted to assess the ability of probiotics to combat COVID-19.

Prevention and treatment of cystitis during menopause: efficacy of a nutraceutical containing D-mannose, inulin, cranberry, bearberry, Olea europaea, Orthosiphon and Lactobacillus acidophilus

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical compound containing Uticlin® (D-mannose, cranberry, bearberry, Olea europaea), inulin, Orthosiphon and Lactobacillus acidophilus, in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in menopausal women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of menopausal women recruited with a history of recurrent UTIs in the previous twelve months and who intended to treat their bladder problem without the use of antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories. Women were proposed the use of an oral nutraceutical compound. The drug was taken for ten days, every month. Women were assigned to two parallel cohorts: patients using (group 1) or not using (group 2) this nutraceutical compound. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the number of women with less than two infective episodes in the 6-month follow-up and less than three episodes in the 12-month follow-up. The secondary endpoints were to evaluate the reduction of related symptoms at 12-month follow-up, according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

RESULTS

At 6 months of therapy, the reduction in the number of patients with ≥ 2 UTIs was statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared to baseline only in group 1. At 12 months, the number of patients who were disease-free was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group 1 compared to group 2. Moreover, the improvement of related symptoms was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in group 1, as shown by the reduction in the VAS scale value.

CONCLUSIONS

In menopausal women, the combination of D-mannose, inulin, cranberry, bearberry, Olea europaea, Orthosiphon and Lactobacillus acidophilus SGL 11 per os represents a useful therapy for recurrent UTIs in women wanting a natural approach.

Effect of Three Polysaccharides (Inulin, and Mucilage from Chia and Flax Seeds) on the Survival of Probiotic Bacteria Encapsulated by Spray Drying

Chia seed mucilage (CM), flaxseed mucilage (FM), and inulin (INL) were used as encapsulating agents to evaluate the possibility of increasing the survival of Lactobacillus casei var. rhamnosus, renamed recently to Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, after spray drying. Moreover, the viability of encapsulated L. rhamnosus was determined during the 250 day storage period at 4 °C. In a second stage, the conditions that maximized the survival of L. rhamnosus were evaluated on other probiotic bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Bifidobacterium longum). Additionally, the viability of encapsulated probiotics during the 60 day storage period at 4 and 25 °C was evaluated. The conditions that maximize the survival of L. rhamnosus (90%) predicted by a face-centered central composite design were 14.4% w/v of maltodextrin, 0.6% w/v of CM, and 90 °C of inlet air temperature. Additionally, under these encapsulating conditions, the survival of L. plantarum, B. infantis, and B. longum was 95%, 97%, and 96%, respectively. The probiotic viability improved during storage at 4 °C but decreased at 25 °C. The highest viability values obtained for probiotics during spray drying and during storage suggest a thermoprotector effect of CM, which would ensure an optimal probiotic efficacy in the product, thus promoting its utilization in the food industry.