Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LC01 positively modulates intestinal microflora in healthy young adults

Targeting maternal gut microbiome to improve mental health outcomes-a pilot feasibility trial

Background

Perinatal depression and anxiety (PDA) is prevalent in new and expectant mothers, affecting millions of women worldwide. Those with a history of mood and anxiety disorders are at the greatest risk of experiencing PDA in a subsequent pregnancy. Current safety concerns with pharmacological treatments have led to a greater need for adjunctive treatment options for PDA. Changes in the composition of the microbiome have been associated with various diseases during pregnancy, and these changes are thought to play some role in perinatal mood disorders. While the relationship between PDA and the microbiome has not been explored, evidence suggests that nutritional interventions with fiber, fish oils, and probiotics may play a favorable role in neuropsychiatric outcomes during and after pregnancy. The primary objective of the present study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a combination of nonpharmacological interventions to maintain stability in pregnant women who have a history of depression and/or anxiety. This study will also aim to understand ease of recruitment and protocol adherence in this cohort.

Methods

This is a single-centered, partially randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind feasibility trial. One hundred pregnant women with a history of depression and/or anxiety/PDA will be recruited and randomized into one of four arms, which could include the following: receiving a daily dose of both investigational products and dietary counseling on increasing dietary fiber, receiving a daily dose of both investigational drugs only, receiving fish oil investigational product and placebo, and a control arm with no intervention. The study involves six study visits, all of which can be conducted virtually every 3 months from the time of enrollment. At all study visits, information on diet, mental health, physical activity, and sleep quality will be collected. Additionally, all participants will provide a stool sample at each visit.

Discussion

It is anticipated that pregnant women with a history of depression and anxiety will be particularly interested in partaking in this trial, resulting in favorable recruitment rates. Given the positive findings of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) and probiotic supplements on mental health symptoms in nonpregnant adults, we expect a similar trend in PDA symptoms, with a low likelihood of adverse events. This study will build the foundation for larger powered studies to further contribute evidence for the efficacy of this potential preventative treatment option.

Trial registration

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials/gov on October 6, 2023; NCT06074250. Trial Sponsor: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 1255 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, 416-498-1255.

Ameliorative effects of pine nut peptide-zinc chelate (Korean pine) on a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

In this study, 50 SD adult male mice were used to create an Alzheimer's disease model. The mice's learning and memory abilities were evaluated using an eight-arm radial maze experiment, and changes in body weight and food intake were noted. This helped to better validate the improvement of Alzheimer's disease caused by pine nut peptide-zinc chelate (Korean pine). For a more thorough investigation, mice's brains were dissected, Endogenous mercaptan antioxidants (enzymes), which are markers of brain tissue, were assessed, and mouse gut flora was analyzed. The findings demonstrated that pine nut peptide-zinc chelate (Korean pine) can improve learning and memory, stop brain aging and damage, and control gut flora in mice. It may exert its effects by ameliorating decreased AChE levels and increased ChAT levels in the central cholinergic system, endogenous thiol antioxidants (enzymes) in the cerebral cortex, and by controlling the bacterial flora in the gut.

Dietary Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus paracasei improve the intestinal health of broilers challenged with coccidia and Clostridium perfringens

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a great threat to the intestinal health of broilers, resulting in decreased growth performance and significant economic losses. Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) and Lactobacillus paracasei (LP) exert beneficial effects on intestinal health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary LF and LP on the intestinal health and growth performance of broilers challenged with coccidia and Clostridium perfringens (CCP). The animal trial was carried out using 336 broilers (Ross 308) for 35 days with a completely randomized design. The broilers were divided into 4 groups based on treatment as follows: the control (CTR) group was fed the basal diet and without CCP challenge and the CCP group was fed the basal diet and with CCP challenge. The broilers in the CCP+LF and CCP+LP groups were challenged by CCP, and meanwhile, LF (1 × 10⁹ CFU/g) and LP (1 × 10⁹ CFU/g) were supplemented into the basal diets, respectively. The results showed that the growth performance and the intestinal morphology were negatively affected by the CCP challenge. In addition, the number of coccidia in the intestinal digesta and the relative abundance of Escherichia coli in the cecal digesta were increased. Besides, the mRNA level of IgA in the jejunum was downregulated, and the transcript level of IL-8 was upregulated by the CCP challenge. Dietary LF and LP failed to improve the growth performance of broilers with the CCP challenge. However, they were beneficial for intestinal barrier function. In addition, dietary LF was able to alleviate the downregulation of TGF-β mRNA level in the spleen with CCP challenge and decreased the lesion scores compared with the CCP group. Furthermore, dietary LP alleviated the upregulation of the IL-8 mRNA level in the jejunum with CCP challenge and reduced the number of coccidia in the ileal digesta. In conclusion, dietary LF and LP failed to mitigate the negative effects of CCP infection on growth performance; however, they were able to improve the intestinal health of broilers challenged with CCP by strengthening the intestinal barrier and alleviating inflammation.

Hematobiochemical and Immunological Responses of Rats Treated with Multi-strain Probiotics and Infected with Trypanosoma brucei

The effects of treatment with probiotics on the immunological and hematobiochemical changes in Trypanosoma brucei infection were investigated. Probiotic strains used are Bifidobacterium BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Lactobacillus delbrueckii LBY-27, Lactobacillus paracasei LC-01, and Streptococcus thermophilus STY-31. Thirty rats randomly assigned to five groups were used in the experiment. Groups A to C received 1 × 10⁹ CFU, 5 × 10⁹ CFU, and 10 × 10⁹ CFU of the multi-strain probiotics daily and respectively from day 0 post-supplementation (PS) to termination. Group D and E were the infected and uninfected controls respectively. On day seven PS, groups A to D were challenged intraperitoneally with approximately 1 × 10⁶ trypanosomes. Parasitemia, nitric oxide level, hematobiochemical parameters, and antibody titer to heterologous antigen stimulation were monitored post-infection. By days 7 and 16 PS, probiotics-treated groups had significantly lower (p < 0.05) mean creatinine concentration than the controls; however, on day 7 PS, there were no significant variations in the leukocyte counts (LC), total erythrocyte counts (TEC), and the packed cell volume (PCV) in all experimental groups. Following infection, by day 16 PS, the pre-patent period, parasitemia levels, and antibody titer were similar in all infected groups. Furthermore, the probiotics-treated groups and the infected control had significantly lower PCV, TEC, and LC values when compared to the uninfected control, and probiotics treated groups (A and C) had only marginally lower nitric oxide levels than the infected control. Treatment with the probiotic strains gave a creatinine-lowering effect, was innocuous to the hematopoietic system, but was not sufficiently immunostimulatory in trypanosomosis.

Differences in Manifestations and Gut Microbiota Composition Between Patients With Different Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Phenotypes

Background

Gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases. However, the complex pathogenesis of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) remains elusive. This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiota in HSP patients and explore the potential association between gut microbiota composition and phenotypic changes in HSP.

Methods

16SrRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were performed using total DNA extracted from the fecal microbiota of 34 children with HSP, including 18 primary cases, 16 recurrent cases, and 23 healthy children.

Results

The diversity indexes showed significant differences in the microbial community among the primary HSP groups, the recurrent HSP group and healthy controls. The abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in the recurrent HSP group was significantly higher than that in the primary HSP group, and the constructed ROC curve had an AUC value of 0.750. According to the Spearman correlation analysis, the abundance of Bacteroides was positively associated with the serum IgG level in children with HSP, while the abundance of Lachnoclostridium was negatively correlated with the complement component 3 (C3). The diversity indexes of gut microbiota in the HSP group with abdominal symptoms were higher than those in the HSP group without GI involvement, and also higher than those in the healthy control group. In the HSP group with GI involvement, the abundance of Faecalibacterium was decreased, while the abundance of Streptococcus and Fusobacteria was increased, compared to the HSP group without GI involvement.

Conclusions

The gut microbiota of children with HSP was different from that of healthy children. The genus Escherichia-Shigella has a diagnostic value for HSP recurrence. Bacteroides and Lachnoclostridium may affect IgG and complement C3 levels in children with HSP. Abdominal symptoms in HSP children were related to gut microbiota (Streptococcus and butyric acid-producing bacteria).

The role of short-chain fatty acids in the interplay between gut microbiota and diet in cardio-metabolic health

The gut microbiota plays an important role in cardio-metabolic diseases with diet being among the strongest modulators of gut microbiota composition and function. Resistant dietary carbohydrates are fermented to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by the gut bacteria. Fiber and omega-3 rich diets increase SCFAs production and abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria. Likewise, SCFAs can improve gut barrier integrity, glucose, and lipid metabolism, regulate the immune system, the inflammatory response, and blood pressure. Therefore, targeting the gut microbiota with dietary strategies leading to increased SCFA production may benefit cardio-metabolic health. In this review, we provide an overview of the association between diet, SCFAs produced by the gut microbiota and cardio-metabolic diseases. We first discuss the association between the human gut microbiota and cardio-metabolic diseases, then investigate the role of SCFAs and finally explore the beneficial effects of specific dietary interventions that can improve cardio-metabolic outcomes through boosting the SCFA production.

Lactobacillus casei LC01 Regulates Intestinal Epithelial Permeability through miR-144 Targeting of OCLN and ZO1

Our previous report determined that miR-144 is a key regulator of intestinal epithelial permeability in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) rats. Recent evidence has shown that lactobacilli play an important role in the relief of IBS-D symptoms. However, few studies have addressed the mechanisms by which microRNAs and lactobacilli exert their beneficial effects on intestinal epithelial permeability. Hence, to elucidate whether miRNAs and lactobacilli play roles in intestinal epithelial barrier regulation, we compared miRNA expression levels in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) under Lactobacillus casei (L. casei LC01) treatment. IECs and L. casei LC01 were co-cultured and then subjected to microRNA microarray assay. qRT-PCR, western blot and ELISA were used to detect the expression of occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens 1 (ZO1/TJP1). The interaction between miRNAs and L. casei LC01 acting in IECs was investigated through transfection of RNA oligoribonucleotides and pcDNA 3.1 plasmid. The results are as follows: 1) L. casei LC01 decreased the expression of miR-144 and FD4 and promoted OCLN and ZO1 expression in IECs; 2) L. casei LC01 enhanced the barrier function of IECs via downregulation of miR-144 and upregulation of OCLN and ZO1; 3) Under L. casei LC01 treatment, OCLN and ZO1 overexpression could partially eliminate the promoting effect of miR-144 on intestinal permeability in IECs. Our results demonstrate that L. casei LC01 regulates intestinal permeability of IECs through miR-144 targeting of OCLN and ZO1. L. casei LC01 can be a possible therapeutic target for managing dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier.

Microbiota and Lifestyle: A Special Focus on Diet

It is widely known that a good balance and healthy function for bacteria groups in the colon are necessary to maintain homeostasis and preserve health. However, the lack of consensus on what defines a healthy gut microbiota and the multitude of factors that influence human gut microbiota composition complicate the development of appropriate dietary recommendations for our gut microbiota. Furthermore, the varied response to the intake of probiotics and prebiotics observed in healthy adults suggests the existence of potential inter- and intra-individual factors, which might account for gut microbiota changes to a greater extent than diet. The changing dietary habits worldwide involving consumption of processed foods containing artificial ingredients, such as sweeteners; the coincident rise in emotional disorders; and the worsening of other lifestyle habits, such as smoking habits, drug consumption, and sleep, can together contribute to gut dysbiosis and health impairment, as well as the development of chronic diseases. This review summarizes the current literature on the effects of specific dietary ingredients (probiotics, prebiotics, alcohol, refined sugars and sweeteners, fats) in the gut microbiota of healthy adults and the potential inter- and intra-individual factors involved, as well as the influence of other potential lifestyle factors that are dramatically increasing nowadays.

Effects of Regular Kefir Consumption on Gut Microbiota in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Parallel-Group, Randomized, Controlled Study

Several health-promoting effects of kefir have been suggested, however, there is limited evidence for its potential effect on gut microbiota in metabolic syndrome This study aimed to investigate the effects of regular kefir consumption on gut microbiota composition, and their relation with the components of metabolic syndrome. In a parallel-group, randomized, controlled clinical trial setting, patients with metabolic syndrome were randomized to receive 180 mL/day kefir (n = 12) or unfermented milk (n = 10) for 12 weeks. Anthropometrical measurements, blood samples, blood pressure measurements, and fecal samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study. Fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant decrease by the intervention of kefir (p ≤ 0.05, for each). However, no significant difference was obtained between the kefir and unfermented milk groups (p > 0.05 for each). Gut microbiota analysis showed that regular kefir consumption resulted in a significant increase only in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria (p = 0.023). No significant change in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria or Verrucomicrobia by kefir consumption was obtained. Furthermore, the changes in the relative abundance of sub-phylum bacterial populations did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05, for each). Kefir supplementation had favorable effects on some of the metabolic syndrome parameters, however, further investigation is needed to understand its effect on gut microbiota composition.

Gut microbiota is associated with adiposity markers and probiotics may impact specific genera

PURPOSE

It has been suggested that restoring gut microbiota alterations with probiotics represents a potential clinical target for the treatment of gut microbiota-related diseases, such as obesity. Here, we apply 16S rDNA microbiota profiling to establish which bacteria in the human gut are associated with obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors, and to evaluate whether probiotic supplementation modulates gut microbiota.

METHODS

We evaluated the effects of a probiotic mixture (2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14, Lactobacillus casei LC-11, Lactococcus lactis LL-23, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB-06, and Bifidobacterium lactis BL-4) in 32 overweight or obese women in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, we characterized fecal samples and investigated the relationships between microbiome data and diet, body composition, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory profile. In addition, we characterized the degree of variation among fecal communities after the intervention.

RESULTS

BMI, weight, fat mass, lean mass, conicity index, protein intake, monounsaturated fat intake, glycated hemoglobin, TNF-α, and IL6/IL10 were significantly correlated with microbiome composition. The candidate division TM7 was strongly associated with all adiposity markers and Clostridiaceae associated negatively with TNF-α. The family Clostridiaceae increased and TM7 tended to decrease after the probiotic mixture supplementation. Subjects were clustered according to body composition, and a higher proportion of TM7 was observed in those with higher adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

Ecosystem-wide analysis of probiotic use effects on the gut microbiota revealed a genera specific influence, and one of which (TM7) represents a promising novel target for obesity treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

U1111-1137-4566.

"Physicochemical, immunomodulatory and safety aspects of milks fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei isolated from kefir"

The use of Lactobacillus paracasei strains isolated from kefir grains as starters for the development of functional dairy products was evaluated. The physicochemical and immunomodulatory properties of milks fermented with L. paracasei CIDCA8339, CIDCA83123 and CIDCA83124 were analyzed. The three strains produced bioactive metabolites during fermentation, since the fermented milk supernatants were able to downregulate >75% of the induced innate immune response in vitro. Although all strains presented absence of hemolytic activity and susceptibility to antibiotics, L. paracasei CIDCA8339 presented more attractive probiotic and technological properties. Mice consuming the fermented milk with L. paracasei CIDCA 8339 did not present significant modifications in sIgA levels or TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-10 mRNA expression in ileum. Additionally, a decrease of INF-γ level in ileum and no microbiological translocation to liver and spleen was observed. These results demonstrate that L. paracasei CIDCA8339 represents a safe promising potential probiotic strain for the development of functional foods.

Use of Gas Chromatography to Quantify Short Chain Fatty Acids in the Serum, Colonic Luminal Content and Feces of mice

Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) are a product of the fermentation of resistant starches and dietary fibers by the gut microbiota. The most important SCFA are acetate (C2), propionate (C3) and butyrate (C4). These metabolites are formed and absorbed in the colon and then transported through the hepatic vein to the liver. SCFAs are more concentrated in the intestinal lumen than in the serum. Butyrate is largely consumed in the gut epithelium, propionate in the liver and acetate in the periphery. SCFAs act on many cells including components of the immune system and epithelial cells by two main mechanisms: activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and inhibition of histone deacetylase. Considering the association between changes in SCFA concentrations and the development of diseases, methods to quantify these acids in different biological samples are important. In this study, we describe a protocol using gas chromatography to quantify SCFAs in the serum, feces and colonic luminal content. Separation of compounds was performed using a DB-23 column (60 m x 0.25 mm internal diameter [i.d.]) coated with a 0.15 µm thick layer of 80.2% 1-methylnaphatalene. This method has a good linear range (15-10,000 µg/ml). The precision (relative standard deviation [RSD]) is less than 15.0% and the accuracy (error relative [ER]) is within ± 15.0%. The extraction efficiency was higher than 97.0%. Therefore, this is cost effective and reproducible method for SCFA measurement in feces and serum.

Roseburia spp.: a marker of health?

The genus Roseburia consists of obligate Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria that are slightly curved, rod-shaped and motile by means of multiple subterminal flagella. It includes five species: Roseburia intestinalis, R. hominis, R. inulinivorans, R. faecis and R. cecicola. Gut Roseburia spp. metabolize dietary components that stimulate their proliferation and metabolic activities. They are part of commensal bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, affecting colonic motility, immunity maintenance and anti-inflammatory properties. Modification in Roseburia spp. representation may affect various metabolic pathways and is associated with several diseases (including irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, nervous system conditions and allergies). Roseburia spp. could also serve as biomarkers for symptomatic pathologies (e.g., gallstone formation) or as probiotics for restoration of beneficial flora.

RNA and a cell wall component of Enterococcus faecalis IC-1 are required for phagocytosis and interleukin 12 production by the mouse macrophage cell line J774.1

Enterococcus faecalis is a resident lactic acid bacterium in the human intestine. Its immunostimulatory action was reported to be enhanced by heat sterilization. To investigate its beneficial actions, we evaluated the ability of 10 E. faecalis strains to induce interleukin-12 (IL-12) production in a mouse macrophage cell line, J774.1 and found that the strain, E. faecalis IC-1, had a potent IL-12-inducing ability. Furthermore, we investigated the underlying mechanism by treating IC-1 cells with RNase or lysozyme. Its activity almost disappeared and an antagonist of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 inhibited this activity. Moreover, lysozyme-treated IC-1 bacteria were not phagocytized by J774.1 cells, and did not induce IL-12 production. Based on our results, we propose that macrophages recognize the cell wall components of IC-1, leading to phagocytosis. The IC-1 RNA is then recognized by TLR7, which induces the production of IL-12.

The Role of Probiotics on the Microbiota: Effect on Obesity

The microbiota and the human host maintain a symbiotic association. Nowadays, metagenomic analyses are providing valuable knowledge on the diversity and functionality of the gut microbiota. However, with regard to the definition of a "healthy microbiota" and the characterization of the dysbiosis linked to obesity, there is still not a clear answer. Despite this fact, attempts have been made to counteract obesity through probiotic supplementation. A literature search of experimental studies relevant to the topic was performed in PubMed database with the keywords "probiotic" and "obesity" and restricted to those with "Lactobacillus" or "Bifidobacterium" in the title. So far, evidence of an antiobesity effect of different lactobacilli and bifidobacteria has been mainly obtained from animal models of dietary-induced obesity. Using these experimental models, a substantial number of studies have reported reductions in weight gain and, in particular, fat tissue mass at different locations following administration of bacteria, as compared with controls. Antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects-including regulation of expression of lipogenic and lipolytic genes in the liver, reduction in liver steatosis, improvement of blood lipid profile and glucose tolerance, decreased endotoxemia, and regulation of inflammatory pathways-are also reported in many of them. The number of human studies focused on probiotic administration for obesity management is still very scarce, and it is too soon to judge their potential efficacy, especially when considering the fact that the actions of probiotics are always strain specific and the individual response varies according to intrinsic factors, the overall composition of diet, and their interactions.

Antiviral effects of Lactobacillus ruminis SPM0211 and Bifidobacterium longum SPM1205 and SPM1206 on rotavirus-infected Caco-2 cells and a neonatal mouse model

Rotavirus is worldwide cause of severe gastroenteritis including severe diarrhea and fatal dehydration in infants and young children. There is an available vaccination program for preventing rotavirus infection, but it has limits and restrictions. Probiotics therapy could be an alternative method of antiviral prevention and modulation against rotavirus infection. In this study, we screened the antiviral activity of probiotic bacteria such as 3 Lactobacillus spp. and 14 Bifidobacterium spp. isolated from young Korean. Three of the bacteria, Lactobacillus ruminis SPM0211, Bifidobacterium longum SPM1205, and SPM1206, inhibited human strain Wa rotavirus infection in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, these bacterial strains inhibited rotavirus replication in a rotavirus-infected neonatal mouse model. To clarify the mechanism of inhibition, we investigated gene expression of Interferon (IFN)-signaling components and IFN-inducible antiviral effectors. All 3 probiotics increased IFN-α and IFN-β levels compared with the control. Gene expression of IFNsignaling components and IFN-inducible antiviral effectors also increased. Overall, these results indicate that L. ruminis SPM0211, B. longum SPM1205 and 1206 efficiently inhibit rotavirus replication in vitro and in vivo. Especially, the antiviral effect of Lactobacillus ruminis SPM0211 is worthy of notice. This is the first report of L. ruminis with antiviral activity. Anti-rotaviral effects of the 3 probiotics are likely due to their modulation of the immune response through promoting type I IFNs, which are key regulators in IFN signaling pathway.

Cellular model to assess the antioxidant activity of lactobacilli

CAA may be a better choice for the detection of the antioxidant activity of lactobacilli.