Role of probiotics and prebiotics in immunomodulation

The role of gut microbiota in MP/NP-induced toxicity

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are globally recognized as emerging environmental pollutants in various environmental media, posing potential threats to ecosystems and human health. MPs/NPs are unavoidably ingested by humans, mainly through contaminated food and drinks, impairing the gastrointestinal ecology and seriously impacting the human body. The specific role of gut microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract upon MP/NP exposure remains unknown. Given the importance of gut microbiota in metabolism, immunity, and homeostasis, this review aims to enhance our current understanding of the role of gut microbiota in MP/NP-induced toxicity. First, it discusses human exposure to MPs/NPs through the diet and MP/NP-induced adverse effects on the respiratory, digestive, neural, urinary, reproductive, and immune systems. Second, it elucidates the complex interactions between the gut microbiota and MPs/NPs. MPs/NPs can disrupt gut microbiota homeostasis, while the gut microbiota can degrade MPs/NPs. Third, it reveals the role of the gut microbiota in MP/NP-mediated systematic toxicity. MPs/NPs cause direct intestinal toxicity and indirect toxicity in other organs via regulating the gut-brain, gut-liver, and gut-lung axes. Finally, novel approaches such as dietary interventions, prebiotics, probiotics, polyphenols, engineered bacteria, microalgae, and micro/nanorobots are recommended to reduce MP/NP toxicity in humans. Overall, this review provides a theoretical basis for targeting the gut microbiota to study MP/NP toxicity and develop novel strategies for its mitigation.

Bacillus altitudinis 1.4 genome analysis-functional annotation of probiotic properties and immunomodulatory activity

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate quantities, provide health benefits to the host. In this study, phenotypic and genotypic methods were used to evaluate the probiotic properties of Bacillus altitudinis 1.4. The isolate was sensitive to all antimicrobials tested and presented a positive result in the hemolysis test. B. altitudinis 1.4 spores were more resistant than vegetative cells, when evaluated in simulation of cell viability in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as adhesion to the intestinal mucosa. The isolate was capable of self-aggregation and coaggregation with pathogens such as Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of genes with probiotic characteristics. From this study it was possible to evaluate the gene expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines for different treatments. Viable vegetative cells of B. altitudinis 1.4 increased the transcription of pro-inflammatory factors, in addition to also increasing the transcription of IL-10, indicating a tendency to stimulate a pro-inflammatory profile. Given the results presented, B. altitudinis 1.4 showed potential to be applied in the incorporation of this microorganism into animal feed, since the spores could tolerate the feed handling and pelletization processes.

Healing the diabetic wound: Unlocking the secrets of genes and pathways

Diabetic wounds (DWs) are open sores that can occur anywhere on a diabetic patient's body. They are often complicated by infections, hypoxia, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and reduced growth factors and nucleic acids. The healing process involves four phases: homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, regulated by various cellular and molecular events. Numerous genes and signaling pathways such as VEGF, TGF-β, NF-κB, PPAR-γ, MMPs, IGF, FGF, PDGF, EGF, NOX, TLR, JAK-STAT, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, ERK, JNK, p38, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, Notch, Hippo, FAK, Integrin, and Src pathways are involved in these events. These pathways and genes are often dysregulated in DWs leading to impaired healing. The present review sheds light on the pathogenesis, healing process, signaling pathways, and genes involved in DW. Further, various therapeutic strategies that target these pathways and genes via nanotechnology are also discussed. Additionally, clinical trials on DW related to gene therapy are also covered in the present review.

Vegetable substrates as an alternative for the inclusion of lactic acid bacteria with probiotic potential in food matrices

Vegetable substrates are food matrices with micronutrients, antioxidants, and fiber content with a high potential for bioprocesses development. In addition, they have been recognized as essential sources of a wide range of phytochemicals that, individually or in combination, can act as bioactive compounds with potential benefits to health due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and recently due to their status as prebiotics in the balance of the human intestinal microbiota. This systematic review explores the benefits of lactic fermentation of plant matrices such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and cereals by bacteria with probiotic potential, guaranteeing cell viability (106-107 CFU/mL) and generating bioactive metabolic products for modulation of the gut microbiome.

Novel Probiotic Bacterium Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis (Canan SV-53) Modulates Gut Immunity through Epigenetic Mechanisms

Gut immune system homeostasis is crucial to overall host health. Immune disturbance at the gut level may lead to systemic and distant sites' immune dysfunction. Probiotics and prebiotics consumption have been shown to improve gut microbiota composition and function and enhance gut immunity. In the current study, the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of viable and heat-inactivated forms of the novel probiotic bacterium Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis (Canan SV-53), as well as the prebiotic protocatechuic acid (PCA) derived from the fermentation of blueberry juice by SV-53, were examined. To this end, female Balb/c mice received probiotic (viable or heat-inactivated), prebiotic, or a mixture of viable probiotic and prebiotic in drinking water for three weeks. To better decipher the immunomodulatory effects of biotics intake, gut microbiota, gut mucosal immunity, T helper-17 (Th17) cell-related cytokines, and epigenetic modulation of Th17 cells were studied. In mice receiving viable SV-53 and PCA, a significant increase was noted in serum IgA levels and the number of IgA-producing B cells in the ileum. A significant reduction was observed in the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-6, and IL-23, and expression of two proinflammatory miRNAs, miR-223 and miR425, in treated groups. In addition, heat-inactivated SV-53 exerted immunomodulatory properties by elevating the IgA concentration in the serum and reducing IL-6 and IL-23 levels in the ileum. DNA methylation analysis revealed the role of heat-inactivated SV-53 in the epigenetic regulation of genes related to Th17 and IL-17 production and function, including Il6, Il17rc, Il9, Il11, Akt1, Ikbkg, Sgk1, Cblb, and Smad4. Taken together, these findings may reflect the potential role of the novel probiotic bacterium SV-53 and prebiotic PCA in improving gut immunity and homeostasis. Further studies are required to ascertain the beneficial effects of this novel bacterium in the inflammatory state.

Feeding the gut microbiome: impact on multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial neurological disease characterized by chronic inflammation and immune-driven demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). The rising number of MS cases in the last decade could be partially attributed to environmental changes, among which the alteration of the gut microbiome driven by novel dietary habits is now of particular interest. The intent of this review is to describe how diet can impact the development and course of MS by feeding the gut microbiome. We discuss the role of nutrition and the gut microbiota in MS disease, describing preclinical studies on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and clinical studies on dietary interventions in MS, with particular attention to gut metabolites-immune system interactions. Possible tools that target the gut microbiome in MS, such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics, are analyzed as well. Finally, we discuss the open questions and the prospects of these microbiome-targeted therapies for people with MS and for future research.

Microbial Interventions to Improve Neonatal Gut Health

The diverse pioneer microbial community colonizing the mammalian gastrointestinal tract is critical for the developing immune system. Gut microbial communities of neonates can be affected by various internal and external factors, resulting in microbial dysbiosis. Microbial dysbiosis during early life affects gut homeostasis by changing metabolic, physiological, and immunological status, which increases susceptibility to neonatal infections and long-term pathologies. Early life is crucial for the establishment of microbiota and the development of the host immune system. Therefore, it provides a window of opportunity to reverse microbial dysbiosis with a positive impact on host health. Recent attempts to use microbial interventions during early life have successfully reversed dysbiotic gut microbial communities in neonates. However, interventions with persistent effects on microbiota and host health are still limited. This review will critically discuss microbial interventions, modulatory mechanisms, their limitations, and gaps in knowledge to understand their roles in improving neonatal gut health.

Polysaccharides, proteins, and their complex as microencapsulation carriers for delivery of probiotics: A review on carrier types and encapsulation techniques

Probiotics provide several benefits for humans, including restoring the balance of gut bacteria, boosting the immune system, and aiding in the management of certain conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and lactose intolerance. However, the viability of probiotics may undergo a significant reduction during food storage and gastrointestinal transit, potentially hindering the realization of their health benefits. Microencapsulation techniques have been recognized as an effective way to improve the stability of probiotics during processing and storage and allow for their localization and slow release in intestine. Although, numerous techniques have been employed for the encapsulation of probiotics, the encapsulation techniques itself and carrier types are the main factors affecting the encapsulate effect. This work summarizes the applications of commonly used polysaccharides (alginate, starch, and chitosan), proteins (whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, and zein) and its complex as the probiotics encapsulation materials; evaluates the evolutions in microencapsulation technologies and coating materials for probiotics, discusses their benefits and limitations, and provides directions for future research to improve targeted release of beneficial additives as well as microencapsulation techniques. This study provides a comprehensive reference for current knowledge pertaining to microencapsulation in probiotics processing and suggestions for best practices gleaned from the literature.

The Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on the Gut-Brain Axis in Psychiatric Patients

The pathophysiology of several psychiatric diseases may entail disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and metabolic pathways. Variations in how these effects present themselves may be connected to individual variances in clinical symptoms and treatment responses, such as the observation that a significant fraction of participants do not respond to current antipsychotic drugs. A bidirectional signaling pathway between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract is known as the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The large and small intestines contain more than 100 trillion microbial cells, contributing to the intestinal ecosystem's incredible complexity. Interactions between the microbiota and intestinal epithelium can alter brain physiology and affect mood and behavior. There has recently been a focus on how these relationships impact mental health. According to evidence, intestinal microbiota may play a role in neurological and mental illnesses. Intestinal metabolites of microbial origin, such as short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites, and bacterial components that might stimulate the host's immune system, are mentioned in this review. We aim to shed some on the growing role of gut microbiota in inducing/manipulating several psychiatric disorders, which may pave the way for novel microbiota-based therapies.

Effect of ultrasonic degradation on the structural feature, physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides: A review

With the bioactivities of antioxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, immune regulation, antitumor and anti-coagulation, plant and microbial polysaccharides have been widely used in foods, medicine and cosmetics. However, how structure features affect the physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides is still unclear. Ultrasonic degradation usually degrades or modifies plant and microbial polysaccharides with different physicochemical properties and bioactivities by affecting their chemical or spatial structures via mechanical bond breaking and cavitation effects. Therefore, ultrasonic degradation might be an effective strategy for producing bioactive plant and microbial polysaccharides and analyzing their structure-function relationship. Present review summarized the influence of ultrasonic degradation on structural feature, physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides. Moreover, further problems need to be paid attention to during the application of ultrasonication for plant and microbial polysaccharides degradation are also recommended. Overall, present review will provide an efficient method for producing enhanced bioactive plant and microbial polysaccharides and analyzing their structure-activity relationship based on ultrasonic degradation.

Immunomodulatory effects of complex probiotics on the immuno-suppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide

Introduction

Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11, Lacticaseibacillus casei Zhang, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P8, respectively. However, studies on the immunomodulatory enhancing effects of three complex probiotics have not been conducted. The aim of our study is to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of complex probiotics effect on the immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX).

Methods

An immunocompromised mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide, which was gavage of different doses of complex probiotics and levamisole hydrochloride. The splenic and thymic indices, intestinal barrier, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, percentage of splenic lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokine levels, and gut microbiota were determined.

Results

Results showed that the complex probiotics significantly elevated the spleen and thymus indices, increased the villi and crypt depth and the goblet cells. The leukocyte and lymphocyte counts and the percentage of splenic lymphocyte subpopulations in the CTX-treated mice were significantly elevated by the complex probiotics. In addition, the cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) were significantly increased after complex probiotic treatment. The complex probiotics restored the gut microbiota structure to the pattern of the control group by reducing the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and enhancing the relative abundances of specific microbiota that produced short-chain fatty acids.

Discussion

This study provides theoretical support for the immunity-enhancing function of the complex probiotics as well as a pharmacological basis for its further development and utilization.

Pubertal consumption of R. badensis subspecies acadiensis modulates LPS-induced immune responses and gut microbiome dysbiosis in a sex-specific manner

Puberty is a critical period of development characterized by significant brain remodeling and increased vulnerability to immune challenges. Exposure to an immune challenge such as LPS during puberty can result in inflammation and gut dysbiosis which may lead to altered brain functioning and psychiatric illnesses later in life. However, treatment with probiotics during puberty has been found to mitigate LPS-induced peripheral and central inflammation, prevent LPS-induced changes to the gut microbiota and protect against enduring behavioural disorders in a sex-specific manner. Recent findings from our laboratory revealed that pubertal R. badensis subspecies acadiensis (R. badensis subsp. acadiensis) treatment prevents LPS-induced depression-like behavior and alterations in 5HT1A receptor expression in a sex-specific manner. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to gain mechanistic insights and to investigate the ability of R. badensis subsp. acadiensis consumption during puberty to mitigate the effects of LPS treatment on the immune system and the gut microbiome. Our results revealed that pubertal treatment with R. badensis subsp. acadiensis reduced sickness behaviors in females more than males in a time-specific manner. It also mitigated LPS-induced increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood and in TNFα mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus of female mice. There were sex-dependent differences in microbiome composition that persisted after LPS injection or R. badensis subsp. acadiensis consumption. R. badensis subsp. acadiensis had greater impact on the microbiota of male mice but female microbiota's were more responsive to LPS treatment. This suggested that female mice microbiota's may be more prone to modulation by this probiotic. These findings emphasize the sex-specific effects of probiotic use during puberty on the structure of the gut microbiome and the immune system and highlight the critical role of gut colonization with probiotics during adolescence on immunomodulation and prevention of the enduring effects of infections.

Effects of dietary supplementation probiotic complex on growth performance, blood parameters, fecal harmful gas, and fecal microbiota in AA+ male broilers

In this study, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis were made into a probiotic complex (PC). The PC was supplemented in AA+ male broilers' diets to investigate the effects of PC on broiler growth performance, carcass traits, blood indicators, harmful gas emissions in feces and microbiota. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old AA+ male broilers with an average initial body weight (data) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments of 6 replicates each, with 20 birds per replicate. The control group (T0) was fed a basal diet, while the test groups (T1 and T2) were supplemented with 0.025 and 0.05% PC in the basal diet, respectively. The trail was 42 days. The results showed that the supplementation of 0.05% PC significantly (p < 0.05) improved average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers from 22 to 42 days and 1-42 days. Compared to the control group, the breast rate was significantly higher in T2, and the thymic index was significantly higher than that in T1 treatment (p < 0.05). The addition of PC had no significant effects on antibody potency in broiler serum (p > 0.05), but significantly increased albumin and total protein content in serum (p < 0.05). The addition of PC reduced H₂S and NH₃ emissions in the feces; the levels of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the feces were significantly reduced and the levels of Lactobacillus were increased. And the most significant results were achieved when PC was added at 0.05%. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the levels of E. coli and Salmonella and the emissions of H₂S and NH₃. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with a 0.05% probiotic complex could improve the growth performance of broilers and also reduced fecal H₂S and NH₃ emissions, as well as fecal levels of E. coli and Salmonella, and increased levels of Lactobacillus. Thus, PC made by Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis is expected to be an alternative to antibiotics. And based on the results of this trial, the recommended dose for use in on-farm production was 0.05%.

Effect of multi-strain probiotics on the performance of AA+ male broilers

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effects of a probiotic complex (PC) consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis on productive performance, carcass traits, immune organ indices, fecal microbiota counts and noxious gas emissions in AA+ male broilers. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old AA+ male broilers with similar body weight (44.77 ± 0.25) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups of 6 replicates each, with 20 broilers in each replicate. The experimental groups consisted of a group fed a basal diet and groups fed basal diet supplemented with 0.1 and 0.2% PC. The results showed that the addition of PC had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance, and carcass traits of AA+ broilers during the experimental period (1-42 days of age). Dietary addition of PC significantly increased the thymus index of AA+ broilers (P < 0.05), reduced the number of E. coli and Salmonella in feces (P < 0.01) and reduced the concentrations of fecal NH₃ and H₂S emissions (P < 0.01). Furthermore, birds fed 0.2% PC diet had the highest number of fecal Lactobacillus counts. Results indicate that probiotic complex consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis enhances immune organ development, reduces the number of E. coli and Salmonella in feces, increases the number of Lactobacillus and reduces NH₃ and H₂S emissions in feces. This trial provides a theoretical basis for the use of probiotic complexes in broiler production.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Immunomodulatory Effect of Spore-Displayed p75 on Human Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can promote intestinal health by modulating the immune responses of the gastrointestinal tract. However, knowledge about the immunomodulatory action of LGG-derived soluble factors is limited. In our previous study, we have displayed LGG-derived p75 protein on the spore surface of Bacillus subtilis. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of spore-displayed p75 (CotG-p75) on immune system by investigating transcriptional response of Caco-2 cells stimulated by CotG-p75 through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). RNA-seq results showed that CotG-p75 mainly stimulated genes involved in biological processes, such as response to stimulus, immune regulation, and chemotaxis. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that many genes activated by CotG-p75 were involved in NF-ĸB signaling and chemokine signaling pathways. CotG-p75 increased cytokines and chemokines such as CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL8, CXCL10, CCL20, CCL22, and IL1B essential for the immune system. In particular, CotG-p75 increased the expression levels of NF-ĸB-related genes such as NFKBIA, TNFAIP3, BIRC3, NFKB2, and RELB involved in immune and inflammatory responses. This study provides genes and pathways involved in immune responses influenced by CotG-p75. These comprehensive transcriptome profiling could be used to elucidate the immunomodulatory action of CotG-p75.

Gut Dysbiosis and Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Role of Probiotics

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a multifactorial disease and one of the complications of diabetes. The global burden of DFU in the health sector is increasing at a tremendous rate due to its cost management related to hospitalization, medical costs and foot amputation. Hence, to manage DFU/DWs, various attempts have been made, including treating wounds systematically/topically using synthetic drugs, herbal drugs, or tissue engineering based surgical dressings. However, less attention has been paid to the intrinsic factors that are also the leading cause of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. One such factor is gut dysbiosis, which is one of the major causes of enhancing the counts of Gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria produce lipopolysaccharides, which are a major contributing factor toward insulin resistance and inflammation due to the generation of oxidative stress and immunopathy. These all lead to DM and DFU. Probiotics are the commercial form of beneficial gut microbes that are taken as nutraceuticals by people of all ages to improve gut immunity and prevent gut dysbiosis. However, the role of probiotics has been less explored in the management of DFU. Hence, the therapeutic potential of probiotics in managing DFU is fully described in the current review. This report covers the linkage between gut dysbiosis and DFU, sources of probiotics, the mechanisms of probiotics in DW healing, and the impact of probiotic supplementation in treating DFU. In addition, techniques for the stabilization of probiotics, market status, and patents related to probiotics have been also covered. The relevant data were gathered from PubMed, Scopus, Taylor and Francis, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Our systematic review discusses the utilization of probiotic supplementation as a nutraceutical for the management of DFU.

Glutamic acid assisted hydrolysis strategy for preparing prebiotic xylooligosaccharides

Since the immune-boosting properties as well as the benefit of promoting the growth of gut bacteria, xylooligosaccharides as prebiotics have attracted considerable interest as functional feed additives around the world. A growing number of studies suggest that acidic hydrolysis is the most cost-effective method for treating xylan materials to prepare xylooligosaccharides, and organic acids were proved to be more preferable. Therefore, in this study, glutamic acid, as an edible and nutritive organic acid, was employed as a catalyst for hydrolyzing xylan materials to prepare xylooligosaccharides. Further, xylooligosaccharide yields were optimized using the response surface methodology with central composite designs. Through the response surface methodology, 28.2 g/L xylooligosaccharides with the desirable degree of polymerization (2-4) at a yield of 40.5 % could be achieved using 4.5% glutamic acid at 163°C for 41 min. Overall, the application of glutamic acid as a catalyst could be a potentially cost-effective method for producing xylooligosaccharides.

The promotion mechanism of prebiotics for probiotics: A review

Prebiotics and probiotics play a positive role in promoting human nutrition and health. Prebiotics are compounds that cannot be digested by the host, but can be used and fermented by probiotics, so as to promote the reproduction and metabolism of intestinal probiotics for the health of body. It has been confirmed that probiotics have clinical or health care functions in preventing or controlling intestinal, respiratory, and urogenital infections, allergic reaction, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and other aspects. However, there are few systematic summaries of these types, mechanisms of action and the promotion relationship between prebiotics and probiotic. Therefore, we summarized the various types of prebiotics and probiotics, their individual action mechanisms, and the mechanism of prebiotics promoting probiotics in the intestinal tract. It is hoped this review can provide new ideas for the application of prebiotics and probiotics in the future.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection of weaned pigs: Intestinal challenges and nutritional intervention to enhance disease resistance

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection induced post-weaning diarrhea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in newly weaned pigs and one of the significant drivers for antimicrobial use in swine production. ETEC attachment to the small intestine initiates ETEC colonization and infection. The secretion of enterotoxins further disrupts intestinal barrier function and induces intestinal inflammation in weaned pigs. ETEC infection can also aggravate the intestinal microbiota dysbiosis due to weaning stress and increase the susceptibility of weaned pigs to other enteric infectious diseases, which may result in diarrhea or sudden death. Therefore, the amount of antimicrobial drugs for medical treatment purposes in major food-producing animal species is still significant. The alternative practices that may help reduce the reliance on such antimicrobial drugs and address animal health requirements are needed. Nutritional intervention in order to enhance intestinal health and the overall performance of weaned pigs is one of the most powerful practices in the antibiotic-free production system. This review summarizes the utilization of several categories of feed additives or supplements, such as direct-fed microbials, prebiotics, phytochemicals, lysozyme, and micro minerals in newly weaned pigs. The current understanding of these candidates on intestinal health and disease resistance of pigs under ETEC infection are particularly discussed, which may inspire more research on the development of alternative practices to support food-producing animals.

The Activity of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Hepatogastrointestinal Disorders and Diseases Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

The components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hepatogastrointestinal diseases are widespread worldwide, since many factors associated with lifestyle and diet influence their development and correlation. Due to these growing health problems, it is necessary to search for effective alternatives for prevention or adjuvants in treating them. The positive impact of regulated microbiota on health is known; however, states of dysbiosis are closely related to the development of the conditions mentioned above. Therefore, the role of prebiotics, probiotics, or symbiotic complexes has been extensively evaluated; the results are favorable, showing that they play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system, the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and the biotransformation of bile acids, as well as the modulation of their central receptors FXR and TGR-5, which also have essential immunomodulatory and metabolic activities. It has also been observed that they can benefit the host by displacing pathogenic species, improving the dysbiosis state in MetS. Current studies have reported that paraprobiotics (dead or inactive probiotics) or postbiotics (metabolites generated by active probiotics) also benefit hepatogastrointestinal health.

Role of Probiotics in the Management of COVID-19: A Computational Perspective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic at the beginning of 2020, causing millions of deaths worldwide. Millions of vaccine doses have been administered worldwide; however, outbreaks continue. Probiotics are known to restore a stable gut microbiota by regulating innate and adaptive immunity within the gut, demonstrating the possibility that they may be used to combat COVID-19 because of several pieces of evidence suggesting that COVID-19 has an adverse impact on gut microbiota dysbiosis. Thus, probiotics and their metabolites with known antiviral properties may be used as an adjunctive treatment to combat COVID-19. Several clinical trials have revealed the efficacy of probiotics and their metabolites in treating patients with SARS-CoV-2. However, its molecular mechanism has not been unraveled. The availability of abundant data resources and computational methods has significantly changed research finding molecular insights between probiotics and COVID-19. This review highlights computational approaches involving microbiome-based approaches and ensemble-driven docking approaches, as well as a case study proving the effects of probiotic metabolites on SARS-CoV-2.

Modification and enhanced anti-inflammatory activity by Bifidobacterial fermentation of an exopolysaccharide from a medicinal fungus Cs-HK1

The exopolysaccharide (EPS) from the mycelial fermentation of a medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis Cs-HK1 had shown significant anti-inflammatory activity previously, and EPS-LM was a highly active fraction with a relatively low molecular weight (MW) isolated from the Cs-HK1 EPS. This study was to assess the effects of Bifidobacterial fermentation in anaerobic conditions on the molecular properties and anti-inflammatory activity of EPS-LM. In both Bifidobacterial cultures (B. breve and B. longum), EPS-LM was fractionally consumed as a carbon source, increasing the bacterial growth and acetic acid production. Analytical results from the fermentation digesta (supernatant) suggested that EPS-LM was partially degraded to lower molecular weight (MW) products with modified structures during the Bifidobacterial fermentation. More interestingly, the higher MW digesta fraction containing the partially degraded EPS-LM showed even stronger inhibiting activity than the original EPS-LM on the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses in THP-1 cell culture, including NF-κB activation, release of NO, TNF-α and IL-8. The study has shown that the fermentation by selected Bifidobacterial strains is effective to modify natural polysaccharides with enhanced bioactivities.

Comparison of the Probiotic Potential between Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Isolated from Kimchi and Standard Probiotic Strains Isolated from Different Sources

In the present study, the properties of the Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum WiKim0112 isolated from kimchi were evaluated by comparing its probiotic properties to those of Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 and KACC 11451 isolated from different sources. In both pH 2 and 3, media containing pepsin, Wikim0112, and WCFS1 showed higher cell viability than KACC11451. Viability of all Lpb. plantarum strains in a medium containing pancreatin and bile salt oxgall was significantly decreased compared to the control. WCFS1 showed the highest thermotolerance, followed by Wikim0112 and KACC11451. Wikim0112 showed a similar level of antibacterial activity to WCFS1 and exhibited an overall higher antibacterial activity than KACC11451 against six pathogens. All Lpb. plantatum strains showed high antioxidant activities in SOD, DPPH, and ABTS assays, especially Wikim0112 and WCFS1 exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than KACC11451. All Lpb. plantarum strains showed approximately 60–62% adhesion rates to Caco-2 cells. Moreover, in LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells, all Lpb. plantarum strains significantly decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α); Wikim0112 significantly increased the mRNA expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ. Wikim0112 was resistant to streptomycin and vancomycin, whereas WCFS1 and KACC11451 were resistant to four (clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and vancomycin) and three (ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and vancomycin) antibiotics, respectively. These results, taken together, indicated that compared to Lpb. plantarum strains isolated from different sources, Wikim0112 showed desirable probiotic properties, suggesting its potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Konjac Glucomannan Oligosaccharides Prevent Intestinal Inflammation Through SIGNR1-Mediated Regulation of Alternatively Activated Macrophages

SCOPE

Konjac glucomannan oligosaccharides (KMOS) are prebiotics and may improve intestinal immunity through modulation of macrophage function. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms were unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using a mouse model of dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis, the study demonstrates here that KMOS (400 mg^-1 kg^-1 d^-1 ) can ameliorate intestinal inflammation in a macrophage dependent manner. Oral exposure to KMOS prevents DSS-induced intestinal pathology, improves epithelial integrity, and decreases accumulation of colonic inflammatory leukocytes and cytokines. The therapeutic effects of KMOS are dependent on the function of macrophages, as depletion of macrophages abolished the effects. In colonic lamina propria of DSS-treated mice, as well as in vitro culture of bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs), KMOS skews reprogramming of classically activated macrophages (CAM/M1) into alternatively activated macrophages (AAM/M2). The study further determines that the activation of SIGNR1/phospho-c-Raf (S338)/phospho-p65 (S276)/acetyl-p65 (K310) pathway is responsible for KMOS-induced AAM/M2 polarization. Blockage of SIGNR1 abolishes KMOS-induced AAM/M2 polarization of activated macrophages, expression of phospho-p65 (S276) in colonic macrophages, and alleviation of DSS-induced colitis in mice, suggesting that SIGNR1 is critical for macrophage responses to KMOS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a SIGNR1-mediated macrophage-dependent pathway that supports regulatory function of KMOS in host immunity and intestinal homeostasis.

Microbiota-related effects of prebiotic fibres in lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemic mice: short chain fatty acid production and gut commensal translocation

Fructans such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin have been reported to directly regulate ileal inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemic mice, without alterations in the colonic microbiota. Firstly, we replicated this model and found that a single gavage of 10 mg g^-1 of fructans directly promoted caecal acetate and propionate production. Thus, the previous understanding of microbiota-independent effects of prebiotic fructans in endotoxemic mice has been challenged. In parallel, we performed a daily gavage of 160 mg kg^-1 of inulin, xylan, or Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOP) for two weeks prior to LPS injection. The long-term intake of prebiotic fibres reduced the bacterial load in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and in comparison, a single gavage of fructans increased that. However, the long-term intake was unable to improve the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis and epithelial barrier function that were impaired by LPS. Notably, the three fibre types consistently reduced the expression of mucin 2 (MUC2) and variously modulated critical mediators (IL-18, IL-22, and HIF-1α) to regulate the host-commensal microbiota interactions in the ileum. In addition, the three fibre types consistently inhibited the inflammatory T helper (Th) cell response in the ileum, while they diversely modulated the peripheral and systemic Th cell responses. Overall, the prebiotic fibres displayed microbiota-related changes in endotoxemic mice, and the potential associations with the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of prebiotic fibres need further investigation.

Immunomodulation and Intestinal Morpho-Functional Aspects of a Novel Gram-Negative Bacterium Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis

A novel bacterium (Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis) isolated from the microbiota of wild blueberry fruit was investigated for its immunomodulation capabilities and intestinal morpho-functional aspects. The whole-genome shotgun sequencing of this bacterium led to its new taxonomy and showed absence of pathogenicity genes. Although the bacterium was used for blueberry-fermentation and enhancing its anti-inflammatory effects on neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cancer, no study has assessed the effect of the bacterium on health. In this study, we used several in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate the interaction of R. badensis subsp. acadiensis with the intestinal mucosa and its impact on the localized immune response. The strain antibiotic susceptibility has been investigated as well as its tolerance to gastric and intestinal environment and ability to attach to human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2 and HT-29). In addition, Balb/c mice were used to explore the immune-modulatory characteristics of the live bacterium at the intestinal level and its impact on the morpho-functional aspects of the intestinal mucosa. In vitro assays revealed the ability of R. badensis subsp. acadiensis to survive the gastric and intestinal simulated conditions and to satisfactorily adhere to the human intestinal epithelial cells. The bacterium was shown to be sensitive to an array of antibiotics. Immuno-modulation studies with mice orally administered with R. badensis subsp. acadiensis showed a higher number of IgA positive cells in the small intestine, a higher concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the intestinal mucosa, as well as an increase in the number of goblet cells. The anti-inflammatory cytokine miR146a was found to be increased in the ileum and brain. Furthermore, it increases the number of goblet cells which contribute to intestinal barrier integrity. Taken together, our findings reflect the ability of the tested bacterium to modulates the intestinal homeostasis and immune response. Detailed safety unpublished studies and genome data support our finding. The strain Rouxiella badensis subsp. acadiensis has been filed in a provisional patent; a U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/916,921 entitled "Probiotics Composition and Methods." Future studies are still needed to validate the potential utilization of this strain as functional food and its potential probiotic effect.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties of Fermented Plant Foods

Fermented plant foods are gaining wide interest worldwide as healthy foods due to their unique sensory features and their health-promoting potentials, such as antiobesity, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anticarcinogenic activities. Many fermented foods are a rich source of nutrients, phytochemicals, bioactive compounds, and probiotic microbes. The excellent biological activities of these functional foods, such as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions, are widely attributable to their high antioxidant content and lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB). LAB contribute to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiota composition and improvement of local and systemic immunity. Besides, antioxidant compounds are involved in several functional properties of fermented plant products by neutralizing free radicals, regulating antioxidant enzyme activities, reducing oxidative stress, ameliorating inflammatory responses, and enhancing immune system performance. Therefore, these products may protect against chronic inflammatory diseases, which are known as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Given that a large body of evidence supports the role of fermented plant foods in health promotion and disease prevention, we aim to discuss the potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of selected fermented plant foods, including berries, cabbage, and soybean products, and their effects on gut microbiota.

Co-encapsulation of probiotics with prebiotics and their application in functional/synbiotic dairy products

Oral administration of live probiotics along with prebiotics has been suggested with numerous beneficial effects for several conditions including certain infectious disorders, diarrheal illnesses, some inflammatory bowel diseases, and most recently, irritable bowel syndrome. Though, delivery of such viable bacteria to the host intestine is a major challenge, due to the poor survival of the ingested probiotic bacteria during the gastric transit, especially within the stomach where the pH is highly acidic. Although microencapsulation has been known as a promising approach for improving the viability of probiotics in the human digestive tract, the success rate is not satisfactory. For this reason, co-encapsulation of probiotics with probiotics has been practised as a novel alternative approach for further improvement of the oral delivery of viable probiotics toward their targeted release in the host intestine. This paper discusses the co-encapsulation technologies used for delivery of probiotics toward better stability and viability, as well the incorporation of co-encapsulated probiotics and prebiotics in functional/synbiotic dairy foods. The common encapsulation technologies (and the materials) used for this purpose, the stability and survival of co-encapsulated probiotics in the food, and the release behavior of the co-encapsulated probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract have also been explained. Most studies reported a significant improvement particularly in the viability of bacteria associated with the presence of prebiotics. Nevertheless, the previous research has mostly been carried out in the simulated digestion, meaning that future systematic research is to be carried out to investigate the efficacy of the co-encapsulation on the survival of the bacteria in the gut in vivo.

Probiotics in Treatment of Viral Respiratory Infections and Neuroinflammatory Disorders

Inflammation is a biological response to the activation of the immune system by various infectious or non-infectious agents, which may lead to tissue damage and various diseases. Gut commensal bacteria maintain a symbiotic relationship with the host and display a critical function in the homeostasis of the host immune system. Disturbance to the gut microbiota leads to immune dysfunction both locally and at distant sites, which causes inflammatory conditions not only in the intestine but also in the other organs such as lungs and brain, and may induce a disease state. Probiotics are well known to reinforce immunity and counteract inflammation by restoring symbiosis within the gut microbiota. As a result, probiotics protect against various diseases, including respiratory infections and neuroinflammatory disorders. A growing body of research supports the beneficial role of probiotics in lung and mental health through modulating the gut-lung and gut-brain axes. In the current paper, we discuss the potential role of probiotics in the treatment of viral respiratory infections, including the COVID-19 disease, as major public health crisis in 2020, and influenza virus infection, as well as treatment of neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and other mental illnesses.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus 2016SWU.05.0601 regulates immune balance in ovalbumin-sensitized mice by modulating expression of the immune-related transcription factors and gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Probiotics regulate host immune balance, which may reduce immune-related diseases. The effects and mechanisms of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 2016SWU.05.0601 (Lr-0601) on the immune response in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were explored.

RESULTS

Lr-0601 reduced serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E and OVA-IgE and attenuated the alteration in lung pathology in OVA-sensitized mice. Lr-0601 blocked OVA-induced up-regulation in serum T helper (Th) 2 and Th17 cytokines but increased the serum levels of Th1 and regulatory T (Treg) cytokines in OVA-sensitized mice. OVA also markedly reduced the protein levels of spleen T-box transcription factor and forkhead/winged helix transcription factor p3, leading to the reduced mRNA expression of interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-10. By contrast, OVA markedly increased the protein expression of spleen GATA-binding protein 3 and retinoid-related orphan receptor γt, as well as the mRNA expression of spleen IL-4 and IL-17. These changes induced by OVA were reversed by Lr-0601. Moreover, Lr-0601 helped alleviate OVA-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. A correlation was found between specific genera and immune-associated cytokines.

CONCLUSION

The combined results indicate that Lr-0601 modulated the balance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 in OVA-sensitized mice, which was associated with the regulation of immune-related transcription factors and gut microbiota. Lr-0601 can potentially be used as a probiotic for preventing immune-related diseases. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Growth conditions and survival kinetics during storage of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for the design of a sustainable probiotic whey-based beverage containing Costa Rican guava fruit pulp

The finding of economical and practical applications for milk whey is still a challenge for dairy industries. This paper presents information about the development of a probiotic-prebiotic beverage based on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Costa Rican guava (CRG) fruit pulp with industrial potential. First, a supplemented whey media was developed for LGG growth, and the whey-supplemented media was used for fermentation in bioreactors. LGG reached a maximum growth rate of 0.32 hr^-1 after 48 hr of fermentation. The whey-grown probiotics were then mixed with CRG pulp to produce the probiotic-prebiotic beverage. The survival kinetics of LGG in the formulated drink was not affected by the addition of CRG pulp (P > 0.05), and the shelf-life of the inoculated beverage surpassed 40 days with a minimum population of 10⁶ colony forming units (CFU)/mL. Properties as pH, fructose, glucose, sucrose, and proanthocyanidins (PACs) content exhibited a significant difference after storage time (P < 0.05). Finally, three different formulas of the beverage with different whey content were compared through sensory evaluation. The prototype with 50% whey content was one of the most valuable beverage formulas according to the organoleptic parameters, which remarks about the possibility of developing a probiotic whey-based beverage containing CRG pulp. Furthermore, this is the first report about CRG beverages as a probiotic vector. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research focuses on the evaluation of the properties of a probiotic beverage, with a promissory industrial application using whey, as a dairy industry byproduct, combined with the pulp of the highly nutritious and subutilized Costa Rican guava (CRG) fruit.

Health promoting microbial metabolites produced by gut microbiota after prebiotics metabolism

Human gut microbiota (HGM) is a microbial complex where dynamic mutualistic interactions related to digestion and absorption of dietary components take place. The consumption of specific food ingredients, such as prebiotics and dietary fibers, constituted mainly by carbohydrates polymers, can modulate the HGM composition and metabolism serving as a fermentable substrate to produce bacterial metabolites with beneficial effects on host health. Especially, bacterial short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan and organic acids have shown positive effects on pathogenic bacteria control, mineral absorption, weight control and obesity, immune response homeostasis, gut barrier improvement, brain modulation and anticancer activity. Despite the fact that these effects vary between individuals due to personal HGM richness, the information presented in this review contributes to understanding the effects of prebiotics and dietary fibers consumption on the generation of HGM metabolites and the mechanisms by which these metabolites interact with host cells improving host health.

Effect of Probiotics and Herbal Products on Intestinal Histomorphological and Immunological Development in Piglets

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of probiotics and herbal products on the intestinal histomorphological and immunological development in piglets. Accordingly, 2-week-old piglets were allocated in 4 groups: C (basal diet), Pro (basal diet + probiotics), Pro+B (basal diet + probiotics + buckwheat bran), and H (powder of herbs). After 6 weeks of the experiment, 4 piglets from each experimental group were randomly selected and slaughtered at a slaughterhouse. Samples of tissue and digestive content from the jejunum and colon were collected for bacteriological, histological, and immunohistochemical examination. The results showed that probiotics increased the number of Lactobacillus spp. in the small (p < 0.05) and large intestines. The intestinal histomorphology was improved (p < 0.05) in all experimental groups by an increased villus height, VH : CD ration, colon crypt depth, and number of Ki-67⁺ epithelial cells. A higher number (p < 0.05) of goblet cells and their acidification were observed in group Pro, while the density of goblet cells was decreased by the herbs. Probiotics increased (p < 0.05) the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), density of CD3⁺ cells in Peyer's patches (PPs), and lamina propria (LP). In group H, a dual effect on the CD3⁺ cell distribution was observed. The herbs reduced (p < 0.05) the number of IELs and CD3⁺ in LP but increased the distribution of CD3⁺ cells in PPs. In the colon, herbs increased CD3⁺ cells in LP as well. It suggests that probiotics and herbs had influence on the intestinal histomorphology and the ability to modulate the mucosal immune system; however, the combination of probiotics and buckwheat bran was not so convincing, probably due to the inhibitory effect of the buckwheat bran on the probiotics used.

Effects of Diutina rugosa SD-17 on growth performance, intestine morphology, and immune status of chickens

Probiotics are considered the preferred alternatives to antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention. Previous studies have confirmed that Diutina rugosa SD-17 has the potential as a probiotic. We evaluated the probiotic effect of D. rugosa SD-17 on 360 one-day-old Hy-line brown chickens that were divided into 2 groups, and each group contained 6 replicate pens with 30 birds per pen. The chickens were fed with basal diet supplemented with or without D. rugosa SD-17, and the effects of D. rugosa SD-17 on growth performance, intestine morphology, and immune status were assessed. Body weight was significantly improved from week 3 to 6 (P < 0.05), and the feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in weeks 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). The length of the duodenum was lengthened significantly in week 3 (P < 0.05), and supplementation of D. rugosa SD-17 significantly increased villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum in week 3 (P < 0.05). Expressions of tight-junction-related genes of zonula occludens-2 and occludin in the ileum were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The proliferation capacity of blood lymphocytes stimulated by concanavalin A was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05), and the proportion of helper T (Th) cells increased significantly (P < 0.05). Expressions of Th1 cell markers IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ and immune-related genes of IL-1β, transforming growth factor-β, and IFN-γ in ileum were significantly increased (P < 0.05). These results indicated that D. rugosa SD-17 improved the growth and regulated immunity of chickens, and could be optimized for use as a feed additive for livestock and poultry.

Beyond Heat Stress: Intestinal Integrity Disruption and Mechanism-Based Intervention Strategies

The current climate changes have increased the prevalence and intensity of heat stress (HS) conditions. One of the initial consequences of HS is the impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity due to hyperthermia and hypoxia following blood repartition, which often results in a leaky gut followed by penetration and transfer of luminal antigens, endotoxins, and pathogenic bacteria. Under extreme conditions, HS may culminate in the onset of “heat stroke”, a potential lethal condition if remaining untreated. HS-induced alterations of the gastrointestinal epithelium, which is associated with a leaky gut, are due to cellular oxidative stress, disruption of intestinal integrity, and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This review summarizes the possible resilience mechanisms based on in vitro and in vivo data and the potential interventions with a group of nutritional supplements, which may increase the resilience to HS-induced intestinal integrity disruption and maintain intestinal homeostasis.

Novel insights into prebiotic properties on human health: A review

Dietary prebiotics can be metabolized by different colonic microorganisms and release several classes of metabolites, particularly SCFAs into the intestine lumen, influencing the host physiology. Thus, human microbiota has been the focus of one of the most dynamic research fields of our time and their efforts are directed to understand how prebiotics structures and the microbiota-derived metabolites acts on signaling cell pathways and epigenetic control. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an overview about the new concept of prebiotics and their mechanistic local and systemically insights related to the host health.

Edible Films and Coatings Functionalization by Probiotic Incorporation: A Review

Edible coatings and films represent an alternative packaging system characterized by being more environment- and customer-friendly than conventional systems of food protection. Research on edible coatings requires multidisciplinary efforts by food engineers, biopolymer specialists and biotechnologists. Entrapment of probiotic cells in edible films or coatings is a favorable approach that may overcome the limitations linked with the use of bioactive compounds in or on food products. The recognition of several health advantages associated with probiotics ingestion is worldwide accepted and well documented. Nevertheless, due to the low stability of probiotics in the food processing steps, in the food matrices and in the gastrointestinal tract, this kind of encapsulation is of high relevance. The development of new and functional edible packaging may lead to new functional foods. This review will focus on edible coatings and films containing probiotic cells (obtaining techniques, materials, characteristics, and applications) and the innovative entrapment techniques use to obtained such packaging.

Immunomodulatory Effects of the Meretrix Meretrix Oligopeptide (QLNWD) on Immune-Deficient Mice

The aim of this study was to explore the immunomodulatory effects of the Meretrix meretrix oligopeptide (MMO, QLNWD) in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immune-deficient mice. Compared to untreated, CTX-induced immune-deficient mice, the spleen and thymus indexes of mice given moderate (100 mg/kg) and high (200 mg/kg) doses of MMO were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and body weight loss was alleviated. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining revealed that MMO reduced spleen injury, thymus injury, and liver injury induced by CTX in mice. Furthermore, MMO boosted the production of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and hemolysin in the serum and promoted the proliferation and differentiation of spleen T-lymphocytes. Taken together, our findings suggest that MMO plays a vital role in protection against immunosuppression in CTX-induced immune-deficient mice and could be a potential immunomodulatory candidate for use in functional foods or immunologic adjuvants.

Bioprospecting for Bioactive Peptide Production by Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Dairy Food

With rapidly ageing populations, the world is experiencing unsustainable healthcare from chronic diseases such as metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and cancer disorders. Healthy diet and lifestyle might contribute to prevent these diseases and potentially enhance health outcomes in patients during and after therapy. Fermented dairy foods (FDFs) found their origin concurrently with human civilization for increasing milk shelf-life and enhancing sensorial attributes. Although the probiotic concept has been developed more recently, FDFs, such as milks and yoghurt, have been unconsciously associated with health-promoting effects since ancient times. These health benefits rely not only on the occurrence of fermentation-associated live microbes (mainly lactic acid bacteria; LAB), but also on the pro-health molecules (PHMs) mostly derived from microbial conversion of food compounds. Therefore, there is a renaissance of interest toward traditional fermented food as a reservoir of novel microbes producing PHMs, and “hyperfoods” can be tailored to deliver these healthy molecules to humans. In FDFs, the main PHMs are bioactive peptides (BPs) released from milk proteins by microbial proteolysis. BPs display a pattern of biofunctions such as anti-hypertensive, antioxidant, immuno-modulatory, and anti-microbial activities. Here, we summarized the BPs most frequently encountered in dairy food and their biological activities; we reviewed the main studies exploring the potential of dairy microbiota to release BPs; and delineated the main effectors of the proteolytic LAB systems responsible for BPs release.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Gut Microbiota-Derived Bioactive Peptides on Human Immune System from Healthy Controls and Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Bioactive peptides secreted by probiotic Bifidobacterium longum (peptide B7) and opportunistic pathogen Bacteroides fragilis (peptide B12) modulate the intestinal cytokine milieu in health. Here, we characterized their capacity to modulate both the mucosal cytokine production and the phenotype of circulating antigen presenting cells (APCs) in active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The IBD mucosa produced higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines referred to healthy controls (HCs). Peptides B7 and B12, however, did not ameliorate the mucosal cytokine milieu in IBD. Human circulating APCs (B-cells, monocytes, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and conventional dendritic cells (cDCs)) were characterized by flow cytometry in presence/absence of the peptides. Circulating B-cells, monocytes, and cDCs from IBD patients were more activated than those from HCs. Peptide B7, but not B12, decreased CCR2 expression on all APC subsets from HC, but not IBD patients. Moreover, both peptides tend to further increase their pro-inflammatory profile in IBD. In summary, IBD patients display mucosal and circulating APC pro-inflammatory properties. Peptide B7 immunomodulatory capacity elicited over circulating APCs from HC, but not IBD patients, suggests the presence of disrupted modulatory mechanisms for this peptide in IBD. Future studies should address the effect of bacteria-derived immunomodulatory peptides in non-inflamed (quiescent) IBD patients.

Current status and application of lactic acid bacteria in animal production systems with a focus on bacteria from honey bee colonies

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely distributed in nature and, due to their beneficial effects on the host, are used as probiotics. This review describes the applications of LAB in animal production systems such as beekeeping, poultry, swine and bovine production, particularly as probiotics used to improve health, enhance growth and reproductive performance. Given the importance of honeybees in nature and the beekeeping industry as a producer of healthy food worldwide, the focus of this review is on the coexistence of LAB with honeybees, their food and environment. The main LAB species isolated from the beehive and their potential technological use are described. Evidence is provided that 43 LAB bacteria species have been isolated from beehives, of which 20 showed inhibition against 28 species of human and animal pathogens, some of which are resistant to antibiotics. Additionally, the presence of LAB in the beehive and their relationship with antibacterial properties of honey and pollen is discussed. Finally, we describe the use of lactic bacteria from bee colonies and their antimicrobial effect against foodborne pathogens and human health. This review broadens knowledge by highlighting the importance of honeybee colonies as suppliers of LAB and functional food.