Pre- and Probiotics for Human Skin

Application of biomacromolecules encapsulation systems for the long-term storage of Lactobacillus plantarum F1 and Lactobacillus reuteri 182

The aim of this study was to improve the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) during extended storage of 1 year and mechanical characteristics of the calcium alginate beads with co-encapsulation of prebiotics and chitosan coating and subsequent freeze drying. The results revealed that the addition of trehalose to alginate matrix effectively protects the LAB cells during freeze drying, i.e., the survival rate has increased up to more than 92.5 %. Chitosan coating reinforced Ca-alginate beads, therefore the sphericity and mechanical strength of the beads improved. The findings also showed that bacteria encapsulation with the prebiotics resulted in more cells stability during the prolonged storage of 1 year and were 4.82 ± 0.06 log CFU g-1 in the lyophilized alginate-trehalose beads for Lactobacillus plantarum and 5.64 ± 0.08 log CFU g-1 in the lyophilized alginate-trehalose-inulin beads for Lactobacillus reuteri. No survival, however, was noted for the LAB cells in wet capsules after the same period. This study demonstrated that prebiotics had a significant impact on the viability of cells during freeze drying and storage. What is more, physical properties of the alginate beads were enhanced by coating beads with the chitosan.

Analysis of cutaneous bacterial microbiota of Thai patients with seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs in body areas that contain profuse sebaceous glands. Skin microbiota are diverse across ethnic groups and its dysbiosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of SD. Here, we reported the contribution of cutaneous bacterial microbiota to SD in the Thai population. Healthy individuals and patients with scalp SD were recruited into the study. Normal skin, scalp skin lesion (SL) and non-lesion sites (SNL) samples were collected using a tape stripping method and next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA for microbiome analysis. Although bacterial diversity in all sample groups was not statistically different, a population of bacteria commonly found on skin of scalp showed signs of dysbiosis. Apart from the reduction of Corynebacterium spp., SD-specific microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes at taxa level and Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. at genus level. The dysbiosis of the skin microbiota in SD was specifically described as an alteration of bacteria populations commonly found on scalp skin, implying that managing and controlling the cutaneous bacterial microbiome can alleviate and prevent SD and pave the way for the development of new SD treatments.

Changing Susceptibility of Staphylococci in Patients with Implant-Based Breast Reconstructions: A Single-Center Experience

Background and Objectives: Infections and capsular contractures remain unresolved issues in implant-based breast reconstruction. Capsular contractures are thought to be caused by the endogenous flora of the nipple duct. However, little is known about the antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganisms involved. This study aimed to evaluate the composition of endogenous breast flora and its antimicrobial susceptibility in patients with breast cancer. This study will aid in selecting a prophylactic antibiotic regimen for breast reconstruction surgery. Materials and Methods: We obtained bacteriologic swabs from the nipple intraoperatively in patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomy between January 2019 and August 2021. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed according to the isolated bacteriology. Statistical analysis was performed based on several patient variables to identify which factors influence the antibiotic resistance rate of endogenous flora. Results: A total of 125 of 220 patients had positive results, of which 106 had positive culture results for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CoNS). Among these 106 patients, 50 (47%) were found to have methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and 56 (53%) were found to have methicillin-susceptible staphylococci. The methicillin resistance rate in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (56.3%) was significantly higher (OR, 2.3; p = 0.039) than that in the non-neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (35.5%). Conclusions: Based on the results, demonstrating high and rising incidence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci of nipple endogenous flora in patients with breast cancer compared to the past, it is necessary to consider the selection of prophylactic antibiotics to reduce infections and capsular contracture after implant-based breast reconstruction.

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.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: news from microbiota research

Recently, research has been deeply focusing on the role of the microbiota in numerous diseases, either affecting the skin or other organs. What it is well established is that its dysregulation promotes several cutaneous disorders (i.e. psoriasis and atopic dermatitis). To date, little is known about its composition, mediators and role in the genesis, progression and response to therapy of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC). Starting from a bibliographic study, we classified the selected articles into four sections: i) normal skin microbiota; ii) in vitro study models; iii) microbiota and NMSC and iv) probiotics, antibiotics and NMSC. What has emerged is how skin microflora changes, mainly represented by increases of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, modifications in the mutual quantity of β-Human papillomavirus genotypes, of Epstein Barr Virus and Malassezia or candidiasis, may contribute to the induction of a state of chronic self-maintaining inflammation, leading to cancer. In this context, the role of S. aureus and that of specific antimicrobial peptides look to be prominent. Moreover, although antibiotics may contribute to carcinogenesis, due to their ability to influence the microbiota balance, specific probiotics, such as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC 533 and Bifidobacteria spp., may be protective.

Depigmentation and Anti-aging Treatment by Natural Molecules

Natural molecules are becoming more accepted choices as cosmetic agents, many products in the market today claim to include natural components. Plants include many substances that could be of a value in the whitening of the skin and working as anti-aging agents. A wide range of articles related to natural skin whitening and anti-aging agents have been reviewed. Many plant-derived and natural molecules have shown to affect melanin synthesis by different mechanisms, examples include Arbutin, Ramulus mori extract, Licorice extract, Glabridin, Liquiritin, Kojic acid, Methyl gentisate, Aloesin, Azelaic acid, Vitamin C, Thioctic acid, Soya bean extracts, Niacinamide, α and β-hydroxy acids, Lactic acid, Chamomile extract, and Ellagic acid. Some of the widely used natural anti-aging products as natural antioxidants, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and coenzyme Q can counteract the effects of reactive oxygen species in skin cells and have anti-aging properties on the skin. It was concluded that many natural products including antioxidants can prevent UV-induced skin damage and have whitening and anti-aging effects. It is very important to develop and stabilize appropriate methods for the evaluation of the whitening and anti-aging capacity of natural products and their exact mechanism of action to ensure real efficacy based on evidence-based studies. The attention should be oriented on the formulations and the development of an appropriate vehicle to ensure suitable absorption of these natural products in addition to evaluating the suitable concentration of these molecules required having the desired effects without causing harmful side effects.

How Probiotics Affect the Microbiota

Probiotics have been used to treat a variety of diseases for decades; however, what is the rationale for their application? Such a treatment was first proposed in the early nineteenth century based on observations of decreased bifidobacterial populations in children suffering from diarrhea, suggesting that oral intake of bifidobacteria could replete this subpopulation of the microbiota and improve health. Since then, studies have shown modifications in the gut or skin microbiota in the course of a variety of diseases and suggested positive effects of certain probiotics. Most studies failed to report any impact on the microbiota. The impact of probiotics as well as of bacteria colonizing food does not reside in their ability to graft in the microbiota but rather in sharing genes and metabolites, supporting challenged microbiota, and directly influencing epithelial and immune cells. Such observations argue that probiotics could be associated with conventional drugs for insulin resistance, infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, and psychiatric disorders and could also interfere with drug metabolism. Nevertheless, in the context of a plethora of probiotic strains and associations produced in conditions that do not allow direct comparisons, it remains difficult to know whether a patient would benefit from taking a particular probiotic. In other words, although several mechanisms are observed when studying a single probiotic strain, not all individual strains are expected to share the same effects. To clarify the role of probiotics in the clinic, we explored the relation between probiotics and the gut and skin microbiota.

Changing our microbiome: probiotics in dermatology

BACKGROUND

Commensal bacteria are a major factor in human health and disease pathogenesis. Interest has recently expanded beyond the gastrointestinal microbiome to include the skin microbiome and its impact on various skin diseases.

OBJECTIVES

Here we present current data reviewing the role of the microbiome in dermatology, considering both the gut and skin microflora. Our objective was to evaluate whether the clinical data support the utility of oral and topical probiotics for certain dermatological diseases.

METHODS

The PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for basic science, translational research and clinical studies that investigated differences in the cutaneous microbiome and the impact of probiotics in patients with atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, chronic wounds, seborrhoeic dermatitis and cutaneous neoplasms.

RESULTS

Few clinical trials exist that explore the utility of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of dermatological diseases, with the exception of atopic dermatitis. Most studies investigated oral probiotic interventions, and of those utilizing topical probiotics, few included skin commensals. In general, the available clinical trials yielded positive results with improvement of the skin conditions after probiotic intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral and topical probiotics appear to be effective for the treatment of certain inflammatory skin diseases and demonstrate a promising role in wound healing and skin cancer. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results. What's already known about this topic? The microbiome plays a role in human health and disease pathogenesis. Probiotics can manipulate the host microbiome and may confer health benefits for patients. Research to date has already begun to explore the utility of oral and topical probiotics for certain dermatological diseases. What does this study add? This review presents basic science and clinical trial data to support the role of the gut and skin microbiome in dermatology. Current data are reviewed on the use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, chronic wounds and cutaneous neoplasms. Future probiotic interventions are proposed.

Development of a Teat Bio-sealant and Evaluation of its Technological and Functional Properties

A teat bio-sealant was developed using Weissella cibaria, and the bio-sealant's technological and functional properties were assessed. The development included four experimental phases that were analyzed using independent experimental designs. Initially, sterilized or pasteurized Aloe vera gels were used, and the effect of heat treatment was investigated. In the second phase, the effects of time, storage temperature, and addition of cryopreservatives on the viability of the probiotic were observed. The third phase consisted of evaluating the synergistic effects of the cryopreservatives. The fourth phase involved selecting a material that would provide viscosity to the teat sealant. Technological and functional properties were measured in terms of viability of W. cibaria, and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae was also analyzed. A mixture of milk powder and glycerol preserved this antimicrobial activity. Pullulan provided greater viscosity and maintained the technological and functional properties of the bio-sealant for 29 days. This teat bio-sealant can be used as an alternative for the prevention of bovine mastitis.

Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria and Skin Health

Human skin is the first defense barrier against the external environment, especially microbial pathogens and physical stimulation. Many studies on skin health with Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been published for many years, including prevention of skin disease and improvement of skin conditions. LAB, a major group of gram-positive bacteria, are known to be beneficial to human health by acting as probiotics. Recent studies have shown that LAB and their extracts have beneficial effects on maintenance and improvement of skin health. Oral administration of Lactobacillus delbrueckii inhibits the development of atopic disease. In addition, LAB and LAB extracts are known to have beneficial effects on intestinal diseases, with Lactobacillus plantarum having been shown to attenuate IL-10 deficient colitis. In addition to intestinal health, L. plantarum also has beneficial effects on skin. pLTA, which is lipoteichoic acid isolated from L. plantarum, has anti-photoaging effects on human skin cells by regulating the expression matrix meralloprotionase-1 (MMP-1) expression. While several studies have proposed a relationship between diseases of the skin and small intestines, there are currently no published reviews of the effects of LAB for skin health through regulation of intestinal conditions and the immune system. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the effects of LAB on skin health and its potential applications in beauty foods.

Improving the outcome of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing using a probiotic skin cream: Preliminary clinical evaluation

As known, fractional CO₂ resurfacing treatments are more effective than non-ablative ones against aging signs, but post-operative redness and swelling prolong the overall downtime requiring up to steroid administration in order to reduce these local systems. In the last years, an increasing interest has been focused on the possible use of probiotics for treating inflammatory and allergic conditions suggesting that they can exert profound beneficial effects on skin homeostasis. In this work, the Authors report their experience on fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing and provide the results of a new post-operative topical treatment with an experimental cream containing probiotic-derived active principles potentially able to modulate the inflammatory reaction associated to laser-treatment. The cream containing DermaACB (CERABEST™) was administered post-operatively to 42 consecutive patients who were treated with fractional CO₂ laser. All patients adopted the cream twice a day for 2 weeks. Grades were given according to outcome scale. The efficacy of the cream containing DermaACB was evaluated comparing the rate of post-operative signs vanishing with a control group of 20 patients topically treated with an antibiotic cream and a hyaluronic acid based cream. Results registered with the experimental treatment were good in 22 patients, moderate in 17, and poor in 3 cases. Patients using the study cream took an average time of 14.3 days for erythema resolution and 9.3 days for swelling vanishing. The post-operative administration of the cream containing DermaACB induces a quicker reduction of post-operative erythema and swelling when compared to a standard treatment.

Engineering Human Microbiota: Influencing Cellular and Community Dynamics for Therapeutic Applications

The complex relationship between microbiota, human physiology, and environmental perturbations has become a major research focus, particularly with the arrival of culture-free and high-throughput approaches for studying the microbiome. Early enthusiasm has come from results that are largely correlative, but the correlative phase of microbiome research has assisted in defining the key questions of how these microbiota interact with their host. An emerging repertoire for engineering the microbiome places current research on a more experimentally grounded footing. We present a detailed look at the interplay between microbiota and host and how these interactions can be exploited. A particular emphasis is placed on unstable microbial communities, or dysbiosis, and strategies to reestablish stability in these microbial ecosystems. These include manipulation of intermicrobial communication, development of designer probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and synthetic biology.

Photoprotective effects of galacto-oligosaccharide and/or Bifidobacterium longum supplementation against skin damage induced by ultraviolet irradiation in hairless mice

This study aimed at examining whether oral administration of galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) and Bifidobacterium longum, individually or in combination, could exert photoprotective effects on the skin of hairless mice. GOS and/or Bifidobacterium were administered orally to hairless mice for 12 weeks. Mice were irradiated with UV light daily for four consecutive days. GOS administration increased the water-holding capacity of the skin and prevented transepidermal water loss compared with the control. A reduction in the erythema formation of 16.8% was also observed in the GOS-treated group compared with the control, and CD44 gene expression was significantly increased. Oral administration of GOS or Bifidobacterium significantly increased TIMP-1 and Col1 mRNA expression compared with the control. Our findings support that prebiotics, including GOS, are beneficial not only to the intestine, but also to the skin, and present the possibility of new nutritional strategies for the prevention of UV-induced skin damage.

Non-pathogenic microflora of a spring water with regenerative properties

The Comano spring water (Comano, Italy) has been demonstrated to improve skin regeneration, not only by increasing keratinocyte proliferation and migration, but also by modulating the regenerated collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis. However, such biological properties may not be entirely explained by its mineral composition only. As the non-pathogenic bacterial populations have demonstrated an active role in different biological processes, the potential presence of non-pathogenic bacterial species within the Comano spring water was investigated in order to identify any possible correlation between these bacterial populations and the demonstrated biological properties of this water. The water was collected at the spring using an aseptic procedure and multiple cultures were carried out. A total of 9 different strains were isolated, which were Aeromonas hydrophila, Brevundimonas vesicularis, Chromobacterium violaceum, Citrobacter youngae, Empedobacter brevis, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas stutzeri and Streptococcus mitis. All the isolated bacterial strains, although showing a rare potential virulence, demonstrated peculiar and favorable metabolic attitudes in controlling environmental pollution. The therapeutical effects of certain spring waters are currently being proven as correlated not only to their peculiar mineral composition, but also to the complex activity of their resident non-pathogenic bacterial populations. Although the present study provided only preliminary data, some of the non-pathogenic bacterial populations that were identified in the Comano spring water are likely to produce molecular mediators with a role in the wound healing process that, thus far, remain unknown. Numerous other unknown bacterial species, comprehensively termed DNA-rich 'dark matter', are likely to contribute to the Comano water regenerative properties as well. Therefore, the non-pathogenic bacterial populations of the Comano spring water are possibly credited for its demonstrated regenerative properties.

Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging

Skin has been reported to reflect the general inner-health status and aging. Nutrition and its reflection on skin has always been an interesting topic for scientists and physicians throughout the centuries worldwide. Vitamins, carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids and a variety of plant extracts have been reported to possess potent anti-oxidant properties and have been widely used in the skin care industry either as topically applied agents or oral supplements in an attempt to prolong youthful skin appearance. This review will provide an overview of the current literature "linking" nutrition with skin aging.