Inhibitory effects of Lactobacilli cocktail on HT-29 colon carcinoma cells growth and modulation of the Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

Gut microbiota and epigenetics in colorectal cancer: implications for carcinogenesis and therapeutic intervention

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The occurrence of CRC is associated with various genetic and epigenetic mutations in intestinal epithelial cells that transform them into adenocarcinomas. There is increasing evidence indicating the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the regulation of host physiological processes. Alterations in gut microbiota composition are responsible for initiating carcinogenesis through diverse epigenetic modifications, including histone modifications, ncRNAs and DNA methylation. This work was designed to comprehensively review recent findings to provide insight into the associations between the gut microbiota and CRC at an epigenetic level. These scientific insights can be used in the future to develop effective strategies for early detection and treatment of CRC.

The Microbiome Modulates the Immune System to Influence Cancer Therapy

The gut microbiota composition can affect the tumor microenvironment and its interaction with the immune system, thereby having implications for treatment predictions. This article reviews the studies available to better understand how the gut microbiome helps the immune system fight cancer. To describe this fact, different mechanisms and approaches utilizing probiotics to improve advancements in cancer treatment will be discussed. Moreover, not only calorie intake but also the variety and quality of diet can influence cancer patients' immunotherapy treatment because dietary patterns can impair immunological activities either by stimulating or suppressing innate and adaptive immunity. Therefore, it is interesting and critical to understand gut microbiome composition as a biomarker to predict cancer immunotherapy outcomes and responses. Here, more emphasis will be given to the recent development in immunotherapies utilizing microbiota to improve cancer therapies, which is beneficial for cancer patients.

Probiotics intervention in colorectal cancer: From traditional approaches to novel strategies

ABSTRACT

The intestine harbors a large population of microorganisms that interact with epithelial cells to maintain host healthy physiological status. These intestinal microbiota engage in the fermentation of non-digestible nutrients and produce beneficial metabolites to regulate host homeostasis, metabolism, and immune response. The disruption of microbiota, known as dysbiosis, has been implicated in many intestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). As the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, CRC poses a significant health burden. There is an urgent need for novel interventions to reduce CRC incidence and improve clinical outcomes. Modulating the intestinal microbiota has emerged as a promising approach for CRC prevention and treatment. Current research efforts in CRC probiotics primarily focus on reducing the incidence of CRC, alleviating treatment-related side effects, and potentiating the efficacy of anticancer therapy, which is the key to successful translation to clinical practice. This paper aims to review the traditional probiotics and new interventions, such as next-generation probiotics and postbiotics, in the context of CRC. The underlying mechanisms of probiotic anti-cancer effects are also discussed, including the restoration of microbial composition, reinforcement of gut barrier integrity, induction of cancer cell apoptosis, inactivation of carcinogens, and modulation of host immune response. This paper further evaluates the novel strategy of probiotics as an adjuvant therapy in boosting the efficacy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Despite all the promising findings presented in studies, the evaluation of potential risks, optimization of delivery methods, and consideration of intra-patient variability of gut microbial baseline must be thoroughly interpreted before bench-to-bedside translation.

Investigating the crucial role of selected Bifidobacterium probiotic strains in preventing or reducing inflammation by affecting the autophagy pathway

Several studies have shown that probiotics can prevent and reduce inflammation in inflammation-related diseases. However, few studies have focused on the interaction between host and probiotics in modulating the immune system through autophagy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the preventive and/or therapeutic effects of native potential probiotic breast milk-isolated Bifidobacterium spp. (i.e. B. bifidum, B. longum, and B. infantis) on the inflammatory cascade by affecting autophagy gene expression 24 and 48 h after treatment. Autophagy genes involved in different stages of the autophagy process were selected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Gene expression investigation was accomplished by exposing the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) to sonicated pathogens (1.5 × 108 bacterial CFU ml-1) and adding Bifidobacterium spp. (MOI10) before, after, and simultaneously with induction of inflammation. An equal volume of RPMI medium was used as a control. Generally, our native potential probiotic Bifidobacterium spp. can increase the autophagy gene expression in comparison with pathogen. Moreover, an increase in gene expression was observed with our probiotic strains' consumption in all stages of autophagy. Totally, our selected Bifidobacterium spp. can increase autophagy gene expression before, simultaneously, and after the inflammation induction, so they can prevent and reduce inflammation in an in vitro model of inflammation.

Gut microbiota: key facilitator in metastasis of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in terms of incidence among all kinds of cancer. The main cause of death is metastasis. Recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota could facilitate cancer metastasis by promoting cancer cells proliferation, invasion, dissemination, and survival. Multiple mechanisms have been implicated, such as RNA-mediated targeting effects, activation of tumor signaling cascades, secretion of microbiota-derived functional substances, regulation of mRNA methylation, facilitated immune evasion, increased intravasation of cancer cells, and remodeling of tumor microenvironment (TME). The understanding of CRC metastasis was further deepened by the mechanisms mentioned above. In this review, the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota participates in the process of CRC metastasis were reviewed as followed based on recent studies.

Investigation of the anti-inflammatory effects of native potential probiotics as supplementary therapeutic agents in an in-vitro model of inflammation

BACKGROUND

IBD is considered an inflammatory disease with abnormal and exaggerated immune responses. To control the symptoms, different theraputic agents could be used, however, utilizing the agents with the least side effects could be important. Probiotics as beneficial microorganisms are one of the complementory theraputic agents that could be used to modulate inflammatory signaling pathways. In the current study, we aimed to identify the precise molecular effects of potential probiotics on signaling pathways involved in the development of inflammation.

METHODS

A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to analyze the expression of JAK /STAT (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2, STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5 and STAT6) and inflammatory genes (NEMO, TIRAP, IRAK, and RIP) after the HT -29 cell line treatment with the sonicated pathogens and potential probiotics. A cytokine assay was also used to evaluate IL -6 and IL -1β production after potential probiotic treatment.

RESULTS

The potential probiotic cocktail downregulated the JAK genes and TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO, and RIP genes in the NF-kB pathway compared with cells that were treated with sonicated gram negative pathogens. The expression of STAT genes was different after potential probiotic treatment. The production of IL -6 and IL -1β decreased after potential probiotic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the importance of controlling the symptoms of IBD to improve the life quality of the patients, using probiotic could be crucial. In the current study the studied native potential probiotic cocktails showed anti-inflammatory effects via modulation of JAK /STAT and NF-kB signaling pathways. This observation suggests that our native potential probiotics consumption could be useful in reducing intestinal inflammation.

Ameliorating inflammation in an in vitro model by screening the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory roles of putative probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease

IBD is considered a relapsing disease with relapsing phases. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that modulate inflammatory signaling pathways. Our aim was to identify the precise molecular effects of probiotics on inflammatory signaling pathways during the presence of inflammation. Evaluation of the expression of JAK/STAT and inflammatory genes after treatment of the HT -29 cell line with the sonicated pathogens and probiotics, simultaneously was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. The production of IL-6 and IL-1β after administration of probiotics was conducted by means of cytokine assay. The probiotic cocktail resulted in the downregulation of TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO, and RIP genes in the NF-кB pathway compared with Sonicat-treated cells. The expression of JAK/STAT genes was various after probiotic treatment. The application of probiotics has been observed to result in a notable decrease in the production of IL-6 and IL-1β. The investigated probiotic cocktail, especially Bifidobacterium spp. showed anti-inflammatory effects on HT -29 cells via modulation of JAK/STAT and NF-кB signaling pathways. The use of probiotics with the least side effects could be considered a suitable treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, even at the beginning of inflammation.

Prophylactic vs. Therapeutic Effect of Probiotics on the Inflammation Mediated by the NF-κB Pathway in Inflammatory Bowel Conditions

Probiotic supplements consumed adequately at the proper time can affect health by modulating inflammatory pathways in gastrointestinal epithelial cells and modifying the resultant inflammatory response. The current study applied in vitro models to investigate the effectiveness of probiotics in modulating inflammatory pathways and altering inflammatory gene expression in gastrointestinal epithelial cells, with the ultimate goal of promoting probiotic consumption as a therapeutic and preventive measure for chronic inflammatory bowel conditions. HT-29 cells were treated with Gram-negative bacteria to evaluate the changes in pathways related to inflammation activities before and after treatment with a Lactobacillus spp. cocktail (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. brevis, and L. ruteri) and a Bifidobacterium spp. cocktail (B. bifidum, B. langum, and B. breve) using the real-time PCR method and ELISA for IL-1β and IL-6 as pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway genes and IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines increased after exposure to Gram-negative components. In contrast, all probiotic combinations significantly decreased the expression of genes and the secretion of cytokines. However, this decrease was significantly smaller in cells that underwent probiotic treatment after inflammation induction. In addition, cocktails containing combined Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium demonstrated robust anti-inflammatory activity relative to solo cocktails. Our observations confirm that probiotic consumption could positively impact inflammatory conditions and alleviate inflammatory symptoms; they can be particularly effective as a preventive measure. Our study provides preliminary evidence to support the lifetime consumption of probiotics.

Proliferation Inhibitory Activity of Quinones from Blaps rynchopetera Defense Secretion on Colorectal Tumor Cells

OBJECTIVE

To explore the proliferation inhibitory effect of quinones from Blaps rynchopetera defense secretion on colorectal tumor cell lines.

METHODS

Human colorectal cancer cell HT-29, human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell Caco-2 and normal human colon epithelial cell CCD841 were chosen for the evaluation of inhibitory activity of the main quinones of B. rynchopetera defense secretion, including methyl p-benzoquinone (MBQ), ethyl p-benzoquinone (EBQ), and methyl hydroquinone (MHQ), through methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The tumor-related factors, cell cycles, related gene expressions and protein levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assy, flow cytometry, RT-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

MBQ, EBQ, and MHQ could significantly inhibit the proliferation of Caco-2, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 7.04 ± 0.88, 10.92 ± 0.32, 9.35 ± 0.83, HT-29, with IC₅₀ values of 14.90 ± 2.71, 20.50 ± 6.37, 13.90 ± 1.30, and CCD841, with IC₅₀ values of 11.40 ± 0.68, 7.02 ± 0.44 and 7.83 ± 0.05 µg/mL, respectively. Tested quinones can reduce the expression of tumor-related factors tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6 in HT-29 cells, selectively promote apoptosis, and regulate the cell cycle which can reduce the proportion of cells in the G₁ phase and increase the proportion of the S phase. Meanwhile, tested quinones could up-regulate mRNA and protein expression of GSK-3β and APC, while down-regulate that of β-catenin, Frizzled1, c-Myc, and CyclinD1 in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway of HT-29 cells.

CONCLUSION

Quinones from B. rynchopetera defense secretion could inhibit the proliferation of colorectal tumor cells and reduce the expression of related factors, which would be functioned by regulating cell cycle, selectively promoting apoptosis, and affecting Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related mRNA and protein expressions.

Interactions between microbiota and cervical epithelial, immune, and mucus barrier

The female reproductive tract harbours hundreds of bacterial species and produces numerous metabolites. The uterine cervix is located between the upper and lower parts of the female genital tract. It allows sperm and birth passage and hinders the upward movement of microorganisms into a relatively sterile uterus. It is also the predicted site for sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as Chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The healthy cervicovaginal microbiota maintains cervical epithelial barrier integrity and modulates the mucosal immune system. Perturbations of the microbiota composition accompany changes in microbial metabolites that induce local inflammation, damage the cervical epithelial and immune barrier, and increase susceptibility to STI infection and relative disease progression. This review examined the intimate interactions between the cervicovaginal microbiota, relative metabolites, and the cervical epithelial-, immune-, and mucus barrier, and the potent effect of the host-microbiota interaction on specific STI infection. An improved understanding of cervicovaginal microbiota regulation on cervical microenvironment homeostasis might promote advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for various STI diseases.

Chemopreventive role of probiotics against cancer: a comprehensive mechanistic review

Probiotics use different mechanisms such as intestinal barrier improvement, bacterial translocation and maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis to treat cancer. Probiotics' ability to induce apoptosis against tumor cells makes them more effective to treat cancer. Moreover, probiotics stimulate immune function through an immunomodulation mechanism that induces an anti-tumor effect. There are different strains of probiotics, but the most important ones are lactic acid bacteria (LAB) having antagonistic and anti-mutagenic activities. Live and dead probiotics have anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-oxidant and anti-metastatic properties which are useful to fight against different diseases, especially cancer. The main focus of this article is to review the anti-cancerous properties of probiotics and their role in the reduction of different types of cancer. However, further investigations are in progress to improve the efficiency of probiotics in cancer treatment.

Microbiome insights into pediatric familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) harbor numerous polyps with inevitable early progression to colon cancer. Complex microbiotic-tumor microenvironment perturbations suggest a dysbiotic relationship between polyp and microbiome. In this study, we performed comprehensive analyses of stool and tissue microbiome of pediatric FAP subjects and compared with unaffected cohabiting relatives through 16S V4 region amplicon sequencing and machine learning platforms.

RESULTS

Within our FAP and control patient population, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the predominant phyla in the tissue and stool samples, while Proteobacteria dominated the polyp/non-polyp mucosa. A decline in Faecalibacterium in polyps contrasted with a decline in Bacteroides in the FAP stool. The alpha- and beta-diversity indices differed significantly within the polyp/non-polyp groups, with a concurrent shift towards lower diversity in polyps. In a limited 3-year longitudinal study, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria was higher in polyps compared to non-polyp and stool specimens over time. Through machine learning, we discovered that Archaeon_enrichment_culture_clone_A13, Micrococcus_luteus, and Eubacterium_hallii in stool and PL-11B10, S1-80, and Blastocatellaceae in tissues were significantly different between patients with and without polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of certain bacterial concentrations within stool or biopsied polyps could serve as adjuncts to current screening modalities to help identify higher-risk patients.

The Role of Combining Probiotics in Preventing and Controlling Inflammation: A Focus on the Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics in an In Vitro Model of IBD

OBJECTIVE

IBD is an inflammatory disease with abnormalities such as dysbiosis and abnormal immune system activity. Probiotics, as live beneficial microorganisms, play a role in maintaining health through various mechanisms, including the modulation of the immune system and the control of inflammation. Here, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of a probiotic mixture of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in modulating JAK/STAT and NF-kB inflammatory signaling pathways.

METHOD

A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was conducted to analyze the expression of JAK/STAT and inflammatory genes after treatment with the probiotic mixture before, after, and simultaneously with the sonicated pathogen in the HT-29 cell line. The production of IL-6 and IL-1β after probiotic treatment was investigated via cytokine assay.

RESULTS

Treatment with probiotics resulted in downregulation of TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO, and RIP genes in the NF-kB pathway and JAK/STAT genes compared with sonicat-treated cells as inflammation inducers. The production of IL-6 and IL-1 decreased after probiotic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The probiotic mixture of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. showed anti-inflammatory effects by modulating JAK/STAT and NF-kB signaling pathways. The use of probiotics could be considered as an appropriate complementary treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Role of microbes in colorectal cancer therapy: Cross-talk between the microbiome and tumor microenvironment

The human gut microbiota is associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer, and manipulation of the gut microbiota is a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. Some bacteria have antitumor activity against colorectal cancer, where specific bacteria can improve the tumor microenvironment, activate immune cells including dendritic cells, helper T cells, natural killer cells, and cytotoxic T cells, and upregulate the secretion of pro-tumor immune cytokines such as interleukin-2 and interferon. In this paper, we summarize some bacteria with potential benefits in colorectal cancer and describe their roles in the tumor microenvironment, demonstrate the application of gut microbes in combination with immunosuppressive agents, and provide suggestions for further experimental studies and clinical practice applications.

Advances in Nanofabrication Technology for Nutraceuticals: New Insights and Future Trends

Bioactive components such as polyphenolics, flavonoids, bioactive peptides, pigments, and essential fatty acids were known to ward off some deadliest diseases. Nutraceuticals are those beneficial compounds that may be food or part of food that has come up with medical or health benefits. Nanoencapsulation and nanofabricated delivery systems are an imminent approach in the field of food sciences. The sustainable fabrication of nutraceuticals and biocompatible active components indisputably enhances the food grade and promotes good health. Nanofabricated delivery systems include carbohydrates-based, lipids (solid and liquid), and proteins-based delivery systems. Solid nano-delivery systems include lipid nanoparticles. Liquid nano-delivery systems include nanoliposomes and nanoemulsions. Physicochemical properties of nanoparticles such as size, charge, hydrophobicity, and targeting molecules affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of nano delivery systems. Advance research in toxicity studies is necessary to ensure the safety of the nanofabricated delivery systems, as the safety of nano delivery systems for use in food applications is unknown. Therefore, improved nanotechnology could play a pivotal role in developing functional foods, a contemporary concept assuring the consumers to provide programmed, high-priced, and high-quality research toward nanofabricated delivery systems.

The potential role of Bifidobacterium spp. as a preventive and therapeutic agent in controlling inflammation via affecting inflammatory signalling pathways

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease with relapses and periods of remission. Forasmuch as, dysregulation of the immune system is one of the triggers of IBD, taking probiotics as one of the immunomodulators in the gut, could help to control inflammation and IBD via influencing signalling pathways. Here, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of five selected Bifidobacterium strains in modulating JAK/STAT and NF-kB inflammatory signalling pathways via using the in vitro assay. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to analyse the expression of JAK/STAT and inflammatory genes followed by potential probiotic treatments before, after and simultaneously with the inflammation induction (sonicated pathogen). The production of IL-6 and IL-1β after probiotic treatment was evaluated. Probiotic treatment resulted in the downregulation of TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO and RIP genes in the NF-kB pathway, as well as JAK genes compared to sonicate-treated cells. The expression of STAT genes was different after our selected Bifidobacterium strains treatment. The production of IL-6 and IL-1β decreased after probiotic treatment. These strains of Bifidobacterium spp. showed anti-inflammatory effects on HT-29 cells via modulation of JAK/STAT and NF-kB signalling pathways. The use of Bifidobacterium spp. could be considered as a suitable preventive and complementary treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Role of a mixed probiotic product, VSL#3, in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial disease. The incidence of this type of cancer in younger patients has increased in recent years, and more strategies are needed to prevent and delay the progression of CRC. Probiotics play an adjunctive role in the prevention and treatment of CRC and can not only prevent the onset and delay the progression of disease but also reduce the side effects after the application of anti-cancer drugs. The anti-cancer effect of individual probiotics has been extensively studied, and the exact curative effect of various probiotics has been found, but the anti-cancer effect of mixed probiotics is still not well summarized. In this review, we discuss the positive effects of mixed probiotics on CRC and the related mechanisms of action, especially VSL#3 (VSL Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA), thus providing new ideas for the treatment of CRC. Moreover, we suggest the need to search for more therapeutic possibilities, especially via the research and application of synbiotics and postbiotics.

Exploring the Association Between Cervical Microbiota and HR-HPV Infection Based on 16S rRNA Gene and Metagenomic Sequencing

The relationship between the cervico-vaginal microbiome and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is well observed. However, there is a lack of adequate research regarding the cervical microbiota in HR-HPV infection. Most published research results have used 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology; this technology only focuses on marker sequences, resulting in incomplete gene information acquisition. Metagenomic sequencing technology can effectively compensate for the deficiency of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, thus improving the analysis of microbiota function. Cervical swab samples from 20 females with HR-HPV infection and 20 uninfected (Control) women were analyzed through 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing. Our results indicated that the composition and function of the cervical microbiota of HR-HPV infection differed notably from that of control women. Compared with control women, Firmicutes was decreased during HR-HPV infection, whereas Actinobacteria was increased. At the genus level, Lactobacillus was enriched in control women, while levels of Gardnerella and Bifidobacterium were lower. At the species level, Lactobacillus crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. helveticus were enriched in control women; these were the top three species with biomarker significance between the two groups. Eight pathways and four KEGG orthologies of the cervical microbiota of statistical differences were identified between the HR-HPV infection and control women. Collectively, our study described the cervical microbiota and its potential function during HR-HPV infection. Biomarkers of cervical microbiota and the changed bacterial metabolic pathways and metabolites can help clarify the pathogenic mechanism of HR-HPV infection, making them promising targets for clinical treatment and intervention for HR-HPV infection and cervical carcinoma.

Anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Lactobacillus spp. as a preservative and therapeutic agent for IBD control

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Inflammatory bowel disease and carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is a subtype of CRC associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is well known that individuals with IBD have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing CRC than those who do not, rendering CAC a major cause of death in this group. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of CAC are incompletely understood, animal models of chronic inflammation and human cohort data indicate that changes in the intestinal environment, including host response dysregulation and gut microbiota perturbations, may contribute to the development of CAC. Genomic alterations are a hallmark of CAC, with patterns that are distinct from those in sporadic CRC. The discovery of the biological changes that underlie the development of CAC is ongoing; however, current data suggest that chronic inflammation in IBD increases the risk of developing CAC. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the precise mechanisms by which inflammation triggers genetic alterations and disrupts intestinal homeostasis may provide insight into novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention of CAC.

The effects of the probiotic cocktail on modulation of the NF-kB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory response in bowel disease model

Background

Probiotics positively affect inflammatory responses, in part, through Janus kinase/signal transduction and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and inflammatory signaling pathways. To evaluate the precise effects of probiotics as protective treatment, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and a mixture of these probiotics in modulating the JAK/STAT and inflammatory signaling pathways.

Methods

A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to analyze the expression of JAK/STAT and inflammatory genes (TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO, and RIP) following HT-29 cell line treatment with sonicated pathogens Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and a mixed cocktail. A cytokine assay was also used to evaluate the IL-6 and IL-1β production following the probiotic treatment.

Results

The probiotic cocktail downregulated the JAK genes and TIRAP, IRAK4, NEMO, and RIP genes in the NF-kB pathway compared to sonicate pathogen treatment cells. The expression of STAT genes was variable following probiotic treatment. The IL-6 and IL-1β production decreased after probiotic treatment.

Conclusions

Our probiotic cocktail showed anti-inflammatory effects on HT-29 cells by modulating JAK/STAT and NF-kB pathways. Therefore, Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. probiotics as nutritional supplements may reduce inflammation-associated diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Goblet cell hyperplasia is not epithelial-autonomous in the Cftr knockout intestine

Goblet cell hyperplasia is an important manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF) disease in epithelial-lined organs. Explants of CF airway epithelium show normalization of goblet cell numbers; therefore, we hypothesized that small intestinal enteroids from Cftr knockout (KO) mice would not exhibit goblet cell hyperplasia. Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (Tlr2 and Tlr4) were investigated as markers of inflammation and influence on goblet cell differentiation. Ex vivo studies found goblet cell hyperplasia in Cftr KO jejunum compared with wild-type (WT) mice. IL-13, SAM pointed domain-containing ETS transcription factor (Spdef), Tlr2, and Tlr4 protein expression were increased in Cftr KO intestine relative to WT. In contrast, WT and Cftr KO enteroids did not exhibit differences in basal or IL-13-stimulated goblet cell numbers, or differences in expression of Tlr2, Tlr4, and Spdef. Ileal goblet cell numbers in Cftr KO/Tlr4 KO and Cftr KO/Tlr2 KO mice were not different from Cftr KO mice, but enumeration was confounded by altered mucosal morphology. Treatment with Tlr4 agonist LPS did not affect goblet cell numbers in WT or Cftr KO enteroids, whereas the Tlr2 agonist Pam3Csk4 stimulated goblet cell hyperplasia in both genotypes. Pam3Csk4 stimulation of goblet cell numbers was associated with suppression of Notch1 and Neurog3 expression and upregulated determinants of goblet cell differentiation. We conclude that goblet cell hyperplasia and inflammation of the Cftr KO small intestine are not exhibited by enteroids, indicating that this manifestation of CF intestinal disease is not epithelial-automatous but secondary to the altered CF intestinal environment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Studies of small intestinal organoids from cystic fibrosis (CF) mice show that goblet cell hyperplasia and increased Toll-like receptor 2/4 expression are not primary manifestations of the CF intestine. Intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia in the CF mice was not strongly altered by genetic ablation of Tlr2 and Tlr 4, but could be induced in both wild-type and CF intestinal organoids by a Tlr2-dependent suppression of Notch signaling.

E2F transcription factor 1 elevates cyclin D1 expression by suppressing transcription of microRNA-107 to augment progression of glioma

BACKGROUND

Dysregulation of microRNAs has been frequently implicated in the progression of human diseases, including glioma. This study aims to explore the interaction between E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and miR-107 in the progression of glioma.

METHODS

Expression of miR-107 in glioma tissues and cells was examined. Putative binding sites between E2F1 and the promoter region of miR-107, and between miR-107 and cyclin D1 (CCND1) mRNA were predicted via bioinformatic systems and validated via chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter gene assays. Altered expression of miR-107, E2F1, and CCND1 was introduced in A172 and T98G cells to examine their roles in cell growth and the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In vivo experiments were performed by injecting cells in nude mice.

RESULTS

miR-107 was poorly expressed, whereas E2F1 and CCND1 were highly expressed in glioma tissues and cells. E2F1 bound to the promoter region of miR-107 to induce transcriptional repression, and miR-107 directly bound to CCND1 mRNA to reduce its expression. Overexpression of miR-107 reduced proliferation, migration and invasion, and augmented apoptosis of glioma cells, and it reduced activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The anti-tumorigenic roles of miR-107 were blocked by E2F1 or CCND1 overexpression. Similar results were reproduced in vivo where miR-107 overexpression or E2F1 inhibition blocked tumor growth in nude mice.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that E2F1 reduces miR-107 transcription to induce CCND1 upregulation, which leads to progression of glioma via Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation.

Role of Gut Microbiota and Probiotics in Colorectal Cancer: Onset and Progression

The gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis in the human body, and the disruption of these communities can lead to compromised host health and the onset of disease. Current research on probiotics is quite promising and, in particular, these microorganisms have demonstrated their potential for use as adjuvants for the treatment of colorectal cancer. This review addresses the possible applications of probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and next-generation probiotics in colorectal cancer research.

Isolation of a Lactobacillus paracasei Strain with Probiotic Attributes from Kefir Grains

Κefir is a rich source of potentially probiotic bacteria. In the present study, firstly, in vitro screening for probiotic characteristics of ten lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from kefir grains was performed. Strain AGR 4 was selected for further studies. Molecular characterization of strain AGR 4, confirmed that AGR 4 belongs to the Lactobacillus paracasei (reclassified to Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei) species. Further testing revealed that L. paracasei AGR 4 displayed adhesion capacity on human adenocarcinoma cells, HT-29, similar to that of the reference strain, L. casei ATCC 393. In addition, the novel strain exerted significant time- and dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against HT-29 cells and human melanoma cell line, A375, as demonstrated by the sulforhodamine B cytotoxicity assay. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to investigate the mechanism of cellular death; however, it was found that AGR 4 did not act by inducing cell cycle arrest and/or apoptotic cell death. Taken together, these findings promote the probiotic character of the newly isolated strain L. paracasei AGR 4, while further studies are needed for the detailed description of its biological properties.

Metabolite secretions of Lactobacillus plantarum YYC-3 may inhibit colon cancer cell metastasis by suppressing the VEGF-MMP2/9 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major clinical challenge, and the gut microbiome plays important roles in the occurrence and metastasis of CRC. Lactobacillus and their metabolites are thought to be able to suppress the growth of CRC cells. However, the antimetastatic mechanism of Lactobacillus or their metabolites toward CRC cells is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the inhibitory mechanism of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of L. rhamnosus GG, L. casei M3, and L. plantarum YYC-3 on metastasis of CRC cells.

RESULTS

YYC-3 CFS showed the highest inhibitory effect on CRC cell growth, invasion and migration, and inhibited MMP2, MMP9, and VEGFA gene and protein expression, and protein secretion. Furthermore, it suppressed the activities of MMPs by gelatin zymography. Moreover, the effective compounds in these CFSs were analyzed by Q Exactive Focus liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that metabolite secretions of YYC-3 may inhibited cell metastasis by downregulating the VEGF/MMPs signaling pathway. These data suggest that treatment of CRC cells with metabolites from L. plantarum YYC-3 may reduce colon cancer metastasis.

An Updated Overview on Nanonutraceuticals: Focus on Nanoprebiotics and Nanoprobiotics

Over the last few years, the application of nanotechnology to nutraceuticals has been rapidly growing due to its ability to enhance the bioavailability of the loaded active ingredients, resulting in improved therapeutic/nutraceutical outcomes. The focus of this work is nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics, terms which stand for the loading of a set of compounds (e.g., prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics) in nanoparticles that work as absorption enhancers in the gastrointestinal tract. In this manuscript, the main features of prebiotics and probiotics are highlighted, together with the discussion of emerging applications of nanotechnologies in their formulation. Current research strategies are also discussed, in particular the promising use of nanofibers for the delivery of probiotics. Synbiotic-based nanoparticles represent an innovative trend within this area of interest. As only few experimental studies on nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics are available in the scientific literature, research on this prominent field is needed, covering effectiveness, bioavailability, and safety aspects.