Effect of a bioactive product SEL001 from Lactobacillus sakei probio65 on gut microbiota and its anti-colitis effects in a TNBS-induced colitis mouse model

Ginseng polysaccharides ameliorate ulcerative colitis via regulating gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolism

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is regarded as a recurring inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, for which treatment approaches remain notably limited. In this study, we demonstrated that ginseng polysaccharides (GPs) could alleviate the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC as reflected by the ameliorated pathological lesions in the colon. GPs strikingly suppressed the expression levels of multiple inflammatory cytokines, as well as significantly inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Microbiota-dependent investigations by virtue of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation illustrated that GPs treatment prominently restored intestinal microbial balance predominantly through modulating the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Additionally, GPs remarkably influenced the levels of microbial tryptophan metabolites, diminished the intestinal permeability and strengthened intestinal barrier integrity via inhibiting the 5-HT/HTR3A signaling pathway. Taken together, the promising therapeutic potential of GPs on the development of UC predominantly hinges on the capacity to suppress the expression of inflammatory cytokines as well as to influence Lactobacillus and microbial tryptophan metabolites.

Intraspecific difference of Latilactobacillus sakei in inflammatory bowel diseases: Insights into potential mechanisms through comparative genomics and metabolomics analyses

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that have become a global health burden. Studies have revealed that Latilactobacillus sakei can effectively alleviate various immune diseases, including colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and metabolic disorders. Here, we obtained 72 strains of L. sakei from 120 fermentation and fecal samples across China. In total, 16 strains from different sources were initially screened in an in vitro Caco-2 model induced by dextran sulfate sodium. Subsequently, six strains (four exhibiting effectiveness and two exhibiting ineffectiveness) were selected for further validation in an in vivo colitis mouse model. The results demonstrated that L. sakei strains exhibited varying degrees of amelioration of the colitis disease process. Notably, L. sakei CCFM1267, the most effective strain, significantly restored colon length and tight-junction protein expression, and reduced the levels of cytokines and associated inflammatory enzymes. Moreover, L. sakei CCFM1267 upregulated the abundance of Enterorhabdus, Alloprevotella, and Roseburia, leading to increased levels of acetic acid and propionic acid. Conversely, the other four strains (L. sakei QJSSZ1L4, QJSSZ4L10, QGZZYRHMT1L6, and QGZZYRHMT2L6) only exhibited a partial remission effect, while L. sakei QJSNT1L10 displayed minimal impact. Therefore, L. sakei CCFM1267 and QJSNT1L10 were selected for further exploration of the mechanisms underlying their differential mitigating effects. Comparative genomics analysis revealed significant variations between the two strains, particularly in genes associated with carbohydrate-active enzymes, such as the glycoside hydrolase family, which potentially contribute to the diverse profiles of short-chain fatty acids in vivo. Additionally, metabolome analysis demonstrated that acetylcholine and indole-3-acetic acid were the main differentiating metabolites of the two strains. Therefore, the strains of L. sakei exhibited varying degrees of effectiveness in alleviating IBD-related symptoms, and the possible reasons for these variations were attributed to discrepancies in the carbohydrate-active enzymes and metabolites among the strains.

The immunomodulatory effects of probiotics and azithromycin in dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis in rats via TLR4-NF-κB and p38-MAPK pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic autoimmune disease of the gut with a relapsing and remitting nature, considers a major health-care problem. DSS is a well-studied pharmacologically-induced model for UC. Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and its close association with p-38-Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (p-38 MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) has important regulatory roles in inflammation and developing UC. Probiotics are gaining popularity for their potential in UC therapy. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory role of azithromycin in UC remains a knowledge need. In the present rats-established UC, the therapeutic roles of oral probiotics (60 billion probiotic bacteria per kg per day) and azithromycin (40 mg per kg per day) regimens were evaluated by measuring changes in disease activity index, macroscopic damage index, oxidative stress markers, TLR4, p-38 MAPK, NF-κB signaling pathway in addition to their molecular downstream; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)1β, IL6, IL10 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). After individual and combination therapy with probiotics and azithromycin regimens, the histological architecture of the UC improved with restoration of intestinal tissue normal architecture. These findings were consistent with the histopathological score of colon tissues. Each separate regimen lowered the remarkable TLR4, p-38 MAPK, iNOS, NF-κB as well as TNFα, IL1β, IL6 and MDA expressions and elevated the low IL10, glutathione and superoxide dismutase expressions in UC tissues. The combination regimen possesses the most synergistic beneficial effects in UC that, following thorough research, should be incorporated into the therapeutic approach in UC to boost the patients' quality of life.

Oral Administration of Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001 Improves Recovery from Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice by Microbiota Modulation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an intestinal chronic inflammatory disease, and its incidence is steadily increasing. IBD is closely related to the intestinal microbiota, and probiotics are known to be a potential therapeutic agent for IBD. In our study, we evaluated the protective effect of Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001, isolated from Baechu kimchi, on dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The oral administration of L. sakei CVL-001 according to the experimental schedule alleviated weight loss and disease activity in the mice with colitis. Furthermore, the length and histopathology of the colon improved. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β genes decreased in the colons of mice that were administered L. sakei CVL-001, whereas that of IL-10 increased. The expressions of genes coding for E-cadherin, claudin3, occludin, and mucin were also restored. In co-housed conditions, L. sakei CVL-001 administration did not improve disease activity, colon length, and histopathology. Microbiota analysis revealed that L. sakei CVL-001 administration increased the abundance of microbiota and altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and decreased Proteobacteria. In conclusion, L. sakei CVL-001 administration protects mice from DSS-induced colitis by regulating immune response and intestinal integrity via gut microbiota modulation.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum KAU0021 Abrogates Mono- and Polymicrobial Biofilms Formed by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus

Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, representing two different kingdoms, are the most frequently isolated pathogens from invasive infections. Their pathogenic attributes, combined with drug resistance, make them a major threat and a challenge to successful treatments, mainly when involved in polymicrobial biofilm-associated infections. In the present study, we investigated the antimicrobial potential of Lactobacillus metabolite extracts (LMEs) purified from cell-free supernatant of four Lactobacillus strains (KAU007, KAU0010, KAU0021, and Pro-65). Furthermore, LME obtained from the strain KAU0021 (LMEKAU0021), being the most effective, was analyzed for its anti-biofilm property against mono- and polymicrobial biofilms formed by C. albicans and S. aureus. The impact of LMEKAU0021 on membrane integrity in single and mixed culture conditions was also evaluated using propidium iodide. The MIC values recorded for LMEKAU0021 was 406 µg/mL, 203 µg/mL, and 406 µg/mL against planktonic cells of C. albicans SC5314, S. aureus and polymicrobial culture, respectively. The LMEKAU0021 at sub-MIC values potentially abrogates both biofilm formation as well as 24 h mature mono- and polymicrobial biofilms. These results were further validated using different microscopy and viability assays. For insight mechanism, LMEKAU0021 displayed a strong impact on cell membrane integrity of both pathogens in single and mixed conditions. A hemolytic assay using horse blood cells at different concentrations of LMEKAU0021 confirmed the safety of this extract. The results from this study correlate the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of lactobacilli against bacterial and fungal pathogens in different conditions. Further in vitro and in vivo studies determining these effects will support the aim of discovering an alternative strategy for combating serious polymicrobial infections caused by C. albicans and S. aureus.

Role of interleukin-6-mediated inflammation in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease: focus on the available therapeutic approaches and gut microbiome

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is considered a chronic inflammatory and multifactorial disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are two types of chronic IBD. Although there is no accurate information about IBD pathophysiology, evidence suggests that various factors, including the gut microbiome, environment, genetics, lifestyle, and a dysregulated immune system, may increase susceptibility to IBD. Moreover, inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) are involved in the immunopathogenesis of IBDs. IL-6 contributes to T helper 17 (Th17) differentiation, mediating further destructive inflammatory responses in CD and UC. Moreover, Th1-mediated responses participate in IBD, and the antiapoptotic IL-6/IL-6 receptor (IL-6R)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signals are responsible for preserving Th1 cells in the site of inflammation. It has been revealed that fecal bacteria isolated from UC-active and UC-remission patients stimulate the hyperproduction of several cytokines, such as IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10, and IL-12. Given the importance of the IL-6/IL-6R axis, various therapeutic options exist for controlling or treating IBD. Therefore, alternative therapeutic approaches such as modulating the gut microbiome could be beneficial due to the failure of the target therapies so far. This review article summarizes IBD immunopathogenesis focusing on the IL-6/IL-6R axis and discusses available therapeutic approaches based on the gut microbiome alteration and IL-6/IL-6R axis targeting and treatment failure.

Enhancement of oral bioavailability and anti-colitis effect of luteolin-loaded polymer micelles with RA (rosmarinic acid)-SS-mPEG as carrier

OBJECTIVE

Polymer micelles were prepared (L-RSPMs) with luteolin and synthetic RA-SS-mPEG polymeric material before evaluation of their anti-inflammatory effect on 2, 4, 6-trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) model in rats.

METHODS

The synthetic RA-SS-mPEG was characterized with NMR spectroscopy, before preparation of luteolin-coated RA-SS-mPEG polymer micelles. The in vitro characterization and evaluation of the formulation were accomplished, couple with its pharmacokinetic parameters. The levels of PEG2, MDA, CRP and GSH, as well as concentrations of TNF-α, IL1-β, IL-6 and IL-10 in serum and colon tissue were detected via ELISA kit. The degree of colon injury and inflammation was evaluated via histopathologic examination.

RESULTS

L-RSPMs displayed small average droplet size (133.40 ± 4.52 nm), uniformly dispersed (PDI: 0.163 ± 0.011), good stability, slow release and enhanced solubility. We observed 353.28% increase in the relative bioavailability of L-RSPMs compared to free luteolin, while the half-life of the micelle was extended by 6.16h. Compared to model (M) group, luteolin (low and high doses) and L-RSPMs (low and high doses) significantly reduced levels of MDA, PEG2, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in colon tissue and serum of colitic rats but dose dependently increased IL-10 and SOD levels (p < 0.01). Histopathologic examination of colon showed that luteolin (low and high doses) and L-RSPMs (low and high doses) improved colonic inflammation in colitic rats to varying degrees compared to M group.

CONCLUSION

L-RSPMs could improve TNBS-induced colon inflammation by enhancing bioavailability, promoting antioxidant effects and regulating cytokine release, which may become a potential agent for UC treatment in clinical settings.

Lactobacillus reuteri improves the development and maturation of fecal microbiota in piglets through mother-to-infant microbe and metabolite vertical transmission

BACKGROUND

The immature neonatal fecal microbiota substantially impacts the development of gut health and greatly increases the risk of disease. Developing effective strategies to modulate the development of neonatal fecal microbiota has great significance. Herein, we investigated whether the maternal dietary supplementation and oral administration of Lactobacillus reuteri could effectively promote the development and maturation of the fecal microbiome in piglets from birth to weaning.

RESULTS

Metagenomic analysis of colostrum showed that maternal dietary L. reuteri supplementation influenced the overall microbiota composition, decreased the abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria and increased that of the species Bifidobacterium choerinum. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that maternal L. reuteri supplementation enriched the lysine biosynthesis and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways and downregulated the bacterial invasion of epithelial cells in the colostrum. In addition, L. reuteri supplementation significantly altered the metabolite features and modules in umbilical cord blood serum based on metabolomics. Further, a significant covariation was observed between these differential metabolites and the species in colostrum. Maternal dietary L. reuteri supplementation also significantly influenced the microbiota composition and increased the meconium abundance of beneficial bacteria (such as Romboutsia, Lactobacillus, Blautia, Butyricicoccus, and Ruminococcus), some of which were markedly associated with several differential metabolites in umbilical cord blood serum between two groups. Notably, both the maternal dietary supplementation and oral intake of L. reuteri had strong impacts on the overall microbial composition and maturation of fecal microbiota in piglets during early life, and these effects were dependent on the growth stage. Oral administration of L. reuteri promoted diarrhea resistance in neonates, while maternal supplementation of L. reuteri enhanced the abilities of antioxidants and decreased inflammation. Moreover, the administration of L. reuteri via both methods in combination improved the growth performances of piglets.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our data demonstrated that L. reuteri had the ability to modulate the composition of fecal microbiota in newborn piglets by influencing the microbial community and functional composition in the colostrum and by altering several key metabolites in the umbilical cord blood serum. Also, both the maternal dietary supplementation and oral administration of L. reuteri effectively promoted the development and maturation of the fecal microbiome in piglets during early life. Both the maternal dietary supplementation and oral administration of L. reuteri in combination optimized the growth performances of piglets. Video Abstract.

Lactobacillus sakei MJM60958 as a Potential Probiotic Alleviated Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet by Modulating Lipid Metabolism, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease with a rapidly increasing number of cases worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus sakei MJM60958 (MJM60958) on NAFLD in vitro and in vivo. In in vitro tests, MJM60958 significantly inhibited lipid accumulation by 46.79% in HepG2 cells stimulated with oleic acid and cholesterol (OA-C). Moreover, MJM60958 showed safe and probiotic characteristics in vitro. In the animal study, MJM60958 administration in a high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mouse model significantly reduced body weight and liver weight, and controlled aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), triglyceride (TG), urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA) levels in the blood, which are features of NAFLD. Further, treatment with MJM60958 also reduced steatosis scores in liver tissues, serum leptin and interleukin, and increased serum adiponectin content. Moreover, administration of MJM60958 resulted in a significantly decreased expression of some genes and proteins which are related to lipid accumulation, such as fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), and also upregulated genes and protein expression of lipid oxidation such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1A). Administration of MJM60958 increased the relative abundance of specific microbial taxa such as Verrucomicrobia, which are abundant in non-NAFLD mice, and reduced Firmicutes, which are a major group in NAFLD mice. MJM60958 affected the modulation of gut microbiota and altered the strain profile of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in the cecum by reduced lactic acid and enhanced acetic acid production. Overall, MJM60958 showed potential as a probiotic that can prevent and treat NAFLD.

A blood-based circulating microbial metagenomic panel for early diagnosis and prognosis of oesophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence indicates the potential clinical significance of specific microbial signatures as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, in multiple cancers. However, to date, no studies have systematically interrogated circulating metagenome profiling in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) patients, particularly as novel non-invasive, early detection, surveillance and prognostic classifiers.

METHODS

Metagenome sequencing was performed on 81 serum specimens collected across EAC spectrum, with sequencing reads classified using Bracken and MetaPhlAn3. Followed by the Linear Discriminant Analysis effect size (LEfSe) method to identify microbial profiles between groups. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to build classifiers.

RESULTS

A significant loss of alpha and beta diversity was identified in serum specimens from EAC patients. We observed a shift in microbial taxa between each group-at the phylum, genus, and species level-with Lactobacillus sakei as the most prominent species in gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) vs other patient groups. Interestingly, LEfSe analysis identified a complete loss of Lactobacillus (L. Sakei and L. Curvatus), Collinsella stercoris and Bacteroides stercoris but conversely a significant increase in Escherichia coli in patients with EAC. Finally, we developed a metagenome panel that discriminated EAC from GERD patients with an AUC value of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.78-0.95; P < 0.001) and this panel in conjunction with the TNM stage was a robust predictor of overall survival (≥24 months; AUC = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.66-0.92; P = 0.006)).

CONCLUSION

This study firstly describes unique blood-based microbial profiles in patients across EAC carcinogenesis, that are further utilised to establish a novel circulating diagnostic and prognostic metagenomic signature for EAC.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE

Accumulating data indicates the clinical relevance of specific microbial signatures as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, in multiple cancers. However, to date, no studies have systematically interrogated circulating metagenome profiling in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Herein, we performed metagenome sequencing in serum specimens from EAC patients 81 collected across EAC spectrum and observed a significant loss of alpha and beta diversity, with a shift in microbial taxa between each group-at the phylum, genus, and species level-with Lactobacillus sakei as the most prominent species in gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) vs other patient groups. Interestingly, LEfSe analysis identified a complete loss of Lactobacillus (L. Sakei and L. Curvatus), Collinsella stercoris and Bacteroides stercoris but conversely a significant increase in Escherichia coli in patients with EAC. Finally, we developed a metagenome panel that discriminated EAC from GERD patients with an AUC value of 0.89 and this panel, in conjunction with the TNM stage, was a robust predictor of overall survival. This study for the first time describes unique blood-based microbial profiles in patients across EAC carcinogenesis, that are further utilised to establish a novel circulating diagnostic and prognostic metagenomic signature for EAC.

Latilactobacillus sakei: a candidate probiotic with a key role in food fermentations and health promotion

Latilactobacillus sakei is used extensively in industrial production and food fermentations. The species is primarily derived from fermented meat and vegetable products and is also found in human feces. Genomics and metabolomics have revealed unique metabolic pathways in L. sakei and molecular mechanisms underlying its competitive advantages in different habitats, which are mostly attributed to its flexible carbohydrate metabolism, cold tolerance, acid and salt tolerance, ability to cope with oxygen changes, and heme uptake. In recent years, probiotic effects of L. sakei and its metabolites have been identified, including the ability to effectively alleviate metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and atopic dermatitis. This review summarizes the genomic and metabolic characteristics of L. sakei and its metabolites and describes their applications, laying a foundation for their expanded use across the food and healthcare industries.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Alleviates Acute Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Microbial Tryptophan Metabolism

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disorder in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we examined the pharmacological effects of ginsenoside Rg1, a natural compound with low bioavailability, on the acute experimental colitis mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and explored underlying mechanisms. Acute UC was induced in C57BL/6 mice by 2.5% DSS for 7 days, meanwhile, 2 mg/10 g b.w. ginsenoside Rg1 was administrated to treat the mice. Body weight, colon length, colon tissue pathology, and colon tissue inflammatory cytokines were assessed. The composition structure of gut microbiota was profiled using 16s rRNA sequencing. Global metabolomic profiling of the feces was performed, and tryptophan and its metabolites in the serum were detected. The results showed that Rg1 significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colonic injury and colonic inflammation. In addition, Rg1 also partly reversed the imbalance of gut microbiota composition caused by DSS. Rg1 intervention can regulate various metabolic pathways of gut microbiota such as valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and vitamin B6 metabolism and the most prominent metabolic alteration was tryptophan metabolism. DSS decreased the levels of tryptophan metabolites in the serum, including indole-3-carboxaldehyde, indole-3-lactic acid, 3-indolepropionic acid, and niacinamide and Rg1 can increase the levels of these metabolites. In conclusion, the study discovered that Rg1 can protect the intestinal barrier and alleviate colon inflammation in UC mice, and the underlying mechanism is closely related to the regulation of gut microbiota composition and microbial tryptophan metabolism.

Characterization of New Probiotic Isolates from Fermented Ajwa Dates of Madinah and Their Anti-Inflammatory Potential

A total of 20 Lactobacillus strains isolated from fermented dates were tested for their probiotic potential by comparing their pH stability, resistance to low pH, and ability to tolerate bile salts. Out of 20 strains, 3 strains named as Lactobacillus pentosus KAU001, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus KAU002, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KAU003 had a high tolerance of acids and bile salts and the capability to adhere to the intestinal wall. In addition, the three isolates were tested for their anti-oxidation, anti-glucosidase inhibition, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammation properties. Among them, strain KAU001 and KAU002 inhibited α-glucosidase, lowered cholesterol level, inhibited nitric oxide production, and showed a higher anti-oxidative ability that was significantly better than strain KAU003. Both strains also significantly inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 induced by LPS on RAW 264.7 macrophages (p < 0.001). The results indicated that KAU001 and KAU002 have the highest probiotic potential, potentially modulating metabolic health and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to allergic reactions.

Therapeutic Potential of Metabolites from Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Mare’s Milk in the Treatment of Dysbiosis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that forms ulcerations in the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum, in which gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Agents modulating microbial dysbiosis caused by colitis can help in the remission of this disease. The current study describes the potential therapeutic effects of active metabolites from Lactobacillus rhamnosus and mare's milk which have potential therapeutic values on the intestinal microbiota and proinflammatory cytokines. The analysis of the V1-V3 16S rDNA site revealed significant changes in the intestinal microbiome composition before and after treatment in the treated group compared to the positive control group that was treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). So the effect of the study product on dextran sulfate sodium-induced dysbiosis was shown to be more potent than the positive control, 5-ASA. The level of proinflammatory cytokines also decreased under the influence of a biological product.

Volatile Nitrogenous Compounds from Bacteria: Source of Novel Bioactive Compounds

Bacteria can produce nitrogenous compounds via both primary and secondary metabolic processes. Many bacterial volatile nitrogenous compounds produced during the secondary metabolism have been identified and reported for their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, algicidal and antitumor activities. The production of these nitrogenous compounds depends on several factors, including the composition of culture media, growth conditions, and even the organic solvent used for their extraction, thus requiring their identification in specific conditions. In this review, we describe the volatile nitrogenous compounds produced by bacteria especially focusing on their antimicrobial activity. We concentrate on azo-compounds mainly pyrazines and pyrrolo-pyridines reported for their activity against several microorganisms. Whenever significant, extraction and identification methods of these compounds are also mentioned and discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is first review describing volatile nitrogenous compounds from bacteria focusing on their biological activity.

Integrated Phenotypic-Genotypic Analysis of Latilactobacillus sakei from Different Niches

Increasing attention has been paid to the potential probiotic effects of Latilactobacillus sakei. To explore the genetic diversity of L. sakei, 14 strains isolated from different niches (feces, fermented kimchi, and meat products) and 54 published strains were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the average genome size and GC content of L.&nbsp;sakei were 1.98 Mb and 41.22%, respectively. Its core genome mainly encodes translation and transcription, amino acid synthesis, glucose metabolism, and defense functions. L.&nbsp;sakei has open pan-genomic characteristics, and its pan-gene curve shows an upward trend. The genetic diversity of L.&nbsp;sakei is mainly reflected in carbohydrate utilization, antibiotic tolerance, and immune/competition-related factors, such as clustering regular interval short palindromic repeat sequence (CRISPR)-Cas. The CRISPR system is mainly IIA type, and a few are IIC types. This work provides a basis for the study of this species.

Lactobacillus sakei Pro-Bio65 Reduces TNF-α Expression and Upregulates GSH Content and Antioxidant Enzymatic Activities in Human Conjunctival Cells

Purpose

The study investigates the regulatory effects exhibited by lysate of Lactobacillus sakei pro-Bio65 (4%; L.SK) on the human conjunctival epithelial (HCE) cell line.

Methods

Trypan blue and methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) methods were used to assess cell growth and viability. Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed by JC-1 staining and cytofluorimetric detection methods. The antioxidant pattern and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed by spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods. NF-κB luciferase activity was quantified by luminometric detection. NF-κB nuclear translocation, as well as mitochondrial morphology, were investigated by immunofluorescence using confocal microscopy. Cytokines and COX2 expression levels were determined by Western blot analyses.

Results

This study demonstrates that L.SK exposure does not influence HCE cell proliferation and viability in vitro. L.SK paraprobiotic induces mild-low levels of intracellular ROS. It is coupled to changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), in a context of a regular mitochondrial-network organization. The negative modulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression levels and rising antioxidant defense efficiency, mediated by the upregulation of glutathione (GSH) and increased antioxidant enzymatic activities, were observed.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that L.SK empowers the antioxidant endogenous efficiency of HCE cells, by the upregulation of the GSH content and the enzymatic antioxidant pattern, and concurrently reduces TNF-α protein expression.

Translational Relevance

Although the obtained in vitro results should be confirmed by in vivo investigations, our data suggest the possibility of L.SK paraprobiotic application for promoting eye health, exploring its use as an endogen antioxidant system inducer in preventing and treating different oxidative stress-based, inflammatory, and age-related conditions.

Lactobacillus Sps in Reducing the Risk of Diabetes in High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetic Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiome and Inhibiting Key Digestive Enzymes Associated with Diabetes

Simple Summary

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly spreading across the globe. The disease is linked to a disruption of gut microbiome. Probiotics are essential gut microbiota modulators proven to restore microbiota changes, thereby conferring health to its host. This study aimed to use probiotics (lactobacilli) and their metabolites as natural anti-diabetic therapy through the modulation of gut microbiota and inhibit diabetes-causing enzymes. Lactobacillus-treated high-fat diet mice showed lower blood glucose levels and body weight. Interestingly, our study also proved that the lactobacilli altered gut microbiota composition by suppressing opportunistic bacteria that are highly associated with metabolic diseases. Our findings substantiate the use of probiotics as natural anti-diabetic therapeutics.

Abstract

Obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) affects gut microbiota linked to the risk of type-2 diabetes (T2D). This study evaluates live cells and ethanolic extract (SEL) of Lactobacillus sakei Probio65 and Lactobacillus plantarum Probio-093 as natural anti-diabetic compounds. In-vitro anti-diabetic effects were determined based on the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. The SEL of Probio65 and Probio-093 significantly retarded α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes (p < 0.05). Live Probio65 and Probio-093 inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively (p < 0.05). In mice fed with a 45% kcal high-fat diet (HFD), the SEL and live cells of both strains reduced body weight significantly compared to HFD control (p < 0.05). Probio-093 also improved blood glucose level compared to control (p < 0.05). The gut microbiota modulatory effects of lactobacilli on HFD-induced diabetic mice were analyzed with qPCR method. The SEL and live cells of both strains reduced phyla Deferribacteres compared to HFD control (p < 0.05). The SEL and live cells of Probio-093 promoted more Actinobacteria (phyla), Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella (genus) compared to control (p < 0.05). Both strains exerted metabolic-modulatory effects, with strain Probio-093 showing more prominent alteration in gut microbiota, substantiating the role of probiotics in gut microbiome modulations and anti-diabetic effect. Both lactobacilli are potential candidates to lessen obesity-linked T2D.

Effects of urolithins on obesity-associated gut dysbiosis in rats fed on a high-fat diet

Obesity is a global health concern associated with the dysbiosis of intestinal microbial composition. In this study, we investigated the potentials of urolithin A (Uro-A) and urolithin B (Uro-B), two gut microbiota-derived metabolites of ellagitannins, in reducing body weight gain through the modulation of the gut microbiota. We established a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model in rats that were later administered with either 2.5 mg/kg of Uro-A or Uro-B. Serum biochemical parameters were quantified, and changes in the composition of the gut microbial community were analysed using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Our results showed that the urolithins significantly decreased the body weight in HFD-fed rats and restored serum lipid profile. The taxonomic analysis showed that both Uro-A and Uro-modulated gut microbes related to body weight, dysfunctional lipid metabolism and inflammation. Overall, our results suggest that Uro-A and Uro-B possess anti-obesity properties, which may be related to the modulation of the gut microbial composition.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with ulcerative colitis: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) belongs to chronic colitis whose etiology and pathogenesis still have remained unclear. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been demonstrated to be effective for UC therapy. Still, evidence of its efficacy and safety is inconclusive. The purpose of the protocol is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HBOT in UC therapy.

METHODS

This systematic review will retrieve studies that meet the requirements in Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China national knowledge infrastructure database (CNKI), Wei Pu database, Wan fang database, SinoMed, Google scholar, and Baidu Scholar from their inception to November 2020. Two authors are to be independent in their article selection, data collection, and research quality assessments. The primary outcome is the clinical effectiveness. And the secondary outcomes will include 4 criteria. RevMan 5.3 software will be utilized for analysis of the data.

RESULTS

The results of this study are to be submitted via a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSIONS

The study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of HBOT for UC and provide valid and reliable evidence regarding HBOT for UC.

INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY2020100118.