Lactobacillus plantarum DP189 Reduces α-SYN Aggravation in MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease Mice via Regulating Oxidative Damage, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota Disorder

A neurotherapeutic approach with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus E9 on gut microbiota and intestinal barrier in MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in neural development and progression of neural disorders like Parkinson's disease (PD). Probiotics have been suggested to impact neurodegenerative diseases via gut-brain axis. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus E9, a high exopolysaccharide producer, on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD. C57BL/6 mice subjected to MPTP were fed L. rhamnosus E9 for fifteen days and sacrificed after the last administration. Motor functions were determined by open-field, catalepsy, and wire-hanging tests. The ileum and the brain tissues were collected for ELISA, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry analyses. The cecum content was obtained for microbiota analysis. E9 supplementation alleviated MPTP-induced motor dysfunctions accompanied by decreased levels of striatal TH and dopamine. E9 also reduced the level of ROS in the striatum and decreased the DAT expression while increasing the DR1. Furthermore, E9 improved intestinal integrity by enhancing ZO-1 and Occludin levels and reversed the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota induced by MPTP. In conclusion, E9 supplementation improved the MPTP-induced motor deficits and neural damage as well as intestinal barrier by modulating the gut microbiota in PD mice. These findings suggest that E9 supplementation holds therapeutic potential in managing PD through the gut-brain axis.

Sargassum horneri extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SH803 mediates adipocyte metabolism in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by regulating oxidative damage and inflammation

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri), a brown seaweed excessively proliferating along Asian coastlines, are damaging marine ecosystems. Thus, this study aimed to enhance nutritional value of S. horneri through lactic acid bacteria fermentation to increase S. horneri utilization as a functional food supplement, and consequently resolve coastal S. horneri accumulation. S. horneri supplemented fermentation was most effective with Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SH803, thus this product (F-SHWE) was used for further in vitro studies. F-SHWE normalized expressions of oxidative stress related genes NF-κB, p53, BAX, cytochrome C, caspase 9, and caspase 3, while non-fermented S. horneri (SHWE) did not, in a H2O2-induced HT-29 cell model. Moreover, in an LPS-induced HT-29 cell model, F-SHWE repaired expressions of inflammation marker genes ZO1, IL1β, IFNγ more effectively than SHWE. For further functional assessment, F-SHWE was also treated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. As a result, F-SHWE decreased lipid accumulation, along with gene expression of adipogenesis markers PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, aP2, and Lpl; lipogenesis markers Lep, Akt, SREBP1, Acc, Fas; inflammation markers IFN-γ and NF-κB. Notably, gene expression of C/EBPβ, IFN-γ and NF-κB were suppressed only by F-SHWE, suggesting the enhancing effect of fermentation on obesity-related properties. Compositional analysis attributed the protective effects of F-SHWE to acetate, an organic acid significantly higher in F-SHWE than SHWE. Therefore, F-SHWE is a novel potential anti-obesity agent, providing a strategy to reduce excess S. horneri populations along marine ecosystems.

An Exploration of the Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 106 via Improving Mitochondrial Function

In this present study, bioinformatics analysis and the experimental validation method were used to systematically explore the antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A106, which was isolated from traditional Chinese pickles, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. L. plantarum A106 had a good scavenging ability for DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, L. plantarum A106 could increase the activity of RAW264.7 macrophages; raise the SOD and GSH levels, with or without LPS sensitization; or decrease the MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. In order to deeply seek the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role and mechanism, bioinformatic analysis, including GO, KEGG, and GSEA analysis, was used to conduct an in-depth analysis, and the results showed that the LPS treatment of RAW264.7 macrophages significantly upregulated inflammatory-related genes and revealed an enrichment in the inflammatory signaling pathways. Additionally, a network analysis via the Cytoscape software (version 3.9.1) identified key central genes and found that LPS also disturbed apoptosis and mitochondrial function. Based on the above bioinformatics analysis, the effects of L. plantarum A106 on inflammation-related gene expression, mitochondrial function, apoptosis, etc., were detected. The results indicated that L. plantarum A106 restored the declined expression levels of crucial genes like TNF-α and IL-6; mitochondrial membrane potential; and apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related genes, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and Bax. These results suggest that L. plantarum A106 exerts antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects through regulating inflammatory and apoptosis-related gene expression, restoring the mitochondrial membrane potential.

Gut-directed therapy in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and slow-progressing neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunctions. Over the last years, the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis is emerging as a bacterial-neuro-immune ascending pathway that contributes to the progression of PD. Indeed, PD patients are characterized by changes in gut microbiota composition, alterations of intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) and enteric neurogenic/inflammatory responses that, besides determining intestinal disturbances, contribute to brain pathology. In this context, despite the causal relationship between gut dysbiosis, impaired MGB axis and PD remains to be elucidated, emerging evidence shows that MGB axis modulation can represent a suitable therapeutical strategy for the treatment of PD. This review provides an overview of the available knowledge about the beneficial effects of gut-directed therapies, including dietary interventions, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), in both PD patients and animal models. In this context, particular attention has been devoted to the mechanisms by which the modulation of MGB axis could halt or slow down PD pathology and, most importantly, how these approaches can be included in the clinical practice.

NMN synbiotics intervention modulates gut microbiota and metabolism in APP/PS1 Alzheimer's disease mouse models

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative condition with growing evidence implicating the gut microbiota in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of NMN synbiotics, a combination of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), Lactobacillus plantarum, and lactulose, on the gut microbiota composition and metabolic profiles in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Results demonstrated that NMN synbiotics led to a notable restructuring of the gut microbiota, with a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the AD mice, suggesting a potential amelioration of gut dysbiosis. Alpha diversity indices indicated a reduction in microbial diversity following NMN synbiotics supplementation, while beta diversity analyses revealed a shift towards a more balanced microbial community structure. Functional predictions based on the 16S rRNA data highlighted alterations in metabolic pathways, particularly those related to amino acid and energy metabolism, which are crucial for neuronal health. The metabolomic analysis uncovered a significant impact of NMN synbiotics on the gut metabolome, with normalization of metabolic composition in AD mice. Differential metabolite functions were enriched in pathways associated with neurotransmitter synthesis and energy metabolism, pointing to the potential therapeutic effects of NMN synbiotics in modulating the gut-brain axis and synaptic function in AD. Immunohistochemical staining observed a significant reduction of amyloid plaques formed by Aβ deposition in the brain of AD mice after NMN synbiotics intervention. The findings underscore the potential of using synbiotics to ameliorate the neurodegenerative processes associated with Alzheimer's disease, opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions.

A crazy trio in Parkinson's disease: metabolism alteration, α-synuclein aggregation, and oxidative stress

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies containing α-synuclein within these neurons. Oligomeric α-synuclein exerts neurotoxic effects through mitochondrial dysfunction, glial cell inflammatory response, lysosomal dysfunction and so on. α-synuclein aggregation, often accompanied by oxidative stress, is generally considered to be a key factor in PD pathology. At present, emerging evidences suggest that metabolism alteration is closely associated with α-synuclein aggregation and PD progression, and improvement of key molecules in metabolism might be potentially beneficial in PD treatment. In this review, we highlight the tripartite relationship among metabolic changes, α-synuclein aggregation, and oxidative stress in PD, and offer updated insights into the treatments of PD, aiming to deepen our understanding of PD pathogenesis and explore new therapeutic strategies for the disease.

The Interaction Between Nutraceuticals and Gut Microbiota: a Novel Therapeutic Approach to Prevent and Treatment Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms. Emerging research has shed light on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and progression of PD. Nutraceuticals such as curcumin, berberine, phytoestrogens, polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol, EGCG, and fisetin), dietary fibers have been shown to influence gut microbiota composition and function, restoring microbial balance and enhancing the gut-brain axis. The mechanisms underlying these benefits involve microbial metabolite production, restoration of gut barrier integrity, and modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways. Additionally, probiotics and prebiotics have shown potential in promoting gut health, influencing the gut microbiome, and alleviating PD symptoms. They can enhance the gut's antioxidant capacity of the gut, reduce inflammation, and maintain immune homeostasis, contributing to a neuroprotective environment. This paper provides an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the potential of nutraceuticals and gut microbiota modulation in the prevention and management of Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the need for further research and clinical trials to validate their effectiveness and safety. The findings suggest that a multifaceted approach involving nutraceuticals and gut microbiota may open new avenues for addressing the challenges of PD and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

Bifidobacterium longum GL001 alleviates rat intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulating gut microbiota composition and intestinal tissue metabolism

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR) injury leads to inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in intestinal barrier damage. Probiotics, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, are considered for potential intervention to protect the intestinal barrier during IIR injury. Bifidobacterium longum, a recognized probiotic, has targeted effects on IIR injury, but its mechanisms of action are not yet understood. To investigate the mechanism of Bifidobacterium longum intervention in IIR injury, we conducted a study using a rat IIR injury model. The results showed that Bifidobacterium longum could alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress induced by IIR injury by suppressing the NF-κB inflammatory pathway and activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Bifidobacterium longum GL001 also increased the abundance of the gut microbiota such as Oscillospira, Ouminococcus, Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia, while decreasing the abundance of Allobaculum, [Prevotella], Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroides, Shigella, and Helicobacter. In addition, Bifidobacterium longum GL001 reversed the changes in amino acids and bile acids induced by IIR injury and reduced the levels of DL-cysteine, an oxidative stress marker, in intestinal tissue. Spearman correlation analysis showed that L-cystine was positively correlated with Lactobacillus and negatively correlated with Shigella, while DL-proline was positively correlated with Akkermansia. Moreover, bile acids, cholic acid and lithocholic acid, were negatively correlated with Lactobacillus and positively correlated with Shigella. Therefore, Bifidobacterium longum GL001 may alleviate IIR injury by regulating the gut microbiota to modulate intestinal lipid peroxidation and bile acid metabolism.

Gastrodia elata polysaccharide alleviates Parkinson's disease via inhibiting apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways and modulating the gut microbiota

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, chronic, and progressive degenerative disease of the central nervous system for which there is no effective treatment. Gastrodia elata is a well-known food and medicine homologous resource with neuroprotective potential. Gastrodia elata polysaccharide (GEP), which is a highly active and safe component in Gastrodia elata, is an important ingredient in the development of functional products. In this study, GEP was administered to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mice over 3 weeks to investigate its neuroprotective effects. The results showed that GEP significantly alleviated the motor dysfunction of PD mice, inhibited the accumulation of α-synuclein, and reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Moreover, GEP increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and decreased the cleaved-caspase-3 level, suggesting that GEP may ameliorate PD by preventing MPTP-induced mitochondrial apoptosis. GEP also significantly inhibited the increase of GFAP and decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the brain of PD mice, which may be the result of the inhibition of neuroinflammation by the inactivation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of GEP involve the gut-brain axis, as it has been shown that GEP regulated the dysbiosis of PD-related gut microbiota such as Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Faecalibacterium, increased the content of microbial metabolites SCFAs in the colon and increased the level of occludin that repairs the intestinal barrier of PD mice. In conclusion, this study is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the development and application of functional products with GEP from the perspective of neuroprotective effects.

Lactobacillus Plantarum Promotes Wound Healing by Inhibiting the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Pyroptosis Activation in Diabetic Foot Wounds

Objective

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) impairs the quality of life of diabetic patients and overburdens healthcare systems and society. It is crucial to comprehend the pathophysiology of DFU and develop effective treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus Plantarum (LP) on wound healing in DFU and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

To investigate the effects of LP on wound healing, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and used to assess cell viability, migration, and pyroptosis using CCK-8, cell scratch, and flow cytometry. The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were measured by ELISA. The expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD-N was detected by Western blot. Additionally, NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 was used to treat a diabetic rat model established by streptozotocin (STZ). Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between LP and NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-18 in ulcer tissue.

Results

Our data mechanistically demonstrate that AGEs activate the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway, leading to an increase in the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 and ultimately promoting cell pyroptosis. Furthermore, we identified that LP inhibits the effects of AGEs by downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome activity. LP facilitated wound healing in diabetic rats and resulted in decreased protein levels of NLRP3 and its downstream target caspase-1 p20. Finally, we observed a negative correlation between LP and NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-18 in diabetic foot skin tissue.

Conclusion

Our findings uncovered a novel role of LP in diabetic foot wound healing via regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting this link as a therapeutic target. In future research, it would be valuable to explore the signaling cascades involved in LP-mediated inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

NAD metabolic therapy in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Possible roles of gut microbiota

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly named non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is induced by alterations of hepatic metabolism. As a critical metabolites function regulator, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) nowadays has been validated to be effective in the treatment of diet-induced murine model of MASLD. Additionally, gut microbiota has been reported to have the potential to prevent MASLD by dietary NAD precursors metabolizing together with mammals. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we hypothesized that NAD enhancing mitochondrial activity might reshape a specific microbiota signature, and improve MASLD progression demonstrated by fecal microbiota transplantation. Here, this review especially focused on the mechanism of Microbiota-Gut-Liver Axis together with NAD metabolism for the MASLD progress. Notably, we found significant changes in Prevotella associated with NAD in a gut microbiome signature of certain MASLD patients. With the recent researches, we also inferred that Prevotella can not only regulate the level of NAD pool by boosting the carbon metabolism, but also play a vital part in regulating the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-related fatty acid metabolism pathway. Altogether, our results support the notion that the gut microbiota contribute to the dietary NAD precursors metabolism in MASLD development and the dietary NAD precursors together with certain gut microbiota may be a preventive or therapeutic strategy in MASLD management.

Lactiplantibacillus (Lactobacillus) plantarum as a Complementary Treatment to Improve Symptomatology in Neurodegenerative Disease: A Systematic Review of Open Access Literature

This systematic review addresses the use of Lactiplantibacillus (Lactobacillus) plantarum in the symptomatological intervention of neurodegenerative disease. The existence of gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with systemic inflammatory processes present in neurodegenerative disease, creating the opportunity for new treatment strategies. This involves modifying the strains that constitute the gut microbiota to enhance synaptic function through the gut-brain axis. Recent studies have evaluated the beneficial effects of the use of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on motor and cognitive symptomatology, alone or in combination. This systematic review includes 20 research articles (n = 3 in human and n = 17 in animal models). The main result of this research was that the use of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum alone or in combination produced improvements in symptomatology related to neurodegenerative disease. However, one of the studies included reported negative effects after the administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. This systematic review provides current and relevant information about the use of this probiotic in pathologies that present neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

Neuroprotective Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NJ241 in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease: Implications for Gut Microbiota and PGC-1α

Intestinal dysbiosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and probiotics have emerged as potential modulators of central nervous system function through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NJ241 (NJ241) in a mouse model of PD induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The impact of NJ241 was comprehensively assessed in PD mice through behavioral tests, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 16S rRNA sequencing, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) detection. NJ241 exhibited notable efficacy in mitigating MPTP-induced weight loss, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and behavioral deficits in mice. Furthermore, it demonstrated protected against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuron death and inhibited the activation of glial cells in the substantia nigra (SN). NJ241 demonstrated the ability to normalized dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota and elevate SCFA levels in PD mice. Additionally, NJ241 reversed MPTP-induced reductions in colonic GLP-1 levels and the expression of GLP-1R and PGC-1α in the SN. Notably, GLP-1R antagonists partially reversed the inhibitory effects of NJ241 on the activation of glial cells in the SN. In summary, NJ241 exerts a neuroprotective effect against MPTP-induced neuroinflammation by enhancing intestinal GLP-1 levels and activating nigral PGC-1α signaling. These findings provide a rationale for the exploration and development of probiotic-based therapeutic strategies for PD.

Angiotensin type 1 receptor activation promotes neuronal and glial alpha-synuclein aggregation and transmission

The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been related to dopaminergic degeneration, and high expression of the angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1) gene is a marker of the most vulnerable neurons in humans. However, it is unknown whether AngII/AT1 overactivation affects α-synuclein aggregation and transmission. In vitro, AngII/AT1 activation increased α-synuclein aggregation in dopaminergic neurons and microglial cells, which was related to AngII-induced NADPH-oxidase activation and intracellular calcium raising. In mice, AngII/AT1 activation was involved in MPTP-induced increase in α-synuclein expression and aggregation, as they significantly decreased in mice treated with the AT1 blocker telmisartan and AT1 knockout mice. Cell co-cultures (transwells) revealed strong transmission of α-synuclein from dopaminergic neurons to astrocytes and microglia. AngII induced a higher α-synuclein uptake by microglial cells and an increase in the transfer of α-synuclein among astroglial cells. However, AngII did not increase the release of α-synuclein by neurons. The results further support brain RAS dysregulation as a major mechanism for the progression of Parkinson's disease, and AT1 inhibition and RAS modulation as therapeutic targets.

Orally administered neohesperidin attenuates MPTP-induced neurodegeneration by inhibiting inflammatory responses and regulating intestinal flora in mice

Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disease, is the leading cause of movement disorders. Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in PD pathogenesis. Neohesperidin (Neo), a natural flavonoid extracted from citric fruits exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of Neo on PD progression is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Neo on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD in mice and its underlying mechanism. Our results indicated that Neo administration ameliorated motor impairment and neural damage in MPTP-injected mice, by inhibiting neuroinflammation and regulating gut microbial imbalance. Additionally, Neo administration reduced colonic inflammation and tissue damage. Mechanistic studies revealed that Neo suppressed the MPTP-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting excessive activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways. In summary, the present study demonstrated that Neo administration attenuates neurodegeneration in MPTP-injected mice by inhibiting inflammatory responses and regulating the gut microbial composition. This study may provide the scientific basis for the use of Neo in the treatment of PD and other related diseases.

Efficacy and mechanism study of Baichanting compound, a combination of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. and Maxim.) Harms, Paeonia lactiflora Pall and Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil, on Parkinson's disease based on metagenomics and metabolomics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a rapidly progressing neurological disorder. Currently, Medication for PD has numerous limitations. Baichanting Compound (BCT) is a Chinese herbal prescription, a Combination of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. and Maxim.) Harms, Paeonia lactiflora Pall and Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil, that was developed to treat PD and holds a national patent (ZL, 201110260536.3).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To clarify the therapeutic effect of BCT on PD and explore its possible mechanism based on metabolomics and metagenomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were used as a control group, and α-syn transgenic C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the PD (without treatment) or BCT (with BCT treatment) group. UPLC-MS was performed to detect dopamine levels in brain tissue, while ELISA was used to determine inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and NO, and oxidative stress indicators such as malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity. Fecal metabolomics was used to detect fecal metabolic profiles, screen differential metabolic markers, and predict metabolic pathways by KEGG enrichment analysis. Metagenomics was used to determine the intestinal microbial composition, and KO enrichment analysis was performed to predict the potential function of different gut microbiota. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was used to find the possible relationships among intestinal flora, metabolic markers, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and dopamine levels.

RESULTS

BCT increased the superoxide dismutase activity of α-Syn transgenic C57BL/6 mice (P < 0.01), decreased the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, NO and malondialdehyde (P < 0.01, 0.05), and increased the release of dopamine (P < 0.01). Metabolomics results show that BCT could regulate Acetatifactor, Marvinbryantia, Faecalitalea, Anaeromassilibacillus, Anaerobium, Pseudobutyrivibrio and Lachnotalea and Acetatifactor_muris, Marvinbryantia_formatexigens, Lachnotalea_sp_AF33_28, Faecalitalea_sp_Marseille_P3755 and Anaerobium_acetethylicum, Gemmiger_sp_An120 abundance to restore intestinal flora function, and reverse fecal metabolism trend, restoring the content of α-D-glucose, cytidine, L-glutamate, L-glutamine, N-acetyl-L-glutamate, raffinose and uracil. In addition, it regulates arginine biosynthesis, D-glutamine and D-glutamate, pyrimidine, galactose and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSION

BCT may regulate the composition of the gut microbiota to reverse fecal metabolism in PD mice to protect the substantia nigra and striatum from oxidative stress and inflammatory factors and ultimately play an anti-PD role.

Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus alleviates the neurotoxicity of microcystin-LR in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through the gut-brain axis

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is one of the most toxic cyanobacterial toxins and is harmful to the central nervous system of fish. Probiotic additives can improve neuroendocrine function in fish. Although both MCLR and probiotics aim at the nervous system, whether they interact with each other and the mechanisms remain unexplored. In the present study, 4-month-old zebrafish were exposed to 0, 2.2, and 22 μg/L of MCLR for 28 days with or without the probiotic L. rhamnosus. We found that MCLR exposure could inhibit the swimming speed of zebrafish, while the presence of L. rhamnosus mitigated this abnormality. To elucidate the mechanism of how L. rhamnosus alleviates MCLR-induced neurotoxicity, we examined the bioaccumulation of MCLR, changes in neurotransmitters, immune biochemical indicators, and hormone content of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis in zebrafish along the gut-brain axis. Our results showed L. rhamnosus could reverse the abnormal swimming behavior and eventually alleviate neurotoxicity in zebrafish by modulating intestinal and brain neural signaling, neuroinflammation, and HPI axis responses. This study provides implications for the application of probiotics in the aquaculture industry.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X7022 Plays Roles on Aging Mice with Memory Impairment Induced by D-Galactose Through Restoring Neuronal Damage, Relieving Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

In this study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum X7022 was applied to ameliorate memory impairment of aging mice induced by D-galactose. The strain showed specific choloylglycine hydrolysis ability based on in vitro investigation. Morris water maze test showed L. plantarum X7022 administration improved learning ability and spatial memory of aging mice. The gavage of L. plantarum X7022 displayed a promising ability of relieving cerebral oxidative stress and hippocampal inflammatory condition according to the increased GSH level and SOD activity and decreased MDA level, as well as decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. The intervention with the strain could protect neuron by regulating cell apoptosis and AChE overexpression and inhibiting amyloid-β deposition, as well as affect neuron functions by regulating CREB-BDNF signaling pathways and iNOS expression. Besides, the strain could improve fecal SCFA contents and increase the abundance of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-related genera such as Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, and Adlercreutzia. These results suggest that L. plantarum X7022 could be a prospective therapeutic alternative for the improvement of memory impairment among the elderly.

Helicobacter pylori infection and Parkinson's Disease: etiology, pathogenesis and levodopa bioavailability

Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder with an unknown etiology, is primarily characterized by the degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons. The prevalence of PD has experienced a significant surge in recent years. The unidentified etiology poses limitations to the development of effective therapeutic interventions for this condition. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has affected approximately half of the global population. Mounting evidences suggest that H. pylori infection plays an important role in PD through various mechanisms. The autotoxin produced by H. pylori induces pro-inflammatory cytokines release, thereby facilitating the occurrence of central inflammation that leads to neuronal damage. Simultaneously, H. pylori disrupts the equilibrium of gastrointestinal microbiota with an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestinal known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This dysbiosis of the gut flora influences the central nervous system (CNS) through microbiome-gut-brain axis. Moreover, SIBO hampers levodopa absorption and affects its therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of PD. Also, H. pylori promotes the production of defensins to regulate the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, facilitating the entry of harmful factors into the CNS. In addition, H. pylori has been found to induce gastroparesis, resulting in a prolonged transit time for levodopa to reach the small intestine. H. pylori may exploit levodopa to facilitate its own growth and proliferation, or it can inflict damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to gastrointestinal ulcers and impeding levodopa absorption. Here, this review focused on the role of H. pylori infection in PD from etiology, pathogenesis to levodopa bioavailability.

Gut microbiota-associated taurine metabolism dysregulation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

IMPORTANCE

PD is recognized as a multisystem disease concerning GI dysfunction and microbiota dysbiosis but still lacks ideal therapies. Recently, aberrant microbiota-derived metabolites are emerging as important participants in PD etiology. However, the alterations of gut microbiota community and serum untargeted metabolite profile have not been fully investigated in a PD mice model. Here, we discover sharply reduced levels of Lactobacillus and taurine in MPTP-treated mice. Moreover, Lactobacillus, Adlercreutzia, and taurine-related metabolites showed the most significant correlation with pathological and GI performance of PD mice. The abundances of microbial transporter and enzymes participating in the degeneration of taurine were disturbed in PD mice. Most importantly, taurine supplement ameliorates MPTP-induced motor deficits, DA neuron loss, and microglial activation. Our data highlight the impaired taurine-based microbiome-metabolism axis during the progression of PD and reveal a novel and previously unrecognized role of genera in modulating taurine metabolism.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GL001 alleviates jejunal oxidative damage induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury by influencing jejunal tissue metabolism through the improvement of jejunal microbial composition

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR) injury is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, yet its precise mechanisms remain not fully understood. IIR injury is closely linked to the gut microbiota and its metabolites. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are specific to IIR. In our study, we conducted a 30-day pre-treatment of SD rats with both a standard strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GL001. After a 7-day cessation of treatment, we induced an IIR injury model to investigate the mechanisms by which Lactiplantibacillus plantarum alleviates IIR damage. The results demonstrate that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum effectively mitigates the inflammatory and oxidative stress damage induced by IIR. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GL001 can improve the gut microbiota by reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria and increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. In IIR intestinal tissue, the levels of secondary bile acids are elevated. The content of the bacterial metabolite Calcimycin increases. Annotations of metabolic pathways suggest that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GL001 can alleviate IIR damage by modulating calcium-phosphorus homeostasis through the regulation of parathyroid hormone synthesis, secretion, and action. Microbiota-metabolite correlation analysis reveals a significant negative correlation between calcimycin and Lactonacillus and a significant positive correlation between calcimycin and Shigella. There is also a significant positive correlation between calcimycin and secondary bile acids. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GL001 can alleviate oxidative damage induced by IIR through improvements in gut microbiota and intestinal tissue metabolism.

Healthy Human Fecal Microbiota Transplantation into Mice Attenuates MPTP-Induced Neurotoxicity via AMPK/SOD2 Pathway

Increasing evidence has shown that gut dysbacteriosis may play a crucial role in neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the specific mechanisms that link gut microbiota to PD remain unexplored. Given the critical roles of blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of PD, we aimed to evaluate the interactions among the gut microbiota, BBB, and mitochondrial resistance to oxidation and inflammation in PD. We investigated the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the physiopathology of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice. The aim was to explore the role of fecal microbiota from PD patients and healthy human controls in neuroinflammation, BBB components, and mitochondrial antioxidative capacity via the AMPK/SOD2 pathway. Compared to control mice, MPTP-treated mice exhibited elevated levels of Desulfovibrio, whereas mice given FMT from PD patients exhibited enriched levels of Akkermansia and mice given FMT from healthy humans showed no significant alterations in gut microbiota. Strikingly, FMT from PD patients to MPTP-treated mice significantly aggravated motor impairments, dopaminergic neurodegeneration, nigrostriatal glial activation and colonic inflammation, and inhibited the AMPK/SOD2 signaling pathway. However, FMT from healthy human controls greatly improved the aforementioned MPTP-caused effects. Surprisingly, the MPTP-treated mice displayed a significant loss in nigrostriatal pericytes, which was restored by FMT from healthy human controls. Our findings demonstrate that FMT from healthy human controls can correct gut dysbacteriosis and ameliorate neurodegeneration in the MPTP-induced PD mouse model by suppressing microgliosis and astrogliosis, ameliorating mitochondrial impairments via the AMPK/SOD2 pathway, and restoring the loss of nigrostriatal pericytes and BBB integrity. These findings raise the possibility that the alteration in the human gut microbiota may be a risk factor for PD and provide evidence for potential application of FMT in PD preclinical treatment.

Compositional changes in fecal microbiota in a new Parkinson's disease model: C57BL/6-Tg(NSE-haSyn) mice

BACKGROUND

The gut-brain axis (GBA) in Parkinson's disease (PD) has only been investigated in limited mice models despite dysbiosis of the gut microbiota being considered one of the major treatment targets for neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, this study examined the compositional changes of fecal microbiota in novel transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing human α-synuclein (hαSyn) proteins under the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) to analyze the potential as GBA model.

RESULTS

The expression level of the αSyn proteins was significantly higher in the substantia nigra and striatum of NSE-hαSyn Tg mice than the Non-Tg mice, while those of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were decreased in the same group. In addition, a decrease of 72.7% in the fall times and a 3.8-fold increase in the fall number was detected in NSE-hαSyn Tg mice. The villus thickness and crypt length on the histological structure of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract decreased in NSE-hαSyn Tg mice. Furthermore, the NSE-hαSyn Tg mice exhibited a significant increase in 11 genera, including Scatolibacter, Clostridium, Feifania, Lachnoclostridium, and Acetatifactor population, and a decrease in only two genera in Ligilactobacillus and Sangeribacter population during enhancement of microbiota richness and diversity.

CONCLUSIONS

The motor coordination and balance dysfunction of NSE-hαSyn Tg mice may be associated with compositional changes in gut microbiota. In addition, these mice have potential as a GBA model.

Radioprotective potential of probiotics against gastrointestinal and neuronal toxicity: a preclinical study

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy is a critical component of cancer treatment, along with surgery and chemotherapy. Approximately, 90% of cancer patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy show gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, including bloody diarrhea, and gastritis, most of which are associated with gut dysbiosis. In addition to the direct effect of radiation on the brain, pelvic irradiation can alter the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and breakdown of the gut-blood barrier. This allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. Probiotics have been proven to prevent GI toxicity by producing short-chain fatty acids and exopolysaccharides beneficial for protecting mucosal integrity and oxidative stress reduction in the intestine and also shown to be beneficial in brain health. Microbiota plays a significant role in maintaining gut and brain health, so it is important to study whether bacterial supplementation will help in maintaining the gut and brain structure after radiation exposure.

METHODS

In the present study, male C57BL/6 mice were divided into control, radiation, probiotics, and probiotics + radiation groups. On the 7th day, animals in the radiation and probiotics + radiation groups received a single dose of 4 Gy to  whole-body. Posttreatment, mice were sacrificed, and the intestine and brain tissues were excised for histological analysis to assess GI and neuronal damage.

RESULTS

Radiation-induced damage to the villi height and mucosal thickness was mitigated by the probiotic treatment significantly (p < 0.01). Further, radiation-induced pyknotic cell numbers in the DG, CA2, and CA3 areas were substantially reduced with bacterial supplementation (p < 0.001). Similarly, probiotics reduced neuronal inflammation induced by radiation in the cortex, CA2, and DG region (p < 0.01). Altogether, the probiotics treatment helps mitigate radiation-induced intestinal and neuronal damage.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the probiotic formulation could attenuate the number of pyknotic cells in the hippocampal brain region and decrease neuroinflammation by reducing the number of microglial cells.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum T1 cell-free supernatants through suppression of oxidative stress and NF-κB- and MAPK-signaling pathways

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum T1 is an isolated probiotic lactic acid bacterium (LAB) from pickled vegetables in Chongqing, China. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity and the underlying mechanisms of L. plantarum T1 cell-free supernatant (CFS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence, Griess methods, and western blotting were utilized to assess the anti-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidative effect of L. plantarum T1 CFS. Our results showed that L. plantarum T1 CFS pretreatment significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, including nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, as well as reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, L. plantarum T1 CFS unregulated the antioxidant indicators, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, L. plantarum T1 CFS activated the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This study showed the excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of L. plantarum T1 through multiple pathways, highlighting its potential for further research and application as a probiotic strain.IMPORTANCEL. plantarum T1 stood out in a series of acid and bile salt tolerance and bacterial inhibition tests as a probiotic isolated from paocai, which provides many health benefits to the host by inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogenic microorganisms and suppressing excessive levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. Not all LAB have good probiotic functions and are used in various applications. The anti-inflammatory antioxidant potential and mechanisms of L. plantarum T1 CFS have not been described and reported. By using RT-qPCR, Griess method, and western blotting, we showed that L. plantarum T1 CFS had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Griess assay, TBA assay, WST-8 assay, immunofluorescence assay, RT-qPCR, and western blotting data revealed that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms were associated with oxidative stress and NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of L. plantarum T1 CFS in paocai generates opportunities for probiotic product development.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 124 Modulates Sleep Deprivation-Associated Markers of Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Mice in Conjunction with the Regulation of Gut Microbiota

Intestinal diseases caused by sleep deprivation (SD) are severe public health threats worldwide. However, whether or not probiotics attenuate the intestinal damage associated with SD remains unclear. In this study, we used antibiotic pretreatment and fecal microbiota transplantation to investigate the protective role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) 124 against SD-related intestinal barrier damage in C57BL/6 mice. Compared with those of a normal sleeping mouse, we observed that intestinal antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were decreased, while pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in sleep deprivation mice with an increasing duration of sleep deprivation. This resulted in decreased tight junction protein expression and increased intestinal barrier permeability. In contrast, intragastric administration with L. plantarum 124 reversed SD-associated intestinal oxidative stress, inflammation, colonic barrier damage, and the dysbiosis of the microbiota in the colon. In addition, L. plantarum 124 restored gut microbiota homeostasis via restoring abundance, including that of Dubosiella, Faecalibaculum, Bacillus, Lachnoclostridium, and Bifidobacterium. Further studies showed that gut microbiota mediated SD-associated intestinal damage and the treatment L. plantarum 124 in SD-associated colonic barrier damage. L. plantarum 124 is a potential candidate for alleviating SD-associated intestinal barrier damage. Overall, L. plantarum 124 consumption attenuates intestinal oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal barrier damage in SD-associated mice via the modulation of gut microbes.

Peroxisom proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α in neurodegenerative disorders: A promising therapeutic target

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are characterized by progressive loss of selectively vulnerable neuronal populations and myelin sheath, leading to behavioral and cognitive dysfunction that adversely affect the quality of life. Identifying novel therapies that attenuate the progression of NDDs would be of significance. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a widely expressed transcriptional regulator, modulates the expression of genes engaged in mitochondrial biosynthesis, metabolic regulation, and oxidative stress (OS). Emerging evidences point to the strong connection between PGC-1α and NDDs, suggesting its positive impaction on the progression of NDDs. Therefore, it is urgent to gain a deeper and broader understanding between PGC-1α and NDDs. To this end, this review presents a comprehensive overview of PGC-1α, including its basic characteristics, the post-translational modulations, as well as the interacting transcription factors. Secondly, the pathogenesis of PGC-1α in various NDDs, such as Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD) is briefly discussed. Additionally, this study summarizes the underlying mechanisms that PGC-1α is neuroprotective in NDDs via regulating neuroinflammation, OS, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, we briefly outline the shortcomings of current NDDs drug therapy, and summarize the functions and potential applications of currently available PGC-1α modulators (activator or inhibitors). Generally, this review updates our insight of the important role of PGC-1α on the development of NDDs, and provides a promising therapeutic target/ drug for the treatment of NDDs.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELF051 Alleviates Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea by Regulating Intestinal Inflammation and Gut Microbiota

Probiotics are widely recognized for their ability to prevent and therapy antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). This study was designed to evaluate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELF051 ability to prevent colon inflammation and its effect on gut microbial composition in a mouse model of AAD. The mice were intragastrically administered triple antibiotics for 7 days and then subjected to L. plantarum ELF051 for 14 days. The administration of L. plantarum ELF051 ameliorated the pathological changes in the colon tissue, downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and upregulated IL-10, and increased the intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) level. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELF051 also regulated the Toll-like receptor/myeloid differentiation primary response 88/nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/ NF-κB (PI3K/AKT/ NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathways. 16S rRNA analyses showed that L. plantarum ELF051 increased the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria, restoring gut microbiota imbalance. A Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed that lactobacilli are closely associated with inflammatory markers and SCFAs. This work demonstrated that L. plantarum ELF051 can attenuate antibiotic-induced intestinal inflammation in a mouse AAD model by suppressing the pro-inflammatory response and modulating the gut microbiota.

Emerging therapeutic role of gut microbial extracellular vesicles in neurological disorders

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as cell-to-cell and inter-organ communicators by conveying proteins and nucleic acids with regulatory functions. Emerging evidence shows that gut microbial-released EVs play a pivotal role in the gut-brain axis, bidirectional communication, and crosstalk between the gut and the brain. Increasing pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggests that gut bacteria-released EVs are capable of eliciting distinct signaling to the brain with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, exerting regulatory function on brain cells such as neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, via their abundant and diversified protein and nucleic acid cargo. Conversely, EVs derived from certain species of bacteria, particularly from gut commensals with probiotic properties, have recently been shown to confer distinct therapeutic effects on various neurological disorders. Thus, gut bacterial EVs may be both a cause of and therapy for neuropathological complications. This review marshals the basic, clinical, and translational studies that significantly contributed to our up-to-date knowledge of the therapeutic potential of gut microbial-derived EVs in treating neurological disorders, including strokes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and dementia. The review also discusses the newer insights in recent studies focused on developing superior therapeutic microbial EVs via genetic manipulation and/or dietary intervention.

Bacillus coagulans MZY531 alleviates intestinal mucosal injury in immunosuppressive mice via modulating intestinal barrier, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota

Bacillus coagulans has a potential role in improving intestinal injury. However, the specific mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the protective effect of B. coagulans MZY531 on intestinal mucosa injury in cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immunosuppressed mice were investigated. The results indicated that the immune organ (thymus and spleen) indices of B. coagulans MZY531 treatment groups were significantly increased compared to the CYP group. B. coagulans MZY531 administration promotes the expression of immune proteins (IgA, IgE, IgG, and IgM). B. coagulans MZY531 could upregulate the ileum levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 in immunosuppressed mice. Moreover, B. coagulans MZY531 restores the villus height and crypt depth of the jejunum and alleviates injury of intestinal endothelial cells caused by CYP. Furthermore, the western blotting results showed that B. coagulans MZY531 ameliorated CYP-induced intestinal mucosal injury and inflammatory via up-regulates the ZO-1 pathway and down-regulates the expression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. After treatment with B. coagulans MZY531, the relative abundance of Firmicutes phylum was dramatically increased, as well as the genera of Prevotella and Bifidobacterium, and reducing harmful bacteria. These findings suggested that B. coagulans MZY531 has a potential immunomodulatory activity on chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression.

Epigenetic effects of short-chain fatty acids from the large intestine on host cells

Adult humans harbor at least as many microbial cells as eukaryotic ones. The largest compartment of this diverse microbial population, the gut microbiota, encompasses the collection of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and eukaryotic organisms that populate the gastrointestinal tract, and represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem that has been increasingly implicated in health and disease. The gut microbiota carries ∼100-to-150-times more genes than the human genome and is intimately involved in development, homeostasis, and disease. Of the several microbial metabolites that have been studied, short-chain fatty acids emerge as a group of molecules that shape gene expression in several types of eukaryotic cells by multiple mechanisms, which include DNA methylation changes, histone post-translational modifications, and microRNA-mediated gene silencing. Butyric acid, one of the most extensively studied short-chain fatty acids, reaches higher concentrations in the colonic lumen, where it provides a source of energy for healthy colonocytes, and its concentrations decrease towards the bottom of the colonic crypts, where stem cells reside. The lower butyric acid concentration in the colonic crypts allows undifferentiated cells, such as stem cells, to progress through the cell cycle, pointing towards the importance of the crypts in providing them with a protective niche. In cancerous colonocytes, which metabolize relatively little butyric acid and mostly rely on glycolysis, butyric acid preferentially acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, leading to decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. A better understanding of the interface between the gut microbiota metabolites and epigenetic changes in eukaryotic cells promises to unravel in more detail processes that occur physiologically and as part of disease, help develop novel biomarkers, and identify new therapeutic modalities.

Bifidobacterium breve Bif11 supplementation improves depression-related neurobehavioural and neuroinflammatory changes in the mouse

Gut dysbiosis has been closely linked to the onset and progression of several brain-related disorders such as depression. The administration of microbiota-based formulations such as probiotics helps restore healthy gut flora and plays a role in preventing and treating depression-like behavior. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of probiotic supplementation using our recently isolated putative probiotic Bifidobacterium breve Bif11 in ameliorating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior in male Swiss albino mice. Mice were fed orally with B. breve Bif11 (1 × 10¹⁰ CFU and 2 × 10¹⁰ CFU) for 21 days before being challenged with a single intraperitoneal LPS injection (0.83 mg/kg). Behavioral, biochemical, histological and molecular analysis were done with an emphasis on inflammatory pathways linked to depression-like behavior. Daily supplementation with B. breve Bif11 for 21 days prevented the onset of depression-like behavior induced by LPS injection, besides reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as matrix metalloproteinase-2, c-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. It also prevented the decrease of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and neuronal cell viability in the prefrontal cortex of LPS-treated mice. Furthermore, we observed that gut permeability was reduced, there was an improved short-chain fatty acid profile and reduced gut dysbiosis in the LPS mice fed with B. breve Bif11. Similarly, we observed a decrease in behavioural deficits and restoration of gut permeability in chronic mild stress. Together, these results would help in deciphering the role of probiotics in the management of neurological disorders where depression, anxiety and inflammation are prominent clinical features.

Neuroprotective and Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

It is now well recognized that a bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and the brain, referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a prominent role in maintaining homeostasis and that a disruption in this axis can result in neuroinflammatory response and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The protective action of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb12 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in various animal models of PD has been reported. Therefore, in this study, we used an inflammatory model of PD to assess the effects of a combination of these two probiotics (Microbiot^®) on motor behavior as well as on the response of microglia, including microglia morphology, to gain a better understanding of their mechanism of action. Microbiot^® (300 µL) was administered orally once daily for 15 days in a lipopolysaccharide-induced PD model using male Wistar rats. Although LPS-induced motor asymmetry in cylinder test was not affected by Microbiot^®, impairment of motor coordination in the narrow-beam test was significantly reduced by this probiotic. Moreover, Microbiot^® treatment reduced microglial activation suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. While further mechanistic investigation of Microbiot^® in neurodegenerative diseases is warranted, our results support the potential utility of probiotics in PD.

Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM405 against Rotenone-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Mice via Regulating Gut Microbiota and Branched-Chain Amino Acids Biosynthesis

Recent studies have demonstrated that disturbances in the gut microbiota and microbiota -derived metabolites contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), suggesting that probiotic treatments that restore them may delay disease progression. This study aimed to examine the attenuating efficacy of L. plantarum CCFM405 and the potential mechanisms in mice with rotenone-induced PD. Our results indicate that L. plantarum CCFM405 ameliorated rotenone-induced motor deficits and constipation, decreased dopaminergic neuronal death, reduced intestinal inflammation and neuroinflammation, and raised dopamine levels, 5-HT, and associated metabolites in the striatal region of the brain in mice with PD. Sequencing of 16S rRNA from fecal microbiota revealed that L. plantarum CCFM405 normalized the gut bacterial composition in mice with PD, as evidenced by the increased relative abundance of the following genus, Bifidobacterium, Turicibacter, and Faecalibaculum, and decreased relative abundance of Alistipes, Bilophila, Akkermansia, and Escherichia-Shigella. The PICRUSt-predicted gut microbiota function revealed that L. plantarum CCFM405 enhanced the biosynthesis of amino acid pathways, particularly valine, leucine, and isoleucine (branched-chain amino acids, BCAAs). A non-metabolomic analysis of the serum and feces showed that L. plantarum CCFM405 markedly increased the levels of BCAAs. Pathway enrichment analysis based on the KEGG database further suggested that L. plantarum CCFM405 supplementation can promote BCAAs biosynthesis. Collectively, L. plantarum CCFM405 can help to prevent rotenone-induced PD by modulating the gut microbiota–metabolite axis. BCAAs may play a dominant role in L. plantarum CCFM405-associated neuroprotection in PD mice. This probiotic could be utilized as a potential food supplement in the management of PD.

Heat-killed Lactobacillus murinus confers neuroprotection against dopamine neuronal loss by targeting NLRP3 inflammasome

The intestinal flora has become very active in studies related to Parkinson's disease (PD) in recent years. The microbe-gut-brain axis is closely related to the maintenance of brain homeostasis as well as PD pathogenesis. Alterations in gut bacteria can contribute to neuroinflammation and dopamine (DA) neurodegeneration. Lactobacillus murinus, a gram-positive bacterium, is a commensal gut bacteria present in the mammalian gut and considered as a potential probiotic due to its beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions. In this study, the effects of live L. murinus and heat-killed L. murinus on DA neuronal damage in rats and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Data showed that heat-killed L. murinus ameliorated 6-hydroxydopamine-induced motor dysfunctions and loss of substantia nigra DA neurons, while no protection was shown in live L. murinus treatment. At the same time, heat-killed L. murinus reduced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, thus inhibiting the development of neuroinflammation. Furthermore, heat-killed L. murinus failed to display its original neuroprotective properties in NLRP3 inflammasome knockout mice. Together, heat-killed L. murinus conferred neuroprotection against DA neuronal loss via the inhibition of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These findings provide a promising potential for future applications of L. murinus, and also beneficial strategy for PD treatment.

A novel approach to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: From probiotic properties to the omics insights

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (previously known as Lactobacillus plantarum) strains are one of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) commonly used in fermentation and their probiotic and functional properties along with their health-promoting roles come to the fore. Food-derived L. plantarum strains have shown good resistance and adhesion in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, many strains of L. plantarum can produce bacteriocins with interesting antimicrobial activity. This probiotic properties of L. plantarum and existing in different niches give a great potential to have beneficial effects on health. It is also has been shown that L. plantarum can regulate the intestinal microbiota composition in a good way. Recently, omics approaches such as metabolomics, secretomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and genomics try to understand the roles and mechanisms of L. plantarum that are related to its functional characteristics. This review provides an overview of the probiotic properties, including the specific interactions between microbiota and host, and omics insights of L. plantarum.

Lactobacillus johnsonii L531 Ameliorates Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Diarrhea by Modulating Iron Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress via the IRP2 Pathway

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) has evolved mechanisms to evade the host's nutritional immunity and thus promote bacterial growth by using the iron in the host. However, the detailed mechanisms of S. Typhimurium induce dysregulation of iron homeostasis and whether Lactobacillus johnsonii L531 can alleviate the iron metabolism disorder caused by S. Typhimurium has not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that S. Typhimurium activated the expression of iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP2), transferrin receptor 1, and divalent metal transporter protein 1 and suppressed the expression of iron exporter ferroportin, which resulted in iron overload and oxidative stress, inhibiting the key antioxidant proteins NF-E2-related factor 2, Heme Oxygenase-1, and Superoxide Dismutase in vitro and in vivo. L. johnsonii L531 pretreatment effectively reversed these phenomena. IRP2 knockdown inhibited iron overload and oxidative damage induced by S. Typhimurium in IPEC-J2 cells, while IRP2 overexpression promoted iron overload and oxidative damage caused by S. Typhimurium. Interestingly, the protective effect of L. johnsonii L531 on iron homeostasis and antioxidant function was blocked following IRP2 overexpression in Hela cells, demonstrating that L. johnsonii L531 attenuates disruption of iron homeostasis and consequent oxidative damage caused by S. Typhimurium via the IRP2 pathway, which contributes to the prevention of S. Typhimurium diarrhea in mice.

Gut Microbial Alteration in MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson Disease is Administration Regimen Dependent

Parkinson Disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons involved in motor functions. Growing evidence indicates that gut microbiota communicates with the brain known as the gut-brain axis (GBA). Mitochondrial toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is commonly used in animal studies to investigate the GBA in PD. Various MPTP administration regimens are performed in PD mouse models involving one to multiple injections in 1 day or one injection per day for several days. The aim of this study is to investigate if the impact of MPTP on gut microbiota differs depending on the administration regimen. C57BL/6 mice were treated with acute or subchronic regimens of MPTP. Motor functions were assessed by open-field, catalepsy, and wire hanging tests. The cecum and the brain samples were obtained for microbiota and gene expression analyses, respectively. MPTP administration regimens differed in their ability to alter the gut microbiota. Firmicutes and Bacteroidota were both increased in subchronic mice while did not change and decreased, respectively, in acute mice. Verrucomicrobiota was elevated in acute MPTP mice but dropped in subchronic MPTP mice. Muribaculaceae was the predominant genus in all groups but acute mice. In acute mice, Akkermansia was increased and Colidextribacter was decreased; however, they showed an opposite trend in subchronic mice. These data suggest that MPTP mouse model cause a gut microbiota dysbiosis in an administration regimen dependent manner, and it is important to take consideration of mouse model to investigate the GBA in neurodegenerative diseases including PD.

Parkinson's Disease, It Takes Guts: The Correlation between Intestinal Microbiome and Cytokine Network with Neurodegeneration

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with motor, physical and behavioral symptoms that can have a profound impact on the patient's quality of life. Most cases are idiopathic, and the exact mechanism of the disease's cause is unknown. The current hypothesis focuses on the gut-brain axis and states that gut microbiota dysbiosis can trigger inflammation and advances the development of Parkinson's disease. This systematic review presents the current knowledge of gut microbiota analysis and inflammation based on selected studies on Parkinson's patients and experimental animal models. Changes in gut microbiota correlate with Parkinson's disease, but only a few studies have considered inflammatory modulators as important triggers of the disease. Nevertheless, it is evident that proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are induced in the gut, the circulation, and the brain before the development of the disease's neurological symptoms and exacerbate the disease. Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-17A and interferon-γ can correlate with altered gut microbiota. Instead, treatment of gut dysbiosis is accompanied by reduced levels of inflammatory mediators in specific tissues, such as the colon, brain and serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid. Deciphering the role of the immune responses and the mechanisms of the PD-associated gut microbiota will assist the interpretation of the pathogenesis of Parkinson's and will elucidate appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Efficacy of Probiotics in Improving Motor Function and Alleviating Constipation in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the common neurodegenerative diseases, and there has been an increasing interest in the potential role of intestinal dysbiosis in its pathogenesis and related gastrointestinal complications such as constipation.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the effects of multi-strain probiotics on constipation and motor function in PD patients.

Methods

This study was a blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) that involved 27 PD patients who were diagnosed with constipation according to the ROME IV criteria for functional constipation. The primary outcome measured before and after the intervention in both the placebo and probiotic groups was the frequency of defecation. Secondary outcomes evaluated were laxative use, sense of complete evacuation, Bristol Stool Scale for consistency, and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scale. The study lasted for eight weeks. Both groups also were educated about lifestyle modification.

Results

Of 30 included patients (15 in each group), 13 were women, and 17 were men. Three patients dropped out of the study. Between-group analysis showed that the frequency of bowel movements significantly increased in the probiotic group 4 [3 - 5] in comparison with 2 [2 - 3] in placebo (P = 0.02). Stool consistency also improved in the probiotic group (P = 0.04). However, there were no significant differences in other outcomes. The within-group analysis showed improvement in stool consistency in both probiotics and placebo groups (P = 0.01 and P = 0.007, respectively), while stool frequency and sense of complete evacuation significantly improved only in the probiotic group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that multi-strain probiotics could improve frequency, consistency, and sense of complete evacuation in PD patients, while there was no significant effect on motor functions in 8 weeks. It is suggested that additional studies be conducted on longer-term effects.

HOTAIRM1 knockdown reduces MPP+-induced oxidative stress injury of SH-SY5Y cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Objective

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease with complex pathogenesis. Although HOXA transcript antisense RNA myeloid-specific 1 (HOTAIRM1) is upregulated in PD, its exact role in HOTAIRM1 is seldom reported. The purpose of this study is to research the effect of HOTAIRM1 on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridonium (MPP⁺)-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells.

Methods

SH-SY5Y cells were treated with MPP⁺ at various concentrations or time points to induce SH-SY5Y cytotoxicity, so as to determine the optimal MPP⁺ concentration and time point. HOTAIRM1 expression upon MPP⁺ treatment was analyzed through qRT-PCR. Next, HOTAIRM1 was downregulated to observe the variance of SH-SY5Y cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress-related indexes, and protein levels of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. In addition, rescue experiments were carried out to assess the role of Nrf2 silencing in HOTAIRM1 knockdown on MPP⁺-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells.

Results

MPP⁺ treatment-induced cytotoxicity and upregulated HOTAIRM1 expression in SH-SY5Y cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mechanically, HOTAIRM1 knockdown enhanced cell viability, limited apoptosis, and oxidative stress, therefore protecting SH-SY5Y cells from MPP⁺-induced SH-SY5Y cytotoxicity. On the other hand, HOTAIRM1 knockdown activated the protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1. Nrf2 silencing could counteract the neuroprotective effect of HOTAIRM1 knockdown on in vitro PD model.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated that HOTAIRM1 knockdown could inhibit apoptosis and oxidative stress and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, therefore exerting neuroprotective effect on the PD cell model.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY01 on the exercise capacity of D-galactose-induced oxidative stress-aged mice

Objectives

Aging is a process that involves comprehensive physiological changes throughout the body, and improvements in the exercise capacity of individuals may delay aging and relieve fatigue. Probiotics are subject to ongoing research to investigate their antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY01 (L. plantarum KSFY01) on exercise tolerance in mice induced into a state of accelerated physiological aging by oxidative stress.

Methods

A mouse model of accelerated aging was established using D-galactose to induce oxidative stress. The bacteria L. plantarum KSFY01 was isolated from fermented yak yogurt. The effect of L. plantarum KSFY01 on the improvement of exercise capacity in aging-accelerated mice was evaluated by measuring their running time until exhaustion, histopathological sections, related biochemical indicators, and underlying gene expression.

Results

The oral administration of L. plantarum KSFY01 prolonged the running time of mice and reduced their creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferasem (AST) levels. From this study, we observed that L. plantarum KSFY01 significantly improved the exercise capacity of mice and alleviated liver damage. Treatment with L. plantarum KSFY01 reduced the blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactic acid (LD) accumulation, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) elevations produced by the accelerated aging state, and also reversed the changes in muscle glycogen (MG). Overall, L. plantarum KSFY01 could effectively improve metabolite accumulation, thereby relieving fatigue in exercised mice. The results of the antioxidant indices in vivo showed that L. plantarum KSFY01 intervention increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and restored the balance between the oxidative and antioxidant systems in fatigued mice. By investigating the underlying molecular mechanism, our results showed that L. plantarum KSFY01 intervention significantly reversed the decline in the expression levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related factors and improved the body's antioxidant capacity. We determined that the underlying molecular mechanism responsible for the antioxidant effect of L. plantarum KSFY01 mainly involves the activation of the Nrf2 pathway. The effect of L. plantarum KSFY01 was dose-dependent, and the expression level of Nrf2 increased with increasing dosage of the probiotic.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the probiotic L. plantarum KSFY01 exerts antioxidant effects and improved the athletic ability of mice. These findings are of significance to the development and utilization of probiotic resources.

Probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus ameliorates MPTP-induced oxidative stress via regulating the gut microbiota–gut–brain axis

Recent evidence demonstrated that functional bacteria were involved in the regulation of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the mechanism of probiotics in improving PD was unclear. Here the antioxidant effect and the mechanism of probiotics Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP) on PD were studied by regulating the gut–brain axis. In this study, male C57BL/6J mice were injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intraperitoneally to establish a PD model and were then treated with PP for 4 weeks. Subsequently, a series of neurobehavioral tests to evaluate the motor function of the mice was performed. Additionally, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, accumulation of α-synuclein, the production of an oxidative stress response, and the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway-related proteins were evaluated. Moreover, the gut microbial composition and the level of metabolite γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were assessed. The results showed that PP treatment could improve MPTP-induced motor deficits, the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, and the accumulation of α-synuclein. Moreover, PP treatment significantly increased the levels of SOD1, Gpx1, and Nrf2, while it decreased the levels of Keap1 in the brain of MPTP-induced mice. Notably, PP treatment improved the gut microbial dysbiosis and increased the level of GABA in MPTP-induced mice. These findings indicated that PP might represent a promising candidate, due to the metabolite of GABA, that could be used for the treatment of PD.

Neuroprotective Effects of Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1067 in MPTP-Induced Mouse Models of Parkinson's Disease

There is mounting evidence that the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is critical in the pathogenesis and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), suggesting that probiotic therapy restoring gut microecology may slow down disease progression. In this study, we examined the disease-alleviating effects of Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1067, orally administered for 5 weeks in a PD mouse model. Our study shows that supplementation with the probiotic B. breve CCFM1067 protected dopaminergic neurons and suppressed glial cell hyperactivation and neuroinflammation in PD mice. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of the central nervous system was enhanced and oxidative stress was alleviated. Moreover, B. breve CCFM1067 protected the blood-brain and intestinal barriers from damage in the MPTP-induced mouse model. The results of fecal microbiota analysis showed that B. breve CCFM1067 intervention could act on the MPTP-induced microecological imbalance in the intestinal microbiota, suppressing the number of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella) while increasing the number of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia) in PD mice. In addition, the increase in short chain fatty acids (acetic and butyric acids) may explain the anti-inflammatory action of B. breve CCFM1067 in the gut or brain of the MPTP-induced PD mouse model. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the probiotic B. breve CCFM1067, which can prevent or treat PD by modulating the gut-brain axis, can be utilized as a possible new oral supplement for PD therapy.

The Interplay between Gut Microbiota and Parkinson's Disease: Implications on Diagnosis and Treatment

The bidirectional interaction between the gut microbiota (GM) and the Central Nervous System, the so-called gut microbiota brain axis (GMBA), deeply affects brain function and has an important impact on the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), gastrointestinal symptoms often precede the onset of motor and non-motor manifestations, and alterations in the GM composition accompany disease pathogenesis. Several studies have been conducted to unravel the role of dysbiosis and intestinal permeability in PD onset and progression, but the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of GM modifying approaches remain to be fully elucidated. After a brief introduction on the involvement of GMBA in the disease, we present evidence for GM alterations and leaky gut in PD patients. According to these data, we then review the potential of GM-based signatures to serve as disease biomarkers and we highlight the emerging role of probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, dietary interventions, and fecal microbiota transplantation as supportive therapeutic approaches in PD. Finally, we analyze the mutual influence between commonly prescribed PD medications and gut-microbiota, and we offer insights on the involvement also of nasal and oral microbiota in PD pathology, thus providing a comprehensive and up-to-date overview on the role of microbial features in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Lactobacillus plantarum S9 alleviates lipid profile, insulin resistance, and inflammation in high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome rats

Probiotics are considered to play an crucial role in the treatment of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid metabolic diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum S9 on MS in HFD-fed rats, and to explore the underlying role of probiotics in the treatment of MS. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with HFD for 8 weeks, followed by the treatment of L. plantarum S9 for 6 weeks, and The body weight and blood glucose level of rats were detected on time. The results showed that L. plantarum S9 significantly decreased the body weight gain, Lee’s index, and liver index. Additionally, L. plantarum S9 reduced the levels of serum lipids and insulin resistance. L. plantarum S9 also decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in liver. Moreover, the serum levels of MS-related inflammatory signaling molecules, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were significantly elevated. Western blot analysis showed that L. plantarum S9 inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, decreased the expression level of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), suppressed the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, and reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factors in HFD-fed rats. Moreover, it further decreased the ratios of p-IκBα/IκBα, p-p65/NF-κB p65, and p-p38/p38. In summary, L. plantarum S9, as a potential functional strain, prevents or can prevent onset of MS.

Functional Annotation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 13-3 as a Potential Starter Probiotic Involved in the Food Safety of Fermented Products

The important role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains in improving the human mucosal and systemic immunity, preventing non-steroidal anti-provocative drug-induced reduction in T-regulatory cells, and as probiotic starter cultures in food processing has motivated in-depth molecular and genomic research of these strains. The current study, building on this research concept, reveals the importance of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 13-3 as a potential probiotic and bacteriocin-producing strain that helps in improving the condition of the human digestive system and thus enhances the immunity of the living beings via various extracellular proteins and exopolysaccharides. We have assessed the stability and quality of the L. plantarum 13-3 genome through de novo assembly and annotation through FAST-QC and RAST, respectively. The probiotic-producing components, secondary metabolites, phage prediction sites, pathogenicity and carbohydrate-producing enzymes in the genome of L. plantarum 13-3 have also been analyzed computationally. This study reveals that L. plantarum 13-3 is nonpathogenic with 218 subsystems and 32,918 qualities and five classes of sugars with several important functions. Two phage hit sites have been identified in the strain. Cyclic lactone autoinducer, terpenes, T3PKS, and RiPP-like gene clusters have also been identified in the strain evidencing its role in food processing. Combined, the non-pathogenicity and the food-processing ability of this strain have rendered this strain industrially important. The subsystem and qualities characterization provides a starting point to investigate the strain’s healthcare-related applications as well.

Lactobacillus plantarum WSJ-06 alleviates neurobehavioral injury induced by lead in mice through the gut microbiota

Chronic lead exposure can result in cognitive dysfunction and behavioral disorders. However, the current treatments for alleviating lead poisoning have many side effects. Previous studies have suggested that probiotics may have the potential to ameliorate neurotoxicity caused by lead exposure. This study determines the alleviating effects of Lactobacillus plantarum WSJ-06 on neurological disorders induced by chronic lead exposure from the perspective of the gut microbiota and serum metabolites. The results showed that treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum WSJ-06 alleviated memory dysfunction and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and hippocampus induced by lead exposure. In addition, Lactobacillus plantarum WSJ-06 partially restored the lead-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. It also increased the proportion of some beneficial metabolites in the serum, such as arachidonic acid, tryptophan hydroxylase, serotonin, vitamin B12, trehalose, and kynurenic acid, and decreased some metabolites in the serum, such as LPS 20:5 and L-kynurenine. A correlation analysis further indicated that lead-induced neurobehavioral disorders were related to intestinal microbiota (the [Eubacterium]_siraeum_group, Roseburia, Lactobacillus, etc) and serum metabolites (LPS 20:5, serotonin, vitamin B12, etc). In conclusion, Lactobacillus plantarum WSJ-06 alleviated neuroinflammation and memory impairment caused by lead exposure by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites in the serum.

The Role of Psychobiotics in Supporting the Treatment of Disturbances in the Functioning of the Nervous System-A Systematic Review

Stress and anxiety are common phenomena that contribute to many nervous system dysfunctions. More and more research has been focusing on the importance of the gut–brain axis in the course and treatment of many diseases, including nervous system disorders. This review aims to present current knowledge on the influence of psychobiotics on the gut–brain axis based on selected diseases, i.e., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and autism spectrum disorders. Analyses of the available research results have shown that selected probiotic bacteria affect the gut–brain axis in healthy people and people with selected diseases. Furthermore, supplementation with probiotic bacteria can decrease depressive symptoms. There is no doubt that proper supplementation improves the well-being of patients. Therefore, it can be concluded that the intestinal microbiota play a relevant role in disorders of the nervous system. The microbiota–gut–brain axis may represent a new target in the prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, this topic needs more research. Such research could help find effective treatments via the modulation of the intestinal microbiome.