Lactobacillus acidophilus 74-2 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis DGCC 420 modulate unspecific cellular immune response in healthy adults

The impact of fish oil and/or probiotics on serum fatty acids and the interaction with low-grade inflammation in pregnant women with overweight and obesity: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial

N-3 long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) and probiotics are generally considered to induce health benefits. The objective was to investigate (1) the impact of fish oil and/or probiotics on serum fatty acids (sFA), (2) the interaction of sFA with low-grade inflammation and (3) the relation of sFA to the onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Pregnant women with overweight/obesity were allocated into intervention groups with fish oil + placebo, probiotics + placebo, fish oil + probiotics or placebo + placebo in early pregnancy (fish oil: 1·9 g DHA and 0·22 g EPA, probiotics: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420, 1010 CFU, each daily). Blood samples were collected in early (n 431) and late pregnancy (n 361) for analysis of fatty acids in serum phosphatidylcholine (PC), cholesteryl esters (CE), TAG and NEFA with GC and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and GlycA by immunoassay and NMR spectroscopy, respectively. GDM was diagnosed according to 2 h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. EPA in PC, CE and TAG and DHA in PC, CE, TAG and NEFA were higher in fish oil and fish oil + probiotics groups compared with placebo. EPA in serum NEFA was lower in women receiving probiotics compared with women not receiving. Low-grade inflammation was inversely associated with n-3 LC-PUFA, which were related to an increased risk of GDM. Fish oil and fish oil + probiotics consumption increase serum n-3 LC-PUFA in pregnant women with overweight/obesity. Although these fatty acids were inversely related to inflammatory markers, n-3 LC-PUFA were linked with an increased risk for GDM.

Bifidobacteria in Fermented Dairy Foods: A Health Beneficial Outlook

Bifidobacteria, frequently present in the human gastrointestinal tract, play a crucial role in preserving gut health and are mostly recognized as beneficial probiotic microorganisms. They are associated with fermenting complex carbohydrates, resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids, bioactive peptides, exopolysaccharides, and vitamins, which provide energy and contribute to gut homeostasis. In light of these findings, research in food processing technologies has harnessed probiotic bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria for the formulation of a wide range of fermented dairy products, ensuring their maximum survival and contributing to the development of distinctive quality characteristics and therapeutic benefits. Despite the increased interest in probiotic dairy products, introducing bifidobacteria into the dairy food chain has proved to be complicated. However, survival of Bifidobacterium species is conditioned by strain of bacteria used, metabolic interactions with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), fermentation parameters, and the temperature of storage and preservation of the dairy products. Furthermore, fortification of dairy foods and whey beverages with bifidobacteria have ability to change physicochemical and rheological properties beyond economic value of dairy products. In summary, this review underscores the significance of bifidobacteria as probiotics in diverse fermented dairy foods and accentuates their positive impact on human health. By enhancing our comprehension of the beneficial repercussions associated with the consumption of bifidobacteria-rich products, we aim to encourage individuals to embrace these probiotics as a means of promoting holistic health.

Effectiveness of probiotics in apical periodontitis progression: A scoping review and implications for research

To synthesise the current knowledge on the effects of probiotics in apical periodontitis progression by a scoping review of animal and human studies. Reporting was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. The literature search and screening was performed on PubMed and Scopus databases by two independent reviewers selecting human and animal studies that evaluated the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing the severity of apical periodontitis. Two animal studies with 3 publications met the eligibility criteria for qualitative synthesis. The most common probiotics were Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus orally administered for gavage in Wistar rats with induced apical periodontitis. Overall, probiotics significantly reduced inflammation and bone resorption with an improvement in the apical periodontitis progression. Although results in animal studies are promising, the use of probiotics in apical periodontitis progression requires caution due to the insufficient available evidence.

The Effect of a Fish Oil and/or Probiotic Intervention from Early Pregnancy Onwards on Colostrum Immune Mediators: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial in Overweight/Obese Mothers

SCOPE

Modifying the composition of colostrum by external factors may provide opportunities to improve the infant's health. Here, we evaluated how fish oil and/or probiotics supplementation modify concentrations of colostrum immune mediators and their associations with perinatal clinical factors on mothers with overweight/obesity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pregnant women were randomized in a double-blind manner into four intervention groups, and the supplements were consumed daily from early pregnancy onwards. Colostrum samples were collected from 187 mothers, and 16 immune mediators were measured using bead-based immunoassays. Interventions modified colostrum composition; the fish oil+probiotics group had higher concentrations of IL-12p70 than probiotics+placebo and higher FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT-3L) than fish oil+placebo and probiotics+placebo (one-way analysis of variance, post-hoc Tukey's test). Although the fish oil+probiotics group had higher levels of IFNα2 compared to the fish oil+placebo group, these differences were not statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. Multivariate linear model revealed significant associations between several immune mediators and the perinatal use of medication.

CONCLUSION

Fish oil/probiotics intervention exerted a minor effect on concentrations of colostrum immune mediators. However, medication during the perinatal period modulated the immune mediators. These changes in colostrum's composition may contribute to immune system development in the infant.

The role of probiotics in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) as an emerging field is a multidisciplinary science and combines basic sciences such as biomaterials science, biology, genetics and medical sciences to achieve functional TERM-based products to regenerate or replace damaged or diseased tissues or organs. Probiotics are useful microorganisms which have multiple effective functions on human health. They have some immunomodulatory and biocompatibility effects and improve wound healing. In this article, we describe the latest findings on probiotics and their pro-healing properties on various body systems that are useable in regenerative medicine. Therefore, this review presents a new perspective on the therapeutic potential of probiotics for TERM.

Effect of a probiotic formula on gastrointestinal health, immune responses and metabolic health in adults with functional constipation or functional diarrhea

Objective

Our aim was to determine the efficacy of four-week probiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal health. The secondary objectives were to assess probiotic effects on immune reaction, as well as weight control and metabolic health.

Methods

We conducted two randomized sub-trials, respectively, among subjects who were diagnosed with functional constipation (FC) or functional diarrhea (FDr) according to the Rome IV criteria. In each sub-trial, 70 eligible Chinese adults were randomized to receive a multi-strain probiotic combination or a placebo. Gastrointestinal symptoms, defecation habits, stool characteristics, blood and fecal biochemistry markers, anthropometrics measures, stress-associated responses, and intestinal flora changes were assessed at baseline and after probiotics intervention.

Results

Four weeks of probiotic supplementation reduced overall gastrointestinal symptoms scores in FC participants (p < 0.0001). Their mean weekly stool frequency increased from 3.3 times to 6.2 times; immune response and inflammation markers improved with increases in serum IgA, IFN-γ and fecal sIgA, and decrease in hsCRP; most components of lipid profile were significantly ameliorated, with increases in HDL-C and reductions in TC and TG; body weight, body mass index and basal metabolic rate decreased following probiotics consumption. For FDr participants, probiotics consumption markedly reduced overall gastrointestinal symptom scores (p < 0.0001); decreased stool frequency by 3 times per week; increased IgA, IFN-γ, sIgA concentrations, while lowered hsCRP and IL-4 levels. Both FC and FDr participants had improvement in the scores of defecation habits, anxiety or depression, and perceived stress. Probiotics supplementation promoted the production of all three major short-chain fatty acids. No changes were observed in LDL-C, IgG, IgM, IL-8, IL-10 and motilin.

Conclusion

Supplementation with the probiotic formula over a four-week period could help relieving gastrointestinal symptoms, improving satisfaction with defecation habits, emotional state and immune response, and ameliorating dysbacteriosis in participants with FC or FDr. It also had beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and weight control for FC participants.

Fish Oil And/Or Probiotics Intervention in Overweight/Obese Pregnant Women and Overweight Risk in 24-Month-Old Children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether a fish oil and/or probiotics intervention in pregnant women with overweight or obesity would influence the tendency of their 24-month-old children to become overweight and alter their body fat percentage.

METHODS

Women (n = 439) were double-blindly randomized into 4 intervention groups: fish oil+placebo, probiotics+placebo, probiotics+fish oil, and placebo+placebo (fish oil: 1.9 g docosahexaenoic acid and 0.22 g eicosapentaenoic acid, probiotics: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420, 1010 colony-forming units each). The intervention lasted from early pregnancy until 6 months postpartum. Children's (n = 330) growth data (height, weight, head circumference), a secondary outcome of the trial, were evaluated at birth, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of age and compared to Finnish growth charts. Body fat percentage was measured with air displacement plethysmography (24 months). Logistic regression and general linear models were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Probiotics+placebo [weight-for-height% adj. Odds ratio (OR) = 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14-0.95] and probiotics+fish oil [weight-for-age standard deviation score (SD-score) adj. OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.07-0.71] associated with lower overweight odds in 24-month-old children compared to placebo+placebo. Results remained essentially the same, when probiotics' main effect (combined probiotics+placebo and probiotics+fish oil) was estimated; that is, lower overweight odds (weight-for-height% adj. OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.25-0.95 and weight-for-age SD-score adj. OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.20-0.88) compared to non-probiotics. No fish oil main effect (combined fish oil+placebo and probiotics+fish oil) was seen. The intervention did not influence body fat percentage.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of probiotics solely and in combination with fish oil during pregnancy to women with overweight or obesity lowered the overweight odds of their 24-month-old children.

Probiotics Mechanism of Action on Immune Cells and Beneficial Effects on Human Health

Immune cells and commensal microbes in the human intestine constantly communicate with and react to each other in a stable environment in order to maintain healthy immune activities. Immune system-microbiota cross-talk relies on a complex network of pathways that sustain the balance between immune tolerance and immunogenicity. Probiotic bacteria can interact and stimulate intestinal immune cells and commensal microflora to modulate specific immune functions and immune homeostasis. Growing evidence shows that probiotic bacteria present important health-promoting and immunomodulatory properties. Thus, the use of probiotics might represent a promising approach for improving immune system activities. So far, few studies have been reported on the beneficial immune modulatory effect of probiotics. However, many others, which are mainly focused on their metabolic/nutritional properties, have been published. Therefore, the mechanisms behind the interaction between host immune cells and probiotics have only been partially described. The present review aims to collect and summarize the most recent scientific results and the resulting implications of how probiotic bacteria and immune cells interact to improve immune functions. Hence, a description of the currently known immunomodulatory mechanisms of probiotic bacteria in improving the host immune system is provided.

Effects of synbiotics supplementation on anthropometric and lipid profile parameters: Finding from an umbrella meta-analysis

Introduction

Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been carried out to assess the impact of synbiotics on lipid profiles and anthropometric parameters. In this regard, an umbrella meta-analysis was performed to provide a more accurate view of the overall impacts of synbiotic supplementation on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters.

Methods

Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for this study from inception to January 2022. A random-effects model was applied to evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters. The methodological quality of eligible articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR2 questionnaire. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate the overall certainty of the evidence in the meta-analyses.

Results

Meta-analyses of 17 studies revealed significant decreases in body mass index (BMI) (ES: -0.13 kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.19, -0.06, p < 0.001, I² = 0.0%, p = 0.870), BW (ES: -1.30 kg; 95% CI: -2.19, -0.41, p = 0.004, I² = 88.9%, p < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (ES: -1.80 cm; 95% CI: -3.26, -0.34, p = 0.016, I² = 94.1%, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (ES: -2.81 mg/dl; 95% CI: -3.90, -1.72, p < 0.001, I² = 95.1%, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (ES = -2.24 mg/dl; 95% CI: -3.18, -1.30, p < 0.001, I² = 94.5%, p < 0.001), and triglyceride (TG) (ES: -0.43 mg/dl; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.07, p = 0.019, I² = 78.0%, p < 0.001) but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (ES: 0.23 mg/dl; 95% CI: -0.11, 0.56, p = 0.193, I² = 45.2%, p = 0.051) following synbiotic supplementation.

Discussion

The present umbrella meta-analysis suggests synbiotic supplementation can slightly improve lipid profile and anthropometric indices and might be a therapeutic option for obesity and its related disorders.

Systematic review registration

www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022304376.

Effect of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on gastrointestinal outcomes in healthy adults and active adults at rest and in response to exercise-A systematic literature review

Introduction

A systematic literature search was undertaken to assess the impact of pre-, pro-, and syn-biotic supplementation on measures of gastrointestinal status at rest and in response to acute exercise.

Methods

Six databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cinahl, SportsDISCUS, Web of Science, and Scopus) were used. Included were human research studies in healthy sedentary adults, and healthy active adults, involving supplementation and control or placebo groups. Sedentary individuals with non-communicable disease risk or established gastrointestinal inflammatory or functional diseases/disorders were excluded.

Results

A total of n = 1,204 participants were included from n = 37 papers reported resting outcomes, and n = 13 reported exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (EIGS) outcomes. No supplement improved gastrointestinal permeability or gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), and systemic endotoxemia at rest. Only modest positive changes in inflammatory cytokine profiles were observed in n = 3/15 studies at rest. Prebiotic studies (n = 4/5) reported significantly increased resting fecal Bifidobacteria, but no consistent differences in other microbes. Probiotic studies (n = 4/9) increased the supplemented bacterial species-strain. Only arabinoxylan oligosaccharide supplementation increased total fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and butyrate concentrations. In response to exercise, probiotics did not substantially influence epithelial injury and permeability, systemic endotoxin profile, or GIS. Two studies reported reduced systemic inflammatory cytokine responses to exercise. Probiotic supplementation did not substantially influence GIS during exercise.

Discussion

Synbiotic outcomes resembled probiotics, likely due to the minimal dose of prebiotic included. Methodological issues and high risk of bias were identified in several studies, using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. A major limitation in the majority of included studies was the lack of a comprehensive approach of well-validated biomarkers specific to gastrointestinal outcomes and many included studies featured small sample sizes. Prebiotic supplementation can influence gut microbial composition and SCFA concentration; whereas probiotics increase the supplemented species-strain, with minimal effect on SCFA, and no effect on any other gastrointestinal status marker at rest. Probiotic and synbiotic supplementation does not substantially reduce epithelial injury and permeability, systemic endotoxin and inflammatory cytokine profiles, or GIS in response to acute exercise.

Use of the β-Glucan-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Levilactobacillus brevis and Pediococcus claussenii for Sourdough Fermentation-Chemical Characterization and Chemopreventive Potential of In Situ-Enriched Wheat and Rye Sourdoughs and Breads

The aim of the present study was to examine β-glucan production and the potential prebiotic and chemopreventive effects of wheat and rye sourdoughs and breads generated with wild-type and non-β-glucan-forming isogenic mutant strains of Levilactobacillus brevis and Pediococcus claussenii. Sourdough and bread samples were subjected to in vitro digestion and fermentation. Fermentation supernatants (FS) and pellets (FP) were analyzed (pH values, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), ammonia, bacterial taxa) and the effects of FS on LT97 colon adenoma cell growth, viability, caspase-2 and -3 activity, genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects and on gene and protein expression of p21, cyclin D2, catalase and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were examined. Concentrations of SCFA were increased and concentrations of ammonia were partly reduced in the FS. The relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae was increased in all FPs. Treatment with FS reduced the growth and viability of LT97 cells and significantly increased caspase-2 and -3 activities without exhibiting genotoxic or antigenotoxic effects. The p21 mRNA and protein levels were increased while that of cyclin D2 was reduced. Catalase and SOD2 mRNA and protein expression were marginally induced. The presented results indicate a comparable chemopreventive potential of wheat and rye sourdoughs and breads without an additional effect of the formed β-glucan.

Influence of Three Probiotics Strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BB-12 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 on the Biochemical and Haematological Profiles and Body Weight of Healthy Rabbits

Simple Summary

Currently, probiotics are used as growth promoters on a large scale to improve the productivity of several animals’ species within the aim of reducing the presence of antibiotic residues in animal products consumed by humans. Several reports evidenced the positive effect of probiotic supplementation on the growth performances and health of rabbits, mainly through the balance of the intestinal microbiota of the host animal. Therefore, certain probiotics, including Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Saccharomyces, can improve the biochemical and haematological profiles, especially in production animals. In this context, this study was performed on rabbits for the economic importance they play as a source of meat proteins in developing countries and their use as experimental models in research and biomedicine. This study then aimed to evaluate the effect of three strains of probiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BB-12 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, on the biochemical and haematological parameters and their influence on the rabbit’s weight of the ITELV2006 strain. The findings evidenced that the probiotic strain affected the biochemical and haematological parameters. Further, the strains showed a positive effect on the weight gain of the rabbits.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of three strains of probiotics, these being Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BB-12 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, on the body weight, animal performances and blood parameters of rabbits (male and female) of the ITELV2006 strain. The supplementation of the feed of the rabbits with the three probiotic strains allowed observing positive effects on most of the biochemical and haematological parameters investigated during a period of 60 days (30 days of supplementation and 30 days without treatment). Further, there was a significant improvement in the body weight of the rabbits at the end of the experiment. The effect of the three probiotics investigated in this trial was found to be related to the sex of the rabbits and to the intake period (duration). Ultimately, these findings raise the possibility of using probiotics to investigate in an in-depth and specific manner based on fixed factors such as the strain, the gender and age of the animals, the main underlying mechanisms and effects, which would allow achieving optimal and adapted health benefits and sustainable production. In the context of animal production, it is worth investigating in a targeted study the effect of the three strains on muscle growth and development and finding evidence of the possible consequences on meat quality traits of the rabbits supplemented with probiotics.

Impact of combined consumption of fish oil and probiotics on the serum metabolome in pregnant women with overweight or obesity

BACKGROUND

If a pregnant woman is overweight, this can evoke metabolic alterations that may have health consequences for both mother and child.

METHODS

Pregnant women with overweight/obesity (n = 358) received fish oil+placebo, probiotics+placebo, fish oil+probiotics or placebo+placebo from early pregnancy onwards. The serum metabolome was analysed from fasting samples with a targeted NMR-approach in early and late pregnancy. GDM was diagnosed by OGTT.

FINDINGS

The intervention changed the metabolic profile of the women, but the effect was influenced by their GDM status. In women without GDM, the changes in nine lipids (FDR<0.05) in the fish oil+placebo-group differed when compared to the placebo+placebo-group. The combination of fish oil and probiotics induced changes in more metabolites, 46 of the lipid metabolites differed in women without GDM when compared to placebo+placebo-group; these included reduced increases in the concentrations and lipid constituents of VLDL-particles and less pronounced alterations in the ratios of various lipids in several lipoproteins. In women with GDM, no differences were detected in the changes of any metabolites due to any of the interventions when compared to the placebo+placebo-group (FDR<0.05).

INTERPRETATION

Fish oil and particularly the combination of fish oil and probiotics modified serum lipids in pregnant women with overweight or obesity, while no such effects were seen with probiotics alone. The effects were most evident in the lipid contents of VLDL and LDL only in women without GDM.

FUNDING

State Research Funding for university-level health research in the Turku University Hospital Expert Responsibility Area, Academy of Finland, the Diabetes Research Foundation, the Juho Vainio Foundation, Janssen Research & Development, LLC.

Fermentation profile, cholesterol-reducing properties and chemopreventive potential of β-glucans from Levilactobacillus brevis and Pediococcus claussenii - a comparative study with β-glucans from different sources

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether β-glucans obtained from the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Levilactobacillus (L.) brevis and Pediococcus (P.) claussenii exhibit similar physiological effects such as cholesterol-binding capacity (CBC) as the structurally different β-glucans from oat, barley, and yeast as well as curdlan. After in vitro fermentation, fermentation supernatants (FSs) and/or -pellets (FPs) were analyzed regarding the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ammonia, bile acids, the relative abundance of bacterial taxa and chemopreventive effects (growth inhibition, apoptosis, genotoxicity) in LT97 colon adenoma cells. Compared to other glucans, the highest CBC was determined for oat β-glucan (65.9 ± 8.8 mg g^-1, p < 0.05). Concentrations of SCFA were increased in FSs of all β-glucans (up to 2.7-fold). The lowest concentrations of ammonia (down to 0.8 ± 0.3 mmol L^-1) and bile acids (2.5-5.2 μg mL^-1) were detected in FSs of the β-glucans from oat, barley, yeast, and curdlan. The various β-glucans differentially modulated the relative abundance of bacteria families and reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Treatment of LT97 cells with the FSs led to a significant dose-dependent growth reduction and increase in caspase-3 activity without exhibiting genotoxic effects. Though the different β-glucans show different fermentation profiles as well as cholesterol- and bile acid-reducing properties, they exhibit comparable chemopreventive effects.

Complete Genome Sequence of the Newly Developed Lactobacillus acidophilus Strain With Improved Thermal Adaptability

Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) is a representative probiotic and is widely used in many industrial products for its beneficial effects on human and animal health. This bacterium is exposed to harsh environments such as high temperatures for manufacturing industrial products, but cell yield under high temperatures is relatively low. To resolve this issue, we developed a new L. acidophilus strain with improved heat resistance while retaining the existing beneficial properties through the adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) method. The newly developed strain, L. acidophilus EG008, has improved the existing limit of thermal resistance from 65°C to 75°C. Furthermore, we performed whole-genome sequencing and comparative genome analysis of wild-type and EG008 strains to unravel the molecular mechanism of improved heat resistance. Interestingly, only two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were different compared to the L. acidophilus wild-type. We identified that one of these SNPs is a non-synonymous SNP capable of altering the structure of MurD protein through the 435th amino acid change from serine to threonine. We believe that these results will directly contribute to any industrial field where L. acidophilus is applied. In addition, these results make a step forward in understanding the molecular mechanisms of lactic acid bacteria evolution under extreme conditions.

L. johnsonii, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus alleviated Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli-induced diarrhoea in mice by regulating gut microbiota

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a prominent foodborne pathogen that causes infectious intestinal diarrhoea. Lactobacillus is a recognized probiotic that inhibits intestinal pathogens and maintains the balance of the intestinal flora. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of three Lactobacillus strains, L. johnsonii, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus, on the intestinal flora of EHEC-infected mice. The initial weight and diarrhoea index of the mice were recorded. After 21 days, the faeces of the mice were subjected to 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. The diarrhoea index of mice treated with Lactobacillus improved, their body weight continued to rise, and their liver index gradually decreased. The α diversity analysis showed that the intestinal flora diversity and abundance were lower in mice infected with EHEC than in healthy mice. L. plantarum, L. johnsonii, and L. rhamnosus significantly improved the diversity of the flora species. In terms of flora composition, the three main phyla present were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. The abundance of these three phyla was reduced to 93.81% after infection and restored to over 96.30% after treatment. At the genus level, Lactobacillus reduced the abundance of Bacteroides, Helicobacter pylori, and Shigella, while increasing the abundance of butyric acid-producing bacteria and Lactobacillus. Finally, a heat map and non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis showed that the intestinal flora structures in the L. johnsonii, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus treatment groups were closest to those of healthy mice. In conclusion, L. johnsonii, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus regulated and improved the structure of intestinal flora and relieved diarrhoea caused by EHEC infection.

Dietary supplementation with multi-strain formula of probiotics modulates inflammatory and immunological markers in apical periodontitis

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether probiotics multi-strain formula affects the development of apical periodontitis (AP) induced in rats.

Methodology

16 Wistar rats were divided in two groups (n=8): rats with AP fed with regular diet (Control-C (CG)); rats with AP, fed with regular diet and supplemented with multi-strain formula (one billion colony-forming units (CFU)): GNC Probiotic Complex (PCG) ( Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivaris, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. lactis and Streptococcus thermofilus ). AP was induced in the upper and lower first molars by dental pulp exposure to the oral environment. PCG was administered orally through gavage for 30 days during the AP development. After this period the animals were euthanized and the mandibles were removed and processed for histologic analysis, and immunochemical assays for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1β, RANKL, OPG, and TRAP. The Mann–Whitney U test and Student’s t test were performed (P<.05).

Results

The CG showed more intense inflammatory infiltrate than the PCG group (P<.05). IL-1β, IL 6 and RANKL decreased in the PCG group compared with CG (P<.05). The IL-10 level increased in the PCG group (P<.05). The OPG level was similar in both groups (P>.05). The number of mature osteoclasts (TRAP-positive multinucleated cells) was lower in PCG group when compared to the CG (P<.05).

Conclusion

Probiotic Complex modulates inflammation and bone resorption in apical periodontitis.

The Impacts of Fish Oil and/or Probiotic Intervention on Low-Grade Inflammation, IGFBP-1 and MMP-8 in Pregnancy: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Background: We investigated the impact of fish oil and/or probiotics on serum and vaginal inflammatory and metabolic proteins and their relation to the onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Overweight/obese pregnant women received fish oil + placebo, probiotics + placebo, fish oil + probiotics or placebo + placebo from early pregnancy until six months postpartum (fish oil: 1.9 g docosahexaenoic acid and 0.22 g eicosapentaenoic acid; probiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420, 10¹⁰ colony-forming units each). Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and serum/vaginal (s/v) phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding-protein-1 (phIGFBP-1), IGFBP-1 and matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) were analyzed. GDM was diagnosed according to 2 h 75 g OGTT. Results: The intervention had no impact on the change in proteins during pregnancy. Nevertheless, s-MMP-8 decreased and s-IGFBP-1 increased more in obese than in overweight women in the fish oil + probiotics group, while a decrease in s-MMP-8 was seen in obese women and an increase was seen in overweight women in the probiotics + placebo group. The late pregnancy s-phIGFBP-1 was higher in women who developed GDM in fish oil + probiotics-group compared to fish oil + placebo-group. The concentrations of s-phIGFBP-1 (635.9 ± 315.3 ng/mL vs. 753.2 ± 335.1 ng/mL, p = 0.005) and s-IGFBP-1 (3.78 ± 0.72 ng/mL vs. 3.96 ± 0.69 ng/mL, p = 0.042) were lower in early pregnancy in women who developed GDM than in women remaining healthy. Conclusions: The intervention per se had no impact on the proteins, but obesity and GDM may modify the effect. IGFBPs may affect the development of GDM.

Thermal Processing has no Impact on Chemopreventive Effects of Oat and Barley Kernels in LT97 Colon Adenoma Cells

The unique dietary fiber composition with high contents of β-glucan contributes to the health-promoting properties of oat and barley and may mediate a reduction of colon cancer risk. In the present study, chemopreventive effects of oat and barley (beta^®barley) kernels were investigated. In order to address the impact of thermal processing on these effects, kernels were roasted (150-180 °C, approx. 20 min), digested and fermented using an In Vitro human digestion model. Concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ammonia were determined in fermentation supernatants (FS). Growth inhibition, apoptosis, DNA integrity and gene expression of catalase were analyzed in LT97 colon adenoma cells. Concentrations of SCFA, particularly butyrate, were higher in oat/barley FS (2.2-fold, on average), while ammonia levels were significantly lower (0.7-fold, on average) than in the fermentation control. Treatment of LT97 cells with FS of oat/barley kernels led to a significant time- and dose-dependent growth reduction, a significant increase in caspase-3 activity and enhanced levels of catalase mRNA, without exhibiting genotoxic effects. In general, the results indicate a chemopreventive potential of In Vitro fermented oat and waxy winter barley mediated mainly by growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects, which are preserved after thermal processing.

Impact of processing degree on fermentation profile and chemopreventive effects of oat and waxy barley in LT97 colon adenoma cells

The chemopreventive effects of β-glucan-rich cereals such as oat and barley (beta®barley) have been examined previously, but studies comparing fermentation characteristics and chemopreventive effects of oat and barley of different processing stages are rare. Therefore, the present study aims at investigating the fermentation end points (pH values, concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ammonia) in fermentation supernatants (FS) obtained from differently processed oat and barley samples (kernels, thick and thin flakes). Chemopreventive effects of FS, such as growth inhibition, apoptosis, and induction of cell cycle- and redox-relevant genes (p21, SOD2), were analysed in LT97 colon adenoma cells. After fermentation, pH values were reduced (∆ pH − 1.3, on average) and SCFA concentrations were increased (∆ + 59 mmol/L, on average) with a shift towards butyrate formation in FS obtained from oat and barley samples compared to the fermentation negative control (FS blank). Ammonia was reduced more effectively in FS obtained from barley (∆ − 4.6 mmol/L, on average) than from oat samples (∆ − 1.0 mmol/L, on average). Treatment of LT97 cells with FS resulted in a time- and dose-dependent reduction of cell number, an increase in caspase-3 activity (up to 9.0-fold after 24 h, on average) and an induction of p21 (2.1-fold, on average) and SOD2 (2.3-fold, on average) mRNA expression, while no genotoxic effects were observed. In general, the results indicate no concrete effect of the type of cereal or processing stage on fermentation and chemopreventive effects of oat and barley.

Bifidobacteria from human origin: interaction with phagocytic cells

AIM OF THE STUDY

Given that phagocytic cells are main players of the host immune response, we studied the interaction of bifidobacteria with monocytic THP-1 cells in nonopsonic conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Association/internalization, cell response (expression of HLA-DR and TLR2), M1/M2 macrophage polarization and colocalization of micro-organisms with Lysotracker or transferrin were evaluated. Screening with eight Bifidobacterium strains showed two patterns of interactions with THP-1 cells: high and low association and phagocytosis. Two strains with different surface properties were further studied: B. bifidum CIDCA 5310 and B. adolescentis CIDCA 5317. Strain CIDCA 5310 showed higher levels of colocalization in lysosome than strain CIDCA 5317. Both strains stimulated TLR2 expression. Strain CIDCA 5317 significantly increases HLA-DR expression, however, when cells are stimulated with IFN-γ, strain CIDCA 5310 induces the highest value of expression. Noteworthy, strain CIDCA 5310 was able to upregulate both M1 and M2 markers of macrophage polarization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that bifidobacteria from human origin show different patterns of interaction with phagocytic cells thus leading to different cell responses. These findings add further insight on the mechanisms involved in the biologic effects of probiotics.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Knowledge of the interaction of bifidobacteria with key players of the host immune response is paramount for the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects.

The Effect of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Risk Factors Associated with Cardiometabolic Diseases in Healthy People-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials

We aimed to systematically review the effectiveness of probiotic/synbiotic formulations to counteract cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in healthy people not receiving adjunctive medication. The systematic search (PubMed/MEDLINE/Embase) until 1 August 2019 was performed for randomized controlled trials in >20 adult patients. Random-effect meta-analysis subgroup and meta-regression analysis of co-primary (haemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), glucose, insulin, body weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), triglycerides, and blood pressure) and secondary outcomes (uric acid, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1-PAI-1, fibrinogen, and any variable related to inflammation/endothelial dysfunction). We included 61 trials (5422 persons). The mean time of probiotic administration was 67.01 ± 38.72 days. Most of probiotic strains were of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera. The other strains were Streptococci, Enterococci, and Pediococci. The daily probiotic dose varied between 10⁶ and 10¹⁰ colony-forming units (CFU)/gram. Probiotics/synbiotics counteracted CMR factors (endpoint data on BMI: standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.156, p = 0.006 and difference in means (DM) = -0.45, p = 0.00 and on WC: SMD = -0.147, p = 0.05 and DM = -1.21, p = 0.02; change scores on WC: SMD = -0.166, p = 0.04 and DM = -1.35, p = 0.03) in healthy persons. Overweight/obese healthy people might additionally benefit from reducing total cholesterol concentration (change scores on WC in overweight/obese: SMD: -0.178, p = 0.049). Poor quality of probiotic-related trials make systematic reviews and meta-analyses difficult to conduct and draw definite conclusions. "Gold standard" methodology in probiotic studies awaits further development.

Reduced bone resorption and inflammation in apical periodontitis evoked by dietary supplementation with probiotics in rats

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between systemic administration of probiotics and inflammation/resorption processes associated with apical periodontitis (AP) in a rat model.

METHODOLOGY

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used. AP was induced in the mandibular left/right first molars. The animals were arranged into three groups: Control, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L. acidophilus. Probiotics were orally administered via gavage (10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU) diluted in 5 mL of water) for 30 days during the development of AP. On the 30th day, blood was collected to analyse the calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in plasma. Then, the animals were euthanized and the jaws removed for micro-computed tomography and immune-histopathological analysis for receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). After the Shapiro-Wilk test of normality, the Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn's test was performed for nonparametric data, and analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test was performed for parametric data (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the calcium and phosphorus levels in plasma amongst the groups (P > 0.05). The level of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in the groups that consumed probiotics (P < 0.05). A significantly lower volume of bone resorption was observed in groups that consumed probiotics (P < 0.05). The inflammatory infiltrates and the immunolabelling for RANKL and TRAP were significantly lower in probiotic groups when compared to the control (P < 0.05). Also, the OPG was significantly more immunolabelled in the L. acidophilus group than in the L. rhamnosus and control groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Probiotic supplementation through gavage (L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus) had a significant effect on the reduction of inflammation and bone resorption in apical periodontitis development in rats.

Interactions of probiotics and prebiotics with the gut microbiota

The gut microbiota (GM) composition varies among individuals and is influenced by intrinsic (genetics, age) and extrinsic (environment, diet, lifestyle) factors. An imbalance or dysbiosis is directly associated with the development of several illnesses, due to the potential increase in intestinal permeability leading to a systemic inflammation triggered by higher levels of circulating lipopolysaccharides and changes in the immune response caused by an overgrowth of a specific genus or of pathogens. These mechanisms may increase symptoms in gastrointestinal disorders or reduce glucose tolerance in metabolic diseases. Diet also has a significant impact on GM, and functional foods, namely prebiotics and probiotics, are a novel approach to reestablish the indigenous microbiota. Prebiotics, like inulin and polyphenols, are selectively utilized by GM, releasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and other metabolites which may reduce the intestinal lumen pH, inhibit growth of pathogens, and enhance mineral and vitamin bioavailability. Probiotic microorganism may increase the microbial diversity of GM and improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier, leading to an improvement of baseline and pathologic inflammation. In this chapter, we will discuss the potential roles of prebiotics and probiotics in health and diseases throughout an individual's lifetime and proposed mechanisms of action.

The effect of synbiotics supplementation on anthropometric indicators and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Different therapies have been suggested for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but changes in lifestyle and diet have been considered. Diet and dietary factors can be very effective in modifying the disease. The positive effects of probiotic and synbiotics supplementation on improving lipid profiles and anthropometric indices have been examined in various diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of synbiotics supplementation on lipid and anthropometric profiles in infertile women with PCOS.

Methods

PCOS patients aged 19–37 years old were randomized to receive either synbiotics supplement (n = 50) or placebo (n = 49) for 12 weeks.

Results

Consumption of synbiotics compared to the placebo, resulted in a significant decrease in Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) value (Change Mean Difference (CMD): 4.66, 95%CI: 0.20, 9.13) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (CMD: 1.80, 95%CI: 0.34, 3.26). Although we failed to find a significant effect of synbiotics consumption on total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels. We did not find differences in anthropometric indices between groups.

Conclusions

Overall, 12 weeks of synbiotics supplementation among PCOS women resulted in beneficial effects on LDL and HDL, although it is not yet clear how much our findings are clinically significant and more clinical studies with larger sample sizes are still needed.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of clinical Trial, IRCT.ir, ID: IRCT2014110515536N2. Registered on 19 December 2015.

Graphical abstract

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 for Metabolic Health: Review of the Research

The growing worldwide epidemic of obesity and associated metabolic health comorbidities has resulted in an urgent need for safe and efficient nutritional solutions. The research linking obesity with gut microbiota dysbiosis has led to a hypothesis that certain bacterial strains could serve as probiotics helping in weight management and metabolic health. In the search for such strains, the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 (B420) on gut microbiota and metabolic health, and the mechanisms of actions, has been investigated in a variety of in vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical studies. In this review, we aim to highlight the research on B420 related to obesity, metabolic health, and the microbiota. Current research supports the hypothesis that gut dysbiosis leads to an imbalance in the inflammatory processes and loss of epithelial integrity. Bacterial components, like endotoxins, that leak out of the gut can invoke low-grade, chronic, and systemic inflammation. This imbalanced state is often referred to as metabolic endotoxemia. Scientific evidence indicates that B420 can slow down many of these detrimental processes via multiple signaling pathways, as supported by mechanistic in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the connection of these mechanisms to clinical evidence on the effect of B420 in controlling weight gain in overweight and obese subjects. The research further indicates that B420 may improve the epithelial integrity by rebalancing a dysbiotic state induced by an obesogenic diet, for example by increasing the prevalence of lean phenotype microbes such as Akkermansia muciniphila. We further discuss, in the context of delivering the health benefits of B420: the safety and technological aspects of the strain including genomic characterization, antibiotic resistance profiling, stability in the product, and survival of the live probiotic in the intestine. In summary, we conclude that the clinical and preclinical studies on metabolic health suggest that B420 may be a potential candidate in combating obesity; however, further clinical studies are needed.

Study on chemopreventive effects of raw and roasted β-glucan-rich waxy winter barley using an in vitro human colon digestion model

Fermentation supernatants of barley flakes exhibit chemopreventive effects in LT97 colon adenoma cells without impact of roasting.

The Potential of Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and peripheral vascular disease, is the leading cause of global mortality. Current therapies against atherosclerosis, which mostly target the dyslipidemia associated with the disease, have considerable residual risk for cardiovascular disease together with various side effects. In addition, the outcomes from clinical trials on many promising pharmaceutical agents against atherosclerosis (e.g., low-dose methotrexate, inhibitors against cholesteryl ester transfer protein) have been disappointing. Nutraceuticals such as probiotic bacteria have, therefore, generated substantial recent interest for the prevention of atherosclerosis and potentially as add-ons with current pharmaceutical drugs. This review will discuss the current understanding of the anti-atherogenic actions of probiotics from preclinical and clinical studies together with their potential underlying mechanisms of action.

Isolation and characterization of five novel probiotic strains from Korean infant and children faeces

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing viable, non-pathogenic microorganisms that interact with the gastrointestinal microflora and directly with the immune system. The possible health effects of probiotics include modulating the immune system and exerting antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-mutagenic effects. The purpose of this study was to isolate, identify, and characterize novel strains of probiotics from the faeces of Korean infants. Various assays were conducted to determine the physiological features of candidate probiotic isolates, including Gram staining, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, tolerance assays to stimulated gastric juice and bile salts, adherence ability assays, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and assays of immunomodulatory effects. Based on these morphological and biochemical characteristics, five potential probiotic isolates (Enterococcus faecalis BioE EF71, Lactobacillus fermentum BioE LF11, Lactobacillus plantarum BioE LPL59, Lactobacillus paracasei BioE LP08, and Streptococcus thermophilus BioE ST107) were selected. E. faecalis BioE EF71 and L. plantarum BioE LPL59 showed high tolerance to stimulated gastric juice and bile salts, and S. thermophilus BioE ST107 as well as these two strains exhibited stronger adherence ability than reference strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. All five strains inhibited secretion of lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. L. fermentum BioE LF11, L. plantarum BioE LPL59, and S. thermophilus BioE ST107 enhanced the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the five novel strains have potential as safe probiotics and encouraged varying degrees of immunomodulatory effects.

Daily Yogurt Consumption Improves Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity in Young Nondiabetic Japanese Subjects with Type-2 Diabetes Risk Alleles

This study investigated whether the association between postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) is affected by five type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility genes, and whether four weeks of yogurt consumption would affect these responses. We performed a single-arm intervention study in young nondiabetic Japanese participants, who consumed 150 g yogurt daily for four weeks, after which a rice test meal containing 50 g carbohydrate was administered. PPG and postprandial serum insulin (PSI) were measured between 0 and 120 mins at baseline and after the intervention. Genetic risk was evaluated by weighted genetic risk score (GRS) according to published methodology, and participants were assigned to one of two groups (n = 17: L-GRS group and n = 15: H-GRS group) according to the median of weighted GRS. At baseline, the H-GRS group had higher glucose area under the curve_{0–120 min} after intake of the test meal than the L-GRS group (2175 ± 248 mg/dL.min vs. 1348 ± 199 mg/dL.min, p < 0.001), but there were no significant differences after the yogurt intervention. However, there was an improvement in PSI in the H-GRS group compared with baseline. These results suggest that habitual yogurt consumption may improve glucose and insulin responses in nondiabetic subjects who have genetically higher PPG.

Food pyramid for subjects with chronic pain: foods and dietary constituents as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents

Emerging literature suggests that diet constituents may play a modulatory role in chronic pain (CP) through management of inflammation/oxidative stress, resulting in attenuation of pain. We performed a narrative review to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the optimum diet for the management of CP, and we built a food pyramid on this topic. The present review also describes the activities of various natural compounds contained in foods (i.e. phenolic compounds in extra-virgin olive oil (EVO)) listed on our pyramid, which have comparable effects to drug management therapy. This review included 172 eligible studies. The pyramid shows that carbohydrates with low glycaemic index should be consumed every day (three portions), together with fruits and vegetables (five portions), yogurt (125 ml), red wine (125 ml) and EVO; weekly: legumes and fish (four portions); white meat, eggs and fresh cheese (two portions); red or processed meats (once per week); sweets can be consumed occasionally. The food amounts are estimates based on nutritional and practical considerations. At the top of the pyramid there is a pennant: it means that CP subjects may need a specific customised supplementation (vitamin B12, vitamin D, n-3 fatty acids, fibre). The food pyramid proposal will serve to guide dietary intake with to the intent of alleviating pain in CP patients. Moreover, a targeted diet can also help to solve problems related to the drugs used to combat CP, i.e. constipation. However, this paper would be an early hypothetical proposal due to the limitations of the studies.

A review of probiotic supplementation in healthy adults: helpful or hype?

Probiotic supplements have a positive impact on several health outcomes. However, the majority of published studies have focused on populations with specific health pathologies. Therefore, this study reviewed the current literature on the health effects of probiotic consumption in "healthy adults." The findings from this review may help guide consumers, researchers, and manufacturers regarding probiotic supplementation. Relevant literature published between 1990 and August 2017 was reviewed. Studies were included if they were experimental trials, included healthy adults, used live bacteria, and had accessible full-text articles published in English. Included studies were classified according to common foci that emerged. Forty-five studies were included in this review. Five foci emerged: gut microbiota changes (n = 15); immune system response (n = 16); lipid profile and cardiovascular disease risk (n = 14); gastrointestinal discomfort (n = 11); and female reproductive health (n = 4). Results suggest that probiotic supplementation in healthy adults can lead to transient improvement in gut microbiota concentration of supplement-specific bacteria. Evidence also supports the role of probiotics in improving immune system responses, stool consistency, bowel movement, and vaginal lactobacilli concentration. There is insufficient evidence to support the role of probiotics to improve blood lipid profile. Probiotic consumption can improve in the immune, gastrointestinal, and female reproductive health systems in healthy adults. However, this review failed to support the ability of probiotics to cause persistent changes in gut microbiota, or improve lipid profile in healthy adults. The feasibility of probiotics consumption to provide benefits in healthy adults requires further investigation.

Effects of ewe's milk yogurt (whole and semi-skimmed) and cow's milk yogurt on inflammation markers and gut microbiota of subjects with borderline-high plasma cholesterol levels: a crossover study

PURPOSE

Ewe's milk yogurt is richer in proteins, minerals and short- and medium-chain fatty acids compared to cow's milk yogurt. We aimed to evaluate the effects of cow's milk yogurt (CW, 3.0% fat), semi-skimmed (ES, 2.8% fat) and whole ewe's milk yogurts (EW, 5.8% fat) on inflammatory markers and gut microbiota in subjects with borderline-high plasma cholesterol.

METHODOLOGY

30 adults (16 women) were randomized into a crossover study to consume 250 g/yogurt/day during three 5-week periods (4-week washouts). Plasma insulin, leptin, adhesion molecules, cytokines and gut microbiota composition (qPCR) were analysed. Rates of change were used to assess treatment effects both in the whole group and in subgroups of subjects with different cholesterol/HDL-c ratio (Cho-I group A: the top 6 women and 4 men values; Cho-I group B: remaining subjects).

RESULTS

The yogurts showed no different effects on the inflammatory biomarkers or the microbiota of the whole group. However, ICAM-1 and P-selectin rates of change were lower after EW compared to CW and ES, respectively, in subjects of the Cho-I group A (P = 0.047 and P = 0.020). Women of this group showed lower MCP-1 rates of change after EW compared to ES and CW (P = 0.028, both). Blautia coccoides-Eubacterium rectale decreased in women of the Cho-I group A during EW vs. ES (P = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Ewe's yogurt effects on inflammatory markers and microbiota were not different from those after cow's yogurt, but the attenuation of some inflammatory biomarkers with ewe's whole-milk yogurt in subjects with the highest TC/HDL-c deserves further study.

Genetic and microbiome influence on lipid metabolism and dyslipidemia

Disruption in the metabolism of lipids is broadly classified under dyslipidemia and relates to the concentration of lipids in the blood. Dyslipidemia is a predictor of cardio-metabolic disease including obesity. Traditionally, the large interindividual variation has been related to genetic factors and diet. Genome-wide association studies have identified over 150 loci related to abnormal lipid levels, explaining ~40% of the total variation. Part of the unexplained variance has been attributed to environmental factors including diet, but the extent of the dietary contribution remains unquantified. Furthermore, other factors are likely to influence lipid metabolism including the gut microbiome, which plays an important role in the digestion of different dietary components including fats and polysaccharides. Here we describe the contributing role of host genetics and the gut microbiome to dyslipidemia and discuss the potential therapeutic implications of advances in understanding the gut microbiome to the treatment of dyslipidemia.

The impact of probiotics and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on intestinal permeability in pregnancy: a randomised clinical trial

A disruption in intestinal barrier integrity may predispose individuals to metabolic aberrations, particularly during the vulnerable period of pregnancy. We investigated whether intestinal permeability, as measured by serum zonulin concentration, changes over the duration of pregnancy and whether this change is reflected in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activity. Second, we tested in a randomised double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial the impact of consuming dietary probiotics and/or long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) supplements in lowering serum zonulin concentration and LPS activity. The probiotic supplement was a combination of two bacteria, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001. This study included 200 overweight pregnant women participating in an on-going study; participants were randomised to consume either (1) probiotics, (2) LC-PUFA, (3) probiotics and LC-PUFA, or (4) placebo for each supplement. Blood samples were obtained at early, the baseline, and late pregnancy (mean 14 and 35 weeks of gestation, respectively). Serum zonulin concentration increased from early (mean (standard deviation): 62.7 (12.9) ng/ml) to late pregnancy by 5.3 (95%CI 3.7-6.9) ng/ml, and LPS activity increased from (0.16 (0.04) EU/ml) by 0.04 (95%CI 0.03-0.05) EU/ml. No differences among the intervention groups were detected in the change from early to late pregnancy in serum zonulin concentration (P=0.8) or LPS activity (P=0.2). The change in serum zonulin concentration during the pregnancy was associated with the weeks of follow up (r=0.25, P<0.001). Serum LPS activity was correlated with higher maternal weight gain (r=0.19, P=0.008). As a conclusion, intestinal permeability increased with the progression of pregnancy in overweight and obese women and was reflected in LPS activity. No efficacy of supplementation with probiotics and/or LC-PUFA was demonstrated in pregnancy-induced changes in serum zonulin concentration or LPS activity.

Adjuvant Probiotics and the Intestinal Microbiome: Enhancing Vaccines and Immunotherapy Outcomes

Immune defence against pathogenic agents comprises the basic premise for the administration of vaccines. Vaccinations have hence prevented millions of infectious illnesses, hospitalizations and mortality. Acquired immunity comprises antibody and cell mediated responses and is characterized by its specificity and memory. Along a similar congruent yet diverse mode of disease prevention, the human host has negotiated from in utero and at birth with the intestinal commensal bacterial cohort to maintain local homeostasis in order to achieve immunological tolerance in the new born. The advent of the Human Microbiome Project has redefined an appreciation of the interactions between the host and bacteria in the intestines from one of a collection of toxic waste to one of a symbiotic existence. Probiotics comprise bacterial genera thought to provide a health benefit to the host. The intestinal microbiota has profound effects on local and extra-intestinal end organ physiology. As such, we further posit that the adjuvant administration of dedicated probiotic formulations can encourage the intestinal commensal cohort to beneficially participate in the intestinal microbiome-intestinal epithelia-innate-cell mediated immunity axes and cell mediated cellular immunity with vaccines aimed at preventing infectious diseases whilst conserving immunological tolerance. The strength of evidence for the positive effect of probiotic administration on acquired immune responses has come from various studies with viral and bacterial vaccines. We posit that the introduction early of probiotics may provide significant beneficial immune outcomes in neonates prior to commencing a vaccination schedule or in elderly adults prior to the administration of vaccinations against influenza viruses.

Evidence based selection of probiotic strains to promote astronaut health or alleviate symptoms of illness on long duration spaceflight missions

Spaceflight impacts multiple aspects of human physiology, which will require non-invasive countermeasures as mission length and distance from Earth increases and the capability for external medical intervention decreases. Studies on Earth have shown that probiotics have the potential to improve some of the conditions that have manifested during spaceflight, such as gastrointestinal distress, dermatitis, and respiratory infections. The constraints and risks of spaceflight make it imperative that probiotics are carefully selected based on their strain-specific benefits, doses, delivery mechanisms, and relevance to likely crew conditions prior to evaluation in astronauts. This review focuses on probiotics that have been incorporated into healthy human gastrointestinal microbiomes and associated clinically with improvements in inflammatory state or alleviation of symptoms of crew-relevant illness. These studies provide an evidence base for probiotic selection with the greatest potential to support crew health and well-being in spaceflight.

Effect of Modified Pulsatilla Powder on Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli O101-Induced Diarrhea in Mice

MPP can be effective in the treatment of E. coli O101-induced diarrhea in mice. MPP can improve the weight loss caused by diarrhea, increase spleen and thymus indices, and reduce the diarrhea index. MPP can reduce the number of WBC, regulate the level of cytokines, and regulate the intestinal microbial flora. These data suggest that MPP is a promising candidate for treatment of E. coli-induced diarrhea in humans and animals.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 mitigates the pathological impact of myocardial infarction in the mouse

There is a growing appreciation that our microbial environment in the gut plays a critical role in the maintenance of health and the pathogenesis of disease. Probiotic, beneficial gut microbes, administration can directly attenuate cardiac injury and post-myocardial infarction (MI) remodelling, yet the mechanisms of cardioprotection are unknown. We hypothesised that administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 (B420), a probiotic with known anti-inflammatory properties, to mice will mitigate the pathological impact of MI, and that anti-inflammatory T regulatory (T_reg) immune cells are necessary to impart protection against MI as a result of B420 administration. Wild-type male mice were administered B420, saline or Lactobacillus salivarius 33 (Ls-33) by gavage daily for 14 or 35 days, and underwent ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Pretreatment with B420 for 10 or 28 days attenuated cardiac injury from I/R and reduced levels of inflammatory markers. Depletion of T_reg cells by administration of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies eliminated B420-mediated cardio-protection. Further cytokine analysis revealed a shift from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory environment in the probiotic treated post-MI hearts compared to controls. To summarise, B420 administration mitigates the pathological impact of MI. Next, we show that T_reg immune cells are necessary to mediate B420-mediated protection against MI. Finally, we identify putative cellular, epigenetic and/or post-translational mechanisms of B420-mediated protection against MI.

Analysis of short-chain fatty acids in human feces: A scoping review

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in humans, therefore the importance of a good and reliable SCFAs analytical detection has raised a lot in the past few years. The aim of this scoping review is to show the trends in the development of different methods of SCFAs analysis in feces, based on the literature published in the last eleven years in all major indexing databases. The search criteria included analytical quantification techniques of SCFAs in different human clinical and in vivo studies. SCFAs analysis is still predominantly performed using gas chromatography (GC), followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Performances, drawbacks and advantages of these methods are discussed, especially in the light of choosing a proper pretreatment, as feces is a complex biological material. Further optimization to develop a simple, cost effective and robust method for routine use is needed.

Tolerogenic probiotics: potential immunoregulators in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Probiotics are commensal or nonpathogenic microbes that colonize the gastrointestinal tract and confer beneficial effects on the host through several mechanisms such as competitive exclusion, anti-bacterial effects, and modulation of immune responses. There is growing evidence supporting the immunomodulatory ability of some probiotics. Several experimental and clinical studies have been shown beneficial effect of some probiotic bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains, on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is mainly characterized by immune intolerance towards self-antigens. Some immunomodulatory probiotics have been found to regulate immune responses via tolerogenic mechanisms. Dendritic and T regulatory (Treg) cells, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-23 can be considered as the most determinant dysregulated mediators in tolerogenic status. As demonstrated by documented experimental and clinical trials on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, a number of probiotic bacterial strains can restore tolerance in host through modification of such dysregulated mediators. Since there are limited reports regarding to impact of probiotic supplementation in SLE patients, the preset review was aimed to suggest a number of probiotics bacteria, mainly from Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus strains that are able to ameliorate immune responses. The aim was followed through literature survey on immunoregulatory probiotics that can restore tolerance and also modulate the important dysregulated pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines contributing to the pathogenesis of SLE.

Evaluation of Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 strain as a coadjuvant in a vaccination process: a randomised clinical trial in healthy adults

BACKGROUND

Although the effects of probiotics on the immune system have been extensively evaluated under disease states, their role in healthy situations remains unclear, since changes are hardly expected under immunological homeostasis. EFSA indicates that vaccination protocols could be used to evaluate the potential role of probiotics to improve the immune response against antigen challenges. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 (Lc) on the specific immunity of healthy volunteers undergoing vaccination with Hepatitis A virus (HAV).

METHODS

One hundred twenty-three healthy adults were randomised into three groups to follow a 6-week (wk) intervention and all received an intramuscular HAV vaccine 2 weeks after starting the intervention: 1) PRO1 received Lc for 2weeks (1 capsule/day; 3 × 10⁹ CFU/capsule) and placebo capsules after vaccination; 2) PRO2 received a daily capsule of Lc (3 × 10⁹ cfu/day) before and after the challenge; 3) Control group (C) received a daily placebo capsule before and after the vaccine. Blood samples were collected at the beginning (visit 1; V1) and after 2 (V2) and 6 weeks (V3) of the intervention. At each visit, lymphocyte subset counts and cytokine levels were analysed. Specific HAV antibodies were analysed at V1 and V3. To evaluate differences between groups, one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc test were used regarding lymphocyte subset counts and specific HAV antibodies production, and Friedman test of related samples and Kendall concordance coefficient for cytokines production. Chi square test was used to analyse seroconversion rates.

RESULTS

Specific HAV antibodies were significantly higher in PRO1 (50.54 ± 29.57) compared to C (36.23 ± 16.45) (P = 0.017) and showed an intermediate value in PRO2 (41.61 ± 15.74). Seroconversion rates were similar in the three groups (97.3, 92.3 and 97.4% in C, PRO1 and PRO2 respectively). Memory T-helper lymphocytes increased in V3 vs. V1 (P = 0.032) in PRO2. No differences were found in cytokine concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Mixed results have been found regarding the usefulness of Lc supplementation to increase the antigen-specific antibody response to an immune challenge. Clinical trial registration number: EudraCT Number 2016-000183-42. Registered 19 January 2016. Retrospectively registered.