Comparative effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on growth factors in the large bowel in a rat model of formula-induced bowel inflammation

The Potential Value of Probiotics after Dental Implant Placement

Dental implantation is currently the optimal solution for tooth loss. However, the health and stability of dental implants have emerged as global public health concerns. Dental implant placement, healing of the surgical site, osseointegration, stability of bone tissues, and prevention of peri-implant diseases are challenges faced in achieving the long-term health and stability of implants. These have been ongoing concerns in the field of oral implantation. Probiotics, as beneficial microorganisms, play a significant role in the body by inhibiting pathogens, promoting bone tissue homeostasis, and facilitating tissue regeneration, modulating immune-inflammatory levels. This review explores the potential of probiotics in addressing post-implantation challenges. We summarize the existing research regarding the importance of probiotics in managing dental implant health and advocate for further research into their potential applications.

Looking for the Ideal Probiotic Healing Regime

Wound healing is a multi-factorial response to tissue injury, aiming to restore tissue continuity. Numerous recent experimental and clinical studies clearly indicate that probiotics are applied topically to promote the wound-healing process. However, the precise mechanism by which they contribute to healing is not yet clear. Each strain appears to exert a distinctive, even multi-factorial action on different phases of the healing process. Given that a multi-probiotic formula exerts better results than a single strain, the pharmaceutical industry has embarked on a race for the production of a formulation containing a combination of probiotics capable of playing a role in all the phases of the healing process. Hence, the object of this review is to describe what is known to date of the distinctive mechanisms of each of the most studied probiotic strains in order to further facilitate research toward the development of combinations of strains and doses, covering the whole spectrum of healing. Eleven probiotic species have been analyzed, the only criterion of inclusion being a minimum of two published research articles.

The associations of gut microbiota, endocrine system and bone metabolism

Gut microbiota is of great importance in human health, and its roles in the maintenance of skeletal homeostasis have long been recognized as the "gut-bone axis." Recent evidence has indicated intercorrelations between gut microbiota, endocrine system and bone metabolism. This review article discussed the complex interactions between gut microbiota and bone metabolism-related hormones, including sex steroids, insulin-like growth factors, 5-hydroxytryptamine, parathyroid hormone, glucagon-like peptides, peptide YY, etc. Although the underlying mechanisms still need further investigation, the regulatory effect of gut microbiota on bone health via interplaying with endocrine system may provide a new paradigm for the better management of musculoskeletal disorders.

The relationship between probiotics and retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants: A population-based retrospective study in China

Background

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal vascular disease with a high incidence in premature infants and is a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. The purpose of our study was to analyze the association between the use of probiotics and retinopathy of prematurity.

Methods

This study retrospectively collected clinical data of premature infants with gestational age <32 weeks and birth weight <1500 g admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 in Suzhou Municipal Hospital, China. Demographic and clinical data of the inclusion population were collected. The outcome was the occurrence of ROP. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables, while the t-test and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U rank-sum test were used for continuous variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between probiotics and ROP.

Results

A total of 443 preterm infants met the inclusion criteria, of which 264 didn't receive probiotics and 179 were supplemented with probiotics. There were 121 newborns with ROP in the included population. The results of univariate analysis showed that the preterm infants with and without probiotics were significantly different in the gestational age, the birth weight, the one-minute Apgar score, the oxygen inhalation time, the acceptance rate of invasive mechanical ventilation, the prevalence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ROP and severe intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia (P < 0.05). Unadjusted univariate logistic regression model result showed that probiotics (OR 0.383, 95% CI 0.240∼0.611) were the factors affecting ROP in preterm infants (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression result (OR 0.575, 95% CI 0.333∼0.994) was consistent with univariate analysis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that probiotic was associated with a reduced risk of ROP in preterm infants with gestational age of <32 weeks and birth weight of <1500 g, but more large-scale prospective studies are still needed.

Nanomaterials Versus The Microbial Compounds With Wound Healing Property

Age and diabetes related slow-healing or chronic wounds may result in morbidity and mortality through persistent biofilms infections and prolonged inflammatory phase. Nano-materials [metal/metal oxide NPs (39%), lipid vehicles (21%), polymer NPs (19%), ceramic nanoparticles (NPs) (14%), and carbon nanomaterials (NMs) (7%)] can be introduced as a possible next-generation therapy because of either their intrinsic wound healing activity or via carrying bioactive compounds including, antibiotics, antioxidants, growth factor or stem cell. The nanomaterials have been shown to implicate in all four stages of wound healing including hemostasis (polymer NPs, ceramic NPs, nanoceria-6.1%), inflammation (liposome/vesicles/solid lipid NPs/polymer NPs/ceramic NPs/silver NPs/gold NPs/nanoceria/fullerenes/carbon-based NPs-32.7%), proliferation (vesicles/liposome/solid lipid NPs/gold NPs/silver NPs/iron oxide NPs/ceramic NPs/copper NPs/self-assembling elastin-like NPs/nanoceria/micelle/dendrimers/polymer NPs-57.1%), remodeling (iron oxide NPs/nanoceria-4.1%). Natural compounds from alkaloids, flavonoids, retinoids, volatile oil, terpenes, carotenoids, or polyphenolic compounds with proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, or antimicrobial characteristics are also well known for their potential to accelerate the wound healing process. In the current paper, we survey the potential and properties of nanomaterials and microbial compounds in improving the process of wound and scar healing. Finally, we review the potential biocompounds for incorporation to nano-material in perspective to designate more effective or multivalent wound healing natural or nano-based drugs.

Effect of prebiotic (fructooligosaccharide) on uremic toxins of chronic kidney disease patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Microbial-derived uremic toxins, p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), indoxyl sulfate (IS) and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), have been associated with the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Prebiotics have emerged as an alternative to modulate the gut environment and to attenuate toxin production. This trial aims to investigate the effect of a prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on uremic toxins of non-dialysis-dependent CKD (NDD-CKD) patients.

METHODS

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted for 3 months. In all, 50 nondiabetic NDD-CKD patients [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <45 mL/min/1.73 m2], aged 18-80 years, were allocated to prebiotic (FOS, 12 g/day) or placebo (maltodextrin, 12 g/day) groups. Primary outcomes were changes in serum (total and free) and urinary (total) PCS. Secondary outcomes included changes in IS, IAA, serum markers of intestinal permeability (zonulin), gut-trophic factors (epidermal growth factor and glucagon-like peptide-2), eGFR, inflammation (high sensitive c-reactive protein and interleukin-6), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, lipid profile and gastrointestinal symptoms.

RESULTS

From 50 participants (54% men, 57.3 ± 14.6 years and eGFR 21.4 ± 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2), 46 completed the follow-up. No changes in dietary intake or gastrointestinal symptoms were observed. There was a trend in the difference of serum total ΔPCS (treatment effect adjusted for baseline levels: -12.4 mg/L; 95% confidence interval (-5.6 to 0.9 mg/L; P = 0.07) and serum-free Δ%PCS [intervention -8.6 (-41.5 to 13.9%) versus placebo 3.5 (-28.8 to 85.5%); P = 0.07] between the groups. The trend in the difference of serum total ΔPCS was independent of eGFR and dietary protein:fiber ratio intake. No difference was found in urinary PCS. Aside from the decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the intervention, no differences were observed in the change of IS, IAA or other secondary outcome between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our result suggests the potential of FOS in reducing serum total and free PCS in nondiabetic NDD-CKD patients.

Upregulation of VEGFR1 in a rat model of esophagogastric anastomotic healing

INTRODUCTION

Anastomotic leakage after gastrointestinal surgery is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Esophagogastric and colorectal anastomoses are vulnerable to leakage. Extended knowledge of growth factors and their receptors is needed to understand anatomic healing.

METHODS

The expression pattern of vascular growth factor receptor (VEGFR1-3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFRα/β) and keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) were analyzed by semiquantitative-PCR in the rat intestinal tract and in esophagogastric anastomosis 5d after surgery.

RESULTS

VEGFR1, VEGFR2, EGFR, KGFR and PDGFRα expression was observed throughout the intestinal tract including esophagus, stomach, small bowl and colon. VEGFR3 was not found in gastric samples and PDGFRβ expression was not detected in the small bowl. Semiquantitative analyses of the VEGFR1, PDGFRα and EGFR expression in esophagogastric anastomotic tissues revealed a 2-fold upregulation of the VEGFR1 in gastric samples, while no change was observed in the esophageal anastomotic side.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed a distinct expression pattern of the investigated growth factor receptors in rat intestinal tract. Showing higher expression levels of growth factor receptors at the gastric anastomotic tissue at the fifth postoperative day suggests a different contribution of the gastric and the esophageal side to the anastomotic healing.

Probiotics or pro-healers: the role of beneficial bacteria in tissue repair

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, known to exert numerous positive effects on human health, primarily in the battle against pathogens. Probiotics have been associated with improved healing of intestinal ulcers, and healing of infected cutaneous wounds. This article reviews the latest findings on probiotics related to their pro-healing properties on gut epithelium and skin. Proven mechanisms by which probiotic bacteria exert their beneficial effects include direct killing of pathogens, competitive displacement of pathogenic bacteria, reinforcement of epithelial barrier, induction of fibroblasts, and epithelial cells' migration and function. Beneficial immunomodulatory effects of probiotics relate to modulation and activation of intraepithelial lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and macrophages through induced production of cytokines. Systemic effects of beneficial bacteria and link between gut microbiota, immune system, and cutaneous health through gut-brain-skin axes are discussed as well. In light of growing antibiotic resistance of pathogens, antibiotic use is becoming less effective in treating cutaneous and systemic infections. This review points to a new perspective and therapeutic potential of beneficial probiotic species as a safe alternative approach for treatment of patients affected by wound healing disorders and cutaneous infections.

Evaluation of the expression of I-FABP and L-FABP in a necrotizing enterocolitis model after the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease that primarily affects premature babies, leading to high mortality and morbidity. Probiotics represent an important alternative prophylaxis for NEC but its mechanism of action is poorly understood. Moreover, intestinal and liver-type fatty acid-binding proteins (I-FABP and L-FABP) may be utilized because markers of intestinal injury, including NEC. We aimed to evaluate the protection induced by the Lactobacillus acidophilus on the intestines of newborn rats submitted to experimental NEC using I-FABP and L-FABP as biomarkers.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley newborn rats were divided into three groups: (1) C (control)-breast-fed; (2) NEC-subjected to NEC protocol and (3) NECP-NEC+probiotic. Morphometric, intestinal lesion, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis were performed. Statistical significant differences were considered when p<0.05.

RESULTS

Intestinal weight was lower in NEC and NECP compared to C (p<0.05). Intestinal injury was lower in NECP compared to NEC. Prophylactic probiotic recovered mucosa and muscular layers' thickness to C levels (p<0.05). I-FABP and L-FABP expressions in NECP showed intermediate values between C and NEC.

CONCLUSION

L. acidophilus had a protective effect on the development of NEC and FABPs could demonstrate the degree of tissular damage of the intestine.

Sleep quality, BDNF genotype and gene expression in individuals with chronic abdominal pain

BACKGROUND

Sleep quality and genetics may contribute to the etiology of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Individuals with impaired sleep often have a number of associated symptoms including chronic abdominal pain (CAP). The current study examined the interactions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotype with sleep quality in persons with CAP and healthy controls. In addition, associations among sleep quality, BDNF genotype, and gene expression were explored in the participants.

METHODS

Data were collected on 59 participants (46% male, 61% White, 26.9 ± 6.6 years; CAP (n=19) and healthy controls (n=40)). Participants with CAP reported poorer sleep quality compared to healthy controls. BDNF genotype, categorized as Val/Val homozygotes versus the Met carriers.

RESULTS

Microarray analysis found twenty-four differentially expressed genes by a two-fold magnitude in participants with poor sleep quality compared to good sleep quality, and seven differentially expressed genes comparing CAP to healthy control. Three specific genes in the pain group overlap with sleep quality, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), spermatogenesis associated serine-rich 2-like (SPATS2L), and immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 1 or mu (IGHG1/// IGHM). BDNF was shown to have an interaction effect with GI and sleep symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with CAP reported poor sleep quality compared to healthy controls. The role of the BDNF Met allele on differential gene expression was not distinct as main factor, but impacted interactions with sleep quality and CAP. Down-regulation of IGF1, SPATS2L, and IGHG1 expression may be related to the etiology of poor sleep quality and CAP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrial.gov # NCT00824941.

Antioxidant status and hormonal profile reflected by experimental feeding of probiotics

Excessive production of free radicals can result in tissue damage, which mainly involves generation of hydroxyl radical and other oxidants. Such free radical-induced cell damage appears to play a major role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Probiotics have been used therapeutically to modulate immunity, improve digestive processes, lower cholesterol, treat rheumatoid arthritis, and prevent cancer. The proposed research was designed to evaluate the changes in oxidative and antioxidative profile in addition to metabolic-related hormones of living animal model, which may generally affect the health status. Two groups of rabbits (10 animals each) were allocated in hygienic cages of controlled animal house. Control group received standard diet, and the other group received the same diet containing one probiotic for 30 days. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in leukocytes, blood glucose, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were estimated in different tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total proteins were also determined in different tissues. Certain hormones related to metabolism and growth were also evaluated. Leukocytic LDH activity was significantly increased along with nonsignificant increase of blood glucose in probiotics-fed animals. Results showed significant decreases in the levels of triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone but showed significant elevations in thyroxine, insulin, growth hormone, and testosterone levels in animals fed with probiotics. Total proteins content was highly significantly elevated in liver, kidneys, and muscles of probiotic-administered animals. Microsomal GSH level was significantly decreased only in skeletal muscles of probiotic-treated animals. MDA was significantly lowered in animal tissues fed with probiotics. GSH-Px activity was elevated in hepatic and muscular microsomes of probiotic-supplemented animals while it was nonsignificantly increased in renal microsomes. Microsomal SOD activity was elevated in liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscles of probiotics-administrated animals. It is concluded that supplementation of probiotic may enhance antioxidant efficacy and scavenge free radicals and thus may be used as a preventive measure for protection against free radicals-induced disorders.

Recent advances in the role of probiotics in human inflammation and gut health

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract provides residence to an astounding number of bacterial species, which have profound effects on host biology, function, physiology, and immune response. Discovery of "symbiosis factors" from symbionts that facilitate the peaceful coexistence of microbiota and the host immune system are of interest. Symbionts synthesize immunomodulatory molecules that guide maturation of the immune system and have pivotal roles in many biological processes; however, individuals differ in the makeup of their GI microbiota, which is influenced by many external and internal factors such as diet, antibiotic use, and host genetics, which in turn influences health and disease outcomes. Various endogenous, genetic, and environmental factors influence GI development including species composition and health status of neonates, resulting in interactions that occur between the bacteria and the host. Mechanisms of probiotics involved in homeostasis of a balanced immune system have been inconclusive. The probable mechanism of action may be postulated as direct competition between pathogenic bacteria in the gut and/or immune modulation. This review focuses on probiotics in health and disease prevention, especially the biological importance of intestinal regulation of inflammatory processes that may be beneficial in a multitude of disorders both inside and outside the GI tract.