Effect of specific colostral antibodies and selected lactobacilli on the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori on AGS cells and the Helicobacter-induced IL-8 production

A Combination of Curcumin and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Inhibits Viability and Induces Apoptosis in SCC-9 Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of curcumin combined with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG cell-free supernatant (LGG CFS) on the proliferation and induction of apoptosis in SCC-9 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Curcumin (40 µg/ml) and 25% v/v LGG CFS (108 CFU/ml), both alone and in a combination regimen, significantly decreased the viability of SCC-9 cells and normal human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells. Interestingly, the combination of low doses of curcumin (5 µg/ml) and 25% v/v LGG CFS (106 CFU/ml) had no effect on the HGF cells but significantly inhibited the viability of SCC-9 cells (p < 0.05). Flow cytometric analysis revealed that SCC-9 cells treated with the combination of low-dose curcumin and low-dose LGG CFS had a higher apoptotic rate than the cells in the control group and the single treatment groups (p < 0.05). The combined treatment also significantly increased the Bax/Bcl2 mRNA and protein expression in SCC-9 cells (p < 0.05) but not in HGF cells, indicating the underlying mechanism of the combination regimen. There was no significant difference in caspase-3 protein expression or the Bcl-xL/Bak and Mcl-1/Bak ratios between the treatment and control groups in both cell lines. These findings suggested that the coadministration of curcumin and LGG could exhibit anticancer effects in SCC-9 cells without causing toxicity to normal fibroblast cells.

Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-115 inhibit Helicobacter pylori colonization and gastric inflammation in a murine model

Purpose

To determine the role of Lactobacillus strains and their combinations in inhibiting the colonization of H. pylori and gastric mucosa inflammation.

Methods

Human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells were incubated with H. pylori and six probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, L. acidophilus La-14, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-115, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Lr-32, and L. rhamnosus GG) and the adhesion ability of H. pylori in different combinations was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and urease activity assay. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups (uninfected, H. pylori, H. pylori+NCFM, H. pylori+Lp-115, and H. pylori+NCFM+Lp-115) and treated with two lactobacilli strains (NCFM and Lp-115) for six weeks. H. pylori colonization and tissue inflammation statuses were determined by rapid urease test, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR and ELISA.

Results

L. acidophilus NCFM, L. acidophilus La-14, L. plantarum Lp-115, L. paracasei Lpc-37, L. rhamnosus Lr-32, and L. rhamnosus GG reduced H. pylori adhesion and inflammation caused by H. pylori infection in AGS cells and mice. Among all probiotics L. acidophilus NCFM and L. plantarum, Lp-115 showed significant effects on the H. pylori eradication and reduction of inflammation in-vitro and in-vivo. Compared with the H. pylori infection group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-8 and TNF-α in the six Lactobacillus intervention groups were significantly reduced. The changes in the urease activity (ureA and ureB) for 1-7h in each group showed that L. acidophilus NCFM, L. acidophilus La-14, L. plantarum Lp-115, and L. rhamnosus GG effectively reduced the colonization of H. pylori. We observed a higher ratio of lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration into the lamina propria of the gastric mucosa and neutrophil infiltration in H. pylori+NCFM+Lp-115 mice. The infiltration of inflammatory cells in lamina propria of the gastric mucosa was reduced in the H. pylori+NCFM+Lp-115 group. Additionally, the expression of IFN-γ was decreased significantly in the NCFM and Lp-115 treated C57BL/6 mice.

Conclusions

L. acidophilus NCFM and L. plantarum Lp-115 can reduce the adhesion of H. pylori and inhibit the gastric inflammatory response caused by H. pylori infection.

High-sensitivity qualitative and quantitative analysis of human, bovine and goat milk glycosphingolipids using HILIC-MS/MS with internal standards

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in human milk regulate the immune system, support intestinal maturation, and prevent gut pathogens. The structural complexity and low abundance of GSLs limits their systematic analysis. Here, we coupled the use of monosialoganglioside 1-2-amino-N-(2-aminoethyl) benzamide (GM1-AEAB) derivatives as internal standards with HILIC-MS/MS to qualitatively and quantitatively compare GSLs in human, bovine, and goat milk. One neutral glycosphingolipid (GB) and 33 gangliosides were found in human milk, of which 22 were newly detected and three were fucosylated. Five GB and 26 gangliosides were identified in bovine milk, of which 21 were newly discovered. Four GB and 33 gangliosides were detected in goat milk, 23 of them newly reported. GM1 was the main GSL in human milk; whereas disialoganglioside 3 (GD3) and monosialogangloside 3 (GM3) were dominant in bovine and goat milk, respectively; N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) was detected in >88 % of GSLs in bovine and goat milk. N-hydroxyacetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc)-modified GSLs were 3.5 times more abundant in goat than in bovine milk; whereas GSLs modified with both Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc were 3 times more abundant in bovine than in goat milk. Given the health benefits of different GSLs, these results will facilitate the development of custom-designed human milk-based infant formula.

Role of gut microbiota in tumorigenesis and antitumoral therapies: an updated review

Gut microbiota plays a prominent role in regulation of host nutrientmetabolism, drug and xenobiotics metabolism, immunomodulation and defense against pathogens. It synthesizes numerous metabolites thatmaintain the homeostasis of host. Any disbalance in the normalmicrobiota of gut can lead to pathological conditions includinginflammation and tumorigenesis. In the past few decades, theimportance of gut microbiota and its implication in various diseases, including cancer has been a prime focus in the field of research. Itplays a dual role in tumorigenesis, where it can accelerate as wellas inhibit the process. Various evidences validate the effects of gutmicrobiota in development and progression of malignancies, wheremanipulation of gut microbiota by probiotics, prebiotics, dietarymodifications and faecal microbiota transfer play a significant role.In this review, we focus on the current understanding of theinterrelationship between gut microbiota, immune system and cancer,the mechanisms by which they play dual role in promotion andinhibition of tumorigenesis. We have also discussed the role ofcertain bacteria with probiotic characteristics which can be used tomodulate the outcome of the various anti-cancer therapies under theinfluence of the alteration in the composition of gut microbiota.Future research primarily focusing on the microbiota as a communitywhich affect and modulate the treatment for cancer would benoteworthy in the field of oncology. This necessitates acomprehensive knowledge of the roles of individual as well asconsortium of microbiota in relation to physiology and response ofthe host.

Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastrointestinal microecology

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has exceeded 50% worldwide, and it is considered a high-risk factor for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma, gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional dyspepsia. H. pylori drug resistance is a common problem worldwide. In recent years, the relationship between H. pylori infection and gastrointestinal microecology has received much attention. H. pylori infection changes the structure and composition of gastrointestinal microflora by regulating the gastrointestinal microecological environment, local pH value, cytokines and antimicrobial peptides, and immune response and then plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors, liver metabolism and extragastrointestinal diseases. The quadruple strategy of H. pylori eradication can also aggravate gastrointestinal microflora disorder. However, probiotics can reduce intestinal flora changes and imbalances through different mechanisms, thus enhancing the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy and reducing adverse reactions caused by eradication therapy. Therefore, this paper reviews the relationship between H. pylori infection and gastrointestinal microecology and its clinical application, providing a basis for clinical treatment.

Utilizing Gut Microbiota to Improve Hepatobiliary Tumor Treatments: Recent Advances

Hepatobiliary tumors, which include cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and gallbladder cancer, are common cancers that have high morbidity and mortality rates and poor survival outcomes. In humans, the microbiota is comprised of symbiotic microbial cells (10-100 trillion) that belong to the bacterial ecosystem mainly residing in the gut. The gut microbiota is a complicated group that can largely be found in the intestine and has a dual role in cancer occurrence and progression. Previous research has focused on the crucial functions of the intestinal microflora as the main pathophysiological mechanism in HCC development. Intestinal bacteria produce a broad range of metabolites that exhibit a variety of pro- and anticarcinogenic effects on HCC. Therefore, probiotic alteration of the gut microflora could promote gut flora balance and help prevent the occurrence of HCC. Recent evidence from clinical and translational studies suggests that fecal microbiota transplant is one of the most successful therapies to correct intestinal bacterial imbalance. We review the literature describing the effects and mechanisms of the microbiome in the gut in the context of HCC, including gut bacterial metabolites, probiotics, antibiotics, and the transplantation of fecal microbiota, and discuss the potential influence of the microbiome environment on cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. Our findings are expected to reveal therapeutic targets for the prevention of hepatobiliary tumors, and the development of clinical treatment strategies, by emphasizing the function of the gut microbiota.

Biotechnological Processes Simulating the Natural Fermentation Process of Bee Bread and Therapeutic Properties-An Overview

Recent signs of progress in functional foods and nutraceuticals highlighted the favorable impact of bioactive molecules on human health and longevity. As an outcome of the fermentation process, an increasing interest is developed in bee products. Bee bread (BB) is a different product intended for humans and bees, resulting from bee pollen's lactic fermentation in the honeycombs, abundant in polyphenols, nutrients (vitamins and proteins), fatty acids, and minerals. BB conservation is correlated to bacteria metabolites, mainly created by Pseudomonas spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Saccharomyces spp., which give lactic acid bacteria the ability to outperform other microbial groups. Because of enzymatic transformations, the fermentation process increases the content of new compounds. After the fermentation process is finalized, the meaningful content of lactic acid and several metabolites prevent the damage caused by various pathogens that could influence the quality of BB. Over the last few years, there has been an increase in bee pollen fermentation processes to unconventional dietary and functional supplements. The use of the chosen starters improves the bioavailability and digestibility of bioactive substances naturally found in bee pollen. As a consequence of enzymatic changes, the fermentation process enhances BB components and preserves them against loss of characteristics. In this aspect, the present review describes the current biotechnological advancements in the development of BB rich in beneficial components derived from bee pollen fermentation and its use as a food supplement and probiotic product with increased shelf life and multiple health benefits.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of the novel Lactobacillus pentosus pentocin against Bacillus cereus

The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect and mechanism of Lactobacillus pentosus pentocin against Bacillus cereus. The dynamic growth of B. cereus showed that the pentocin had strong antibacterial activity against the strain. The antibacterial mechanism focused on cytomembrane destruction, biofilms formation, DNA replication and protein synthesis of B. cereus. The scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry analysis illustrated that the cytomembranes were destroyed, causing the leakage of internal cellular components. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that the genes (KinB, KinC and Spo0B) in two component systems signal pathway were down-regulated, which resulted in the inhibition of the spores and biofilms formation of B. cereus. The phosphorylation and autoinducer-2 import were inhibited by down-regulating the expression levels of LuxS and LsrB genes in quorum sensing signal pathway, which also suppressed biofilms formation of B. cereus. The K⁺ leakage activated the K⁺ transport channels by up-relating the genes (KdpA, KdpB and KdpC), promoting the entry of K⁺ from the extracellular. In addition, the pentocin interfered DNA replication and protein synthesis by regulating the genes associated with DNA replication (dnaX and holB), RNA degradation (cshA, rho, rnj, deaD, rny, dnaK, groEL and hfq) and ribosome function (rpsA, rpsO and rplS). In this article, we provide some novel insights into the molecular mechanism responsible for high antibacterial activity of the L. pentosus pentocin against B. cereus. And the pentocin might be a very promising natural preservative for controlling the B. cereus contaminations in foods.

Colostrum IgA1 antibodies recognize antigens from Helicobacter pylori and prevent cytoskeletal changes in human epithelial cells

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium found on the luminal surface of the gastric mucosa in at least 50% of the world's human population. The protective effect of breastfeeding against H. pylori infection has been extensively reported; however, the mechanisms behind this protection remain poorly understood. Human IgA from colostrum has reactivity against H. pylori antigens. Despite that IgA1 and IgA2 display structural and functional differences, their reactivity against H. pylori had not been previously determined. We attested titers and reactivity of human colostrum-IgA subclasses by ELISA, immunoblot, and flow cytometry. Colostrum samples from healthy mothers had higher titers of IgA; and IgA1 mostly recognized H. pylori antigens. Moreover, we found a correlation between IgA1 reactivity and their neutralizing effect determined by inhibition of cytoskeletal changes in AGS cells infected with H. pylori. In conclusion, colostrum-IgA reduces H. pylori infection of epithelial gastric cells, suggesting an important role in preventing the bacteria establishment during the first months of life. As a whole, these results suggest that IgA1 from human colostrum provides protection that may help in the development of the mucosal immune system of newborn children. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Modulatory Effects of Probiotics During Pathogenic Infections With Emphasis on Immune Regulation

In order to inhibit pathogenic complications and to enhance animal and poultry growth, antibiotics have been extensively used for many years. Antibiotics applications not only affect target pathogens but also intestinal beneficially microbes, inducing long-lasting changes in intestinal microbiota associated with diseases. The application of antibiotics also has many other side effects like, intestinal barrier dysfunction, antibiotics residues in foodstuffs, nephropathy, allergy, bone marrow toxicity, mutagenicity, reproductive disorders, hepatotoxicity carcinogenicity, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which greatly compromise the efficacy of antibiotics. Thus, the development of new antibiotics is necessary, while the search for antibiotic alternatives continues. Probiotics are considered the ideal antibiotic substitute; in recent years, probiotic research concerning their application during pathogenic infections in humans, aquaculture, poultry, and livestock industry, with emphasis on modulating the immune system of the host, has been attracting considerable interest. Hence, the adverse effects of antibiotics and remedial effects of probiotics during infectious diseases have become central points of focus among researchers. Probiotics are live microorganisms, and when given in adequate quantities, confer good health effects to the host through different mechanisms. Among them, the regulation of host immune response during pathogenic infections is one of the most important mechanisms. A number of studies have investigated different aspects of probiotics. In this review, we mainly summarize recent discoveries and discuss two important aspects: (1) the application of probiotics during pathogenic infections; and (2) their modulatory effects on the immune response of the host during infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Therapeutic Applications of Human and Bovine Colostrum in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases and Distinctive Cancer Types: The Current Evidence

The incidence of gastrointestinal disorders (GID) and cancers is escalating all over the world. Limited consumption of colostrum by newborns not only weakens the immune system but also predisposes infants to microbial infections. Colostrum is nature's perfect food, sometimes referred to as the 'elixir of life'. Breast-fed infants have a lower incidence of GI tract infections than infants fed formula or cow's milk. As per WHO statistics, cancer is the most prevalent disease globally and causes 9.6 million deaths worldwide. The current strategies for treating cancer include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, chemotherapy and radiation exposure are usually associated with serious long-term side effects and deterioration in the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Furthermore, the hospitalization and medication costs for treating cancers are exorbitant and impose high economic burden on healthcare systems. People are desperately looking for cost-effective and affordable alternative therapies for treating GID and cancers. Therefore, there is an urgent need for clinically evaluating the anticancer compounds isolated from plants and animals. Such therapies would not only be economical and have fewer side effects, but also help to improve the QOL of cancer patients. Recently, bovine colostrum (BC) has caught the attention of many investigators to explore its anticancer potential in humans. BC impregnated dressings are highly effective in treating chronic wounds and diabetic foot ulcer. BC is rich in lactoferrin, a glycoprotein with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. Intravaginal application of BC tablets is effective in causing the regression of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The underlying mechanisms of BC at cellular, genetic, and molecular levels remain to be ascertained. Oral BC supplement is well-tolerated, but some people may experience problems such as flatulence and nausea. Well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials are needed to access the therapeutic potential, long-term safety, and optimal doses of BC products. This review is aimed to highlight the anticancer potential of BC and its components, and the therapeutic applications of BC supplements in treating gastrointestinal diseases in children and adults. We also discuss the health promotion benefits and therapeutic potential of BC nutraceuticals in reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases.

Thirty Years of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: A Review

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) was the first strain belonging to the genus Lactobacillus to be patented in 1989 thanks to its ability to survive and to proliferate at gastric acid pH and in medium containing bile, and to adhere to enterocytes. Furthermore LGG is able to produces both a biofilm that can mechanically protect the mucosa, and different soluble factors beneficial to the gut by enhancing intestinal crypt survival, diminishing apoptosis of the intestinal epithelium, and preserving cytoskeletal integrity. Moreover LGG thanks to its lectin-like protein 1 and 2 inhibits some pathogens such as Salmonella species. Finally LGG is able to promote type 1 immune-responsiveness by reducing the expression of several activation and inflammation markers on monocytes and by increasing the production of interleukin-10, interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α in macrophages. A large number of research data on Lactobacillus GG is the basis for the use of this probiotic for human health. In this review we have considered predominantly randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, Cochrane Review, guide lines of Scientific Societies and anyway studies whose results were evaluated by means of relative risk, odds ratio, weighted mean difference 95% confidence interval. The effectiveness of LGG in gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea, antibiotic and Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory tract infections, allergy, cardiovascular diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cystic fibrosis, cancer, elderly end sport were analyzed.

The Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus for Alleviation of Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastric Pathology in East Africa

The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can play a role in establishing a harmless relationship with Helicobacter pylori and reduce gastric pathology in East African populations. H. pylori has the ability to inhabit the surface of the mucous layer of the human stomach and duodenum. In the developing world, an estimated 51% of the population is carrier of H. pylori, while in some Western countries these numbers dropped below 20%, which is probably associated with improved sanitation and smaller family sizes. Colonization by H. pylori can be followed by inflammation of the gastric mucus layer, and is a risk factor in the development of atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Notwithstanding the higher prevalence of H. pylori carriers in developing countries, no equal overall increase in gastric pathology is found. This has been attributed to a less pro-inflammatory immune response to H. pylori in African compared to Caucasian populations. In addition, a relatively low exposure to other risk factors in certain African populations may play a role, including the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking, and diets without certain protective factors. A novel approach to the reduction of H. pylori associated gastric pathology is found in the administration of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba 2012 (LRY), the generic variant of LGG. This gastro-intestinal isolate inhibits H. pylori by competition for substrate and binding sites as well as production of antimicrobial compounds such as lactic acid. In addition, it attenuates the host's H. pylori-induced apoptosis and inflammation responses and stimulates angiogenesis in the gastric and duodenal epithelium. The probiotic LRY is not able to eradicate H. pylori completely, but its co-supplementation in antibiotic eradication therapy has been shown to relieve side effects of this therapy. In Uganda, unlike other African countries, gastric pathology is relatively common, presumably resulting from the lack of dietary protective factors in the traditional diet. Supplementation with LRY through local production of probiotic yogurt, could be a solution to establish a harmless relationship with H. pylori and reduce gastric pathology and subsequent eradication therapy treatment.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: An Overview to Explore the Rationale of Its Use in Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the western world. In the era of precision medicine, a significant number of cancer patients can be cured with several anti-cancer therapeutic regimens. However, therapy failure may be caused by treatment side effects, such as diarrhea, especially occurring in patients with gastrointestinal or pelvic malignancies. In particular, diarrhea is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal toxicity during cancer treatment and it can result from nearly bot chemo- and radio-therapeutic strategies currently used. Diarrhea has a serious impact on patients’ quality of life and treatment dosing and schedule modification due to its severity can negatively influence treatment outcomes. In this context, probiotics may play an interesting role in several human diseases with an inflammatory bowel involvement and, among these, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is one of the most characterized and utilized. In particular, LGG is able to reverse intestinal dysbiosis and moderate diarrhea. Moreover, preclinical studies have documented its effects in reducing chronic inflammation associated with cancer development. This review summarizes the preclinical results of LGG on cancer cells proliferation and tumor invasion as well as the potential role of LGG use in cancer patients for the prevention and management of diarrhea associated with cancer treatment. Overall, these encouraging data support further investigation on the use of LGG in stratified patients undergoing specific therapeutic protocols, including chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy, in order to reduce the development of severe diarrhea and thus improve the adherence to the therapy and patients’ quality of life.

Anti-infective activities of lactobacillus strains in the human intestinal microbiota: from probiotics to gastrointestinal anti-infectious biotherapeutic agents

A vast and diverse array of microbial species displaying great phylogenic, genomic, and metabolic diversity have colonized the gastrointestinal tract. Resident microbes play a beneficial role by regulating the intestinal immune system, stimulating the maturation of host tissues, and playing a variety of roles in nutrition and in host resistance to gastric and enteric bacterial pathogens. The mechanisms by which the resident microbial species combat gastrointestinal pathogens are complex and include competitive metabolic interactions and the production of antimicrobial molecules. The human intestinal microbiota is a source from which Lactobacillus probiotic strains have often been isolated. Only six probiotic Lactobacillus strains isolated from human intestinal microbiota, i.e., L. rhamnosus GG, L. casei Shirota YIT9029, L. casei DN-114 001, L. johnsonii NCC 533, L. acidophilus LB, and L. reuteri DSM 17938, have been well characterized with regard to their potential antimicrobial effects against the major gastric and enteric bacterial pathogens and rotavirus. In this review, we describe the current knowledge concerning the experimental antibacterial activities, including antibiotic-like and cell-regulating activities, and therapeutic effects demonstrated in well-conducted, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials of these probiotic Lactobacillus strains. What is known about the antimicrobial activities supported by the molecules secreted by such probiotic Lactobacillus strains suggests that they constitute a promising new source for the development of innovative anti-infectious agents that act luminally and intracellularly in the gastrointestinal tract.

The Potential Role of Probiotics in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The human gut microbiota has a significant effect on many aspects of human physiology such as metabolism, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Imbalance of the microbiota has been implicated in many disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, asthma, psychiatric illnesses, and cancers. As a kind of functional foods, probiotics have been shown to play a protective role against cancer development in animal models. Clinical application of probiotics indicated that some probiotic strains could diminish the incidence of postoperative inflammation in cancer patients. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy-related diarrhea was relieved in patients who were administered oral probiotics. The present review summarizes the up-to-date studies on probiotic effects and the underlying mechanisms related to cancer. At present, it is commonly accepted that most commercial probiotic products are generally safe and can improve the health of the host. By modulating intestinal microbiota and immune response, some strains of probiotics can be used as an adjuvant for cancer prevention or/and treatment.

Inhibitory effect of piperine on Helicobacter pylori growth and adhesion to gastric adenocarcinoma cells

Background

Piperine is a compound comprising 5-9% of black pepper (Piper nigrum), which has a variety of biological roles related to anticancer activities. Helicobacter pylori has been classified as a gastric carcinogen, because it causes gastritis and gastric cancer by injecting the virulent toxin CagA and translocating VacA. The present study investigated the inhibitory action of piperine on H. pylori growth and adhesion.

Methods

Inhibition of H. pylori growth was determined by the broth macrodilution method, and adhesion to gastric adenocarcinoma cells validated by urease assay. Motility test was performed by motility agar and the expression of adhesion gene and flagellar gene in response to the piperine treatment was assessed by RT-PCR and immunoblotting.

Results

Administrated piperine suppressed the level of H. pylori adhesion to gastric adenocarcinoma cells in a dose dependent manner and the inhibition was statistically significant as determined by Student’s t-test. In addition, piperine treatment effects on the flagellar hook gene flgE and integral membrane component of the export apparatus gene flhA expression to be suppressed and piperine diminished the H. pylori motility.

Conclusions

flhA, encodes an integral membrane component of the export apparatus, which is also one of the regulatory protein in the class 2 genes expression and flgE is one of them that encodes hook part of the flagella. Suppression of both genes, leads to less motility results in the organism attracted less towards to the gastric epithelial cells might be the possible reason in the adhesion inhibition. To our knowledge, this is the first report published on the inhibitory effects of piperine against the adhesion of H. pylori to gastric adenocarcinoma cells.

Use of selected lactic acid bacteria in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori is among the major pathogenic bacteria that cause chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease and is related to the development of gastric cancer. Several chemicals, including antibiotics, have been used to eradicate H. pylori; however, they do not always curb the infection. Ten representative type strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened for antagonism toward H. pylori via inhibition of urease activity. Strains inhibiting the binding of H. pylori to human gastric cell line cells and suppressing H. pylori-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) production were also screened. Of these, Pediococcus pentosaseus (SL4), which inhibited the adhesion of H. pylori to MKN-45 gastric cancer cells, Bifidobacterium longum (BG7), with urease inhibiting activity, and Lactococcus lactis (SL3), and Enterococcus faecalis (SL5), which suppressed H. pylori-induced IL-8 production within MKN-45 and AGS cells, were selected. In mouse model, these LAB stains in combination significantly suppressed IL-8 levels in serum. Gastric pH also recovered to normal values after the administration of these LAB. These stains effectively suppressed H. pylori viability, although not to the extent of antibiotic treatment. When used as probiotics, LAB may help decrease the occurrence of gastritis and reduce the risk of H. pylori infection without, inducing side effects.

Efficacy of Bacillus licheniformis combined with PPI triple therapy in eradication of Helicobacter pylori

AIM: To observe the effect of Bacillus licheniformis in combination with PPI triple therapy on the cure rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and improvement of clinical symptoms.

METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients who were diagnosed with erosive gastritis or peptic ulcer with H. pylori infection by gastroscopy, rapid urease method and pathological staining at our hospital were randomly divided into three groups: triple therapy group (n = 40, treated with lansoprazole 30 mg bid + amoxicillin 1.0 bid + levofloxacin 0.5 QD), quadruple therapy group (n = 40, treated with bismuth pectin 0.2 bid + lansoprazole 30 mg bid + amoxicillin 1.0 bid + levofloxacin 0.5 QD), and combination treatment group (n = 40, treated with Bacillus licheniformis 0.5 bid + lansoprazole 30 mg bid + amoxicillin 1.0 bid + levofloxacin 0.5 QD). The triple therapy and quadruple therapy groups were treated for 7 d, and the treatment group continued taking Bacillus licheniformis capsules for an additional 14 d. Patients with gastric ulcer continued taking LAN 30 mg, once daily for 5 wk, and those with duodenal ulcer continued taking lansoprazole 30 mg, once daily for 3 wk.

RESULTS: H. pylori eradication rate was significantly higher in the Bacillus licheniformis group than in the triple therapy group (85% vs 70%, P < 0.05), but showed no significant difference between the Bacillus licheniformis group and quadruple therapy group (85% vs 82.5%, P > 0.05). The clinical symptoms were improved more significantly in the Bacillus licheniformis group than in the triple therapy group (97.5% vs 75.0%, P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the percentage of patients showing symptom improvement between the Bacillus licheniformis group and quadruple therapy group (97.5% vs 95.0%, P > 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the Bacillus licheniformis group than in the triple therapy group (2.5% vs 12.5%, P < 0.05) and quadruple therapy group 2 (2.5% vs 25.0%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Bacillus licheniformis can improve the eradication rate of H. pylori, alleviate clinical symptoms and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions in patients undergoing triple therapy.

Effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Lactobacillus acidophilus on secretion of IL1B, IL6, and IL8 by gingival epithelial cells

Porphyromonas gingivalis alters cytokine expression in gingival epithelial cells, stimulating inflammatory responses that may lead to periodontal disease. This study explored the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus on the specific expressions of the interleukins (ILs) IL1B, IL6, and IL8 induced by the pathogen. Human gingival epithelial cells were co-cultured with P. gingivalis, L. acidophilus, or L. acidophilus + P. gingivalis; the control group consisted of the cells alone. Protein and gene expression levels of the ILs were detected using ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively. The supernatant from the P. gingivalis group held significantly higher protein and mRNA levels of IL1B, IL6, and IL8, compared to the control group. In the mixed bacterial group (L. acidophilus + P. gingivalis), the levels of all three ILs decreased with increasing concentrations of L. acidophilus and were significantly different from the P. gingivalis group. This suggests that in gingival cells, L. acidophilus offsets the P. gingivalis-induced secretion of these ILs in a dose-dependent manner.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection by the probiotic strains Lactobacillus johnsonii MH-68 and L. salivarius ssp. salicinius AP-32

BACKGROUND

The current therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection includes antimicrobial agents and proton pump inhibitors. We have examined the ability of Lactobacillus spp. to inhibit H. pylori infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Probiotic strains isolated from samples of adult feces, infant feces, breast milk, and vaginal swab collected from healthy volunteers in Taiwan and commercially available strains were screened for antagonism toward H. pylori. Inhibition liquid culture assay was used to screen potential anti-H. pylori activity. Then, we performed agar plate inhibition assay, and assays to determine the capacity of probiotics for adhesion, and inhibition and killing of H. pylori, and measured the levels of IL-8 and IL-10. Using animal models, we studied regulation of gastric acid and histopathological changes accompanying anti-H. pylori activity.

RESULTS

We found that six of the tested strains suppressed urease activity of H. pylori: Lactobacillus acidophilus TYCA08, L. acidophilus TYCA15, L. johnsonii MH-68, and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP-32 were more effective than the others. In vivo, L. johnsonii MH-68 and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP-32 alone or in combination, reduced the H. pylori load in the gastric mucosa, and also reduced inflammatory chemokine expression and lymphocyte infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

Lactobacillus johnsonii MH-68 and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP-32 effectively suppress H. pylori viability, and when used as probiotics, they may help decrease the occurrence of gastritis, and even reduce the risk of H. pylori infection.

Antagonistic activities of lactobacilli against Helicobacter pylori growth and infection in human gastric epithelial cells

Lactobacilli have positive effects on bowel microflora and health in humans and animals. In this study, the antagonistic activities of Lactobacillus gasseri Chen, and L. plantarum 18 were assessed by agar plate diffusion assay and tests that determined the growth and urease activity of Helicobacter pylori cocultured with lactobacilli and the adherence of H. pylori to human gastric epithelial cells in the presence of lactobacilli. The results showed that the 2 Lactobacillus strains had significant anti-H.pylori activity, and this activity may be contributed by the cell-free supernatants (CFS) of lactobacilli and live Lactobacillus strains in vitro. The antagonistic activity of the CFS against H. pylori depended on the pH and the presence of metabolites, such as organic acids and proteases. Our results also indicated that 2 Lactobacillus strains could inhibit H. pylori adherence human gastric epithelial cells.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Helicobacter pylori causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer, and it infects about 50% of the world's population. Lactobacilli have been reported to have an inhibitory effect on H. pylori and can be used as probiotic to manufacture dairy products preventing H. pylori infection.

The role of CXC chemokines in the transition of chronic inflammation to esophageal and gastric cancer

Chronic inflammation may increase the risk to develop cancer, for instance esophagitis or gastritis may lead to development of esophageal or gastric cancer, respectively. The key molecules attracting leukocytes to local inflammatory sites are chemokines. We here provide a systematic review on the impact of CXC chemokines (binding the receptors CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3 and CXCR4) on the transition of chronic inflammation in the upper gastrointestinal tract to neoplasia. CXCR2 ligands, including GRO-α,β,γ/CXCL1,2,3, ENA-78/CXCL5 and IL-8/CXCL8 chemoattract pro-tumoral neutrophils. In addition, angiogenic CXCR2 ligands stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, facilitating tumor progression. The CXCR4 ligand SDF-1/CXCL12 also promotes tumor development by stimulating angiogenesis and by favoring metastasis of CXCR4-positive tumor cells to distant organs producing SDF-1/CXCL12. Furthermore, these angiogenic chemokines also directly enhance tumor cell survival and proliferation. In contrast, the CXCR3 ligands Mig/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10 and I-TAC/CXCL11 are angiostatic and attract anti-tumoral T lymphocytes and may therefore mediate tumor growth retardation and regression. Thus, chemokines exert diverging, sometimes dual roles in tumor biology as described for esophageal and gastric cancer. Therefore extensive research is needed to completely unravel the complex chemokine code in specific cancers. Possibly, chemokine-targeted cancer therapy will have to be adapted to the individual's chemokine profile.

Evidence of involvement of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to gastric epithelial cells

The adherence of Helicobacter pylori to gastric epithelial cells is required for prolonged persistence in the stomach and for induction of injury. Here, we first reported a new role of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) on the adherence of H. pylori to gastric epithelial cells, assessed by different methods and binding to immobilized RAGE. RAGE-targeted knock-down in MKN74 cell line markedly reduced not only the adhesion of H. pylori, but also the levels of IL-8 transcripts and protein released in response to infection. These data suggest that RAGE may represent a new factor on the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of fermented milk with lactic acid bacteria

BACKGROUND

Ten strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were investigated for their anti-Helicobacter pylori effects. The bactericidal activity and organic acid content in spent culture supernatants (SCS) from fermented milk were measured. In addition, the exclusion effect of SCS against H. pylori infection of human gastric epithelial AGS cells was assayed.

RESULTS

Three LAB strains, LY1, LY5 and IF22, showed better anti-Helicobacter effects than the other strains. There were no significant differences in the bactericidal activity of LAB strains between original SCS, artificial SCS and SCS treated by heating or protease digestion. However, neutralised SCS lost this activity. These results suggest that the anti-H. pylori activity of SCS may be related to the concentration of organic acids and the pH value but not to protein components. In the AGS cell culture test, both fermented LY5-SCS and artificial LY5-SCS significantly reduced H. pylori infection and urease activity (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this study, in vitro methods were used to screen potential probiotics with anti-H. pylori activity. This may provide an excellent and rapid system for studying probiotics in the functional food and dairy industries.

Inflammation, immunity, and vaccines for Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori infects almost half of the population worldwide and represents the major cause of gastroduodenal diseases, such as duodenal and gastric ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma, autoimmune gastritis, and B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Helicobacter pylori induces the activation of a complex and fascinating cytokine and chemokine network in the gastric mucosa. Different bacterial and environmental factors, other concomitant infections, and host genetics may influence the balance between mucosal tolerance and inflammation in the course of H. pylori infection. An inverse association between H. pylori prevalence and the frequencies of asthma and allergies was demonstrated, and the neutrophil activating protein of H. pylori was shown to inhibit the allergic inflammation of bronchial asthma. During the last year, significant progress was made on the road to the first efficient vaccine for H. pylori that will represent a novel and very important bullet against both infection and gastric cancer.

Lactobacillus salivarius modulates cytokine induction and virulence factor gene expression in Helicobacter pylori

Human infection by the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is characterized by a robust immune response which rarely prevents persistent H. pylori colonization. Emerging evidence suggests that lactobacilli may reduce H. pylori infection rates and associated inflammation. In this study, we measured the ability of two model strains of Lactobacillus salivarius (UCC118 and UCC119) to modulate gastric epithelial cell chemokine responses to H. pylori infection. Pre-treatment of AGS cells with either L. salivarius strain significantly decreased interleukin-8 (IL-8) production upon exposure to H. pylori, but not in cells stimulated with TNF-alpha. The production of the chemokines CCL20 and IP-10 by AGS cells infected with H. pylori was also altered following pre-treatment with UCC118 and UCC119. We showed that a greater reduction in IL-8 production with UCC119 was due to the production of more acid by this strain. Furthermore, UV-killed cells of both lactobacillus strains were still able to reduce H. pylori-induced IL-8 in the absence of acid production, indicating the action of a second anti-inflammatory mechanism. This immunomodulatory activity was not dependent on adhesion to epithelial cells or bacteriocin production. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that expression of eight of twelve Cag pathogenicity island genes tested was downregulated by exposure to L. salivarius, but not by cells of four other lactobacillus species. CagA accumulated in H. pylori cells following exposure to L. salivarius presumably as a result of loss of functionality of the Cag secretion system. These data identified a new mechanism whereby some probiotic bacteria have a positive effect on H. pylori-associated inflammation without clearing the infection.