Mechanisms and applications of probiotics in prevention and treatment of swine diseases

The Immune-Enhancing Effects of a Lactobacillus paracasei L-30 Extract Through the NF-κB and MAPK Pathways in RAW264.7

Immune enhancement is an important factor that not only helps prevent infections but also affects overall health. This study aims to evaluate the immunostimulatory effects of a novel Lactobacillus strain, Lactobacillus paracasei L-30, and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. The extract obtained from Lactobacillus paracasei L-30 significantly increased phagocytosis and the production of NO and ROS in RAW264.7 macrophages. The protein and mRNA expression levels of COX-2 and iNOS which are immune regulators were upregulated by the L-30 extract. The levels of cytokines and chemokines, such as G-CSF, IL-6, MIP-1α, MIP-1γ, RANTES, sTNF RI, and sTNF RII, were increased by the treatment with the L-30 extract. In addition, the L-30 extract degraded IκB-α and induced the phosphorylation of NF-κB. Furthermore, the MAPK signaling pathways ERK, JNK, and p38 were activated by the L-30 extract. The production of iNOS, COX-2, and NO was inhibited by MAPK pathway inhibitors. Therefore, our data suggest that the Lactobacillus paracasei L-30 extract has the potential to be developed as a healthy functional food that can enhance immune responses by activating macrophages.

Pig nasal and rectal microbiotas are involved in the antibody response to Glaesserella parasuis

Vaccination stands as one of the most sustainable and promising strategies to control infectious diseases in animal production. Nevertheless, the causes for antibody response variation among individuals are poorly understood. The animal microbiota has been shown to be involved in the correct development and function of the host immunity, including the antibody response. Here, we studied the nasal and rectal microbiota composition in association with the antibody response against the pathobiont Glaesserella parasuis. The nasal and rectal microbiotas of 24 piglets were sampled in two farms before vaccination and in one unvaccinated farm (naturally exposed to the pathobiont) at similar time. Microbiota composition was inferred by V3V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and the antibody response was quantified using the variation between the levels before and after vaccination (normalized per farm). Piglets with higher antibody responses showed more diverse nasal and rectal microbial communities compared to piglets with lower responses. Moreover, swine nasal core microbiota colonizers were associated with higher antibody levels, such as several members from Bacteroidales and Clostridiales orders and genera including Moraxella, Staphylococcus, Fusobacterium and Neisseria. Regarding taxa found in the rectal microbiota, associations with antibody responses were detected only at order level, pointing towards a positive role for Clostridiales while negative for Enterobacteriales. Altogether, these results suggest that the microbiota is associated with the antibody response to G. parasuis (and probably to other pathogens) and serves as starting point to understand the factors that contribute to immunization in pigs.

Probiotic Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Donkey Feces in China

Probiotics are beneficial to humans and animals and often used for regulating immunity, intestinal microbiota balance, and animal growth performance. Donkey husbandry has boomed in China in recent years and there is an urgent need for probiotics effective for improving donkey health. However, studies on potential probiotic strains isolated from donkeys are scarce. This project aimed to screen LAB strains from donkey feces, detect their antimicrobial activity and evaluate their probiotic characteristics in vitro. Thirteen LAB isolates showed different degrees of antimicrobial activity against four indicator bacteria: three common pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium) and one pathogen restricted to equines (Salmonella. abortus equi), eight of which could inhibit all four pathogens. Seven isolates showed higher tolerance to low pH and bile salts, with >50% and >60% survival rates, respectively. Five of them had more than 50% survival rate to artificial gastric and intestinal fluids. Only three isolates possessed good properties, with >40% auto-aggregation, >40% hydrophobicity, and high co-aggregation with the indicator pathogens. An L9 isolate, identified as Ligilactobacillus salivarius, was sensitive to most antibiotics tested. Overall, these results indicate that the L. salivarius L9 isolate meets the requirements of the probiotics selection criteria in vitro and can potentially be developed as a probiotic for donkeys.

Effects of prebiotic and multispecies probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota, immune function, and growth performance of weaned piglets

In this study, we evaluated the impact of yeast cell wall prebiotics and multispecies probiotics on the gut microbiota, immune response, and growth performance of weaned piglets, as alternatives to antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs). A randomized complete block design was employed, involving 160 piglets divided into four treatment groups during the nursery phase. The treatments applied throughout the experimental period were as follows: CONT+ = basal diet with halquinol (AGP); YCW = basal diet with yeast cell wall (cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast); SIM+ = basal diet with yeast cell wall + multispecies probiotic (Bacillus subtilis (2.0 x 109 CFU/g), Bacillus coagulans (5.0 x 108 CFU/g), Clostridium butyricum (5.0 x 107 CFU/g), and Bacillus licheniformis (2.0 x 109 CFU/g)); SIM- = basal diet with yeast cell wall + multispecies probiotic (half dose). The parameters assessed included daily feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), diarrhea score, serum cytokine levels, and chemokine concentrations, as well as microbiota analysis. During the 21 to 63-day study period, only FCR differed significantly (p = 0.0076). CONT+ and PREB had superior FCRs of 1.543 and 1.585, while SIM- had the least favorable FCR at 1.654. At 35 days, IL-10 levels were greater in the SIM- group, showing a 271.25% increase over those in the other groups. By 49 days, the IL-8 concentration was lower in the PREB group than in the CONT+ group, with a reduction of 247%, while the IL-8 concentrations in the SIM+ and SIM- groups were not significantly different from those in the other groups. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in the CONT+ group was lower than that in the PREB, SIM+, and SIM- treatment groups. The Lactobacillaceae family was more abundant in the SIM+ treatment, followed by the SIM- and PREB treatments. The CONT+ treatment had the lowest abundance. The abundance of the genus Lactobacillus differed between the CONT+ group and the PREB, SIM+, and SIM- treatment groups. Prebiotics, used either alone or combined with probiotics, serve as effective substitutes for AGPs, boosting piglets' health and performance throughout the nursery phase.

Isolation, Genomics-Based and Biochemical Characterization of Bacteriocinogenic Bacteria and Their Bacteriocins, Sourced from the Gastrointestinal Tract of Meat-Producing Pigs

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge to animal production due to the widespread use of antibiotics. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies to effectively manage bacterial infections, protect animal health, and reduce reliance on antibiotics. This study evaluated the use of emerging approaches and procedures for the isolation, identification, and characterization of bacteriocin-producing bacteria and their bacteriocins, sourced from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of meat-producing pigs. Out of 2056 isolates screened against Gram-positive and Gram-negative indicator strains, 20 of the most active antimicrobial isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) for the prediction of coding DNA sequences (CDS) and the identification of bacteriocin gene clusters (BGC) and their functions. The use of an in vitro cell-free protein synthesis (IV-CFPS) protocol and the design of an IV-CFPS coupled to a split-intein mediated ligation (IV-CFPS/SIML) procedure made possible the evaluation of the production and antimicrobial activity of described and putatively novel bacteriocins. A colony MALDI-TOF MS procedure assisted in the identification of class I, II, and III lanthipeptides. MALDI-TOF MS and a targeted proteomics, combined with a massive peptide analysis (LC-MS/MS) approach, has proven valuable for the identification and biochemical characterization of previously described and novel bacteriocins encoded by the isolated bacteriocin-producing strains.

Limosilactobacillus allomucosae sp. nov., a novel species isolated from wild boar faecal samples as a potential probiotic for domestic pigs

Six strains, WILCCON 0050, WILCCON 0051, WILCCON 0052, WILCCON 0053, WILCCON 0054, WILCCON 0055T, were isolated from four different faecal samples of wild boars on Pulau Ubin, Singapore, Singapore. Based on core genome phylogenetic analysis, the six strains formed a distinct clade within the genus Limosilactobacillus (Lm.), with the most closely related type strain being Lm. mucosae DSM 13345T. The minimum ANI, dDDH, and AAI values within these six strains were 97.8%, 78.8%, and 98.6%, respectively. In contrast, the ANI, dDDH, and AAI values with Lm. mucosae DSM 13345T were lower, ranging between 94.8-95.1%, 57.1-59.0%, and 95.9-97.0%, respectively. While ANI and AAI were close to the thresholds of 95% and 97% for bacterial species delineation, respectively, dDDH was significantly lower than the threshold value of 70%. Based on our phylogenomic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, we propose a novel species with the name Limosilactobacillus allomucosae sp. nov., with WILCCON 0055T (DSM 117632T = LMG 33563T) as the designated type strain. In vitro investigations revealed the strains' ability to break down raffinose-family oligosaccharides, and to utilize prebiotics such as xylo-oligosaccharides and galacturonic acid, thereby enhancing fibre digestion and nutrient absorption. Moreover, strong auto-aggregation properties, as well as resistance to low pH and porcine bile were observed, suggesting their potential survival and persistence during passage through the gut. The high bile tolerance of these strains appears to be attributed to their ability to deconjugate a wide range of conjugated bile compounds. In silico analysis indicated a strong potential for mucin-binding activity, which aids their colonization in the gut. These characteristics indicate the potential suitability of strains of Lm. allomucosae as probiotics for domestic pigs.

Efficacy and Safety of Wilac L Probiotic Complex Isolated from Kimchi on the Regulation of Alcohol and Acetaldehyde Metabolism in Humans

Alcohol-related hangovers impact both physical and mental wellness, largely due to acetaldehyde levels produced through alcohol metabolism. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of the Wilac L probiotic complex (Levilactobacillus brevis WiKim0168 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides WiKim0172 isolated from kimchi) in improving hangovers post-alcohol consumption. This study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled clinical trial from August 2023 to February 2024. Subjects (n = 26) were randomized into six test groups consuming three products, the Wilac L probiotic complex, Wilac L35 (Wilac L probiotic complex with Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai), or placebo, in different orders with crossover after a wash-out interval of 7-10 days. Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations were measured 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 15 h after alcohol consumption. The blood acetaldehyde levels measured with Wilac L probiotic complex supplementation were significantly lower than the control at 0.25 (p = 0.0381), 0.5 (p = 0.0498), and 1 h (p = 0.0260) post-consumption. The blood acetaldehyde levels after Wilac L35 consumption compared to the control are significant at 0.25 (p = 0.0115), 0.5 (p = 0.0054), 1 (p = 0.0285), 2 (p = 0.0113), and 6 h (p = 0.0287) post-consumption. No significant adverse events were reported. The Wilac L probiotic complex is associated with decreased blood acetaldehyde levels and improved subjective hangover symptoms.

Investigation of the impact of multi-strain probiotics containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae on porcine production

A balanced intestinal microbiome controls intestinal bacterial diseases, helps regulate immunity, and digests and utilizes nutrients, ultimately having a positive effect on the productivity of industrial animals. Yeasts help in the digestion process by breaking down indigestible fibers and producing organic acids, vitamins, and minerals. In particular, polysaccharides such as beta-glucan and mannan-oligosaccharides, which are present in the cell wall of yeast, inhibit the adhesion of pathogens to the surface of the gastrointestinal tract and increase resistance to disease to help maintain and improve intestinal health. Among the yeast additives used in animal feed, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most commonly used probiotics. However, it does not naturally reside in the intestine, so if it is supplied in combination with other species of probiotics that can compensate for it, many benefits and synergies can be expected for pigs in terms of maintaining intestinal health such as supplementing the immune system and improving digestion. A number of previous studies have demonstrated that dietary complex probiotic supplementation has growth-promoting effects in pigs, suggesting that multiple strains of probiotics may be more effective than single strain probiotics due to their additive and synergistic effects. In practice, however, the effects of complex probiotics are not always consistent, and can be influenced by a variety of factors. Therefore, this review comprehensively examines and discusses the literature related to the effects of complex probiotics using Saccharomyces cerevisiae in pig production.

Role of immunomodulatory probiotics in alleviating bacterial diarrhea in piglets: a systematic review

Diarrhea is a common enteric disease in piglets that leads to high mortality and economic losses in swine production worldwide. Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent or treat diarrhea in piglets. However, irrational antibiotic use contributes to the development of resistance in bacteria and antibiotic residues in animal products, threatening public health, while causing gut microbiota dysbiosis and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection in piglets. Therefore, the quest for alternative products (such as probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, enzymes, essential oils, medium-chain fatty acids, zinc, and plant extracts) has recently been clearly emphasized through the increase in regulations regarding antibiotic use in livestock production. These antibiotic alternatives could lower the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and meet consumer demand for antibiotic-free food. Several antibiotic alternatives have been proposed, including immunomodulatory probiotics, as candidates to reduce the need for antimicrobial therapy. Many studies have revealed that probiotics can avert and cure bacterial diarrhea by regulating the gut function and immune system of piglets. In this review, we focus on the major pathogenic bacteria causing piglet diarrhea, the research status of using probiotics to prevent and treat diarrhea, their possible mechanisms, and the safety issues related to the use of probiotics. Supplementation with probiotics is a possible alternative to antibiotics for the prevention or treatment of bacterial diarrhea in piglets. Furthermore, probiotics exert beneficial effects on feed efficiency and growth performance of piglets. Therefore, appropriate selection and strategies for the use of probiotics may have a positive effect on growth performance and also reduce diarrhea in piglets. This review provides useful information on probiotics for researchers, pig nutritionists, and the additive industry to support their use against bacterial diarrhea in piglets.

Important role of Bacillus subtilis as a probiotic and vaccine carrier in animal health maintenance

Bacillus subtilis is a widespread Gram-positive facultative aerobic bacterium that is recognized as generally safe. It has shown significant application value and great development potential in the animal farming industry. As a probiotic, it is frequently used as a feed growth supplement to effectively replace antibiotics due to its favourable effects on regulating the intestinal flora, improving intestinal immunity, inhibiting harmful microorganisms, and secreting bioactive substances. Consequently, the gut health and disease resistance of farmed animals can be improved. Both vegetative and spore forms of B. subtilis have also been utilized as vaccine carriers for delivering the antigens of infectious pathogens for over a decade. Notably, its spore form is regarded as one of the most prospective for displaying heterologous antigens with high activity and stability. Previously published reviews have predominantly focused on the development and applications of B. subtilis spore surface display techniques. However, this review aims to summarize recent studies highlighting the important role of B. subtilis as a probiotic and vaccine carrier in maintaining animal health. Specifically, we focus on the beneficial effects and underlying mechanisms of B. subtilis in enhancing disease resistance among farmed animals as well as its potential application as mucosal vaccine carriers. It is anticipated that B. subtilis will assume an even more prominent role in promoting animal health with in-depth research on its characteristics and genetic manipulation tools.

Defined Pig Microbiota Mixture as Promising Strategy against Salmonellosis in Gnotobiotic Piglets

Probiotics are a potential strategy for salmonellosis control. A defined pig microbiota (DPM) mixture of nine bacterial strains previously exhibited probiotic and anti-Salmonella properties in vitro. Therefore, we evaluated its gut colonization ability and protection effect against S. typhimurium LT2-induced infection in the gnotobiotic piglet model. The DPM mixture successfully colonized the piglet gut and was stable and safe until the end of the experiment. The colon was inhabited by about 9 log CFU g-1 with a significant representation of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli compared to ileal levels around 7-8 log CFU g-1. Spore-forming clostridia and bacilli seemed to inhabit the environment only temporarily. The bacterial consortium contributed to the colonization of the gut at an entire length. The amplicon profile analysis supported the cultivation trend with a considerable representation of lactobacilli with bacilli in the ileum and bifidobacteria with clostridia in the colon. Although there was no significant Salmonella-positive elimination, it seems that the administered bacteria conferred the protection of infected piglets because of the slowed delayed infection manifestation without translocations of Salmonella cells to the blood circulation. Due to its colonization stability and potential protective anti-Salmonella traits, the DPM mixture has promising potential in pig production applications. However, advanced immunological tests are needed.

Effects of Probiotic-Fermented Feed on the Growth Profile, Immune Functions, and Intestinal Microbiota of Bamei Piglets

Purebred Bamei piglets present problems, including slow growth, respiratory disease, and post-weaning stress. This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum QP28-1- and Bacillus subtilis QB8-fermented feed supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, and intestinal microflora of Bamei piglets from Qinghai, China. A total of 48 purebred Bamei piglets (25 days; 6.8 ± 0.97 kg) were divided into the following four groups for a 28-day diet experiment: basal feed (CK); diet containing 10% Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented feed (L); diet containing 10% Bacillus subtilis-fermented feed (B); and diet containing a mixture of 5% Lactobacillus plantarum + 5% Bacillus subtilis-fermented feed (H). The daily weight gain and daily food intake of group H increased (p < 0.05), and the feed/weight gain ratios of the groups fed with fermented feed decreased more than that of the CK group. The levels of three immune factors, namely immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgG, and interferon-γ, were higher (p < 0.05), whereas those of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were lower (p < 0.05) in the fermented feed groups than in the CK group. Total protein was higher (p < 0.05), while urea nitrogen, total cholesterol and triglycerides were lower (p < 0.05) in the mixed-fermented feed group than in the CK group. Analysis of the gut microbiota showed that the addition of fermented feed increased the α-diversity of the gut microbiota, increasing the abundances of probiotics including Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Rikenellaceae. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrated that several of these probiotic bacteria were closely related to serum immunity. In conclusion, fermented feed supplementation rebuilt the intestinal microbiota of Bamei piglets, thereby reducing the feed/weight ratio, improving feed intake, and enhancing immunity.

Unraveling the antimicrobial potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains TE0907 and TE1809 sourced from Bufo gargarizans: advancing the frontier of probiotic-based therapeutics

Introduction

In an era increasingly defined by the challenge of antibiotic resistance, this study offers groundbreaking insights into the antibacterial properties of two distinct Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, TE0907 and TE1809, hailing from the unique ecosystem of Bufo gargarizans. It uniquely focuses on elucidating the intricate components and mechanisms that empower these strains with their notable antibacterial capabilities.

Methods

The research employs a multi-omics approach, including agar diffusion tests to assess antibacterial efficacy and adhesion assays with HT-29 cells to understand the preliminary mechanisms. Additionally, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is employed to analyze the production of organic acids, notably acetic acid, and whole-genome sequencing is utilized to identify genes linked to the biosynthesis of antibiotics and bacteriocin-coding domains.

Results

The comparative analysis highlighted the exceptional antibacterial efficacy of strains TE0907 and TE1809, with mean inhibitory zones measured at 14.97 and 15.98 mm, respectively. A pivotal discovery was the significant synthesis of acetic acid in both strains, demonstrated by a robust correlation coefficient (cor ≥ 0.943), linking its abundance to their antimicrobial efficiency. Genomic exploration uncovered a diverse range of elements involved in the biosynthesis of antibiotics similar to tetracycline and vancomycin and potential regions encoding bacteriocins, including Enterolysin and Plantaricin.

Conclusion

This research illuminates the remarkable antibacterial efficacy and mechanisms intrinsic to L. plantarum strains TE0907 and TE1809, sourced from B. gargarizans. The findings underscore the strains' extensive biochemical and enzymatic armamentarium, offering valuable insights into their role in antagonizing enteric pathogens. These results lay down a comprehensive analytical foundation for the potential clinical deployment of these strains in safeguarding animal gut health, thereby enriching our understanding of the role of probiotic bacteria in the realm of antimicrobial interventions.

Safety Evaluation of an Intranasally Applied Cocktail of Lactococcus lactis Strains in Pigs

Three Lactococcus lactis strains from the nasal microbiota of healthy pigs were identified as candidates for reducing MRSA in pigs. The safety of nasal administration of a cocktail of these strains was examined in new-born piglets. Six days pre-farrowing, twelve sows were assigned to the placebo or cocktail group (n = 6/group). After farrowing, piglets were administered with either 0.5 mL of the placebo or the cocktail to each nostril. Health status and body weight were monitored at regular time points. Two piglets from three sows/treatment group were euthanised at 24 h, 96 h and 14 d after birth, and conchae, lung and tonsil samples were collected for histopathological and gene expression analysis. Health scores were improved in the cocktail group between d1-5. Body weight and daily gains did not differ between groups. Both groups displayed histological indications of euthanasia and inflammation in the lungs, signifying the findings were not treatment related. The expression of pBD2, TLR9 and IL-1β in the nasal conchae differed between groups, indicating the cocktail has the potential to modulate immune responses. In summary, the L. lactis cocktail was well tolerated by piglets and there was no negative impact on health scores, growth or lung histopathology indicating that it is safe for administration to new-born piglets.

The effects of using multi-species probiotics in late-pregnant and lactating sows on milk quality and quantity, fecal microflora, and performance of their offspring

Background and Aim

The dietary probiotics in sows during gestation to lactation period have gained considerable attention with respect to their beneficial effects on sows and their piglets' performance and health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using probiotics in late-pregnant and lactating sows on milk quality, quantity, fecal microflora of sows, and growth performance of their offspring until weaning.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-four sows were equally divided into two groups (control and treatment). Only those in the treatment group were fed 5 g of probiotics at 12 weeks of pregnancy, once daily for 7 weeks, until their piglets were weaned. Colostrum samples were collected at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after farrowing and measured for immunoglobulin concentration. Percentages of fat, protein, and lactose in colostrum, colostrum production, total intake of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), fat, protein, and lactose, the change of fecal microflora of sows, and average daily gain of piglets were measured.

Results

The results showed that there were no significant differences in the concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IgM in colostrum and the percentages of fat, protein, lactose, solid-not-fat, and total solid in colostrum between the groups; however, the colostrum production at 24 h in the treatment group (6,075.29 mL) was higher than in the control group (4,809.54 mL). Higher total intakes of IgA and IgG as well as total intake of fat, protein, and lactose, particularly at 3 h after farrowing, were found in the treatment group. Probiotic supplementation remarkably altered the microbiota community at the phylum level. We found that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the dominant phyla, present in the gut of more than 90% of pregnant and lactating sows. Changes in microbial proportions were observed due to the changes of pig production stage. The weaning weight of the treatment group was higher than in the control group (6.34 ± 1.71 vs. 4.84 ± 1.29 kg, respectively).

Conclusion

Feeding of multi-species probiotic BACTOSAC-P™ during late pregnancy and lactation in sows positively influenced colostrum production. In this experiment, the use of BACTOSAC-P™ improved the yield of colostrum production. The high immunoglobulin concentration and high yield of the colostrum of sows with a diet supplemented with BACTOSAC-P™ significantly reduced piglet mortality during the suckling period. Furthermore, the probiotic diet induced changes in the fecal microbial population in sows by increasing the number of microorganisms from the Firmicutes phylum, which had positive effects on sow health and their piglets, leading to better piglet growth performance.

Harnessing the potential of probiotics in the treatment of alcoholic liver disorders

In the current scenario, prolonged consumption of alcohol across the globe is upsurging an appreciable number of patients with the risk of alcohol-associated liver diseases. According to the recent report, the gut-liver axis is crucial in the progression of alcohol-induced liver diseases, including steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite several factors associated with alcoholic liver diseases, the complexity of the gut microflora and its great interaction with the liver have become a fascinating area for researchers due to the high exposure of the liver to free radicals, bacterial endotoxins, lipopolysaccharides, inflammatory markers, etc. Undoubtedly, alcohol-induced gut microbiota imbalance stimulates dysbiosis, disrupts the intestinal barrier function, and trigger immune as well as inflammatory responses which further aggravate hepatic injury. Since currently available drugs to mitigate liver disorders have significant side effects, hence, probiotics have been widely researched to alleviate alcohol-associated liver diseases and to improve liver health. A broad range of probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Escherichia coli, Sacchromyces, and Lactococcus are used to reduce or halt the progression of alcohol-associated liver diseases. Several underlying mechanisms, including alteration of the gut microbiome, modulation of intestinal barrier function and immune response, reduction in the level of endotoxins, and bacterial translocation, have been implicated through which probiotics can effectively suppress the occurrence of alcohol-induced liver disorders. This review addresses the therapeutic applications of probiotics in the treatment of alcohol-associated liver diseases. Novel insights into the mechanisms by which probiotics prevent alcohol-associated liver diseases have also been elaborated.

In-feed nutritional additive probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii RC009 can substitute for prophylactic antibiotics and improve the production and health of weaning pigs

Background and Aims

Non-therapeutic antibiotic use is associated with the current decrease in antibiotic therapeutic efficiency and the emergence of a wide range of resistant strains, which constitutes a public health risk. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii RC009 as a nutritional feed additive to substitute the prophylactic use of antibiotics and improve the productive performance and health of post-weaning piglets.

Materials and Methods

Four regular nutritional phases were prepared. Post-weaning pigs (21-70 days old) received one of two dietary treatments: T1-basal diet (BD-control group) with in-feed antibiotics as a prophylactic medication (one pulse of Tiamulin in P3 and one pulse of Amoxicillin in P4); and T2-BD without in-feed antibiotics but with Saccharomyces boulardii RC009 (1 × 1012 colony forming unit/T feed). The feed conversion ratio (FCR), total weight gain (TWG-kg), and daily weight gain (DWG-kg) were determined. A post-weaning growth index (GI) was calculated and animals (160 days old) from each treatment were analyzed at the abattoir after sacrifice for carcass weight and respiratory tract lesions.

Results

Pigs consuming probiotics had higher TWG and DWG than the control group. The group of animals with low body weight obtained the same results. Saccharomyces boulardii administration decreased diarrhea, and FCR reduction was related to a GI improvement. A significant increase in carcass weight and muscle thickness reduction was observed in animals received the probiotic post-weaning.

Conclusion

Saccharomyces boulardii RC009, a probiotic additive, was found to improve the production parameters of pigs post-weaning and enhance their health status, indicating that it may be a promising alternative to prophylactic antibiotics.