The potential application of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

The effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on pulmonary function test and growth of cystic fibrosis patients

INTRODUCTION

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients frequently experience gut microbiota dysbiosis. Probiotic supplementation is a potential therapeutic approach to modify gut microbiota and improve CF management through the gut-lung axis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation on pulmonary function test, respiratory symptoms and growth in CF patients.

METHODS

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 40 children with CF aged from 6 to 20 years. Participants were designated to receive either L. reuteri or placebo daily for 4 months. Pulmonary function tests, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) z-scores were measured pre and post treatment.

RESULTS

The median baseline BMI of the patients was 16.28 kg m-2. A significant change in the probiotic group's BMI z-score after the study period was observed (P = 0.034) but not for weight and height z-scores (P > 0.05). After treatment, Pseudomonas aeruginosa grew in sputum cultures of seven in the placebo and one patient in the intervention group (P = 0.03) while at baseline it grew in the sputum of four patients in each group. There was no significant difference in forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced expiratory flow at 25-75% or forced vital capacity change between the two groups after the treatment period (P > 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were found in pulmonary exacerbations, hospitalization frequencies or COVID-19 infection between the two groups during the study (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that L. reuteri supplementation may impact the growth of severely malnourished CF patients. Furthermore, it may be concluded that this strain might reduce P. aeruginosa in the sputum culture of CF patients. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Next-generation probiotics: the upcoming biotherapeutics

Recent and continuing advances in gut microbiome research have pointed out the role of the gut microbiota as an unexplored source of potentially beneficial probiotic microbes. Along the lines of these advances, both public awareness and acceptance of probiotics are increasing. That's why; academic and industrial research is dedicated to identifying and investigating new microbial strains for the development of next-generation probiotics (NGPs). At this time, there is a growing interest in NGPs as biotherapeutics that alter the gut microbiome and affect various diseases development. In this work, we have focused on some emergent and promising NGPs, specifically Eubacterium hallii, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia spp., Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bacteroides fragilis, as their presence in the gut can have an impact on the development of various diseases. Emerging studies point out the beneficial roles of these NGPs and open up novel promising therapeutic options. Interestingly, these NGPs were found to enhance gastrointestinal immunity, enhance immunotherapy efficacy in cancer patients, retain the intestinal barrier integrity, generate valuable metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids, and decrease complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although many of these NGPs are considered promising for the prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases, research on humans is still lacking. Therefore, approval of these microbes from regulatory agencies is rare. Besides, some issues limit their wide use in the market, such as suitable methods for the culture and storage of these oxygen-sensitive microbes. The present review goes over the main points related to NGPs and gives a viewpoint on the key issues that still hinder their wide application. Furthermore, we have focused on the advancement in NGPs and human healthiness investigations by clarifying the limitations of traditional probiotic microorganisms, discussing the characteristics of emerging NGPs and defining their role in the management of certain ailments. Future research should emphasize the isolation, mechanisms of action of these probiotics, safety, and clinical efficacy in humans.

Irisin/PGC-1α/FNDC5 pathway in Parkinson's disease: truth under the throes

Parkinson's disease (PD) is considered one of the most common neurodegenerative brain diseases which involves the deposition of α-synuclein. Irisin hormone, a newly discovered adipokine, has a valuable role in diverse neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the possible role of the irisin hormone in PD neuropathology. Irisin hormone has a neuroprotective effect against the development and progression of various neurodegenerative disorders by increasing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Irisin hormone has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidative impacts, thereby reducing the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and the progression of neuroinflammation. Irisin-induced PGC-1α could potentially prevent α-synuclein-induced dopaminergic injury, neuroinflammation, and neurotoxicity in PD. Inhibition of NF-κB by irisin improves PGC-1α and FNDC5 signaling pathway with subsequent attenuation of PD neuropathology. Therefore, the irisin/PGC-1α/FNDC5 pathway could prevent dopaminergic neuronal injury. In conclusion, the irisin hormone has a neuroprotective effect through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant impacts with the amelioration of brain BDNF levels. Further preclinical and clinical studies are recommended in this regard.

Escherichia coli isolates from meat and abattoirs environment in Egypt: molecular characterization and control by nanosilver particles

Three hundred samples, including meat from the slaughtered carcass and water, air samples, and swabs from the floor, wall, and employees' hands, were collected from five municipal abattoirs spread across several Egyptian provinces. The Escherichia coli was isolated from floor swabs, meat, air, wall, hand, and water samples. Serotyping of the recovered isolates clarified the presence of various serotypes, including enterohemorrhagic serotypes (O111: H4, O128: H2, and O127: H6) and enterotoxigenic serotypes (O44: H18 and O125: H21). The isolates were resistant to cefotaxime (100%), amoxiclav (80%), then rifampin (66.7%). The stx1 gene, stx2 gene, eaeA gene, blaCMY2 gene and iss gene were detected in 10-80 % of the isolates. Nanosilver (AgNPs) showed that 12.5 ppm was the lowest concentration that prevented bacterial growth. It was observed that 12% of workers wore a clean white coat, only 24% washed their hands between activities during work, only 14% used soap for hand washing, and 42% utilized the same knife for meat and its offal.

Outlining the Phytoconstituents of Greek Clover Herb Extract and Assessment of Its Effect against Foodborne Infections Caused by Salmonella typhimurium

Owing to the spread of resistance between pathogenic bacteria, searching for novel compounds with antibacterial activity is essential. Here, we investigated the potential antibacterial activity of Greek clover or Trigonella foenum-graecum herb extract on Salmonella typhimurium clinical isolates. The chemical profile of the herb was initially determined using LC-ESI-MS/MS, which explored 36 different compounds. Interestingly, the fenugreek extract possessed antibacterial action in vitro with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 64 to 512 µg/mL. The potential mechanism of action was studied by elucidating the effect of the fenugreek extract on the membrane properties of S. typhimurium bacteria, including the inner and outer membrane permeability and membrane integrity. Remarkably, the fenugreek extract had detrimental effects on the membrane properties in 40-60% of the isolates. Moreover, the in vivo antibacterial action was studied using a gastrointestinal infection model with S. typhimurium bacteria. Interestingly, the fenugreek extract (200 mg/kg) improved the infection outcomes in the tested mice. This was represented by the noteworthy decrease (p < 0.05) in the bacterial count in the small intestine and caecum tissues. The survival rate of the fenugreek-extract-treated mice significantly increased compared to the S. typhimurium-infected group. Additionally, there was an improvement in the histological and immunohistochemical features of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In addition, using an ELISA and qRT-PCR, there was an improvement in the proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the fenugreek-extract-treated group. Consequently, fenugreek extract should be investigated further on other food pathogens.

Role of fenofibrate in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The underlying pathophysiology of MS is the destruction of myelin sheath by immune cells. The formation of myelin plaques, inflammation, and injury of neuronal myelin sheath characterizes its neuropathology. MS plaques are multiple focal regions of demyelination disseminated in the brain's white matter, spinal cords, deep grey matter, and cerebral cortex. Fenofibrate is a peroxisome proliferative activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) that attenuates the inflammatory reactions in MS. Fenofibrate inhibits differentiation of Th17 by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling. According to these findings, this review intended to illuminate the mechanistic immunoinflammatory role of fenofibrate in mitigating MS neuropathology. In conclusion, fenofibrate can attenuate MS neuropathology by modulating different pathways, including oxidative stress, autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory-signaling pathways, and neuroinflammation.

The Potential Effect of Dapsone on the Inflammatory Reactions in COVID-19: Staggering View

Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked with an overstated immune response with the succeeding release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and progression of the cytokine storm. In addition, severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with the development of oxidative stress and coagulopathy. Dapsone (DPS) is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, this mini-review aimed to elucidate the potential role of DPS in mitigating inflammatory disorders in COVID-19 patients. DPS inhibits neutrophil myeloperoxidase, inflammation, and neutrophil chemotaxis. Therefore, DPS could be effective against neutrophilia-induced complications in COVID-19. In addition, DPS could be effective in mitigating inflammatory and oxidative stress disorders by suppressing the expression of inflammatory signaling pathways and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) correspondingly. In conclusion, DPS might be effective in the management of COVID-19 through the attenuation of inflammatory disorders. Therefore, preclinical and clinical studies are reasonable in this regard.

Plausible Protective Role of Encephalartos villosus Extract in Acetic-Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory ailment of the intestine associated with the upregulation of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we aimed to assess the consequences of Encephalartos villosus (EV) Lem extract on acetic acid (AA)-induced UC. Rats were randomly classified into five groups, as follows: control, AA, AA + mesalazine, AA + EV (50 mg/kg), and AA + EV (100 mg/kg) groups. EV (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) and mesalzine (100 mg/kg) were administered orally for 14 days before the induction of UC. On the last day of the experiment, colitis was provoked via the intra-rectal delivery of 3% AA. Then, after 24 h, the rats were sacrificed and their colon tissues were isolated and inspected. Interestingly, EV pretreatment substantially (p < 0.05) reduced the elevated colon weight/length ratio and ulcer area and normalized the histological changes and immunohistochemical features. In addition, EV efficiently reduced the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GS-PX) and catalase (CAT). EV (100 mg/kg) resulted in a downregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and upregulation of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and occludin expression levels. Concerning the anti-inflammatory mechanisms, EV reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-ĸB) and inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression levels. It also decreased caspase-3 levels. Our results indicate that the oral intake of EV improves AA-induced colitis in rats through its antioxidative effects and the modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the restoration of mucosal integrity. Consequently, EV may be an efficient therapeutic candidate for UC.

Celecoxib-Loaded Cubosomal Nanoparticles as a Therapeutic Approach for Staphylococcus aureus In Vivo Infection

There is a great need for novel approaches to treating bacterial infections, due to the vast dissemination of resistance among pathogenic bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus are ubiquitous Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria and are rapidly acquiring antibiotic resistance. Here, celecoxib was encapsulated into cubosomal nanoparticles, and the particle morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and celecoxib release were evaluated in vitro. Also, a systemic infection model in mice elucidated the in vivo antibacterial action of the celecoxib cubosomes. Cubosomes are a nanotechnology-based delivery system which can adhere to the external peptidoglycan layers of Gram-positive bacteria and penetrate them. The size distribution investigation revealed that the prepared celecoxib-loaded cubosomes had a mean particle size of 128.15 ± 3.04 nm with a low polydispersity index of 0.235 ± 0.023. The zeta potential measurement showed that the prepared cubosomes had a negative surface charge of -17.50 ± 0.45, indicating a highly stable nanodispersion formation with little susceptibility to particle aggregation. The cubosomal dispersion exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 88.57 ± 2.36%. The transmission electron micrograph for the prepared celecoxib-loaded cubosomes showed a narrow size distribution for the cubosomal nanoparticles, which had a spherical shape and were non-aggregated. The tested cubosomes diminished the inflammation in the treated mice's liver and spleen tissues, as revealed by hematoxylin and eosin stain and Masson's trichrome stain. The immunostained tissues with nuclear factor kappa B and caspase-3 monoclonal antibodies revealed a marked decrease in these markers in the celecoxib-treated group, as it resulted in negative or weak immunostaining in liver and spleen that ranged from 4.54% to 17.43%. This indicates their inhibitory effect on the inflammatory pathway and apoptosis, respectively. Furthermore, they reduced the bacterial burden in the studied tissues. This is alongside a decrease in the inflammatory markers (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) determined by ELISA and qRT-PCR. The IL-1β levels were 16.66 ± 0.5 pg/mg and 17 ± 0.9 pg/mg in liver and spleen, respectively. Also, IL-6 levels were 85 ± 3.2 pg/mg and 84 ± 2.4 pg/mg in liver and spleen, respectively. In conclusion, the current study introduced cubosomes as an approach for the formulation of celecoxib to enhance its in vivo antibacterial action by improving its oral bioavailability.

DPP-4 inhibitors and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Parkinson's disease: a mutual relationship

Parkinson's disease (PD) usually occurs due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Management of PD is restricted to symptomatic improvement. Consequently, a novel treatment for managing motor and non-motor symptoms in PD is necessary. Abundant findings support the protection of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in PD. Consequently, this study aims to reveal the mechanism of DPP-4 inhibitors in managing PD. DPP-4 inhibitors are oral anti-diabetic agents approved for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM is linked with an increased chance of the occurrence of PD. Extended usage of DPP-4 inhibitors in T2DM patients may attenuate the development of PD by inhibiting inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Thus, DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin could be a promising treatment against PD neuropathology via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic impacts. DPP-4 inhibitors, by increasing endogenous GLP-1, can also reduce memory impairment in PD. In conclusion, the direct effects of DPP-4 inhibitors or indirect effects through increasing circulating GLP-1 levels could be an effective therapeutic strategy in treating PD patients through modulation of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurogenesis.

Nitazoxanide and COVID-19: A review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a current global illness triggered by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leading to acute viral pneumonia, acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and cytokine storm in severe cases. In the COVID-19 era, different unexpected old drugs are repurposed to find out effective and cheap therapies against SARS-CoV-2. One of these elected drugs is nitazoxanide (NTZ) which is an anti-parasitic drug with potent antiviral activity. It is effectively used in the treatment of protozoa and various types of helminths in addition to various viral infections. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the probable effect of NTZ on SARS-CoV-2 infections. Findings of the present study illustrated that NTZ can reduce SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory reactions through activation of interferon (IFN), restoration of innate immunity, inhibition of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppression of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and induction of autophagic cell death. Moreover, it can inhibit the induction of oxidative stress which causes cytokine storm and is associated with ALI, ARDS, and multi-organ damage (MOD). This study concluded that NTZ has important anti-inflammatory and immunological properties that may mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced inflammatory disorders. Despite broad-spectrum antiviral properties of NTZ, the direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect was not evident and documented in recent studies. Then, in silico and in vitro studies in addition to clinical trials and prospective studies are needed to confirm the beneficial impact of NTZ on the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Is sitagliptin effective for SARS-CoV-2 infection: false or true prophecy?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Covid-19 is characterized by hyperinflammation, oxidative stress, and multi-organ injury (MOI) such as acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Covid-19 is mainly presented with respiratory manifestations; however, extra-pulmonary manifestations may also occur. Extra-pulmonary manifestations of Covid-19 are numerous including: neurological, cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and hematological complications. Notably, a cluster of differentiation 26 (CD26) or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) emerged as a new receptor for entry of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin could be effective in treating Covid-19. Hence, we aimed in the present critical review to assess the potential role of sitagliptin in Covid-19. DPP-4 inhibitors are effective against the increased severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Moreover, DPP-4 inhibitors inhibit the interaction between DPP-4 and scaffolding proteins which are essential for endosome formation and replication of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, sitagliptin through attenuation of the inflammatory signaling pathway and augmentation of stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) may decrease the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and could be a possible therapeutic modality in treating Covid-19 patients. In conclusion, the DPP-4 receptor is regarded as a potential receptor for the binding and entry of SARS-CoV-2. Inhibition of these receptors by the DPP-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, can reduce the pathogenesis of the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 and their associated activation of the inflammatory signaling pathways.

Dipyridamole and adenosinergic pathway in Covid-19: a juice or holy grail

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is an infectious worldwide pandemic triggered by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This pandemic disease can lead to pro-inflammatory activation with associated acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Main body of the abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked with inhibition of adenosine and activation of phosphodiesterase. Dipyridamole (DIP) is a nucleoside transport and phosphodiesterase inhibitor so that it may potentially affect SARS-CoV-2 infection and its accompanying inflammations. Therefore, the primary objective of this mini-review study was to elucidate the potential beneficial impacts of DIP on the adenosinergic pathway in Covid-19. A systemic search was done using online databases with relevant keywords. The findings of the present study illustrated that DIP directly or indirectly, through augmentation of adenosine and inhibition of phosphodiesterase, mitigates Covid-19 outcomes.

Conclusion

Our study concluded that DIP has a potential therapeutic effect in the management and treatment of Covid-19. This could be attained either directly, through anti-SARS-CoV-2, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelets properties, or indirectly, through augmentation of extracellular adenosine, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory effects. However, extensive randomized clinical trials, and clinical and prospective research in this area are required to demonstrate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of DIP and adenosine modulators in the treatment of Covid-19.

Potential role of lipoxin in the management of COVID-19: a narrative review

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to the development of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which causes endothelial dysfunction (ED), oxidative stress (OS), and inflammatory disorders. These changes cause hypoxia and cytokine storm with the development of cardio-pulmonary complications. Bioactive lipids and other polyunsaturated fatty acids participate in a vital role in the SARS-CoV-2 infection process. One of these mediators is the anti-inflammatory compound, lipoxin (LX). LXs are produced from arachidonic acid (AA) by collaboration between 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and 12–15 LO during cell interactions. Thus, our goal was to review the probable role of LXs in COVID-19 regarding the effects of LXs on the inflammatory signaling pathways that are linked with COVID-19 pathogenesis and complications.

Abd El-Kareem H, Alzamami A, A. Fahmy C, H. Elesawy B, Mostafa Mahmoud M, Ghareeb A, El Askary A, H. Abo Nahas H, G. M. Attallah N, Altwaijry N, M. Saied E. Novel Exopolysaccharide from Marine Bacillus subtilis with Broad Potential Biological Activities: Insights into Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxicity, and Anti-Alzheimer Activity

In the presented study, Bacillus subtilis strain AG4 isolated from marine was identified based on morphological, physiological, phylogenetic characteristics and an examination of 16S rRNA sequences. Novel exopolysaccharide (EPSR4) was extracted and isolated from the Bacillus subtilis strain as a major fraction of exopolysaccharide (EPS). The analysis of structural characterization indicated that EPSR4 is a β-glycosidic sulphated heteropolysaccharide (48.2%) with a molecular weight (Mw) of 1.48 × 104 g/mole and has no uronic acid. Analysis of monosaccharide content revealed that EPSR4 consists of glucose, rhamnose and arabinose monosaccharide in a molar ratio of 5:1:3, respectively. Morphological analysis revealed that EPSR4 possess a high crystallinity degree with a significant degree of porosity, and its aggregation and conformation in the lipid phase might have a significant impact on the bioactivity of EPSR4. The biological activity of EPSR4 was screened and evaluated by investigating its antioxidant, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-Alzheimer activities. The antioxidant activity results showed that EPSR4 has 97.6% scavenging activity toward DPPH free radicals at 1500 µg/mL, with an IC50 value of 300 µg/mL, and 64.8% at 1500 µg/mL toward hydrogen peroxide free radicals (IC50 = 1500 µg/mL, 30 min). Furthermore, EPSR4 exhibited considerable inhibitory activity towards the proliferation of T-24 (bladder carcinoma), A-549 (lung cancer) and HepG-2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cancer cell lines with IC50 of 244 µg/mL, 148 µg/mL and 123 µg/mL, respectively. An evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity revealed that EPSR4 has potent lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activity (IC50 of 54.3 µg/mL) and a considerable effect on membrane stabilization (IC50 = 112.2 ± 1.2 µg/mL), while it showed cyclooxygenase (COX2) inhibitory activity up to 125 µg/mL. Finally, EPSR4 showed considerable inhibitory activity towards acetylcholine esterase activity. Taken together, this study reveals that Bacillus subtilis strain AG4 could be considered as a potential natural source of novel EPS with potent biological activities that would be useful for the healthcare system.