Characterization of Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3 as a Potential Probiotic for the Skin: Its Beneficial Role in the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Impact of a Novel Probiotic and Nutraceutical Supplement on Pruritic Dermatitis and the Gut Microbiota in Privately Owned Dogs

Pruritic dermatitis (PD) is a common presentation of canine allergic skin diseases, with diversity in severity and treatment response due to complex etiopathogenesis. Evidence suggests the gut microbiota (GM) may contribute to the development of canine allergies. A 10-week double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated a novel probiotic and nutraceutical blend (PNB) on clinical signs of skin allergy, health measures, and the GM of privately owned self-reported pruritic dogs. A total of 105 dogs were enrolled, with 62 included in pruritus and health analysis and 50 in microbiome analysis. The PNB supported greater improvement of owner-assessed clinical signs of PD at week 2 than the placebo (PBO). More dogs that received the PNB shifted to normal pruritus (digital PVAS10-N: <2) by week 4, compared to week 7 for the PBO. While a placebo effect was identified, clinical differences were supported by changes in the GM. The PNB enriched three probiotic bacteria and reduced abundances of species associated with negative effects. The PBO group demonstrated increased abundances of pathogenic species and reduced abundances of several beneficial species. This trial supports the potential of the PNB as a supplemental intervention in the treatment of PD; however, further investigation is warranted, with stricter diagnostic criteria, disease biomarkers and direct veterinary examination.

The Potential Impact of Probiotics on Human Health: An Update on Their Health-Promoting Properties

Probiotics, known to be live microorganisms, have been shown to improve or restore the gut microbiota, which in turn has been linked to improved health. It is believed that probiotics are the modern equivalent of a panacea, with claims that they may treat or prevent different diseases both in children and adults (e.g., from colic in babies to cardiovascular disease, respiratory infection, and cancer in adults). Ever since the early 2000s, probiotic-based fermented foods have had a resurgence in popularity, mostly due to claims made regarding their health benefits. Fermented foods have been associated with the prevention of irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, gastroenteritis, and obesity, but also other conditions such as chronic diarrhea, allergies, dermatitis, and bacterial and viral infections, all of which are closely related to an unhealthy lifestyle. Recent and ongoing developments in microbiome/microbiota science have given us new research directions for probiotics. The new types, mechanisms, and applications studied so far, and those currently under study, have a great potential to change scientific understanding of probiotics' nutritional applications and human health care. The expansion of fields related to the study of the microbiome and the involvement of probiotics in its improvement foreshadow an era of significant changes. An expanding range of candidate probiotic species is emerging that can address newly elucidated data-driven microbial niches and host targets. In the probiotic field, new variants of microbiome-modulating interventions are being developed, including prebiotics, symbiotics, postbiotics, microbial consortia, live biotherapeutic products, and genetically modified organisms, with renewed interest in polyphenols, fibers, and fermented foods to ensure human health. This manuscript aims to analyze recent, emerging, and anticipated trends in probiotics (sources, doses, mechanism of action, diseases for which probiotics are administered, side effects, and risks) and create a vision for the development of related areas of influence in the field.

Ameliorative effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8661 on oleic acid-induced acne: integrated gut microbiota link to acne pathogenesis

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit of the skin that has serious adverse effects on the physical and mental health of patients. Probiotics are extensively employed in dermatology and could be an alternative option for acne therapy. Here, we evaluated the effect of oral ingestion of live and inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8661 on oleic acid-induced acne using a mouse model.

RESULTS

Results indicated that live L. plantarum CCFM8661 suppressed skin inflammation and serum hormone (insulin and testosterone) production in acne mice. Parallelly, live L. plantarum CCFM8661 effectively reduced the formation of skin lipids (triglycerides and non-esterified free fatty acids), and normalized the expression of skin lipid metabolism-related genes (PPAR-γ, SREBP-1c, ACCα, FASN, PPAR-α, ACOX1, HSL and ATGL). In comparison, inactivated L. plantarum CCFM8661 had no effect on skin inflammation or serum hormone secretion, but decreased skin triglycerides and normalized the expression of skin lipid metabolism-related genes (PPAR-γ, SREBP-1c, FASN and ATGL) in acne mice. Both live and inactivated L. plantarum CCFM8661 raised the richness of gut microbiota, reduced the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes and decreased the relative abundance of Staphylococcus in the feces of acne mice.

CONCLUSION

Oral ingestion of L. plantarum CCFM8661, particularly live cells, could alleviate acne by suppressing skin inflammation, normalizing the metabolism of hormones and skin lipids, which may be achieved by improving the gut microbial ecosystem. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Screening, probiotic properties, and inhibition mechanism of a Lactobacillus antagonistic to Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most lethal foodborne pathogens, and there is a lack of microorganisms that can strongly inhibit its growth. Safe lactic acid bacteria with probiotic and antibacterial properties are ideal sources of antagonistic bacteria. This study isolated a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum 4-10 that completely killed L. monocytogenes from northeastern Chinese sauerkraut. Probiotic characterization revealed broad-spectrum bacterial inhibition, antagonizing 16 Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal species. After tolerance to simulated intestinal and gastric fluids, the survival rate was >45 %. L. plantarum 4-10 was sensitive to chloramphenicol, doxycycline, erythromycin, and tetracycline, and exhibited good hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, and co-aggregation. It could disrupt the cell structure when co-cultured with L. monocytogenes and act as a lethal agent within 15 h. Through transcriptomic analysis and validation experiments, we found that L. plantarum 4-10 could inhibit the expression of L. monocytogenes membrane transport-related genes by producing bacteriocins, thus disrupting the cell membrane structure and inhibiting the growth, metabolic viability, and biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes in a short time. In conclusion, L. plantarum 4-10 has good probiotic properties and antibacterial effects and shows excellent research and application prospects as a natural bacteriostat.

The Weissella and Periweissella genera: up-to-date taxonomy, ecology, safety, biotechnological, and probiotic potential

Bacteria belonging to the genera Weissella and Periweissella are lactic acid bacteria, which emerged in the last decades for their probiotic and biotechnological potential. In 2015, an article reviewing the scientific literature till that date on the taxonomy, ecology, and biotechnological potential of the Weissella genus was published. Since then, the number of studies on this genus has increased enormously, several novel species have been discovered, the taxonomy of the genus underwent changes and new insights into the safety, and biotechnological and probiotic potential of weissellas and periweissellas could be gained. Here, we provide an updated overview (from 2015 until today) of the taxonomy, ecology, safety, biotechnological, and probiotic potential of these lactic acid bacteria.

The updates and implications of cutaneous microbiota in acne

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that profoundly impacts the quality of life of patients worldwide. While it is predominantly observed in adolescents, it can affect individuals across all age groups. Acne pathogenesis is believed to be a result of various endogenous and exogenous factors, but the precise mechanisms remain elusive. Recent studies suggest that dysbiosis of the skin microbiota significantly contributes to acne development. Specifically, Cutibacterium acnes, the dominant resident bacterial species implicated in acne, plays a critical role in disease progression. Various treatments, including topical benzoyl peroxide, systemic antibiotics, and photodynamic therapy, have demonstrated beneficial effects on the skin microbiota composition in acne patients. Of particular interest is the therapeutic potential of probiotics in acne, given its direct influence on the skin microbiota. This review summarizes the alterations in skin microbiota associated with acne, provides insight into its pathogenic role in acne, and emphasizes the potential of therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring microbial homeostasis for acne management.

Resolution of inter/intraspecies variation in Weissella group requires multigene analysis and functional characterization

Weissella confusa and Weissella cibaria strains isolated from the human- gut are considered as potential probiotics, but remain under-explored owing to their ambiguous taxonomic assignment. The present study assesses the taxonomic resolution of 11 strains belonging to W. confusa and W. cibaria species and highlights the inter- and intraspecies variations using an array of phenetic and molecular methods. Remarkable genomic variability among the strains was observed by phylogenetic analysis using concatenated housekeeping genes (pheS, gyrB, and dnaA) along with 16S rRNA gene sequence, suggesting intraspecies variations; which is also supported by the phenetic data. Analysis showed that 16S rRNA gene sequence alone could not resolve the variation, and among the tested marker genes, signals from pheS gene provide better taxonomic resolution. The biochemical and antibiotic susceptibility tests also showed considerable variations among the isolates. Additionally, 'quick' identification using mass spectroscopy-based matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectra was accurate up to genus only, and not species level, for the Weissella group. The study highlights need for inclusion of functional, phenetic, and multigene phylogenetic analysis in addition to 16S rRNA gene-based identification for the Weissella group, to provide better resolution in taxonomic assignments, which is often a prerequisite for the selection of potential strains with biotechnological applications.

Weissella and the two Janus faces of the genus

The genus Weissella belongs to the lactic acid bacteria group. It occurs naturally in foods and is a component of the human microbiome. A few Weissella species are candidate probiotics due to their potential for survival under the harsh conditions present in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Various species have also shown potential for treating and preventing periodontal disease, skin pathologies, and atopic dermatitis; some are used as starters for the fermentation of foods due to their production of exopolysaccharides; and others are used as protective cultures due to their production of weissellicin, a bacteriocin. However, a few Weissella species are opportunistic pathogens, such as W. ceti, which is the etiological agent of weissellosis, a disease in rainbow trout. Additionally, most Weissella species are intrinsically vancomycin-resistant. Thus, the Weissella genus is important from both medical and industrial points of view, and the Janus faces of this genus should be considered in any expected biotechnological applications. In this review, we present an overview of the probiotic potential and pathogenic cases of the Weissella genus reported in the literature.

The efficacy and safety of a facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glaba root extract in the treatment of maskne: A randomized placebo-controlled Study

INTRODUCTION

During the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, face mask use has increased and became a part of our daily lives. While wearing, prolonged contact time and microenvironmental change profoundly lead to an acne flare-up, defined as "maskne".

AIMS

We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glaba root extract combination serum (SCGS) in treating the maskne.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study. This study enrolled 66 participants with mild to moderate maskne. The SCGS and placebo were randomly assigned for participants to use twice daily for 12 weeks. Percentage change of acne lesion count, acne severity by Investigator Global Evaluation Acne (IGEA), sebum levels, corneometry levels, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema score by Visia®, and adverse events were evaluated 4-weekly at baseline to week 12. At week 12, all participants evaluated their satisfaction scores using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

In the mask-covered area, the percent reduction in inflammatory acne lesions from the treatment group was significantly greater than the placebo group at all time points (coefficient of percentage change of inflammatory lesions = -33.89 [95% CI -65.24, -2.53]; p = 0.03). Also, a subgroup analysis with participants using concurrent acne treatments revealed similar results (12 participants, coefficient = -50.30 [95% -88.65, -11.95]; p = 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in non-inflammatory lesions, all skin biophysics, and VAS between groups. Adverse events were mild and occurred in a few cases in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The SCGS could significantly improved inflammatory acne lesions and had a favorable tolerability profile, suggesting its role as an adjunctive treatment in maskne.

Acne, Microbiome, and Probiotics: The Gut–Skin Axis

The objective of this narrative review was to check the influence of the human microbiota in the pathogenesis of acne and how the treatment with probiotics as adjuvant or alternative therapy affects the evolution of acne vulgaris. Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving the pilosebaceous units. The pathogenesis of acne is complex and multifactorial involving genetic, metabolic, and hormonal factors in which both skin and gut microbiota are implicated. Numerous studies have shown the bidirectionality between the intestinal microbiota and skin homeostasis, a communication mainly established by modifying the immune system. Increased data on the mechanisms of action regarding the relevance of Cutibacterium acnes, as well as the importance of the gut–skin axis, are becoming known. Diverse and varied in vitro studies have shown the potential beneficial effects of probiotics in this context. Clinical trials with both topical and oral probiotics are scarce, although they have shown positive results, especially with oral probiotics through the modulation of the intestinal microbiota, generating an anti-inflammatory response and restoring intestinal integrity, or through metabolic pathways involving insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1). Given the aggressiveness of some standard acne treatments, probiotics should continue to be investigated as an alternative or adjuvant therapy.

Novel Insights Into the Phylogeny and Biotechnological Potential of Weissella Species

In this study, the genomes of the Weissella (W.) beninensis, W. diestrammenae, W. fabalis, W. fabaria, W. ghanensis, and W. uvarum type strains were sequenced and analyzed. Moreover, the ability of these strains to metabolize 95 carbohydrates was investigated, and the genetic determinants of such capability were searched within the sequenced genomes. 16S rRNA gene and genome-based-phylogeny of all the Weissella species described to date allowed a reassessment of the Weissella genus species groups. As a result, six distinct species groups within the genus, namely, W. beninensis, W. kandleri, W. confusa, W. halotolerans, W. oryzae, and W. paramesenteroides species groups, could be described. Phenotypic analyses provided further knowledge about the ability of the W. beninensis, W. ghanensis, W. fabaria, W. fabalis, W. uvarum, and W. diestrammenae type strains to metabolize certain carbohydrates and confirmed the interspecific diversity of the analyzed strains. Moreover, in many cases, the carbohydrate metabolism pathway and phylogenomic species group clustering overlapped. The novel insights provided in our study significantly improved the knowledge about the Weissella genus and allowed us to identify features that define the role of the analyzed type strains in fermentative processes and their biotechnological potential.

The increasing importance of the gut microbiome in acne vulgaris

Acne is a frequently presented dermatological condition brought about by an interplay among inflammation, increased sebum production, hyperkeratinisation, and predominantly Propionibacterium acnes (renamed as Cutibacterium acnes) proliferation, leading to debilitating psychological scars. However, it has been shown that it is the loss of microbial diversity in the skin and the imbalance among C. acnes phylotypes that brings about acne rather than the C. acnes species as a whole. Interestingly, recent evidence suggests that other microorganisms may be implicated, such as the fungi Malassezia and the bacteria Cutibacterium granulosum. A plethora of scientific evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is implicated in the overall health and physiology of the host; studies show that the gut microbiome of acne patients is distinct and depicts less microbial diversity compared to individuals without acne. Herein, using the key terms: acne, C. acnes, IGF-1, sebum, and gut microbiome, we carried out a review of the literature, using Google Scholar and PubMed, and discussed the role of the gut and skin microbiome in relation to acne, as a narrative review. The role of hormones, diet, sebum, and stress in relation to the gut microbiome was also investigated. Therapeutic implications and the use of pre-/postbiotics are also deliberated upon. In this light, future research should investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and the agreed upon factors of acne pathology, potentially leading to the discovery of novel acne treatments with milder side effects.

Microbiome and Probiotics in Acne Vulgaris—A Narrative Review

Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease characterised by the appearance of eruptions such as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules, and cysts. Among factors that cause acne vulgaris are the abnormal keratinisation of the sebaceous canal, bacterial colonisation (Cutibacterium acnes), increased sebum production, genotypic factors, and hormonal disorders. Treatment is often long and tedious, and can lead to a reduction in quality of life and social isolation. The intestinal microbiota is greatly important in the formation of acne lesions. It is also responsible for the proper immunity of the organism. Acne is a disease that can be related to the condition of the digestive tract and its microbiome. Research shows that the use of probiotics may reduce skin eruptions. The probiotic supplementation and cosmetics markets are very dynamically developing. The use of internal supplementation and probiotic-containing cosmetics gives hope for the improvement of the skin condition of people with acne.