A Fermented Food Product Containing Lactic Acid Bacteria Protects ZDF Rats from the Development of Type 2 Diabetes

The predicted mechanisms and evidence of probiotics on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious endocrine and metabolic disease that is highly prevalent and causes high mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. This review aims to focus on the potential of probiotics in the management of T2DM and its complications and to summarise the various mechanisms of action of probiotics with respect to T2DM. In this review, experimental studies conducted between 2016 and 2022 were explored. The possible mechanisms of action are based on their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, boost the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and glucagon-like peptides, inhibit α-glucosidase, elevate sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) levels while reducing fetuin-A levels, and regulate the level of inflammatory cytokines. This review recommends carrying out further studies, especially human trials, to provide robust evidence-based knowledge on the use of probiotics for the treatment of T2DM.IMPACT STATEMENTT2DM is prevalent worldwide causing high rates of morbidity and mortality.Gut microbiota play a significant role in the pathogenesis of T2DM.Probiotics can be used as possible therapeutic tools for the management of T2DM.The possible mechanisms of action of probiotics include modulation of the gut microbiota, production of SCFAs and glucagon-like peptides, inhibition of α-glucosidase, raising SIRT1, reducing fetuin-A levels, and regulating the level of inflammatory cytokines.

Lactic acid bacteria in Asian fermented foods and their beneficial roles in human health

Fermented foods have been a staple in human diets for thousands of years, garnering attention for their health and medicinal benefits. Rich in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic properties, these foods play a crucial role in positively impacting the host's gut microbiome composition and overall health. With a long history of safe consumption, fermented foods effectively deliver LAB to humans. Intake of LAB from fermented foods offers three main benefits: (1) enhancing digestive function and managing chronic gastrointestinal conditions, (2) modulating the immune system and offering anti-inflammatory effects to prevent immune-related diseases, and (3) synthesizing vitamins and various bioactive compounds to improve human health. In this review, we highlighted the diverse LAB present in Asian fermented foods and emphasized LAB-rich fermented foods as a natural and effective solution for health enhancement and disease prevention.

Anti-Diabetic Potentials of Lactobacillus Strains by Modulating Gut Microbiota Structure and β-Cells Regeneration in the Pancreatic Islets of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus, a most common endocrine disorder of glucose metabolism, has become a global epidemic and poses a serious public health threat with an increased socio-economic burden. Escalating incidence of diabetes is correlated with changes in lifestyle and food habits that cause gut microbiome dysbiosis and β-cells damage, which can be addressed with dietary interventions containing probiotics. Hence, the search for probiotics of human origin with anti-diabetic, anti-AGE, and anti-ACE potentials has gained renewed interest for the effective management of diabetes and its associated complications. The present study used an alloxan (AXN)-induced diabetic rat model to investigate the effects of potential probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei MKU1, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus MKU3, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MKU7 administration individually on physiochemical parameters related to diabetic pathogenesis. Experimental animals were randomly allotted into six groups viz. NCG (control), DCG (AXN), DGM (metformin), DGP1 (MKU1), DGP2 (MKU3), and DGP3 (MKU7), and biochemical data like serum glucose, insulin, AngII, ACE, HbA1c, and TNF-α levels were measured until 90 days. Our results suggest that oral administration with MKU1, MKU3, or MKU7 significantly improved serum insulin levels, glycemic control, glucose tolerance, and body weight. Additionally, β-cell mass was increased by preserving islet integrity in Lactobacillus-treated diabetic rats, whereas TNF-α (~40%), AngII (~30%), and ACE levels (~50%) were strongly inhibited and enhanced sIgA production (5.8 folds) abundantly. Furthermore, Lactobacillus administration positively influenced the gut microbiome with a significant increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus species and the beneficial Bacteroides uniformis and Bacteroides fragilis, while decreased the pathogenic Proteus vulgaris and Parabacteroides distasonis. Among the probiotic treatment groups, L. pentosus MKU3 performed greatly in almost all parameters, indicating its potential use for alleviating diabetes-associated complications.

Ingredients, structure and reconstitution properties of instant powder foods and the potential for healthy product development: a comprehensive review

Instant foods are widely presented in powder forms across different food segments, which potentially can be formulated with functional or beneficial compounds to provide health benefits. Many reconstituted instant powder foods form colloidal suspensions with complex structures. However, designing instant powder food could be challenging due to the structural complexity and high flexibility in formulation. This review proposed a new classification method for instant powder foods according to the solubility of ingredients and the structure of the reconstituted products. Instant powder foods containing insoluble ingredients are discussed. It summarised challenges and current advances in powder treatments, reconstitution improvement, and influences on food texture and structure to facilitate product design in related industries. The characteristics and incorporation of the main ingredients and ingredients with health benefits in product development were reviewed. Different products vary significantly in the ratios of macronutrients. The macronutrients have limited solubility in water. After being reconstituted by water, the insoluble components are dispersed and swell to form colloidal dispersions with complex structures and textures. Soluble components, which dissolve in the continuous phase, may facilitate the dispersing process or influence the solution environment. The structure of reconstituted products and destabilising factors are discussed. Both particle and molecular structuring strategies have been developed to improve wettability and prevent the formation of lumps and, therefore, to improve reconstitution properties. Various types of instant food have been developed based on healthy or functional ingredients and exhibit positive effects on the prevention of non-communicable diseases and overall health. Less processed materials and by-products are often chosen to enhance the contents of dietary fibre and phenolic compounds. The enrichment of phenolic compounds, dietary fibres and/or probiotics tend to be simultaneous in plant-based products. The process of the ingredients and the formulation of products must be tailored to design the desired structure and to improve the reconstitution property.

Development, Analysis, and Sensory Evaluation of Improved Bread Fortified with a Plant-Based Fermented Food Product

In response to the demand for healthier foods in the current market, this study aimed to develop a new bread product using a fermented food product (FFP), a plant-based product composed of soya flour, alfalfa meal, barley sprouts, and viable microorganisms that showed beneficial effects in previous studies. White bread products prepared with three different substitution levels (5, 10, and 15%) of FFP were evaluated for physical characteristics (loaf peak height, length, width), color indices (lightness, redness/greenness, yellowness/blueness), quality properties (loaf mass, volume, specific volume), protein content, crumb digital image analysis, and sensory characteristics. The results revealed that FFP significantly affected all studied parameters, and in most cases, there was a dose-response effect. FFP supplementation affected the nutritional profile and increased the protein content (p < 0.001). The sensory test indicated that consumer acceptance of the studied sensory attributes differed significantly between groups, and bread with high levels of FFP (10 and 15% FFP) was generally more poorly rated than the control (0%) and 5% FFP for most of the variables studied. Despite this, all groups received acceptable scores (overall liking score ≥ 5) from consumers. The sensory analysis concluded that there is a possible niche in the market for these improved versions of bread products.

In vitro characterization of lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from fermented foods with anti-inflammatory and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition potential

Probiotics are known to stimulate, modulate, and regulate host immune response by regulating specific sets of genes and improve glucose homeostasis through regulating dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-IV) activity, but the mechanism behind their protective role is not clearly understood. Therefore, the present study was designed to isolate indigenous lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains from different fermented food samples, vegetables, and human infant feces exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and DPP-IV inhibitory activity. A total of thirty-six Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and rod-shaped bacteria were isolated and screened for their anti-inflammatory activity using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on the murine (RAW264.7) macrophages. Among all, sixteen strains exhibited more than 90% reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production by the LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Prioritized strains were characterized for their probiotic attributes as per the DBT-ICMR guidelines and showed desirable probiotic attributes in a species and strain-dependent manner. Accordingly, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LAB3, Levilactobacillus brevis LAB20, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LAB31, Pediococcus acidilactici LAB8, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LAB39 were prioritized. Furthermore, these strains when co-supplemented with LPS and treated on RAW264.7 cells inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), i.e., p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and SAPK/JNK, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), relative to the LPS-alone-treated macrophages. LAB31 and LAB39 also showed 64 and 95% of DPP-IV inhibitory activity relative to the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103, which was used as a reference strain in all the studies. Five prioritized strains ameliorated the LPS-induced inflammation by downregulating the JNK/MAPK pathway and could be employed as an alternative bio-therapeutic strategy in mitigating gut-associated inflammatory conditions. The potential mechanism of action of prioritized LAB strains in preventing the LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

Effects of Fermented Food Consumption on Non-Communicable Diseases

The gastrointestinal flora consists of several microbial strains in variable combinations in both healthy and sick humans. To prevent the risk of the onset of disease and perform normal metabolic and physiological functions with improved immunity, a balance between the host and gastrointestinal flora must be maintained. Disruption of the gut microbiota triggered by various factors causes several health problems, which promote the progression of diseases. Probiotics and fermented foods act as carriers of live environmental microbes and play a vital role in maintaining good health. These foods have a positive effect on the consumer by promoting gastrointestinal flora. Recent research suggests that the intestinal microbiome is important in reducing the risk of the onset of various chronic diseases, including cardiac disease, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, several cancers, and type 2 diabetes. The review provides an updated knowledge base about the scientific literature addressing how fermented foods influence the consumer microbiome and promote good health with prevention of non-communicable diseases. In addition, the review proves that the consumption of fermented foods affects gastrointestinal flora in the short and long term and can be considered an important part of the diet.

Urinary Metabolomics Study on the Protective Role of Cocoa in Zucker Diabetic Rats via 1H-NMR-Based Approach

Cocoa constitutes one of the richest sources of dietary flavonoids with demonstrated anti-diabetic potential. However, the metabolic impact of cocoa intake in a diabetic context remains unexplored. In this study, metabolomics tools have been used to investigate the potential metabolic changes induced by cocoa in type 2 diabetes (T2D). To this end, male Zucker diabetic fatty rats were fed on standard (ZDF) or 10% cocoa-rich diet (ZDF-C) from week 10 to 20 of life. Cocoa supplementation clearly decreased serum glucose levels, improved glucose metabolism and produced significant changes in the urine metabolome of ZDF animals. Fourteen differential urinary metabolites were identified, with eight of them significantly modified by cocoa. An analysis of pathways revealed that butanoate metabolism and the synthesis and degradation of branched-chain amino acids and ketone bodies are involved in the beneficial impact of cocoa on diabetes. Moreover, correlation analysis indicated major associations between some of these urine metabolites (mainly valine, leucine, and isoleucine) and body weight, glycemia, insulin sensitivity, and glycated hemoglobin levels. Overall, this untargeted metabolomics approach provides a clear metabolic fingerprint associated to chronic cocoa intake that can be used as a marker for the improvement of glucose homeostasis in a diabetic context.

Effect of lactic acid fermented foods on glycemic control in diabetic adults: a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermented foods are reported to have potential in managing glycemic control. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of LAB-fermented foods on improving glycemic control in adults with prediabetics or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on LAB fermentation-related foods were searched on PubMed, Cochrane, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science. Sixteen RCTs were included, and the results concluded LAB-fermented food had significant effects in HbA1c (Z = 6.24, MD = -0.05, CI: -0.07 to -0.04, p ≤ 0.00001), fasting plasma glucose (Z = 2.50, MD = -0.16, CI: -0.29 to -0.04, p = 0.01) and fasting serum insulin (Z = 2.51, MD = -0.20, CI: -0.35 to -0.04, p = 0.01). There were significant effects on lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and body mass index in secondary analyses. Subgroup analysis suggests LAB-fermented consumption with a longer duration, younger age group and adults with T2DM, had a larger effect size. Clinicians could offer LAB-fermented food as dietary recommendations for prediabetic and diabetic adults. Larger trials are warranted to verify LAB-fermented food benefits on glycemic control. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42022295220.

The Biotics Family: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives in Metabolic Diseases

Globally, metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pose a major public health threat. Many studies have confirmed the causal relationship between risk factors and the etiopathogenesis of these diseases. Despite this, traditional therapeutic management methods such as physical education and diet have proven insufficient. Recently, researchers have focused on other potential pathways for explaining the pathophysiological variability of metabolic diseases, such as the involvement of the intestinal microbiota. An understanding of the relationship between the microbiome and metabolic diseases is a first step towards developing future therapeutic strategies. Currently, much attention is given to the use of biotics family members such as prebiotics (lactolose, soy oligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides or inulin) and probiotics (genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, Streptococcus or Enterococcus). They can be used both separately and together as synbiotics. Due to their direct influence on the composition of the intestinal microbiota, they have shown favorable results in the evolution of metabolic diseases. The expansion of the research area in the biotics family has led to the discovery of new members, like postbiotics. In the age of personalized medicine, their use as therapeutic options is of great interest to our study.

Antidiabetic Effects of Pediococcus acidilactici pA1c on HFD-Induced Mice

Prediabetes (PreD), which is associated with impaired glucose tolerance and fasting blood glucose, is a potential risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Growing evidence suggests the role of the gastrointestinal microbiota in both PreD and T2D, which opens the possibility for a novel nutritional approach, based on probiotics, for improving glucose regulation and delaying disease progression of PreD to T2D. In this light, the present study aimed to assess the antidiabetic properties of Pediococcus acidilactici (pA1c) in a murine model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced T2D. For that purpose, C57BL/6 mice were given HFD enriched with either probiotic (1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. We determined body weight, fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β index, C-peptide, GLP-1, leptin, and lipid profile. We also measured hepatic gene expression (G6P, PEPCK, GCK, IL-1β, and IL-6) and examined pancreatic and intestinal histology (% of GLP-1⁺ cells, % of goblet cells and villus length). We found that pA1c supplementation significantly attenuated body weight gain, mitigated glucose dysregulation by reducing fasting blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance test, leptin levels, and insulin resistance, increased C-peptide and GLP-1 levels, enhanced pancreatic function, and improved intestinal histology. These findings indicate that pA1c improved HFD-induced T2D derived insulin resistance and intestinal histology, as well as protected from body weight increase. Together, our study proposes that pA1c may be a promising new dietary management strategy to improve metabolic disorders in PreD and T2D.

Traditional fermented foods as vehicle of non-dairy probiotics: Perspectives in South East Asia countries

Food fermentation is a food processing technology that utilizes the growth and metabolic activity of microorganisms for the stabilization and transformation of food materials. Notwithstanding, the technology has evolved beyond food preservation into a tool for creating desirable organoleptic, nutritional, and functional attributes in food products. This narrative review outlines a compilation of traditional fermented foods which available in the South East Asia (SEA) regions as a source vehicle for non-dairy probiotics. The nutritional values of traditional fermented foods are well-appreciated, especially in the resource-poor regions. The sensory and organoleptic preferences of traditional fermented foods as means of dietary routine variations were demonstrated. Furthermore, the evidence underlying its potent impacts on public health promotion and disease prevention is outlined. Lastly, the challenges and future prospects for the integration of traditional fermented foods practice are elucidated.

Beneficial impacts of fermented celery (Apium graveolens L.) juice on obesity prevention and gut microbiota modulation in high-fat diet fed mice

Metabolic syndrome caused obesity has long been recognized as a risk of health. Celery and celery extracts have various medicinal properties, such as anti-diabetes and anti-inflammatory properties and blood glucose and serum lipid reduction. However, the effect of probiotic fermentation on celery juice and the association between fermented celery juice (FCJ) and obesity were unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of FCJ on high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and related metabolic syndromes. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 15 per group) fed either a normal diet (ND) or HFD with or without CJ/FCJ (10 g kg^-1 day^-1) by oral gavage for 12 weeks. Here we demonstrated that the probiotic fermentation of celery juice (CJ) could enhance the active ingredients in celery, such as total polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C and SOD. Compared to the slight improvement induced by CJ ingestion, FCJ intake significantly inhibited body weight gain, prevented dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, and suppressed visceral fat accumulation. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that FCJ intake altered the composition of gut microbiota, increasing the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Faecalibaculum and Blautia), and decreasing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria (Alloprevotella and Helicobacter). These findings suggest that FCJ can prevent HFD-induced obesity and become a novel gut microbiota modulator to prevent HFD-induced gut dysbiosis and obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Effect of kefir beverage consumption on glycemic control: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

Kefir is a fermented beverage obtained as a result of lactic-alcoholic fermentation of milk by using kefir grains or a starter culture. Kefir beverage has numerous health benefits owing to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, while it could also regulate the gut microbiota. This beverage is recommended as a nutritional approach to glycemic control. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the effects of kefir beverage on the glycemic control. For this purpose, a literature search was conducted via databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar for the articles published until July 2020 with no limitation. The indicators of glycemic control were fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and insulin. In total, six RCTs on a total sample size of 323 subjects were selected for the meta-analysis. Inverse-variance weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the mean changes in HbA1c, FBG and insulin compared to baseline. Considering the clinical heterogeneity caused by the varied duration and dosage of kefir beverage treatment, a random effects model was used to estimate the pooled WMD. Findings indicated a more significant reduction in the FBS (WMD = -10.28; 95% CI: -16.53-4.02; P = 0.001) and insulin (WMD = -2.87; 95% CI: -3.96-1.78; P < 0.00001) in the kefir treatment group. Furthermore, kefir consumption could reduce HbA1c (HbA1c = -0.64 -1.36, 0.08), while this effect was not considered significant (-0.64; 95% CI: -1.36-0.08; P = 0.08). The results of our meta-analysis indicated that kefir beverage could reduce the FBS and insulin levels without a significant effect on HbA1c. In general, our findings showed that kefir beverages may have beneficial effects on glycemic control. However, more clinical data and research into the mechanism of probiotics are required to clarify the beneficial effects of probiotics on glycemic markers.

Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 on improving streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in rats

With the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes, it is imperative to identify how to effectively prevent or treat this disease. Studies have shown that some lactic acid bacteria can improve type 2 diabetes with almost no side effects. Therefore, in this experimental study, we explored the preventive and therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 (L. fermentum TKSN041) on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in rats. The results showed that L. fermentum TKSN041 could reduce the amount of water intake, reduce weight loss, and control the increase in the fasting blood glucose level of diabetic rats. The organ index and tissue section results showed that L. fermentum TKSN041 could reduce the damage caused by diabetes to the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreatic, and brain tissue. Furthermore, L. fermentum TKSN041 decreased the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glycated serum proteins (GSP), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and endothelin 1 (ET-1) in serum and increased the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Finally, L. fermentum TKSN041 up-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of NF-kappa-B inhibitor-α (IκB-α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), liver kinase B1 (LKB1), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and down-regulated those of nuclear factor-κBp65 (NFκB-p65) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Furthermore, LF-TKSN041 up-regulated the mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) and down-regulated neuropeptide Y (NPY), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These results suggest that L. fermentum TKSN041 may be a useful intervention factor for the prevention or treatment of type 2 diabetes induced by STZ. Clinical trials are needed to further demonstrate its effectiveness.

Role of Postbiotics in Diabetes Mellitus: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

In the last decade, the gastrointestinal microbiota has been recognised as being essential for health. Indeed, several publications have documented the suitability of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in the management of different diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Advances in laboratory techniques have allowed the identification and characterisation of new biologically active molecules, referred to as “postbiotics”. Postbiotics are defined as functional bioactive compounds obtained from food-grade microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They include cell structures, secreted molecules or metabolic by-products, and inanimate microorganisms. This heterogeneous group of molecules presents a broad range of mechanisms and may exhibit some advantages over traditional “biotics” such as probiotics and prebiotics. Owing to the growing incidence of DM worldwide and the implications of the microbiota in the disease progression, postbiotics appear to be good candidates as novel therapeutic targets. In the present review, we summarise the current knowledge about postbiotic compounds and their potential application in diabetes management. Additionally, we envision future perspectives on this topic. In summary, the results indicate that postbiotics hold promise as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for DM.

Multiblock metabolomics: An approach to elucidate whole-body metabolism with multiblock principal component analysis

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“Multiblock metabolomics” elucidates the global metabolic network in a whole body.

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“Multiblock metabolomics” combines LC/MS-based metabolomics with multiblock PCA.

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“Multiblock metabolomics” highlights and elicits organ-specific metabolism.

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TGs with less unsaturated fatty acids were highly accumulated in the diabetic liver.

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a useful tool for omics analysis to identify underlying factors and visualize relationships between biomarkers. However, this approach is limited in addressing life complexity and further improvement is required. This study aimed to develop a new approach that combines mass spectrometry-based metabolomics with multiblock PCA to elucidate the whole-body global metabolic network, thereby generating comparable metabolite maps to clarify the metabolic relationships among several organs. To evaluate the newly developed method, Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats (n = 6) were used as type 2 diabetic models and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n = 6) as controls. Metabolites in the heart, kidney, and liver were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, respectively, and the detected metabolites were analyzed by multiblock PCA. More than 300 metabolites were detected in the heart, kidney, and liver. When the metabolites obtained from the three organs were analyzed with multiblock PCA, the score and loading maps obtained were highly synchronized and their metabolism patterns were visually comparable. A significant finding in this study was the different expression patterns in lipid metabolism among the three organs; notably triacylglycerols with polyunsaturated fatty acids or less unsaturated fatty acids showed specific accumulation patterns depending on the organs.

Effect of Postbiotic Based on Lactic Acid Bacteria on Semen Quality and Health of Male Rabbits

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria-based postbiotic supplementation on semen characteristics and hematological and biochemical profiles in rabbits. A total of 28 males were randomly allocated into two groups. Males received a Control diet and Enriched diet supplemented with postbiotic for 15 weeks (4 weeks of adaptation period and 11 weeks of experimental period). Body weight, feed intake and semen characteristics were recorded weekly. Hematological profile was recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment and biochemical profile at 0, 5, 10 and 15 weeks. Bayesian methodology was used for the statistical analysis. Feed intake was higher in Control diet (125.2 g) than in the Enriched diet (118.6 g, p = 1.00). The percentages of abnormal spermatozoa were higher in Control diet than in Enriched diet (30% and 22%; p = 0.93) and the acrosome integrity percentage was lower (97% and 96%; p = 0.87). The hematological profile was within the range for healthy rabbits. The plasmatic level of alanine aminotransferase was higher in Control diet than Enriched diet at 5 and 10 weeks (p = 0.93 and p = 0.94, respectively) and alkaline phosphatase was similar in Control diet throughout the experiment, but decreased in Enriched diet (p = 0.97). No difference was found in kidney parameters (uric nitrogen and creatinine). Enriched diet showed higher total protein and globulin than Control diet (p = 0.99). Phosphorus was lower (p = 0.92) in Control diet than in Enriched diet. In conclusion, the addition of the postbiotic based on lactic acid bacteria seems to improve the quality of the semen and the liver profile in rabbits.

Maintaining Digestive Health in Diabetes: The Role of the Gut Microbiome and the Challenge of Functional Foods

Over the last decades, the incidence of diabetes has increased in developed countries and beyond the genetic impact, environmental factors, which can trigger the activation of the gut immune system, seem to affect the induction of the disease process. Since the composition of the gut microbiome might disturb the normal interaction with the immune system and contribute to altered immune responses, the restoration of normal microbiota composition constitutes a new target for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Thus, the interaction of gut microbiome and diabetes, focusing on mechanisms connecting gut microbiota with the occurrence of the disorder, is discussed in the present review. Finally, the challenge of functional food diet on maintaining intestinal health and microbial flora diversity and functionality, as a potential tool for the onset inhibition and management of the disease, is highlighted by reporting key animal studies and clinical trials. Early onset of the disease in the oral cavity is an important factor for the incorporation of a functional food diet in daily routine.

Non-Dairy Fermented Beverages as Potential Carriers to Ensure Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Bioactive Compounds Arrival to the Gut and Their Health Benefits

In alignment with Hippocrates' aphorisms "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food" and "All diseases begin in the gut", recent studies have suggested that healthy diets should include fermented foods to temporally enhance live microorganisms in our gut. As a result, consumers are now demanding this type of food and fermented food has gained popularity. However, certain sectors of population, such as those allergic to milk proteins, lactose intolerant and strict vegetarians, cannot consume dairy products. Therefore, a need has arisen in order to offer consumers an alternative to fermented dairy products by exploring new non-dairy matrices as probiotics carriers. Accordingly, this review aims to explore the benefits of different fermented non-dairy beverages (legume, cereal, pseudocereal, fruit and vegetable), as potential carriers of bioactive compounds (generated during the fermentation process), prebiotics and different probiotic bacteria, providing protection to ensure that their viability is in the range of 106-107 CFU/mL at the consumption time, in order that they reach the intestine in high amounts and improve human health through modulation of the gut microbiome.

Effect of a novel postbiotic containing lactic acid bacteria on the intestinal microbiota and disease resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to assess the effect of a novel postbiotic on bacterial community composition and structure within the intestinal ecosystem of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), as well as evaluate its capacity to protect rainbow trout from Lactococcus garvieae infection.

RESULTS

After 30 days of dietary postbiotic supplementation, high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that bacterial community composition, diversity and richness were significantly higher in treated fish than in control fish. The proportion of sequences affiliated to the phylum Tenericutes, and to a lesser extent, the phyla Spirochaetes and Bacteroidetes was increased in fish fed a postbiotic-enriched diet compared to control fish, whereas the abundance of Fusobacteria was higher in control fish. Moreover, the treated fish showed significantly (p < 0.05) improved protection against L. garvieae compared to control fish.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that dietary postbiotic supplementation may represent an environmentally friendly strategy for preventing and controlling diseases in aquaculture.

Lactic Acid Fermentation of Cereals and Pseudocereals: Ancient Nutritional Biotechnologies with Modern Applications

Grains are a substantial source of macronutrients and energy for humans. Lactic acid (LA) fermentation is the oldest and most popular way to improve the functionality, nutritional value, taste, appearance and safety of cereal foods and reduce the energy required for cooking. This literature review discusses lactic acid fermentation of the most commonly used cereals and pseudocereals by examination of the microbiological and biochemical fundamentals of the process. The study provides a critical overview of the indispensable participation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the production of many traditional, ethnic, ancient and modern fermented cereals and beverages, as the analysed literature covers 40 years. The results reveal that the functional aspects of LAB fermented foods are due to significant molecular changes in macronutrients during LA fermentation. Through the action of a vast microbial enzymatic pool, LAB form a broad spectrum of volatile compounds, bioactive peptides and oligosaccharides with prebiotic potential. Modern applications of this ancient bioprocess include the industrial production of probiotic sourdough, fortified pasta, cereal beverages and "boutique" pseudocereal bread. These goods are very promising in broadening the daily menu of consumers with special nutritional needs.

Influence of Storage Temperature and Packaging on Bacteria and Yeast Viability in a Plant-Based Fermented Food

Optimization of food storage has become a central issue for food science and biotechnology, especially in the field of functional foods. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of different storage strategies in a fermented food product (FFP) and further determine whether the regular storage (room temperature (RT) and standard packaging (SP)) could be refined. Eight experimental conditions (four different temperatures × two packaging) were simulated and changes in FFP's microbial ecology (total bacteria, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and yeasts) and physicochemical characteristics (pH and moisture content (MC)) were determined following 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. All conditions tested showed a decline in microbial content due to the effect of the temperature, 37 °C being the most detrimental condition, while -20 and 4 °C seemed to be better than RT in some parameters. Vacuum packaging (VP) only had a major effect on MC and we found that VP preserved greater MC values than SP at 3, 6, and 12 months. The correlation analysis revealed that total bacteria, LAB, and yeasts were positively associated, and also both pH and MC showed a correlation. According to our results and with the purpose to maintain the load of viable microorganisms, we observed that the best storage conditions should contemplate SP and freezing or cooling temperature during a period no longer than 3 months.

Changes in intestinal microbiota and disease resistance following dietary postbiotic supplementation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This experimental study was aimed to investigate whether the dietary supplementation of a postbiotic obtained as a food product fermented with two lactic acid bacteria could induce changes in the intestinal microbiota and prevent the development of Lactococcus garvieae infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). After 30 days of dietary postbiotic supplementation, bacterial community composition and structure was significantly different between the treated and control groups. A higher bacterial diversity and richness in the intestinal samples was found in treated fish, as compared to those samples from untreated fish. Dietary postbiotic supplementation also conferred increased protection against L. garvieae infection. These findings suggest that the establishment of a beneficial microbiota is essential to prevent diseases or protect the host from foreign agents.