Probiotic Strains Isolated from an Olympic Woman’s Weightlifting Gold Medalist Increase Weight Loss and Exercise Performance in a Mouse Model

Impact of Probiotic Supplementation and High-Intensity Interval Training on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Inflammation and Hormonal Modulation

Background: Dysmenorrhea, categorized as primary (PD) or secondary (SD), significantly affects females during their reproductive years, impairing quality of life, performance, and social relationships. Alongside medical treatment, exercise and probiotics are complementary measures for managing PD and promoting health. This study examined the impact of probiotic supplementation and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on PD severity, physiological modulation, and physical fitness. Methods: Participants, recruited according to the primary dysmenorrhea criteria, were divided into non-PD (control) and PD groups, with the PD group further classified into dysmenorrhea (Dysmen), dysmenorrhea with probiotics (DysmenPro), dysmenorrhea with exercise (DysmenEx), and dysmenorrhea with both (DysmenExPro). Interventions included 10 weeks of HIIT and probiotics. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included questionnaires on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, physical fitness evaluations, and blood sample analyses for biochemical, hormonal, and prostaglandin levels. Results: HIIT significantly reduced premenstrual symptoms, menstrual distress, and pain severity, likely due to hormone (estradiol, prolactin, progesterone, cortisol) modulation and decreased inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, PGE2, PGF2α). Cardiovascular endurance and explosive strength showed improvement through high-intensity interval training (HIIT), whereas probiotics had no significant effect on these aspects of physical fitness. While probiotics reduced premenstrual and menstrual distress symptoms, they had no notable impact on pain, inflammation, or hormone levels. Dysmenorrhea-related discomforts were correlated significantly with inflammation and hormones. Conclusions: The intervention strategy involving probiotics and HIIT exercise may be utilized as an alternative and complementary treatment to alleviate PD symptoms. Furthermore, this strategy could also be incorporated into educational health plans to promote women's health and potentially prevent gynecological disorders in the adolescent population.

Screening and Whole-Genome Analysis of Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria with Potential Antioxidants from Yak Milk and Dairy Products in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with strong antioxidant activity and potential probiotic properties from yak milk and dairy products in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Initial screening of the isolates was performed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and a hydrogen peroxide tolerance test. Subsequently, the antioxidant capacity of the isolates was assessed through five distinct assays: 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging ability, superoxide anion radical scavenging ability, hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, a DPPH scavenging assay, and a reducing activity assay. The strains with the stronger antioxidant potential were then further evaluated for their probiotic properties. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on Lactobacillus plantarum QL01. Among 1205 isolates, 9 strains exhibited potential antioxidant capabilities. Following probiotic property evaluation, QL01 was identified as a safe candidate due to its strong growth, strong adhesion ability, and resilience to acidic, bile, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Genome analysis revealed that most of QL01's genes were involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Further examination of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors confirmed its safety, meanwhile genes linked to adhesion and stress responses underscored its probiotic potential. In conclusion, QL01, a strong antioxidant strain, was successfully isolated, and its probiotic potential was confirmed through comprehensive in vitro and genomic analyses.

Mechanism of Action and Beneficial Effects of Probiotics in Amateur and Professional Athletes

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, provide health benefits to the host. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), probiotic supplementation can optimize the health, performance, and recovery of athletes at all stages of their careers. Recent research suggests that probiotics can improve immune system functions, reduce gastrointestinal distress, and increase gut permeability in athletes. Additionally, probiotics may provide athletes with secondary health benefits that could positively affect athletic performance through enhanced recovery from fatigue, improved immune function, and maintenance of healthy gastrointestinal tract function. The integration of some probiotic strains into athletes' diets and the consumption of multi-strain compounds may lead to an improvement in performance and can positively affect performance-related aspects such as fatigue, muscle pain, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness. In summary, probiotics can be beneficial for athletes at all stages of their careers, from amateur to professional. This paper reviews the progress of research on the role of probiotic supplementation in improving energy metabolism and immune system functions, reducing gastrointestinal distress, and enhancing recovery from fatigue in athletes at different levels.

Efficacy of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66 and Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02 in Enhancing Explosive Strength and Endurance: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

Probiotics are posited to enhance exercise performance by influencing muscle protein synthesis, augmenting glycogen storage, and reducing inflammation. This double-blind study randomized 88 participants to receive a six-week intervention with either a placebo, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66, Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02, or a combination of both strains, combined with a structured exercise training program. We assessed changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), exercise performance, and gut microbiota composition before and after the intervention. Further analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of probiotics on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), muscle integrity, and inflammatory markers in the blood, 24 and 48 h post-intervention. The results demonstrated that all probiotic groups exhibited significant enhancements in exercise performance and attenuation of muscle strength decline post-exercise exhaustion (p < 0.05). Notably, PL-02 intake significantly increased muscle mass, whereas LY-66 and the combination therapy significantly reduced body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed an increase in beneficial bacteria, especially a significant rise in Akkermansia muciniphila following supplementation with PL-02 and LY-66 (p < 0.05). Overall, the combination of exercise training and supplementation with PL-02, LY-66, and their combination improved muscle strength, explosiveness, and endurance performance, and had beneficial effects on body composition and gastrointestinal health, as evidenced by data obtained from non-athlete participants.

Safety Assessment and Probiotic Potential Comparison of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis BLI-02, Lactobacillus plantarum LPL28, Lactobacillus acidophilus TYCA06, and Lactobacillus paracasei ET-66

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis BLI-02, Lactobacillus paracasei ET-66, Lactobacillus plantarum LPL28, and Lactobacillus acidophilus TYCA06, isolated from healthy breast milk, miso, and the healthy human gut, were assessed for safety in this study. BLI-02, LPL28, TYCA06, and ET-66 exhibited no antibiotic resistance and mutagenic activity in the Ames test at the highest dosage (5000 μg/plate). No genotoxicity was observed in micronucleus and chromosomal aberration assays in rodent spermatogonia at the maximum dosage of 10 g/kg body weight (BW). No acute and sub-chronic toxicity occurred in mice and rats at the maximum tested dosage of 10 g/kg BW and 1.5 g/kg BW, respectively. The lyophilized powder of these strains survived a low pH and high bile salt environment, adhering strongly to Caco-2 cells. Unique antimicrobial activities were noted in these strains, with BLI-02 demonstrating the best growth inhibition against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, LPL28 exhibiting the best growth inhibition against Helicobacter pylori, and ET-66 showing the best growth inhibition against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Based on the present study, the lyophilized powder of these four strains appears to be a safe probiotic supplement at tested dosages. It should be applicable for clinical or healthcare applications.