Safety and Effects of Lactobacillus paracasei TISTR 2593 Supplementation on Improving Cholesterol Metabolism and Atherosclerosis-Related Parameters in Subjects with Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Probiotics have the potential as a multi-target approach to modulate hypercholesterolemia associated with premature atherosclerosis. Various strains of Lactobacillus paracasei have been reported to affect hypercholesterolemia positively. This study aimed to investigate the effects of L. paracasei TISTR 2593 on lipid profile, cholesterol metabolism, and atherosclerosis according to the registration of Thai Clinical Trial Registry as identification number TCTR 20220917002. A total of 50 participants with hypercholesterolemia were randomly and equally assigned to consume L. paracasei TISTR 2593 or a placebo in maltodextrin capsules daily. Biomarkers of lipid profiles, oxidative stress state, inflammatory state, and other biological indicators were examined on days 0, 45, and 90. The results showed that subjects taking the L. paracasei TISTR 2593 could significantly reduce the level of serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p < 0.05), malondialdehyde (p < 0.001), and tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.01). Moreover, L. paracasei TISTR 2593 increased the level of serum apolipoprotein E (p < 0.01) and adiponectin (p < 0.001) significantly. No changes in serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, total bile acids, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were observed during L. paracasei TISTR 2593 supplementation. Therefore, L. paracasei TISTR 2593 could be an adjuvant probiotic supplement to ameliorate hypercholesterolemia and prevent or delay the development of atherosclerosis.

Paenibacillus cathormii sp. nov., isolated from tree bark

A Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped and endospore-forming bacterium, strain BK114-2^T isolated from tree bark in Thailand was characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Analysis based on comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain BK114-2^T was affiliated to the genus Paenibacillus, and was closely related to Paenibacillus timonensis 2301032^T (96.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Paenibacillus phoenicis 3PO2SA^T (96.6 %) and Paenibacillus barengoltzii SAFN-016^T (96.4 %). Strain BK114-2^T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in its cell-wall peptidoglycan. The polar lipids were composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unknown phospholipids, five unknown aminophospholipids and six unknown lipids. The only menaquinone detected was MK-7 and the dominant cellular fatty acids were C_16 : 0 (22.9 %), anteiso-C_15 : 0 (22.6 %), iso-C_16 : 0 (19.4 %) and anteiso-C_17 : 0 (14.7 %). The DNA G+C content was 52.0 mol%. Based on these results, strain BK114-2^T repreesents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus cathormii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BK114-2^T ( = KCTC 33251^T = TISTR 2282^T).

Bacillus salacetis sp. nov., a slightly halophilic bacterium from Thai shrimp paste (Ka-pi)

A Gram-stain-positive, slightly halophilic, endospore-forming, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated SKP7-4^T, was isolated from shrimp paste collected from Samut Sakhon province, Thailand. Strain SKP7-4^T grew at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.5), at 20-40 °C (37 °C) and in 0-15 % (w/v) NaCl (1-3 %). The diamino acid found in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Menaquinone with seven isoprene units was the major isoprenoid quinone. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and three unidentified phospholipids were detected as polar lipids. It contained iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0 as major cellular fatty acids. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain SKP7-4^T belonged to the genus Bacillus and was closely related to Bacillus vietnamensis JCM 11124^T, Bacillus marisflavi JCM 11544^T, Bacillus aquimaris JCM 11545^T and Bacillusoryzaecorticis JCM 19602^T, with 98.7, 97.9, 97.8 and 97.8 % similarity, respectively. The draft genome of SKP7-4^T was 4.68 Mb with 5208 coding sequences with an average G+C content of 43.2 mol%. The ANIb and ANIm values of strain SKP7-4^T were 70.0 and 84.3 %, respectively, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization value was 20 % in comparison with the draft genome of B. vietnamensis JCM 11124^T. On the basis of the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, the strain should represent a novel species of the genus Bacillus and the name Bacillus salacetis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SKP7-4^T (=JCM 33205^T=KCTC 43014^T=TISTR 2596^T).

Influence of dietary supplementation with new Lactobacillus strains on hematology, serum biochemistry, nutritional status, digestibility, enzyme activities, and immunity in dogs

Background and Aim

The use of antibiotics is associated with many side effects, with the development of bacterial resistance being particularly important. It has been found that dogs and their owners host similar resistant bacteria. This contributes to increased concurrent bacterial resistance and a possible trend of increased bacterial resistance in humans. Thus, using probiotics in dogs is an alternative option for preventing and reducing the transmission of bacterial resistance from dogs to humans. Probiotics are characterized by their potential to endure low pH levels and high concentrations of bile acids in the gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacilli are more acid-tolerant and resistant to bile acid, so they are ideal probiotics to be added to the canine diet. According to the previous studies, the benefits of Lactobacillus are a stable nutritional status and greater digestibility, along with improved fecal scores and reduced ammonia in dogs. However, no studies have been conducted with Lactobacillus plantarum CM20-8 (TISTR 2676), Lactobacillus acidophilus Im10 (TISTR 2734), Lactobacillus rhamnosus L12-2 (TISTR 2716), Lactobacillus paracasei KT-5 (TISTR 2688), and Lactobacillus fermentum CM14-8 (TISTR 2720), or their use in combination. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of the aforementioned Lactobacillus on hematological indices, nutritional status, digestibility, enzyme activities, and immunity in dogs. From the results, a new and safe strain of Lactobacillus may emerge for use as a probiotic in the future.

Materials and Methods

In this study, 35 dogs were allocated equally into seven groups: Group 1 received a basal diet (control), while Groups 2-7 received the same diet further supplemented with L. plantarum CM20-8 (TISTR 2676), L. acidophilus Im10 (TISTR 2734), L. rhamnosus L12-2 (TISTR 2716), L. paracasei KT-5 (TISTR 2688), L. fermentum CM14-8 (TISTR 2720), or a mixture of probiotics (L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. paracasei, and L. fermentum), respectively. All probiotics were administered at a dose of 10⁹ colony-forming unit/dog for 28 days. Nutritional status, hematology, serum biochemistry, digestibility, enzyme activities, and immunity parameters were assessed.

Results

There were no differences among the groups in body weight, feed intake, body condition score, fecal score, and fecal dry matter on the different sampling days. The hematology and serum biochemical analyses showed a difference only in creatinine activity (p < 0.001), with higher values in group L. fermentum CM14-8 (TISTR 2720) and lower values in group L. paracasei KT-5 (TISTR 2688) than in controls. However, all measurements were within the normal laboratory reference ranges. Fecal characteristics (fecal ammonia and fecal pH), fecal digestive enzyme activities, serum immunoglobulin (IgG), and fecal IgA did not differ significantly among the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Lactobacillus plantarum CM20-8 (TISTR 2676), L. acidophilus Im10 (TISTR 2734), L. rhamnosus L12-2 (TISTR 2716), L. paracasei KT-5 (TISTR 2688), and L. fermentum CM14-8 (TISTR 2720), along with their mixture are safe and non-pathogenic additives for use as new probiotic strains of Lactobacillus in dogs. Although the new Lactobacillus strains had no effect on hematology, serum biochemistry, nutritional status, digestive enzyme activities, immunity, body weight, feed intake, or body condition scores in dogs, further studies should investigate the intestinal microbiota and the development of clinical treatments.

Comparative genomics reveals insight into the phylogeny and habitat adaptation of novel Amycolatopsis species, an endophytic actinomycete associated with scab lesions on potato tubers

A novel endophytic actinomycete, strain MEP2-6T, was isolated from scab tissues of potato tubers collected from Mae Fag Mai Sub-district, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Strain MEP2-6T is a gram-positive filamentous bacteria characterized by meso-diaminopimelic acid in cell wall peptidoglycan and arabinose, galactose, glucose, and ribose in whole-cell hydrolysates. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine were the major phospholipids, of which MK-9(H6) was the predominant menaquinone, whereas iso-C16:0 and iso-C15:0 were the major cellular fatty acids. The genome of the strain was 10,277,369 bp in size with a G + C content of 71.7%. The 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic and core phylogenomic analyses revealed that strain MEP2-6T was closely related to Amycolatopsis lexingtonensis NRRL B-24131T (99.4%), A. pretoriensis DSM 44654T (99.3%), and A. eburnea GLM-1T (98.9%). Notably, strain MEP2-6T displayed 91.7%, 91.8%, and 87% ANIb and 49%, 48.8%, and 35.4% dDDH to A. lexingtonensis DSM 44653T (=NRRL B-24131T), A. eburnea GLM-1T, and A. pretoriensis DSM 44654T, respectively. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic data, strain MEP2-6T could be officially assigned to a novel species within the genus Amycolatopsis, for which the name Amycolatopsis solani sp. nov. has been proposed. The type of strain is MEP2-6T (=JCM 36309T = TBRC 17632T = NBRC 116395T). Amycolatopsis solani MEP2-6T was strongly proven to be a non-phytopathogen of potato scab disease because stunting of seedlings and necrotic lesions on potato tuber slices were not observed, and there were no core biosynthetic genes associated with the BGCs of phytotoxin-inducing scab lesions. Furthermore, comparative genomics can provide a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms that enable A. solani MEP2-6T to adapt to the plant endosphere. Importantly, the strain smBGCs accommodated 33 smBGCs encoded for several bioactive compounds, which could be beneficially applied in the fields of agriculture and medicine. Consequently, strain MEP2-6T is a promising candidate as a novel biocontrol agent and antibiotic producer.

Lactobacillus reuteri TISTR 2736 alleviates type 2 diabetes in rats via the hepatic IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators

PURPOSE

This study investigated the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus reuteri TISTR 2736 on glucose homeostasis, carbohydrate metabolism, and the underlying mechanisms of its actions in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats.

METHODS

A rat model of T2D was established by a combination of a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. The diabetic rats were treated daily with L. reuteri TISTR 2736 (2 × 108 CFU/day) for 30 days. Biochemical, histopathological, and molecular analyses were carried out to determine insulin signaling, carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that treatment with L. reuteri TISTR 2736 significantly ameliorated fasting blood glucose and glucose intolerance, and improved insulin sensitivity indices in the diabetic rats. The hepatic histopathology was improved with L. reuteri TISTR 2736 treatment, which was correlated with a reduction of hepatic lipid profiles. L. reuteri TISTR 2736 significantly reduced glycogen content, fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase activity, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 protein expression, and enhanced hexokinase activity in the diabetic liver. The downregulation of IRS1 and phosphorylated IRS1Ser307 and upregulation of PI3K and phosphorylated AKTSer473 proteins in the liver were found in the L. reuteri TISTR 2736-treated diabetic group. Furthermore, it was able to suppress oxidative stress and inflammation in the diabetic rats, as demonstrated by decreased malondialdehyde and protein levels of NF-κB, IL-6 and TNF-α, but increased antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.

CONCLUSION

By inhibiting oxidative and inflammatory stress, L. reuteri TISTR 2736 alleviated hyperglycemia and improved carbohydrate metabolism through activating IRS1/PI3K/AKT pathway in the T2D rats.

Sporolactobacillus mangiferae sp. nov., a spore-forming lactic acid bacterium isolated from tree bark in Thailand

A Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic and endospore-forming rod-shaped bacterium, designed strain CPB3-1^T, was isolated from tree bark. This homofermentative strain produced dl-lactic acid from glucose. It grew at 20-45 °C, pH 4.0-9.5 and in 0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. It contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in cell-wall peptidoglycan and had menaquinone with seven isoprene units (MK-7) as the predominant component. The major fatty acid was anteiso-C_17 : 0. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unknown phospholipid and an unknown lipid. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain CPB3-1^T belonged to the genus Sporolactobacillus and was closely related to Sporolactobacillus kofuensis DSM 11701^T and Sporolactobacillus spathodeae BK117-1^T (both 96.7 % similarity), Sporolactobacillus inulinus NRIC 1133^T and Sporolactobacillus terrae DSM 11697^T (both 96.6 % similarity), and Sporolactobacillus shoreicorticis MK21-7^T, Sporolactobacillus laevolacticus DSM 442^T, Sporolactobacillus shoreae BK92^T and Sporolactobacillus pectinivorans GD201205^T (all 95.8-96.5 % similarity). The draft genome of strain CPB3-1^T contained 2 930 919 bps with 3117 coding genes. The DNA G+C content was 45.1 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain CPB3-1^T and closely related type strains were 19.2-24.0 %. The average nucleotide identity (84.0-87.6 %) and average amino acid identity (66.5-76.3 %) values were lower than the cut-off values for species delineation. Strain CPB3-1^T was clearly distinguished from related Sporolactobacillus species based on its phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and the results of draft genome analysis. Therefore, the strain represents a novel species of the genus Sporolactobacillus, for which the name Sporolactobacillus mangiferae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CPB3-1^T (=JCM 35082^T=TISTR 10004^T).

Impact of Lactocaseibacillus (Lactobacillus) paracasei sup. paracasei TISTR 2593 Probiotic Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome of Hypercholesterolemia Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Probiotics have shown potential in managing hypercholesterolemia and related metabolic conditions. This study evaluated the effects of Lactocaseibacillus (Lactobacillus) paracasei sup. paracasei TISTR 2593 on the gut microbiome and metabolic health in patients with hypercholesterolemia, and was registered in the Thai Clinical Trial Registry (TCTR 20220917002). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 22 hypercholesterolemic participants received either the probiotic or a placebo daily for 90 days. Fecal samples collected before and after the intervention revealed significant microbiome changes, including a decrease in Subdoligranulum, linked to rheumatoid arthritis, and an increase in Flavonifractor, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the probiotic group exhibited a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. These findings suggest that L. paracasei TISTR 2593 can modulate the gut microbiome and improve metabolic health, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and long-term benefits.

Genomic Assessment, Metabolic Profile Mapping, and Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of Lactococcus lactis SK2-659 from Thai Fermented Green Mustard (Pak-kad-dong)

Probiotics play crucial roles in promoting gut health, enhancing immunity, and combating pathogenic microorganisms, with increasing interest in their applications in the food and therapeutic industries. Lactococcus lactis, a well-known lactic acid bacterium, has emerged as a promising candidate owing to its probiotic traits and safety profile. In this study, we investigated the probiotic potential and genomic profile of Lactococcus lactis SK2-659, a strain isolated from Thai fermented green mustard (Pak-kad-dong). Genomic analysis revealed numerous genes associated with probiotic traits, including stress tolerance, adhesion, and antimicrobial activity, with a particular focus on bacteriocin SK2-659, which was effective against pathogenic bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. The bacteriocin produced by L. lactis SK2-659, identified as nisin Z, disrupts bacterial membranes via pore formation, leading to cell lysis. Metabolomic profiling further highlighted its ability to increase carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, supporting cell growth and survival in acidic environments. Also, amino acid metabolism (elevated tryptophan, tyrosine, histidine) supports acid tolerance and immune modulation. Tryptophan metabolism produces indole derivatives, which are known to benefit gut health and immunity. Additionally, strain SK2-659 demonstrated strong tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions, high adhesion capacity to intestinal cells, and immunomodulatory effects, contributing to gut health. Safety assessments confirmed the absence of virulence factors, pathogenic traits, and antibiotic resistance genes, along with a lack of biogenic amine production, underscoring its suitability for food and health applications. These findings establish L. lactis SK2-659 as a promising probiotic candidate with potential industrial applications in functional foods, food preservation, and therapeutic products. Given its probiotic properties, antimicrobial activity, and safety profile, this strain is particularly suited for the food industry as a functional food ingredient and natural bio-preservative, as well as the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries for use in therapeutic probiotics and gut health formulations.

Antidiabetic Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis TISTR 2591 in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes

This study investigated the beneficial effects of probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis TISTR 2591 on the regulation of blood glucose and its possible mechanisms in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. The type 2 diabetic-Sprague Dawley rats were established by the combination of a high-fat diet and a low dose of streptozotocin. After 4 weeks of treatment with 2 × 108 CFU/ml of B. animalis TISTR 2591, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance, serum insulin, and pancreatic and hepatic histopathology were determined. Liver lipid accumulation, glycogen content, and gluconeogenic protein expression were evaluated. Oxidative stress and inflammatory status were determined. B. animalis TISTR 2591 significantly reduced FBG levels and improved glucose tolerance and serum insulin in the diabetic rats. Structural damage of the pancreas and liver was ameliorated in the B. animalis TISTR 2591-treated diabetic rats. In addition, significant decreases in hepatic fat accumulation, glycogen content, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 protein expression were found in the diabetic rats treated with B. animalis TISTR 2591. The diabetic rats showed a significant reduction of inflammation following B. animalis TISTR 2591 supplementation, as demonstrated by decreasing hepatic NF-κB protein expression and serum and liver TNF-α levels. The B. animalis TISTR 2591 significantly decreased MDA levels and increased antioxidant SOD and GPx activities in the diabetic rats. In conclusion, B. animalis TISTR 2591 was shown to be effective in controlling glucose homeostasis and improving glucose tolerance in the diabetic rats. These beneficial activities were attributed to reducing oxidative and inflammatory status and modulating hepatic glucose metabolism.

Correction: Khongrum et al. Safety and Effects of Lactobacillus paracasei TISTR 2593 Supplementation on Improving Cholesterol Metabolism and Atherosclerosis-Related Parameters in Subjects with Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2023, 15, 661

Error in Table [...].

Genomic Assessment of Potential Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRM56-2 Isolated from Fermented Tea Leaves

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a widely studied species known for its probiotic properties that can help alleviate serum cholesterol levels. Whole-genome sequencing provides genetic information on probiotic attributes, metabolic activities and safety assessment. This study investigates the probiotic properties of strain CRM56-2, isolated from Thai fermented tea leaves, using Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) to evaluate the safety, health-promoting genes and functional analysis. Strain CRM56-2 showed bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, assimilated cholesterol at a rate of 75.94%, tolerated acidic and bile environments and attached to Caco-2 cells. Based on ANIb (98.9%), ANIm (99.2%), and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (98.3%), strain CRM56-2 was identified as L. plantarum. In silico analysis revealed that it was not pathogenic and contained no antibiotic-resistance genes or plasmids. L. plantarum CRM56-2 possessed genes linked to several probiotic properties and beneficial impacts. The genome of strain CRM56-2 suggested that L. plantarum CRM56-2 is non-hazardous, with potential probiotic characteristics and beneficial impacts, which could enhance its probiotic application. Consequently, L. plantarum CRM56-2 demonstrated excellent cholesterol-lowering activity and probiotic properties.