The molecular architecture of Lactobacillus S-layer: Assembly and attachment to teichoic acids.

S-layers are crystalline arrays found on bacterial and archaeal cells. Lactobacillus is a diverse family of bacteria known especially for potential gut health benefits. This study focuses on the S-layer proteins from Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus amylovorus common in the mammalian gut. Atomic resolution structures of Lactobacillus S-layer proteins SlpA and SlpX exhibit domain swapping, and the obtained assembly model of the main S-layer protein SlpA aligns well with prior electron microscopy and mutagenesis data. The S-layer's pore size suggests a protective role, with charged areas aiding adhesion. A highly similar domain organization and interaction network are observed across the Lactobacillus genus. Interaction studies revealed conserved binding areas specific for attachment to teichoic acids. The structure of the SlpA S-layer and the suggested incorporation of SlpX as well as its interaction with teichoic acids lay the foundation for deciphering its role in immune responses and for developing effective treatments for a variety of infectious and bacteria-mediated inflammation processes, opening opportunities for targeted engineering of the S-layer or lactobacilli bacteria in general.

Changes of microbial communities and metabolites in the fermentation of persimmon vinegar by bioaugmentation fermentation.

To evaluate the effects of bioaugmentation fermentation inoculated with one ester-producing strain (Wickerhamomyces anomalus ZX-1) and two strains of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 24035 and Lactobacillus acidophilus R2) for improving the flavor of persimmon vinegar, microbial community, flavor compounds and metabolites were analyzed. The results of microbial diversity analysis showed that bioaugmentation fermentation significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Pichia and Wickerhamomyces, while the abundance of Acetobacter, Apiotrichum, Delftia, Komagataeibacter, Kregervanrija and Aspergillus significantly decreased. After bioaugmentation fermentation, the taste was softer, and the sensory irritancy of acetic acid was significantly reduced. The analysis of HS-SPME-GC-MS and untargeted metabolomics based on LC-MS/MS showed that the contents of citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, ethyl lactate, methyl acetate, isocitrate, acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were significantly increased. By multivariate analysis, 33 differential metabolites were screened out to construct the correlation between the differential metabolites and microorganisms. Pearson correlation analysis showed that methyl acetate, ethyl lactate, betaine, aconitic acid, acetoin, 2,3-butanediol and isocitrate positively associated with Wickerhamomyces and Lactobacillus. The results confirmed that the quality of persimmon vinegar was improved by bioaugmentation fermentation.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus DS0079 (YBS1) by Inhibition of Adipocyte Differentiation through Regulation of p38 MAPK/PPARγ Signaling.

Obesity is spawned by an inequality between the portion of energy consumed and the quantity of energy expended. Disease entities such as cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and cancer, which are correlated with obesity, influence society and the economy. Suppression of adipogenesis, the process of white adipocyte generation, remains a promising approach for treating obesity. Oil Red O staining was used to differentiate 3T3-L1 cells for screening 20 distinct Lactobacillus species. Among these, Lactobacillus acidophilus DS0079, referred to as YBS1, was selected for further study. YBS1 therapy decreased 3T3-L1 cell development. Triglyceride accumulation and mRNA expression of the primary adipogenic marker, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), including its downstream target genes, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 and adiponectin, were almost eliminated. YBS1 inhibited adipocyte differentiation at the early stage (days 0-2), but no significant difference was noted between the mid-stage (days 2-4) and late-stage (days 4-6) development. YBS1 stimulated the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) during the early stages of adipogenesis; however, this effect was eliminated by the SB203580 inhibitor. The data showed that YBS1 administration inhibited the initial development of adipocytes via stimulation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, which in turn controlled PPARγ expression. In summary, YBS1 has potential efficacy as an anti-obesity supplement and requires further exploration.

Type A gelatin-amidated low methoxyl pectin complex coacervates for probiotics protection: Formation, characterization, and viability.

This work developed and characterized the physicochemical properties of a type A gelatin and amidated low-methoxyl pectin complex coacervate (GA-LMAP-CC) hydrogel and evaluated its suitability for preserving the viability of probiotics under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. The formation of GA-LMAP-CC was achieved via height electrostatic attraction at pH 3 and a mixing ratio of 1, exhibiting thermoreversible gel behavior. The hydrogel had a porosity of 44% and a water absorption capacity of up to 12 times. Water absorption profiles were obtained at different pH values (2, 5, and 7). The influence of GA-LMAP-CC depended on the medium, which controlled the hydration and water absorption rate. GA-LMAP-CC promoted the viability of B. longum BB536 and L. acidophilus strains under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, thereby enhancing their potential for intestinal colonization. The hydrogel has suitable properties for potential application in food and pharmaceutical areas to encapsulate and preserve probiotics.

Mutualistic interactions of lactate-producing lactobacilli and lactate-utilizing Veillonella dispar: Lactate and glutamate cross-feeding for the enhanced growth and short-chain fatty acid production.

The human gut hosts numerous ecological niches for microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions. Gut lactate homeostasis in humans is crucial and relies on various bacteria. Veillonella spp., gut lactate-utilizing bacteria, and lactate-producing bacteria were frequently co-isolated. A recent clinical trial has revealed that lactate-producing bacteria in humans cross-feed lactate to Veillonella spp.; however, their interspecies interaction mechanisms remain unclear. Veillonella dispar, an obligate anaerobe commonly found in the human gut and oral cavity, ferments lactate into acetate and propionate. In our study, we investigated the interaction between V. dispar ATCC 17748T and three representative phylogenetically distant strains of lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356T, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei ATCC 27216T, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 10241. Bacterial growth, viability, metabolism and gene level adaptations during bacterial interaction were examined. V. dispar exhibited the highest degree of mutualism with L. acidophilus. During co-culture of V. dispar with L. acidophilus, both bacteria exhibited enhanced growth and increased viability. V. dispar demonstrated an upregulation of amino acid biosynthesis pathways and the aspartate catabolic pathway. L. acidophilus also showed a considerable number of upregulated genes related to growth and lactate fermentation. Our results support that V. dispar is able to enhance the fermentative capability of L. acidophilus by presumably consuming the produced lactate, and that L. acidophilus cross-feed not only lactate, but also glutamate, to V. dispar during co-culture. The cross-fed glutamate enters the central carbon metabolism in V. dispar. These findings highlight an intricate metabolic relationship characterized by cross-feeding of lactate and glutamate in parallel with considerable gene regulation within both L. acidophilus (lactate-producing) and V. dispar (lactate-utilizing). The mechanisms of mutualistic interactions between a traditional probiotic bacterium and a potential next-generation probiotic bacterium were elucidated in the production of short-chain fatty acids.

Enhanced probiotic viability in innovative double-network emulsion gels: Synergistic effects of the whey protein concentrate-xanthan gum complex and κ-carrageenan.

In this study, the whey protein concentrate and xanthan gum complex obtained by specific pH treatment, along with κ-carrageenan (KC), were used to encapsulate Lactobacillus acidophilus JYLA-191 in an emulsion gel system. The effects of crosslinking and KC concentration on the visual characteristics, stability, mechanical properties, and formation mechanism of emulsion gels were investigated. The results of optical imaging, particle size distribution, and rheology exhibited that with the addition of crosslinking agents, denser and more homogeneous emulsion gels were formed, along with a relative decrease in the droplet size and a gradual increase in viscosity. Especially when the concentration of citric acid (CA) was 0.09 wt%, KC was 0.8 wt%, and K+ was present in the system, the double-network emulsion gel was stable at high temperatures and in freezing environments, and the swelling ratio was the lowest (9.41%). Gastrointestinal tract digestive treatments and pasteurization revealed that the probiotics encapsulated in the double-network emulsion gel had a higher survival rate, which was attributed to the synergistic cross-linking of CA and K+ biopolymers to construct the emulsion gels. Overall, this study highlights the potential of emulsion gels to maintain probiotic vitality and provides valuable insights for developing inventive functional foods.

Evaluation of the Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 Bacteriocin against Staphylococcus aureus.

Background: Lactobacillus acidophilus is lactic acid bacteria that produce bacteriocins. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides or proteins that exhibit activity against closely related bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 bacteriocin against Staphylococcus aureus. Material and Methods. We used four different phenotypic methods for antimicrobial activities against two standard strains: methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ATCC 33591 and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) ATCC 25923. The methods were (1) agar well diffusion, (2) overlay soft agar, (3) paper disk, and (4) modification of punch hole. The ammonium sulfate method was used to concentrate crude bacteriocin, and ultrafiltration and dialysis tubes were used to remove ammonium sulfate from the bacteriocins. Each method was repeated in triplicate. Result: L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 showed antimicrobial activity against both MRSA and MSSA standard strains only by the overlay soft agar method and not by the agar well diffusion, punch hole modification, and paper disk methods. No antimicrobial effects were observed in crude bacteriocins concentrated. Conclusion: The growth inhibition of S. aureus in overlay soft agar method may be due to the production of bacteriocin-like substances. The overlay soft agar method is a qualitative test, so there is a need for further study to optimize the conditions for the production of bacteriocin-like substances in the culture supernatant and precise comparison between the inhibitory activity and pheromone secretion of different strains.

Novel Synergistic Probiotic Intervention: Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Ameliorative Effects on Immunity, Gut Barrier, and Metabolism of Mice during Salmonella typhimurium Infection.

Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium), a prevalent cause of foodborne infection, induces significant changes in the host transcriptome and metabolome. The lack of therapeutics with minimal or no side effects prompts the scientific community to explore alternative therapies. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of a probiotic mixture comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus 1.3251) and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum 9513) against S. typhimurium, utilizing transcriptome and metabolomic analyses, a novel approach that has not been previously documented. Twenty-four SPF-BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control negative group (CNG); positive control group (CPG); probiotic-supplemented non-challenged group (LAPG); and probiotic-supplemented Salmonella-challenged group (LAPST). An RNA-sequencing analysis of small intestinal (ileum) tissue revealed 2907 upregulated and 394 downregulated DEGs in the LAPST vs. CPG group. A functional analysis of DEGs highlighted their significantly altered gene ontology (GO) terms related to metabolism, gut integrity, cellular development, and immunity (p ≤ 0.05). The KEGG analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the LAPST group were primarily involved in pathways related to gut integrity, immunity, and metabolism, such as MAPK, PI3K-Akt, AMPK, the tryptophan metabolism, the glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, ECM-receptor interaction, and others. Additionally, the fecal metabolic analysis identified 1215 upregulated and 305 downregulated metabolites in the LAPST vs. CPG group, implying their involvement in KEGG pathways including bile secretion, propanoate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and protein digestion and absorption, which are vital for maintaining barrier integrity, immunity, and metabolism. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the administration of a probiotic mixture improves immunity, maintains gut homeostasis and barrier integrity, and enhances metabolism in Salmonella infection.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis significantly change the growth performance, serum immunity and cecal microbiota of Cherry Valley ducks during the fattening period.

This study explored the effects of a Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus mixture containing the co-fermented products of the two probiotics on growth performance, serum immunity and cecal microbiota of Cherry Valley ducks. This study included 480 one-day-old Cherry Valley ducks divided into four feeding groups: basal diet (control group) and basal diet supplemented with 300, 500, or 700 mg/kg of the probiotic powder; the ducks were raised for 42 days. Compared with the control group, body weight on day 42 and the average daily gain on days 15-42 significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the feed conversion rate significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the experimental groups. Furthermore, the serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM, and interleukin (IL)-4 levels increased significantly (p < 0.05), and IL-1ß, IL-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the experimental groups. Finally, Sellimonas, Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and Butyricoccus played an important role in the cecal microbiota of the experimental group. Thus, the probiotic powder has impacts on the growth performance, serum immunity and cecal microbiota of Cherry Valley Ducks.

Pearl millet flour and green gram milk based probiotic beverage.

The probiotic beverage was developed using germinated and ungerminated pearl millet flour and green gram milk. The germinated and ungerminated pearl millet flour was added to green gram milk at different concentrations (0.5-2.5 %) along with sugar and cardamom. The mixtures were then inoculated with probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus incubated at 37 °C for 6 h. Characterization of probiotic beverages was carried out during storage at (4 ± 1)°C for 21 days. The germinated flour beverage had high acidity as compared to the ungerminated flour beverage. The probiotic count in germinated and ungerminated flour beverages ranged from 8.19 to 8.77 × 107 and 8.04 to 8.52 × 107 log CFU/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activity, polyphenol content increased with an increase in the concentration of flour in the beverage. The LC-MS analysis found the existence of vitexin and isovitexin as the main polyphenolic compounds in the probiotic beverage. Non-dairy probiotic beverage prepared with 0.5 % germinated millet flour gave the best taste, color, texture, and rheological properties.

Purification of exopolysaccharide produced from Lactobacillus spp. using ionic-liquid as adjuvant in alcohol/salt-based aqueous two-phase system for its antidiabetic properties.

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from either insufficient insulin production or impaired cellular response to insulin. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Lactobacillus spp. demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in terms of their anti-diabetic properties. Extraction and purification of EPS produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus and Limosilactobacillus reuteri were performed using ethanol precipitation, followed by alcohol/salt based aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). The purification process involved ethanol precipitation followed by an alcohol/salt-based ATPS. The study systematically investigated various purification parameters in ATPS, including ethanol concentration, type and concentration of ionic liquid, type and concentration of salt and pH of salt. Purified EPS contents from L. acidophilus (63.30 µg/mL) and L. reuteri (146.48 µg/mL) were obtained under optimum conditions of ATPS which consisted of 30 % (w/w) ethanol, 25 % (w/w) dipotassium hydrogen phosphate at pH 10 and 2 % (w/w) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium octyl sulfate. The extracted EPS content was determined using phenol sulphuric acid method. In α-amylase inhibition tests, the inhibitory rate was found to be 92.52 % (L. reuteri) and 90.64 % (L. acidophilus), while in α-glucosidase inhibition tests, the inhibitory rate was 73.58 % (L. reuteri) and 68.77 % (L. acidophilus), based on the optimized parameters selected in ATPS. These results suggest that the purified EPS derived from the postbiotics of Lactobacillus spp. hold promise as potential antidiabetic agents.

Effects of p-coumaric acid on probiotic properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG.

Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts." Probiotics have beneficial effects on human health, including antibacterial activity against intestinal pathogens, regulation of blood cholesterol levels, reduction of colitis and inflammation incidence, regulation of the immune system, and prevention of colon cancer. In addition to probiotic bacteria, some phenolic compounds found in foods we consume (both food and beverages) have positive effects on human health. p-coumaric acid (p-CA) is one of the most abundant phenolic compounds in nature and human diet. The interactions between these two different food components (phenolics and probiotics), resulting in more beneficial combinations called synbiotics, are not well understood in terms of how they will affect the gut microbiota by promoting the probiotic properties and growth of probiotic bacteria. Thus, this study aimed to investigate synbiotic relationship between p-CA and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 (LA-5), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). Probiotic bacteria were grown in the presence of p-CA at different concentrations, and the effects of p-CA on probiotic properties, as well as its in vitro effects on AChE and BChE activities, were investigated. Additionally, Surface analysis was conducted using FTIR. The results showed that treatment with p-CA at different concentrations did not exhibit any inhibitory effect on the growth kinetics of LA-5 and LGG probiotic bacteria. Additionally, both probiotic bacteria demonstrated high levels of antibacterial properties. It showed that it increased the auto-aggregation of both probiotics. While p-CA increased co-aggregation of LA-5 and LGG against Escherichia coli, it decreased co-aggregation against Staphylococcus aureus. Probiotics grown with p-CA were more resistant to pepsin. While p-CA increased the resistance of LA-5 to bile salt, it decreased the resistance of LGG. The combinations of bacteria and p-CA efficiently suppressed AChE and BChE with inhibition (%) 11.04-68.43 and 13.20-65.72, respectively. Furthermore, surface analysis was conducted using FTIR to investigate the interaction of p-coumaric acid with LA-5 and LGG, and changes in cell components on the bacterial surface were analyzed. The results, recorded in range of 4000 -600 cm-1 with resolution of 4 cm-1, demonstrated that p-CA significantly affected only the phosphate/CH ratio for both bacteria. These results indicate the addition of p-CA to the probiotic growth may enhance the probiotic properties of bacteria.

Biphasic water-oil systems for functional augmentation of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus nanoencapsulated in luteolin-Fe3+ shells.

Single-cell nanoencapsulation (SCNE) has great potential in the enhancement of therapeutic effects of probiotic microbes. However, the material scope has been limited to water-soluble compounds to avoid non-biocompatible organic solvents that are harmful to living cells. In this work, the SCNE of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus with water-insoluble luteolin and Fe3+ ions is achieved by the vortex-assisted, biphasic water-oil system. The process creates L. acidophilus nanoencapsulated in the luteolin-Fe3+ shells that empower the cells with extrinsic properties, such as resistance to lysozyme attack, anti-ROS ability, and α-amylase-inhibition activity, as well as sustaining viability under acidic conditions. The proposed protocol, embracing water-insoluble flavonoids as shell components in SCNE, will be an advanced add-on to the chemical toolbox for the manipulation of living cells at the single-cell level.

Milk-derived Lactobacillus with high production of short-chain fatty acids relieves antibiotic-induced diarrhea in mice.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common side effect during antibiotic treatment, and this has warranted research into alternative protocols. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of three cohorts, Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0386, Lactobacillus acidophilus KLDS 1.0901 and a mixed strain of both, on intestinal inflammation, the intestinal mucosal barrier, and microbial community in mice with ampicillin-induced diarrhea. The results showed that Lactobacillus inhibited the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the murine intestine, and alleviated the intestinal barrier damage and inflammation induced by ampicillin. In addition, Lactobacillus ameliorates intestinal epithelial barrier damage by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and aquaporins. After Lactobacillus treatment, the diversity of gut microbiota increased significantly, and the composition and function of gut microbiota gradually recovered. In the gut microbiota, Bacteroidetes and Escherichia Shigella related to the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were significantly affected by ampicillin, while Lactobacillus regulates the cascade of the microbial-SCFA signaling pathway, which greatly promoted the generation of SCFAs. Collectively, Lactobacillus showed better results in treating AAD, especially in mixed strains.

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus AC on the growth, intestinal flora and metabolism of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The intensive aquaculture model has resulted in a heightened prevalence of diseases among farmed animals. It is imperative to identify healthy and efficacious alternatives to antibiotics for the sustainable progression of aquaculture. In this investigation, a strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus AC was introduced into the cultural water at varying concentrations (105 CFU/mL, 106 CFU/mL, 107 CFU/mL) to nourish zebrafish (Danio rerio). The findings revealed that L. acidophilus AC effectively increased the growth performance of zebrafish, improved the ion exchange capacity of gills, and enhanced hepatic antioxidant and immune-enzyme activities. Furthermore, L. acidophilus AC notably enhanced the intestinal morphology and augmented the activity of digestive enzymes within the intestinal tract. Analysis of intestinal flora revealed that L. acidophilus AC exerted a significant impact on the intestinal flora community, manifested by a reduction in the relative abundance of Burkholderiales, Candidatus_Saccharibacteria_bacterium, and Sutterellaceae, coupled with an increase in the relative abundance of Cetobacterium. Metabolomics analysis demonstrated that L. acidophilus AC significantly affected intestinal metabolism of zebrafish. PG (i-19:0/PGE2) and 12-Hydroxy-13-O-d-glucuronoside-octadec-9Z-enoate were the metabolites with the most significant up- and down-regulation folds, respectively. Finally, L. acidophilus AC increased the resistance of zebrafish to Aeromonas hydrophila. In conclusion, L. acidophilus AC was effective in enhancing the health and immunity of zebrafish. Thus, our findings suggested that L. acidophilus AC had potential applications and offered a reference for its use in aquaculture.

Coadministration of doxorubicin with vitamin D3, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei in the 4T1 mouse model of breast cancer: anticancer and enteroprotective effects.

The use of doxorubicin (Dox) in the treatment of breast cancer negatively affects the intestines and other tissues. Many studies have proven that probiotics and vitamin D3 have antitumor and intestinal tissue-protecting properties. To achieve effectiveness and minimize side effects, the current study aims to administer Dox together with probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei) and vitamin D3. Forty-two female BALB/c inbred mice were divided into six groups: Group 1 (Control), Group 2 (Dox), Group 3 (Dox and probiotics), Group 4 (Dox and vitamin D3), Group 5 (Dox, probiotics, and vitamin D3), and Group 6 (probiotics and vitamin D3). The 4T1 mouse carcinoma cell line was injected into the mammary fat pad of each mouse. Gene expression was examined using quantitative real-time PCR. The treated groups (except group 6) showed significantly reduced tumor volume and weight compared to the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Probiotics/vitamin D3 with Dox reduced chemotherapy toxicity and a combination of supplements had a significant protective effect against Dox (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). The treated groups (except 6) had significantly higher expression of Bax/Caspase 3 genes and lower expression of Bcl-2 genes than the control group (P < 0.05, 0.01). Coadministration of Dox with probiotics and vitamin D3 showed promising results in reducing tumor size, protecting intestinal tissue and influencing gene expression, suggesting a strategy to enhance the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment while reducing side effects.

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial on Lactobacillus-containing cultured milk drink as adjuvant therapy for depression in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is frequently linked with coexisting mental illnesses. Our previous study discovered that 32.1% of IBS patients had subthreshold depression (SD), placing them at higher risk of developing major depression. Gut microbiota modulation through psychobiotics was found to influence depression via the gut-brain axis. However, the efficacy of lessening depression among IBS patients remains ambiguous. The study's aim was to investigate the roles of cultured milk drinks containing 109 cfu Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Lactobacillus paracasei L. CASEI-01 on depression and related variables among IBS participants with SD. A total of 110 IBS participants with normal mood (NM) and SD, were randomly assigned to one of four intervention groups: IBS-NM with placebo, IBS-NM with probiotic, IBS-SD with placebo, and IBS-SD with probiotic. Each participant was required to consume two bottles of cultured milk every day for a duration of 12 weeks. The following outcomes were assessed: depression risk, quality of life, the severity of IBS, and hormonal changes. The depression scores were significantly reduced in IBS-SD with probiotic and placebo from baseline (p < 0.001). Only IBS-SD with probiotic showed a significant rise in serotonin serum levels (p < 0.05). A significantly higher life quality measures were seen in IBS-SD with probiotic, IBS-SD with placebo, and IBS-NM with placebo (p < 0.05). All groups, both placebo and probiotic, reported significant improvement in IBS severity post-intervention with a higher prevalence of remission and mild IBS (p < 0.05). Dual strains lactobacillus-containing cultured milk drink via its regulation of relevant biomarkers, is a potential anti-depressive prophylactic agent for IBS patients at risk.

Anti-inflammatory potential via the MAPK signaling pathway of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from canine feces.

Two probiotic candidates, Lactobacillus reuteri C1 (C1) and Lactobacillus acidophilus C5 (C5), which were previously isolated from canines, were evaluated in the present study. L. reuteri and L. acidophilus have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-enhancing, and anti-cancer properties and exhibit various probiotic effects in humans and animals. The strains C1 and C5 demonstrated good tolerance to acid and bile salt exposure, exhibited effective adhesion to HT-29 cell monolayer, and displayed sensitivity to antibiotics, thus affirming their probiotic characteristics. Moreover, C1 and C5 exhibited the ability to downregulate the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), an immunomodulatory factor, leading to a reduction in NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These strains also demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, achieved through the augmentation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 expression and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß expression. These anti-inflammatory effects of C1 and C5 were closely associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. The results of the present study suggest that the C1 and C5 probiotic candidates attenuate LPS-induced inflammation via the MAPK signaling pathway and the strains can be used as probiotics considering their anti-inflammatory potential.

Mechanistic study on the alleviation of postmenopausal osteoporosis by Lactobacillus acidophilus through butyrate-mediated inhibition of osteoclast activity.

In China, traditional medications for osteoporosis have significant side effects, low compliance, and high costs, making it urgent to explore new treatment options. Probiotics have demonstrated superiority in the treatment of various chronic diseases, and the reduction of bone mass in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is closely related to the degradation and metabolism of intestinal probiotics. It is crucial to explore the role and molecular mechanisms of probiotics in alleviating PMOP through their metabolites, as well as their therapeutic effects. We aim to identify key probiotics and their metabolites that affect bone loss in PMOP through 16srDNA sequencing combined with non-targeted metabolomics sequencing, and explore the impact and possible mechanisms of key probiotics and their metabolites on the progression of PMOP in the context of osteoporosis caused by estrogen deficiency. The sequencing results showed a significant decrease in Lactobacillus acidophilus and butyrate in PMOP patients. In vivo experiments confirmed that the intervention of L. acidophilus and butyrate significantly inhibited osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity, improved intestinal barrier permeability, suppressed B cells, and the production of RANKL on B cells, effectively reduced systemic bone loss induced by oophorectomy, with butyric acid levels regulated by L. acidophilus. Consistently, in vitro experiments have confirmed that butyrate can directly inhibit the formation of osteoclasts and bone resorption activity. The above research results indicate that there are various pathways through which L. acidophilus inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity through butyrate. Intervention with L. acidophilus may be a safe and promising treatment strategy for osteoclast related bone diseases, such as PMOP.

Comparison of the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation in glucose metabolism, lipid profile, inflammation and oxidative stress in pregnant women.

Objective: The optimal probiotic supplementation in pregnant women has not been thoroughly evaluated. By employing a network meta-analysis (NMA) approach, we compared the effectiveness of different probiotic supplementation strategies for pregnant women. Methods: A comprehensive search across multiple databases was performed to identify studies comparing the efficacy of probiotic supplements with each other or the control (placebo) among pregnant women. Results: This NMA, including 32 studies, systematically evaluated 6 probiotic supplement strategies: Lactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium (LRB), Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium (LABB), Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum (LLB), multi-combination of four probiotics (MP1), and multi-combination of six or more probiotics (MP2). Among these strategies, LLB, MP1, and MP2 all contain LABB. The NMA findings showed that MP1 was the most effective in reducing fasting blood sugar (FBS) (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA]: 80.5%). In addition, MP2 was the most efficacious in lowering the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SUCRA: 89.1%). LABB was ranked as the most effective in decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) (SUCRA: 95.5%), total cholesterol (TC) (SUCRA: 95.5%), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (SUCRA: 94.8%). Moreover, LLB was ranked as the most effective in raising total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SUCRA: 98.5%). Conclusion: Multi-combination of probiotic strains, especially those strategies containing LABB, may be more effective than a single probiotic strain in glycolipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress of pregnant women.