Characterization of autochthonous lactobacilli from goat dairy products with probiotic potential for metabolic diseases.

The present study aimed to design functional fermented goat milk with probiotic potential for metabolic diseases. Thereby, autochthonous lactobacilli from goat dairy products that target improving the inflammatory, lipid, and glycemic profile were characterized. We designed fermented goat milk using Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. indicus CRL1447 as starter strain, supplemented with different probiotic consortia formed by Limosilactobacillus fermentum CRL1446, Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum CRL1449, and CRL1472 strains. These lactobacilli were selected for their positive effects on inhibition of α-glucosidase, bile salts hydrolase activity, cholesterol assimilation, and decreased triglyceride percentage in Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, the lactobacilli oral administration to obese mice caused a significant decrease in body weight gain and ameliorated hyperglycemia and hyperlipemia. These results reveal the potential of this goat dairy product as a functional food to prevent obesity and related pathologies. Goat milk-derived products stand out for their marketing potential. Hence, fermented goat milk incorporating novel probiotics represents a group of food products with broad prospects by their promising nutritive and therapeutic properties for metabolic diseases. The goat dairy product designed in this study could be used in the prevention of dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in obese people.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Differently Modulate Gut Microbiota and Metabolic and Immunological Parameters in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

Background: Dietary strategies, including the use of probiotics as preventive agents that modulate the gut microbiota and regulate the function of adipose tissue, are suitable tools for the prevention or amelioration of obesity and its comorbidities. We aimed to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with different adipo- and immuno-modulatory capacities on metabolic and immunological parameters and intestinal composition microbiota in high-fat-diet-induced in mice fed a high-fat diet Methods: Balb/c weaning male mice were fed a standard (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD) with or without supplementation with Limosilactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 (CRL1446), Lactococcus lactis CRL1434 (CRL1434), or Lacticaseibacillus casei CRL431 (CRL431) for 45 days. Biochemical and immunological parameters, white-adipose tissue histology, gut microbiota composition, and ex vivo cellular functionality (adipocytes and macrophages) were evaluated in SD and HFD mice. Results: CRL1446 and CRL1434 administration, unlike CRL431, induced significant changes in the body and adipose tissue weights and the size of adipocytes. Also, these strains caused a decrease in plasmatic glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, TNF-α, IL-6 levels, and an increase of IL-10. The CRL1446 and CRL1434 obese adipocyte in ex vivo functionality assays showed, after LPS stimulus, a reduction in leptin secretion compared to obese control, while with CRL431, no change was observed. In macrophages from obese mice fed with CRL1446 and CRL1434, after LPS stimulus, lower levels of MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6 compared to obese control were observed. In contrast, CRL431 did not induce modification of cytokine values. Regarding gut microbiota, all strain administration caused a decrease in Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes index and diversity. As well as, related to genus results, all strains increased, mainly the genera Alistipes, Dorea, Barnesiella, and Clostridium XIVa. CRL1446 induced a higher increase in the Lactobacillus genus during the study period. Conclusions: The tested probiotic strains differentially modulated the intestinal microbiota and metabolic/immunological parameters in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. These results suggest that CRL1446 and CRL1434 strains could be used as adjuvant probiotics strains for nutritional treatment to obesity and overweight. At the same time, the CRL431 strain could be more beneficial in pathologies that require regulation of the immune system.

Sexualidad: las voces de un grupo de sordos de Medellín (Colombia) / Sexuality: the voices of a group of deaf people from Medellín (Colombia) / Sexualidade: as vozes de um grupo surdo de Medellín (Colômbia)

Resumen Las personas sordas colombianas, por el difícil acceso a servicios de educación y salud, presentan mayor riesgo en salud sexual. Es necesario describir lo que los jóvenes sordos piensan y conocen sobre sexualidad, para orientar programas educativos dirigidos a esta población en particular. Objetivo: Interpretar las percepciones relacionadas con sexualidad, reportadas por un grupo de jóvenes sordos de Medellín (Colombia), con el fin de aportar elementos claves para el diseño de futuros programas de formación para la sexualidad dirigidos a las personas sordas. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo etnográfico, con la aplicación de grupos de discusión como estrategia metodológica. Los grupos de discusión fueron filmados y un intérprete transcribió los diálogos. Se realizó análisis argumentativo del discurso resultante y se contrastó con cuestionarios diligenciados por los participantes y con la literatura disponible. Resultados: El aprendizaje de la sexualidad en los jóvenes sordos ocurrió a partir de la pornografía. Su discurso se enfocó hacia lo erótico. La confianza en la pareja fue determinante para el uso o no del condón. Hubo temor hacia la consulta médica, la cual se representa como un abuso sexual. Conclusión: La educación tradicional y la falta de comunicación intrafamiliar se suman a la discapacidad auditiva para volver aún más vulnerable a este grupo poblacional.

Abstract On account of the difficult access to education and health services, deaf people in Colombia have a higher risk in sexual health. It is necessary to describe what young deaf people think and know about sexuality so as to guide educational programs aimed at this specific population. Objective: To interpret the perceptions related to sexuality of a group of young deaf people from Medellín (Colombia), in order to provide relevant elements for the design of future sexuality programs for the deaf. Methodology: Qualitative ethnographic study, with discussion groups as the methodological strategy. Discussion groups were filmed and dialogues were transcribed by an interpreter. The resulting discourse was subject to an argumentative analysis and then contrasted both with questionnaires filled out by the participants and with the available literature. Results: Young deaf people learned about sexuality through pornography. Their discourse focused on erotic aspects. Trusting their couple was decisive in using or not a condom. There was some fear with regards to the medical consultation, which is perceived as sexual abuse. Conclusion: Traditional education and the lack of communication within the family combined with the hearing disability make this population even more vulnerable.

Resumo Surdos na Colômbia, devido à dificuldade de acesso à educação e aos serviços de saúde, apresentam maior risco para a saúde sexual. É necessário descrever o que os jovens surdos pensam e sabem sobre sexualidade, para orientar programas educacionais voltados para essa população em particular. Objetivo: Interpretar percepções relacionadas à sexualidade, relatadas por um grupo de jovens surdos de Medellín (Colômbia), a fim de fornecer elementos-chave para o desenho de futuros programas de treinamento em sexualidade voltados para surdos. Metodologia: Estudo etnográfico qualitativo, com a aplicação de grupos de discussão como estratégia metodológica. Os grupos de discussão foram filmados e um intérprete transcreveu os diálogos. Foi feita uma análise argumentativa do discurso resultante e contrastada com questionários preenchidos pelos participantes e com a literatura disponível. Resultados: O aprendizado da sexualidade em jovens surdos ocorreu a partir da pornografia. Seu discurso se concentrou no erótico. A confiança no casal foi decisiva para o uso ou não do preservativo. Houve receio de consulta médica, que é representada como abuso sexual. Conclusão: A educação tradicional e a falta de comunicação intrafamiliar aumentam a incapacidade auditiva para tornar esse grupo populacional ainda mais vulnerável.

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) juice fermented with autochthonous Lactobacillus plantarum S-811.

The present study aimed at investigating the lactic fermentation of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit juice with the autochthonous and potentially probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum S-811. L. plantarum S-811 was able to quickly acidify the juice with a decrease in the pH from 5.5 to 3.7 and a production of 5.06 g l-1 of lactic acid. Fermentation of cactus pear juice led to conservation of its health-promoting properties and it markedly promoted antioxidant mechanisms in yeast cells, showing in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model a protective effect of up to 11 times against H2O2 (4 mM), compared to yeasts not supplemented with the fermented juice. Administration of fermented juice to obese mice caused a significant decrease in the body weight gain and ameliorated the insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipemia that characterize obesity. These results reveal the potential of the cactus pear juice fermented with L. plantarum S-811 as a functional beverage for the prevention of obesity and related pathologies.

Adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic syndrome. The proactive role of probiotics.

PURPOSE: The first part of this review focuses on the role of cells and molecules of adipose tissue involved in metabolic syndrome-induced inflammation and in the maintenance of this pathology. In the second part of the review, the potential role of probiotics-modulating metabolic syndrome-related inflammatory components is summarized and discussed. METHODS: The search for the current scientific literature was carried out using ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar search engines. The keywords used were: metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistant, adipose tissue, adipose tissue inflammation, chronic low-grade inflammation, immune cells, adipokines, cytokines, probiotics, and gut microbiota. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Chronic low-grade inflammation that characterized metabolic syndrome can contribute to the development of the metabolic dysfunctions involved in the pathogenesis of its comorbidities. Adipose tissue is a complex organ that performs metabolic and immune functions. During metabolic syndrome, an imbalance in the inflammatory components of adipose tissue (immune cells, cytokines, and adipocytokines), which shift from an anti-inflammatory to a pro-inflammatory profile, can provoke metabolic syndrome linked complications. Further knowledge concerning the immune function of adipose tissue may contribute to finding better alternatives for the treatment or prevention of such disorders. The control of inflammation could result in the management of many of the pathologies related to metabolic syndrome. Due to the strong evidence that gut microbiota composition plays a role modulating the body weight, adipose tissue, and the prevalence of a low-grade inflammatory status, probiotics emerge as valuable tools for the prevention of metabolic syndrome and health recovery.

Effect of Excess Iodide Intake on Salivary Glands in a Swiss Albino Mice Model.

Iodine is an important micronutrient required for nutrition. Excess iodine has adverse effects on thyroid, but there is not enough information regarding its effect on salivary glands. In addition to food and iodized salt, skin disinfectants and maternal nutritional supplements contain iodide, so its intake could be excessive during pregnancy, lactation, and infancy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of excess iodide ingestion on salivary glands during mating, gestation, lactation, and postweaning period in mouse. During assay, mice were allocated into groups: control and treatment groups (received distilled water with NaI 1 mg/mL). Water intake, glandular weight, and histology were analyzed. Treatment groups showed an increase in glandular weight and a significantly (p < 0.05) higher water intake than control groups. Lymphocyte infiltration was observed in animals of treatment groups, while there was no infiltration in glandular sections of control groups. Results demonstrated that a negative relationship could exist between iodide excess and salivary glands. This work is novel evidence that high levels of iodide intake could induce mononuclear infiltration in salivary glands. These results should be considered, especially in pregnant/lactating women, to whom a higher iodine intake is usually recommended.

Specific Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria Differentially Modulate the Profile of Adipokines In Vitro.

Obesity induces local/systemic inflammation accompanied by increases in macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue and production of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and hormones. Previous studies have shown that probiotics could improve the intestinal dysbiosis induced by metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Microorganisms could (directly or indirectly) affect adipokine levels due to their capacity to induce translocation of several intestinal microbial antigens into systemic circulation, which could lead to metabolic endotoxemia or produce immunomodulation in different organs. The aim of the present study was to select non-inflammatory lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains with the capacity to modulate adipokine secretion by the adipose tissue. We wish to elucidate the role of potential probiotic strains in the regulation of the cross talking between immune cells such as macrophages and adipose cells. Mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was used for evaluating the ability of 14 LAB strains to induce cytokine production. The LAB strains were chosen based on their previously studied beneficial properties in health. Then, in murine adipocyte culture and macrophage-adipocyte coculture, we determined the ability of these strains to induce cytokines and leptin secretion. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and leptin levels were measured in cell supernatants. We also performed the detection and quantification of leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) expression in macrophage cell lines stimulated by these LAB strains. Differential secretion profile of cytokines in macrophage cells induced by LAB strains was observed. Also, the levels of Ob-Rb expression diverged among different LAB strains. In LAB-stimulated coculture cells (adipocytes and macrophages), we observed differential production of leptin and cytokines. Furthermore, we detected lower production levels in single culture than cocultured cells. The principal component analysis showed an association between the four clusters of strains established according to their inflammatory profiles and leptin adipocyte production and leptin receptor expression in macrophages. We conclude that coculture is the most appropriate system for selecting strains with the ability to modulate adipokine secretion. The use of microorganisms with low and medium inflammatory properties and ability to modulate leptin levels could be a strategy for the treatment of some metabolic diseases associated with dysregulation of immune response.

Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 Ameliorates Oxidative and Metabolic Parameters by Increasing Intestinal Feruloyl Esterase Activity and Modulating Microbiota in Caloric-Restricted Mice.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the administration of the feruloyl esterase (FE)-producing strain Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 enhances metabolic and oxidative parameters in caloric-restricted (CR) mice. Balb/c male mice were divided into ad libitum fed Group (ALF Group), CR diet Group (CR Group) and CR diet plus L. fermentum Group (CR-Lf Group). CR diet was administered during 45 days and CRL1446 strain was given in the dose of 108 cells/mL/day/mouse. FE activity was determined in intestinal mucosa and content at Day 1, 20 and 45. Triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and glutathione reductase activity were determined in plasma. Gut microbiota was evaluated by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. At Day 45, total intestinal FE activity in CR-Lf Group was higher (p = 0.020) than in CR and ALF groups and an improvement in both metabolic (reductions in triglyceride (p = 0.0025), total cholesterol (p = 0.005) and glucose (p < 0.0001) levels) and oxidative (decrease of TBARS levels and increase of plasmatic glutathione reductase activity (p = 0.006)) parameters was observed, compared to ALF Group. CR diet increased abundance of Bacteroidetes and CRL1446 administration increased abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genus. L. fermentun CRL1446 exerted a bifidogenic effect under CR conditions.

Lo que no se ve, no existe: percepciones sobre cáncer y papilomavirus humano en jóvenes universitarios, Medellín, Colombia, 2014 / What You Can't See Does Not Exist: What College Students Think about Cancer and the Human Papillomavirus. Medellín, Colombia, 2014 / O que não se vê não existe: percepçóes sobre o câncer e papilomavírus humano em jovens universitários. Medellín (Colômbia), 2014

Objetivo: comprender las percepciones de los estudiantes de pregrado de la Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia, sobre los cánceres de cuello uterino, canal anal, orofaringe y pene, y cómo los relacionan con la infección por PVH. Materiales y métodos: estudio etnográfico, realizado de marzo del 2013 a abril del 2014, participaron 23 mujeres y 14 hombres en ocho grupos de discusión. Sus discursos fueron grabados, transcritos y analizados con el método argumentativo. Resultados: en general, los/as jóvenes relacionaron el cáncer cervicouterino con el PVH, pero no con los tipos de cáncer en canal anal, orofaringe y pene, sobre los cuales tenían poco conocimiento o desconocían. El pensar que las mujeres son las que contraen el cáncer cervical y contagian a los hombres con el PVH no les permitió imaginar que existieran otros cánceres asociados al PVH. Conclusión: las percepciones y la falta de claridad en la relación PVH y otros cánceres, pueden incrementar el riesgo de infección por las prácticas sexuales y en el tiempo aumentar la prevalencia de estos cánceres.

Objective: Understand what undergraduate students at the University of Antioquia think about cervical, anal, oropharyngeal and penile cancer, and how they associate these types of cancer with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Materials and Methods: This is an ethnographic study conducted during the period from March 2013 to April 2014. It included 23 women and 14 men who were divided into eight discussion groups. What they had to say was recorded, transcribed and analyzed using the argumentative method. Findings: Overall, the young people who took part in the study associate HPV with cervical cancer, but not with anal, oropharyngeal and penile cancer. In fact, they had little knowledge or knew nothing about those types of cancer. Thinking that women are the ones who contract cervical cancer and infect men with HPV prevented them from imagining there might be other types of cancer associated with HPV infection. Conclusion: Ignorance among women about other types of cancer associated with HPV infection might cause them to neglect preventive measures and increase the risk of infection through sexual practices. The study ratifies the need to develop programs to promote health and to prevent infection with this virus.

Objetivo: compreender as percepçóes dos estudantes de graduação da Universidad de Antioquia sobre os cánceres de colo uterino, canal anal, orofaringe, pênis e como os relacionam com a infecção por papilomavírus humano (HPV). Materiais e métodos: estudo etnográfico realizado de março de 2013 a abril de 2014; participaram 23 mulheres e 14 homens em oito grupos de discussão. Seus discursos foram gravados, transcritos e analisados com o método argumentativo. Resultados: em geral os(as) jovens relacionaram o cáncer cérvico-uterino com o HPV, mas não com os tipos de cáncer em canal anal, orofaringe e pênis, sobre os quais tinham pouco conhecimento ou desconheciam. O fato de pensar que as mulheres são as que contraem o cáncer cervical e contagiam os homens com o HPV não lhes permitiu imaginar que existissem outros cánceres associados com o HPV. Conclusão: o desconhecimento das mulheres sobre a associação do HPV com o risco de padecer de outros cánceres podem ocasionar descuido nas medidas preventivas e aumentar o risco de infecção por práticas sexuais e ratifica-se a necessidade de desenvolver programas encaminhados à promoção da saúde e à prevenção da infecção por esse vírus.

Effect of functional buffalo cheese on fatty acid profile and oxidative status of liver and intestine of mice.

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of administration of buffalo dairy products on lipid content and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) incorporation on liver and intestine of mice. Buffalo cheeses were selected according to nutritional properties and CLA content. Cheeses were previously manufactured using as adjunct culture bacteria with probiotic or technological properties. BALB/c mice were fed for 28 days, and then a single dose of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) as oxidant agent was administered before the influence of diet and DMH on antioxidant status in tissues was evaluated. Mice fed buffalo cheese showed the highest body weight gain (P < .05). Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in foods was very different, but total PUFA incorporation was similar in mouse tissues. CLA was only detected in fat tissues of mice fed dairy products, with cis-9, trans-11 being the major isomer. A higher linolenic (C(18:3)) acid content was found in tissues of mice fed commercial diet (control group), and it was partially replaced by CLA in groups receiving buffalo milk or cheese. Lipoperoxides (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) were higher in tissues of the control group with or without DMH administration, and DMH had a cytotoxic effect on colon cells (P < .05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in liver and intestine were similar among animals, with a slight increase of SOD detected after DMH treatment. Consumption of buffalo dairy products did not affect the oxidative status of mice tissues even after DMH application. In the present study, a protective effect of buffalo cheese and milk on intestine cells was determined.

Probiotics induce resistance to enteropathogens in a re-nourished mouse model.

Nutritional deficiency is commonly associated with impaired immune response and the relation between infection and malnutrition is synergic. Probiotics, especially lactic acid bacteria are immunomodulatory. The aim was to determine whether optimal doses of Lactobacillus casei and yogurt, used as adjuvants in a re-nutrition diet in a non-severe malnutrition experimental model, protect against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Groups of malnourished mice were used, which were re-nourished with milk for 7 or 14 d. After that, both groups of mice received the optimal doses of Lb. casei and yogurt supplements. We measured IgA+ and IgG+-B cells and phenotypic markers of T lymphocytes; CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells. We also determined alphabeta and gammabeta T cell receptor (TCR). The ability to protect against Sal. typhimurium and Esch. coli infections and specific S-IgA were assessed. Probiotics complemented the effects of the re-nutrition diet, by stimulating recuperation of the activity of immune cells that improved protection against infections.

Immunological effects of yogurt addition to a re-nutrition diet in a malnutrition experimental model.

The therapeutic and preventive effects of yogurt and lactic acid bacteria on diseases such as cancer, infection and gastrointestinal disorders are well ocumented. The aim of this research was to study the effects of different doses of yogurt addition after milk re-nutrition diet, on the recovery of the intestinal barrier and mucosal immune function. Experiments were performed on groups of mice, malnourished and re-nourished with milk during 7 d, and mice with diet supplemented with yogurt for 2, 5 and 7 consecutive d. Nutritional parameters such as weight gain, serum total protein, and the number of IgA, IgM and IgG B cells of the small intestine were determined. We also quantified intraepithelial leukocytes, mastocytes and goblet cells, and performed structural and ultrastructural studies on the small intestine. We observed that 5 d of yogurt feeding was the optimal dose for improving gut barrier function and mucosal immune system in a malnutrition model. This effect was not observed with milk re-nutrition. Although the results were better for 5 d of yogurt, addition for 7 d also showed beneficial effects. Yogurt feeding in our model did not impair any gut functions. These results suggest that yogurt addition after a re-nutrition diet gives better recovery of intestinal function than the re-nutrition diet usually recommended. Although these results were obtained in an animal model, they indicate that consumption of yogurt by malnourished children might accelerate the restoration of gut function.

Adjuvant effects of Lactobacillus casei added to a renutrition diet in a malnourished mouse model.

Nutritional deficiencies are associated with impaired immune response, affecting the body's defence mechanisms. It is also known that Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and fermented products such us yogurt have immunopotentiator activity and nutritional properties, and could thus be used as a valuable supplement in a renutrition diet. The aim of this study was to determine, in a non-severe malnutrition model, the effective dose of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), which when is used as an adjuvant in a renutrition diet, would modulate the mucosal immune system and induce recovery of the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The experiments were performed on groups of malnourished and renourished BALB/c mice. They received after milk renutrition a supplement of different doses and periods of L. casei feeding. We measured body weight; hematologic values and serum proteins. We also characterized small intestine immunoglobulin secreting cells, intraepithelial leukocytes, mastocytes and goblet cells. Structural and ultrastructural studies were performed. Our results suggest that impaired gut barrier and mucosal immune function produced by malnutrition can be reversed by L. casei and that the dose of 10(7) cfu/day/mouse administered during 5 consecutive days was the optimal one for recovery of the gut mucosal immune system. The clinical significance of these findings suggests ways for improving mucosal immunity, and generating protection against enteropathogens in hosts immunosuppressed by malnutrition.

Adjuvant effects of Lactobacillus casei added to a renutrition diet in a malnourished mouse model

Nutritional deficiencies are associated with impaired immune response, affecting the body's defence mechanisms. It is also known that Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and fermented products such us yogurt have immunopotentiator activity and nutritional properties, and could thus be used as a valuable supplement in a renutrition diet. The aim of this study was to determine, in a non-severe malnutrition model, the effective dose of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), which when is used as an adjuvant in a renutrition diet, would modulate the mucosal immune system and induce recovery of the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The experiments were performed on groups of malnourished and renourished BALB/c mice. They received after milk renutrition a supplement of different doses and periods of L. casei feeding. We measured body weight; hematologic values and serum proteins. We also characterized small intestine immunoglobulin secreting cells, intraepithelial leukocytes, mastocytes and goblet cells. Structural and ultrastructural studies were performed. Our results suggest that impaired gut barrier and mucosal immune function produced by malnutrition can be reversed by L. casei and that the dose of 10(7) cfu/day/mouse administered during 5 consecutive days was the optimal one for recovery of the gut mucosal immune system. The clinical significance of these findings suggests ways for improving mucosal immunity, and generating protection against enteropathogens in hosts immunosuppressed by malnutrition.

Adjuvant effects of Lactobacillus casei added to a renutrition diet in a malnourished mouse model

Nutritional deficiencies are associated with impaired immune response, affecting the bodys defence mechanisms. It is also known that Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and fermented products such us yogurt have immunopotentiator activity and nutritional properties, and could thus be used as a valuable supplement in a renutrition diet. The aim of this study was to determine, in a non-severe malnutrition model, the effective dose of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), which when is used as an adjuvant in a renutrition diet, would modulate the mucosal immune system and induce recovery of the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The experiments were performed on groups of malnourished and renourished BALB/c mice. They received after milk renutrition a supplement of different doses and periods of L. casei feeding. We measured body weight; hematologic values and serum proteins. We also characterized small intestine immunoglobulin secreting cells, intraepithelial leukocytes, mastocytes and goblet cells. Structural and ultrastructural studies were performed. Our results suggest that impaired gut barrier and mucosal immune function produced by malnutrition can be reversed by L. casei and that the dose of 10(7) cfu/day/mouse administered during 5 consecutive days was the optimal one for recovery of the gut mucosal immune system. The clinical significance of these findings suggests ways for improving mucosal immunity, and generating protection against enteropathogens in hosts immunosuppressed by malnutrition.(AU)

Adjuvant effects of Lactobacillus casei added to a renutrition diet in a malnourished mouse model.

Nutritional deficiencies are associated with impaired immune response, affecting the bodys defence mechanisms. It is also known that Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and fermented products such us yogurt have immunopotentiator activity and nutritional properties, and could thus be used as a valuable supplement in a renutrition diet. The aim of this study was to determine, in a non-severe malnutrition model, the effective dose of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), which when is used as an adjuvant in a renutrition diet, would modulate the mucosal immune system and induce recovery of the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The experiments were performed on groups of malnourished and renourished BALB/c mice. They received after milk renutrition a supplement of different doses and periods of L. casei feeding. We measured body weight; hematologic values and serum proteins. We also characterized small intestine immunoglobulin secreting cells, intraepithelial leukocytes, mastocytes and goblet cells. Structural and ultrastructural studies were performed. Our results suggest that impaired gut barrier and mucosal immune function produced by malnutrition can be reversed by L. casei and that the dose of 10(7) cfu/day/mouse administered during 5 consecutive days was the optimal one for recovery of the gut mucosal immune system. The clinical significance of these findings suggests ways for improving mucosal immunity, and generating protection against enteropathogens in hosts immunosuppressed by malnutrition.