Inflammatory Modulation Effects of Probiotics: A Safe and Promising Modulator for Cancer Prevention.

Chronic inflammation is the gate of many human illnesses and happens when the immune system is unable to suppress external attacks in the correct form. Nonetheless, the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in keeping homeostasis in the human body and preventing inflammation. Imbalanced microbiota and many diseases can result in inflammation, which when not taken seriously, can be turned into chronic ones and ultimately lead to serious diseases such as cancer. One approach to maintaining hemostasis in the human body is consumption of probiotics as a supplement. Probiotics impact the immune functions of dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and B cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue by inducing the secretion of an array of cytokines. They activate the innate immune response through their microbial-associated molecular pattern, and this activation is followed by multiple cytokine secretion and adaptive elicitation that mitigates pro-inflammatory expression levels and tumor incidence. Thus, according to several studies showing the benefit of probiotics application, alone or in combination with other agents, to induce potent immune responses in individuals against some inflammatory disorders and distinct types of cancers, this review is devoted to surveying the role of probiotics and the modulation of inflammation in some cancer models.

Microbiota-targeted interventions and clinical implications for maternal-offspring health: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.

Background: Microbes in the human body are the determinants of life-long health and disease. Microbiome acquisition starts in utero and matures during early childhood through breastfeeding. However, maternal gut dysbiosis affects the maternal-offspring microbiome interplay. Lines of evidence on dysbiosis-targeted interventions and their effect on maternal-offspring health and gut microbiome are inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, this study summarised studies to identify the most common microbiota-targeted intervention during pregnancy and lactation and to comprehensively evaluate its effects on maternal and offspring health. Methods: This umbrella review was conducted by systematically searching databases such as PubMed and the Web of Science from inception to 2 September 2023. The quality was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 checklist. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used for grading the strength and certainty of the studies. The overlap of primary studies was quantified by the corrected covered area score. Results: A total of 17 systematic reviews and meta-analyses with 219 randomised controlled trials, 39 113 mothers, and 20 915 infants were included in this study. About 88% of studies had moderate and above certainty of evidence. Probiotics were the most common and effective interventions at reducing gestational diabetes risk (fasting blood glucose with the mean difference (MD) = -2.92, -0.05; I2 = 45, 98.97), fasting serum insulin (MD = -2.3, -2.06; I2 = 45, 77), glycated haemoglobin (Hb A1c) = -0.16; I2 = 0.00)), Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD = -20.55, -0.16; I2 = 0.00, 72.00), and lipid metabolism (MD = -5.47, 0.98; I2 = 0.00, 90.65). It was also effective in preventing and treating mastitis (risk ratio (RR) = 0.49; I2 = 2.00), relieving anxiety symptoms (MD = -0.99, 0.01; I2 = 0.00, 70.00), depression in lactation (MD = -0.46, -0.22; I2 = 0.00, 74.00) and reducing recto-vaginal bacterial colonisation (odds ratio (OR) = 0.62; I2 = 4.80), and with no adverse events. It also effectively remodelled the infant gut microbiome (MD = 0.89; I2 = 95.01) and prevented infant allergies. However, studies on pregnancy outcomes and preeclampsia incidences are limited. Conclusions: Our findings from high-quality studies identify that probiotics are the most common microbiome interventions during pregnancy and lactation. Probiotics have a strong impact on maternal and offspring health through maintaining gut microbiome homeostasis. However, further studies are needed on the effect of microbiota-targeted interventions on maternal cardiometabolic health, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes. Registration: This umbrella review was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023437098.

Oral Administration of Probiotic Bifidobacterium breve Ameliorates Tonic-Clonic Seizure in a Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Kindling Mouse Model via Integrin-Linked Kinase Signaling.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that affects over 70 million people worldwide. Although many antiepileptic drugs that block seizures are available, they have little effect on preventing and curing epilepsy, and their side effects sometimes lead to serious morbidity. Therefore, prophylactic agents with anticonvulsant properties and no adverse effects need to be identified. Recent studies on probiotic administration have reported a variety of beneficial effects on the central nervous system via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In this study, we investigated the effects of the oral administration of Bifidobacterium breve strain A1 [MCC1274] (B. breve A1) on tonic-clonic seizure in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling mouse (KD mouse) model. We found that the oral administration of B. breve A1 every other day for 15 days significantly reduced the seizure score, which gradually increased with repetitive injections of PTZ in KD mice. The administration of B. breve A1, but not saline, to KD mice significantly increased the level of Akt Ser473 phosphorylation (p-Akt) in the hippocampus; this increase was maintained for a minimum of 24 h after PTZ administration. Treatment of B. breve A1-administered KD mice with the selective inhibitor of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) Cpd22 significantly increased the seizure score and blocked the antiepileptic effect of B. breve A1. Moreover, Cpd22 blocked the B. breve A1-induced increase in hippocampal p-Akt levels. These results suggest that the ILK-induced phosphorylation of Akt Ser473 in the hippocampus might be involved in the antiepileptic effect of B. breve A1.

Oral Anti-Inflammatory and Symbiotic Effects of Fermented Lingonberry Juice-Potential Benefits in IBD.

Microbial dysbiosis may manifest as inflammation both orally and in the gastrointestinal tract. Altered oral and gut microbiota composition and decreased diversity have been shown in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontal disease (PD). Recent studies have verified transmission of oral opportunistic microbes to the gut. Prebiotics, probiotics, or dietary interventions are suggested to alleviate IBD symptoms in addition to medicinal treatment. Lingonberries contain multiple bioactive molecules, phenolics, which have a broad spectrum of effects, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proteolytic, and anti-cancer properties. An all-natural product, fermented lingonberry juice (FLJ), is discussed as a potential natural anti-inflammatory substance. FLJ has been shown in clinical human trials to promote the growth of oral lactobacilli, and inhibit growth of the opportunistic oral pathogens Candida, Streptococcus mutans, and periodontopathogens, and decrease inflammation, oral destructive proteolysis (aMMP-8), and dental microbial plaque load. Lactobacilli are probiotic and considered also beneficial for gut health. Considering the positive outcome of these oral studies and the fact that FLJ may be swallowed safely, it might be beneficial also for the gut mucosa by balancing the microbiota and reducing proteolytic inflammation.

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.

Effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 on Happiness and Mental Well-Being: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) is a probiotic strain widely studied for its potential to improve human health. Previous studies have demonstrated promising results for HN001 in the improvement of mental well-being, particularly in terms of increased happiness and support for stress management in healthy adults. METHODS: To further explore these findings, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 120 participants aged ≥ 18 years with mild to high stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The participants were randomly assigned to receive either HN001 or placebo for 28 days. Psychological assessments, including the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), were completed at baseline, day 14, and day 28. Secondary outcomes included changes in PSS scores, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and total score levels measured by the DASS-21 questionnaire. RESULTS: While not statistically significant, participants who received HN001 showed an improvement in OHQ (mean change, 13.3) and PSS total scores (mean change, -8.1) over time compared with the placebo group (mean change, 10.2 and -6.6, respectively). Furthermore, 39% of the participants moved from not happy to happy, compared with only 29% in the placebo group. Post-hoc analysis showed a statistically significant interaction between intervention and study day for OHQ and PSS total scores, with p-values of 0.014 and 0.043, respectively. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: HN001 showed improvements in both happiness and PSS scores. Furthermore, sex subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant differences in both outcomes, emphasizing the need for larger and longer intervention studies.

Impact of Clinical Use of Probiotics on Preterm-Related Outcomes in Infants with Extremely Low Birth Weight.

Background: Preterm birth significantly contributes to mortality and morbidities, with recent studies linking these issues to gut microbiota imbalances. Probiotic supplementation shows promise in mitigating adverse outcomes in preterm infants, but optimal timing and guidelines remain unclear. This study assesses the benefits of probiotic supplementation for preterm infants without consistent guidelines. Methods: This retrospective study examined extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants in neonatal intensive care units from 2017 to 2021. Mortality and preterm-related outcomes were compared between infants receiving probiotics and those not. Subgroup analyses based on probiotic initiation timing were conducted: early (≤14 days), late (>14 days), and non-probiotic groups. Results: The study included 330 ELBW infants: 206 received probiotics (60 early, 146 late), while 124 did not. Probiotic supplementation was associated with lower overall mortality (adjusted OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.09-0.48) and decreased mortality from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or late-onset sepsis (LOS) (adjusted OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.45). Early probiotics reduced overall mortality, NEC/LOS-related mortality, and NEC/LOS-unrelated mortality. Late probiotics decreased overall mortality and NEC/LOS-related mortality. Early probiotic use also expedited full enteral feeding achievement. Conclusions: Probiotic supplementation reduces mortality and improves feeding tolerance in preterm infants. Establishing guidelines for probiotic use in this population is crucial.

Evaluation of probiotic efficacy of indigenous yeast strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y-89 isolated from a traditional fermented beverage of West Bengal, India having protective effect against DSS-induced colitis in experimental mice.

Increasing awareness regarding health promotion and disease prevention has driven inclusion of fermented foods and beverages in the daily diet. These are the enormous sources of beneficial microbes, probiotics. This study aims to isolate yeast strains having probiotic potential and effectivity against colitis. Initially, ninety-two yeast strains were isolated from Haria, an ethnic fermented beverage of West Bengal, India. Primary screening was done by their acid (pH 4) and bile salt (0.3%) tolerance ability. Four potent isolates were selected and found effective against Entamoeba histolytica, as this human pathogen is responsible to cause colitis. They were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. They showed luxurious growth even at 37 oC, tolerance up to 5% of NaCl, resistance to gastric juice and high bile salt (2.0%) and oro-gastrointestinal transit tolerance. They exhibited good auto-aggregation and co-aggregation ability and strong hydrophobicity. Finally, heat map and principal component analysis revealed that strain Y-89 was the best candidate. It was further characterised and found to have significant protective effects against DSS-induced colitis in experimental mice model. It includes improvement in colon length, body weight and organ indices; reduction in disease activity index; reduction in cholesterol, LDL, SGPT, SGOT, urea and creatinine levels; improvement in HDL, ALP, total protein and albumin levels; decrease in coliform count and restoration of tissue damage. This study demonstrates that the S. cerevisiae strain Y-89 possesses remarkable probiotic traits and can be used as a potential bio-therapeutic candidate for the prevention of colitis.

Rifaximin ameliorates influenza A virus infection-induced lung barrier damage by regulating gut microbiota.

Prior research has indicated that the gut-lung-axis can be influenced by the intestinal microbiota, thereby impacting lung immunity. Rifaximin is a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug that can maintain the homeostasis of intestinal microflora. In this study, we established an influenza A virus (IAV)-infected mice model with or without rifaximin supplementation to investigate whether rifaximin could ameliorate lung injury induced by IAV and explore the molecular mechanism involved. Our results showed that IAV caused significant weight loss and disrupted the structure of the lung and intestine. The analysis results of 16S rRNA and metabolomics indicated a notable reduction in the levels of probiotics Lachnoclostridium, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013, and tryptophan metabolites in the fecal samples of mice infected with IAV. In contrast, supplementation with 50 mg/kg rifaximin reversed these changes, including promoting the repair of the lung barrier and increasing the abundance of Muribaculum, Papillibacter and tryptophan-related metabolites content in the feces. Additionally, rifaximin treatment increased ILC3 cell numbers, IL-22 level, and the expression of RORγ and STAT-3 protein in the lung. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that the administration of rifaximin can mitigate damage to the intestinal barrier while enhancing the expression of AHR, IDO-1, and tight junction proteins in the small intestine. Overall, our results provided that rifaximin alleviated the imbalance in gut microbiota homeostasis induced by IAV infection and promoted the production of tryptophan-related metabolites. Tryptophan functions as a signal to facilitate the activation and movement of ILC3 cells from the intestine to the lung through the AHR/STAT3/IL-22 pathway, thereby aiding in the restoration of the barrier. KEY POINTS: • Rifaximin ameliorated IAV infection-caused lung barrier injury and induced ILC3 cell activation. • Rifaximin alleviated IAV-induced gut dysbiosis and recovered tryptophan metabolism. • Tryptophan mediates rifaximin-induced ILC3 cell activation via the AHR/STAT3/IL-22 pathway.

[Yogurt as a fermented food for healthy and sustainable daily consumption. Recommendations to the population]. / El yogur como alimento fermentado de consumo diario saludable y sostenible. Recomendaciones a la población.

Introduction: Yogurt has been valued very positively for centuries, but the concern for food sustainability and the fact that it is a food of animal origin has raised doubts about the consumption that may be convenient. The objective of this work is to deepen the topic and establish recommendations for the population. From the nutritional point of view, yogurt is a valuable food, for its high content, quality and bioavailability of its nutrients, in a low energy content, its components together with probiotic microorganisms are provided in a matrix that helps achieve greater nutritional and health benefit. Regular consumption of yogurt has been linked to cardiovascular protection, against diabetes, excess weight, cancer, bone health. Thinking about environmental sustainability, yogurt production is not particularly dangerous, as the kg of CO2 eq (greenhouse gases) associated with their production are the lowest obtained compared to other animal foods and even lower than those associated with the production of some plant foods and the supply of nutrients per 1000 kcal, per 100 g, or per euro is one of the highest available. There is the possibility to further improve sustainability with improvements in animal feed, packaging, transport, etc. Considering this evidence, the daily consumption of yogurt / fermented milk should be included in the food guidelines, not only as one more milk option, but specifying a specific consumption such as a ration / day, this pattern can be useful from the nutritional point of view and for the improvement of public health.

Introducción: El yogur ha sido valorado positivamente durante siglos, pero la preocupación por la sostenibilidad alimentaria y al hecho de tratarse de un alimento de origen animal han hecho dudar respecto al consumo que puede ser conveniente. El objetivo del presente trabajo es profundizar en el tema y establecer recomendaciones para la población. Desde el punto de vista nutricional, el yogur es un alimento valioso por la calidad, la biodisponibilidad y el elevado contenido de sus nutrientes, con un bajo contenido energético. Estos componentes, junto con microorganismos probióticos, aportan una matriz que ayuda a lograr un mayor beneficio nutricional y sanitario. El consumo regular de yogur se ha relacionado con protección cardiovascular, frente a la diabetes, al exceso de peso, frente al cáncer y con la salud ósea. Pensando en la sostenibilidad ambiental, la producción de yogur no es especialmente peligrosa, pues los kilogramos de CO2 equivalentes asociados a su producción son de los más bajos que se obtienen en comparación con otros alimentos de origen animal, e incluso más bajos que los asociados a la producción de algunos alimentos vegetales, y el aporte de nutrientes por 1000 kcal, por cada 100 g, o por euro, es de los más elevados que pueden obtenerse; existe la posibilidad de mejorar más la sostenibilidad con cambios en la alimentación animal, los envases, el transporte, etc. Teniendo en cuenta estas evidencias, el consumo diario de yogur o de leche fermentada debería incluirse en las guías alimentarias, no solo como una opción láctea más, sino especificando un consumo concreto, como puede ser una ración al día. Esta pauta puede ser útil desde el punto de vista nutricional y para la mejora de la salud pública.

Effects of inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus on growth performance, serum indicators, and colonic microbiota and metabolism of weaned piglets.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effects of inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ILR) on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, colonic microbiota, and metabolomics in weaned piglets, 120 piglets were randomly divided into five groups. Samples in the control group were fed a basal diet, while the experimental ILR1, ILR2, ILR3, and ILR4 groups were fed basal diets supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% ILR, respectively. The prefeeding period lasted for 5 days and was followed by a formal period of 28 days. RESULTS: Compared to the control, the average daily gain increased by 4.38%, 7.98%, 19.32%, and 18.80% for ILR1, ILR2, ILR3, and ILR4, respectively, and the ratio of feed to gain decreased by 0.63%, 3.80%, 12.66%, and 10.76%, respectively. Serum IgA, IgG, IgM, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase levels increased significantly in weaned piglets in the treatment groups. Addition of 0.3% ILR significantly increased the Shannon and Simpson indices of the colonic microbiota in weaned piglets and altered the microbiota composition. Changes in metabolic profiles were observed and were primarily related to the urea cycle, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION: ILR improved growth performance and serum immunological and biochemical indices and optimized the colonic microbiota structure and metabolism of weaned piglets.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRa05 in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRa05 supplementation in enhancing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rate and alleviating the gastrointestinal side effects associated with bismuth quadruple therapy. Methods: H. pylori-positive patients were randomized to receive levofloxacin-based bismuth quadruple therapy combined either probiotic LRa05 or a placebo for two weeks, followed by LRa05 (1 × 1010 CFU) or maltodextrin for the next two weeks. H. pylori infection was detected by 13C breath test pre- and post-treatment. Blood and stool samples were collected at week 0 and week 4 for routine and biochemical analysis, and serum inflammatory markers. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated using the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). Intestinal microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. The research was listed under the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300072220), and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results: The LRa05 group exhibited a trend toward higher H. pylori eradication rates (86.11%) compared to the placebo group (82.86%), though the difference was not statistically significant. Significant reductions in neutrophil count, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, pepsinogen I, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (p < 0.05) suggest that LRa05 supplementation may mitigate inflammation, enhance liver function, and potential aid in early cancer prevention. GSRS symptom scores showed that LRa05 alleviated abdominal pain, acid reflux, bloating, and diarrhea, enhancing patient compliance. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that LRa05 countered the antibiotic-induced disruption of gut microbiota diversity, primarily by increasing beneficial bacteria. Conclusion: Although LRa05 did not significantly improve the success rate of H. pylori eradication therapy, it has the potential to improve liver function and reduced levels of inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α in the body, regulating the inflammatory response. In addition, it played a positive role in alleviating the adverse symptoms and gut microbiota disturbances caused by eradication therapy, providing a possible way to improve the overall health of patients and demonstrating promising clinical potential. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300072220.

Vibriocidal efficacy of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus cell-free supernatants encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles against multi-drug resistant Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor.

BACKGROUND: Cholera is a diarrheal disease recognized for being caused by toxin-producing Vibrio (V.) cholerae. This study aims to assess the vibriocidal and immunomodulatory properties of derived cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of Bifidobacterium (B.) bifidum and Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs) against clinical multi-drug resistance (MDR) isolates of V. cholerae O1 El Tor. METHODS: We synthesized CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs using the ionic gelation technique. The newly nanostructures were characterized for size, surface zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficacy (EE), stability in different pH values and temperatures, release profile, and in vitro cytotoxicity. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of the obtained nanocomposites on clinical MDR isolates (N = 5) of V. cholerae E1 Tor O1 were investigated by microbroth dilution assay and crystal violet staining, respectively. We conducted quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze the relative gene expressions of Bap, Rbmc, CTXAB, and TCP in response to CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs. Additionally, the immunomodulatory effects of formulated structures on the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 genes in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) were studied. RESULTS: Nano-characterization analyses indicated that CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs exhibit spherical shapes under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, with mean diameters of 98.16 ± 0.763 nm and 83.90 ± 0.854 nm, respectively. Both types of nanoparticles possess positive surface charges. The EE% of CFSb-CsNPs was 77 ± 4.28%, whereas that of CFSa-CsNPs was 62.5 ± 7.33%. Chitosan (Cs) encapsulation leads to increased stability of CFSs in simulated pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract in which the release rates for CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs were reached at 58.00 ± 1.24% and 55.01 ± 1.73%, respectively at pH = 7.4. The synergistic vibriocidal effects observed from the co-administration of both CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs, as evidenced by a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.57, resulting in a significantly lower MIC of 2.5 ± 0.05 mg/mL (p < 0.0001) compare to individual administration. The combined antibacterial effect of CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs on Bap (0.14 ± 0.05), Rbmc (0.24 ± 0.01), CTXAB (0.30 ± 0.09), and TCP (0.38 ± 0.01) gene expression was significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, co-administration of CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs also demonstrated the potency of suppressing TLR 2/4 (0.20 ± 0.01 and 0.12 ± 0.02, respectively) gene expression (p = 0.0019) and reduced Caco-2 cells attached bacteria to 526,000 ± 51,46 colony-forming units/mL (11.19%) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that encapsulating CFSs within CsNPs enhances their vibriocidal activity by improving stability and enabling a controlled release mechanism at the site of interaction between the host and bacteria. Additionally, the simultaneous use of CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs exhibited superior vibriocidal potency against MDR V. cholerae O1 El Tor strains, indicating these combinations as a potential new approach against MDR bacteria.

Different polysaccharide-enhanced probiotic and polyphenol dual-functional factor co-encapsulated microcapsules demonstrate acute colitis alleviation efficacy and food fortification.

Probiotics and polyphenols have multiple bioactivities, and developing co-encapsulated microcapsules (CM) is a novel strategy to enhance their nutritional diversity. However, the development of CMs is challenged by complicated processing, single types, and unclear in vivo effects and applications. In this study, the co-microencapsulations of polyphenol and probiotic were constructed using pectin, alginate (WGCA@LK), and Fu brick tea polysaccharides (WGCF@LK), respectively, with chitosan-whey isolate proteins by layer-by-layer coacervation reaction, and their protective effects, in vivo effectiveness, and application potential were evaluated. WGCA@LK improved the encapsulation rate of polyphenols (42.41 %), and remained high viability of probiotics after passing through gastric acidic environment (8.79 ± 0.04 log CFU/g) and storage for 4 weeks (4.59 ± 0.06 log CFU/g). WGCF@LK exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (19.40 ± 0.25 µmol/mL) and its prebiotic activity removed the restriction on probiotic growth. WGCA@LK showed strong in vitro colonic adhesion, but WGCF@LK promoted in vivo retention of probiotics at 48 h. WGCF@LK showed excellent anti-inflammatory effects and alleviated symptoms of acute colitis in mice. These findings provide unique insights into the fortification of probiotic-polyphenol CMs by different polysaccharides and the development of novel health foods with rich functional hierarchies and superior therapeutic effects.

Effects of probiotics on productive performances and serum lipid profile of broiler as substitute of antibiotics.

OBJECTIVES: The present research was accomplished to characterize probiotics from broiler gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by profiling biochemical, antimicrobial, and antibiotic sensitivity properties. Eventually, probiotic potentiality was evaluated as a substitute for antibiotic supplements in broiler focusing growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum lipid profile. METHODS: Probiotic bacteria were characterized based on morphological, physiological, and several biochemical tests. Antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of antibiotics and bacterial pathogens was detected. An in vivo trial was conducted on 40-day-old Ross 308 broiler strains during 21 days in an in vivo trial. The chicks were divided into total of five groups, a control group and four experimental groups (Antibiotic1, Antibiotic2, Probiotic1, and Probiotic2) in a completely randomized design. Probiotic was supplemented in broiler feed (2× 109 CFU/g feed) or by direct oral gavage (1× 109 CFU/chick). The variables of production performance like body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics and serum lipid profile were measured. RESULTS: 10 probiotic bacteria were presumptively identified as Lactobacillus sp. based on the morphological, physiological, and strong resistance properties in several biochemical tests. The mixture of Lactobacillus had favorable effects on productive performance of broilers regarding BW, ADG, and FCR (p < .05) compared with chickens that had no additive or had antibiotic during overall period of in vivo trial. Additionally, noteworthy efficacy on carcass characteristics and serum lipid profile were found (p < .05) in Lactobacillus mixture fed chicken groups of in vivo trial. CONCLUSION: Mixed Lactobacillus sp. can be considered as a potential additive for broiler diet attributable to noteworthy efficacy on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum lipid profile. Accordingly, the research highlights the need for suitable alteration of antibiotics through probiotic characterization and proper inclusion in broiler diet.

Empowering probiotics with high xanthine transport for effective hyperuricemia management.

Hyperuricemia, a prevalent metabolic disorder, poses a susceptibility to various complications. The conventional pharmacotherapeutic approaches for hyperuricemia often entail notable adverse effects, posing substantial clinical challenges. Hence, the imperative lies in the development of novel, safe and effective strategies for preventing and treating hyperuricemia. Here, we developed a probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 strain, designated as YES301, which contains a rationally designed xanthine importer XanQ, enabling efficient uptake of xanthine and hypoxanthine, consequently leading to reduced serum uric acid concentrations and amelioration of renal impairments in a murine model of hyperuricemia. Importantly, YES301 exhibited a therapeutic efficacy comparable to allopurinol, a conventional uric acid-lowering agent, and manifesting fewer adverse effects and enhanced biosafety. These findings highlight the promising potential of engineered probiotics in the management of hyperuricemia through reducing intestinal purine levels.

Probiotics and magnesium orotate for the treatment of major depressive disorder: a randomised double blind controlled trial.

Following on from our pilot studies, this study aimed to test the efficacy of a combination of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus), magnesium orotate and coenzyme 10 for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) through a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. The participants were 120 adults diagnosed with MDD randomised to daily oral administration, over 8 weeks, of either the intervention or placebo, with a 16-week follow-up period. Intent-to-treat analysis found a significantly lower frequency of the presence of a major depressive episode in the intervention group compared with placebo at the end of the 8-week treatment phase, with no difference between the two conditions at 8-week follow-up. Both the categorical and continuous measure of depressive symptoms showed a significant difference between the two conditions at 4 weeks, but not 8 and 16 weeks. The secondary end-point was demonstrated with an overall reduction in self-rated symptoms of anxiety and stress in the active treatment group compared with placebo. These findings suggest that the combination of probiotics, magnesium orotate and coenzyme 10 may be an effective treatment of MDD over an 8-week period.

Prevention of Recurrent Spontaneous Preterm Delivery Using Probiotics (Clostridium butyricum, Enterococcus faecium, and Bacillus subtilis; PPP Trial): Protocol for a Prospective, Single-Arm, Nonblinded, Multicenter Trial.

BACKGROUND: The rate of recurrent spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD) ranges between 27% and 34% and is 22.3% in Japan. Although it currently remains unclear whether probiotics prevent sPTD, retrospective studies recently reported a reduction in the rate of recurrent sPTD with the administration of probiotics including Clostridium spp., which induce regulatory T cells that play an important role in maintaining pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this trial is to evaluate the preventative effects of available oral probiotics, including Clostridium butyricum, on recurrent sPTD. METHODS: This is a prospective, single-arm, nonblinded, multicenter trial in Japan. The sample size required for this trial is 345 pregnant women with a history of sPTD, considering a clinically significant reduction in the relative risk of 30% (risk ratio=0.7). The primary endpoint is the rate of recurrent sPTD at <37 weeks of gestation. The secondary endpoints are the rate of sPTD at <34 weeks of gestation, the rate of recurrent sPTD at <28 weeks of gestation, the ratio of intestinal Clostridium spp. (detected by next-generation sequencing), and bacterial vaginosis (using the Nugent score). RESULTS: The trial procedures were approved by the Clinical Research Review Board of Toyama University Hospital (SCR2020008) on March 31, 2021. The trial was registered on the Japan Registry of Clinical Trial website on April 28, 2021. Recruitment began on May 1, 2021, and the trial is estimated to finish on March 31, 2025. CONCLUSIONS: The findings will clarify the rate of recurrent sPTD following probiotic administration including Clostridium butyricum. Outcomes from this trial will inform clinical practice and guide future randomized controlled trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCTs041210014; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs041210014. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/59928.

Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Probiotic Intake on Androgenic Alopecia.

This study aimed to assess the impact of a combination of probiotic strains of Lactiplantibacillus on the treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA). To this end, 136 individuals with AGA (62 men and 74 women) aged 18-65 years were enrolled in a double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial. A total of 115 individuals (57 in the probiotic group and 58 in the placebo group) completed this study within a 16-week intervention period. Capillary density, thickness, and length of hair were analyzed before and after the intervention using FotoFinder Trichoscale Pro. In addition, the gut microbiota was assessed by paired-end sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform (2 × 300 bp). At the conclusion of the treatment period, a notable decline (p < 0.05) in the number of telogen hairs was evident in the probiotic group while hair thickness decreased in the placebo group (p < 0.05). However, the remaining variables did not exhibit any statistically significant changes. In the probiotic-treated group, individuals aged less than 37.5 years exhibited a reduction in the number and density of telogen hair (p = 0.0693 and p = 0.0669, respectively) and an increase in hair length (p = 0.0871). Furthermore, a notable decline in the number and density of vellus hair (p < 0.05) was observed, and this was accompanied by no change in the hair thickness. The probiotic-treated group exhibited a significantly higher abundance of Lactobacillus (p-adjusted < 0.05, DEseq2 test) and demonstrated a notable reduction in the number and density of telogen hair, and this was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of anagen hair. The probiotic mixture was well tolerated by the participants, with a treatment adherence rate of 90%. In light of this study's limitations, it can be concluded that a mixture of three strains of Lactiplantibacillus promotes the presence of terminal follicles, preventing their gradual miniaturization, which is a characteristic of AGA.