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Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Aging is a time-dependent complex biological process of organisms with gradual deterioration of the anatomical and physiological functions. The role of gut microbiota is...
Aging is a time-dependent complex biological process of organisms with gradual deterioration of the anatomical and physiological functions. The role of gut microbiota is inevitable in the aging process. Probiotic interventions improve gut homeostasis and support healthy aging by enhancing beneficial species and microbial biodiversity in older adults. The present preliminary clinical trial delves into the impact of an 8-week intervention (10 × 10 CFU per day) on the glycaemic index, lipid profile, and microbiome of elderly subjects. Body weight, body fat, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are assessed at baseline (Week 0) and after treatment (Week 8) in placebo and probiotic groups. Gaussian regression analysis highlights a significant improvement in LDL cholesterol in the probiotic group ( = 0.045). Microbiome analysis reveals numeric changes in taxonomic abundance at various levels. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria increases its relative frequency (RF) from 14.79 ± 5.58 at baseline to 23.46 ± 8.02 at 8 weeks, though statistically insignificant ( = 0.100). Compared to the placebo group, probiotic supplementations significantly increased the proteobacteria abundance. Genus-level analysis indicates changes in the abundance of several microbes, including , , and , but only Butyricimonas showed a statistically significant level of reduction in its abundance. Probiotic supplementations significantly altered the and abundance compared to the placebo group. At the species level, substantially increases after probiotic treatment ( = 0.021). Alpha and beta diversity assessments depict subtle shifts in microbial composition. The study has limitations, including a small sample size, short study duration, single-strain probiotic use, and lack of long-term follow-up. Despite these constraints, the study provides valuable preliminary insights into the multifaceted impact of on elderly subjects. Further detailed studies are required to define the beneficial effect of on the health status of elderly subjects.
PubMed: 38731665
DOI: 10.3390/foods13091293 -
Food Science & Nutrition May 2024Probiotics are widely used in food for their health benefits to the host. Inactivated probiotics also reportedly improve the intestinal environment and immune...
Probiotics are widely used in food for their health benefits to the host. Inactivated probiotics also reportedly improve the intestinal environment and immune regulation. Our previous studies showed that heat-killed MCC1849 (hk-MCC1849) effectively induced IL-12 production in mouse spleen cells and significantly reduced cold symptoms in clinical trial subjects. To further elucidate the mechanism of host immune regulation by hk-MCC1849, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cocultured with hk-MCC1849. The Toll-like receptor 9 ligands CpG-ODN 2216 and hk-MCC1849 and the heat-killed ATCC53103 were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The results showed that, compared with the control, hk-MCC1849 significantly increased the expression of the plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) marker CD86 ( < .0001) and the pDC marker HLA-DR ( < .001) in PBMCs. The expression levels of the , , , , and genes were significantly increased after coculture with hk-MCC1849 ( < .05, < .05, < .05, < .05, and < .05, respectively, vs. control). Furthermore, to confirm whether hk-MCC1849 directly interacted with pDCs, DCs were enriched with PBMCs following 24 h of coculture with hk-MCC1849. Phagocytosis of fluorescently labeled hk-MCC1849 by pDCs was observed, and there were significant increases in CD86 ( < .05) and HLA-DR ( < .0001) expression in pDCs. These results suggest that hk-MCC1849 exerts a potential immunomodulatory effect on the host through the activation of peripheral pDCs.
PubMed: 38726445
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4009 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has become a challenging problem in pig industry worldwide, causing significant profit losses. GG (LGG) has been regarded as a...
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has become a challenging problem in pig industry worldwide, causing significant profit losses. GG (LGG) has been regarded as a safe probiotic strain and has been shown to exert protective effects on the intestinal dysfunction caused by PEDV. This study evaluated the effect of LGG on the gut health of lactating piglets challenged with PEDV. Fifteen piglets at 7 days of age were equally assigned into 3 groups (5 piglets per group): 1) control group (basal diet); 2) PEDV group: (basal diet + PEDV challenged); 3) LGG + PEDV group (basal diet + 3×10 CFU/pig/day LGG + PEDV). The trial lasted 11 days including 3 days of adaptation. The treatment with LGG was from D4 to D10. PEDV challenge was carried out on D8. PEDV infection disrupted the cell structure, undermined the integrity of the intestinal tract, and induced oxidative stress, and intestinal damage of piglets. Supplementation of LGG improved intestinal morphology, enhanced intestinal antioxidant capacity, and alleviated jejunal mucosal inflammation and lipid metabolism disorders in PEDV-infected piglets, which may be regulated by LGG by altering the expression of TNF signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and fat digestion and absorption pathway.
Topics: Animals; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus; Swine; Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus; Probiotics; Swine Diseases; Coronavirus Infections; Dietary Supplements; Oxidative Stress; Intestines; Powders; Intestinal Mucosa
PubMed: 38716199
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1371916 -
The World Allergy Organization Journal Apr 2024Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in infants. The replacement with specialized formulas is an established clinical approach to ensure adequate...
World Allergy Organization (WAO) Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow's Milk Allergy (DRACMA) guideline update - XII - Recommendations on milk formula supplements with and without probiotics for infants and toddlers with CMA.
BACKGROUND
Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in infants. The replacement with specialized formulas is an established clinical approach to ensure adequate growth and minimize the risk of severe allergic reactions when breastfeeding is not possible. Still, given the availability of multiple options, such as extensively hydrolyzed cow's milk protein formula (eHF-CM), amino acid formula (AAF), hydrolyzed rice formula (HRF) and soy formulas (SF), there is some uncertainty as to the most suitable choice with respect to health outcomes. Furthermore, the addition of probiotics to a formula has been proposed as a potential approach to maximize benefit.
OBJECTIVE
These evidence-based guidelines from the World Allergy Organization (WAO) intend to support patients, clinicians, and others in decisions about the use of milk specialized formulas, with and without probiotics, for individuals with CMA.
METHODS
WAO formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel balanced to include the views of all stakeholders and to minimize potential biases from competing interests. The McMaster University GRADE Centre supported the guideline-development process, including updating or performing systematic evidence reviews. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used, including GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks, which were subject to review by stakeholders.
RESULTS
After reviewing the summarized evidence and thoroughly discussing the different management options, the WAO guideline panel suggests: a) using an extensively hydrolyzed (cow's milk) formula or a hydrolyzed rice formula as the first option for managing infants with immunoglobulin E (IgE) and non-IgE-mediated CMA who are not being breastfed. An amino-acid formula or a soy formula could be regarded as second and third options respectively; b) using either a formula without a probiotic or a casein-based extensively hydrolyzed formula containing GG (LGG) for infants with either IgE or non-IgE-mediated CMA.The issued recommendations are labeled as "conditional" following the GRADE approach due to the very low certainty about the health effects based on the available evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
If breastfeeding is not available, clinicians, patients, and their family members might want to discuss all the potential desirable and undesirable consequences of each formula in infants with CMA, integrating them with the patients' and caregivers' values and preferences, local availability, and cost, before deciding on a treatment option. We also suggest what research is needed to determine with greater certainty which formulas are likely to be the most beneficial, cost-effective, and equitable.
PubMed: 38706757
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100888 -
Microbiology Spectrum May 2024We have evaluated the inhibitory effects of supernatants and lysates derived from several candidate probiotics, on the growth and biofilm formation of wound pathogens,...
We have evaluated the inhibitory effects of supernatants and lysates derived from several candidate probiotics, on the growth and biofilm formation of wound pathogens, and their ability to protect human primary epidermal keratinocytes from the toxic effects of pathogens. Supernatants (neutralized and non-neutralized) and lysates ( sonication) from GG, and Nissle 1917 were tested for their inhibitory effects against and . The supernatants of and GG reduced the growth of and additionally inhibited growth. However, neutralized supernatants did not inhibit growth and in some cases were stimulatory. Lysates of and inhibited while lysates inhibited and growth. Nissle 1917 lysates enhanced the growth of and . Biofilm formation by was reduced by lysates of and neutralized supernatants of all candidate probiotics. biofilm formation was reduced by Nissle supernatant but increased by and lysates. decreased the toxic effects of on keratinocytes while Nissle 1917 lysates protected keratinocytes from toxicity. In conclusion, lactobacilli and Nissle lysates confer inhibitory effects on pathogenic growth independently of acidification and may beneficially alter the outcome of interactions between host cell-pathogen in a species-specific manner.IMPORTANCEOne of the attributes of probiotics is their ability to inhibit pathogens. For this reason, many lactobacilli have been investigated for their effects as potential topical therapeutics against skin pathogens. However, this field is in its infancy. Even though probiotics are known to be safe when taken orally, the potential safety concerns when applied to potentially compromised skin are unknown. For this reason, we believe that extracts of probiotics will offer advantages over the use of live bacteria. In this study, we have surveyed five candidate probiotics, when used as extracts, in terms of their effects against common wound pathogens. Our data demonstrate that some probiotic extracts promote the growth of pathogens and highlight the need for careful selection of species and strains when probiotics are to be used topically.
PubMed: 38700333
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00347-24 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Consumer demand for healthier confectionery products has prompted the confectionery industry to create products that are reduced in sugar content and supplemented with...
Consumer demand for healthier confectionery products has prompted the confectionery industry to create products that are reduced in sugar content and supplemented with vitamins, antioxidants or biological elements beneficial to health. The aim of this study was to develop marshmallows enriched with honey and and to evaluate the effect of honey concentration and gelatin bloom degrees on marshmallow properties. A completely randomized design with a factorial structure was applied with different honey concentrations (0, 50 and 75%) and at different gelatin bloom degrees (265, 300 and 315 bloom degrees); moreover, the physicochemical properties, total phenol content and antioxidant activity of the marshmallow were studied, as well as the viability of the probiotic. The physicochemical properties of the marshmallows were found to be adequate and showed good stability over time. The concentration of honey and gelatin bloom degrees did not significantly affect probiotic viability. The density of the marshmallows decreased as the percentage of honey increased. Additionally, the pH was lower at higher honey concentrations. The marshmallow with 75% honey and 265 bloom degrees had a higher °Brix value. The honey treatments exhibited higher levels of total antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds than the sugar-only marshmallows. However, the bloom degrees did not have a significant impact on the antioxidant activity and total phenolic compound content. Although the probiotics did not reach the minimum viability needed, their use as paraprobiotics can be considered.
PubMed: 38699548
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1353530 -
Iranian Journal of Microbiology Feb 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Recent studies suggest that postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have the potential as an adjunct...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Recent studies suggest that postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have the potential as an adjunct therapy for CRC. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of and postbiotics on the HT-29 cell line.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Through MTT and scratch assay, we investigated the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of and postbiotics on HT-29 cells. Furthermore, postbiotic-mediated apoptosis was assessed by analyzing the expression of and . We also investigated the effects of B. breve postbiotics on the expression of three important genes involved in metastasis, including and . Consequently, we validated the expression of selected genes in twelve adenocarcinoma tissues.
RESULTS
The results demonstrated the significant impact of postbiotics on HT-29 cells, highlighting their ability to induce anti-proliferation, anti-migration, and apoptosis-related effects. Notably, these effects were more pronounced using postbiotics than Additionally, postbiotics could inhibit metastasis through upregulation of while downregulating and expression in HT-29 cells.
CONCLUSION
Our research suggests that postbiotic metabolites may be effective biological products for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
PubMed: 38682058
DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v16i1.14873 -
Pharmaceutics Apr 2024Pomegranate flower extract, rich in anthocyanins, demonstrates beneficial health-promoting properties such as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant effect, among others....
Pomegranate flower extract, rich in anthocyanins, demonstrates beneficial health-promoting properties such as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant effect, among others. However, the potential health-promoting properties may be hindered by the low stability of anthocyanins. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess whether stabilizing carriers, namely HP-γ-cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD), α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Me-β-CD), Inulin (Inu) and Arabic gum (AGu) affect the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of lyophilized pomegranate flower extract, how they influence stability, release profile, and whether the systems exhibit prebiotic activity. Interactions between pomegranate flower extract and these factors were analyzed using FT-IR. The structures were examined through microscopic imaging while for the prepared prebiotic systems, antidiabetic activity was determined and confirmed by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase; antioxidant activity was expressed by DPPH and CUPRAC assays. The content of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside in these systems was assessed using the HPLC method. The release profiles of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside were examined in a medium at pH = 6.8 and pH = 1.2, and the stability was assessed after subjecting the systems to high temperatures (T = 90 °C). The prebiotic potential was evaluated for 10 prebiotic bacterial strains (, , , , , , , , ). As a result of the conducted research, better functionalities of the obtained systems containing Pomegranate flower extract were proven in terms of prebiotic and antidiabetic effects. The obtained delivery systems for pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside allow for better use of its health-promoting effects.
PubMed: 38675187
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040526 -
Microorganisms Apr 2024To advance probiotic research, a comprehensive understanding of bacterial interactions with human physiology at the molecular and cellular levels is fundamental. LGG is... (Review)
Review
To advance probiotic research, a comprehensive understanding of bacterial interactions with human physiology at the molecular and cellular levels is fundamental. LGG is a bacterial strain that has long been recognized for its beneficial effects on human health. Probiotic effector molecules derived from LGG, including secreted proteins, surface-anchored proteins, polysaccharides, and lipoteichoic acids, which interact with host physiological processes have been identified. In vitro and animal studies have revealed that specific LGG effector molecules stimulate epithelial cell survival, preserve intestinal barrier integrity, reduce oxidative stress, mitigate excessive mucosal inflammation, enhance IgA secretion, and provide long-term protection through epigenetic imprinting. Pili on the cell surface of LGG promote adhesion to the intestinal mucosa and ensure close contact to host cells. Extracellular vesicles produced by LGG recapitulate many of these effects through their cargo of effector molecules. Collectively, the effector molecules of LGG exert a significant influence on both the gut mucosa and immune system, which promotes intestinal homeostasis and immune tolerance.
PubMed: 38674738
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040794 -
Microorganisms Mar 2024Lactic acid bacteria are considered an inexhaustible source of bioactive compounds; indeed, products from their metabolism are known to have immunomodulatory and...
Lactic acid bacteria are considered an inexhaustible source of bioactive compounds; indeed, products from their metabolism are known to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity. Recently, we demonstrated that Cell-Free Supernatants (CFS) obtained from , (.) , (.) and (.) can impair pathogenic potential in an in vitro model of epithelial vaginal infection. This effect could be ascribed to a direct effect of living lactic acid bacteria on virulence and to the production of metabolites that are able to impair fungal virulence. In the present work, stemming from these data, we deepened our knowledge of CFS from these four lactic acid bacteria by performing a metabolomic analysis to better characterize their composition. By using an untargeted metabolomic approach, we detected consistent differences in the metabolites produced by these four different lactic acid bacteria. Interestingly, and showed the most peculiar metabolic profiles. Specifically, after a hierarchical clustering analysis, and showed specific areas of significantly overexpressed metabolites that strongly differed from the same areas in other lactic acid bacteria. From the overexpressed compounds in these areas, inosine from returned with the best identification profile. This molecule has been described as having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and neuroprotective properties. The biological significance of its overproduction by might be important in its probiotic and/or postbiotic activity.
PubMed: 38674606
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040662