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The ISME Journal Jun 2024Probiotics have gained significant attention as a potential strategy to improve health by modulating host-microbe interactions, particularly in situations where the...
Probiotics have gained significant attention as a potential strategy to improve health by modulating host-microbe interactions, particularly in situations where the normal microbiota has been disrupted. However, evidence regarding their efficacy has been inconsistent, with considerable inter-individual variability in response. We aimed to explore whether a common genetic variant that affects the production of mucosal α(1,2)-fucosylated glycans, present in around 20% of the population, could explain the observed interpersonal differences in the persistence of commonly used probiotics. Using a mouse model with varying α(1,2)-fucosylated glycans secretion (Fut2WT or Fut2KO), we examined the abundance and persistence of Bifidobacterium strains (infantis, breve, and bifidum). We observed significant differences in baseline gut microbiota characteristics between Fut2WT and Fut2KO littermates, with Fut2WT mice exhibiting enrichment of species able to utilise α(1,2)-fucosylated glycans. Following antibiotic exposure, only Fut2WT animals showed persistent engraftment of Bifidobacterium infantis, a strain able to internalise α(1,2)-fucosylated glycans, whereas B. breve and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which cannot internalise α(1,2)-fucosylated glycans, did not exhibit this difference. In mice with an intact commensal microbiota, the relationship between secretor status and B. infantis persistence was reversed, with Fut2KO animals showing greater persistence compared to Fut2WT. Our findings suggest that the interplay between a common genetic variation and antibiotic exposure plays a crucial role in determining the dynamics of B. infantis in the recipient gut, which could potentially contribute to the observed variation in response to this commonly used probiotic species.
PubMed: 38896583
DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae107 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024() can form biofilms; a critical virulence factor that provides effective protection from commercial antifungals and contributes to public health issues. The...
INTRODUCTION
() can form biofilms; a critical virulence factor that provides effective protection from commercial antifungals and contributes to public health issues. The development of new antifungal therapies, particularly those targeting biofilms, is imperative. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the antifungal and antibiofilm effects of (), zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) and nanocomposites (ZnNCs) on isolates from Nile tilapia, fish wash water and human fish sellers in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study collected 300 samples from tilapia, fish wash water, and fish sellers (100 each). Probiotic was immobilized with ZnNPs to synthesize ZnNCs. The study assessed the antifungal and antibiofilm activities of ZnNPs, , and ZnNCs compared to amphotericin (AMB).
RESULTS
spp. were detected in 38 samples, which included (42.1%), (26.3%), (21.1%), and (10.5%). A total of 62.5% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antifungal agent, with the highest resistance to nystatin (62.5%). However, 75% of the isolates were highly susceptible to AMB. All isolates exhibited biofilm-forming capabilities, with 4 (25%) isolates showing strong biofilm formation. At least one virulence-associated gene (, , , or ) was identified among the isolates. Probiotics , ZnNPs, and ZnNCs displayed antibiofilm and antifungal effects against , with ZnNCs showing significantly higher inhibitory activity. ZnNCs, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 10 µg/mL, completely reduced biofilm gene expression. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy images of biofilms treated with ZnNCs revealed asymmetric, wrinkled surfaces, cell deformations, and reduced cell numbers.
CONCLUSION
This study identified virulent, resistant isolates with strong biofilm-forming abilities in tilapia, water, and humans, that pose significant risks to public health and food safety.
Topics: Animals; Biofilms; Candida albicans; Nanocomposites; Antifungal Agents; Zinc; Probiotics; Cichlids; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Ligilactobacillus salivarius; Egypt; Nanoparticles; Water Microbiology
PubMed: 38895734
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1358270 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024subsp. (Map) is the etiological agent of paratuberculosis (PTB), a chronic intestinal inflammatory disease that causes high economical losses in dairy livestock...
subsp. (Map) is the etiological agent of paratuberculosis (PTB), a chronic intestinal inflammatory disease that causes high economical losses in dairy livestock worldwide. Due to the absence of widely available preventive or therapeutical treatments, new alternative therapies are needed. In this study, the effect of a probiotic alone or in combination with a commercial vaccine has been evaluated in a rabbit model. Vaccination enhanced the humoral response, exerted a training effect of peripheral polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) against homologous and heterologous stimuli, stimulated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) macrophages, and reduced the bacterial burden in GALT as well. However, the administration of the probiotic after vaccination did not affect the PMN activity, increased metabolic demand, and supressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, although humoral response and bacterial burden decrease in GALT was maintained similar to vaccination alone. The administration of the probiotic alone did not enhance the humoral response or PMN activity, and the bacterial burden in GALT was further increased compared to the only challenged group. In conclusion, the probiotic was able to modulate the immune response hampering the clearance of the infection and was also able to affect the response of innate immune cells after vaccination. This study shows that the administration of a probiotic can modulate the immune response pathways triggered by vaccination and/or infection and even exacerbate the outcome of the disease, bringing forward the importance of verifying treatment combinations in the context of each particular infectious agent.
Topics: Animals; Probiotics; Paratuberculosis; Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis; Rabbits; Neutrophils; Cytokines; Vaccination; Bacterial Vaccines; Macrophages; Disease Models, Animal; Lymphoid Tissue; Female; Immunity, Humoral; Antibodies, Bacterial
PubMed: 38895731
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1394070 -
Veterinary and Animal Science Jun 2024The unobstructed use of antibiotics in poultry production has emerged as a major driving force of antibiotic resistance and public health hazard, particularly in...
The unobstructed use of antibiotics in poultry production has emerged as a major driving force of antibiotic resistance and public health hazard, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the functional roles of lyophilized native probiotic based starter feed on performance, selective serum metabolites and meat quality of poultry. A total of 90 day-old birds (30 broilers, 30 layers and 30 ducks) were used as experimental birds which were divided into three treatment groups for each kind of bird. Isolated native probiotic strains from chicken intestine were used to prepare lyophilized probiotic samples. Growth performances were measured manually, serum biochemicals analysis were carried out using diagnostic kits, and meat quality was determined through Kjeldahl method and Soxhlet method. When compared to groups receiving antibiotics, the introduction of lyophilized probiotics in starter feed significantly (<0.05) increased body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The birds' serum calcium and protein levels likewise exhibited a similar pattern. Comparing the groups receiving antibiotics, the protein content of the meat revealed significant (<0.05) variations. Significant (<0.05) reduced level of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and fat content in meat was observed when compared to antibiotic-fed group. It is possible to conclude that lyophilized probiotics have a significant positive impact on growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality. The findings of the study could open up new avenues for the application and adoption of native probiotic-based poultry feeds as an alternative to antibiotic-based poultry feeds among stakeholders.
PubMed: 38895706
DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2024.100346 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Pomegranate peel extract is known for its potent antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and probiotic properties, leading to its use in...
Pomegranate peel extract is known for its potent antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and probiotic properties, leading to its use in treating oral infections. In the first stage of this work, for the first time, using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, pomegranate peel extract (70% methanol, temperature 70 °C, and three cycles per 90 min) was optimized and obtained, which showed optimal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The optimized extract showed antibacterial activity against oral pathogenic bacteria. The second part of this study focused on optimizing an electrospinning process for a combination of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers loaded with the optimized pomegranate peel extract. The characterization of the nanofibers was confirmed by using SEM pictures, XRPD diffractograms, and IR-ATR spectra. The composition of the nanofibers can control the release; in the case of PVP-based nanofibers, immediate release was achieved within 30 min, while in the case of PCL/PVP, controlled release was completed within 24 h. Analysis of the effect of different scaffold compositions of the obtained electrofibers showed that those based on PCL/PVP had better wound healing potential. The proposed strategy to produce electrospun nanofibers with pomegranate peel extract is the first and innovative approach to better use the synergy of biological action of active compounds present in extracts in a patient-friendly pharmaceutical form, beneficial for treating oral infections.
PubMed: 38893822
DOI: 10.3390/ma17112558 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024An increased demand for natural products nowadays most specifically probiotics (PROs) is evident since it comes in conjunction with beneficial health effects for... (Review)
Review
An increased demand for natural products nowadays most specifically probiotics (PROs) is evident since it comes in conjunction with beneficial health effects for consumers. In this regard, it is well known that encapsulation could positively affect the PROs' viability throughout food manufacturing and long-term storage. This paper aims to analyze and review various double/multilayer strategies for encapsulation of PROs. Double-layer encapsulation of PROs by electrohydrodynamic atomization or electrospraying technology has been reported along with layer-by-layer assembly and water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions to produce multilayer PROs-loaded carriers. Finally, their applications in food products are presented. The resistance and viability of loaded PROs to mechanical damage, during gastrointestinal transit and shelf life of these trapping systems, are also described. The PROs encapsulation in double- and multiple-layer coatings combined with other technologies can be examined to increase the opportunities for new functional products with amended functionalities opening a novel horizon in food technology.
Topics: Probiotics; Emulsions; Humans; Drug Carriers; Drug Compounding; Food Technology
PubMed: 38893306
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112431 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Vaginally administered postbiotics derived from were recently demonstrated to be effective in alleviating bacterial vaginosis and increasing pregnancy rates. However,...
Vaginally administered postbiotics derived from were recently demonstrated to be effective in alleviating bacterial vaginosis and increasing pregnancy rates. However, their potential effect on sperm quality has not been well investigated. This controlled in vitro study aimed to assess the dose- and time-dependent effects of postbiotics derived from PB01 (DSM 14870) on sperm quality parameters. The experiment was conducted in vitro to eliminate potential confounding factors from the female reproductive tract and vaginal microbiota. Sperm samples from 18 healthy donors were subjected to analysis using Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) in various concentrations of postbiotics and control mediums at baseline, 60 min, and 90 min of incubation. Results indicated that lower postbiotic concentration (PB5) did not adversely affect sperm motility, kinematic parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and normal morphology at any time. However, concentrations exceeding 15% demonstrated a reduction in progressively motile sperm and a negative correlation with non-progressively motile sperm at all time points. These findings underscore the importance of balancing postbiotic dosage to preserve sperm motility while realizing the postbiotics' vaginal health benefits. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and refine practical applications in reproductive health.
Topics: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus; Humans; Male; Spermatozoa; Sperm Motility; Adult; Probiotics; Prospective Studies; Female; DNA Fragmentation; Semen Analysis; Vagina; Young Adult
PubMed: 38892713
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111781 -
Nutrients Jun 2024One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a complex and interconnected network that undergoes drastic changes during pregnancy. In this study, we investigated the longitudinal...
One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a complex and interconnected network that undergoes drastic changes during pregnancy. In this study, we investigated the longitudinal distribution of OCM-related metabolites in maternal and cord blood and explored their relationships. Additionally, we conducted cross-sectional analyses to examine the interrelationships among these metabolites. This study included 146 healthy pregnant women who participated in the Chiba Study of Mother and Child Health. Maternal blood samples were collected during early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and delivery, along with cord blood samples. We analyzed 18 OCM-related metabolites in serum using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. We found that serum S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) concentrations in maternal blood remained stable throughout pregnancy. Conversely, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) concentrations increased, and the total homocysteine/total cysteine ratio significantly increased with advancing gestational age. The betaine/dimethylglycine ratio was negatively correlated with total homocysteine in maternal blood for all sampling periods, and this correlation strengthened with advances in gestational age. Most OCM-related metabolites measured in this study showed significant positive correlations between maternal blood at delivery and cord blood. These findings suggest that maternal OCM status may impact fetal development and indicate the need for comprehensive and longitudinal evaluations of OCM during pregnancy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Fetal Blood; Pregnancy; Adult; Longitudinal Studies; Homocysteine; Japan; S-Adenosylmethionine; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Gestational Age; Carbon; Betaine; Cysteine; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Glycine; East Asian People; Sarcosine
PubMed: 38892698
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111765 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Dietary interventions represent an interesting alternative to pharmacological treatments for improving the quality of life (QoL) of subjects suffering from... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of a Food Supplement Containing LA14, Peptides, and a Multivitamin Complex in Improving Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Related Outcomes and Quality of Life of Subjects Showing Mild-to-Moderate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Dietary interventions represent an interesting alternative to pharmacological treatments for improving the quality of life (QoL) of subjects suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement (FS) containing a probiotic strain, bioactive peptides, and vitamins in relieving heartburn/dyspeptic symptoms in subjects with mild-to-moderate GERD. Fifty-six adult participants were randomly assigned to receive the placebo or the active FS for 28 days. Subjects were asked to record daily the frequency and intensity of heartburn episodes and the intake of over- the-counter (OTC) medications. GERD-QoL and self-assessment questionnaires were also completed every two weeks and at the end of the treatment, respectively. FS was effective in achieving a progressive and significant reduction of heartburn frequency and severity, with an intergroup significant difference at the end of the treatment period. FS group also reported a reduction in the OTC medication intake, whereas placebo administration did not modify the OTC intake. Results from the QoL and self-assessment questionnaires showed that FS administration achieved a progressive and statistically significant intragroup and intergroup improvement in the QoL score and a higher positive response with respect to the placebo treatment.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Male; Double-Blind Method; Female; Adult; Dietary Supplements; Probiotics; Middle Aged; Lactobacillus acidophilus; Vitamins; Treatment Outcome; Peptides; Heartburn; Surveys and Questionnaires; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38892690
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111759 -
Nutrients Jun 2024(1) Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among otherwise healthy women represent a problem that requires additional understanding and approaches. Evidencing...
(1) Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among otherwise healthy women represent a problem that requires additional understanding and approaches. Evidencing the link between dysbiosis and UTIs and the associated potential risk factors could lead to therapeutic approaches with increased efficiency under the conditions of reducing the risks associated with antibiotic treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dysbiosis and other potential risk factors in women with a history of urinary tract infections; (2) Methods: Fecal dysbiosis tests were performed comparatively in two groups of women. The first group in-cluded women with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) who had either two or more symp-tomatic episodes of UTI in the previous six months. The second group included women with spo-radic UTIs who did not have >1 UTI during a 12-month period and who did not have another UTI in the last 12 months; (3) Results: An association was shown between intestinal dysbiosis and recurrences of urinary tract infections. Increased body weight was associated with intestinal dysbiosis. Also, the lack of knowledge regarding the risk of using antibiotics and the benefits of probiotics was associated with both dysbiosis and recurrences of urinary tract infections; (4) Conclusions: Dysbiosis can have an impact on the recurrence of urinary tract infections. The risk factors for rUTI and dysbiosis in the sphere of lifestyle are potentially controllable, broadening the perspective for new approaches and changing the paradigm in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Tract Infections; Female; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Risk Factors; Adult; Feces; Middle Aged; Recurrence; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Probiotics; Young Adult
PubMed: 38892685
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111753