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Microorganisms Oct 2023Childhood obesity is a major public health problem worldwide with an increasing prevalence, associated not only with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance,... (Review)
Review
Childhood obesity is a major public health problem worldwide with an increasing prevalence, associated not only with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but also with psychosocial problems. Gut microbiota is a new factor in childhood obesity, which can modulate the blood lipopolysaccharide levels, the satiety, and fat distribution, and can ensure additional calories to the host. The aim of this review was to assess the differences and the impact of the gut microbial composition on several obesity-related complications such as metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, or insulin resistance. Early dysbiosis was proven to be associated with an increased predisposition to obesity. Depending on the predominant species, the gut microbiota might have either a positive or negative impact on the development of obesity. Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics were suggested to have a positive effect on improving the gut microbiota and reducing cardio-metabolic risk factors. The results of clinical trials regarding probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic administration in children with metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, and insulin resistance are controversial. Some of them (, , and ) were proven to reduce the body mass index in obese children, and also improve the blood lipid content; others (, , , , , and fructo-oligosaccharides) failed in proving any effect on lipid parameters and glucose metabolism. Further studies are necessary for understanding the mechanism of the gut microbiota in childhood obesity and for developing low-cost effective strategies for its management.
PubMed: 38004665
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112651 -
MSystems Jan 2024Probiotics can effectively improve a variety of neurological diseases, but there is little research on autism, and the specific mechanism is unclear. In this study,...
Probiotics can effectively improve a variety of neurological diseases, but there is little research on autism, and the specific mechanism is unclear. In this study, shotgun metagenomics analysis was used to investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of subsp. Probio-M8 on autism. The results showed that Probio-M8 treatment significantly alleviated valproate (VPA)-induced autism in mice, with autistic symptoms characterized by increased stereotyped behaviors such as grooming, reduced learning ability, and decreased desire to socialize. Further studies have found that Probio-M8 can alleviate autism by optimizing gut microbiota diversity and regulating metabolic levels. Probio-M8 regulates gut microbiota structure by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as and . In addition, Probio-M8 regulates metabolic activity by increasing levels of choline, which corrects CAZy disorders. In conclusion, Probio-M8 is therapeutic in the VPA-induced autism mouse model by regulating the gut microbiome and metabolic levels.IMPORTANCEIndividuals with autism often exhibit symptoms of social invariance, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and repetitive behaviors. However, early intervention and treatment can be effective in improving social skills and mitigating autism symptoms, including behaviors related to irritability. Although taking medication for autism may lead to side effects such as weight gain, probiotics can be an ideal intervention for alleviating these symptoms. In this study, we investigated the effects of Probio-M8 intervention on the behavior of autistic mice using an open-field test, a three-chamber sociability test, and a novel object recognition test. Metagenomic analysis revealed differences in gut microbiota diversity among groups, predicted changes in metabolite levels, and functionally annotated CAZy. Additionally, we analyzed serum neurotransmitter levels and found that probiotics were beneficial in mitigating neurotransmitter imbalances in mice with autism.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Bifidobacterium animalis; Autistic Disorder; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Weight Gain; Neurotransmitter Agents
PubMed: 38108654
DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01013-23 -
Microorganisms Oct 2023The influence of microbiota dysbiosis in early life is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for the development of several chronic diseases later in life, including... (Review)
Review
The influence of microbiota dysbiosis in early life is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for the development of several chronic diseases later in life, including an increased risk of asthma, eczema, allergies, obesity, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The question whether the potential lifelong consequences of early life dysbiosis could be mitigated by restoring microbiota composition remains unresolved. However, the current evidence base suggests that protecting the normal development of the microbiome during this critical developmental window could represent a valuable public health strategy to curb the incidence of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases. Probiotic are likely candidates for this purpose in newborns and infants considering the natural dominance of this genus on microbiota composition in early life. Moreover, the most frequently reported microbiota composition alteration in association with newborn and infant diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis and diarrhea, is a reduction in levels. Several studies have assessed the effects of subsp. strains in newborns and infants, but recent expert opinions recommend analyzing their efficacy at the strain-specific level. Hence, using the B94 strain as an example, this review summarizes the clinical evidence available in infants and children in various indications, discussing the safety and potential modes of actions while providing perspectives on the concept of "non-infant-type" probiotics for infants' health.
PubMed: 37894159
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102501 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Life expectancy has increased globally in recent decades, driving interest in maintaining a healthy life that includes preservation of physical and mental abilities,...
Life expectancy has increased globally in recent decades, driving interest in maintaining a healthy life that includes preservation of physical and mental abilities, particularly in elderly people. The gut microbiome becomes increasingly perturbed with aging so the use of probiotics can be a strategy for maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. A previous report showed that subsp. BPL1™ induces through its lipoteichoic acid (LTA) fat reduction activities via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway. Here, we have delved into the mechanism of action, eliminating alternative pathways as putative mechanisms. Furthermore, we have identified that BPL1™, its heat treated form (BPL1™ HT) and its LTA prolong longevity in in an insulin/IGF-1-dependent mechanism, and its consumption improves the oxidative stress response, gut permeability and protection against pathogenic infections. Furthermore, positive effects on stress-related behaviors and in the Alzheimer's Disease model were found, highlighting the potential of the strain in improving the cognitive functions and proteotoxicity in the nematode. These results indicate the pivotal role of the IGF-1 pathway in the activity of the strain and pave the way for potential applications of BPL1™, BPL1™ HT and its LTA in the field of longevity and age-related markers.
PubMed: 38136226
DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122107 -
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County,... Jul 2023The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium animalis sp. Lactis XLTG11, as an adjunctive treatment for acute watery diarrhea in... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium animalis sp. Lactis XLTG11, as an adjunctive treatment for acute watery diarrhea in children, using a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study design.
METHOD
Eligible children with diarrhea were randomly assigned into one of two groups: an intervention group (IG, n = 35), which received conventional treatment plus the probiotic, and a control group (CG, n = 35), which received only conventional treatment. Fecal samples were collected from all children before and after the intervention to measure biochemical indices and analyze gut microbiome (GM) composition.
RESULT
The duration of diarrhea (121.3 ± 11.5 h) and hospital length of stay (3.4 ± 1.1 d) in the IG were significantly shorter than those in the CG (133.4 ± 14.1 h and 4 ± 1.3 d, respectively; P < 0.001 and P = 0.041, respectively). A higher percentage of children in the IG showed improvements compared with the CG (57.1% versus 25.7%, P < 0.001). The calprotectin level in the IG was significantly lower than that in the CG after the intervention (928.91 ± 158.90 ng/g versus 1029.86 ± 133.25 ng/g, P = 0.028). XLTG11 administration led to a higher abundance of species B. longum and < breve, increased α-diversity of the GM (P < 0.05), and upregulated the functional genes of the GM related to immunity and nutrient absorption.
CONCLUSIONS
Administration of XLTG11 at a dose of 1 × 10 CFU/d was effective in reducing the duration of diarrhea, inducing beneficial changes in GM composition and gene functions.
Topics: Humans; Child; Diarrhea; Probiotics; Bifidobacterium; Feces; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 37172455
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112052 -
Nature Communications Jan 2024Current treatment for functional dyspepsia (FD) has limited and unsustainable efficacy. Probiotics have the sustainable potential to alleviate FD. This randomized... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Current treatment for functional dyspepsia (FD) has limited and unsustainable efficacy. Probiotics have the sustainable potential to alleviate FD. This randomized controlled clinical trial (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000041430) assigned 200 FD patients to receive placebo, positive-drug (rabeprazole), or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-99 (BL-99; low, high doses) for 8-week. The primary outcome was the clinical response rate (CRR) of FD score after 8-week treatment. The secondary outcomes were CRR of FD score at other periods, and PDS, EPS, serum indicators, fecal microbiota and metabolites. The CRR in FD score for the BL-99_high group [45 (90.0%)] was significantly higher than that for placebo [29 (58.0%), p = 0.001], BL-99_low [37 (74.0%), p = 0.044] and positive_control [35 (70.0%), p = 0.017] groups after 8-week treatment. This effect was sustained until 2-week after treatment but disappeared 8-week after treatment. Further metagenomic and metabolomics revealed that BL-99 promoted the accumulation of SCFA-producing microbiota and the increase of SCFA levels in stool and serum, which may account for the increase of serum gastrin level. This study supports the potential use of BL-99 for the treatment of FD.
Topics: Humans; Bifidobacterium animalis; Dyspepsia; Probiotics; Feces; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 38172093
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44292-x -
Nutrients Dec 2023subsp. GCL2505 has been shown to have several positive health effects, including improved defecation frequency and reduced visceral fat. It is known that combined... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
subsp. GCL2505 has been shown to have several positive health effects, including improved defecation frequency and reduced visceral fat. It is known that combined intake of GCL2505 and inulin increases the total number of bifidobacteria compared with ingestion of GCL2505 alone. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted to confirm that consumption of GCL2505 and inulin reduces abdominal fat ( = 120). Participants consumed a test beverage containing 1 × 10 colony-forming units of GCL2505 per 100 g and 2.0 g of inulin per 100 g for 12 weeks. A change in the visceral fat area (VFA) was set as the primary endpoint. There were significant reductions in VFA and total fat area. The intervention significantly increased the total number of bifidobacteria and affected the levels of several lipid markers. Regression analysis of bifidobacteria and measured parameters showed that total bifidobacteria correlated with VFA and body mass index (BMI), while endogenous bifidobacteria and subsp. correlated only with BMI, suggesting that increases in both contributed to the decrease in VFA. These results suggest that combined intake of GCL2505 and inulin improves the intestinal environment and reduces abdominal fat in association with the SCFA-mediated pathway.
Topics: Humans; Bifidobacterium; Inulin; Intestines; Bifidobacterium animalis; Abdominal Fat; Eating; Double-Blind Method; Probiotics; Feces
PubMed: 38140284
DOI: 10.3390/nu15245025 -
MSystems Dec 2023Elevated blood pressure affects 40% of the adult population, which accounts for high cardiovascular disease risk and further high mortality yearly. The global...
Elevated blood pressure affects 40% of the adult population, which accounts for high cardiovascular disease risk and further high mortality yearly. The global understanding of the gut microbiome for hypertension may provide important insights into the prevention. M8 and M9 originated from human breast milk, were able to decrease blood pressure, and modified metabolites in a high fructose-induced elevated blood pressure mouse model. Moreover, we found there was a close relationship between unexplored gut microbes and elevated blood pressure. Also, subsequently, the cross-link was explored among gut microbes, metabolites, and some metabolic pathways in gut microbial environment through introducing novel prediction methodology and bioinformatic analysis. It allowed us to hypothesize that probiotics can prevent elevated blood pressure via gut microbiota and related metabolism.Thus, utilization of dietary strategies (such as probiotics) to maintain the blood pressure level is of crucial importance.
Topics: Adult; Mice; Animals; Female; Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Bifidobacterium animalis; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus; Probiotics; Hypertension
PubMed: 37855616
DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00331-23 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023The relationship between intestinal microbiota and cognitive function has been investigated as one of the major topics within the intestinal microbiota-gut-brain axis....
The relationship between intestinal microbiota and cognitive function has been investigated as one of the major topics within the intestinal microbiota-gut-brain axis. Although an increasing number of studies have demonstrated an improvement in learning and memory when using probiotics or prebiotics, to date, there are no studies that target the cognitive flexibility observed in the early stages of several neuropsychiatric diseases, including dementia. We have recently developed a novel behavioral task using the touchscreen operant system to assess cognitive flexibility. We found that the disruption of the intestinal microbiota in mice induced a decline in cognitive flexibility. In the present study, we investigated the effects of treatments consisting of subsp. and arginine (Bifal + Arg), which promote the production of intestinal bacterial polyamine, on cognitive flexibility in the mouse model. Male C57BL6 mice orally treated with Bifal + Arg three times a week gradually decreased the 1st-choice incorrect diagonal rate with repeated reversals compared with the control group. Furthermore, in serial reversal phases, Bifal + Arg-treated mice shifted to the behavior of choosing a new correct spot more quickly after the reversal, and this was faster with repeated reversals. These results indicate that this treatment adapts to change and improves cognitive flexibility. This is the first report to show that intestinal environmental control, including probiotics and prebiotics, improves cognitive flexibility in mice.
PubMed: 37346910
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1164809 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023The oral cavity is the second most microbially rich region of the human body, and many studies have shown that there is a strong association between microorganisms and...
The oral cavity is the second most microbially rich region of the human body, and many studies have shown that there is a strong association between microorganisms and oral health. Some pathogenic bacteria produce biofilms and harmful metabolites in the mouth that may cause oral problems such as oral malodor, periodontitis, and dental caries. Altering the oral microbiota by using probiotics may alleviate oral health problems. Thus, using multi-function screening, we aimed to identify probiotics that can significantly improve oral health. The main parameters were the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria growth, inhibition of biofilm formation, reduction in the production of indole, HS, and NH metabolites that cause halitosis, increase in the production of HO to combat harmful bacteria, and co-aggregation with pathogens to prevent their adhesion and colonization in the oral cavity. Tolerance to cholic acid and choline was also assessed. ZK-77, ZK-88, and ZK-102 had antibacterial activity and inhibited biofilm production to prevent caries. They also improved the oral malodor parameter, HS, NH, and indole production. The selected probiotics (especially ZK-88) alleviated the inflammation in the oral cavity of rats with periodontitis. The analysis of the gingival crevicular fluid microbiome after probiotic intervention showed that ZK-77 likely helped to restore the oral microbiota and maintain the oral microecology. Next, we determined the best prebiotics for each candidate probiotic in order to obtain a formulation with improved effects. We then verified that a probiotics/prebiotic combination ( ZK-77, ZK-88, and fructooligosaccharides) significantly improved halitosis and teeth color in cats. Using whole-genome sequencing and acute toxicity mouse experiments involving the two probiotics, we found that neither probiotic had virulence genes and they had no significant effects on the growth or development of mice, indicating their safety. Taking the results together, ZK-77 and ZK-88 can improve oral health, as verified by and experiments. This study provides a reference for clinical research and also provides new evidence for the oral health benefits of probiotics.
Topics: Humans; Rats; Animals; Mice; Cats; Oral Health; Halitosis; Dental Caries; Hydrogen Peroxide; Periodontitis; Probiotics; Indoles
PubMed: 38029238
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1261189