Probiotics

Bacillus clausii for the Treatment of Acute Diarrhea in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Acute diarrhea is a burdensome disease with potentially harmful consequences, especially in childhood. Despite its large use in clinical practice, the efficacy of the probiotic Bacillus clausii in treating acute childhood diarrhea remains unclear. Our objective was to systematically review the efficacy of Bacillus clausii in the treatment of acute childhood diarrhea. The following electronic databases were systematically searched up to October 2017: MEDLINE (via PubMed/OVID), EMBASE (via OVID), Cochrane Central Database of Controlled Trials (via CENTRAL), Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The overall effect for the meta-analysis was derived by using a random effects model. Six randomized controlled trials (1298 patients) met the eligibility criteria. Data arising from pooled analysis showed that Bacillus clausii significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea (mean difference = -9.12 h; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -16.49 to -1.75, p = 0.015), and the duration of hospitalization (mean difference = -0.85 days; 95% CI: -1.56 to -0.15, p = 0.017), compared with control. There was a trend of decreasing stool frequency after Bacillus clausii administration compared with the control group (mean difference = -0.19 diarrheal motions; 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.06, p = 0.14). Bacillus clausii may represent an effective therapeutic option in acute childhood diarrhea, with a good safety profile.

Multispecies probiotics combination prevents ovalbumin-induced airway hyperreactivity in mice

BACKGROUND

Probiotics could be beneficial to health and some of them have shown to modulate immune responses.

AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate if the probiotic strains including Lactobacillus and Pediococcus strains are able to alleviate allergic reactions in an ovalbumin-induced airway allergy model.

METHODS

Lactobacillus multi-species preparation (LMP) was gavaged to BALB/c for total six weeks and BALB/c was challenged with ovalbumin in the last two weeks. A barometric whole-body plethysmography was used to assess enhanced pause (Penh) of airway hyperreactivity (AHR). Immunoglobulins (Ig) such as IgE, IgG1, IgG2a and cytokines such as IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assayed using ELISA kits.

RESULTS

The results showed this LMP significantly reduced Th2 cytokines and enhanced Th1 cytokines production. OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 was lower in the probiotics-treated mice whereas IgG2a was increased. Most importantly, this murine model showed LMP supplementation significantly reduced AHR.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this Lactobacillus multi-species preparation seemed to suppress OVA-sensitized airway hyperreactivity, thus serving as a possible candidate for therapeutic uses for allergic airway symptoms.

Fifty-Six Draft Genome Sequences of 10 Lactobacillus Species from 22 Commercial Dietary Supplements

Here, we present the genome sequences of 56 isolates of 10 species of the genus Lactobacillus that are considered beneficial components of the gut microbiota. The isolates examined were found in commercially available dietary supplements in the U.S. market.

The role of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in animal nutrition

Along with the intensive development of methods of livestock breeding, breeders' expectations are growing concerning feed additives that would guarantee such results as accelerating growth rate, protection of health from pathogenic infections and improvement of other production parameters such as: absorption of feed and quality of meat, milk, eggs. The main reason for their application would be a strive to achieve some beneficial effects comparable to those of antibiotic-based growth stimulators, banned on 01 January 2006. High hopes are being associated with the use of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Used mainly for maintenance of the equilibrium of the intestinal microbiota of livestock, they turn out to be an effective method in fight against pathogens posing a threat for both animals and consumers. This paper discusses definitions of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Criteria that have to be met by those kinds of formulas are also presented. The paper offers a list of the most commonly used probiotics and prebiotics and some examples of their combinations in synbiotic formulas used in animal feeding. Examples of available study results on the effect of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on animal health are also summarised.

The effects of probiotics on total cholesterol: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Probiotics supplements provide a new nonpharmacological alternative to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. The impact of probiotics on the reduction of total cholesterol (TC) remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to showcase the most updated and comprehensive evaluation of the studies.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched from electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database dating from January 2007 to January 2017. The curative effects of probiotics on the reduction of TC were assessed using mean difference (MD), as well as their 95% confidence interval (CI). RevMan software (version 5.3) was used to carry out this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-two RCTs including 1971 patients met the inclusion criteria. Results of this analysis showed that compared with the control group serum TC was significantly reduced in probiotics group [MD = -13.27, 95% CI (-16.74 to 9.80), P < .05]. In addition, specific strains also significantly reduced serum TC, L acidophilus and B lactis [MD = -8.30, 95% CI (-10.44, -6.15), P < .05]; VSL#3 [MD = -11.04, 95% CI (-19.61, -2.48), P < .05]; L plantarum t ≤ 6 weeks: [MD = -1.56, 95% CI (-6.97, -3.86), P < .05] or t > 6 weeks: [MD = -22.18, 95% CI (-28.73, -15.63), P < .05]. Subgroup analysis indicated that the difference of baseline TC, probiotics forms and intervention duration might have a significant impact on the results. However, strains and doses of probiotics had no significant influence on curative effects.

CONCLUSION

Available evidence indicates that probiotics supplements can significantly reduce serum TC. Furthermore, higher baseline TC, longer intervention time, and probiotics in capsules form might contribute to a better curative effect.

Gene expression profiling in the intestinal mucosa of obese rats administered probiotic bacteria

We investigated whether the administration of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-4034, Bifidobacterium breve CNCM I-4035 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036 modulate the expression of genes in the intestinal mucosa of obese Zucker rats. Forty-eight Zucker-Leprfa/fa and 16 Zucker lean Lepr+/fa rats were used. Eight Zucker lean Lepr+/fa and 8 Zucker-Leprfa/fa rats were euthanized as a reference. The remaining 40 Zucker-Leprfa/fa rats were then assigned to receive 1010 colony forming units (CFU) of one of the three probiotic strains, a mixture of L. paracasei CNCM I-4034 and B. breve CNCM I-4035, or a placebo by oral administration for 30 days. An additional group of 8 Zucker lean Lepr+/fa rats received the placebo for 30 days. Over 27,000 rat genes were studied using a DNA array. Four animals per group were used. Total RNA was extracted from intestinal mucosa and cDNA was synthesized, fragmented and labeled. Labeled cDNA was hybridized using GeneChip kits, and the latter were scanned. Intensity values of each probe were processed and normalized to obtain an individual value for each set of probes.

Expression of fibronectin-binding protein of L. acidophilus NCFM and in vitro refolding to adhesion capable native-like protein from inclusion bodies

The ability of Lactobacilli to adhere to host epithelial surface and intestinal tracts is important for colonization and persistence of bacteria in the host gut. Extracellular matrix components like fibronectin, mucin, collagen and other adhesion molecules serve as substratum for attachment of bacteria. However, the precise structure, function and mechanism of binding of microbial surface adhesion proteins such as Fibronectin-binding protein (FBP) with host molecules remains unclear. This is primarily due to limitations in high expression of these proteins in biologically active form. To study adhesion of its FBP (64 kDa), the fbp gene of L. acidophilus NCFM was cloned and expressed in E. coli. However, the fibronectin-binding protein expressed in soluble form could not be purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography possibly because of partially buried Histidine tag in the recombinant fusion protein. Therefore, the protein was expressed as inclusion bodies (IBs) at 37 °C and solubilized in urea followed by purification in denatured form by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The purified denatured protein was refolded in vitro to structurally stable and biologically active form. The conformational properties of the refolded protein were studied by circular dichroism, which showed prominence of α+ β structural element. The refolded FBP also showed significant binding to human intestinal tissue sections. Our optimized refolding protocol from IBs of this recombinant probiotic FBP led into high amounts of biologically active protein. Our results help in increasing understanding of structure-function relation of surface adhesion proteins and host-microbial interactions.

Probiotics: From Isolation to Application

Probiotics have become highly recognized as supplements for humans and animals because of their beneficial effects on health and well-being. The present review aims to provide an overview of different steps through which microbial strains become applicable probiotics in food and/or feed industries. Isolation of potential probiotic strains is the first step. Lactic acid bacteria are the most frequently used microorganisms as probiotics, which can be isolated from human, animal, plant, and environment. The next steps are identification of the isolates and characterization of them based on the main selection criteria for any potential probiotic microorganism, including resistance to gastric acidity and bile salt, adherence to mucus and/or intestinal epithelial cells and cell lines, and antimicrobial and antagonism activity against potentially pathogenic microbes. There are additional probiotic properties that may be considered for selection of probiotic strains with specific effects, such as cholesterol reduction ability, antioxidant activity, or cytotoxic effect against cancer cells. However, a potential probiotic does not need to fulfill all such selection criteria. As the last step, safety status of probiotics for humans is verified by taxonomy clarification, in vitro and in vivo tests, human trials, and genome sequencing.

Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health

The human gastrointestinal tract is colonised by a complex ecosystem of microorganisms. Intestinal bacteria are not only commensal, but they also undergo a synbiotic co-evolution along with their host. Beneficial intestinal bacteria have numerous and important functions, e.g., they produce various nutrients for their host, prevent infections caused by intestinal pathogens, and modulate a normal immunological response. Therefore, modification of the intestinal microbiota in order to achieve, restore, and maintain favourable balance in the ecosystem, and the activity of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract is necessary for the improved health condition of the host. The introduction of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics into human diet is favourable for the intestinal microbiota. They may be consumed in the form of raw vegetables and fruit, fermented pickles, or dairy products. Another source may be pharmaceutical formulas and functional food. This paper provides a review of available information and summarises the current knowledge on the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health. The mechanism of beneficial action of those substances is discussed, and verified study results proving their efficacy in human nutrition are presented.

Lactic acid bacteria isolated from yak milk show probiotic potential

Probiotic industries strive for new, efficient and promising probiotic strains that impart a positive impact on consumer health. Challenges are persisting in isolation, screening, and selection of the new indigenous probiotic strains. In the present research, we explored the probiotic potential of 17 lactic acid bacteria isolated from Yak milk in a series of in vitro tests. We also demonstrated their health benefits, i.e., cholesterol degradation, lactose digestion, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Principal component analysis revealed that more than 50% of the strains fulfilled the examined criteria, e.g., survival in acidic pH, bile concentrations, and adherent property. Approximately all the strains produced antimicrobial substances against the maximum number of tested strains including clinical strains. Most strains degraded cholesterol in comparison to the reference probiotic strain whereas strain Yc showed 1.5 times higher the degradation efficiency of the control strain. Lan4 strain exhibited remarkable anticancer activity and induced the maximum apoptosis (87%) in the Hela cells and was non-toxic to the non-cancerous HEK293 cells. Around ten strains showed positive lactose digestion. Overall, this can be concluded that selected lactic acid bacteria revealed excellent probiotic properties along with desirable health benefits. These strains need to be further investigated in details for their application in the development of novel probiotic preparations for the improvement of public health.

Synbiotic dietary supplement affects growth, immune responses and intestinal microbiota of Apostichopus japonicus

A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary administration of synbiotic with Bacillus lincheniformis WS-2 (CGMCC No. 12813) and alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) on the growth, innate immune response, and intestinal microbiota of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus and its resistance to Vibrio infection. Sea cucumbers were given a control diet (non-supplemented), pro diet (basal diet plus 1 × 10⁹ cfu (g diet)^-1B. lincheniformis WS-2), syn diet (basal diet plus 1 × 10⁹ cfu (g diet)^-1B. lincheniformis WS-2 and 10 g (kg diet) ^-1 AOS) or pre diet (basal diet plus 10 g (kg diet) ^-1 AOS) over a period of 60 days, and the growth performance and various innate immune parameters of the animals were evaluated after 30 and 60 days of feeding. No significant difference in growth performance was observed between the group fed with the syn and the group fed with the pro diet, but both these groups exhibited significant (P < 0.05) enhancement in growth performance compared to the control group. At the same time, both syn and pro diets also resulted in the animals having significantly higher levels of amylase, protease and alginate lyase activities compared to the con diet. Individuals fed with the syn or pro diet showed enhanced levels of various immune enzyme activities, compared to those fed with the con diet. At the end of the growth period, the sea cucumbers were challenged with Vibrio splendidus via intraperitoneal injection. The survival rates of sea cucumbers fed with the syn, pro or pre diet were significantly improved compared to that of sea cucumbers fed with the con diet, with sea cucumbers fed with synbiotic having the highest survival. In addition, increased proportions of Bacillus and Lactococcus were found in the intestinal tract of sea cucumbers fed with the syn diet (9.5% and 7.3%) compared to those of sea cucumbers fed with the pro diet (6.1% and 4.6%), con diet (4.0% and 3.4%), or pre diet (5.2% and 6.8%) after 60 days of feeding. Furthermore, the proportion of Vibrio in the intestinal tracts of sea cucumbers fed with the pro diet (2%) or syn diet (3.1%) was lower than that of sea cucumbers fed with the con diet (5.5%) or pre diet (3.8%), although no significant difference was detected between the pro diet and syn diet groups (P > 0.05). Overall, the results suggested that dietary synbiotic consisting of Bacillus lincheniformis and alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) could have positive benefit for sea cucumber aquaculture.

Lipid-lowering nutraceuticals in clinical practice: position paper from an International Lipid Expert Panel

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the possible use of nutraceuticals to improve and optimize dyslipidemia control and therapy. Based on the data from available studies, nutraceuticals might help patients obtain theraputic lipid goals and reduce cardiovascular residual risk. Some nutraceuticals have essential lipid-lowering properties confirmed in studies; some might also have possible positive effects on nonlipid cardiovascular risk factors and have been shown to improve early markers of vascular health such as endothelial function and pulse wave velocity. However, the clinical evidence supporting the use of a single lipid-lowering nutraceutical or a combination of them is largely variable and, for many of the nutraceuticals, the evidence is very limited and, therefore, often debatable. The purpose of this position paper is to provide consensus-based recommendations for the optimal use of lipid-lowering nutraceuticals to manage dyslipidemia in patients who are still not on statin therapy, patients who are on statin or combination therapy but have not achieved lipid goals, and patients with statin intolerance. This statement is intended for physicians and other healthcare professionals engaged in the diagnosis and management of patients with lipid disorders, especially in the primary care setting.

High Doses of Halotolerant Gut-Indigenous Lactobacillus plantarum Reduce Cultivable Lactobacilli in Newborn Calves without Increasing Its Species Abundance

To elucidate the ecological effect of high oral doses of halotolerant (resistant to table salt) indigenous-gut bacteria on other commensals early in life, we conducted a culture-based study to quantify the effect of intestinal Lactobacillus plantarum strain of bovine origin (with remarkable aerobic growth capabilities and inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and F5) on clinical health and gut lactobacilli/coliforms in newborn calves. In a double-blind placebo-randomized trial twelve colostrum-fed calves, consecutively born at a farm, were fed L. plantarum within 12 hours from birth at low (10^7-8 CFU/day) or high concentrations (10^10-11) or placebo (q24 h, 5 d; 10 d follow-up). We developed a 2.5% NaCl-selective culture strategy to facilitate the enumeration of L. plantarum-strain-B80, and tested 384 samples (>1,152 cultures). L. plantarum-B80-like colonies were detected in a large proportion of calves (58%) even before their first 24 hours of life indicating endemic presence of the strain in the farm. In contrast to studies where human-derived Lactobacillus LGG or rhamnosus had notoriously high, but short-lived, colonization, we found that L. plantarum colonized stably with fecal shedding of 6 ± 1 log₁₀·g⁻¹ (irrespective of dose, P > 0.2). High doses significantly reduced other fecal lactic acid bacteria (e.g., lactobacilli, P < 0.01) and slightly reduced body weight gain in calves after treatment. For the first time, a halotolerant strain of L. plantarum with inhibitory activity against a human pathogen has the ability to inhibit other lactobacilli in vivo without changing its species abundance, causing transintestinal translocation, or inducing clinical disease. The future selection of probiotics based on halotolerance may expand therapeutic product applicability.

Adamdec1, Ednrb and Ptgs1/Cox1, inflammation genes upregulated in the intestinal mucosa of obese rats, are downregulated by three probiotic strains

We have previously reported that administration of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-4034, Bifidobacterium breve CNCM I-4035 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036 to obese Zucker-Lepr fa/fa rats attenuates liver steatosis and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. The goal of the present work was to investigate the modulation of gene expression in intestinal mucosa samples of obese Zucker-Lepr fa/fa rats fed the probiotic strains using a DNA microarray and postgenomic techniques. We also measured secretory IgA content in the gut and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) in serum. Expression of three genes (Adamdec1, Ednrb and Ptgs1/Cox1) was up-regulated in the intestinal mucosa of the obese rats compared with that in the rats when they were still lean. Probiotic administration down-regulated expression of Adamdec1 and Ednrb at the mRNA and protein levels and that of Ptgs1/Cox1 at the mRNA level, and this effect was in part mediated by a decrease in both macrophage and dendritic cell populations. Probiotic treatment also increased secretory IgA content and diminished the LBP concentration. Based on results reported in this work and else where, we propose a possible mechanism of action for these bacterial strains.

Probiotics, prebiotics, and microencapsulation: A review

The development of a suitable technology for the production of probiotics is a key research for industrial production, which should take into account the viability and the stability of the organisms involved. Microbial criteria, stress tolerance during processing, and storage of the product constitute the basis for the production of probiotics. Generally, the bacteria belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been used as probiotics. Based on their positive qualities, probiotic bacteria are widely used in the production of food. Interest in the incorporation of the probiotic bacteria into other products apart from dairy products has been increasing and represents a great challenge. The recognition of dose delivery systems for probiotic bacteria has also resulted in research efforts aimed at developing probiotic food outside the dairy sector. Producing probiotic juices has been considered more in the recent years, due to an increased concern in personal health of consumers. This review focuses on probiotics, prebiotics, and the microencapsulation of living cells.

Probiotics for vaginal health in South Africa: what is on retailers' shelves?

BACKGROUND

Probiotics are widely used to improve gastrointestinal (GI) health, but they may also be useful to prevent or treat gynaecological disorders, including bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis. BV prevalence is high in South Africa and is associated with increased HIV risk and pregnancy complications. We aimed to assess the availability of probiotics for vaginal health in retail stores (pharmacies, supermarkets and health stores) in two major cities in South Africa.

METHODS

A two-stage cluster sampling strategy was used in the Durban and Cape Town metropoles. Instructions for use, microbial composition, dose, storage and manufacturers' details were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 104 unique probiotics were identified in Cape Town and Durban (66.4% manufactured locally). Cape Town had more products than Durban (94 versus 59 probiotics), although 47% were common between cities (49/104). Only four products were explicitly for vaginal health. The remainder were for GI health in adults (51.0%) or infants (17.3%). The predominant species seen overall included Lactobacillus acidophilus (53.5%), L. rhamnosus (37.6%), Bifidobacterium longum ssp. longum (35.6%) and B. animalis ssp. lactis (33.7%). Products for vaginal health contained only common GI probiotic species, with a combination of L. acidophilus/B. longum ssp. longum/B. bifidum, L. rhamnosus/L. reuteri or L. rhamnosus alone, despite L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii being the most common commensals found in the lower female reproductive tract.

CONCLUSION

This survey highlights the paucity of vaginal probiotics available in South Africa, where vaginal dysbiosis is common. Most vaginal products contained organisms other than female genital tract commensals.

Optimization the Process of Microencapsulation of Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01 by Box-Behnken Design

The effects of cell suspension-alginate ratios, sodium erythorbate, and inulin on encapsulation yield of microcapsules of Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01 were studied by Box-Behnken design. The experimental results indicated that cell suspension-alginate ratios, sodium erythorbate and inulin had a significant impact on encapsulation yield, and the embedding yield could be enhanced significantly in the condition of 1:3 cell suspension-alginate ratios, 0.12% sodium erythorbate, and 6% inulin. The optimal embedding yields of microencapsulation of B. bifidum BB01 were observed to be 81.52%, that values were very close to the expected values 81.81%, so the method was effective.

Beneficial effect of Lactococcus lactis NCC 2287 in a murine model of eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a severe inflammatory disease of the esophagus which is characterized histologically by an eosinophilic infiltration into the esophageal tissue. The efficacy of probiotics in the context of atopic diseases has been well investigated but, to date, there has been no study which has evaluated probiotic effects on EoE inflammation. This study sought to identify a probiotic which improves esophageal inflammation in experimental EoE.

METHODS

Two candidate probiotics, Lactococcus lactis NCC 2287 and Bifidobacterium lactis NCC 2818, were tested in a murine model of EoE elicited by epicutaneous sensitization with Aspergillus fumigatus protein extract. Administration of bacterial strains in drinking water was used, respectively, as a preventive or treatment measure, or continuously throughout the study. Inflammatory parameters were assessed in the esophagus, skin, and lungs after allergen challenge.

RESULTS

In this EoE model, supplementation with L. lactis NCC 2287 significantly decreased esophageal and bronchoalveolar eosinophilia but only when given as a therapeutic treatment. No significant effect on eosinophilia was observed when NCC 2287 was given as a preventive or a continuous intervention. NCC 2287 supplementation had no significant effect on immunoglobulin levels, skin symptom scores, or on transepidermal water loss. Supplementation with another probiotic, B. lactis NCC 2818, had no significant effect on esophageal eosinophilia.

CONCLUSION

We identified a L. lactis strain, able to attenuate esophageal eosinophilic inflammation in a preclinical model of EoE. This effect is strain specific and depends on the timing and duration of bacterial supplementation. Confirmation of these observations in human clinical trials is warranted.

Effect of Inulin and Lactulose on Survival of Lactobacillus AcidophilusLA-5 and Bifidobacterium Bifidum BB-02 in Acidophilus-Bifidus Yoghurt

The effect of supplementation of lactulose and inulin as prebiotics on the growth of L. acidophilusLA-5 and B. bifidumBB-02 in Acidophilus-Bifidus (AB) yoghurt and some quality parameters of the resulting products were studied. Yoghurts produced from milks with added inulin at levels of 0.5% and 1.0%, or with lactulose at levels of 0.25% and 2.5% were compared with classical yoghurt and AB yoghurt (without added prebiotics). The results showed that inulin and lactulose did not affect the growth of yoghurt starter bacteria, but stimulated the growth of B. bifidumBB-02 to a great extent. Lactulose was found to be more effective on the growth of both probiotic strains than inulin. Inulin did not stimulate the growth of L. acidophilusLA-5. The cell counts of B. bifidumBB-02 and L. acidophilusLA-5 were dependent upon concentrations of lactulose and inulin used. No significant (p< 0.05) difference between the samples were observed with regard to the pH and lactic acid values. However, lactulose or inulin added samples had lower acetaldehyde and tyrosine contents than the untreated samples.

Antiviral potential of lactic acid bacteria and their bacteriocins

Emerging resistance to antiviral agents is a growing public health concern worldwide as it was reported for respiratory, sexually transmitted and enteric viruses. Therefore, there is a growing demand for new, unconventional antiviral agents which may serve as an alternative to the currently used drugs. Meanwhile, published literature continues shedding the light on the potency of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their bacteriocins as antiviral agents. Health-promoting LAB probiotics may exert their antiviral activity by (1) direct probiotic-virus interaction; (2) production of antiviral inhibitory metabolites; and/or (3) via stimulation of the immune system. The aim of this review was to highlight the antiviral activity of LAB and substances they produce with antiviral activity.

Probiotic Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum LD1 Isolated from Batter of Dosa, a South Indian Fermented Food

Lactobacillus plantarum LD1 was isolated from dosa batter and identified by biochemical, physiological and genetic methods. Species level identification was done by 16S rDNA amplification and sequencing. The probiotic potential of strain LD1 was assessed by different standard parameters. Cell surface hydrophobicity was recorded to be 62% with SAT value <0.007 M. Seventy-eight percent of viable count was found after treatment with simulated gastric juice containing pepsin (pH 2.0). Bile salt tolerance and bile salt hydrolase activity were also demonstrated by strain LD1. The culture supernatant was able to inhibit food-borne as well as clinical pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, urogenic Escherichia coli and Vibrio sp. Strain LD1 was found to be sensitive to most of the antibiotics used in the study. Since strain has been isolated from food source that is most typical of Southern India, it would be safe for further consumption in probiotic products.

Effects of Cocoa Husk Feeding on the Composition of Swine Intestinal Microbiota

A two-diet/two-period change over experiment was performed to investigate the effects of cocoa husks, as a source of dietary fiber and polyphenols, on pig intestinal microbial composition. Six pigs were fed a conventional cereal-based diet or a diet obtained by substitution of 7.5% of the conventional diet with cocoa husks for 3 weeks. Experimental diets were isoproteic and isoenergetic. At the end of each 3 week testing period, samples of fresh feces were collected and analyzed for microbial composition by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cocoa husks did not affect feed intake, weight gain, and feed efficiency. Analysis of fecal microbial populations, grouped by phyla, showed a decrease of Firmicutes and an increase of Bacteroidetes in cocoa husk-fed pigs. Particularly, cocoa husks reduced fecal populations of the Lactobacillus-Enterococcus group and Clostridium histolyticum and increased the Bacteroides-Prevotella group and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, suggesting a potential for cocoa husks in the improvement of intestinal microbial balance.

Mechanism of Action of Probiotic Bacteria on Intestinal and Systemic Immunities and Antigen-Presenting Cells

Immunomodulation has been shown to be one of the major functions of probiotic bacteria. This review is presented to provide detailed information on the immunomodulatory properties of probiotics in various animal models and clinical practices. Probiotics can regulate helper T (Th) responses and release of cytokines in a strain-specific manner. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG can induce beneficial Th1 immunomodulatory effect in infants with cow's milk allergy and relieve intestinal inflammation in atopic children by promoting IL-10 generation. Mechanism of action of probiotics on antigen-presenting cells at gastrointestinal tract is also postulated in this review. Probiotic bacterial cells and their soluble factors may activate dendritic cells, macrophages, and to certain extent monocytes via toll-like-receptor recognition and may further provoke specific Th responses. They are speculated to elicit immunomodulatory effects on intestinal and systemic immunities.

In vitro probiotic profiling of novel Enterococcus faecium and Leuconostoc mesenteroides from Tunisian freshwater fishes

Novel lactic acid bacteria isolated from different organs of freshwater fish were examined for their potential application as probiotics in raw and processed foods. Four isolates of Enterococcus faecium and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were identified at the molecular level by 16S rRNA sequencing and random amplification of polymorphic DNA - polymerase chain reaction, and their antimicrobial activity against a panel of pathogens and food-poisoning bacteria was investigated. The whole bacteriocins of the 4 isolates were characterized by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences in PCR. The isolates exhibited high inhibitory activities against food-borne pathogens and spoilage microbial species and have significant probiotic profiles, since they survived at pH 3.0 and in the presence of bile salts, pancreatin, and pepsin, without any detectable hemolytic activity. Further, moderate heat resistance, adhesion ability to steel surfaces, and sensitivity to clinically relevant antimicrobial agents were revealed for all the isolates. These results highlight the specific probiotic properties of the strains and give evidence for potential application in minimally processed foods subjected to moderate heat processing.

Effects of Bifidobacterium Breve Feeding Strategy and Delivery Modes on Experimental Allergic Rhinitis Mice

BACKGROUND

Different delivery modes may affect the susceptibility to allergic diseases. It is still unknown whether early intervention with probiotics would counteract this effect.

OBJECTIVES

The effect of different delivery modes on immune status and nasal symptoms was investigated on established allergic rhinitis (AR) mouse model. In addition, the immunoregulatory effects and mechanisms of different feeding manners with Bifidobacterium breve(B. breve) were examined.

METHODS

Live lyophilized B. breve was orally administered to BALB/c mice born via vaginal delivery(VD) or cesarean delivery (CD) for 8 consecutive weeks, after which they were sensitized by ovalbumin(OVA) to establish experimental AR. Nasal symptoms, serum immunoglobulins, cytokines, splenic percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T(Treg) cells and nasal eosinophil infiltration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared with VD mice, mice delivered via CD demonstrated more serious nasal symptoms, higher concentrations of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, more nasal eosinophils and lower percentages of splenic CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)Treg cells after establishing experimental AR. These parameters were reversed by administering B. breves hortly after birth. However, the effect of B. breve did not differ between different delivery modes.

CONCLUSION

CD aggravates the nasal symptoms of AR mice compared to VD. This is the first report that oral administration of B. breve shortly after birth can significantly alleviate the symptoms of AR mice born via both deliveries, probably via activation of the regulatory capacity of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)Treg cells.