Effect of inactivated Bifidobacterium longum intake on obese diabetes model mice (TSOD)

Diet-gut microbiome interaction and its impact on host blood glucose homeostasis: a series of nutritional n-of-1 trials

BACKGROUND

The interplay between diet and gut microbiome substantially influences host metabolism, but uncertainties remain regarding their relationships tailored for each subject given the huge inter-individual variability. Here we aim to investigate diet-gut microbiome interaction at single-subject resolution and explore its effects on blood glucose homeostasis.

METHODS

We conducted a series of nutritional n-of-1 trials (NCT04125602), in which 30 participants were assigned high-carbohydrate (HC) and low-carbohydrate (LC) diets in a randomized sequence across 3 pair of cross-over periods lasting 72 days. We used shotgun metagenomic sequencing and continuous glucose monitoring systems to profile the gut microbiome and blood glucose, respectively. An independent cohort of 1219 participants with available metagenomics data are included as a validation cohort.

FINDINGS

We demonstrated that the gut microbiome exhibited both intra-individually dynamic and inter-individually personalized signatures during the interventions. At the single-subject resolution, we observed person-specific response patterns of gut microbiota to interventional diets. Furthermore, we discovered a personal gut microbial signature represented by a carb-sensitivity score, which was closely correlated with glycemic phenotypes during the HC intervention, but not LC intervention. We validate the role of this score in the validation cohort and find that it reflects host glycemic sensitivity to the personal gut microbiota profile when sensing the dietary carbohydrate inputs.

INTERPRETATION

Our finding suggests that the HC diet modulates gut microbiota in a person-specific manner and facilitates the connection between gut microbiota and glycemic sensitivity. This study represents a new paradigm for investigating the diet-microbiome interaction in the context of precision nutrition.

FUNDING

This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China and Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China.

Postbiotics for the management of obesity, insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes and NAFLD. Beyond microbial viability

Highly prevalent comorbidities associated with metabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin-resistance/Type 2 diabetes (IR/T2D) share alterations in gut microbiota composition as a potential triggering factor. Recent studies put the attention in the potential usage of postbiotics (inactivated probiotics) on these metabolic alterations. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the efficacy of postbiotic administration in both, preclinical and clinical studies, for the management of obesity, NAFLD and IR/T2D. Data from preclinical studies (rodents) suggest that postbiotic administration effectively prevents obesity, whereas clinical studies corroborate these benefits also in overweight/obese subjects receiving inactivated bacteria. As for NAFLD, although preclinical studies indicate that postbiotic administration improves different liver markers, no data obtained in humans have been published so far since all the studies are ongoing clinical trials. Finally, while the administration of inactivated bacteria demonstrated to be a promising approach for the management of IR/T2D in rodents, data from clinical trials indicates that in humans, this approach is more effective on IR than in T2D. In conclusion, the available scientific data indicate that postbiotic administration not only is safer, but also as effective as probiotic administration for the management of obesity associated prevalent metabolic alterations.

"Protective effects of artichoke extract and Bifidobacterium longum on male infertility in diabetic rats"

Background

Diabetes is a major global health concern and plays a significant role in male infertility and hormonal abnormalities by altering the tissue structure of spermatogenic tubes and decreasing the number of spermatogonia. This study investigated the effect of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L) hydroalcoholic extract and Bifidobacterium longum probiotic on sexual hormones, oxidative stress, apoptosis pathway, and histopathological changes in testicular tissues of diabetic rats to find an adjuvant therapy to manage the infertility complications of diabetes.

Methods

In this experiment, 96 male-rats were randomly selected from eight groups. Control, Sham (normal saline), DM group (IP injected with 60 mg/kg STZ), Cynara (400 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Cynara scolymus L), BBL (received 1 × 109 CFU/ml/day Bifidobacterium longum), DM + Cynara, DM + BBL, and DM + Cynara + BBL groups. After 48 days of orally gavage, serum level of FBS (fasting blood sugar), Malondi-aldehyde (MDA), Total-Anti-Oxidant Capacity (TAC), FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (Luteinizing hormone), Testosterone, Testis mRNA-expressions of Protamin (prm1), BCL2, and Caspase-9 genes, as well as stereological changes were measured.

Results

In comparison to the diabetic group, the hydroalcoholic extract of Cynara scolymus L combined with the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum resulted in a substantial decrease in FBS (p < 0.001) and MDA(p < 0.05) concentrations, and the expression of the Caspase-9 gene (1.33-fold change). In addition, serum levels of TAC, LH, FSH, Testosterone were significantly increased (p < 0.05). mRNA expression of protamine (p = 0.016) and BCL2 (0.72-fold change) were detected. Furthermore, in comparison with diabetic rats, the Cynara scolymus L-and Bifidobacterium longum-treated groups showed a significant increase in the number of sexual lineage cells, total weight, sperm count, motility, normal morphology, volume of the testis, and volume and length of seminiferous tubules (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings demonstrated that Cynara scolymus L extract and Bifidobacterium longum supplement had great therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-diabetic, fertility index improvement, and sex hormone modulators.

Modulation of Serum Metabolic Profiles by Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 in Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Obesity, a prevalent metabolic disorder in youth, leads to complications and economic strain. Gut dysbiosis significantly contributes to obesity and metabolic issues. Bifidobacterium breve, a probiotic strain, may help regulate gut dysbiosis and benefit obese individuals. However, more research is needed on its effect on serum metabolism. A total of 75 overweight or obese young adults (aged 19-45) participated in the current study, and were randomly divided into probiotic and placebo groups using a random number table. Both groups received dietary guidance and underwent twelve weeks of intervention with either oral Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 (BBr60) or a placebo. After the intervention, collection and analysis of fasting serum samples were conducted using mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography. Analyses of associations were conducted in order to determine the correlations between key serum metabolites and clinical obesity indicators, aiming to understand the influence of BBr60. Due to 10 participants dropping out for personal reasons, the study included 32 and 33 participants in the placebo and the BBr60 groups, respectively. The BBr60 intervention significantly regulated 134 serum metabolites and influenced crucial metabolic pathways in obesity management (p < 0.05), including ascorbate and aldarate metabolism for oxidative stress reduction, cholesterol metabolism for lipid regulation, parathyroid hormone synthesis, secretion and action for the endocrine system, oxidative phosphorylation for enhanced energy efficiency, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis for glucose metabolism. Analysis showed a positive relationship between fasting blood glucose (FBG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), and the content of 5-Methyl DL-glutamate (p < 0.05). Similarly, body mass index (BMI), weight, and body fat percentage (BFP) were positively linked to serum metabolites (1-Hydroxycyclohexyl) acetic acid, and 5-Oxooctanoic acid (p < 0.05). Significant associations of AST levels with key serum metabolites in cholesterol metabolism pathways further suggest BBr60's potential to improve liver function and overall metabolic health in overweight or obese individuals. These findings support BBr60's effectiveness in modulating serum metabolic profiles and suggest it may improve liver function and BMI in overweight or obese individuals by regulating key serum metabolites.

Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Alterations in Overweight or Obese Adult Population after Weight-Loss Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Probiotics, known for regulating gut microbiota, may aid those with overweight or obesity, but their mechanisms require more research. This study involved 75 overweight or obese young adults, randomly assigned to either a Bifidobacterium breve BBr60 (BBr60) group or a placebo group. Both groups received diet guidance and took either BBr60 (1 × 1010 CFU/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers analyzed body composition, serum glucose, lipids, liver and kidney function, comprehensive metabolome, and intestinal homeostasis before and after the intervention. After 12 weeks, BBr60 significantly reduced weight and BMI compared to pretreatment levels and outperformed the placebo. The BBr60 group also showed improved blood biochemistry, with notably lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels than the placebo group (p < 0.05). Additionally, BBr60 influenced vital serum and fecal metabolites related to three amino acid metabolic pathways and regulated the bacteria Dialister, Klebsiella, and Bacteroides, which correlated strongly with serum metabolites. These findings indicate that BBr60 can safely and effectively regulate BMI, body weight, serum glucose, lipids, and liver function markers, which may involve BBr60's impact on key gut bacteria, which influence metabolites related to the valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism.

Antidiabetic Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis TISTR 2591 in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes

This study investigated the beneficial effects of probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis TISTR 2591 on the regulation of blood glucose and its possible mechanisms in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. The type 2 diabetic-Sprague Dawley rats were established by the combination of a high-fat diet and a low dose of streptozotocin. After 4 weeks of treatment with 2 × 108 CFU/ml of B. animalis TISTR 2591, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance, serum insulin, and pancreatic and hepatic histopathology were determined. Liver lipid accumulation, glycogen content, and gluconeogenic protein expression were evaluated. Oxidative stress and inflammatory status were determined. B. animalis TISTR 2591 significantly reduced FBG levels and improved glucose tolerance and serum insulin in the diabetic rats. Structural damage of the pancreas and liver was ameliorated in the B. animalis TISTR 2591-treated diabetic rats. In addition, significant decreases in hepatic fat accumulation, glycogen content, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 protein expression were found in the diabetic rats treated with B. animalis TISTR 2591. The diabetic rats showed a significant reduction of inflammation following B. animalis TISTR 2591 supplementation, as demonstrated by decreasing hepatic NF-κB protein expression and serum and liver TNF-α levels. The B. animalis TISTR 2591 significantly decreased MDA levels and increased antioxidant SOD and GPx activities in the diabetic rats. In conclusion, B. animalis TISTR 2591 was shown to be effective in controlling glucose homeostasis and improving glucose tolerance in the diabetic rats. These beneficial activities were attributed to reducing oxidative and inflammatory status and modulating hepatic glucose metabolism.

Effect of probiotics on glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial

Introduction

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized (1:1) clinical trial was conducted at the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from March to September 2017.

Methods

Eligible participants included adults aged 18 years and older, living in the community, diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus according to ADA guidelines, capable of self-managing their diabetes, and able to visit the study site for follow-up. The intervention group received 25 ml of a probiotic beverage containing with over 10^8 CFU/mL of Lactobacillus, administered four times daily. An equal volume of inactivated Lactobacillus was administered to the control group and the control group was administered the same volume of inactivated Lactobacillus. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics on glycemic control and other diabetes-related outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes patients. The primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c and FBG levels post-intervention. Investigators, participants, and study site personnel were blinded to the treatment allocation until the conclusion of the study. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-POR-17010850).

Results

Of the 490 participants screened, 213 were randomized to either the probiotics group (n = 103) or the placebo group (n = 110). After 16 weeks of follow-up, the probiotic group showed reductions in HbA1c [-0.44 (-0.66 to -0.22)] and FBG [-0.97 (-1.49 to 0.46)] post-intervention, similar to the placebo group with reductions in HbA1c [-0.33 (-0.52 to -0.15)] and FBG [-0.90 (-1.32 to -0.47)], but these changes were not statistically significant in PP and ITT analyses (P>0.05). Adverse events were similarly distributed among groups, indicating comparable safety profiles.

Discussion

Overall, 16-week probiotic supplementation showed no beneficial effects on glycemic control, lipid profiles, or weight.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=18421, identifier ChiCTR-POR-17010850.

The Antidiabetic Potential of Probiotics: A Review

Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent global epidemics, significantly impacting both the economy and the health of individuals. Diabetes is associated with numerous complications, such as obesity; hyperglycemia; hypercholesterolemia; dyslipidemia; metabolic endotoxemia; intestinal barrier damage; insulin-secretion defects; increased oxidative stress; and low-grade, systemic, and chronic inflammation. Diabetes cannot be completely cured; therefore, current research has focused on developing various methods to control diabetes. A promising strategy is the use of probiotics for diabetes intervention. Probiotics are a class of live, non-toxic microorganisms that can colonize the human intestine and help improve the balance of intestinal microbiota. In this review, we summarize the current clinical studies on using probiotics to control diabetes in humans, along with mechanistic studies conducted in animal models. The primary mechanism by which probiotics regulate diabetes is improved intestinal barrier integrity, alleviated oxidative stress, enhanced immune response, increased short-chain fatty acid production, etc. Therefore, probiotic supplementation holds great potential for the prevention and management of diabetes.

Effects of Heat-Treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347 Combined with Fibersol-2 on the Intestinal Health of Cats Submitted to an Abrupt Dietary Change: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abrupt dietary change can disrupt the intestinal balance in felines. This study aimed to assess the impact of heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2 on the intestinal health of adult cats before and after dietary change. We selected 24 British shorthair cats, dividing them into two groups. From day 1 to day 14, the control group received a lower protein (33%) concentration (LPF) diet, while the treated group received the same LPF diet supplemented with 0.16% functional additives, consisting of Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2. Subsequently, from day 15 to day 28, the control group transitioned to a higher protein (40%) concentration (HPF) diet, while the treated group received the same HPF diet supplemented with 0.16% functional additives. Blood and fresh feces were collected on day 0, 14, 17, 21, and 28 of the experiment. The results suggest that the use of heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2 may improve gastrointestinal function in cats by reducing serum LPS levels and fecal pH, while increasing fecal sIgA levels. In addition, the functional additive regulates the fecal microbiota and its function, promoting intestinal homeostasis and colonization with beneficial bacteria such as Blautia. Furthermore, on day 28, there was a significant difference in fecal microbiota beta diversity between the two groups. In summary, the addition of heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2 contributes to improving the intestinal health of adult cats affected by abrupt dietary change.

Unlocking the power of postbiotics: A revolutionary approach to nutrition for humans and animals

Postbiotics, which comprise inanimate microorganisms or their constituents, have recently gained significant attention for their potential health benefits. Extensive research on postbiotics has uncovered many beneficial effects on hosts, including antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory effects, gut microbiota modulation, and enhancement of epithelial barrier function. Although these features resemble those of probiotics, the stability and safety of postbiotics make them an appealing alternative. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the latest research on postbiotics, emphasizing their positive impacts on both human and animal health. As our understanding of the influence of postbiotics on living organisms continues to grow, their application in clinical and nutritional settings, as well as animal husbandry, is expected to expand. Moreover, by substituting postbiotics for antibiotics, we can promote health and productivity while minimizing adverse effects. This alternative approach holds immense potential for improving health outcomes and revolutionizing the food and animal products industries.

Potential of postbiotics for the treatment of metabolic disorders

Postbiotics, the next generation of probiotics, are extracts that are free of living and nonviable bacteria and show strong modulatory effects on the gut flora. Examples include vitamin B12, vitamin K, folate, lipopolysaccharides, enzymes, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), representing a subset of essential nutrients commonly found in the human diet. Postbiotics have been observed to demonstrate antiobesity and antidiabetic effects through a variety of mechanisms. These pathways primarily involve an elevation in energy expenditure, a decrease in the formation and differentiation of adipocytes and food intake, modification of lipid and carbohydrate absorption and metabolism, and regulation of gut dysbiosis. Based on these above effects and mechanisms, the use of postbiotics can be considered as potential strategy for the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Streptococcus thermophilus: A Source of Postbiotics Displaying Anti-Inflammatory Effects in THP 1 Macrophages

In addition to traditional use in fermented dairy products, S. thermophilus also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties both in live and heat-inactivated form. Recent studies have highlighted that some hydrolysates from surface proteins of S. thermophilus could be responsible partially for overall anti-inflammatory activity of this bacterium. It was hypothesized that anti-inflammatory activity could also be attributed to peptides resulting from the digestion of intracellular proteins of S. thermophilus. Therefore, total intracellular proteins (TIP) from two phenotypically different strains, LMD-9 and CNRZ-21N, were recovered by sonication followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation. The molecular masses of the TIP of both strains were very close to each other as observed by SDS-PAGE. The TIP were fractionated by size exclusion fast protein liquid chromatography to obtain a 3-10 kDa intracellular protein (IP) fraction, which was then hydrolysed with pancreatic enzyme preparation, Corolase PP. The hydrolysed IP fraction from each strain exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by modulating pro-inflammatory mediators, particularly IL-1β in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. However, a decrease in IL-8 secretion was only observed with hydrolysed IP fraction from CNRZ-21N, indicating that strain could be an important parameter in obtaining active hydrolysates. Results showed that peptides from the 3-10 kDa IP fraction of S. thermophilus could therefore be considered as postbiotics with potential beneficial effects on human health. Thus, it can be used as a promising bioactive ingredient for the development of functional foods to prevent low-grade inflammation.

The Effects of Bifidobacterium Probiotic Supplementation on Blood Glucose: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Models and Clinical Evidence

Probiotic supplementation is a potential therapeutic for metabolic diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and type 2 diabetes (T2D), but most studies deliver multiple species of bacteria in addition to prebiotics or oral pharmaceuticals. This may contribute to conflicting evidence in existing meta-analyses of probiotics in these populations and warrants a systematic review of the literature to assess the contribution of a single probiotic genus to better understand the contribution of individual probiotics to modulate blood glucose. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies and human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of Bifidobacterium (BF) probiotic supplementation on markers of glycemia. In a meta-analysis of 6 RCTs, BF supplementation had no effect on fasting blood glucose {FBG; mean difference [MD] = -1.99 mg/dL [95% confidence interval (CI): -4.84, 0.86], P = 0.13}, and there were no subgroup differences between subjects with elevated FBG concentrations and normoglycemia. However, BF supplementation reduced FBG concentrations in a meta-analysis comprised of studies utilizing animal models of obesity, MetS, or T2D [n = 16; MD = -36.11 mg/dL (CI: -49.04, -23.18), P < 0.0001]. Translational gaps from animal to human trials include paucity of research in female animals, BF supplementation in subjects that were normoglycemic, and lack of methodologic reporting regarding probiotic viability and stability. More research is necessary to assess the effects of BF supplementation in human subjects with elevated FBG concentrations. Overall, there was consistent evidence of the efficacy of BF probiotics to reduce elevated FBG concentrations in animal models but not clinical trials, suggesting that BF alone may have minimal effects on glycemic control, may be more effective when combined with multiple probiotic species, or may be more effective in conditions of hyperglycemia rather than elevated FBG concentrations.

Precision Medicine in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Utility and Limitations

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most widespread diseases in Western countries, and its incidence is constantly increasing. Epidemiological studies have shown that in the next 20 years. The number of subjects affected by T2DM will double. In recent years, owing to the development and improvement in methods for studying the genome, several authors have evaluated the association between monogenic or polygenic genetic alterations and the development of metabolic diseases and complications. In addition, sedentary lifestyle and socio-economic and pandemic factors have a great impact on the habits of the population and have significantly contributed to the increase in the incidence of metabolic disorders, obesity, T2DM, metabolic syndrome, and liver steatosis. Moreover, patients with type 2 diabetes appear to respond to antihyperglycemic drugs. Only a minority of patients could be considered true non-responders. Thus, it appears clear that the main aim of precision medicine in T2DM is to identify patients who can benefit most from a specific drug class more than from the others. Precision medicine is a discipline that evaluates the applicability of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors to disease development. In particular, it evaluated whether these factors could affect the development of diseases and their complications, response to diet, lifestyle, and use of drugs. Thus, the objective is to find prevention models aimed at reducing the incidence of pathology and mortality and therapeutic personalized approaches, to obtain a greater probability of response and efficacy. This review aims to evaluate the applicability of precision medicine for T2DM, a healthcare burden in many countries.

Heat-treated foxtail millet protein delayed the development of pre-diabetes to diabetes in mice by altering gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles

Millet protein has gained much attention for its beneficial effects in mitigating metabolic diseases. However, most individuals pass through a prediabetic phase before developing full-blown diabetes, and whether millet protein has hypoglycemic effects on prediabetic mice remains unclear. In the present study, heat-treated foxtail millet protein (HMP) supplementation significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels, alleviated insulin resistance, and improved impaired glucose tolerance in prediabetic mice. In addition, HMP altered the intestinal flora composition, as evidenced by the reduction in the abundance of Dubosiella and Marvinbryantia and the increase in the content of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and norank_f_Erysipelotrichaceae. Moreover, HMP supplementation dramatically regulated the levels of serum metabolites (i.e., LysoPCs, 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid, and sphingosine) and related metabolic pathways, such as sphingolipid metabolism and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. In conclusion, the improvement of gut microbiota and serum metabolic profiles was related to the hypoglycemic potential of HMP in prediabetes.

Postbiotics against Obesity: Perception and Overview Based on Pre-Clinical and Clinical Studies

Overweight and obesity are significant global public health concerns that are increasing in prevalence at an alarming rate. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of probiotics against obesity. Postbiotics are the next generation of probiotics that include bacteria-free extracts and nonviable microorganisms that may be advantageous to the host and are being increasingly preferred over regular probiotics. However, the impact of postbiotics on obesity has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the goal of this review is to gather in-depth data on the ability of postbiotics to combat obesity. Postbiotics have been reported to have significant potential in alleviating obesity. This review comprehensively discusses the anti-obesity effects of postbiotics in cellular, animal, and clinical studies. Postbiotics exert anti-obesity effects via multiple mechanisms, with the major mechanisms including increased energy expenditure, reduced adipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation, suppression of food intake, inhibition of lipid absorption, regulation of lipid metabolism, and regulation of gut dysbiosis. Future research should include further in-depth studies on strain identification, scale-up of postbiotics, identification of underlying mechanisms, and well-defined clinical studies. Postbiotics could be a promising dietary intervention for the prevention and management of obesity.

Recent advances and potentiality of postbiotics in the food industry: Composition, inactivation methods, current applications in metabolic syndrome, and future trends

Postbiotics are defined as "preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host". Postbiotics have unique advantages over probiotics, such as stability, safety, and wide application. Although postbiotics are research hotspots, the research on them is still very limited. This review provides comprehensive information on the scope of postbiotics, the preparation methods of inanimate microorganisms, and the application and mechanisms of postbiotics in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Furthermore, the application trends of postbiotics in the food industry are reviewed. It was found that postbiotics mainly include inactivated microorganisms, microbial lysates, cell components, and metabolites. Thermal treatments are the main methods to prepare inanimate microorganisms as postbiotics, while non-thermal treatments, such as ionizing radiation, ultraviolet light, ultrasound, and supercritical CO2, show great potential in postbiotic preparation. Postbiotics could ameliorate MetS through multiple pathways including the modulation of gut microbiota, the enhancement of intestinal barrier, the regulation of inflammation and immunity, and the modulation of hormone homeostasis. Additionally, postbiotics have great potential in the food industry as functional food supplements, food quality improvers, and food preservatives. In addition, the SWOT analyses showed that the development of postbiotics in the food industry exists both opportunities and challenges.

Association between dairy consumption and the risk of diabetes: A prospective cohort study from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

Diet is closely related to the risk of diabetes; yet the relationship between dairy consumption and the risk of diabetes is unclear with conflicting evidence from previous studies. This study used data from the Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey to investigate the association between dairy consumption and diabetes. A total of 15,512 adults were included; dairy consumption at each survey was assessed by the 3-day 24-h recall and weighed food record methods, and diabetes occurrence was derived from self-reported information. The association between dairy consumption and diabetes was explored using Cox regression and further stratified with BMI and energy intake. Results indicated that 12,368 (79.7%) participants had no dairy consumption, while 2,179 (14.0%) and 947 (6.1%) consumed dairy at 0.1-100 and >100 g/day, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, dairy consumption of 0.1-100 g/day was associated with lower risk of diabetes in all participants (HR 0.53, 95% CI:0.38 -0.74; P < 0.001) and males (HR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.80; P = 0.004). According to the restricted cubic splines (RCS), the protective effect on diabetes was significant in the total population with dairy consumption ranging from 25 to 65 g/day (HR <1, P = 0.025). In the stratified analysis, consuming 30-80 g/day was associated with reduced diabetes risk among the ≤ 2,000 kcal/day energy intake group (HR <1, P = 0.023). In conclusion, dairy consumption was inversely associated with a reduced diabetes risk in Chinese population. Further studies are required to examine the optimal level of dairy consumption for preventing diabetes in the Chinese population.

Probiotic Mechanisms Affecting Glucose Homeostasis: A Scoping Review

The maintenance of a healthy status depends on the coexistence between the host organism and the microbiota. Early studies have already focused on the nutritional properties of probiotics, which may also contribute to the structural changes in the gut microbiota, thereby affecting host metabolism and homeostasis. Maintaining homeostasis in the body is therefore crucial and is reflected at all levels, including that of glucose, a simple sugar molecule that is an essential fuel for normal cellular function. Despite numerous clinical studies that have shown the effect of various probiotics on glucose and its homeostasis, knowledge about the exact function of their mechanism is still scarce. The aim of our review was to select in vivo and in vitro studies in English published in the last eleven years dealing with the effects of probiotics on glucose metabolism and its homeostasis. In this context, diverse probiotic effects at different organ levels were highlighted, summarizing their potential mechanisms to influence glucose metabolism and its homeostasis. Variations in results due to different methodological approaches were discussed, as well as limitations, especially in in vivo studies. Further studies on the interactions between probiotics, host microorganisms and their immunity are needed.

Bifidobacterium longum BL-10 with Antioxidant Capacity Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice by the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway

Bifidobacterium longum is frequently utilized and has broad prospects for preventing liver injury. The current research assessed the antioxidant capacity of B. longum BL-10 and probed its mechanism for ameliorating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI). B. longum BL-10-encoded 15 antioxidant genes showed strong reducing power activity and scavenging activity of DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anions. The intragastric administration of B. longum BL-10 resulting in a marked reduction in liver function indicators (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and total bile acid) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6) was indicative of ALI recovery. Following 16s RNA analysis, B. longum BL-10 significantly altered the richness of genera, as for the Escherichia-Shigella, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Clostridia_UCG-014, dramatically contributing to the formation of acetic acid and butyric acid. Meanwhile, their metabolites regulated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways to alleviate hepatic injury symptoms. Overall, all the results demonstrated that B. longum BL-10 had excellent efficiency in preventing LPS-induced ALI.

Effects of kefir lactic acid bacteria-derived postbiotic components on high fat diet-induced gut microbiota and obesity

Cellular components, surface layer protein (SLP) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) of postbiotic lactic bacteria (PLAB) can rehabilitate high-fat diet-induced dysbiosis and obese characteristic gut microbiome. However, it is not clear whether and how PLAB components affect gut microbiota and specifically adipocyte gene expression. Furthermore, SLP and EPS of PLAB in combination with polyphenolics of prebiotic wine grape seed flour (GSF) may have greater benefit on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and gut microbiota imbalance. To investigate interactions, C57BL/6 mice were fed a HFD and orally administered saline (CON), 250 mg/Kg EPS, or 120 mg/Kg SLP or saline with fed 2% GSF (GSF) or combination (42 mg/Kg EPS + 20 mg/Kg SLP + 0.5% GSF; ALL). There were significant reductions of HFD-induced body weight gain, adipose weight, serum triglyceride, and insulin resistance by the SLP and ALL diets compared to CON, with the most profound effect by ALL. ALL significantly affected the distribution of intestinal bacterial genus and species particularly those involved in production of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and anti-obesogenic action. Microarray analysis from adipose tissue showed that ALL significantly affected expression of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis, autophagy, inflammatory response, immune response, brown adipose tissue development and response to lipoteichoic acid and peptidoglycan (p < 0.05). Interestingly, expression of Akp13 (A-kinase anchoring protein 13) gene, which is related to body mass index and immune response, was negatively associated with the abundance of obesogenic and SCFAs producing gut bacteria. These data suggest that a combination of postbiotic kefir LAB cellular components and prebiotic GSF establishes a healthy intestinal microbiota that in part was associated with the prevention of obesity and obesity-related diseases.

Native and Engineered Probiotics: Promising Agents against Related Systemic and Intestinal Diseases

Intestinal homeostasis is a dynamic balance involving the interaction between the host intestinal mucosa, immune barrier, intestinal microecology, nutrients, and metabolites. Once homeostasis is out of balance, it will increase the risk of intestinal diseases and is also closely associated with some systemic diseases. Probiotics (Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium butyricum, lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium spp.), maintaining the gut homeostasis through direct interaction with the intestine, can also exist as a specific agent to prevent, alleviate, or cure intestinal-related diseases. With genetic engineering technology advancing, probiotics can also show targeted therapeutic properties. The aims of this review are to summarize the roles of potential native and engineered probiotics in oncology, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity, discussing the therapeutic applications of these probiotics.

Gut-Microbial Metabolites, Probiotics and Their Roles in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a worldwide prevalent metabolic disorder defined by high blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance (IR) and impaired insulin secretion. Understanding the mechanism of insulin action is of great importance to the continuing development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of T2D. Disturbances of gut microbiota have been widely found in T2D patients and contribute to the development of IR. In the present article, we reviewed the pathological role of gut microbial metabolites including gaseous products, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) products, aromatic amino acids (AAAs) products, bile acids (BA) products, choline products and bacterial toxins in regulating insulin sensitivity in T2D. Following that, we summarized probiotics-based therapeutic strategy for the treatment of T2D with a focus on modulating gut microbiota in both animal and human studies. These results indicate that gut-microbial metabolites are involved in the pathogenesis of T2D and supplementation of probiotics could be beneficial to alleviate IR in T2D via modulation of gut microbiota.

The intestinal 3M (microbiota, metabolism, metabolome) zeitgeist - from fundamentals to future challenges

The role of the intestine in human health and disease has historically been neglected and was mostly attributed to digestive and absorptive functions. In the past two decades, however, discoveries related to human nutrition and intestinal host-microbe reciprocal interaction have established the essential role of intestinal health in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases and the overall wellbeing. That transfer of gut microbiota could be a means of disease phenotype transfer has revolutionized our understanding of chronic disease pathogenesis. This narrative review highlights the major concepts related to intestinal microbiota, metabolism, and metabolome (3M) that have facilitated our fundamental understanding of the association between the intestine, and human health and disease. In line with increased interest of microbiota-dependent modulation of human health by dietary phytochemicals, we have also discussed the emerging concepts beyond the phytochemical bioactivities which emphasizes the integral role of microbial metabolites of parent phytochemicals at extraintestinal tissues. Finally, this review concludes with challenges and future prospects in defining the 3M interactions and has emphasized the fact that, it takes 'guts' to stay healthy.

Exercise training combined with Bifidobacterium longum OLP-01 treatment regulates insulin resistance and physical performance in db/db mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Regular exercise is one of the effective lifestyle interventions for maintaining healthy weight and blood glucose levels in the normal range and lowering risk factors. Probiotics, live microorganisms that are beneficial to health, are involved in the regulation of host metabolism. We thus hypothesize that the combination of exercise training and Bifidobacterium longum OLP-01 (OLP-01) could improve insulin sensitivity, blood glucose control and body composition in db/db mice. Twenty-four C57BL/6 J db/db male mice (20-weeks old) were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): vehicle, OLP-01 supplementation (OLP-01), exercise training (EX) and exercise training with OLP-01 supplementation (EX + OLP-01). Animals in the EX and EX + OLP-01 groups underwent strength exercise training for 6 weeks, 5 days per week. After the exercise training, we tested forelimb grip strength, exhaustive running, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and serum biomarkers. Results: Combined intervention of EX and OLP-01 prevented elevation of body weight and body fat. Grip strength and exhaustive swimming time were significantly higher in the EX + OLP-01 group than in the other groups. We found that EX OLP-01 reduced glycolipid parameters (fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c), improved insulin sensitivity (oral glucose tolerance test and HOMA-IR), relieved liver injury parameters (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and repaired pancreas damage. Based on our findings, we speculate that the positive effects of combining EX with OLP-01 on capacity for physical activity, blood glucose control and body composition suggest an integrative approach to treating type 2 diabetes. Altogether, the combination of EX with OLP-01 treatment might be a good candidate for preventing and treating diabetes.

Role of Postbiotics in Diabetes Mellitus: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

In the last decade, the gastrointestinal microbiota has been recognised as being essential for health. Indeed, several publications have documented the suitability of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in the management of different diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Advances in laboratory techniques have allowed the identification and characterisation of new biologically active molecules, referred to as “postbiotics”. Postbiotics are defined as functional bioactive compounds obtained from food-grade microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They include cell structures, secreted molecules or metabolic by-products, and inanimate microorganisms. This heterogeneous group of molecules presents a broad range of mechanisms and may exhibit some advantages over traditional “biotics” such as probiotics and prebiotics. Owing to the growing incidence of DM worldwide and the implications of the microbiota in the disease progression, postbiotics appear to be good candidates as novel therapeutic targets. In the present review, we summarise the current knowledge about postbiotic compounds and their potential application in diabetes management. Additionally, we envision future perspectives on this topic. In summary, the results indicate that postbiotics hold promise as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for DM.

A comparison between whole mung bean and decorticated mung bean: beneficial effects on the regulation of serum glucose and lipid disorders and the gut microbiota in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced prediabetic mice

The aim of this study is to investigate the beneficial effects of whole mung bean (WMB) and decorticated mung bean (DMB) on the regulation of serum glucose and lipid disorders in high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced prediabetic mice, and to further explore their gut microbiota modulatory effects. In the present study, the ability of mung bean-based diets to combat prediabetes-related metabolic disorders was determined by assessing the changes in the physiological, biochemical, and histological parameters, and the gut microbiota composition of prediabetic mice. The supplementation of both WMB and DMB can effectively alleviate HFD and STZ-induced impaired glucose tolerance (P < 0.05), which was accompanied by improvements in pancreatic β-cell damage and hepatic steatosis. However, only WMB supplementation significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose and fasting serum insulin levels by sensitizing insulin action (P < 0.05), and reduced the serum lipid profiles and glycosylated serum protein levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, high-throughput pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that WMB and DMB supplementation could prevent HFD and STZ-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, especially for the enrichment of some benign bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia, and the reduction of some harmful bacteria (Staphylococcus and Enterococcus). Overall, although decortication processing had an impact on the beneficial effects of mung bean, it did not cause the loss of all health benefits.

Paraprobiotics: A New Perspective for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits on the host. However, in recent years, several concerns on their use have been raised. In particular, industrial processing and storage of probiotic products are still technological challenges as these could severely impair cell viability. On the other hand, safety of live microorganisms should be taken into account, especially when administered to vulnerable people, such as the elderly and immunodeficient individuals. These drawbacks have enhanced the interest toward new products based on non-viable probiotics such as paraprobiotics and postbiotics. In particular, paraprobiotics, defined as "inactivated microbial cells (non-viable) that confer a health benefit to the consumer," hold the ability to regulate the adaptive and innate immune systems, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant properties and exert antagonistic effect against pathogens. Moreover, paraprobiotics can exhibit enhanced safety, assure technological and practical benefits and can also be used in products suitable for people with weak immunity and the elderly. These features offer an important opportunity to prompt the market with novel functional foods or nutraceuticals that are safer and more stable. This review provides an overview of central issues on paraprobiotics and highlights the urgent need for further studies aimed at assessing safety and efficacy of these products and their mechanisms of action in order to support decisions of regulatory authorities. Finally, a definition is proposed that unambiguously distinguishes paraprobiotics from postbiotics.

Immuno-modulation by heat-killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MCC1849 and its application to food products

Probiotics are microorganisms that confer health benefits to host. Well-known examples include Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species. In recent years, interest in promoting our health with probiotics has grown as life expectancy and health awareness has increased. However, some concerns for safety and stability exist for these live organisms. Thus, “postbiotics” and “paraprobiotics,” non-viable heat-killed microbial cells or cell fractions that retain health benefits, are increasingly favored. Unfortunately, little information on clinical efficacy and mechanisms of action is available compared with many available probiotics. Lacticaseibacillus (previous name Lactobacillus) paracasei MCC1849 is a commonly used lactic acid bacterial strain in Japan that displays immuno-modulatory effects in humans in non-viable heat-killed form. This review discusses health benefits of heat-killed L. paracasei MCC1849 immune modulation and offers a theoretical basis for its mechanisms of action. We also discuss the feasibility of using heat-killed probiotics for application in food products.

The Fecal Microbiota Is Already Altered in Normoglycemic Individuals Who Go on to Have Type 2 Diabetes

Objective

Mounting evidence has suggested a link between gut microbiome characteristics and type 2 diabetes (T2D). To determine whether these alterations occur before the impairment of glucose regulation, we characterize gut microbiota in normoglycemic individuals who go on to develop T2D.

Methods

We designed a nested case-control study, and enrolled individuals with a similar living environment. A total of 341 normoglycemic individuals were followed for 4 years, including 30 who developed T2D, 33 who developed prediabetes, and their matched controls. Fecal samples (developed T2D, developed prediabetes and controls: n=30, 33, and 63, respectively) collected at baseline underwent metagenomics sequencing.

Results

Compared with matched controls, individuals who went on to develop T2D had lower abundances of Bifidobacterium longum, Coprobacillus unclassified, and Veillonella dispar and higher abundances of Roseburia hominis, Porphyromonas bennonis, and Paraprevotella unclassified. The abundance of Bifidobacterium longum was negatively correlated with follow-up blood glucose levels. Moreover, the microbial Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of carbohydrate metabolism, methane metabolism, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and membrane transport were changed between the two groups.

Conclusions

We found that fecal microbiota of healthy individuals who go on to develop T2D had already changed when they still were normoglycemic. These alterations of fecal microbiota might provide insights into the development of T2D and a new perspective for identifying individuals at risk of developing T2D.

Live and ultrasound-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus casei modulate the intestinal microbiota and improve biochemical and cardiovascular parameters in male rats fed a high-fat diet

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ingestion of live (9 log CFU mL-1) and ultrasound-inactivated (paraprobiotic, 20 kHz, 40 min) Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 cells for 28 days on healthy parameters (biochemical and cardiovascular) and intestinal microbiota (amplicon sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA) of rats fed a high-fat diet. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals: CTL (standard diet), HFD (high-fat diet), HFD-LC (high-fat diet and live L. casei), and HFD-ILC (high-fat diet and inactivated L. casei). The administration of live and ultrasound-inactivated L. casei prevented the increase (p < 0.05) in cholesterol levels (total and LDL) and controlled the insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, it promoted a modulation of the intestinal microbial composition by increasing (p < 0.05) beneficial bacteria (Lachnospiraceae and Ruminoccocaceae) and decreasing (p < 0.05) harmful bacteria (Clostridiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Helicobacteriacea), attenuating the effects promoted by the HFD ingestion. Only live cells could increase (p < 0.05) the HDL-cholesterol, while only inactivated cells caused attenuation (p < 0.05) of the blood pressure. Results show beneficial effects of live and inactivated L. casei 01 and indicate that ultrasound inactivation produces a paraprobiotic with similar or improved health properties compared to live cells.

Postbiotics and paraprobiotics: From concepts to applications

In recent years, new probiotic-related concepts such as postbiotics and paraprobiotics have been used to describe non-viable microorganisms or bacterial-free extracts that may provide benefits to the host by offering bioactivities additional to probiotics. However, several aspects related to these postbiotics and paraprobiotics bioactivities remain unexplored or are poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this work is to provide an overview of the general aspects and emerging trends of postbiotics and paraprobiotics, such as conceptualization of terms, production, characterization, bioactivities, health-promoting effects, bioengineering approaches, and applications. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that some postbiotics and paraprobiotics exhibit bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. These bioactivities could be involved in health-promoting effects observed in human and clinical trials, but despite the scientific evidence available, the mechanisms of action and the signaling pathways involved have not been fully elucidated. Nevertheless, paraprobiotics and postbiotics possess valuable potential for the development of biotechnological products with functional ingredients for the nutraceutical industry.

An Updated Overview on Nanonutraceuticals: Focus on Nanoprebiotics and Nanoprobiotics

Over the last few years, the application of nanotechnology to nutraceuticals has been rapidly growing due to its ability to enhance the bioavailability of the loaded active ingredients, resulting in improved therapeutic/nutraceutical outcomes. The focus of this work is nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics, terms which stand for the loading of a set of compounds (e.g., prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics) in nanoparticles that work as absorption enhancers in the gastrointestinal tract. In this manuscript, the main features of prebiotics and probiotics are highlighted, together with the discussion of emerging applications of nanotechnologies in their formulation. Current research strategies are also discussed, in particular the promising use of nanofibers for the delivery of probiotics. Synbiotic-based nanoparticles represent an innovative trend within this area of interest. As only few experimental studies on nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics are available in the scientific literature, research on this prominent field is needed, covering effectiveness, bioavailability, and safety aspects.