Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics added to dairy products: Uses and applications to manage type 2 diabetes

In-vitro investigation of antidiabetic and antioxidants properties of major prebiotics and plant based dietary fibers

Objectives

Consuming prebiotics and plant-based dietary fibers are important as an emerging approach to diabetes and oxidative stress control. In this study, the functional properties of major prebiotics and dietary fibers were evaluated.

Methods

The hypoglycemic properties were analyzed by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, glucose adsorption capacity, and glucose diffusion. Antioxidant capacity, total phenolic (TP), and flavonoid (TF) content were also measured.

Results

The results showed that among prebiotics, isomaltulose and pectin had antidiabetic activity by α-amylase (IC50 = 11.36 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 2.38 mg/mL) inhibition. Isomaltulose and pectin exhibited the ability to adsorb glucose capacity. Inulin HP showed the ability to inhibit glucose diffusion. The results also showed that all prebiotics impart antioxidant activity and TP, and TF content in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Pectin showed a higher ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sul-fonate (ABTS) radicals with higher phenolic compound (p < 0.05). Therefore, it seems that pectin was able to reduce the rate of glucose adsorption, regulate glucose adsorption by enzyme activity inhibition, and increase antioxidant capacity.

Conclusion

The results revealed that the prebiotics were efficient in their antidiabetic potential and could act as bio-functional materials. Using prebiotics in functional foods and nutraceutical medicines is strongly recommended.

Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites: The Hidden Driver of Diabetic Nephropathy? Unveiling Gut Microbe's Role in DN

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe microvascular complication of diabetes with a complex pathogenesis.

METHODS

Recent studies were reviewed to explore the role of gut microbiota and its metabolites in DN development.

RESULTS

Dysbiosis of gut bacteria contributes to pathological changes such as glomerular sclerosis and renal tubule injury. Microbial metabolites are involved in DN through immune and inflammatory pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the relationship between gut microbiota, its metabolites, and DN may offer potential implications for DN diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Translating this knowledge into clinical practice presents challenges and opportunities.

Benefits of inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides on high fat diet-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus by regulating the gut microbiota in mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is pathologically associated with gut microbiota imbalance, which is implicated in disease progression through metabolic and inflammatory pathways. The therapeutic potential of inulin, a well-characterized prebiotic, has been explored to mitigate T2DM via microbiota modulation. However, the efficacy of this intervention, with its performance dependent on the degree of polymerization (DP), requires further investigation. This study assessed the therapeutic roles of inulin (DP3-60) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS, DP3-10) in T2DM management. Dietary administration of these prebiotic compounds demonstrated a significant capacity to alleviate multiple metabolic pathologies, including obesity, insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed induced T2DM mice. Significant superior efficacy was observed in FOS for ameliorating glucose metabolic dysregulation, adipocyte hypertrophy, liver weight, and histopathological alterations in colonic tissue, while inulin exhibited greater potency in alleviating oxidative stress. Both inulin and FOS enhanced gut microbiota diversity and richness in T2DM mice, accompanied by a significant reduction in Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Notably, the S24-7 family emerged as a crucial microbial taxon modulated by both inulin and FOS. Furthermore, FOS demonstrated superior capacity to restore HFD-induced gut microbiota. Taxonomically significant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), which were altered by HFD and modulated by inulin and FOS, exhibited distinct taxonomic profiles between the two compounds. This study provides preliminary evidence that the biological effects and beneficial properties of inulin-type fructans exhibit DP-dependent variations, which may enhance their efficient utilization in metabolic disorders.

Impact of Physical Activity and Dietary Habits on Mental Well-Being in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide, and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and diabetes distress are common co-morbidities that negatively impact the quality of life, complications, and treatment outcomes of patients with DM. Objectives: In this study, we assessed the impact of dietary patterns and physical activity on the well-being of patients with DM. Methods: A cross-sectional design and data from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) data collected in Hungary in 2019, and determination of the relationship between dietary habits and physical activity-related variables contained in the data and the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5 index) by suitable statistical methods. Results: Logistic regression showed higher odds of poor mental well-being in females (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.08-2.42) and lower odds with daily fruit intake (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.31-0.89). Infrequent white meat (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.35-8.22) and dairy intake (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.18-2.64) were associated with poorer well-being. Walking 4-7 days/week reduced the odds by 57% (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23-0.83). Conclusions: The results demonstrate that regular exercise and the consumption of fruits, dairy products, and white meat have beneficial effects on the mental well-being of patients with DM.

Engineering Probiotics for Diabetes Management: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions in Translational Microbiology

Background

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a substantial health concern worldwide, and its incidence is progressively escalating. Conventional pharmacological interventions frequently entail undesirable side effects, and while probiotics offer benefits, they are hindered by constraints such as diminished stability and effectiveness within the gastrointestinal milieu. Given these complications, the advent of bioengineered probiotics is a promising alternative for DM management.

Aim of Review

The objective of this review is to provide an exhaustive synthesis of the most recent studies on the use of engineered probiotics in the management of DM. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms through which these probiotics function, evaluate their clinical effectiveness, and enhance public awareness of their prospective advantages in the treatment of DM.

Key Scientific Concepts of Review

Scholarly critiques have explored diverse methodologies of probiotic engineering, including physical alteration, bioenrichment, and genetic manipulation. These techniques augment the therapeutic potency of probiotics by ameliorating gut microbiota, fortifying the intestinal barrier, modulating metabolic pathways, and regulating immune responses. Such advancements have established engineered probiotics as a credible therapeutic strategy for DM, potentially providing enhanced results compared to conventional treatments.

Modulatory Effects of Isolated Lactobacillus paracasei from Malaysian Water Kefir Grains on the Intestinal Barrier and Gut Microbiota in Diabetic Mice

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is one of the four major types of non-communicable diseases that have become a global health concern. Water kefir is a product of a brown sugar solution fermented with kefir grains which comprises around 30 microbial species in its grains. Water kefir possesses a wide range of health benefits, including anti-hyperlipidemic effects, and reduces hypertension and blood glucose levels in animal models. Reportedly, consuming water kefir containing probiotics may enhance the intestinal barrier and positively influence the composition of the intestinal microflora. The present study aimed to evaluate the regulatory effects of Lactobacillus paracasei isolated from Malaysian water kefir grains (MWKG) on the alterations of intestinal barrier and gut microbiota in diabetic mice via histopathological analysis of the distal colon and 16S rRNA gene sequencing on fecal microbiome. Results indicated that the administration of isolated Lactobacillus paracasei from MWKG to diabetic mice ameliorated the dominant probiotic phyla in the gut microbiota. Results showed that lower dose (LD) and high dose (HD) treatments of the isolated Lactobacillus paracasei could significantly reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in the distal colon of diabetic mice. The treatments revealed a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the gut, 0.27 ± 0.06% for LD and 0.34 ± 0.04% for HD, compared to untreated (UN) diabetic mice, 0.40 ± 0.02%. These results suggest that L. paracasei isolated from MWKG could serve as a potential dietary supplement against intestinal inflammation and modify gut microbiota composition in patients with T2DM.

Gut microbiota interventions in type 2 diabetes mellitus: An umbrella review of glycemic indices

BACKGROUND

We aimed to explore how probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics impact glycemic indices in patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHOD

A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception up to April 2023. The random-effects model was employed for the study analysis. Furthermore, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity. AMSTAR2 checklist was used to determine the quality of studies. Comprehensive meta-analysis version 3 was used for the study analysis.

RESULT

A total of 31 studies were included in the final analysis. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, gut microbial therapy could significantly decrease serum fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (effect size: -0.211; 95 % CI: -0.257, -0.164; P < 0.001). Additionally, significant associations were also found between gut microbial therapy and improved serum levels of fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (effect size: -0.087; 95 % confidence interval: -0.120, -0.053; P < 0.001; effect size: -0.166; 95 % confidence interval: -0.200, -0.132; P < 0.001; effect size: -0.230; 95 % confidence interval: -0.288, -0.172; P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed promising effects of gut microbiota modulation on glycemic profile of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The use of these agents as additional treatments can be considered.

Lactobacillus reuteri JCM 1112 ameliorates chronic acrylamide-induced glucose metabolism disorder via the bile acid-TGR5-GLP-1 axis and modulates intestinal oxidative stress in mice

Acrylamide (AA) is a toxic food contaminant that has been reported to cause glucose metabolism disorders (GMD) at high doses. However, it is unclear whether chronic low-dose AA can induce GMD and whether probiotics can alleviate AA-induced GMD. Here, C57BL/6N mice were orally administered with 5 mg per kg bw AA for 10 weeks, followed by another 3 weeks of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue (dulaglutide) treatment. Chronic low-dose AA exposure increased the blood glucose level and decreased serum insulin and GLP-1 levels, whereas dulaglutide treatment decreased the blood glucose level and increased the serum insulin level in AA-exposed mice. Then, mice were administered with AA or AA + INT-777 (Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) agonist) for 10 weeks. INT-777 treatment reversed AA-induced downregulation of ileal TGR5 and proglucagon (PG) gene expression and decreased the serum GLP-1 level. These findings indicated that chronic low-dose AA induced GMD via inhibiting the TGR5-GLP-1 axis. Finally, mice were administered with AA for 10 weeks, followed by another 3 weeks of Lactobacillus reuteri JCM 1112 supplementation. L. reuteri supplementation significantly increased serum glucose, insulin and GLP-1 levels, upregulated ileal TGR5 and PG gene expression, and effectively restored the imbalance of bile acid (BA) metabolism in AA-exposed mice, demonstrating that L. reuteri ameliorates chronic AA-induced GMD via the BA-TGR5-GLP-1 axis. In addition, L. reuteri significantly enhanced ileal superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and total antioxidant capacity, thereby preventing chronic AA-induced oxidative stress. Our research provides new insights into the GMD toxicity of chronic low-dose AA and confirms the role of probiotics in alleviating AA-induced GMD.

Applications of Strain-Specific Probiotics in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systemic Review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of global mortality and novel approaches for prevention and management are needed. The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a diverse microbiota that is crucial in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. The formulation of effective probiotics, alone or in combination, has been under discussion due to their impact on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Probiotics have been shown to impact cardiovascular health positively. An imbalance in the presence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes has been linked to the progression of CVDs due to their impact on bile acid and cholesterol metabolism. The probiotics primarily help in the reduction of plasma low-density lipoprotein levels and attenuation of the proinflammatory markers. These beneficial microorganisms contribute to lowering cholesterol levels and produce essential short-chain fatty acids. The impact of lipid-regulating probiotic strains on human health is quite significant. However, only a few have been tested for potential beneficial efficacy, and ambiguity exists regarding strain dosages, interactions with confounding factors, and potential adverse effects. Hence, more comprehensive studies and randomized trials are needed to understand the mechanisms of probiotics on CVDs and to ensure human health. This review assesses the evidence and highlights the roles of strain-specific probiotics in the management of CVDs.

The synbiotic combination of probiotics and inulin improves NAFLD though modulating gut microbiota

Prebiotics can promote the growth of probiotics, cocombine of these is called synbiotics, and synbiotics is powerful regulators of gut microbiota. Intestinal microbiota plays an important role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), so synbiotics could be a therapeutic alternative. This study aims to investigate the effect of synbiotics combination of probiotics (Streptococcus Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus thermophilus) and prebiotics (Inulin) in vivo model of early NAFLD using yogurt as carrier. The results demonstrate that the yogurt with synbiotics combination group (HS) improves the biochemical indicators related to total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and insulin resistance (IR) in mice (P< .01). HS improves the development of lipid metabolism and inflammation by activating the AMPK and NFκB signaling pathway. In addition, HS restores the intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation caused by a high-fat diet. The 16S rRNA demonstrates that the gut microbiota composition of mice treated with HS is significantly altered specifically, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio is significantly lower than in HFD-fed mice (P< .01). Our findings suggest the applicability of HS in preventing obesity-related NAFLD via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and improved lipid metabolism by the gut-liver axis and provide a solid theoretical foundation for developing prebiotics for the prevention of NAFLD.

Effect of Yogurt Ice Cream on the Viability and Antidiabetic Potential of the Probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis after In Vitro Digestion

Probiotics can ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) via several mechanisms such as by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and increasing pancreatic β-cell functions. Another targeted mechanism for managing T2DM involves inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which exhibit antioxidant activity and affect carbohydrate metabolism by delaying carbohydrate digestion, thus mitigating glucose in the circulation. Dairy products are effective matrices for delivering probiotics through the gastrointestinal tract. We compared the viability and antioxidant activity of the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis in yogurt ice cream after in vitro digestion and compared α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG had the highest viability after in vitro digestion (oral, gastric, and intestinal). Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG exhibited the highest percentages of α-glucosidase (16.37% ± 0.32%) and α-amylase (41.37% ± 0.61%) inhibition. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 showed the highest antioxidant activities via the α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging method and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, respectively. These findings suggest that yogurt ice cream can provide a suitable matrix for the delivery of probiotics from dairy culture to promote intestinal homeostasis with probiotic benefits in the host as well as a potential functional food to help reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia.

Influence of Symbiotic Fermentation Broth on Regulating Metabolism with Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Profiles Is Estimated Using a Third-Generation Sequencing Platform

Overnutrition with a high-fat or high-sugar diet is widely considered to be the risk factor for various metabolic, chronic, or malignant diseases that are accompanied by alterations in gut microbiota, metabolites, and downstream pathways. In this study, we investigated supplementation with soybean fermentation broth containing saponin (SFBS, also called SAPOZYME) in male C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat-fructose diet or normal chaw. In addition to the lessening of weight gain, the influence of SFBS on reducing hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia associated with a high-fat-fructose diet was estimated using the results of related biological tests. The results of gut microbial profiling indicated that the high-fat-fructose diet mediated increases in opportunistic pathogens. In contrast, SFBS supplementation reprogrammed the high-fat-fructose diet-related microbial community with a relatively high abundance of potential probiotics, including Akkermansia and Lactobacillus genera. The metagenomic functions of differential microbial composition in a mouse model and enrolled participants were assessed using the PICRUSt2 algorithm coupled with the MetaCyc and the KEGG Orthology databases. SFBS supplementation exerted a similar influence on an increase in the level of 4-aminobutanoate (also called GABA) through the L-glutamate degradation pathway in the mouse model and the enrolled healthy population. These results suggest the beneficial influence of SFBS supplementation on metabolic disorders associated with a high-fat-fructose diet, and SFBS may function as a nutritional supplement for people with diverse requirements.

Screening of Potential Probiotic Lactobacillaceae and Their Improvement of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Promoting PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice

The study aimed to isolate Lactobacillaceae strains with in vitro hypoglycemic activity and probiotic properties and to determine their antidiabetic abilities in vivo. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 22, L. plantarum 25, Limosilactobacillus fermentum 11, and L. fermentum 305 with high in vitro hypoglycemic activity were screened from 23 strains of Lactobacillaceae isolated from human feces and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) of the mice was recorded weekly. After 12 weeks, liver, kidney, and pancreas tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to observe histomorphology; the inflammatory factors were assayed by Quantitative Real-time PCR; PI3K and AKT were measured by Western blot; the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined by LC-MS/MS. Inhibitory activities of L. plantarum 22, L. plantarum 25, L. fermentum 11, and L. fermentum 305 against α-amylase were 62.29 ± 0.44%, 51.81 ± 3.65%, 58.40 ± 1.68%, and 57.48 ± 5.04%, respectively. Their inhibitory activities to α-glucosidase were 14.89 ± 0.38%, 15.32 ± 0.89%, 52.63 ± 3.07%, and 51.79 ± 1.13%, respectively. Their survival rate after simulated gastrointestinal test were 12.42 ± 2.84%, 9.10 ± 1.12%, 5.86 ± 0.52%, and 8.82 ± 2.50% and their adhesion rates to Caco-2 cell were 6.09 ± 0.39%, 6.37 ± 0.28%, 6.94 ± 0.27%, and 6.91 ± 0.11%, respectively. The orthogonal tests of bacterial powders of the four strains showed that the maximum inhibitory activities to α-amylase and α-glucosidase were 93.18 ± 1.19% and 75.33 ± 2.89%, respectively. The results showed that the mixture of Lactobacillaceae could lower FBG, reduce inflammation, and liver, kidney, and pancreas damage, promote PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and increase the content of SCFAs. The combination of L. plantarum 22, L. plantarum 25, L. fermentum 11, and L. fermentum 305 can potentially improve type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Ameliorative Effects of Lactobacillus paracasei L14 on Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats

Bioprospecting of more novel probiotic strains has attained continuous interest. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus paracasei strain L14, an isolate from a traditional Chinese dairy product, on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Preventive supplementation of strain L14 showed excellent anti-diabetic effects on high-fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced T2DM rats. It significantly reduced hyperglycemia, protected pancreatic β-cell and liver function, and ameliorated oxidative stress while considerably improving dyslipidemia and inflammation. Furthermore, the strain modulated the gut microbiota to alleviate gut dysbiosis. Interestingly, most of these biochemical parameters could even restore to normal levels by the intervention of strain L14. The whole-genome sequencing of L14 was performed to provide a critical molecular basis for its probiotic activities. Genes related to antioxidant systems and other beneficial microbial metabolites like exopolysaccharides (EPS) biosynthesis were found. This study demonstrates that probiotic L. paracasei L14 has good potential for applications in functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Isolated Fraction of Gastric-Digested Camel Milk Yogurt with Carao (Cassia grandis) Pulp Fortification Enhances the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of HT-29 Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Functional foods have recently generated a lot of attention among consumers looking for healthy options. Studies have examined yogurt with carao to increase health benefits and probiotic characteristics. It has been determined that carao fruit and camel milk have high phenolic compound and antioxidant activity concentrations. The objective of this study was to examine if carao (0, 1.3, 2.65, and 5.3 g/L) incorporated into yogurt enhances anti-inflammatory stimulus and antioxidant activity and impacts the physio-chemical and sensory properties of camel milk yogurt. HT-29 cells were used as a model of anti-inflammatory response, including cytokine responses of IL-8 and mRNA production of IL-1β and TNF-α in gastric digested isolated fraction. In addition, pH, titratable acidity, Streptococcus thermophilus counts and Lactobacillus bulgaricus counts of camel yogurts were examined during the fermentation process in 0, 2.5, 5, and 7 h whereas viscosity, syneresis, and radical scavenging assay evaluations were determined at hour 7. Furthermore, a consumer study was performed. Compared to control samples, the incorporation of carao into yogurts did not lead to a significant (ρ > 0.05) difference in the pH. In contrast, titratable acidity (TA), viscosity, syneresis, and antioxidant capacity significantly increased with the inclusion of 2.65 and 5.3 g/L carao, while 5.3 g/L carao significantly (ρ < 0.05) increased the counts of both bacteria. The inflammatory response of IL-8 and the level of mRNA production of IL-1β and TNF-α was significantly (ρ < 0.05) lower with 2.65 and 5.3 g/L carao yogurt compared to control camel yogurt. Sensory attributes were not impacted by the addition of 1.3 and 2.65 g/L carao. Carao could be a possible ingredient to consider when improving the nutrition value of yogurt.

Strategies to Assess the Impact of Sustainable Functional Food Ingredients on Gut Microbiota

Nowadays, it is evident that food ingredients have different roles and distinct health benefits to the consumer. Over the past years, the interest in functional foods, especially those targeting gut health, has grown significantly. The use of industrial byproducts as a source of new functional and sustainable ingredients as a response to such demands has raised interest. However, the properties of these ingredients can be affected once incorporated into different food matrices. Therefore, when searching for the least costly and most suitable, beneficial, and sustainable formulations, it is necessary to understand how such ingredients perform when supplemented in different food matrices and how they impact the host's health. As proposed in this manuscript, the ingredients' properties can be first evaluated using in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT) simulation models prior to validation through human clinical trials. In vitro models are powerful tools that mimic the physicochemical and physiological conditions of the GIT, enabling prediction of the potentials of functional ingredients per se and when incorporated into a food matrix. Understanding how newly developed ingredients from undervalued agro-industrial sources behave as supplements supports the development of new and more sustainable functional foods while scientifically backing up health-benefits claims.

The effect of probiotic and synbiotic use on glycemic control in women with gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To investigate the impact of probiotic/synbiotic use on glycemic control in women with gestational diabetes.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Dergipark, and Council of Higher Education Thesis Center databases through March 2022. Screening was performed according to the population, intervention, comparison, outcome and study type. This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and meta-analyses (PRISMA-2020) statement.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs involving 551 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Probiotic use in women with gestational diabetes significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (mean difference: -1.43; 95 % CI: -2.78 to -0.09, p: 0.04) and serum insulin (mean difference: -3.66; 95 % CI: -5.04 to -2.27, p < 0.001). Moreover, the use of probiotics and synbiotics significantly reduced the HOMA-IR level compared to the control group (probiotic group: mean difference: -0.74; 95 % CI: -1.05 to -0.44, p < 0.001; synbiotic group: mean difference: -0.68; 95 % CI: -1.26 to -0.09, p: 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of probiotics in women with GDM reduced fasting plasma glucose, fasting serum insulin, and HOMA-IR levels. In addition, the use of synbiotics decreased HOMA-IR. Probiotic/synbiotic use is promising as a potential therapy to assist in glycemic control in gestational diabetes. Further high-quality studies are required to determine their safety.

Fermented natural product targeting gut microbiota regulate immunity and anti-inflammatory activity: A possible way to prevent COVID-19 in daily diet

Low immune function makes the body vulnerable to being invaded by external bacteria or viruses, causing influenza and inflammation of various organs, and this trend is shifting to the young and middle-aged group. It has been pointed out that natural products fermented by probiotic have benign changes about their active ingredients in some studies, and it have shown strong nutritional value in anti-oxidation, anti-aging, regulating lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory and improving immunity. In recent years, the gut microbiota plays a key role and has been extensively studied in improving immunity and anti-inflammation activity. By linking the relationship between natural products fermented by probiotic, gut microbiota, immunity, and inflammation, this review presents the modulating effects of probiotics and their fermented natural products on the body, including immunity-enhancing and anti-inflammatory activities by modulating gut microbiota, and it is discussed that the current understanding of its molecular mechanisms. It may become a possible way to prevent COVID-19 through consuming natural products fermented by probiotic in our daily diet.

A study on the effect of symbiotic fermented milk products on human gastrointestinal health: Double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Several studies have claimed that the consumption of fermented dairy products can improve human gastrointestinal (GI) health. However, the numbers of systematic clinic trials are limited. In this study, a yogurt containing both probiotics and prebiotics was developed and a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of the product on human gastrointestinal health in three different aspects: (1) the effect on functional constipation (FC) and functional diarrhea (FD); (2) the effect on gastrointestinal (GI) tract immune system; and (3) the changes in GI tract microbiota. Participants who suffered FC or FD were randomized into three groups (n = 66 each group): the first group was treated with fermented milk with Lactobacillus plantarum ST-III (7 mg/kg) and inulin (1.5%), the second group was treated with L. plantarum ST-III (7 mg/kg) and inulin (1.0%), and the third group (control group) was treated without probiotics and prebiotics. Half of the participants stopped the treatment after 14 days and the rest of the group continued the trial to the full 28 days. The fecal samples of participants were analyzed regarding their short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and microbiota. A survey on GI tract health was conducted and the Bristol stool scale was recorded. The results showed that the consumption of the symbiotic yogurt for 14 days and 28 days can both improve the digestive system, with the continual consumption of product containing L. plantarum ST-III (7 mg/kg) and inulin (1.5%) for 28 days showing the most significance. The consumption of this product may be used as a potential functional food.

The Activity of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Hepatogastrointestinal Disorders and Diseases Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

The components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hepatogastrointestinal diseases are widespread worldwide, since many factors associated with lifestyle and diet influence their development and correlation. Due to these growing health problems, it is necessary to search for effective alternatives for prevention or adjuvants in treating them. The positive impact of regulated microbiota on health is known; however, states of dysbiosis are closely related to the development of the conditions mentioned above. Therefore, the role of prebiotics, probiotics, or symbiotic complexes has been extensively evaluated; the results are favorable, showing that they play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system, the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and the biotransformation of bile acids, as well as the modulation of their central receptors FXR and TGR-5, which also have essential immunomodulatory and metabolic activities. It has also been observed that they can benefit the host by displacing pathogenic species, improving the dysbiosis state in MetS. Current studies have reported that paraprobiotics (dead or inactive probiotics) or postbiotics (metabolites generated by active probiotics) also benefit hepatogastrointestinal health.

An insight into the health beneficial of probiotics dairy products: a critical review

Probiotic dairy products satisfy people's pursuit of health, and are widely favored because of their easy absorption, high nutritional value, and various health benefits. However, its effectiveness and safety are still controversial. This proposal aims to analyze the effect of probiotics on the quality characteristics of dairy products, clarify a series of physiological functions of probiotic dairy products and critically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of probiotic dairy products. Also, dairy products containing inactivated microorganisms were compared with probiotic products. The addition of probiotics enables dairy products to obtain unique quality characteristics, and probiotic dairy products have better health-promoting effects. This review will promote the further development of probiotic dairy products, provide directions for the research and development of probiotic-related products, and help guide the general public to choose and purchase probiotic fermentation products.

Functional Fermented Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics from Non-Dairy Products: A Perspective from Nutraceutical

The current trend of health-conscious consumers and healthy food habits prompts researchers to explore developing food products with synbiotic benefits. Synbiotic foods have gained popularity in recent years due to their functional, nutritional, physiological, and therapeutic characteristics. Lactose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and allergic milk proteins become the barriers in the development of dairy probiotics. The present scenario of an increase in the demand for vegetarian products leads to a rise in the consumption of non-dairy probiotics. Prebiotics like, resistant starch, inulin, and polyphenols are selectively used by gut microbiota to enhance the selection and colonization of probiotics bacteria. Probiotic's action mechanisms include the production of bacteriocins, peptides, short-chain fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and other metabolites. Therefore, this review article explores the alternative sources of probiotics so it will help to an understanding of non-dairy based functional fermented foods for both pro and prebiotics. Dietary fibers in vegetables, fruits, and cereals are one of prospective prebiotics and highlighted the various methods for making non-dairy synbiotics based on dietary fibers, such as microencapsulation, freeze-drying, and spray drying is also addressed.

Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Probiotics: A Focus on Human Health

Functional foods are classified as traditional or staple foods that provide an essential nutritional level and share potentially positive effects on host health, including the reduction of disease by optimizing the immune system’s ability to prevent and control infections by pathogens, as well as pathologies that cause functional alterations in the host. This chapter reviews the most recent research and advances in this area and discusses some perspectives on what the future holds in this area.

Nuts as a Part of Dietary Strategy to Improve Metabolic Biomarkers: A Narrative Review

Background

Nuts are in the spotlight because of their association with improved health outcomes. We aimed to summarize the findings of previous studies to evaluate the impact of nuts consumption on glycaemic and lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Methods

Electronic searches for observational and intervention studies were undertaken in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Science Direct until 2022 for searching the studies aiming the application of different types of nuts and the beneficial effects of nuts in improving glycemia, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Results

Results from 56 interventional, 9 narrative and 3 systematic reviews, and 12 meta-analysis studies, aiming at the evaluating beneficial effects of different types of nuts on metabolic markers, showed that nut consumption could improve metabolic markers, including glycaemic factors, lipid profile, and inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in both healthy and individuals with metabolic disorders in a type-, dose- and duration-dependent manner. According to their unique nutrient components, nuts can be known as a part of a healthy diet, resulting in improved metabolic biomarkers.

Conclusion

Considering the efficacy of nuts in improving metabolic markers, incorporation of, incorporating nuts the effectiveness of nuts in improving metabolic markers, incorporating nuts in the diet may prevent the incidence or aggravation of chronic metabolic diseases. Considering the health benefits of the nuts' components, including essential micronutrients, if consumed in the appropriate dose and duration to provide the necessary amount of effective micronutrients to improve health, we will see an improvement in metabolic factors. At the same time, more research is required to determine the optimal type, dose, and duration of nut intervention with regards to metabolic control and reducing the risk of developing metabolic disorders.

Can Supplemented Skim Milk (SKM) Boost Your Gut Health?

The incorporation of functional ingredients, such as prebiotics and probiotics in food matrices, became a common practice in the human diet to improve the nutritional value of the food product itself. Worldwide, skim milk (SKM) is one of the most consumed food matrices, comprising all the essential nutrients desired for a balanced diet. Thus, the modulation of the human gut microbiota by SKM supplemented with different well-known functional ingredients was evaluated. Four well-studied prebiotics, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and inulin, and one probiotic product, UL-250® (Saccharomyces boulardii) were added at 1% (w/v) to SKM and subjected to a gastrointestinal in vitro model. The impact of each combination on gut microbiota profile and their fermentation metabolites (i.e., short-chain fatty acids–SCFA) was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The addition of FOS to SKM had promising results, showing prebiotic potential by promoting the growth of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Clostridium cluster IV. Moreover, the increment of SCFA levels and the decrease of total ammonia nitrogen were observed throughout colonic fermentation. Overall, these results demonstrate that the combination SKM + FOS was the most beneficial to the host’s health by positively modulating the gut microbiota.

Lactobacillus casei LC89 exerts antidiabetic effects through regulating hepatic glucagon response and gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic mice

Previous study suggests that Lactobacillus casei exhibits antihyperglycemic activity, however, the molecular mechanism of this has yet to be elucidated. Here, the anti-diabetic effects and underlying mechanisms of Lactobacillus casei LC89 are investigated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice, which was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) with streptozotocin (100 mg per kg BW). The results show that LC89 at a dose of 109 CFU day-1 decreases fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin levels by 35.12% and 28.37%, respectively, compared to the diabetes control (DC) group. Moreover, LC89 treatment improved the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), serum lipid profiles and inflammation cytokines. The real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that LC89 markedly downregulates the mRNA expression of hepatic glucagon (GCG), glucagon receptor (GCGR), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). Meanwhile, LC89 significantly decreases the abundance of Odoribacter, but increases the Alloprevotella, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Ruminococcus content. Therefore, LC89 plays a positive role in alleviating T2DM by regulating gut microbiota and glucagon signal pathway-related genes, and it may be a beneficial dietary supplement to regulate glucose metabolism in T2DM.