Live and heat-killed probiotic Lactobacillus casei Lbs2 protects from experimental colitis through Toll-like receptor 2-dependent induction of T-regulatory response

Heat-killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 6235 is more effective than live on DSS-induced colitis via modulation of intestinal microbiota and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways

This study compared the protective effects of both live Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 6235 (LLP 6235) and heat-killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 6235 (HK-LP 6235) on ulcerative colitis. Using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model, we evaluated physiological state, colon tissue integrity, inflammatory factors, tight junction (TJ) proteins, and intestinal microbiota variations. The findings demonstrated that both LLP 6235 and HK-LP 6235 have the capacity to mitigate colitis damage, enhance TJ protein levels, and restore colon morphology. In addition, these interventions modulated the intestinal inflammatory response by inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors and upregulating anti-inflammatory factors through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Moreover, treatment with LLP 6235 and HK-LP 6235 significantly altered intestinal microbiota diversity, increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, and regulated the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong association between TJ proteins, SCFAs, intestinal microbiota, and inflammatory response, suggesting that LLP 6235 and HK-LP 6235 may provide an effective approach to colitis prevention. In conclusion, LLP 6235 and HK-LP 6235 have similar abilities; furthermore, HK-LP 6235 modulated the intestinal microbiota through lipid metabolic pathways, resulting in a greater improvement. Moreover, considering the high stability and safety of prebiotics and their wide applicability, HK-LP 6235 is recommended for use as a modulator of intestinal inflammatory diseases.

Immunomodulating Effects of Heat-Killed Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Healthy Dogs

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a T-cell-driven inflammatory skin disease, characterized by an imbalance between the Th1 and Th2 immune responses. Probiotics (live bacteria) and postbiotics (inactivated, killed bacteria) have garnered attention for the management of AD in humans and dogs. Both probiotics and postbiotics possess immunomodulating properties that could be beneficial for allergic patients. This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulating effects of Tyndallized (heat-killed) postbiotics of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, which are active components of the Linkskin products (Nextmune, Palazzo Pignano, Cremona, Italy). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy dogs and incubated separately with each postbiotic. The cytokine levels in the supernatants were measured before and after 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation. Both Tyndallized lactobacilli significantly increased the levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ (Th1 cytokines) and IL-10 (associated with T regulatory cells), while the levels of the Th2 cytokine IL-4 remained stable. Overall, these two Lactobacillus postbiotics stimulated canine PBMCs to produce a cytokine profile typically associated with an anti-allergic response. Further studies are needed to evaluate the benefit of these postbiotics as an adjuvant for the reactive treatment or for the prevention of relapses of allergic flares in atopic dogs.

Harnessing the Power of Donkey's Milk and Homemade Pickles: Unveiling Oxalate-Degrading Probiotics and Their Heat-Killed Cells as Antiadipogenic Agents in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Gut microbial dysbiosis is associated with the development of critical clinical conditions of metabolic syndrome (obesity, type II diabetes), and calcium oxalate kidney stones. The human gut microbial eubiosis with functional probiotics and their heat-killed cells of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is considered the current therapy for metabolic syndrome (MS). In accordance with this, our study aimed to isolate oxalate-degrading, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-adipogenic bacterial strains from raw donkey's milk and homemade fermented pickles. Nine LAB strains with potential in vitro oxalate degrading, α-glucosidase inhibiting, and cholesterol-lowering activities were pre-screened from fourteen isolates. Further, the heat-killed cells of selected strains were evaluated for anti-adipogenic activity in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes. This activity was examined by studying the lipid storage, gene, and protein expression of adipogenic and lipogenic transcription factors. Subsequently, four potential isolates demonstrated a significant reduction in lipid storage by limiting adipogenesis (reducing C/EBPα, PPARγ expression), lipid transportation (downregulating aP2 expression), and lipogenesis (reducing PLIN-1 expression). These effective isolates were characterized using 16S rRNA molecular sequencing, and were identified as closest relatives to the Enterococcus (RRLA5, RRLA1, and RRLD6) and Lactobacillus (RRLM2) genera. Further, they displayed good survivability under in vitro gastric conditions and non-haemolytic activity. Taken together, the live cells of effective isolates depicted significant in vitro oxalate degradation, and their heat-killed cells demonstrated anti-adipogenic activity through downregulating the adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Moreover, future preclinical animal model studies on the synergistic role of probiotics and their heat-killed cells in disease prevention through gut microbial modulation could provide evidence as a biotherapeutic agent.

The efficacy of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MSMC39-1 and Bifidobacterium animalis TA-1 probiotics in modulating gut microbiota and reducing the risk of the characteristics of metabolic syndrome: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

Modern treatment, a healthy diet, and physical activity routines lower the risk factors for metabolic syndrome; however, this condition is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality worldwide. This investigation involved a randomized controlled trial, double-blind, parallel study. Fifty-eight participants with risk factors of metabolic syndrome according to the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups and given probiotics (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MSMC39-1 and Bifidobacterium animalis TA-1) (n = 31) or a placebo (n = 27). The participants had a mean age of 42.29 ± 7.39 and 43.89 ± 7.54 years in the probiotics and placebo groups, respectively. Stool samples, anthropometric data, and blood chemistries were taken at baseline and at 12 weeks. The primary outcome was achieved by the probiotics group as their low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level dramatically lowered compared to the placebo group (the difference was 39.97 ± 26.83 mg/dl, p-value <0.001). Moreover, significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol were observed in the volunteers treated with probiotics compared to the placebo. In the gut microbiome analysis, the results showed statistically significant differences in the beta diversity in the post-intervention probiotics group. Blautia, Roseburia, Collinsella, and Ruminococcus were among the gut microbiomes that were more prevalent in the post-intervention probiotics group. In addition, this group exhibited increases in the predicted functional changes in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, as well as ribonucleic acid transport, the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism. In conclusion, this research demonstrated that the probiotics L. paracasei MSMC39-1 and B. animalis TA-1 have the efficacy to lower risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Probiotic Microorganisms in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Live Biotherapeutics as Food

(1) Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic and complex inflammatory processes of the digestive tract that evolve with frequent relapses and manifest at any age; they predominantly affect young individuals. Diet plays a direct role in maintaining the gut mucosal integrity and immune function. Regarding the diet, the administration of probiotics stands out. The use of probiotics for IBD treatment has shown promising effects on consumers' quality of life. (2) Methods: This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the effects of probiotic and smart probiotic ingestion on IBD and analyze the available literature based on the searched keywords using boxplot diagrams to search for scientific data in the online literature published up to October 2024. (3) Results: Google Scholar (containing ~6 × 106 articles) and Science Direct (containing ~5 × 106 articles) were the databases with the highest number of articles for the keywords used in the study. When analyzing the content of the articles, although probiotic microorganisms are currently not part of the standard treatment protocol for IBD, these live biotherapeutics have proven to be an effective treatment option, considering the adverse effects of conventional therapies. Furthermore, the development of genetically engineered probiotics or smart probiotics is a promising treatment for IBD. (4) Conclusions: Probiotics and smart probiotics could represent the future of nutritional medicine in IBD care, allowing patients to be treated in a more natural, safe, effective, and nutritious way. However, although many studies have demonstrated the potential of this biotherapy, clinical trials standardizing dosage and strains are still necessary.

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.

Comparison of the effects of three sourdough postbiotics on high-fat diet-induced intestinal damage

There is significant interest in using postbiotics as an intervention strategy to address obesity. This study assesses the efficacy of postbiotics derived from different sourdough strains (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP1, LP25, and Pediococcus pentosaceus PP18) in mitigating intestinal injury in zebrafish fed on a high-fat diet. We screened postbiotics for their anti-colon cancer cell effects and compared various preparation methods applied to live bacterial strains, including heat-killing at different temperatures, pH adjustments, and ultraviolet radiation exposure. Heat-killing at 120 °C proved to be the most effective preparation method. A marked variation in health effects was observed in the heat-killed microbial cells, as evidenced by their hydrophobicity and self-aggregation ability. A five-week high-fat dietary intervention study in zebrafish demonstrated that diets supplemented with 108 CFU g-1 K-LP25 significantly attenuated weight gain and body fat, along with reductions in FASN, Leptin, and SREBF1 mRNA expression. However, diets supplemented with 107 CFU g-1 K-PP18 only reduced Leptin and SREBF1 mRNA expression. K-PP18 was more effective at mitigating gut barrier damage, promoting colonic Occludin, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 levels. Additionally, K-LP25 supplementation markedly downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, reducing intestinal inflammation. Supplementation with K-LP1 and K-PP18 increased the abundance of Acinetobacter spp., whereas K-LP25 increased the abundance of Cetobacterium and Plesiomonas. Collectively, these findings suggest that inactivated strains confer protective effects against high-fat diet-induced intestinal damage in zebrafish, with variation observed across different species. Studying the effects of sourdough-derived postbiotics on gut health may open new avenues for dietary interventions to manage gut-related diseases.

Beyond probiotics, uses of their next-generation for poultry and humans: A review

The production of healthy food is one of the basic requirements and challenges. Research efforts have been introduced in the human's food industry to reduce the microbial resistance and use safe and healthy alternatives with a high durability. However, the conducted work about these issues in the field of livestock animal production have been started since 2015. Inappropriate and extensive use of antibiotics has resulted in the increase of antimicrobial resistance, presence of drug residues in tissues, and destruction of the gut microbiome. Therefore, discovering and developing antibiotic substitutes were urgent demands. Probiotic compounds containing living micro-organisms are important antibiotic alternative that have been beneficially and extensively used in humans, animals, and poultry. However, some probiotics show some obstacles during production and applications. Accordingly, this review article proposes a comprehensive description of the next-generation of probiotics including postbiotics, proteobiotics, psychobiotics, immunobiotics and paraprobiotics and their effects on poultry production and human's therapy. These compounds proved great efficiency in terms of restoring gut health, improving performance and general health conditions, modulating the immune response and reducing the pathogenic micro-organisms. However, more future research work should be carried out regarding this issue.

Immunomodulatory Activity on Human Macrophages by Cell-Free Supernatants to Explore the Probiotic and Postbiotic Potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains of Plant Origin

Upon dietary administration, probiotic microorganisms can reach as live cells the human gut, where they interact with the microbiota and host cells, thereby exerting a beneficial impact on host functions, mainly through immune-modulatory activities. Recently, attention has been drawn by postbiotics, i.e. non-viable probiotic microbes, including their metabolic products, which possess biological activities that benefit the host. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a bacterial species that comprises recognised probiotic strains. In this study, we investigated in vitro the probiotic (and postbiotic) potential of seven L. plantarum strains, including five newly isolated from plant-related niches. The strains were shown to possess some basic probiotic attributes, including tolerance to the gastrointestinal environment, adhesion to the intestinal epithelium and safety. Besides, their cell-free culture supernatants modulated cytokine patterns in human macrophages in vitro, promoting TNF-α gene transcription and secretion, while attenuating the transcriptional activation and secretion of both TNF-α and IL-8 in response to a pro-inflammatory signal, and enhancing the production of IL-10. Some strains induced a high IL-10/IL-12 ratio that may correlate to an anti-inflammatory capacity in vivo. Overall, the investigated strains are good probiotic candidates, whose postbiotic fraction exhibits immunomodulatory properties that need further in vivo studies. The main novelty of this work consists in the polyphasic characterisation of candidate beneficial L. plantarum strains obtained from relatively atypical plant-associated niches, by an approach that explores both probiotic and postbiotic potentials, in particular studying the effect of microbial culture-conditioned media on cytokine pattern, analysed at both transcriptional and secretion level in human macrophages.

Adjunctive administration of parabiotic Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001 ameliorates drug-induced toxicity and pulmonary inflammation during antibiotic treatment for tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment requires a long therapeutic duration and induces adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity, causing discontinuation of treatment. Reduced adherence to TB medications elevates the risk of recurrence and the development of drug resistance. Additionally, severe cavitary TB with a high burden of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and inflammation-mediated tissue damage may need an extended treatment duration, resulting in a higher tendency of drug-induced toxicity. We previously reported that the administration of Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001 (L. sakei CVL-001) regulates inflammation and improves mucosal barrier function in a murine colitis model. Since accumulating evidence has reported the functional roles of probiotics in drug-induced liver injury and pulmonary inflammation, we employed a parabiotic form of the L. sakei CVL-001 to investigate whether this supplement may provide beneficial effects on the reduction in drug-induced liver damage and pulmonary inflammation during chemotherapy. Intriguingly, L. sakei CVL-001 administration slightly reduced Mtb burden without affecting lung inflammation and weight loss in both Mtb-resistant and -susceptible mice. Moreover, L. sakei CVL-001 decreased T cell-mediated inflammatory responses and increased regulatory T cells along with an elevated antigen-specific IL-10 production, suggesting that this parabiotic may restrain excessive inflammation during antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, the parabiotic intervention significantly reduced levels of alanine aminotransferase, an indicator of hepatotoxicity, and cell death in liver tissues. Collectively, our data suggest that L. sakei CVL-001 administration has the potential to be an adjunctive therapy by reducing pulmonary inflammation and liver damage during anti-TB drug treatment and may benefit adherence to TB medication in lengthy treatment.

Effects of probiotic supplementation on chronic inflammatory process modulation in colorectal carcinogenesis

The current study investigated the potential effects of probiotic supplementation on colorectal carcinogenesis chemically induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and treated with 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-based chemotherapy in mice. Animals were randomly allocated in five different groups: Control: which not receive any treatment throughout the experimental course; Colitis model group (DMH): treated with DMH; DMH+ 5FU: animals received I.P. (intraperitoneal) dose of chemotherapy on a weekly basis; DMH+PROB: animals received daily administrations (via gavage) of probiotics (Lactobacillus: acidophilus and paracasei, Bifidobacterium lactis and bifidum); and DMH+ PROB+ 5FU: animals received the same treatment as the previous groups. After ten-week treatment, mice's large intestine was collected and subjected to colon length, histopathological, periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining and immunohistochemistry (TLR2, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-6, TLR4, TRIF, IRF-3, IFN-γ, Ki-67, KRAS, p53, IL-10, and TGF-β) analyzes. Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis, at significance level p 0.05. Probiotics' supplementation has increased the production of Ki-67 cell-proliferation marker, reduced body weight, and colon shortening, as well as modulated the chronic inflammatory process in colorectal carcinogenesis by inhibiting NF-κB expression and mitigating mucin depletion. Thus, these findings lay a basis for guide future studies focused on probiotics' action mechanisms in tumor microenvironment which might have implications in clinical practice.

The Role of Probiotics in Managing Glucose Homeostasis in Adults with Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Analysis checklist was used. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted through August 2022 to assess the impact of probiotics on blood glucose, lipid, and inflammatory markers in adults with prediabetes. Data were pooled using a random effects model and were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was evaluated and quantified as I2.

Results

Seven publications with a total of 550 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Probiotics were found to significantly reduce the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (SMD -0.44; 95% CI -0.84, -0.05; p = 0.03; I2 = 76.13%, p < 0.001) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD -0.27; 95% CI -0.45, -0.09; p < 0.001; I2 = 0.50%, p = 0.36) and improve the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (SMD -8.94; 95% CI -14.91, -2.97; p = 0.003; I2 = 80.24%, p < 0.001), when compared to the placebo group. However, no significant difference was observed in fasting blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and body mass index. Subgroup analyses showed that probiotics significantly reduced HbA1c in adults with prediabetes in Oceania, intervention duration of ≥3 months, and sample size <30.

Conclusions

Collectively, our meta-analysis revealed that probiotics had a significant impact on reducing the levels of HbA1c and HOMA-IR and improving the level of HDL in adults with prediabetes, which indicated a potential role in regulating blood glucose homeostasis. However, given the limited number of studies included in this analysis and the potential for bias, further large-scale, higher-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings. This trial is registered with CRD42022358379.

Novel mechanism by which extracellular vesicles derived from Lactobacillus murinus alleviates deoxynivalenol-induced intestinal barrier disruption

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common environmental pollutant that poses a serious health risk to humans worldwide. This study was aim to explore whether gut microbiota is involved in DON-induced intestinal toxicity as well as to reveal effect of probiotics derived from gut microbiota in protecting intestinal barrier and to elucidate mechanism. We found that DON caused disturbed gut microbiota, particularly Lactobacillus murinus (L. murinus) deficiency. DON enhanced M1 macrophage polarization and decreased tight junction protein expression. Microbiota transplantation experiments showed that transfer of DON-disrupted microbiota to healthy mice resulted in delivery of DON-induced intestinal toxicity. Besides, DON lost its damaging effect on macrophage and intestinal barrier in antibiotic-treated mice. Further intervention experiments revealed that L. murinus induce macrophage conversion from M1 to M2 phenotype through secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) to alleviate DON-induced intestinal barrier disruption. Mechanistically, EVs activate TLR2 to promote M2 macrophage polarization and release IL-10, which in turn enhances intestinal barrier function. Upon successful translation of its efficacy into clinical practice, EVs created from L. murinus could be a novel possible treatment strategy for DON-induced gut disease.

The effects of Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on cytokines and their related molecules: An ex vivo study on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the ex vivo impact of Lactobacillus delbrueckii (L. delbrueckii) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as their related molecules on the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted with 20 newly diagnosed SLE patients (18 females, 2 males; mean age: 33.3±12.4 years; range, 18 to 68 years) between September 2017 and September 2018. Extracted PBMCs from each patient were divided into 4 cell groups in our study. Three cell groups act as treatment groups receiving L. rhamnosus (107 CFU/mL), L. delbrueckii (105 CFU/mL) or a mixture of both, and one group act as our untreated control group in the absence of any probiotic agents. All cell groups were cultured in RPMI 1460 medium for 48 h. Then, total RNA was extracted, and cDNA was synthesized.

Results

The gene expression levels of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-2 were evaluated by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that expression levels of FOXP3, TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-2 increased and the level of IL-6 decreased in probiotics-receiving groups compared to the control group. Lactobacillus delbrueckii and L. rhamnosus enhanced the expression of regulatory T cell-related molecules such as FOXP3 and IL-2 and also increased the expression of IL-10. These probiotics also reduced the expression of IL-6 as proinflammatory cytokines in the PBMCs of SLE patients.

Conclusion

The results of the present study show that these probiotics could be effective in regulating the balance of cytokine gene expression ex vivo , and due to their beneficial effects, they can be an intriguing option in the production of new complement drugs for SLE.

The role of probiotic supplementation in inflammatory biomarkers in adults: an umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Despite the increasing evidence for probiotics' anti-inflammatory effects, the results of meta-analyses remain inconsistent. The present umbrella meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers.

METHODS

We performed a wide-ranging systematic search in several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar up to April 2023. The overall effect sizes were calculated using effect size (ES) values and their corresponding confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Out of a total of 580 related articles, 39 studies were qualified for inclusion in the analysis. The results of the analysis revealed a significant reduction of C-reactive protein (CRP) (ES = -1.02; 95% CI: -1.23, -0.80, p < 0.001; I2: 94.1%, p < 0.001), TNF-α (ES = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.50, -0.20, p < 0.001; I2: 75.6%, p < 0.001), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (ES = -0.36; 95% CI: -0.59, -0.13, p = 0.002; I2: 85.6%, p < 0.001), following probiotic supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced serum concentrations of TNF-a, CRP, and IL-6. Thus, probiotic supplementation can be considered adjuvant therapy to alleviate inflammation in various inflammatory conditions.

Recent insights into the nutritional immunomodulation of cancer-related microRNAs

Cancer is the most common cause of death worldwide, following cardiovascular diseases. Cancer is a multifactorial disease and many reasons such as physical, chemical, biological, and lifestyle-related factors. Nutrition, which is one of the various factors that play a role in the prevention, development, and treatment of many types of cancer, affects the immune system, which is characterized by disproportionate pro-inflammatory signaling in cancer. Studies investigating the molecular mechanisms of this effect have shown that foods rich in bioactive compounds, such as green tea, olive oil, turmeric, and soybean play a significant role in positively changing the expression of miRNAs involved in the regulation of genes associated with oncogenic/tumor-suppressing pathways. In addition to these foods, some diet models may change the expression of specific cancer-related miRNAs in different ways. While Mediterranean diet has been associated with anticancer effects, a high-fat diet, and a methyl-restricted diet are considered to have negative effects. This review aims to discuss the effects of specific foods called "immune foods," diet models, and bioactive components on cancer by changing the expression of miRNAs in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 protect chicks from damage caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis colonization

As a foodborne pathogen of global importance, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is a threat to public health that is mainly spread by poultry products. Intestinal Enterobacteriaceae can inhibit the colonization of S. Enteritidis and are regarded as a potential antibiotic substitute. We investigated, in chicks, the anti-S. Enteritidis effects of Escherichia coli (E. coli) Nissle 1917, the most well-known probiotic member of Enterobacteriaceae. Eighty 1-d-old healthy female AA broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 20 in each group, namely the negative control (group P), the E. coli Nissle 1917-treated group (group N), the S. Enteritidis-infected group (group S) and the E. coli Nissle 1917-treated and S. Enteritidis-infected group (group NS). From d 5 to 7, chicks in groups N and NS were orally gavaged once a day with E. coli Nissle 1917 and in groups P and S were administered the same volume of sterile PBS. At d 8, the chicks in groups S and NS were orally gavaged with S. Enteritidis and in groups P and N were administered the same volume of sterile PBS. Sampling was conducted 24 h after challenge. Results showed that gavage of E. coli Nissle 1917 reduced the spleen index, Salmonella loads, and inflammation (P < 0.05). It improved intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier function (P < 0.05). S. Enteritidis infection significantly reduced mRNA expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and solute carrier family 6-member 19 (SLC6A19) in the cecum and the content of Gly, Ser, Gln, and Trp in the serum (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with E. coli Nissle 1917 yielded mRNA expression of ACE2 and SLC6A19 in the cecum and levels of Gly, Ser, Gln, and Trp in the serum similar to that of uninfected chicks (P < 0.05). Additionally, E. coli Nissle 1917 altered cecum microbiota composition and enriched the abundance of E. coli, Lactobacillales, and Lachnospiraceae. These findings reveal that the probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 reduced S. Enteritidis infection and shows enormous potential as an alternative to antibiotics.

Mitochondrial fusion induced by transforming growth factor-β1 serves as a switch that governs the metabolic reprogramming during differentiation of regulatory T cells

Although metabolic reprogramming during the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) has been extensively studied, the molecular switch to alter energy metabolism remains undefined. The present study explores the critical role of mitochondrial dynamics in the reprogramming and consequent generation of Treg cells. The results showed that during Treg cell differentiation, mitochondrial fusion but not fission led to elevation of oxygen consumption rate values, facilitation of metabolic reprogramming, and increase of number of Treg cells and expression of Foxp3 in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, mitochondrial fusion favored fatty acid oxidation but restricted glycolysis in Treg cells through down-regulating the expression of HIF-1α. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) played a crucial role in the induction of mitochondrial fusion, which activated Smad2/3, promoted the expression of PGC-1α and therefore facilitated the expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins. In conclusion, during Treg cell differentiation, TGF-β1 promotes PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial fusion, which drives metabolic reprogramming from glycolysis to fatty acid oxidation via suppressing HIF-1α expression, and therefore favors the generation of Treg cells. The signals and proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion are potential therapeutic targets for Treg cell-related diseases.

Combination of heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YIT 0132 (LP0132) and oral immunotherapy in cow's milk allergy: a randomised controlled trial

Safer and more effective cow milk (CM)-oral immunotherapy that does not induce allergic reactions has not yet been standardised. We sought to explore the efficacy and feasibility of a combination of heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YIT 0132 (LP0132) and oral immunotherapy for treating IgE-mediated cow milk allergy (CMA). We conducted a 24-week, double-blind, randomised (1:1), two-arm, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial of LP0132 intervention for treating IgE-mediated CMA in children aged 1-18 years (n=60) from January 29, 2018 to July 12, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. Participants were randomly assigned to the LP0132 group receiving citrus juice fermented with LP0132 or to the control group receiving citrus juice without. Both groups received low-dose slow oral immunotherapy with CM. The primary outcome was improved tolerance to CM, proven by the CM challenge test at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were changes in serum biomarkers of serum-specific β-lactoglobulin-IgE (sIgE) and β-lactoglobulin-IgG4 (sIgG4). Exploratory outcomes included changes in serum cytokine levels and gut microbiota composition. A total of 61 participants were included. Finally, 31 children were assigned to the LP0132 group and 30 to the control group, respectively. After the intervention, 41.4 and 37.9% of the participants in the LP0132 and control groups, respectively, showed improved tolerance to CM. In serum biomarkers after the intervention, the sIgG4 level was significantly higher, and interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-9 were significantly lower, in the LP0132 group than in the control group. In the gut microbiome, the α-diversity and Lachnospiraceae increased significantly in the LP0132 group, and Lachnospiraceae after the intervention was significantly higher in the LP0132 group than in the control group. In conclusion, low-dose oral immunotherapy with modulating gut microbiota might be a safer and more effective approach for treating cow's milk allergy.

Are heat-killed probiotics more effective than live ones on colon length shortness, disease activity index, and the histological score of an inflammatory bowel disease-induced murine model? A meta-analysis

This study was conducted to compare the efficiency of heat-killed and live probiotics against colon length shortness, disease activity index (DAI), and the histological score of an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) via a meta-analysis. In February 2022, the eligible papers were collected from four databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus). Using common- and random-effects models, the effect sizes were estimated throughout the standardized mean difference. Forty-three papers were recorded for our meta-analysis, and the heterogeneity of the effect sizes was determined with Cochran's Q test, followed by meta-ANOVA and meta-regression analyses. The probiotics (live and heat-killed) had globally an improving or preventive effect on colon length shortness, DAI, and histological score. The sub-group analysis revealed that the heat-killed probiotics had statistically (P > .05) the same improving effect on colon length shortness, DAI, and histological score as live probiotics. In conclusion, this study suggested that live and heat-killed probiotics had a similar impact on IBD symptoms investigated in this study. The present outcomes would be a good base for researchers willing to further compare the effects of live and heat-killed probiotics on IBD.

Heat-Killed Bifidobacterium bifidum B1628 May Alleviate Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice, and the Anti-Inflammatory Effect Is Associated with Gut Microbiota Modulation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with gut dysbiosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of heat-killed Bifidobacterium bifidum B1628 (HB1628) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The following three mouse groups were included (n = eight per group): NC (normal control), DSS (colitis), and HB1628 (colitis and postbiotic). The mice in the DSS group showed significant weight loss and histological damage, developed bloody diarrhea, scored high in the disease activity index (DAI), and exhibited increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and decreases in an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-13) in the serum. These changes were accompanied by gut microbiota modulation in colitis mice (decreases in Rikenellaceae and Eubacterium; increases in Peptostreptococcaceae, Bacteroides vulgatus, and Parasutterella excrementihominis). The HB1628 group had lower DAIs, histology scores, and serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α), but higher levels of an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-13), compared with the DSS group, suggesting a less severe inflammatory state after the HB1628 intervention. Additionally, HB1628 improved DSS-induced gut dysbiosis, which is evidenced by increases in intestinal beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, and decreases in known unfavorable taxa in IBD, e.g., Porphyromonadaceae, Subdoligranulum, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 3_1_46FAA, and Alistipes indistinctus. Functional metagenomics revealed three significantly enriched metabolic pathways in the HB1628 group (namely, the aerobic respiration I [cytochrome c] pathway and the superpathways of L-phenylalanine biosynthesis and L-tryptophan biosynthesis, respectively). In conclusion, our results showed that HB1628 effectively improved the inflammation state and tissue damage in DSS-induced colitis mice, and the symptom relief effect was accompanied by obvious gut microbiota remodulation.

Contribution of Lactobacilli on Intestinal Mucosal Barrier and Diseases: Perspectives and Challenges of Lactobacillus casei

The intestine barrier, the front line of normal body defense, relies on its structural integrity, microbial composition and barrier immunity. The intestinal mucosal surface is continuously exposed to a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms. Although it occupies a relatively small proportion of the intestinal microbiota, Lactobacilli has been discovered to have a significant impact on the intestine tract in previous studies. It is undeniable that some Lactobacillus strains present probiotic properties through maintaining the micro-ecological balance via different mechanisms, such as mucosal barrier function and barrier immunity, to prevent infection and even to solve some neurology issues by microbiota-gut-brain/liver/lung axis communication. Notably, not only living cells but also Lactobacillus derivatives (postbiotics: soluble secreted products and para-probiotics: cell structural components) may exert antipathogenic effects and beneficial functions for the gut mucosal barrier. However, substantial research on specific effects, safety and action mechanisms in vivo should be done. In clinical application of humans and animals, there are still doubts about the precise evaluation of Lactobacilli's safety, therapeutic effect, dosage and other aspects. Therefore, we provide an overview of central issues on the impacts of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) and their products on the intestinal mucosal barrier and some diseases and highlight the urgent need for further studies.

Different Impacts of Heat-Killed and Viable Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 on Exercise Performance, Fatigue, Body Composition, and Gut Microbiota in Humans

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10, a probiotic strain, has been demonstrated to improve exercise performance, regulate body composition, and ameliorate age-related declines. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of viable and heat-killed TWK10 in the regulation of exercise performance, body composition, and gut microbiota in humans. Healthy adults (n = 53) were randomly divided into three groups: Control, TWK10 (viable TWK10, 3 × 1011 colony forming units/day), and TWK10-hk (heat-killed TWK10, 3 × 1011 cells/day) groups. After six-week administration, both the TWK10 and TWK10-hk groups had significantly improved exercise performance and fatigue-associated features and reduced exercise-induced inflammation, compared with controls. Viable TWK10 significantly promoted improved body composition, by increasing muscle mass proportion and reducing fat mass. Gut microbiota analysis demonstrated significantly increasing trends in the relative abundances of Akkermansiaceae and Prevotellaceae in subjects receiving viable TWK10. Predictive metagenomic profiling revealed that heat-killed TWK10 administration significantly enhanced the signaling pathways involved in amino acid metabolisms, while glutathione metabolism, and ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis pathways were enriched by viable TWK10. In conclusion, viable and heat-killed TWK10 had similar effects in improving exercise performance and attenuating exercise-induced inflammatory responses as probiotics and postbiotics, respectively. Viable TWK10 was also highly effective in regulating body composition. The differences in efficacy between viable and heat-killed TWK10 may be due to differential impacts in shaping gut microbiota.

Gut microbiome and human health: Exploring how the probiotic genus Lactobacillus modulate immune responses

The highest density of microbes resides in human gastrointestinal tract, known as “Gut microbiome”. Of note, the members of the genus Lactobacillus that belong to phyla Firmicutes are the most important probiotic bacteria of the gut microbiome. These gut-residing Lactobacillus species not only communicate with each other but also with the gut epithelial lining to balance the gut barrier integrity, mucosal barrier defence and ameliorate the host immune responses. The human body suffers from several inflammatory diseases affecting the gut, lungs, heart, bone or neural tissues. Mounting evidence supports the significant role of Lactobacillus spp. and their components (such as metabolites, peptidoglycans, and/or surface proteins) in modulatingimmune responses, primarily through exchange of immunological signals between gastrointestinal tract and distant organs. This bidirectional crosstalk which is mediated by Lactobacillus spp. promotes anti-inflammatory response, thereby supporting the improvement of symptoms pertaining to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuroinflammatory diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, alzheimer’s disease, parkinson’s disease), cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and chronic infections in patients. The metabolic disorders, obesity and diabetes are characterized by a low-grade inflammation. Genus Lactobacillus alleviates metabolic disorders by regulating the oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. Osteoporosis is also associated with bone inflammation and resorption. The Lactobacillus spp. and their metabolites act as powerful immune cell controllers and exhibit a regulatory role in bone resorption and formation, supporting bone health. Thus, this review demonstrated the mechanisms and summarized the evidence of the benefit of Lactobacillus spp. in alleviating inflammatory diseases pertaining to different organs from animal and clinical trials. The present narrative review explores in detail the complex interactions between the gut-dwelling Lactobacillus spp. and the immune components in distant organs to promote host’s health.

Effects of Compound Mycotoxin Detoxifier on Alleviating Aflatoxin B1-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Intestine, Liver and Kidney of Broilers

In order to alleviate the toxic effects of aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) on inflammatory responses in the intestine, liver, and kidney of broilers, the aflatoxin B1-degrading enzyme, montmorillonite, and compound probiotics were selected and combined to make a triple-action compound mycotoxin detoxifier (CMD). The feeding experiment was divided into two stages. In the early feeding stage (1−21 day), a total of 200 one-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into four groups; in the later feeding stage (22−42 day), 160 broilers aged at 22 days were assigned to four groups: Group A: basal diet (4.31 μg/kg AFB1); Group B: basal diet with 40 μg/kg AFB1; Group C: Group A plus 1.5 g/kg CMD; Group D: Group B plus 1.5 g/kg CMD. After the feeding experiment, the intestine, liver, and kidney tissues of the broilers were selected to investigate the molecular mechanism for CMD to alleviate the tissue damages. Analyses of mRNA abundances and western blotting (WB) of inflammatory factors, as well as immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of intestine, liver, and kidney tissues showed that AFB1 aggravated the inflammatory responses through NF-κB and TN-α signaling pathways via TLR pattern receptors, while the addition of CMD significantly inhibited the inflammatory responses. Phylogenetic investigation showed that AFB1 significantly increased interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK-1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities (p < 0.05), which were restored to normal levels by CMD addition, indicating that CMD could alleviate cell inflammatory damages induced by AFB1.

Lactobacillus plantarum S9 alleviates lipid profile, insulin resistance, and inflammation in high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome rats

Probiotics are considered to play an crucial role in the treatment of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid metabolic diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum S9 on MS in HFD-fed rats, and to explore the underlying role of probiotics in the treatment of MS. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with HFD for 8 weeks, followed by the treatment of L. plantarum S9 for 6 weeks, and The body weight and blood glucose level of rats were detected on time. The results showed that L. plantarum S9 significantly decreased the body weight gain, Lee’s index, and liver index. Additionally, L. plantarum S9 reduced the levels of serum lipids and insulin resistance. L. plantarum S9 also decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in liver. Moreover, the serum levels of MS-related inflammatory signaling molecules, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were significantly elevated. Western blot analysis showed that L. plantarum S9 inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, decreased the expression level of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), suppressed the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, and reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factors in HFD-fed rats. Moreover, it further decreased the ratios of p-IκBα/IκBα, p-p65/NF-κB p65, and p-p38/p38. In summary, L. plantarum S9, as a potential functional strain, prevents or can prevent onset of MS.

Consumption of Yeast-Fermented Wheat and Rye Breads Increases Colitis and Mortality in a Mouse Model of Colitis

BACKGROUND

Cereals are known to trigger for wheat allergy, celiac disease and non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS). Inflammatory processes and intestinal barrier impairment are suspected to be involved in NCWS, although the molecular triggers are unclear.

AIMS

We were interested if different bread types influence inflammatory processes and intestinal barrier function in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

Epithelial caspase-8 gene knockout (Casp8ΔIEC) and control (Casp8fl) mice were randomized to eight groups, respectively. The groups received different diets for 28 days (gluten-free diet, gluten-rich diet 5 g%, or different types of bread at 50 g%). Breads varied regarding grain, milling and fermentation. All diets were isocaloric.

RESULTS

Regardless of the diet, Casp8ΔIEC mice showed pronounced inflammation in colon compared to ileum, whereas Casp8fl mice were hardly inflamed. Casp8fl mice could tolerate all bread types. Especially yeast fermented rye and wheat bread from superfine flour but not pure gluten challenge increased colitis and mortality in Casp8ΔIEC mice. Hepatic expression of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and colonic expression of tumor necrosis factor-α genes were inversely related to survival. The bread diets, but not the gluten-rich diet, also decreased colonic tight junction expression to variable degrees, without clear association to survival and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Bread components, especially those from yeast-fermented breads from wheat and rye, increase colitis and mortality in Casp8ΔIEC mice highly susceptible to intestinal inflammation, whereas control mice can tolerate all types of bread without inflammation. Yet unidentified bread components other than gluten seem to play the major role.

Lactobacillus brevis MTCC 1750 enhances oxidative stress resistance and lifespan extension with improved physiological and functional capacity in Caenorhabditis elegans via the DAF-16 pathway

Redox imbalance plays a crucial role in the development of age-related diseases, and resistance to oxidative stress is crucial for optimum longevity and healthy aging. Using the wild-type, mutant and transgenic strains, this study explored the antioxidative potential and lifespan extension benefits of different Lactobacillus strains in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). We observed that Lactobacillus brevis MTCC 1750 could enhance the resistance of C. elegans against juglone induced oxidative stress by reducing its intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Also, live L. brevis MTCC 1750 could prolong the worm's lifespan. These effects are dependent on transcription factor DAF-16 evident with significant upregulation of its target gene sod-3. This also explained the significant improvements in different age-associated changes in physiological and mechanical parameters of the worm by L. brevis MTCC 1750. Further investigations revealed that DAF-16 activation and, its enhanced translocation in the nucleus is independent of DAF-2 or JNK pathway. These findings highlighted L. brevis MTCC 1750 as a potent anti-oxidant source for complementing current antioxidant therapeutic strategies. Nonetheless, the findings showed how different signaling events are regulated based on an organism's diet component, and their consequences on the aging process in multiple species.

Heat-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei N1115 alleviates the damage due to brain function caused by long-term antibiotic cocktail exposure in mice

Critical development period of intestinal microbiota occurs concurrently with brain development, and their interaction is influenced by the microbiota–gut–brain axis. This study examined how antibiotics exposure affected gut microbiota and brain development and analyzed the possible benefits of heat-inactivated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei N1115 (N1115). Thirty neonatal male mice were randomly divided into three groups and treated with sterilized water (control), an antibiotic cocktail (Abx), or antibiotics plus heat-inactivated N1115 (Abx + N1115) for 84 days. We found that while the mRNA levels of GABA_Aα1, GABA_b1, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the hippocampus and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), GABA_Aα1, GABA_b1, and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the prefrontal cortex were higher, the mRNA levels of 5-HT_1A were lower in the Abx group. The Abx + N1115 group had lower mRNA levels of GABA_Aα1, GABA_b1, and GR in the hippocampus and BDNF, GABA_b1, and NGF in the prefrontal cortex than the Abx group. The latency period was longer in the Morris water maze test while longer rest time was seen in tail suspension test in the Abx group than the control and Abx + N1115 groups. In the open field test, the moving time and distance of the Abx group were reduced. Further, the alpha-diversity indexes of the Abx and Abx + N1115 groups were significantly lower than the control. Further, long-term exposure to antibiotics disrupted the intestinal microbiota as evidenced by decreased Bacteroides, Firmicutes, and Lactobacillus, and increased Proteobacteria and Citrobacter. However, N1115 significantly decreased the abundance of Citrobacter when compared with those in the Abx group. These results indicate that antibiotics can substantially damage the intestinal microbiota and cognitive function, causing anxiety and depression, which can be alleviated by heat-inactivated N1115 via modulation of the microbiota–gut–brain axis.

Chemically Induced Colitis-Associated Cancer Models in Rodents for Pharmacological Modulation: A Systematic Review

Animal models for colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CACC) represent an important tool to explore the mechanistic basis of cancer-related inflammation, providing important evidence that several inflammatory mediators play specific roles in the initiation and perpetuation of colitis and CACC. Although several original articles have been published describing the CACC model in rodents, there is no consensus about the induction method. This review aims to identify, summarize, compare, and discuss the chemical methods for the induction of CACC through the PRISMA methodology.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE via the Pubmed platform for studies published through March 2021, using a highly sensitive search expression. The inclusion criteria were only original articles, articles where a chemically-induced animal model of CACC is described, preclinical studies in vivo with rodents, and articles published in English.

RESULTS

Chemically inducible models typically begin with the administration of a carcinogenic compound (as azoxymethane (AOM) or 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)), and inflammation is caused by repeated cycles of colitis-inducing agents (such as 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) or dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)). The strains mostly used are C57BL/6 and Balb/c with 5-6 weeks. To characterize the preclinical model, the parameters more used include body weight, stool consistency and morbidity, inflammatory biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, angiogenesis markers such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), marker of proliferation Ki-67, and caspase 3, the presence of ulcers, thickness or hyperemia in the colon, and histological evaluation of inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The AOM administration seems to be important to the CACC induction method, since the carcinogenic effect is achieved with just one administration. DSS has been the more used inflammatory agent; however, the TNBS contribution should be more studied, since it allows a reliable, robust, and a highly reproducible animal model of intestinal inflammation.

The modulation and mechanism of probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules on the immune response in allergic diseases

Allergic diseases, derived from the dysregulation of immune tolerance mechanisms, have been rising in the last two decades. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules exhibit a protective effect against allergic diseases, involving regulation of Th1/Th2 balance, induction of differentiation of T regulatory cells and activation of dendritic cells (DCs). DCs have a central role in controlling the immune response through their interaction with gut microbiota via their pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors and C-type-lectin receptors. This review discusses the effects and critical mechanism of probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules in regulating the immune system to alleviate allergic diseases. We first describe the development of immune response in allergic diseases and recent relevant findings. Particular emphasis is placed on the effects of probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules on allergic immune response. Then, we discuss the underlying mechanism of the impact of probiotic-derived polysaccharide capsules on DCs-mediated immune tolerance induction.

Effects of combined OncoTherad immunotherapy and probiotic supplementation on modulating the chronic inflammatory process in colorectal carcinogenesis

This study evaluated the effects of combined OncoTherad immunotherapy and probiotic supplementation on colorectal carcinogenesis chemically induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in mice. The animals were randomly allocated in five groups: Control, DMH: did not receive any treatment; DMH + OncoTherad: received weekly I.P. (intraperitoneal) dose of OncoTherad; DMH + Probiotic: received daily administrations via gavage of the functional food (Lactobacillus: acidophilus and paracasei, Bifidobacterium: lactis and bifidum) and DMH + Probiotic + OncoTherad: received the same treatment than the previous groups. After ten weeks of treatment, the large intestine was collected for immunohistochemical analysis of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-6, TLR2, TRIF, IRF-3, IFN-γ, Ki-67, KRAS, IL-10, and TGF-β. For the statistical analysis, the variance tests (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis were used and significance set at p < 0.05. Probiotic supplementation associated with the OncoTherad were able to modulate weight loss, stimulate the canonical signaling pathway TLR2/TLR4 (MyD88-dependent), reduce the non-canonical signaling pathway (TRIF-dependent), attenuate the proliferative pathway mediated by Ki-67 and KRAS oncogene, and stimulate the production of IL-10 and TGF-β cytokines. Thus, the association of OncoTherad and probiotic supplementation has shown important immudomulatory effects and could be considered a potential new therapeutic approach for colorectal cancer after further investigations.

Lactobacillus murinus alleviate intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury through promoting the release of interleukin-10 from M2 macrophages via Toll-like receptor 2 signaling

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has high morbidity and mortality rates. Gut microbiota is a potential key factor affecting intestinal I/R injury. Populations exhibit different sensitivities to intestinal I/R injury; however, whether this interpopulation difference is related to variation in gut microbiota is unclear. Here, to elucidate the interaction between the gut microbiome and intestinal I/R injury, we performed 16S DNA sequencing on the preoperative feces of C57BL/6 mice and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments in germ-free mice. The transwell co-culture system of small intestinal organoids extracted from control mice and macrophages extracted from control mice or Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-deficient mice or interleukin-10 (IL-10)-deficient mice were established separately to explore the potential mechanism of reducing intestinal I/R injury.

RESULTS

Intestinal I/R-sensitive (Sen) and intestinal I/R-resistant (Res) mice were first defined according to different survival outcomes of mice suffering from intestinal I/R. Fecal microbiota composition and diversity prior to intestinal ischemia differed between Sen and Res mice. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus murinus (L. murinus) at the species level was drastically higher in Res than that in Sen mice. Clinically, the abundance of L. murinus in preoperative feces of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery was closely related to the degree of intestinal I/R injury after surgery. Treatment with L. murinus significantly prevented intestinal I/R-induced intestinal injury and improved mouse survival, which depended on macrophages involvement. Further, in vitro experiments indicated that promoting the release of IL-10 from macrophages through TLR2 may be a potential mechanism for L. murinus to reduce intestinal I/R injury.

CONCLUSION

The gut microbiome is involved in the postoperative outcome of intestinal I/R. Lactobacillus murinus alleviates mice intestinal I/R injury through macrophages, and promoting the release of IL-10 from macrophages through TLR2 may be a potential mechanism for L. murinus to reduce intestinal I/R injury. This study revealed a novel mechanism of intestinal I/R injury and a new therapeutic strategy for clinical practice. Video Abstract.

Efficacy of Probiotics-Based Interventions as Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Recent Update

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus spp. play an important role in human health as they embark beneficial effect on the human gastrointestinal microflora composition and immune system. Dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal microbial composition has been identified as a major contributor to chronic inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Higher prevalence of IBD is often recorded in most of the developed Western countries, but recent data has shown an increase in previously regarded as lower risk regions, such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and India. Although the IBD etiology remains a subject of speculation, the disease is likely to have developed because of interaction between extrinsic environmental elements; the host’s immune system, and the gut microbial composition. Compared to conventional treatments, probiotics and probiotic-based interventions including the introduction of specific prebiotics, symbiotic and postbiotic products had been demonstrated as more promising therapeutic measures. The present review discusses the association between gut dysbiosis, the pathogenesis of IBD, and risk factors leading to gut dysbiosis. In addition, it discusses recent studies focused on the alteration of the gastrointestinal microbiome as an effective therapy for IBD. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other viral infections on IBD are also discussed in this review. Clinical and animal-based studies have shown that probiotic-based therapies can restore the gastrointestinal microbiota balance and reduce gut inflammations. Therefore, this review also assesses the status quo of these microbial-based therapies for the treatment of IBD. A better understanding of the mechanisms of their actions on modulating altered gut microbiota is required to enhance the effectiveness of the IBD therapeutics.

Probiotics and gut microbiota: mechanistic insights into gut immune homeostasis through TLR pathway regulation

Consumption of probiotics as a useful functional food improves the host's wellbeing, and, when paired with prebiotics (indigestible dietary fibre/carbohydrate), often benefits the host through anaerobic fermentation.

Toll-Like Receptors as Drug Targets in the Intestinal Epithelium

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) receptors are responsible for initiation of inflammatory responses by their recognition of molecular patterns present in invading microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses or fungi) or in molecules released following tissue damage in disease states. Expressed in the intestinal epithelium, they initiate an intracellular signalling cascade in response to molecular patterns resulting in the activation of transcription factors and the release of cytokines, chemokines and vasoactive molecules. Intestinal epithelial cells are exposed to microorganisms on a daily basis and form part of the primary defence against pathogens by using TLRs. TLRs and their accessory molecules are subject to tight regulation in these cells so as to not overreact or react in unnecessary circumstances. TLRs have more recently been associated with chronic inflammatory diseases as a result of inappropriate regulation, this can be damaging and lead to chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Targeting Toll-like receptors offers a potential therapeutic approach for IBD. In this review, the current knowledge on the TLRs is reviewed along with their association with intestinal diseases. Finally, compounds that target TLRs in animal models of IBD, clinic trials and their future merit as targets are discussed.

Topical Administration of Heat-Killed Enterococcus faecalis Strain KH2 Promotes Re-Epithelialization and Granulation Tissue Formation during Skin Wound-Healing

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known to have beneficial effects on immune responses when they are orally administered as bacterial products. Although the beneficial effects of LAB have been reported for the genera Lactobacillus and Lactococcus, little has been uncovered on the effects of the genus Enterococcus on skin wound-healing. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis KH2 (heat-killed KH2) strain on the wound-healing process and to evaluate the therapeutic potential in chronic skin wounds. We analyzed percent wound closure, re-epithelialization, and granulation area, and cytokine and growth factor production. We found that heat-killed KH2 contributed to the acceleration of re-epithelialization and the formation of granulation tissue by inducing tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor production. In addition, heat-killed KH2 also improved wound closure, which was accompanied by the increased production of TGF-β1 in diabetic mice. Topical administration of heat-killed KH2 might have therapeutic potential for the treatment of chronic skin wounds in diabetes mellitus. In the present study, we concluded that heat-killed KH2 promoted skin wound-healing through the formation of granulation tissues and the production of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors.

Akkermansia muciniphila Exerts Strain-Specific Effects on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Akkermansia muciniphila is a commensal bacterium of the gut mucus layer. Although both in vitro and in vivo data have shown that A. muciniphila strains exhibit strain-specific modulation of gut functions, its ability to moderate immunity to ulcerative colitis have not been verified. We selected three isolated human A. muciniphila strains (FSDLZ39M14, FSDLZ36M5 and FSDLZ20M4) and the A. muciniphila type strain ATCC BAA-835 to examine the effects of different A. muciniphila strains on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. All of the A. muciniphila strains were cultured anaerobically in brain heart infusion medium supplemented with 0.25% type II mucin from porcine stomach. To create animal models, colitis was established in C57BL/6 mice which randomly divided into six groups with 10 mice in each group by adding 3% dextran sulfate sodium to drinking water for 7 days. A. muciniphila strains were orally administered to the mice at a dose of 1 × 10⁹ CFU. Only A. muciniphila FSDLZ36M5 exerted significant protection against ulcerative colitis (UC) by increasing the colon length, restoring body weight, decreasing gut permeability and promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine expression. However, the other strains (FSDLZ39M14, ATCC BAA-835 and FSDLZ20M4) failed to provide these effects. Notably, A. muciniphila FSDLZ20M4 showed a tendency to exacerbate inflammation according to several indicators. Gut microbiota sequencing showed that A. muciniphila FSDLZ36M5 supplementation recovered the gut microbiota of mice to a similar state to that of the control group. A comparative genomic analysis demonstrated that the positive effects of A. muciniphila FSDLZ36M5 compared with the FSDLZ20M4 strain may be associated with specific functional genes that are involved in immune defense mechanisms and protein synthesis. Our results verify the efficacy of A. muciniphila in improving UC and provide gene targets for the efficient and rapid screening of A. muciniphila strains with UC-alleviating effects.

Impact of the Gut Microbiota Balance on the Health-Disease Relationship: The Importance of Consuming Probiotics and Prebiotics

Gut microbiota is a group of microorganisms that are deposited throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. Currently, thanks to genomic tools, studies of gut microbiota have pointed towards the understanding of the metabolism of important bacteria that are not cultivable and their relationship with human homeostasis. Alterations in the composition of gut microbiota could explain, at least in part, some epidemics, such as diabetes and obesity. Likewise, dysbiosis has been associated with gastrointestinal disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancer. That is why several studies have recently been focused on the direct relationship that these types of conditions have with the specific composition of gut microbiota, as in the case of the microbiota-intestine-brain axis. In the same way, the control of microbiota is related to the diet. Therefore, this review highlights the importance of gut microbiota, from its composition to its relationship with the human health-disease condition, as well as emphasizes the effect of probiotic and prebiotic consumption on the balance of its composition.

Lactobacillus acidophilus KLDS 1.0738 inhibits TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway in β-lactoglobulin-induced macrophages via modulating miR-146a

Our previous study has confirmed that Lactobacillus acidophilus KLDS 1.0738 (La KLDS 1.0738) could alleviate β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg)-induced allergic inflammation. This study further explored its molecular regulation mechanism through an in vitro macrophage model. β-Lg-induced macrophages were treated with strains of viable or non-viable L. acidophilus and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor or miR-146a inhibitor. Our results revealed that β-Lg stimulation led to the increased expression of TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway in macrophages. Similar to TLR4 inhibitor treatment, La KLDS 1.0738 interventions significantly reduced the allergic inflammation by inhibition of TLR4 pathway, which was superior to the commercial L. acidophilus GMNL-185 strains (La GMNL-185) or the control, especially in living L. acidophilus-treated group. Furthermore, La KLDS 1.0738 strains could remarkably reduce transduction of TLR4 and inflammatory cytokine production, which was closely associated with up-regulation of miR-146a levels. MiR-146a inhibitor attenuated the alleviative effect of La KLDS 1.0738, indicating miR-146a might be a crucial mediator of L. acidophilus strains to reduce β-Lg-induced inflammation in macrophages through TLR4 pathway. In conclusion, these observations highlighted that probiotics might regulate host miRNA levels to down-regulate TLR4/NF-κB-dependent inflammation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common diseases of food allergy, which has a high prevalence in infants and young children. La KLDS 1.0738 has been shown to be effective in alleviating β-Lg-induced allergic inflammation. Our study further found that treatment with La KLDS 1.0738 could suppress the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway via modulating miR-146a expression, thereby reducing the overexpression of downstream inflammatory factors. This study not only elucidates the specific pathway of La KLDS 1.0738 to relieve allergic inflammation, but also provides a new insight into the molecular mechanism for the remission and treatment of CMA by probiotics.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics in Gut Inflammation: A Door to the Body

Hosting millions of microorganisms, the digestive tract is the primary and most important part of bacterial colonization. On one side, in cases of opportunistic invasion, the abundant bacterial population inside intestinal tissues may face potential health problems such as inflammation and infections. Therefore, the immune system has evolved to sustain the host-microbiota symbiotic relationship. On the other hand, to maintain host immune homeostasis, the intestinal microflora often exerts an immunoregulatory function that cannot be ignored. A field of great interest is the association of either microbiota or probiotics with the immune system concerning clinical uses. This microbial community regulates some of the host's metabolic and physiological functions and drives early-life immune system maturation, contributing to their homeostasis throughout life. Changes in gut microbiota can occur through modification in function, composition (dysbiosis), or microbiota-host interplays. Studies on animals and humans show that probiotics can have a pivotal effect on the modulation of immune and inflammatory mechanisms; however, the precise mechanisms have not yet been well defined. Diet, age, BMI (body mass index), medications, and stress may confound the benefits of probiotic intake. In addition to host gut functions (permeability and physiology), all these agents have profound implications for the gut microbiome composition. The use of probiotics could improve the gut microbial population, increase mucus-secretion, and prevent the destruction of tight junction proteins by decreasing the number of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). When LPS binds endothelial cells to toll-like receptors (TLR 2, 4), dendritic cells and macrophage cells are activated, and inflammatory markers are increased. Furthermore, a decrease in gut dysbiosis and intestinal leakage after probiotic therapy may minimize the development of inflammatory biomarkers and blunt unnecessary activation of the immune system. In turn, probiotics improve the differentiation of T-cells against Th2 and development of Th2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10. The present narrative review explores the interactions between gut microflora/probiotics and the immune system starting from the general perspective of a biological plausibility to get to the in vitro and in vivo demonstrations of a probiotic-based approach up to the possible uses for novel therapeutic strategies.

COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on the importance of food safety practices: risks, global recommendations, and perspectives

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is global health and humanitarian emergency. To respond effectively to this pandemic, it is mandatory to reaffirm science in its different fields of study, including the food safety area. Presently, we review food safety in times of COVID-19, exploring whether the virus can be transmitted by food or water; recommendations from regulatory agencies; perceptions of food hygiene practices during the pandemic; and post-pandemic perspectives. The review was based on papers published in Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed, and covered recommendations of public health protection and regulatory agencies around the world. The transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) by food was not confirmed until the present time. In any case, the protocols already established for food safety were reinforced, emphasizing the proper hygiene of hands after shopping, handling food packages, or before manipulating or eating food, adequate social distance, the use of individual protection equipment, the health of employees, and the proper preparation of food. It is hoped, in the post-pandemic scenario, to reach a better understanding of the particularities that led to greater care with food hygiene. Moreover, it is expected that the food system will creatively adapt the way meals are served.

Physiological Characteristics of Lactobacillus casei Strains and Their Alleviation Effects against Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Lactobacillus casei, one of the most widely used probiotics, has been reported to alleviate multiple diseases. However, the effects of this species on intestinal diseases are strain-specific. Here, we aimed to screen L. casei strains with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-alleviating effects based on in vitro physiological characteristics. Therefore, the physiological characteristics of 29 L. casei strains were determined, including gastrointestinal transit tolerance, oligosaccharide fermentation, HT-29 cell adhesion, generation time, exopolysaccharide production, acetic acid production, and conjugated linoleic acid synthesis. The effects of five candidate strains on mice with induced colitis were also evaluated. The results showed that among all tested L. casei strains, only Lactobacillus casei M2S01 effectively relieved colitis. This strain recovered body weight, restored disease activity index score, and promoted anti-inflammatory cytokine expression. Gut microbiota sequencing showed that L. casei M2S01 restored a healthy gut microbiome composition. The western blotting showed that the alleviating effects of L. casei M2S01 on IBD were related to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. A good gastrointestinal tolerance ability may be one of the prerequisites for the IBDalleviating effects of L. casei. Our results verified the efficacy of L. casei in alleviating IBD and lay the foundation for the rapid screening of L. casei strain with IBD-alleviating effects.

Immune modulation via T regulatory cell enhancement: Disease-modifying therapies for autoimmunity and their potential for chronic allergic and inflammatory diseases-An EAACI position paper of the Task Force on Immunopharmacology (TIPCO)

Therapeutic advances using targeted biologicals and small-molecule drugs have achieved significant success in the treatment of chronic allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases particularly for some patients with severe, treatment-resistant forms. This has been aided by improved identification of disease phenotypes. Despite these achievements, not all severe forms of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are successfully targeted, and current treatment options, besides allergen immunotherapy for selected allergic diseases, fail to change the disease course. T cell-based therapies aim to cure diseases through the selective induction of appropriate immune responses following the delivery of engineered, specific cytotoxic, or regulatory T cells (Tregs). Adoptive cell therapies (ACT) with genetically engineered T cells have revolutionized the oncology field, bringing curative treatment for leukemia and lymphoma, while therapies exploiting the suppressive functions of Tregs have been developed in nononcological settings, such as in transplantation and autoimmune diseases. ACT with Tregs are also being considered in nononcological settings such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and chronic inflammatory disorders. After describing the general features of T cell-based approaches and current applications in autoimmune diseases, this position paper reviews the experimental models testing or supporting T cell-based approaches, especially Treg-based approaches, in severe IgE-mediated responses and chronic respiratory airway diseases, such as severe asthma and COPD. Along with an assessment of challenges and unmet needs facing the application of ACT in these settings, this article underscores the potential of ACT to offer curative options for patients with severe or treatment-resistant forms of these immune-driven disorders.

Intestinal Regulatory T Cells

Mucosal surfaces are distinctive sites exposed to environmental, dietary, and microbial antigens. Particularly in the gut, the host continuously actively adapts via complex interactions between the microbiota and dietary compounds and immune and other tissue cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for tuning the intestinal immune response to self- and non-self-antigens in the intestine. Its importance in intestinal homeostasis is illustrated by the onset of overt inflammation caused by deficiency in Treg generation, function, or stability in the gut. A substantial imbalance in Tregs has been observed in intestinal tissue during pathogenic conditions, when a tightly regulated and equilibrated system becomes dysregulated and leads to unimpeded and chronic immune responses. In this chapter, we compile and critically discuss the current knowledge on the key factors that promote Treg-mediated tolerance in the gut, such as those involved in intestinal Treg differentiation, specificity and suppressive function, and their immunophenotype during health and disease. We also discuss the current state of knowledge on Treg dysregulation in human intestine during pathological states such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and colorectal cancer (CRC), and how that knowledge is guiding development of Treg-targeted therapies to treat or prevent intestinal disorders.

Postbiotics-parabiotics: the new horizons in microbial biotherapy and functional foods

Probiotics have several health benefits by modulating gut microbiome; however, techno-functional limitations such as viability controls have hampered their full potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Therefore, the focus is gradually shifting from viable probiotic bacteria towards non-viable paraprobiotics and/or probiotics derived biomolecules, so-called postbiotics. Paraprobiotics and postbiotics are the emerging concepts in the functional foods field because they impart an array of health-promoting properties. Although, these terms are not well defined, however, for time being these terms have been defined as here. The postbiotics are the complex mixture of metabolic products secreted by probiotics in cell-free supernatants such as enzymes, secreted proteins, short chain fatty acids, vitamins, secreted biosurfactants, amino acids, peptides, organic acids, etc. While, the paraprobiotics are the inactivated microbial cells of probiotics (intact or ruptured containing cell components such as peptidoglycans, teichoic acids, surface proteins, etc.) or crude cell extracts (i.e. with complex chemical composition)". However, in many instances postbiotics have been used for whole category of postbiotics and parabiotics. These elicit several advantages over probiotics like; (i) availability in their pure form, (ii) ease in production and storage, (iii) availability of production process for industrial-scale-up, (iv) specific mechanism of action, (v) better accessibility of Microbes Associated Molecular Pattern (MAMP) during recognition and interaction with Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRR) and (vi) more likely to trigger only the targeted responses by specific ligand-receptor interactions. The current review comprehensively summarizes and discussed various methodologies implied to extract, purify, and identification of paraprobiotic and postbiotic compounds and their potential health benefits.

Bamboo leaf flavone changed the community of cecum microbiota and improved the immune function in broilers

It has been shown that bamboo leaf flavone (BLF) displays biological and pharmacological activities in mammals. However, the effects of BLF on broiler gut microbiota and related immune function have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to test our hypothesis that BLF can improve the health status of broilers by modulating the gut microbiota. A total of 300 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were used to characterize their gut microbiota and immune status after feeding diet supplemented with BLF. The V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene from cecal bacteria was sequenced via the Illumina MiSeq platform. The Immune status and related parameters were assessed, including the immune organ index (the spleen, thymus, and bursa), serum concentrations of IL-2 and INF-γ, and spleen IL-2 and INF-γ gene expressions. The results showed the BLF diet had an Immune enhancement effect on broilers. In addition, BFL caused the changes of the gut microbial community structure, resulting in greater proportions of bacterial taxa belonging to Lactobacillus, Clostridiales, Ruminococcus, and Lachnospiraceae. These bacteria have been used as probiotics for producing short chain fatty acids in hosts. These results indicate that BLF supplement improves immune function in chicken via modulation of the gut microbiota.

Discovery of a Novel Multi-Strains Probiotic Formulation with Improved Efficacy toward Intestinal Inflammation

Dysbiosis is commonly detected in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), supporting the concept that a dysregulated immune reaction to bacterial antigens has a pathogenic role in the development of intestinal inflammation. In the present study, we have investigated the beneficial effects of a novel probiotic formulation assembled by combining four probiotics (Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis) with Bacillus subtilis, a Gram-positive bacterium, with extensive bio-applications. Mice rendered colitic by administration of TNBS or DSS were administered with Bacillus subtilis alone, Vivomixx® or the novel Five strains formulation. Vivomixx® attenuated the severity of inflammation and reduced the development of signs and symptoms of colitis in both models. Adding Bacillus subtilis to Vivomixx® improved the beneficial effects of the bacterial therapy. The novel Five strains formulation was as effective as Vivomixx® in reducing the development of signs and symptoms of colitis and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators including Il-6 and Tnf-α while increased the expression of Il-10 mRNA and the number of Treg. In summary, we have shown that a novel Five strains probiotics formulation exerts beneficial effects on two chemical models of colitis, establishing Bacillus subtilis as a probiotic in rodent models of inflammation.