Antagonistics of Lactobacillus plantarum ZDY2013 against Helicobacter pylori SS1 and its infection in vitro in human gastric epithelial AGS cells

Lactic acid bacteria target NF-κB signaling to alleviate gastric inflammation

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the resulting gastric inflammation are major contributors to gastric cancer development. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus, are promising for their anti-inflammatory potential, yet their exact mechanisms in inhibiting H. pylori-induced inflammation are unclear. In our previous study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316 (L. plantarum ZJ316) demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects against H. pylori infection in vivo, but its precise mechanisms were not fully understood. Here, we aimed to investigate how L. plantarum ZJ316 inhibits the inflammatory response to H. pylori infection. Our results demonstrated that L. plantarum ZJ316 effectively reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. Mechanistically, L. plantarum ZJ316 inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway by preventing the degradation of IκBα, suppressing p65 phosphorylation, and blocking the nuclear translocation of phosphorylated p65. Treatment with the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 further decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels, confirming the inhibitory effect of L. plantarum ZJ316 on the NF-κB pathway. In H. pylori-infected mice, oral administration of L. plantarum ZJ316 significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced TNF-α and pepsinogen II (PGII) levels, and increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in serum. A comparative metagenomic analysis of the gastric microbiota revealed a decrease in Prevotella and Desulfovibrio, alongside an increase in Ligilactobacillus and Akkermansia, supporting the protective effects of L. plantarum ZJ316 and correlating with their decreased inflammatory response. In summary, administration of L. plantarum ZJ316 demonstrated robust anti-inflammatory effects against H. pylori infection by suppressing NF-κB signaling and promoting favorable changes in the gastric microbiota composition. Therefore, L. plantarum ZJ316 holds promise as a novel functional food for protecting the body against H. pylori infection.

Opportunities for Helicobacter pylori Eradication beyond Conventional Antibiotics

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium known to be associated with a significant risk of gastric cancer in addition to chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and MALT lymphoma. Although only a small percentage of patients infected with H. pylori develop gastric cancer, Gastric cancer causes more than 750,000 deaths worldwide, with 90% of cases being caused by H. pylori. The eradication of this bacterium rests on multiple drug regimens as guided by various consensus. However, the efficacy of empirical therapy is decreasing due to antimicrobial resistance. In addition, biofilm formation complicates eradication. As the search for new antibiotics lags behind the bacterium's ability to mutate, studies have been directed toward finding new anti-H. pylori agents while also optimizing current drug functions. Targeting biofilm, repurposing outer membrane vesicles that were initially a virulence factor of the bacteria, phage therapy, probiotics, and the construction of nanoparticles might be able to complement or even be alternatives for H. pylori treatment. This review aims to present reports on various compounds, either new or combined with current antibiotics, and their pathways to counteract H. pylori resistance.

Effects of Latilactobacillus sakei LZ217 on Gastric Mucosal Colonization, Metabolic Interference, and Urease Expression in Helicobacter pylori Infection

Emerging evidence suggests differential antagonism of lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) to Helicobacter pylori, posing challenges to human health and food safety due to unclear mechanisms. This study assessed 21 LAB strains from various sources on H. pylori growth, urease activity, and coaggregation. Composite scoring revealed that Latilactobacillus sakei LZ217, derived from fresh milk, demonstrates strong inhibitory effects on both H. pylori growth and urease activity. L. sakei LZ217 significantly reduced H. pylori adherence of gastric cells in vitro, with inhibition ratios of 47.62%. Furthermore, in vivo results showed that L. sakei LZ217 alleviated H. pylori-induced gastric mucosa damage and inflammation in mice. Metabolomic exploration revealed metabolic perturbations in H. pylori induced by L. sakei LZ217, including reduced amino acid levels (e.g., isoleucine, leucine, glutamate, aspartate, and phenylalanine) and impaired carbohydrate and nucleotide synthesis, contributing to the suppression of ureA (28.30%), ureE (84.88%), and ureF (59.59%) expressions in H. pylori. This study underscores the efficacy of LAB against H. pylori and highlights metabolic pathways as promising targets for future interventions against H. pylori growth and colonization.

Evaluation of probiotic properties of a Brevibacillus laterosporus strain

Brevibacillus laterosporus is a strain of probiotic bacteria that has been widely used in pest control, cash crop, and other production areas. However, few studies have been conducted on its use as a feed additive in animals. Therefore, the probiotic potential of B. laterosporus PBC01 was evaluated by characterizing hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation activity, bile salt and simulated gastrointestinal fluid tolerance, bienzymatic, and antibacterial activity. Antibiotic susceptibility, hemolysis assays, and supplemental feeding of mice were also performed to evaluate safety features. Our results showed that B. laterosporus PBC01 had moderate hydrophobicity, high auto-agglutination ability. Meanwhile, B. laterosporus PBC01 had good tolerance to bile salt and simulated gastrointestinal fluid. It had the ability to secrete protease, cellulase, and to inhibit various pathogens. In addition, B. laterosporus PBC01 was sensitive to many antibiotics, and did not produce hemolysin. In the safety assessment of mice, it did not cause any deaths, nor did it affect the cell components of blood, antioxidant capacity, and reproductive health. The study indicated the great probiotic characteristics and safety of B. laterosporus PBC01. This may provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application and development of probiotic-based feed additives.

Characterization, mechanism and in vivo validation of Helicobacter pylori antagonism by probiotics screened from infants' feces and oral cavity

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major cause of chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric carcinoma. Antibiotics, the conventional regimen for eliminating H. pylori, cause severe bacterial resistance, gut dysbiosis and hepatic insufficiency. Here, fifty lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were initially screened out of 266 strains obtained from infants' feces and oral cavity. The antagonistic properties of these 50 strains against H. pylori were investigated. Based on eight metrics combined with principal component analysis, three LAB with probiotic function and excellent anti-H. pylori capacity were affirmed. Combining dynamics test, metabolite assays, adhesion assays, co-cultivation experiments, and SEM and TEM observations, LAB were found to antagonize H. pylori by causing coccoid conversion and intercellular adhesion. Furthermore, it was found that LAB antagonized H. pylori by four pathways, i.e., production of anti-H. pylori substances, inhibition of H. pylori colonization, enhancement of the gastric mucosal barrier, and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, animal model experiments verified that the final screened superior strain L. salivarius NCUH062003 had anti-H. pylori activity in vivo. LAB also reduced IL-8 secretion, ultimately alleviating the inflammatory response of gastric mucosa. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data showed that the NCUH062003 genome contained the secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene cluster T3PKS. Furthermore, NCUH062003 had a strong energy metabolism and substance transport capacity, and produced a small molecule heat stable peptide (SHSP, 4.1-6.5 kDa). Meanwhile, LAB proved to be safe through antibiotic susceptibility testing and CARD database comparisons.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 in Helicobacter pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice: prevention is better than cure

Objectives

This study was performed to explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 on H. pylori infections of the stomach tissue in C57BL/6 mice.

Methods

In this study, 40 specific-pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups, namely, the control, ZFM4 pretreatment) ZFM4 pretreatment before H. pylori infected), model (H. pylori infected), triple therapy (H. pylori infected and treated with triple therapy), and ZFM4 treatment groups (H. pylori infected and treated with ZFM4). The preventive and therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 were evaluated in H. pylori-infected C57BL/6 mice by assessing gastric tissue morphology, inflammatory cytokine levels, microbial composition, and microbial diversity.

Results

Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 was able to survive in low gastric pH and play a role in preventing H. pylori infection. This was evident from a reduction in both, the gastric inflammatory response and expression of inflammatory factors caused by H. pylori infection. Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 could also inhibit the growth of H. pylori via its beneficial impact on the gastric microbiota.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that Lactobacillus plantarum ZFM4 offers superior preventive effects against H. pylori infections when used alone. However, the therapeutic effect on established infections is weaker. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the specific dosage, duration, and other aspects of administration.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strain FLPL05 Promotes Longevity in Mice by Improving Intestinal Barrier

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FLPL05 on the lifespan and intestinal barrier of aged mice. L. plantarum FLPL05 significantly prolonged the lifespan of naturally aged mice, maintained the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier, and reduced the inflammation level. The analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed that L. plantarum FLPL05 increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and decreased the abundance of Bacteroides, accompanied by the increased proportions of Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio in intestinal microbiota as well as the reduced proportions of Roseburia and Parabacteroides. The intestinal proteomics revealed that the oral administration of L. plantarum FLPL05 significantly upregulated the tight junction and simultaneously inhibited the expression of apoptotic-related proteins. The immunohistochemistry results also indicated that L. plantarum FLPL05 promoted the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and reduced the apoptosis of intestinal cells. In addition, L. plantarum FLPL05 and the fermented supernatant increased the activity of HT-29. L. plantarum FLPL05 prolonged the lifespan by improving the health of the intestinal tract after aging and may be a potential probiotic and nutritional supplement for the elderly people.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316 Reduces Helicobacter pylori Adhesion and Inflammation by Inhibiting the Expression of Adhesin and Urease Genes

SCOPE

The present study aims to investigate the anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316 (L. plantarum ZJ316) both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study finds that L. plantarum ZJ316 effectively suppresses H. pylori adhesion in inhibition (Pre-ZJ316), competition (Co-ZJ316), and displacement (Post-ZJ316) assays, and Pre-ZJ316 displaying the most potent inhibitory effect with an impressive inhibition ratio of 70.14%. Upon anti-adhesion, L. plantarum ZJ316 significantly downregulates the expression of H. pylori virulence genes, including ureA, ureB, flaA, and sabA, with inhibition ratios of 46.83%, 24.02%, 21.42%, and 62.38% at 2 h, respectively. In addition, L. plantarum ZJ316 is observed to reduce the level of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and improve cell viability in infected AGS cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies show that supplementation with L. plantarum ZJ316 effectively hinders H. pylori colonization and significantly suppresses the infiltration of immune cells and IL-8 production with H. pylori infection, protecting host from inflammatory damage.

CONCLUSION

L. plantarum ZJ316 exhibits excellent adhesion inhibition on H. pylori, and may be used as a probiotic candidate in the prevention or adjuvant therapy of gastric disease caused by H. pylori.

Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-115 inhibit Helicobacter pylori colonization and gastric inflammation in a murine model

Purpose

To determine the role of Lactobacillus strains and their combinations in inhibiting the colonization of H. pylori and gastric mucosa inflammation.

Methods

Human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells were incubated with H. pylori and six probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, L. acidophilus La-14, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-115, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Lpc-37, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Lr-32, and L. rhamnosus GG) and the adhesion ability of H. pylori in different combinations was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and urease activity assay. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups (uninfected, H. pylori, H. pylori+NCFM, H. pylori+Lp-115, and H. pylori+NCFM+Lp-115) and treated with two lactobacilli strains (NCFM and Lp-115) for six weeks. H. pylori colonization and tissue inflammation statuses were determined by rapid urease test, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR and ELISA.

Results

L. acidophilus NCFM, L. acidophilus La-14, L. plantarum Lp-115, L. paracasei Lpc-37, L. rhamnosus Lr-32, and L. rhamnosus GG reduced H. pylori adhesion and inflammation caused by H. pylori infection in AGS cells and mice. Among all probiotics L. acidophilus NCFM and L. plantarum, Lp-115 showed significant effects on the H. pylori eradication and reduction of inflammation in-vitro and in-vivo. Compared with the H. pylori infection group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-8 and TNF-α in the six Lactobacillus intervention groups were significantly reduced. The changes in the urease activity (ureA and ureB) for 1-7h in each group showed that L. acidophilus NCFM, L. acidophilus La-14, L. plantarum Lp-115, and L. rhamnosus GG effectively reduced the colonization of H. pylori. We observed a higher ratio of lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration into the lamina propria of the gastric mucosa and neutrophil infiltration in H. pylori+NCFM+Lp-115 mice. The infiltration of inflammatory cells in lamina propria of the gastric mucosa was reduced in the H. pylori+NCFM+Lp-115 group. Additionally, the expression of IFN-γ was decreased significantly in the NCFM and Lp-115 treated C57BL/6 mice.

Conclusions

L. acidophilus NCFM and L. plantarum Lp-115 can reduce the adhesion of H. pylori and inhibit the gastric inflammatory response caused by H. pylori infection.

Study of the Effect of Baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis on the Gastrointestinal Tract Normoflora and Helicobacter pylori

The antimicrobial properties of baicalin against H. pylori and several probiotic cultures were evaluated. Baicalin was isolated from a dry plant extract obtained by extraction with water at 70 °C. For isolation, extraction was carried out with n-butanol and purification on a chromatographic column. The antimicrobial potential was assessed by evaluating changes in the optical density of the bacterial suspension during cultivation; additionally, the disk diffusion method was used. During the study, the baicalin concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) and the pH of the medium in the range of 1.5-8.0 were tested. The test objects were: suspensions of H. pylori, Lactobacillus casei, L. brevis, Bifidobacterium longum, and B. teenis. It was found that the greater the concentration of the substance in the solution, the greater the delay in the growth of the strain zone. Thus, the highest antimicrobial activity against H. pylori was observed at pH 1.5-2.0 and a baicalin concentration of 1.00 mg/mL. In relation to probiotic strains, a stimulating effect of baicalin (1.00 mg/mL) on the growth of L. casei biomass at pH 1.5-2.0 was observed. The results open up the prospects for the use of baicalin and probiotics for the treatment of diseases caused by H. pylori.

Mechanisms of microbial interactions between probiotic microorganisms and Helicobacter pylori

Infection caused by Helicobacter pylori is currently one of the most common infection in the world, but the clinical picture can vary from asymptomatic manifestations to the development of stomach cancer. In order to eradicate the pathogen various regimens of antibacterial therapy have been proposed, but recent studies indicate a decrease in efficiency of this therapy due to the increasing rate of H. pylori resistance to antibiotics, the appearance of side effects, including the development of dysbiosis. One of the perspective directions of an alternative approach to the treatment of helicobacteriosis is probiotic therapy. The usage of probiotic therapy of H. pylori infection has two main directions. The first one is associated with the usage of probiotics to reduce the frequency of undesirable effects from the gastrointestinal tract during H. pylori antimicrobial therapy and the second one is the potentiation of the eradication effect due to the antagonistic effect on H. pylori. The purpose of this review was to summarize the latest data about the mechanisms of microbial interactions between probiotic microorganisms and H. pylori. The review examines the influence of H. pylori on the gastrointestinal microbiota, interspecific interactions of microorganisms in microbial consortia, mechanisms of antagonistic action of probiotic cultures on H. pylori, as well as the analysis of experience of using probiotics in the treatment of helicobacteriosis. At the same time, there will be many unresolved questions about the choice of the specific composition of the probiotic cocktail, dosage, duration of therapy, mechanisms of antimicrobial action of probiotics, as well as possible negative sides of this therapy, which requires further research.

Optimization of growth of Levilactobacillus brevis SP 48 and in vitro evaluation of the effect of viable cells and high molecular weight potential postbiotics on Helicobacter pylori

Several Levilactobacillus brevis strains have the potential to be used as probiotics since they provide health benefits due to the interaction of live cells, and of their secreted products, with the host (tissues). Therefore, the development of simple fermentation processes that improve cell viability to reduce industrial production costs, and at the same time the characterization and biological evaluation of cell-free postbiotics that can further promote application, are of great interest. In the present study, small scale batch fermentations on semi defined media, deprived of animal derived raw materials, were used to optimize growth of L. brevis SP48, reaching 1.2 ± 0.4 × 1010 CFU/ml of viable cells after 16 h of growth. Displacement, competition, and inhibition assays compared the effect, on Helicobacter pylori, of L. brevis cells to that of its partially purified potentially postbiotic fraction rich in exopolysaccharides and proteins. The expression of pro and anti-inflammatory biochemical markers indicated that both samples activated antimicrobial defenses and innate immunity in a gastric model. Moreover, these compounds also acted as modulators of the inflammatory response in a gut in vitro model. These data demonstrate that the high molecular weight compounds secreted by L. brevis SP48 can contrast H. pylori and reduce inflammation related to intestinal bowel disease, potentially overcoming issues related to the preservation of probiotic viability.

Preventive and therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM54 on Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis by ameliorating inflammation and restoring gastric microbiota in mice model

Helicobacter pylori is the most prevalent pathogen causing chronic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, and gastric tumors and is asymptomatically present in 50% of the world's population. This research is focused on investigating the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM 54 (CCTCC NO:2016667) on attenuating H. pylori-induced gastritis. H. pylori ZJC03 isolated from a patient with gastritis harbored the virulence genes of vacA and cagA and was highly resistant to metronidazole (MIC > 256 μg/mL). In vitro analysis revealed that the potential anti-H. pylori characteristics of L. paracasei ZFM54 in terms of 65.57 ± 1.87% survival rate in simulated gastric juices at a pH of 2.0, 69.00 ± 2.73% auto-aggregation, 30.28 ± 2.24% co-aggregation, 70.27 ± 2.23% urease inhibition, and 57.89 ± 1.27% radical scavenging. In H. pylori infectious mice, L. paracasei ZFM54 pre- and post-treatment reduced the levels of malondialdehyde in liver tissues to 0.71 ± 0.04 nmol/mgprot (p < 0.05) and 0.70 ± 0.06 nmol/mgprot (p < 0.05), respectively. Glutathione levels were increased to 1.78 ± 0.02 μmol/gprot (p < 0.05) and 1.76 ± 0.52 μmol/gprot (p < 0.05), respectively. L. paracasei ZFM54 significantly inhibited H. pylori-mediated inflammation observed in gastric mucosal repair and downregulated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.01). Importantly, L. paracasei ZFM54 increased Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota and decreased the relative abundance of bacterial taxa belonging to Campilobacterota and Proteobacteria. With the preventive and therapeutic administration of L. paracasei ZFM54, significant reductions in the average relative abundance of genera Helicobacter, Muribaculum, Staphylococcus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Alloprevotella, and Oscillibacter were observed compared to infected mice. These findings suggest that L. paracasei ZFM 54 has the potential to protect against H. pylori infection by ameliorating inflammation and restoring the gastric microbiota.

The impacts of probiotics in eradication therapy of Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a well-known pathogen that infects approximately half of the world's population. It is a pathogenic agent with potential health hazards related to diverse diseases, especially digestive diseases, such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric carcinoma. In clinical, antibiotics are commonly applied in eradication therapy of H. pylori. However, the increase in antibiotic resistance and side effects has induced the failure of eradication therapy. Recent studies have shown that probiotic supplementation has promising application prospects. It can restore the gastrointestinal microbiota balance and prevent dysbacteriosis caused by antibiotics. Furthermore, it has been reported to have direct or indirect inhibitory effects on H. pylori. Probiotics may have a beneficial effect on H. pylori eradication. However, the strain, dosages, duration times, and safety of probiotic supplementation need further study before clinical applications.

Horizontally Acquired Polysaccharide-Synthetic Gene Cluster From Weissella cibaria Boosts the Probiotic Property of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are probiotic bacteria, maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier, and preventing the infection of pathogenic bacteria. Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are often involved in the probiotic property of L. plantarum. Here, we identified a new EPS-synthetic gene cluster, cpsWc, carrying 13 genes, laid on a large plasmid in a well-characterized probiotic L. plantarum strain LTC-113. The cpsWc gene cluster was horizontally acquired from Weissella cibaria, enhancing the biofilm formation ability of the host strain and its tolerance to harsh environmental stresses, including heat, acid, and bile. Transfer of cpsWc also conferred the probiotic properties to other L. plantarum strains. Moreover, cpsWc strengthened the adhesion of LTC-113 to intestinal epithelial cells. Both the cpsWc-carrying LTC-113 and its EPSs per se effectively attenuated the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory effect of intestinal epithelial cells, and inhibited the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, such as S. typhimurium and E. coli by exclusion and competition. The newly identified cpsWc gene cluster emphasized the contribution of mobile EPS-synthetic element on the probiotic activity of L. plantarum, and shed a light on the engineering of probiotic bacteria.

Whole genome and acid stress comparative transcriptome analysis of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZDY2013

Previous study has reported that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZDY2013 which was screened from traditional Chinese fermented soybeans has a strong acid resistance. The purpose of this study was to uncover the genes potentially related to its genetic adaptation and probiotic profiles, based on comparative genomic and comparative transcriptome analysis. We got the basic information about L. plantarum ZDY2013 and identified genes which are related to genetic adaptation and probiotic profiles, including carbohydrate transport and metabolism, cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis, proteolytic enzyme systems and amino acid biosynthesis, CRISPR adaptive immunity, stress responses, ability to adhere to the host intestinal wall, exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis, and bacteriocin biosynthesis. Comparative transcriptome showed CK group (normal MRS culture L. plantarum ZDY2013) and SCL group (pH 3.0 MRS culture L. plantarum ZDY2013) had 652 significant differentially expressed genes including 310 up-regulated genes and 342 down-regulated genes. Besides that, these genes had been classified through KEGG and GO functional annotation. In addition, we also found top 20 KEGG pathways adjusted to acid stress. Then, some genes were selected to verify the transcriptome analysis and explore the mechanism of how L. plantarum ZDY2013 tolerate acid stress. We found that some genes of ABC transporter, phosphotransferase system, oxidation reduction process, membrane transporter and phosphorylation metabolism process had a significant change. These results suggested that comparative characterization of the L. plantarum ZDY2013 genome and transcriptome provided the genetic basis for further elucidating the functional mechanisms of it.

In Vitro Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum LN66 and Antibiotics Used Alone or in Combination on Helicobacter pylori Mature Biofilm

Helicobacter pylori is a gastrointestinal pathogen with high prevalence that harms human health. Studies have shown that H. pylori can form antibiotic-tolerant biofilms, which may interfere with the efficacy of clinical antibiotic therapy. Probiotics can antagonize planktonic and biofilm pathogen cells and thus may play an auxiliary role in H. pylori antibiotic therapy. However, the effects of different probiotic strains and antibiotic combinations on H. pylori biofilms need to be further investigated. We determined the cell viability of H. pylori mature biofilms after treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum LN66 cell-free supernatant (CFS), clarithromycin (CLR), and levofloxacin (LVX) alone or in combination by the XTT method. Biofilm cells were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Subsequently, protein and polysaccharide concentrations in biofilm extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were quantitatively detected by the Bradford method and the phenol-sulfate method. The results showed that LN66 CFS had an eradication effect on mature H. pylori biofilm. When used in combination with CLR, LN66 CFS significantly attenuated the eradication effect of CLR on biofilms; in contrast, when used in combination with LVX, LN66 CFS enhanced the disrupting effect of LVX. We speculate that the different effects of CFS and antibiotic combinations on biofilms may be related to changes in the content of proteins and polysaccharides in EPS and that the combination of CFS and CLR might promote the secretion of EPS, while the combination of CFS and LVX might have the opposite effect. Accordingly, we suggest that supplementation with L. plantarum LN66 may provide additional help when therapy involving LVX is used for clinical H. pylori biofilm eradication, whereas it may impair CLR efficacy when therapy involving CLR is used.

Potentially Bioaccessible Phenolics from Mung Bean and Adzuki Bean Sprouts Enriched with Probiotic-Antioxidant Properties and Effect on the Motility and Survival of AGS Human Gastric Carcinoma Cells

Gastric digests from mung (MBS) and adzuki (ABS) bean sprouts enriched with probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v were tested for their antioxidant potential, as well as antiproliferative and antimotility properties, in human stomach cancer cells (AGS). The digest of ABS contained quercetin and kaempferol derivates, while kaempferol and apigenin derivates were dominant in MBS. Compared to the controls, the probiotic-rich sprouts had a higher antioxidant potential—by 13% and 9%, respectively. Adzuki bean sprouts decreased the viability of AGS already at low concentrations (25% motility inhibitions). MBS and ABS displayed dose-independent cytostatic effects. The ABS extracts decreased the proliferation of AGS more effectively than the MBS extracts—0.2‰ ABS exerted c.a. 70% of inhibitions. Moreover, the phytochemicals from the probiotic-rich sprouts considerably reduced this activity. The increased vinculin level, the apoptotic shape of cell nuclei, and the reduced cell motility and proliferation indicate that the extracts exhibited cytostatic and cytotoxic activity.

Treatment strategies and preventive methods for drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori infection

The infection and drug resistance rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are high and must be prevented and treated by better strategies. Based on recent research advances in this field as well as the results from our team and those on traditional Chinese medicine, we review the causes of drug resistance, and prevention and treatment strategies for drug-resistant H. pylori infection, with an aim to make suggestions for the development of new drugs, such as establishment of new target identification and screening systems, modification of existing drug structures, use of new technologies, application of natural products, and using a commercial compound library. This article may provide reference for eradication of drug-resistant H. pylori.

Using Probiotics as Supplementation for Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Therapy

Helicobacter pylori is a well-known pathogen that is highly prevalent in the world population, and H. pylori infection is potentially hazardous to humans because of its relationship to various gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastric ulcers, chronic gastritis, and gastric carcinoma. Therefore, the clinical guidelines recommend taking antibiotic therapy to eradicate the pathogen, which usually leads to the desired therapeutic effect. However, some failure cases of this therapy indicate that the increasing antibiotic resistance and side effects may affect the therapeutic effect. Here we propose that using probiotics as supplementation for antibiotic therapy may provide an extra help. Recent studies have shown that probiotic supplementation therapy has promising application prospects; it can enhance the antibiotic effect to achieve a better therapeutic result and maintain the balance of the host gastrointestinal microbiota. In summary, under global conditions of increasing H. pylori prevalence, probiotic supplementation therapy is worthy of further studies for future clinical application.