Lactobacillus rhamnosus: An emerging probiotic with therapeutic potential for depression

Lactobacilli-Mediated Regulation of the Microbial-Immune Axis: A Review of Key Mechanisms, Influencing Factors, and Application Prospects

Lactobacilli, as the main member of food microorganisms, is an important component of the intestinal microbial community and plays crucial roles in regulating the immune capacity of the body. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the key components of Lactobacilli-mediated immune regulation effects, including the immunogenic components (peptidoglycan and lipoteichoic acid) and metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, bacteriocins, and exopolysaccharides), which can interact with host immune cell receptors to initiate complex immune signaling pathways. In addition, the immunomodulatory activity can be influenced by multiple factors including species differences, host-related factors (age, physiological conditions, and gut microbiota), and environmental factors (nutrient substrates, temperatures, etc.), and the application strategies including precision probiotic development, gene-editing driven engineering, and nanocarrier systems have also been proposed to enhance the immunomodulatory potential. Finally, this review provides the theoretical basis for microbial intervention in immune-related diseases and offers prospects for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Probiotics as a Treatment of Chronic Stress Associated Abnormalities

Chronic stress is a widespread problem that significantly affects both physical and mental health, leading to numerous complications such as mood disorders, cognitive impairments, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic diseases. The dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and the gut-brain axis underlies several stress related disorders, leading to systemic inflammation, neuroinflammation, dysbiosis, and impaired gut barrier integrity. This review emphasizes the growing significance of probiotics as a potential treatment strategy for addressing chronic stress. Probiotics are living bacteria that provide health benefits when consumed in sufficient quantities, acting via several processes including restoration of gut microbial composition, augmentation of gut barrier integrity, and synthesis bioactive compounds such as neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids. These effects lead to reduced systemic and neuroinflammation, enhanced neuroplasticity, and the regulation of stress responsive pathways, including the HPA axis. Moreover, probiotics enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity by modulating vagus signaling. Current review indicates the promise of probiotics in alleviating chronic stress; nonetheless, substantial gaps exist regarding strain specific benefits, appropriate doses, and long-term safety. It is essential to address these constraints by comprehensive, large scale clinical studies and tailored therapies. This review highlights the significance of probiotics as a natural, non-invasive approach to chronic stress management, providing an innovative solution for the worldwide issue of stress related health problems.