Anticancer activity of lactic acid bacteria

Oxidative stress and type 2 diabetes: a review of lactic acid bacteria as potential prophylactic and therapeutic interventions

Oxidative stress, which results from the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce protein, lipid, and DNA oxidation, has emerged as a key factor in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recently, the relationship between oxidative stress and T2D has gained considerable attention. Widely utilized as probiotics in fermented foods and beverages, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exhibit potent antioxidant properties. However, the precise mechanisms enabling LAB to behave as antioxidants remain elusive. LAB play a pivotal role in promoting and maintaining host health while mitigating the development and progression of various disorders, including T2D. Against the backdrop of a large number of studies highlighting the beneficial role of LAB in mitigating oxidative stress-related diseases, this review explores potential biomarkers for the prevention of oxidative stress and examines the potential contribution of LAB to the fight against T2D.

Evaluation of skin cancer prevention properties of probiotics

Bacteria play a crucial role in human health and disease pathogenesis. In recent years, the therapeutic potential of probiotics has gained increasing attention, with studies suggesting their application in treating various diseases, including cancer. We evaluated clinical data supporting the use of oral and topical probiotics for skin malignancies by conducting a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar. Although limited, clinical trials investigating probiotics in cancer prevention and treatment have shown promising results, particularly in controlling tumor progression and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Emerging research suggests that probiotics may contribute to skin cancer prevention by modulating the gut and skin microbiomes, enhancing immune responses, exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and inducing apoptosis. Given their antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on carcinoma cells, probiotic-based therapies may serve as potential cancer-preventive agents and adjunctive treatments during conventional therapies. Key findings from our review highlight the ability of probiotics to influence cancer progression through immune regulation, apoptosis induction, and modulation of inflammatory pathways. However, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and establish probiotics as a viable therapeutic approach in oncology.

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.

Effects of different additives on fermentation characteristics, nutrient composition and microbial communities of Leymus chinensis silage

BACKGROUND

Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel is a perennial high-quality indigenous grass in China; characterized by high yield, elevated crude protein content, excellent palatability, substantial leaf volume, adaptability, and longevity. This study aimed to examine the impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP), Lactobacillus buhneri (LB), their combination (LPLB), and complex enzyme preparation (CE) on the quality and microbial community of Leymus chinensis silage.

RESULTS

Throughout silage fermentation, pH levels decreased in all treatment groups relative to the control group. The LPLB group exhibited elevated levels of lactic acid (LA) and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) content, alongside reduced concentrations of acidic detergent fibre (ADF), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content. It exhibited superior silage outcomes compared to the other groups. Lactobacillus predominated in the treatment groups, but Enterobacter was predominant in the control group. The microbial diversity was decreased in LP and LPLB within the treatment groups due to the suppression of unwanted bacteria. Functional predictions indicated that glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, amino sugar metabolism, and nucleotide sugar metabolism were the most significant metabolic pathways, with LP being particularly important in each.

CONCLUSION

The experimental results demonstrated that the incorporation of various additives influenced the bacterial community structure, fermentation quality, and nutrient composition of Leymus chinensis silage differently. The LP and LPLB groups decreased pH and ADF levels and amassed a significant quantity of LA during fermentation, while preserving CP and WSC content. The microbial composition exhibited greater stability, which markedly enhanced the quality of Leymus chinensis silage, hence preserving its nutrient composition.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Prebiotics and Probiotics Supplementation in Pigs as a Model for Human Gut Health and Disease

Animal models are an essential part of translational research for the purpose of improving human health. The pig is a potential human research model that can be used to assess the effects of dietary interventions, pathologies, and drugs on gut health and the microbiome, due to its anatomical and physiological similarity to humans. It is recognised that a healthy gut is closely linked to the prevention of several chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal inflammation, as well as neurological and cardiovascular diseases. The use of prebiotics and probiotics plays an important role in maintaining a healthy digestive system, which is responsible for modulating all other body functions. The present review focuses on the applications of prebiotics and probiotics in the pig as an animal model in healthy and diseased conditions, in order to highlight the efficacy of these molecules in the perspective of human health outcomes. The data support the use of prebiotics to improve intestinal health in both healthy and diseased states. In addition, the use of human microbiota-associated (HMA) gnotobiotic pigs provided a good model to study the intestinal and systemic immune response and microbiota composition following probiotic supplementation after a vaccine or virus challenge.

Mitigation of oxidative stress-induced aging by extracellular polysaccharides from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R6-1 from Sayram ketteki

Oxidative stress within the body is associated with aging, playing a crucial role in its progression. Polysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria are well recognized for their antioxidant effects, potentially improving the aging process. This study investigated the characterization and antioxidant activities of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS-1: 59,978 Da, 40.9 % mannose, 4.5 % ribose, 5.8 % glucuronic acid, 44.1 % glucose, 2.9 % galactose; EPS-2: 25,686 Da, 22.9 % mannose, 5.4 % ribose, 5.5 % glucuronic acid, 59.6 % glucose, 5.4 % galactose) produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum R6-1. The results showed that EPS could increase the survival rates of Caco-2 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide and mitigate the D-galactose (D-Gal)-induced oxidative stress in mice. Administration of EPS activated the hepatic nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in mice. Subsequently, this pathway activated various oxidation-related enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Meanwhile, EPS regulated mouse intestinal microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria secreting anti-inflammatory factors, such as Norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Dubosiella, and restoring the imbalance of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes caused by oxidative stress. This study shows that L. plantarum R6-1's EPS exhibited the ability to concurrently influence both the liver and intestinal microbiota of mice, thereby achieving an anti-oxidative effect through their interconnected interactions.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Bacteriocins: Safe and Effective Antimicrobial Agents

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are major contributors to food spoilage, animal diseases, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in healthcare, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments. Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have gained attention for their non-toxic nature and strong antimicrobial properties. LAB-derived bacteriocins have been successfully applied in food preservation and are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as 'food-grade' or 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS). This review summarizes recent progress in the production, purification, and emerging applications of LAB bacteriocins. It emphasizes their versatility in food preservation, agriculture, and medicine, providing insights into their role in antimicrobial development and functional food innovation.

Probiotic Potential of Pediococcus pentosaceus M6 Isolated from Equines and Its Alleviating Effect on DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice

Colitis in equines has high morbidity and mortality rates, which severely affects the development of the equine-breeding industry. With the issuance of antibiotic bans, there is an urgent need for healthier and more effective alternatives. In recent years, probiotics have been widely used as microbial feed additives in animal husbandry, playing a crucial role in preventing and treating diarrhea and regulating host immune function. In this study, we isolated and screened a strain with rapid and stable acid production using bromocresol purple, litmus milk coloration tests, and acid production performance assessments. Based on morphological characteristics, physiological and biochemical properties, and 16S rDNA identification, the strain was identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus and named M6. The Pediococcus pentosaceus M6 exhibited stable growth and tolerance to high temperatures, acid and bile salt concentrations, and simulated gastrointestinal fluid environments. The M6 strain demonstrated good antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella. The M6 strain did not produce hemolysis zones on Columbia blood agar plates, indicating its high safety, and was found to be insensitive to 12 antibiotics, including cephalexin and neomycin. Additionally, intervention in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis alleviated weight loss and shortened colon length. To a certain extent, it regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the gut microbiota within the body and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and intestinal barrier damage. In summary, the isolated Pediococcus pentosaceus M6 strain exhibited excellent probiotic properties and could alleviate DSS-induced colitis in mice, suggesting its potential application value as a probiotic in animal husbandry.

Safety Assessment of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GUANKE Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing, Phenotypic, and Anti-Inflammatory Capacity Analysis

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GUANKE (L. plantarum GUANKE) is a Gram-positive bacterium isolated from the feces of healthy volunteers. Whole-genome sequencing analysis (WGS) revealed that the genome of L. plantarum GUANKE consists of one chromosome and two plasmids, with the chromosome harbors 2955 CDS, 66 tRNAs, and 5 rRNAs. The genome is devoid of virulence factors and Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems. It contains three intact prophage regions and bacteriocin biosynthesis genes (plantaricins K, F, and E), as well as seventeen genomic islands lacking antibiotic resistance or pathogenicity determinants. Functional prediction outcomes identified that the genome of L. plantarum GUANKE is closely related to transcription, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, and amino acid transport and metabolism. Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) analysis and GutSMASH analysis revealed that the genome of L. plantarum GUANKE contained 100 carbohydrate-active enzyme genes and two specialized metabolic gene clusters. Safety assessments confirmed that L. plantarum GUANKE neither exhibited β-hemolytic activity nor harbored detectable transferable drug resistance genes. The strain exhibited remarkable acid tolerance and bile salt resistance. Cellular adhesion assays demonstrated moderate binding capacity to Caco-2 intestinal epithelium (4.3 ± 0.007)%. In vitro analyses using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage models demonstrated that L. plantarum GUANKE significantly suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), exhibiting dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity. In vivo experiments showed that L. plantarum GUANKE was involved in the regulation of the apical junction pathway and interferon pathway in colon tissue of normal mice.

A review on polysaccharide-based tumor targeted drug nanodelivery systems

The tumor-targeted drug delivery system (TTDNS) uses nanocarriers to transport chemotherapeutic agents to target tumor cells or tissues precisely. This innovative approach considerably increases the effective concentration of these drugs at the tumor site, thereby enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. Many chemotherapeutic agents face challenges, such as low bioavailability, high cytotoxicity, and inadequate drug resistance. To address these obstacles, TTDNS comprising natural polysaccharides have gained increasing popularity in the field of nanotechnology owing to their ability to improve safety, bioavailability, and biocompatibility while reducing toxicity. In addition, it enhances permeability and allows for controlled drug delivery and release. This review focuses on the sources of natural polysaccharides and their direct and indirect mechanisms of anti-tumor activity. We also explored the preparation of various polysaccharide-based nanocarriers, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanohydrogels, nanoliposomes, nanocapsules, nanomicelles, nanocrystals, and nanofibers. Furthermore, this review delves into the versatile applications of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers, elucidating their capabilities for in vivo targeting, controlled release, and responsiveness to endogenous and exogenous stimuli, such as pH, reactive oxygen species, glutathione, light, ultrasound, and magnetic fields. This sophisticated design substantially enhances the chemotherapeutic efficacy of the encapsulated drugs at tumor sites and provides a basis for preclinical and clinical research. However, the in vivo stability, drug loading, and permeability of these preparations into tumor tissues still need to be improved. Most of the currently developed biomarker-sensitive polysaccharide nanocarriers are still in the laboratory stage, more innovative delivery mechanisms and clinical studies are needed to develop commercial nanocarriers for medical use.

Association of Dietary Live Microbe Intake With Mortality: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2018

BACKGROUND

The association between dietary intake of live microbes and mortality remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the relationship between dietary live microbial intake and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among adults in the United States.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study of adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

The study utilized data from adults aged 20 years and older with complete dietary and mortality data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Deaths from any cause are defined as all-cause mortality. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, and the National Center for Health Statistics classifications of heart disease (054-064) and malignant neoplasms (019-043) were used to identify disease-specific causes of death.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to examine the associations between the consumption of dietary live microbes and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Restricted cubic spline regression modeling was used to assess potential linear associations between dietary live microorganism intake and mortality. In addition, stratified analyses and sensitivity analyses of the association of dietary live microorganism intake with all-cause and cardiovascular deaths were performed to validate the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

The study included 31 836 participants, of whom 4160 died, including 1109 cardiovascular deaths and 915 cancer deaths. The study found that consuming live microbes from the diet was linked to a lower rate of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively (hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.89; P < .001; hazard ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.95; P = .014). However, there was no significant association observed between microbial intake and cancer mortality (hazard ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.17; P = .545). Restricted cubic spline demonstrates a linear association between dietary live microorganism intake and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (P < .001). Furthermore, sensitivity analyses indicated that a high intake of live dietary microorganisms was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study found that consuming live microbes through diet was linked to a lower rate of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality but not cancer mortality.

The coadministration of Lactobacillus probiotic augments the antitumor effect of telmisartan in rats

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent disease with a high mortality rate and is significantly affected by microbial dysbiosis. Recent research suggests that modulation of the gut microbiome can have therapeutic benefits and that Angiotensin-II Type 1 Receptor (AT1R) can stimulate cell growth, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis in various cancers. In this study, the adjunctive administration of Lactobacillus spp. and telmisartan, an AT1R blocker, was explored in the treatment of CRC. The effect of telmisartan and a mixture of probiotic species, Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactobacillus fermentum, was assessed on key biomarkers and selected gut microbiota taxa in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced CRC in rats. Angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis were assessed by measuring vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Annexin V levels, respectively. The relative abundance of selected gut microbial taxa, including Bacteroides spp., Clostridium spp., Clostridium coccoides, Ruminococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. was analyzed to determine the change in the microbial composition in the different experimental groups of the animal model. This study demonstrated that the unique combination therapy using a Lactobacillus mixture and telmisartan effectively reduced VEGF and IL-6 levels, indicating decreased angiogenesis and inflammation. Lactobacillus spp. co-administration with telmisartan boosted programmed cell death, reversed dysbiosis, improved histopathological outcomes, and reduced CEA levels. These findings offer a new perspective on the role of Lactobacillus spp. and telmisartan in CRC treatment. Further research on their adjunctive use and therapeutic potential are needed to enhance clinical efficacy.

The coadministration of Lactobacillus probiotic augments the antitumor effect of telmisartan in rats

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent disease with a high mortality rate and is significantly affected by microbial dysbiosis. Recent research suggests that modulation of the gut microbiome can have therapeutic benefits and that Angiotensin-II Type 1 Receptor (AT1R) can stimulate cell growth, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis in various cancers. In this study, the adjunctive administration of Lactobacillus spp. and telmisartan, an AT1R blocker, was explored in the treatment of CRC. The effect of telmisartan and a mixture of probiotic species, Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactobacillus fermentum, was assessed on key biomarkers and selected gut microbiota taxa in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced CRC in rats. Angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis were assessed by measuring vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Annexin V levels, respectively. The relative abundance of selected gut microbial taxa, including Bacteroides spp., Clostridium spp., Clostridium coccoides, Ruminococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. was analyzed to determine the change in the microbial composition in the different experimental groups of the animal model. This study demonstrated that the unique combination therapy using a Lactobacillus mixture and telmisartan effectively reduced VEGF and IL-6 levels, indicating decreased angiogenesis and inflammation. Lactobacillus spp. co-administration with telmisartan boosted programmed cell death, reversed dysbiosis, improved histopathological outcomes, and reduced CEA levels. These findings offer a new perspective on the role of Lactobacillus spp. and telmisartan in CRC treatment. Further research on their adjunctive use and therapeutic potential are needed to enhance clinical efficacy.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid fermentation and its fermented extracts on α-glucosidase inhibition and anti-obesity effect

Levilactobacillus brevis KCL010 was fermented in a simple medium containing 8% (w/v) of rice bran extract. We modified the carbon, nitrogen, and initial pH conditions using 10 g/L of sucrose, 10 g/L of yeast extract, and 5.0 of pH, respectively. To minimize the pH increase due to decarboxylation, we fermented 100 mL of modified synthetic medium containing citrate-phosphate buffer (CPB, pH 5.0) of 25-200 mM in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks. After 72 h of fermentation with 50 mM CPB, the maximum GABA concentration and conversion efficiency were 3.42 g/L and 22.39%. Furthermore, the potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, MTT assay, and oil red O staining were determined by fermented extracts of L. brevis KCL010. At the highest concentration of 500 μg/mL, the α-glucosidase inhibition percentages for non-fermented rice bran (NFRB), rice bran fermented by L. brevis (RBFL), and GABA (analytical standard) extracts were 55.03%, 58.37%, and 59.48%, respectively. All extracts exceeded 80% viability, suggesting that there was no cytotoxic to 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The rice bran fermented by L. brevis (RBFL) extract shows a high inhibition of lipid accumulation by 29.33% compared to those of extracts.

Host-derived Pediococcus acidilactici B49: A promising probiotic for immunomodulation and disease control in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Finding effective alternatives to antibiotics is crucial for sustainable aquaculture. Host-derived probiotics have great potential as a promising alternative to antibiotics for immune regulation and disease control in fish farming. However, limited research exists regarding the application of native probiotics in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). This study aims to evaluate the potential of the endogenous strain Pediococcus acidilactici B49 as a probiotic in modulating host immunity and disease control through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results demonstrated that P. acidilactici B49 exhibited no hemolytic activity and displayed susceptibility to most tested antibiotics. It successfully survived and colonized in the intestinal tract of the largemouth bass. Furthermore, this strain showed remarkable antibacterial activity against common aquatic pathogens, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and also exhibited resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila on the head kidney leukocytes of largemouth bass in vitro. Following an 8-week feeding trial, P. acidilactici B49 improved host immunity by increasing intestinal lysozyme activity, enhancing IL-8 expression, reducing TGF-β expression, and enhancing IgM levels in both serum and intestinal mucus. It also potentiated the phagocytic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes. In addition, the B49 feeding group showed a significant increase in intestinal villus height. The challenge test with A. hydrophila demonstrated that the administration of P. acidilactici B49 effectively maintained intestinal barrier integrity, reduced gut inflammation, decreased pathogen load in the spleen, and improved survival rates in largemouth bass. In conclusion, the host-derived strain P. acidilactici B49 exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial ability, biosafety, and intestinal colonization in largemouth bass. It effectively improved immune function, intestinal health, and resistance against A. hydrophila in the host. Therefore, P. acidilactici B49 is a promising probiotic for immunomodulation and disease control in largemouth bass aquaculture.

Genomic Scale Analysis Foresees Enteroprotective and Butyrogenic Properties in Brazilian Isolates of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

Probiogenomics offers a rapid and comprehensive approach to characterizing the beneficial properties of microorganisms, allowing the identification and selection of specific strains for improving human health. The species Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is highly ubiquitous and presents great genetic diversity making it difficult to conduct massive screening of probiotic strains when using conventional methods. Hence, this work aimed to taxonomically and functionally characterize the complete genomes of six novel L. plantarum strains isolated in Brazil through high-standard NGS. The taxonomy of strains E6, E10, E14, E18, Lpl2, and Lpl4 was investigated through average nucleotide identity analysis using the genome of L. plantarum SK151 from the GENBANK database as a reference. Moreover, multilocus phylogenetic analyses were performed to investigate their genetic relatedness to probiotic L. plantarum strains using a total of 225 complete genomes from the same database. To investigate specific health-promoting and safety properties, the isolates from Brazil were analyzed using several bioinformatic tools to predict antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory biomolecules and potential risk factors including drug resistance, virulence genes, and genetic mobility elements. The results confirmed that all six isolates belong to the species L. plantarum and the phylogenetic analysis suggests high proximity to known probiotics and strains that have demonstrated protective effects against inflammation and pathogens. Several bacteriocin genes were identified in the Brazilian isolates, mostly plantaricins, suggesting antimicrobial properties, especially in the strain E14 that presented 9 bacteriocins genes. Furthermore, the study revealed the potential capacity of these strains to produce anti-inflammatory compounds including metabolites such as butyrate through the fermentation of fructan sugars, and IL-10 stimulation activity mediated by adhesin proteins from the bacterial cell wall. The lpl4 strain glutamate decarboxylase (GADB) gene showed a high degree of genetic and structural conservation prediction and increased stabilization of the predicted protein compared to a functional homologous GADB from L. plantarum Taj-Apis362, suggesting lpl4 potential for the modulation of the gut-brain axis functions by the production of GABA. Regarding the presence of virulence and resistance genes, only one resistance island was observed in strain E6 genome. In conclusion, it is possible to suggest that most of the evaluated strains are safe and we highlight the strains Lpl4 and E14 for presenting outstanding enteroprotective properties such as the potential production of GABA and several bacteriocins.

Cyto- and Genotoxicity of Selected Plant Extracts and Microbial Metabolites with Confirmed Activity Against Phytopathogens of Potato Seed (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of potential biocontrol agents for use against phytopathogens of potato seed (Solanum tuberosum L.). Plant extracts from Allium sativum L., Syzygium aromaticum L. Merr. & Perry, Salvia officinalis L., and Curcuma longa L., as well as metabolites of bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KB2 LAB 03 and yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima TK1, were investigated. The chemical characteristics of the plant extracts and the metabolic profiles of the tested microorganisms were evaluated by GC-MS. An insect cell line from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9) and human cervix adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) were used to evaluate cytotoxicity in the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The single-cell electrophoresis assay was used to estimate DNA damage. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the microbial metabolites depended on their chemical profiles and pH. The plant extracts induced stronger DNA damage in the Sf-9 cell line than in HeLa cells. The garlic (Allium sativum L.) extract showed the highest cytotoxicity against Sf-9 insect cells (IC50 41.6 mg/mL). The sage (Salvia officinalis L.) extract showed the highest cytotoxicity against HeLa cells (IC50 49.6 mg/mL). This study is the first to investigate not only the potential of these novel biocontrol agents for plant disease control, but also their safety for humans and biodiversity within the context of sustainable agriculture.

The dynamic oral-gastric microbial axis connects oral and gastric health: current evidence and disputes

Emerging evidence indicates that oral microbes are closely related to gastric microbes and gastric lesions, including gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer (GC). Helicobacter pylori is a key pathogen involved in GC. However, the increasing prevalence of H. pylori-negative GC and gastric dysbiosis in GC patients emphasize the potential role of other microbial factors. In this review, we discussed the current evidence about the relationship between the oral-gastric microbial axis and oral and gastric health. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that poor oral hygiene is related to greater GC risk. Multiple oral-associated microbes are enriched in the stomach of GC patients. Once colonizing the stomach, oral-associated microbes Streptococcus anginosus and Prevotella melaninogenica, are involved in gastric inflammation or carcinogenesis. Microbial metabolites such as lactate, nitrite, and acetaldehyde promote malignant transformation. The stomach, as a checkpoint of microbial transmission in the digestive tract, is of great importance since the link between oral microbes and intestinal diseases has been emphasized. Still, new technologies and standardized metrics are necessary to identify potential pathogenetic microbes for GC and the core microbiota, interactions, richness, colonization, location and effect (CIRCLE). In the future, oral microbes could be candidates for noninvasive indicators to predict gastric diseases.

Angiogenesis, a key point in the association of gut microbiota and its metabolites with disease

The gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a crucial role in human health and disease, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. Chronic inflammation is a common feature of these diseases and is closely related to angiogenesis (the process of forming new blood vessels), which is often dysregulated in pathological conditions. Inflammation potentially acts as a central mediator. This abstract aims to elucidate the connection between the gut microbiota and angiogenesis in various diseases. The gut microbiota influences angiogenesis through various mechanisms, including the production of metabolites that directly or indirectly affect vascularization. For example, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate are known to regulate immune responses and inflammation, thereby affecting angiogenesis. In the context of cardiovascular diseases, the gut microbiota promotes atherosclerosis and vascular dysfunction by producing trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and other metabolites that promote inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Similarly, in neurodegenerative diseases, the gut microbiota may influence neuroinflammation and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, thereby affecting angiogenesis. In cases of fractures and wound healing, the gut microbiota promotes angiogenesis by activating inflammatory responses and immune effects, facilitating the healing of tissue damage. In cancer, the gut microbiota can either inhibit or promote tumor growth and angiogenesis, depending on the specific bacterial composition and their metabolites. For instance, some bacteria can activate inflammasomes, leading to the production of inflammatory factors that alter the tumor immune microenvironment and activate angiogenesis-related signaling pathways, affecting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Some bacteria can directly interact with tumor cells, activating angiogenesis-related signaling pathways. Diet, as a modifiable factor, significantly influences angiogenesis through diet-derived microbial metabolites. Diet can rapidly alter the composition of the microbiota and its metabolic activity, thereby changing the concentration of microbial-derived metabolites and profoundly affecting the host's immune response and angiogenesis. For example, a high animal protein diet promotes the production of pro-atherogenic metabolites like TMAO, activating inflammatory pathways and interfering with platelet function, which is associated with the severity of coronary artery plaques, peripheral artery disease, and cardiovascular diseases. A diet rich in dietary fiber promotes the production of SCFAs, which act as ligands for cell surface or intracellular receptors, regulating various biological processes, including inflammation, tissue homeostasis, and immune responses, thereby influencing angiogenesis. In summary, the role of the gut microbiota in angiogenesis is multifaceted, playing an important role in disease progression by affecting various biological processes such as inflammation, immune responses, and multiple signaling pathways. Diet-derived microbial metabolites play a crucial role in linking the gut microbiota and angiogenesis. Understanding the complex interactions between diet, the gut microbiota, and angiogenesis has the potential to uncover novel therapeutic targets for managing these conditions. Therefore, interventions targeting the gut microbiota and its metabolites, such as through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and the application of probiotics to alter the composition of the gut microbiota and enhance the production of beneficial metabolites, present a promising therapeutic strategy.

Optimisation of Lactobacillus fermentation conditions and its application in the fermentation of salt-free sauerkraut

To identify what are the dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) involved in the fermentation of salt-free sauerkraut, and optimize its industrial culture conditions, we isolated and identified a strain of LAB, which is referred to as Lactobacillus sp. DF_001, with the preservation number CCTCC NO: M20232593, from five different regions in Guizhou Province. Industrial culture conditions were optimized using Plackett-Burman and Central Composite design experiments, and the potential role of this LAB in salt-free sauerkraut fermentation was validated. Bioproduction was optimal with a culture time of 66 h, starch/water ratio of 1.7% and inoculum of 0.02%, which gave approximately three-fold higher yield than the basal culture medium DeMan-Rogosa-Sharpe medium (MRS). The LAB was used in small-scale industrial experiments. The Dafang LAB significantly enhanced the sensory score of the salt-free sauerkraut products by about 32% compared to the control group. The total acid content increased by about 32% and the sugar and nitrite contents were reduced by 67.27 and 69.58%, respectively. The total number of bacterial colonies decreased by 37.5%. All other indicators complied with the national standard, providing overall the basis to improve salt-free sauerkraut fermentation.

Tailoring the natural rare sugars D-tagatose and L-sorbose to produce novel functional carbohydrates

This multidisciplinary study details the biosynthesis of novel non-digestible oligosaccharides derived from rare sugars, achieved through transfructosylation of D-tagatose and L-sorbose by levansucrase from Bacillus subtilis CECT 39 (SacB). The characterization of these carbohydrates using NMR and molecular docking was instrumental in elucidating the catalytic mechanism and substrate preference of SacB. Tagatose-based oligosaccharides were higher in abundance than L-sorbose-based oligosaccharides, with the most representative structures being: β-D-Fru-(2→6)-β-D-Fru-(2→1)-D-Tag and β-D-Fru-(2→1)-D-Tag. In vitro studies demonstrated the resistance of tagatose-based oligosaccharides to intestinal digestion and their prebiotic properties, providing insights into their structure-function relationship. β-D-Fru-(2→1)-D-Tag was the most resistant structure to small-intestinal digestion after three hours (99.8% remained unaltered). This disaccharide and the commercial FOS clustered in similar branches, indicating comparable modulatory properties on human fecal microbiota, and exerted a higher bifidogenic effect than unmodified tagatose. The bioconversion of selected rare sugars into β-fructosylated species with a higher degree of polymerization emerges as an efficient strategy to enhance the bioavailability of these carbohydrates and promote their interaction with the gut microbiota. These findings open up new opportunities for tailoring natural rare sugars, like D-tagatose and L-sorbose, to produce novel biosynthesized carbohydrates with functional and structural properties desirable for use as emerging prebiotics and low-calorie sweeteners.

Small intestinal microbiota: from taxonomic composition to metabolism

The small intestinal microbiota (SIM) is essential for gastrointestinal health, influencing digestion, immune modulation, and nutrient metabolism. Unlike the colonic microbiota, the SIM has been poorly characterized due to sampling challenges and ethical considerations. Current evidence suggests that the SIM consists of five core genera and additional segment-specific taxa. These bacteria closely interact with the human host, regulating nutrient absorption and metabolism. Recent work suggests the presence of two forms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, one dominated by oral bacteria (SIOBO) and a second dominated by coliform bacteria. Less invasive sampling techniques, omics approaches, and mechanistic studies will allow a more comprehensive understanding of the SIM, paving the way for interventions engineering the SIM towards better health.

Rapid and accurate quantification of viable Bifidobacterium cells in milk powder with a propidium monoazide-antibiotic fluorescence in situ hybridization-flow cytometry method

Due to its beneficial effects on human health, Bifidobacterium is commonly added to milk powder. Accurate quantification of viable Bifidobacterium is essential for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of milk powder. In this study, we introduced a novel propidium monoazide (PMA)-antibiotic fluorescence in situ hybridization (AFISH)-flow cytometry (FC) method to rapidly and accurately quantify viable Bifidobacterium cells in milk powder. Briefly, Bifidobacterium cells were treated with chloramphenicol (CM) to increase their rRNA content, followed by staining with RNA-binding oligonucleotide probes, based on the AFISH technique. Then, the DNA-binding dye PMA was used to differentiate between viable and nonviable cells. The PMA-AFISH-FC method, including sample pretreatment, CM treatment, dual staining, and FC analysis, required approximately 2 h and was found to be better than the current methods. This is the first study to implement FC combined with PMA and an oligonucleotide probe for detecting Bifidobacterium.

Metabolic Characteristics of Gut Microbiota and Insomnia: Evidence from a Mendelian Randomization Analysis

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that significantly impacts individuals' sleep quality and daily life. Recent studies have suggested that gut microbiota may influence sleep through various metabolic pathways. This study aims to explore the causal relationships between the abundance of gut microbiota metabolic pathways and insomnia using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. This two-sample MR study used genetic data from the OpenGWAS database (205 gut bacterial pathway abundance) and the FinnGen database (insomnia-related data). We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with gut bacterial pathway abundance as instrumental variables (IVs) and ensured their validity through stringent selection criteria and quality control measures. The primary analysis employed the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by other MR methods, to estimate causal effects. The MR analysis revealed significant positive causal effects of specific carbohydrate, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism pathways on insomnia. Key pathways, such as gluconeogenesis pathway (GLUCONEO.PWY) and TCA cycle VII acetate producers (PWY.7254), showed positive associations with insomnia (B > 0, p < 0.05). Conversely, pathways like hexitol fermentation to lactate, formate, ethanol and acetate pathway (P461.PWY) exhibited negative causal effects (B < 0, p < 0.05). Multivariable MR analysis confirmed the independent causal effects of these pathways (p < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses indicated no significant pleiotropy or heterogeneity, ensuring the robustness of the results. This study identifies specific gut microbiota metabolic pathways that play critical roles in the development of insomnia. These findings provide new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying insomnia and suggest potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Future research should further validate these causal relationships and explore how modulating gut microbiota or its metabolic products can effectively improve insomnia symptoms, leading to more personalized and precise treatment strategies.

Advances in CRISPR-Cas systems for gut microbiome

CRISPR-Cas technology has revolutionized microbiome research by enabling precise genetic manipulation of microbial communities. This review explores its diverse applications in gut microbiome studies, probiotic development, microbiome diagnostics, pathogen targeting, and microbial community engineering. Engineered bacteriophages and conjugative probiotics exemplify CRISPR-Cas's capability for targeted bacterial manipulation, offering promising strategies against antibiotic-resistant infections and other gut-related disorders. CRISPR-Cas systems also enhance probiotic efficacy by improving stress tolerance and colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. CRISPR-based techniques in diagnostics enable early intervention by enabling fast and sensitive pathogen identification. Furthermore, CRISPR-mediated gene editing allows tailored modification of microbial populations, mitigating risks associated with horizontal gene transfer and enhancing environmental and health outcomes. Despite its transformative potential, ethical and regulatory challenges loom large, demanding robust frameworks to guide its responsible application. This chapter highlights CRISPR-Cas's pivotal role in advancing microbiome research toward personalized medicine and microbial therapeutics while emphasizing the imperative of balanced ethical deliberations and comprehensive regulatory oversight.

Microbe-material hybrids for therapeutic applications

As natural living substances, microorganisms have emerged as useful resources in medicine for creating microbe-material hybrids ranging from nano to macro dimensions. The engineering of microbe-involved nanomedicine capitalizes on the distinctive physiological attributes of microbes, particularly their intrinsic "living" properties such as hypoxia tendency and oxygen production capabilities. Exploiting these remarkable characteristics in combination with other functional materials or molecules enables synergistic enhancements that hold tremendous promise for improved drug delivery, site-specific therapy, and enhanced monitoring of treatment outcomes, presenting substantial opportunities for amplifying the efficacy of disease treatments. This comprehensive review outlines the microorganisms and microbial derivatives used in biomedicine and their specific advantages for therapeutic application. In addition, we delineate the fundamental strategies and mechanisms employed for constructing microbe-material hybrids. The diverse biomedical applications of the constructed microbe-material hybrids, encompassing bioimaging, anti-tumor, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation and other diseases therapy are exhaustively illustrated. We also discuss the current challenges and prospects associated with the clinical translation of microbe-material hybrid platforms. Therefore, the unique versatility and potential exhibited by microbe-material hybrids position them as promising candidates for the development of next-generation nanomedicine and biomaterials with unique theranostic properties and functionalities.

Postbiotics as Molecules Targeting Cellular Events of Aging Brain-The Role in Pathogenesis, Prophylaxis and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Aging is the most prominent risk factor for neurodegeneration occurrence. The most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases, are characterized by the incidence of proteinopathy, abnormal activation of glial cells, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, impaired autophagy and cellular senescence excessive for the patient's age. Moreover, mitochondrial disfunction, epigenetic alterations and neurogenesis inhibition, together with increased blood-brain barrier permeability and gut dysbiosis, have been linked to ND pathogenesis. Since NDs still lack curative treatment, recent research has sought therapeutic options in restoring gut microbiota and supplementing probiotic bacteria-derived metabolites with beneficial action to the host-so called postbiotics. The current review focuses on literature explaining cellular mechanisms involved in ND pathogenesis and research addressing the impact that postbiotics as a whole mixture and particular metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactate, polyamines, polyphenols, tryptophan metabolites, exopolysaccharides and bacterial extracellular vesicles, have on the ageing-associated processes underlying ND occurrence. The review also discusses the issue of implementing postbiotics into ND prophylaxis and therapy, depicting them as compounds addressing senescence-triggered dysfunctions that are worth translating from bench to pharmaceutical market in response to "silver consumers" demands.

Advancements in the impact of human microbiota and probiotics on leukemia

The human gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that plays a crucial role in promoting the interaction between the body and its environment. It has been increasingly recognized that the gut microbiota has diverse physiological functions. Recent studies have shown a close association between the gut microbiota and the development of certain tumors, including leukemia. Leukemia is a malignant clonal disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of one or more types of blood cells, which is the most common cancer in children. The imbalance of gut microbiota is linked to the pathological mechanisms of leukemia. Probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms that help maintain the balance of the host microbiome, play a role in regulating gut microbiota. Probiotics have the potential to assist in the treatment of leukemia and improve the clinical prognosis of leukemia patients. This study reviews the relationship between gut microbiota, probiotics, and the progression of leukemia based on current research. In addition, utilizing zebrafish leukemia models in future studies might reveal the specific mechanisms of their interactions, thereby providing new insights into the clinical treatment of leukemia. In conclusion, further investigation is still needed to fully understand the accurate role of microbes in leukemia.

Exploring the effects of Saorilao-4 on the gut microbiota of pulmonary fibrosis model rats based on 16S rRNA sequencing

AIMS

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive and incurable lung disease for which treatment options are limited. Here, we aimed to conduct an exploratory study on the effects of the Mongolian medicine Saorilao-4 (SRL) on the gut microbiota structure, species abundance, and diversity of a rat PF model as well as the mechanisms underlying such effects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Rat fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing technology. Bioinformatic and correlation analyses were performed on microbiota data to determine significant associations. SRL substantially attenuated the adverse effects exerted by PF on the structure and diversity of gut microbiota while regulating its alpha and beta diversities. Linear discriminant analysis effect size enabled the identification of 62 differentially abundant microbial taxa. Gut microbiota abundance analysis revealed that SRL significantly increased the relative abundance of bacterial phyla such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Moreover, SRL increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteriales, decreased the proportion of pathogenic bacteria, such as Rikenellaceae, and balanced the gut microbiota by regulating metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

SRL may attenuate PF by regulating gut microbiota. This exploratory study establishes the groundwork for investigating the metagenomics of PF.

Exploring the modulatory effect of trehalose-derived galactooligosaccharides on key gut microbiota groups

Trehalose (α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-1)-α-D-glucopyranoside) has found applications in diverse food products as a sweetener, stabilizer, and humectant. Recent attention has focused on trehalose due to its contradictory effects on the virulence of Clostridium difficile. In this study, we investigate the impact of novel trehalose-derived galactooligosaccharides (Treh-GOS) on the human gut microbiota using in vitro fecal fermentation models. Distinct Treh-GOS structures elicit varying taxonomic responses. For instance, β-Gal-(1-4)-trehalose [DP3(1-4)] leads to an increase of Bifidobacterium, comparable to results observed with commercial GOS. Conversely, β-Gal-(1-6)-trehalose [DP3(1-6)] prompts an increase in Lactobacillus. Notably, both of these trisaccharides yield the highest concentrations of butyric acid across all samples. On the other hand, Treh-GOS tetrasaccharide mixture (DP4), featuring a novel trehalose galactosylation in both glucose units, fosters the growth of Parabacteroides. Our findings underscore the capacity of novel Treh-GOS to modulate the human gut microbiota. Consequently, these innovative galactooligosaccharides emerge as promising candidates for novel prebiotic applications.

Injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel enhances anti-tumor potency of engineered Lactococcus lactis by activating dendritic cells and effective memory T cells

Engineered bacteria have shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy by dynamically releasing therapeutic payloads and inducing sustained antitumor immune response with the crosstalk of immune cells. In previous studies, FOLactis was designed, which could secret an encoded fusion protein of Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and co-stimulator OX40 ligand, leading to remarkable tumor suppression and exerting an abscopal effect by intratumoral injection. However, it is difficult for intratumoral administration of FOLactis in solid tumors with firm texture or high internal pressure. For patients without lesions such as abdominal metastatic tumors and orthotopic gastric tumors, intratumoral injection is not feasible and peritumoral maybe a better choice. Herein, an engineered bacteria delivery system is constructed based on in situ temperature-sensitive poloxamer 407 hydrogels. Peritumoral injection of FOLactis/P407 results in a 5-fold increase in the proportion of activated DC cells and a more than 2-fold increase in the proportion of effective memory T cells (TEM), playing the role of artificial lymph island. Besides, administration of FOLactis/P407 significantly inhibits the growth of abdominal metastatic tumors and orthotopic gastric tumors, resulting in an extended survival time. Therefore, these findings demonstrate the delivery approach of engineered bacteria based on in situ hydrogel will promote the efficacy and universality of therapeutics.

The Whole-Genome Sequencing and Probiotic Profiling of Lactobacillus reuteri Strain TPC32 Isolated from Tibetan Pig

Gut microbiota are the microbial organisms that play a pivotal role in intestinal health and during disease conditions. Keeping in view the characteristic functions of gut microbiota, in this study, Lactobacillus reuteri TPC32 (L. reuteri TPC32) was isolated and identified, and its whole genome was analyzed by the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. The results revealed that L. reuteri TPC32 had high resistance against acid and bile salts with fine in vitro antibacterial ability. Accordingly, a genome sequence of L. reuteri TPC32 has a total length of 2,214,495 base pairs with a guanine-cytosine content of 38.81%. Based on metabolic annotation, out of 2,212 protein-encoding genes, 118 and 101 were annotated to carbohydrate metabolism and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, respectively. Similarly, drug-resistance and virulence genes were annotated using the comprehensive antibiotic research database (CARD) and the virulence factor database (VFDB), in which vatE and tetW drug-resistance genes were annotated in L. reuteri TPC32, while virulence genes are not annotated. The early prevention of L. reuteri TPC32 reduced the Salmonella typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infection in mice. The results show that L. reuteri TPC32 could improve the serum IgM, decrease the intestinal cytokine secretion to relieve intestinal cytokine storm, reinforce the intestinal biochemical barrier function by elevating the sIgA expression, and strengthen the intestinal physical barrier function. Simultaneously, based on the 16S rRNA analysis, the L. reuteri TPC32 results affect the recovery of intestinal microbiota from disease conditions and promote the multiplication of beneficial bacteria. These results provide new insights into the biological functions and therapeutic potential of L. reuteri TPC32 for treating intestinal inflammation.

Boarding pyroptosis onto nanotechnology for cancer therapy

Pyroptosis, a non-apoptotic programmed cellular inflammatory death mechanism characterized by gasdermin (GSDM) family proteins, has gathered significant attention in the cancer treatment. However, the alarming clinical trial data indicates that pyroptosis-mediated cancer therapeutic efficiency is still unsatisfactory. It is essential to integrate the burgeoning biomedical findings and innovations with potent technology to hasten the development of pyroptosis-based antitumor drugs. Considering the rapid development of pyroptosis-driven cancer nanotherapeutics, here we aim to summarize the recent advances in this field at the intersection of pyroptosis and nanotechnology. First, the foundation of pyroptosis-based nanomedicines (NMs) is outlined to illustrate the reliability and effectiveness for the treatment of tumor. Next, the emerging nanotherapeutics designed to induce pyroptosis are overviewed. Moreover, the cross-talk between pyroptosis and other cell death modalities are discussed, aiming to explore the mechanistic level relationships to provide guidance strategies for the combination of different types of antitumor drugs. Last but not least, the opportunities and challenges of employing pyroptosis-based NMs in potential clinical cancer therapy are highlighted.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains for Alleviation of Irritable Bowel Disease and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is applied as a probiotic to alleviate various metabolic, gastrointestinal, and psychological symptoms and diseases, and its probiotic effectiveness is strain-specific. In this study, we obtained 21 strains of Ls. rhamnosus, and their genomes were sequenced. We defined the pan- and core-genomes of Ls. rhamnosus. Phenotypes such as the assimilation of carbohydrates and antibiotic resistance were experimentally characterized and associated with genome annotations. Nine strains were selected and tested for growth rates, tolerance to acidity/alkalinity and bile acids, the production of short-chain fatty acids, and competition with pathogenic microbes. Strains WL11 and WL17 were targeted as potential probiotics and were applied in mouse model tests for the alleviation of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The results showed that WL11 and WL17 effectively alleviated slow body weight gain, anxiety, poor memory, and cognitive impairment in CFS mouse models. They also reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α and IL-6, and alleviated intestinal peristalsis, visceral hypersensitivity, and anxiety-like behavior in IBS mouse models. This study reports new Ls. rhamnosus strain resources and their effect on alleviation of both IBS and CFS symptoms with mouse models; the probiotic functions of those strains in human patients remain to be further tested.

Lactic Acid Bacteria-Derived Postbiotics as Adjunctive Agents in Breast Cancer Treatment to Boost the Antineoplastic Effect of a Conventional Therapeutic Comprising Tamoxifen and a New Drug Candidate: An Aziridine-Hydrazide Hydrazone Derivative

Breast cancer is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. As about 20-30% of patients exhibiting ER-positive phenotype are resistant to hormonal treatment with the standard drug tamoxifen, finding new therapies is a necessity. Postbiotics, metabolites, and macromolecules isolated from probiotic bacteria cultures have been proven to have sufficient bioactivity to exert prohealth and anticancer effects, making them viable adjunctive agents for the treatment of various neoplasms, including breast cancer. In the current study, postbiotics derived from L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus cultures were assessed on an in vitro breast cancer model as potential adjunctive agents to therapy utilizing tamoxifen and a candidate aziridine-hydrazide hydrazone derivative drug. Cell viability and cell death processes, including apoptosis, were analyzed for neoplastic MCF-7 cells treated with postbiotics and synthetic compounds. Cell cycle progression and proliferation were analyzed by PI-based flow cytometry and Ki-67 immunostaining. Postbiotics decreased viability and triggered apoptosis in MCF-7, modestly affecting the cell cycle and showing a lack of negative impact on normal cell viability. Moreover, they enhanced the cytotoxic effect of tamoxifen and the new candidate drug toward MCF-7, accelerating apoptosis and the inhibition of proliferation. This illustrates postbiotics' potential as natural adjunctive agents supporting anticancer therapy based on synthetic drugs.

Characterization of a Panel of Constitutive Promoters from Lactococcus cremoris for Fine-Tuning Gene Expression

Lactococcus cremoris (homotypic synonym: Lactococcus lactis) is receiving increasing attention as a prominent vehicle for the delivery of live vaccines. This can hardly be achieved without developing tools for the genetic manipulation of L. cremoris, and the paucity of studies on L. cremoris endogenous promoters has attracted our attention. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of 29 candidate promoters identified from L. cremoris subsp. cremoris NZ9000 by RNA sequencing analysis. Furthermore, 18 possible constitutive promoters were obtained by RT-qPCR screening from these 29 candidate promoters. Then, these 18 promoters were cloned and characterized by a reporter gene, gusA, encoding β-glucuronidase. Eventually, eight endogenous constitutive promoters of L. cremoris were obtained, which can be applied to genetic manipulation of lactic acid bacteria.

Recombinant Arginine Deiminase from Levilactobacillus brevis Inhibits the Growth of Stomach Cancer Cells, Possibly by Activating the Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway

The anticancer potential of Levilactobacillus brevis KU15176 against the stomach cancer cell line AGS has been reported previously. In this study, we aimed to analyze the genome of L. brevis KU15176 and identify key genes that may have potential anticancer properties. Among potential anticancer molecules, the role of arginine deiminase (ADI) in conferring an antiproliferative functionality was confirmed. In vitro assay against AGS cell line confirmed that recombinant ADI from L. brevis KU15176 (ADI_br, 5 µg/mL), overexpressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), exerted an inhibitory effect on AGS cell growth, resulting in a 65.32% reduction in cell viability. Moreover, the expression of apoptosis-related genes, such as bax, bad, caspase-7, and caspase-3, as well as the activity of caspase-9 in ADI_br-treated AGS cells, was higher than those in untreated (culture medium-only) cells. The cell-scattering behavior of ADI_br-treated cells showed characteristics of apoptosis. Flow cytometry analyses of AGS cells treated with ADI_br for 24 and 28 h revealed apoptotic rates of 11.87 and 24.09, respectively, indicating the progression of apoptosis in AGS cells after ADI_br treatment. This study highlights the potential of ADI_br as an effective enzyme for anticancer applications.

Elimination of Pathogen Biofilms via Postbiotics from Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Promising Method in Food and Biomedicine

Pathogenic biofilms provide a naturally favorable barrier for microbial growth and are closely related to the virulence of pathogens. Postbiotics from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are secondary metabolites and cellular components obtained by inactivation of fermentation broth; they have a certain inhibitory effect on all stages of pathogen biofilms. Postbiotics from LAB have drawn attention because of their high stability, safety dose parameters, and long storage period, which give them a broad application prospect in the fields of food and medicine. The mechanisms of eliminating pathogen biofilms via postbiotics from LAB mainly affect the surface adhesion, self-aggregation, virulence, and QS of pathogens influencing interspecific and intraspecific communication. However, there are some factors (preparation process and lack of target) which can limit the antibiofilm impact of postbiotics. Therefore, by using a delivery carrier and optimizing process parameters, the effect of interfering factors can be eliminated. This review summarizes the concept and characteristics of postbiotics from LAB, focusing on their preparation technology and antibiofilm effect, and the applications and limitations of postbiotics in food processing and clinical treatment are also discussed.

Harnessing the power of goat milk-derived extracellular vesicles for medical breakthroughs: A review

Research into goat milk-derived extracellular vesicles (GMVs) has grown in popularity in recent years owing to their potential uses in several sectors, including medicine. GMVs are tiny, lipid-bound structures that cells secrete and use to transport bioactive substances like proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They may be extracted from different body fluids, including blood, urine, and milk, and have been found to play crucial roles in cell-to-cell communication. GMVs are a promising field of study with applications in preventing and treating various disorders. Their immune-modulating properties, for instance, have been investigated, and they have shown promise in treating autoimmune illnesses and cancer. They may be loaded with therapeutic compounds and directed to particular cells or tissues, but they have also been studied for their potential use as drug-delivery vehicles. Goat milk extracellular vesicles are an intriguing study topic with many possible benefits. Although more study is required to thoroughly understand their functioning and prospective applications, they provide a promising path for creating novel medical treatments and technology.

Overview of Dairy-based Products with Probiotics: Fermented or Non-fermented Milk Drink

Probiotic products have long been recognized for their health benefits. Additionally, milk has held a longstanding reputation as a dairy product that offers high-quality proteins and essential micronutrients. As awareness of the impact of food on health grows, interest in functional products such as probiotic dairy products is on the rise. Fermentation, a time-honored technique used to enhance nutritional value and food preservation, has been used for centuries to increase nutritional value and is one of the oldest food processing methods. Historically, fermented dairy products have been used as convenient vehicle for the consumption of probiotics. However, addressing the potential drawbacks of fermentation has recently led to increase in research on probiotic dairy drinks prepared without fermentation. These non-fermented dairy drinks have the advantage of maintaining the original flavors of milk drinks, containing potential health functional probiotics, and being an alternative dairy product that is helpful for probiotics intake. Currently, research on plant-based dairy products is rapidly increasing in the market. These developments might suggest the potential for novel forms of non-fermented dairy beverages with substantial prospects in the food market. This review aims to provide an overview of milk-based dairy beverages, both fermented and non-fermented, and discuss the potential of non-fermented dairy products. This exploration paves the way for innovative approaches to deliver probiotics and nutrition to consumers.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation of media-milled black rice particle-stabilized Pickering emulsion: Phenolic release, bioactivity and prebiotic potential

This is a pioneer study that investigated the digestive characteristics of Pickering emulsions stabilized by media-milled black rice particles during in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. Free fatty acid release of the emulsions improved from 28.42 ± 3.13% to 33.68 ± 4.05% after media milling. The phenolics released from media-milled sample were close to those from unground sample. Media-milled sample exhibited higher DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging ability and α-glucosidase inhibition rate than unground sample. Media milling increased the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) during colonic fermentation, especially acetic acid (23% improvement in media-milled sample over unground sample). It also inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria namely Escherichia Shigella and Streptococcus, and promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria including Bifidobacterium and Blautia. These findings revealed that media-milled black rice particle-stabilized Pickering emulsions possessed intrinsic bioactivity and prebiotic potentials in the gastrointestinal tract for the first time.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Induces Apoptosis in Melanoma and Breast Cancer Cells

Despite the notable advancements witnessed in the past decade in medical and health research domain, cancer remains a prominent global cause of mortality. Moreover, the conventional treatments employed to combat this disease have been found to considerably compromise the quality of life experienced by patients due to its severe side effects. Recent in vitro studies revealed encouraging findings on the potential beneficial effects of probiotics as adjuvants of anticancer therapy, and even as possible agents for the prevention and treatment of various types of malignancies. From this standpoint, the primary objective of this work was to investigate the anticancer properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) and elucidate its underlying mechanism of action. In order to investigate this matter, several doses of LP (ranging from 105 to 1010 CFU/mL) were examined in relation to melanoma cancer cell lines (A375) and breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The cell viability findings, which were substantiated by morphological investigations and annexin V/PI assay, indicated that LP exerted inhibitory effects on cellular activity and triggered apoptosis. Additionally, upon further investigation into its mechanism, it was observed through the apoptosis assay and Western blot analysis that the administration of LP resulted in an elevation of pro-apoptotic BAX protein levels and an upregulation of cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) protein expression. Conversely, the levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein were found to decrease in the A375 and MCF-7 cell lines. These findings provide insight into the pro-apoptotic mechanism of action of LP in these specific cell lines.

Efficacy and safety of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for the prevention of colorectal cancer and precancerous lesion in high-risk populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly prevalent worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have recently attracted attention as preventive measures against colorectal neoplasms. We aimed to analyze the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in patients at a high risk of CRC, outlining the challenges and future prospects of using probiotics to prevent colorectal tumors and providing evidence for clinical physicians in particular.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies published up to January 7, 2022. RCTs conducted on populations with a high risk of CRC who received probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics in comparison with placebo, candidate agent or no treatment were included. The primary outcome was the incidence or recurrence of any colorectal neoplasms. Additional outcomes included their effects on the diversity of gut microbiota and relevant inflammatory biomarkers. Safety outcomes were also analyzed. Two authors independently screened and selected studies based on pre-specified eligible criteria, performed data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment independently.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced adenoma incidence, but no significant benefit was observed in CRC incidence. Additionally, probiotics modulated gut microbiota and inflammatory biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

Probiotics may have beneficial effects in the prevention of CRC. More RCTs with larger sample sizes are warranted to further confirm these findings.

Lactic acid bacteria derived extracellular vesicles: emerging bioactive nanoparticles in modulating host health

Lactic acid bacteria derived extracellular vesicles (LAB-EVs) are nano-sized and carry a variety of biological cargoes. LAB-EVs have proven to be potential mediators of intercellular communication, serving not only the parental bacteria but also the host cell in both physiology and pathology. LAB-EVs are therapeutically beneficial in various diseases through a cell-free strategy. Particularly, EVs secreted from probiotics can exert health-promoting effects on humans. Additionally, the excitement around LAB-EVs has extended to their use as nano-sized drug carriers, since they can traverse biological barriers. Nevertheless, significant challenges in terms of isolation, characterization, and safety must be addressed to ensure the clinical application of LAB-EVs. Therefore, this review emphasizes the isolation and purification methods of LAB-EVs. We also introduce the biogenesis, cargo sorting, and functions of LAB-EVs. The biological regulatory factors of LAB-EVs are summarized and discussed. Special attention is given to the interaction between LAB-EVs and the host, their ability to maintain intestinal homeostasis, and the immunity and inflammation they induce in diverse diseases. Furthermore, we summarize the characterization of LAB-EV cargoes by advanced analytical methods such as proteomics. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of LAB-EVs as a means of diagnosis and treatment in clinical translation. In conclusion, this review scrutinizes current knowledge and provides guidelines for proposing new perspectives for future research in the field of LAB-EVs.

Applications of Proteomics in Probiotics Having Anticancer and Chemopreventive Properties

Proteomics has grown in importance in molecular sciences because it gives vital information on protein identification, expression levels, and alteration. Cancer is one of the world's major causes of death and is the major focus of much research. Cancer risk is determined by hereditary variables as well as the body's immunological condition. Probiotics have increasing medical importance due to their therapeutic influence on the human body in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic illnesses, including cancer, with no adverse effects. Several anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive probiotics are studied using different proteomic approaches like two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. To gain relevant information about probiotic characteristics, data from the proteomic analysis are evaluated and processed using bioinformatics pipelines. Proteomic studies showed the significance of different proteomic approaches in characterization, comparing strains, and determination of oxidative stress of different probiotics. Moreover, proteomic approaches identified different proteins that are involved in glucose metabolism and the formation of cell walls or cell membranes, and the differences in the expression of critical enzymes in the HIF-1 signaling pathway, starch, and sucrose metabolism, and other critical metabolic pathways.

The Effects of Radix isatidis Raw Material on Egg Quality, Serum Biochemistry, Gut Morphology and Gut Flora

China produces more than 30 million tons of drug residues every year. Therefore, innovative solutions are needed to mitigate environmental damage. Certain plant compounds boost hens' health and performance. Radix isatidis is promising for layer production. This study elucidates the multidimensional impact of Radix isatidis residual material (RIHR) on laying hens, focusing on the egg quality, intestinal health and the microbial landscape. A total of 288 55-week-old Peking powder laying hens with similar laying rates and body weights were randomly divided into four groups, with eight replicates per group and nine hens per replicate. The groups were divided into a control group, an RIHR low-dose group, a medium-dose group and a high-dose group according to a single-factor, completely randomized design. For the three RIHR treatment groups, the added amounts were 5 kg/t, 10 kg/t and 15 kg/t, respectively. Liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC-MS), molecular docking, fluorescence quantitative PCR and other methods were used. The results showed that three main anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds were identified in RIHR-indirubin (0.21 μg/g), deoxyvasicinone (0.18 μg/g) and epigoitrin (0.39 μg/g). RIHR significantly increased the eggshell thickness, Haugh unit and protein height (p < 0.05). It also had significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on ilea and ceca (p < 0.05). The microbial analysis demonstrated that RIHR supplementation led to a significant reduction in foregut Lactobacillus levels (p < 0.05). In the hindgut, a significant increase in pathogenic bacteria was observed (p < 0.05). The study concludes that RIHR's anti-inflammatory compounds may directly act on the intestinal tract to modulate inflammation, highlighting its potential for targeted interventions in poultry health and nutrition.

Gut Lactobacillus contribute to the progression of breast cancer by affecting the anti-tumor activities of immune cells in the TME of tumor-bearing mice

Studies have proven that gut microbiota dysbiosis may influence the carcinogenesis and outcomes of multiple cancers. However, it is still unclear whether gut microbiota dysbiosis affect the progression of breast cancer, especially triple-negative breast cancer. In the present study, by using gut microbiota dysbiosis murine model established by treatment of mice with streptomycin, we found Lactobacillus and the metabolite-lactic acid are the pivotal factors for 4T1 tumor progression. In fact, streptomycin-treated mice exhibited slower tumor growth, in parallel with less abundance of Lactobacillus in the gut. Supplementation with Lactobacillus resulted in a rapid tumor growth, following a decrease in the expression of mRNAs for anti-tumor-related factors but an increase in the M2 polarization. The elevated percentages of IFN-γ-producing CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells in the tumor microenvironment of streptomycin-treated tumor-bearing mice may be vanished by supplementation of Lactobacillus. It seems likely that lactobacillus-mediated pro-tumor effect is related to the production of lactic acid. A decrease in the levels of lactic acid in the cecal feces and tumor tissues were observed in streptomycin-treated tumor bearing mice. However, supplementation of Lactobacillus can restore streptomycin-reduced concentration of lactic acid in the tumor tissues, suggesting that gut Lactobacillus are the source of lactic acid. Bioinformatics analysis result suggests high concentration of lactic acid in tumor sites may be related to the diminished anti-tumor immunity in the TME. This study reveals a correlation between gut Lactobacillus and tumor progression in a murine 4T1 tumor model, providing experimental evidence for clinical treatment of breast cancer.

Probiotic and Safety Evaluation of Twelve Lactic Acid Bacteria as Future Probiotics

The human gut flora is highly diverse. Most lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used as probiotics in human and animal husbandry and have a variety of physiological benefits. This article mainly studied the bacteriostatic ability of LAB against four pathogenic bacteria, gastrointestinal environment tolerance, and adhesion ability to Caco-2 cells. The genome of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L461 was sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that strains F512, L461, and D469 had the most significant inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica B, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, strains L461, C502, and P231 showed good tolerance after exposure to simulated gastric fluid for 0-4 h. Strains C502, H781, and L461 showed good tolerance in simulated intestinal fluid. Strains L461 and H781 showed good adhesion to Caco-2 cells. The number of viable bacteria was more than 60. Therefore, we screened L. plantarum L461 from 12 LAB strains through three aspects of evaluation, and conducted whole genome sequencing and analysis. Sequencing results showed that L. plantarum L461 had more defense mechanisms and phage annotation genes than L. plantarum WCFS1. Virulence factor studies showed that L. plantarum L461 has iron absorption system and adhesion-related gene annotation, indicating that L. plantarum L461 has survival advantage in intestinal tract. The predicted results showed that there were eight phages with phage resistance in L. plantarum L461. L. plantarum L461 is sensitive to several antibiotics, notably penicillin and oxacillin. In summary, the results of this study prove that L. plantarum L461 has good prebiotic function and is safe. Therefore, L. plantarum L461 can be safely used as a potential functional probiotic.