Probiotic, as well as conventional yogurt, can enhance the stimulated production of proinflammatory cytokines

Maternal oral probiotic use is associated with decreased breastmilk inflammatory markers, infant fecal microbiome variation, and altered recognition memory responses in infants-a pilot observational study

Introduction

Early life gut microbiomes are important for brain and immune system development in animal models. Probiotic use has been proposed as a strategy to promote health via modulation of microbiomes. In this observational study, we explore if early life exposure to probiotics via the mother during pregnancy and lactation, is associated with decreased inflammation in breastmilk, maternal and infant microbiome variation, and altered infant neurodevelopmental features.

Methods

Exclusively breastfeeding mother-infant dyads were recruited as part of the "Mothers and Infants Linked for Healthy Growth (MILk) Study." Probiotic comparison groups were defined by exposure to maternal probiotics (NO/YES) and by timing of probiotic exposure (prenatal, postnatal, total). C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels were determined in breastmilk by immunoassays, and microbiomes were characterized from 1-month milk and from 1- and 6-month infant feces by 16S rDNA sequencing. Infant brain function was profiled via electroencephalogram (EEG); we assessed recognition memory using event-related potential (ERP) responses to familiar and novel auditory (1 month) and visual (6 months) stimuli. Statistical comparisons of study outcomes between probiotic groups were performed using permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) (microbiome) and linear models (all other study outcomes), including relevant covariables as indicated.

Results

We observed associations between probiotic exposure and lower breastmilk CRP and IL-6 levels, and infant gut microbiome variation at 1- and 6-months of age (including higher abundances of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus). In addition, maternal probiotic exposure was associated with differences in infant ERP features at 6-months of age. Specifically, infants who were exposed to postnatal maternal probiotics (between the 1- and 6-month study visits) via breastfeeding/breastmilk, had larger differential responses between familiar and novel visual stimuli with respect to the late slow wave component of the EEG, which may indicate greater memory updating potential. The milk of mothers of this subgroup of infants had lower IL-6 levels and infants had different 6-month fecal microbiomes as compared to those in the "NO" maternal probiotics group.

Discussion

These results support continued research into "Microbiota-Gut-Brain" connections during early life and the role of pre- and postnatal probiotics in mothers to promote healthy microbiome-associated outcomes in infants.

Low-fat yogurt consumption maintains biomarkers of immune function relative to nondairy control food in women with elevated BMI: A randomized controlled crossover trial

Yogurt consumption may help reduce chronic inflammation associated with obesity. However, the underlying mechanism(s) by which yogurt consumption modulates the immune system have not been validated in human intervention studies. We hypothesized that 4-week yogurt consumption (12 oz/day) attenuates systemic inflammation by modulating the proportion of circulating T helper (Th) 17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells in adult women with elevated body mass index (BMI). To test the hypothesis, we conducted a randomized crossover dietary intervention study consisted of a 4-week dietary intervention in which participants consumed 12 oz of either low-fat dairy yogurt or a soy pudding control snack per day, with a 4-week washout between treatments. Thirty-nine healthy adult women with a BMI between 25 and 40 kg/m2 were enrolled and 20 completed the study. Changes in the biometrics, circulating T cells, and markers of systemic and colonic inflammation were assessed between the 2 treatment groups, as well as 24-hour diet recalls were conducted at baseline and following each treatment. The primary study outcome, the change in the proportion of circulating Th17 cells, was unaffected by the treatments. Secondary outcome measures, circulating Treg, Th17, and markers of chronic inflammation, were maintained by yogurt treatment, whereas circulating Treg was increased and interleukin-10 was reduced by control snack treatment. However, circulating Treg changes were not associated with changes to other biomarkers of inflammation, implying other immune cells and/or tissues may mediate circulating biomarkers of chronic inflammation. This study was approved by the University of Wisconsin-Madison institutional review board and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04149418.

A Meta-analysis of the Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus sp. as Immunomodulating Inflammatory Responses

Lactobacillus sp. is considered an indispensable probiotic, and this probiotic has an effective role in maintaining the immune system. We evaluated the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus sp. on modulating inflammation in several cases. In collecting the literature, we used databases from the Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Embase. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed using Review Manager (version 5.4). A p-value of <0.05 of the total effect is considered statistically significant. Finally, 1895 references were retrieved and 20 were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis suggested that most cases in this study were healthy elderly who received treatment with Lactobacillus sp. Lactobacillus sp. has a positive effect on B cells, eosinophils, IgE, NK cells, TNF-α, and IL-10. Lactobacillus could regulate the immune system by modulating inflammation in the healthy elderly.

Accounting for the health risk of probiotics

Probiotics have long been associated with a myriad of health benefits, so much so that their adverse effects whether mild or severe, are often neglected or overshadowed by the enormous volume of articles describing their beneficial effects in the current literature. Recent evidence has demonstrated several health risks of probiotics that warrant serious reconsideration of their applications and further investigations. This review aims to highlight studies that report on how probiotics might cause opportunistic systemic and local infections, detrimental immunological effects, metabolic disturbance, allergic reactions, and facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. To offer a recent account of the literature, articles within the last five years were prioritized. The narration of these evidence was based on the nature of the studies in the following order of preference: clinical studies or human samples, in vivo or animal models, in situ, in vitro and/or in silico. We hope that this review will inform consumers, food scientists, and medical practitioners, on the health risks, while also encouraging research that will focus on and clarify the adverse effects of probiotics.

Influences of Yogurt with Functional Ingredients from Various Sources That Help Treat Leaky Gut on Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Caco-2 Cells

The impact of yogurts made with starter culture bacteria (L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) and supplemented with ingredients (maitake mushrooms, quercetin, L-glutamine, slippery elm bark, licorice root, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, zinc orotate, and marshmallow root) that can help treat leaky gut were investigated using the Caco-2 cell monolayer as a measure of intestinal barrier dysfunction. Milk from the same source was equally dispersed into nine pails, and the eight ingredients were randomly allocated to the eight pails. The control had no ingredients. The Caco-2 cells were treated with isoflavone genistein (negative control) and growth media (positive control). Inflammation was stimulated using an inflammatory cocktail of cytokines (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β) and lipopolysaccharide. The yogurt without ingredients (control yogurt) was compared to the yogurt treatments (yogurts with ingredients) that help treat leaky gut. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular permeability were measured to evaluate the integrity of the Caco-2 monolayer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunofluorescence microscopy (IM), and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTQPCR) were applied to measure the integrity of tight junction proteins. The yogurts were subjected to gastric and intestinal digestion, and TEER was recorded. Ferrous ion chelating activity, ferric reducing potential, and DPPH radical scavenging were also examined to determine the yogurts' antioxidant capacity. Yogurt with quercetin and marshmallow root improved the antioxidant activity and TEER and had the lowest permeability in fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran and Lucifer yellow flux among the yogurt samples. TEM, IM, and RTQPCR revealed that yogurt enhanced tight junction proteins' localization and gene expression. Intestinal digestion of the yogurt negatively impacted inflammation-induced Caco-2 barrier dysfunction, while yogurt with quercetin, marshmallow root, maitake mushroom, and licorice root had the highest TEER values compared to the control yogurt. Yogurt fortification with quercetin, marshmallow root, maitake mushroom, and licorice root may improve functionality when dealing with intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Inducia on metabolic and antioxidative response in cholesterol and BMI variable indices: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials

Probiotics may have potential in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in middle-aged persons with borderline metabolic indices. The ability of potential probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Inducia to reduce CVD risk factors in persons with variable cholesterol and body mass indices (BMI) was assessed. In two parallel-armed double-blind placebo-controlled interventions (n=136) and (n=104), participants daily received either test yoghurt (Inducia) or placebo yoghurt. BMI, blood pressure, plasma glucose, cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), oxidative stress and immunological markers were measured. Total counts of lactobacilli and L. plantarum Inducia were evaluated using real-time PCR. Significant reduction of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and non-high-density cholesterol occurred in both trials. The change in cholesterol (P=0.023) in persons with normal BMI and borderline cholesterol levels after four weeks of yoghurt consumption was detected. A difference was also found between placebo and test yoghurt groups (P=0.042) in LDL-c with normal BMI. Blood glucose reduction (P=0.01) and antioxidative effect was detected in overweight volunteers of the test yoghurt group. The suppression of oxidised LDL was associated with lowered oxidative stress index and total peroxide concentration values and faecal recovery of Inducia. The Inducia strain expresses antioxidative effect on blood lipids and has anti-glycaemic impact that allow to apply it as dietary probiotic supplement for the management of CVD risks in humans.

A Combined In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of the Safety of the Yeast Strains Kluyveromyces marxianus A4 and A5 Isolated from Korean Kefir

Kefir is a traditional fermented milk containing beneficial bacteria and yeasts. Despite Kluyveromyces marxianus, isolated from kefir, gaining increasing attention as a potential probiotic yeast owing to its biological function, Saccharomyces boulardii is the only species considered as a probiotic yeast. We evaluated the safety of K. marxianus strains A4 and A5, isolated from Korean kefir, in comparison with that of S. boulardii. Virulence attributes were preliminarily assessed in vitro including their ability of gelatin hydrolysis, pseudohyphae formation, and hemolysis. To evaluate in vivo safety, the strains were challenged in a healthy animal model, four-week-old female BALB/c mice. Mice were orally administered 0.2 mL of 0.9% sterilized saline (NC_S; n = 6), S. boulardii ATCC MYA-796 (high concentration, S.b_H; low concentration, S.b_L; n = 6 for each), K. marxianus A4 (high concentration, A4_H; low concentration, A4_L; n = 6 for each), or K. marxianus A5 (high concentration, A5_H; low concentration, A5_L; n = 6 for each) for 2 weeks. At study end, body weight, spleen and liver weights, and blood parameters were assessed. K. marxianus A4 and A5 were tested negative for gelatinase and hemolysis. Overall, hematological, plasma biochemical, and cytokine (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) parameters were comparable between the experimental and negative control (NC) groups. Notably, the interleukin-6 level of the A5_H group was significantly lower than that of the NC group (p < 0.05), suggesting anti-inflammatory potential of K. marxianus A5.

Effects of Probiotic Intervention on Markers of Inflammation and Health Outcomes in Women of Reproductive Age and Their Children

The human intestinal microbiota has been shown to be modulated during inflammatory conditions. Probiotic administration has been shown to affect the immune system and cytokine expression which can affect inflammation and health outcomes. There seems to be an association between the mother's intestinal microbiota and inflammation biomarkers, both of which may contribute to newborn early life immune and metabolic programming and impact short and long-term health outcomes. Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to influence metabolic health, immunity, and gastrointestinal health of the mother, and can also have carry-over benefits to infants such as infant allergy risk reduction. Therefore, this review focuses on the evidence of probiotic administration in women of reproductive age, including during pregnancy and its impact on inflammatory markers and on maternal and infant health. We performed a PubMed search for articles published in English in the last 20 years. Immune markers were narrowed to serum and breast milk levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β, IgA, and IL-10. Studies that investigated the beneficial effects of interventions in women with gestational diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and infant allergy management are summarized. These results show a beneficial or neutral effect on selected health outcomes and that it is safe for woman and their infants. The effect of probiotics on modulation of inflammatory markers was probiotic specific. More research is needed to further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of probiotics on inflammation and how these effects improve health outcomes.

Photosensitized oxidation of cholesterol and altered oxysterol levels in sour cream: Effects of addition of cucumber pickles

The aim of this research was to examine whether sour cream (18% fat) is an exogenous source of oxysterols and whether it is possible to improve its antioxidative properties and to modulate cholesterol transformation by adding cucumber. To determine whether cucumber modifies the properties of sour cream, fresh cucumber or cucumber pickle (pH 3.3; 1.5% lactic acid) was added in an amount of 20%. The sour cream samples were then stored under light (450 lx, 590 cd, 120 lm) for 3 wk. After storage, the addition of the cucumber pickle increased total mesophilic aerobic bacteria from 7.5 to 9.3 log cfu/g and increased the l-lactic acid content from 6.1 to 9.7 g/L. The total conjugated linoleic acid content in sour cream with cucumber pickle also increased to 4.5 mg/g fat after storage, whereas the cholesterol content decreased to 3.44 g/kg fat. Importantly, with the addition of cucumber pickle, the total content of cholesterol oxidization products (COP) did not change after storage (1.7 mg/kg fat). By contrast, the total COP content in the control sour cream sample increased from 1.7 to 7.3 mg/kg fat over 3 wk of storage. The dominant COP before and after storage was 7β-hydroxycholesterol. Thus, despite exposure to light, adding cucumber pickle to sour cream modulates cholesterol transformation and effectively inhibits the formation of oxysterols.

Fermented goat's milk modulates immune response during iron deficiency anemia recovery

BACKGROUND

Iron deficiency and iron overload can affect the normal functioning of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Fermented milk products may enhance immune functions, but little is known about the effect of fermented milks on modulation of the immune response during iron deficiency anemia and recovery with normal or high dietary iron intake. Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group fed a standard diet or to an anemic group fed a diet deficit in iron. Control and anemic groups were fed for 30 days with diets based on a fermented goat's or cow's milk product, with normal iron content or iron overload.

RESULTS

In general, during anemia recovery lectin and alternative complement pathway activity and lactoferrin decreased, because it improves iron homeostasis, which is critically important in immune system functions. Fermented goat's milk diet enhanced immune function during iron deficiency recovery, suppressed oxidant-induced eotaxin and fractalkine expression due to the concurrent reduction of free radical production and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and monocyte migration and adhesion. The increase in interferon-γ can confer immunological colonization of gut microbiota and downregulate inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Fermented goat's milk consumption enhances immune function, modifying complement pathway activity and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as lactoferrin concentration, due to the improvement of iron homeostasis, which is critically important in the normal function of the immune system. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

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

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

Alleviation of halitosis by use of probiotics and their protective mechanisms in the oral cavity

Regarding the relation of halitosis with oral infections and its effects on social relations between humans, the present study investigated the positive effects of probiotics on prevention or treatment of halitosis. The causative agents of halitosis are volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), and halitosis is divided into oral and non-oral types according to the source of the VSCs. H2S and CH3SH are two main halitosis metabolites-produced following the degradation of proteins by bacteria in the mouth-however, CH3SCH3 has a non-oral origin, and is a blood neutral molecule. Just as much as halitosis is important in medicine, its psychological aspects are also considered, which can even lead to suicide. Today, the use of probiotics as a new therapeutic in many roles is in progress. Most probiotics are used for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders, but various studies on the alleviation of halitosis by use of probiotics have reported satisfactory results. The genera Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Weissella are among the most useful probiotics for the prevention or treatment of halitosis in the oral cavity.

Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei HII01 Supplementation on Total Cholesterol, and on the Parameters of Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Digestion in Thai Hypercholesterolemic Subjects

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. Probiotics can help to improve high blood lipid levels in hypercholesterolemia patients. Lactobacillus paracasei has been reported to have beneficial effects in several subjects; however, there is a lack of studies on Thai hypercholesterolemic subjects. Thus, this study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of L. paracasei HII01 on cholesterol, oxidative stress, and other biomarkers. Fifty-two subjects were randomized into two groups: the L. paracasei treatment group and the placebo group. The study was conducted over an intervention period of 12 weeks of supplementation. The results show that L. paracasei HII01 significantly reduced the total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TGs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the patients, and increased their HDL, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and propionic acid compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the supplementation of L. paracasei HII01 significantly increased lactic acid, IL-10 and IFN-γ, and substantially decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) at the end of the treatment. The results suggest that L. paracasei HII01 improves the blood lipid profile, reduces oxidative stress, and is beneficial for health among Thai hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Antiviral activity of fermented foods and their probiotics bacteria towards respiratory and alimentary tracts viruses

The recent COVID-19, a viral outbreak calls for a high demand for non-conventional antiviral agents that can reduce the risk of infections and promote fast recovery. Fermented foods and their probiotics bacteria have recently received increasing interest due to the reported potential of high antiviral activity. Several probiotics strains demonstrated broad range of antiviral activities and different mechanisms of action. This article will review the diversity, health benefits, interaction with immune system and antiviral activity of fermented foods and their probiotics bacteria. In addition, the mechanisms of action will be reviewed to determine the broad range potential antiviral activity against the respiratory and alimentary tracts viruses. The probiotics bacteria and bioactive compounds in fermented foods demonstrated antiviral activities against respiratory and alimentary tracts viruses. The mechanism of action was reported to be due to the stimulation of the immune system function via enhancing natural killers cell toxicity, enhance the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing the cytotoxic of T lymphocytes (CD3⁺, CD16⁺, CD56⁺). However, further studies are highly recommended to determine the potential antiviral activity for traditional fermented foods.

Comparison of probiotic yogurt and ordinary yogurt consumption on serum Pentraxin3, NT-proBNP, oxLDL, and ApoB100 in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nowadays, the potential beneficial effects of probiotic yogurt as a functional food has raised much interest. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the probiotic yogurt and ordinary yogurt consumption on some indices in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this randomized, triple-blind clinical trial, 90 patients with CHF were randomly allocated into two groups to take either probiotic yogurt or ordinary yogurt for 10 weeks. The serum levels of pentraxin3 (PTX3), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) were measured at the baseline and at the end of week 10. P-Value <0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Final analyses were performed on 78 patients. The levels of PTX3 and oxLDL in both the groups decreased significantly after 10 weeks, and these reductions were greater in the probiotic group, where the difference between the groups was statistically significant for oxLDL (P-value: 0.051, adjusted P-value: 0.010) but not significant for PTX3 (P-value: 0.956, adjusted P-value: 0.236). The changes in the serum NT-proBNP levels were not statistically significant between the groups (P-value: 0.948, adjusted P-value: 0.306). ApoB100 significantly decreased in the control group compared to the probiotic group and the difference between the groups was significant at first but was not significant after adjusting for the confounders (P-value: 0.004, adjusted P-value: 0.280).

CONCLUSION

The serum oxLDL significantly reduced due to probiotic yogurt consumption after 10 weeks compared to ordinary yogurt; thus, it may be useful for improving the oxidative status of CHF patients. The clinical trial registry number is IRCT20091114002709N48 (https://www.irct.ir/IRCT20091114002709N48, registered 12 March 2018).

Effects of dairy products consumption on inflammatory biomarkers among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

This study aimed to summarize earlier studies on the effects of dairy consumption on inflammatory biomarkers in adults and to quantify these effects through meta-analysis.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A comprehensive search of all relevant articles, published up to December 2019 indexed in PubMed, ISI (Institute for Scientific Information), EmBase, Scopus, and Google Scholar was done using relevant keywords. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of dairy products consumption, compared with low or no dairy intake, on inflammatory biomarkers in adults were included. Overall, 11 RCTs with 663 participants were included in this meta-analysis. We found that high consumption of dairy products, compared with low or no dairy intake, might significantly reduce CRP [weighed mean difference (WMD): -0.24 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.35, -0.14], TNF-α (WMD:- 0.66 pg/mL; 95% CI, -1.23, -0.09), IL-6 (WMD: -0.74 pg/mL; 95% CI, -1.36, -0.12), and MCP concentrations (WMD: -25.58 pg/mL; 95% CI, -50.31, -0.86). However, when the analyses were confined to cross-over trials, no such beneficial effects of dairy intake on inflammation were observed. In addition, high dairy intake might result in increased adiponectin levels (WMD: 2.42 μg/mL; 95% CI, 0.17, 4.66). No significant effect of dairy consumption on serum leptin (WMD: -0.32 ng/mL; 95% CI, -3.30, 2.65), ICAM-1 (WMD: -3.38 ng/ml; 95% CI, -15.57, 8.96) and VCAM-1 (WMD: 3.1 ng/mL; 95% CI, -21.38, 27.58) levels was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the current meta-analysis indicated that dairy intake might improve several inflammatory biomarkers in adults. In most subgroups without heterogeneity, effects tended to be null. Study design and participants' age were the main sources of heterogeneity. More research, with a particular focus on fat content of dairy foods, is recommended.

Protective Effect of Potential Probiotic Strains from Fermented Ethiopian Food against Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 in Mice

Salmonella is one of the most harmful pathogens responsible for foodborne outbreaks, illnesses and deaths. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of potentially probiotic strains against Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 in mice. The compatibility test among the selected potential probiotic strains (Lactobacillus plantarum K132, Lactobacillus paracasei K114 and Lactococcus lactis E124) using the cross-streaking method showed the absence of antagonism. The anti-Salmonella activities of coculture of the isolated potential probiotics in the form of mixed or single culture showed a remarkable anti-Salmonella activity with 96.50 to 100% growth inhibition. The combination of strains, which showed the highest growth inhibition rates against Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, was used to test their effect on the colonization of mice by Salmonella Typhimurium DT104. White albino male mice were pretreated with the mixed potential probiotics for 7 days and infected with Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 for 1 day. A total of 3 treatments were applied, during which the negative control group was treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); a positive control group (typ) was challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 alone. The treated group (pro-typ) was pretreated with mixed potential probiotic culture and then infected with Salmonella Typhimurium DT104. The survival rate of mice and counts of Salmonella in feces were recorded. The survival rate of mice on day 21 after the oral challenge with Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the experimental pro-typ group (100% survival) compared with the positive control group (20% survival). The counts (colony-forming unit per ml) of Salmonella in feces were significantly lower (p < 0.05) for the pro-typ group compared to the typ group. The combination of potential probiotic strains was able to protect mice against Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 infection that demonstrates their potential to be used as probiotic cultures for the production of functional fermented products.

Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Activities of the Heat-Killed Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus casei IMAU60214 on Macrophages In Vitro

Most Lactobacillus species have beneficial immunological (“immunoprobiotic”) effects in the host. However, it is unclear how probiotic bacteria regulate immune responses. The present study investigated the effects of heat-killed Lactobacillus casei IMAU60214 on the activity of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Human MDMs were treated with heat-killed L. casei at a ratio (bacteria/MDM) of 50:1, 100:1, 250:1, and 500:1, and then evaluated for the following: NO production, by Griess reaction; phagocytosis of FITC-labeled Staphylococcus aureus particles; cytokine secretion profile (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β) by ELISA; and costimulatory molecule (CD80 and CD86) surface expression, by flow cytometry. Heat-killed L. casei IMAU60214 enhanced phagocytosis, NO production, cytokine release, and surface expression of CD80 and CD86 in a dose-dependent manner. All products were previously suppressed by pretreatment with a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-neutralizing antibody. Overall, our findings suggest that this probiotic strain promotes an M1-like pro-inflammatory phenotype through the TLR2 signaling pathway. These effects on macrophage phenotype help explain the probiotic efficacy of Lactobacillus and provide important information for the selection of therapeutic targets and treatments compatible with the immunological characteristics of this probiotic strain.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus reuteri expressing a 3D8 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) enhances chicken growth and conserves immune homeostasis

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of 3D8 scFv-secreting Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) on growth performance, inflammatory responses, and intestinal microbial flora in chickens. To this end, a total of 14 healthy wild-type chickens were divided into two experimental groups. Each group was orally administrated with a daily dose of 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU) of 3D8 scFv-producing L. reuteri or wild-type (WT) for 35 days. Administration of L. reuteri/3D8 scFv significantly improved the body weight of chickens when compared to L. reuteri/WT group. The bacterial taxonomic composition of the fecal microbiota was determined by pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria were dominant phyla in two experimental groups. However, in 3D8 L. reuteri treatment groups at genus level, the Lactobacillus was highly abundant, being represented by 18.12%. In addition, serum levels of primary cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IGF1 were markedly reduced in the probiotic L. reuteri 3D8 group. In summary, our results indicate that the administration of L. reuteri expressing 3D8 scFv has a modulatory effect on inflammatory responses, improves weight gain while not affecting the common microbial composition of the chicken intestine.

Fermented Dairy Foods: Impact on Intestinal Microbiota and Health-Linked Biomarkers

The intake of fermented foods is gaining increasing interest due to their health-promoting benefits. Among them, fermented dairy foods have been associated with obesity prevention, and reduction of the risk of metabolic disorders and immune-related pathologies. Fermented foods could lead to these health benefits by providing the consumer with both easily metabolizable nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between the consumption of fermented dairy products and the intestinal microbiota, serum lipid profile, and the pro-oxidant/inflammatory status. 130 healthy adults were evaluated. Dietary fermented food intake was assessed by an annual food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), including 26 fermented dairy products. Levels of the major phylogenetic types of the intestinal microbiota were determined by qPCR, and concentration of fecal short chain fatty acids were assessed by gas chromatography. Serum glucose and lipid profile, as well as serum malondialdehyde (MDA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leptin levels were determined by standardized protocols. Among fermented dairy foods, natural yogurt, sweetened yogurt and matured/semi-matured cheese were the most consumed. While natural yogurt consumers showed increased fecal levels of Akkermansia with respect to non-consumers, sweetened yogurt intake was associated to lower levels of Bacteroides. Serum levels of CRP were also significantly reduced in yogurt consumers. Our results underline the interest in exploring the potential effects of the different yogurt types and the role the microbiota may play in such effects.

Effect of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on inflammatory markers in health and disease status: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

The current systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effect of probiotic/synbiotic on a wide range of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in healthy and various disease conditions. PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases were searched. All clinical trials which investigated the effect of oral administration of probiotic or synbiotic on inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interferon (IFN) γ and transforming growth factor (TGF) β) for more than one week with concurrent control groups were included. One-hundred sixty seven publications was analysed. Results were as follows: CRP decreased in healthy, metabolic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), arthritis and critically ill condition but not in renal failure. IL-1B: no change in healthy subjects and arthritis. TNF-α: decreased in healthy, fatty liver, IBD and hepatic cirrhosis, no change in diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MS) + PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and arthritis. IL-6: no change in healthy, metabolic disorders and arthritis, increased in cirrhosis and renal failure, decreased in PCOS + MS. IL-10: no change in healthy, IBD and metabolic disorders, increased in arthritis. IL-4, IL-8, IL-12, IFN-g and TGF-b: no change in healthy subjects. In conclusion, probiotic/synbiotic decreased some of the inflammatory markers. The intervention was most effective in CRP and TNF-α reduction in healthy or disease state. Moreover, the intervention decreased inflammation most effectively in the following disease conditions, respectively: IBD, arthritis, fatty liver. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018088688.

Bovine whey peptides transit the intestinal barrier to reduce oxidative stress in muscle cells

Health benefits are routinely attributed to whey proteins, their hydrolysates and peptides based on in vitro chemical and cellular assays. The objective of this study was to track the fate of whey proteins through the upper gastrointestinal tract, their uptake across the intestinal barrier and then assess the physiological impact to downstream target cells. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) released a selection of whey peptides some of which were transported across a Caco-2/HT-29 intestinal barrier, inhibited free radical formation in muscle and liver cells. In addition, SGID of β-lactoglobulin resulted in the highest concentration of free amino acids (176 nM) arriving on the basolateral side of the co-culture with notable levels of branched chain and sulphur-containing amino acids. In vitro results indicate that consumption of whey proteins will deliver bioactive peptides to target cells.

Vaginal Lactobacilli Induce Differentiation of Monocytic Precursors Toward Langerhans-like Cells: in Vitro Evidence

Lactobacilli have immunomodulatory mechanisms that affect the host cell immune system, leading to inhibition of HIV-1 transmission. Thus, lactobacilli as mucosal delivery vehicles for developing HIV-1 vaccines have attracted interest in recent years. Herein, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of six strains of Lactobacillus naturally isolated from vaginal samples, including Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus), L. fermentum, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. delbrueckii and L. johnsonii, on differentiation of monocytic precursors. L. crispatus, L. fermentum and L. delbrueckii could drive human monocytic cell line THP-1 cells to differentiate into dendritic-like cells according to the morphology. Moreover, L. crispatus increased costimulatory molecules including CD40, CD80 and CD86, and Langerhans cell specific C-type lectin receptors CD207, while L. fermentum decreased these molecules in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, L. crispatus promoted the differentiation of THP-1 cells with specific markers, phagocytic features, cytokine production ability and reduced the expression of receptors for HIV-1 entry of Langerhans cells. However, in the presence of L. fermentum, THP-1 cells did not show the above alterations. Moreover, similar effects of L. crispatus and L. fermentum were observed in CD14⁺ monocytes. These data suggested that L. crispatus facilitates the differentiation of monocytic precursors toward Langerhans-like cells in vitro. We further identified the cell wall components of Lactobacillus and found that peptidoglycans (PGNs), rather than bacteriocins, S-layer protein and lipoteichoic acid, were key contributors to the induction of CD207 expression. However, PGNs originating from Bacillus subtilis, E. coli JM109 and E. coli DH5α did not elevate CD207 expression, indicating that only PGN derived from Lactobacillus could enhance CD207 expression. Finally, the recognized receptors of L. crispatus (such as TLR2 and TLR6) and the upstream transcription factors (PU.1, TAL1, TIF1γ, and POLR2A) of CD207 were examined, and the expression of these molecules was enhanced in THP-1 cells following L. crispatus treatment. Thus, this study offers powerful evidence that vaginal lactobacilli modulate monocytic precursor differentiation into Langerhans-like cells probably via activating the TLR2/6-TFs-CD207 axis. These data provide clues for further investigation of the original occurrence, development and differentiation of Langerhans cells from monocytes.

The immunomodulatory role of probiotics in allergy therapy

The increased incidence of allergic disorders may be the result of a relative fall in microbial induction in the intestinal immune system during infancy and early childhood. Probiotics have recently been proposed as viable microorganisms for the prevention and treatment of specific allergic diseases. Different mechanisms have been considered for this probiotic property, such as generation of cytokines from activated pro-T-helper type 1 after bacterial contact. However, the effects of its immunomodulatory potential require validation for clinical applications. This review will focus on the currently available data on the benefits of probiotics in allergy disease.

Ex vivo anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics for periodontal health

Background: Probiotic bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties have the potential to be of therapeutic benefit in gingivitis.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of potential probiotic strains on inflammatory mediators involved in early gingivitis using an ex vivo inflammation model.

Methods: Strains were screened in viable and attenuated forms for effects on bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated release of interleukins (IL)-1β, -6 and -8, tumor necrosis factor-α, prostaglandin E₂ and 8-isoprostane from human primary monocytes, and then, if anti-inflammatory effects were shown, on IL-1β-stimulated release of inflammatory mediators from primary gingival fibroblasts. Lead strains were evaluated for optimal dosing, batch-to-batch variation and functional consistency in toothpaste.

Results: Twenty-one of 73 strains showed anti-inflammatory effects in monocytes; of which, seven showed effects in both viable and attenuated forms. Seven of 14 strains showed effects in fibroblasts. Strains Lactobacillus paracasei LPc-G110(SYBIO-15) and Lactobacillus plantarum GOS42(SYBIO-41) induced statistically significant dose-dependent reductions in the release of multiple inflammatory mediators from monocytes, which were consistent across batches. Viable L. paracasei LPc-G110 tooth paste significantly reduced IL-6, IL-8 and prostaglandin E₂ release from monocytes versus placebo.

Conclusion: Strains L. paracasei LPc-G110 and L. plantarum GOS42 have potential for use as probiotics in oral care products to reduce gingival inflammation.

Probiotic yogurt and acidified milk similarly reduce postprandial inflammation and both alter the gut microbiota of healthy, young men

Probiotic yogurt and milk supplemented with probiotics have been investigated for their role in 'low-grade' inflammation but evidence for their efficacy is inconclusive. This study explores the impact of probiotic yogurt on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, with a parallel study of gut microbiota dynamics. The randomised cross-over study was conducted in fourteen healthy, young men to test probiotic yogurt compared with milk acidified with 2 % d-(+)-glucono-δ-lactone during a 2-week intervention (400 g/d). Fasting assessments, a high-fat meal test (HFM) and microbiota analyses were used to assess the intervention effects. Baseline assessments for the HFM were carried out after a run-in during which normal milk was provided. No significant differences in the inflammatory response to the HFM were observed after probiotic yogurt compared with acidified milk intake; however, both products were associated with significant reductions in the inflammatory response to the HFM compared with the baseline tests (assessed by IL6, TNFα and chemokine ligand 5) (P<0·001). These observations were accompanied by significant changes in microbiota taxa, including decreased abundance of Bilophila wadsworthia after acidified milk (log 2-fold-change (FC)=-1·5, P adj=0·05) and probiotic yogurt intake (FC=-1·3, P adj=0·03), increased abundance of Bifidobacterium species after acidified milk intake (FC=1·4, P adj=0·04) and detection of Lactobacillus delbrueckii spp. bulgaricus (FC=7·0, P adj<0·01) and Streptococcus salivarius spp. thermophilus (FC=6·0, P adj<0·01) after probiotic yogurt intake. Probiotic yogurt and acidified milk similarly reduce postprandial inflammation that is associated with a HFM while inducing distinct changes in the gut microbiota of healthy men. These observations could be relevant for dietary treatments that target 'low-grade' inflammation.

Immune Response of Healthy Adults to the Ingested Probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota

Daily ingestion of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS; 1.3 × 10¹⁰ live cells) by healthy adults for (1) 4-week LcS, (2) 6-week discontinuation of LcS and (3) a final 4 weeks of LcS was investigated. There was a significant increase in expression of the T cell activation marker CD3⁺ CD69⁺ in ex vivo unstimulated blood cells at weeks 10 and 14, and there was a significant increase in the NK cell marker CD3⁺ CD16/56⁺ in ex vivo unstimulated blood cells at weeks 4, 10 and 14. Expression of the NK cell activation marker CD16/56⁺ CD69⁺ in ex vivo unstimulated blood cells was 62% higher at week 10 and 74% higher at week 14. Intracellular staining of IL-4 in ex vivo unstimulated and PMA-/ionomycin-stimulated CD3⁺ β7⁺ integrin blood cells was significantly lower at weeks 10 and 14. Intracellular staining of IL-12 in ex vivo unstimulated and LPS-stimulated CD14⁺ blood cells was significantly lower at weeks 4, 10 and 14. Intracellular staining of TNF-α in LPS-stimulated CD14⁺ blood cells was significantly lower at weeks 4, 10 and 14. Mucosal salivary IFN-γ, IgA1 and IgA2 concentrations were significantly higher at week 14, but LcS did not affect systemic circulating influenza A-specific IgA or IgG and tetanus-specific IgG antibody levels. In addition to the decrease in CD3⁺ β7⁺ integrin cell IL-4 and a reduced CD14⁺ cell pro-inflammatory cytokine profile, at week 14 increased expression of activation markers on circulating T cells and NK cells and higher mucosal salivary IgA1 and IgA2 concentration indicated a secondary boosting effect of LcS.

Patterns of dairy food intake, body composition and markers of metabolic health in Ireland: results from the National Adult Nutrition Survey

Background:

Studies examining the association between dairy consumption and metabolic health have shown mixed results. This may be due, in part, to the use of different definitions of dairy, and to single types of dairy foods examined in isolation.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to examine associations between dairy food intake and metabolic health, identify patterns of dairy food consumption and determine whether dairy dietary patterns are associated with outcomes of metabolic health, in a cross-sectional survey.

Design:

A 4-day food diary was used to assess food and beverage consumption, including dairy (defined as milk, cheese, yogurt, cream and butter) in free-living, healthy Irish adults aged 18–90 years (n=1500). Fasting blood samples (n=897) were collected, and anthropometric measurements taken. Differences in metabolic health markers across patterns and tertiles of dairy consumption were tested via analysis of covariance. Patterns of dairy food consumption, of different fat contents, were identified using cluster analysis.

Results:

Higher (total) dairy was associated with lower body mass index, %body fat, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (P<0.001), and lower systolic (P=0.02) and diastolic (P<0.001) blood pressure. Similar trends were observed when milk and yogurt intakes were considered separately. Higher cheese consumption was associated with higher C-peptide (P<0.001). Dietary pattern analysis identified three patterns (clusters) of dairy consumption; 'Whole milk', 'Reduced fat milks and yogurt' and 'Butter and cream'. The 'Reduced fat milks and yogurt' cluster had the highest scores on a Healthy Eating Index, and lower-fat and saturated fat intakes, but greater triglyceride levels (P=0.028) and total cholesterol (P=0.015). conclusion: Overall, these results suggest that while milk and yogurt consumption is associated with a favourable body phenotype, the blood lipid profiles are less favourable when eaten as part of a low-fat high-carbohydrate dietary pattern. More research is needed to better understand this association.

Conclusion:

Overall, these results suggest that although milk and yogurt consumption is associated with a favourable body phenotype, the blood lipid profiles are less favourable when eaten as part of a low-fat high-carbohydrate dietary pattern. More research is needed to better understand this association.

Does the scientific evidence support the advertising claims made for products containing Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

To analyse the scientific evidence that exists for the advertising claims made for two products containing Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis and to conduct a comparison between the published literature and what is presented in the corporate website.

METHODS

Systematic review, using Medline through Pubmed and Embase. We included human clinical trials that exclusively measured the effect of Lactobacillus casei or Bifidobacterium lactis on a healthy population, and where the objective was related to the health claims made for certain products in advertising. We assessed the levels of evidence and the strength of the recommendation according to the classification criteria established by the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (CEBM). We also assessed the outcomes of the studies published on the website that did not appear in the search.

RESULTS

Of the 440 articles identified, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Only four (25%) of these presented a level of evidence of 1b and a recommendation grade of A, all corresponding to studies on product containing Bifidobacterium lactis, and only 12 of the 16 studies were published on the corporate website (47).

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient scientific evidence to support the health claims made for these products, especially in the case of product containing Lactobacillus casei.

Is consuming yoghurt associated with weight management outcomes? Results from a systematic review

Background:

Yoghurt is part of the diet of many people worldwide and is commonly recognised as a ‘health food'. Epidemiological studies suggest that yoghurt may be useful as part of weight management programs. In the absence of comprehensive systematic reviews, this systematic review investigated the effect of yoghurt consumption by apparently healthy adults on weight-related outcomes.

Methods:

An extensive literature search was undertaken, as part of a wider scoping review, to identify yoghurt studies. A total of 13 631 records were assessed for their relevance to weight-related outcomes.

Results:

Twenty-two publications were eligible according to the review protocol. Cohort studies (n=6) and cross-sectional studies (n=7) all showed a correlation between yoghurt and lower or improved body weight/composition. Six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one controlled trial had various limitations, including small size and short duration. One RCT showed significant effects of yoghurt on weight loss, but was confounded by differences in calcium intake. One trial showed nonsignificant weight gain and the remaining five trials showed nonsignificant weight losses that were greater in yoghurt consumers.

Conclusions:

Yoghurt consumption is associated with lower body mass index, lower body weight/weight gain, smaller waist circumference and lower body fat in epidemiological studies. RCTs suggest weight reduction effects, but do not permit determination of a cause–effect relationship. Well-controlled, adequately powered trials in research and community settings appear likely to identify a modest but beneficial effect of yoghurt consumption for prevention of weight gain and management of obesity. The ready availability of yoghurt (a nutrient-dense food) and its ease of introduction to most diets suggests that educating the public to eat yoghurt as part of a balanced and healthy diet may potentially contribute to improved public health. Future carefully designed RCTs could provide proof of principle and large community-based studies could determine the practical impact of yoghurt on body weight/composition.

Effects of Probiotics on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Factors in Petrochemical Workers: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

Background:

The aim of the current study was to determine effects of probiotic yoghurt and multispecies probiotic capsule supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in petrochemical workers.

Methods:

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done among petrochemical workers. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups to receive 100 g/day probiotic yogurt (n = 12) or one probiotic capsule daily (n = 13) or 100 g/day conventional yogurt (n = 10) for 6 weeks. The probiotic yoghurt was containing two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis with a total of min 1 × 10⁷ CFU. Multispecies probiotic capsule contains seven probiotic bacteria spices Actobacillus casei 3 × 10³, L. acidophilus 3 × 10⁷, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 7 × 10⁹, Lactobacillus bulgaricus 5 × 10⁸, Bifidobacterium breve 2 × 10¹⁰, Bifidobacterium longum 1 × 10⁹ and Streptococcus thermophilus 3 × 10⁸ CFU/g. Fasting blood samples were obtained at the beginning and end of the trial to quantify biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors.

Results:

Although a significant within-group decrease in plasma protein carbonyl levels was seen in the probiotic capsule group (326.0 ± 308.9 vs. 251.0 ± 176.3 ng/mL, P = 0.02), the changes were similar among the three groups. In addition, significant within-group decreases in plasma iso prostaglandin were observed in the probiotic supplements group (111.9 ± 85.4 vs. 88.0 ± 71.0 pg/mL, P = 0.003) and in the probiotic yogurt group (116.3 ± 93.0 vs. 92.0 ± 66.0 pg/mL, P = 0.02), nevertheless there were no significant change among the three groups.

Conclusions:

Taken together, consumption of probiotic yogurt or multispecies probiotic capsule had beneficial effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress in petrochemical workers.

Modulatory activity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus OLL2838 in a mouse model of intestinal immunopathology

Gut microbiota and probiotic strains play an important role in oral tolerance by modulating regulatory and effector cell components of the immune system. We have previously described the ability of Lactobacilli to influence both the innate and adaptive immunity to wheat gluten, a food antigen, in mouse. In this study, we further explored the immunomodulatory mechanisms elicited in this model by testing three specific probiotic strains, namely L. rhamnosus OLL2838, B. infantis ATCC15697 and S. thermophilus Sfi39. In vitro analysis showed the all tested strains induced maturation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells (DCs). However, only L. rhamnosus induced appreciable levels of IL-10 and nitric oxide productions, whereas S. thermophilus essentially elicited IL-12 and TNF-α. The anti-inflammatory ability of OLL2838 was then tested in vivo by adopting mice that develop a gluten-specific enteropathy. This model is characterized by villus blunting, crypt hyperplasia, high levels of intestinal IFN-γ, increased cell apoptosis in lamina propria, and reduced intestinal total glutathione (GSHtot) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity. We found that, following administration of OLL2838, GSHtot and GST activity were enhanced, whereas caspase-3 activity was reduced. On the contrary, this probiotic strain failed in recovering the normal histology and further increased intestinal IFN-γ. Confocal microscopy revealed the inability of the probiotic strain to appropriately interact with enterocytes of the small intestine and with Peyer's patches in treated mice. In conclusion, these data highlighted the potential of L. rhamnosus OLL2838 to recover specific toxicity parameters induced by gluten in enteropathic mice through mechanisms that involve induction of low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Expression of cytokines in chicken peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBCs) exposed to probiotic strains and Salmonella Enteritidis

The mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, LITAF, iNOS, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP1-ß), and K60 were examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs). The PMBCs were isolated from the chicken blood and in vitro exposed to the probiotic strains E. faecium AL41, E. faecium H31, L. fermentum AD1, and infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE147). The PMBCs were evaluated for mRNA expression levels at 24 h and 48 h post infection (p.i.) using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The level of expression of IL-1ß and MIP1-ß was upregulated (P < 0.001) in the EFAL41+SE (S. Enteritidis + E. faecium AL41) group 48 h p.i. compared to 24 h p.i. Similarly, expression of LITAF was upregulated (P < 0.001) in the EFAL41 + SE group compared to the control (C - no infected) and S. Enteritidis (SE) group 48 h p.i. In PMBCs treated with E. faecium H31 and S. Enteritidis expression of IL-1ß (P < 0.01) and chemokines K60 and MIP1-ß was upregulated (P < 0.001) in the EFH31 + SE group 24 h p.i. The iNOS showed upregulated expression (P < 0.001) in the EFAL41 + SE group compared to the control 24 h p.i. and to the C and SE groups 48 h p.i. The results showed that E. faecium AL41 demonstrated the highest immunostimulatory effect on expression of selected cytokines by chicken PMBCs after Salmonella infection. It is supposed that the differences in cytokine induction within SE groups are related to lymphocytes isolated from different animals.

Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius UBL S22 and Prebiotic Fructo-oligosaccharide on Serum Lipids, Inflammatory Markers, Insulin Sensitivity, and Gut Bacteria in Healthy Young Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Pilot Study

This study investigated the effect of 6-week supplementation of a probiotic strain Lactobacillus salivarius UBL S22 with or without prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) on serum lipid profiles, immune responses, insulin sensitivity, and gut lactobacilli in 45 healthy young individuals. The patients were divided into 3 groups (15/group), that is, placebo, probiotic, and synbiotic. After 6 weeks, a significant reduction (P < .05) in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides and increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in the probiotic as well as in the synbiotic group when compared to placebo; however, the results of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were more pronounced in the synbiotic group. Similarly, when compared to the placebo group, the serum concentrations of inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly (P < .05) reduced in both the experimental groups, but again the reduction in the synbiotic group was more pronounced. Also, an increase (P < .05) in the fecal counts of total lactobacilli and a decrease (P < .05) in coliforms and Escherichia coli was observed in both the experimental groups after 6 weeks of ingestion. Overall, the combination of L salivarius with FOS was observed to be more beneficial than L salivarius alone, thereby advocating that such synbiotic combinations could be therapeutically exploited for improved health and quality of life.

Colorectal cancer and nonfermented milk, solid cheese, and fermented milk consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent cancer worldwide. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies was conducted to examine the association between intake of different types of dairy foods during adulthood and the development of colorectal cancer, specifically comparing nonfermented milk, solid cheese, and fermented milk. Seven databases were systematically searched and 15 cohort studies selected for inclusion, involving over 900,000 subjects and over 5200 colorectal cancer cases. Meta-analysis resulted in an overall relative risk of colon cancer of 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.60-0.91) in men consuming nonfermented milk (highest intake category averaging 525 g/day). No association was found between consumption of nonfermented milk and rectal cancer in men or nonfermented milk and colon or rectal cancer in women. No protective association was found between consumption of solid cheese or fermented milk and colorectal cancer. Reasons for the differences in the impact of nonfermented milk, solid cheese, and fermented milk in the colon are discussed. This meta-analysis supports the inverse association between nonfermented milk consumption and risk of colon cancer in men, and provides an evidence base to assist in the formulation of dietary guidelines involving dairy foods.

Modulation of anti-inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide stimulated human THP-1 cell line and mouse model at gene expression level with indigenous putative probiotic lactobacilli

The anti-inflammatory potential of eight indigenous probiotic Lactobacillus isolates was evaluated in vitro in terms of modulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in human acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cells under inflammatory conditions. Amongst these, Lactobacillus plantarum Lp91 was the most potent anti-inflammatory strain as it evoked a significant (P < 0.001) down-regulation of TNF-α by -1.45-fold relative to the control in THP-1 cells. However, in terms of IL-6 expression, all the strains could up-regulate its expression considerably at different levels. Hence, based on in vitro expression of TNF-α, Lp91 was selected for in vivo study in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model to look at the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and E-selectin in mouse aorta. In LPS challenged (2 h) mice group fed with Lp91 for 10 days, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin expressions were significantly down-regulated by 3.10-, 10.02-, 4.22-, -3.14-, 2.28- and 5.71-fold relative to control conditions. In conclusion, Lp91 could serve as a candidate probiotic strain to explore it as a possible biotherapeutic anti-inflammatory agent against inflammatory diseases including cardiovascular disease.

In vitro evaluation of anti-infective activity of a Lactobacillus plantarum strain against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis

Background

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis infections are known to exhibit worldwide prevalence with increased morbidity and mortality. The conventional strategies like antibiotic therapy and vaccination have not only proved to be of sub-optimal efficacy but also led to the development of multidrug resistant strains of Salmonella. Antimicrobial activities of probiotics against various enteropathogens and other health promoting effects have assumed greater significance in recent years. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a Lactobacillus plantarum strain (KSBT 56, isolated from a traditional food product of India), in preventing Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis growth and pathogenicity in vitro.

Methods and results

The cell free culture supernatant (CFCS) of KSBT 56 strain notably inhibited the growth of Salmonella Enteritidis without affecting the growth of other gram-positive lactic acid bacteria. The isolated KSBT 56 strain produces lactic acid similar to other standard probiotic strains like Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 1407. The free radical production by KSBT 56 strain was studied by using sodC mutant of S. Enteritidis, which exhibited reduced growth in the presence of CFCS of the KSBT 56 strain, indicating the inhibitory activity of free radicals on the growth of S. Enteritidis. Our results also showed a significant reduction in the biofilm forming ability of Salmonella Enteritidis in the presence of the KSBT 56 strain (2 log cfu/ml, p = 0.01). Further, the anti-infective characteristics of KSBT 56 strain was validated by gentamicin protection assay which revealed 80% reduction in the invasion of Salmonella Enteritidis to HCT-116 cell line (Salmonella Enteritidis and KSBT 56 in a 1:1 ratio) and delayed addition of Salmonella Enteritidis by 1 h. Similarly, the reduced adhesion of Salmonella to the HCT-116 cells was observed along with the down regulation of hilA gene of Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 (SPI1) indicating that they might have acted synergistically to decrease the invasion of the pathogen into the cell line.

Conclusions

KSBT 56 strain effectively inhibited the growth, invasion and the biofilm forming ability of Salmonella Enteritidis without inhibiting the growth of other Lactobacillus strains. Overall, our result suggested that KSBT 56 can be used as a potential probiotic strain with considerable beneficial effects on the host.

Probiotics as a novel treatment for non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease; a systematic review on the current evidences

CONTEXT

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease, with 5-10% of liver having extra fat. Increase in its prevalence in all age groups is linked with obesity and Type II diabetes. The treatment of NAFLD remains controversial. A growing body of evidence suggests a relation between overgrowth of gut microbiota with NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The objective of this review is to provide an overview on experimental and clinical studies assessing all positive and negative effects of probiotics.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We made a critical appraisal on various types of documents published from 1999 to March 2012 in journals, electronic books, seminars, and symposium contexts including Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. We used the key words: "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, probiotics, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver disease, and fatty liver".

RESULTS

Probiotics, as biological factors, control the gut microbiota and result in its progression. It is in this sense that they are suggestive of a new and a natural way of promoting liver function. Correspondingly, limited evidence suggests that probiotics could be considered as a new way of treatment for NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

Various experimental studies and clinical trials revealed promising effects of probiotics in improving NAFLD; however given the limited experience in this field, generalization of probiotics as treatment of NAFLD needs substantiation through more trials with a larger sample sizes and with longer-term follow up.

Designer foods and their benefits: A review

Designer foods are normal foods fortified with health promoting ingredients. These foods are similar in appearance to normal foods and are consumed regularly as a part of diet. In this article we have reviewed the global regulatory status and benefits of available designer foods such as designer egg, designer milk, designer grains, probiotics, designer foods enriched with micro and macronutrients and designer proteins. Designer foods are produced by the process of fortification or nutrification. With the advances in the biotechnology, biofortification of foods using technologies such as recombinant DNA technology and fermentation procedures are gaining advantage in the industry. The ultimate acceptability and extensive use of designer foods depend on proper regulation in the market by the regulatory authorities of the country and by creating consumer awareness about their health benefits through various nationwide programs.

Probiotics-containing yogurts suppress Helicobacter pylori load and modify immune response and intestinal microbiota in the Helicobacter pylori-infected children

BACKGROUND

 The benefits of probiotics to the pediatric Helicobacter pylori infection remain uncertain. We tested whether the H. pylori-infected children have an altered gut microflora, and whether probiotics-containing yogurt can restore such change and improve their H. pylori-related immune cascades.

METHODS

We prospectively included 38 children with H. pylori infection confirmed by a positive ¹³C-urea breath test (UBT) and 38 age- and sex-matched noninfected controls. All of them have provided the serum and stool samples before and after 4-week ingestion of probiotics-containing yogurt. The serum samples were tested for the TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, immunoglobulin (Ig) A, G, E, pepsinogens I and II levels. The stool samples were tested for the colony counts of Bifidobacterium spp. and Escherichia coli. The follow-up UBT indirectly assessed the H. pylori loads after yogurt usage.

RESULTS

 The H. pylori-infected children had lower fecal Bifidobacterium spp. count (p = .009), Bifidobacterium spp./E. coli ratio (p = .04), serum IgA titer (p = .04), and pepsinogens I/II ratio (p < .001) than in controls. In the H. pylori-infected children, 4-week yogurt ingestion reduced the IL-6 level (p < .01) and H. pylori loads (p = .046), but elevated the serum IgA and pepsinogen II levels (p < .001). Moreover, yogurt ingestion can improve the childhood fecal Bifidobacterium spp./E. coli ratio (p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

 The H. pylori-infected children have a lower Bifidobacterium microflora in gut. The probiotics-containing yogurt can offer benefits to restore Bifidobacterium spp./E. coli ratio in children and suppress the H. pylori load with increment of serum IgA but with reduction in IL-6 in H. pylori-infected children.

Consumption of Galactooligosaccharides together with Probiotics Stimulates the In Vitro Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Proliferation and IFNγ Production in Healthy Men

Probiotics and prebiotics modify the intestinal environment and could have immunomodulatory effects. The proliferation of spontaneous and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their production of interleukin-4, interleukin-5, transforming growth factor-β1, and interferon-γ (IFNγ) were determined in eighteen men at the baseline and during a 2-week period of probiotics (mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC705, Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS, and Bifidobacterium breve Bb99) and galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) (3.8 g/day). The spontaneous and stimulated proliferation of PBMC increased from the baseline during probiotics+GOS (P<0.001). The secretion of IFNγ, but not other cytokines, by stimulated PBMC increased during the same period (P<0.05). In conclusion, the consumption of this probiotic mixture including GOS appears to increase the capacity of PBMC to proliferate and release IFNγ selectively in healthy men.