Synbiotic (probiotic and ginger extract) loaded floating beads: a novel therapeutic option in an experimental paradigm of gastric ulcer

Probiotic bacteria protect against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Indomethacin is an anti-inflammatory drug that causes ulcers on the gastric mucosa due to its use. Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms, and it has been stated by various studies that these bacteria have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the possible protective effect of various types of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus brevis) against acute gastric mucosal damage caused by indomethacin.

METHODS

Control group - Physiological saline was administered daily for 10 days. Indo group-Physiological saline was administered daily for 10 days. Ranitidine + Indo group 5 mg/kg ranitidine dose was administered daily for 5 days. On day 11, a single dose of 100 mg/kg of indomethacin was given to the same group. Probiotic + Indo group 1 ml/kg of oral probiotic bacteria was administered daily for 10 days. On day 11, a single 100 mg/kg dose of indomethacin was given. After the application, the rats were anesthetized with ketamine xylazine, killed under appropriate conditions, the abdominal cavity was opened and the stomach tissues were removed. The obtained gastric tissues were used in the biochemical and histopathological analyses discussed below. All data were statistically evaluated by one-way ANOVA using SPSS 20.00, followed by Duncan Post hoc test. The data were expressed as mean ± SD. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

As a result, the administration of indomethacin caused gastric damage, stimulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. We found that the use of probiotic bacteria reduces oxidative stress (TOC), increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes (TAC), suppresses inflammation (IL-6 and Tnf-α), and inhibits apoptosis (Bax and Bcl-2) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Probiotic treatment can mitigate gastric damage and apoptosis caused by indomethacin-induced gastric damage in rats. Probiotic also enhances the restoration of biochemical oxidative enzymes as it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties.

[6]-Shogaol and [6]-Gingerol active ingredients may improve neuropathic pain by suppressing cytokine levels in an experimental model

Background/aim

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a type of chronic pain usually caused by damage to the somatosensory system. Bioactive antioxidant compounds, such as curcumin and ginger, are widely preferred in the treatment of NP. However, the ingredient-based mechanism that underlies their pain-relieving activity remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of trans-[6]-Shogaol and [6]-Gingerol active ingredients of the Zingiber officinale Roscoe extract on the spinal cord and cortex in the neuroinflammatory pathway in rats with experimental sciatic nerve injury.

Materials and methods

Forty-six volatile phenolic components were identified in ginger samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Thirty 3-month-old male 250-300 g Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups as (i) sham, (ii) chronic constriction injury (CCI), and (iii) CCI+ginger. NP was induced using the CCI model. A ginger extract treatment enriched with trans-[6]-shogaol and [6]-gingerol active ingredients was administered by gavage at 200 mg/kg/day for 7 days. On the 14th day of the experiment, locomotor activity was evaluated in open field and hyperalgesia in tail flick tests.

Results

In behavioural experiments, a significant decrease was observed in the CCI group compared to the sham group, while a significant increase was observed in the CCI+ginger group compared to the CCI group (p < 0.05). In the spinal cord and cortex tissues, there was a significant increase in the TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 neuroinflammation results of the CCI group compared to the sham group, while there was a significant decrease in the CCI+ginger group compared to the CCI group.

Conclusion

In this study, ginger treatment was shown to have a therapeutic effect on neuroinflammation against sciatic nerve damage.

Zingiberene exerts chemopreventive activity against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced breast cancer in Sprague-Dawley rats

Breast cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related death in females, wherein increased mortality of breast cancer patients is recorded worldwide. Zingiberene is a monocyclic sesquiterpene from the ginger plant and has many pharmacological benefits. In this exploration, we assessed the anticancer actions of Zingiberene against the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-stimulated mammary carcinogenesis in rats and MDA-MB-231 cells. Breast cancer was induced in the Female Sprague-Dawley rats through the 25 mg/kg of DMBA in 0.5 ml of corn oil and then treated with 20 and 40 mg/kg of Zingiberene, respectively. The body weight of animals and tumor volume was measured. Hematological parameters, transaminases, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidants status were scrutinized using standard techniques. The estrogen receptor-α and inflammatory markers were inspected by using respective assay kits. Histological damage scores were determined. In vitro experiments were conducted to scrutinize Zingiberene's effect on cell viability and apoptotic cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells. Zingiberene substantially modulated the DMBA-stimulated physiological and hematological changes and decreased the transaminases, and lipid peroxidation in the DMBA-stimulated animals. Zingiberene also elevated the antioxidant level and suppressed the inflammatory markers. Histological study revealed the protective effects of Zingiberene. The viability of MDA-MB-231 cells was noticeably diminished by the Zingiberene, thus inducing apoptotic cell death. Overall, our findings reliably proved the anticancer potential of Zingiberene against the DMBA-stimulated mammary tumorigenesis, and it could be a promising chemotherapeutic agent.

Overview of the angiogenic effect of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) at human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Introduction: Angiogenesis (neovascularization), which means new vessel construction, is normal and physiologically, wound healing, embryogenesis, a necessary menstrual cycle it's a mechanism. When taken in appropriate amounts together with or separately with nutrients, mucosal and by regulating systemic immunity, ensuring nutritional and microbial balance in the intestines living nonpatogenic microorganisms that positively affect the health of the host it is called "probiotics". Lactic acid bacteria, the most probiotic microorganisms it constitutes its important group. Where probiotics have an effect on angiogenesis, and it is thought to help heal wounds through the road. With this research indicated that roles of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on angiogenesis if present to demonstrate in vitro methods and the gene expression responsible for the formation of these effects it is intended to reveal. Material and Method: This study is an experimental study conducted in vitro human umbilical cord vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) MTT test in cell culture with (3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; Thiazolyl blue) evaluation of viability and proliferation wound healing model, tube formation method and gene expression with real rime-polymer chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods of appointment were used. Results: HUVEC cells L. acidophilus 10⁹ CFU\ml after extract application statistical of mRNA expression of VEGF and FGF genes by control group 24 per hour it was found to increase significantly. L. rhamnosus 10 6 CFU\ml and 109 CFU\ml after application of extracts VEGF gene mRNA by control group 24 per hour its expression was found to be statistically significantly increased. Also L. rhamnosus extracts cell proliferation and migration of in vitro wound model it was found to increase statistically significantly. Conclusion: In this study, in vitro L. acidophilus 10⁹ CFU\ml extract and 10⁶ CFU\ml and 10⁹ CFU\ml extract of L. rhamnosus, VEGF gene mRNA revealed to be effective on angiogenesis in HUVEC cells by increasing expression it is.

Total Polyphenols and Antioxidant Properties of Selected Fresh and Dried Herbs and Spices

In this study, the content of total polyphenols (TP) and the antioxidant activity (AA) of fresh herbs (13 in total) and those subjected to the freeze-drying process (stems and leaves separately) were compared. Moreover, the content of TP and AA of retail, commercial food spices (19 in total) of the two leading companies on the Polish market were compared. The novelty of our studies is the comparison between fresh and dried forms of herbs and spices and additionally between dried in a freeze-drying process and commercially available (in dried forms). It was found that fresh herbs and spices showed a large accumulation of polyphenolic compounds (from 466.55 to 17.23 CAE/100 g, respectively, for lemon balm and ginger). For freeze-dried herbs and spices, the highest TP content was found for marjoram (3052.34 CAE/100 g—leaves). Among commercial herbs and spices, sage (971.28 CAE/100 g) deserves attention. Fresh herbal spices, in particular oregano, (236.21 µM TE/g) had the highest AA. AA of freeze-dried herbs and spices was much lower (5.27–1.20 µM TE/g). The average value obtained for commercially available herbs and spices purchased was 1.44 µM TE/g. In the case of AA measured by the DPPH radical, thyme was characterized by the highest activity among fresh marjoram for freeze-dried herbs and spices. For dried commercial spices, the highest levels of AA were found for cumin.

Role of Gastric Microorganisms Other than Helicobacter pylori in the Development and Treatment of Gastric Diseases

The microenvironment in the stomach is different from other digestive tracts, mainly because of the secretion of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, bile reflux, special mucus barrier, gastric peristalsis, and so on, which all contribute to the formation of antibacterial environment. Microecological disorders can lead to gastric immune disorders or lead to the decrease of dominant bacteria and the increase of the abundance and virulence of pathogenic microorganisms and then promote the occurrence of diseases. The body performs its immune function through innate and adaptive immunity and maintains microbial balance through the mechanism of immune homeostasis. Microecological imbalance can lead to the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms and damage mucosal barrier and immune system. The coexistence of gastric microorganisms (including viruses and fungi) may play a synergistic or antagonistic role in the pathogenesis of gastric diseases. Probiotics have the ability to compete with intestinal pathogens, increase the secretion of immunoglobulin A (IgA), stimulate the production of mucin, bacteriocin, and lactic acid, regulate the expression and secretion of cytokines, and regulate the growth of microbiota, which all have beneficial effects on the host microbial environment. At present, most studies focused on Helicobacter pylori, ignoring other stomach microbes and the overall stomach microecology. So, in this article, we reviewed advances in human gastric microecology, the relationship between gastric microecology and immunity or gastric diseases, and the treatment of probiotics in gastric diseases, in order to explore new area for further study of gastric microorganisms and treatment of gastric diseases.

Preventive and Regenerative Effect of Glutamine and Probiotics on Gastric Mucosa in an Experimental Model of Alcohol-Induced Injury in Male Holtzman Rats

Background: The purpose of this study was to measure the preventive and regenerative effect of glutamine and probiotics induced by alcohol injury in Holtzman rats. Methods: Analytical, experimental and prospective study. The population consisted of 56 male rats between 300 and 350 g, distributed in three experimental phases: Pre-pilot phase PPP (6 rats), Pilot phase PP (10 rats), and Experimental phase EP (40 rats). In the pilot phase, 10 rats were subjected to damage with 8.5% ethanol, which was given intragastrically. The dosage was calculated for 10 rats in two groups: the first with 7.5 mL/kg in 5 rats and the second with 8.5 mL/kg in 5 rats. The experimental phase was performed in 40 rats divided into 6 groups, the negative control group (healthy), positive control group (injured), preventive experimental group (glutamine and glutamine with probiotic) and regenerative experimental group (glutamine and glutamine with probiotic). At the end of each phase, the rats were sacrificed with sodium pentobarbital (Halathal) and a portion of their stomachs was stored in formol. Results: The evaluation of stomach tissue samples (desquamation, erythema, hyperemia) showed that in the preventive phase, glutamine shows effectiveness in comparison to glutamine with probiotic. In the regenerative phase, glutamine and glutamine with probiotic did not show significant differences. Conclusions: Glutamine and probiotics can potentially serve as a therapy for the treatment for gastritis.

Modulation of Stem Cell Progeny by Probiotics during Regeneration of Gastric Mucosal Erosions

Patients with gastric mucosal erosions are predisposed to chronic gastritis, ulcer or even cancer. The repair of mucosal erosions involves several events including proliferation of gastric epithelial stem cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the probiotic mixture of De Simone Formulation on gastric epithelial stem cell lineages in mouse models of gastric mucosal erosions. Gastric erosions were induced by a single oral gavage of 80% ethanol containing 15 mg/mL acetylsalicylic acid (5 mL/kg) following a daily dose of probiotic mixture (5 mg/day/mouse) for 10 days. In another protocol, erosions were induced by a daily gavage of acetylsalicylic acid (400 mg/kg/day/mouse) for 5 days before or after daily administration of probiotic mixture for 5 days. Control mice received water gavage for 10 days. All mice were injected with bromodeoxyuridine two hours before sacrifice to label S-phase cells. The stomachs of all mice were processed for histological examination, lectin binding, and immunohistochemical analysis. The results reveal that mice that received probiotics before or after the induction of erosion showed a decrease in erosion index with an increase in gastric epithelial stem/progenitor cell proliferation and enhanced production of mucus, trefoil factors, and ghrelin by mucous and enteroendocrine cell lineages. These mice also showed restoration of the amount of H⁺,K⁺-ATPase and pepsinogen involved in the production of the harsh acidic environment by parietal and chief cell lineages. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the beneficial effects of probiotics against gastric mucosal erosion and highlights the involvement and modulation of proliferative stem cells and their multiple glandular epithelial cell lineages.

Co-Encapsulated Synbiotics and Immobilized Probiotics in Human Health and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Growing interest in the development of innovative functional products as ideal carriers for synbiotics, e.g., nutrient bars, yogurt, chocolate, juice, ice cream, and cheese, to ensure the daily intake of probiotics and prebiotics, which are needed to maintain a healthy gut microbiota and overall well-being, is undeniable and inevitable. This review focuses on the modern approaches that are currently being developed to modulate the gut microbiota, with an emphasis on the health benefits mediated by co-encapsulated synbiotics and immobilized probiotics. The impact of processing, storage, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions on the viability and bioactivity of probiotics together with prebiotics such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, and dietary fibers using various delivery systems are considered. Despite the proven biological properties of synbiotics, research in this area needs to be focused on the proper selection of probiotic strains, their prebiotic counterparts, and delivery systems to avoid suppression of their synergistic or complementary effect on human health. Future directions should lead to the development of functional food products containing stable synbiotics tailored for different age groups or specifically designed to fulfill the needs of adjuvant therapy.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect of zingiberene on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in experimental animals

This study aimed to investigate the antihyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effect of zingiberene (ZBN) on isoproterenol-(ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats. ZBN (10 mg/kg b.wt.) was orally administered to rats for 21 days and ISO (85 mg/kg b.wt.) was subcutaneously injected into the rats at 24 h intervals for the last 2 consecutive days. We observed increased serum creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin T, and I levels in ISO-treated MI rats. Conversely, ZBN oral administration significantly prevented in cardiac marker enzyme activities in ISO-mediated rats. We also noticed that ZBN oral administration prevented ISO-induced expression of lipid peroxidative markers, total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to the normal basal level. Furthermore, ZBN restored ISO-mediated antioxidant status, increased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and tissue phospholipids to the near-normal levels. Besides, ZBN pre-treatment significantly reduced the level of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, and IL-1β) in ISO-induced MI in rats. We noticed that ZBN pretreatment inhibited the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cytochrome c and increased the Bcl-2 expression in ISO induced rats. The gene expression profiling by qRT-PCR array illustrates that ZBN treatment prevents the ISO mediated activation of cardiac markers, inflammatory, and fibrosis-related genes in the heart tissue. Taken together, pre-treatment with ZBN attenuated ISO-induced MI resolved exhibits the anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effect.

Effect of a novel fermented soy product on gastric ulcer scores in horses

Non-pharmaceutical methods are desirable to treat or prevent gastric ulceration in horses. This two-period, randomised, double-blinded placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplementation (25 g once daily in feed for 30 days) with Fermaid®Ease 187 (FE, Lallemand Australia Pty Ltd, Maroochydore, Australia) on gastric squamous and glandular mucosal ulcer scores in horses. Gastroscopy of 120 horses presented to the Veterinary Clinical Centre at Charles Sturt University (CSU; Bathurst, Australia) or at local training establishments identified 60 horses with spontaneous gastric ulcer disease (50%). Of horses eligible for inclusion, 29 horses were recruited and randomised to receive either the FE or placebo for 30 days. Effects were assessed by repeat gastroscopy (Day 31), at which time horses started the reciprocal treatment. Eleven horses successfully completed both treatment periods. Treatment with FE showed a significant decrease in squamous ulcer scores in period 1 (P=0.008), with a similar effect observed in period 2. No change was observed in squamous ulcer scores for horses receiving placebo treatment in period 1, but increased squamous scores were observed in horses receiving placebo treatment in period 2 (P=0.062). Squamous ulcer scores on Day 31 were significantly lower (P=0.005) following FE treatment than for horses receiving the placebo treatment. No effects were observed on glandular ulcer scores. This study supported the use of FE in horses predisposed to ulceration of the squamous gastric mucosa.

Amelioration of Alcohol Induced Gastric Ulcers Through the Administration of Lactobacillus plantarum APSulloc 331261 Isolated From Green Tea

Gastric inflammation is an indication of gastric ulcers and possible other underlying gastric malignancies. Epidemiological studies have revealed that several Asian countries, including South Korea, suffer from a high incidence of gastric diseases derived from high levels of stress, alcoholic consumption, pyloric infection and usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Clinical treatments of gastric ulcers are generally limited to proton pump inhibitors that neutralize the stomach acid, and the application of antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori eradication, both of which are known to have a negative effect on the gut microbiota. The potential of probiotics for alleviating gastrointestinal diseases such as intestinal bowel syndrome and intestinal bowel disease receives increasing scientific interest. Probiotics may support the amelioration of disease-related symptoms through modulation of the gut microbiota without causing dysbiosis. In this study the potential of Lactobacillus plantarum APSulloc 331261 (GTB1^TM), isolated from green tea, was investigated for alleviating gastric inflammation in an alcohol induced gastric ulcer murine model (positive control). Treatment with the test strain significantly influenced the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers, interleukin 6 (IL6) and interleukin 10 (IL10), of which the former was down- and the latter up-regulated when the alcohol induced mice were treated with the test strain. This positive effect was also indicated by less severe gastric morphological changes and the histological score of the gastric tissues. A significant increase in the abundance of Akkermansia within the GTB1^TM treated group compared to the positive control group also correlated with a decrease in the ratio of acetate over propionate. The increased levels of propionate in the GTB1^TM group appear to result from the impact of the test strain on the microbial population and the resulting metabolic activities. Moreover, there was a significant increase in beta-diversity in the group that received GTB1^TM over that of the alcohol induced control group.

Production and characterization of synbiotic Doogh, a yogurt-based Iranian drink by gum arabic, ginger extract and B. bifidum

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of using ginger extract and gum arabic as a prebiotic on the viability of Bifidobacterium bifidum and physico chemical properties of Doogh (yogurt drink) during storage at 4 °C for 30 days. The results showed that by increasing the amounts of gum arabic to 0.5%, B. bifidum count increased significantly (P < 0.05), but further increasing of the gum arabic, had no significant effect on B. bifidum count (P > 0.05). By increasing the amounts of gum arabic, the viscosity of the Doogh samples was increased and phase separation was reduced significantly (P < 0.05). The Doogh sample containing 0.25% gum arabic and 0.25% ginger extract had the highest number of probiotic population. Results showed that addition of B. bifidum increased acid development (°D) in Doogh samples during storage. In addition, phase separation in Doogh enriched by gum arabic was slower compared to control sample and the samples containing ginger extract. Doogh samples containing 0.25-1% gum arabic alone showed acceptable stability during storage time at 4 °C. In general, Doogh sample containing 0.25% ginger extract and 0.5% gum arabic gained the highest overall acceptability score in comparison with the other samples.

Antioxidant Activity of Spices and Their Impact on Human Health: A Review

Antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidation of other compounds or neutralize free radicals. Spices and herbs are rich sources of antioxidants. They have been used in food and beverages to enhance flavor, aroma and color. Due to their excellent antioxidant activity, spices and herbs have also been used to treat some diseases. In this review article, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of spices and culinary herbs are presented. The content of flavonoids and total polyphenols in different spices and herbs are summarized. The applications of spices and their impacts on human health are briefly described. The extraction and analytical methods for determination of antioxidant capacity are concisely reviewed.

Better Management of Alcohol Liver Disease Using a 'Microstructured Synbox' System Comprising L. plantarum and EGCG

Synergistic combination of probiotics with carbohydrate based prebiotics is widely employed for the treatment of various gut related disorders. However, such carbohydrate based prebiotics encourage the growth of pathogens and probiotics, equally. Aim of the study was (i) to explore the possibility of using epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) a phenolic compound, as a prebiotic for L.plantarum; (ii) to develop and evaluate a microstructured synbox (microencapsulating both probiotic and EGCG together) in rat model of alcohol liver disease (ALD); and, (iii) to confirm whether the combination can address issues of EGCG bioavailability and probiotic survivability in adverse gut conditions. Growth enhancing effect of EGCG on L. plantarum (12.8±0.5 log 10 units) was significantly (p≤0.05) better than inulin (11.4±0.38 log 10 units), a natural storage carbohydrate. The formulated synbox significantly modulated the levels of alcohol, endotoxin, hepatic enzymes and restored the hepatoarchitecture in comparison to simultaneous administration of free agents. Additionally, using a battery of techniques, levels of various cellular and molecular markers viz. NF-kB/p50, TNF-α, IL12/p40, and signalling molecules TLR4, CD14, MD2, MyD88 and COX-2 were observed to be suppressed. Developed microbead synbox, as a single delivery system for both the agents showed synergism and hence, holds promise as a therapeutic option for ALD management.

Efficacy and Safety of a Natural Remedy for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Double-Blinded Randomized-Controlled Study

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common, chronic, relapsing symptom. Often people self-diagnose and self-treat it even though health-related quality of life is significantly impaired. In the lack of a valid alternative approach, current treatments focus on suppression of gastric acid secretion by the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but people with GER have a significantly lower response rate to therapy. We designed a randomized double-blinded controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of a formulation based on sodium alginate/bicarbonate in combination with extracts obtained from Opuntia ficus-indica and Olea europaea associated with polyphenols (Mucosave®; verum), on GER-related symptoms. Male/female 118 (intention to treat) subjects with moderate GER and having at least 2 to 6 days of GER episodes/week were treated with verum (6 g/day) or placebo for two months. The questionnaires Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQoL) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale (GSAS) were self-administered by participants before the treatment and at the end of the treatment. Verum produced statistically significant reduction of GERD-HRQoL and GSAS scores, −56.5% and −59.1%, respectively, in comparison to placebo. Heartburn and acid regurgitation episodes for week were significantly reduced by verum (p < 0.01). Results indicate that Mucosave formulation provides an effective and well-tolerated treatment for reducing the frequency and intensity of symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux.

Potential role of probiotics in the management of gastric ulcer

Gastric ulcer is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal diseases characterized by a significant defect in the mucosal barrier. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the frequent long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are major factors involved in gastric ulcer development. Acid inhibitors and antibiotics are commonly used to treat gastric ulcer. However, in the last few decades, the accumulating evidence for resistance to antibiotics and the side effects of antibiotics and acid inhibitors have drawn attention to the possible use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcer. Probiotics are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer health benefits on the host. Currently, the available experimental and clinical studies indicate that probiotics are promising for future applications in the management of gastric ulcers. This review aims to provide an overview of the general health benefits of probiotics on various systemic and gastrointestinal disorders with a special focus on gastric ulcer and the involved cellular and molecular mechanisms: i) Protection of gastric mucosal barrier; ii) upregulation of prostaglandins, mucus, growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines; iii) increased cell proliferation to apoptosis ratio; and iv) induction of angiogenesis. Finally, some of the available data on the possible use of probiotics in H. pylori eradication are discussed.

Understanding probiotics' role in allergic children: the clue of gut microbiota profiling

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To investigate the functional role of gut microbiota in diet-modulated diseases, evaluating probiotic administration effects by systems biology-driven approaches. Understanding the role of host-gut microbial and gut microbe-microbe interactions in either allergic and healthy children may assist in selecting effective and targeted probiotics for personalized therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Food allergy shows a significant increase, especially in Western countries where growing epidemiological data indicate prevalence of small family groups, limited rate of infections in childhood compared with low-income countries, high consumption of sterile foods, hence stimulating a poor trigger of the gut immune system. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies to treat food allergy consist of probiotic administration since early life, thus modulating gut microbiota through immune system stimulation at the mucosal level.

SUMMARY

Currently, new insights for probiotic selection should take into consideration both phenotyping and genotyping bacterial features and host-microbial cross-talk at gut level, by employing multicomponent systems biology approaches to unveil gut ecosystem dynamics in terms of bacteria phylotypes and their metabolic activities. Moreover, new food processes need to be considered to assess the actual performance of probiotic strains administered to allergic patients. The advent of high-performance platforms employing genomic- and mass spectrometry-based techniques has opened new perspectives on the gut microbiota field, and may now serve as advanced tool to dynamically investigate the interplay between probiotics and gut microbiota ecology under allergic conditions.

Zingiberene attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity in neuronal cells

In this experimental design, we explored the neuroprotective potential of zingiberene (ZGB), a monocyclic sesquiterpene, in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity in newborn rat cerebral cortex cell cultures for the first time. The rats were exposed to H2O2 for 6 h to determine the oxidative stress levels. To evaluate cell viability, both 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays were carried out. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS) parameters were used to evaluate oxidative changes. Besides determining 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) levels in vitro, single-cell gel electrophoresis was also performed to measure the resistance of neuronal DNA to H2O2- exposed rats. Our results showed that survival and TAC levels of the cells decreased, while TOS, 8-OH-dG levels and the mean values of the total scores of cells showing DNA damage increased in the H2O2 alone-treated cultures. But pretreatment of ZGB suppressed the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative stress that were increased by H2O2. Based on these observations, it is suggested that the sesquiterpene ZGB can be used as a novel and natural potential therapeutic in counteracting oxidative damages in the field of neurodegenerative disorders.

Efficiency of double layered microencapsulated probiotic to modulate proinflammatory molecular markers for the management of alcoholic liver disease

Alcohol-related disorders are one of the challenging current health problems with medical, social, and economic consequences. Endotoxemia, oxidative stress, and release of a variety of inflammatory molecules are established mediators in alcoholic liver injury (ALD). Probiotics like L. plantarum though were reported to attenuate ALD, their in vivo health benefits are limited by their survival and sustenance in the adverse gut conditions. Therefore, to enhance their in vivo performance, chitosan coated alginate beads entrapping L. plantarum were prepared, characterized, and evaluated for their efficacy against ALD in rats. Following chronic alcohol exposure, rats developed endotoxemia, showed enhanced levels of liver enzyme markers, NF-κB levels, and increased cytokines such as TNF- α and IL12/p40 subunit, and reflected significant histological changes in the intestine and liver. However, cosupplementation with double layered microencapsulated probiotic significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the levels of endotoxemia, serum transaminases, NF-κB, and cytokines complemented with restoration of normal histoarchitecture of the intestine and liver. It is being documented here for the first time that the probiotics have the potential to inhibit IL-12/p40 subunit which is a recently explored potential marker for developing novel therapeutic agents. This study reveals that microencapsulation of probiotics may offer a biopharmacological basis for effective management of ALD.

Newly Developed Synbiotics and the Chemotherapy-Damaged Gut

Mucositis is a common side-effect of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Features of mucositis include erythema, ulceration, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract accompanied by clinical symptoms of abdominal pain and digestive disturbances. New treatment strategies are required. Experimental evidence is accumulating showing therapeutic promise for new nutraceutical agents including probiotic bacteria, probiotic-derived factors, prebiotics, and plant extracts. However, the targeted development of new combinations of these agents (synbiotics) to combat mucositis remains largely unexplored. The current review addresses the potential for these nutraceutical agents to reduce the severity of chemotherapy-damaged mucositis by strategically aligning their underlying mechanism of action with features of mucositis pathogenesis. The potential for certain plant extracts to act as prebiotics, in combination with probiotics or their derived factors, is further investigated. These unique synbiotic formulations could form the basis of a new naturally sourced adjunctive approach to cancer chemotherapy.

The probiotic mixture VSL#3 accelerates gastric ulcer healing by stimulating vascular endothelial growth factor

Studies assessing the effect and mechanism of probiotics on diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI) including gastric ulcers are limited despite extensive work and promising results of this therapeutic option for other GI diseases. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which the probiotic mixture VSL#3 (a mixture of eight probiotic bacteria including Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and Streptococcus species) heals acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats. VSL#3 was administered orally at low (6×10⁹ bacteria) or high (1.2×10¹⁰ bacteria) dosages from day 3 after ulcer induction for 14 consecutive days. VSL#3 treatments significantly enhanced gastric ulcer healing in a dose-dependent manner. To assess the mechanism(s) whereby VSL#3 exerted its protective effects, we quantified the gene expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, protein and expression of stomach mucin-Muc5ac, regulatory cytokine-IL-10, COX-2 and various growth factors. Of all the components examined, only expression and protein production of VEGF was increased 332-fold on day 7 in the ulcerated tissues of animals treated with VSL#3. Predictably, animals treated with VEGF neutralizing antibody significantly delayed gastric ulcer healing in VSL#3 treated animals. This is the first report to demonstrate high efficacy of the probiotic mixture VSL#3 in enhancing gastric ulcer healing. Probiotic efficacy was effective at higher concentrations of VSL#3 by specifically increasing the expression and production of angiogenesis promoting growth factors, primarily VEGF.