Evaluation of the functional efficacy of an antioxidative probiotic in healthy volunteers

Strategies to enhance stress tolerance in lactic acid bacteria across diverse stress conditions

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) hold significant importance in diverse fields, including food technology, industrial biotechnology, and medicine. As basic components of starter cultures, probiotics, immunomodulators, and live vaccines, LAB cells resist a variety of stressors, including temperature fluctuations, osmotic and pH shocks, exposure to oxidants and ultraviolet radiation, substrate deprivation, mechanical damage, and more. To stay alive in these adversities, LAB employ a wide range of stress response strategies supported by various mechanisms, for example rearrangement of metabolism, expression of specialized biomolecules (e.g., chaperones and antioxidants), exopolysaccharide synthesis, and complex repair and regulatory systems. LAB can coordinate responses to various stressors using global regulators. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about stress response strategies used by LAB and consider mechanisms of response to specific stressful factors, supported by illustrative examples. In addition, we discuss technical approaches to increase the stress resistance of LAB, including pre-adaptation, genetic modification of strains, and adjustment of cultivation conditions. A critical analysis of the recent findings in this field augments comprehension of stress tolerance mechanisms in LAB, paving the way for prospective research directions with implications in fundamental and practical areas.

Lactobacillus sp. Facilitate the Repair of DNA Damage Caused by Bile-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species in Experimental Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) leads to the accumulation of bile-induced reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in esophageal tissues, causing inflammation and DNA damage. The progression sequence from healthy esophagus to GERD and eventually cancer is associated with a microbiome shift. Lactobacillus species are commensal organisms known for their probiotic and antioxidant characteristics in the healthy esophagus. This prompted us to investigate how Lactobacilli survive in a bile-rich environment during GERD, and to identify their interaction with the bile-injured esophageal cells. To model human reflux conditions, we exposed three Lactobacillus species (L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, and L. fermentum) to bile. All species were tolerant to bile possibly enabling them to colonize the esophageal epithelium under GERD conditions. Next, we assessed the antioxidant potential of Lactobacilli and role in bile injury repair: we measured bile-induced DNA damage using the ROS marker 8-oxo guanine and COMET assay. Lactobacillus addition after bile injury accelerated repair of bile-induced DNA damage through recruitment of pH2AX/RAD51 and reduced NFκB-associated inflammation in esophageal cells. This study demonstrated anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of Lactobacilli, making them of significant interest in the prevention of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with GERD.

Protective Effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ME-3 against the Increase in Paracellular Permeability Induced by Chemotherapy or Inflammatory Conditions in Caco-2 Cell Models

Chemotherapy- or inflammation-induced increase in intestinal permeability represents a severe element in disease evolution in patients suffering from colorectal cancer and gut inflammatory conditions. Emerging data strongly support the gut microbiota’s role in preserving intestinal barrier integrity, whilst both chemotherapy and gut inflammation alter microbiota composition. Some probiotics might have a strong re-balancing effect on the gut microbiota, also positively affecting intestinal barrier integrity. In this study, we asked whether Limosilactobacillus fermentum ME-3 can prevent the intestinal paracellular permeability increase caused by the chemotherapeutic drug Irinotecan or by inflammatory stimuli, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). As an intestinal barrier model, we used a confluent and polarized Caco-2 cell monolayer and assessed the ME-3-induced effect on paracellular permeability by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescent-dextran flux assays. The integrity of tight and adherens junctions was examined by confocal microscopy analysis. Transwell co-cultures of Caco-2 cells and U937-derived macrophages were used as models of LPS-induced intestinal inflammation to test the effect of ME-3 on release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor α, Interleukin-6, and Interleukin-8, was measured by ELISA. The results demonstrate that ME-3 prevents the IRI-induced increment in paracellular permeability, possibly by modulating the expression and localization of cell junction components. In addition, ME-3 inhibited both the increase in paracellular permeability and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the co-culture model of LPS-induced inflammation. Our findings sustain the validity of L. fermentum ME-3 as a valuable therapeutic tool for preventing leaky gut syndrome, still currently without an available specific treatment.

Recent Perspective of Lactobacillus in Reducing Oxidative Stress to Prevent Disease

During oxidative stress, an important factor in the development of many diseases, cellular oxidative and antioxidant activities are imbalanced due to various internal and external factors such as inflammation or diet. The administration of probiotic Lactobacillus strains has been shown to confer a range of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects in the host. This review focuses on the potential role of oxidative stress in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), cancer, and liver-related diseases in the context of preventive and therapeutic effects associated with Lactobacillus. This article reviews studies in cell lines and animal models as well as some clinical population reports that suggest that Lactobacillus could alleviate basic symptoms and related abnormal indicators of IBD, cancers, and liver damage, and covers evidence supporting a role for the Nrf2, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways in the effects of Lactobacillus in alleviating inflammation, oxidative stress, aberrant cell proliferation, and apoptosis. This review also discusses the unmet needs and future directions in probiotic Lactobacillus research including more extensive mechanistic analyses and more clinical trials for Lactobacillus-based treatments.

Nutritional Profile, Processing and Potential Products: A Comparative Review of Goat Milk

Goat milk contains an abundance of different macro and micro-nutrients. Compared with other milk, goat milk is a viable option due to its low allergy levels and is preferred for infants with cow milk allergies. A wide variety of goat milk-based products, including yoghurt, ice cream, fermented milk, and cheese, are available on the market. They are produced using effective processing technology and are known to exhibit numerous health benefits after consumption. However, goat milk consumption is limited in many nations (compared with cow, buffalo, camel, and sheep milk) due to a lack of awareness of its nutritional composition and the significance of its different byproducts. This review provides a detailed explanation of the various macronutrients that may be present, with special attention paid to each component, its purpose, and the health benefits it offers. It also compares goat milk with milk from other species in terms of its superiority and nutritional content, as well as the types, production methods, health advantages, and other beneficial properties of the various goat milk products that are currently available on the market.

The Therapeutic Role of Exercise and Probiotics in Stressful Brain Conditions

Oxidative stress has been recognized as a contributing factor in aging and in the progression of multiple neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s dementia, ischemic stroke, and head and spinal cord injury. The increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, altered metal homeostasis, and compromised brain antioxidant defence. All these changes have been reported to directly affect synaptic activity and neurotransmission in neurons, leading to cognitive dysfunction. In this context two non-invasive strategies could be employed in an attempt to improve the aforementioned stressful brain status. In this regard, it has been shown that exercise could increase the resistance against oxidative stress, thus providing enhanced neuroprotection. Indeed, there is evidence suggesting that regular physical exercise diminishes BBB permeability as it reinforces antioxidative capacity, reduces oxidative stress, and has anti-inflammatory effects. However, the differential effects of different types of exercise (aerobic exhausted exercise, anaerobic exercise, or the combination of both types) and the duration of physical activity will be also addressed in this review as likely determinants of therapeutic efficacy. The second proposed strategy is related to the use of probiotics, which can also reduce some biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, although their underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. Moreover, various probiotics produce neuroactive molecules that directly or indirectly impact signalling in the brain. In this review, we will discuss how physical activity can be incorporated as a component of therapeutic strategies in oxidative stress-based neurological disorders along with the augmentation of probiotics intake.

The genomic basis of the Streptococcus thermophilus health-promoting properties

Background

Streptococcus thermophilus is a Gram-positive bacterium widely used as starter in the dairy industry as well as in many traditional fermented products. In addition to its technological importance, it has also gained interest in recent years as beneficial bacterium due to human health-promoting functionalities. The objective of this study was to inventory the main health-promoting properties of S. thermophilus and to study their intra-species diversity at the genomic and genetic level within a collection of representative strains.

Results

In this study various health-related functions were analyzed at the genome level from 79 genome sequences of strains isolated over a long time period from diverse products and different geographic locations. While some functions are widely conserved among isolates (e.g., degradation of lactose, folate production) suggesting their central physiological and ecological role for the species, others including the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway involved in the catabolism of galactose, and the production of bioactive peptides and gamma-aminobutyric acid are strain-specific. Most of these strain-specific health-promoting properties seems to have been acquired via horizontal gene transfer events. The genetic basis for the phenotypic diversity between strains for some health related traits have also been investigated. For instance, substitutions in the galK promoter region correlate with the ability of some strains to catabolize galactose via the Leloir pathway. Finally, the low occurrence in S. thermophilus genomes of genes coding for biogenic amine production and antibiotic resistance is also a contributing factor to its safety status.

Conclusions

The natural intra-species diversity of S. thermophilus, therefore, represents an interesting source for innovation in the field of fermented products enriched for healthy components that can be exploited to improve human health. A better knowledge of the health-promoting properties and their genomic and genetic diversity within the species may facilitate the selection and application of strains for specific biotechnological and human health-promoting purpose. Moreover, by pointing out that a substantial part of its functional potential still defies us, our work opens the way to uncover additional health-related functions through the intra-species diversity exploration of S. thermophilus by comparative genomics approaches.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08459-y.

Dairy Product Consumption and Type 2 Diabetes among Korean Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on the Health Examinees (HEXA) Study

OBJECTIVES

It has been suggested that the consumption of dairy products helps lower the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We investigated the association between the consumption of dairy products and T2D events in middle-aged Korean adults.

METHODS

We followed up 53,288 participants (16,895 male and 36,393 female) in the Health Examinees (HEXA) study. The consumption of dairy products was assessed using the self-administered food frequency questionnaire, and T2D was defined according to the 2015 treatment guidelines of the Korean Diabetes Association. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the consumption of dairy products and the risk of T2D were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models after adjusting for potential confounders. Spline regression was used to better represent the association between the consumption of dairy products and the risk of T2D.

RESULTS

Among male, those with higher consumption of dairy products had a significantly lower risk of T2D than those who consumed essentially no dairy products (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.91). In particular, consumption of yogurt (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.93; p_trend=0.035) and cheese (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.89; p_trend=0.005) was negatively associated with the incidence of T2D in male. In female, daily consumption of 1 serving of yogurt decreased the risk of T2D by 11%.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between the consumption of dairy products and the risk of T2D differed by sex and dairy product type. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus Strains of Paraprobiotics in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Inflammatory Responses in RAW-264.7 Macrophages

The discovery of the potential of paraprobiotics to exert different immunological benefits suggests that further studies should be carried out to determine their potential and mechanisms of action in modulating the immune system. The objective of this study was to investigate the immune response of several microbial-associated molecular patterns (MAMPS) used at different doses in macrophage cell lines RAW-264.7 stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Two experiments were conducted. The first was performed to determine a dose response curve for each paraprobiotic (Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Streptococcus thermophilus). Further experiments were carried using only two doses (0.01 g/ml and 0.1 g/ml). RAW-264.7 cells were cultivated in Dubelcco's Modified Eagle's medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum and penicillin/streptomycin. Cells were incubated with LPS (1 μg/ml) and six concentrations of MAMPs were added. RAW-264.7 viability, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite/nitrate concentration, reactive oxygen species production, oxidative damage, and inflammatory parameters were measured. In the LPS group, there was a significant reduction in cell viability. Myeloperoxidase and nitrite/nitrate concentrations demonstrated a better effect at 0.01 and 0.1 g/ml doses. There was a significant reduction in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels at 0.1 g/ml dose in all paraprobiotics. IL-10 levels decreased in the LPS group and increased at 0.1 g/ml dose in all paraprobiotics. The dichlorofluorescin diacetate results were reinforced by the observed in oxidative damage. Paraprobiotics are likely to contribute to the improvement of intestinal homeostasis, immunomodulation, and host metabolism.

Role of fermented goat milk as a nutritional product to improve anemia

Goat milk, like cow milk, needs some modifications to be used as the sole source of nutrition during early infancy. For goat milk to be more like human milk and more nutritionally complete, sugar, vitamins and minerals need to be added to it and for reduction of renal solute load, it needs to be diluted. To prevent megaloblastic anemia in infants fed exclusively on goat milk, folic acid should be supplied either by adding it to goat milk or by an oral folic acid supplement. In fortification of milk products, thermal processing, fermentation, and species differences in milk folate bioavailability are three additional factors that should be considered besides absolute difference in folate concentration between goat and human milk. Whether different feeding regimes (e.g., iron and folate content of diets) influence milk folate content needs to be elucidated by more research. Our findings showed that fermented goat milk during anemia recovery can be improve antioxidant status, protection from oxidative damage to biomolecules, protective effects on testis, improve Fe and skeletal muscle homeostasis as well as improve cardiovascular health. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: To be used as part of a postweaning nutritionally well-balanced diet, fermented goat milk is most likely an excellent source of nutrition for the human.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Insights

Probiotics microorganisms exert their health-associated activities through some of the following general actions: competitive exclusion, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, production of bacteriocins, improvement of altered microbiota, and modulation of the immune response. Among them, Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 has become one of the most promising probiotics and it has been described to possess potential beneficial effects on inflammatory processes and immunological alterations. Different studies, preclinical and clinical trials, have evidenced its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and elucidated the precise mechanisms of action involved in its beneficial effects. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of the effect on host health, mechanisms, and future therapeutic approaches.

Cell Wall Contents of Probiotics (Lactobacillus species) Protect Against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Murine Colitis by Limiting Immuno-inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Currently, there are no effective therapeutic agents to limit intestinal mucosal damage associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Based on several clinical studies, probiotics have emerged as a possible novel therapeutic strategy for IBD; however, their possible mechanisms are still poorly understood. Although probiotics in murine and human improve disease severity, very little is known about the specific contribution of cell wall contents of probiotics in IBD. Herein, we investigated the protective effects of cell wall contents of three Lactobacillus species in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced colitis rats. LPS-sensitized rats were rendered colitic by colonic instillation of LPS (500 µg/rat) for 14 consecutive days. Concurrently, cell wall contents isolated from 10⁶ CFU of L. casei (LC), L. acidophilus (LA), and L. rhamnosus (LA) was given subcutaneously for 21 days, considering sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) as standard. The severity of colitis was assessed by body weight loss, food intake, stool consistency, rectal bleeding, colon weight/length, spleen weight, and histological analysis. Colonic inflammatory markers (myeloperoxidase activity, C-reactive protein, and pro-inflammatory cytokines) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and nitric oxide) were also assayed. Cell wall contents of LC, LA, and LR significantly ameliorated the severity of colitis by reducing body weight loss and diarrhea and bleeding incidence, improving food intake, colon weight/length, spleen weight, and microscopic damage to the colonic mucosa. The treatment also reduced levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and boosted anti-oxidant molecule. In conclusion, cell wall contents of LC, LA, and LR attenuate LPS-induced colitis by modulating immuno-inflammation and oxidative stress.

Assessment of exopolysaccharides, bacteriocins and in vitro and in vivo hypocholesterolemic potential of some Egyptian Lactobacillus spp

Lactobacilli probiotics have been suggested to reduce cholesterol with low side effects to host. Bacteriocins and exopolysaccharides (EPSs) production are two meaningful examples of functional applications of lactobacilli in the food industry. Eight Lactobacillus strains were isolated from some Egyptian fermented food and tested for their probiotic properties. Analysis of the monosaccharide composition by thin layer chromatography showed the presence of glucose, galactose and unknown sugar. The main functional groups of EPSs were elucidated by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Their fermentation cultures displayed powerful antioxidant activities extending from 97.5 to 99%, 40-75% for their EPSs and free cells, respectively, and exhibited in vitro cholesterol downgrading from 48 to 82% and 72 to 91% after 48 and 120 h, respectively. Their EPSs showed good anticancer activities against carcinoma cells with low IC₅₀ values for HCT-116, PC-3 and HepG-2 cells. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports on the potential of Lactobacillus EPSs activity against PC-3. The selected strains, L. plantarum KU985433 and L. rhamnosus KU985436 produced two different bacteriocins as detected by gel permeation chromatography with good antimicrobial activities. In vivo study demonstrated that feeding Westar rats with fermented milk exhibited greater cholesterol, LDL and blood triglyceride reduction for both strains. Whereas, HDL was increased by about 43 and 38%, respectively, and the atherogenic indices decreased.

Diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure: the prevalence of congestive heart failure in patients with and without diabetes in Poland

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease and has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. This paper aimed to present a retrospective analysis of morbidity associated with heart failure in subgroups of patients with and without diabetes in Poland in 2012.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from the National Health Fund were used for the study. In general, 656,937 patients with heart failure, including 281,538 males and 375,354 females, were studied. In this population, additionally, 201,043 patients with heart failure (main diagnosis) and diabetes were studied, including 82,117 males and 118,926 females.

RESULTS

The mean index of morbidity associated with heart failure in the whole subpopulation of diabetes patients was 9.03%; 8.42% for males and 9.50% for females. Morbidity associated with heart failure in the population of patients diagnosed with diabetes in Poland in 2012 was seven times higher compared to morbidity associated with heart failure in non-diabetes patients. Morbidity associated with heart failure in females was significantly higher compared to morbidity in males in the whole population, in both the subpopulations of patients with and without diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes mellitus significantly increases risk of heart failure in both women and men. The risk is significantly high after the age of 60 years and higher in females.

Antioxidative and Metabolic Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum, Inulin, and Their Synbiotic on the Hypothalamus and Serum of Healthy Rats

Nowadays, much attention has been paid to the link between gut microbiota and brain. The beneficial metabolic effects of probiotics and prebiotics in several diseases such as diabetes and obesity have been reported. However, studies bridging the association of gut microbiome with brain function in healthy states are rare. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the administration of Lactobacillus plantarum (L plantarum) and inulin may affect serum and hypothalamic metabolic parameters as well as oxidative markers in healthy male rats. Daily L plantarum (107 CFU/mL) and inulin (5% of daily food weight) or their combination (synbiotic) was given to healthy rats. Then, serum and hypothalamic levels of leptin, insulin, and oxidative markers were measured. Administration of synbiotic for 8 weeks led to significant changes in serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. The intake of synbiotic also resulted in a significantly reduced hypothalamic level of malondialdehyde and increased hypothalamic superoxide dismutase (SOD). Also, L plantarum could significantly increase hypothalamic SOD level. Furthermore, synbiotic administration insignificantly increased the hypothalamic and serum levels of insulin and leptin. These findings suggest that the synbiotic could significantly improve oxidative markers and lipid profile in healthy rats. Therefore, simultaneous intake of L plantarum and inulin appears to be more effective in the amelioration of metabolic and oxidative parameters.

The effects of probiotic/synbiotic supplementation compared to placebo on biomarkers of oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

During the last decades, there has been a burst of scientific literature hypothesizing the antioxidant effect of probiotics. However, the results of these studies are inconsistent and a final conclusion has yet to be reached. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of probiotic/synbiotic supplementation on serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in adults.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The following online databases were searched until August 26th 2020: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Igaku Chuo Zasshi. The effect sizes were expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 31 eligible trials with 1681 participants (839 cases and 842 controls) were included in this meta-analysis. The results revealed that the supplementation with probiotics/synbiotics, significantly increased serum TAC (WMD: 54.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: 27.87, 80.40, P < 0.001), GSH (WMD: 40.38 μmol/L, 95% CI: 20.72, 60.03, P < 0.001) and NO (WMD: 3.54 μmol/L, 95% CI: 1.73, 5.34, P < 0.001) levels. In addition, MDA levels were significantly reduced (WMD: -0.45 μmol/L, 95% CI: -0.58,-0.32, P < 0.001) following probiotic/synbiotic supplementation. None of the variables showed a significant change in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

Available evidence suggests that probiotic/synbiotic supplementation can significantly increase serum TAC, GSH and NO, as well as reduce MDA levels in adults. Therefore, probiotic/synbiotic supplementation may play a role in improving antioxidant indices and reducing oxidative stress in the body.

Protective effects of Lactobacillus fermentum U-21 against paraquat-induced oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse models

The aims of this work were to identify in vivo manifestations of antioxidant activity of Lactobacillus strains isolated from healthy human biotopes and to show the possibility of protective action of the selected strain on the model of oxidative stress induced by paraquat in the model of early Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice. We studied the protective effects of 14 Lactobacillus strains belonging to five species on the lifespan of the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans experiencing oxidative stress induced by paraquat. The Lactobacillus strains used in this study were selected previously based on their ability to reduce oxidative stress in vitro. One of the strains that showed promising results on C. elegans was tested in a mouse model of PD in which C57/BL6 mice were injected regularly with paraquat. We assessed the state of their internal organs, the preservation of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra as well as their motor coordination. The positive impact of Lactobacillus fermentum U-21 strain supplementation on paraquat treated animals was observed. L. fermentum U-21 strain reduced the toxicity of paraquat in C. elegans model: the lifespan of the soil nematode C. elegans was extended by 25%. L. fermentum U-21 protected the mice against anatomical and behavioral changes typical of PD: there were no changes in the coordination of movement and the preservation of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Life span of the nematode C. elegans pre-grown on a lawn of E. coli OP50 + Lactobacillus under oxidative stress conditions; the concentration of the oxidizing agent paraquat in the S medium was 50 mmol l^-1.

Modulatory Effect of the Intracellular Content of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 Against the Aflatoxin B1-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

It has been recognized that lactic acid bacteria exhibit antioxidant properties, which have been mainly endorsed to the intact viable bacteria. However, recent studies have shown that intracellular content (IC) may also be good sources of antioxidative metabolites, which may potentially contribute to oxidative homeostasis in vivo. Hence, the modulatory effect of the intracellular content of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 (IC431) on aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁)-induced oxidative stress in rats was evaluated on the basis of its influence on hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant status-antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities; and on the oxidative stress index (OSi). Results demonstrated that CAT and GPx activities, and TAC, determined in plasma samples, were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in rats treated with AFB₁ plus IC431 (3.98 μM/min/mg protein, 1.88 μM/min/mg protein, and 238.7 μM Trolox equivalent, respectively) than AFB₁-treated rats (3.47 μM/min/mg protein, 1.46 μM/min/mg protein, and 179.7 μM Trolox equivalent, respectively). Furthermore, plasma and liver tissue samples from rats treated with AFB₁ plus IC431 showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower LPO values (52 and 51%, respectively) and OSi (59 and 51%, respectively) than AFB₁-treated rats. Hence, our results proved that the intracellular content of Lact. casei CRL 431 contains metabolites that are capable to modulate the antioxidant defense systems in living organism, which may help to ameliorate the damage associated to AFB₁-induced oxidative stress.

The Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation on Glycemic Status, Lipid Profile, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Type 1 Diabetic Patients. A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of synbiotic on glycemic status, lipid profile, and biomarkers of oxidative stress in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this double-blind clinical trial, 50 T1DM patients were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups and received either synbiotic powder (Lactobacillus sporogenes GBI-30 (probiotic), maltodextrin and fructooligosaccharide (prebiotic)) or placebo 2 g per day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin concentration, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profile, and biomarkers of oxidative stress such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

RESULTS

Supplementation with synbiotic resulted in a significant decrease in the mean serum levels of HbA1c and hs-CRP (p = 0.01 and p = 0.004, respectively), and marginally significant decrease in FBG (p = 0.05) in the intervention group post- intervention. Also, the mean changes of FBG and hs-CRP were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.005, respectively). There were no significant changes found in lipid profile in intervention group post-intervention (p≥ 0.05). The mean serum levels of insulin and TAC were significantly increased in the intervention group post-intervention (p = 0.001). There was a significant increase in the mean changes of TAC (p = 0.005) in the intervention group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

The 8-week synbiotic supplementation in T1DM patients may be effective in improvement of FBG, HbA1c, insulin, hs-CRP, and TAC.

The Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 Treatment on Glycation and Diabetes Complications

SCOPE

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) induces organ damage associated with glycation, among other metabolic pathways. While therapeutic strategies have been tested to reduce the formation and impact of glycation products, results remain equivocal. Anti-diabetic therapies using probiotics have been proposed, but their effect upon glycation has not been reported. Here, the effects of the bacterial strain Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 on glycation and T2D-related complications in a mouse model of T2D are investigated.

METHODS & RESULTS

Wild-type LepR^db/+ and diabetic LepR^db/db littermates receive a daily gavage of either water or the probiotic ME-3 strain (10¹⁰ CFU). Glycation markers, fructoselysine-derived furosine (FL-furosine) and carboxymethyllysine (CML), are quantified in four major organs and plasma using stable-isotope dilution LC-MS/MS. After 12 weeks of ME-3 treatment, diabetic mice gain less weight and exhibit an apparently improved glucose tolerance. The ME-3 treatment reduces median renal levels of FL-furosine in both genotypes by 12-15%, and renal and pulmonary free-CML in diabetic mice by 30% and 18%, respectively. Attenuated hepatic steatosis and an improved plasma lipid profile are also observed with treatment in both genotypes, while the gut microbiota profile is unchanged.

CONCLUSION

L. fermentum ME-3 has therapeutic potential for reducing the formation/accumulation of some glycation products in kidneys and attenuating some common diabetes-related complications.

Lactic acid bacteria exhibit similar antioxidant capacities in Caenorhabditis elegans- and Campylobacter jejuni-infected mice

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is increasingly used as a model organism to screen probiotics for ageing research. In this study, a C. elegans lifespan analysis model exposed to H2O2 and juglone (for chronic and acute assays) was used to preselect lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with resistance to oxidative stress. The mechanism of oxidative stress protection was analyzed. Seven out of ten LAB strains screened for namely 427, X13, 9-5, 422, Z5, G14 and H29M-8M demonstrated higher levels of protection to C. elegans, ranging from 70% to 85% survival rate, in comparison to the inactive strains 408, 13-7 and 430 (35% to 45% survival rate). The survival rates of the seven oxidative stress tolerant strains were correlated to increase in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression in C. elegans during H2O2 and juglone exposure. In addition, the transcription of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nrf2-Keap1-ARE pathway related genes was elevated in the oxidative stress protection of LAB isolates. Finally, a significant correlation was found between the ability of these LAB strains to protect C. elegans from H2O2 or juglone exposure and their antioxidative ability in Campylobacter jejuni-infected mice. Thus the results indicated that the oxidative stress-based lifespan model of C. elegans is useful for screening of LAB with antioxidant efficacy in pathogen-infected mammals.

Probiotics in Goat Milk Products: Delivery Capacity and Ability to Improve Sensory Attributes

Dairy foods, particularly those of bovine origin, are the predominant vehicles for delivery of probiotic bacteria. Caprine (goat) milk also possesses potential for successful delivery of probiotics, and despite its less appealing flavor in some products, the use of goat milk as a probiotic carrier has rapidly increased over the last decade. This review reports on the diversity, applicability, and potential of using probiotics to enhance the sensory properties of goat milk and goat milk-based products. A brief conceptual introduction to probiotic microorganisms is followed by an account of the unique physicochemical, nutritive, and beneficial aspects of goat milk, emphasizing its advantages as a probiotic carrier. The sensory properties of probiotic-enriched goat milk products are also discussed. The maintenance of probiotic viability and desirable physicochemical characteristics in goat milk products over shelf life is possible. However, the unpleasant sensory features of some goat milk products remain a major disadvantage that hinder its wider utilization. Nevertheless, certain measures such as fortification with selected probiotic strains, inclusion of fruit pulps and popular flavor compounds, and production of commonly consumed tailor-made goat milk-based products have potential to overcome this limitation. In particular, certain probiotic bacteria release volatile compounds as a result of their metabolism, which are known to play a major role in the aroma profile and sensory aspects of the final products.

In Vitro Probiotic and Antioxidant Potential of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris LL95 and Its Effect in Mice Behaviour

The composition of intestinal microbiota is widely believed to not only affect gut health but also influence behaviour. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic characteristics, antioxidant activity, and antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris LL95. This strain showed probiotic properties such as resistance in a simulated gastric tract model and survival at different concentrations of NaCl and bile salts. Moreover, antioxidant activity of LL95 was demonstrated through DPPH radical scavenging activity, scavenging of ABTS^•+ radical and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Female C57BL/6 mice received LL95 orally at a dose of 10⁹ UFC/day for 28 days. LL95 improved depressive- and anxiety-like behaviour, demonstrated by decreased immobility time in the tail suspension test and forced swim test and increased per cent of time spent in the open arms on the elevated plus maze. These findings indicate the potential antioxidant activity of LL95 and its role in behaviour, suggesting that probiotic may have therapeutic applications.

Antioxidant properties of Milk and dairy products: a comprehensive review of the current knowledge

Milk and dairy products are integral part of human nutrition and they are considered as the carriers of higher biological value proteins, calcium, essential fatty acids, amino acids, fat, water soluble vitamins and several bioactive compounds that are highly significant for several biochemical and physiological functions. In recent years, foods containing natural antioxidants are becoming popular all over the world as antioxidants can neutralize and scavenge the free radicals and their harmful effects, which are continuously produced in the biological body. Uncontrolled free radicals activity can lead to oxidative stresses, which have been implicated in breakdown of vital biochemical compounds such as lipids, protein, DNA which may lead to diabetes, accelerated ageing, carcinogenesis and cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidant capacity of milk and milk products is mainly due to sulfur containing amino acids, such as cysteine, phosphate, vitamins A, E, carotenoids, zinc, selenium, enzyme systems, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, milk oligosaccharides and peptides that are produced during fermentation and cheese ripening. Antioxidant activity of milk and dairy products can be enhanced by phytochemicals supplementation while fermented dairy products have been reported contained higher antioxidant capacity as compared to the non-fermented dairy products. Literature review has shown that milk and dairy products have antioxidant capacity, however, information regarding the antioxidant capacity of milk and dairy products has not been previously compiled. This review briefly describes the nutritional and antioxidant capacity of milk and dairy products.

Probiotics in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders

Probiotics have been used to ameliorate gastrointestinal symptoms since ancient times. Over the past 40 years, probiotics have been shown to impact the immune system, both in vivo and in vitro. This interaction is linked to gut microbes, their polysaccharide antigens, and key metabolites produced by these bacteria. At least four metabolic pathways have been implicated in mechanistic studies of probiotics, based on mechanistic studies in animal models. Microbial⁻immune system crosstalk has been linked to: short-chain fatty acid production and signaling, tryptophan metabolism and the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptors, nucleoside signaling in the gut, and activation of the intestinal histamine-2 receptor. Several randomized controlled trials have now shown that microbial modification by probiotics may improve gastrointestinal symptoms and multiorgan inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis. Future work will need to carefully assess safety issues, selection of optimal strains and combinations, and attempts to prolong the duration of colonization of beneficial microbes.

Quantitative Recovery of Viable Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-1572 (L. casei DG®) After Gastrointestinal Passage in Healthy Adults

Probiotics are live microorganisms, and viability after transit through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is considered an inherent property of the health benefits of probiotics. The aim of the present study was to quantify the viable and total loads of Lactobacillus paracasei DG cells after passage through the GIT following the consumption of the probiotic product Enterolactis (L. casei DG®; L. paracasei CNCM I-1572; L. paracasei DG) from drinkable vials by healthy adults. We developed a novel method for discriminating and enumerating culturable L. paracasei DG cells based on the unique sticky, filamentous phenotype of this strain on MRS agar containing vancomycin and kanamycin. The identity of DG was also confirmed with strain-specific primers by colony PCR. This method was used for a recovery study of the DG strain to quantify viable cells in the fecal samples of 20 volunteers during a 1-week probiotic consumption period and a 1-week follow-up. We isolated L. paracasei DG from at least one fecal sample from all the volunteers. The highest concentration of viable DG cells [ranging from 3.6 to 6.7 log₁₀ colony-forming unit (CFU) per gram of feces] in the feces was observed between 4 and 8 days from the beginning of Enterolactis intake and for up to 5 days after cessation of intake. As expected, the total DG count determined by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was mostly higher than the viable DG cells recovered. Viable count experiments, carried out by combining ad hoc culture-based discriminative conditions and strain-specific molecular biological protocols, unambiguously demonstrated that L. paracasei DG can survive gastrointestinal transit in healthy adults when ingested as Enterolactis in drinkable vials containing no less than one billion CFU at the end of shelf life.

The health-nutrition dimension: a methodological approach to assess the nutritional sustainability of typical agro-food products and the Mediterranean diet

BACKGROUND

The aim of this paper is to provide a methodological approach to evaluate the nutritional sustainability of typical agro-food products, representing Mediterranean eating habits and included in the Mediterranean food pyramid.

RESULTS

For each group of foods, suitable and easily measurable indicators were identified. Two macro-indicators were used to assess the nutritional sustainability of each product. The first macro-indicator, called 'business distinctiveness', takes into account the application of different regulations and standards regarding quality, safety and traceability as well as the origin of raw materials. The second macro-indicator, called 'nutritional quality', assesses product nutritional quality taking into account the contents of key compounds including micronutrients and bioactive phytochemicals. For each indicator a 0-10 scoring system was set up, with scores from 0 (unsustainable) to 10 (very sustainable), with 5 as a sustainability benchmark value. The benchmark value is the value from which a product can be considered sustainable. A simple formula was developed to produce a sustainability index.

CONCLUSION

The proposed sustainability index could be considered a useful tool to describe both the qualitative and quantitative value of micronutrients and bioactive phytochemical present in foodstuffs. This methodological approach can also be applied beyond the Mediterranean, to food products in other world regions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect ofBifidobacterium lactisHN019 on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in subjects with and without the metabolic syndrome

Beneficial effects of probiotics have been reported on body weight, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, inflammatory state and oxidative stress in healthy subjects and in many metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects ofBifidobacterium lactisHN019 on inflammatory state and nitro-oxidative stress in patients with and without the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The usual diets of the thirty-three subjects were supplemented with probiotic milk for 90 d. Inflammatory markers and oxidative measurements were performed. In relation to the baseline values, subjects in both groups showed a decrease in homocysteine (P=0·02 andP=0·03, respectively), hydroperoxides (P=0·02 andP=0·01, respectively) and IL-6 levels (P=0·02). Increases in adiponectin (P=0·04) and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx,P=0·001) levels were only seen in the group with the MetS in relation to the baseline values, whereas only the individuals without the MetS had increases in total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter levels (P=0·002). In conclusion,B. lactisHN019 have several beneficial effects on inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in healthy subjects and the MetS patients. Patients with the MetS showed a specific improvement in adiponectin and NOx levels, whereas a specific favourable effect was shown in the antioxidant defenses in healthy subjects. If the results obtained in the present study are confirmed, supplementation of fermented milk with probiotics in healthy subjects and patients with the MetS must be further discussed.

Prebiotics, Prosynbiotics and Synbiotics: Can They Reduce Plasma Oxidative Stress Parameters? A Systematic Review

This study assessed the effectiveness of presybiotics, prosybiotics and synbiotics on reducing serum oxidative stress parameters. PubMed/Medline, Ovid, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science and SCOPUS were searched up to September 2016. English language randomized clinical trials reporting the effect of presybiotics, prosybiotics or synbiotic interventions on serum oxidative stress parameters in human adults were included. Twenty-one randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria for systematic review. Two studies investigated prebiotics, four studies synbiotics and fifteen studies probiotics. According to our systematic review, prebiotic could decrease malondialdehyde and increase superoxidative dismutase, but evidence is not enough. In comparison with fructo-oligosaccharide, inulin is much more useful for oxidative stress reduction. Using probiotics with dairy products could reduce oxidative stress significantly, but probiotic in form of supplementation did not have any effect on oxidative stress. There is limited but supportive evidence that presybiotics, prosybiotics and synbiotics are effective for reducing oxidative stress parameters. Further randomized clinical trials with longer duration of intervention especially on population with increased oxidative stress are needed to provide more definitive results before any recommendation for clinical use of these interventions.

Cytoprotective effect of Streptococcus thermophilus against oxidative stress mediated by a novel peroxidase (EfeB)

Streptococcus thermophilus is one of the most important starter species used in the dairy industry and exhibits several beneficial properties for the hosts. However, knowledge of the mechanism of its beneficial effect is still limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the cytoprotective effect of S. thermophilus CGMCC 7.179 with a novel peroxidase (EfeB) against oxidative stress in human intestinal epithelial cells, HT-29. Previously, we identified EfeB in S. thermophilus CGMCC 7.179, which could provide protection when growing at aerobic conditions. Here, we found that, when exposed to 15 mM H₂O₂, the cell viability of the efeB mutant (ST1314) was much lower than that of strain CGMCC 7.179, and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of strain ST1314 decreased by 15%. When co-incubated with HT-29 cells, strain CGMCC 7.179 stimulated the enhancement of the major antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) in HT-29 cells under 2 mM H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, whereas the active decrease of those antioxidant enzymes was observed in strain ST1314. In addition, the intracellular reactive oxygen species content in HT-29 cells co-incubated with strain CGMCC 7.179 was lower than that with strain ST1314 under the same oxidative stress. Furthermore, the protein content of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in HT-29 cells following strain CGMCC 7.179 treatment was 1.4-fold higher than that with strain ST1314 treatment, and the increased transcription levels of Nrf2-related antioxidant enzyme genes were also observed in strain CGMCC 7.179 cells. All of these results demonstrated that S. thermophilus CGMCC 7.179 enhanced cellular antioxidant responses and endowed host cells with protective effects against oxidative stress mediated by the peroxidase EfeB.

The beneficial effects of probiotic administration on wound healing and metabolic status in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in subjects with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 subjects (aged 40-85 years old) with grade 3 diabetic foot ulcer. Individuals were randomly divided into 2 groups (30 subjects each group) to receive either probiotic or placebo daily for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation led to significant reductions in ulcer length (-1.3 ± 0.9 vs. -0.8 ± 0.7 cm, P = .01), width (-1.1 ± 0.7 vs. -0.7 ± 0.7 cm, P = .02), and depth (-0.5 ± 0.3 vs. -0.3 ± 0.3 cm, P = .02). Furthermore, significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (-29.6 ± 30.3 vs. -5.8 ± 39.8 mg/dL, P = .01), serum insulin concentrations (-4.3 ± 7.9 vs. +0.4 ± 8.5 μIU/mL, P = .03), and haemoglobin A1c (-0.6 ± 0.5 vs. -0.2 ± 0.4%, P = .003) and a significant rise in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.01 vs. -0.01 ± 0.02, P = .003) were seen following supplementation of probiotic compared with the placebo. Additionally, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in significant decreases in serum total cholesterol (-4.8 ± 16.1 vs. +7.0 ± 27.1 mg/dL, P = .04), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-9.0 ± 14.7 vs. -1.7 ± 8.6 mg/L, P = .02), plasma malondialdehyde (-0.8 ± 0.8 vs. -0.2 ± 0.8 μmol/L, P = .001), and significant increases in plasma nitric oxide (+6.2 ± 8.2 vs. +0.8 ± 8.0 μmol/L, P = .01) and total antioxidant capacity concentrations (+179.3 ± 97.2 vs. -85.1 ± 203.4 mmol/L, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, probiotic supplementation for 12 weeks among subjects with diabetic foot ulcer had beneficial effects on ulcer size, glycaemic control, total cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, plasma nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels.

A bioluminescent test system reveals valuable antioxidant properties of lactobacillus strains from human microbiota

Oxidative stress cause serious damages in human organism resulting in multiple diseases. Antioxidant therapy includes diet, the use of chemical agents or commensal bacteria such as lactobacilli. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant (AO) activity of cell-free culture supernatants of lactobacilli, isolated from different parts of the human body. A test system based on Escherichia coli MG1655 strains carrying plasmids encoding luminescent biosensors pSoxS-lux and pKatG-lux inducible by superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, respectively, was used to analyze cell-free culture supernatants of lactobacilli. Bioluminescent detection systems are suitable for quick screening of AO activity of lactobacilli. The majority of strains (51 out of 81) belonging to six different species demonstrated various levels of antioxidant activity. This activity was confirmed using the trolox equivalent method. The genome of one of the strains showing high AO activity was sequenced, and the genes putatively involved in AO capacity were determined. Potencies of standard AO and CFS from the most active Lactobacillus strains. Percentages of decrease in the detected luminescence (IAO%) in the presence of AO or CFS are presented. L. br.-L. brevis, L. pl. -L. plantarum, L. rh.-L. rhamnosus.

Skin resistance to UVB-induced oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation by the topical use of Lactobacillus helveticus NS8-fermented milk supernatant

AIMS

In this study, we investigated the preventive properties of the supernatant of Lactobacillus helveticus NS8-fermented milk (NS8-FS) against UV light-induced skin oxidative damage and hyperpigmentation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

NS8-FS exhibited significant radical scavenging activity in tests with ABST⁺ and DPPH scavenging methods, and as well strongly inhibited 3-morpholinosydnonimine (Sin-1)-induced ROS generation in HaCat keratinocytes. Unexpectedly, NS8-FS was found to inhibit melanin production in B16F10 melanoma cells and to exhibit inhibitory effects both to the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase (TYR) and the expression of proteins required for melanin synthesis. In SKH-1 hairless mice, topical application of NS8-FS alleviated UVB-induced skin photodamage, including the improvement of the appearance of epidermal thickness, transepidennal water loss and lipid peroxidation levels. In the tanning guinea pig model, the whitening effect of NS8-FS was demonstrated using Masson-Fontana staining and TYR staining. Furthermore, NS8-FS was shown to stimulate the nuclear translocation and activation of the Nrf2 protein, along with recovery of antioxidant enzyme activities.

CONCLUSION

NS8-FS exhibits the protective capacities against UV light-induced skin oxidative damage and hyperpigmentation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our findings indicate the potential of cell-free fermented products of lactic acid bacteria in topical photoprotection.

Gut microbiota and probiotics: Focus on diabetes mellitus

The characterization of gut microbiota has become an important area of research in several clinical conditions, including type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Changes in the composition and/or metabolic activity of the gut microbiota can contribute to human health. Thus, this review discusses the effects of probiotics and gut microbiota on metabolic control in these individuals. Relevant studies were obtained from electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline and ISI Web of Science. The main probiotics used in these studies belonged to the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The authors found seven randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials and 13 experimental studies directly related to the effect of probiotics on metabolic control in the context of T2DM. The hypothesis that gut microbiota plays a role in the development of diabetes indicates an important beginning, and the potential of probiotics to prevent and reduce the severity of T2DM is better observed in animal studies. In clinical trials, the use of probiotics in glycemic control presented conflicting results, and only few studies have attempted to evaluate factors that justify metabolic changes, such as markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and incretins. Thus, further research is needed to assess the effects of probiotics in the metabolism of diabetic individuals, as well as the main mechanisms involved in this complex relationship.

Pathomechanisms of Oxidative Stress in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Potential Antioxidant Therapies

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease whose incidence has risen worldwide in recent years. Accumulating evidence shows that oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and progression of IBD. This review highlights the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the involvement of oxidative stress signaling in the initiation and progression of IBD and its relationships with genetic susceptibility and the mucosal immune response. In addition, potential therapeutic strategies for IBD that target oxidative stress signaling are reviewed and discussed. Though substantial progress has been made in understanding the role of oxidative stress in IBD in humans and experimental animals, the underlying mechanisms are still not well defined. Thus, further studies are needed to validate how oxidative stress signaling is involved in and contributes to the development of IBD.

The therapeutic protection of a living and dead Lactobacillus strain against aluminum-induced brain and liver injuries in C57BL/6 mice

Our previous study found that Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM639 had the ability to alleviate acute aluminum (Al) toxicity when the strain was introduced simultaneously with Al exposure. This research was designed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of living and dead L. plantarum CCFM639 against chronic Al toxicity and to gain insight into the protection modes of this strain. Animals were assigned into control, Al only, Al + living CCFM639, and Al + dead CCFM639 groups. The Al exposure model was established by drinking water for the first 4 weeks. The strain was given after Al exposure by oral gavage at 109 colony-forming units once per day for 12 weeks. The results show that the Al binding ability of dead CCFM639 was similar to that of living CCFM639 in vitro. The ingestion of living or dead CCFM639 has similar effects on levels of Al and trace element in tissues, but living strains led to more significant amelioration of oxidative stress and improvement of memory deficits in Al-exposed mice. In conclusion, in addition to intestinal Al sequestration, CCFM639 treatment offers direct protection against chronic Al toxicity by alleviation of oxidative stress. Therefore, L. plantarum CCFM639 has a potential as dietary supplement ingredient that provides protection against Al-induced injury.

The additional effects of a probiotic mix on abdominal adiposity and antioxidant Status: A double-blind, randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether a probiotic mix has additional effects when compared with an isolated dietary intervention on the body composition, lipid profile, endotoxemia, inflammation, and antioxidant profile.

METHODS

Women who had excess weight or obesity were recruited to a randomized, double-blind trial and received a probiotic mix (Lactobacillus acidophilus and casei; Lactococcus lactis; Bifidobacterium bifidum and lactis; 2 × 10¹⁰ colony-forming units/day) (n = 21) or placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks. Both groups received a dietary prescription. Body composition was assessed by anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The lipid profile, lipid accumulation product, plasma fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, and the antioxidant enzymes activities were analyzed.

RESULTS

In comparison with the dietary intervention group, the dietary intervention + probiotic mix group showed a greater reduction in the waist circumference (-3.40% vs. -5.48%, P = 0.03), waist-height ratio (-3.27% vs. -5.00%, P = 0.02), conicity index (-2.43% vs. -4.09% P = 0.03), and plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (5.65% vs. -18.63%, P = 0.04) and an increase in the activity of glutathione peroxidase (-16.67% vs. 15.62%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation of a probiotic mix reduced abdominal adiposity and increased antioxidant enzyme activity in a more effective way than an isolated dietary intervention.

The use of probiotic L. fermentum ME-3 containing Reg'Activ Cholesterol supplement for 4 weeks has a positive influence on blood lipoprotein profiles and inflammatory cytokines: an open-label preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a challenge and burden to heath. The incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing. Modifying the (common) risk factors of them is the key of longterm success. The aim of the study was to establish if the special composition of innovative food supplement Reg'Activ Cholesterol (RAC) has a positive influence to the human body cardiovascular-inflammatory and diabetic parameters.

METHODS

Forty-five clinically asymptomatic participants consumed an RAC containing an antioxidative and antiatherogenic probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 (LFME-3) for 4 weeks. The parameters measured were total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, oxLDL, hsCRP, IL-6 and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c%).

RESULTS

The cardiovascular and diabetes risk profile of the participants improved significantly after 4 weeks of the intervention. The reduction of total cholesterol (from 6.5 ± 1.0 to 5.7 ± 0.9 mmol/l, p = 9.90806E-11) was on the account of LDL cholesterol as the HDL cholesterol level rose from 1.60 ± 0.31to 1.67 ± 0.34mml/l, p = 0.01. HbA1c% was reduced from 5.85 ± 0.28 to 5.66 ± 0.25 p = 4.64E-05 and oxLDL decreased from 84 ± 20 to 71 ± 15 U/l, p = 4.66292E-08.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of RAC in clinically asymptomatic volunteers with borderline-high values of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (BMI, HbA1c%, LDL cholesterol) for 4 weeks had a positive effect on blood lipoprotein, oxidative stress and inflammatory profile. There are no human trials published before with RAC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial described here isa n open label pilot study within the framework of a larger special clinical trial ( ISRCTN55339917 ) [Accessed 20 Feb 2016].

ACE2 and Microbiota: Emerging Targets for Cardiopulmonary Disease Therapy

The health of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems is inextricably linked to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Physiologically speaking, a balance between the vasodeleterious (Angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE]/Angiotensin II [Ang II]/Ang II type 1 receptor [AT1R]) and vasoprotective (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 [ACE2]/Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]/Mas receptor [MasR]) components of the RAS is critical for cardiopulmonary homeostasis. Upregulation of the ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis shifts the system toward vasoconstriction, proliferation, hypertrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis, all factors that contribute to the development and progression of cardiopulmonary diseases. Conversely, stimulation of the vasoprotective ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis produces a counter-regulatory response that promotes cardiovascular health. Current research is investigating novel strategies to augment actions of the vasoprotective RAS components, particularly ACE2, in order to treat various pathologies. Although multiple approaches to increase the activity of ACE2 have displayed beneficial effects against experimental disease models, the mechanisms behind its protective actions remain incompletely understood. Recent work demonstrating a non-catalytic role for ACE2 in amino acid transport in the gut has led us to speculate that the therapeutic effects of ACE2 can be mediated, in part, by its actions on the gastrointestinal tract and/or gut microbiome. This is consistent with emerging data which suggest that dysbiosis of the gut and lung microbiomes is associated with cardiopulmonary disease. This review highlights new developments in the protective actions of ACE2 against cardiopulmonary disorders, discusses innovative approaches to targeting ACE2 for therapy, and explores an evolving role for gut and lung microbiota in cardiopulmonary health.

Three week dietary intervention using apricots, pomegranate juice or/and fermented sour sobya and impact on biomarkers of antioxidative activity, oxidative stress and erythrocytic glutathione transferase activity among adults

BACKGROUND

The beneficial effects of the polyphenol (PP) rich fruits and Lactic acid bacteria fermented foods had been reported as cost-effective strategies for health promotion. Randomized controlled trial was designed to test the hypothesis that daily intake of polyphenol rich pomegranate juice (PGJ) or/ and lactic acid bacteria fermented sobya (FS) improved selected biomarkers of relevance to heath status.

METHODS

The design of the human trial consisted of 35 healthy adults, who were distributed to 5 equal groups; The first group served as control and received no supplements; the second group received fresh apricot fruits (200 g); the third (PGJ) (250 g), the fourth a mixture of PGJ (150 g) and FS (140 g) and the fifth group received (FS) (170 g). The supplements were served daily between 5 - 6 pm for 21 days. Blood and urine samples were collected at days zero and 22 of the dietary intervention. The supplements were analyzed chemically for (PP) contents and total antioxidative activities and microbiologically for selected bacteria and yeast counts. The blood samples were assayed for plasma antioxidative activities and for erythrocytic glutathione transferase activity (E-GST). Urine samples were analyzed for the excretions of total PP, antioxidative activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted and included the main effects of treatment, time and treatment x time interaction.

RESULTS

Daily intake of (PGJ) for 3 weeks significantly increased the plasma and urinary anti-oxidative activities and reduced the urinary excretion of (TBARS). Daily intake of (FS) for 3 weeks increased only (E-GST) activity. Daily intake of a mixture of PGJ and (FS) was also effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The daily intakes of PGJ and/ or (FS) affected positively selected biomarkers of relevance to health status. These functional foods have potential implication for use as bio-therapeutic foods.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was approved by the research ethical committee of the Ministry of Health & population, Egypt. The trial registration - the unique identifying number. (REC) decision No 12-2013-9, which complied with the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines (2004). The protocol was fully explained to all subjects and written informed consent was obtained before their participation in the trial.

The Microbiome and Mental Health: Looking Back, Moving Forward with Lessons from Allergic Diseases

Relationships between gastrointestinal viscera and human emotions have been documented by virtually all medical traditions known to date. The focus on this relationship has waxed and waned through the centuries, with noted surges in interest driven by cultural forces. Here we explore some of this history and the emerging trends in experimental and clinical research. In particular, we pay specific attention to how the hygiene hypothesis and emerging research on traditional dietary patterns has helped re-ignite interest in the use of microbes to support mental health. At present, the application of microbes and their structural parts as a means to positively influence mental health is an area filled with promise. However, there are many limitations within this new paradigm shift in neuropsychiatry. Impediments that could block translation of encouraging experimental studies include environmental forces that work toward dysbiosis, perhaps none more important than westernized dietary patterns. On the other hand, it is likely that specific dietary choices may amplify the value of future microbial-based therapeutics. Pre-clinical and clinical research involving microbiota and allergic disorders has predated recent work in psychiatry, an early start that provides valuable lessons. The microbiome is intimately connected to diet, nutrition, and other lifestyle variables; microbial-based psychopharmacology will need to consider this contextual application, otherwise the ceiling of clinical expectations will likely need to be lowered.

Novel functional foods for optimal oxidative status in healthy ageing

An antioxidant-rich diet has been shown to reduce the incidence of diet-induced metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, and contributes to healthy ageing. Yet, clinical trials investigating common dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins, have often failed to find a significant lowering effect on markers of oxidative stress. This review examines the latest clinical evidence on whether three novel potential antioxidant foods-fish omega-3 fatty acids, red wine and dairy products-can affect the oxidative status of healthy individuals. Clinical studies have reported heterogeneous results regarding the effect of fish oil, red wine and dairy products on oxidative stress. However, numerous studies have suggested that omega-3, red wine and dairy products may lower lipid peroxidation, a known trigger of cardiovascular disease, without affecting the oxidative status of healthy individuals. Overall, this review suggests that consumption of 1-2g/day of omega-3, a moderate red wine intake (200-400ml/day) or 2-3 portions/day of dairy products within a healthy diet exert beneficial effects on oxidative markers. Further investigation to ascertain these effects should focus on the antioxidant effects of long-term omega-3 supplementation, and of intake of dealcoholized red wine or higher dairy product consumption.