Intake of Bifidobacterium lactis Probio-M8 fermented milk protects against alcoholic liver disease

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HF01 fermented yogurt alleviated high-fat diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis via the gut microbiota-butyric acid-hepatic lipid metabolism axis

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanism of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HF01 fermented yogurt (HF01-Y). Herein, obesity was induced in mice through a high-fat diet and the changes in the gut microbiota were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, combined with the expression levels of the liver AMPK signaling pathway to analyze the potential relationship between HF01-Y-mediated gut microbiota and obesity. The results showed that supplementation with HF01-Y improved obesity-related phenotypes in mice, including reduced body weight, improved serum lipid profiles, and decreased hepatic lipid droplet formation. In addition, HF01-Y altered the composition of the gut microbiota in obese mice, significantly upregulated norank_f__Muribaculaceae, unclassified_c__Clostridia, Blautia, unclassified_o__Bacteroidales, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, while downregulating unclassified_f__Desulfovibrionaceae, Colidextribacter, and unclassified_f__Oscillospiraceae. These alterations led to an increase of the cecum butyric acid content, which in turn indirectly promoted the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway, subsequently, inhibited fat synthesis, and promoted fatty acid oxidation related gene expression. Therefore, HF01-Y was likely to alleviate hepatic fat and relieve obesity by modulating the gut microbiota-butyric acid-hepatic lipid metabolism axis, ultimately promoting host health.

The Impact of Probiotic Bifidobacterium on Liver Diseases and the Microbiota

Recent studies have shown the promising potential of probiotics, especially the bacterial genus Bifidobacterium, in the treatment of liver diseases. In this work, a systematic review was conducted, with a focus on studies that employed advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies to explore the potential of Bifidobacterium as a probiotic for treating liver pathologies such as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), Cirrhosis, and Hepatocelullar Carcinoma (HCC) and its impact on the microbiota. Our results indicate that Bifidobacterium is a safe and effective probiotic for treating liver lesions. It successfully restored balance to the intestinal microbiota and improved biochemical and clinical parameters in NAFLD, ALD, and Cirrhosis. No significant adverse effects were identified. While more research is needed to establish its efficacy in treating NASH and HCC, the evidence suggests that Bifidobacterium is a promising probiotic for managing liver lesions.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316-fermented milk ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced chronic colitis by improving the inflammatory response and regulating intestinal microbiota

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease may be related to local inflammatory damage and disturbances in intestinal microecology. Probiotic therapy is a safe and effective therapeutic approach. Considering that fermented milk is accepted and enjoyed by many people as a daily dietary intervention strategy, its potential to alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced chronic colitis in mice needs to be explored. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316-fermented milk by establishing a mouse model of DSS-induced chronic colitis. The results showed that the disease severity and colonic lesions of inflammatory bowel disease were effectively alleviated by ingestion of fermented milk. At the same time, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) effectively decreased, and the expression of antiinflammatory cytokines (IL-10) increased. Results based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the structure and diversity of intestinal microorganisms changed markedly by intake of L. plantarum ZJ316-fermented milk, and fermented milk reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (Helicobacter) while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Lactiplantibacillus, and Bifidobacterium). Additionally, the levels of short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, pentanoic acid, and isobutyric acid) were also increased. In conclusion, the intake of L. plantarum ZJ316-fermented milk can alleviate chronic colitis by suppressing the inflammatory response and regulating intestinal microbiota.

Probio-X Relieves Symptoms of Hyperlipidemia by Regulating Patients' Gut Microbiome, Blood Lipid Metabolism, and Lifestyle Habits

Hyperlipidemia is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is associated with lipid metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Here, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of 3-month intake of a mixed probiotic formulation in hyperlipidemic patients (n = 27 and 29 in placebo and probiotic groups, respectively). The blood lipid indexes, lipid metabolome, and fecal microbiome before and after the intervention were monitored. Our results showed that probiotic intervention could significantly decrease the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), while increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05) in patients with hyperlipidemia. Probiotic recipients showing improved blood lipid profile also exhibited significant differences in their lifestyle habits after the 3-month intervention, with an increase in daily intake of vegetable and dairy products, as well as weekly exercise time (P < 0.05). Moreover, two blood lipid metabolites (namely, acetyl-carnitine and free carnitine) significantly increased after probiotic supplementation cholesterol (P < 0.05). In addition, probiotic-driven mitigation of hyperlipidemic symptoms were accompanied by increases in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in patients' fecal microbiota. These results supported that mixed probiotic application could regulate host gut microbiota balance, lipid metabolism, and lifestyle habits, through which hyperlipidemic symptoms could be alleviated. The findings of this study urge further research and development of probiotics into nutraceuticals for managing hyperlipidemia. IMPORTANCE The human gut microbiota have a potential effect on the lipid metabolism and are closely related to the disease hyperlipidemia. Our trial has demonstrated that 3-month intake of a mixed probiotic formulation alleviates hyperlipidemic symptoms, possibly by modulation of gut microbes and host lipid metabolism. The findings of the present study provide new insights into the treatment of hyperlipidemia, mechanisms of novel therapeutic strategies, and application of probiotics-based therapy.

Harnessing the potential of probiotics in the treatment of alcoholic liver disorders

In the current scenario, prolonged consumption of alcohol across the globe is upsurging an appreciable number of patients with the risk of alcohol-associated liver diseases. According to the recent report, the gut-liver axis is crucial in the progression of alcohol-induced liver diseases, including steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite several factors associated with alcoholic liver diseases, the complexity of the gut microflora and its great interaction with the liver have become a fascinating area for researchers due to the high exposure of the liver to free radicals, bacterial endotoxins, lipopolysaccharides, inflammatory markers, etc. Undoubtedly, alcohol-induced gut microbiota imbalance stimulates dysbiosis, disrupts the intestinal barrier function, and trigger immune as well as inflammatory responses which further aggravate hepatic injury. Since currently available drugs to mitigate liver disorders have significant side effects, hence, probiotics have been widely researched to alleviate alcohol-associated liver diseases and to improve liver health. A broad range of probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Escherichia coli, Sacchromyces, and Lactococcus are used to reduce or halt the progression of alcohol-associated liver diseases. Several underlying mechanisms, including alteration of the gut microbiome, modulation of intestinal barrier function and immune response, reduction in the level of endotoxins, and bacterial translocation, have been implicated through which probiotics can effectively suppress the occurrence of alcohol-induced liver disorders. This review addresses the therapeutic applications of probiotics in the treatment of alcohol-associated liver diseases. Novel insights into the mechanisms by which probiotics prevent alcohol-associated liver diseases have also been elaborated.

Probiotic Yogurt Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Lipid Accumulation and Insulin Resistance in Mice via the Adiponectin Pathway

A high-fat diet (HFD) easily contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance. Obesity and insulin resistance have been clinical and public health challenges all over the world. Probiotic-fermented yogurt is one type of popular and functional beverage in people's daily lives. This study mainly explored the lipid- and glucose-lowering effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NX2-6-fermented yogurt (LA-Y) in HFD-fed mice. The results showed that LA-Y administration improved the lipid profile in the serum and liver, reduced fasting blood glucose levels, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Protein analysis showed that LA-Y treatment promoted fatty acid oxidation and suppressed de novo lipogenesis in the adipose tissue and liver. LA-Y effectively alleviated glucose metabolism disorders by activating the insulin signaling pathway, suppressing gluconeogenesis in the liver and muscle, reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum, and promoting glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in the small intestine. LA-Y supplementation also promoted fat browning via the adiponectin/AMPKα/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver and muscle by activating the adiponectin/AdipoR1/APPL1/AMPKα/PGC-1α pathway, leading to increased energy expenditure. Therefore, LA-Y may be a functional dairy food for preventing and alleviating diet-induced metabolic disorders.

Fu brick tea alleviates alcoholic liver injury by modulating the gut microbiota-liver axis and inhibiting the hepatic TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

This study first evaluated the protective effects of Fu brick tea water extracts (FTE) on alcoholic liver injury and its underlying mechanism in C57BL/6J mice. Oral administration of FTE by oral gavage (400 mg per kg bw) for 12 weeks significantly alleviated lipid metabolism disorder, reduced the activities of serum ALT and AST, decreased the expression of the liver CYP2E1 gene, and enhanced the antioxidant capacities of the livers in alcohol-fed mice (p < 0.05). FTE also relieved alcohol-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis by promoting the proliferation of probiotics such as Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillus, and subsequently increased the cecal levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and decreased the tryptophan content of alcohol-fed mice (p < 0.05). Importantly, FTE was found to improve the alcohol-impaired gut barrier function by up-regulating the expression of the epithelial tight junction protein. Accordingly, FTE decreased the circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and thus inhibited the hepatic TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to ameliorate alcoholic liver injury. Cumulatively, these findings shed light on the important role of the gut microbiota-liver axis behind the protective efficacy of FTE on alcoholic liver injury.

Phyllanthus emblica aqueous extract retards hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in NAFLD mice in association with the reshaping of intestinal microecology

Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of the intestinal flora potentially contributes to the occurrence and development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Phyllanthus emblica (PE), an edible and medicinal natural resource, exerts excellent effects on ameliorating NAFLD, but the potential mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, a mouse NAFLD model was established by administering a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD). The protective effects of the aqueous extract of PE (AEPE) on the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in NAFLD mice were detected by performing 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The administration of middle- and high-dose AEPE decreased the levels of ALT, AST, LDL-C, TG, and Hyp and increased HDL-C levels in CDAHFD-fed mice. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E), Oil Red O, and Masson’s trichrome staining indicated that AEPE treatment attenuated hepatic steatosis and fibrotic lesions. Moreover, the disordered intestinal microflora was remodeled by AEPE, including decreases in the abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae, Faecalibaculum, and Romboutsia. The untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that AEPE restored the disturbed glutathione metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis of the gut bacterial community in NAFLD mice, which strongly correlated with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Collectively, AEPE potentially ameliorates NAFLD induced by a CDAHFD through a mechanism associated with its modulatory effects on the gut microbiota and microbial metabolism.

Role of gut bacterial and non-bacterial microbiota in alcohol-associated liver disease: Molecular mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic prospective

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) comprises a spectrum of liver diseases that include: steatosis to alcohol-associated hepatitis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathophysiology and potential underlying mechanisms for alcohol-associated liver disease are unclear. Moreover, the treatment of ALD remains a challenge. Intestinal microbiota include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that are now known to be important in the development of ALD. Alcohol consumption can change the gut microbiota and function leading to liver disease. Given the importance of interactions between intestinal microbiota, alcohol, and liver injury, the gut microbiota has emerged as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. This review focuses on the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of ALD and explains how this can be translated into clinical management. We discuss the potential of utilizing the gut microbiota signature as a biomarker in ALD patients. Additionally, we present an overview of the prospect of modulating the intestinal microbiota for the management of ALD.

An insight into the health beneficial of probiotics dairy products: a critical review

Probiotic dairy products satisfy people's pursuit of health, and are widely favored because of their easy absorption, high nutritional value, and various health benefits. However, its effectiveness and safety are still controversial. This proposal aims to analyze the effect of probiotics on the quality characteristics of dairy products, clarify a series of physiological functions of probiotic dairy products and critically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of probiotic dairy products. Also, dairy products containing inactivated microorganisms were compared with probiotic products. The addition of probiotics enables dairy products to obtain unique quality characteristics, and probiotic dairy products have better health-promoting effects. This review will promote the further development of probiotic dairy products, provide directions for the research and development of probiotic-related products, and help guide the general public to choose and purchase probiotic fermentation products.