A Comprehensive Review on Natural Bioactive Compounds and Probiotics as Potential Therapeutics in Food Allergy Treatment

Marine-Derived Alternariol Monomethyl Ether Alleviates Ovalbumin-Induced Food Allergy by Suppressing MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways of Mast Cells

The prevalence of food allergies has grown dramatically over the past decade. Recently, studies have shown the potential of marine substances to alleviate food allergies. We utilized a rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 model to evaluate the antiallergic effects of alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) extracted from marine fungi Alternaria sp. Our results showed that AME attenuated food allergy symptoms in mice and reduced histamine release in serum. The population of mast cells in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes was considerably reduced. Moreover, in vitro assays also revealed that AME inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine. Transcriptomic analysis uncovered that AME regulated gene expression associated with mast cells. Additionally, Western blotting demonstrated that AME suppressed mast cell activation by modulating MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings provide a theoretical basis for the potential antiallergic use of marine-derived compounds in the development of functional foods.

Lactobacillus paracasei AH2 isolated from Chinese sourdough alleviated gluten-induced food allergy through modulating gut microbiota and promoting short-chain fatty acid accumulation in a BALB/c mouse model

BACKGROUND

A large number of people worldwide suffer from gluten-induced food allergy. As investigated in our previous research, Lactobacillus paracasei AH2 isolated from traditionally homemade sourdough in Anhui province of China showed the potential to reduce the immune reactivity of wheat protein by in vitro evaluation. However, whether L. paracasei AH2 has a role in alleviating wheat allergy in an in vivo model and its underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated.

RESULTS

In this study, the alleviative effects of L. paracasei AH2 on gluten-induced allergic response were evaluated. Compared with a gluten-allergic mouse, L. paracasei AH2 suppressed anaphylaxis symptoms, gluten-specific immunoglobulin E, histamine and interleukin-4. Moreover, L. paracasei AH2 attenuated splenomegaly and induced Th1 or Treg cell differentiation to modulate the Th1/Th2 immune balance toward Th1 polarization. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were enhanced after L. paracasei AH2 supplementation, contributing to allergy relief as well as reducing the pH of colonic contents. The α and β diversities of the gut microbiota were modulated by L. paracasei AH2 with increased relative abundance of Lacticaseibacillus and SCFA producers (Faecalibaculum, Alloprevotella and Bacteroides genera), as well as decreased unfavorable Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Alistipes. Additionally, L. paracasei AH2 protected the intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junctions and improved the antioxidant activities in serum.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that L. paracasei AH2 could act as a potential probiotic for relieving wheat allergy by modulating the gut microbiota and elevating SCFA levels. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Apoptosis induction in human hepatoma cell line HepG2 cells by trans- Anethole via activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways

trans-Anethole a valuable compound derived from star anise widely used by ethnic tribals to manage numerous human diseases. In this study antiproliferative activities of trans-Anethole towards human liver cancer (HepG2), cervical cancer (HeLa) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells were explored. trans-Anethole showed free radical scavenging potential as assessed by DNA nicking assay. trans-Anethole exhibited strong antiproliferative potential towards HepG2 cells compared to other cell lines. trans-Anethole strongly induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells by significantly upregulating the protein expressions of p53, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were assessed by western blotting analysis which highlighted apoptosis-inducing capacity of trans-Anethole against HepG2 cells. Rt-qPCR analysis revealed that trans- Anethole upregulated p53, caspase - 3 and - 9 in comparison to untreated HepG2 cancer cells. Moreover, trans-Anethole provoked the generation of ROS and disruption of MMP. Our research suggests that trans-Anethole may have a significant anticancer therapeutic potential for treating liver cancer.

A propitious role of marine sourced polysaccharides: Drug delivery and biomedical applications

Numerous compounds, with extensive applications in biomedical and biotechnological fields, are present in the oceans, which serve as a prime renewable source of natural substances, further promoting the development of novel medical systems and devices. Polysaccharides are present in the marine ecosystem in abundance, promoting minimal extraction costs, in addition to their solubility in extraction media, and an aqueous solvent, along with their interactions with biological compounds. Certain algae-derived polysaccharides include fucoidan, alginate, and carrageenan, while animal-derived polysaccharides comprise hyaluronan, chitosan and many others. Furthermore, these compounds can be modified to facilitate their processing into multiple shapes and sizes, as well as exhibit response dependence to external conditions like temperature and pH. All these properties have promoted the use of these biomaterials as raw materials for the development of drug delivery carrier systems (hydrogels, particles, capsules). The present review enlightens marine polysaccharides providing its sources, structures, biological properties, and its biomedical applications. In addition to this, their role as nanomaterials is also portrayed by the authors, along with the methods employed to develop them and associated biological and physicochemical properties designed to develop suitable drug delivery systems.

Valorization of Food Waste to Produce Value-Added Products Based on Its Bioactive Compounds

The rapid growth of the global population and changes in lifestyle have led to a significant increase in food waste from various industrial, agricultural, and household sources. Nearly one-third of the food produced annually is wasted, resulting in severe resource depletion. Food waste contains rich organic matter, which, if not managed properly, can pose a serious threat to the environment and human health, making the proper disposal of food waste an urgent global issue. However, various types of food waste, such as waste from fruit, vegetables, grains, and other food production and processing, contain important bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, dietary fiber, proteins, lipids, vitamins, organic acids, and minerals, some of which are found in greater quantities in the discarded parts than in the parts accepted by the market. These bioactive compounds offer the potential to convert food waste into value-added products, and fields including nutritional foods, bioplastics, bioenergy, biosurfactants, biofertilizers, and single cell proteins have welcomed food waste as a novel source. This review reveals the latest insights into the various sources of food waste and the potential of utilizing bioactive compounds to convert it into value-added products, thus enhancing people’s confidence in better utilizing and managing food waste.

Advances in Lactobacillus Restoration for β-Lactam Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis: A System Review in Intestinal Microbiota and Immune Homeostasis

A balanced gut microbiota and their metabolites are necessary for the maintenance of the host's health. The antibiotic-induced dysbiosis can cause the disturbance of the microbial community, influence the immune homeostasis and induce susceptibility to metabolic- or immune-mediated disorders and diseases. The Lactobacillus and their metabolites or components affect the function of the host's immune system and result in microbiota-mediated restoration. Recent data have indicated that, by altering the composition and functions of gut microbiota, antibiotic exposure can also lead to a number of specific pathologies, hence, understanding the potential mechanisms of the interactions between gut microbiota dysbiosis and immunological homeostasis is very important. The Lactobacillus strategies for detecting the associations between the restoration of the relatively imbalanced microbiome and gut diseases are provided in this discussion. In this review, we discuss the recently discovered connections between microbial communities and metabolites in the Lactobacillus treatment of β-lactam antibiotic-induced dysbiosis, and establish the relationship between commensal bacteria and host immunity under this imbalanced homeostasis of the gut microbiota.

Immune Metabolism in TH2 Responses: New Opportunities to Improve Allergy Treatment - Cell Type-Specific Findings (Part 2)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Over the last years, we have learned that the metabolic phenotype of immune cells is closely connected to the cell's effector function. Understanding these changes will allow us to better understand allergic disease pathology and improve allergy treatment by modulating immune metabolic pathways. As part two of a two-article series, this review reports on the recent studies investigating the metabolism of the cell types involved in allergies and discusses the initial application of these discoveries in allergy treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

The cell types involved in allergic reactions display pronounced and highly specific metabolic changes (here discussed for epithelial cells, APCs, ILC2s, mast cells, eosinophils, and Th2 cells). Currently, the first drugs targeting metabolic pathways are tested for their potential to improve allergy treatment. Immune-metabolic changes observed in allergy so far are complex and depend on the investigated disease and cell type. However, our increased understanding of the underlying principles has pointed to several promising target molecules that are now being investigated to improve allergy treatment.

Research Progress on the Correlation between the Intestinal Microbiota and Food Allergy

The increasing incidence of food allergy is becoming a substantial public health concern. Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota play a part in the development of food allergy. Additionally, the application of probiotics to correct gut microbiota imbalances and regulate food allergy has become a research hotspot. However, the mechanism by which the gut microbiota regulates food allergy and the efficacy of probiotics are still in the preliminary exploration stage, and there are no clear and specific conclusions. The aim of this review is to provide information regarding the immune mechanism underlying food allergy, the correlation between the intestinal microbiota and food allergy, a detailed description of causation, and mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota regulates food allergy. Subsequently, we highlight how probiotics modulate the gut microbiome–immune axis to alleviate food allergy. This study will contribute to the dovetailing of bacterial therapeutics with immune system in allergic individuals to prevent food allergy and ameliorate food allergy symptoms.

Anti-allergic function of the cell wall (DeinoWall) from Deinococcus radiodurans

Deinococcus radiodurans is an extremophile, well known to be extremely resistant to external stresses due to its unique physiological system and structure of cellular components. Although the proportion of D. radiodurans has been reported to be negatively correlated with atopic dermatitis, the exact function of D. radiodurans in allergic diseases and its precise mechanisms have not been studied. In the present study, we hypothesize that D. radiodurans or its cellular constituents play a critical role in the skin to prevent allergic inflammatory responses by modulating immunity. Heat-killed D. radiodurans inhibited the production of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5, induced by ovalbumin (OVA) stimulation in splenocytes from OVA-sensitized mice. Among the cellular constituents of D. radiodurans, such as cell wall (DeinoWall), cell membrane (DeinoMem), and exopolysaccharide (DeinoPol), only DeinoWall inhibited the production of Th2 cytokines and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD), a Th2-predominant allergic disease in mice. Moreover, serum IgE levels and infiltration of mast cells into skin lesions, the markers of Th2 response induced by DNCB application, were significantly inhibited by treatment with DeinoWall. Remarkably, DeinoWall induced the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) that promote Th1-biased immunity, which might balance Th1/Th2 and regulate allergic inflammatory responses. Collectively, these results suggest that DeinoWall acts as a major cellular constituent in the negative regulation of allergic inflammatory responses by D. radiodurans and might be a viable candidate for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Indigenous Knowledge on the Uses and Morphological Variation among Strychnos spinosa Lam. at Oyemeni Area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The majority of rural communities in South Africa are characterised by insufficient nutrition and food insecurity at the household level. Due to a lack of information about indigenous fruit trees and their use, food-insecure households are missing out on the nutrition that these fruits provide. Strychnos spinosa Lam. (monkey orange; umHlala) has been identified as one of southern Africa’s top priority fruit species for domestication. However, indigenous information on S. spinosa usage and morphological diversity is still lacking. Indigenous knowledge of species characteristics might be a good place to start when attempting to understand variations in key phenotypic traits. Information on the use and morphological variation of S. spinosa was collected from participants of 100 randomly selected homesteads. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results indicate that S. spinosa is a multi-purpose tree with numerous uses. Most respondents (97%) mentioned that they use it for fermented maize meal (umBhantshi); and others mentioned fermented porridge (amaHewu); alcohol; fruit; juice; jam; homestead protection; snakebite; firewood; food allergy; livestock increase; and only 7% mentioned for stomachache. Morphological variation was observed in leaf colour and shape, fruit rind colour, size, rind texture, pulp colour, pulp texture, and taste. However, the most mentioned variety featured green (78%), rounded leaves (78%) and green (39%), large (46%), smooth-textured rind (73%) fruits that had brown pulp (54%) and tasted sweet (58%). Understanding local knowledge systems and preferences can thus inform the selection of ethno-varieties that hold importance to local people and the potential to improve livelihoods in externally led domestication and development programs.

Pediococcus acidilactici Strain Alleviates Gluten-Induced Food Allergy and Regulates Gut Microbiota in Mice

Wheat flour, the most important source of food globally, is also one of the most common causative agents of food allergy. Wheat gluten protein, which accounts for 80% of the total wheat protein, is a major determinant of important wheat-related disorders. In this study, the effects of Pediococcus acidilactici XZ31 against gluten-induced allergy were investigated in a mouse model. The oral administration of P. acidilactici XZ31 attenuated clinical and intestinal allergic responses in allergic mice. Further results showed that P. acidilactici XZ31 regulated Th1/Th2 immune balance toward Th1 polarization, which subsequently induced a reduction in gluten-specific IgE production. We also found that P. acidilactici XZ31 modulated gut microbiota homeostasis by balancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increasing bacterial diversity and the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. Specifically, the abundance of Firmicutes and Erysipelotrichaceae is positively correlated with concentrations of gluten-specific IgE and may act as a fecal biomarker for diagnosis. The evidence for the role of P. acidilactici XZ31 in alleviating gluten-induced allergic responses sheds light on the application of P. acidilactici XZ31 in treating wheat allergy.

Oral administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NR16 isolated from Kimchi ameliorates murine allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a type I hypersensitivity mediated by dominant T helper 2 (Th2) response over the Th1 response after re-exposure to a specific allergen. Currently, socio-economic cost evoked by AR is quickly increasing since the prevalence of AR is gradually increasing in all ages worldwide. Several probiotic Lactobacillus strains have been described with potential immunomodulatory effects against type I hypersensitivity such as AR. Thus, the aim of the present work was to characterize basic probiotic property and immunomodulatory role of newly isolated Lactobacillus strains from Kimchi, a traditional fermented Korean food, in allergic rhinitis. Among the identified strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NR16 revealed to be a powerful Th1 inducer since immune cells co-cultured with NR16 produced the highest quantity of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) but secreted a low amount of IL-4 in vitro. Therefore, NR16 was selected for the following assays conducted with mice with birch pollen-induced allergic rhinitis. Oral administration of NR16 reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and leukocyte infiltration in lesions of mice. In conclusion, oral administration of NR16 may mitigate symptoms of allergic rhinitis by inducing Th1 immune response, which might rebalance Th2/Th1 ratio by decreasing Th2 cytokine production in specific lesions of mucosa.

The Algal Polysaccharide Ulvan and Carotenoid Astaxanthin Both Positively Modulate Gut Microbiota in Mice

The intestinal microbial community (microbiota) is dynamic and variable amongst individuals and plays an essential part in gut health and homeostasis. Dietary components can modulate the structure of the gut microbiota. In recent years, substantial efforts have been made to find novel dietary components with positive effects on the gut microbial community structure. Natural algal polysaccharides and carotenoids have been reported to possess various functions of biological relevance and their impact on the gut microbiota is currently a topic of interest. This study, therefore, reports the effect of the sulfated polysaccharide ulvan and the carotenoid astaxanthin extracted and purified from the aquacultured marine green macroalgae Ulva ohnoi and freshwater green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, respectively, on the temporal development of the murine gut microbiota. Significant changes with the increase in the bacterial classes Bacteroidia, Bacilli, Clostridia, and Verrucomicrobia were observed after feeding the mice with ulvan and astaxanthin. Duration of the treatments had a more substantial effect on the bacterial community structure than the type of treatment. Our findings highlight the potential of ulvan and astaxanthin to mediate aspects of host-microbe symbiosis in the gut, and if incorporated into the diet, these could assist positively in improving disease conditions associated with gut health.

Role of the gut-skin axis in IgE-mediated food allergy and atopic diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In recent years, landmark clinical trials investigating the role of early oral exposure to food antigens for food allergy (FA) prevention have highlighted the importance of immunoregulatory pathways in the 'gut-skin axis'. This review highlights recent literature on the mechanisms of the immune system and microbiome involved in the gut-skin axis, contributing to the development of atopic dermatitis (AD), FA, allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. Therapeutic interventions harnessing the gut-skin axis are also discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epicutaneous sensitization in the presence of AD is capable of inducing Th2 allergic inflammation in the intestinal tract and lower respiratory airways, predisposing one to the development of AR and asthma. Probiotics have demonstrated positive effects in preventing and treating AD, though there is no evident relationship of its beneficial effects on other allergic diseases. Prophylactic skin emollients use has not shown consistent protection against AD, whereas there is some evidence for the role of dietary changes in alleviating AD and airway inflammation. More randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the potential of epicutaneous immunotherapy as a therapeutic strategy for patients with FA.

SUMMARY

The growing understanding of the gut-skin interactions on allergic disease pathogenesis presents novel avenues for therapeutic interventions which target modulation of the gut and/or skin.

Safety, probiotic properties, antimicrobial activity, and technological performance of Lactobacillus strains isolated from Iranian raw milk cheeses

The objective of this study was to investigate probiotic, antimicrobial, technological and safety properties of lactobacillus strains isolated from local Iranian cheese made from raw milk. Six different samples were prepared, after serial dilution, culture was performed on MRS culture medium. The gram-positive and catalase-negative lactobacillus strains were subjected to grouping and identifying using biochemical tests, carbohydrates fermentation profiles, and 16S rDNA analysis. The results of sequence analysis showed the Lactobacillus spp. belonged to Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus casei. After 3 hr incubation at pH=2, 3-6 log units of strains decreased which Lactobacillus acidophilus (B14) and Lactobacillus brevis (B2) showed highest resistance to low pH as well as simulated GIT juices. The highest and lowest hydrophobicity degree was belonged to L. acidophilus (B14) (65.9%) and L. casei (B22) (25.6%), respectively. Also, the highest auto-aggregation and coaggregation were observed in L. acidophilus (B14) (51.3%) and L. plantarum (B20) (43.6%). The adhered percentage of strains varied from 2.5% to 14.6%. L. plantarum (B20) showed highest proteolytic activity followed by L. acidophilus (B14). Also, the highest autolytic activity belonged to L. acidophilus (B14). All of the strains showed low acidifying potential, except for L. acidophilus (B17) which decreased 2.05 unit of pH after 24 hr. The isolates did not show lipolytic activity as well as biogenic amines production (except L. brevis B3). All of the strains were sensitive to chloramphenicol and erythromycin except L. acidophilus (B15) and L. casei (B22). All strains showed no hemolysis activity which make them safe for consumption. Based on the obtained results, L. acidophilus (B14) presented the best probiotic and technological characteristics and is proposed for using as coculture in the dairy industrial.

Sustainable processing of food waste for production of bio-based products for circular bioeconomy

Sustainable development of circular bioeconomy concept is only possible upon adopting potential advanced technologies for food waste valorization. This approach can simultaneously answer resources and environmental challenges incurred due to capital loss and greenhouse gases accumulation. Food waste valorization opens new horizons of economical growth, bringing waste as an opportunity feedstock for bio processes to synthesize biobased products from biological source in a circular loop. Advanced technologies like Ultrasound assisted extraction, Microwave assisted extraction, bioreactors, enzyme immobilization assisted extraction and their combination mitigates the global concern caused due to mismanagement of food waste. Food waste decomposition to sub-zero level using advanced techniques fabricates food waste into bio-based products like bioactive compounds (antioxidants, pigments, polysaccharides, polyphenols, etc.); biofuels (biodiesel, biomethane, biohydrogen); and bioplastics. This review abridges merits and demerits of various advanced techniques extended for food waste valorization and contribution of food waste in revenue generation as value added products.

The excess costs of childhood food allergy on Canadian families: a cross-sectional study

Background

The impact of childhood food allergy on household costs has not been examined in Canada. The current study sought to examine differences in direct, indirect, and intangible costs among Canadian families with and without a food-allergic child.

Methods

Families with a child with a specialist-diagnosed food allergy (cases) were recruited from two tertiary pediatric allergy clinics in the Province of Manitoba, Canada, and matched, based on age and sex, to families without a food-allergic child (controls). Cost data for the two groups were collected via an adapted version of the Food Allergy Economic Questionnaire (FA-EcoQ). Consideration was given to income, defined as above vs. below the provincial annual median income.

Results

Results from 35 matched case/control pairs revealed that while total household costs did not significantly differ between cases and controls, food-allergic families did incur higher direct costs ($12,455.69 vs. $10,078.93, p = 0.02), which were largely attributed to spending on food. In contrast, cases reported lower, but not statistically significant, total indirect costs compared to controls ($10,038.76 vs. $12,294.12, p = 0.06). Families also perceived their food-allergic child as having poorer quality of life relative to their healthy peers. Lastly, stratification of the analyses by annual income revealed several differences between the higher and lower income groups.

Conclusions

Relative to families without a food-allergic child, food-allergic families incurred higher direct costs across a number of different areas.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13223-021-00530-9.

Effect of Simulated Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions on Survivability of Probiotic Bacteria Present in Commercial Preparations

Probiotics are recommended, among others, in the diet of children who are under antibiotic therapy, or that suffer from food allergies or travel diarrhea, etc. In the case of toddlers taking probiotic preparations, it is highly recommended to first remove the special capsule, which normally protects probiotic strains against hard conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. Otherwise, the toddler may choke. This removal can impair probiotic survival and reduce its efficacy in a toddler’s organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survivability of five strains of lactic acid bacteria from the commercial probiotics available on the Polish market under simulated conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Five probiotics (each including one of these strains: Bifidobacterium BB-12, Lactobacillus (Lb.) rhamnosus GG, Lb. casei, Lb. acidophilus, Lb. plantarum) were protective capsule deprived, added in a food matrix (chicken–vegetable soup) and subjected under simulated conditions of the gastric and gastrointestinal passage. Strain survivability and possibility to growth were evaluated. Obtained results showed that, among all analyzed commercial probiotic strains, the Lb. plantarum was the most resistant to the applied conditions of the culture medium. They showed a noticeable growth under both in vitro gastric conditions at pH 4.0 and 5.0, as well as in vitro intestinal conditions at all tested concentrations of bile salts.