Probiotics Alleviate Oxidative Stress in H2O2-Exposed Hepatocytes and t-BHP-Induced C57BL/6 Mice

Effects of Vibrio alginolyticus on intestinal health and intestinal flora of sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius)

The aim of this study was to understand the effect of Vibrio alginolyticus on the intestinal tract of Strongylocentrotus intermedius. The effects of injecting V. alginolyticus into the body cavity via the perioral membrane at concentrations of 0 CFU/mL (C), 1.5 × 107 CFU/mL (VA1), and 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL (VA10) on the intestinal tract of S. intermedius were analyzed using histological examination, immunoenzyme activity, and 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that V. alginolyticus caused intestinal tissue damage and oxidative stress (e.g. altered levels of superoxide dismutase). In addition, the intestinal flora was altered. At the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroidota was significantly decreased in the VA10 group, at the genus level, Vibrio spp. exhibited a significant increase following V. alginolyticus injection. Prediction of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes function in the intestinal flora revealed that high concentrations of V. alginolyticus may have induced pathways such as energy metabolism. These results indicated that V. alginolyticus caused lesions in the intestinal morphology of S. intermedius and disrupted the balance of intestinal flora.

The protective effect of L-theanine addition to a cryoprotectant on the storage viability of lactic acid bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that metabolize sugars to obtain energy and produce a large amount of lactate through the process are well known for their benefits. However, they can be used on a large scale only when good storage stability is guaranteed. The vitality and stability of several LAB strains were effectively protected in this investigation by L-theanine at 1% of the appropriate concentration (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG5023, Enterococcus faecium MG5232, Lactococcus lactis MG4668, Streptococcus thermophilus MG5140, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis MG741). The inclusion of L-theanine as a protective agent significantly enhanced the viability of all strains throughout the freeze-drying process compared to that of the non-coated probiotics. The efficacy of L-theanine in improving bacterial stability and survivability was evaluated using accelerated stability tests, gastrointestinal (GI) tract survivability tests, and adhesion assays with intestinal epithelial cells. The cell surface was covered with substances including L-theanine, according to morphological findings, providing efficient defense against a variety of external stresses. Therefore, by exerting anti-freezing and anti-thawing properties, the adoption of L-theanine as a new and efficient protective agent may improve the stability and viability of a variety of probiotics.

In vitro wound healing effects of postbiotics derived from the gut microbiota of long-lived blind mole rats, a model of healthy ageing

Chronic wounds represent a global public health burden to patients and healthcare professionals worldwide. Considering the unmet need for safe and effective therapeutic approaches for wound healing, research on discovering new bioactive materials that support all stages of wound healing is gaining importance. In this study, the wound-healing activity of postbiotics obtained from Limosilactobacillus reuteri EIR/Spx-2, isolated from the gut microbiota of long-lived blind mole rats (Nannospalax xanthodon), was investigated. Our results demonstrated that postbiotics exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against important skin pathogens, eliminated their biofilm formation, and downregulated the expression of genes involved in their quorum-sensing regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, treatment with postbiotics resulted in a significant increase (23.82% ± 2.11%) in L929 fibroblast cell proliferation. Additionally, postbiotics applied on scratched fibroblast monolayer significantly accelerated the re-epithelialization by 66.78% ± 3.74%. The treatment also increased the mRNA expression and protein levels of COL1A1 in the early healing phase. Moreover, the intracellular ROS levels of L929 cells suppressed by H2O2 were significantly reduced, which could be attributed to the content of flavonoids (4.8 mg/g) and phenolic compounds (7.12 mg/g) in postbiotics, as well as their DPPH scavenging activity. After treatment with postbiotics, the mRNA levels of IL-6 (5.77-fold) and TNF-α (1.76-fold) and the amount of NO (79.25% ± 3.18%) were significantly decreased in LPS-induced murine macrophages. The diverse metabolite profile of postbiotics, as characterised using chromatographic techniques, exhibited a strong correlation with their biological activity across all stages of the wound healing process, highlighting their potential as promising candidates for wound healing applications.

Genome sequence and evaluation of safety and probiotic potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LC86 and Lacticaseibacillus casei LC89

Aim

A comprehensive safety assessment of potential probiotic strains was essential for their application in the food industry. This article systematically evaluated the probiotic characteristics, whole-genome sequence analysis and safety of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LC86 and Lacticaseibacillus casei LC89.

Methods

Firstly, the two strains of lactic acid bacteria selected were identified. Secondly, whole-genome sequencing was performed on LC86 and LC89, and their antibiotic resistance, pathogenicity, and virulence genes were analyzed. We tested various properties of the two strains, included tolerance, cell adhesion, hemolytic activity, catalase activity, gelatin hydrolysis, arginine hydrolysis ability, bile salt hydrolysis capacity, mucin degradation, bioamine, D-/L-lactic acid production and antibiotic susceptibility, to confirm the safety of LC86 and LC89 both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we studied the acute toxicity of LC86 and LC89 in mice through a 14-day oral gavage experiment.

Results

The two strains selected were identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lacticaseibacillus casei. The genomes of both LC86 and LC89 were devoid of virulence, antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity genes. LC86 and LC89 exhibited good tolerance to temperature, artificial gastric fluid and artificial intestinal fluid; they were non-hemolytic, their catalase activity, gelatin hydrolysis, arginine hydrolysis and bile salt hydrolysis were all negative. They exhibited the capability to break down proteins and demonstrated sensitivity to a range of antibiotics. The oral LD50 for both LC86 and LC89 in mice was >2 × 1010 CFU/kg.

Conclusion

The experimental results above demonstrated the probiotic characteristics and safety of LC86 and LC89, indicating their potential as candidates for probiotics for human and animal applications.

Potential effects of probiotics on atherosclerosis

The rising global incidence of atherosclerosis highlights the inadequacies in our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of the disease. Increasing evidence outlines the importance of the intestinal microbiome in atherosclerosis, wherein gut-derived uremic toxins (GDUTs) may be of concern. Plasma levels of the GDUTs trimethylamine n-oxide (TMAO), p-cresyl sulfate, and indoxyl sulfate are associated with accelerated renal function decline and increased cardiovascular risk. Thus, reducing the amount of GDUTs in circulation is expected to benefit patients with atherosclerosis. Because some beneficial bacteria can clear GDUTs in vitro and in vivo, orally administered probiotics targeting the intestinal tract represent a promising way to bring about these changes. Atherosclerosis such, this perspective reviews the potential use of probiotics to treat atherosclerosis, particularly in patients with non-traditional risk factors and/or impaired renal function.

Probiotics-role in alleviating the impact of alcohol liver disease and alcohol deaddiction: a systematic review

Background

There are few efficient treatment options for alcohol addiction, which continues to be a serious public health concern. The possible contribution of gut microbiota to the onset and progression of alcohol addiction has been brought to light by recent studies. Probiotics have become a cutting-edge intervention in the treatment of alcohol consumption disorder because of its favorable effects on gut health. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the body of research on the advantages of probiotics in treating alcoholism and associated neuroinflammatory conditions.

Methods

To find pertinent research published from January 2012 to 2023, a thorough search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science, was carried out. Included were studies looking at how probiotics affect neuroinflammation, gut- brain axis regulation, alcohol addiction, and related behaviors.

Findings

Several investigations have shown how beneficial probiotics are in reducing systemic inflammation and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Probiotic treatments successfully corrected the imbalance of microbiota, decreased intestinal permeability, and stopped the passage of bacterial constituents such lipopolysaccharides (LPS) into the bloodstream. Additionally, probiotics helped to regulate neurotransmitter pathways, especially those connected to GABA, glutamate, and dopamine, which are intimately linked to behaviors related to addiction. Furthermore, it was shown that probiotics altered the expression of neurotransmitter signaling and dopamine receptors.

Conclusion

There is strong evidence from this systematic study that probiotics have potential advantages in treating alcohol addiction. The potential of probiotic therapies is demonstrated by the way they modulate important neurotransmitter pathways implicated in addiction, decrease neuroinflammation, and restore the balance of gut flora. To fully investigate the therapeutic potential of probiotics in treating alcohol addiction and enhancing the general wellbeing of those afflicted by this condition, more research is necessary.

Fermentation: improvement of pharmacological effects and applications of botanical drugs

Fermentation is an important concoction technique for botanical drugs. Fermentation transforms and enhances the active ingredients of botanical drugs through specific microbiological processes, ultimately affecting their pharmacological effects. This review explores the use of fermented botanical drugs in areas such as anti-tumor, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cosmetology, and intestinal flora regulation. It elucidates the potential pharmacological mechanisms and discusses the benefits of fermentation technology for botanical drugs, including reducing toxic side effects, enhancing drug efficacy, and creating new active ingredients. This article also discussesdelves into the common strains and factors influencing the fermentation process, which are crucial for the successful transformation and enhancement of these drugs. Taken together, this study aimed to provide a reference point for further research and wider applications of botanical drug fermentation technology.

Risk Factors for In-Hospital Seizures of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage After Endovascular Treatment: A Real-World Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The occurrence of in-hospital seizures for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) ranges from 3.7% to 15.2%, and seizures remain an important factor affecting patient prognosis. Therefore, the timely identification of patients at a higher risk for aSAH-associated seizures after endovascular treatment is of paramount importance. This study aims to analyze the risk factors for in-hospital seizures after endovascular treatment for aSAH.

METHODS

The study comprised 547 patients at 3 centers from January 2019 to September 2021. In the context of this study, 2 models were utilized: the first model involved no variable adjustment, while the second model included all potential confounders in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, the dose-response relationship between biomarkers and seizure occurrence was assessed using restricted cubic spline.

RESULTS

Among these patients, 28 (5.1%) developed seizures during hospitalization. In Model 2, the modified Fisher score (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.138, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.226-8.036), body mass index (adjusted OR: 0.852, 95% CI: 0.749-0.970), aspect ratio (adjusted OR: 0.264, 95% CI: 0.115-0.604), and aspartate transaminase (adjusted OR: 1.017, 95% CI: 1.001-1.035) were showed as factors contributing to an increased risk of aSAH-associated seizures.

CONCLUSIONS

Body mass index, aspartate transaminase, aspect ratio, modified Fisher scores, and Hunt-Hess scores were correlated with the formation of aSAH-associated seizures after endovascular treatment.

In Vitro Evaluation of Probiotic Properties and Anti-Pathogenic Effects of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains as Potential Probiotics

Probiotics restore gut microbial balance, thereby providing health-promoting effects to the host. They have long been suggested for managing intestinal disorders caused by pathogens and for improving gut health. This study evaluated the probiotic properties and anti-pathogenic effects of specific probiotic strains against the intestinal pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The tested strains-Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LC27, Limosilactobacillus reuteri NK33, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NK210, Bifidobacterium longum NK46, and Bifidobacterium bifidum NK175-were able to survive harsh conditions simulating gastric and intestinal fluids. These strains exhibited good auto-aggregation abilities (41.8-92.3%) and ideal hydrophobicity (30.9-85.6% and 38.3-96.1% for xylene and chloroform, respectively), along with the ability to co-aggregate with S. aureus (40.6-68.2%) and E. coli (38.6-75.2%), indicating significant adhesion levels to Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, these strains' cell-free supernatants (CFSs) demonstrated antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Additionally, these strains inhibited gas production by E. coli through fermentative activity. These findings suggest that the strains tested in this study have potential as novel probiotics to enhance gut health.

Effects of Lactoferrin and Lactobacillus Supplementation on Immune Function, Oxidative Stress, and Gut Microbiota in Kittens

Immune deficiency is a prevalent issue among kittens, severely threatening their health and development by increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases. This study investigates the effects of dietary supplements containing lactoferrin and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on the immune function, intestinal health, and microbiota composition of kittens. The results demonstrate that these supplements significantly enhance immune responses, with immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels increasing by 14.9% and IgG levels by 14.2%. Additionally, there was a notable 28.7% increase in catalase activity, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. Gastrointestinal (GI) health improved markedly, evidenced by increased populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, which rose from 4.13% to 79.03% over the study period. The DNC group also showed significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including decreases of 13.94% in IL-2, 26.46% in TNF-α, and 19.45% in IFN-γ levels. Furthermore, improvements in physical conditions were observed, including enhanced coat condition and mental status. These findings underline the potential of lactoferrin and L. plantarum as effective dietary interventions to improve kitten health, thereby reducing dependency on antibiotics and mitigating associated risks. This research provides a scientific foundation for optimizing nutritional management practices to enhance the overall vitality of kittens during their critical growth phases.

Impact of Pediococcus pentosaceus YF01 on the exercise capacity of mice through the regulation of oxidative stress and alteration of gut microbiota

Using treadmill training, this study replicated human exercise conditions and triggered exercise-induced fatigue in mice to examine the potential of Pediococcus pentosaceus YF01 in delaying this fatigue by regulating oxidative stress and its impact on the exercise capacity and gut microbiota of mice. The exercise capacity of mice was tested by conducting exhaustion tests, determining histopathological changes in mouse tissues, detecting the levels of serum biochemical markers, and evaluating the mRNA expression levels of relevant genes. YF01 prolonged the exhaustion time of mice, increased the serum levels of oxidative stress-related markers T-AOC, CAT, and GSH, as well as GLU and LA levels in the mice. YF01 decreased the levels of hepatic-related markers AST and ALT, as well as exercise-related markers LDH, BUN, UA, and CRE in the mice. YF01 upregulated the mRNA expression of MyHc I, SIRT1, and PGC in muscle tissues, as well as SOD1, SOD2, and CAT in both liver and muscle tissues. YF01 also downregulated the mRNA expression of MyHc IIa, MyHc IIb, and MyHc IIx in muscle tissues. Furthermore, YF01 increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae in the gut microbiota of mice. In conclusion, P. pentosaceus YF01 may affect the exercise capacity of mice by modulating oxidative stress levels, thereby offering novel ideas for developing of sports science and human health.

Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus plantarum Enhance Immune Function and Antioxidant Capacity in Cats through Modulation of the Gut Microbiota

Gastrointestinal (GI) afflictions are prevalent among the feline population, wherein the intricacies of the gut microbiome exert a profound influence on their overall health. Alterations within this microbial consortium can precipitate a cascade of physiological changes, notably in immune function and antioxidant capacity. This research investigated the impact of Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on cats' GI health, exploring the effects of probiotic supplementation on the intestinal ecosystem using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The findings demonstrated a significant improvement in gut barrier function by reducing plasma concentrations of D-lactate (D-LA) by 30.38% and diamine oxidase (DAO) by 22.68%, while increasing the population of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. There was a notable 25% increase in immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, evidenced by increases of 19.13% in catalase (CAT), 23.94% in superoxide dismutase (SOD), and 21.81% in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Further analysis revealed positive correlations between Lactobacillus abundance and IgA, CAT, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels. These correlations indicate that B. lactis and L. plantarum enhance feline immune and antioxidant functions by increasing the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus in the GI tract. These findings provide a foundation for probiotic interventions aimed at enhancing health and disease resistance in feline populations.

The preventive effects of Saccharomyces boulardii against oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide in rat brain

The brain is sensitive to oxidative stress, which can trigger microglial activation and neuroinflammation. Antioxidant therapies may provide neuroprotection against oxidative stress. In recent years antioxidant effects of probiotics and their possible mechanisms in oxidative stress-related models have been determined. In the current study, for the first time, we assessed the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on oxidative stress provoked by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the rat brain. Four groups of animals were used, including the control, LPS, S. boulardii + LPS, and S. boulardii groups. All animals received either saline or S. boulardii (1010 CFU) by gavage for four weeks. Between days 14 and 22, all animals received either LPS (250 μg/kg) or saline by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. S. boulardii was able to inhibit lipid peroxidation and prevent the reduction of antioxidant levels, including glutathione and catalase in the model of oxidative stress induced by LPS in the rat hippocampus and cortex. Also, it increased the lowered ratio of glutathione/oxidized glutathione in both tissues. Serum levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 (IL-10) and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 increased and decreased, respectively. S. boulardii has potential antioxidant activities in oxidative stress-related model, possibly modulating gut microbiota, immune defense, and antioxidant enzyme activities that can be considered in preventing oxidative stress-related central nervous system (CNS) diseases.

Antioxidant potential and protective effect of modified sea cucumber peptides against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in vitro HepG2 cells and in vivo zebrafish model

In this study, modified sea Cucumber Peptides (SCP) were prepared by reacting with xylooligosaccharide (XOS) and alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) via glycation. Free radical inhibitory and inhibition of oxidative stress of modified SCP was evaluated using human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells and zebrafish embryos. LC-MS analysis revealed that SCPs mainly consist of 40 active peptides, with an average molecular weight of 1122.168 Da and an average length of 11 amino acid residues. For amino acid composition, L-Asparagine, L-Methionine, and L-Aspartic Acid were dominant amino acids in SCP. The result showed that the antioxidant ability of SCP against 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion radical (O-2), and Hydroxyl Radical (OH) was significantly improved after modification. In HepG2 cells, the modified SCP showed stronger protection than native SCP native against H2O2-induced oxidative stress by enhancing cell viability and reducing radical oxygen species (ROS) generation. The inhibition effect of SCP was increased after modification with XOS and AOS by 13 % and 19 % respectively. Further studies displayed that the activity of antioxidative enzymes, including Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT), was remarkably enhanced, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) level was reduced compared with native SCP and H2O2-treated groups, thus, improving the intracellular antioxidant defenses. The gene expression analysis showed that the mechanism underlying the modified SCP protective effect may be linked with the capability to regulate Nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) gene expression. The protective effect of modified SCP against H2O2 in vitro was confirmed in vivo by reduced toxicity in zebrafish embryos via improvement of mortality rate, hatching rate, heart beating rate, and deformities of the zebrafish model. However, SCPAOS conjugate displayed greater antioxidant potentials compared to the SCPXOS, the different effects between SCPAOS and SCPXOS could be due to their different antioxidant activity. Thus, modified SCP could be potentially used as a novel nutraceutical in the preparation of anti-aging food and medicine.

The Probiotic Properties and Safety of Limosilactobacillus mucosae NK41 and Bifidobacterium longum NK46

Probiotics should possess specific properties to exert beneficial effects, and their safety must be ensured for human consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the probiotic properties and safety of Limosilactobacillus mucosae NK41 and Bifidobacterium longum NK46 isolated from human feces in vitro. Both strains exhibited high resistance to simulated gastrointestinal fluid. Furthermore, probiotic-related cell surface characteristics including auto-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity were assessed by measuring the absorbance at a wavelength of 600 nm, which demonstrated good auto-aggregation ability and affinity for xylene, indicating their effective adhesion to Caco-2 cells. In addition, hemolytic, gelatinase, and β-glucuronidase activities were found to be negative in both strains. The susceptibility to nine commonly used antibiotics was assessed using the broth macrodilution method, which demonstrated that both strains were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. Furthermore, L. mucosae NK41 and B. longum NK46 produced significantly higher levels of L-lactate (71.8 ± 0.7% and 97.8 ± 0.4%) than D-lactate (28.2 ± 0.7% and 2.2 ± 0.4%, respectively). Using PCR amplification to investigate genes associated with virulence factors, we found that neither strain harbored any virulence genes. These findings suggest that L. mucosae NK41 and B. longum NK46 have the potential to be used as probiotics and are considered safe for human consumption.

Probiotic-fermented edible herbs as functional foods: A review of current status, challenges, and strategies

Recently, consumers have become increasingly interested in natural, health-promoting, and chronic disease-preventing medicine and food homology (MFH). There has been accumulating evidence that many herbal medicines, including MFH, are biologically active due to their biotransformation through the intestinal microbiota. The emphasis of scientific investigation has moved from the functionally active role of MFH to the more subtle role of biotransformation of the active ingredients in probiotic-fermented MFH and their health benefits. This review provides an overview of the current status of research on probiotic-fermented MFH. Probiotics degrade toxins and anti-nutritional factors in MFH, improve the flavor of MFH, and increase its bioactive components through their transformative effects. Moreover, MFH can provide a material base for the growth of probiotics and promote the production of their metabolites. In addition, the health benefits of probiotic-fermented MFH in recent years, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, skin-protective, and gut microbiome-modulating effects, are summarized, and the health risks associated with them are also described. Finally, the future development of probiotic-fermented MFH is prospected in combination with modern development technologies, such as high-throughput screening technology, synthetic biology technology, and database construction technology. Overall, probiotic-fermented MFH has the potential to be used in functional food for preventing and improving people's health. In the future, personalized functional foods can be expected based on synthetic biology technology and a database on the functional role of probiotic-fermented MFH.

Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 fractions ameliorate palmitic acid-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis by inhibiting SREBP1-CYP2E1 pathway

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is strongly associated with disturbances in the intestinal microbiota. Herein, the biological effects and mechanism of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 fractions in regulating hepatocyte ferroptosis during MAFLD progression were investigated. To establish an in vitro model of MAFLD, LO2 cells were subjected to palmitic acid (PA). The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. LO2 cell proliferation was examined using 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, whereas its apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Furthermore, level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using 2', 7,-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Additionally, the levels of Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were detected using corresponding kits. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to analyze the interaction between sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1) promoter. Our results revealed that Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 fractions effectively ameliorated PA-induced hepatocyte injury, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis. However, these beneficial effects of BGN4 fractions on PA-induced hepatocyte were dramatically reversed by SREBP1 overexpression, suggesting that BGN4 attenuated MAFLD by acting on SREBP1. Moreover, we observed that BGN4 fractions inhibited CYP2E1 transcription by suppressing SREBP1 nuclear translocation. In addition, CYP2E1 overexpression eliminated the inhibitory effect of BGN4 fractions on PA-induced hepatocyte oxidative stress and ferroptosis. These findings collectively indicated that BGN4 fractions reduced CYP2E1 expression by inhibiting SREBP1 nuclear translocation, thereby suppressing hepatocyte oxidative stress and ferroptosis during the development of MAFLD.

The Hepatic Antioxidant System Damage Induced with the Cafeteria (CAF) Diet Is Largely Counteracted Using SCD Probiotics during Development of Male Wistar Rats

The cafeteria (CAF) diet, reflective of predominant Western dietary behaviors, is implicated in hastening weight gain, subsequently resulting in health complications such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. To this end, it is vital to notice the deleterious consequences of the CAF regimen prior to the onset of complications, which is fundamental for early intervention in the context of numerous diseases. Probiotic-derived postbiotic metabolites have gained attention for their antioxidative properties, offering a potential countermeasure against oxidative stress. This research sought to discern the protective efficacy of SCD Probiotics against liver glutathione system damage arising from the CAF diet during developmental phases. Male Wistar rats, from weaning on day 21 to day 56, were categorized into four groups: a control on a conventional diet; a group on a standard diet enriched with SCD Probiotics; a mixed-diet group comprising both CAF and standard feed; and a combination diet group supplemented with SCD Probiotics. Through the application of real-time PCR, enzyme activity assessments, and quantitative metabolite analyses, our findings highlight the CAF diet's adverse influence on the liver's antioxidant defenses via shifts in gene expression. Yet, the inclusion of SCD Probiotics mostly ameliorated these harmful effects. Remarkably, the positive regulatory influence of SCD Probiotics on the liver's antioxidant system was consistently observed, independent of the CAF diet's presence.

Alpha-lipoic acid, apocynin or probiotics influence glutathione status and selected inflammatory parameters in C57/BL6 mice when combined with a low-fat diet

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to determine the potential of a low-fat diet (LFD) to protect against oxidative and inflammatory damage in the course of asthma and obesity when combined with antioxidants (alpha-lipoic acid-ALA, apocynin-APO) or a probiotic (P) (Lactobacillus casei).

METHODS

The experiments were carried out on ten groups of male C57/BL6 mice that were fed standard fat (SFD), low-fat (LFD), or high-fat (HFD) diets. Ovalbumin (OVA, administered subcutaneously and by inhalation) was used to sensitize the animals. IL-1α, IL-10, eotaxin-1, leptin, and TNF-α concentrations were examined in blood, while total glutathione (GSHt), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and -SH groups were measured in lung homogenates.

RESULTS

LFD in combination with the analyzed compounds (APO, P, ALA) significantly decreased the concentration of IL-1α compared to the OVA + HFD group (p < 0.01; p = 0.025; p = 0.002, respectively). Similarly, the treated mice demonstrated lower eotaxin-1 concentrations compared to the HFD group (p < 0.001). Moreover, supplementation of LFD with probiotics significantly increased the concentration of IL-10 vs. controls (p < 0.001) and vs. untreated OVA-sensitized and challenged/obese mice (p < 0.001). Animals administered APO/ALA with LFD displayed a significant decrease in TNF-α concentration compared to OVA + HFD mice (p = 0.013; p = 0.002 respectively). Those treated with ALA displayed significantly improved GSH levels (p = 0.035) compared to OVA + HFD mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation of the tested compounds with LFD appears to have a positive influence on the glutathione redox status of pulmonary tissues and selected inflammatory parameters in mouse blood.

Anti-oxidant potential of plants and probiotic spp. in alleviating oxidative stress induced by H2O2

Cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a metabolic by-product. ROS molecules trigger oxidative stress as a feedback response that significantly initiates biological processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis. Furthermore, extensive research has revealed that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important ROS entity and plays a crucial role in several physiological processes, including cell differentiation, cell signalling, and apoptosis. However, excessive production of H2O2 has been shown to disrupt biomolecules and cell organelles, leading to an inflammatory response and contributing to the development of health complications such as collagen deposition, aging, liver fibrosis, sepsis, ulcerative colitis, etc. Extracts of different plant species, phytochemicals, and Lactobacillus sp (probiotic) have been reported for their anti-oxidant potential. In this view, the researchers have gained significant interest in exploring the potential plants spp., their phytochemicals, and the potential of Lactobacillus sp. strains that exhibit anti-oxidant properties and health benefits. Thus, the current review focuses on comprehending the information related to the formation of H2O2, the factors influencing it, and their pathophysiology imposed on human health. Moreover, this review also discussed the anti-oxidant potential and role of different extract of plants, Lactobacillus sp. and their fermented products in curbing H2O2‑induced oxidative stress in both in-vitro and in-vivo models via boosting the anti-oxidative activity, inhibiting of important enzyme release and downregulation of cytochrome c, cleaved caspases-3, - 8, and - 9 expression. In particular, this knowledge will assist R&D sections in biopharmaceutical and food industries in developing herbal medicine and probiotics-based or derived food products that can effectively alleviate oxidative stress issues induced by H2O2 generation.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4294 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG5289 Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease and the leading cause of liver-related deaths worldwide. It has been established that microorganisms are involved in the interaction between the intestinal lumen and the liver; therefore, studies on probiotics as potential candidates are increasing. This study evaluated the effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4294 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG5289 on NAFLD. The MG4294 and MG5289 reduced lipid accumulation in FFA-induced HepG2 by suppressing the adipogenic proteins through the regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The administration of these strains in the HFD-induced mice model lowered body weight, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and cholesterol levels. In particular, MG4294 and MG5289 restored liver TG and TC to normal levels by lowering lipid and cholesterol-related proteins via the modulation of AMPK in the liver tissue. In addition, the administration of MG4294 and MG5289 reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β-, and IL6) in the intestinal tissues of the HFD-induced mouse model. In conclusion, MG4294 and MG5289 can be presented as probiotics with the potential to prevent NAFLD.

The Effect of a Glutathione (GSH)-Containing Cryo-Protectant on the Viability of Probiotic Cells Using a Freeze-Drying Process

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and probiotics promise specific health benefits to their host. However, good storage stability is a prerequisite for their functioning and industrial use. This study aimed to evaluate glutathione (GSH) as a potential protective agent for improving microbial stability deteriorated by freeze-drying, freeze-thawing, and cold treatments. In this study, the optimal concentration of glutathione (50% w/w) was 1%, showing effective protection on the viability and stability of various LAB strains (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG4229 and MG4296, Lactococcus lactis MG5125, Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG4295, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MG5012, and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis MG741). Glutathione-containing protectants considerably improved the viability of all of these strains after freeze-drying compared with non-coated probiotics. Survivability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, accelerated stability tests, and adhesion assays on intestinal epithelial cells were performed to determine whether glutathione enhances bacterial stability. Based on morphological observations, protectants containing GSH were coated onto the cell surface, resulting in effective protection against multiple external stress stimuli. The applicability of GSH as a new and effective protective agent can improve the stability and viability of various probiotics with anti-freezing and anti-thawing effects.

Protective Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subs. lactis MG741 as Probiotics against UVB-Exposed Fibroblasts and Hairless Mice

Skin photoaging, which causes wrinkles, increased epidermal thickness, and rough skin texture, is induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure. These symptoms by skin photoaging have been reported to be involved in the reduction of collagen by the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and activator protein-1 (AP-1). This study investigated the protective effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis MG741 (Bi. lactis MG741) in Hs-68 fibroblasts and hairless mice (HR-1) following UVB exposure. We demonstrated that the Bi. lactis MG741 reduces wrinkles and skin thickness by downregulating MMP-1 and MMP-3, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-FOS in fibroblasts and HR-1. Additionally, in UVB-irradiated dorsal skin of HR-1, Bi. lactis MG741 inhibits the expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), an inflammation-related factor. Thus, Bi. lactis MG741 has the potential to prevent wrinkles and skin inflammation by modulating skin photoaging markers.

Synbiotics and Their Antioxidant Properties, Mechanisms, and Benefits on Human and Animal Health: A Narrative Review

Antioxidants are often associated with a variety of anti-aging compounds that can ensure human and animal health longevity. Foods and diet supplements from animals and plants are the common exogenous sources of antioxidants. However, microbial-based products, including probiotics and their derivatives, have been recognized for their antioxidant properties through numerous studies and clinical trials. While the number of publications on probiotic antioxidant capacities and action mechanisms is expanding, that of synbiotics combining probiotics with prebiotics is still emerging. Here, the antioxidant metabolites and properties of synbiotics, their modes of action, and their different effects on human and animal health are reviewed and discussed. Synbiotics can generate almost unlimited possibilities of antioxidant compounds, which may have superior performance compared to those of their components through additive or complementary effects, and especially by synergistic actions. Either combined with antioxidant prebiotics or not, probiotics can convert these substrates to generate antioxidant compounds with superior activities. Such synbiotic-based new routes for supplying natural antioxidants appear relevant and promising in human and animal health prevention and treatment. A better understanding of various component interactions within synbiotics is key to generating a higher quality, quantity, and bioavailability of antioxidants from these biotic sources.

Probiotics Bring New Hope for Atherosclerosis Prevention and Treatment

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of human mortality and morbidity worldwide. Atherosclerosis (AS) is the underlying pathological responsible in most acute and severe cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction and stroke. However, current drugs applied to the treatment of AS are not clinically effective, and there is a large residual risk of cardiovascular disease and multiple side effects. Increasing evidence supports a close relationship between microorganisms and the incidence of AS. Recent data have shown that probiotics can improve multiple key factors involved in the development and progression of AS, including cholesterol metabolism imbalance, endothelial dysfunction, proinflammatory factor production, macrophage polarization, intestinal flora disturbance, and infection with pathogenic microorganisms, and therefore probiotics have attracted great interest as a novel potential “medicine”. This review is aimed at summarizing the effects of probiotics on various influencing factors, and providing valuable insights in the search for early prevention and potential therapeutic strategies for AS.

Improvements in Human Keratinocytes and Antimicrobial Effect Mediated by Cell-Free Supernatants Derived from Probiotics

The skin acts as a physical and physiological barrier, thereby protecting the body from various environmental components and stimuli. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) derived from probiotics can improve skin functions and retain moisture. In this study, to assess the efficacy of CFS derived from Ligilactobacillus salivarius and Limosilactobacillus fermentum, we investigated the barrier strengthening and moisturizing effects of CFS in keratinocytes along with their antibacterial effects. We also determined the adhesive effects of probiotics on colorectal cells. To confirm improvements in moisturization and barrier function mediated by CFS in keratinocytes, hyaluronic acid (HA) production, and mRNA expression of HA synthases (HAS)2, HAS3, and FLG were measured. The results showed that CFS from L. salivarius MG242 and L. fermentum MG901 increased the expression of these genes along with the production of HA (2.40- and 1.95-fold of control). Additionally, CFS derived from L. salivarius MG242 and L. fermentum MG901 inhibited the growth of S. aureus and E. coli, thereby demonstrating inhibitory effects against harmful pathogens observed on the skin. These results indicate that the use of CFS derived from L. salivarius MG242 and L. fermentum MG901 may increase moisturization in the skin and improve barrier function of keratinocytes along with elimination of potential pathogens.