Potential probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 prevents weight gain and glucose intolerance in diet-induced obese mice

Can modulation of gut microbiota affect anthropometric indices in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aim

Modulating the gut microbiota population by administration of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics has shown to have a variety of health benefits in different populations, particularly those with metabolic disorders. Although the promising effects of these compounds have been observed in the management of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the exact effects and the mechanisms of action are yet to be understood. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate how gut microbiota modulation affects anthropometric indices of NAFLD patients to achieve a comprehensive summary of current evidence-based knowledge.

Methods

Two researchers independently searched international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to June 2023. Meta-analysis studies that evaluated the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on patients with NAFLD were entered into our umbrella review. The data regarding anthropometric indices, including body mass index, weight, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), were extracted by the investigators. The authors used random effect model for conducting the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed.

Results

A total number of 13 studies were finally included in our study. Based on the final results, BMI was significantly decreased in NAFLD patients by modulation of gut microbiota [effect size (ES): -0.18, 05% CI: -0.25, -0.11, P<0.001]; however, no significant alteration was observed in weight and WC (ES: -1.72, 05% CI: -3.48, 0.03, P=0.055, and ES: -0.24, 05% CI: -0.75, 0.26, P=0.353, respectively). The results of subgroup analysis showed probiotics had the most substantial effect on decreasing BMI (ES: -0.77, 95% CI: -1.16, -0.38, P<0.001) followed by prebiotics (ES: -0.51, 95% CI: -0.76, -0.27, P<0.001) and synbiotics (ES: -0.12, 95% CI: -0.20, -0.04, P=0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the present umbrella meta-analysis showed that although modulation of gut microbiota by administration of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics had promising effects on BMI, no significant change was observed in the WC and weight of the patients. No sufficient data were available for other anthropometric indices including waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio and future meta-analyses should be done in this regard.

Potential probiotic Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis KUMS-Y33 suppresses adipogenesis and promotes osteogenesis in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell

Today, probiotics are considered to be living microorganisms whose consumption has a certain number of beneficial effects on the consumer. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a new probiotic extract (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis KUMS Y33) on the differentiation process of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into adipocytes and osteocytes and, as a result, clarify its role in the prevention and treatment of bone age disease. Several bacteria were isolated from traditional yogurt. They were evaluated to characterize the probiotic's activity. Then, the isolated hADSCs were treated with the probiotic extract, and then osteogenesis and adipogenesis were induced. To evaluate the differentiation process, oil red O and alizarin red staining, a triglyceride content assay, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, as well as real-time PCR and western blot analysis of osteocyte- and adipocyte-specific genes, were performed. Ultimately, the new strain was sequenced and registered on NBCI. In the probiotic-treated group, the triglyceride content and the gene expression and protein levels of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ2 (adipocyte-specific markers) were significantly decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05), indicating an inhibited adipogenesis process. Furthermore, the probiotic extract caused a significant increase in the ALP activity, the expression levels of RUNX2 and osteocalcin, and the protein levels of collagen I and FGF-23 (osteocyte-specific markers) in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05), indicating an enhanced osteogenesis process. According to the results of the present study, the probiotic extract inhibits adipogenesis and significantly increases osteogenesis, suggesting a positive role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and opening a new aspect for future in-vivo study.

Unraveling the Puzzle: Health Benefits of Probiotics-A Comprehensive Review

A growing number of probiotic-containing products are on the market, and their use is increasing. Probiotics are thought to support the health of the gut microbiota, which in turn might prevent or delay the onset of gastrointestinal tract disorders. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, autism, osteoporosis, and some immunological illnesses are among the conditions that have been shown to possibly benefit from probiotics. In addition to their ability to favorably affect diseases, probiotics represent a defense system enhancing intestinal, nutritional, and oral health. Depending on the type of microbial strain utilized, probiotics can have variable beneficial properties. Although many microbial species are available, the most widely employed ones are lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. The usefulness of these bacteria is dependent on both their origin and their capacity to promote health. Probiotics represent a valuable clinical tool supporting gastrointestinal health, immune system function, and metabolic balance. When used appropriately, probiotics may provide benefits such as a reduced risk of gastrointestinal disorders, enhanced immunity, and improved metabolic health. Most popular probiotics, their health advantages, and their mode of action are the topic of this narrative review article, aimed to provide the reader with a comprehensive reappraisal of this topic matter.

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.

Symbiotic Antidiabetic Effect of Lactobacillus casei and the Bioactive Extract of Cleome droserifolia (Forssk.) Del. on Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Induced by Alloxan

The consumption of probiotics protects pancreatic β-cells from oxidative damage, delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and preventing microvascular and macrovascular complications. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of CDE fermented by Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 39539) (LC) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The oxidative stress identified by catalase (CAT), serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were measured. The chemical profiles of the plant extract and the fermented extract were studied using HPLC/MS. The potential of the compounds towards the binding pockets of aldose reductase and PPAR was discovered by molecular docking. A significant reduction in fasting blood glucose in alloxan-treated rats. The CAT showed a significant decrease in diabetic rats. Also, serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were significantly decreased in the mixture group. Mild histological changes of pancreatic and kidney tissues suggested that the mixture of probiotics and cleome possesses a marked anti-diabetic effect. Overall, the study suggests that the combination of Cleome droserifolia fermented by Lactobacillus casei exhibits significant antidiabetic activity (p-value=0.05), reduces oxidative stress, improves lipid profiles, and shows potential for the treatment of diabetes.

Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Intestinal Permeability in Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Animal Studies

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased intestinal permeability, characterized by loss of gut epithelial integrity, resulting in unregulated passage of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other inflammatory triggers into circulation, i.e., metabolic endotoxemia. In obesity, shifts in the gut microbiome negatively impact intestinal permeability. Probiotics are an intervention that can target the gut microbiome by introducing beneficial microbial species, potentially restoring gut barrier integrity. Currently, the role of probiotic supplementation in ameliorating obesity- and overweight-associated increases in gut permeability has not been reviewed. This systematic review aimed to summarize findings from both animal and clinical studies that evaluated the effect of probiotic supplementation on obesity-induced impairment in intestinal permeability (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, CRD42022363538). A literature search was conducted using PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, and CAB Direct from origin until August 2023 using keywords of intestinal permeability, overweight or obesity, and probiotic supplementation. Of 920 records, 26 eligible records were included, comprising 12 animal and 14 clinical studies. Clinical trials ranged from 3 to 26 wk and were mostly parallel-arm (n = 13) or crossover (n = 1) design. In both animal and clinical studies, plasma/serum LPS was the most common measure of intestinal permeability. Eleven of 12 animal studies reported a positive effect of probiotic supplementation in reducing intestinal permeability. However, results from clinical trials were inconsistent, with half reporting reductions in serum LPS and half reporting no differences after probiotic supplementation. Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia emerged as the most common genera in probiotic formulations among the animal and clinical studies that yielded positive results, suggesting that specific bacteria may be more effective at reducing intestinal permeability and improving gut barrier function. However, better standardization of strain use, dosage, duration, and the delivery matrix is needed to fully understand the probiotic impact on intestinal permeability in individuals with overweight and obesity.

The Effects of Bifidobacterium Probiotic Supplementation on Blood Glucose: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Models and Clinical Evidence

Probiotic supplementation is a potential therapeutic for metabolic diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and type 2 diabetes (T2D), but most studies deliver multiple species of bacteria in addition to prebiotics or oral pharmaceuticals. This may contribute to conflicting evidence in existing meta-analyses of probiotics in these populations and warrants a systematic review of the literature to assess the contribution of a single probiotic genus to better understand the contribution of individual probiotics to modulate blood glucose. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies and human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of Bifidobacterium (BF) probiotic supplementation on markers of glycemia. In a meta-analysis of 6 RCTs, BF supplementation had no effect on fasting blood glucose {FBG; mean difference [MD] = -1.99 mg/dL [95% confidence interval (CI): -4.84, 0.86], P = 0.13}, and there were no subgroup differences between subjects with elevated FBG concentrations and normoglycemia. However, BF supplementation reduced FBG concentrations in a meta-analysis comprised of studies utilizing animal models of obesity, MetS, or T2D [n = 16; MD = -36.11 mg/dL (CI: -49.04, -23.18), P < 0.0001]. Translational gaps from animal to human trials include paucity of research in female animals, BF supplementation in subjects that were normoglycemic, and lack of methodologic reporting regarding probiotic viability and stability. More research is necessary to assess the effects of BF supplementation in human subjects with elevated FBG concentrations. Overall, there was consistent evidence of the efficacy of BF probiotics to reduce elevated FBG concentrations in animal models but not clinical trials, suggesting that BF alone may have minimal effects on glycemic control, may be more effective when combined with multiple probiotic species, or may be more effective in conditions of hyperglycemia rather than elevated FBG concentrations.

Gut microbes in metabolic disturbances. Promising role for therapeutic manipulations?

The prevalence of overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and steatotic liver disease is rapidly increasing worldwide with a huge economic burden in terms of morbidity and mortality. Several genetic and environmental factors are involved in the onset and development of metabolic disorders and related complications. A critical role also exists for the gut microbiota, a complex polymicrobial ecology at the interface of the internal and external environment. The gut microbiota contributes to food digestion and transformation, caloric intake, and immune response of the host, keeping the homeostatic control in health. Mechanisms of disease include enhanced energy extraction from the non-digestible dietary carbohydrates, increased gut permeability and translocation of bacterial metabolites which activate a chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, as precursors of tangible metabolic disorders involving glucose and lipid homeostasis. The ultimate causative role of gut microbiota in this respect remains to be elucidated, as well as the therapeutic value of manipulating the gut microbiota by diet, pre- and pro- synbiotics, or fecal microbial transplantation.

Effect of different doses of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 on body fat and metabolic parameters in adult individuals with obesity: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that probiotics have an effect on reducing body fat on a strain-specific and dose-response bases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 on body fat and metabolic biomarkers in adult individuals with obesity.

METHODS

74 adult subjects with obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m², or percent body fat > 25% for men, percent body fat > 30% for women) were randomized into 5 groups and supplemented with different doses of K56 (groups VL_K56, L_K56, H_K56, and VH_K56: K56 capsules, 2 × 10⁷ CFU/day, 2 × 10⁹ CFU/day, 2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day, 2 × 10¹¹ CFU/day, respectively) or placebo (group Pla: placebo capsule) for 60 days. Subjects were advised to maintain their original dietary intake and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements, body composition assessment, and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and after 60 days of intervention.

RESULTS

The results showed that the L_K56 group had significant decreases in percent body fat (p = 0.004), visceral fat area (p = 0.0007), total body fat mass (p = 0.018), trunk body fat mass (p = 0.003), waist circumference (p = 0.003), glycosylated hemoglobin(p = 0.002) at the end of the study compared with baseline. There were non-significant reductions in Body weight and BMI in the L_K56, H_K56, VL_K56 groups, whereas increases were observed in the placebo and VH_K56 groups compared with baseline values. In addition, K56 supplementation modulated gut microbiota characteristics and diversity indices in the L-K56 group. However, mean changes in body fat mass, visceral fat area, weight, body mass index, waist circumference and hip circumference were not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that supplementation with different doses of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 has certain effect on reducing body fat and glycosylated hemoglobin, especially at a dose of 10⁹ CFU/day.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04980599.

A Novel Symbiotic Formulation Reduces Obesity and Concomitant Metabolic Syndrome in Rats by Raising the Relative Abundance of Blautia

Obesity is regarded as an abnormal or excessive buildup of fat that may be bad for health and is influenced by a combination of intestinal flora, genetic background, physical activity level and environment. Symbiotic supplementation may be a realistic and easy therapy for the reversal of obesity and associated metabolic problems. In this study, we chose two Bifidobacterium species, three Lactobacilli species and four prebiotics to make a new symbiotic formulation. High or low doses of the symbiotic were administered to rats, and biochemical indicators were recorded to assess the biological effects in a high-fat-diet-induced rat model. The underlying mechanisms were explored by integrating 16S rRNA sequencing with an extensively targeted metabolome. High-dose symbiotic supplementation was effective in reducing obesity and concomitant metabolic syndrome. The high-dose symbiotic also significantly increased the abundance of Blautia, which was negatively correlated with taurocholic acid and the main differential metabolites involved in amino acid and bile acid metabolism. While the low-dose symbiotic had some therapeutic effects, they were not as strong as those at the high dose, demonstrating that the effects were dose-dependent. Overall, our novel symbiotic combination improved plasma glucose and lipid levels, shrunk adipocyte size, restored liver function, increased the abundance of Blautia and adjusted bile acid and amino acid metabolism.

Capsaicin ameliorates diet-induced disturbances of glucose homeostasis and gut microbiota in mice associated with the circadian clock

Glucose metabolism disorder triggered by a high-energy diet is associated with circadian disruption in the brain, peripheral tissues and gut microbiota. The present study aims to investigate the regulating effects of capsaicin (CAP) on the diet-induced disturbances of glucose homeostasis and gut microbiota in respect of circadian rhythm-related mechanisms. Our results indicated that CAP significantly ameliorated glucose metabolism disorder in mice induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD). The rhythmic expressions of circadian clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, and others) and glucose metabolism-related genes (Pgc-1α, Glut2, G6pc, and Pepck) in the liver disrupted by an abnormal diet were also recovered by CAP. Microbial studies using 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that CAP modulated the structure and composition of gut microbiota and improved the circadian oscillations of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level and Allobaculum, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Alistipes at the genus level. Correlation analysis indicated that a close correlation existed between intestinal microbiota, hepatic circadian gene expressions and the level of glucose metabolism-related factors, indicating that CAP could alleviate HFFD-induced disturbances of glucose metabolism and gut microbiota associated with circadian clock related mechanisms.

Gut Microbiome and Its Impact on Obesity and Obesity-Related Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. Gut microbiota intimately influence host energy metabolism, and immune response. Studies indicate a prominent role of gut dysbiosis in propagating inflammation that is associated with the development of obesity and obesity-related disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This article will review the current literature on gut microbiome and its impact on obesity and obesity-related disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

An altered gut microbial composition in obesity and obesity-related disorders is associated with enhanced energy extraction from the non-digestible dietary carbohydrates, increased gut permeability, increased production of proinflammatory metabolites, such as lipopolysaccharides, resulting in systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. Gut microbiota modulation can be achieved either by dietary manipulation or by administration of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and/or fecal microbiota transplantation aiming at the improvement of the gut dysbiosis in obesity and metabolic disorders. Further clinical trials are required to better elucidate the dose, and frequency of these interventions and also their long-term impact on host metabolism.

Interplay of Gut Microbiota in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Role of Gut Microbiota, Mechanistic Pathways and Potential Treatment Strategies

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) comprises a set of symptoms that pose significant risk factors for various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Effective and safe methods to treat all the pathological symptoms of PCOS are not available. The gut microbiota has been shown to play an essential role in PCOS incidence and progression. Many dietary plants, prebiotics, and probiotics have been reported to ameliorate PCOS. Gut microbiota shows its effects in PCOS via a number of mechanistic pathways including maintenance of homeostasis, regulation of lipid and blood glucose levels. The effect of gut microbiota on PCOS has been widely reported in animal models but there are only a few reports of human studies. Increasing the diversity of gut microbiota, and up-regulating PCOS ameliorating gut microbiota are some of the ways through which prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols work. We present a comprehensive review on polyphenols from natural origin, probiotics, and fecal microbiota therapy that may be used to treat PCOS by modifying the gut microbiota.

Bacillus coagulans T4 and Lactobacillus paracasei TD3 Ameliorate Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6J Mice

Background

This study aims to investigate the effects of Bacillus coagulans T4 and Lactobacillus paracasei TD3 probiotics on skeletal muscle inflammation and oxidative stress in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD).

Methods

Probiotics B. coagulans T4, and L. paracasei TD3 were administered to male C57BL/6J mice fed with HFD. The gene expression of macrophage infiltration markers, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress indicators in the muscle tissue was investigated.

Results

Treatment with B. coagulans T4 and L. paracasei TD3 reduced macrophage infiltration, accompanied by a decrease in the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and an increase in the expression of interleukin (IL)-10. On the other hand, L. paracasei TD3 decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) while B. coagulans T4 decreased carbonyl and increased catalase activity.

Conclusions

Treatment with probiotics B. coagulans T4 and L. paracasei TD3 partially ameliorated obesity-induced skeletal muscle inflammation in HFD-fed mice.

Bile acids and microbes in metabolic disease

Bile acids (BAs) serve as physiological detergents that enable the intestinal absorption and transportation of nutrients, lipids and vitamins. BAs are primarily produced by humans to catabolize cholesterol and play crucial roles in gut metabolism, microbiota habitat regulation and cell signaling. BA-activated nuclear receptors regulate the enterohepatic circulation of BAs which play a role in energy, lipid, glucose, and drug metabolism. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the biotransformation of BAs and regulates BAs composition and metabolism. Therefore, altered gut microbial and BAs activity can affect human metabolism and thus result in the alteration of metabolic pathways and the occurrence of metabolic diseases/syndromes, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity/hypercholesterolemia, and cardiovascular diseases. BAs and their metabolites are used to treat altered gut microbiota and metabolic diseases. This review explores the increasing body of evidence that links alterations of gut microbial activity and BAs with the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Moreover, we summarize existing research on gut microbes and BAs in relation to intracellular pathways pertinent to metabolic disorders. Finally, we discuss how therapeutic interventions using BAs can facilitate microbiome functioning and ease metabolic diseases.

Combined effects of yacon flour and probiotic yogurt on the metabolic parameters and inflammatory and insulin signaling proteins in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice

BACKGROUND

Prebiotics and probiotics may be effective dietary components that can alter the gut microbiota of the host and, consequently, overcome imbalances associated with obesity. This work aimed to evaluate the synergistic and isolated effects and mechanisms by which probiotic yogurt containing Bifidobacterium animalis and/or Lactobacillus acidophilus and yacon flour alter metabolic parameters and inflammatory and insulin signaling proteins in diet-induced obese mice. Swiss mice were fed a high-fat diet (n = 48) or a standard diet (control; n = 6) for 56 days. The 42 mice that gained the most weight were selected and divided into seven groups that received different combinations of probiotic yogurt and yacon flour. After 30 days, biochemical parameters (blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, and triacylglycerols), crude fat excretion in feces, and periepididymal fat were assessed and an immunoblotting analysis of insulin signaling proteins and interleukin-1β was conducted.

RESULTS

The combination of yacon flour and a yogurt with two strains of probiotics exerted positive effects on the parameters evaluated, such as decreased body weight (-6.5%; P < 0.05), fasting glucose (-23.1%; P < 0.05), and triacylglycerol levels (-21.4%; P < 0.05) and decreased periepididymal fat accumulation (-44.2%; P < 0.05). There was a decrease in inflammatory markers (P < 0.001) and an improvement in insulin signaling (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a prebiotic with two strains of probiotics in a food matrix may exert a protective effect against obesity-associated inflammation, improving insulin resistance, even in the short term. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of the Anti-Obesity Effect of Zeaxanthin and Exercise in HFD-Induced Obese Rats

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated with many health problems. One of the new trends in health care is the emphasis on regular exercise and a healthy diet. Zeaxanthin (Zea) is a carotenoid with many beneficial effects on human health. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of Zea and exercise had therapeutic effects on obesity induced by an HFD in rats. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of twelve: rats fed a standard diet; rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD); rats fed an HFD with Zea; rats fed an HFD with Exc; and rats fed an HFD with both Zea and Exc. To induce obesity, rats were fed an HFD for twelve weeks. Then, Zea and exercise were introduced with the HFD for five weeks. The results showed that the HFD significantly increased visceral adipose tissue, oxidative stress, and inflammation biomarkers and reduced insulin, high-density lipoprotein, and antioxidant parameters. Treatments with Zea, Exc, and Zea plus Exc reduced body weight gain, triacylglycerol, glucose, total cholesterol, and nitric oxide levels and significantly increased catalase and insulin compared with the HFD group. This study demonstrated that Zea administration and Exc performance appeared to effectively alleviate the metabolic alterations induced by an HFD. Furthermore, Zea and Exc together had a better effect than either intervention alone.

Oligofructose restores postprandial short-chain fatty acid levels during high-fat feeding

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is associated with consumption of a Western diet low in dietary fiber, while prebiotics reduce body weight. Fiber induces short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and SCFA administration is beneficial to host metabolic homeostasis. However, the role of endogenous SCFA signaling in the development of obesity is contentious. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate the postprandial time course of SCFA production and uptake in healthy (chow-fed), Western diet-fed (high-fat diet [HFD]) obese, and oligofructose-treated HFD-fed (HFD + OFS) rats.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on chow or HFD for 5 weeks, with or without supplementation of 10% OFS for 3 weeks. SCFAs were measured in the ileum, cecum, colon, portal vein, and vena cava at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours postprandially.

RESULTS

Postprandial cecal and portal vein SCFAs were decreased in obese rats compared with lean chow controls, whereas no differences were observed in fasting SCFA concentrations. OFS supplementation increased SCFA levels in the cecum and portal vein during obesity. Butyrate levels were positively associated with portal glucagon-like peptide 1 and adiposity and with Roseburia relative abundance.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrates that obesity is associated with reduced SCFA production, and that OFS supplementation increases SCFA levels. Additionally, postprandial butyrate production appears to be beneficial to host energy homeostasis.

BATF3 Protects Against Metabolic Syndrome and Maintains Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis

The intestinal immune system and microbiota are emerging as important contributors to the development of metabolic syndrome, but the role of intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) in this context is incompletely understood. BATF3 is a transcription factor essential in the development of mucosal conventional DCs type 1 (cDC1). We show that Batf3-/- mice developed metabolic syndrome and have altered localization of tight junction proteins in intestinal epithelial cells leading to increased intestinal permeability. Treatment with the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose reduced intestinal inflammation and restored barrier function in obese Batf3-/- mice. High-fat diet further enhanced the metabolic phenotype and susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium colitis in Batf3-/- mice. Antibiotic treatment of Batf3-/- mice prevented metabolic syndrome and impaired intestinal barrier function. Batf3-/- mice have altered IgA-coating of fecal bacteria and displayed microbial dysbiosis marked by decreased obesity protective Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium. Thus, BATF3 protects against metabolic syndrome and preserves intestinal epithelial barrier by maintaining beneficial microbiota.

Preventing Bacterial Translocation in Patients with Leaky Gut Syndrome: Nutrition and Pharmacological Treatment Options

Leaky gut syndrome is a medical condition characterized by intestinal hyperpermeability. Since the intestinal barrier is one of the essential components maintaining homeostasis along the gastrointestinal tract, loss of its integrity due to changes in bacterial composition, decreased expression levels of tight junction proteins, and increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines may lead to intestinal hyperpermeability followed by the development of gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal diseases. Translocation of microorganisms and their toxic metabolites beyond the gastrointestinal tract is one of the fallouts of the leaky gut syndrome. The presence of intestinal bacteria in sterile tissues and distant organs may cause damage due to chronic inflammation and progression of disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, liver cirrhosis, and acute pancreatitis. Currently, there are no medical guidelines for the treatment or prevention of bacterial translocation in patients with the leaky gut syndrome; however, several studies suggest that dietary intervention can improve barrier function and restrict bacteria invasion. This review contains current literature data concerning the influence of diet, dietary supplements, probiotics, and drugs on intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation.

New Wild-Type Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains as Candidates to Manage Type 1 Diabetes

The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been dramatically increased in developed countries, and beyond the genetic impact, environmental factors, including diet, seem to play an important role in the onset and development of the disease. In this vein, five Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, isolated from traditional fermented Greek products, were screened for potential probiotic properties, aiming at maintaining gut homeostasis and antidiabetic capability to alleviate T1D symptoms. L. rhamnosus cell-free supernatants induced strong growth inhibitory activity against common food spoilage and foodborne pathogenic microorganisms, associated with several diseases, including T1D, and were also able to inhibit α-glucosidase activity (up to 44.87%), a promising property for alternatives to the antidiabetic drugs. In addition, survival rates up to 36.76% were recorded during the application of the static in vitro digestion model. The strains had no hemolytic activity and were sensitive to common antibiotics suggested by the European Food and Safety Association, apart from chloramphenicol. However, it is highly unlikely that the resistance has been acquired. In conclusion, our results suggest a great health-promoting potential of the newly isolated wild-type L. rhamnosus strains, but further confirmation of their efficiency in experimental animal models is considered an essential next research step.

Recent Development of Probiotic Bifidobacteria for Treating Human Diseases

Bifidobacterium is a non-spore-forming, Gram-positive, anaerobic probiotic actinobacterium and commonly found in the gut of infants and the uterine region of pregnant mothers. Like all probiotics, Bifidobacteria confer health benefits on the host when administered in adequate amounts, showing multifaceted probiotic effects. Examples include B. bifidum, B. breve, and B. longum, common Bifidobacterium strains employed to prevent and treat gastrointestinal disorders, including intestinal infections and cancers. Herein, we review the latest development in probiotic Bifidobacteria research, including studies on the therapeutic impact of Bifidobacterial species on human health and recent efforts in engineering Bifidobacterium. This review article would provide readers with a wholesome understanding of Bifidobacteria and its potentials to improve human health.

Intake of MPRO3 over 4 Weeks Reduces Glucose Levels and Improves Gastrointestinal Health and Metabolism

Human gut microbiota are involved in different metabolic processes, such as digestion and nutrient synthesis, among others. For the elderly, supplements are a major means of maintaining health and improving intestinal homeostasis. In this study, 51 elderly women were administered MPRO3 (n = 17), a placebo (n = 16), or both (MPRO3: 1 week, placebo: 3 weeks; n = 18) for 4 weeks. The fecal microbiota were analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 super-variable region. The dietary fiber intake increased, and glucose levels decreased with 4-week MPRO3 intake. Reflux, indigestion, and diarrhea syndromes gradually improved with MPRO3 intake, whereas constipation was maintained. The stool shape also improved. Bifidobacterium animalis, B. pseudolongum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and L. paracasei were relatively more abundant after 4 weeks of MPRO3 intake than in those subjects after a 1-week intake. Bifidobacterium and B. longum abundances increased after 1 week of MPRO3 intake but decreased when the intake was discontinued. Among different modules and pathways, all 10 modules analyzed showed a relatively high association with 4-week MPRO3 intake. The mineral absorption pathway and cortisol biosynthesis and secretion pathways correlated with the B. animalis and B. pseudolongum abundances at 4 weeks. Therefore, 4-week MPRO3 intake decreased the fasting blood glucose level and improved intestinal health and metabolism.

Polydextrose with and without Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 drives the prevalence of Akkermansia and improves liver health in a multi-compartmental obesogenic mice study

The past two decades of research have raised gut microbiota composition as a contributing factor to the development of obesity, and higher abundance of certain bacterial species has been linked to the lean phenotype, such as Akkermansia muciniphila. The ability of pre- and probiotics to affect metabolic health could be via microbial community alterations and subsequently changes in metabolite profiles, modulating for example host energy balance via complex signaling pathways. The aim of this mice study was to determine how administration of a prebiotic fiber, polydextrose (PDX) and a probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 (B420), during high fat diet (HFD; 60 kcal% fat) affects microbiota composition in the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue, and metabolite levels in gut and liver. In this study C57Bl/6J mice (N = 200) were split in five treatments and daily gavaged: 1) Normal control (NC); 2) HFD; 3) HFD + PDX; 4) HFD + B420 or 5) HFD + PDX + B420 (HFD+S). At six weeks of treatment intraperitoneal glucose-tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed, and feces were collected at weeks 0, 3, 6 and 9. At end of the intervention, ileum and colon mucosa, adipose tissue and liver samples were collected. The microbiota composition in fecal, ileum, colon and adipose tissue was analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing, fecal and liver metabolomics were performed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It was found that HFD+PDX intervention reduced body weight gain and hepatic fat compared to HFD. Sequencing the mice adipose tissue (MAT) identified Akkermansia and its prevalence was increased in HFD+S group. Furthermore, by the inclusion of PDX, fecal, lleum and colon levels of Akkermansia were increased and liver health was improved as the detoxification capacity and levels of methyl-donors were increased. These new results demonstrate how PDX and B420 can affect the interactions between gut, liver and adipose tissue.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis lkm512 Attenuates Obesity-Associated Inflammation and Insulin Resistance Through the Modification of Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

SCOPE

The impacts of longevity-promoting probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LKM512 (LKM512) on metabolic disease remain unclear. Here, the authors aim to explore the potential of LKM512 on the host physiological function and gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

LKM512 are orally administrated for 12 weeks, and the effects of LKM 512 on systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, as well as gut microbiota, are investigated in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obese mice. LKM512 supplementation ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation, attenuates hepatic and adipose tissue inflammation, and improves intestinal barrier function. These results are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic endotoxemia. Furthermore, the colonization of LKM512 induces an increase in polyamine metabolism and production, together with significant alternations in the composition and function of gut microbiota in obese mice, which are correlated with these improved metabolic phenotypes in the host.

CONCLUSION

The probiotic strain LKM512 may become a promising strategy to improve obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Nutritional and Health Potential of Probiotics: A Review

Several products consist of probiotics that are available in markets, and their potential uses are growing day by day, mainly because some strains of probiotics promote the health of gut microbiota, especially Furmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and may prevent certain gastrointestinal tract (GIT) problems. Some common diseases are inversely linked with the consumption of probiotics, i.e., obesity, type 2 diabetes, autism, osteoporosis, and some immunological disorders, for which the disease progression gets delayed. In addition to disease mitigating properties, these microbes also improve oral, nutritional, and intestinal health, followed by a robust defensive mechanism against particular gut pathogens, specifically by antimicrobial substances and peptides producing probiotics (AMPs). All these positive attributes of probiotics depend upon the type of microbial strains dispensed. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Bifidobacteria are the most common microbes used, but many other microbes are available, and their use depends upon origin and health-promoting properties. This review article focuses on the most common probiotics, their health benefits, and the alleviating mechanisms against chronic kidney diseases (CKD), type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and obesity.

An adaptable and non-invasive method for tracking Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis 420 in the mouse gut

Probiotic strains from the Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus genera improve health outcomes in models of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Yet, underlying mechanisms governing these improved health outcomes are rooted in the interaction of gut microbiota, intestinal interface, and probiotic strain. Central to defining the underlying mechanisms governing these improved health outcomes is the development of adaptable and non-invasive tools to study probiotic localization and colonization within the host gut microbiome. The objective of this study was to test labeling and tracking efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis 420 (B420) using a common clinical imaging agent, indocyanine green (ICG). ICG was an effective in situ labeling agent visualized in either intact mouse or excised gastrointestinal (GI) tract at different time intervals. Quantitative PCR was used to validate ICG visualization of B420, which also demonstrated that B420 transit time matched normal murine GI motility (~8 hours). Contrary to previous thoughts, B420 did not colonize any region of the GI tract whether following a single bolus or daily administration for up to 10 days. We conclude that ICG may provide a useful tool to visualize and track probiotic species such as B420 without implementing complex molecular and genetic tools. Proof-of-concept studies indicate that B420 did not colonize and establish residency align the murine GI tract.

Therapeutic Potential of Various Plant-Based Fibers to Improve Energy Homeostasis via the Gut Microbiota

Obesity is due in part to increased consumption of a Western diet that is low in dietary fiber. Conversely, an increase in fiber supplementation to a diet can have various beneficial effects on metabolic homeostasis including weight loss and reduced adiposity. Fibers are extremely diverse in source and composition, such as high-amylose maize, β-glucan, wheat fiber, pectin, inulin-type fructans, and soluble corn fiber. Despite the heterogeneity of dietary fiber, most have been shown to play a role in alleviating obesity-related health issues, mainly by targeting and utilizing the properties of the gut microbiome. Reductions in body weight, adiposity, food intake, and markers of inflammation have all been reported with the consumption of various fibers, making them a promising treatment option for the obesity epidemic. This review will highlight the current findings on different plant-based fibers as a therapeutic dietary supplement to improve energy homeostasis via mechanisms of gut microbiota.

Seaweed Dietary Fiber Sodium Alginate Suppresses the Migration of Colonic Inflammatory Monocytes and Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome via the Gut Microbiota

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial chronic metabolic disorder that affects approximately one billion people worldwide. Recent studies have evaluated whether targeting the gut microbiota can prevent MetS. This study aimed to assess the ability of dietary fiber to control MetS by modulating gut microbiota composition. Sodium alginate (SA) is a seaweed-derived dietary fiber that suppresses high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS via an effect on the gut microbiota. We observed that SA supplementation significantly decreased body weight gain, cholesterol levels, and fat weight, while improving glucose tolerance in HFD-fed mice. SA changed the gut microbiota composition and significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroides. Antibiotic treatment completely abolished the suppressive effects of SA on MetS. Mechanistically, SA decreased the number of colonic inflammatory monocytes, which promote MetS development, in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. The abundance of Bacteroides was negatively correlated with that of inflammatory monocytes and positively correlated with the levels of several gut metabolites. The present study revealed a novel food function of SA in preventing HFD-induced MetS through its action on gut microbiota.

Diversion Colitis and Probiotic Stimulation: Effects of Bowel Stimulation Prior to Ileostomy Closure

Background: Diversion colitis is a non-specific inflammation of a defunctionalised segment of the colon after a temporary stoma has been performed. This inflammation is associated with a change in the colonic flora. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative stimulation of the efferent loop with probiotics prior to closure of the protective ileostomy in patients operated on colorectal carcinoma and its effect on diversion colitis. A prospective, randomised, double-blind, controlled study is carried out. Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for colorectal carcinoma with protective ileostomy pending reconstructive surgery and with diversion colitis as diagnosis are included. Randomised and divided into two groups. Histological and endoscopic changes were evaluated after stimulation, after restorative surgery and during the short-term follow-up after surgery. Results: Patients in CG were distributed according to the endoscopic index of severity in pre-stimulation/post-stimulation as follows: severe n = 9/9 (25.7%), moderate n = 23/23 (65.7%), and mild n = 3/3 (8.6%); compared to the distribution in SG, severe n = 9/0 (26.5/0%), moderate n = 23/3 (67.6/8.8%), mild n = 2/19 (5.9/55.9%) and normal colonoscopy in 0/12 patients (0/35.3%). Conclusion: Probiotic stimulation of the efferent loop is a safe and effective method, managing to reduce both macroscopic and microscopic colitis, as well as a decrease in symptoms in the short term after reconstructive surgery.

Serological Biomarkers and Diversion Colitis: Changes after Stimulation with Probiotics

Diversion colitis is a non-specific inflammation of a defunctionalised segment of the colon after a temporary stoma has been performed. This inflammation is associated with an alteration of certain inflammatory serum markers. The aims of this study were, firstly, to evaluate the modification of inflammatory biomarkers after stimulation with probiotics prior to closure of the protective ileostomy. Secondly, to identify if a relationship could be established between the severity of diversion colitis and the alteration of inflammatory biomarkers in the blood. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study was conducted. Patients who underwent surgery for colorectal carcinoma with protective ileostomy between January 2017 and December 2018 were included, pending reconstructive surgery and with diversion colitis as diagnosis. The sample was randomly divided into a group stimulated with probiotics (SG) (n = 34) and a control group (CG) (n = 35). Histological and endoscopic changes were evaluated after stimulation, after restorative surgery and during the short-term follow-up after surgery, including the correlation with pro-inflammatory biomarkers in blood. As main findings, a significant decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR ratio), and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (LMR ratio) was observed in the SG versus the CG with a p < 0.001. A significant increase in transferrin values and in the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was observed in the SG versus CG after stimulation with probiotics with a p < 0.001. A normalisation of CRP and transferrin levels was observed in the third month of follow-up after closure ileostomy, and NLR, LMR and PLR ratios were equal in both groups. Decreased modified Glasgow prognostic score was found in SG compared to CG after probiotic stimulation (p < 0.001). The endoscopic and histological severity of diversion colitis is associated with a greater alteration of blood inflammatory biomarkers. The stimulation with probiotics prior to reconstructive surgery promotes an early normalization of these parameters.

Association of diabetes and microbiota: An update

Diabetes is an emerging health condition globally and is suggested to have a direct connection with the gut microbiota that determine our metabolic outcomes. Sensitivity to insulin and glucose metabolism is normal in healthy people as compared to those people who cannot maintain their glucose metabolism. One of the reasons of the differences is that healthy people have different microbiome that leads to achieve more short chain fatty acids and make up more branched amino acids, while the gut microbiota of the other group of people are more likely to produce compounds that affects glucose metabolism. Herein, this review will present the research related to the impact of gut microbes on diabetes carried out in the past decade. The review focus on the relation between gut microbiota and Type-1 Diabetes (T1D), Type-2 Diabetes (T2D), and how gut microbiota could be an alternative therapy for treatment of diabetes.

Study of Probiotic Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v Strains on Biochemical and Morphometric Parameters of Rabbits after Obesity Induction

Simple Summary

On the basis of the extensive literature, two main strategies have been used to manipulate intestinal microbial composition and selectively stimulate the growth and activity of certain species, these being the administration of either prebiotics or food supplements containing living bacteria such as probiotics. Several animal studies have indicated that certain probiotics, including Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, can suppress body weight gain in rodents, while some probiotics strains have little effect or promote weight gain. The potential anti-obesity effect of probiotics seems to depend on the strains used and the underlying mechanisms, leading to their effects remaining not fully understood. It is in this context that this study was designed to investigate the potential of two probiotics strains, these being Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12^® and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v^® in rabbits, whereby obesity and metabolic syndrome was first induced in a first experiment, and the animals were then used in a second experiment to test the hypothesis of probiotics effect on biochemical and morphometric parameters. The model of obesity induced by giving a “cafeteria” diet for 14 weeks in this trial demonstrated a change in the biochemical and morphometric parameters investigated in the ITELV2006 rabbit strain. This study revealed that B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and L. plantarum 299v strains could exert beneficial effects in reducing the incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the ITELV2006 rabbit strain.

Abstract

This study aimed first to develop an experimental model of obesity and metabolic syndrome over 14 weeks using a diet called “cafeteria”, which is a high-fat diet, to evaluate its consequences on the biochemical and morphometric parameters in ITELV2006 strain rabbits. Second, the trial aimed to evaluate the effect of two strains of probiotics, these being Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12^® and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v^®, on the obesity and MetS induced during the first experiment. Overall, the results of the “cafeteria” diet demonstrated significant changes in numerous biochemical and morphometric parameters, reproducing obesity and the main clinical manifestations of the metabolic syndrome in humans. The administration of the two probiotic strains demonstrated an impact on certain parameters of obesity and induced MetS. This study makes it possible to conclude that probiotics could be useful in the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome of rabbits, but in a dependent manner. Furthermore, this study evidenced the importance of selecting specific probiotic strains and dosages to achieve desirable results on rabbits or other species.

Antiobesity Activity of Elateriospermum tapos Shell Extract in Obesity-Induced Sprague Dawley Rats

Obesity is one of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, abnormal liver function, diabetes, and cancers. Orlistat is currently available to treat obesity, but it is associated with adverse side effects. Natural resources are widely used for obesity treatment. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity activity of Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) shell extract in obesity induced Sprague Dawley rats. The rats' obesity was induced by a high-fat (HF) diet made up of 50% standard rat pellet, 20% milk powder, 6% corn starch, and 24% ghee and a cafeteria (CAF) diet such as chicken rolls, salty biscuits, cakes, and cheese snacks. A hot aqueous method for the extraction of E. tapos shells was applied by using 500 mL of distilled water for about 24 h. Various dosages of E. tapos shell extract (10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg) were used. At the end of the study, body weight, caloric intake, organ weight, lipid profile, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, and histopathology analysis were carried out. E. tapos shell extract treated groups showed a reduction in body weight, positive lipid-lowering effect, decrements in triglyceride accumulation and LPL activity, and positive improvement in histopathology analysis. A dose of 200 mg/kg showed the most effective result compared to 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses.

Genetic Basis of Tiller Dynamics of Rice Revealed by Genome-Wide Association Studies

A tiller number is the key determinant of rice plant architecture and panicle number and consequently controls grain yield. Thus, it is necessary to optimize the tiller number to achieve the maximum yield in rice. However, comprehensive analyses of the genetic basis of the tiller number, considering the development stage, tiller type, and related traits, are lacking. In this study, we sequence 219 Korean rice accessions and construct a high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset. We also evaluate the tiller number at different development stages and heading traits involved in phase transitions. By genome-wide association studies (GWASs), we detected 20 significant association signals for all traits. Five signals were detected in genomic regions near known candidate genes. Most of the candidate genes were involved in the phase transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. In particular, HD1 was simultaneously associated with the productive tiller ratio and heading date, indicating that the photoperiodic heading gene directly controls the productive tiller ratio. Multiple linear regression models of lead SNPs showed coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.49, 0.22, and 0.41 for the tiller number at the maximum tillering stage, productive tiller number, and productive tiller ratio, respectively. Furthermore, the model was validated using independent japonica rice collections, implying that the lead SNPs included in the linear regression model were generally applicable to the tiller number prediction. We revealed the genetic basis of the tiller number in rice plants during growth, By GWASs, and formulated a prediction model by linear regression. Our results improve our understanding of tillering in rice plants and provide a basis for breeding high-yield rice varieties with the optimum the tiller number.

Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis Subsp. lactis (BPL1) Supplementation in Children and Adolescents with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, including obesity, hyperphagia, and behavioral problems. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain BPL1 has been shown to improve central adiposity in adults with simple obesity. To evaluate BPL1's effects in children with PWS, we performed a randomized crossover trial among 39 patients (mean age 10.4 years). Participants were randomized to placebo-BPL1 (n = 19) or BPL1-placebo (n = 20) sequences and underwent a 12-week period with placebo/BPL1 treatments, a 12-week washout period, and a 12-week period with the crossover treatment. Thirty-five subjects completed the study. The main outcome was changes in adiposity, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Secondary outcomes included lipid and glucose metabolism, hyperphagia, and mental health symptoms. Generalized linear modeling was applied to assess differences between treatments. While BPL1 did not modify total fat mass compared to placebo, BPL1 decreased abdominal adiposity in a subgroup of patients older than 4.5 years (n = 28). BPL1 improved fasting insulin concentration and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, we observed modest improvements in some mental health symptoms. A follow-up trial with a longer treatment period is warranted to determine whether BPL1 supplementation can provide a long-term therapeutic approach for children with PWS (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03548480).

Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis 420 Mitigates Autoimmune Hepatitis Through Regulating Intestinal Barrier and Liver Immune Cells

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated inflammatory liver disease of uncertain cause. Accumulating evidence shows that gut microbiota and intestinal barrier play significant roles in AIH thus the gut–liver axis has important clinical significance as a potential therapeutic target. In the present study, we found that Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 (B420) significantly alleviated S100-induced experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) and modulated the gut microbiota composition. While the analysis of clinical specimens revealed that the fecal SCFA quantities were decreased in AIH patients, and B420 increased the cecal SCFA quantities in EAH mice. Remarkably, B420 application improved intestinal barrier function through upregulation of tight junction proteins in both vitro and vivo experiments. Moreover, B420 decreased the serum endotoxin level and suppressed the RIP3 signaling pathway of liver macrophages in EAH mice thus regulated the proliferation of Th17 cells. Nevertheless, the inhibition effect of B420 on RIP3 signaling pathway was blunted in vitro studies. Together, our results showed that early intervention with B420 contributed to improve the liver immune homeostasis and liver injury in EAH mice, which might be partly due to the protection of intestinal barrier. Our study suggested the potential efficacy of probiotics application against AIH and the promising therapeutic strategies targeting gut–liver axis for AIH.

Effects of Probiotic Yogurt on Serum Omentin-1, Adropin, and Nesfatin-1 Concentrations in Overweight and Obese Participants Under Low-Calorie Diet

Data on the effects of probiotics on adipokines such as omentin-1, nesfatin-1, and adropin are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic yogurt along with a low-calorie diet (LCD) on serum omentin-1, adropin, and nesfatin-1 concentrations in obese and overweight individuals. Sixty obese or overweight individuals aged 20-50 years old were involved in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups to consume either probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5, Bifidobacterium BB12, and Lactobacillus casei DN001 (10⁸ CFU/g each) (n = 30) or regular yogurt (n = 30) along with a LCD in both groups for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 8-week intervention to determine related variables. A significant decrease in body fat percentage was observed in the probiotic group compared with the regular group after 8 weeks (- 1.51 ± 069 vs - 0.88 ± 0.68%, P = 0.002). After the 8-week intervention, a significant difference in serum adropin concentration (6.04 ± 24.46 vs - 8.16 ± 24.66 pg/ml, P = 0.03 and serum omentin-1 concentration (0.09 ± 1.51 vs - 1.5 ± 1.8 ng/ml, P = 0.003) was observed between two groups. We did not observe any significant changes in nesfatin-1 and other anthropometric measures. Overall, probiotic yogurt for 8 weeks among overweight or obese individuals along with LCD had beneficial effects on body fat percentage, serum omentin-1, and adropin concentration, but it did not have any effect on nesfatin-1 level.

The Effects of Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Cats and Dogs: Impact on Health and Disease

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome of cats and dogs is increasingly recognized as a metabolically active organ inextricably linked to pet health. Food serves as a substrate for the GI microbiome of cats and dogs and plays a significant role in defining the composition and metabolism of the GI microbiome. The microbiome, in turn, facilitates the host's nutrient digestion and the production of postbiotics, which are bacterially derived compounds that can influence pet health. Consequently, pet owners have a role in shaping the microbiome of cats and dogs through the food they choose to provide. Yet, a clear understanding of the impact these food choices have on the microbiome, and thus on the overall health of the pet, is lacking. Pet foods are formulated to contain the typical nutritional building blocks of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, but increasingly include microbiome-targeted ingredients, such as prebiotics and probiotics. Each of these categories, as well as their relative proportions in food, can affect the composition and/or function of the microbiome. Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary components may impact not only GI disease, but also allergies, oral health, weight management, diabetes, and kidney disease through changes in the GI microbiome. Until recently, the focus of microbiome research was to characterize alterations in microbiome composition in disease states, while less research effort has been devoted to understanding how changes in nutrition can influence pet health by modifying the microbiome function. This review summarizes the impact of pet food nutritional components on the composition and function of the microbiome and examines evidence for the role of nutrition in impacting host health through the microbiome in a variety of disease states. Understanding how nutrition can modulate GI microbiome composition and function may reveal new avenues for enhancing the health and resilience of cats and dogs.

Bifidobacterium bifidum Suppresses Gut Inflammation Caused by Repeated Antibiotic Disturbance Without Recovering Gut Microbiome Diversity in Mice

The gut microbiome is a dynamic community that significantly affects host health; it is frequently disturbed by medications such as antibiotics. Recently, probiotics have been proposed as a remedy for antibiotic-induced dysbiosis, but the efficacy of such treatments remains uncertain. Thus, the effect of specific antibiotic-probiotic combinations on the gut microbiome and host health warrants further research. We tested the effect vancomycin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin on mice. Antibiotic administration was followed by one of the following recovery treatments: Bifidobacterium bifidum JCM 1254 as a probiotic (PR); fecal transplant (FT); or natural recovery (NR). Each antibiotic administration and recovery treatment was repeated three times over 9 weeks. We used the Shannon Index and Chao1 Index to determine gut microbiome diversity and assessed recovery by quantifying the magnitude of microbial shift using the Bray-Curtis Index of Dissimilarity. We determined the community composition by sequencing the V3-V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. To assess host health, we measured body weight and cecum weight, as well as mRNA expression of inflammation-related genes by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Our results show that community response varied by the type of antibiotic used, with vancomycin having the most significant effects. As a result, the effect of probiotics and fecal transplants also varied by antibiotic type. For vancomycin, the first antibiotic disturbance substantially increased the relative abundance of inflammatory species in the phylum Proteobacteria, such as Proteus, but the effect of subsequent disturbances was less pronounced, suggesting that the gut microbiome is affected by past disturbance events. Furthermore, although gut microbiome diversity did not recover, probiotic supplementation was effective in limiting cecum size enlargement and colonic inflammation caused by vancomycin. However, for amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin, the relative abundances of proinflammatory species were not greatly affected, and consequently, the effect of probiotic supplementation on community structure, cecum weight, and expression of inflammation-related genes was comparatively negligible. These results indicate that probiotic supplementation is effective, but only when antibiotics cause proinflammatory species-induced gut inflammation, suggesting that the necessity of probiotic supplementation is strongly influenced by the type of disturbance introduced to the community.

Considering gut microbiota in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) have revealed a role for gut microbiota dysbiosis in driving this disease. This suggests the possibility that approaches to restore a healthy host-microbiota relationship might be a means of ameliorating T2D. Indeed, recent studies indicate that many currently used treatments for T2D are reported to impact gut microbiota composition. Such changes in gut microbiota may mediate and/or reflect the efficacy of these interventions. This article outlines the rationale for considering the microbiota as a central determent of development of T2D and, moreover, reviews evidence that impacting microbiota might be germane to amelioration of T2D, both in terms of understanding mechanisms that mediate efficacy of exiting T2D therapies and in developing novel treatments for this disorder.

Synbiotics Alter Fecal Microbiomes, But Not Liver Fat or Fibrosis, in a Randomized Trial of Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota has been associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated whether administration of a synbiotic combination of probiotic and prebiotic agents affected liver fat content, biomarkers of liver fibrosis, and the composition of the fecal microbiome in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

We performed a double-blind phase 2 trial of 104 patients with NAFLD in the United Kingdom. Participants (mean age, 50.8 ± 12.6 years; 65% men; 37% with diabetes) were randomly assigned to groups given the synbiotic agents (fructo-oligosaccharides, 4 g twice per day, plus Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12; n = 55) or placebo (n = 49) for 10-14 months. Liver fat content was measured at the start and end of the study by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and liver fibrosis was determined from a validated biomarker scoring system and vibration-controlled transient elastography. Fecal samples were collected at the start and end of the study, the fecal microbiome were analyzed by 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Mean baseline and end-of-study magnetic resonance spectroscopy liver fat percentage values were 32.3% ± 24.8% and 28.5% ± 20.1% in the synbiotic group and 31.3% ± 22% and 25.2% ± 17.2% in the placebo group. In the unadjusted intention-to-treat analysis, we found no significant difference in liver fat reduction between groups (β = 2.8; 95% confidence interval, -2.2 to 7.8; P = .30). In a fully adjusted regression model (adjusted for baseline measurement of the outcome plus age, sex, weight difference, and baseline weight), only weight loss was associated with a significant decrease in liver fat (β = 2; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-2.6; P = .03). Fecal samples from patients who received the synbiotic had higher proportions of Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium species, and reductions in Oscillibacter and Alistipes species, compared with baseline; these changes were not observed in the placebo group. Changes in the composition of fecal microbiota were not associated with liver fat or markers of fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized trial of patients with NAFLD, 1 year of administration of a synbiotic combination (probiotic and prebiotic) altered the fecal microbiome but did not reduce liver fat content or markers of liver fibrosis. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT01680640).

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 Alleviates Obesity Associated with Promoting Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Function of Adipose Tissue in Mice

Probiotics are widely known for their health benefits. Mitochondrial dysfunction is related to obesity. The aim of this study was to illuminate whether Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 (BAA6) could improve obesity due to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and function of adipose tissues. Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 17 weeks. For the final eight weeks, the HFD group was divided into three groups including HFD, HFD with BAA6 (HFD + BAA6 group), and HFD with Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) (HFD + AKK group as positive control). The composition of the microbiota, serum lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and mitochondrial biosynthesis and function of epididymal adipose tissues were measured. Compared with the HFD group, body weight, relative fat weight, the relative abundance of Oscillibacter and Bilophila, and serum LPS were significantly decreased in the HFD + BAA6 and HFD + AKK groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of BAA6 and AKK increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) (by 21.53- and 18.51-fold), estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) (by 2.83- and 1.24-fold), and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) (by 1.51- and 0.60-fold) in epididymal adipose tissues. Our results suggest that BAA6 could improve obesity associated with promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and function of adipose tissues in mice.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 for Metabolic Health: Review of the Research

The growing worldwide epidemic of obesity and associated metabolic health comorbidities has resulted in an urgent need for safe and efficient nutritional solutions. The research linking obesity with gut microbiota dysbiosis has led to a hypothesis that certain bacterial strains could serve as probiotics helping in weight management and metabolic health. In the search for such strains, the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 (B420) on gut microbiota and metabolic health, and the mechanisms of actions, has been investigated in a variety of in vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical studies. In this review, we aim to highlight the research on B420 related to obesity, metabolic health, and the microbiota. Current research supports the hypothesis that gut dysbiosis leads to an imbalance in the inflammatory processes and loss of epithelial integrity. Bacterial components, like endotoxins, that leak out of the gut can invoke low-grade, chronic, and systemic inflammation. This imbalanced state is often referred to as metabolic endotoxemia. Scientific evidence indicates that B420 can slow down many of these detrimental processes via multiple signaling pathways, as supported by mechanistic in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the connection of these mechanisms to clinical evidence on the effect of B420 in controlling weight gain in overweight and obese subjects. The research further indicates that B420 may improve the epithelial integrity by rebalancing a dysbiotic state induced by an obesogenic diet, for example by increasing the prevalence of lean phenotype microbes such as Akkermansia muciniphila. We further discuss, in the context of delivering the health benefits of B420: the safety and technological aspects of the strain including genomic characterization, antibiotic resistance profiling, stability in the product, and survival of the live probiotic in the intestine. In summary, we conclude that the clinical and preclinical studies on metabolic health suggest that B420 may be a potential candidate in combating obesity; however, further clinical studies are needed.

Metagenomic Analysis of Duodenal Microbiota Reveals a Potential Biomarker of Dysbiosis in the Course of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Numerous scientific studies confirm that, apart from environmental and genetic factors, a significant role is played by gastrointestinal microbiota in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Currently, scientists mainly focus on the distal intestinal microbiota, while the equally important proximal parts of the intestine are overlooked. The aim of the study was a qualitative analysis of the structure of the duodenal mucosa microbiota in groups of patients with obesity and with type 2 diabetes and where obesity qualified for bariatric surgery: sleeve gastrectomy. The microbiological results obtained were compared with some clinical parameters. As a result, it was possible to determine the microbiological core that the treatment and control groups had in common, including phyla: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The patients with obesity and with type 2 diabetes and obesity presented a significantly lower number of genus Bifidobacterium compared to healthy subjects. Furthermore, the numbers of Bifidobacterium were positively correlated with the high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration in the groups under study. The obtained results indicate that bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium should be considered in the future in the context of a potential biomarker in the progress of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

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.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid-producing lactobacilli positively affect metabolism and depressive-like behaviour in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic and neuroactive metabolite production represents one of the mechanisms through which the gut microbiota can impact health. One such metabolite, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), can modulate glucose homeostasis and alter behavioural patterns in the host. We previously demonstrated that oral administration of GABA-producing Lactobacillus brevis DPC6108 has the potential to increase levels of circulating insulin in healthy rats. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of endogenous microbial GABA production in improving metabolic and behavioural outcomes in a mouse model of metabolic dysfunction. Diet-induced obese and metabolically dysfunctional mice received one of two GABA-producing strains, L. brevis DPC6108 or L. brevis DSM32386, daily for 12 weeks. After 8 and 10 weeks of intervention, the behavioural and metabolic profiles of the mice were respectively assessed. Intervention with both L. brevis strains attenuated several abnormalities associated with metabolic dysfunction, causing a reduction in the accumulation of mesenteric adipose tissue, increased insulin secretion following glucose challenge, improved plasma cholesterol clearance and reduced despair-like behaviour and basal corticosterone production during the forced swim test. Taken together, this exploratory dataset indicates that intervention with GABA-producing lactobacilli has the potential to improve metabolic and depressive- like behavioural abnormalities associated with metabolic syndrome in mice.

Functional Effects of EPS-Producing Bifidobacterium Administration on Energy Metabolic Alterations of Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity has been recognized by the World Health Organization as a global epidemic. The gut microbiota is considered as a factor involved in the regulation of numerous metabolic pathways by impacting several functions of the host. It has been suggested that probiotics can modulate host gene expression and metabolism, and thereby positively influence host adipose tissue development and obesity related-metabolic disorders. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of an exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing Bifidobacterium strain on host glucose and lipid metabolism and the gut microbial composition in a short-term diet-induced obesity (DIO) in mice. C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into three groups: a control group that received control standard diet, a group fed a high-fat diet (HF), and a group fed HF supplemented with Bifidobacterium animalis IPLA R1. Fasting serum insulin as well as triglycerides accumulation in the liver were significantly reduced in the group receiving B. animalis IPLA R1. The treatment with the EPS-producing B. animalis IPLA R1 tended to down-regulate the expression of host genes involved in the hepatic synthesis of fatty acids which was concomitant with an upregulation in the expression of genes related with fatty acid oxidation. B. animalis IPLA R1 not only promoted the increase of Bifidobacterium but also the levels of Bacteroides-Prevotella. Our data indicate that the EPS-producing Bifidobacterium IPLA R1 strain may have beneficial effects in metabolic disorders associated with obesity, by modulating the gut microbiota composition and promoting changes in lipids metabolism and glucose homeostasis.