Probiotic lactobacilli: An innovative tool to correct the malabsorption syndrome of vegetarians?

Comparison of Coated and Uncoated Trace Minerals on Growth Performance, Tissue Mineral Deposition, and Intestinal Microbiota in Ducks

Abnormally low or high levels of trace elements in poultry diets may elicit health problems associated with deficiency and toxicity, and impact poultry growth. The optimal supplement pattern of trace mineral also impacts the digestion and absorption in the body. For ducks, the limited knowledge of trace element requirements puzzled duck production. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary inclusions of coated and uncoated trace minerals on duck growth performance, tissue mineral deposition, serum antioxidant status, and intestinal microbiota profile. A total of 1,080 14-day-old Cherry Valley male ducks were randomly divided into six dietary treatment groups in a 2 (uncoated or coated trace minerals) × 3 (300, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg supplementation levels) factorial design. Each treatment was replicated 12 times (15 birds per replicate). Coated trace minerals significantly improved average daily gain (p < 0.05), increased Zn, Se, and Fe content of serum, liver, and muscle, increased serum antioxidant enzyme (p < 0.05) and decreased the excreta Fe, Zn, and Cu concentrations. Inclusions of 500 mg/kg of coated trace minerals had a similar effect on serum trace minerals and tissue metal ion deposition as the 1,000 mg/kg inorganic trace minerals. Higher concentrations of Lactobacillus, Sphaerochatea, Butyricimonas, and Enterococcus were found in birds fed with coated trace minerals. In conclusion, diets supplemented with coated trace minerals could reduce the risk of environmental contamination from excreted minerals without affecting performance. Furthermore, coated trace minerals may improve the bioavailability of metal ions and the colonization of probiotic microbiota to protect microbial barriers and maintain gut health.

Lactic Acid Bacteria-Fermentable Cereal- and Pseudocereal-Based Beverages

Plant beverages are becoming more popular, and fermented cereal- or pseudocereal-based beverages are increasingly used as alternatives for fermented products made from cow milk. This review aimed to describe the basic components of cereal- or pseudocereal-based beverages and determine the feasibility of fermenting them with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to obtain products with live and active LAB cells and increased dietary value. The technology used for obtaining cereal- or pseudocereal-based milk substitutes primarily involves the extraction of selected plant material, and the obtained beverages differ in their chemical composition and nutritional value (content of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, glycemic index, etc.) due to the chemical diversity of the cereal and pseudocereal raw materials and the operations used for their production. Beverages made from cereals or pseudocereals are an excellent matrix for the growth of LAB, and the lactic acid fermentation not only produces desirable changes in the flavor of fermented beverages and the biological availability of nutrients but also contributes to the formation of functional compounds (e.g., B vitamins).

Differences in Diet and Gut Microbiota Between Lactating and Non-lactating Asian Particolored Bats (Vespertilio sinensis): Implication for a Connection Between Diet and Gut Microbiota

In mammals, lactation is considered the most energetically costly phase for females. To meet nutritional and energy demands, lactating females usually change feeding patterns by eating food that is higher in protein and calories. Their gut microbes respond accordingly to help adapt to the changes in diet. In this study, we examined differences in diet and gut microbial composition between lactating and non-lactating Asian particolored bats (Vespertilio sinensis) using COI and 16S amplicon sequencing. When compared with non-lactating bats, we found that the diversity and composition of lactating bats' diets differed; the proportion of Diptera increased and Coleoptera and Orthoptera decreased significantly. This could be attributed to the easy availability and high protein content of Diptera. Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota of lactating and non-lactating females showed that although the diversity of gut microbiota did not change, the relative abundance of specific gut microbiota associated with a particular diet did change. For example, when the consumption of Coleoptera decreased in lactating bats, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae was also reduced. Lactobacillaceae are thought to be involved in the digestion of Coleopteran exoskeletons. This study suggests that during lactation, Asian particolored bats eat a diet that yields higher levels of protein, and at the same time, the abundance of specific gut microbes change to help their hosts adapt to these changes in diet.

Lactobacillus johnsonii-activated chicken bone marrow-derived dendritic cells exhibit maturation and increased expression of cytokines and chemokines in vitro

Lactobacillus species are typical members of gut microflora that immunomodulatory effects and can regulate a variety of immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs). Notably, DCs possess the unique ability to initiate primary immune responses. Notably, DCs possess the unique ability to initiate primary immune responses. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii (L. johnsonii) on the maturation and activation of chicken bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (chBM-DCs). The chBM-DCs generated from chicken bone marrow monocytes were stimulated using lethally irradiated L. johnsonii. L. johnsonii-stimulated chBM-DCs upregulated the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II), CD40, and CD86, decreased phagocytosis, and increased the ability to induce the proliferation of allogeneic T cells, which displayed a mature phenotype and function. Upon maturation with L. johnsonii, the expression of Th1-type cytokines [interleukin (IL)-12, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], a Th2-type cytokine (IL-10), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), and chemokines (CXCLi1 and CXCLi2) greatly increased; however, a high expression of IL-10 was only observed at mid-late time points for chBM-DCs stimulated with high doses of L. johnsonii. Moreover, L. johnsonii upregulated the mRNA levels of TLR2 and TLR5. These results reveal that L. johnsonii plays a potentially important role in modulating the immunological functions of chBM-DCs, suggesting that it influences and mediates immune responses in vitro.

Glyphosate exposure induces inflammatory responses in the small intestine and alters gut microbial composition in rats

Glyphosate is the most popular herbicide used worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of glyphosate on the small intestine and gut microbiota in rats. The rats were gavaged with 0, 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg of body weight glyphosate for 35 continuous days. The different segments of the small intestine were sampled to measure indicators of oxidative stress, ion concentrations and inflammatory responses, and fresh feces were collected for microbiota analysis. The results showed that glyphosate exposure decreased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the duodenum and jejunum. Decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes (T-SOD, GSH, GSH-Px) and elevated MDA content were observed in different segments of the small intestine. Furthermore, the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn and Mg were significantly decreased or increased. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MAPK3, NF-κB, and Caspase-3 were increased after glyphosate exposure. The 16 S rRNA gene sequencing results indicated that glyphosate exposure significantly increased α-diversity and altered bacterial composition. Glyphosate exposure significantly decreased the relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes and the genus Lactobacillus, but several potentially pathogenic bacteria were enriched. In conclusion, this study provides important insight to reveal the negative influence of glyphosate exposure on the small intestine, and the altered microbial composition may play a vital role in the process.

Biological Activities of Lactose-Based Prebiotics and Symbiosis with Probiotics on Controlling Osteoporosis, Blood-Lipid and Glucose Levels

Lactose-based prebiotics are synthesized by enzymatic- or microbial- biotransformation of lactose and have unique functional values. In this comprehensive review article, the biochemical mechanisms of controlling osteoporosis, blood-lipid, and glucose levels by lactose-based prebiotics and symbiosis with probiotics are reported along with the results of clinical investigations. Interaction between lactose-based prebiotics and probiotics reduces osteoporosis by (a) transforming insoluble inorganic salts to soluble and increasing their absorption to gut wall; (b) maintaining and protecting mineral absorption surface in the intestine; (c) increasing the expression of calcium-binding proteins in the gut wall; (d) remodeling osteoclasts and osteoblasts formation; (e) releasing bone modulating factors; and (f) degrading mineral complexing phytic acid. Lactose-based prebiotics with probiotics control lipid level in the bloodstream and tissue by (a) suppressing the expressions of lipogenic- genes and enzymes; (b) oxidizing fatty acids in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue; (c) binding cholesterol with cell membrane of probiotics and subsequent assimilation by probiotics; (d) enzymatic-transformations of bile acids; and (e) converting cholesterol to coprostanol and its defecation. Symbiosis of lactose-based prebiotics with probiotics affect plasma glucose level by (a) increasing the synthesis of gut hormones plasma peptide-YY, glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon-like peptide-2 from entero-endocrine L-cells; (b) altering glucose assimilation and metabolism; (c) suppressing systematic inflammation; (d) reducing oxidative stress; and (e) producing amino acids. Clinical investigations show that lactose-based prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide improves mineral absorption and reduces hyperlipidemia. Another lactose-based prebiotic, lactulose, improves mineral absorption, and reduces hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. It is expected that this review article will be of benefit to food technologists and medical practitioners.

Characterization and screening of the potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium strains isolated of different biotopes

The use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria species as probiotics may help to reduce antibiotic use for therapeutic, prophylactic and growth promotion in animal husbandry. The choice of the starter cultures has a critical impact on the palatability, processability and nutritional attributes of fermented products. In our research, the aim of this study was to screen and select potent probiotic LAB and Bifidobacterium strains isolated from different niches and to evaluate their characteristic features. A total of fourteen LAB and fifty-four Bifidobacterium were isolated from four fresh cows and camel’s milk, and twenty stool samples of healthy new born infants were identified and characterized by morphology and biochemical tests in order to select most suitable strains according to their technological characteristics including probiotic proprieties, antibiotics resistance and in vitro antagonism against food-poisoning bacteria. When the results of tolerance to both gastric and bile juices are taken together it appears that between fourteen LAB and forty-five, the strain B. longum BHI 07 has significantly the highest ability to survive during gastrointestinal transit (P < 0.05). Therefore, the mixed cultures of Bf. longum strains with LAB strains were more active against pathogenic bacteria than the pure one. These results show that bifidobacteria isolated from infants may be useful for improving probiotic formulae with respect to protection against pathogenic bacteria responsible of infection.

Regulatory effect of Qiwei Baizhu powder on intestinal microecology in patients with dysbacteria associated diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common clinical symptom in children. The main factor responsible for diarrhea is intestinal microecological imbalance. The effect of Qiwei Baizhu powder on infantile diarrhea is remarkable. Intestinal microecology is the hot topic in current research. It is of great significance to elucidate the curative effect of Chinese medicine and the pathogenesis of diarrhea. According to the connotation of microecology and by searching the literature, this article reviews the progress in research of intestinal microbial community structure, intestinal enzyme activity, and intestinal microbial metabolism. It is shown that Qiwei Baizhu powder can repair the intestinal mucosal barrier, inhibit the propagation of harmful bacteria in the intestine, adjust intestinal flora, and improve intestinal enzyme activity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, especially the activity of intestinal lactase. Qiwei Baizhu powder can regulate the levels of enzyme activity and production. These results can be used to reveal the mechanism of diarrhea to promote the clinical application of Qiwei Baizhu powder.

Effect of Probiotic, Prebiotic and Synbiotic Follow-up Infant Formulas on Iron Bioavailability in Rats

The effect of functional ingredients-supplemented diets on iron bioavailability and the section of the large intestine involved with this effect was investigated in rats. The diets consisted of seven powder follow-up infant formulas containing probiotics ( Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum), prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides (4'-GOS) at 1.2, 5 and 10%) or synbiotics (bifidobacteria and 4'-GOS at 1.2, 5 and 10%) that were administered to weanling rats over 30 days. Iron balancing (mineral apparent absorption and retention ratios) was carried out in three periods of 72h each. Results showed that the administration of any of the test diets increased the apparent iron absorption or retention in any of the periods, however only 10% prebiotic and synbiotic diets significantly (P<0.05) increased apparent iron absorption and retention during the three periods of mineral balancing when compared to the control group. A linear regression study demonstrated that the stimulation of iron absorption took place mainly in the colon portion of the gut, since the parameters iron absorption, crypt depth of proximal colon and pH colon content showed a multiple linear relationship (R2=0.56). We concluded that 10% prebiotic and synbiotic diets were the diets most prone to improving iron bioavailability in the colons of rats.

Oligotyping reveals differences between gut microbiomes of free-ranging sympatric Namibian carnivores (Acinonyx jubatus, Canis mesomelas) on a bacterial species-like level

Recent gut microbiome studies in model organisms emphasize the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the variation of the bacterial composition and its impact on the overall health status of the host. Species occurring in the same habitat might share a similar microbiome, especially if they overlap in ecological and behavioral traits. So far, the natural variation in microbiomes of free-ranging wildlife species has not been thoroughly investigated. The few existing studies exploring microbiomes through 16S rRNA gene reads clustered sequencing reads into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on a similarity threshold (e.g., 97%). This approach, in combination with the low resolution of target databases, generally limits the level of taxonomic assignments to the genus level. However, distinguishing natural variation of microbiomes in healthy individuals from “abnormal” microbial compositions that affect host health requires knowledge of the “normal” microbial flora at a high taxonomic resolution. This gap can now be addressed using the recently published oligotyping approach, which can resolve closely related organisms into distinct oligotypes by utilizing subtle nucleotide variation. Here, we used Illumina MiSeq to sequence amplicons generated from the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to investigate the gut microbiome of two free-ranging sympatric Namibian carnivore species, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas). Bacterial phyla with proportions >0.2% were identical for both species and included Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. At a finer taxonomic resolution, black-backed jackals exhibited 69 bacterial taxa with proportions ≥0.1%, whereas cheetahs had only 42. Finally, oligotyping revealed that shared bacterial taxa consisted of distinct oligotype profiles. Thus, in contrast to 3% OTUs, oligotyping can detect fine-scale taxonomic differences between microbiomes.

Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases II: Celiac sprue and gluten intolerance

Celiac disease, and, more generally, gluten intolerance, is a growing problem worldwide, but especially in North America and Europe, where an estimated 5% of the population now suffers from it. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, macrocytic anemia and depression. It is a multifactorial disease associated with numerous nutritional deficiencies as well as reproductive issues and increased risk to thyroid disease, kidney failure and cancer. Here, we propose that glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide, Roundup(®), is the most important causal factor in this epidemic. Fish exposed to glyphosate develop digestive problems that are reminiscent of celiac disease. Celiac disease is associated with imbalances in gut bacteria that can be fully explained by the known effects of glyphosate on gut bacteria. Characteristics of celiac disease point to impairment in many cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved with detoxifying environmental toxins, activating vitamin D3, catabolizing vitamin A, and maintaining bile acid production and sulfate supplies to the gut. Glyphosate is known to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes. Deficiencies in iron, cobalt, molybdenum, copper and other rare metals associated with celiac disease can be attributed to glyphosate's strong ability to chelate these elements. Deficiencies in tryptophan, tyrosine, methionine and selenomethionine associated with celiac disease match glyphosate's known depletion of these amino acids. Celiac disease patients have an increased risk to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which has also been implicated in glyphosate exposure. Reproductive issues associated with celiac disease, such as infertility, miscarriages, and birth defects, can also be explained by glyphosate. Glyphosate residues in wheat and other crops are likely increasing recently due to the growing practice of crop desiccation just prior to the harvest. We argue that the practice of "ripening" sugar cane with glyphosate may explain the recent surge in kidney failure among agricultural workers in Central America. We conclude with a plea to governments to reconsider policies regarding the safety of glyphosate residues in foods.

Microbiome analysis among bats describes influences of host phylogeny, life history, physiology and geography

Metagenomic methods provide an experimental approach to inform the relationships between hosts and their microbial inhabitants. Previous studies have provided the conceptual realization that microbiomes are dynamic among hosts and the intimacy of relation between micro- and macroorganisms. Here, we present an intestinal microflora community analysis for members of the order Chiroptera and investigate the relative influence of variables in shaping observed microbiome relationships. The variables ranged from those considered to have ancient and long-term influences (host phylogeny and life history) to the relatively transient variable of host reproductive condition. In addition, collection locality data, representing the geographic variable, were included in analyses. Results indicate a complex influence of variables in shaping sample relationships in which signal for host phylogeny is recovered at broad taxonomic levels (family), whereas intrafamilial analyses disclosed various degrees of resolution for the remaining variables. Although cumulative probabilities of assignment indicated both reproductive condition and geography influenced relationships, comparison of ecological measures among groups revealed statistical differences between most variable classifications. For example, ranked ecological diversity was associated with host phylogeny (deeper coalescences among families were associated with more microfloral diversity), dietary strategy (herbivory generally retained higher diversity than carnivory) and reproductive condition (reproductively active females displayed more diverse microflora than nonreproductive conditions). Overall, the results of this study describe a complex process shaping microflora communities of wildlife species as well as provide avenues for future research that will further inform the nature of symbiosis between microflora communities and hosts.

Evaluation of beneficial attributes for phytate-degrading Pediococcus pentosaceus CFR R123

In this study we have screened and selected potent phytate-degrading lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and evaluated their beneficial attributes. Around 60 LAB strains were isolated from several cereal- and pulse-based conventional fermented preparations. They were screened for their ability to degrade myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) by cobalt chloride qualitative staining method (plate assay). One of the cultures, Pediococcus pentosaceus CFR R123, was capable of degrading both calcium and sodium salts of phytic acid. Additionally, we have carried out an in vitro evaluation for the beneficial attributes of phytate degrading CFR R123. P. pentosaceus CFR R123 showed 53% survivability at pH 2 and 62% at pH 2.5, whereas cultures of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG showed a survivability of 55% and 82%, respectively. CFR R123 could also withstand 0.3% ox-bile, whereas no growth was observed for GG. The strain CFR R123 exhibited 62.8% hydrophobicity to xylene whereas 59% was found for GG. Both the tested strains showed a good spectrum of antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogens like Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes Scott A, etc. P. pentosaceus CFR R123 possessed β-galactosidase activity and cholesterol reduction ability. In conclusion, LAB with phytate degrading ability and several beneficial attributes could potentially be used as a starter culture to improve the nutritional security of functional food.

Effect of supplementation of micronutrients and phytochemicals to fructooligosaccharides on growth response of probiotics and E. coli

Probiotics and prebiotics, which can change the colonic microenvironment, are the areas of current interest. Unutilizable fractions of the foods and fortificants, which reach the colon can affect the profile of probiotics. Effects of eight such factors viz. zinc sulphate, zinc carbonate, ferrous sulphate, ferric citrate, quercetin, gallic acid, phytic acid, and oxalic acid were, therefore, investigated on 24 H growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L1) and Lactobacillus plantarum (L2), two isolates of bifidobacteria (longum (L3) and bifidum (L4)) and a marketed consortium (L5) of eight probiotic cultures. MRS medium with marketed fructooligosaccharide as the only source of carbon was used for study of dose response curves. Quercetin and zinc sulphate showed significant positive effect for L1 and L5 (P < 0.01), whereas there was slight positive effect or no effect on growth of other probiotics. Phytic acid showed a significant inhibitory effect for L2 and a slight inhibitory effect on L3 and L4 whereas L5 were able to tolerate phytic acid. Oxalic acid had slight positive effect for L1 (P < 0.05) and L5 and no effect on growth of other probiotics (P > 0.05). Further, zinc sulphate, ferrous sulphate, quercetin, and oxalic acid significantly inhibited growth of E. coli (P < 0.05)

Probiotic bile salt hydrolase: current developments and perspectives

Probiotic has modernized the current dietetic sense with novel therapeutic and nutritional benefits to the consumers. The presence of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) in probiotics renders them more tolerant to bile salts, which also helps to reduce the blood cholesterol level of the host. This review focuses on the occurrence of bile salt hydrolase among probiotics and its characterization, importance, applications, and genetics involved with recent updates. Research on bile salt hydrolase is still in its infancy. The current perspective reveals a huge market potential of probiotics with bile salt hydrolase. Intensive research in this field is desired to resolve some of the lacunae.

Screening, selection and characterization of phytic acid degrading lactic acid bacteria from chicken intestine

This study was undertaken to screen and select potent phytate degrading lactic acid bacteria and to evaluate their additional characteristic features. Forty lactic acid bacterial strains were isolated from different sources and screened for their ability to degrade myo-inositol hexaphosphate or IP(6) by cobalt chloride staining (plate assay) method, using calcium or sodium salt of phytic acid as substrate. All the forty isolates were able to degrade calcium phytate. However, only two Pediococcus pentosaceus strains (CFR R38 and CFR R35) were found to degrade sodium phytate. These strains showed phytase activity of 213 and 89 U at 50 degrees C, respectively and poor acid phosphatase activity. These strains were further evaluated for additional characteristic features. At pH 2, P. pentosaceus strains CFR R38 and CFR R35 showed 50.7 and 48.5 percentage survivability after 2 h of incubation respectively and they could also withstand 0.3% ox-bile. These cultures exhibited 54.6 and 44.8% of hydrophobicity to xylene, antibacterial activity against food borne pathogens and possessed beta-galactosidase activity. The resistance pattern to several antibiotics was also analyzed. The present study indicates that these strains, having phytate degrading ability and other characteristic features can be exploited as starter cultures in fermented foods to improve the mineral bioavailability.

Nutridynamics--studying the dynamics of food components in products and in the consumer

The concentrations and biological effects of nutrients, antinutrients and bioactive compounds, including microbes and their constituents, are affected by production and processing steps, the food matrix in which they reside, the way they are digested and metabolized in the human body, and whether or not and in what form they subsequently reach their target site. A new scientific concept, denoted here as 'nutridynamics', aims to unravel the dynamics of these processes by using a systematic approach to study how a food component is affected by the food matrix itself and what it does in the body. This holistic concept has potential synergy with the areas of food technology and nutrigenomics, and provides a link between food production and the mechanistic effects of bioactive ingredients.