About Functional Foods: The Probiotics and Prebiotics State of Art

Eugenia uniflora (pitanga) juice as a new alternative vehicle for Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271: evaluation of antioxidant and anti-infective effects

Probiotic-containing foods are among the most appreciated functional foods; however, probiotic-based dairy products cannot be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk, or vegetarian or vegan individuals. Thus, new non-dairy matrices have been tested for probiotics delivery. This study evaluated the growth and viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in Pitanga juice (Eugenia uniflora L.). The effects of the fermentation on the antioxidant and anti-infective properties of the juice were also analyzed. The E. uniflora juice allowed lactobacilli growth without supplementation, reaching rates around 8.4 Log CFU/mL and producing organic acids (pH values < 4) after 72 h of fermentation. The strain remained viable after 35 days of refrigerated storage. Fermentation by these bacteria increases the antioxidant capacity of the juice. The central composite rotational design was employed to evaluate the effects of bacterial inoculum and pulp concentration on growth and organic acids production by L. fermentum ATCC 23271. The strain was viable and produced organic acids in all tested combinations. L. fermentum-fermented juice and its cell-free supernatant significantly increased the survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae infected by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli 042. The results obtained in this study provide more insights into the potential of Pitanga juice to develop a functional non-dairy probiotic beverage with antioxidant and anti-infective properties.

Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis: An Update on Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Prevention

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening disease predominantly affecting premature and very low birth weight infants resulting in inflammation and necrosis of the small bowel and colon and potentially leading to sepsis, peritonitis, perforation, and death. Numerous research efforts have been made to better understand, treat, and prevent NEC. This review explores a variety of factors involved in the pathogenesis of NEC (prematurity, low birth weight, lack of human breast milk exposure, alterations to the microbiota, maternal and environmental factors, and intestinal ischemia) and reports treatment modalities surrounding NEC, including pain medications and common antibiotic combinations, the rationale for these combinations, and recent antibiotic stewardship approaches surrounding NEC treatment. This review also highlights the effect of early antibiotic exposure, infections, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and H2 receptor antagonists on the microbiota and how these risk factors can increase the chances of NEC. Finally, modern prevention strategies including the use of human breast milk and standardized feeding regimens are discussed, as well as promising new preventative and treatment options for NEC including probiotics and stem cell therapy.

Harnessing the dual nature of W. coagulans for sustainable production of biomaterials and development of functional food

Bacillus coagulans, recently renamed Weizmannia coagulans, is a spore-forming bacterium that has garnered significant interest across various research fields, ranging from health to industrial applications. The probiotic properties of W. coagulans enhance intestinal digestion, by releasing prebiotic molecules including enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of not-digestible carbohydrates. Notably, some enzymes from W. coagulans extend beyond digestive functions, serving as valuable biotechnological tools and contributing to more sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the homofermentative thermophilic nature of W. coagulans renders it an exceptional candidate for fermenting foods and lignocellulosic residues into L-(+)-lactic acid. In this review, we provide an overview of the dual nature of W. coagulans, in functional foods and for the development of bio-based materials.

Influence of using synbiotics by various routes on Mandarah male chicks: intestinal bacterial counts, gut morphology and histological status

This experiment investigated the influence of different synbiotic processing methods on the intestinal bacterial count, morphology and histological status of developed male Mandarah chicks. Two hundred and ten male Mandarah line chicks aged 1 d were randomized to receive one of 7 chicks. The method and dose for 1-time synbiotics administration to the day-old chicks were as follows: G1: chicks on basal diet received no treatment (control); G2: 0.25 mL synbiotics sprayed; G3: 0.50 mL synbiotics sprayed; G4: 0.25 mL of synbiotics are added to drinking water; G5: 0.50 mL of synbiotics are added to drinking water; G6: 0.25 mL of synbiotics dripped into the mouth; and G7: 0.50 mL of synbiotics dripped into mouth drops. Lactic acid bacteria(LAB) were significantly increased (P<0.0001) compared to the control group and other treated groups and had the maximum values after the use of synbiotics via drinking water (0.25 or 0.50 mL). Furthermore, when comparing the treated birds (G4, G5) with the control birds, the Escherichia coli concentration in the drinking water containing synbiotics was significantly lower. In addition, treated chickens at (G7) showed a higher duodenum, ileum villus height (VH), and VH. - Ileum crypt depth (CD) ratio compared to other groups. In addition, birds treated with 0.50 mL of synbiotics in drinking water (G5) performed better in duodenum, ileum, CD and VH. - CD ratio than the other groups. Meanwhile, intestinal tract length and visceral pH did not differ significantly between groups. It can be concluded that the use of 0.25 mL of synbiotics in drinking water can improve the overall health of birds.

Designing healthier and more sustainable ultraprocessed foods

The food industry has been extremely successful in creating a broad range of delicious, affordable, convenient, and safe food and beverage products. However, many of these products are considered to be ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) that contain ingredients and are processed in a manner that may cause adverse health effects. This review article introduces the concept of UPFs and briefly discusses food products that fall into this category, including beverages, baked goods, snacks, confectionary, prepared meals, dressings, sauces, spreads, and processed meat and meat analogs. It then discusses correlations between consumption levels of UPFs and diet-related chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. The different reasons for the proposed ability of UPFs to increase the risk of these chronic diseases are then critically assessed, including displacement of whole foods, high energy densities, missing phytochemicals, contamination with packaging chemicals, hyperpalatability, harmful additives, rapid ingestion and digestion, and toxic reaction products. Then, potential strategies to overcome the current problems with UPFs are presented, including reducing energy density, balancing nutritional profile, fortification, increasing satiety response, modulating mastication and digestion, reengineering food structure, and precision processing. The central argument is that it may be possible to reformulate and reengineer many UPFs to improve their healthiness and sustainability, although this still needs to be proved using rigorous scientific studies.

Biomolecular Actions by Intestinal Endotoxemia in Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of metabolic disorders that concurrently act as factors promoting systemic pathologies such as atherosclerosis or diabetes mellitus. It is now believed to encompass six main interacting conditions: visceral fat, imbalance of lipids (dyslipidemia), hypertension, insulin resistance (with or without impairing both glucose tolerance and fasting blood sugar), and inflammation. In the last 10 years, there has been a progressive interest through scientific research investigations conducted in the field of metabolomics, confirming a trend to evaluate the role of the metabolome, particularly the intestinal one. The intestinal microbiota (IM) is crucial due to the diversity of microorganisms and their abundance. Consequently, IM dysbiosis and its derivate toxic metabolites have been correlated with MetS. By intervening in these two factors (dysbiosis and consequently the metabolome), we can potentially prevent or slow down the clinical effects of the MetS process. This, in turn, may mitigate dysregulations of intestinal microbiota axes, such as the lung axis, thereby potentially alleviating the negative impact on respiratory pathology, such as the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the biomolecular mechanisms through which the IM influences the host's metabolism via a dysbiosis metabolome in both normal and pathological conditions are still unclear. In this study, we seek to provide a description of the knowledge to date of the IM and its metabolome and the factors that influence it. Furthermore, we analyze the interactions between the functions of the IM and the pathophysiology of major metabolic diseases via local and systemic metabolome's relate endotoxemia.

Unraveling the antimicrobial potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains TE0907 and TE1809 sourced from Bufo gargarizans: advancing the frontier of probiotic-based therapeutics

Introduction

In an era increasingly defined by the challenge of antibiotic resistance, this study offers groundbreaking insights into the antibacterial properties of two distinct Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, TE0907 and TE1809, hailing from the unique ecosystem of Bufo gargarizans. It uniquely focuses on elucidating the intricate components and mechanisms that empower these strains with their notable antibacterial capabilities.

Methods

The research employs a multi-omics approach, including agar diffusion tests to assess antibacterial efficacy and adhesion assays with HT-29 cells to understand the preliminary mechanisms. Additionally, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is employed to analyze the production of organic acids, notably acetic acid, and whole-genome sequencing is utilized to identify genes linked to the biosynthesis of antibiotics and bacteriocin-coding domains.

Results

The comparative analysis highlighted the exceptional antibacterial efficacy of strains TE0907 and TE1809, with mean inhibitory zones measured at 14.97 and 15.98 mm, respectively. A pivotal discovery was the significant synthesis of acetic acid in both strains, demonstrated by a robust correlation coefficient (cor ≥ 0.943), linking its abundance to their antimicrobial efficiency. Genomic exploration uncovered a diverse range of elements involved in the biosynthesis of antibiotics similar to tetracycline and vancomycin and potential regions encoding bacteriocins, including Enterolysin and Plantaricin.

Conclusion

This research illuminates the remarkable antibacterial efficacy and mechanisms intrinsic to L. plantarum strains TE0907 and TE1809, sourced from B. gargarizans. The findings underscore the strains' extensive biochemical and enzymatic armamentarium, offering valuable insights into their role in antagonizing enteric pathogens. These results lay down a comprehensive analytical foundation for the potential clinical deployment of these strains in safeguarding animal gut health, thereby enriching our understanding of the role of probiotic bacteria in the realm of antimicrobial interventions.

A Bird's-Eye View of the Pathophysiologic Role of the Human Urobiota in Health and Disease: Can We Modulate It?

For a long time, urine has been considered sterile in physiological conditions, thanks to the particular structure of the urinary tract and the production of uromodulin or Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) by it. More recently, thanks to the development and use of new technologies, i.e., next-generation sequencing and expanded urine culture, the identification of a microbial community in the urine, the so-called urobiota, became possible. Major phyla detected in the urine are represented by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Particularly, the female urobiota is largely represented by Lactobacillus spp., which are very active against urinary pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli (UPEC) strains via the generation of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Gut dysbiosis accounts for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), so-called gut-bladder axis syndrome with the formation of intracellular bacterial communities in the course of acute cystitis. However, other chronic urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial strains of intestinal derivation. Monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections account for the outcome of acute and chronic UTIs, even including prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain. E. coli isolates have been shown to be more invasive and resistant to antibiotics. Probiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and immune-mediated therapies, even including vaccines for the treatment of UTIs, will be described.

Current Views about the Inflammatory Damage Triggered by Bacterial Superantigens and Experimental Attempts to Neutralize Superantigen-Mediated Toxic Effects with Natural and Biological Products

Superantigens, i.e., staphylococcal enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1, interact with T cells in a different manner in comparison to conventional antigens. In fact, they activate a larger contingent of T lymphocytes, binding outside the peptide-binding groove of the major histocompatibility complex class II. Involvement of many T cells by superantigens leads to a massive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma. Such a storm of mediators has been shown to account for tissue damage, multiorgan failure and shock. Besides conventional drugs and biotherapeutics, experiments with natural and biological products have been undertaken to attenuate the toxic effects exerted by superantigens. In this review, emphasis will be placed on polyphenols, probiotics, beta-glucans and antimicrobial peptides. In fact, these substances share a common functional denominator, since they skew the immune response toward an anti-inflammatory profile, thus mitigating the cytokine wave evoked by superantigens. However, clinical applications of these products are still scarce, and more trials are needed to validate their usefulness in humans.

Vitamin D3 affects the gut microbiota in an LPS-stimulated systemic inflammation mouse model

Although gut dysbiosis contributes to systemic inflammation, the counteractive effect of systemic inflammation on gut microbiota is unknown. Vitamin D may exert anti-inflammatory effects against systemic inflammation, but its regulation of the gut microbiota is poorly understood. In this study, mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to create a systemic inflammation model and received vitamin D3 treatment orally for 18 continuous days. Then, body weight, morphological changes in the colon epithelium, and gut microbiota (n = 3) were evaluated. We verified that LPS stimulation caused inflammatory changes in the colon epithelium, which could be obviously attenuated by vitamin D3 treatment (10 μg/kg/day) in mice. Then, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the gut microbiota first revealed that LPS stimulation induced a large number of operational taxonomic units, and vitamin D3 treatment reduced the number. In addition, vitamin D3 had distinctive effects on the community structure of the gut microbiota, which was obviously changed after LPS stimulation. However, neither LPS nor vitamin D3 affected the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, statistical analysis of differential microorganisms showed that the relative abundance of microorganisms in the phylum Spirochaetes decreased, the family Micrococcaceae increased, the genus [Eubacterium]_brachy_group decreased, the genus Pseudarthrobacter increased, and the species Clostridiales_bacterium_CIEAF_020 decreased under LPS stimulation, but vitamin D3 treatment significantly reversed the LPS-induced changes in the relative abundance of these microorganisms. In conclusion, vitamin D3 treatment affected the gut microbiota and alleviated inflammatory changes in the colon epithelium in the LPS-stimulated systemic inflammation mouse model.

Controlling Intestinal Infections and Digestive Disorders Using Probiotics

After consumption, probiotics provide health benefits to the host. Probiotics and their metabolites have therapeutic and nutritional properties that help to alleviate gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular problems. Probiotics strengthen host immunity through various mechanisms, including improved gut barrier function, receptor site blocking, competitive exclusion of pathogens, and the production of bioactive molecules. Emerging evidence suggests that intestinal bowel diseases can be fatal, but regular probiotic consumption can alleviate disease symptoms. The use and detailed description of the health benefits of probiotics to consumers in terms of reducing intestinal infection, inflammation, and digestive disorders are discussed in this review. The well-designed and controlled studies that examined the use of probiotics to reduce life-threatening activities caused by intestinal bowel diseases are also covered. This review discussed the active principles and potency of probiotics as evidenced by the known effects on host health, in addition to providing information on the mechanism of action.

Recent advances in polysaccharide biomodification by microbial fermentation: production, properties, bioactivities, and mechanisms

Polysaccharides are natural chemical compounds that are extensively employed in the food and pharmaceutical industries. They exhibit a wide range of physical and biological properties. These properties are commonly improved by using chemical and physical methods. However, with the advancement of biotechnology and increased demand for green, clean, and safe products, polysaccharide modification via microbial fermentation has gained importance in improving their physicochemical and biological activities. The physicochemical and structural characteristics, biological activity, and modification mechanisms of microbially fermented polysaccharides were reviewed and summarized in this study. Polysaccharide modifications were categorized and discussed in terms of strains and fermentation techniques. The effects of microbial fermentation on the physicochemical characteristics of polysaccharides were highlighted. The impact of modification of polysaccharides on their antioxidant, immune, hypoglycemic, and other activities, as well as probiotic digestive enhancement, were also discussed. Finally, we investigated a potential enzyme-based process for polysaccharide modification via microbial fermentation. Modification of polysaccharides via microbial fermentation has significant value and application potential.

Might Gut Microbiota Be a Target for a Personalized Therapeutic Approach in Patients Affected by Atherosclerosis Disease?

In recent years, the increasing number of studies on the relationship between the gut microbiota and atherosclerosis have led to significant interest in this subject. The gut microbiota, its metabolites (metabolome), such as TMAO, and gut dysbiosis play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, inflammation, originating from the intestinal tract, adds yet another mechanism by which the human ecosystem is disrupted, resulting in the manifestation of metabolic diseases and, by extension, cardiovascular diseases. The scientific community must understand and elucidate these mechanisms in depth, to gain a better understanding of the relationship between atherosclerosis and the gut microbiome and to promote the development of new therapeutic targets in the coming years. This review aims to present the knowledge acquired so far, to trigger others to further investigate this intriguing topic.

Microbiota revolution: How gut microbes regulate our lives

The human intestine is a natural environment ecosystem of a complex of diversified and dynamic microorganisms, determined through a process of competition and natural selection during life. Those intestinal microorganisms called microbiota and are involved in a variety of mechanisms of the organism, they interact with the host and therefore are in contact with the organs of the various systems. However, they play a crucial role in maintaining host homeostasis, also influencing its behaviour. Thus, microorganisms perform a series of biological functions important for human well-being. The host provides the microorganisms with the environment and nutrients, simultaneously drawing many benefits such as their contribution to metabolic, trophic, immunological, and other functions. For these reasons it has been reported that its quantitative and qualitative composition can play a protective or harmful role on the host health. Therefore, a dysbiosis can lead to an association of unfavourable factors which lead to a dysregulation of the physiological processes of homeostasis. Thus, it has pre-viously noted that the gut microbiota can participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, chronic intestinal inflammation, diabetes mellitus, obesity and atherosclerosis, neurological disorders (e.g., neurological diseases, autism, etc.) colorectal cancer, and more.

An Overview of the Microbiota of the Human Urinary Tract in Health and Disease: Current Issues and Perspectives

This article is intended to deepen our knowledge to date regarding the functions of the resident microbiota/microbiome in the urinary system for human health and disease. First, we sought to report the general characteristics (composition and stability) of the normal urinary system microbiota in the different anatomical sites in relation to some factors such as the effect of age, gender and diet, analyzing in detail the functions and the composition of the microbiota in the light of current knowledge. Several pieces of evidence suggest the importance of preserving the micro-ecosystem of the urinary system, and in some cases their relationship with diseases is important for maintaining human health is well understood. The female and male reproductive microbiota have mainly been studied over the past decade. In the past, the arrest was thought to have taken place in a sterile environment. Microorganisms of the microbiota form biofilms, three-dimensional structures, that differ in the reproductive organs and interact with both gametes and the embryo as well as with maternal tissues. These biofilms from the reproductive system also interact with others, such as that of the gastrointestinal tract. Reduction in its diversity intestinal microbiota can disrupt estrogen metabolism and affect the reproductive microbiota. It is therefore understood that its quantitative and qualitative identification is important for microbiota, but also the study of the structures formed by the microorganisms. A dysbiosis with local or systemic causes can lead to serious diseases. The role of probiotics in maintaining microbial population harmony (eubiosis) and preventing certain pathologies of the urinary and reproductive system was also investigated. A negative variation in the qualitative and quantitative composition of certain strains of microorganisms (dysbiosis) due to local or systemic causes can even lead to serious diseases. The role of probiotics in maintaining the healthy balance of microorganism populations (eubiosis), and thus in the prevention of certain pathologies of the urinary and reproductive system, has also been studied.

The Crosstalk between Gut Microbiota and Nervous System: A Bidirectional Interaction between Microorganisms and Metabolome

Several studies have shown that the gut microbiota influences behavior and, in turn, changes in the immune system associated with symptoms of depression or anxiety disorder may be mirrored by corresponding changes in the gut microbiota. Although the composition/function of the intestinal microbiota appears to affect the central nervous system (CNS) activities through multiple mechanisms, accurate epidemiological evidence that clearly explains the connection between the CNS pathology and the intestinal dysbiosis is not yet available. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a separate branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the largest part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). It is composed of a vast and complex network of neurons which communicate via several neuromodulators and neurotransmitters, like those found in the CNS. Interestingly, despite its tight connections to both the PNS and ANS, the ENS is also capable of some independent activities. This concept, together with the suggested role played by intestinal microorganisms and the metabolome in the onset and progression of CNS neurological (neurodegenerative, autoimmune) and psychopathological (depression, anxiety disorders, autism) diseases, explains the large number of investigations exploring the functional role and the physiopathological implications of the gut microbiota/brain axis.

Challenges and strategies for preventing intestinal damage associated to mercury dietary exposure

Food represents the major risk factor for exposure to mercury in most human populations. Therefore, passage through the gastrointestinal tract plays a fundamental role in its entry into the organism. Despite the intense research carried out on the toxicity of Hg, the effects at the intestinal level have received increased attention only recently. In this review we first provide a critical appraisal of the recent advances on the toxic effects of Hg at the intestinal epithelium. Next, dietary strategies aimed to diminish Hg bioavailability or modulate the epithelial and microbiota responses will be revised. Food components and additives, including probiotics, will be considered. Finally, limitations of current approaches to tackle this problem and future lines of research will be discussed.

Modulation of the Gut Microbiota with Prebiotics and Antimicrobial Agents from Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm mushroom contains bioactive compounds with both antimicrobial and prebiotic properties, which are distributed in the mushroom mycelium, fruiting body, and spent substrate. The mushroom is rich in nondigestible carbohydrates like chitin and glucan, which act as prebiotics and support the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria, thereby maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbiota and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. The bioactive compounds in P. ostreatus mushrooms, including polysaccharides (glucans, chitin) and secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and lectins), exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. When mushrooms are consumed, these compounds can help preventing the growth and spread of harmful bacteria in the gut, reducing the risk of infections and the development of antibiotic resistance. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to determine the efficacy of P. ostreatus against different pathogens and to fully comprehend its prebiotic and antimicrobial properties. Overall, consuming a diet rich in mushroom-based foods can have a positive impact on human digestion health. A mushroom-based diet can support a healthy gut microbiome and reduce the need for antibiotics.