Immunomodulatory Potential of Weissella cibaria in Aged C57BL/6J Mice

Weissella cibaria Relieves Gut Inflammation Caused by Escherichia coli through Inflammation Modulation and Gut Microbiota Regulation

The emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens has considerably challenged the development of new drugs. Probiotics that inhibit MDR pathogens offer advantages over chemical antibiotics and drugs due to their increased safety and fewer side effects. This study reported that Weissella cibaria P-8 isolated from pickles showed excellent antibacterial activity against intestinal pathogens, particularly the antibacterial activity against MDR Escherichia coli B2 was the highest. This study showed that the survival rates of W. cibaria P-8 at pH 2.0 and 0.3% bile salt concentration were 72% and 71.56%, respectively, and it still had antibacterial activity under pepsin, trypsin, protease K, and catalase hydrolysis. Moreover, W. cibaria P-8 inhibits the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6, upregulates the interleukin-10 level, and increases total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in serum. W. cibaria P-8 also efficiently repairs intestinal damage caused by E. coli infection. The gut microbiota analysis demonstrated that W. cibaria P-8 colonizes the intestine and increases the abundance of some beneficial intestinal microorganisms, particularly Prevotella. In conclusion, W. cibaria P-8 alleviated MDR E. coli-induced intestinal inflammation by regulating inflammatory cytokine and enzyme activity and rebalancing the gut microbiota, which could provide the foundation for subsequent clinical analyses and probiotic product development.

Effects of dietary copper intake on blood lipids in women of childbearing age and the potential role of gut microbiota

Background

Copper (Cu) is a vital trace element involved in numerous physiological processes, including glycolysis and lipid metabolism. Imbalances in Cu homeostasis can contribute to various diseases. However, current research on the impact of Cu on lipid metabolism has yielded inconsistent findings. Moreover, studies investigating the effects of dietary Cu intake on blood lipids among women of childbearing age are rare. Understanding of this relationship could enhance lipid management, given that most women obtain Cu through their diet. Additionally, the gut microbiota may play a role in this process. This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary Cu intake on blood lipids in women of childbearing age and to analyze the role of gut microbiota in this process.

Methods

This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to conduct a preliminary analysis of the correlation between dietary Cu levels and blood lipid indicators in women of childbearing age. Subsequently, an on-site research was conducted to further investigate this relationship, followed by animal experiments to verify the effect of different Cu doses on blood lipid levels. Multiple linear regression models, ANOVA, XGBOOST were employed to analyze the impact of Cu on blood lipids and the role of intestinal microbiota in this process.

Results

In the population study, the NHANES results were consistent with on-site findings. The TG, and TC levels in women with childbearing were increased with higher dietary Cu intake. Animal experiments have shown that as Cu intake increases, TC levels increase. Furthermore, when the Cu intake reached 8 mg/day (the recommended dietary Cu intake limit of China, RDI), the TG levels in the research animals decrease, alongside a reduction in the abundance of Weissella cibaria (probiotics related to lipid metabolism), and the levels of LPS and IL-6 increase.

Conclusion

The blood lipid levels of women of childbearing age increase with higher dietary Cu intake. RDI of 8 mg/day for women of childbearing age in China may need to be appropriately reduced. Regulating the gut microbiota, especially by increasing the abundance of Weissella cibaria may be an effective intervention for blood lipids.

The Weissella and Periweissella genera: up-to-date taxonomy, ecology, safety, biotechnological, and probiotic potential

Bacteria belonging to the genera Weissella and Periweissella are lactic acid bacteria, which emerged in the last decades for their probiotic and biotechnological potential. In 2015, an article reviewing the scientific literature till that date on the taxonomy, ecology, and biotechnological potential of the Weissella genus was published. Since then, the number of studies on this genus has increased enormously, several novel species have been discovered, the taxonomy of the genus underwent changes and new insights into the safety, and biotechnological and probiotic potential of weissellas and periweissellas could be gained. Here, we provide an updated overview (from 2015 until today) of the taxonomy, ecology, safety, biotechnological, and probiotic potential of these lactic acid bacteria.

Description and Genomic Characteristics of Weissella fermenti sp. nov., Isolated from Kimchi

A Gram-positive, non-motile, and non-spore-forming lactic acid bacterium, designated as BK2T, was isolated from kimchi, a Korean traditional fermented vegetable food, and the taxonomic characteristics of strain BK2T, along with strain LMG 11983, were analyzed. Both strains optimally grew at 30°C, pH 7.0, and 1.0% NaCl. Cells of both strains were heterofermentative and facultatively anaerobic rods, demonstrating negative reactions for catalase and oxidase. Major fatty acids (>10%) identified in both strains were C18:1 ω9c, C16:0, and summed feature 7 (comprising C19:1 ω6c and/or C19:1 ω7c). The genomic DNA G+C contents of both strains were 44.7 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (99.9%), average nucleotide identity (ANI; 99.9%), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH; 99.7%) value between strains BK2T and LMG 11983 indicated that they are different strains of the same species. Strain BK2T was most closely related to Weissella confusa JCM 1093T and Weissella cibaria LMG 17699T, with 100% and 99.4% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. However, based on the ANI and dDDH values (92.3% and 48.1% with W. confusa, and 78.4% and 23.5% with W. cibaria), it was evident that strain BK2T represents a distinct species separate from W. confusa and W. cibaria. Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features, strains BK2T and LMG 11983 represent a novel species of the genus Weissella, for which the name Weissella fermenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type of strain is BK2T (=KACC 22833T=JCM 35750T).

The Weissella Genus: Clinically Treatable Bacteria with Antimicrobial/Probiotic Effects on Inflammation and Cancer

Weissella is a genus earlier considered a member of the family Leuconostocaceae, which was reclassified into the family Lactobacillaceae in 1993. Recently, there have been studies emphasizing the probiotic and anti-inflammatory potential of various species of Weissella, of which W. confusa and W. cibaria are the most representative. Other species within this genus include: W. paramesenteroides, W. viridescens, W. halotolerans, W. minor, W. kandleri, W. soli, W. ghanensis, W. hellenica, W. thailandensis, W. fabalis, W. cryptocerci, W. koreensis, W. beninensis, W. fabaria, W. oryzae, W. ceti, W. uvarum, W. bombi, W. sagaensis, W. kimchi, W. muntiaci, W. jogaejeotgali, W. coleopterorum, W. hanii, W. salipiscis, and W. diestrammenae. Weissella confusa, W. paramesenteroides, W. koreensis, and W. cibaria are among the few species that have been isolated from human samples, although the identification of these and other species is possible using metagenomics, as we have shown for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy controls. We were able to isolate Weissella in gut-associated bacteria (post 24 h food deprivation and laxatives). Other sources of isolation include fermented food, soil, and skin/gut/saliva of insects/animals. With the potential for hospital and industrial applications, there is a concern about possible infections. Herein, we present the current applications of Weissella on its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory mechanistic effects, the predisposing factors (e.g., vancomycin) for pathogenicity in humans, and the antimicrobials used in patients. To address the medical concerns, we examined 28 case reports focused on W. confusa and found that 78.5% of infections were bacteremia (of which 7 were fatal; 1 for lack of treatment), 8 were associated with underlying malignancies, and 8 with gastrointestinal procedures/diseases of which 2 were Crohn’s disease patients. In cases of a successful resolution, commonly administered antibiotics included: cephalosporin, ampicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and daptomycin. Despite reports of Weissella-related infections, the evolving mechanistic findings suggest that Weissella are clinically treatable bacteria with emerging antimicrobial and probiotic benefits ranging from oral health, skin care, obesity, and inflammatory diseases to cancer.

Heat-killed Limosilactobacillus reuteri PSC102 Ameliorates Impaired Immunity in Cyclophosphamide-induced Immunosuppressed Mice

The immune functions of heat-killed Limosilactobacillus reuteri PSC102 (hLR) were investigated in cyclophosphamide (CP)-treated immunosuppressed mice. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group, CP group, CP treated with levamisole (positive control group), and CP treated with low- and high-dose hLR. After receiving the samples for 21 days, mice were sacrificed, and different parameters, such as immune organ index, immune blood cells, splenocyte proliferation, lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokines, and immunoglobulins, were analyzed. Results showed that the immune organ (thymus and spleen) indices of hLR treatment groups were significantly increased compared to the CP group (p < 0.05). hLR administration prevented CP-induced reduction in the numbers of white blood cells, lymphocytes, midrange absolute, and granulocytes, providing supporting evidence for hematopoietic activities. Splenocyte proliferation and T-lymphocyte (CD4+ and CD8+) subpopulations were also significantly augmented in mice treated with hLR compared to the CP group (p < 0.05). Moreover, Th1-type [interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α] and Th2-type (IL-4 and IL-10) immune factors and immunoglobulin (IgG) showed significant increasing trends (p < 0.05). Additionally, the other proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) were also significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Taken together, this investigation suggested that orally administered hLR could recover immunosuppression caused by CP and be considered a potential immunostimulatory agent for the treatment of immunosuppressive disorders.

Unripe Black Raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miquel) Extract and Its Constitute, Ellagic Acid Induces T Cell Activation and Antitumor Immunity by Blocking PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction

Rubus coreanus Miquel (R. coreanus) is a unripen fruit of black raspberry native to eastern Asia. It is used as traditional oriental medicine and supplementary foods for centuries. Previous studies have shown that the R. coreanus extract (RCE) and its main constitute ellagic acid possess diverse biological activities. However, the effects of RCE on antitumor immunity and T cell function were not fully understood. The present study describes the anti-tumor effect of RCE in humanized PD-1 mice by blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and pull down assay were performed to elucidate the binding properties of RCE in vitro. Cellular PD-1/PD-L1 blockade activities were measured by T cell receptor (TCR)-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells-luciferase activity in co-cultured cell models with PD-1/NFAT Jurkat and PD-L1/aAPC CHO-K1 cells. The in vivo efficacy of RCE was confirmed in humanized PD-1 mice bearing MC38 colorectal tumor. RCE and ellagic acid dose-dependently block the binding of PD-1 to PD-L1. Moreover, oral administration of RCE showed the potent anti-tumor activity similar to anti-PD-1 antibody. The present study suggests that RCE possesses potent anti-tumor effect via PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, and ellagic acid is the main compound in RCE. Thus, we provide new aspects of RCE as an immunotherapeutic agent.

Nutraceuticals-Based Immunotherapeutic Concepts and Opportunities for the Mitigation of Cellular Senescence and Aging: A Narrative Review

The role of increased tissue senescent cell (SC) burden in driving the process of ageing and associated disorders is rapidly gaining attention. Amongst various plausible factors, impairment in immune functions is emerging as a critical regulator of known age-associated accumulation of SC. Immune cells dysfunctions with age are multi-faceted and are uniquely attributed to the independent processes of immunosenescence and cellular senescence which may collectively impair immune system mediated clearance of SC. Moreover, being functionally and phenotypically heterogenic, immune cells are also liable to be affected by senescence microenvironment in other tissues. Therefore, strategies aimed at improving immunosenescence and cellular senescence in immune cells can have pleiotropic effects on ageing physiology including the accumulation of SC. In this regard, nutraceutical's immunomodulatory attributes are well documented which may have implications in developing nutrition-oriented immunotherapeutic approaches against SC. In particular, the three diverse sources of bioactive ingredients, viz., phytochemicals, probiotic bacteria and omega-3-fatty acids have shown promising anti-immunosenescence and anti-cellular senescence potential in immune cells influencing aging and immunity in ways beyond modest stimulation of immune responses. The present narrative review describes the preventive and therapeutic attributes of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, probiotic microbes and omega-3-fatty acids in influencing the emerging nexus of immunosenescence, cellular senescence and SC during aging. Outstanding questions and nutraceuticals-based pro-longevity and niche research areas have been deliberated. Further research using integrative approaches is recommended for developing nutrition-based holistic immunotherapeutic strategies for 'healthy ageing'.

Weissella cibaria CMU exerts an anti‑inflammatory effect by inhibiting Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans‑induced NF‑κB activation in macrophages

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by various periodontal pathogens. Weissella cibaria CMU (oraCMU) is a probiotic that promotes oral health. However, its anti‑inflammatory effects against periodontal pathogens have not yet been investigated. The present study evaluated the anti‑inflammatory effects of live oraCMU against stimulation with the formalin‑inactivated periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cell viability was analyzed by the MTS assay in a dose‑dependent manner (at multiplicities of infection of 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1,000). Nitric oxide (NO) was monitored using the Griess test. The mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)1β and IL6 was assessed by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Western blotting was used to examine the effects of oraCMU on the phosphorylation of NF‑κB inhibitor α (IκBα) and IκBα kinase (IKK), the nuclear translocation of the NF‑κB subunit p65 and the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Live oraCMU had no cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages. In A. actinomycetemcomitans‑stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, oraCMU reduced NO production by suppressing iNOS expression and downregulating the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines in a dose‑dependent manner. IKK phosphorylation and IκBα degradation were dose‑dependently inhibited by oraCMU and the nuclear translocation of p65 via the canonical NF‑κB pathway was simultaneously reduced. The results indicated that oraCMU possessed anti‑inflammatory activity associated with the inhibition of NF‑κB signal activation in response to periodontal pathogens. This suggests that oraCMU is a beneficial anti‑inflammatory probiotic that can aid in the maintenance of oral health.

Integrated Phenotypic-Genotypic Analysis of Candidate Probiotic Weissella Cibaria Strains Isolated from Dairy Cows in Kuwait

Probiotics represent a possible strategy for controlling intestinal infections in livestock. Members of the Weissella genus are increasingly being studied for health-related applications in animals and humans. Here we investigated the functional properties of two Weissella cibaria strains isolated from cows reared in Kuwait breeding facilities by combining phenotypic with genomic analyses. W. cibaria SP7 and SP19 exhibited good growth in vitro under acidic conditions and in the presence of bile salts compared to the reference probiotic Lacticaseibacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) rhamnosus GG. Both strains were able to adhere to Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines, as well as to mucin. The cell-free supernatants of the two isolates exhibited inhibitory activity towards Escherichia coli ATCC 25,922 and Salmonella enterica UC3605, which was ultimately due to the low pH of supernatants. W. cibaria SP19 showed a co-aggregation ability similar to that of L. rhamnosus GG when incubated with S. enterica. Whole genome sequencing and analysis revealed that both strains harbored several genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and general stress responses, indicating bacterial adaptation to the gastrointestinal environment. We also detected genes involved in the adhesion to host epithelial cells or extracellular matrix. No evidence of acquired antibiotic resistance or hemolytic activity was found in either strain. These findings shed light on the potential of W. cibaria for probiotic use in livestock and on the mechanisms underlying host-microbe interaction in the gut. W. cibaria` strain SP19 exhibited the best combination of in vitro probiotic properties and genetic markers, and is a promising candidate for further investigation.

Characterization of Weissella koreensis SK Isolated from Kimchi Fermented at Low Temperature (around 0 °C) Based on Complete Genome Sequence and Corresponding Phenotype

This study identified lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that play a major role in kimchi fermented at low temperature, and investigated the safety and functionality of the LAB via biologic and genomic analyses for its potential use as a starter culture or probiotic. Fifty LAB were isolated from 45 kimchi samples fermented at -1.5~0 °C for 2~3 months. Weissella koreensis strains were determined as the dominant LAB in all kimchi samples. One strain, W. koreensis SK, was selected and its phenotypic and genomic features characterized. The complete genome of W. koreensis SK contains one circular chromosome and plasmid. W. koreensis SK grew well under mesophilic and psychrophilic conditions. W. koreensis SK was found to ferment several carbohydrates and utilize an alternative carbon source, the amino acid arginine, to obtain energy. Supplementation with arginine improved cell growth and resulted in high production of ornithine. The arginine deiminase pathway of W. koreensis SK was encoded in a cluster of four genes (arcA-arcB-arcD-arcC). No virulence traits were identified in the genomic and phenotypic analyses. The results indicate that W. koreensis SK may be a promising starter culture for fermented vegetables or fruits at low temperature as well as a probiotic candidate.

Optimal conditions for the encapsulation of Weissella cibaria JW15 using alginate and chicory root and evaluation of capsule stability in a simulated gastrointestinal system

The delivery of active probiotic cells in capsules can reduce probiotic cell loss induced by detrimental external factors during digestion. In this study, we determined the optimal conditions for the encapsulation of Weissella cibaria JW15 (JW15) within calcium and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-alginate with chicory root extract powder (CREP). JW15 was encapsulated as the core material (109 cells/mL, 2 mL/min), and a solution containing a mixture of 1.5% sodium alginate and 1% CREP was extruded into a receiving bath with 0.1 M calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) and 0.05% PEG. Capsule morphology and size were measured using optical microscopy. The optimal air pressure and frequency vibration for capsules containing alginate only (Al) were 200 mbar and 200 Hz, respectively and 100 mbar and 350 Hz for capsules containing alginate with CREP (Ch), respectively. The voltage for both capsules types was fixed at 1.35 kV. Then, the capsules were incubated in a simulated gastrointestinal (GI) system for 6 hr at 37 °C. The addition of PEG in a CaCl2 hardening solution led to degradation of the Ch capsule (Ch-PEG) and the release of cells into the small intestine vessel in the simulated GI system. By contrast, the cells were trapped within the Al capsules. Based on these data, effective encapsulation using alginate with CREP and PEG can enable JW15 to be released at a targeted anatomical site of activity within the GI system, thereby, enhancing the efficacy of probiotic cells. These protective effects can be leveraged during the development of probiotic products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Weissella cibaria JW15 (109 cells/mL) was encapsulated in biodegradable and biocompatible capsules, prepared by mixing 1.5% alginate with 1% chicory root extract powder (CREP) in 0.1 M CaCl2 and 0.05% PEG using an encapsulator. The optimal processing parameters were as follows: pressure, 100 mbar; vibration frequency, 350 Hz; voltage, 1.35 kV; and core flow rate, 2 mL/min. When the resulting capsules were subjected to a simulated gastrointestinal system for 6 hr, the cells were released into the small intestine, and up to 95% cell viability was preserved. These results suggest that capsules made from alginate with CREP and formulated using calcium and PEG are a promising delivery system for probiotic cells.

The immune-modulating effects of viable Weissella cibaria JW15 on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells

The objective of this study is to investigate the immune-enhancing ability of viable and heat-killed Weissella cibaria JW15 (JW15) isolated from Kimchi in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The immune effects were evaluated by measuring the production of NO, cytokines, inflammatory enzyme, and activation of NF-κB. Viable JW15 executed higher activity on stimulating the release of TNF-α as well as activating NF-κB compared to that of heat-killed JW15. Additionally, viable and heat-killed JW15 significantly increased the production of NO, IL-6 and TNF-α more than that of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). Furthermore, viable JW15 induced higher production of iNOS compared with that of viable LGG. Collectively, our finding indicates that viable JW15 had similar, if not more, immune-enhancing activities as heat-killed JW15. In addition, viable JW15 had higher immune-enhancing activity than commercial strain LGG. Therefore, viable JW15 has the potential to be used as a functional food to improve the host immune response.

Genome Sequence of Weissella cibaria M2, a Potential Probiotic Strain Isolated from the Feces of a Giant Panda

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Weissella cibaria M2, a potential probiotic strain isolated from the feces of a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The genome consists of one chromosome of 2.56 Mb and two plasmids. The genome contains 2,420 genes which make up 86.17% of genome.

Antidepressant-Like Effects of Cistanche tubulosa Extract on Chronic Unpredictable Stress Rats Through Restoration of Gut Microbiota Homeostasis

Growing evidence shows that neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, are linked with gut microbiome through the gut–brain axis. Cistanches Herba is well known for the treatment of “kidney-yang” deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and has been used for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in recent years. In this study, chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced depression model was established to explore the impact of Cistanche tubulosa extract (CTE) on behavioral tests, monoamine neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors in hippocampus and colon, gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. Moreover, correlation analysis was used to evaluate the functional relationship between altered gut microbiota, changed neurotransmitters and neurotrophins in hippocampus and colon, and disturbed concentration of SCFAs. CTE significantly improved depression-like behaviors in rats under CUS. Brain level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in CUS rats were restored by CTE. The relative abundance of gut microbiota and the concentrations of acetate and hexanoic acid could also be modulated by CTE treatment. We further showed that the application of CTE in CUS rats led to strong correlation among disrupted gut microbiota composition, hippocampus neurotransmitter levels, and production of neuroactive metabolite SCFAs. Altogether, these results identify CTE as a potential treatment for depressive symptoms by restoring homeostasis of gut microbiota for microbiota–gut–brain axis disorders, opening new avenues in the field of neuropsychopharmacology.

Genomic and metatranscriptomic analyses of Weissella koreensis reveal its metabolic and fermentative features during kimchi fermentation

The genomic and metabolic features of Weissella koreensis, one of the major lactic acid bacteria in kimchi, were investigated through genomic, metabolic, and transcriptomic analyses for the genomes of strains KCTC 3621^T, KACC 15510, and WiKim0080. W. koreensis strains were intrinsically vancomycin-resistant and harbored potential hemolysin genes that were actively transcribed although no hemolysin activity was detected. KEGG and reconstructed fermentative metabolic pathways displayed that W. koreensis strains commonly employ the heterolactic pathway to produce d-lactate, ethanol, acetate, CO₂, d-sorbitol, thiamine, and folate from various carbohydrates including d-glucose, d-mannose, d-lactose, l-malate, d-xylose, l-arabinose, d-ribose, N-acetyl-glucosamine, and gluconate, and strains KCTC 3621^T and WiKim0080 additionally have metabolic pathways of d-galacturonate and d-glucoronate. Phenotypic analyses showed that all strains did not ferment d-galactose, probably due to the lack of d-galactose transporting system, and strains KCTC 3621^T and WiKim0080 fermented d-fructose, indicating the presence of d-fructose transporting system. Fermentative features of W. koreensis were investigated through kimchi transcriptional analysis, suggesting that W. koreensis is mainly responsible for kimchi fermentation with the production of various fermentative metabolites during late fermentation period. This was the first study to investigate the genomic and metabolic features of W. koreensis, which may provide better understandings on kimchi fermentation.