Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is crucial for food digestion and nutrient absorption in humans. However, the GI tract is usually challenged with oxidative stress that can be induced by various factors, such as exogenous pathogenic microorganisms and dietary alterations. As a part of gut microbiota, Lactobacillus spp. play an important role in modulating oxidative stress in cells and tissues, especially in the GI tract. Oxidative stress is linked with excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can be formed by a few enzymes, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs). The redox mechanisms of Lactobacillus spp. may contribute to the downregulation of these ROS-forming enzymes. In addition, nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) are two common transcription factors, through which Lactobacillus spp. modulate oxidative stress as well. As oxidative stress is closely associated with inflammation and certain diseases, Lactobacillus spp. could potentially be applied for early treatment and amelioration of these diseases, either individually or together with prebiotics. However, further research is required for revealing their mechanisms of action as well as their extensive application in the future.
Highlights
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which comprises the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum as well as anus, plays an important role regarding food intake, digestion and nutrient absorption for humans and other mammals [1,2]
It is estimated that around 60 tons of foods will pass through the human GI tract during a normal lifetime, along with potential threats and challenges, which are primarily due to exogenous microbes [3]
Diseases that are linked to oxidative stress could be induced throughout the body where cells and tissues are damaged, and inflammation is usually involved in the relevant pathogenesis
Summary
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which comprises the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum as well as anus, plays an important role regarding food intake, digestion and nutrient absorption for humans and other mammals [1,2]. Apart from that, gut microbiota, as a complex group of microorganisms colonizing the GI tract, are of significant importance with regard to health [5] They may be considered as an extension of the human body, and contribute to the gut integrity [6], nutrient metabolism [7] and metabolic homeostasis [8]. L. fermentum GOS57 and L. plantarum GOS42 altered the gut microbiota composition by decreasing the amount of Enterobacteriaceae and increasing the amount of Lactobacillus spp. As a result of the beneficial role of gut microbiota, there has been an increasing focus regarding their positive impacts on oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of relevant diseases [18]. This review will discuss the potential of Lactobacillus spp. for modulating oxidative stress in the GI tract, with emphases on their redox mechanisms and possible application
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