Acidophilus CL1285 Research Articles

Anticancer properties and prevention of metabolic syndrome by probiotic-enriched powdered human milk

This work aimed to develop a novel formulation based on human milk (HM) enriched with a probiotic formulation comprised of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2 and to evaluate in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties and its impact on the prevention of risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In vitro studies were conducted on Hepa-1c1c7, HT-29, and CHO-K1 cell lines to assess the antiproliferative and anticancer properties of HM and probiotics. The in vivo study was conducted with 28 male Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Rats were daily force-fed with HM and HM + probiotics or water for 8 weeks. Inflammation and oxidative stress were monitored through blood cytokines and kidney investigation. Body weight and blood glucose were recorded throughout the study. The results showed that HM had antiproliferative properties and caused apoptosis of intestinal tumoral cells. Quinone reductase (QR) was induced up to 1.8x in Hepa-1c1c7 cell line demonstrating chemotherapeutic potential. HM enriched with probiotics reduced weight gain by 10% while renal oxidative damages were reduced by up to 97%. Blood insulin and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were also significantly reduced. The study showed that HM had antiproliferative and chemopreventive properties on cancer cell lines. The in vivo experiment suggests that the development of a formulation based on HM powder enriched with probiotics could be used to modulate the rate of inflammation and oxidative damage to tissues, thus reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases.

The Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285 Reduces Fat Deposition and Oxidative Stress and Increases Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Caenorhabditis elegans was recently shown to be a powerful model for studying and identifying probiotics with specific functions. Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lacticaseibacillus casei LBC80R, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CLR2, which are three bacteria that were marketed by Bio-K+, were evaluated using the nematode C. elegans to study fat accumulation, lifespan, and resistance to oxidative stress. Although the general effects of probiotics in terms of protection against oxidative stress were highlighted, the CL1285 strain had an interesting and specific feature, namely its ability to prevent fat accumulation in nematodes; this effect was verified by both the Oil Red and Nile Red methods. This observed phenotype requires daf-16 and is affected by glucose levels. In addition, in a daf-16- and glucose-dependent manner, CL1285 extended the lifespan of C. elegans; this effect was unique to CL1285 and not found in the other L. acidophilus subtypes in this study. Our findings indicate that L. acidophilus CL1285 impacts fat/glucose metabolism in C. elegans and provides a basis to further study this probiotic, which could have potential health benefits in humans and/or in mammals.

Implementation strategies for hospital-based probiotic administration in a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial design for preventing hospital-acquired Clostridioides difficile infection

BackgroundClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients, especially among older adults. Probiotics have been evaluated to prevent hospital-acquired (HA) CDI in patients who are receiving systemic antibiotics, but the implementation of timely probiotic administration remains a challenge. We evaluated methods for effective probiotic implementation across a large health region as part of a study to assess the real-world effectiveness of a probiotic to prevent HA-CDI (Prevent CDI-55 +).MethodsWe used a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial across four acute-care adult hospitals (n = 2,490 beds) to implement the use of the probiotic Bio-K + ® (Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285®, L. casei LBC80R® and L. rhamnosus CLR2®; Laval, Quebec, Canada) in patients 55 years and older receiving systemic antimicrobials. The multifaceted probiotic implementation strategy included electronic clinical decision support, local site champions, and both health care provider and patient educational interventions. Focus groups were conducted during study implementation to identify ongoing barriers and facilitators to probiotic implementation, guiding needed adaptations of the implementation strategy. Focus groups were thematically analyzed using the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research.ResultsA total of 340 education sessions with over 1,800 key partners and participants occurred before and during implementation in each of the four hospitals. Site champions were identified for each included hospital, and both electronic clinical decision support and printed educational resources were available to health care providers and patients. A total of 15 individuals participated in 2 focus group and 7 interviews. Key barriers identified from the focus groups resulted in adaptation of the electronic clinical decision support and the addition of nursing education related to probiotic administration. As a result of modifying implementation strategies for identified behaviour change barriers, probiotic adherence rates were from 66.7 to 75.8% at 72 h of starting antibiotic therapy across the four participating acute care hospitals.ConclusionsUse of a barrier-targeted multifaceted approach, including electronic clinical decision support, education, focus groups to guide the adaptation of the implementation plan, and local site champions, resulted in a high probiotic adherence rate in the Prevent CDI-55 + study.

Transcriptome analysis of the Clostridioides difficile response to a specific lactobacilli probiotic formulation: explanations for its mechanisms of action.

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. A probiotic formulation (Bio-K+) comprised of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lacticaseibacillus casei LBC80R, and Lacti. rhamnosus CLR2 strains have been shown to reduce the incidence of CDI and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). This research aims to therefore elucidate the mechanism of action of the three probiotic strained against C. difficile R20291, independently of the acidification of the environment. . Antitoxin activity was evaluated using ELISA method and the expression of C. difficile genes was evaluated using transcriptomic analysis in co-culture assays conducted in a bioreactor allowing precise control of the pH. The fermentation results demonstrated a decrease for toxin A and many genes directly related to C. difficile virulence were underexpressed in the co-cultures. The lactobacilli tested could have a role in the motility, the quorum sensing (QS), the survival of the spores, and the germination potential of the spores, which are essential elements for the virulence of C. difficile. .

Probiotic interventions promote metabolic health in high fat-fed hamsters in association with gut microbiota and endocannabinoidome alterations.

Probiotics represent a promising tool to improve metabolic health, including lipid profiles and cholesterol levels. Modulation of the gut microbiome and the endocannabinoidome - two interrelated systems involved in several metabolic processes influenced by probiotics - has been proposed as a potential mechanism of action. This study establishes the impact of probiotics on metabolic health, gut microbiota composition and endocannabinoidome mediators in an animal model of hypercholesterolaemia. Syrian hamsters were fed either a low-fat low-cholesterol or high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet to induce hypercholesterolaemia and gavaged for 6 weeks with either Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CHOL-200 or a combination of the two. Globally, probiotic interventions ameliorated, at least partially, lipid metabolism in HFHC-fed hamsters. The interventions, especially those including L. acidophilus, modified the gut microbiota composition of the small intestine and caecum in ways suggesting reversal of HFHC-induced dysbiosis. Several associations were observed between changes in gut microbiota composition and endocannabinoidome mediators following probiotic interventions and both systems were also associated with improved metabolic health parameters. For instance, potential connexions between the Eubacteriaceae and Deferribacteraceae families, levels of 2‑palmitoylglycerol, 2‑oleoylglycerol, 2‑linoleoylglycerol or 2‑eicosapentaenoylglycerol and improved lipid profiles were found. Altogether, our results suggest a potential crosstalk between gut microbiota and the endocannabinoidome in driving metabolic benefits associated with probiotics, especially those including L. acidophilus, in an animal model of hypercholesterolaemia.

Screening and Characterization of Some Lactobacillaceae for Detection of Cholesterol-Lowering Activities

Dyslipidemia, specifically abnormal levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Evidence showing the promising abilities of probiotics to lower total cholesterol or LDL-C has, however, not yet convinced experts to recommend probiotic bacteria as treatment for blood lipid management. Therefore, there are opportunities for the development of new efficient cholesterol-lowering probiotics. Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) and feruloyl esterase (FAE) are bacterial enzymes proposed to explain the cholesterol-lowering capacity of some bacteria and have both been shown to be responsible for lipid reduction in vivo. Here, in order to select for cholesterol-lowering bacteria, 70 strains related to Lactobacillaceae were screened for BSH and FAE activities. Based on this two-way screening approach, two bacteria were selected and assessed for their capacity to assimilate cholesterol in vitro, another suggested mechanism. Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285 showed BSH and FAE activity as well as capacity to assimilate cholesterol in vitro. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CHOL-200 exhibited BSH activity and ability to assimilate cholesterol. These properties observed in vitro make both strains good probiotic candidates for the management of dyslipidemia. Further investigation is needed to assess their ability to reduce blood cholesterol in human trial.

In vitro protein digestibility and physico-chemical properties of lactic acid bacteria fermented beverages enriched with plant proteins.

The objective of this study was to develop probiotic beverages, enriched with plant proteins, with high nutritional value. A rice-based beverage fermented with a specific probiotic formulation comprised Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2 has been enriched with a combination of pea and rice proteins (PR) or pea and hemp proteins (PH) at 13 and 11% total protein, respectively. These protein associations have been selected because their amino acid ratio was >1, as recommended by the FAO. The beverage enriched with protein significantly increased its viscosity by more than 10 times thanks to the enrichment, while the fermentation reduced it by 50% for PR and 20% for PH. In vitro protein digestibility results showed that the protein enrichment and the fermentation treatment significantly increased digestibility values of the beverages with value of 72.7% for fermented PR beverage and 61.4% for unenriched fermented control beverage (p ≤ 0.05). Peptide profiles of PR and PH enriched beverages indicated that the fermentation led to a reduced level of high molecular weight (HMW) peptides of about 60% and an increase of low molecular weight (LMW) peptides by over 50%. Therefore, both the fermentation and the enrichment in protein increased the nutritional value of the rice-based beverages. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Good quality of probiotics formulation and high-protein products are in increasing demand and plant proteins as an alternative of animal protein are popular. This study has permit to develop rice-based commercial probiotic beverages enriched in a combination of pea and rice or pea and hemp proteins in order to obtain a complete protein in terms of amino acids composition. The lactic acid fermentation and the enrichment with a plant protein combination led to a better protein digestibility of beverage.

The Acid-Dependent and Independent Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lacticaseibacillus casei LBC80R, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CLR2 on Clostridioides difficile R20291.

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) result from antibiotic use and cause severe diarrhea which is life threatening and costly. A specific probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lacticaseibacillus casei LBC80R, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CLR2 has demonstrated a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of several nosocomial C. difficile strains by production of antimicrobial metabolites during fermentation. Though there are several lactobacilli shown to inhibit C. difficile growth by processes relying on acidification, this probiotic has demonstrated potency for CDI prevention among hospitalized patients. Here, we describe the acid-dependent and independent mechanisms by which these strains impair the cytotoxicity of a hypervirulent strain, C. difficile R20291 (CD). These bacteria were co-cultured in a series of experiments under anaerobic conditions in glucose-rich and no-sugar medium to inhibit or stimulate CD toxin production, respectively. In glucose-rich medium, there was low CD toxin production, but sufficient amounts to cause cytotoxic damage to human fibroblast cells. In co-culture, there was acidification by the lactobacilli resulting in growth inhibition as well as ≥99% reduced toxin A and B production and no observable cytotoxicity. In the absence of glucose, CD produced much more toxin. In co-culture, the lactobacilli did not acidify the medium and CD growth was unaffected; yet, the amount of detected toxin A and B was decreased by 20% and 41%, respectively. Despite the high concentration of toxin, cells exposed to the supernatant from the co-culture were able to survive. These results suggest that in addition to known acid-dependent effects, the combination of L. acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R, and L. rhamnosus CLR2 can interfere with CD pathogenesis without acidification: (1) reduced toxin A and B production and (2) toxin neutralization. This might explain the strain specificity of this probiotic in potently preventing C. difficile-associated diarrhea in antibiotic-treated patients compared with other probiotic formulae.

The synergistic effect of cell wall extracted from probiotic biomass containing Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R, and L. rhamnosus CLR2 on the anticancer activity of cranberry juice-HPLC fractions.

Anticancer effects were evaluated on three HPLC fractions obtained from a concentrated cranberry juice and cell wall constituents extracted from a probiotic biomass containing Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2. The samples were tested at increasing concentrations for the antiproliferative assay using HT-29 cells' line and for the quinone reductase (QR) assay using Hepa-1c1c7 murine hepatoma cells. Fraction 1 (F1) which is highly concentrated with phenolic acids inhibited the growth of the HT-29 cells' line with IC50 values of 14.80µg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ml. The fraction 3 (F3) which is highly concentrated in flavonols had potency as QR inducer. Furthermore, the results showed that all cranberry fractions combined with cell wall constituents extracted from the probiotic biomass were more effective in inhibiting the growth of HT-29 as compared to the cranberry fractions tested alone, indicating a possible synergy effect between these bio-functional compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study strongly evidenced that cranberry juice fractions combined with cell wall constituents extracted from the probiotic biomass can be used as a potent preventive functional compound against colorectal cancer. Therefore, this research proposes a natural dietary compound to prevent mutagenesis and carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the industry can formulae products containing probiotic and phenolic compounds as colon cancer cell growth preventive and anticancer products.

2568. Mechanisms of a Specific Probiotic Comprised of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R and L. rhamnosus CLR2 that Interferes with Clostridioides difficile 20291 Toxin Production

Background Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) result from antibiotic use and cause severe diarrhea (C. difficile-associated diarrhea, CDAD) which is life-threatening and costly. A specific probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R and L. rhamnosus CLR2 (Bio-K+) has demonstrated benefits in preventing CDI and has a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of several nosocomial C. difficile strains in vitro. Many Lactobacilli can inhibit CD growth though lactic acidification. Here, we have investigated novel acid-independent mechanisms by which these strains impair C. difficile virulence.MethodsThe hypervirulent strain C. difficile R20291 was co-cultured anaerobically with Bio-K+ probiotic strains in various media and glucose concentrations (5 g/L, 3 g/L, 0 g/L), for 24 hours at 37°C. Parameters such as Log CFU, pH, Toxin A and B, cell cytotoxicity were measured. Statistical comparisons using ANOVA one-way was performed in order to determine whether the groups were significantly different.ResultsAt 5 g/L glucose, no C. difficile toxin was produced and co-culture with these lactobacilli resulted in potent acidification and growth inhibition. At 3 g/L glucose, C. difficile toxin production occurred and acidification by the lactobacilli resulted in growth inhibition as well as >99% reduced Toxin A and B production. In the absence of glucose and a starting pH of 7.0, TY broth, the lactobacilli did not acidify the medium and C. difficile growth was normal yet Toxin A and B production was partially reduced at, 20% and 41% lower. Toxin B from the supernatant of C. difficile grown in TY was cytotoxic to human fibroblast cells, but this was less cytotoxic when co-cultured with the Lactobacilli.ConclusionThese results suggest that the combination of L. acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R and L. rhamnosus CLR2 interferes with C. difficile pathogenesis through: 1) inhibition of C. difficile growth (via lactic acid secretion), 2) reduced toxin A/B synthesis and (3) toxin neutralization. These results might explain the strain specificity of Bio-K+ probiotic bacteria in potentially preventing C. difficile-associated diarrhea in antibiotic treated patients. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

2417. Feasibility and Safety of Using a Probiotic Comprised of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R and L. rhamnosus CLR2 for C. difficile Infection Prevention Among Antibiotic Users: 15-Years of Prospective Results from a Single-Center

BackgroundHospitals use multiple concurrent prevention strategies to curb nosocomial C. difficile infection, but there are limited data on the long-term feasibility or safety of using a probiotic. Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital, Québec, has been administering a probiotic comprised of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R and L. rhamnosus CLR2 since 2004 with documented results through March 31, 2014. Here we present an update for the past 5 years.MethodsSeveral nosocomial infection prevention practices were running concurrently at the hospital. Adult inpatients treated with antibiotics from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2019 were eligible to receive the probiotic. The hospital pharmacy ensured that each patient took the probiotic capsules (Bio-K+® 50 Billion) daily from the initiation of antibiotic use. Confirmed nosocomial cases of C. difficile infection were recorded and reported to the provincial public health agency. The rate of nosocomial CDI for this hospital was compared with other non-University affiliated hospitals in the health region with more than 110 beds and fewer than 45% of patients age 65 and older, and, to all other hospitals in the health system.ResultsCumulatively over the past 15 years, more than sixty thousand antibiotic-treated adult inpatients took the probiotic daily during antibiotic use. Among 13 comparable hospitals, Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital had the lowest rate of nosocomial CDI in 2014–2015, 2015–2016, 2016–2017, 2017–2018 and on average had the lowest rate for 2013–2018 (1.1 CDI cases per 10,000 patient-days). Compared with all hospitals in the Province of Quebec health system, N = 95, the hospital had the lowest nosocomial CDI rate on average for 2013–2018. No cases of Lactobacillus bacteremia were detected.ConclusionThe overall infection prevention strategy has been highly effective, resulting in a consistently low rate of nosocomial CDI. We found that it is feasible to administer this probiotic to antibiotic-treated inpatients with few restrictions. No Lactobacillus infections were observed from any of the three strains of bacteria for this probiotic when given to more than sixty thousand adult inpatients. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

509 Burden of IBS-Diarrhea Symptoms Tracked With Daily Journals for 12 Weeks in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Lactobacillus AcidophilusCL1285, L. Casei LBC80R and L. Rhamnosus CLR2

INTRODUCTION: The burden of symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome is chronic and fluctuates from day to day, yet most research studies rely on scheduled clinical interviews. Daily symptom journals may provide better precision of the burden of illness. The diarrhea-predominant presentation of IBS (IBS-D) is particularly disruptive to Quality of Life. METHODS: Subjects with a history of IBS were randomized, double-blind, to oral capsules of a probiotic comprised of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R and L. rhamnosusCLR2, 100 billion CFU daily, or placebo in a 2:1 ratio (Preston 2018). In addition to the clinical interviews, subjects kept daily records of each stool with the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS), and, scored their abdominal pain on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Scores were pooled for weeks 1 through 6 and weeks 7-12. Liquid stools had BSS ratings of 6 or 7. Missing journal entries were imputed with the Last Observation Carried Forward. A regression was performed for IBS-related Quality of Life scores at clinical interviews and journal data for abdominal pain and the proportion of liquid stools. RESULTS: Daily journals were available for 38 subjects with IBS-D (N = 26, active, N = 12, placebo). The active treatment group had significantly more liquid stools at baseline relative to placebo, RR = 1.2, P < 0.001. Both groups decreased vs. baseline for weeks 1-6 but the ratio remained the same, RR = 1.2, P < 0.001. For weeks 7-12 the number of liquid stools for placebo plateaued but the active group continued to improve, RR = 0.7, P < 0.001. The number of days of abdominal pain, 6 or greater on the VAS, in each arm was similar at baseline, RR = 0.9, but there were significantly fewer days of pain with probiotic treatment vs. placebo for weeks 1-6 and 7-12, RR = 0.6, 0.5, respectively, P < 0.001. For weeks 7-12, the probiotic group experienced fewer weeks with any pain rating of 6 or greater, RR = 0.6, P = 0.02. Better Quality of Life was correlated with fewer days of abdominal pain, 3 or greater on the VAS, and, a lower proportion of liquid stools (R2 = 0.16, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was an important decrease in the burden of IBS-D symptoms in both treatment arms. Compared to placebo, subjects taking the probiotic capsules had fewer liquid stools and fewer days of abdominal pain. Despite variability among the subjects with IBS-D, fewer days of pain and a lower proportion of liquid stools correlated with improved IBS-related Quality of Life. Preston K, et al. Beneficial Microbes, 2018, 9(5):697-706.

Choosing an appropriate probiotic product for your patient: An evidence-based practical guide.

IntroductionClinicians and patients face a daunting task when choosing the most appropriate probiotic for their specific needs. Available preparations encompass a diverse and continuously expanding product base, with most available products lacking evidence-based trials that support their use. Even when evidence exists, not all probiotic products are equally effective for all disease prevention or treatment indications. At this point in time, drug regulatory agencies offer limited assistance with regard to guidance and oversight in most countries, including the U.S.MethodsWe reviewed the current medical literature and sources on the internet to survey the types of available probiotic products and to determine which probiotics had evidence-based efficacy data. Standard medical databases from inception to June 2018 were searched and discussions with experts in the field were conducted. We graded the strength of the evidence for probiotics having multiple, randomized controlled trials and developed a guide for the practical selection of current probiotic products for specific uses.ResultsWe found the efficacy of probiotic products is both strain-specific and disease-specific. Important factors involved in choosing the appropriate probiotic include matching the strain(s) with the targeted disease or condition, type of formulation, dose used and the source (manufacturing quality control and shelf-life). While we found many probiotic products lacked confirmatory trials, we found sufficient evidence for 22 different types of probiotics from 249 trials to be included. For example, several types of probiotics had strong evidence for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea [Saccharomyces boulardii I-745, a three-strain mixture (Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei Lbc80r, L. rhamnosus CLR2) and L. casei DN114001]. Strong evidence was also found for four types of probiotics for the prevention of a variety of other diseases/conditions (enteral-feed associated diarrhea, travellers’ diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolits and side-effects associated with H. pylori treatments. The evidence was most robust for the treatment of pediatric acute diarrhea based on 59 trials (7 types of probiotics have strong efficacy), while an eight-strain multi-strain mixture showed strong efficacy for inflammatory bowel disease and two types of probiotics had strong efficacy for irritable bowel disease. Of the 22 types of probiotics reviewed, 15 (68%) had strong-moderate evidence for efficacy for at least one type of disease.ConclusionThe choice of an appropriate probiotic is multi-factored, based on the mode and type of disease indication and the specific efficacy of probiotic strain(s), as well as product quality and formulation.Trial registrationThis review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42018103979.

Investigating the therapeutic potential of a probiotic in a clinical population with chronic hand dermatitis.

BackgroundHand dermatitis or hand eczema (HD) is one of the most common dermatologic conditions. Lesions, scaling, pruritus and pain are chronic and relapsing. Improved HD has been reported with the probiotic composed of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2 (Bio-K+).PurposeInvestigation of the therapeutic potential of this probiotic as the sole systemic treatment for adults with nonacute HD.Subjects and methodsA single-center study documented clinical ratings and patient-reported outcomes in adults with chronic HD. The probiotic was taken orally for 12 weeks, adjunctive to standard topical treatments and preventative measures.ResultsMost of the 30 subjects with mild to severe HD were compliant with the probiotic. Around 22 of the 30 subjects were able to complete the study, and of these subjects, an improvement was noted in 19. One required systemic therapy, and one subject was not able to tolerate the probiotic and therefore discontinued the study. 23% of the subjects achieved clear or almost clear hands by the end of 12 weeks. Pruritus, which was a common complaint at baseline, was improved with 59% of symptomatic patients within 2 weeks.ConclusionIt is feasible and safe to administer Bio-K+ for HD. Clinicians saw an improvement in most subjects’ hands, and cases of significant improvement in dermatitis were documented. Pruritus was the most rapidly relieved symptom, as reported by patients.

Cancer preventive effect of a specific probiotic fermented milk components and cell walls extracted from a biomass containing L. acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R, and L. rhamnosus CLR2 on male F344 rats treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine

The colon carcinogenesis was induced in male F344 rats by N,N-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). In addition to the DMH, four groups of rats received respectively fermented milk (FM), fermented milk supernatant, fermented milk pellet (P) and cell wall constitutes through gavage. All rats supplemented with probiotic formula and its components had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lowered the count of aberrant crypt and the number of aberrant crypt foci as compared to the positive control (PC) group. Rats administrated with P were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) able to induce the activity of quinone reductase compared to rats in PC group. Rats administered with FM showed a significant lower activity (p ≤ 0.05) of β-glucuronidase. Rats in FM group showed also a reduced activity of β-glucosidase and an induction of the activity of glutathione S-transferase. These results indicate that the probiotic bacteria and the metabolite release during the fermentation process could prevent colorectal carcinogenesis.

Cancer preventive effects of a specific probiotic fermented milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R and L. rhamnosus CLR2 on male F344 rats treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine

The effect of fermented milk (FM) consisting of three probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R and L. rhamnosus CLR2) on colon cancer prevention in rats treated with dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was investigated. The rats were divided into 7 groups of 8 animals. Rats were fed with a high fat low fibre diet; group 1 was a negative control, while groups 2 to 7 were injected with DMH (30 mg/kg s.c.) once a week for six weeks. Groups 3 to 7 were gavaged respectively with 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5 and 0.25 ml of FM every day. After 12 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the colon, caecum and liver were collected. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon were determined using a microscope. Detoxifying enzymes like quinone reductase (QR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and faecal enzymes such as β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase were evaluated by spectrophotometry. The rats fed with the three highest doses significantly lowered aberrant crypt (AC) count, while those supplemented with 1.5 and 2 ml FM lowered significantly ACF count compared to group 2 (p ≤ 0.05). Rats fed with the highest doses significantly induced GST activity, while only rats fed with 2 ml reduced significantly β-glucuronidase activity compared to group 2 (p ≤ 0.05). These results indicate that the FM could have a potential role in colorectal cancer prevention.

A Decade of Experience in Primary Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection at a Community Hospital Using the Probiotic Combination Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2 (Bio-K+).

In August 2003, the 284-bed community hospital Pierre-Le Gardeur (PLGH) in Quebec experienced a major outbreak associated with the Clostridium difficile NAP1/027/BI strain. Augmented standard preventive measures (SPMs) were not able to control this outbreak. It was decided in February 2004 to give to every adult inpatient on antibiotics, without any exclusion, a probiotic (Bio-K+: Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2) within 12 hours of the antibiotic prescription. Augmented SPMs were continued. The use of the probiotic in addition to SPMs was associated with a marked reduction of C. difficile infection (CDI). During the 10 years of observation, 44 835 inpatients received Bio-K+, and the CDI rate at PLGH declined from 18.0 cases per 10,000 patient-days and remained at low mean levels of 2.3 cases per 10,000 patient-days. Additionally, 10-year data collected by the Ministry of Health in Quebec comparing the CDI rate between Quebec hospitals showed that CDI rates at PLGH were consistently and continuously lower compared with those at similar hospitals. Blood cultures were monitored at PLGH for Lactobacillus bacteremia through the 10 years' experience, and no Lactobacillus bacteremias were detected. Despite the limitation of an observational study, we concluded that the probiotic Bio-K+ was safe and effective in decreasing our primary CDI rate.

Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2 (Bio-K+): Characterization, Manufacture, Mechanisms of Action, and Quality Control of a Specific Probiotic Combination for Primary Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection.

A specific probiotic formulation composed of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2 (Bio-K+) has been marketed in North America since 1996. The strains and the commercial products have been evaluated for safety, identity, gastrointestinal survival, and stability throughout shelf life. The capacity of both the fermented beverages and the capsules to reduce incidences of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been demonstrated in human clinical trials. Individual strains and the finished products have shown antimicrobial activity against C. difficile and toxin A/B neutralization capacity in vitro. The use of this specific probiotic formulation as part of a bundle of preventive measures to control CDI in healthcare settings is discussed.

Bacterial counts from five over-the-counter probiotics: Are you getting what you paid for?

There is concern that the bacterial colony counts present at the time of manufacture and listed on the probiotic package may not be reflective of the numbers viable colonies at the time of purchase and patient consumption thereby diminishing efficacy. We performed a colony count study of three separate samples of five different probiotics purchased from three different stores: Bifidobacterium infantis (Align®); Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285® and Lactobacillus casei LBC80R® (Bio-K+®); Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (Culturelle®); Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor®) and “L. acidophilus” and “Lactobacillus helveticus” (Lactinex®). Approximately 1 g of powder of each (Lactinex® tablets were crushed before testing) was reconstituted in sterile distilled water, serial 10-fold dilutions were prepared and plated in duplicate onto blood agar plates, with incubation for 48 h in an anaerobic chamber (except the Saccharomyces which was incubated aerobically) after which colony counts were performed. The Florastor® packaging did not state an expected concentration and was found to have 9.2 × 109–1.3 × 1010 CFU/g. Lactinex®, Align®, Bio-K+®, and Culturelle® had viable colony counts that were similar to those stated on the package.

Role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug-resistant micro-organism and is the principal nosocomial pathogen worldwide. Following initial in vitro experiments demonstrating that Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285® and Lactobacillus casei LBC80R® commercial strains exhibit antibacterial activity against clinical MRSA isolates, we conducted a literature search to find any evidence of probiotic efficacy in decolonisation or treatment of S. aureus infection. As summarised below, many strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria isolated from a variety of sources inhibited the growth of S. aureus and clinical isolates of MRSA in vitro. The most active strains were Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Propionibacterium acnes, Lactobacillus paracasei, L. acidophilus, L. casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactococcus lactis. Their effects were mediated both by direct cell competitive exclusion as well as production of acids or bacteriocin-like inhibitors. L. acidophilus also inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation and lipase production. In vitro antimicrobial activity did not necessarily assure efficacy in vivo in animal infectious models, e.g. S. aureus 8325–4 was most sensitive in vitro to L. acidophilus, whilst in vivo Bifidobacterium bifidum best inhibited experimental intravaginal staphylococcosis in mice. On the other hand, L. plantarum, which showed the highest inhibition activity against S. aureus in vitro, was also very effective topically in preventing skin wound infection with S. aureus in mice. Very few clinical data were found on the interactions between probiotics and MRSA, but the few identified clinical cases pointed to the feasibility of elimination or reduction of MRSA colonisation with probiotic use.