Administration Of Lactobacilli Research Articles

Efficacy of Lactobacillus Administration in School-Age Children with Asthma: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Probiotics may have immunomodulatory effects. However, these effects in asthma remain unclear and warrant clinical trials. Here, we evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei (LP), Lactobacillus fermentum (LF), and their combination (LP + LF) on the clinical severity, immune biomarkers, and quality of life in children with asthma. This double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 160 children with asthma aged 6–18 years (trial number: NCT01635738), randomized to receive LP, LF, LP + LF, or a placebo for 3 months. Their Global Initiative for Asthma–based asthma severity, Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) scores, Pediatric Asthma Severity Scores, Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores, peak expiratory flow rates (PEFRs), medication use, the levels of immune biomarkers (immunoglobulin E (IgE), interferon γ, interleukin 4, and tumor necrosis factor α) at different visits, and the associated changes were evaluated. Compared with the placebo group by generalized estimating equation model, children receiving LP, LF, and LP + LF had lower asthma severity (p = 0.024, 0.038, and 0.007, respectively) but higher C-ACT scores (p = 0.005, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). The LP + LF group demonstrated increased PEFR (p < 0.01) and decreased IgE levels (p < 0.05). LP, LF, or their combination (LP + LF) can aid clinical improvement in children with asthma.

THE IMPACT OF THE PROBIOTIC BACTERIA ON THE CONTAMINATED MICROBIAL OF THE FEMALE GENITAL TRACT AND ITS EFFECT ON THE IVF OUTCOME

The microbial contamination of the female genital tract has effect on the ivf outcome and negatively effect on fertility, fertilization and implantation rate. Lactobacillus sp. is the dominant organism of the vaginal flora that have an important role in the inhibition of pathogen. 48 patients were selected for this study aged between 20-40 years, During embryo transfer, 3 samples were collected from each patient from vagina, end cervical canal and the tip of the catheter. The samples were assayed microbiology. The microbial culture contained natural flora and pathogen organism .The isolated pathogens were identified as Klebsilla pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. famata, C. parapsilosis, C. catenulate according to Bergeyˊs manual and confirmed by VITEK System. Candida sp found to be the most frequent infemale genital tract. The probiotic (Lactobacillus. acidophilus) and its metabolites (bacteriocin) were inhibited growth of isolated pathogenic microbial in vitro.The result showed that L. acidophilus and their metabolite bacteriocin have antagonistic activity against pathogenic microbes. Recommendation: Oral or transvaginal administration of Lactobacillus or bacteriocin antiseptics; disinfected; maintain a health vagina and prevent the infection of the reproductive tract.

Immobilization stress-induced Escherichia coli causes anxiety by inducing NF-\u03baB activation through gut microbiota disturbance

The present study aimed to understand the crosstalk between anxiety and gut microbiota. Exposure of mice to immobilization stress (IS) led to anxiety-like behaviors, increased corticosterone and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in the blood, increased nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and microglia/monocyte populations in the hippocampus, and suppressed brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus. Furthermore, IS exposure increased NF-κB activation and monocyte population in the colon and increased Proteobacteria and Escherichia coli populations in the gut microbiota and fecal and blood lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels while decreasing the lactobacilli population. Oral administration of the fecal microbiota of mice treated with IS (FIS) or E. coli led to the increased NF-κB activation and monocyte population in the colon. These treatments increased blood corticosterone and LPS levels and anxiety-like behaviors, decreased BDNF expression, and induced NF-κB activation and microglia/monocyte populations in the hippocampus. Intraperitoneal injection of LPS purified from E. coli also led to anxiety and colitis in mice. Oral administration of commensal lactobacilli, particularly Lactobacillus johnsonii, attenuated IS- or E. coli-induced colitis and anxiety-like behaviors and biomarkers. These findings suggest that exposure to stressors can increase Proteobacteria populations and fecal LPS levels and cause gastrointestinal inflammation, resulting in the deterioration of anxiety through NF-κB activation. However, the amelioration of gastrointestinal inflammation by treatment with probiotics including L. johnsonii can alleviate anxiety.

Lactobacillus Aggravate Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice

Lactobacillus (LAB) have been reported to exert both harmful and beneficial effects on human and animal health. Recently, it has been reported that dysbiosis and bacterial translocation contribute to liver fibrosis. However, the role of Gram-positive LAB in the situation of chronic liver diseases has not been yet elucidated. Liver injury was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in LAB or control-administered mice. Liver fibrosis was enhanced in LAB-administered mice compared with control-treated mice as demonstrated by quantification of Sirius-red positive area, hydroxyproline contents and fibrosis-related genes (Col1α1, Acta2, Timp1, Tgfb1). Moreover, LAB-administered mice were more susceptible to BDL-induced liver injury as shown by increased ALT and AST level of LAB group compared with control group at 5 days post BDL. Consistent with serum level, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) were also significantly increased in LAB-treated mice. Of note, LAB-treated liver showed increased lipoteichoic acid (LTA) expression compared with control-treated liver, indicating that LAB-derived LTA may translocate from intestine to liver via portal vein. Indeed, responsible receptor or inflammatory factor (PAFR and iNOS) for LTA were upregulated in LAB-administered group. The present findings demonstrate that administration of LAB increases LTA translocation to liver and induces profibrogenic inflammatory milieu, leading to aggravation of liver fibrosis. The current study provides new cautious information of LAB for liver fibrosis patients to prevent the detrimental effect of LAB supplements.

Role of Lactobacilli and Lactoferrin in the Mucosal Cervicovaginal Defense.

The innate defense system of the female mucosal genital tract involves a close and complex interaction among the healthy vaginal microbiota, different cells, and various proteins that protect the host from pathogens. Vaginal lactobacilli and lactoferrin represent two essential actors in the vaginal environment. Lactobacilli represent the dominant bacterial species able to prevent facultative and obligate anaerobes outnumber in vaginal microbiota maintaining healthy microbial homeostasis. Several mechanisms underlie the protection exerted by lactobacilli: competition for nutrients and tissue adherence, reduction of the vaginal pH, modulation of immunity, and production of bioactive compounds. Among bioactive factors of cervicovaginal mucosa, lactoferrin, an iron-binding cationic glycoprotein, is a multifunctional glycoprotein with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities, recently emerging as an important modulator of inflammation. Lactobacilli and lactoferrin are largely under the influence of female hormones and of paracrine production of various cytokines. Lactoferrin is strongly increased in lower genital tract mucosal fluid of women affected by Neisseria gonorrheae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis infections promoting both innate and adaptive immune responses. In vaginal dysbiosis characterized by low amounts of vaginal lactobacilli and increased levels of endogenous anaerobic bacteria, the increase in lactoferrin could act as an immune modulator assuming the role normally played by the healthy microbiota in vaginal mucosa. Then lactoferrin and lactobacilli may be considered as biomarkers of altered microbial homeostasis at vaginal level. Considering the shortage of effective treatments to counteract recurrent and/or antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, the intravaginal administration of lactobacilli and lactoferrin could be a novel efficient therapeutic strategy and a valuable tool to restore mucosal immune homeostasis.

Gene expression profile changes in the jejunum of weaned piglets after oral administration of Lactobacillus or an antibiotic

The small intestine plays an essential role in the health and well-being of animals. Previous studies have shown that Lactobacillus has a protective effect on intestinal morphology, intestinal epithelium integrity and appropriate maturation of gut-associated tissues. Here, gene expression in jejunum tissue of weaned piglets was investigated by RNA-seq analysis after administration of sterile saline, Lactobacillus reuteri, or an antibiotic (chlortetracycline). In total, 401 and 293 genes were significantly regulated by chlortetracycline and L. reuteri, respectively, compared with control treatment. Notably, the HP, NOX1 and GPX2 genes were significantly up-regulated in the L. reuteri group compared with control, which is related to the antioxidant ability of this strain. In addition, the expression of genes related to arachidonic acid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism enriched after treatment with L. reuteri. The fatty acid composition in the jejunum and colon was examined by GC-MS analysis and suggested that the MUFA C18:1n9c, and PUFAs C18:2n6c and C20:4n6 were increased in the L. reuteri group, verifying the GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses of the RNA-seq results. The results contribute to our understanding of the probiotic activity of this strain and its application in pig production.

Interactions between lactobacilli and chicken macrophages induce antiviral responses against avian influenza virus

Macrophages are an important cell type of the innate immune system that upon activation, can exert antiviral functions and also can induce virus-specific adaptive immune responses. Macrophage interaction with certain probiotic bacteria such as lactobacilli can enhance antiviral functions of these cells. We have previously shown that administration of lactobacilli to chickens can effectively augment immune response to vaccine antigens. Here, we investigated the effects of representative strains of three Lactobacillus species, L. acidophilus, L. reuteri and L. salivarius used alone or in combination, in enhancing antiviral activity of chicken macrophages against avian influenza virus in an in vitro model using MQ-NCSU cells. Treatment of macrophages with probiotic lactobacilli significantly enhanced the antiviral functions, as determined by the virus titration assay. We also found that lactobacilli stimulation of macrophages induced significantly higher expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon (IFN)- γ and IFN-α cytokine genes as well as interferon regulatory factor-7 (IRF7), 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) and interferon-inducible transmembrane protein M3 (IFITM3) genes. Furthermore, macrophages that were treated with lactobacilli had significantly enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO) and IFN-γ protein as well as surface expression of the costimulatory molecule CD40. However, the antiviral and immunostimulatory effects of probiotic lactobacilli largely depended on the Lactobacillus species studied. Collectively, the results from our study using an in vitro model showed that certain Lactobacillus species can effectively augment antiviral responses in chicken macrophages.

Characterization of vaginal lactobacilli from HIV-negative and HIV-positive Indian women and their association with genital HIV-1 shedding.

One of the crucial determinants for successful administration of lactobacilli to the vaginal niche is the use of appropriate Lactobacillus species. In this cross-sectional study 54 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative and 76 HIV-positive antiretroviral treatment-naïve women were evaluated for culturable vaginal lactobacilli and their association with genital HIV-1 shedding. Lactobacillus species were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing while cervical and plasma HIV-1 viral load was determined by Abbott real-time PCR. Lactobacilli were isolated in 77.8 % HIV-negative and 73.7 % HIV-positive women. The mean log10 plasma and cervical HIV-1 viral loads (RNA copies ml-1) were 3.73±1.02 and 2.85±0.32 respectively. We observed that presence of L. crispatus, L. gasseri or L. jensenii species was associated with undetectable cervical HIV-1 (P=0.046) and reduced genital HIV-1 shedding (P=0.048) compared to other species. Our findings endorse using Lactobacillus-based strategies to aid the prevention of HIV-1 transmission among Indian women, however confirmation by future prospective studies is indeed warranted.

Oral administration of lactobacilli isolated from Jeotgal, a salted fermented seafood, inhibits the development of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in mice.

Certain strains of lactobacilli have been reported to exert favorable effects on atopic dermatitis (AD). Jeotgal, a traditional Korean food, is a salted fermented seafood known to harbor many lactic acid bacteria. In the present study, two novel lactobacillus strains were isolated from Jeotgal, and their anti-AD effects were investigated. Lactobacilli isolated from Jeotgal were identified, according to conjugated linoleic acid-producing activity, as Lactobacillus plantarum (JBCC105645 and JBCC105683). AD-like skin lesions were induced in BALB/c mice using dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Ear swelling, histological analysis and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in mice were evaluated to investigate the anti-AD effects of lactobacilli. Cytokine production of ex vivo cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ T cells, and interleukin (IL)-12 production of in vitro macrophages were also evaluated to establish a putative mechanism of the action of lactobacilli. Administration of JBCC105645 or JBCC105683 suppressed ear swelling and serum IgE levels in DNFB-treated mice (P<0.05). Notably, JBCC105645 was more effective than JBCC105683 (P<0.05). Treatment with the lactobacilli also induced a significant decrease in IL-4 production with concomitant increase in interferon (IFN)-γ production in DNFB-exposed CD4+ T cells, and an increase in IL-12 production in macrophages (P<0.05). Taken together, the lactobacilli isolated from Jeotgal may suppress the development of AD-like skin inflammation in mice by modulating IL-4 and IFN-γ production in CD4+ T cells, presumably via enhancing IL-12 production by macrophages.

Changes in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota of weaned piglets after oral administration of Lactobacillus or an antibiotic.

The gut microbiota plays important roles in the health and well-being of animals, and high-throughput sequencing facilitates exploration of microbial populations in the animal gut. However, previous studies have focused on fecal samples instead of the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we compared the microbiota diversity and composition of intestinal contents of weaned piglets treated with Lactobacillus reuteri or chlortetracycline (aureomycin) using high-throughput sequencing. Nine weaned piglets were randomly divided into three groups and supplemented with L. reuteri, chlortetracycline, or saline for 10days, and then the contents of three intestinal segments (jejunum, colon, and cecum) were obtained and used for sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The microbiota diversity and composition in the jejunum were different from those in the colon and cecum among the three treatments. In the jejunum, treatment with L. reuteri increased the species richness of the microbiota, as indicated by the ACE and Chao1 indexes, compared with the chlortetracycline group, in which several taxa were eliminated. In the colon and cecum, relative abundances of the phylum Firmicutes and the genus Prevotella were higher in the chlortetracycline group than in the other groups. Distances between clustered samples revealed that the L. reuteri group was closer to the chlortetracycline group than the control group for jejunum samples, while colon and cecum samples of the L. reuteri group were clustered with those of the control group. This study provides fundamental knowledge for future studies such as the development of alternatives to antibiotics.

Impact of Probiotic SYNBIO(®) Administered by Vaginal Suppositories in Promoting Vaginal Health of Apparently Healthy Women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether vaginal administration of probiotic Lactobacillus results in their colonization and persistence in the vagina and whether it promotes normalization and maintenance of pH and Nugent score. A single-arm, open-label controlled towards the baseline (pre-post) study including 35 apparently healthy women was conducted. Each woman was examined three times during the study. Women were instructed to receive daily for 7 days, the probiotic suppositories SYNBIO(®) gin (Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC 501(®) and Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502(®)). Vaginal swabs were collected during visit 1, 2, and 3 to determine the total lactobacilli count, the presence of the two administered bacteria, the measure of the pH, and the estimation of Nugent score. Evaluation of treatment tolerability was based on analysis of the type and occurrence of adverse events. The probiotic vaginal suppository was well tolerated and no side effects were reported. Intermediate Nugent score was registered in 40% of women at visit 1 and these intermediate scores reverted to normal at day 7 (end of treatment) in 20% of subjects. Administration of SYNBIO(®) gin contributed to a significant increase in the lactobacilli level at visit 2. Molecular typing revealed the presence of the two strains originating from SYNBIO(®) gin in 100% of women at visit 2 and 34% at visit 3. No significant changes were registered for pH between visits. The SYNBIO(®) gin product is safe for daily use in healthy women and it could be useful to restore and maintain a normal vaginal microbiota.

Consumption of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MTCC: 5897) containing fermented milk plays a key role in development of the immune system in newborn mice during the suckling–weaning transition

ABSTRACTEarly infancy, the period when offspring rely not only on their own immunity to combat food‐borne antigens but also acquire immunity through maternal sources (via transplacental routes and breast milk), is critical for immune system development Hence the present study was designed to evaluate the effect on offspring of administration of probiotic‐containing fermented milk (PFM) either to mothers during the suckling period or to their offspring after weaning either separately or sequentially. PFM‐fed mice showed enhanced leukocyte functionality in offspring as evidenced by significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased release of lysosomal enzymes (β‐galactosidase, β‐glucuronidase) in peritoneal fluid and nitric oxide production in culture supernatants of activated macrophages. Further, remarkably reduced levels (P &lt; 0.01) of inflammatory markers (TNF‐α, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1) and allergic antibodies (total and milk specific IgE) were observed in offspring where PFM was fed either to them or to their mothers. However, considerably increased levels (P &lt; 0.05) of SIgA were found in the guts of control and experimental groups animals irrespective of their exposure to PFM. Restoration of Th1/Th2 homeostasis further confirmed the useful effects of PFM supplementation by shifting the cytokine profile (IL‐4, IFN‐γ and IL‐10) with increased IFN‐γ/IL‐4 and reduced IgE/Ig2Ga ratios. Hence, it is logical to conclude that administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus‐containing (MTCC:5897) fermented milk to mothers during the suckling period and to their offspring after weaning has beneficial effects on the development of newborns immune systems; this effect appears to be more pronounced when mothers are fed with it.

Prevention of Infectious Mastitis by Oral Administration of Lactobacillus salivarius PS2 During Late Pregnancy.

Previous studies have shown that oral administration of lactobacilli can be an efficient approach to treat lactational infectious mastitis. In this trial, we have evaluated the potential of Lactobacillus salivarius PS2 to prevent this condition when orally administered during late pregnancy to women who had experienced infectious mastitis after previous pregnancies. In this study, 108 pregnant women were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. Those in the probiotic group (n = 55) ingested daily 9 log10 colony-forming units of L. salivarius PS2 from approximately week 30 of pregnancy until delivery, whereas those in the placebo group (n = 53) received a placebo. The occurrence of mastitis was evaluated during the first 3 months after delivery. Globally, 44 of 108 women (41%) developed mastitis; however, the percentage of women with mastitis in the probiotic group (25% [n = 14]) was significantly lower than in the control group (57% [n = 30]). When mastitis occurred, the milk bacterial counts in the probiotic group were significantly lower than those obtained in the placebo group. Oral administration of L. salivarius PS2 during late pregnancy appears to be an efficient method to prevent infectious mastitis in a susceptible population. NCT01505361.

Efficacy and safety of a vaginal medicinal product containing three strains of probiotic bacteria: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial.

ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to evaluate whether vaginal administration of probiotic Lactobacillus results in their colonization and persistence in the vagina and whether Lactobacillus colonization promotes normalization and maintenance of pH and Nugent score.Patients and methodsThe study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. Altogether, 376 women were assessed for eligibility, and signed informed consent. One hundred and sixty eligible women with abnormal, also called intermediate, vaginal microflora, as indicated by a Nugent score of 4–6 and pH >4.5 and zero or low Lactobacillus count, were randomized. Each participant was examined four times during the study. Women were randomly allocated to receive either the probiotic preparation inVag®, or a placebo (one capsule for seven consecutive days vaginally). The product inVag includes the probiotic strains Lactobacillus fermentum 57A, Lactobacillus plantarum 57B, and Lactobacillus gasseri 57C. We took vaginal swabs during visits I, III, and IV to determine the presence and abundance of bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus, measure the pH, and estimate the Nugent score. Drug safety evaluation was based on analysis of the types and occurrence of adverse events.ResultsAdministration of inVag contributed to a significant decrease (between visits) in both vaginal pH (P<0.05) and Nugent score (P<0.05), and a significant increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus between visit I and visits III and IV (P<0.05). Molecular typing revealed the presence of Lactobacillus strains originating from inVag in 82% of women taking the drug at visit III, and 47.5% at visit IV. There was no serious adverse event related to inVag administration during the study.ConclusionThe probiotic inVag is safe for administration to sustainably restore the healthy vaginal microbiota, as demonstrated by predominance of the Lactobacillus bacteria in vaginal microbiota.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei on the levels of periodontopathic bacteria in periodontitis: A clinico-microbiologic study.

This study was designed to evaluate whether the oral administration of lactobacilli could change the bacterial population in subgingival plaque. Forty-two healthy volunteers with chronic generalized mild to moderate periodontitis were given a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei for 1 month. Subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, after which the patients were asked to consume the probiotic drink once daily for 1 month. At the 1 month interval, plaque samples were collected, and the drink discontinued. The patients were recalled at 2 months interval for collection of the final samples. The bacterial amounts in the plaque samples were analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction procedure. Of the three periodontopathic bacteria selected, Porphyromonas gingivalis showed highly significant reductions in the bacterial levels at 1-month and 2 months intervals. In comparison, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, when present higher than 10 × 10(3) at baseline, and Prevotella intermedia present higher than 2 × 10(3) at baseline, showed moderately significant reduction in their numbers. Oral administration of the probiotic lactobacilli reduced the numerical sum of the three selected periodontopathic bacteria and could contribute to the beneficial effects on periodontal conditions.

Effect of intestinal colonisation by two Lactobacillus strains on the immune response of gnotobiotic mice.

The effect of intestinal colonisation on the immune system was investigated in germ-free mice monoassociated with Lactobacillus strains isolated from calf faeces. Single doses of Lactobacillus acidophilus L36 or Lactobacillus salivarius L38 were administered to germ-free mice by intragastric gavage. Ten days later, the mice were euthanised. Gene expression levels of interleukin 5 (IL-5), IL-6, IL-10, IL-12b, IL-17a, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were quantified in segments of the small and large intestines by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All the mice were colonised rapidly after Lactobacillus administration with intestinal counts ranging from 6.53 to 8.26 log cfu/g. L. acidophilus L36 administration increased the expression of cytokines involved with the Th2 (IL-5, IL-6 and TGF-β1) and Th17 (IL-17a, TNF-α and IL-6) inflammatory response, whereas L. salivarius L38 appeared to stimulate a pattern of less diversified cytokines in the intestine. Intragastric gavage of L. acidophilus L36 and L. salivarius L38 induced similar levels of colonisation in the digestive tracts of germ-free mice but stimulated different immune responses in the intestinal mucosa. The different immunomodulation patterns might facilitate the potential use of these lactobacilli as probiotics to treat distinct pathological conditions, for example protection against Citrobacter rodentium infection by stimulating IL-17 production.

RBet v 1 immunotherapy of sensitized mice with Streptococcus thermophilus as vehicle and adjuvant

Lactobacilli are able to induce upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules in DCs with Th1 cytokines production and increase in Treg activity. This could explain the observed effectiveness of the prolonged administration of lactobacilli in the prevention of allergic disorders in infants and envisage the possible use of bacteria expressing the allergen for the specific immunotherapy of allergic diseases. Hence, we evaluated Streptococcus thermophilus (ST) expressing rBet v 1 as allergen delivery tool and adjuvant factor for immunotherapy in Betv1-sensitized mice. rBet v 1 gene was introduced and expressed in ST (ST[rBet v 1]). BALB/c mice were sensitized with rBet v 1 and then treated with either ST alone, ST[rBet v 1], or the combination of ST and rBet v 1, for 20 days. After 2 aerosol challenges, Treg frequency, in vitro allergen-induced cytokines, rBet v 1-specific IgE and IgG2a, and bronchial histology were made in harvested spleen, sera, and lung. Results were compared with those obtained from not-treated/sensitized mice. ST[rBet v 1] induced immunological and histological changes typical of successful SIT: increased frequency of Tregs and expression of Foxp3; decreased allergen-specific IgE/IgG2a ratio; decrease of in vitro rBet v 1-induced IL-4 from spleen cells; increased allergen-induced IL-10 and IFN-γ; drop of bronchial eosinophilia. ST and ST+rBet v 1 combination, even though induced a slight increase in the frequency of Tregs and moderate allergen-induced IL-10, were ineffective in reducing bronchial eosinophilia, allergen induced IL-4 and rBet v 1-specific IgE/IgG2a ratio. ST[rBet v 1] has tolerogenic and Th-1 skewing properties and efficiently delivers the allergen to the gut immune-system restraining and readdressing the established specific Th2 response toward the allergen in mice.

Study of Antinflammatory properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria in experi-mentally induced musculoskeletal symptoms in Wistar Rat

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a manifestation of body from multiple causes of weakened immune system, a developed internal allergic response to un-known allergens, hormonal factors, stress and other unknown factors. The present study was undertaken to determine the Anti-arthritic and Anti-inflammatory property of Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotics against Col-lagen induced arthritis (CIA) in wistar rat. CIA (100μl) was induced intrader-mally at several sites on the back. A dose of L. acidophilus 2 x 108 CFU/ml was administered orally after induction of arthritis i.e. on 7th day. Dexame-thasone was given as standard drug in the dose of 0.3-3.0 mg/kg body weight. Paw thickness was measured and scored regularly. After sacrifice, blood was withdrawn for haematological, biochemical and serological analy-sis. Histopathology of liver, kidney and ovary was also performed. Oral ad-ministration of Lactobacillus significantly decreased the serum ceruloplasmin level. Beneficial effects such as increased adhesive property shown by Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), increased haemoglobin content and RBC and decreased WBC counts were observed. High level of C’ Reactive Protein was observed in arthritic control rats. However, L. acidophilus treatment significantly de-creased CRP level. Standard Drug also reduced the CRP level. Similarly Rheu-matoid factor was also decreased in LAB and standard drug group as com-pared to the control. In conclusion LAB has potent anti-arthritic property against and shown reduced level of RF and CRP in collagen induced arthritis in wistar rats.

Effects of Probiotics on the Recurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of genital discomfort in women in reproductive ages, which causes many complications. Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated by metronidazole and clindamycin. However, this protocol does not prevent its recurrence, which is a main complaint of the patients. The number of lactobacilli in the vagina of women with BV is significantly lower than that in healthy women. Hence, efforts have been made to normalize vaginal flora by oral or vaginal administration of lactobacilli. The objective of the present study was to review clinical evidences available regarding the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of BV. Published randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Database between 1990 and 2011. Search terms included bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infection, lactobacillus, and probiotics. Orally consumed probiotics are believed to ascend to the vaginal tract after they are excreted from the rectum; vaginal administration allows for direct replacement of the probiotics for unhealthy vaginal microbiota and occupation of specific adhesion sites at the epithelial surface of the urinary tract, which consequently results in maintenance of a low pH and production of antimicrobial substances like acids and hydrogen peroxide. Receiving Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 at a dose of at least 10 CFU/day for 2 months has been shown to present the patients with better results. Although the results of different studies are controversial, most studies have been in favor of the probiotics in the prevention or treatment of BV, and no adverse effects have been reported. Therefore, it may be helpful to recommend daily consumption of probiotic products to improve public health among women.

Enrichment of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in hen eggs and broiler chickens meat by lactic acid bacteria

1. The aim of this work was to compare conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations in chickens supplemented with 4 American Tissue Culture Collection (ATCC) bacterial strains, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum, and 4 isolates of Lactobacillus reuteri from camel, cattle, sheep and goat rumen extracts.2. Micro-organisms were grown anaerobically in MRS broth, and 106 CFU/ml of bacteria were administered orally to mixed-sex, 1-d-old broiler chickens weekly for 4 weeks and to 23-week-old layer hens weekly for 6 weeks.3. The 4 strains were evaluated for their effects on synthesis of CLA in hen eggs and broiler meat cuts.4. Administration of pure Lactobacillus and isolated L. reuteri strains from camel, cattle, goat and sheep led to significantly increased CLA concentrations of 0.2–1.2 mg/g of fat in eggs and 0.3–1.88 mg/g of fat in broiler chicken flesh homogenates of leg, thigh and breast.5. These data demonstrate that lactic acid bacteria of animal origin (L. reuteri) significantly enhanced CLA synthesis in both eggs and broiler meat cuts.