Balance Of Intestinal Microflora Research Articles

Nutritional Support: The Use of Antioxidants in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The problem of treating inflammatory bowel disease continues to be a topic of great interest for researchers. Despite the complexity surrounding their treatment and strategies to prolong periods of remission, there is a promising exploration of various compounds that have potential in combating inflammation and alleviating symptoms. Selenium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron are among these compounds, offering a glimpse of hope in the treatment of IBD. These essential minerals not only hold the promise of reducing inflammation in these diseases, but also show the potential to enhance immune function and possibly influence the balance of intestinal microflora. By potentially modulating the gut microbiota, they may help support overall immune health. Furthermore, these compounds could play a crucial role in mitigating inflammation and minimising complications in patients with IBD. Furthermore, the protective effect of these compounds against mucosal damage in IBD and the protective effect of calcium itself against osteoporosis in this group of patients are notable.

Dietary Dihydromyricetin Zinc Chelate Supplementation Improves the Intestinal Health of Magang Geese.

To fulfill the nutritional requirements of poultry, effective Zn supplementation is required due to Zn deficiency in basic feed. In this study, we investigated the effects of DMY-Zn (dihydromyricetin zinc chelate) on the growth performance, morphology, and biochemical indices; the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes; the intestinal microflora; and the cecum metabolome of Magang geese. A total of 300 14-day-old Magang geese (equal number of males and females) with an average body weight of 0.82 ± 0.08kg were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet; these groups were given DMY-Zn (low, medium, or high level of DMY-Zn with 30, 55, or 80mg/kg Zn added to the basal diet) or ZnSO4 (80mg/kg Zn added) for 4weeks. Our results revealed that DMY-Zn significantly impacts growth and biochemical indices and plays a significant role in regulating the intestinal barrier and microflora. DMY-Zn is involved in the upregulation of intestinal barrier gene (ZO1 and MUC2) expression, as well as upregulated Zn-related gene expression (ZIP5). On the other hand, a low concentration of DMY-Zn increased the ɑ diversity index and the abundance of Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium. Additionally, a cecal metabolomics study showed that the main metabolic pathways affected by DMY-Zn were the pentose phosphate pathway, the biosynthesis of different alkaloids, and the metabolism of sphingolipids. In conclusion, DMY-Zn can reduce feed intake, increase the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes, help maintain the intestinal microflora balance, and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the intestine to improve intestinal immunity.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Newborns: A Systematic Literature Review

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition in newborns involving inflammation and intestinal necrosis. A number of risk factors have been identified, which complexly interact and contribute to the development of this condition. An in-depth understanding of these risk factors has major implications for the prevention, diagnosis and management of NEC in newborns. Babies born prematurely, especially before 32 weeks' gestation, have a higher risk of developing NEC. Low birth weight, regardless of prematurity status, remains a significant independent risk factor. Imbalances in blood circulation, especially in the intestines, can increase the risk of NEC. Hypotension and other medical conditions that affect blood flow to the intestines can be potential triggers. Infection and inflammation, both systemic and local, play a central role in the development of NEC. Bacterial contamination in the digestive tract can trigger an inflammatory response that contributes to the pathophysiological process of NEC. Formula feeding, especially in premature infants, is associated with an increased risk of NEC. The importance of providing exclusive breastfeeding and introducing foods slowly to protect the newborn's intestinal health. Excessive use of antibiotics or without clear indications can change the balance of intestinal microflora and increase the risk of NEC. The importance of judicious selection and use of antibiotics to minimize negative impacts on gut health.

Cinnamaldehyde treats largemouth bass non-lethal bacterial enteritis by regulating gut morphology, barrier, inflammation, microbiota and serum biochemistry

With the development of aquaculture technology, the scale and density of aquaculture continue to increase, enteritis has become a common and frequent disease worldwide. In order to treat enteritis and prevent the abuse of antibiotics, it is of great significance to develop new and efficient drugs. Cinnamaldehyde is a natural product isolated and extracted from plants such as cinnamon and has a variety of biological functions such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiulcer, anticancer and growth-promoting. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of cinnamaldehyde on Aeromonas hydrophila infection caused by non-lethal enteritis in largemouth bass. Fish were infected with A.hydrophila by intraperitoneal injection, 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg cinnamaldehyde were given for 7 days. The results showed that cinnamaldehyde decreased the clinical symptoms and intestinal pathological damage caused by A.hydrophila infection, increased the expression of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1, reduced oxidative damage and enhanced the ability of antioxidant. Cinnamaldehyde up-regulated the expression of TGF-β2, IL-10 and IL-11, and down-regulated the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-15 and IL-8, regulated the diversity of the intestinal microflora structure, maintained the relative balance of intestinal microflora to improve intestinal health. Overall, these data clearly indicated that cinnamaldehyde was a potentially effective drug for treatment of A.hydrophila infection caused enteritis in largemouth bass. In conclusion, Cinnamaldehyde is a potential drug for the treatment of non-fatal enteritis in aquaculture.

Fortified and bioengineered yoghurt: prospects for bacteriotherapy and nutrient deficiency management

One of the main vital processes for the enhancement of food nutrition quantity and quality is food fortification and bioengineering. Global utilization and functional properties of probiotics from yoghurts, make it a good candidate for fortification and bioengineering. Yoghurt is the most popular fermented milk product that is biochemically altered by activities of special microorganisms to achieve desired functional and sensory properties. Due to global food crisis, and health challenges from metabolic disorders and drug resistance. The prospect of fortified and bioengineered yoghurt as an effective bacterio-therapy and nutrient deficiencies management approach is new trend among stakeholders. The aim of this review is to underscore the prospect of fortified and bioengineered yoghurt for the bacterio-therapy and nutrition deficiency management. In this review paper fortification and bioengineering was defined and the major aims of prospect for bacterio-therapy and nutrition deficiency management were presented. Yoghurt fortified with different vitamins and minerals ingredients that exhibit functional properties were discussed. The main problems for human health in today’s world is infectious diseases, so yearly gastrointestinal infections resulted to sickness and death significantly worldwide. Therefore, drinking of fortified and bioengineered fermented dairy products increase host metabolism by keeping the balance of intestinal micro flora and thus on the host have a positive effect. The new dairy products designed to be fortified and bioengineered can resolved the problems of nutritional deficiencies. However, fortification of yoghurt with elemental and micronutrients are still developing challenges due to oxidation, solubility and sensory acceptance. Likewise, all genetically modified organisms products (GMO), acceptance of bioengineered yoghurts is still a surmountable challenge with adequate education.

Anti-PD-1 therapy for advanced colorectal cancer based on intestinal microecology.

To explore the effects of anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy on advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) based on the intestinal microecology.Ninety-two patients with advanced CRC were selected. Patients were treated with Apatinib alone or anti PD-1 treatment combined with Apatinib. The lactulose/mannitol (L/M) value of the urine was detected by high performance liquid chromatography. The changes of intestinal microflora were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The risk factors were analyzed through multivariate logistic regression analysis.The curative effect of anti PD-1 treatment combined with the Apatinib treatment (82.61%) was much higher than that of the Apatinib treatment alone (63.04%, p < 0.05). After treatment, the contents of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus faecalis were higher with lower levels of Escherichia coli in the observation group than the control (p < 0.05). The level of D-lactic acid and urinary L/M value of the urine in the observation group was lower than that in control after treatment (p < 0.001). The patients had a 3-year survival rate of 91.30%. Age >60 years old, histological types of mucinous adenocarcinoma and signet ring cell carcinoma, vascular tumor thrombus, nerve invasion, TNM stage of Ⅲ-Ⅳ were independent risk factors, and anti PD-1 treatment was the protective factor (p < 0.05).In advanced CRCpatients receivinganti PD-1 treatment combined with the Apatinib treatment, the progression of advanced CRC was effectively controlled by maintaining the intestinal microflora balance. Anti PD-1 therapy can improve the living quality of CRC patients.

Innovative Use of Olive, Winery and Cheese Waste By-Products as Novel Ingredients in Weaned Pigs Nutrition.

New sustainable sources of feeds, which can enhance the health and welfare of farm animals, lower feeding costs, and lead to safer products, are of high priority in modern animal production systems. In the present study, a novel silage created from Greek olive, winery, and feta cheese waste by-products, was evaluated as a feed ingredient at different inclusion rates (0%, 5% or 10%) in 34-day-old weaned pigs. The potential beneficial effects on performance, health and intestinal digesta microflora balance of the pigs were evaluated. Additionally, chemical, microbiological and quality analysis of the meat was carried out. Results showed no detrimental effects (p > 0.05) on the pigs' performance and no significant changes (p > 0.05) in meat pH, color and chemical analysis. Ileum and cecum microflora populations (total anaerobes, Lactobacillaceae) were positively affected (p ≤ 0.05) by the dietary usage of the silage. The microbial populations (Clostridium spp.) of belly meat cuts were positively modified (p ≤ 0.01). The concentration of total phenols in the meat cuts were increased (p ≤ 0.05) and their resistance to oxidation was improved (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the fatty acid profile of the meat lipids (polyunsaturated and n-3 fatty acids) was positively modified (p ≤ 0.001).

Synergistic mediating effect of edible fungal polysaccharides (Auricularia and Tremellan) and Crataegus flavonoids in hyperlipidemic rats.

Both edible fungal polysaccharides (Auricularia and Tremellan) and Crataegus flavonoids promote the balance of dyslipidemia, which have a positive biological regulating effect on intestinal flora. In this study, the extraction of water-soluble polysaccharides from Auricularia and Tremellan was investigated and optimized firstly. Polysaccharides and flavonoids were then combined to study the effects on the mediating role of abnormal blood lipid concentration and intestinal flora in vivo. The rats were divided into 10 groups, the NC (normal control), HM (model), PCI (Simvastatin control), PCII (Fenofibrate control), AAP (Auricularia auricular Polysaccharide), TFP (Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharide), HF (Crataegus Flavonoid), LDC (Low-dose combination), MDC (Medium dose combination), and HDC (High-dose combination), used to explore the impact of polysaccharides and flavonoids complex on state of blood lipid, liver, and intestinal flora of dyslipidemia rats. The results showed that the combination of polysaccharides and flavonoids could significantly decrease the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and increase the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). It also significantly decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and improved liver morphology. What is more, the HDC favorably alters the intestinal microflora balance, promotes intestinal integrity and mobility, and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli/Shigella and Clostridium compared with HM group. In brief, the combination of polysaccharides and flavonoids had a synergistic effect on the remission of dyslipidemia, and promoted health by improving lipid metabolism, protecting liver tissue, and regulating the intestinal flora in hyperlipidemia rats.

Potensi Bakteri Asam Laktat (BAL) Dari Jus Tempe Sebagai Kandidat Probiotik

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tempeh is a substrate that can be metabolized by Lactic Acid Bacteria (BAL) so that it can be used to maintain the balance of intestinal microflora. BAL belongs to non-pathogenic bacteria that produce lactic acid as the main end product. The probiotic property of BAL contained in tempeh juice with the addition of dates and skim milk need to be tested biochemically. This study aims to measure the BAL potential of tempeh juice as probiotic candidate. The total BAL measurement is carried out by counting the &lt;em&gt;Total Plate Count&lt;/em&gt; (TPC). The method is carried out using macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical characteristics (catalase test, salt content resistance test, and acid pH resistance test). The data is descriptively presented using figures and tables. This method obtained a total BAL of 9.6 x 10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; cfu/ml, which meets&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;the requirement for growing probiotics of at least 10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; cfu/ml. Macroscopic characterization shows colonies in the form of rounds&lt;/strong&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;flat edges, convex elevations, and around the colony there was a clear zone. Microscopic characterization obtained four isolates that are Gram-positive, catalase negative, resistant to salt content of 5% and 6.5% and able to grow at pH 2.5 and 3. Based on this study, four isolates were found to have the potential to be probiotic candidates.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;em&gt;Dates&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Lactid Acid Bacteria, Skim Milk, Tempeh, Probiotic&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Antioxidant Activity, Physicochemical Characterisation and Antibacterial Properties of Caspian Sea Yoghurt Enriched with Ginger and Sappanwood Extracts

Caspian Sea yoghurt has lower acidity and is thicker than common yoghurt. Caspian Sea yoghurt contains probiotic bacteria that improve the balance of intestinal microflora. This research aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of Caspian sea yoghurt enriched with two different herbs, ginger and sappanwood, at concentrations of 5, 10 and 15% w/v. The pH, total phenol, antioxidant, total LAB, and antibacterial activity of the enriched yoghurt were measured to determine the best of the two products. The results showed that the enrichment of the yoghurt with sappanwood and ginger extracts increased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) growth compared with the control (yoghurt without plant extracts). Further analysis showed that the product that contains 15% sappanwood extract was judged to be the best formulation with a pH of 5.01 and a total LAB of 3.78 x 107 CFU/mL. It also exhibited antibacterial activity against B. cereus and E. Coli with zones of inhibition of 8.00 mm and 8.39 mm, respectively. The total phenol content was 5.48 mg GAE/g of the sample and 50.08% antioxidant activity. In conclusion, Caspian sea yoghurt enriched with herbs showed increased antioxidant and antibacterial activities and may have better potential in health maintenance.

Effect of Dietary Salicin Standardized Extract from Salix alba Bark on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Intestinal Microflora of Broiler Chickens Exposed to Heat Stress

The implication of heat stress (HS) in the oxidative stress phenomenon and its related diseases in chickens has been widely reported. Salicin is a precursor for the synthesis of salicylic acid and aspirin obtained from the bark of Salix alba, with an undeniable anti-inflammatory effect. However, little attention has been paid to salicin’s antioxidant/oxidative stress-reducing effect compared to its well-known anti-inflammatory effect. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary salicin standardized extract from Salix alba bark (SAB) on oxidative stress biomarkers and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. In our study, chickens (14 days) were randomly allocated to three treatment groups (SAB0; SAB25; SAB50), each of which included five replicates with eight birds per replicate. Broilers were exposed to heat stress (32 ± 2 °C) between 14 and 42 days. The liver tissues were collected to analyze oxidative stress biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase). The intestinal content was collected and measurements of the intestinal microbial population were performed (E. coli, staphylococci, lactobacilli). Results indicated that liver malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls activity decreased (p &lt; 0.05) in SAB50 treatment concomitantly with linearly increased total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione concentration. Dietary supplementation with SAB reduced (p &lt; 0.05) the abundance of staphylococci and increased the number of lactobacilli. Taken together, SAB possesses an advantageous effect on liver oxidative status and the balance of intestinal microflora in broilers exposed to heat stress. These findings provide new insight into the potential use of salicin standardized extract from Salix alba bark for liver damage prevention and dysbiosis related to heat stress.

Suppression of inflammatory responses in heat-stressed broiler chickens by bovine casein

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of bovine casein to mitigate the inflammatory responses in heat-stressed broiler chickens. One-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens (n = 1200) were reared using standard management practices. On d 22 of age, birds were divided into 2 main groups and kept either under thermoneutral temperature (21 ± 1 °C) or chronic heat stress (30 ± 1 °C). Each group was further divided into 2 sub-groups and fed either the control diet (Con) or the casein (3 g/kg) supplemented diet (CAS). The study consisted of four treatments; each treatment was replicated 12 times with 25 birds per replicate. The treatments were as follow; CCon: control temperature + control diet, CCAS: control temperature + casein diet, HCon: heat stress + control diet, and HCAS: heat stress + casein diet. The casein and heat stress protocols were applied from d 22 to d 35 of age. Casein increased the growth performance of the HCAS (P < 0.05) when compared to the HCon. Additionally, the maximum feed conversion efficiency was exhibited (P < 0.05) by the HCAS. Compared with CCon, heat stress increased (P < 0.05) the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Casein lowered (P < 0.05) the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and increased (P < 0.05) the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in response to heat exposure. Heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) villus height, crypt depth, villus surface area, and absorptive epithelial cell area. Casein increased (P < 0.05) villus height, crypt depth, villus surface area, and absorptive epithelial cell area in CCAS and HCAS. Furthermore, casein improved intestinal microflora balance by enhancing (P < 0.05) the growth of intestinal beneficial bacteria and decreasing (P < 0.05) the intestinal colonization with the pathogenic bacteria. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of bovine casein would suppress the inflammatory responses in heat-stressed broiler chickens. Such potential could be utilized as an effective management approach to promote gut health and homeostasis during heat stress conditions.

Study of Viability, Storage Stability, and Shelf Life of Probiotic Instant Coffee Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Subsp. plantarum Dad-13 in Vacuum and Nonvacuum Packaging at Different Storage Temperatures.

Probiotic coffee is an alternative to processed coffee that is preferred and can improve the balance of intestinal microflora so that it has a positive impact on health. Cell viability of probiotics may decrease during storage. Factors that can affect viability during storage are storage temperature, packaging, oxygen, and water activity. This study is aimed at evaluating the viability, storage stability, and shelf life of the probiotic instant coffee Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Dad-13 in vacuum and nonvacuum aluminium foil packaging and different storage temperatures. This study used a complete randomised design with three replicates of treatments. They were packaged using 90 μm thick aluminium foil in a vacuum and nonvacuum and stored at 4°C and 30°C for 50 days and 37°C for 15 days. Based on the literature, a temperature of 4°C can maintain the viability of probiotics for more than one month, the temperature commonly used to store dry products is room temperature (30°C), so longer storage (50 days) is tried. Meanwhile, to accelerate the prediction of quality degradation, extreme temperatures were used based on the literature that the viability of probiotics decreased drastically after being stored at 37°C for 7 days, then tried for longer storage (15 days). The evaluation of product was carried by sensory testing by comparing commercial instant coffee. The product has been tested for cell viability, water activity, and shelf life. The result showed that the colour attribute was significantly different for all formulations. The bitterness of probiotic instant coffee differed significantly from other formulations. The commercial instant coffee was preferred by panellist in terms of colour and bitterness. The aroma, sweetness, and overall attributes of all formulations were not significantly different. The cell viability in vacuum was higher than nonvacuum treatment, and it was higher in 4°C. However, cell viability for all treatments and during storage was still above 107 log CFU/g. Water activity in probiotic instant coffee with vacuum packaging is lower than in nonvacuum and stored at 4°C lower than in other temperatures. However, all treatments were still below 0.60. The shelf life of products reaches two years when they are stored in vacuum packaging at 4°C while a temperature of 30°C reaches 3 months. So, the panellists accepted probiotic instant coffee, vacuum packaging, and low temperature could maintain viability, stability, and longer shelf life.

Pro-biotification of Underutilized Manila Tamarind Pulverized Seed Blended with Muskmelon

Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer health benefits to consumers by improving their intestinal microflora balance. The word ‘probiotics’ is derived from the Greek term ‘pro’ and ‘biotic’ that means ‘for life’. Many dairy products and fruit pulp juices are added with probiotic flora. Many juices are also prepared using nutraceutically rich fruit seeds. Pitchellobium dulce seeds are rich in saponins, steroids, glycosides, lipids, phospholipids, polysaccharides, and glycolipids. It has anti-oxidant activity, anti-ulcer activity, free radical scavenging activity, anti-fungal activity, and anti-diabetic activity. In the present work, the probiotic juice was prepared using Pitchellobium dulce seed powder, muskmelon fruit pulp, and two Lactic acid bacteria (Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus). The final product was evaluated for Colony Forming Unit (CFU), pH, sterility, taste, color, flavor, and texture. It was found that the shelf life of the juice at 40C is 3 months. It has shown that its direct consumption helps in reducing gastric ulcers and other gut-related problems, and if the extract is introduced into the nostril, it will reduce chest congestion. People who are allergic or intolerant to milk-based products can also drink the juice. This study aims to serve a delicious and nutritious drink to promote better health and nutrition for the population.

Anti-inflammation and gut microbiota regulation properties of fatty acids derived from fermented milk in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.

The by-products of milk fermentation by lactic acid bacteria provide potential health benefits to the balance of host intestinal microflora. In this study, the anti-inflammatory properties of fatty acids from monoculture-strain (Lactiplantibacillusplantarum A3) and multiple-strain (Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and L. plantarum A3 1:1:2) fermented milk were evaluated in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, and the gut microbiota regulation properties of the fatty acids were also investigated. Results showed that fatty acids can attenuate the inflammatory response by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and blocking the phosphorylation of the JNK in MAPK signal pathway. In addition, the relative abundance of the taxa Akkermansia and Lactobacillus were both enriched after the fatty acid intervention. This finding suggests that fatty acids from the milk fermentation with mixed lactic acid bacteria starters can reduce the severity of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and enhance the abundance of the probiotics in the mice intestinal tract.

Intestinal Flora Balance Therapy Based on Probiotic Support Improves Cognitive Function and Symptoms in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective The clinical value of intestinal flora balance therapy based on probiotic support in improving cognitive function and symptoms of patients with Alzheimer's disease was to systematically evaluate, so as to provide evidence-based medicine basis for the promotion and use of this therapy. Methods The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched for the improvement of cognitive function and symptoms of patients with Alzheimer's disease by intestinal flora balance therapy supported mainly by probiotics in PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, China Knowledge Network Database (CNKI), China VIP database, Wanfang database, and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) online database (RCT). Data were extracted independently by two researchers, and the literature was assessed for risk of bias according to the Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 criteria. The data were meta-analyzed using RevMan 5.4 statistical software. Results Finally, 5 randomized controlled trials were included, with a total sample size of 386 cases. The results of meta-analysis showed that Chi2 = 13.14, df = 2, P = 0.001, and I2 = 85% showed significant heterogeneity in the inclusion of the study data. Probiotic-supported intestinal microflora balance therapy improves cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Through meta-analysis of transient memory scores, it is concluded that intestinal flora balance therapy based on probiotic support can improve transient memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Meta-analysis of ADAS-COG score showed that intestinal flora balance therapy supported by probiotics could improve the cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The ADL score was analyzed by meta, and the heterogeneity test result was Chi2 = 0.79, df = 1, P = 0.37 > 0.05, and I2 = 0%, indicating that the intestinal flora balance therapy supported by probiotics can improve the ability of daily living of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion Intestinal flora balance therapy based on probiotic support can effectively improve cognitive function, instantaneous memory, and ability of daily life in patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, more studies and long-term follow-up studies with higher methodological quality are needed to further verify.

Influence of microbiota normalization on physical performance and psychophysiological state of highly qualified athletes

BACKGROUND: Violations in the composition of the intestinal microbiota of an athlete can negatively affect his or her health status and, as a result, sports results. Correction of the composition of the intestinal microbiota of an athlete with the help of preparations containing pre-, pro-, and metabiotics seems to be a promising direction in correcting an athletes health status.&#x0D; AIMS: This study aims to investigate the intestinal microbiome of high-class athletes and the effect of restoring the balance of intestinal microflora on indicators of their physical and psychophysiological state.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center prospective study was performed on professional athletes in the conditions of training camps. A total of 51 high-class athletes (37 women and 14 men) aged from 18 to 32 years participated in the study. The study participants were divided into three groups: group 1 (basketball), 16 female athletes; group 2 (biathlon, ski racing), 19 athletes (14 men and 5 women); and group 3 (water polo), 16 female athletes. Stool specimen was analyzed for microflora composition. Depending on the results of the analysis, the athletes were recommended to use one of the programs, including prebiotic, probiotic, metabiotic, or their combination.&#x0D; RESULTS: Fecal analysis for dysbacteriosis showed that in most cases the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and enterococci was reduced in the examined athletes, and the content of conditionally pathogenic microflora was increased. When using probiotics combined with pro- or metabiotics, the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli reaches normal values, and the amount of conditionally pathogenic microflora is significantly reduced. During the survey, more than 60% of athletes noted an improvement in load tolerance after taking the studied drugs.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Gut dysbacteriosis and gastrointestinal dysfunctions are frequent in highly qualified athletes. A combined use of prebiotic and probiotic or prebiotic and metabiotic has an effective effect on restoring the gut microbiome and the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract. This normalization has a direct positive effect on the gut-microbiota-brain axis, thereby improving the functional and psychoemotional state of high-class athletes in general.

Metabolite and transcriptome analyses revealed the modulation of fructo-oligosaccharide on ileum metabolism of Taiping chickens.

The metabolic markers and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) were screened, and the response of FOS to the ileum metabolic pathway of Taiping chickens was analysed. Prebiotic are widely used in agricultural breeding for care and maintenance of animal health, especially FOS. Metabonomics evaluation of ileum of Taiping chicken ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadruple time of-flight high-sensitivity mass spectrometry showed that 93 differentially altered metabolites were identified and divided into eight categories, of which organic acids and derivatives was the most important one. Transcriptomic analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in drug metabolism-cytochrome p450, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome p450, retinol metabolism and fat digestion and absorption. Integrated analysis of metabolite profiles and gene expression revealed that the significantly up-regulated GSTT1 was significantly correlated with most of the different lipid metabolites, suggesting that GSTT1may play an important role in FOS regulation of lipid metabolism. The results of this study suggest that supplementation of FOS can have a positive effect on gut metabolites, which may contribute to the overall health with indigenous chickens. Insight into the responses of intestinal prebiotics of Taiping chicken is helpful to understand the role of prebiotics in maintaining intestinal microflora balance and improving immune response and productivity of poultry from the molecular and metabolic levels.

Characterization of Bacterial Microbiota Composition in Healthy and Diarrheal Early-Weaned Tibetan Piglets

The occurrence of diarrhea in Tibetan piglets is highly notable, but the microorganisms responsible are yet unclear. Its high incidence results in serious economic losses for the Tibetan pig industry. Moreover, the dynamic balance of intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in maintaining host health, as it is a prime cause of diarrhea. Therefore, the present study was performed to analyze the characteristics of bacterial microbiota structure in healthy, diarrheal and treated weaned piglets in Tibet autonomous region for providing a theoretical basis to prevent and control diarrhea. The study was based on the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and gut microbiota functions following the metagenome analysis of fresh fecal samples (n = 5) from different groups. The Shannon and Simpson indices differed substantially between diarrheal and treated groups (p < 0.05). According to our findings, the beta diversities, especially between healthy and diarrheal groups, were found different. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla in three groups. Furthermore, the abundance of Fusobacteria in the diarrheal group was higher than the other groups. The dominant genera in the diarrheal group were Fusobacterium, Butyricimonas, Sutterella, Peptostreptococcus, and Pasteurella. Moreover, Lactobacillus, Megasphaera and Clavibacter were distinctly less abundant in this group. It is noteworthy that the specific decrease in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria after antibiotic treatment in piglets was noticed, while the level of Lactobacillus was evidently increased. In conclusion, fecal microbial composition and structure variations were discovered across the three groups. Also, the ecological balance of the intestinal microflora was disrupted in diarrheal piglets. It might be caused by a reduction in the relative number of beneficial bacteria and an increase in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria. In the context of advocating for non-resistant feeding, we suspect that the addition of probiotics to feed may prevent early-weaning diarrhea in piglets. Moreover, our findings might help for preventing diarrhea in weaned Tibetan piglets with a better understanding of microbial population dynamics.

Correction of poultry microbiocenosis by a complex of sour milk and propionic microorganisms

In the necessary correction and prevention of dysbacteriosis in animals and humans, the main role is played by the use of probiotics. Probiotics are live microbial supplements that have a beneficial effect on the body by forming a full-fledged barrier of the intestinal mucosa, preventing the attachment of pathogens to it, modulating the body’s defense mechanisms and improving the balance of intestinal microflora. This is achieved by directly antagonizing bacteria and increasing the effectiveness of the immune response. The normal microflora of the intestine of poultry is 99% composed of anaerobic bacteria. It was found that probiotics activate the tissue and humoral immunity of animals (T- and Blymphocyte systems), affect the production of immunoglobulins. To study the effect of a probiotic complex based on fermented milk and propionic microorganisms Streptococcus lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, an experiment was carried out on broiler chickens of the KOBB-500 cross. The feed additive “Prolaxim-V” was introduced with water in the watering system in the amount of 0.2 ml per 1 bird/ day. Its use increased the gain in live weight of chickens by 10.4%, improved the indices of intestinal microbiocenosis. The number of lactobacilli, lactococci and bifidobacteria in the intestine increased 5 times compared to the control. Based on the data obtained, it can be concluded that the use of lactic acid starter cultures with live lactobacilli in poultry diets during growing periods should be recommended to obtain higher growth rates, improve the physiological state of animals and the quality of meat products