Beneficial Effects Of Probiotic Bacteria Research Articles

Comparative analysis of biofilm characterization of probiotic Escherichia coli.

Biofilms are thought to play a vital role in the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria. However, the structure and function of probiotic biofilms are poorly understood. In this work, biofilms of Escherichia coli (E. coli) Nissle 1917 were investigated and compared with those of pathogenic and opportunistic strains (E. coli MG1655, O157:H7) using crystal violet assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and FTIR microspectroscopy. The study revealed significant differences in the morphological structure, chemical composition, and spatial heterogeneity of the biofilm formed by the probiotic E. coli strain. In particular, the probiotic biofilm can secrete unique phospholipid components into the extracellular matrix. These findings provide new information on the morphology, architecture and chemical heterogeneity of probiotic biofilms. This information may help us to understand the beneficial effects of probiotics for various applications.

Tisochrysis lutea as a Substrate for Lactic Acid Fermentation: Biochemical Composition, Digestibility, and Functional Properties.

Microalgae, because of their high nutritional value and bioactive molecule content, are interesting candidates for functional foods, including fermented foods, in which the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria combine with those of biomolecules lying in microalgal biomass. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of Tisochrysis lutea F&M-M36 as a substrate for Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and to verify fermentation effects on functionality. Bacterium selection among three lactobacilli was based on growth and resistance to in vitro digestion. Microalgal raw biomass and its digested residue were fermented in two matrixes, water and diluted organic medium, and analysed for biochemical composition and antioxidant activity along with their unfermented counterparts. Bacterial survivability to digestion and raw biomass digestibility after fermentation were also evaluated. Fucoxanthin was strongly reduced (>90%) in post-digestion residue, suggesting high bioavailability. Raw biomass in diluted organic medium gave the highest bacterial growth (8.5 logCFU mL-1) and organic acid production (5 mg L-1), while bacterial survivability to digestion (<3%) did not improve. After fermentation, the antioxidant activity of lipophilic extracts increased (>90%). Fermentation appears an interesting process to obtain T. lutea-based functional foods, although further investigations are needed to optimize bacterial growth and fully evaluate its effects on functionality and organoleptic features.

Proteomics reveal the protective effects of chlorogenic acid on Enterococcus faecium Q233 in a simulated pro-oxidant colonic environment

Certain phytochemicals have been found to promote the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria although the molecular mechanisms of such interactions are poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the exposure to 0.5 mM chlorogenic acid (CA) on the redox status and proteome of Enterococcus faecium isolated from cheese and challenged with 2.5 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The bacterium was incubated in anaerobic conditions for 48 h at 37 °C. CA exposure led to a more intense oxidative stress and accretion of bacterial protein carbonyls than those induced by H2O2. The oxidative damage to bacterial proteins was even more severe in the bacterium treated with both CA and H2O2, yet, such combination led to a strengthening of the antioxidant defenses, namely, a catalase-like activity. The proteomic study indicated that H2O2 caused a decrease in energy supply and the bacterium responded by reinforcing the membrane and wall structures and counteracting the redox and pH imbalance. CA stimulated the accretion of proteins related to translation and transcription regulators, and hydrolases. This phytochemical was able to counteract certain proteomic changes induced by H2O2 (i.e. increase of ATP binding cassete (ABC) transporter complex) and cause the increase of Rex, a redox-sensitive protein implicated in controlling metabolism and responses to oxidative stress. Although this protection should be confirmed under in vivo conditions, such effects point to benefits in animals or humans affected by disorders in which oxidative stress plays a major role.

Comparison of Cytokine Expression in Human PBMCs Stimulated with Normal and Heat-Shocked Lactobacillus plantarum Cell Lysate.

Regulation of immune responses is among the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of normal and heat-shocked Lactobacillus plantarum PTCC 1058 cell lysate on cytokine expression by human PBMCs. The mid-exponential phase L. plantarum (108 CFU/mL) were used to prepare cell lysate. Isolated PBMCs were stimulated with 100 µg/mL of each normal and heat-shocked L. plantarum cell lysate for 72 h. Non-stimulated PBMCs were also evaluated as negative control. The mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-10, IFN-ɣ, TNF-α, and TGF-β genes was determined by quantitative RT-PCR amplification of total RNA extracted from PBMCs. Both types of cell lysate were able to increase pro-inflammatory cytokines and decrease anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, this effect was significantly stronger in heat-shocked cell lysate-treated PBMCs. Moreover, comparison of IFN-ɣ/IL-10, IFN-ɣ/TGF-β, IL-6/IL-10, IL-6/TGF-β, and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios in both conditions demonstrated that in the heat-shocked group, all of the above ratios were significantly higher than normal lysate treatment (p˂0.001), suggesting that heat-shocked probiotics are a potent inducer of the immune system in comparison to intact probiotics. Regarding these results, it may be possible to develop a new postbiotic product for the stimulation of immune responses of cancer patients or individuals who suffer from an immune defect.

Probiotic Lactobacilli Limit Avian Influenza Virus Subtype H9N2 Replication in Chicken Cecal Tonsil Mononuclear Cells

Low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) H9N2 poses significant threat to animal and human health. The growing interest in beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on host immune system has led to research efforts studying their interaction with cells of host immune system. However, the role of lactobacilli in inducing antiviral responses in lymphoid tissue cells requires further investigation. The objective of the present study was to examine the antiviral and immunostimulatory effects of lactobacilli bacteria on chicken cecal tonsils (CT) cells against H9N2 LPAIV. CT mononuclear cells were stimulated with probiotic Lactobacillus spp mixture either alone or in combination with a Toll-like receptor (TLR)21 ligand, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG). Pre-treatment of CT cells with probiotic lactobacilli, alone or in combination with CpG, significantly reduced H9N2 LPAIV replication. Furthermore, lactobacilli alone elicited cytokine expression, including IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12, and IL-10, while when combined with CpG, a significantly higher expression of (interferon-stimulated gene (viperin)), IL-12, IL-6, CXCLi2, and IL-1β was observed. However, none of these treatments induced significant changes in nitric oxide production by CT cells. In conclusion, probiotic lactobacilli demonstrated a modulatory effect on CT cells, and this correlated with enhanced antiviral immunity and reduced H9N2 LPAIV viral replication.

In-Vitro Growth Inhibition of Bacterial Pathogens by Probiotics and a Synbiotic: Product Composition Matters.

A variety of activities potentially contribute to the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria observed in humans. Among these is a direct inhibition of the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut. The present study characterizes head-to-head the in-vitro pathogen growth inhibition of clinically relevant infectious bacterial strains by different types of probiotics and a synbiotic. In-vitro growth inhibition of Escherichia (E.) coli EPEC, Shigella (Sh.) sonnei, Salmonella (S.) typhimurium, Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae and Clostridioides (C.) difficile were determined. Investigated products were a yeast mono strain probiotic containing Saccharomyces (Sac.) boulardii, bacterial mono strain probiotics containing either Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus GG or L. reuteri DSM 17938, a multi strain probiotic containing three L. rhamnosus strains (E/N, Oxy, Pen), and a multi strain synbiotic containing nine different probiotic bacterial strains and the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Inhibition of pathogens was moderate by Sac. boulardii and L. rhamnosus GG, medium by L. reuteri DSM 17938 and the L. rhamnosus E/N, Oxy, Pen mixture and strong by the multi strain synbiotic. Head-to-head in-vitro pathogen growth inhibition experiments can be used to differentiate products from different categories containing probiotic microorganisms and can support the selection process of products for further clinical evaluation.

Bacillus mycoides supplemented diet modulates the health status, gut microbiota and innate immune response of freshwater crayfish marron (Cherax cainii)

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of probiotic bacteria, Bacillus mycoides on the gut microbiota and health status of marron (Cherax cainii) under laboratory conditions. A total of 40 marron were randomly distributed into eight different tanks and two different groups in quadruplicates. The control group were fed only basal marron pellet while the second group were fed 108 CFU/g of probiotic bacteria in the diet. After 60 days of feeding trial, the health and immune indices of marron including protein and energy in the tail muscle, and total haemocyte counts in the haemolymph were positively influenced (p < 0.05) by the probiotic diet. The 16S rRNA sequence data revealed distinctly different microbial communities in the hindgut of marron with two different feeds after trial where Vibrio and Holdemania were the significantly abundant bacteria in the control and probiotic fed groups, respectively. In addition, the qRT-PCR analysis revealed upregulation of cytokine genes associated with the immunity and health status of crayfish indicated the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on the immune status of marron. Our results suggest that the diet supplemented with probiotic bacteria B. mycoides positively influenced the health status, immune indices and microbial composition of the marron gastrointestinal tract.

Probiotics for life – Part I general health perspectives

Scientific evidence is expanding continuously during the past few decades, pointing to the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health. Food industry has been very active in studying and promoting various probiotic products. The WHO has advocated the reduced use of antibiotics and microbial interference therapy (use of nonpathogens to eliminate pathogens), observing the increasing development of antimicrobial resistance. Initially, probiotics were traditional used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and allergies; later, there has been an expansion in therapeutic uses of these agents in urogenital infections, carcinomas, etc. Due to the increasing mountain of literature on this topic, brief user-friendly information is provided in lucid language for busy clinicians. This Part I article gives an overview of the history and properties of probiotics, mechanisms of action, and uses to promote general health. The Part II article, coming in next issue of this journal, highlights on oral health. To understand oral effects of probiotics, their medical background knowledge is essential.

Modulation of Intestinal Epithelial Defense Responses by Probiotic Bacteria

Probiotics are live microorganisms, which when administered in food confer numerous health benefits. In previous studies about beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria to health, particularly in the fields of intestinal mucosa defense responses, specific probiotics, in a strain-dependent manner, show certain degree of potential to reinforce the integrity of intestinal epithelium and/or regulate some immune components. The mechanism of probiotic action is an area of interest. Among all possible routes of modulation by probiotics of intestinal epithelial cell-mediated defense responses, modulations of intestinal barrier function, innate, and adaptive mucosal immune responses, as well as signaling pathways are considered to play important role in the intestinal defense responses against pathogenic bacteria. This review summarizes the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria to intestinal health together with the mechanisms affected by probiotic bacteria: barrier function, innate, and adaptive defense responses such as secretion of mucins, defensins, trefoil factors, immunoglobulin A (IgA), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokines, gut associated lymphoid tissues, and signaling pathways.

Study of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35® properties after compression and proposition of a model to predict tablet stability

The beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health are now widely acknowledged, and this has prompted growing interest in research and development in the pharmaceutical field. However, to be viable when they reach their target, the bacteria must be able to survive during the manufacturing process and the biological pathway. Tablet form best meets the requirements for protecting acid labile drugs, but the tableting process could be an additional stress for the bacteria.This study evaluated the initial effect of compression pressure on the Lcr35® strain in a vaginal (Lcr regenerans®) and an intestinal (Lcr restituo®) formulation. A stability study was also performed on the tablets and revealed a beneficial effect of this form. The obtained destruction rates (k) demonstrated that the bacterial stability was greater in tablets than in powders (kpowders>ktablets). A new mathematical model was developed combining compression and temperature parameters to predict the bacterial viability at any pressure and time.Moreover, the genetic profile of Lcr35® (Rep-PCR, microarrays), its resistance to acidity and its ability to inhibit Candidaalbicans growth, after compression, were determined to evaluate the target product profile (TPP) in a Quality by Design (QbD) approach.The Rep-PCR analysis validated the strain identity and the microarrays demonstrated the genetic stability of Lcr35® strain after compaction. Additionally, ability to inhibit the C. albicans growth was maintained and the resistance to gastric conditions of Lcr35® was even improved by tableting. As a dosage form, tablets containing probiotic can guarantee that an adequate amount of bacteria reaches the therapeutic target (intestinal or vaginal) and that the product remains stable until the time of consumption.

Identification of Lactobacillus plantarum genes modulating the cytokine response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

BackgroundModulation of the immune system is one of the most plausible mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on human health. Presently, the specific probiotic cell products responsible for immunomodulation are largely unknown. In this study, the genetic and phenotypic diversity of strains of the Lactobacillus plantarum species were investigated to identify genes of L. plantarum with the potential to influence the amounts of cytokines interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-12 and the ratio of IL-10/IL-12 produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).ResultsA total of 42 Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from diverse environmental and human sources were evaluated for their capacity to stimulate cytokine production in PBMCs. The L. plantarum strains induced the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 over an average 14-fold range and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-12 over an average 16-fold range. Comparisons of the strain-specific cytokine responses of PBMCs to comparative genome hybridization profiles obtained with L. plantarum WCFS1 DNA microarrays (also termed gene-trait matching) resulted in the identification of 6 candidate genetic loci with immunomodulatory capacities. These loci included genes encoding an N-acetyl-glucosamine/galactosamine phosphotransferase system, the LamBDCA quorum sensing system, and components of the plantaricin (bacteriocin) biosynthesis and transport pathway. Deletion of these genes in L. plantarum WCFS1 resulted in growth phase-dependent changes in the PBMC IL-10 and IL-12 cytokine profiles compared with wild-type cells.ConclusionsThe altered PBMC cytokine profiles obtained with the L. plantarum WCFS1 mutants were in good agreement with the predictions made by gene-trait matching for the 42 L. plantarum strains. This study therefore resulted in the identification of genes present in certain strains of L. plantarum which might be responsible for the stimulation of anti- or pro-inflammatory immune responses in the gut.

Beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria isolated from breast milk

Breast milk is the best food for the neonate because it provides a unique combination of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and vitamins that ensures the correct growth and development of the infant. In addition, it also contains bioactive compounds responsible for a wide range of beneficial effects such as the promotion of immune system maturation and the protection against infections. Among these bioactive agents, probiotic bacteria have been recently isolated from human milk. The present work reviews the beneficial effects of these bacteria both in animal models and in clinical trials. The promotion of immune system maturation and defence against infections as well as the anti-inflammatory properties are among the main healthy effects of these bacteria. The isolation of probiotic bacteria with beneficial effects for the host provides scientific support for the supplementation of infant formula with these bacteria, in order to advance the pursuit of the main goal of formula: to mimic breast milk and its functional effects as closely as possible.

Effects of Probiotic Bacteria as Dietary Supplements on Growth and Disease Resistance in Young Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)

ABSTRACT Three separate experiments were conducted to determine the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria added commercial catfish diets. These commercial probiotics, singly and in combination, were incorporated into a commercial diet fed to juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), in aquaria. Microbial analyses were conducted to confirm viability of the bacteria under storage conditions. Fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation and weighed biweekly for a period of 5 to 8 weeks. After that time, representative fish were bled for serological analysis of protein, immunoglobulin, complement, and lysozyme. Disease resistance was additionally determined in the remaining fish by observing mortality after immersion challenge with pathogenic Edwardsiella ictaluri, the causative agent of enteric septicemia (ESC). Specific anti-ESC antibody was measured by ELISA after 15 days in the fish which survived challenge. The viability of the bacteria did not decline in storage at 5°C and could be recovered between 106 and 107 colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) of diet after storage for 4 weeks. No significant differences in levels of protein, immunoglobulin, complement, or lysozyme were noted between fish consuming probiotic diets or the control diet. In one feeding trial, weight gain per fish was significantly less in the fish receiving a combination of Pediococcus and Enterococcus probiotic bacteria when compared to those consuming either bacterial supplement diet alone or the control diet. We conclude that these particular commercial dietary supplements lack specific growth promoting or immune stimulating effects in juvenile channel catfish.

The Effect of Daily Consumption of Probiotic and Conventional Yoghurt on Oxidant and Antioxidant Parameters in Plasma of Young Healthy Women

In recent years there has been increasing interest in the potential beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria, particularly concerning their immune-modulating effects. Considering the involvement of free radicals in immunological processes, we tried to verify and compare the effects of probiotic (Lactobacillus casei) and conventional yoghurt on antioxidant and oxidant parameters in plasma of humans. In this study female volunteers consumed 100 g/day of probiotic (n = 17) or conventional yoghurt (n = 16) for two weeks (T1-T2) and 200 g/day for another two weeks (T2-T3). A wash-out phase lasting two weeks followed. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), albumin, and bilirubin were determined photometrically, uric acid was determined by enzymatic methods, and vitamin E, carotenoids, malondialdehyde (MDA), and conjugated dienes (CD) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the period of continuous yoghurt intake (T1-T3), mean concentrations of the antioxidants vitamin E, lycopene, and zeaxanthin decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the probiotic and in the control group. The average concentrations of lutein, beta-carotene, albumin, uric acid, and bilirubin decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the probiotic group, only. These alterations led to a significant (p < 0.001) decrease of the average TAC values during the period T1-T3 in both tested groups. In the interval of daily yoghurt consumption (T1-T3) the mean plasma levels of oxidant parameters MDA and CD increased significantly in the probiotic (MDA: p < 0.01; CD: p < 0.001) and the control group (CD: p < 0.01). The average activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) was quite constant throughout the study in both groups. The mean activities of GSH-Px and catalase decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the probiotic group, only after consuming yoghurt daily for four weeks (T1-T3). Although several parameters changed significantly during the study, no significant differences were observed between both investigated groups. Therefore, the results indicate a possible influence of both probiotic and conventional yoghurt on the plasma levels of antioxidant and oxidant parameters.

The Effects of Probiotics on Symptoms and Immunoglobulin Levels of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syn-drome

The medicinal use of natural plant materials and food supplements is gaining in popularity. The Food Directorate of the Department of Health considers probiotics as a food supplement. In this double blind controlled pilot study the effects of probiotic treatment (Lactoba-cillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum and bifidum) were evaluated on the symptoms and immunoglobulin levels of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Twenty-four patients who fulfilled the Drossman criteria for the diagnosis of IBS were randomised to receive either probiotics or a placebo for 28 days. Immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM were measured and symptoms were rated (according to a clinically recognised questionnaire serving as a rating scale for gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS) before and after treatment. The improvement in symptoms was statistically highly significant in the probiotic group (p = 0.0001, paired t-test). Some patients treated with placebo decided that the treatment was ineffective and stopped taking it. The 7 who completed the trial showed an improvement in symptoms, but this was only marginally significant (p = 0.0473, paired t-test). Serum immunoglobulin levels did not differ significantly. Larger studies to confirm the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on the symptoms of patients with IBS are indicated.

The Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei and Raftilose P95 Upon the Non-specific Immune Response of Piglets

This work was focused on the effects of administration of Lactobacillus paracasei and the fructooligosaccharide (FOS) Raftilose P95 upon the immune system of piglets 10 days after birth and 10 days after weaning under standard farming conditions. The piglets were divided into three groups of 30 animals: F - combined application of Lc. paracasei and Raftilose P95; L - application of Lc. paracasei only; C - control group without treatment. In the first phase of the experiment, group L revealed a significantly higher value in total absolute leukocyte (Le) counts ( P < 0.01) as well as in neutrophil counts (Ne), CD2 + , CD4 + T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte counts ( P < 0.05) compared to group F. Significant differences ( P < 0.05) were obtained in phagocyte activity of leukocytes (%PA Le) and in phagocyte activity of neutrophils (%PA Ne) when groups C and F were compared. At the time of weaning in comparison with newborn piglets a tendency to increase the parameters under observation was seen in group F with a simultaneous decrease of most indices in group L and in the control group. A significant difference ( P < 0.05) in favour of the combined treatment compared to simple lactobacilli application was observed in absolute numbers of CD4 + T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. In the second phase of the experiment - application after weaning - the counts of total anaerobes (TAn) and total aerobes (TA) in the faeces of animals receiving the combined treatment (F) were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) when compared to the lactobacillus-only treated piglets (L) and to untreated piglets (C). In the case of total lactobacilli (TLc), the value in group F was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) compared to group L ( P < 0.01) and compared to the control group. Application of FOS Raftilose P95 seems to be a suitable method for fortification of the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria especially during changes of the intestinal microflora composition, e.g. during weaning.

Probiotic microorganisms: how they affect intestinal pathophysiology.

Probiotics attracted great interest throughout the last decade. A keyword search for ‘probiotic or lactic acid bacteria’ in the PubMed database reveals more than 3000 papers during the last 10 years and more than 400 papers in 2001. The aim of the present review is to update studies concerning the use of probiotics in treating gastrointestinal diseases as well as to highlight more recently understood effects of lactic acid bacteria, especially their participation in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and the regulation of adapted immune responses to environmental antigens. One hundred years ago, Elie Metchnikoff was the first to stress the importance of intestinal lactobacilli in microflora in maintaining health and longevity [1]. The term ‘probiotic’ has been popularized by R. Fuller [2], and is defined as a live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance. This definition was later extended to include other beneficial effects such as immunomodulation. Part of the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria is likely related to the observation that a commensal microflora is necessary for the establishment of oral tolerance to food antigens [3] and participates in the maintenance of a microbial barrier facilitating the elimination of pathogenic organisms from the digestive tract. For a long time, based on empirical practice and later on scientific observations, live microbial supplementation (yogurt, fermented milk, bacterial lyophilizates, and more recently, infant formula, CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 59 (2002) 001–15 1420-682X/02/010001-15 $ 1.50 + 0.20/0 © Birkhauser Verlag, Basel, 2002 CMLS Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences

Some Beneficial Effects of Probiotic Bacteria

Some Beneficial Effects of Probiotic Bacteria