Bifidobacteria Counts Research Articles

Assessment of low doses of Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts on the biochemical parameters and intestinal microflora of chickens

This study was carried out to evaluate the biochemical parameters and intestinal microflora in broilers with low doses of Eimeria tenella. Birds from the experimental groups were orally infected with 500 (GI) or 1000 (GII) sporulated oocysts of E. tenella and then examined for weight gain, biochemical indicators, and microbiota on day 9 and 16 after infection. Experimental infection of E. tenella on day 9 post infection (pi) increased concentrations of uric acid, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and glucose; however, these measurements did not differ from those of the control group on day 16 pi. On day 16 pi, bifidobacteria counts were lower in both infected groups, whereas E. coli counts were higher in GII than in GI and the control group. Statistical differences were not observed when average weight gains between the infected and noninfected groups were compared.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on laying performance, egg quality, serum parameters, and cecal microflora of laying hens in the late phase of production.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on laying performance, egg quality, serum parameters, and cecal microflora of laying hens in the late phase of production. Jinghong-1 strain laying hens (n = 960; 48 wk of age) were randomly allocated to 5 treatment groups with 6 replicates of 32 hens. Hens were fed with basal diet (control) and basal diet supplemented with 2.5 × 104 (CB1), 5 × 104 (CB2), 1 × 105 (CB3), and 2 × 105 (CB4) cfu/g C. butyricum for 10 wk. The results showed that egg production, egg mass, and eggshell strength increased quadratically as supplemental C. butyricum increased, and these responses were maximized in the CB2 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the addition of C. butyricum resulted in quadratic effects on serum total protein, uric acid, calcium, complement component C3 and catalase concentrations, and these responses were maximized or minimized in the CB2 group (P < 0.05). Linear and quadratic increases were observed in serum IgM, total superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase concentrations, and these responses were maximized in CB2 or CB3 group (P < 0.05). The addition of C. butyricum in the CB2 group resulted in linearly increasing levels of serum IgG concentration as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Spleen index increased (P < 0.05) in the CB2 group. Hens fed with C. butyricum reduced (P > 0.05) the population of E. coli, while Bifidobacterium counts increased quadratically and maximized in the CB2 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicated that dietary supplementation with C. butyricum (5 × 104 or 1 × 105 cfu/g) could improve laying performance and egg quality by promoting immune function, enhancing antioxidative capacity, and benefiting the cecal microflora of laying hens in the late phase of production.

Effects of Consumption of Probiotic Powder Containing Lactobacillus Plantarum Dad-13 on Fecal Bacterial Population in School-Age Children in Indonesia

Consumption of probiotics is known to influence the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of probiotic powder containing Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 on bacterial composition in the gut by examining fecal samples of school-age children in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 40 healthy subjects were recruited for this study and were divided into two groups: placebo group and probiotic group. The placebo group consumed skim milk and the probiotic group consumed probiotic powder containing L. plantarum Dad-13 (2 × 109 CFU/g) for 65 days. The results showed that placebo intake had no significant effect on gut microbiota; however, probiotic caused a significant increase in L. plantarum and Lactobacillus population, while decreasing the population of E. coli and non-E. coli coliform bacteria by 55% and 75%, respectively and Bifidobacteria count did not change significantly. The study concluded that consumption of probiotic powder L. plantarum Dad-13 could increase propionic acid thereby decreasing the gut pH which has an effect on the microbial population.

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Counts in the Gut Microbiota of Patients With Bipolar Disorder and Healthy Controls.

Background: Although the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder remains elusive, growing evidence suggests the beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the gut microbiota on stress response and depressive symptoms. In the present study, we examined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus counts for association with bipolar disorder and serum cortisol levels.Methods: Bacterial counts in fecal samples were examined in 39 patients with bipolar disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edn. and 58 healthy controls using bacterial rRNA-targeted reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results: No significant difference was found in either bacterial counts between the two groups. However, we found a significantly negative correlation between Lactobacillus counts and sleep (ρ = −0.45, P = 0.01). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was found between Bifidobacterium counts and cortisol levels (ρ = −0.39, P = 0.02) in the patients, although such a correlation was not found for Lactobacillus counts.Conclusions: Our results suggest that Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus counts may not play a major role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder in our sample. However, the observed negative correlation between Lactobacillus counts and sleep and that between Bifidobacterium counts and serum cortisol levels point to the possible roles of these bacteria in sleep and stress response of the patients.

Lactobacillus reuteri KT260178 Supplementation Reduced Morbidity of Piglets Through Its Targeted Colonization, Improvement of Cecal Microbiota Profile, and Immune Functions.

Supplementing suckling piglets with Lactobacillus reuteri isolated from a homologous source improves L. reuteri colonization number in the gastrointestinal tract, which can have health benefits. This study investigated dietary L. reuteri supplementation on the growth and health-including immune status-of piglets, as well as its colonization. A total of 60 sows with similar parity and body weight were allocated into one of three groups after secretion (n = 20 each, with 10 neonatal piglets of each): untreated control, L. reuteri supplementation, and antibiotic treatment. The experimental duration was 28days, from birth of piglets to their group transferred. For the first 7days after birth, all neonatal piglets were fed by sows. Piglets in the L. reuteri supplementation group were administered with 1.0mlL. reuteri fermentation broth containing 5.0 × 107CFU. From 7 to 28days, piglets were given basal feed (control), basal feed supplemented with L. reuteri (1.0 × 107CFU/g), or aureomycin (150mg/kg). L. reuteri colonization in the distal jejunum and ileum was increased in piglets in the L. reuteri-supplemented as compared to the control group after 28days, as determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time PCR analysis. Total Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in the cecum were higher whereas total aerobic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus) counts were lower in the L. reuteri as compared to the control group. L. reuteri supplementation also improved body antioxidant status and immune function relative to control animals. Strain-specific L. reuteri administered to piglets colonizes the intestinal mucosa and improves cecal microbiota profile and whole-body antioxidant and immune status, leading to better growth and lower morbidity and mortality rates.

Maternal antibiotic prophylaxis affects Bifidobacterium spp. counts in the human milk, during the first week after delivery.

Human milk is an important source of microorganisms for infant gut colonisation. Although the maternal antibiotic prophylaxis is an important strategy to prevent maternal/neonatal sepsis, it has to be investigated how it may affect the human milk microbiota, especially the genus Bifidobacterium, which has been associated to health benefits. Here, we investigated the impact of the maternal antibiotic prophylaxis on the human milk Bifidobacterium spp. and total bacteria counts, in the first week (short-term) and first month (medium-term) after delivery. Human milk samples were collected from 55 healthy lactating women recruited from the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo at days 7±3 and 30±4 after vaginal delivery. Twenty one volunteers had received maternal antibiotic prophylaxis (MAP group) and 34 had not received MAP (no-MAP group) during or after labour. Total DNA was isolated from milk samples, and the bacterial counts were estimated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). We found lower levels of Bifidobacterium in the MAP group in the first week after delivery (median = 2.1 vs 2.4 log of equivalent cells/ml of human milk, for MAP and no-MAP groups, respectively; P=0.01), although there were no statistical differences in total bacteria count. However, no differences were found in Bifidobacterium counts between the groups at day 30±4 (median = 2.5 vs 2.2 log of equivalent cells/ml of human milk, for MAP and no-MAP groups, respectively; P=0.50). Our results suggest that MAP has a significant impact on Bifidobacterium counts in human milk, reducing this population in the first week after delivery. However, throughout the first month after delivery, the Bifidobacterium counts tend to recover, reaching similar counts to those found in no-MAP group at day 30±4 after delivery.

Dietary quality of predominantly traditional diets is associated with blood glucose profiles, but not with total fecal Bifidobacterium in Indonesian women.

BackgroundA high quality modern diet is associated with reduced risk of metabolic disease and diabetes. However, it remains unclear whether the quality of predominantly traditional ethnic diets is associated with such conditions. Moreover, the relationship between dietary quality and microbiota, a potential mediator of metabolic disease, has not been studied.ObjectiveWe investigated the relationship of dietary quality of traditional ethnic diets in Indonesia with fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, and the number of fecal Bifidobacterium.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted in selected districts with predominantly animal- or plant-based traditional diets of West Sumatera and West Java provinces, respectively. A total of 240 apparently healthy women aged 19–50 years were randomly selected from 360 women screened by a cluster sampling design. Dietary quality was assessed by 2-day repeated 24-hour food recall, and scored using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010. FBG was quantified with the enzymatic colorimetric method, and HbA1c by using hexokinase and high-performance liquid chromatography, and total fecal Bifidobacterium by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe HEI scores of 99% of women were <51, indicating a low-quality diet. In adjusted multivariate regression, HEI was inversely associated with FBG (ß = -0.403; 95% CI = -0.789 to -0.016; p = 0.041) and HbA1c (ß = -0.018; 95% CI = -0.036 to 0.000; p = 0.048) but was not significantly associated with total levels of Bifidobacterium (ß = -0.007, p = 0.275). Bifidobacterium count was not significantly associated with either FBG or HbA1c levels.ConclusionLow dietary quality is clearly associated with risk of increased markers of blood glucose. However, any mediating role of Bifidobacterium between dietary quality and glucose outcomes was not apparent. Innovative interventions for healthy eating should be implemented to increase dietary quality of populations transitioning from predominantly traditional to modern diets, to reduce the risk of diabetes, especially in women.

Aqueous extract of berry (Plinia jaboticaba) byproduct modulates gut microbiota and maintains the balance on antioxidant defense system in rats.

Previous studies have assessed the properties of aqueous extracts, using byproducts such as jaboticaba peel. We have assessed potential antioxidant effects of jaboticaba extract (Plinia jaboticaba) (JAE = 50g/L) in vitro and in vivo. Healthy Wistar rats received ad libitum JAE for either 15 or 49days in vivo. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, gallic acid, rutin, myricetin, and quercetin were identified as the main polyphenols in JAE. Lipid peroxidation values in the serum and colon were similar throughout the groups. In addition, JAE did not disturb the antioxidant systems. JAE also altered gut microbiota, increasing since Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae counts. Bacterial metabolites were higher in the colon content of rats fed with JAE than in the control group. Given these results, under healthy conditions, JAE dietary supplementation could perform in vivo modulation of gut microbiota, without disturbing the antioxidant system. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba) peel is a rich and often-wasted source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols. Previous studies have shown that physiological benefits of this berry. The jaboticaba peel could contribute to antioxidant defense systems; it may also have an effect over gut microbiota related to polyphenols contents. Aqueous extraction may be a practical way of employing the bioactive compounds of jaboticaba peel; these compounds can be consumed daily and safely, and thus have attracted particular attention. This work showed positive impacts of jaboticaba peel treatments on microbiota and antioxidant defense systems, and could guide future clinical studies.

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Parallel Clinical Trial Assessing the Effect of Fructooligosaccharides in Infants with Constipation.

Constipation often begins in the first year of life. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in the treatment of infants with constipation. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included infants with constipation who were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: FOS or placebo. Either the FOS supplement or the placebo was added to the infant formula. Thirty-six infants completed the 4-week intervention. Therapeutic success occurred in 83.3% of the FOS group infants and in 55.6% of the control group infants (p = 0.073; one-tailed test). Compared with the control group, the FOS group exhibited a higher frequency of softer stools (p = 0.035) and fewer episodes of straining and/or difficulty passing stools (p = 0.041). At the end of the intervention, the mouth-to-anus transit time was shorter (22.4 and 24.5 h, p = 0.035), and the Bifidobacterium sp. count was higher (p = 0.006) in the FOS group. In conclusion, the use of FOS in infants with constipation was associated with significant improvement in symptoms, but the results showed no statistical significance regarding the success of the therapy compared with the control group. FOS was associated with reduced bowel transit time and higher counts of the genus Bifidobacterium in the stool.

Risks Related to High-Dosage Recombinant Antimicrobial Peptide Microcin J25 in Mice Model: Intestinal Microbiota, Intestinal Barrier Function, and Immune Regulation.

Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) can be a promising alternative in various domains. However, further risk information is required. In this study, mice were orally administrated different dosages of recombinant AMP microcin J25 (4.55, 9.1, and 18.2 mg/kg; MccJ25) for 1 week, and the toxicity risk impacts were examined. We evidenced that middle-dosage administration mice had a lower inflammation, better body weight, and ameliorated mucosal morphology, accompanied by reduced intestinal permeability and tighter intestinal barrier. Fecal microbiota composition analysis in middle- or low-dosage mice revealed the Bifidobacterium count was increased and the coliform bacteria count was decreased, and increased in short-chain fatty acid levels. Unexpectedly, there was a risk that high-dosage mice increased intestinal permeability and imbalance of intestinal bacteria. Taken together, these data indicated a safe threshold for usage of MccJ25 in clinical practice. Such studies can effectively enhance the safety of various aspects such as food preservative and drug.

In healthy adults, resistant maltodextrin produces a greater change in fecal bifidobacteria counts and increases stool wet weight: a double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover study

Dietary fiber stimulates the growth of potentially beneficial bacteria (eg, bifidobacteria), yet most Americans do not meet daily fiber recommendations. Resistant maltodextrin (RMD), a fermentable functional fiber, may help individuals meet total fiber recommendations and potentially increase bifidobacteria. It was hypothesized that fecal bifidobacteria counts/ng fecal DNA would increase after adding 25 g RMD to inadequate fiber diets of healthy adults. In this double-blind, controlled crossover study, 51 participants (26.3 ± 6.8 years, mean ± SD) were randomized to consume 0, 15, and 25 g RMD daily for 3 weeks followed by a 2-week washout. Participants collected all stools for 2 days at weeks 0 and 3 of each intervention for stool wet weight (WW) measurements and fecal bifidobacteria counts. Weekly 24-hour dietary recalls assessed total fiber intake. Only 25 g RMD resulted in a change (final minus baseline) in bifidobacteria that was significant compared with 0 g (0.17 ± 0.09 vs −0.17 ± 0.09 log10[counts], respectively, mean ± SEM, P = .008). Stool WW increased only with 25 g (150 ± 11 vs baseline 121±11 g/d; P = .011). Mean daily total fiber intake (including RMD) was significantly higher (both P< .001) with 15 g (17.8 ± 0.6 g/1000 kcal or 4184 kJ) and 25 g (25.3 ± 1.1 g/1000 kcal) compared with 0 g RMD (8.4±0.4 g/1000 kcal). Mean daily total fiber intakes exceeded recommendations (14 g/1000 kcal) with 15 and 25 g of RMD, and 25 g RMD increased fecal bifidobacteria counts and stool WW, suggesting health benefits from increasing total fiber intake.

Low Interleukin 10 Production at Birth Is a Risk Factor for Atopic Dermatitis in Neonates with Bifidobacterium Colonization

Background: Altered regulatory immune responses to microbial stimuli and intestinal colonization of beneficial bacteria early in life may contribute to the development of allergic diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis [AD]). However, few reports have investigated these factors simultaneously. The purpose of this study was to analyze neonatal immune responses to microbial stimuli as well as intestinal colonization of beneficial bacteria, in relation to the development of AD in a birth cohort. Methods: Pregnant women were recruited, and their infants were followed up until 7 months of age. Levels of interleukin (IL)-10 released from cord-blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) stimulated with heat-killed gram-positive bacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and Lactobacillus-derived peptidoglycan were measured. Fecal Bifidobacterium counts at 4 days and 1 month were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The development of AD was determined by means of a questionnaire at 7 months of age. Results: The levels of released IL-10 were significantly lower in infants with AD (n = 17) than in infants without AD (n = 53) for all stimuli. In infants with fecal Bifidobacterium, the incidence of AD was inversely associated with the release of IL-10 from cord blood mononuclear cells. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that impaired IL-10 production in response to microbial stimuli at birth may be associated with an increased risk of developing infantile AD, even in infants with early colonization of intestinal bifidobacteria.

Effects of oral probiotic supplementation on gut Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations and the clinical status of low-birth-weight preterm neonates: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

AimProbiotic bacteria administered directly after birth to preterm neonates may improve gastrointestinal function and may reduce the incidence of late-onset sepsis, which is a frequent complication in this group.PurposeThe main objective of this study was to evaluate whether a new probiotic bacterial mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus KL53A and Bifidobacterium breve PB04 given to preterm, low-birth-weight neonates would influence composition of their gut microbiota and sepsis rates.Patients and methodsThis study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in clinical centers of neonatal care in Poland. A probiotic or placebo preparation was given twice daily to 181 preterm low-birth-weight neonates who were eligible for enteral feeding between July 2012 and July 2013. The probiotic was given to 90 neonates, while placebo was given to 91 neonates. The gut microbiota was monitored by microbiological analysis of stool samples. Sepsis episodes were detected on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings and confirmed by blood cultures.ResultsTested probiotic administration resulted in continuous increase of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in the gut microbiota. The applied tested strains successfully colonized the neonates gut since they were present in over 90% of stool samples, which was confirmed by molecular analysis. Regardless of the study group (probiotic or placebo), B. breve colonization correlated with lower staphylococcal sepsis incidence, which was irrespective of whether probiotics were given. No sepsis case caused by strains included in study probiotic was recorded.ConclusionAppropriately selected and characterized probiotic bacteria may be safely given to preterm neonates to normalize their distorted gut microbiota and may contribute to lower staphylococcal sepsis rates.

Inclusion of Fructooligosaccharide and Resistant Maltodextrin in High Fat Diets Promotes Simultaneous Improvements on Body Fat Reduction and Fecal Parameters.

This study investigated the effects of incorporating a mixture of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and resistant maltodextrin (RMD) at a ratio of 1:2 on body fat accumulation and fecal bacterial parameters in rats. Our results indicated that high dietary fat consumption might effectively (p < 0.05) increase body fat, but consequently inducing a significantly (p < 0.05) higher growth of C. perfringens and retarded growth (p < 0.05) of the Bifidobacterium spp. in the large intestine. As compared with the high fat control, an incorporation of the FOS and RMD mixture at a high dose (0.97 and 1.94 g/kg body weight, respectively) could result in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in feed efficiency (−16%), total visceral fat (−17.4%), non-visceral fat levels (−20.3%), and total body fat (−19.2%). Furthermore, feeding the FOS and RMD mixture at a high dose was capable to counter the above undesirable impacts by reducing the C. perfringens count (−14.8%) and increasing the total Bifidobacterium count (134.4%) and total fecal short chain fatty acids (195.4%). A supplementation of adequate amount of FOS and RMD might confer a concreted solution to the obesity and deteriorated fecal bacteria profiles due to high fat consumption.

The effect of Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 on the intestinal microbiota and urine polyamines content: A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial

The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 on composition of gut microbiota and urine polyamines level. The healthy volunteers were divided into two groups: probiotic group received kefir with L. fermentum ME-3 and control group regular kefir both for 8 weeks. The lactoflora was determined by bacteriological method, gut microbiota by real-time PCR and urine polyamines level by gas-chromatography. In probiotic group there was an increase in the richness (p = 0.025), diversity (p = 0.017) and counts (p = 0.003) of lactoflora. That was associated with the increase of the diversity of the whole gut microbiota (p = 0.003). After probiotic consumption the level of urine putrescine had negative correlation with counts of lactobacilli (r = −0.424; p = 0.0083) and bifidobacteria (r = −0.415; p = 0.00983). L. fermentum ME-3 has potential to lower the risk of gut diseases that are bound with lower richness and diversity of gut microbiota and higher putrescine level.

INCORPORATION OF PROBIOTICS IN PLANT FLAVORED SOFT CHEESE

Six treatments of Domiati cheese were made to study the effect of adding sweet pepper extract and bifidobacteria on cheese quality. All cheese treatments are pickled and stored in refrigerator for 12 weeks, incorporating of sweet pepper extract improved the acceptability of Domiati cheese and increased the scores of organoleptic properties of the resultant cheese treatments. Incorporating of sweet pepper extract decreased the titratable acidity, while incorporating of bifidobacteria increased the acidity of cheese. Neither the incorporation of sweet pepper extract nor the incorporation of bifidobacteria affected significantly the ash and total protein content. Titratable acidity, total volatile fatty acid, soluble nitrogen and total scores of organoleptic properties increased throughout pickling period, while total protein content and moisture content decreased. Total bacterial counts, counts of bifidobacteria and counts of yeasts and moulds increased during the first 4 weeks of pickling period, then decreased up to the end of pickling period. The counts of bifidobacteria in all cheese treatments even after pickling for 12 weeks were higher than the numbers should be present to achieve the health benefits of bifidobacteria.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GREEN PEPPER - TREATED PROBIOTIC DOMIATI CHEESE

Six treatments of Domiati cheese were made to study the effect of adding sweet pepper extract and bifidobacteria on cheese quality. Control and all cheese treatments are pickled and stored in refrigerator for 12 weeks, incorporating of sweet pepper extract in to Domiati cheese increased its organoleptic scores. Incorporating of sweet pepper extract decreased the titratable acidity, while incorporating of bifidobacteria increased the acidity of cheese. Neither the incorporation of sweet pepper extract nor the incorporation of bifidobacteria affected significantly the ash and total protein content. Titratable acidity, total volatile fatty acid, soluble nitrogen and organoleptic scores increased throughout pickling period, while total protein content and moisture content decreased. Total bacterial, bifidobacteria and yeasts & moulds counts increased during the first 4 weeks of pickling period, then decreased up to the end of pickling period. The counts of bifidobacteria in all cheese treatments and even after pickling for 12 weeks were higher than the numbers should be present to achieve the health benefits of bifidobacteria.

Gut microbiota in experimental murine model of Graves\u2019 orbitopathy established in different environments may modulate clinical presentation of disease

BackgroundVariation in induced models of autoimmunity has been attributed to the housing environment and its effect on the gut microbiota. In Graves’ disease (GD), autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) cause autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Many GD patients develop Graves’ orbitopathy or ophthalmopathy (GO) characterized by orbital tissue remodeling including adipogenesis. Murine models of GD/GO would help delineate pathogenetic mechanisms, and although several have been reported, most lack reproducibility. A model comprising immunization of female BALBc mice with a TSHR expression plasmid using in vivo electroporation was reproduced in two independent laboratories. Similar orbital disease was induced in both centers, but differences were apparent (e.g., hyperthyroidism in Center 1 but not Center 2). We hypothesized a role for the gut microbiota influencing the outcome and reproducibility of induced GO.ResultsWe combined metataxonomics (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and traditional microbial culture of the intestinal contents from the GO murine model, to analyze the gut microbiota in the two centers. We observed significant differences in alpha and beta diversity and in the taxonomic profiles, e.g., operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from the genus Lactobacillus were more abundant in Center 2, and Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium counts were more abundant in Center 1 where we also observed a negative correlation between the OTUs of the genus Intestinimonas and TSHR autoantibodies. Traditional microbiology largely confirmed the metataxonomics data and indicated significantly higher yeast counts in Center 1 TSHR-immunized mice. We also compared the gut microbiota between immunization groups within Center 2, comprising the TSHR- or βgal control-immunized mice and naïve untreated mice. We observed a shift of the TSHR-immunized mice bacterial communities described by the beta diversity weighted Unifrac. Furthermore, we observed a significant positive correlation between the presence of Firmicutes and orbital-adipogenesis specifically in TSHR-immunized mice.ConclusionsThe significant differences observed in microbiota composition from BALBc mice undergoing the same immunization protocol in comparable specific-pathogen-free (SPF) units in different centers support a role for the gut microbiota in modulating the induced response. The gut microbiota might also contribute to the heterogeneity of induced response since we report potential disease-associated microbial taxonomies and correlation with ocular disease.

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging conditions on quality preservation of powdered infant formula

The effect of different modified atmospheres (100% N2, 100% CO2, 70% N2/30% CO2, 50% N2/50% CO2, and air) on the quality preservation of powdered infant formula was investigated by a storage test at 30°C. Metal can packages of 400 g per unit were stored for 493 days with periodic measurements of package gas composition and product quality attributes, which included peroxide value (POV), pH, titratable acidity, bifidobacteria count, hydroxymethylfurfural content, surface colour, and solubility. In the air package, POV as an oxidative quality index increased highly along with oxygen concentration decrease, reaching a maximum of 58.7 meq/kg lipid at 350 days. Compared with the air package, POV increase of the product was significantly lower, with all the O2‐excluded modified atmosphere packages showing a maximum of 28.5 to 29.3 meq/kg at 350 days. Packages of high CO2 concentration experienced a pH decrease and an acidity increase of the stored product caused by dissolution of CO2. The count of bifidobacteria in the product was maintained higher after 119 days in the package of 100% CO2 than in the other packages. Hydroxymethylfurfural content showed a slight increase after an initial period of slight decrease, with little difference among the package treatments. There were no significant changes in product solubility and surface colour during storage. Considering that the high CO2 atmosphere helps the survival of bifidobacteria and protects the product from oxidation without negative effects on the other quality attributes, it is suggested for use in packaging of powdered infant formula.

Modulation of intestinal microbiota, control of nitrogen products and inflammation by pre/probiotics in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review.

Dysbiosis may favor the occurrence of inflammation and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has been suggested that the intake of pre/probiotics may control the progression of chronic kidney disease. Thus, the objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effects of pre/probiotic intake on the intestinal microbiota, control of nitrogen products, oxidative stress, and inflammation in CKD patients.The literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library of Clinical Trials, and Science Direct. After careful evaluation by the reviewers, ten potentially relevant articles were selected for this study. Based on previous studies, intake of prebiotics appears to have the following effects: increased bifidobacteria and lactobacillus counts; reduced formation of uremic toxin, p-cresol, and its serum concentrations; improved lipid profiles; reduced systemic inflammatory state and concentrations of oxidative stress markers. Similarly, consumption of probiotics can reduce blood urea and serum phosphate concentrations. Furthermore, an increase in fecal volume and intestinal Bifidobacteriumand a reduction in p-cresol serum and blood urea concentrations were observed in response to symbiotic intake. These results suggest that consumption of pre/probiotics may modulate the intestinal microbiota, and promote the growth and metabolism of anaerobic bacteria by decreasing the production of uremic solutes, further causing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation in CKD patients.