Bifidobacterium Animalis Research Articles

Microbiological profile of patients with generalized gingivitis undergoing periodontal therapy and administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019: A randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the adjunctive use of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) to conventional therapy on clinical and microbiological parameters in patients with generalized gingivitis. Sixty systemically healthy individuals with untreated generalized gingivitis were submitted to periodontal therapy and allocated to receive Placebo (n = 30) or Probiotic (n = 30) lozenges, twice a day for 8 weeks. Bleeding on Marginal Probing (BOMP) was evaluated at baseline, after 2 and 8 weeks. Supra and subgingival biofilm were obtained at baseline and 8 weeks post-therapy for analyses by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Differences between therapeutic groups were analyzed by non-parametric tests (p<0.05). The Placebo and Probiotic groups showed a significant reduction in BOMP at 8 weeks compared to baseline (p<0.05). The Probiotic group had a lower percentage of BOMP when compared with the Placebo group at 8 weeks (p<0.0001). Alpha and beta-diversity showed no statistical significance between groups and time points. At phylum level, no significant differences were observed between groups and time points. At genus level, an increase in the relative abundances of Bergeyella and Corynebacterium were significantly associated with a greater reduction in bleeding in the Placebo group and with less reduction in bleeding in the Probiotic group, respectively. At species level, Schaalia spp., Streptococcus gordonii, and Leptotrichia wadei increased in Placebo and decreased in the Probiotic group after treatment. Granulicatella adiacens decreased significantly after the probiotic therapy, while Saccharibacteria (TM7) spp., Solobacterium moorei, and Catonella morbi increased significantly. In the Placebo group, Bergeyella sp. HMT-322 was associated with a greater percentage of reduction in bleeding. In both groups, Actinomyces species were related to less reduction in bleeding. The adjuvant use of B. lactis HN019 alongside conventional therapy enhanced the reduction in BOMP and promoted greater changes in the microbiological profile of patients with generalized gingivitis. The study was registered at Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC; protocol number: RBR-59v2yb).

Probiotication of Plum Pulp and Conditions Effects Freeze-Drying in Cell Viability, Functional Properties and Antioxidant Activity

This study investigated the effects of fermenting plum pulp with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BAL) on its physicochemical and bioactive properties, as well as the optimization of the freeze-drying (FD) process to develop a fruit-based probiotic delivery system. Fermentation significantly reduced the pH and total acidity of the pulp, achieving a cell viability of 11 log CFU/mL. The FD process was optimized using a factorial design, with maltodextrin concentration (3, 5, and 7%) and freezing temperature (−150, −100, and −50 °C) as variables. The P2 experiment, which used 7% maltodextrin and freezing at −150 °C, showed the best results in terms of yield (25.67%), cell viability (8 log CFU/g), and probiotic survival rate (97.66%). Samples P5, P6, and P7, prepared with 5% maltodextrin and freezing at −100 °C, exhibited the highest levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity (p &lt; 0.05). During 28 days of storage, all samples maintained cell viability without significant logarithmic reduction. In summary, probiotic plum powders offer an excellent plant-based alternative for probiotic consumption, providing safe levels of beneficial bacteria and bioactive compounds with antioxidant action, meeting health and nutrition needs.

A probiotic multi-strain mixture combined with hydroxyectoine improves intestinal barrier function by alleviating inflammation in lipopolysaccharide stimulated differentiated Caco-2 cells.

Many studies have highlighted the role of probiotics in re-establishing the gut microbiota balance and preventing intestinal barrier dysfunction. In fact, they can also contribute to the upregulation of anti-inflammatory genes and the downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes, which are known to contribute to the development of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) syndrome. The present study aims to investigate the effect of the compatible solute hydroxyectoine (HOE), to be used as a cryopreservant but also for its intrinsic biological properties, to obtain a new formula containing three probiotic strains (Limosilactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum), Levilactobacillus brevis SP-48 (L. brevis), and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (B. lactis)), and evaluate the latter for its ability to prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in an in vitro bi-dimensional model of the intestinal barrier using a Caco-2 cell monolayer. The mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) were analyzed by real-time PCR. Changes in the modulation of (TLR-4 and NF-κB) proteins were assessed by western blotting, and the effect of the HOE/PRO formula on the intestinal epithelial barrier function was also assessed using an immunofluorescence microscope for the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). This study found that this novel probiotic formulation containing HOE is capable of decreasing LPS-induced cytokines, as confirmed by the results of RT-PCR and ELISA and preserving the integrity of tight junctions as demonstrated by the relevant expression of ZO-1. HOE/PRO was shown to be effective in reducing the expression of TLR-4 and NF-κB. The latter plays a key role as an inflammation modulator as shown through experiments run with the THP-1/NF-κB reporter gene. Collectively, our data indicate that the HOE/PRO formula is a good candidate for potential preventive and/or therapeutic implementation in IBD.

Chronic constipation: focus on microbiome-targeted therapies with prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics

Chronic constipation is a global medical, social, and economic problem due to its negative impact on patients’ quality of life and increased risk of colorectal cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. The gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathophysiology of constipation through its interplay with the immune system, enteral and central nervous system, representing a promising therapeutic target. Gut dysbiosis in patients with constipation is characterized by reduced relative numbers of bacteria producing lactate (Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae) and butyrate (Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospiraceae), as well as with increased numbers of those producing hydrogen sulfide (Desulfovibrionaceae) and methanogenic archaea (Methanobacteriaceae). The leading pathogenetic mechanism related to intestinal dysbiosis in chronic constipation, can be microbial metabolic abnormalities (metabolic dysbiosis) characterized by altered production of short-chain fatty acid, methane, hydrogen sulfide, tryptophan metabolites and by abnormal bile acid biotransformation. It has been proven that dysbiotic abnormalities of the intestinal microbiome play a role in the pathophysiology of constipation, which allows for the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics for effective microbiome-modulating therapy in patients with chronic constipation. The proven role of dysbiotic abnormalities of the intestinal microbiome in the pathophysiology of chronic constipation determines the effectiveness of microbiome-modulating therapy (prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics) in patients with this syndrome. Inulin is the most studied preboitic; it is a soluble food fiber that markedly contributes to the regulation of intestinal microbiota, stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria, and production of anti-inflammatory metabolites. Inulin normalized the intestinal function in patients with chronic constipation increasing the stool frequency, softening the stool, and reducing the intestinal transit time. In addition, inulin modulates the immune response and impacts the absorption of minerals, appetite, and satiety. Treatment with probiotics is also associated with reduced intestinal transit time, compared to controls. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials, only Bifidobacterium lactis strains (but not other probiotics) significantly increase stool frequencies in chronic constipation in adults. Clinical studies have shown that the targeted probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 can significantly increase the stool frequencies in patients with low (≤ 3 per week) stool frequency up to 4.7–5.0 per week, reduce the intestinal transit time and the rate of functional gastroenterological symptoms in adults with constipation. Beyond its clinical effects, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 leads to beneficial changes in intestinal microbiota, significantly increasing the bifidobacteria and decreasing the enterobacteria numbers. The results of trials confirm the importance of synbiotic correction of dysbiotic microbiota in all patients with constipation to increase stool frequencies and improve fecal consistency, as well as to prevent the chronic disorders associated with constipation. Synbiotics, such as a combination of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and inulin, with the properties of both complementary and synergic synbiotic, may have the greatest microbiome-modulating and functional potential to significantly improve clinical outcomes in patients with chronic constipation compared to probiotics or prebiotics used alone.

Identification and antioxidant activities of chickpea albumin peptides and their fractions following fermentation by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12

Identification and antioxidant activities of chickpea albumin peptides and their fractions following fermentation by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12

Improvement of sleep quality and sub-health conditions through pasteurized fermented milk consumption: A human intervention study

The sub-health state refers to a transitional condition between optimal health and disease, impacting physical, psychological, and social well-being. In this 42-day human intervention trial, we investigated the effects of two pasteurized fermented milks on sub-health symptoms. These pasteurized fermented milks shared the same starter culture and probiotic strains (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PC-01, Lactiplantibacillus plantarun Lp-6, Lactobacillus helveticus H9, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Probio-M8), differing only in the presence of inulin. Qualified subjects were randomly assigned to the probiotic group (received milk without inulin; n = 49 or synbiotic group (received milk with inulin; n = 51). Outcome measures included Sub-Health Measurement Scale (SHMS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, fecal metagenomes, metabolomes, and short-chain fatty acids, and serum neurotransmitter levels at baseline, after a 4-week intervention (day 28), and a 2-week-follow-up period (day 42). Our results showed that both pasteurized fermented milks improved sleep quality and alleviated sub-health symptoms, with no significant added benefit from inulin. Fecal metagenome analysis revealed post-interventional changes in gut microbial composition, including increased Bifidobacterium longum and decreased potentially pro-inflammatory bacteria (Blautia sp. and Dorea sp.). Changes in Blautia sp. and B. longum correlated significantly with SHMS and PSQI scores, respectively. Fecal and serum metabolite analysis showed post-interventional modulation of fecal short-chain fatty acids, anti-inflammatory bioactive metabolites, and serum neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric and serotonin hydrochloride. In conclusion, pasteurized fermented milk intake alleviated sub-health symptoms, affected the gut microbiome, metabolome, and serum metabolites. These findings highlight the potential of pasteurized fermented milk for mitigating sub-health conditions.

Development of kefir product with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) activated by Sanguisorba officinalis L. extract

This study addresses the challenge of enhancing the activation of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) to improve the quality and functionality of kefir-based products. The objective was to develop a kefir product enriched with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, activated using an extract of Sanguisorba officinalis L., a natural antioxidant, to reduce activation time and boost probiotic efficacy. Two kefir samples were prepared: a control and an experimental product enriched with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis activated by Sanguisorba officinalis L. at 10⁻⁵ g/cm³ concentration. The experimental sample exhibited a significant increase in Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis count, reaching 9.52 lg(CFU/cm3), within 30 minutes at 37±1 °C, outperforming the control. This rapid activation led to improved physicochemical properties, including enhanced flavor, consistency, and a slower increase in titratable acidity over 14 days, indicating prolonged shelf life. The amino acid profile was enriched, with higher levels of essential amino acids such as valine, leucine, methionine, as well as increased water-soluble vitamins including riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and pantothenic acid. The slower decline in Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis population during storage further highlighted the probiotic stability of the enriched kefir. These findings demonstrate that activating Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis with Sanguisorba officinalis L. extract enhances the nutritional and functional qualities of kefir. This product holds potential for commercial application in the functional food industry, offering consumers a probiotic-rich, nutritionally superior fermented dairy option

Multi-omics profiling reveals the molecular mechanism of Bifidobacterium animalis BB04 in co-culture with Wickerhamomyces anomalus Y-5 to induce bifidocin A synthesis.

Bacteriocin is a kind of natural substance that can effectively inhibit bacteria, but its production usually limited by environment. Co-culture is a strategy to stimulate bacteriocin production. Bifidocin A produced by Bifidobacterium animalis BB04, is a novel bacteriocin with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial active of foodborne bacteria. In order to enhance bifidocin A production, bacteriocin-inducing strains were screened firstly in co-cultivation. Then, the molecular mechanism of co-cultural induction was investigated by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Finally, the key inducing metabolites were identified by using targeted metabolomic technology. The results showed that Wickerhamomyces anomalus Y-5 in co-cultivation could significantly enhance bifidocin A production, with a 3.00-fold increase compared to mono-culture. The induction may not depend on direct contact with cells and may instead be attributed to be continuous exposure to inducing substances at specific concentration. In co-cultivation, W. anomalus Y-5 up-regulated Hxk2 and Tap42 to activate Glucose-cAMP and Tor and HOG-MAPK pathway, stimulated the expression of the retrograde gene, produced glutamine and glycerol to maintain activity. During this process, glutamine, inosine, guanosine, adenine, uracil, fumaric acid and pyruvic acid produced by W. anomalus Y-5 could induce the synthesis of bifidocin A. In conclusion, W. anomalus Y-5 in co-cultivation induced the synthesis of bifidocin A by regulating various signaling pathways to produce inducing substances. These findings establish a foundation for high-efficient synthesis of bifidocin A and provide a new perspective into the industrial production of bacteriocin.

Consumption of a Probiotic Blend with Vitamin D Improves Immunity, Redox, and Inflammatory State, Decreasing the Rate of Aging—A Pilot Study

There is evidence of the effect of probiotic intake on the immune system. However, the effect probiotics may have on the rate of aging is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a probiotic blend on immunity, redox state, inflammation, and the rate of aging or biological age. A group of 10 men and 14 women took, daily for 2 months, a sachet with three probiotics (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BSO1, Lactobacillus reuteri LRE02, Lactobacillus plantarum LP14) and vitamin D. Before starting the treatment and after 2 months, peripheral blood was collected. Immune functions were assessed in isolated immune cells, and cytokine concentrations were also measured both in mononuclear cell cultures and plasma. Redox state parameters were also analyzed in whole blood cells. Finally, the Immunity Clock was applied to determine the biological age. Results show that the intake of this probiotic blend in general, in both men and women, improves immunity and decreases the oxidative and inflammatory state. In addition, it rejuvenates the biological age by 10 years on average. It can be concluded that this probiotic blend could be proposed as a good strategy to slow down the aging process, and to achieve healthy aging.

The effect of pine honey on the viability of probiotics and some properties of probiotic yogurt

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of pine honey on the viability of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5®️ and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12®️) and some properties of probiotic yogurts. The non-fat dry matter of milk used in yogurt production is standardized to 11%. Milk is divided into 3 groups (A, B, and C). A, B, and C milk groups were inoculated with yogurt culture, yogurt culture + L. acidophilus LA-5 and yogurt culture + B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 respectively. Each 3 groups of milk are divided into 3 parts. While pine honey was not added to the first part (control group), 5% pine honey was added to the second part and 7% pine honey to the third part of the milk. Produced yogurt samples were stored at +4 °C for 21 days and physico-chemical, structural, microbiological, and sensory analyzes were performed on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st days of storage. According to the results obtained in the study, with the addition of pine honey, hardness and viscosity values of yogurt samples decreased, while water holding capacity values increased. Also, pine honey addition did not have a significant effect on L. acidophilus LA-5 viability, however, the addition of 7% pine honey statistically significantly increased the viability of B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12. Also, taste scores of yogurts containing probiotic cultures are lower than those of the control group yogurt in sensory analysis. It was determined that the odor, consistency and color scores of the samples were close to each other. Keywords: Pine Honey; yogurt; prebiotic; probiotic; viscosity

The anti-obesity effects of postbiotics: A systematic review of pre-clinical and clinical studies

BackgroundThe growing prevalence of obesity has become a major concern worldwide, therefore a great number of studies are conducted every day in the field of obesity. Since postbiotics are a newly introduced term, there is not much systematic evidence about their function and impact on obesity. We designed this study to systematically review the effect of different types of postbiotics on obesity. MethodsA systematic search was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases up to August 2023. Both human and animal interventional studies that investigated the effects of any type of postbiotic on obesity and obesity-related factors were eligible. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by two researchers. The quality of the studies was appraised using Cochrane and Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE’s) risk of bias tool. ResultsOf the 19373 retrieved studies, finally, 49 studies were included (9 human studies and 40 animal studies). Short-chain fatty acids and heat-killed (inactivated) bacteria were the most used postbiotics. In human clinical trials, inactivated Lactobacillus amylovorus (CP1563), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (CECT 8145) and Pediococcus pentosaceus (LP28) were administered orally as postbiotics which improved body composition and anthropometric indices. Animal studies evaluated other types of postbiotics including muramyl dipeptide, cell-free extracts, urolithin A&B, extracellular Vesicles, exopolysaccharides, and surface Layer Proteins, supporting the anti-obesity effects of postbiotics. ConclusionPostbiotics seem to be a safe intervention and the results were in favor of a reduction in adipogenesis as well as an increase in energy expenditure. Further high-quality studies are required in this relatively new topic.

Effect of Fermentation by Probiotic Bacteria on the Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds from the Fruit of the Juçara Palm (Euterpe edulis Martius)

The underexplored fruit from the juçara palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius) has bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities, such as phenolic acids and anthocyanins. This fruit’s pulp presents itself as an appropriate fermentation medium for probiotic bacteria growth. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermentation by Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR92 (JLR) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 (JBB) on the bioactive compound contents of the juçara pulp, before and after a gastrointestinal simulation. The pulp of the juçara fruit showed probiotic counts of 8.70 ± 0.07 log UFC/mL for JLR and 8.44 ± 0.09 log UFC/mL for JBB, after 24 h of fermentation. Fermentation with the strains used modified the proportions of fatty acids (fatty acids esters were quantified using a gas chromatography equipment) and fibers when compared to the non-fermented pulp. The antioxidant capacity determined by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS showed significant reduction after the gastrointestinal simulation for samples. Phenolic compound analysis by UPLC-MS/MS showed, after fermentation, a greater amount of ferulic, protocatechuic and catechin acids in the samples. These results show changes in the bioactive compounds due to the fermentation of the juçara pulp by probiotics. However, these compounds showed bioactive potential and were bioaccessible after the gastrointestinal simulation, with the pulp being a potential means for bacteria growth, which may bring health benefits.

Bifidobacterium lactis-Derived Vesicles Attenuate Hippocampal Neuroinflammation by Targeting IL-33 to Regulate FoxO6/P53 Signaling.

Hippocampal Neuroinflammation (HNF) is a critical driver of cognitive impairment. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) accumulate amyloid beta (Aβ) and lead to HNF. The Bifidobacterium lactis (BL) 99 have anti-inflammatory ability. However, whether BL99-derived microbiota-derived vesicles (MV) could alleviate LPS-induced HNF remains unclear. To investigate, we used ultrafiltration with ultracentrifuge to extract BL99-derived-MV (BL99-MV). We used hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells (HT22) to establish the LPS-induced HNF model, and explored whether BL99-MV alleviate LPS-induced HNF. The confocal microscopy showed that BL99-MV were taken up by HT22 and reduced the oxidative stress (ROS) level. The PCR showed that BL99-MV up-regulate IL-10 level, and down-regulate TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 4127 differentially expressed genes, with 2549 genes upregulated and 1578 genes downregulated in the BL99-MV group compared to the LPS group. Compared to the LPS group, BL99-MV decreased FoxO6, IL-33, P53, and NFκB expression, but increased FoxO1 and Bcl2 expression. The WB showed that BL99-MV modulated NFκB, FoxO6, P53, Caspase9, and Caspase3 protein expression by reducing IL-33 expression in HT22. The findings demonstrated IL-33 as a regulator for FoxO6/P53 signaling. Here, we hypothesized that BL99-MV alleviated LPS-induced HNF to promote HT22 survival and synaptic development by regulating FoxO6/P53 signaling by targeting IL-33.

Impact of synbiotics on disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: Results from a randomized clinical trial.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects various organs in the body. In SLE, inflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in initiating and sustaining the inflammatory process. Synbiotics may help modulate these inflammatory cytokines. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the impact of synbiotics intervention on interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, disease activity, and inflammatory factors in patients with SLE. Fifty SLE patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard therapy plus synbiotics (consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides) or standard therapy alone for 2 months. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in both protein and mRNA levels of IL-17A, as well as in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 score, within the synbiotics group after the intervention compared to baseline. In contrast, the placebo group did not experience significant changes in IL-17A levels or disease activity. Synbiotic supplementation shows potential as an adjunctive therapeutic approach for SLE management; however, further research is needed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study explores the use of synbiotics as a supplementary treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus, which is typically managed with immunosuppressive therapies.

Protective effect of a cocktail of lactic acid bacteria on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via activating the TGR5/PKA pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a persistent intestinal disorder, is now considered a global disease. The present study was designed to investigate the alleviative effects of a cocktail of lactic acid bacteria (CLAB; Lactobacillus rhamnosus MP108, L. paracasei CCFM2711, Bifidobacterium animalis BB-115, and B. longum BLI-02) on UC and its mechanisms through a UC mouse model triggered by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The results indicated that CLAB improved colitis symptoms, intestinal pathologic damage, and intestinal barrier in mice. Moreover, CLAB attenuated colonic inflammatory responses in mice by remodeling the homeostasis between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, CLAB improved the structure of the gut microbiota and augmented the proportion of secondary bile acid-producing bacteria. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that CLAB altered the metabolic profile of colonic contents and, importantly, increased the content of lithocholic acid (LCA). Further, CLAB activated the TGR5/PKA pathway via significantly upregulating the protein expression of TGR5, PKA, and p-CREB. Thus, CLAB alleviated UC, probably by increasing secondary bile acid-producing bacteria, resulting in increased levels of LCA, which in turn activated the TGR5/PKA pathway, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. The present study will offer a theoretical foundation for developing probiotic products to mitigate UC.

Gastrointestinal, Behaviour and Anxiety Outcomes in Autistic Children Following an Open Label, Randomised Pilot Study of Synbiotics vs Synbiotics and Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy.

Alterations of the microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) axis have been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). DGBI are highly prevalent in autistic children and are associated with worsening behaviour and anxiety. Treatments such as probiotics, prebiotics and gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) have shown efficacy in improving gut symptoms in children. The primary objective of the study was to compare changes in gastrointestinal (GI) scores following a 12-week intervention of synbiotics (prebiotic + probiotic) +/- GDH with a follow-up at 24 weeks. Secondary objectives included changes in behavioural and anxiety symptoms, while changes in gut microbiome composition were assessed as an exploratory objective. Children diagnosed with ASD aged 5.00-10.99 years (n = 40) were recruited and randomised (1:1) to a 12-week intervention of either synbiotics (SYN group) or synbiotics + GDH (COM group). Both the SYN and COM group experienced significant reductions in total GI scores post-intervention and at follow-up (p < 0.001), with no superiority of the COM treatment over the SYN treatment. The COM group showed beneficial reductions in anxiety scores (p = 0.002) and irritability behaviours (p < 0.001) which were not present in the SYN group. At follow-up, only those in the COM group maintained significant reductions in GI pain scores (p < 0.001). There were significant changes in gut microbiota such as increases in Bifidobacterium animalis and Dialister in both groups over time. In conclusion,synbiotics with or without GDH may help support standard care for autistic children who suffer comorbid DGBI. The trial was prospectively registered at clinicialtrials.gov on 16 November 2020 (NCTO4639141).

Evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity of probiotics mixture and sulfasalazine against acetic acid-induced colitis in a murine model.

Currently, the use of probiotics to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is widely accepted because of their gut microbiota modulation capabilities and anti-inflammatory potential. The aim of this study is to examine the immunomodulatory outcomes of probiotics and sulfasalazine in the acetic acid-induced colitis murine model. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the seven groups. Following the induction of colitis, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, and sulfasalazine (SASP) were orally administered for 10 days. Subsequently, the in vitro anti-inflammatory effect on TNF-α and IL-10 in the supernatants of cultured spleen cells was assessed via ELISAs. Relative mRNA expression of ZO-1, MLCK, iNOS, TNFR2, ROR-γt, GATA-3, T-bet, and Foxp3 was determined using quantitative reverse‑transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‑PCR). The SASP plus probiotic mixture was more effective in alleviating colitis symptoms, and reducing disease activity scores, and mucosal inflammation. qRT-PCR analysis revealed a significant reduction in T-bet and RORγt levels, while Foxp3 and GATA-3 levels increased in the colons of colitis mice. In addition, the selected strains substantially inhibited the release of inflammatory markers. Administration of LA-5 + BB-12 + SASP resulted in considerably higher inhibition of NO production and cell proliferation than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Treatment with LA-5 + BB-12 + SASP also reduced TNF-α-mediated apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Survey results highlight that the combination regimen could be a promising strategy for IBD therapy, warranting further study of its clinical application and long-term benefits.

Preventive impact of probiotic supplements on heart injury and inflammatory indices in a rat model of myocardial infarction: histopathological and gene expression evaluation.

Although there is a bulk of evidence on the favorable effect of probiotics on the cardiac system, their role in the management of myocardial infarction is not clear. Three viable probiotic bacterial strains, namely Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium lactis, were gavaged to the rats daily for 28 days prior to the induction of myocardial injury. Myocardial injury was induced by the use of isoproterenol (ISO) in the probiotics, control and sham groups. The heart tissues were catheterized to evaluate the histopathological parameters and measure the expression of genes related to inflammation. Treatment with ISO caused subendocardial necrosis and rupture of cardiac myofibrils. Pretreatment with probiotics reduced the size of myocardial infarction caused by ISO. Also, in the probiotic group, a relative decrease in the amount of tissue fibrosis and rupture of cardiomyocytes fibers was seen. Pretreatment with probiotics partially ameliorated myocardial necrosis, edema and leukocyte infiltration. Also, a remarkable decrease was detected in the expression of tissue proinflammatory genes in the pretreated group with probiotics. Thus, viable probiotic supplementation may ameliorate or prevent cardiac injury. Additional preclinical and clinical studies are required to clarify the impact of probiotics in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.

A Mix of Probiotic Strains Prevents Hepatic Steatosis, and Improves Oxidative Stress Status and Gut Microbiota Composition in Obese Mice.

The gut microbiota plays a role in fat accumulation and energy homeostasis. Therefore, probiotic supplementation may improve metabolic parameters and control body weight. In this study, mice are fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or an HFD supplemented with oral gavage of a mixture of three probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94, Lactobacillus plantarum HA-119, and Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 for 7 weeks. It finds that probiotic supplementation modulates body weight gain, food energy efficiency, and fat accumulation caused by the HFD. This probiotic mix prevents liver damage and lipid metabolic disorders in HFD-fed obese mice. The probiotic supplementation significantly downregulates the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and upregulated catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1) expression. Mice supplemented with the probiotic mix also show different microbiota compositions, with an increase in Clostridia_UCG-014 and Lachnospiraceae_nk4a136_group and a decrease in the Dubosiella genus compared with those in mice fed only an HFD. Finally, the amounts of fecal pentanoic acid and the three bile acid species increase in mice with probiotic supplementation. Treatment with a combination of a mixture of three probiotic strains, B. lactis Lafti B94, L. plantarum HA-119, and L. helveticus Lafti L10 for 7 weeks, ameliorates the effects of HFD induced obesity in mice.

Lipid-lowering and antioxidant properties of probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis MSMC83 in rats on a high-fat diet.

Hyperlipidaemia, the abnormally high concentration of lipids such as cholesterol in the body, has a series of deleterious effects on health that are least in part are due to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Probiotics are living microorganisms that possess the efficacy to improve health. Among the many effects that have been ascribed to probiotics is the potential to lower the body lipid content. Here, we used a rat model of induced hyperlipidaemia to assess the lipid-lowering and antioxidant properties of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis MSMC83 as well as its impact on intestinal barrier immunity and the intestinal microbiota. Oral probiotic intake led to a reduction of body weight, fasting blood glucose, and lipid levels, and increased expression of cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase and antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, B. animalis MSMC83 decreased the levels of liver enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to reduced hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, it re-established intestinal barrier integrity as shown by restoration of the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 amount and reduced pathogen-induced inflammation in the intestinal epithelium as shown by readjusted expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs). Moreover B. animalis MSMC83 contributed to the maintenance of a balanced, diverse microbiome. Thus, our results indicate that B. animalis MSMC83 alleviates risk factors associated with hyperlipidaemia, suggesting its use as a probiotic to counter the effects associated with unhealthy diets.