Combination Of Probiotics Research Articles

The Role of Mineral and Synbiotic to Enhance Immunity During Covid-19 Pandemic : A Literature Review

COVID-19 has become a pandemic in the last 3 years worldwide and cases cause high mortality and morbidity. To reduce COVID-19 infection, we need to keep our immune system healthy. Several nutrients have been shown to have specific abilities to increase the power of the immune system, but their use in the treatment of COVID-19 is still being debated. This review aims to determine the role of minerals and synbiotics in increasing immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron and copper have promising potential to treat COVID-19 by reducing clinical impact, markers of inflammation, and improving immunological biomarkers. In addition to increasing mineral intake, maintaining a healthy immune system can also be done by improving the health of the gut microbiota. One of the therapies that is considered to have a positive impact on handling COVID-19 is using synbiotics (a combination of prebiotics and probiotics). However, the safety and efficacy of mineral and synbiotic supplementation in COVID-19 patients as adjunctive therapy still requires further research. Minerals and synbiotics can help boost the immune system and reduce symptoms during a COVID-19 infection.

The Different Ways Multi-Strain Probiotics with Different Ratios of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Relieve Constipation Induced by Loperamide in Mice.

Constipation is currently one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, and its causes are diverse. Multi-strain probiotics are often considered a more effective treatment than single-strain probiotics. In this study, a constipation model was constructed using loperamide hydrochloride to evaluate the ability of a multi-strain probiotic combination of four different ratios of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus to regulate intestinal flora, relieve constipation, and explore the initial mechanism in mice. After four weeks of probiotic intervention, BM1, BM2, and PB2 effectively relieved constipation; however, the pathways involved were different. The Bifidobacteria-dominated formulations BM1 and BM2 mainly changed the composition and structure of the intestinal flora and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Tyzzerella, Enterorhabdus, Faecalibaculum, Gordonibacter, and Mucispirillum in stool; increased the relative abundance of Parabacteroides and the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in stool; restored motilin (MTL) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels; and downregulated interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 levels in serum. This repaired the inflammatory response caused by constipation. Finally, it promoted peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, increasing stool water content, and relieving constipation. While Lactobacillus-dominated formula PB2 mainly restored the levels of serum neurotransmitters (MTL, SP (substance P), VIP and PYY (Peptide YY)) and inflammatory factors (IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8), it significantly decreased the relative abundance of Tyzzerella, Enterorhabdus, Faecalibaculum, Gordonibacter and Mucispirillum in stool; it then increased acetic acid content, thereby reducing the level of inflammation and changing stool properties and gastrointestinal motility.

Probiotics: The Beneficial Bacteria For Human Health

Probiotics are living bacteria that are good for our health, especially our digestive system. They are frequently referred to as "good bacteria" since they contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of microorganisms in our gut. Probiotics have been known for centuries, although the term "probiotic" was coined in the twentieth century. A scientist named Elie Metchnikoff is credited with introducing Probiotics as we know them today. The number of probiotics in food varies based on the meal, the fermentation technique, and the bacteria strains utilized. Here are some common probiotic-rich foods and their approximate probiotic amounts: Fermented foods have been consumed for their preservation characteristics and health advantages since ancient times. Fermentation was practiced by ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. Ancient Egyptians, for example, employed fermented milk products to treat digestive disorders. Probiotics' involvement in supporting gut health and controlling digestive illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diarrhea have been widely researched. Recent research has looked at specific probiotic strains and combinations in certain illnesses, proving their ability to reduce symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Probiotics' involvement in supporting gut health and controlling digestive illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diarrhea have been widely researched. Recent research has looked at specific probiotic strains and combinations in certain illnesses, proving their ability to reduce symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Probiotic scientific guidelines differ based on the organization or nation offering the advice. Here are some suggestions and recommendations from credible scientific and medical institutions: World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO): The WHO and FAO issued recommendations together in 2002, which were revised in 2018. The recommendations provide forth broad concepts for assessing the safety and efficacy of probiotics, as well as requirements for strain identification, manufacturing, and labeling. They also emphasize the importance of scientific research to back up health claims.

Impact of the Combination of Probiotics and Digital Poultry System on Behavior, Welfare Parameters, and Growth Performance in Broiler Chicken.

Recently, applied technology in the form of the combination of a probiotics and a digital poultry system, with the convergence of Information and Communications Technology and farm animals, has enabled a new strategy to overcome the livestock production crisis caused by climate change, while maintaining sustainable poultry farming in terms of care, feeding, and environmental management systems for poultry. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological mechanisms of animal behavioral welfare and production improvement using the combination of a probiotics and a digital poultry system in broiler chickens. A total of 400 one-day-old male broilers (ROSS 308) were randomly divided into four treatment groups, with five replicates each (20 birds/replicate pen) in a completely randomized design: control group with a conventional poultry system without probiotics (CON), conventional poultry system with 500 ppm of probiotics (CON500), digital poultry control system without probiotics (DPCS), and digital poultry system with 500 ppm of probiotics (DPS500). All experimental animals were reared for 35 days under the same standard environmental conditions. The experimental results indicated that the animal behavioral welfare, which includes drinking, eating, locomotion, grooming, and resting, in addition to foot pads, knee burns, plumage, and gait scores, as well as the growth performance of the broiler chickens, were improved by maintaining immune function and cecal microbiota balance via interaction between the combination of a probiotics and a digital poultry system. In conclusion, it was found that the combined system showed improved broiler growth performance and animal behavioral welfare. Thus, further studies of molecular biological mechanisms by the use of such a combined system to improve the nutritional composition and quality of chicken meats are recommended.

Effect of organic acids and probiotics on intestinal health of Apis mellifera.

Apis mellifera is an important pollinator that has a prominent impact on crops' ecological balance. Beekeeping provides us with more valuable products like honey, pollen, propolis, beeswax, and royal jelly. The ongoing era demands more scientific and environment-friendly strategies to improve the beekeeping sector internationally. Nowadays, the use of synbiotics (a combination of probiotics and prebiotics) has been declared as the need of the hour. However, little bit studies have been carried out in this regard. To improve the beekeeping sector in Pakistan, a study was designed to exploration of probiotic and organic acids on bee tissue ileum (small intestine). 108 Colony forming units (C.F.Us) of Bacillus clausii and Lactobacillus brevis were provided with and without mixing in 1.96% acetic acid, 2.91% acetic acid, and 2.99% lactic acid to caged worker bees under controlled laboratory conditions. The provision did not affect the intestine harmfully. The mean intestinal lumen diameters (μm2) were 133.33 ± 8.82, 63.33 ± 3.33, 186.67 ± 72.19, 250.00 ± 28.87, 166.67 ± 17.64, 193.33 ± 46.31, and 140.00 ± 61.10 in experiments (1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 respectively) compared to control's 113.33 ± 38.44. Worker bees with better digestion conditions prove honeybee's health and efficiency.

Melatonin and probiotic administration ameliorated hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, and enhanced cytoprotective effect on beta-cells of diabetic rats.

The study aimed at investigating the effects of administering melatonin and a probiotic to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats on hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress biomarkers and beta-cells. Type 1 diabetes was induced in 5 months-old male Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of freshly-prepared STZ (60mg/kg body weight). Six groups of 10 rats were used and treated once daily for six weeks; (1) Healthy control: normal saline only; (2) Pre-treated with Melatonin (MEL); (3) Diabetic control; (4) Diabetic + Treated with MEL; (5) Diabetic + Treated with Probiotic (Prob); (6) Diabetic + Treated with MEL + Prob. Blood glucose, body weight, activities of antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde concentration in serum and tissues, reduced glutathione and immunohistochemical assay. Data obtained were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (Mean ± SEM) and subjected to ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Melatonin + Probiotic significantly decreased blood glucose concentrations in diabetic treated rats, compared to the diabetic control rats. MEL + Probiotic increased (p < 0.05) superoxide dismutase activity in serum and liver of diabetic rats. MEL + Probiotic reduced (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde concentration in the serum, liver and kidneys, respectively. MEL + Probiotic treated diabetic rats displayed islets with much greater content of insulin. Melatonin + Probiotic combination was more effective in mitigating hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, and exerted cytoprotective effect on the beta-cells.

Outcome-Specific Efficacy of Different Probiotic Strains and Mixtures in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disease. The efficacy of different probiotics in treating IBS remains controversial. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare and rank the outcome-specific efficacy of different probiotic strains or combinations in adults with IBS. We searched the literature up to June 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of probiotics in IBS were included. A frequentist framework was used to perform this study. In total, 9253 participants from 81 RCTs were included in the study. Four probiotic strains and five mixtures were significantly superior to placebo in improving IBS Symptom Severity Scale, among which Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 ranked first (surface under the cumulative ranking, SUCRA, 92.9%). A mixture containing five probiotics (SUCRA, 100%) ranked first in improving the IBS-Quality of life. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (SUCRA, 96.9%) and Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 (SUCRA, 92.6%) were among the most effective probiotics for improving abdominal pain. Three probiotic strains and two mixtures were effective in alleviating abdominal bloating. Four probiotic strains and a mixture were significantly superior to placebo in reducing the bowel movement frequency in diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (SUCRA, 99.6%) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 (SUCRA, 89.7%) were among the most effective probiotics for improving the Bristol stool form scale of IBS-D. Only some probiotics are effective for particular outcomes in IBS patients. This study provided the first ranking of outcome-specific efficacy of different probiotic strains and combinations in IBS. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

USE OF PROBIOTICS IN ALLERGIC RHINITS: A PILOT STUDY

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a nasal inflammatory disease. It manifests itself with nasal obstruction/blockage, rhinorrhea, itching and sneezing in response to contact with allergens. Its diagnosis is clinical and confirmed with allergy tests. Its treatment may involve antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, as well as immunotherapy, which is considered the only treatment capable of altering the clinical history of the disease. To evaluate the use of probiotics to control allergic rhinitis symptoms. This is a comparative experimental pilot study in which 11 adult employees were evaluated in 4 weeks and, of these, 9 were also evaluated in 8 weeks. Everyone used 0.9% physiological solution, budesonide 200 mcg/day nasally and desloratadine, when necessary. Among the volunteers, 7 also used the combination of probiotics, Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175, one capsule a day. There was statistical relevance in the probiotic group for sneezing in the 4-week evaluation and for nasal obstruction in the 8-week evaluation. The results of this comparative pilot study may have been influenced by the small sample size. Even so, it was possible to find data with statistical relevance that confirmed the benefit of using probiotics, mainly to reduce sneezing and nasal obstruction. Despite being a promising form of RA treatment, more studies are needed on the use of probiotics for this purpose.

Herbal-pro supplementation in drinking water to promote the growth and suppress Coliform and Escherichia coli in the Intestines of ducklings

Herbal-Pro is a combination of herbal extracts (Carrot leaves) and probiotics (Effective Microorganism-4). Probiotic microbes have been shown to improve performance and nutrient absorption. Meanwhile, savonins in herbal leaves can suppress pathogenic bacteria. It is interesting to study the effect of Herbal-Pro supplementation in drinking water to improve performance and suppress pathogenic bacteria in the intestines of duckling. A total of 216 male Bali duckling aged 2 weeks with an average homogeneous body weight were randomly divided into 4 treatments and 6 replications in a completely randomized design. The "Herbal-Pro" treatment was administered via drinking water, each at the level of: 0% as a control (A); 2% (B), 4% (C), and 6% (D), respectively. The results showed that the inclusion of Herbal-pro in drinking water were increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency. Herbal-Pro administration at a level of 4-6% via drinking water was significantly different (P&lt;0.05) in reducing the number of Coliform and E. coli bacteria in the duckling intestine. It can be concluded that addition of 2-6% Herbal-Pro on drinking water of duckling from 2-10 weeks of age significantly improves growth and feed efficiency, and vice versa is able to suppress pathogenic bacteria in the intestines of ducklings.

Role of prebiotics and probiotics in the prevention of the gastrointestinal side effects of metformin among the type 2 diabetic patients

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is most common endocrine disorder all over the world. Metformin has been used as a first line drug, however, it has several gastrointestinal side effects. This study aims to determine the frequency of metformin induced gastrointestinal side effects among type 2 diabetic patients and role of prebiotics and probiotics in the prevention of the metformin-induced GI side effects. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary care hospital, Rawalpindi, among 130 for one year from January 2021 to December 2022. Data was collected by applying a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis. Data analysis was performed via statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: The means for study variables like age, dose, and duration of therapy were 54.09 years, 1000 mg and 3.6 years respectively. Female patients had more GI side effects than male patients. Similarly, GI side effects frequency was also higher among the patients who were on metformin alone than the patients who were using metformin and combination of prebiotics and probiotics. Patients with higher dose of metformin and shorter duration of metformin therapy had higher frequency of GI symptoms. The most common GI symptom was constipation followed by diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting/nausea, dyspepsia, loss of appetite and flatulence. Conclusions: Metformin induced GI symptoms were common among study population. Use of prebiotics and probiotics combination with metformin, low dose of metformin, and longer duration of metformin use were found protective against the metformin-induced GI side effects.

Obesity theranostics using nanoemulsions of probiotics and local herbs

Obesity is a polygenic disorder which has become a global epidemic in recent years. Aim of the present study was to assess the theranostic potential of probiotics (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium) and local herbs (fenugreek seeds, aloe vera) on the body weight, biochemical (liver and kidney functions) and histology of some internal organs (liver, kidney, ovary, small intestine) in obese rats. In present study, nanoemulsions of probiotics and local herbs were formulated by high energy method and characterized by FTIR and UV analysis. One hundred and sixty (160) female wistar rats were divided into sixteen groups. A high-fat diet was given to induce obesity in them. Obese rats were treated with different doses of probiotics, local herbs and their combination. Weekly body weight was monitored. Rats were dissected after fifteen weeks; blood and organs were harvested for biochemical analysis and histology. Results demonstrated a protective effect of nanoemulsion of probiotics and local herbs on the central vein, glomerulus, villi and normal ovulatory function of obese rats. Rats treated with a combination of probiotics and local herbs (fenugreek seeds, aloe vera) exhibited improved levels of bilirubin (4 mg/dl to15 mg/dl), AST from (110 U/L to 18 U/L) and ALT from (52 U/L to 10U/L). Similar renoprotective effects were recorded on the overall renal function tests (RFT). A combination of probiotics and local herbs in post treatment rats improved urea (63 mg/dl to 22 mg/dl) and creatinine (0.2 mg/dl to 0.8 mg/dl) levels. It was therefore evident that a combination of probiotics and local herbs has the potential to reverse the effects of obesity on the biochemical parameters and histological architecture of liver, kidney, small intestine and ovary. The overall results indicated that probiotics have positive effects of their own, but when combined with local herbs, they produced highly effective results in obese rats and therefore can be used as a complementary option in obese individuals.

Effect of zinc and probiotics supplementation on IL-6 and tissue neutrophil levels in rats exposed to cigarette smoke

Introduction: Cigarette smoke exposure can cause inflammation, inducing the release of acute phase cytokines, such as IL-6, that will then trigger the recruitment of neutrophils, which are mostly phagocytic cells. Zinc and probiotics are known to have beneficial effects against inflammation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc and probiotics supplementation on IL-6 and tissue neutrophil levels in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Methods: In a randomised, experimental study with post-test control group design, thirty 2 to 3-month-old male Wistar rats, each weighing 180-220 g, were divided into five groups: control group without treatment (C); exposed to cigarette smoke [C (-)]; exposed to cigarette smoke and received zinc (Z); exposed to cigarette smoke and received probiotics (P); and exposed to cigarette smoke and received a combination of zinc and probiotics (ZP). Results: Mean tissue neutrophil levels in Z, P, and ZP groups were 43.43±2.01, 34.67±1.32, and 29.77±5.05 cells, respectively. There were significant differences between supplementation intake and tissue neutrophil levels in each group compared to C (-) group (p&lt;0.05). Meanwhile, only IL-6 level in the ZP group (6.02 pg/mL) decreased significantly compared to C (-) group (10.61 pg/mL). Conclusion: These results suggest that a combination of zinc and probiotics have an anti-inflammatory effect as measured by IL-6 and neutrophil levels.

Analysis of Physiochemical and Functional Properties of Oat-Based Synbiotic Beverage Enriched with Phytonutrients

Synbiotic food and beverages incorporate a synergistic combination of probiotics and prebiotics to foster enhanced health benefits compared to their individual counterparts. The present study analyzed the physiochemical and functional properties of a synbiotic beverage prepared with a combination of Lactobacillus casei as probiotic and oats as the prebiotic substrate versus L. casei (5 %) in the dairy matrix as control (C). This low-fat and hypo-caloric product was enriched with whey proteins and natural colors to enhance its favorable effects. Sensory analysis depicted variation 2 (V2) to manifest increased acceptance (8.0±0.2) and the highest count of viable probiotics (8.5×1011±82) versus the other variants. V2 exhibited a significant content of proximate components, dietary fiber (TDF), and polyphenols along with an optimum organic acid production (88±0.3), titratable acidity (1.6±0.3), pH (4.3±0.2), and enhanced antioxidant capacity portrayed by reducing power (25 ± 0.9 mg/mL) and H2O2 scavenging abilities (157.5±6.1 µg/mL) as well as improved survival in the in vitro simulated gastrointestinal environment compared to the control. Additionally, V2 revealed a shelf life of 28 days at refrigerated storage (4-6 °C) with suitable retention of organoleptic characteristics, acidity, and viability. Hence, the developed synbiotic and polyphenol-enriched beverage may impart beneficial health effects through its nutritional and functional properties.

Probiotic and intra-nasal oxytocin combination therapy on autonomic function and gut-brain axis signaling in young children and teens with autism spectrum disorder

Autonomic dysfunction has been widely studied in individuals with autism spectral disorder (ASD); however, the autonomic response to probiotic and oxytocin (OT) combination intervention has not yet been explored. We conducted the present study that includes 35 individuals with ASD aged 3–20 years to explore autonomic responses to daily Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic supplementation and OT nasal spray treatment both alone and in combination. We identified significant improvements in autonomic indices from subjects receiving combination treatment relative to those receiving placebo. Parameters that were observed to improve following combination treatment are time domain metrics of heart rate variability (HRV), including the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal R–R intervals (SDNN), and proportion of the number of pairs of adjacent NN intervals that differ by more than 50ms (pNN50, p < 0.05). Furthermore, individuals that received either probiotics or OT alone demonstrated fewer changes in RMSSD, pNN50, and SDNN. Several parameters that demonstrated significant improvements in combination therapy were found to be correlated with baseline levels of OT (LF power: r = −0.86, p = 0.024; mean HR: r = 0.89, p = 0.012). Additionally, Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) raw total scores (mean HR, r = 0.86, p = 0.024) and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) raw total scores (mean HR r = 0.94, p = 0.017) were correlated with mean heart rate (HR) and HRV-derived parameters. These results provide further evidence of synergy of probiotic and OT combination and help us gain a better understanding of the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD phenotypes and pathogenesis.

Characterization and valorization of soybean residue (okara) for the development of synbiotic ice cream.

There is an increasing challenge in probiotic viability and stability during food product formulation, processing, and storage. However, synbiotic functional foods have promising potential to deliver the targeted benefits. This study aimed to isolate the okara from soybean residue, and obtained okara flour was further characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Synbiotic ice cream was developed by fortification with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and okara at different concentrations (1-3%). Additionally, the synbiotic ice cream was subjected to physicochemical and sensory attributes over 60 days of storage. High viability of L. rhamnosus GG (8.17 log CFU/mL) was observed during storage at 3% okara. Moreover, adding okara at 2% or higher improved viscosity, reduced overrun, and maintained probiotic viability. When compared to the control (ice cream without okara), synbiotic ice cream exhibited a higher protein content and a lower fat level. The synergistic combination of probiotics and okara in ice cream is a potentially novel approach for developing functional ice cream. The addition of okara is not only helpful in increasing the nutritional value of the ice cream but will also be a way forward to minimize agricultural waste. Synbiotic ice cream developed in this study may be considered a potential functional food rich in protein and low in fat.

Efficacy of Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Some probiotics may be beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but differences in species and strains used, as well as endpoints reported, have hampered attempts to make specific recommendations as to which should be preferred. We updated our previous meta-analysis examining this issue. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched (up to March 2023). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) recruiting adults with IBS, comparing probiotics with placebo were eligible. Dichotomous symptom data were pooled to obtain a relative risk of global symptoms, abdominal pain, or abdominal bloating or distension persisting after therapy, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Continuous data were pooled using a standardized mean difference with a 95% CI. Adverse events data were also pooled. We identified 82 eligible trials, containing 10,332 patients. Only 24 RCTs were at low risk of bias across all domains. For global symptoms, there was moderate certainty in the evidence for a benefit of Escherichia strains, low certainty for Lactobacillus strains and Lactobacillus plantarum 299V, and very low certainty for combination probiotics, LacClean Gold S, Duolac 7s, and Bacillus strains. For abdominal pain, there was low certainty in the evidence for a benefit of Saccharomyces cerevisae I-3856 and Bifidobacterium strains, and very low certainty for combination probiotics, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, and Bacillus strains. For abdominal bloating or distension there was very low certainty in the evidence for a benefit of combination probiotics and Bacillus strains. The relative risk of experiencing any adverse event, in 55 trials, including more than 7000 patients, was not significantly higher with probiotics. Some combinations of probiotics or strains may be beneficial in IBS. However, certainty in the evidence for efficacy by GRADE criteria was low to very low across almost all of our analyses.

The Role of Bifidobacterium bifidum novaBBF7, Bifidobacterium longum novaBLG2 and Lactobacillus paracasei TJB8 to Improve Mechanisms Linked to Neuronal Cells Protection against Oxidative Condition in a Gut-Brain Axis Model.

Despite the identification of several innovative targets for avoiding cognitive decline, there has yet to be a widely accepted approach that deals with minimising the deterioration of cognitive function. In this light, recent studies suggest that regulating the gut-brain axis with probiotics is a potential therapeutic strategy to support brain health. For this reason, in vitro models were used to examine the efficacy of different probiotic combinations to enhance intestinal homeostasis and positively affect the brain. Therefore, the new formulation has been evaluated for its capacity to modify intestinal barrier functions in a 3D in vitro model without any adverse effects and directly impact the mechanisms underlying cognitive function in a gut-brain axis model. According to our findings, B. bifidum novaBBF7 10 mg/mL, B. longum novaBLG2 5 mg/mL and L. paracasei TJB8 10 mg/mL may successfully modify the intestinal barrier and improve SCFA production. Successively, the probiotics studied caused no harm at the neuronal level, as demonstrated by iNOS, mitochondrial potential, and cell viability tests, confirming their safety features and enhancing antioxidant mechanisms and antineuroinflammation activity. Additionally, the damage caused by oxidative stress was also healed, and critical pathways that result in cognitive impairment were changed by synergetic action, supporting the hypothesis that brain ageing and neurodegeneration are slowed down. All these findings demonstrate the ability of probiotics to affect cognitive processes and their ability to sustain the mechanisms underlying cognitive function by acting on intestinal function.

Ameliorative effects of probiotics in AlCl3-induced mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

In recent years, gut microbiome alterations have been linked with complex underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The gut microbiota modulates gut brain axis by facilitating development of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and synthesis of neuromodulators. The study was designed to unravel the effect of combined consumption of probiotics; Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG®) and Bifidobacterium BB-12 (BB-12®) (1 × 109CFU) on AlCl3-induced AD mouse model in comparison with potent acetylcholine esterase inhibitor drug for AD, donepezil. Mice were randomly allocated to six different study groups (n = 8). Behavioral tests were conducted to assess effect of AlCl3 (300mg/kg) and probiotics treatment on cognition and anxiety through Morris Water Maze (MWM), Novel Object Recognition (NOR), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and Y-maze. The results indicated that the combined probiotic treatment significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced anxiety-like behavior post AlCl3 exposure. The AlCl3 + LGG® and BB-12®-treated group showed significantly improved spatial (p < 0.0001) and recognition memory (p < 0.0001) in comparison to AlCl3-treated group. The expression status of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) was also normalized upon treatment with LGG® and BB-12® post AlCl3 exposure. Our findings indicated that the probiotics LGG® and BB-12® have strong potential to overcome neuroinflammatory imbalance, cognitive deficits and anxiety-like behavior, therefore can be considered as a combination therapy for AD through modulation of gut brain axis. KEY POINTS: • Bifidobacterium BB-12 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG were fed to AlCl3-induced Alzheimer's disease mice. • This combination of probiotics had remarkable ameliorating effects on anxiety, neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. • These effects may suggest that combined consumption of these probiotics instigate potential mitigation of AD associated consequences through gut brain axis modulation.

Effect of a probiotic formula on gastrointestinal health, immune responses and metabolic health in adults with functional constipation or functional diarrhea.

Our aim was to determine the efficacy of four-week probiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal health. The secondary objectives were to assess probiotic effects on immune reaction, as well as weight control and metabolic health. We conducted two randomized sub-trials, respectively, among subjects who were diagnosed with functional constipation (FC) or functional diarrhea (FDr) according to the Rome IV criteria. In each sub-trial, 70 eligible Chinese adults were randomized to receive a multi-strain probiotic combination or a placebo. Gastrointestinal symptoms, defecation habits, stool characteristics, blood and fecal biochemistry markers, anthropometrics measures, stress-associated responses, and intestinal flora changes were assessed at baseline and after probiotics intervention. Four weeks of probiotic supplementation reduced overall gastrointestinal symptoms scores in FC participants (p < 0.0001). Their mean weekly stool frequency increased from 3.3 times to 6.2 times; immune response and inflammation markers improved with increases in serum IgA, IFN-γ and fecal sIgA, and decrease in hsCRP; most components of lipid profile were significantly ameliorated, with increases in HDL-C and reductions in TC and TG; body weight, body mass index and basal metabolic rate decreased following probiotics consumption. For FDr participants, probiotics consumption markedly reduced overall gastrointestinal symptom scores (p < 0.0001); decreased stool frequency by 3 times per week; increased IgA, IFN-γ, sIgA concentrations, while lowered hsCRP and IL-4 levels. Both FC and FDr participants had improvement in the scores of defecation habits, anxiety or depression, and perceived stress. Probiotics supplementation promoted the production of all three major short-chain fatty acids. No changes were observed in LDL-C, IgG, IgM, IL-8, IL-10 and motilin. Supplementation with the probiotic formula over a four-week period could help relieving gastrointestinal symptoms, improving satisfaction with defecation habits, emotional state and immune response, and ameliorating dysbacteriosis in participants with FC or FDr. It also had beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and weight control for FC participants.

Factors influencing the development of gastrointestinal tract and nutrient transporters' function during the embryonic life of chickens-A review.

Intestinal morphology and regulation of nutrient transportation genes during the embryonic and early life of chicks influence their body weight and feed conversion ratio through the growing period. The intestine development can be monitored by measuring villus morphology and enzymatic activity and determining the expression of nutrient transporters genes. With the increasing importance of gut development and health in broiler production, considerable research has been directed towards factors affecting intestine development. Thus, this article reviews (1) intestinal development during embryogenesis, and (2) maternal factors, in ovo administration, and incubation conditions that influence intestinal development during embryogenesis. Conclusively, (1) chicks from heavier eggs may have a better-developed intestine than chicks from younger ones, (2) in ovo supplementation with amino acids, minerals, vitamins or a combination of several probiotics and prebiotics stimulates intestine development and increases the expression of intestine mucosal-related genes and (3) the long storage period, improper incubation temperature and imbalanced ventilation can negatively influence intestinal morphology and nutrient transporters gene expression. Finally, understanding the intestine development during embryonic life will enable us to enhance the productivity of broilers.