Intestinal Biota Research Articles

Lactobacillus paracasei Jlus66 relieves DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in a murine model by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, inhibiting inflammation, and improving intestinal microbiota structure.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a serious health problem with increasing morbidity and prevalence worldwide. The pathogenesis of UC is complex, currently believed to be influenced by genetic factors, dysregulation of the host immune system, imbalance in the intestinal microbiota, and environmental factors. Currently, UC is typically managed using aminosalicylates, immunosuppressants, and biologics as adjunctive therapies, with the risk of relapse and development of drug resistance upon discontinuation. Therefore, further research into the pathogenesis of UC and exploration of potential treatment strategies are necessary to improve the quality of life for affected patients. According to previous studies, Lactobacillus paracasei Jlus66 (Jlus66) reduced inflammation and may help prevent or treat UC. We used dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to induce a mouse model of UC to assess the effect of Jlus66 on the progression of colitis. During the experiment, we monitored mouse body weight, food and water consumption, as well as rectal bleeding. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to assess intestinal pathological damage. Protein imprinting and immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate the protein levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and tight junction (TJ) proteins in intestinal tissues. Fecal microbiota was analyzed based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Jlus66 supplementation reduced the degree of colon tissue damage, such as colon shortening, fecal occult blood, colon epithelial damage, and weight loss. Supplementation with Jlus66 reduced DSS-induced upregulation of cytokine levels such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.05). The NF-κB pathway and MAPK pathway were inhibited, and the expression of TJ proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-3) was upregulated. 16S rRNA sequencing of mouse cecal contents showed that Jlus66 effectively regulated the structure of the intestinal biota. In conclusion, these data indicate that Jlus66 can alter the intestinal biota and slow the progression of UC, providing new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for UC.

Effects of stroke on the intestinal biota in diabetic mice and type 2 diabetic patient biota.

The intestinal biota, known for its colonization of the human intestine and its modulation of host pathophysiological responses through the immune and endocrine systems, has gained substantial interest in recent years due to its notable correlation with diabetes and stroke. In order to examine this association, a comparative study was conducted on the intestinal biota and blood samples obtained from mouse models and type 2 diabetic patients with and without stroke complications. Advanced techniques, such as high-throughput sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were employed to identify the differences in the intestinal biota and blood indices of mouse models and patients. At the phylum level, the dominant gut bacteria identified in patients with diabetes mellitus and stroke were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. It was noteworthy that the relative abundance of Bacteroides at the genus level was significantly diminished in the DB-PT group (photothrombotic diabetes mice) as compared to the DB group (diabetesmice). This result was consistent with observations in human samples. Additionally, significant variations were detected in lipid proteins, specifically APOA4, in diabetic patients with and without stroke. Stroke can diminish the abundance and diversity of intestinal biota, potentially correlating with lipid proteins in patients with diabetes.

Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Escherichia coli strains isolated during a longitudinal follow-up study of chronic urinary tract infections.

Worldwide, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are an important health problem with many cases reported annually, women being the most affected. UTIs are relevant because they can become a recurrent condition, associated with different factors that contribute to the chronicity of the disease (cUTI). cUTI can be classified as persistent (peUTI) when the causative agent is the same each time the infection occurs or as reinfection (reUTI) when the associated microorganism is different. The purpose of this work was to characterize Escherichia coli isolates obtained in two prospective studies of patients with cUTI, to define which of them corresponded to peUTI and which to reUTI. A total of 394 isolates of E. coli were analyzed by agglutination with specific sera, antimicrobial susceptibility by diffusion disc test, and the phylogroups and presence of genes associated with virulence by PCR assays. Additionally, in some characterized strains adherence, invasiveness, and biofilm formation were analyzed by in vitro assays. The results showed that the peUTI strains belonged mainly to the classical UPEC serogroups (O25, O75, O6), were included in the B2 phylogroup, carried a great number of virulence genes, and were adherent, invasive, and biofilm-forming. Meanwhile, reUTI strains showed great diversity of serogroups, belonged mainly in the A phylogroup, and carried fewer virulence genes. Both peUTI and reUTI strains showed extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) profiles in the antimicrobial susceptibility test. In conclusion, it appears that peUTIs are caused principally by classical UPEC strains, while reUTIs are caused by strains that appear to be a part of the common E. coli intestinal biota. Moreover, although both peUTI and reUTI strains presented different serotypes and phylogroups, their antimicrobial resistance profile (XDR and MDR) was similar, confirming the importance of regulating prophylactic treatments and seeking alternatives for the treatment and control of cUTI. Finally, it was possible to establish the features of the E. coli strains responsible for peUTI and reUTI which could be helpful to develop a fast diagnostic methodology.

Antimicrobial activities of phenolic extracts of coffee mucilage

The inhibition exerted by ethanolic extracts of coffee mucilage on the growth of bacteria was studied by microdilution in agar. The growth inhibition effect was evaluated for pathogenic or food spoilage related bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Alcaligenes sp. (UCR277), Serratia sp. (UCR299), Micrococcus luteus (ATCC4698), Escherichia coli (ATCC35150), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923), Bacillus cereus (ATCC14579), Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ATCC 13311) and Listeria monocytogenes (SLCC4013)) and for bacteria associated with human intestinal biota (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum). The most effective growth inhibition was observed for B. cereus (ATCC14579). The content of chlorogenic acid and caffeine in the ethanolic extracts was quantified by HPLC/DAD. The chlorogenic acid content in the extracts ranged from 2.67 to 4.76 mg/ml, while the caffeine content ranged from 1.24 to 6.48 mg/ml. Although ethanolic extracts of coffee berry mucilage inhibited the growth of B. cereus, this inhibition does not seem to be related to the caffeine or chlorogenic acid contents.

Potencial prebiótico in vitro del extracto atomizado de Swartzia polyphylla, Maytenus macrocarpa y Jatropha macrantha sobre Lactobacillus plantarum y Lactobacillus acidophilus

The combination of prebiotics stimulates the growth of intestinal biota. Atomized extracts containing phenolic compounds promote the proliferation of some lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The objective of this research was to determine in vitro prebiotic potential of the atomized extract (AE) of Swartzia polyphylla (Cumaceba), Maytenus macrocarpa (Chuchuwasi) and Jatropha macrantha (Huanarpo male) on L. plantarum ATCC 14917 and L. acidophilus ATCC 4356. To do this, the bacteria were grown in the De Man Rogosa Sharp (MRS) media containing 1 and 2% (w/v) of AE in anaerobiosis at 37 °C for 48 h. Then, the cell count was performed in MRS agar, and the kinetic parameters and pH were measured. In addition, the resistance of these bacteria to simulated gastrointestinal conditions was assessed. The AE stimulated bacterial growth by maintaining a cell concentration greater than 10 x 106 for 48 h. The growth rates were 0.635 and 0.656 h-1 for L. plantarum as well as 0.391 and 0.516 h-1 for L. acidophilus in the MRS media containing 1% and 2% (w/v) of AE, respectively. The protective effect of the AE under simulated gastrointestinal conditions for L. plantarum and L. acidophilus was significant at pH 7.0 and 2.0, respectively. Overall, the AE presented prebiotic potential in vitro.

Paeonol Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiota and Metabolites.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies demonstrate that the phenolic tannin paeonol (Pae) attenuates UC in mouse models by downregulating inflammatory factors. However, its molecular mechanism for UC treatment has not been explored from the perspective of the gut microbiota and metabolomics. In this study, we investigated the effects of Pae on colonic inflammation, intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolites in 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced BALB/c UC mice. Pae significantly improved the clinical index, relieved colonic damage, reduced cytokine levels, and restored the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier in UC mice. In addition, Pae increased the abundance of gut microbiota, partially reversed the disturbance of intestinal biota composition, including Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, and regulated metabolite levels, such as bile acid (BA) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA). In conclusion, our study provides new insight on Pae remission of UC.

Modern Aspects of the Use of Probiotic and Prebiotic Products in Urological Practice (Literature review)

The article discusses probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic products, their types, benefits and possibilities of use in urological practice. The effectiveness and safety of use is shown based on the analysis of various clinical studies. Research results show that probiotics have a potentially positive effect on the host’s body in several different ways: 1) antagonism through the production of antimicrobial substances; 2) competition with pathogens for adhesion to the epithelium and for nutrients; 3) immunomodulation. Thanks to such mechanisms, the intestinal microbiota acts as a barrier to pathogens. Probiotic organisms are critical for maintaining the balance of the human gut microbiota and have high therapeutic potential. Some drugs of the group of probiotics contain only one type of microorganisms of normal microflora, other drugs contain several at once. Depending on the type of microorganisms contained in this or that probiotic, its therapeutic activity and scope of application are determined. Prebiotics can be used as an alternative to probiotics or as additional support for them. The mechanism of action of the prebiotic includes an effect on the intestinal flora by increasing the number of beneficial anaerobic bacteria and reducing the population of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The effects of prebiotics include potentiation of the growth of normal intestinal biota, stimulation of mucosal immune mechanisms, and the possibility of influencing non-immune mechanisms through antagonism with potential intestinal pathogens. The experience of using traditional probiotics, with the introduction of a sufficient amount of a new form of influence on the intestinal microflora – prebiotics, indicates a significant increase in the therapeutic effectiveness of such combinations (prebiotic + probiotic), which as a result increases the chance of complete elimination of the microbial agent, and also accelerates the process of restoring normal intestinal function . Synbiotics are products that contain both probiotics and prebiotics, combining their pharmacological effects. One of the most well-known pharmacological groups capable of a positive effect on the intestinal biocenosis is natural enterosorbents. The appointment of an enterosorbent in the period after the use of antibiotic therapy in cases of treatment of urological infections should consist in choosing a drug containing a balanced composition of components aimed at sorption, as well as optimizing the growth of normal intestinal biota. The development of biotherapeutic formulas containing both appropriate microbial strains and synergistic prebiotics can lead to increased therapeutic effect in the treatment of patients with urological pathology.

Deoxynivalenol damages the intestinal barrier and biota of the broiler chickens

BackgroundIn the livestock feed industry, feed and feed raw materials are extremely susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the main risk factors for mycotoxin contamination in broiler feed and feedstuff, however, there is still little knowledge about this. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the toxicity effect of DON on the intestinal barrier and the microecological balance of the biota in broiler chickens.ResultsIn our present study, we compared the pathological scores of the small intestines of broilers on the 5th, 7th, and 10th day, and chose the 7th day to analyze the small intestine histomorphology, tight junctions, and cecal biota of the broilers. The results showed the damage to the small intestine worsened over time, the small intestinal villi of broilers were breakage, the tight junctions of the small intestine were destroyed, the cecal biota was unbalanced, and the growth performance of broilers was reduced on the 7th day.ConclusionsDON could damage the functional and structural completeness of the intestinal tract, disorder the Intestinal biota, and finally lead to declined broiler performance. Our study provided a basis for the prevention and treatment of DON in broiler production.

The impact of systemic homeostatic regulator — associates of peroxide anion radicals on the activity of microorganisms

Introduction. This work is devoted to the study of the effect of peroxide anion radicals in submicromol concentrations and the structural organization of the associated water phase in drinking waters, activated by physical methods on the viability of a number of microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract. Materials and methods. Studies were carried out using standard methods of microbiological analysis of drinking water on microorganisms of Escherichia coli 1257, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis 5765, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Klebsiela pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Citrobacter freundii 101/57. Evaluation of changes in the physical parameters of water before and after treatment with the studied technologies was carried out using electrophysical and physical-chemical parameters (hydrogen index, redox potential, content of peroxide anion radical); structural and energy indicators (by the share of the associated water phase and the density of its distribution by energy levels). Results. The data obtained indicate the strongest stabilizing effect on the viability of microorganisms implementing ATP-phase energy metabolism to be µexerted by associates of peroxide anion radicals controlling metabolic processes and providing an extra-substrate channel for maintaining the energy function of microorganisms. We assume that catalytically active waters have a systemic regulatory effect, ensuring the maintenance of homeostasis of microorganisms. Similar regulation is also possible in the intestinal microbiota of the body to maintain or suppress the activity of competing microorganisms when a person uses biocatalytically active (in the range of concentrations of peroxide anion radicals in drinking water from 0.1 to 40 drinking water µg/L) drinking water. We assume that this will solve a number of issues related to the etiology and pathophysiology of a number of gastroenterological diseases caused by changes in the electrophysical state of the internal environment of the gastrointestinal tract, promoting the emergence and development of a competing, adapted to an environment with low electron-donor capacity, bacterial microbiota. Limitations. The data obtained as a result of the experiment on biota similar to the human intestinal microbiota are of scientific interest and research involving warm-blooded animals is necessary to continue work in this direction. Conclusion. Physically treated waters affect the growth or inhibition of intestinal biota colonies, which may be associated with the controlling role of peroxide anion radicals on intracellular metabolic processes in microorganisms

Impact of oxytetracycline exposure on the digestive system microbiota of Daphnia magna.

Antibiotics are used to treat serious illness, but may also be used extraneously or as a preventative measure in many farm animals. This usage increases the potential for unintentional exposure to a variety of organisms. When antibiotics enter aquatic environments, Daphnia magna are especially vulnerable as they filter-feed in freshwater environments. Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a commonly-used broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a variety of mammalian diseases. In this study, the impact of OTC on D. magna mortality and gut biota were studied using both cultivation and sequencing-based approaches. Mortality rates were extremely low with the LD50 >2,000ppm. However, OTC impacted abundance and species diversity of intestinal microorganisms in the gut of the D. magna in abundance as well as species diversity. In control organisms, Pseudomonas putida and Aeromonas hydrophila were both present while only P. putida was found in OTC-exposed organisms. Disruption of the intestinal biota in D. magna could have implications on long-term survival, energy expenditure, and reproduction.

Oral and Gut Microbial Dysbiosis and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Central Role of Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Gut microbiota play many important roles, such as the regulation of immunity and barrier function in the intestine, and are crucial for maintaining homeostasis in living organisms. The disruption in microbiota is called dysbiosis, which has been associated with various chronic inflammatory conditions, food allergies, colorectal cancer, etc. The gut microbiota is also affected by several other factors such as diet, antibiotics and other medications, or bacterial and viral infections. Moreover, there are some reports on the oral-gut-liver axis indicating that the disruption of oral microbiota affects the intestinal biota. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the systemic diseases caused due to the dysregulation of the oral-gut-liver axis. NAFLD is the most common liver disease reported in the developed countries. It includes liver damage ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and cancer. Recently, accumulating evidence supports an association between NAFLD and dysbiosis of oral and gut microbiota. Periodontopathic bacteria, especially Porphyromonas gingivalis, have been correlated with the pathogenesis and development of NAFLD based on the clinical and basic research, and immunology. P. gingivalis was detected in the liver, and lipopolysaccharide from this bacteria has been shown to be involved in the progression of NAFLD, thereby indicating a direct role of P. gingivalis in NAFLD. Moreover, P. gingivalis induces dysbiosis of gut microbiota, which promotes the progression of NAFLD, through disrupting both metabolic and immunologic pathways. Here, we review the roles of microbial dysbiosis in NAFLD. Focusing on P. gingivalis, we evaluate and summarize the most recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between oral-gut microbiome symbiosis and the pathogenesis and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as discuss novel strategies targeting both P. gingivalis and microbial dysbiosis.

The Role of Intestinal Microbiota and Its Recovery in COVID-19

Today, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, when there are no clear therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment, attention should be paid to alternative treatments, which may include the use of bacteriotherapeutic drugs based on probiotic microorganisms, i.e. representatives of the host normobiota. Experimental data show that changes in immune balance in patients with SARS-CoV-2 may be mediated by corresponding changes in the host intestinal microbiota. This statement is especially significant for the elderly, whose intestinal biota is less diverse. Especially the number of useful representative’s decreases, which leads to greater sensitivity of the older generation to SARS-CoV-2. The composition and function of the intestinal microbiota may be a potential biological mechanism responsible for the diversity of susceptibility of different groups of people to SARS-CoV-2. A bidirectional connection along the intestinelung axis due to soluble microbial metabolites transported by the bloodstream is shown. The intestinal microbiota produces many diffusing metabolites with immunomodulatory properties. Given the potential beneficial effects of bacteriotherapeutic drugs and functional foods enriched with probiotic microbiota during respiratory viral infection, their use as therapeutic agents during SARS-CoV-2 infection can be considered. Since the microbiota can be maintained using adequate, safe, and relatively inexpensive bacteriotherapeutic drugs (pro-, pre-, para-, post-, synbiotics, immunobiotics, functional foods enriched with probiotic microorganisms, etc.), their use should be considered as adjunctive therapy to limit SARS-CoV-2 progression in infected patients or as a prophylactic strategy for uninfected people at risk during the expansion of SARS-CoV-2.

Gut Microbiota Characterization in Patients with Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: probiotics increased

ABSTRACT Asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH) is an early stage of gout. Emerging evidence shows that the intestinal microbiota is related to gout. However, the relationship between AH and the intestinal microbiota is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore the possible correlation between AH and intestinal flora. We compared the intestinal microbial communities of AH (45 cases) and healthy subjects (45 cases) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and clustering analysis on the incorporated population. Intestinal-type clustering can be divided into two groups, and significant differences in the proportion of AH are found among different bowel types. Alpha diversity indices were higher in the AH group than in the control group, and beta diversity indices also showed significant differences. A total of 19 genera were found different between the AH group and the control group. Compared with the control group, some probiotics are increased in the AH population. Two groups were ranked by importance of bacteria. We found the different bacteria partially coincided with the important bacteria, and the joint diagnosis level of the important bacteria was good. Conclusion: There were significant differences in the composition of intestinal biota between AH patients and healthy subjects. Some probiotics increased in AH.

Role of intestinal microbiota in development of atopic dermatitis and methods of its treatment in case of its violation

Representatives of the normal microflora of intestinal biota perform a physiologically important function of maintaining the constancy of the internal environment of the body, take part in the formation of the immunobiological reactivity of the macroorganism. Violation of normocenosis contributes to the chronicity of pathological processes (in particular, atopic dermatitis).Material and methods.Under supervision were 36 patients with atopic dermatitis. Before treatment, 86.1 % of patients had persistent or intermittent clinical symptoms of dysbiosis. Depending on the treatment, patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 19) received an external preparation with zinc pyrithione (Cinokap® cream / spray depending on the prevailing clinical picture), specialized dermatocosmetics. In addition to topical therapy, patients of group 2 (n = 17) received Lactofiltrum® 2 tablets 3 times a day for 14 days.Results.After 4 weeks, the total index of the DIHS index decreased in the 1st group by 78.8 %, in the 2nd group by 85.8 %, BRS decreased in the 1st group by 89.2 %, in the 2nd group by 97.1 %. By the end of the course of therapy, DIC improved by 62.4 and 84.1 %, respectively.Conclusions.The inclusion of the drug Lactofiltrum® in the treatment complex leads to a more rapid and pronounced regression of skin rashes and subjective sensations, normalization of the gastrointestinal tract, which contributes to a significant improvement in the quality of life. The drug has a favorable safety profile, convenient to use.

Ácidos orgánicos, una alternativa en la nutrición avícola: una revisión

Los ácidos orgánicos son una alternativa de reemplazo a los antibióticos promotores de crecimiento utilizados en la industria avícola moderna, por ser agentes que no dejan residuos en la carne de los animales y no generan ningún riesgo para la salud humana. El uso de ácidos orgánicos en la alimentación de las aves, contribuye al mantenimiento de la integridad y estabilidad de la biota intestinal; además, dificulta la proliferación de microorganismos patógenos, ayuda a prevenir la aparición de enfermedades y a mejorar el rendimiento productivo. Sin embargo, los resultados experimentales en la dieta de las aves son diversos y contradictorios, inducidos por diferencias en factores tales como: el tipo y la dosis del ácido orgánico, la composición de la dieta y las condiciones ambientales de cría en las que se realizan los ensayos. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar un análisis de los diferentes resultados experimentales al incluir ácidos orgánicos en la dieta del pollo de engorde, con respecto a la fisiología intestinal, los parámetros productivos y hematológicos.

The application of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for diagnosing Enterococcus hirae-associated endocarditis outbreaks in chickens

BackgroundEnterococcus hirae is considered a part of the normal intestinal biota of several domestic animals, including poultry. However, this species is also associated with infective endocarditis in chickens, a disease that leads to unexpected deaths and serious economical losses. Enterococcus hirae is identified predominantly with the use of conventional bacteriological methods, biochemical tests and PCR. Rapid, sensitive and specific methods for detecting E. hirae in clinical samples are required in poultry production. The aim of this study was to use the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for the identification and quantification of E. hirae in heart samples from broiler chickens.ResultsThe specificity of the LAMP method was confirmed for 7 enterococcal strains and 3 non-enterococcal strains. E. hirae was detected in all of the 22 analyzed clinical bacterial isolates and in all of the 9 heart samples. Three sets of primers supported the detection of E. hirae with high sensitivity and specificity within one hour. The highest detection rate of a LAMP product was approximately 7 min for an E. hirae strain and 12 min for a positive heart sample. The detection limit for the E. hirae ATCC 10541 standard was 1.3 × 102 CFU (43.4 fg) or 13.8 copies of the E. hirae genome equivalent per reaction. The reaction was 10-fold more sensitive than conventional species-specific PCR. The LAMP assay supported the determination of the E. hirae load in chicken hearts with endocarditis in field cases. The average number of E. hirae cells in hearts was 5.19 × 107 CFU/g of tissue, and the average number of E. hirae genome equivalents in hearts was 5.51× 106 copies/g of tissue. Bacterial counts were significantly higher in the LAMP assay than in the standard plate count.ConclusionsThe LAMP assay is a useful diagnostic tool and an effective alternative to conventional methods for the detection of this enterococcal species. The sodA-based LAMP assay supported direct identification of E. hirae from pure cultures and heart samples without previous bacterial cultivation. This is the first study to apply the LAMP method for the purpose of diagnosing E. hirae-associated endocarditis in poultry.

Serum Level of D-Lactate in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: Preliminary Data.

D-Lactate is produced by the intestinal biota and later absorbed into circulation. Some patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency that may disturb the gut microbiome and enhance the production of D-lactate. However, this concept has not been studied yet. The aim of the study was to assess D-lactate concentration in relation to the occurrence of clinical features, activity of CF, and diet composition in paediatric patients. Patients and Method. Serum concentrations of D-lactate were measured in 38 CF patients (19 girls and 19 boys) from 6 months to 18 years of age. The analysis included age, sex, clinical symptoms, diet (the variety and calorie needs), the laboratory tests for pancreatic efficiency (serum levels of albumin and glucose, faecal elastase activity, and faecal fat index) and faecal calprotectin (the marker of intestinal inflammation), and parameters of liver damage and of cholestasis (the activity of aminotransferases, γ-glutamyltransferase, level of bilirubin, and international normalized ratio). Results. The median level of D-lactate was 0.86 μg/ml (1Q–3Q: 0.48–2.03) and correlated with the CF severity in the Schwachman-Kulczycki score, parameters of pancreatic insufficiency, and the presence of intestinal inflammation. An increased level of D-lactate was observed in the subgroup with pancreas insufficiency (1.05 versus 0.73; p < 0.05), parallel with an elevated level of calprotectin (0.948 versus 0.755; p = 0.08). There was no relationship between energy consumption and diet composition and serum D-lactates. Conclusion. Serum D-lactate concentration in CF patients is a promising new marker of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency probably related to intestinal flora dysbiosis/overgrowth.

Peritoneal dialysis: The unique features by compartmental delivery of renal replacement therapy

Despite decades of research, the clinical efficacy of peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains enigmatic. We may wonder why the modality fail in some patients but perhaps the more proper question would be, why it works in so many? We know that the contribution of residual renal function (RRF), more so than in hemodialysis, is critically important to the well-being of many of the patients. Unique features of the modality include the relatively low volume of dialysate fluid needed to provide effective uremic control and the disproportionate tendency for both hypokalemia and hypoalbuminemia, when compared to hemodialysis. It is currently believed that most uremic toxins are generated on the interface of human and bacterial structures in the gastrointestinal tract, the intestinal biota. PD offers disproportionate removal of these toxins upon “first-pass”, i.e., via PD fluid exchanges before reaching the systemic circulation beyond the gastrointestinal compartment. Studies examining the net removal gradient of protein-bound uremic toxins during PD are scarce, whereas RRF receives considerably more attention without effective interventions being developed to preserve it. We propose an alternative view on PD, emphasizing the modality’s compartmental nature, both for its benefits and the limitations.

Design of probiotic-fortified food matrices influence their antipathogenic potential

Development of new-age probiotic products based on fruit matrix is a result of emerging evidence that there exists a two-way relationship between phenolic compounds and intestinal biota. However, there is a need to evaluate the efficiency of such matrix and ascertain whether there is any advantage offered by non-conventional, phenolic-rich food matrix like fruit, over more conventional dairy matrices. In the current study, two food matrices were designed based on sea buckthorn and apple juice, supplemented with malt extract (M) and whey protein concentrate (WPC), to improve probiotic viability. The effect of juice matrices fortified with probiotic strains, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus GG, L. acidophilus and L. casei Shirota on the elimination of enteropathogenic E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Shigella dysenteriae and Shigella flexneri from food system was evaluated. The antipathogenic potential of probiotics was strongly influenced by the composition of matrices. Malt supplemented sea buckthorn juice was a superior matrix comparatively and could suppress E. coli, S. enteritidis and S. dysenteriae within one hour of co-incubation. Scanning electron microscopy used to study the structural changes and biocidal action of cell-free extract of probiotic–fortified matrices on the four pathogens revealed swelling, multiple pores and complete disintegration of pathogens.

The effects of antibiotic, probiotic, organic acid, vitamin C, and Echinacea purpurea extract on performance, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, microbiota, and immunity of broiler chickens

The present context investigated the comparative study on the supplementation of antibiotic, probiotic, organic acid, vitamin C, and herbal extract after vaccination into drinking water and their effects on performance, carcass quality, blood biochemical parameters, immune system, and intestinal flora in broiler chicks for 42 days. A total of 420 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned into 7 treatments with 3 replicates (pens) per treatment and 20 male chicks for each replicate (pen). The experimental treatments consisted of drinking water (control, without additive); drinking water + antibiotic sulfamet; drinking water + C-Vet-50; drinking water + antibiotic sulfamet + C-Vet-50; drinking water + probiotic Primalac; drinking water + butyric acid; and drinking water + extract of Echinacea purpurea Moench (coneflower). There were no differences observed among the treatments for feed intake, but during the whole experimental period, the highest body weight gain was found in the chicks fed with drinking water + antibiotic sulfamet + 50 cc vitamin C (P < 0.05). There were no differences (P > 0.05) observed among the treatments for feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05). Moreover, there were no differences reported among treatments for carcass characteristics at the end of the experiment. Among the treatments, drinking water + 50 cc vitamin C, and drinking water + extract of E. purpurea reduced (P < 0.05) the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins. Drinking water + 50 cc vitamin C, drinking water + Primalac, and drinking water + extract of E. purpurea increased (P < 0.05) the lymphocytes count and decreased the heterophils count and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. The highest Escherichia coli count and lowest Lactobacillus count in ileal content of the broilers were observed in the control group (P < 0.05). The additives used in this study may be incorporated in the drinking water of broiler chickens as growth promoters and for improved performance. A further, wider supplementation study is required to understand the performance, immune system, variation in the intestinal microbial counts, and any other possible alteration in the intestinal biota of the broilers.