Lactobacillus Group Research Articles

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis from Milk Products and Other Habitats.

As components of many cheese starter cultures, strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis (LDL) must be tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility to avoid the potential horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance (ABR) determinants in the human body or in the environment. To this end, a phenotypic test, as well as a screening for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in genome sequences, is commonly performed. Historically, microbiological cutoffs (MCs), which are used to classify strains as either ‘sensitive’ or ‘resistant’ based on the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of a range of clinically-relevant antibiotics, have been defined for the whole group of the obligate homofermentative lactobacilli, which includes LDL among many other species. This often leads to inaccuracies in the appreciation of the ABR status of tested LDL strains and to false positive results. To define more accurate MCs for LDL, we analyzed the MIC profiles of strains originating from various habitats by using the broth microdilution method. These strains’ genomes were sequenced and used to complement our analysis involving a search for ARGs, as well as to assess the phylogenetic proximity between strains. Of LDL strains, 52.1% displayed MICs that were higher than the defined MCs for kanamycin, 9.9% for chloramphenicol, and 5.6% for tetracycline, but no ARG was conclusively detected. On the other hand, all strains displayed MICs below the defined MCs for ampicillin, gentamycin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. Considering our results, we propose the adaptation of the MCs for six of the tested clinically-relevant antibiotics to improve the accuracy of phenotypic antibiotic testing.

Monitoring of mycotoxins in feed of the Krasnodar Territory and their combined effect on the microbiocenosis of the gastrointestinal tract of cattle

Diets for cattle are affected by fungi - producers of mycotoxins: hay, straw, silage, grain, concentrates. Highly productive cattle breeds are more sensitive to mycotoxins. It has been studied that mycotoxins have antibiotic properties, disrupting the biocenosis and functionality of the proventriculus of cattle. This leads not only to a disruption in the nutritional process of animals, but also contributes to a decrease in the enzymatic activity of the rumen microflora and thus facilitates the penetration of other mycotoxins into the animal body. When conducting sanitary and mycological studies of coarse and succulent feed, compound feed and feed additives for cattle, it was found that feed was affected by micromycetes in descending order Mucor sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Candida sp., Penicillium sp. In the study of feeds, it was found that the most frequently recorded mycotoxins in descending order, T-2 toxin, aflatoxin, zearalenonone, ochratoxin A, fumonisin. Monitoring studies found that feed for cattle not containing mycotoxins was 33.4%, containing one mycotoxin 34.8%, two mycotoxins 28.8%, three mycotoxins 3.03%. When conducting scientific and economic experiments, the content of two mycotoxins in feed was diagnosed, the concentration of which for zearalenone was 1.0 mg / kg, for aflatoxin - 0.04 mg / kg. To study the effect of mycotoxins on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract (proventriculus), an experiment was carried out on 40 bull calves of 7 months of age. The experimental group of animals (20 animals) was given feed contaminated with mycotoxins, the control group received a diet without mycotoxins. the contents of the rumen were collected on days 10, 20, and 30 of the experiment. The clinical picture in experimental animals with combined mycotoxicosis during the experimental period was characterized by a decrease in feed consumption by 10-20%, weight gain by an average of 18-25%, exhaustion, dullness of the coat, and alopecia. The difference between the experimental and control group of lactobacilli was 28.0%; 157.1% and 215.0% log10 CFU, respectively, for study days. Bifidobacteria 13.0%; 86.2% and 192.3% log10 CFU, respectively. The decrease in ciliates in the experimental group in comparison with the control on the 10th day of the experiment was 7.1 thousand units / g, on the 20 day 27.9 thousand units / g, on the 30th day 77.2 thousand units / g. Thus, the content of the main joints of the biocenosis in the rumen of cattle on days 10, 20 and 30 of the experiment was significantly reduced in the experimental group, the diet of which contained the association of mycotoxins. The monitoring carried out indicates that mycotoxins (in descending order) are most often recorded in feed for farm animals in the Krasnodar Territory: T-2 toxin, aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, fumonisin. A high contamination of feed and raw materials with molds was established - Mucor sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Candida sp., Penicillium sp. A decrease in the main representatives of the biocenosis actively participating in the digestion of cattle: lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, ciliates, under the influence of the combined effect of mycotoxins, has been established.

Multi-Probiotic Lactobacillus Supplementation Improves Liver Function and Reduces Cholesterol Levels in Jeju Native Pigs.

Simple SummaryProbiotics are used in the food industry as feed additives to maintain the balance of animal gut microbiota. They are also considered to have potential therapeutic effects against liver diseases. This study showed that dietary Lactobacillus supplementation improved liver function and reduced cholesterol levels in Jeju native pigs, with Toll-like receptors (TLR) signaling as the primary response in the gut against Lactobacillus and TNF-α/IFN-γ as the central mediator cytokines in the gut and liver tissues. Lactobacillus supplementation may be applied to treat metabolic disorders of the liver, especially cholesterol-related disorders, in farm animals.We evaluated the dietary effects of multiple probiotics in Jeju native pigs, using basal diet and multi-probiotic Lactobacillus (basal diet with 1% multi-probiotics) treatments (n = 9 each) for 3 months. We analyzed growth performance, feed efficiency, backfat thickness, blood parameters, hematological profiles, adipokines, and immune-related cytokines in pig tissues. Average daily gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, backfat thickness, and body weight were not significantly different between both groups. In Lactobacillus group, total protein (p < 0.08) and bilirubin (p < 0.03) concentrations increased; blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.08), alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.08), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (p < 0.08) activities decreased. Lactobacillus group showed decreased adiponectin (p < 0.05), chemerin (p < 0.05), and visfatin expression in adipose tissues, and increased TLR4 (p < 0.05), MYD88 (p < 0.05), TNF-α (p < 0.001), and IFN-γ (p < 0.001) expression in the liver. Additionally, NOD1 (p < 0.05), NOD2 (p < 0.01), and MYD88 (p < 0.05) mRNA levels in proximal colon tissue upregulated significantly. Colon, longissimus dorsi muscle, fat tissue, and liver histological analyses revealed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusively, Lactobacillus supplementation improved liver function and reduced cholesterol levels. Its application may treat metabolic liver disorders, especially cholesterol-related disorders.

Correction: Gaglio et al. Performances of Different Metabolic Lactobacillus Groups during the Fermentation of Pizza Doughs Processed from Semolina. Fermentation 2018, 4, 61

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]

Composition of the Fecal Microbiota of Piglets at Various Growth Stages.

Gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota play an important role in promoting growth in piglets. However, studies on microbiota composition at various growth stages are lacking. We measured body weights of Jinfen White and Mashen piglets every 7 days and collected their fecal samples by rectal swabbing at nine time points during suckling (1–28 days) and nursery (35–70 days) stages to gain insight into microbiota variability during piglet growth. The fecal microbiota were characterized via 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze the effects of microbial diversity on piglet growth and development preliminarily. The results showed that although the two breeds of piglets have similar body weights at birth, weaned Jinfen White piglets demonstrated a significantly greater body weight and daily weight gain than weaned Mashen piglets (P < 0.01). A total of 1,976 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 27 phyla and 489 genera were uncovered, in which the highest numbers of OTUs belong to the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Prevotellaceae NK3B31 groups accounting for 12.4, 8.8, and 5.8% of OTUs, respectively, showed relatively high abundance at the genus level. Nine sampling time points were divided into three growth stages, namely, immediate postfarrowing (1 day old), suckling (7, 14, and 21 days old), and nursery (28, 35, 49, 63, and 70 days old), on the basis of the results of microbial diversity, principal coordinate, and co-occurrence network analyses. In addition, it identified 54 discriminative features in the microbiota between two breeds of piglets by LEfSe analysis, in which 17 genera enriched the microbiota community of Jinfen White piglets. Finally, abundances of 29 genera showed significant positive correlations with body weights and daily weight gain of piglets. Conversely, abundances of 12 genera demonstrated significant negative correlations with body weights of piglets. The results of our study will provide a theoretical basis for succession patterns in fecal microbiota of piglets and suggest the need for meticulous management of piglets in pig production.

Predominant Bacterial Diversity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rat After Treated with Caprine CSN1S2 Protein

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and systemic inflammatory disease that is affected to microbial abnormalities in the gut and altered the metabolism and immune system. Bioactive peptides have many functions in the body that related to health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of caprine CSN1S2 protein and to identify the predominant bacterial diversity in rheumatoid arthritis rats through fecal analysis based on PCR-DGGE and phylogenetic analysis. The animals were divided into 6 groups with 2 types of the rat model, namely control rats (untreated (C), treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein from milk (CM), and treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein from yogurt (CY)) and rheumatoid arthritis rats (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein from milk (RAM), and treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein from yogurt (RAY). Predominant cultivable bacteria were obtained by direct culture and analyzed using PCR-DGGE with several specific primers. The DNA sequences were analyzed and aligned using bioinformatics software to construct the phylogenetic tree. The results showed that bacterial composition in all control groups was dominated by Lactobacillus group but in the rheumatoid arthritis rat (RA) group was dominated by Enterococcus group, particularly Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis. Meanwhile, Bacillus coagulans dominated in rheumatoid arthritis rats after treated with caprine CSN1S2 protein. The caprine CSN1S2 protein has effects in rheumatoid arthritis rats with the emergence of predominant bacteria that can promote the growth of B. coagulans and it might be suppressed pathogenic bacteria in the development of rheumatoid arthritis disease.

Lactobacillus cell-free supernatant as a novel bioagent and biosurfactant against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the prevention and treatment of orthopedic implant infection.

The hypothesis was that probiotic Lactobacillus species (spp.) or their cell-free supernatant (CFS) are effective in inhibiting (a) planktonic growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), (b) its adhesion to a Ti6Al4V-alloy surface, and (c) in dispersing biofilm once formed. (a) A planktonic co-culture containing PA(104 colony-forming unit [CFU]/ml) was combined with either Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), or Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) at a suspension of 104 (1:1) or 108 CFU/ml (1:2). Lactobacillus and PA CFUs were then quantified. (b) Ti-6Al-4V discs were inoculated with PA followed by supplementation with CFS and adherent PA quantified. (c) Biofilm covered discs were supplemented with Lactobacillus CFS and remaining PA activity quantified. Results showed that whole-cell cultures were ineffective in preventing PA growth; however, the addition of CFS resulted in a 99.99 ± 0.003% reduction in adherent PA in all Lactobacillus groups (p < .05 in all groups) with no viable PA growth measured in the LF and LP groups. Following PA biofilm formation, CFS resulted in a significant reduction in PA activity in all Lactobacillus groups (p ≤ .05 in all groups) with a 29.75 ± 15.98% increase measured in control samples. Supplementation with CFS demonstrated antiadhesive, antibiofilm, and toxic properties to PA.

RSPO4-CRISPR alleviates liver injury and restores gut microbiota in a rat model of liver fibrosis

Wnt signaling dysfunction and gut dysbiosis may lead to liver fibrosis, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well elucidated. This study demonstrated the role of RSPO4, a Wnt signaling agonist, in liver fibrogenesis and its impact on the gut microbiome. RSPO4 gene in CCl4-induced fibrotic-liver rats was knockout by Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) system, with healthy rats served as the control. Tissue samples and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from rats were examined for curative effect of RSPO4-CRISPR treatment. Fecal sample were collected and analyzed with 16 S rRNA sequencing. We found RSPO4-CRISPR relieved liver fibrosis in rats and reversed HSC activation. Further, results showed RSPO4-CRISPR tended to restore the microflora composition. Significance species between groups were identified. Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella were the key microbes in the model and negative group, whereas Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group were abundant in the control. Notably, Bacteroidales S24-7 group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 were the significantly enriched in CRISPR group. We show that the microbiome of rats treated with RSPO4-CRISPR presents a trend towards the restoration of the original condition. Our findings pave a new way to evaluate the curative effect of liver fibrosis treatment.

Gut microbiota changes in inflammatory bowel diseases and ankylosing spondilytis.

Both inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be considered chronic immune disorders sharing common etiopathogenetic mechanisms. Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota, which can lead to an abnormal mucosal response, could be the missing link between these two diseases. Our study evaluate the composition of intestinal microbiota and to characterize gut dysbiosis in patients with IBD and AS. We conducted a prospective case-control study that enrolled 124 patients [20 Crohn's disease (CD), 27 ulcerative colitis (UC), 28 AS, 17 IBD + AS and 32 controls). Intestinal microbiota analysis was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in stool samples. The total quantity of bacteria was decreased in all investigated groups compared to the control group. In studied groups, we noticed an increased percentage of Bacteroides and Escherichia coli (E.coli) and a decreased percentage of Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium leptum, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii compared to the control group. The percentages of Bifidobacterium (p=0.010) as well as Lactobacillus group (p=0.023) were higher in the L3 form of CD patients. In the E2 form of UC, the quantity of Bacteroides was much higher compared to the E3 form (p=0.004). In AS patients, significant correlations were observed only for the Bifidobacterium species, significantly increased in the axial form compared to peripheral disease (p=0.035). Statistically significant correlations were demonstrated between the Crohn Disease Activity Index score and the total bacterial group (p=0.023, r=-0.507), respectively Bacteroides (p=0.021, r=-0.511) and between the Mayo score and Lactobacillus (p=0.001), respectively E. coli (p=0.001). In IBD + AS group, the Crohn Disease Activity Index score was inversely correlated with the total bacterial group (p=0.010) and directly correlated with Lactobacillus (p=0.047). Intestinal dysbiosis is associated with both IBD and AS. In the association of IBD with AS, dysbiosis is intermediate, but it is associated with the more severe articular disease. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (commonly used as probiotics!) were found to be increased in the association between active IBD and active AS. Further studies are needed to understand how dysbiosis regulates the gut immune system and contributes to intestinal and articular inflammation.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF YOGHURT SAMPLES FROM GOATS AND COWS MILK AND COMMERCIAL RETAIL OUTLET

This paper compared the chemical (Proximate and mineral), acidity, microbial count and organoleptic properties of yoghurt samples produced from Nigeria locally bred goat and cow milk with commercially retail yoghurt during 14days of refrigerated storage. Yoghurt production was conducted by inoculation of the milk samples at 43oC for 6hrs with 2% of streptococcus thermophillus and lactobacillus bulgarus active culture. The total ash content of yoghurt ranges from 0.23g/100g in the commercial yoghurt sample to 0.84g/100g in yoghurt from goat milk which is considered significantly higher than that observed for yoghurt from cow milk. The commercially retail yoghurt had a significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) total solid matter than yoghurt from goat and cow milk. Calcium and phosphorus contents were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lowest in the commercial yoghurt (0.28%) to a significant higher value of 0.28% in goat milk. A statisitically significant drop in pH values was observed in the commercial yoghurt sample after one and two week storage compared to yoghurt from goat and cow milk. High lactic acid bacteria were observed in yoghurt from cow milk with lactococci group being higher than the lactobacilli group throughout the storage period. The yeast count range from a significant low (P &lt; 05) value of 2.22 cfu/ml-1 in commercial yoghurt sample to 3.22 and 3.24 in goat and cow milk respectively on day zero of storage. By the 7days of storage, the commercially retail yoghurt was significant (P &lt; 0.05) least desirable with respect to colour, taste and overall acceptability while there was no significant difference in the consistency of all the yoghurt samples.

Maternal Gestational &lt;i&gt;Bifidobacterium bifidum&lt;/i&gt; TMC3115 Treatment Shapes Construction of Offspring Gut Microbiota and Development of Immune System and Induces Immune Tolerance to Food Allergens

Background: Our previous studies has proved that Bifidobacterium bifidum TMC3115 (TMC3115) treatment during infancy could protect neonates from adulthood allergy. However, whether it could still protect offspring from allergic diseases when treatment during maternal pregnancy and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: Pregnant BALB/c mice were gavaged with TMC3115 until delivery. Offspring were reared until weaning (postnatal day 21, PND21) and then sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) until PND49. Vaginal, gut, and breast milk microbiota were sequenced. Immunoglobulin and cytokines, splenic and colonic gene expressions, and fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured. Findings: After maternal TMC3115 treatment, the microbiota of maternal breast milk from newborn offspring and gut microbiota of neonates and at weaning were changed the most, and levels of serum and breast milk immunoglobulin and of splenic cytokines as well as mRNA expression of colonic intestinal development indicators were all significantly altered in offspring in different stages. Synchronous changes in the specific microbiota were found in the maternal gut, vagina, and breast milk and in the offspring gut microbiota, such as Proteobacteria. After sensitization with OVA, there was no significant change in levels of serum IgE or OVA-specific IgE/IgG1 in the offspring in TMC3115 group; however, IgM, expression of colonic Ki67, Muc2, and tight junction proteins and production of fecal SCFAs were significantly increased as were the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group. Interpretation: Our results suggested that the day of birth and weaning were the important “window of opportunity” for neonatal gut microbiota construction and that maternal treatment with TMC3115 could play a profound modulatory effect on the development of the immune system in offspring at different stages. Maternal TMC3115 treatment may induce immune tolerance to allergens in OVA-stimulated offspring and enhance intestinal tissue development and barrier function and primary immune response to allergens through modulating gut microbiota and SCFA production. Funding Information: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant number: 81372982). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: The animal experiment facility and animals used for the present study were officially approved by the Experimental Animal Management Committee of Sichuan Government. Experimental protocols were approved by the West China School of Public Health Medical Ethics Committee of Sichuan University (Approved number: SYXK2018-011).

Evaluation the effect of subchronic feeding of transgenic cotton line (CKC1) on the faecal microbiota of albino rabbits

Recent studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between the intestinal microbiota and the host health. As such, consumers are increasingly becoming more concerned about the potential effect of certain foods/feeds, particularly of transgenic origin on the gut microbiota. Although the European Food Safety Authority has recommended in their guidelines, to study the effect of transgenic food/feed on host-microbiota, yet, few studies have focused on the evaluation of such effects mainly due to culturing difficulties. Therefore, this study was intended to evaluate the potential adverse effects of transgenic diet consumption on some specific gut microflora (Lactobacillus group, Bifidobacterium genus, Escherichia coli subgroup and Enterococcus genus) of rabbits. A total of forty-eight rabbits were randomly assigned into four groups and fed a diet containing a variable proportion of transgenic cottonseeds at 0, 20, 30 and 40% inclusion level, respectively. Changes in the specific or total faecal bacterial population were monitored at five different experimental stages (i.e. 0, 45, 90, 135 and 180days) using both the traditional plate count method (TM) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). No significant differences (p>.05) were observed concerning numbers of specific bacteria or total bacteria between the control and experimental groups, though qPCR showed numerically higher values in terms of 16S rRNA gene copies as compared to the values obtained from TM. However, such numerical differences were biologically insignificant (p>.05). Similarly, no significant variations were noticed in the calculated B/E (log10 copies of Bifidobacterium per g faces/log10 copies of E. coli genome per g faeces) ratios in all the groups. All the ratios were in the range of 1.24 to 1.30 throughout the experiment, indicating a good balance of intestinal microflora and greater resistance to intestinal disorders. It is therefore concluded that feeding transgenic cottonseeds could not adversely affect the gut microflora of rabbits during a long-term study.

Comparison of Different Dietary Indices as Predictors of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Microbiota in Middle-Aged and Elderly Subjects.

During the last decades the gut microbiota has been identified as a key mediator in the diet-health interaction. However, our understanding on the impact of general diet upon microbiota is still limited. Dietary indices represent an essential approach for addressing the link between diet and health from a holistic point of view. Our aim was to test the predictive potential of seven dietary ratings on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and on the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a sample of 73 subjects aged >50 years with non-declared pathologies. Dietary inflammatory index (DII), Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII), Healthy Eating Index (HEI), Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Mediterranean adapted Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), Modified Mediterranean Diet Score (MMDS) and relative Mediterranean Diet Score (rMED) were calculated based on a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Major phylogenetic types of the intestinal microbiota were determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gas chromatography. While DII, HEI, DQI-I and MMDS were identified as predictors of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii levels, AHEI and MMDS were negatively associated with Lactobacillus group. HEI, AHEI and MMDS were positively associated with fecal SCFAs. In addition, DII and EDII explained lipoperoxidation level and Mediterranean scores the serum IL-8 concentrations. The lower detection of IL-8 in individuals with higher scores on Mediterranean indices may be partially explained by the increased levels of the anti-inflammatory bacterium F. prausnitzii in such individuals.

The Effect of Hydrolyzed Insect Meals in Sea Trout Fingerling (Salmo trutta m. trutta) Diets on Growth Performance, Microbiota and Biochemical Blood Parameters.

Simple SummaryThe replacement of fishmeal by environmentally sustainable alternative meals has been one of the targets in aquaculture in recent decades. A number of factors support the use of insect meals, as a group of products characterized by high crude protein and crude fat content, in fish nutrition. Insects are readily accepted by a number of fish species, and they are part of the natural diet of omnivorous and carnivorous species. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hydrolyzed Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio meals as a partial replacement for fishmeal in sea trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta) diets on growth performance, feed utilization, organosomatic indices, serum biochemistry, gut histology, and microbiota. In the present study, insect meals inclusion did not cause any adverse impacts on growth performance, feed utilization or gut histomorphology. However, an effect on the organosomatic indices, serum biochemistry, and microbiota was observed. In conclusion, hydrolyzed T. molitor and Z. morio meals seem to be promising alternative protein sources for sea trout nutrition.The present study is the first introduction of hydrolyzed superworm meal in sea trout nutrition. It was conducted to evaluate the effects of inclusion in the diet of hydrolyzed insect meals as a partial replacement for fishmeal on growth performance, feed utilization, organosomatic indices, serum biochemical parameters, gut histomorphology, and microbiota composition of sea trout (Salmo trutta m. trutta). The experiment was performed on 225 sea trout fingerlings distributed into three groups (3 tanks/treatment, 25 fish/tank). The control diet was fishmeal-based. In the experimental groups, 10% of hydrolyzed mealworm (TMD) and superworm (ZMD) meals were included. The protein efficiency ratio was lower in the TMD and ZMD. Higher organosomatic indices and liver lipid contents were found in the group fed ZMD. The ZMD increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, and decreased levels of alkaline phosphatase. The Aeromonas spp. and Enterococcus spp. populations decreased in the ZMD. The concentrations of the Carnobacterium spp. decreased in the ZMD and TMD, as did that of the Lactobacillus group in the TMD. In conclusion, insect meals may be an alternative protein source in sea trout nutrition, as they yield satisfying growth performance and have the capability to modulate biochemical blood parameters and microbiota composition.

Comparative genomics of Lactobacillus species as bee symbionts and description of Lactobacillus bombintestini sp. nov., isolated from the gut of Bombus ignitus.

The Lactobacillus genus is widely used for fermentation of plant materials and dairy products. These species are typically found in highly specialized environments, with the bee gut serving as one of the niche locations in which Lactobacillus is detected. Lactobacillus species isolated from the bee gut and bee-related habitats were phylogenetically classified into three distinct groups, Lactobacillus kunkeei, Firm-4, and Firm-5. The L. kunkeei group was clearly differentiated from other members of the Lactobacillus buchneri group isolated from non-bee habitats. In comparison with non-bee members of the L. buchneri group, three bee-symbiotic Lactobacillus groups had a small-sized genome with low G + C content and showed a sharp reduction in the number of genes involved in energy production, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, and amino acid transport and metabolism. In addition, all three groups lacked the mutY gene, which encodes A/G-specific adenine glycosylase. The phylogenetic dendrogram based on the presence or absence of 1,199 functional genes indicated that these bee-symbiotic groups experienced convergent evolution. The occurrence of convergent evolution is thought to stem from the three bee-symbiotic groups sharing a similar habitat, i.e., the bee gut. The causative factor underlying genomic reduction was postulated to be mutY, which was absent in all three groups. Here, a novel strain, BHWM-4T, isolated from the gut of Bombus ignites was studied using polyphasic taxonomy and classified as a new member of the L. kunkeei group. The strain was Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, and rod-shaped. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence and genome analysis revealed that strain BHWM-4T was clustered into the L. kunkeei group, forming a compact cluster with L. kunkeei and Lactobacillus apinorum. Biochemical, chemotaxonomic, and genotypic data of strain BHWM-4T supports the proposal of a novel species, Lactobacillus bombintestini sp. nov., whose type strain is BHWM-4T (= KACC 19317 = NBRC 113067T).

Isolation, structural characterization of polysaccharide from Cephalosporium sinensis mycelia and its anti-nephritic effects in adenine-induced CKD rats

In this study, a new polysaccharide (CSMP, Mw = 16,685 Da) was isolated and purified from Cephalosporium sinensis mycelia. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that CSMP consists of mannose, glucose and galactose. A detailed structural analysis revealed that CSMP has a backbone consisting of →2,6)-β-D-Manp-(1→ and →3,6)-β-D-Manp-(1→, as well as two branched chains including of α-D-Manp-(1→6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and α-D-Glcp-(1→4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→3)-β-D-Galp-(1→2)-β-D-Manp-(1→ attached to C6 of →2,6)-β-D-Manp-(1→ and →3,6)-β-D-Manp-(1→. Orally administrated CSMP showed renal protection function in adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) rats. Further analysis demonstrated that CSMP increased relative abundance of the genera Lactobacillus group, Clostridium coccoides group and Bifidobacterium, and decreased Echerichia subgroup. CSMP increased acetate, propionate and butyrate levels both in colon and cecum. The mechanisms behind these effects could be related to the down-regulation nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) level by up-regulating expression of G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) and improvement regulatory T cells (Tregs) ratio by inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. These results indicated that CSMP could be developed as one of the potential drugs in the treatment of CKD.

Probiotic Mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum Strains Improves Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota Structure in High Fat Diet-Fed Mice.

The global prevalence of obesity is rising year by year, which has become a public health problem worldwide. In recent years, animal studies and clinical studies have shown that some lactic acid bacteria possess an anti-obesity effect. In our previous study, mixed lactobacilli (Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS1.0344 and Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS1.0386) exhibited anti-obesity effects in vivo by significantly reducing body weight gain, Lee’s index and body fat rate; however, its underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the possible mechanisms for the inhibitory effect of mixed lactobacilli on obesity. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups including control group (Control), high fat diet group (HFD) and mixed lactobacilli group (MX), and fed daily for eight consecutive weeks. The results showed that mixed lactobacilli supplementation significantly improved blood lipid levels and liver function, and alleviated liver oxidative stress. Moreover, the mixed lactobacilli supplementation significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in the liver and regulated lipid metabolism in epididymal fat pads. Notably, the mixed lactobacilli treatment modulated the gut microbiota, resulting in a significant increase in acetic acid and butyric acid. Additionally, Spearman’s correlation analysis found that several specific genera were significantly correlated with obesity-related indicators. These results indicated that the mixed lactobacilli supplementation could manipulate the gut microbiota and its metabolites (acetic acid and butyric acid), resulting in reduced liver lipid accumulation and improved lipid metabolism of adipose tissue, which inhibited obesity.

Diets naturally rich in polyphenols and/or long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids differently affect microbiota composition in high-cardiometabolic-risk individuals

Gut microbiota significantly impacts human health and is influenced by dietary changes. We evaluated the effects of diets naturally rich in polyphenols (PP) and/or long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3) on microbiota composition in an ancillary analysis of a randomized controlled trial in individuals at high cardiometabolic risk. Seventy-eight individuals with high waist circumference and at least one additional component of the metabolic syndrome were randomized to an isoenergetic 8-week diet: (a) low LCn3 and PP; (b) high LCn3; (c) high PP; or (d) high LCn3 and PP. Microbiota analysis was performed on feces collected before and after the intervention. DGGE analysis of the predominant bacteria, Eubacterium rectale and Blautia coccoides group (Lachnospiraceae, EREC), Clostridium leptum (Ruminococcaceae, CLEPT), Bacteroides spp., Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus group was performed. A quantitative real-time PCR was performed for the same group, additionally including Atopobium cluster (Coriobatteriaceae). Before and after the intervention, participants underwent a 75g OGTT and a high-fat test meal to evaluate glucose and lipid response. Adherence to the four diets was optimal. PP significantly increased microbial diversity (p = 0.006) and CLEPT (p = 0.015), while it reduced EREC (p = 0.044). LCn3 significantly increased the numbers of Bifidobacteria (p = 0.041). Changes in CLEPT numbers correlated with changes in early insulin secretion (r = 0.263, p = 0.030). Changes in Atopobium numbers correlated with postprandial triglycerides in plasma (r = 0.266, p = 0.026) and large VLDL (r = 0.313, p = 0.009), and cholesterol in large VLDL (r = 0.319, p = 0.008). Diets naturally rich in PP or LCn3 influenced gut microbiota composition in individuals at high cardiometabolic risk. These modifications were associated with changes in glucose/lipid metabolism.

Safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus for preventing necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus for preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from inception to September 2019. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to compare outcomes. We also performed a subgroup analysis of the incidence of NEC. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the stability of the results. A Begg funnel plot was generated to detect publication bias. Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data independently. This work has been reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using standard procedures in Review Manager 5.2 software. Twenty-three randomized, placebo-controlled studies (N=4686 participants) were included in this analysis. Comparing the Lactobacillus and control groups, a significant reduction was found in the incidence of NEC (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.25-0.46; P< 0.00001) and death (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.36-0.64; P< 0.00001). No significant difference in the incidence of sepsis was found between the Lactobacillus and placebo groups (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.72-1.12; P= 0.34). Lactobacillus is safe and can prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.

Microbiota changes associated with ADNP deficiencies: rapid indicators for NAP (CP201) treatment of the ADNP syndrome and beyond

Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) and its protein snippet NAP (drug candidate CP201) regulate synapse formation and cognitive as well as behavioral functions, in part, through microtubule interaction. Given potential interactions between the microbiome and brain function, we now investigated the potential effects of the ADNP-deficient genotype, mimicking the ADNP syndrome on microbiota composition in the Adnp+/– mouse model. We have discovered a surprising robust sexually dichotomized Adnp genotype effect and correction by NAP (CP201) as follows. Most of the commensal bacterial microbiota tested were affected by the Adnp genotype and corrected by NAP treatment in a male sex-dependent manner. The following list includes all the bacterial groups tested—labeled in bold are male Adnp—genotype increased and corrected (decreased) by NAP. (1) Eubacteriaceae (EubV3), (2) Enterobacteriaceae (Entero), (3) Enterococcus genus (gEncocc), (4) Lactobacillus group (Lacto), (5) Bifidobacterium genus (BIF), (6) Bacteroides/Prevotella species (Bac), (7) Clostridium coccoides group (Coer), (8) Clostridium leptum group (Cluster IV, sgClep), and (9) Mouse intestinal Bacteroides (MIB). No similarities were found between males and females regarding sex- and genotype-dependent microbiota distributions. Furthermore, a female Adnp+/– genotype associated decrease (contrasting male increase) was observed in the Lactobacillus group (Lacto). Significant correlations were discovered between specific bacterial group loads and open-field behavior as well as social recognition behaviors. In summary, we discovered ADNP deficiency associated changes in commensal gut microbiota compositions, a sex-dependent biomarker for the ADNP syndrome and beyond. Strikingly, we discovered rapidly detected NAP (CP201) treatment-dependent biomarkers within the gut microbiota.