Lactobacillus Acidophilus Treatment Research Articles

Lactobacillus acidophilus Enhances Relief from Clinical Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Patients on Quadruple Therapy

The relief from clinical symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection caused by Lactobacillus acidophilus treatment was analyzed by a 13C-urea breath test. To this end, 200 patients diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection were divided into two equal groups of 100 patients, designated as the control and study groups, respectively. The control group received conventional quadruple therapy that included enteric-coated esomeprazole magnesium tablets, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and colloidal pectin bismuth for 2 weeks. The study group, in addition to the conventional quadruple therapy, received Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets orally for 2 weeks. The Helicobacter pylori eradication rate (P < 0.05) and total effective rate (P < 0.05) of the study group were higher than the control group. The incidence of adverse reactions including acid reflux, upper abdom¬inal pain, abdominal fullness, and vomiting in the study group was lower (P < 0.05) than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the levels of tumor nuclear factor-α, high sensitivity C-reaction protein, and interlukin-6 between two groups before treatment. However, the level of these indicators in the study group after treatment was lower than that in the control group. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, or CD4+/CD8+ between the two groups before treatment. However, the level of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ after treatment was significantly higher, while CD8+ was significantly lower in the study group. In conclusion, Lactobacillus acidophilus treat¬ment exhibits a high eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori with good safety and relief from Helicobacter pylori-associated clinical symptoms.

Lactobacillus acidophilus Mitigates Osteoarthritis-Associated Pain, Cartilage Disintegration and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in an Experimental Murine OA Model.

To test probiotic therapy for osteoarthritis (OA), we administered Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) by oral gavage (2×/week) after induction of OA by partial medial meniscectomy (PMM). Pain was assessed by von Frey filament and hot plate testing. Joint pathology and pain markers were comprehensively analyzed in knee joints, spinal cords, dorsal root ganglia and distal colon by Safranin O/fast green staining, immunofluorescence microscopy and RT-qPCR. LA acutely reduced inflammatory knee joint pain and prevented further OA progression. The therapeutic efficacy of LA was supported by a significant reduction of cartilage-degrading enzymes, pain markers and inflammatory factors in the tissues we examined. This finding suggests a likely clinical effect of LA on OA. The effect of LA treatment on the fecal microbiome was assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis. LA significantly altered the fecal microbiota compared to vehicle-treated mice (PERMANOVA p < 0.009). Our pre-clinical OA animal model revealed significant OA disease modifying effects of LA as reflected by rapid joint pain reduction, cartilage protection, and reversal of dysbiosis. Our findings suggest that LA treatment has beneficial systemic effects that can potentially be developed as a safe OA disease-modifying drug (OADMD).

Alleviation of DSS-induced colitis via Lactobacillus acidophilus treatment in mice.

Gut microbiota play a major role in host physiology and immunity. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), the important immune-related diseases, can occur through immune system malfunction originating due to dysregulation of the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to investigate the capabilities and mechanisms of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) KBL402 and KBL409 treatment in the alleviation of colitis using the in vivo dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. Various colitis symptoms of mice, including disease activity index score [4.55 ± 0.99 (P < 0.001) and 5.12 ± 0.94 (P < 0.001), respectively], colon length [6.18 ± 0.43 mm (P < 0.001) and 6.62 ± 0.47 mm (P < 0.001), respectively], and colon histological score [(5.33 ± 1.03 (P < 0.001) and 4.00 ± 0.89 (P < 0.01), respectively)], were significantly restored with L. acidophilusKBL402 or KBL409 administration (1×109colony-forming units) for 8 days. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and myeloperoxidase were downregulated in mice with L. acidophilus treatment. Upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 or regulatory T cells were discovered with L. acidophilus KBL402 (12.90 ± 7.87 pg mL-1) (P < 0.05) or L. acidophilus KBL409 treatment (10.63 ± 2.70%) (P < 0.05), respectively. Expressions of inflammation-related micro-RNAs (miRs) were also significantly altered in mice with L. acidophilus. Finally, L. acidophilus treatment could restore the diversity of the gut microbiota. Mice with L. acidophilus KBL402 treatment showed a high relative abundance of the genus Akkermansia (0.022 ± 0.017) and Prevotella (0.010 ± 0.006) (P < 0.01). Butyrate and propionate, the major short-chain fatty acids, in the ceca of DSS + KBL402-treated mice were significantly higher than in that of the mice with DSS-induced colitis (0.03 ± 0.02 ng mg-1 and 0.03 ± 0.01 ng mg-1, respectively) (P < 0.05). Our study suggests that L. acidophilus KBL402 and KBL409 could be useful for the prevention or treatment of IBDs in various ways including the modulation of immune responses and miR expression, restoration of the gut microbiota, and production of metabolites.

Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction () Combined with Lactobacillus Acidophilus Improves Gastrointestinal Function of Traumatic Brain-Injured Model Mice.

To investigate the effects of Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction (DCQD, ) combined with Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) on the recovery of gastrointestinal (GI) function in traumatic brain-injured (TBI) mice. A total of 150 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-injury, normal saline (NS), DCQD (0.4 mL/day), LA (⩾1 × 1010 cfu/day LA), DCQD+LA (LA administration at the same dosage after 4 h of feeding DCQD), and ½ DCQD+LA groups (LA administration at the same dosage after 4 h of feeding ½ DCQD dose) by a random number table, 5-8 mice in each group. The sever TBI model was constructed according to Feeney's enhanced gravitational forces of free falling. On days 1, 3, and 7 post-TBI, plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Occludin expression in the intestinal epithelium was assessed by Western blot analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes in the network structure of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and change of enteric nervous system-ICC-smooth muscle cell (ENS-ICC-SMC). Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect changes in the network structure of the ICC. Compared with the NS group, occludin expression in the DCQD+LA group significantly increased on Day 1, 3, and 7 post-TBI (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The concentration of DAO significantly decreased in the LA, DCQD, and DCQD+LA groups on Day 3 and 7, whilst the D-lactate concentrations in the LA and ½ DCQD+LA groups decreased on Day 1 and 3 post-injury (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The NS group experienced a great damage on the ENS-ICC-SMC network morphology and ICC network structure, and all treatment groups had some improvements, among which the DCQD+LA group presented relatively intact network morphology. DCQD combined with LA treatment could effectively repair the intestinal mucosal barrier and improve GI motility in mice after TBI. The combination of DCQD and LA was more effective than their respective monotherapies.

Lactobacillus acidophilus upregulates intestinal NHE3 expression and function

A major mechanism of electroneutral NaCl absorption in the human ileum and colon involves coupling of Na(+)/H(+) and Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchangers. Disturbances in these mechanisms have been implicated in diarrheal conditions. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus have been indicated to be beneficial in the management of gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying antidiarrheal effects of probiotics have not been fully understood. We have previously demonstrated Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) to stimulate Cl(-)/HCO3- exchange activity via an increase in the surface levels and expression of the Cl(-)/HCO3- exchanger DRA in vitro and in vivo. However, the effects of LA on NHE3, the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger involved in the coupled electroneutral NaCl absorption, are not known. Current studies were, therefore, undertaken to investigate the effects of LA on the function and expression of NHE3 and to determine the mechanisms involved. Treatment of Caco2 cells with LA or its conditioned culture supernatant (CS) for 8-24 h resulted in a significant increase in Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity, mRNA, and protein levels of NHE3. LA-CS upregulation of NHE3 function and expression was also observed in SK-CO15 cells, a human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line. Additionally, LA treatment increased NHE3 promoter activity, suggesting involvement of transcriptional mechanisms. In vivo, mice gavaged with live LA showed significant increase in NHE3 mRNA and protein expression in the ileum and colonic regions. In conclusion, LA-induced increase in NHE3 expression may contribute to the upregulation of intestinal electrolyte absorption and might underlie the potential antidiarrheal effects of probiotics.

Porcine Small Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line (IPEC-J2) of Rotavirus Infection As a New Model for the Study of Innate Immune Responses to Rotaviruses and Probiotics

Previous studies of epithelial immune responses to rotavirus infection have been conducted in transformed cell lines. In this study, we evaluated a non-transformed porcine jejunum epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) as an in-vitro model of rotavirus infection and probiotic treatment. Cell-culture-adapted porcine rotavirus (PRV) OSU strain, or human rotavirus (HRV) Wa strain, along with Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) were used to inoculate IPEC-J2 cells. LA or LGG treatment was applied pre- or post-rotavirus infection. We demonstrated that IPEC-J2 cells were productively infected by PRV. LA or LGG treatment of the cells did not reduce virus replication. PRV infection increased MUC3 mucin secretion. LGG treatment post-rotavirus infection reduced the mucin secretion response induced by PRV; LGG alone increased the production of membrane-associated MUC3 mucin. LA treatment prior to rotavirus infection significantly increased PRV replication and the IL-6 response to PRV infection, which is consistent with the adjuvant effect of LA. LGG treatment post-rotavirus infection downregulated the IL-6 response, confirming the anti-inflammatory effect of LGG. IPEC-J2 cells expressed toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR3, and TLR9 constitutively. TLR2 expression was upregulated by LGG and peptidoglycan, corresponding to the decreased IL-6 response, indicating that the protective effect of LGG is associated with upregulation of TLR2 expression on intestinal epithelial cells. The IPEC-J2 cell model of PRV infection is a completely homologous system. It is a valuable model for studying the interactions among rotavirus-host-probiotics, and the mechanisms behind the immunomodulating effect of probiotic bacteria on innate immune responses.

Lactobacillus acidophilus stimulates the expression of SLC26A3 via a transcriptional mechanism

Clinical efficacy of probiotics in treating various forms of diarrhea has been clearly established. However, mechanisms underlying antidiarrheal effects of probiotics are not completely defined. Diarrhea is caused either by decreased absorption or increased secretion of electrolytes and solutes in the intestine. In this regard, the electroneutral absorption of two major electrolytes, Na(+) and Cl(-), occurs mainly through the coupled operation of Na(+)/H(+) exchangers and Cl(-)/OH(-) exchangers. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) acutely stimulated Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange activity via an increase in the surface levels of the apical anion exchanger SLC26A3 (DRA). However, whether probiotics influence SLC26A3 expression and promoter activity has not been examined. The present studies were, therefore, undertaken to investigate the long-term effects of LA on SLC26A3 expression and promoter activity. Treatment of Caco-2 cells with LA for 6-24 h resulted in a significant increase in Cl(-)/OH(-) exchange activity. DRA mRNA levels were also significantly elevated in response to LA treatment starting as early as 8 h. Additionally, the promoter activity of DRA was increased by more than twofold following 8 h LA treatment of Caco-2 cells. Similar to the in vitro studies, in vivo studies using mice gavaged with LA also showed significantly increased DRA mRNA ( approximately 4-fold) and protein expression in the colonic regions as assessed by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. In conclusion, increase in DRA promoter activity and expression may contribute to the upregulation of intestinal electrolyte absorption and might underlie the potential antidiarrheal effects of LA.

The Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus Stimulates Chloride/Hydroxyl Exchange Activity in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Probiotics are viable nonpathogenic microorganisms that are considered to confer health benefits to the host. Recent studies indicated that some Lactobacillus species function as probiotics and have been used as alternative treatments for diarrhea, which occurs due to increased secretion, decreased absorption, or both. However, the direct effects of probiotics on intestinal electrolyte absorption are not known. Therefore, we examined the effects of Lactobacillus on luminal chloride/hydroxyl (Cl−/OH−) exchange activity in human intestinal epithelial cells. Postconfluent Caco-2 cells were treated with the Lactobacillus species Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA), Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus plantarum, or Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR) for 3 h at a multiplicity of infection of 50. Cl−/OH− exchange activity was measured as 4,4´-diisothiocyanostilbene-2, 2´-disulfonic acid-sensitive 36Cl uptake in base-loaded cells. Treatment with live, but not heat-killed, LA and LR significantly increased Cl−/OH− exchange activity (∼50%), whereas other species were ineffective. Similarly, the conditioned medium (supernatant) of live LA increased Cl−/OH− exchange. The ability of LA or its conditioned culture medium to enhance Cl−/OH− exchange activity was blocked by PI-3 kinase inhibition but was unaffected by inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Corresponding to the increased Cl−/OH− exchange activity, LA treatment increased the surface expression of the apical anion exchanger, SLC26A3 [Down Regulated in Adenoma (DRA)]. The increased DRA membrane localization might contribute to the increased Cl− absorption by LA. Our results suggest that LA secretes soluble effector molecule(s) into the culture medium that stimulate apical Cl−/OH− exchange activity via phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase mediated mechanism.

Competitive Gut Exclusion of Avian Pathogens by Lactobacillus acidophilus in Gnotobiotic Chicks

A total of 205 Grey Leghorn chicks were hatched germfree for separate trials to determine the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus treatment on pathogenic Salmonella typhimurium and Staphlococcus aureus. Prophylactic and therapeutic treatments with L. acidophilus were administered either before or after the pathogens were introduced. Prophylactic treatments significantly reduced chick mortality (P<.01) and shedding of the pathogens (P<.05). The L. acidophilus prophylactic treatments were also effective qualitatively in reducing the isolation of S. typhimurium and Staph, aureus from crop contents but not, to a great extent, from cecal or rectal contents of gnotobiotic chicks at postmortem. The average surface pH values for the crop, proventriculus, duodenum, cecum, and rectum for gnotobiotic chicks were 5.43, 5.02, 6.18, 6.56, and 6.71, respectively. The L. acidophilus treatments did not significantly affect surface pH of the various segments of the intestinal tract.