Lactobacillus Casei Shirota Research Articles

Predominance Biofilm Proteus mirabilis Isolates in the Skin Wound Infections, and Assessment Action of Antimicrobial Agents

Proteus mirabilis (P mirabilis) is the major pathogenic bacteria, an etiological agent of wound infections, particularly skin wound infections. Infection of wounds is the cause of morbidity and mortality on a universal scale. Different pathogens infecting wounds can colonize and multiply in the wounds, damaging the host tissue. This work aimed to determine biofilm formation, detect some virulence factors, and estimate the action of different antimicrobial agents i.e., antibiotics and probiotics Lactobacillus spp. P mirabilis was collected from different specimens of humans. Virulence factors of P mirabilis, especially atfA,rsbA, and mrpA, were observed in the isolates of P mirabilis through PCR technique. Isolates P mirabilis virulence factors were detected in more than 90%. The rate of susceptibility was 35 (94.6%) for cefoxitin, 29 (78.4%) for tobramycin, 22 (59.5%) for imipenem, followed by amikacin [16 (43.2%)], cefotaxime [11(29.7%)], ciprofloxacin [9 (24.3%)], ampicillin [1 (2.7%)]. As well as, different virulence biofilm genes related to the susceptibility for different antimicrobial agents, whether antibiotics or probiotics, such as rsbA [21 (100%)], atfA [20 (95.2%)] and mprA [19 (90.5%)]. Furthermore, probiotic lactobacilli spp. Such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei shirota demonstrated high sensitivity against pathogens compared with antibiotics in different methods, such as agar spot (22-26 mm) and well diffusion (8-13 mm). In conclusion, P mirabilis demonstrated a high level of susceptibility to antibiotics against cefoxitin, tobramycin and imipenem and high resistance to ampicillin and others. Also, Lactobacillus spp. Demonstrated high sensitivity against pathogens compared with antibiotics. Keywords: Proteus mirabilis, biofilm, virulence factor genes, antibiotics, and probiotics

Repercussions of the use of probiotics in the treatment of chronic kidney disease

The dysbiotic microbiota is one of the clinical findings in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and this intestinal imbalance is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. With this, probiotic supplementation presents itself as a possible adjuvant therapy to improve this dysbiosis, due to the contribution to the integrity of the intestinal barrier. In this context, this study aims to explain the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and CKD and the repercussions of the use of probiotics on the prognosis of these patients. For this, a narrative review was developed, using the LILACS, MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases, in which articles available in full from the last 5 years, in Portuguese and English, were included. The indication of probiotics as a complementary therapy in renal patients was verified due to the disturbed intestinal microbiome, which aggravates the patient’s inflammatory state. Thus, the supplementation of probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus rauteri LRE02, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and Lactobacillus casei shirota, acts in the reduction of nephrotoxic substances derived from metabolism in the dysbiotic intestine, in the reduction of urea levels and creatinine levels, in addition to lower levels of C-reactive protein. Thus, the administration of probiotics has been shown to be a precursor in the modulation of toxins derived from the altered microbiota in these patients. On the other hand, there is still controversy about the use of this therapy, because despite improvements in biochemical manifestations, the effective impact on the preservation of glomerular filtration rate is still poorly understood.

Effect of Lactobacillus casei shirota strain probiotic beverage on the release of chromium ions in stainless steel brackets

AbstractIntroduction: Stainless steel brackets are often used in orthodontic treatment. Chromium is one of the stainless steel bracket elements that increases corrosion resistance. Chromium ions release can cause allergic reactions. Acidic pH due to food and drink consumed can cause corrosion and release of ions. One of the most widely consumed acidic pH drinks is the Lactobacillus casei shirota strain probiotic because it provides health benefits. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Lactobacillus casei shirota strain probiotic beverage on the release of chromium ions in stainless steel brackets. Methods: Laboratory experimental research with post-test only control group design. The number of samples is 10 for 2 groups. The bracket was immersed in artificial saliva as the control group and the probiotic drink Lactobacillus casei shirota strain as the treatment group. After 18 hours and 15 minutes of immersion in an incubator at 37°C, the immersion solutions were tested using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) to determine the release of chromium ions. The results of the study were analyzed using independent t-test. Results: The average chromium ion release in the control group was 7.63 ppm while the treatment group was 7.87 ppm. The results of independent t-test showed a significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: The release of chromium ions of stainless steel bracket immersed in probiotic beverage Lactobacillus casei shirota strain was significantly greater than that of immersion in artificial saliva. The value of chromium ion release obtained was still below the average daily intake of chromium.

Pengaruh Minuman Probiotik Lactobacillus casei shirota strain Terhadap Pelepasan Ion Nikel Braket Stainless Steel

The stainless steel bracket is the most commonly used fixed orthodontic component in orthodontic treatment. The brackets in the oral cavity for a long time can cause the release of metal ions, one of which is nickel ions. Food and beverages can change the pH of the oral environment, such as probiotic beverages. The probiotic beverage with Lactobacillus casei shirota strain has a pH of around 3 – 4,5. Low pH can increase nickel ion release and allow hypersensitivity reactions to occur. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Lactobacillus casei shirota strain probiotic beverage on the release of nickel ions from stainless steel brackets. This research was a laboratory experimental study with a post-test-only control group design with 10 samples. Each stainless-steel bracket sample was immersed in 50 ml of artificial saliva as a control group and 50 ml of Lactobacillus casei shirota strain probiotic beverage as a treatment group. Samples were immersed for 18 hours and 15 minutes in an incubator at 37˚C. The release of nickel ions was tested using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The results were analyzed by a parametric Independent t-test. The average release of nickel ions in the treatment group was 9,69 ppm and the control group was 9,22 ppm. Independent t-test showed a significant difference (p<0,05) in the mean of the artificial saliva and the Lactobacillus casei shirota strain probiotic beverage. The release of nickel ions from stainless steel bracket in Lactobacillus casei shirota strain probiotic beverage was greater than artificial saliva.

Lactobacillus Spp.-Enhanced Memory is Strain-Dependent and Associated, in Part, with Amyloidogenic and anti-Oxidant/Oxidative Stress Interplay in Amyloid Beta Precursor Protein Transgenic Mice

This study explored mechanisms underpinning enhanced memory in amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice (male; 10-12 months; n = 6/group) supplemented with Lactobacillus plantarum LAB12 (LAB12)/Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS). Morris Water Maze test was performed before brains were harvested for gene expression and biochemical studies. LAB-supplemented mice exhibited reduced escape latency and distance but significant increased time spent in platform zone. This was associated with downregulated beta-site APP cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1) mRNA and significant reduced nitric oxide in brains. LAB12 also significantly increased glutathione. The LAB-enhanced memory is strain-dependent and could be mediated, in part, through amyloidogenic pathway and anti-oxidant/oxidative stress interplay.

Effect of lactobacillus casei shirota in preventing antibiotic associated diarrhoea including clostridium difficile infection in patients with spinal cord injuries: a multicentre randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Rationale: Antibiotic associated diarrhoea (AAD) and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are of major clinical concern in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction as a result of SCI often leads to enhanced risk of urinary tract infections.1 Use of invasive devices such as urinary catheters further increases the need for antibiotics and the risks of AAD and CDI.2 A previous open-labelled study found that SCI patient taking a probiotic containing at least 6.5x109 live Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) could prevent AAD.3 In order to confirm this effects and fully demonstrate the extent of LcS effectiveness in preventing AAD/CDI, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study is indicated.

Probiotic supplementation attenuates age-related sarcopenia via the gut-muscle axis in SAMP8 mice.

BackgroundAge‐related muscle dysfunctions are common disorders resulting in poor quality of life in the elderly. Probiotic supplementation is a potential strategy for preventing age‐related sarcopenia as evidence suggests that probiotics can enhance muscle function via the gut–muscle axis. However, the effects and mechanisms of probiotics in age‐related sarcopenia are currently unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS), a probiotic previously reported to improve muscle function in young adult mice.MethodsWe administered LcS (1 × 108 or 1 × 109 CFU/mouse/day) by oral gavage to senescence‐accelerated mouse prone‐8 mice for 12 weeks (16‐ to 28‐week‐old). Sixteen‐week‐old and 28‐week‐old SMAP8 mice were included as non‐aged and aged controls, respectively. Muscle condition was evaluated using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for muscle mass, holding impulse and grip strength tests for muscle strength, and oxygen consumption rate, gene expressions of mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial number assays for mitochondria function. Inflammatory cytokines were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was utilized to measure the short‐chain fatty acid levels. The gut microbiota was analysed based on the data of 16S rRNA gene sequencing of mouse stool.ResultsThe LcS supplementation reduced age‐related declines in muscle mass (>94.6%, P < 0.04), strength (>66% in holding impulse and >96.3% in grip strength, P < 0.05), and mitochondrial function (P < 0.05). The concentration of short‐chain fatty acids (acetic, isobutyric, butyric, penic, and hexanoic acid) was recovered by LcS (>65.9% in the mice given high dose of LcS, P < 0.05) in the aged mice, and LcS attenuated age‐related increases in inflammation (P < 0.05) and reactive oxygen species (>89.4%, P < 0.001). The high dose of LcS supplementation was also associated with distinct microbiota composition as indicated by the separation of groups in the beta‐diversity analysis (P = 0.027). LcS supplementation altered predicted bacterial functions based on the gut microbiota. Apoptosis (P = 0.026), p53 signalling (P = 0.017), and non‐homologous end‐joining (P = 0.031) were significantly reduced, whereas DNA repair and recombination proteins (P = 0.043), RNA polymerase (P = 0.008), and aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis (P = 0.003) were increased. Finally, the genera enriched by high‐dose LcS [linear discriminant analysis (LDA) score > 2.0] were positively correlated with healthy muscle and physiological condition (P < 0.05), while the genera enriched in aged control mice (LDA score > 2.0) were negatively associated with healthy muscle and physiological condition (P < 0.05).Conclusions Lactobacillus casei Shirota represents an active modulator that regulates the onset and progression of age‐related muscle impairment potentially via the gut–muscle axis.

Prebiotic properties of xylooligosaccharide extracted from sugarcane wastes (pith and rind): a comparative study

SummaryWastes from agricultural industry are often disposed. Nevertheless, these wastes contain nutraceuticals and functional compounds. Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) was extracted from two sugarcane wastes (SW); rind (SR) and pith (SP), and the prebiotic properties of both XOS were examined. SR and SP had different mixture of XOS and were resistant towards α‐amylase and gastric juice digestion in vitro. Although the growth of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis ATCC® 700541™ increased significantly in both XOS after 48 h of incubation, XOS from SR showed better enrichment of probiotics growth. Both XOS were found to be more fermentable by LcS and acetic acid was the predominant end product of the fermentation. Since XOS composition was different between SR and SP and such difference can affect their prebiotic properties, it is important to choose the appropriate parts of SW to extract XOS with high fermentable properties and obtain the best synbiotics combination.

The probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota attenuates symptoms of vestibular migraine: a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial.

Vestibular migraine (VM) has emerged as one of the major vestibular syndromes. Although probiotics have exhibited beneficial effects on migraine headache, its effect on VM is not clear. This trial aimed to investigate the treatment efficacy of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on symptoms of VM. 247 VM patients were enrolled, of which 204 eligible patients receiving either LcS or placebo on a daily basis completed the 4 month study. They were re-visited at 2 and 4 months after study initiation to assess treatment outcomes. The primary endpoints were vestibular symptoms, evaluated by the number of vertiginous attacks during the past week, the Vertigo Severity Score (VSS), and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores. The secondary endpoints were anxiety and depressive symptoms, evaluated using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. Efficacy of LcS over placebo was not obvious at 2 month follow-up. At 4 month follow-up, while both LcS and placebo groups of VM patients displayed alleviated symptoms, the extents of the improvements were significantly better in LcS group than those of placebo group, with regard to vestibular symptoms using DHI and VSS, as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms using BAI and BDI. Although placebo effect cannot be ignored in intervention for VM patients, the probiotic LcS still exhibits considerable efficacy against VM symptoms over a 4 month study period, supporting further clinical study of a larger and more diverse cohort.

A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota in Stable Cirrhotic Patients

Background: In cirrhosis, a pathological gut microbiome has been linked with immune dysfunction. A pilot study of probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) in alcoholic cirrhosis demonstrated significant improvement in neutrophil function. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LcS on neutrophil function and significant infection rates in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: 92 cirrhotic patients (Child–Pugh score ≤10) were randomized to receive LcS or placebo, three times daily for six months. Primary end-points were incidence of significant infection and neutrophil function. Secondary end-points were cytokine profile, endotoxin, bacterial DNA positivity, intestinal permeability and quality of life. Results: Rates of infection, decompensation or neutrophil function did not differ between placebo and probiotic groups. LcS significantly reduced plasma monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and, on subgroup analysis, plasma interleukin-1β (alcoholic cirrhosis), interleukin-17a and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (non-alcoholic cirrhosis), compared with placebo. No significant differences in intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation or metabolomic profile were observed. Conclusion: LcS supplementation in patients with early cirrhosis is safe. Although no significant infections were observed in either group, LcS improved cytokine profile towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, an effect which appears to be independent of bacterial translocation.

Development and Physicochemical, Sensory and Microbiological Characterization of Ferment Milk With Addition of Cupuaçu

The development of dairy products using probiotic microorganisms has been an important focus in the food industry. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, sensory and microbiological quality of fermented milk with addition of cupua&amp;ccedil;u (Theobroma grandiflorum) flavor. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with five replicates, arranged in a 4 &amp;times; 2 &amp;times; 2 factorial scheme, consisting of fermented milk with addition of four different strains of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus casei shirota, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus paracasei), presence and absence of cupua&amp;ccedil;u flavor, and two evaluation times (1 and 7 days of storage). The results allowed us to conclude that the bacterial strain B (Lactobacillus casei) led to higher values of L*, b*, %Brix and pH. In the presence of cupua&amp;ccedil;u flavor, the values of pH, L*, b* and %Brix were significantly higher, which allows us to infer that cupua&amp;ccedil;u pulp contributes to decreasing the values of pH and increasing the acidity, lightness, b* and %Brix of fermented milk. Fermented milk with addition of bacteria A (Lactobacillus casei shirota) in the presence of cupua&amp;ccedil;u flavor showed reduction in pH and %Brix and, therefore, better acceptance by consumers and bioconservation. The presence of cupua&amp;ccedil;u flavor in fermented milk with bacteria B (Lactobacillus casei) alters L* and b* at seven days of storage. Fermented milk with addition of cupua&amp;ccedil;u flavor constitutes an opportunity and possibility for developing new flavors from Amazonian fruits, strongly contributing to the durability of dairy products, since the physicochemical, sensory and microbiological characteristics are enhanced within the standards of food safety.

Reduction in biogenic amines in douchi fermented by probiotic bacteria.

Ecology studies showed that esophageal and gastric cancers are directly correlated with the consumption of processed foods. The carcinogenicity of traditional Chinese fermented foods such as douchi (fermented black beans or fermented black soybeans) is due to the presence of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds, which are derived from biogenic amines. Among the various biogenic amines that can act as precursors of N-nitroso compounds, histamine and tyramine are considered to be the most toxic and are of public health concern when present in food. We have examined some douchi products on the market, and significant amounts of histamine and tyramine were found. The use of fermentation starters generated by subculturing fermented products with unknown microbiota would induce the risk of biogenic amines. As the microbiota used in fermentation is a crucial factor in determining the biogenic amines of fermented food, it is hypothesized that the possible harmful effects of douchi can be minimized through the use of fermentation starters composed of probiotic bacteria. This is the first study to investigate the potential of using probiotic bacteria in manufacturing douchi. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) were used to ferment black beans in this study, and no tyramine was detected in black bean samples incubated with these three strains anaerobically at 37°C or 20°C. The starter culture strains, temperature and presence of oxygen during the incubation period were found to be critical to the generation of biogenic amines. The findings of this study can provide evidence-based insights and warrant further investigations on the potential of reducing the harmful compounds in food fermented with probiotic bacteria as well as the sensory evaluation of douchi fermented with probiotic bacteria.

Immune effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota in treated HIV-infected patients with poor CD4+ T-cell recovery.

HIV infection leads to depletion of intestinal CD4+ T cells, mucosal barrier dysfunction, increased gut permeability and microbial translocation even among patients on suppressive ART. Previous studies suggest probiotics may help restore intestinal function. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, we enrolled HIV-infected patients on suppressive ART with poor CD4+ recovery to address the effect of daily oral use of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on CD4+ T-cell count and CD4+/CD8+ ratio at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment initiation; immune activation and intestinal microbiome composition were addressed as secondary outcomes. From January 2015 to July 2016, 48 patients were randomized (1 : 1) to active intervention or placebo. Groups had comparable demographic and clinical characteristics; only CD4+ T-cell nadir was statistically different between groups. All participants were virologically suppressed under ART. At week 6, the increment in CD4+ T-cell count was 17 cells/μl [interquartile range (IQR) -33 to 74] in the active intervention arm and 4 cells/μl (IQR -43 to 51) in the placebo arm (P = 0.291); at week 12, the change in CD4+ T-cell count was 8 cells//μl (IQR -30 to 70) in the active arm and 10 cells//μl (IQR -50 to 33) among participants allocated to placebo (P = 0.495). Median change in CD4+/CD8+ ratio at week 6 compared with baseline was 0 (IQR -0.04 to 0.05) in the active intervention arm and -0.01 in the placebo arm (IQR -0.06 to 0.03; P = 0.671). At week 12, the change in CD4+/CD8+ ratio was higher in the active product group compared with placebo (respectively 0.07 and 0.01), but this difference failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.171). We found no significant effects of LcS on immune activation markers, CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations, sCD14 levels or NK cells at week 12. Finally, we found no statistically significant differences between groups in the change of enteric microbiome at week 12. In this pilot study, we found no statistically significant effect of LcS probiotic on CD4+ T-cell counts, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, immune activation or intestinal microbiome among HIV-infected patients on suppressive ART with poor CD4+ recovery.

Effects of citrus juice fermented with &lt;i&gt;Lactobacillus plantarum&lt;/i&gt; YIT 0132 on Japanese cedar pollinosis during probiotic consumption: an open study

Certain strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have beneficial effects on Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCPsis), which is a major concern in Japan. Heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum YIT 0132 (LP0132), selected for its ability to induce interleukin (IL)-10, has been shown to suppress JCPsis symptoms. Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS), a popular probiotic, potentially induces a high level of IL-12 and is reported to delay the onset of JCPsis symptoms. However, it is unclear whether a combination of different types of LAB exerts additional effects without interfering with the benefits of each individual LAB. Thus, we conducted a pilot study to investigate the effects of LP0132-fermented citrus juice on JCPsis during simultaneous consumption of LcS-fermented milk. Fifty-nine subjects with JCPsis were allocated to two groups after a 2-week preconsumption period: one group consumed LP0132-fermented citrus juice and LcS-fermented milk (LcS+LP0132 group) for 12 weeks, while the other consumed LcS-fermented milk alone (LcS group). JCPsis symptoms, JCPsis-associated quality of life (QOL) impairment, and bowel movements were assessed by questionnaires. Compared with the LcS group, the LcS+LP0132 group showed significant alleviation of total symptoms and total ocular symptoms during the consumption period, as well as relief of impaired QOL. Bowel movements were significantly improved during the consumption period compared with the baseline in a combined analysis of all subjects in the two groups. In conclusion, LP0132-fermented citrus juice appears to have positive effects on some JCPsis symptoms and QOL in a population consuming immunomodulating probiotics such as LcS-fermented milk.

Effect of gums coating materials on the survival of microencapsulated probiotics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions

Probiotic bacteria have been extensively merged into numerous dietary supplements and dairy commodities and have been sold as functional foods. Microencapsulation is one of those approaches used to increase probiotic survival and delivery. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of three types of coating materials, xanthan, carrageenan and acacia gum on the viability of microencapsulated probiotics during simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) exposure. The probiotics, Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) were microencapsulated into uncoated alginate beads and were coated with 3 different concentrations of xanthan, carrageenan and acacia gums (0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5%). Free cells, uncoated and coated beads were subjected to SGF (1.5 h and 3 h) and SIF (24 h) and their viability was assessed after incubation period. Results denoted that glazed alginate beads with gums increased the viability of cells after cultivation in SGF and SIF. After SGF treatment, the viability of most of the coated beads was significantly higher compared to free cells. Among the three coating materials used in this study, xanthan gum coating provided the best cell protection in both treatments. Increasing concentration of gums had an optimistic outcome on the existence of LcS in GIT's replicated severe environments. However, microencapsulation of LcS with alginate does not significantly improve probiotic survivals under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Potential of Lactobacillus casei shirota’s strain against the biofilm-forming of Salmonella Spp

Biofilm of Salmonella spp. is formed through the expression of biofilm genes associated with proteins (bapA) regulated by curli synthesis genes (csg) which carry out adhesion, colonization, maturation, and dispersion on the surface of the intestinal epithelium. This study aimed to determine the antibiofilm activity of Lactobacillus casei Shirota’S strain (LcS) as an inhibitor of Salmonella spp. biofilm formation in vitro. This research was a true experimental study using Microtiter Plate 96 wells Biofilm Assay method. The sample used was the suspension of Salmonella spp. The treatment was in the form of adding a LcS suspension with a concentration series of 10-1;10-2; 10-3;10-4; and 10-5. Biofilm measurements were carried out using a microplate reader and obtained quantitative data in the form of Optical Density at a wavelength of 595nm. The results of this study showed that LcS suspension has antibiofilm activity ranging from 10-5 concentrations with a percentage of 36.58% (p&lt;0.05). The results of exometabolism LcS can reduce Salmonella growth. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) and sortase-dependent proteins (SrtA) of LcS form barriers as competitive adhesion in inhibiting pathogenic biofilm formation.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus casei Shirota improves recovery of hand functions after distal radius fracture among elder patients: a placebo-controlled, double-blind, and randomized trial

BackgroundTo evaluate the effect of oral Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) administration on recovery of hand functions in senior patients diagnosed with an acute distal radius fracture.MethodsThis clinical trial is double-blind and placebo-controlled, in which 293 senior patients with distal radius fracture were initially enrolled. After exclusion, 264 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive oral placebo or LcS daily for a period of 3 months after the fracture. Treatment outcomes were Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) score, radial deviation and inclination, and ulnar deviation and variance, all of which were monitored and measured every month.ResultsThroughout the length of this study, MHQ score, radial deviation and inclination, and ulnar deviation and variance of patients on oral LcS displayed a significantly faster improvement in comparison to those receiving placebo, over the 3-month intervention period.ConclusionOral administration of LcS dramatically accelerated hand function recovery in senior patients with distal radius fracture.

Gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profiles of normal and overweight school children in Selangor after probiotics administration

Obesity has been on the rise in Malaysia in recent years. The intestinal microbiota potentially influences this condition via its effects on whole-body metabolism and weight management. This study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotic drink ingestion on the intestinal microbiota in 42 school children. The subjects were classified as normal weight and overweight and were further divided into intervention and control groups. Faecal samples were obtained from the children, followed by qPCR analysis of the gut microbiota and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Results suggest that consumption of probiotic drinks is associated with significant alterations in the gut microbiota composition of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. (p = 0.002). The total SCFA and propionic acid contents increased significantly from baseline in normal weight children. Significant differences were observed for total SCFAs (p = 0.005) and propionic acid among overweight children (p = 0.001). Consumption of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS)-fermented probiotic drinks potentially altered the gut microbiota composition of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in children, concordant with changes in SCFAs; however, further investigation of this phenomenon is warranted.

Oral administration of probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota relieves pain after single rib fracture: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Probiotic treatment has proven to increase the density of bone mass, prevent against bone loss, and improve bone formation. We aimed to assess the effect of oral administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on pain relief in patients with single rib fracture. A total of 283 eligible patients who had a single rib fracture were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive skimmed milk containing either a commercial probiotic LcS or placebo every day through oral administration for 1 month after the fracture. The pain relief effect was assessed during activities that elicited pain; meanwhile, sleep quality and sustained maximal inspiration (SMI) lung volumes were monitored. Patients in the LcS group had more effective pain relief than those in the placebo group during deep breathing, coughing and turning over the body. Between the two groups of patients, increase in SMI lung volume was larger in LcS group patients than that of patients in the placebo group. Sleep quality did not show significant improvements after 1 month LcS treatment. In patients with a single rib fracture, oral administration of the probiotic LcS could exhibit alleviating effects on pain intensity.

Biotherapeutic potential of dairy beverage supplemented with lactobacillus casei shirota for the control of canine hookworm

Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are present in the homes of several families around the world, and are one of the animals with greater contact with humans, either as a guard dog or just as a pet. With this, they can transmit parasites to their owners, since dogs are natural hosts of several parasites, among them the helminths of Ancylostomidae family. Ancylostomiasis presents as main symptoms abdominal pain and anemia. The treatment is performed with anthelmintics, however, it was found that these parasites are acquiring resistance to current drugs, which makes necessary the development of alternative therapies. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a probiotic preparation containing 1x1010 CFU of Lactobacillus casei Shirota, administering 80 mL of this, for a group of four naturally infected dogs during 40 alternate days and, in parallel, administering a same volume during 30 consecutive days for a similar group of dogs. The protective effect was also evaluated by administering 80 ml of the preparation for a group of 5 healthy dogs for 30 consecutive days, which were maintained along with other infected animals. The number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) was determined every 7 days, noting possible changes. As results, it was observed the potential use of probiotics in the treatment of hookworm in dogs as an inexpensive alternative therapy, since the assessed preparation induced significant reduction of the parasitic load of infected animals (p &lt;0.005) in comparison with the control group, but in the other hand it was not observed protective effect, since the parasitosis have established in the dogs which were pretreated with L. casei Shirota.