Levels Of Lactobacilli Research Articles

VSL#3 can prevent ulcerative colitis-associated carcinogenesis in mice.

AIMTo investigate the effects of VSL#3 on tumor formation, and fecal and intestinal mucosal microbiota in azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS) induced mice model.METHODSC57BL/6 mice were administered AOM/DSS to develop the ulcerative colitis (UC) carcinogenesis model. Mice were treated with 5-ASA (75 mg/kg/d), VSL#3 (1.5 × 109 CFU/d), or 5-ASA combined with VSL#3 by gavage from the day of AOM injection for three months (five days/week). The tumor load was compared in each group, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were evaluated in colon tissue. The stool and intestinal mucosa samples were collected to analyze the differences in the intestinal microbiota by 16s rDNA sequencing method.RESULTSVSL#3 significantly reduced the tumor load in AOM/DSS-induced mice model and decreased the level of TNF-α and IL-6 in colon tissue. The model group had a lower level of Lactobacillus and higher level of Oscillibacter and Lachnoclostridium in fecal microbiota than the control group. After the intervention with 5-ASA and VSL#3, Bacillus and Lactococcus were increased, while Lachnoclostridium and Oscillibacter were reduced. 5-ASA combined with VSL#3 increased the Lactobacillus and decreased the Oscillibacter. The intestinal mucosal microbiota analysis showed a lower level of Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and higher level of Alloprevotella in the model group as compared to the control group. After supplementation with VSL#3, Bifidobacterium was increased. 5-ASA combined with VSL#3 increased the level of both Lachnoclostridium and Bifidobacterium.CONCLUSIONVSL#3 can prevent UC-associated carcinogenesis in mice, reduce the colonic mucosal inflammation levels, and rebalance the fecal and mucosal intestinal microbiota.

Effects of probiotics on salivary Streptecoccus mutans and Lactobacillus levels in orthodontic patients.

In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of regular probiotic consumption on microbial colonization in saliva in orthodontic patients and to comparatively evaluate the difference between the systemic consumption of probiotic products and the local application. This study included 3 groups with 15 orthodontic patients in each. The control group included patients who had no probiotic treatment, the subjects in the kefir group consumed 2×100ml of kefir (Atatürk Orman Ciftligi, Ankara, Turkey) per day, and the subjects in the toothpaste group brushed their teeth with toothpaste with probiotic content (GD toothpaste; Dental Asia Manufacturing, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia) twice a day. Samples were collected at 3 times: beginning of the study, 3weeks later, and 6weeks later. The salivary flow rate, buffer capacity, and Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus levels in the saliva were evaluated. Chair-side kits were used to determine the S mutans and Lactobacillus levels. A statistically significant decrease was observed in the salivary S mutans and Lactobacillus levels in the kefir and toothpaste groups compared with the control group (P<0.05). A statistically significant increase was observed in the toothpaste group compared with the control and kefir groups in buffer capacity. Changes in the salivary flow rate were not statistically significant. The regular use of probiotics during fixed orthodontic treatment reduces the S mutans and Lactobacillus levels in the saliva.

Investigating of Moringa Oleifera Role on Gut Microbiota Composition and Inflammation Associated with Obesity Following High Fat Diet Feeding.

AIM:The alteration in the gut microbial community has been regarded as one of the main factors related to obesity and metabolic disorders. To date, little is known about Moringa oleifera as a nutritional intervention to modulate the microbiota imbalance associated with obesity. Therefore we aim to explore the role of aqueous Moringa oleiferous leaf extract on Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in high-fat diet-induced obesity and to investigate whether any restoration in the number of caecal Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria could modulate obesity-induced inflammation.METHODS:Young Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups according to their diet. Two of them were fed on either high fat diet or high fat diet+aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaf, while the third group was fed on the control diet. Bacterial DNAs were isolated from the mice digesta samples for bacteria level estimation using Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction along with serum interleukin-6 and lipid profileRESULTS:Compared to the normal control mice, high-fat diet feeding mice showed significantly reduced intestinal levels of Bifidobacteria, and increased body weight, interleukin 6, and levels of Lactobacilli. Upon treatment with Moringa oleifera, body weight, interleukin 6, and both bacteria levels were significantly restoredCONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest that Moringa oliefera aqueous leaf extract may contribute towards the pathophysiological regulation of weight gain, inflammation associated with high-fat-induced-obesity through gut bacteria modulation.

Effects of glucocorticoids combined with probiotics in treating Crohn's disease on inflammatory factors and intestinal microflora.

This study investigated the effect of glucocorticoids combined with probiotics on inflammatory factors and intestinal microflora in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Eighty-three patients with Crohn's disease were selected from March 2015 to December 2017 in PLA Army General Hospital (Beijing, China). A total of 83 patients were randomly divided into the control group and treatment group. Patients in the control group were treated with routine treatment of oral sulfasalazine. Besides oral sulfasalazine, patients in the treatment group were treated with probiotics combined with glucocorticoids. At the same time, a total of 40 healthy individuals were selected to serve as the healthy group (received no treatment). Clinical efficacy, changes of inflammatory factors, incidence of infection and changes of intestinal flora were compared between the different groups. After treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors in both groups significantly decreased, and the reduction in the treatment group significantly increased than that in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of inflammatory cytokines in the treatment group reached the levels of that in the healthy individuals after treatment. After treatment, the levels of yeast, enterococci and peptococcus of the two groups of patients were significantly decreased, while the level of lactobacillus was significantly increased, and the changes were more significant in the treatment group than those in the control group. After treatment, the number of intestinal flora in the treatment group reached that of the healthy individuals. Treatment efficiency of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the infection rate of the control group was significantly higher than that of the treatment group (P<0.05). The use of probiotics combined with glucocorticoid in the treatment of Crohn's disease can improve clinical curative effect, reduce the secretion of inflammatory factors and improve the level of intestinal flora, so as to achieve better outcomes compared with conventional method.

The Gut Microbiome in Patients with Intestinal Failure: Current Evidence and Implications for Clinical Practice.

Intestinal failure (IF) is the reduction of gut function or mass below a minimum needed to absorb nutrients and fluids, such that patients are dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN). Patients with IF have an altered gut microbiome. Our aim was to review and evaluate the current evidence on gut microbiome and its metabolic activity, as well as its association with disease characteristics in adults and children with IF. We performed a PubMed literature search for articles published after 2000 using the following terms: intestinal, microbiome, microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, short bowel syndrome, and PN. Literature search was restricted to human studies only. The gut microbiome diversity is remarkably reduced, and community structure is altered with a noticeable overabundance of Proteobacteria, especially the Enterobacteriaceae family. A substantial increase in Lactobacillus level is often reported in patients with IF. Gut microbiome characteristics have been associated with poor growth, liver disease, D-lactic acidosis, and duration of intestinal adaptation. Differences in microbiome characteristics have been found between patients receiving PN and those whose guts have adapted and have been weaned off PN. Future research with prospective sample collection should explore the value of the gut microbiome as a biomarker to guide clinical practice and as a modifiable therapeutic target to optimize outcomes of patients with IF.

Beneficial changes of gut microbiota and metabolism in weaned rats with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 supplementation

To investigate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 (1:1) on microbiota composition and function, metabolism as well as microbiota-metabolite relationships of weaned rats, four groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally supplemented with either probiotics (2.5 × 1010 cfu/kg, 5.0 × 1010 cfu/kg, 1.0 × 1011 cfu/kg) or vehicle (water) for 28 days. Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 treatment increased levels of glutamate, short chain fatty acids and ketone bodies, and decreased levels of choline, creatine and lactate. Levels of Rothia, Bifidobacterium, Jeotgalicoccus, Lactobacillus, Acinetobacter and Oligella were significantly increased, whereas Parabacteroides, Enterococcus and Candidatus Arthromitus were reduced. The PICRUSt analysis indicated Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 could promote the functional maturation of gut bacterial community. Strong correlations were observed between metabolites and Parabacteroides, Enterococcus, Candidatus Arthomitus, Bifidobacterium, Jeotgalicoccus, Lactobacillus and Acinetobacter. Collectively, supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 helps promote the structure and functional maturation of intestinal microbiome in weaned rats.

Vitamin E alleviates phoxim-induced toxic effects on intestinal oxidative stress, barrier function, and morphological changes in rats.

Phoxim is an organic phosphorus pesticide that remains easily in the environment, such as human food and animal feed. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of vitamin E on phoxim-induced oxidative stress in the intestinal tissues of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a control group and three treatment groups: treatment group 1 (phoxim: 20mg/kg·BW), treatment group 2 (phoxim: 180mg/kg·BW), and treatment 3 (vitamin E + phoxim: 200mg/kg·BW + 180mg/kg·BW). Phoxim was given by gavage administration once a day for 28days. The results showed that phoxim significantly reduced jejunum villus height in rats (P< 0.05), and decreased the mRNA expression of junction protein genes of rats, including Occlidin and Claudin-4 (P < 0.05). Phoxim reduced GSH content and T-AOC level in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of oxidative stress-related genes (Nrf2 and GPx2) were decreased. The mRNA expression of SOD was significantly increased. In addition, phoxim increased the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in jejunum mucosa and significantly reduced the level of IL-8 in ileum mucosas, while significantly increased TNF-α secretion. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly decreased, and mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Phoxim also increased the DNA expression of total cecal bacteria and Escherichia coli, inhibited the DNA expression of Lactobacillus and destroyed the intestinal barrier. Two hundred milligrams per kilogram BW vitamin E reduced the effect of phoxim on intestinal structure, alleviated the oxidative stress in intestinal tissue, and decreased the level of TNF-α. The mRNA expressions of antioxidative stress genes (SOD and GPx2) were significantly increased. The DNA expression level of Lactobacillus was significantly increased. In conclusion, vitamin E helped reduce the toxicity of organophosphate pesticides, such as phoxim on rat intestinal tissue.

Lactobacillus Gasseri in the Upper Small Intestine Impacts an ACSL3-Dependent Fatty Acid Sensing Pathway That Regulates Whole-Body Glucose Homeostasis

Long chain acyl CoA synthetase (ACSL)-dependent upper small intestinal lipid metabolism activates preabsorptive pathways to regulate metabolic homeostasis, but whether changes in the upper small intestinal microbiota alter specific fatty acid-dependent pathways to impact glucose homeostasis remains unknown. We here first find that upper small intestinal infusion of Intralipid, oleic acid, or linoleic acid preabsorptively increases glucose tolerance and lowers glucose production in rodents. High-fat feeding impairs preabsorptive fatty acid sensing and reduces upper small intestinal Lactobacillus gasseri levels and ACSL3 expression. Transplantation of healthy upper small intestinal microbiota to high-fat fed rodents restores Lactobacillus gasseri levels and fatty acid sensing via increased ACSL3 expression, while Lactobacillus gasseri probiotic administration to non-transplanted high-fat fed rodents is sufficient to restore upper small intestinal ACSL3 expression and fatty acid sensing. In summary, we unveil a glucoregulatory role of upper small intestinal Lactobacillus gasseri that impacts an ACSL3-dependent glucoregulatory fatty acid sensing pathway. Disclosure P.V. Bauer: None. F. Duca: None. T. Waise: None. H.J. Dranse: None. B.A. Rasmussen-Small: None. A. Puri: None. M. Rasti: None. T.K.T. Lam: None.

Changes in bacterial diversity and composition in the faeces and colon of weaned piglets after feeding fermented soybean meal.

The microbiota composition of faeces and colonic contents were analysed to investigate the mechaninsm by which fermented soybean meal improves intestinal microbial communities, growth and immunity in weaning piglets. Microbiota were investigated using16S rRNA gene sequencing and systematical bio-information Operational Taxonomic Units; α-diversity analyses indicated that fermented soybean meal increased bacterial species diversity. The levels of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteia in faeces, and Firmicutes and Tenericutes in the colon, increased significantly in piglets fed fermented soybean meal (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto1, Lachnospira and Bacteoides had positive correlations with diarrhoea in the piglets. Lactobacillus, Blautia and Clostridium sensu stricto1 levels were correlated with increases in the average daily feed intake of piglets. Lactobacillus and Lachnospira also had positive relationships with IgM levels, and lymphocytes levels were increased relative to Clostridium sensu stricto1. Lymphocyte numbers also increased with higher levels of Blautia and decreased with Clostridium sensu stricto1. Increased levels of Blautia were also correlated with significant increases in white blood cells. The significant differences in faecal and colonic bacteria were correlated with enhanced immunity and overall improved health in the weaning piglets.

Dose-interval study of a dual probiotic in preterm infants

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the appropriate dosing interval of a probiotic (Infloran) given daily, biweekly and weekly in preterm infants <32 weeks’ gestation.MethodsThere were 8 infants...

Fumonisin-Exposure Impairs Age-Related Ecological Succession of Bacterial Species in Weaned Pig Gut Microbiota.

Pigs are highly affected by dietary mycotoxin contamination and particularly by fumonisin. The effects of fumonisin on pig intestinal health are well documented, but little is known regarding its impact on gut microbiota. We investigate the effects of the fumonisin (FB1, 12 mg/kg feed) on the fecal microbiota of piglets (n = 6) after 0, 8, 15, 22, and 29 days of exposure. A control group of six piglets received a diet free of FB1. Bacterial community diversity, structure and taxonomic composition were carried out by V3–V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Exposure to FB1 decreases the diversity index, and shifts and constrains the structure and the composition of the bacterial community. This takes place as early as after 15 days of exposure and is at a maximum after 22 days of exposure. Compared to control, FB1 alters the ecological succession of fecal microbiota species toward higher levels of Lactobacillus and lower levels of the Lachnospiraceae and Veillonellaceae families, and particularly OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) of the genera Mitsuokella, Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. In conclusion, FB1 shifts and constrains age-related evolution of microbiota. The direct or indirect contribution of FB1 microbiota alteration in the global host response to FB1 toxicity remains to be investigated.

Intestinal HIF-1α deletion exacerbates alcoholic liver disease by inducing intestinal dysbiosis and barrier dysfunction

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by gut dysbiosis and increased gut permeability. Hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) has been implicated in transcriptional regulation of intestinal barrier integrity and inflammation. We aimed to test the hypothesis that HIF-1α plays a critical role in gut microbiota homeostasis and the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity in a mouse model of ALD. Wild-type (WT) and intestinal epithelial-specific Hif1a knockout mice (IEhif1α-/-) were pair-fed modified Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing 5% (w/v) alcohol or isocaloric maltose dextrin for 24 days. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and endotoxin were determined. Fecal microbiota were assessed. Liver steatosis and injury, and intestinal barrier integrity were evaluated. Alcohol feeding increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and lipopolysaccharide, hepatic triglyceride concentration, and liver injury in the WT mice. These deleterious effects were exaggerated in IEhif1α-/- mice. Alcohol exposure resulted in greater reduction of the expression of intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins, claudin-1 and occludin, in IEhif1α-/- mice. In addition, cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide and intestinal trefoil factor were further decreased by alcohol in IEhif1α-/- mice. Metagenomic analysis showed increased gut dysbiosis and significantly decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in IEhif1α-/- mice compared to the WT mice exposed to alcohol. An increased abundance of Akkermansia and a decreased level of Lactobacillus in IEhif1α-/- mice were also observed. Non-absorbable antibiotic treatment reversed the liver steatosis in both WT and IEhif1α-/- mice. Intestinal HIF-1α is essential for the adaptative response to alcohol-induced changes in intestinal microbiota and barrier function associated with elevated endotoxemia and hepatic steatosis and injury. Alcohol consumption alters gut microbiota and multiple intestinal barrier protecting factors that are regulated by intestinal hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). Absence of intestinal HIF-1α exacerbates gut leakiness leading to an increased translocation of bacteria and bacterial products to the liver, consequently causing alcoholic liver disease. Intestinal specific upregulation of HIF-1α could be developed as a novel approach for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease.

Effects of a food enriched with probiotics on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. salivary counts in preschool children: a cluster randomized trial.

Probiotics have provided benefits to general health, but they are still insufficient to dental health.Objective:This study aimed to evaluate milk supplemented with probiotic bacteria and standard milk, measured by levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus spp., in 3-4-year-old children after 9 months of intervention.Material and Methods:The study was a triple-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. The sample was composed of 363 preschoolers attending five child development centers in Cali, Colombia. They were randomized to two groups: children in the intervention group drank 200 mL of milk with Lactobacillus rhamnosus 5x10 6 and Bifidobacteruim longum 3x10 6 , and children in the control group drank 200 mL of standard milk. Interventions occurred on weekdays and information was gathered through scheduled clinical examination. The primary result was the number of colony forming units (CFU) of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. in the saliva. Secondary results were dental caries, rated by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), dental plaque, pH, and salivary buffer capacity.Results:The proportion of S. mutans was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group after 9 months; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance (p=0.173); on the other hand, statistically significant differences between groups were found in the CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. (p=0.002). There was not statistically significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries for both groups (p=0.767). Differences between groups were found in the salivary buffering capacity (p=0.000); neither salivary pH nor dental plaque were significantly different.Conclusions:Regular consumption of milk containing probiotics bacteria reduced CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. and increased salivary buffering capacity at 9 months of consumption.

The Effects of Probiotics on the Salivary Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli Levels among Preschool Children: A Clinical Trial

Background: Prevention of dental caries plays a vital role in dental public health practice. Streptococcus mutans is considered to be the chief pathogen in caries development. One of caries preventive methods is probiotics which can interfere with bacterial colonization, compete with oral microorganisms.Aim: To evaluate the effects of probiotics in yogurts on the salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli colonies count among preschool children aged (3 – 6 years).Materials and Methods: A controlled clinical trial was conducted on (350) children who were divided into two groups, control and study group. The control group instructed to ingest one cup of regular yogurt and the study group ingest yogurt with probiotics for two weeks. Salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli levels were counted at the baseline and after one week and two weeks of usage. One way ANOVA test, unpaired t test and Tukey post hoc test were used to compare between the groupsResults: A statistically significant reduction in salivary Streptococcus mutans colonies count were seen with in the study group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Probiotics showed maximum decrease in the Streptococcus mutans colonies count after short period of usage.

Higher Levels of a Cytotoxic Protein, Vaginolysin, in Lactobacillus-Deficient Community State Types at the Vaginal Mucosa.

Vaginolysin (VLY), a cytotoxic protein produced by Gardnerella vaginalis, may contribute to bacterial vaginosis. We observed that women with G. vaginalis, low levels of lactobacilli, history of vaginal douching, higher Nugent scores, and higher vaginal pH had increased VLY. Inflammatory markers were not highly expressed with increasing VLY. Vaginolysin's role in bacterial vaginosis warrants further evaluation.

High salt diet exacerbates colitis in mice by decreasing Lactobacillus levels and butyrate production

BackgroundChanges in hygiene and dietary habits, including increased consumption of foods high in fat, simple sugars, and salt that are known to impact the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota, may explain the increase in prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases. High salt consumption has been shown to worsen autoimmune encephalomyelitis and colitis in mouse models through p38/MAPK signaling pathway. However, the effect of high salt diet (HSD) on gut microbiota and on intestinal immune homeostasis, and their roles in determining vulnerability to intestinal inflammatory stimuli are unknown. Here, we investigate the role of gut microbiota alterations induced by HSD on the severity of murine experimental colitis.ResultsCompared to control diet, HSD altered fecal microbiota composition and function, reducing Lactobacillus sp. relative abundance and butyrate production. Moreover, HSD affected the colonic, and to a lesser extent small intestine mucosal immunity by enhancing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as Rac1, Map2k1, Map2k6, Atf2, while suppressing many cytokine and chemokine genes, such as Ccl3, Ccl4, Cxcl2, Cxcr4, Ccr7. Conventionally raised mice fed with HSD developed more severe DSS- (dextran sodium sulfate) and DNBS- (dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) induced colitis compared to mice on control diet, and this effect was absent in germ-free mice. Transfer experiments into germ-free mice indicated that the HSD-associated microbiota profile is critically dependent on continued exposure to dietary salt.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the exacerbation of colitis induced by HSD is associated with reduction in Lactobacillus sp. and protective short-chain fatty acid production, as well as changes in host immune status. We hypothesize that these changes alter gut immune homeostasis and lead to increased vulnerability to inflammatory insults.

A Rapid Method for Estimation of Cariogenic Bacteria Based on a Stationary Liquid Phase Lab-on-a-chip

Salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus sp. are important risk factors for dental caries. Application of current test methods is limited because of the requirement for a time-consuming incubation step or expensive laboratory instruments. In this study, we developed a rapid method for determination of the representative cariogenic bacteria, S. mutans and Lactobacillus plantarum, based on a stationary liquid phase lab-on-a-chip (SLP LOC). The method utilized two types of particles, i.e., magnetic capture particles (CPs) for capture of target bacteria and nonmagnetic labeling particles (LPs) for labeling of the captured bacteria with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Complexes of CP-bacteria-LP were formed in a sample chamber of the LOC and transported to a detection chamber containing the chromogenic substrate of HRP by moving a magnet under the LOC. The method is simple and enabled detection of the two bacteria in a range required for caries risk diagnosis within 40 min without the use of any complicated instruments. Accordingly, this method may have applications in the rapid diagnosis of dental caries risk.

Saliva changes in Parkinson\u2019s disease patients after injection of Botulinum neurotoxin type A

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are compromised by poor oral condition due to oropharyngeal bradykinesia, dysphagia, and the side effects of treatment. Intrasalivary gland injections of Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BNT-A) have been known to treat sialorrhea effectively in these patients. However, the decreased amount of saliva reduces self-cleaning ability that deteriorates oral hygiene and increases dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the oral microflora and saliva in patients with PD treated for sialorrhea by means of sonography-controlled BNT-A injections into the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands. Altogether, 38 persons participated in the study: 12 PD patients who were injected with BNT-A for treatment of sialorrhea and passed salivary tests before and 1 month after the injections; and 13 PD patients and 13 healthy subjects who were not injected with BNT-A and passed salivary tests once. The condition of oral health was measured by the amount of saliva, salivary flow rate, and salivary composition. A good outcome with a significant decrease in salivary flow rate occurred at 1-month follow-up in the BNT-A-treated group while no significant change was found in salivary composition. BNT-A treatment did not change the Streptococcus mutans levels in saliva but there was statistically significant increase in levels of Lactobacilli. BNT-A injections can effectively treat sialorrhea while considering the change of oral microflora, and the patients should be under dentists’ care more frequently. EudraCT clinical trial number: 2015-000682-30.

Microbiological Changes and Caries-Preventive Effect of an Innovative Varnish Containing Chlorhexidine in Orthodontic Patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cervitec Plus® on the level of mutans streptococcus (SM) and lactobacillus (LB) colonies and the development of white spot lesions (WSLs) in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Informed consent was obtained from 32 volunteers (age 16.5 ± 2.75 years). At baseline, levels of the bacterial colonies were determined in saliva and plaque using a chairside test (CRT Bacteria, Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), and the number of WSLs was registered. After placing the fixed appliance, Cervitec Plus® or placebo varnishes (Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) were applied monthly around the brackets and tubes, randomly in the right or left (test and placebo) quadrants of the same dental arch. SM and LB colonies in saliva and the SM colonies in plaque were determined on 11–21, 13–23, 15–25, and 16–26 teeth monthly over a 6-month period. At the sixth month, the number of new WSLs was determined. By the end of the study, compared with baseline, the ratio of saliva samples belonging to the low-risk category was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) from the 2nd month regarding the SM (76 vs. 52%) and LB (69 vs. 52%); reduction of SM in plaque was significantly greater on the test than placebo sides (6.69 ± 1.71 and 4.45 ± 1.60, respectively; p ≤ 0.01). The mean number of new WSLs was significantly lower in the test (0.06 ± 1.60) than in the placebo quadrants (1.13 ± 1.50, p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Monthly use of Cervitec Plus® could result in a significant improvement in oral health of orthodontic patients.

Addition of probiotics to glutamine therapy as intestinal barrier protection for severe surgical patients

Objective: To study the protecting effect of combining probiotics with Glutamine (Gln) in intestinal barrier function of severe surgical patients. Methods: A total of 36 surgical patients with severe gastrointestinal diseases were randomly divided into routine Parenteral Nutrition (PN) group, probiotics group, and combination group, which received conventional PN, PN+probiotics and PN+probiotics+GLn respectively. Then all groups were measured the ratio of lactulose and Mannitol (L/M), the concentration of serum endotoxin, the level of intestinal Lactobacillus, and the number of gram-negative bacterium before operation and at the 3rd, 8th day after operation. Results: At 8th day, the ratio of lactulose and mannitol levels as well as the concentration of serum endotoxin in the probiotics group were much lower than those in the PN group (P<0.05), but much higher than the combination group (P<0.05)The level of intestinal Lactobacillus in the probiotics group was much higher than that in the PN group (P<0.05), but lower than the combination group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of gram-negative bacterium among the three groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Addition of probiotics to Gln therapy has better protecting effect in intestinal barrier function.