Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG Group Research Articles

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG as a probiotic for preterm infants: a strain specific systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a widely used and extensively researched probiotic. Probiotic effects are considered to be strain specific. We aimed to comprehensively assess the strain-specific effects of LGG in preterm infants. A systematic review of RCTs and non-RCTs to evaluate the effect of LGG in preterm infants. We followed the Cochrane methodology, and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews (PRISMA) statement for conducting and reporting this review. We searched the Cochrane central register of controlled trials, PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases till December 2023. The review was registered in PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022324933. Meta-analysis of data from RCTs that used LGG as the sole probiotic showed significantly lower risk of NEC ≥Stage II [5 RCTs, n = 851, RR:0.50 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.93), P = 0.03] in the LGG group. There was no significant difference in the risk of LOS [7 RCTs, n = 1037, RR:1.08 (95% CI 0.84, 1.39), P = 0.55], mortality [3 RCTs, n = 207, RR: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.42, 2.33), P = 0.99], time to reach full feeds [2 RCTs, n = 19, SMD = 0.11 days (95% CI: -0.22, 0.45), P = 0.51] and duration of hospital stay [3 RCTs, n = 293, SMD: -0.14 days (95% CI: -0.37 to 0.09), P = 0.23]. Meta-analysis of data from non-RCTs showed no significant effect of LGG on NEC, LOS, and mortality. RCTs showed beneficial effects of LGG when used as the sole probiotic in reducing the risk of NEC, whereas observational studies did not. Strain-specific systematic review of LGG provides important data for guiding research and clinical practice.

P1223 Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG/p40 encapsuled cationic host defense peptide play protective roles on immune-related colitis by inducing differentiation and immune suppression of regulatory T cells

Abstract Background The immune-related colitis (IRC) is the most prominent in immune-related adverse events (irAE). The association between gut microbiota and IRC development has been revealed. Our study aimed to explore the protective effect and mechanism of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and its secretory protein p40 on IRC. The self-assembled cationic host defense peptide (CHDP) hydrogel was applied to protect oral p40 protein from digestive damage and target enriched the site of colitis. Methods The IRC model mice were intervened with LGG by gavage (i.g.), p40 by enema (en.), or p40 encapsuled by CHDP (i.g.). The T cell phenotype of colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) was measured by flow cytometry. The indocyanine green (ICG) encapsuled by CHDP was gavage in IRC model mice, the distribution of CHDP was monitored by fluorescence signals imaging via IVIS, to assess the adhesive effect of CHDP in mice colitis. In vitro, the proportion of regulatory T cells (Treg) differentiated was measured by LGG supernatant co-cultured with CD4+ naïve T cells, and the division index of CD4+T cells was measured by LGG supernatant co-cultured with CD4+T cells and Treg (CD4+T cells: Treg=1:1) by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) staining test. Results Compared with DSS+anti-PD-1+anti-CTLA-4 IRC model group, LGG (i.g.) group had lower weight loss, DAI score, histopathological score, relative IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA level, IL-6 and TNF-α concentration and higher colon length (P<0.05) (Fig.1A-L). P40 (en.) group had lower weight loss, DAI score, histopathological score and higher colon length (P<0.05) (Fig.1M-T). CHDP+p40 (i.g.) group had lower weight loss, DAI score, histopathological score, relative IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA level, IL-6 concentration and higher colon length (P<0.05) (Fig.1M-W). The percentages of CD25+FoxP3+Treg/CD4+T cells of colonic LPMC in LGG, p40 (en.), and CHDP+p40 (i.g.) group were significantly higher than IRC model group (P<0.05) (Fig.1X-Z, α). The average 28hr-residual rate of fluorescence imaging radiance in IRC-CHDP+ICG group was higher than both NC-CHDP+ICG and IRC-ICG group (Fig.2β-δ), and the average radiance of colon in IRC-CHDP+ICG group was also the highest (P<0.05) (Fig.2ε-ζ). In vitro, LGG 107 CFU/mL, 108 CFU/mL and 5 × 108 CFU/mL (P<0.05) could significantly promote Treg differentiation with concentration dependent manner (Fig.2η-ι), and the suppression of Treg on CD4+T cells with lower division index compared with control group (Fig.2κ). Conclusion LGG/p40 played protective role by promoting the differentiation and immune suppression of Treg cells in IRC. CHDP hydrogel could protect p40 protein from the digestive damage, and target enriched the inflamed lesion to improve the efficacy.

Effects of dietary Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation on the production performance, egg quality, eggshell ultrastructure, and lipid metabolism of late-phase laying hens

BackgroundToward the late phase of laying, the production performance of laying hens decreases, egg quality deteriorates, lipid metabolism weakens, and hepatic lipid accumulation is exacerbated. Probiotics as an alternative to antimicrobials have been employed in poultry-related industries. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is currently the most researched and clinically validated probiotic, showing promising effects in multiple application areas. However, few studies have been conducted on livestock (including poultry) production.ResultsCompared with the CON group, the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) declined significantly in the LGG group. Eggshell strength (P < 0.001) and eggshell thickness (P < 0.001) were significantly increased by supplementation with LGG in the diet. The height (P < 0.001) and proportion (P < 0.05) of the effective layer and the mammillary knob density (P < 0.01) in the eggshell ultrastructure of the LGG group increased significantly, while the mammillary layer (P < 0.05) and knob width (P < 0.01) decreased significantly. The LGG-treated hens had significantly lower serum concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05), free fatty acids (P < 0.01), and liver triglyceride (P < 0.05) levels than those in the CON group.ConclusionsLGG supplementation significantly decreases the feed conversion ratio, improves eggshell quality by altering the ultrastructure, and improves lipid metabolism in the late laying period.

Probiotics Alleviate Chemotherapy-Associated Intestinal Mucosal Injury via the TLR4-NFκB Signaling Pathway.

Temozolomide (TMZ) induces intestinal mucosa injury that cannot be fully counteracted by supportive treatment. Probiotics regulate gut microbial composition and the host immune system and may alleviate this side effect. We aimed to investigate the potential and mechanism of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in relieving intestinal mucosal injury induced by TMZ. Glioblastoma mice were divided into four groups: CON (control), LGG (109 CFU/mL, treated for 7 days), TMZ (50 mg/kg·d, treated for 5 days), LGG+TMZ (LGG for 7 days and TMZ subsequently for 5 days). Body weight, food intake, and fecal pH were recorded. Intestinal tissue samples were collected 1 day after the end of TMZ treatment. Degree of damage to intestine, expression of IL1β, IL6, TNFα, and IL10 in jejunum were determined. Levels of tight-junction proteins (ZO1, occludin), TLR4, IKKβ, IκBα, and P65 with their phosphorylation in jejunum were measured. Decreases in body weight, food intake, spleen index in the TMZ group were mitigated in the LGG+TMZ group, and the degree of intestinal shortening and damage to jejunum villus were also alleviated. The expression of tight-junction proteins in the LGG+TMZ group was significantly greater than that in the TMZ group. IκBα in intestinal tissue significantly decreased in the TMZ group, phos-IKKβ and phos-P65 increased compared to the CON group, and LGG reversed such changes in IκBα and phos-P65 in the LGG+TMZ group. Intestinal inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased in the TMZ group, but lower in the LGG+TMZ group. Moreover, expression of TLR4 in LGG group was significantly lower than that in the CON group. LGG inhibited the rise of TLR4 after TMZ in the LGG+TMZ group compared to the TMZ group. LGG inhibits the activation of the TLR4-NFκB pathway and alleviates intestinal mucosal inflammation induced by TMZ, thereby protect the jejunum villi and mucosal physical barrier.

Safety and Efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) in Children with Functional Abdominal Pain: A Randomised, Doubleblinded, Placebo-controlled Trial

Introduction: Functional Abdominal Pain (FAP) is a major concern in developing countries, especially in school-going children. Recently, some probiotics have shown clinical evidence in managing abdominal diseases. The role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) (ATCC 53103) for FAP in children has not been studied in India. Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of LGG (ATCC 53103) in children with FAP in terms of frequency, severity, and adverse effects. Materials and Methods: This double-blinded, placebocontrolled study was conducted at Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, from February 2021 to July 2022, after obtaining permission from the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC). Children aged 5-18 years with FAP were included in the study. A total of 82 children were included in the study and were randomised into the LGG group and placebo group. The LGG group received LGG (ATCC 53103), and the placebo group received sugar powder for a period of four weeks. These patients were followed-up after 2, 4, and 8 weeks for evaluation. Student’s t-test (unpaired) was used for quantitative data, and Chi-square test was used for qualitative data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) PC-20.0 version was used to evaluate the data. Results: Out of 82 children, a total of 77 children were enrolled during the study period, with 38 in the LGG group and 39 in the placebo group. The severity of abdominal pain at four weeks and eight weeks was significantly less compared to placebo (p-value=0.009 and p-value=0.01, respectively). The frequency of abdominal pain at four weeks and eight weeks was also significantly less compared to placebo (p-value ≤0.001 and p-value≤0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups (p-value =0.115). Conclusion: This study concluded that LGG decreases both the severity and frequency of abdominal pain in children aged 5-18 years without any significant side-effects. Thus, it can be safely used in the management of childhood FAP.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG as dietary supplement improved survival from lipopolysaccharides-induced sepsis in mice.

Sepsis is a state of host immune response triggered by virus or bacterial infection, in which the extent of regional and systemic inflammation and companion counter‐inflammatory reactions determines disease outcomes. Probiotics are known for the immunomodulatory effect on allergic disorders, but it is not clear whether the beneficiary effect extends to sepsis and increases survival. In this mouse model, we injected intraperitoneally lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to induce sepsis, and investigated whether the pretreatment of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) contributed to host survival and examined the alteration of the gut microbiota and blood cytokines/chemokines profile before sepsis induction. Four‐week‐old male BALB/c mice were divided into two groups: one group were fed daily with LGG as a dietary supplement for fourteen days, whereas the other group with sterile water. Before sepsis induction, some mice from each group were killed to collect stool in the intestine and blood for microbial metagenomic and cytokine/chemokine analyses, respectively, and the rest were monitored afterward for mortality. The relative abundance of several families in the gut microbiota after LGG treatment was altered as well as the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. In addition, several pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as G‐CSF, IL7, IL15, and MCP1 were lower in the LGG group than in the control group. The survival rate following LPS‐induced sepsis improved with LGG treatment. Our results indicated that dietary supplement of probiotic LGG improved survival from LPS‐induced sepsis, most likely through pre‐septic changes in the gut microbial constituents by LGG with reciprocal alteration of host immune system to a less reactive state to incoming pathogens.

Protective effect and mechanism of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on immune checkpoint inhibitors related colitis in mice

Objective: Modeling the immune-related adverse events (irAE) colitis in mice, and explore the protective effect and related mechanism of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on irAE colitis. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were divided into dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) group (n=3), DSS+anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) group (n=4), DSS+anti-PD-1+anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) Group (n=4), DSS+anti-PD-1+anti-CTLA-4+LGG group (n=4), all were given corresponding drugs and probiotics intervention. The severity of colitis were assessed by weight loss, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, colon histopathological score. The inflammatory cytokines and T cell immunity of CD4+, CD8+, FoxP3+regulatory T cells (Treg), were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining respectively. Results: Compared to DSS group, the Day 9 weight [(87.40±1.79)% vs (94.57±0.53)%, P<0.05], colon length [(5.33±0.27)cm vs (6.63±0.12)cm, P<0.05] were lower, and DAI score(2.66±0.24 vs 0.89±0.48), colon histopathological score (12.50±1.04 vs 5.67±0.33), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (6.73±1.68 vs 0.91±0.40) (P<0.05), as well CD8+T cells (156.80±8.84 vs 89.00±6.66) and FoxP3+Treg cells (103.80±2.66 vs 48.33±3.18) (P<0.05) were higher in DSS+anti-PD-1+anti-CTLA-4 group. Compared to DSS+anti-PD-1+anti-CTLA-4 group, the DAI score(1.83±0.17 vs 2.66±0.24), colonic histopathology score (8.75±0.63 vs 12.50±1.04), TNF-α level (1.32±0.18 vs 6.73±1.68) (P<0.05) were lower; and CD8+T cells(97.75±3.75 vs 156.80±8.84, P<0.01) level was lower with higher FoxP3+Treg cells (126.00±8.33 vs 103.80±2.66, P=0.046) in DSS+anti-PD-1+anti-CTLA-4+LGG group. Conclusion: DSS combined with anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 can successfully modeling the irAE colitis in mice, LGG can reduce irAE colitis severity by regulating Treg cells.

Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12 combination on the duration of diarrhea and length of hospital stay in children with acute diarrhea in Turkey

Background Acute diarrhea continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The main therapy for all individuals with dehydration caused by diarrhea is oral rehydration. Probiotics have been proposed as a complementary therapy in the treatment of acute diarrhea. We aim to evaluate the effect of a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) with Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12 (BB-12) on the duration of diarrhea and length of hospital stay in children with acute diarrhea.Methods A multicenter, randomized (240 children, 2:1 randomized for probiotic vs. control), single blind, hospital based clinical trial was performed in children (6 to 60 months) with acute watery diarrhea lasting more than 24 but less than 72 hours, requiring hospitalization. We enrolled children with clinical signs of mild to moderate dehydration. The children received conventional therapy with or without the combination of LGG and BB-12 (1 × 109 colony forming units for each) for 5 days. The primary endpoint was the duration of diarrhea (in hours), defined as the first normal stool according to the Bristol stool score (score &amp;lt; 5). Secondary outcome measures were duration of hospitalization (days) and percentage of children without diarrhea at 72 hours of intervention.Results In total, data from 218 of 240 children could be evaluated (150 in the probiotic group and 68 in the control group). The duration of diarrhea was significantly reduced in the LGG and BB-12 group compared to the control group (74.5 ± 40.8 hours vs. 98.4 ± 22.9 hours, P&amp;lt;0.001). The percentage of diarrhea-free children was significantly larger in the LGG and BB-12 group at 72 hours compared to the control (60% vs. 33.8%, P&amp;lt;0.001). Mean length of hospital stay was similar for both groups (5.03 ± 2.3 days vs. 5.25 ± 1.3 days, P&amp;gt;0.05).Conclusion This is the first clinical trial to test the combination of LGG and BB-12, and show its effects on diarrhea duration in children with acute infectious diarrhea. The duration of diarrhea was reduced by approximately 24 hours in the hospitalized children. Further randomized controlled clinical trials including outpatient cases with acute infectious diarrhea in addition to hospitalized cases should be conducted to assess the potential effects of the combination in more detail.

Antibiotics can cause weight loss by impairing gut microbiota in mice and the potent benefits of lactobacilli.

This study assessed whether antibiotics could alter gut microbiota to affect host growth and the possibility of alleviation by lactobacilli. We divided four-week-old BABL/c mice into control (Ctrl), antibiotic exposure (Abx), Lactobacillus plantarum PC-170 (PC), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) group and the Abx, LGG, and PC group received an one-week antibiotic/antibiotic + probiotic treatment. The fecal microbiota and the expression of splenic cytokines were determined. Following the ceftriaxone treatment, the body weight gain of Abx was delayed compared with others. The ceftriaxone treatment significantly decreased the alpha-diversity of the fecal microbiota and altered the fecal microbiota but LGG and PC can partly alleviate the effect. At the end of the study, the microbial community of LGG and PC group were more similar to Ctrl compared with Abx group. The results indicated that ceftriaxone could significantly alter intestinal microbiota. Lactobacilli might alleviate the side effects of antibiotics by stabilizing the intestinal microbiota.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG alleviates β-conglycinin-induced allergy by regulating the T cell receptor signaling pathway.

Currently, the need for safe and effective methods for relieving allergies is an important concern. In this study, we evaluated the role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in alleviating β-conglycinin (β-CG)-induced allergies and elucidated the related molecular mechanisms. Typical allergy symptoms and inflammatory factors in the serum showed that LGG intervention effectively alleviated β-CG induced allergy in mice, which was better than natural recovery (NR). Intestinal villi were restored and lower levels of CD4+ T cells infiltrated after LGG intervention. We evaluated whether LGG intervention weakened the proliferation ability of the spleen cells of allergic mice, balancing between T/B cells and Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cytokines. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 4106 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified by comparing the LGG group and β-CG group, and 546 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified by comparing the LGG group and NR group. KEGG pathway analysis identified that the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway was significantly enriched upon LGG intervention, and the upregulated Ifnar2 and the downregulated Tgfbr2, Il13r2 and Il4ra were further validated by qPCR analysis. Therefore, the above results fully revealed the important role of LGG in alleviating β-CG-induced allergies.

Probiotics protect against tenofovir‐induced mandibular bone loss in mice by rescuing mandible‐derived mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), a primary antiretroviral agent used to treat AIDS, triggers systematic bone loss. However, the effect of TDF on osteopenia or osteoporosis in the jaw remains unclear. TDF-induced bone loss in the jaw, if any, likely involves mandible-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MMSCs), which play a key role in jawbone metabolism. Probiotics prevent long bone loss, and could prove efficacious in treating TDF-induced mandibular bone loss. To determine whether TDF triggers mandibular bone loss, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and study the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on TDF-induced bone loss in the jaw. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was administered orally daily and LGG semiweekly from eight weeks to the end of the study (LGG group) to male C57BL6/J mice. The mice were sacrificed, and body weight (BW) and serum Ca and P were measured. Mandibular histomorphometry was evaluated by micro-CT. MMSCs and LGG culture supernatants were isolated, and MMSC proliferation and ALP production when treated with different concentrations of LGG supernatant and/or TDF were measured. Relative abundance of osteogenic markers was assessed by qPCR. Orally administered LGG protected against bone mass loss and deterioration of bone microarchitecture and increased serum P levels. The BW of the TDF group was highest among the study groups. TDF partially impaired osteogenesis and proliferation of MMSCs. LGG culture supernatant rescued MMSC osteogenesis and proliferation, and osteogenic gene expression. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG protected against tenofovir-induced mandibular bone loss in mice by rescuing MMSC proliferation and osteogenesis.

Do probiotics prevent colonization with multi-resistant Enterobacteriaceae during travel? A randomized controlled trial.

Travelers to India are often colonized with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) or Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). The aim of this study was to investigate if the probiotic species Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (LGG) could prevent the colonization of the gut with multi-drug resistant bacteria. Adult Danish travelers traveling to India for 10-28 days were randomized to receive either LGG or no probiotics during travel. Rectal swabs and questionnaires were obtained before travel, immediately after and six months after return. Swaps were screened for the presence of ESBL-E and CPE. 31 travelers were randomized to the LGG group and 30 to the control group. Before traveling, 6/50 (12.0%) were colonized with ESBL-E. After return, 41/44 (93.2%) of those not colonized before travel were colonized and 11/36 (30.6%) were still colonized after six months. There was no statistically significant difference in the colonization rate between the group receiving LGG and the control group. No CPE was detected in any cases. The study confirms the very high incidence of colonization with ESBL-E associated with travel to India with >90% colonized upon return and one third were intestinal carriers for at least six months. Use of LGG did not have any effect on the risk of colonization with ESBL-E.

Maternal Consumption of Lactobacillus GG During Pregnancy Prevents Infant Eczema at 1 Year of Age

Objective: We investigated the effects of probiotic yogurt administration to mothers during late pregnancy on intestinal microbiota and the incidence rate of atopic eczema in infants at one year of age. Methods: Eighteen pregnant women were given 100 g of yogurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), from day 1 of the 33rd week of gestation until parturition (LGG group), and the results obtained from their newborns were compared to those from infants born to 14 mothers who had not received this probiotic treatment (Control group). Lactobacillus GG bacteria (LGG bacteria) in infants’ feces at 4 and 6 months of age were compared using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between the detection rate of LGG bacteria and the presence or absence of eczema at the age of one year was evaluated. Results: The LGG bacteria detection rate at 4 months was significantly higher in the LGG than in control group (p<0.05), with a lower incidence rate of eczema in the LGG than in the control group (p<0.05). Among infants with eczema at 4 and 6 months, the rate of eczema clearing at 1 year was higher for the LGG than the control group (p<0.05). Administering LGG to pregnant women was effective in lower the incidence of eczema at 1 year, regardless of the LGG bacteria in infants (p<0.03). Conclusion: Giving LGG yogurt probiotics to pregnant women during late pregnancy is useful in preventing eczema in infants at 1 year of age.

Influence of orally administered Lactobacillus GG on respiratory immune response in a murine model of diet-induced obesity.

Mice with diet-induced obesity were fed with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) suspended in saline or saline alone (control mice). Pulmonary mRNA expression of IFN-γ; IFN-α receptor 1; CD247 antigen; killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily K, member 1; TNF-α; IL-12 receptor β1 and IL-2 receptor β, and the proportion of Lactobacillales in feces were significantly greater in the LGG group than in the control mice (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). These results suggest that LGG alters the respiratory immunity of obese subjects through having a potent impact on intestinal immunity.

Administration of probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus gasseri K7 during pregnancy and lactation changes mouse mesenteric lymph nodes and mammary gland microbiota

The milk and mammary gland (MG) microbiome can be influenced by several factors, such as mode of delivery, breastfeeding, maternal lifestyle, health status, and diet. An increasing number of studies show a variety of positive effects of consumption of probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding on the mother and the newborn. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral administration of probiotics Lactobacillus gasseri K7 (LK7) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) during pregnancy and lactation on microbiota of the mouse mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), MG, and milk. Pregnant FVB/N mice were fed skim milk or probiotics LGG or LK7 resuspended in skim milk during gestation and lactation. On d 3 and 8 postpartum, blood, feces, MLN, MG, and milk were analyzed for the presence of LGG or LK7. The effects of probiotics on MLN, MG, and milk microbiota was evaluated by real-time PCR and by 16S ribosomal DNA 454-pyrosequencing. In 5 of 8 fecal samples from the LGG group and in 5 of 8 fecal samples from the LK7 group, more than 1×103 of live LGG or LK7 bacterial cells were detected, respectively, whereas no viable LGG or LK7 cells were detected in the control group. Live lactic acid bacteria but no LGG or LK7 were detected in blood, MLN, and MG. Both probiotics significantly increased the total bacterial load as assessed by copies of 16S ribosomal DNA in MLN, and a similar trend was observed in MG. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that both probiotics increased the abundance of Firmicutes in MG, especially the abundance of lactic acid bacteria. The Lactobacillus genus appeared exclusively in MG from probiotic groups. Both probiotics influenced MLN microbiota by decreasing diversity (Chao1) and increasing the distribution of species (Shannon index). The LGG probiotic also affected the MG microbiota as it increased diversity and distribution of species and proportions of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These results provide evidence that probiotics can modulate the bacterial composition of MLN and MG microbiota in ways that could improve the health of the MG and, ultimately, the health of the newborn.

Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Aloe vera gel improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic rats

ObjectiveThe effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Aloe vera (AV) gel on lipid profiles in rats with induced hypercholesterolemia were studied. MethodsFive treatment groups of rats (n = 7) were the fed experimental diets: a normal control diet, a hypercholesterolemic diet (HD), HD + LGG, HD + AV gel, and HD + LGG + AV gel. ResultsSupplementation with LGG decreased serum total cholesterol by 32%; however, in combination with AV, the decrease was 43%. The decreases in triacylglycerol levels in the HD + LGG, HD + AV, and HD + LGG + AV groups were 41%, 23% and 45%, respectively. High-density lipoprotein increased by 12% in the HD + LGG + AV group, whereas very low-density and low-density lipoprotein values decreased by 45% and 30%, respectively. The atherogenic index in the HD + LGG + AV group decreased to 2.45 from 4.77 in the HD + LGG group. Furthermore, fecal Lactobacillus species counts increased significantly when LGG was fed in combination with the AV gel. The oral administration of LGG fermented milk alone or in combination with the AV gel increased cholesterol synthesis (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase expression) and absorption (low-density lipoprotein receptor expression), whereas cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase mRNA expression levels were lower in the HD + LGG and HD + LGG + AV groups compared with the control HD group. ConclusionThe combination of LGG and AV gel may have a therapeutic potential to decrease cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

682 The Role of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Gg Supplementation on the Eradication of Pathogenic Intestinal Flora in Infants

Objectives and studyIt is suggested that colonization of gastrointestinal tract by pathological microorganisms in infants may modulate local mucosal immune response and start inflammation. Disorders of the digestive system in...

Short-term consumption of probiotic lactobacilli has no effect on acid production of supragingival plaque

Acidogenicity and the levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in dental plaque after the use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Lactobacillus reuteri were determined. The study had a randomised, double-blind, crossover design. Thirteen volunteers used tablets containing LGG or a combination of L. reuteri SD2112 and PTA 5289 for 2 weeks. At baseline and at the end of each tablet period, all available supragingival plaque was collected. Lactic acid production was determined from a fixed volume (8 μl) of fresh plaque and the rest of the plaque was used for culturing MS and lactobacilli. The retention of probiotics to the plaque was assessed using PCR techniques. No probiotic-induced changes were found in the acidogenicity of plaque. Also, MS counts remained at the original level. The number of subjects with lactobacilli in plaque increased in the L. reuteri group (p = 0.011) but not in the LGG group. PCR analysis of plaque revealed the presence of LGG in four and L. reuteri in six subjects after the use of the probiotic. The use of the lactobacilli did not affect the acidogenicity or MS levels of plaque. Short-term consumption of LGG and L. reuteri appeared not to influence the acidogenicity of plaque.

Association of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) Severity to Milk and Egg Allergy Outcomes in a Cohort of Atopic, Food-allergic Children (COFAR)

FEBRUARY 2011 AB36 Abstracts S A T U R D A Y 125 Prenatal Probiotic Supplementation is Associated with Reduced sCD14 and Total IgA in Breast Milk I. Ismail, P. Licciardi, F. Oppedisano, S. Donath, M. Tang; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA, Royal Children’s Hopsital, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA. RATIONALE:The prevalence of atopic disease is increasing especially in the developed world. Altered gut microbiota is associated with immune dysregulation and development of allergic disease. Modulation of intestinal microbiota by probiotic supplementation offers an attractive preventive measure. Prenatal probiotic administration to mothers may induce immunomodulatory factors in breast milk, and hence influence infant immune development. The effect ofmaternal probiotic supplementation on immune markers in breast milk was explored. METHODS: Day 7 and day 28 breast milk samples were collected from women who participated in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study of prenatal probiotic for the prevention of eczema. Pregnant mothers received 1.8x1010 cfu Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) daily from 36 weeks gestation until delivery, or maltodextrin placebo. Aqueous phase breast milk samples (LGG n535, placebo n538) were assayed for TGFb1 and sCD14 by ELISA, and total IgA by nephelometry. RESULTS: Breast milk sCD14 at day 7 and total IgA at day 28 were significantly lower in the LGG group as compared to the placebo group (P50.02 and P50.01, respectively). There were no differences in levels of TGF-b1 between the probioticand placebo-treated groups at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal supplementation with LGG during late pregnancy lowers breast milk levels of sCD14 and total IgA. This suggests that maternal supplementation with probiotic LGGmay not provide a beneficial effect to infants through breast feeding. Correlation between these breast milk factors and eczema outcome in infants at 12months is currently ongoing.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Lactobacillus GG in Children With Functional Abdominal Pain

Our aim was to determine whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) relieves symptoms in children with recurrent abdominal pain. A total of 141 children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional pain were enrolled in 9 primary care sites and a referral center. Children entered a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and received LGG or placebo for 8 weeks and entered follow-up for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was overall pain at the end of the intervention period. At entry and at the end of the trial, children underwent a double-sugar intestinal permeability test. Compared with baseline, LGG, but not placebo, caused a significant reduction of both frequency (P < .01) and severity (P < .01) of abdominal pain. These differences still were significant at the end of follow-up (P < .02 and P < .001, respectively). At week 12, treatment success was achieved in 48 children in the LGG group compared with 37 children in the placebo group (P < .03); this difference still was present at the end of follow-up (P < .03). At entry, 59% of the children had abnormal results from the intestinal permeability test; LGG, but not placebo, determined a significant decrease in the number of patients with abnormal results from the intestinal permeability testing (P < .03). These effects mainly were in children with IBS. LGG significantly reduces the frequency and severity of abdominal pain in children with IBS; this effect is sustained and may be secondary to improvement of the gut barrier.