Probiotic Mixture Research Articles

Probiotic Consortia Protect the Intestine Against Radiation Injury by Improving Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis

PurposeRadiation-induced intestinal injuries (RIII) commonly occur during abdomin-pelvic cancer radiotherapy; however, no effective prophylactic or therapeutic agents are available to manage RIII currently. This study aimed to clarify the potential of probiotic consortium supplementation in alleviating RIII. Materials and MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were orally administered a probiotic mixture comprising Bifidobacterium longum BL21, Lactobacillus paracasei LC86, and Lactobacillus plantarum Lp90 for 30 days before exposure to 13 Gy of whole abdominal irradiation (WAI). The survival rates, clinical scores, and histological changes in the intestines of mice were assessed. The impacts of probiotic consortium treatment on intestinal stem cells (ISCs) proliferation, differentiation, and epithelial barrier function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. A comprehensive examination of the gut microbiota composition was conducted through 16S rRNA sequencing, while changes in metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. ResultsThe probiotic consortium alleviated RIII, as reflected by increased survival rates, improved clinical scores, and mitigated mucosal injury. The probiotic consortium treatment exhibited enhanced therapeutic effects at the histological level when compared to individual probiotic strains, although there was no corresponding improvement in survival rates and colon length. Moreover, probiotic consortium stimulated ISCs proliferation and differentiation, enhanced the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier, and regulated redox imbalance and inflammatory responses in irradiated mice. Notably, the treatment induced a restructuring of gut microbiota composition, particularly enriching short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinctive metabolic changes associated with probiotic consortium, including elevated levels of anti-inflammatory and anti-radiation metabolites. ConclusionsThe probiotic consortium attenuated RIII by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites, improving inflammatory symptoms, and regulating oxidative stress. These findings provide new insights into the maintenance of intestinal health with the probiotic consortium supplementation and will facilitate the development of probiotic-based therapeutic strategies for RIII in clinical practice.

New insights into the effect of xylooligosaccharide derived from agricultural waste, single or combined dietary supplementation with mixed probiotics on growth, flesh quality, health condition and disease resistance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study aimed to study the effects of single or combined dietary supplementation of xylooligosacharides (XOs), prebiotics derived from agricultural waste and mixed probiotics (Bacillus subtilis TISTR 008 and Lactobacillus plantarum TISTR 1854) on growth performance, flesh quality, health condition and disease resistance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish received four types of diets: a basal diet (control); XOs (prebiotics); a mixture of Bacillus subtilis TISTR 008 and Lactobacillus plantarum TISTR 1854 (probiotics); and a combination of XOs and a probiotic mixture (synbiotics) for 56 days. The results show that dietary prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics improved growth performance including final body weight, weight gain, average daily gain, and protein efficiency ratio compared to the control diet. Interestingly, the feed conversion ratio was improved by dietary prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics supplementation. Concurrently, innate immunity parameters such as total antioxidant, lysozyme, catalase, and glutathione S transferase were mostly higher in fish fed the prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics diets. Moreover, we observed significant increases in digestive enzyme activities, including protease, amylase, and lipase, in fish fed probiotic diets. After the feeding trial, fish were intraperitoneally injected with Streptococcus agalactiae, and the cumulative 14-day mortality rate was calculated. High survival rates were observed in all groups that received supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics in their feed. This improvement is correlated with an increase in the transcriptional levels of immune- and growth-related factors. Interestingly, this study highlights the use of prebiotics and synbiotics containing XOs to boost the PUFA n-3 and n-6 content in the fish fillets. Our findings indicate that adding XOs as prebiotics to the diet significantly enhances the overall performance of fish when compared to the effects of probiotics and synbiotics. In summary, XOs may have the potential as organic compounds derived from agricultural waste for specific probiotic and synbiotic products in the aquaculture industry when combined in the right proportions.

Probiotic mixture in patients after Helicobacter pylori eradication: a real-life experience.

Eradication for Helicobacter pylori usually induces digestive dysbiosis that, in turn, elicits symptoms. Consequently, probiotic supplementation may counterbalance the disturbed microbiota after this procedure. So, probiotics may restore microbiota homeostasis quickly relieve complaints. The current study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Abivisor®, a food supplement containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR06 (3 billion living cells), Lactiplantibacillus pentosus LPS01(100 million living cells), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP01 (1 billion living cells), and N-acetyl cysteine (60 mg). Patients were randomized into two groups (2:1). Group A took one stick/daily for 60 days after eradication. Group B was considered as control. Patients were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after 15 (T1), 30 (T2), and 60 (T3) days. The severity of digestive symptoms was measured by patients using a Visual Analog Scale. The percentage of patients with each symptom was also evaluated. Abivisor® has significantly and progressively diminished intestinal symptoms' presence and severity at T1, T2, and even more at T3. Accordingly, the percentage of symptomatic patients diminished more rapidly and significantly in group A than in B. All patients well tolerated the food supplement. The present study suggests that Abivisor® may be an effective and safe therapeutic option for managing patients undergoing H. pylori eradication.

Focus On Prebiotic and Probiotic Preventive and Therapeutic Diet Approaches to Restore Gut Homeostasis in Rodent Models of Autism

Although variable diet approaches shaped the gut bacterial abundance differently, they are considered the core factors in modulating gut microbiota throughdifferent mechanisms. Our aim in this study is to focus on the dietary candidates that could maintain a healthy gut microbiota by promoting commensal bacteria and reducingor inhibiting pathogens. In the current study, our objective is to demonstrate that a novel combined dietary approach of pre-and probiotic mixtures could be more effectivein inducing significant improvements in gut bacterial composition as a target to treat ASD. Luteolin complex veggie capsules (Swanson, USA), artichoke extract, as well asyogurt and Lactobacillus rhamnosus veggie capsules (5 billion CFU) (Swanson, USA), recently known as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus were selected as prebiotics and probioticsrespectively and were screened for their protective and therapeutic effects on the gut microbiota. They were all administered orally over 5 weeks to propionic acid PPAtreatedrats as rodent models of Autism (groups 4-10). Their results were compared to the control animal group undertaking a standard diet (group 1) and to post and pre-PPA-treated groups (groups 2 and 3). Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were noted as the most dominant, non-fluctuating strains in response to all diet intakes, and theynegatively influenced the presence of Proteobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae), which decreased in almost all treated groups during weeks 2 and 3, and 4.Interestingly, Clostridiumsp. was observed to be high in number at week 1, mainly in the control group (1) and pre and post-PPA groups (2 and 3), but were inhibited in all treated groups over theextended treatment period. Bacteroidetes were positively increased with the high presence of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. Levels throughout the experiment in almostall animal groups. Thus, both prebiotics and probiotics study designed candidates (Luteolin complex capsules, artichoke extract, yogurt, and L. rhamnosus capsules) inhibitedClostridium sp., promoted commensal bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp., restored the normal gut bacterial niches and therefore could be consideredas potential promising dietary approaches for maintaining healthy physical and microbial gut strategies.

Synergetic response on herbal and probiotic applications: a review.

Herbs and their by-products are important traditional medicines and food supplements; they provide numerous beneficial effects for animals. Consequently, probiotics are living cell organisms, nontoxic, and friendly microbes. Probiotics have numerous beneficial activities such as inhibition of pathogens, enhancement of the immune system, growth, disease resistance, improving water quality, reducing toxic effects, synthesis of vitamins, prevention of cancer, reduction of irritable bowel syndrome, and more positive responses in animals. Herbal and probiotic combinations have more active responses and produce new substances to enhance beneficial responses in animals. Herbal and probiotic mixture report is still limited applications for animals. However, the mechanisms by which they interact with the immune system and gut microbiota in animals are largely unclear. This review provides some information on the effect of herbal and probiotic blend on animals. This review discusses current research advancements to fulfill research gaps and promote effective and healthy animal production.

Multispecies probiotics complex improves bile acids and gut microbiota metabolism status in an in vitro fermentation model.

The consumption of probiotics has been extensively employed for the management or prevention of gastrointestinal disorders by modifying the gut microbiota and changing metabolites. Nevertheless, the probiotic-mediated regulation of host metabolism through the metabolism of bile acids (BAs) remains inadequately comprehended. The gut-liver axis has received more attention in recent years due to its association with BA metabolism. The objective of this research was to examine the changes in BAs and gut microbiota using an in vitro fermentation model. The metabolism and regulation of gut microbiota by commercial probiotics complex containing various species such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus were investigated. The findings indicated that the probiotic strains had produced diverse metabolic profiles of BAs. The probiotics mixture demonstrated the greatest capacity for Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) deconjugation and 7α-dehydroxylation, leading to a significant elevation in the concentrations of Chenodeoxycholic acid, Deoxycholic acidcholic acid, and hyocholic acid in humans. In addition, the probiotic mixtures have the potential to regulate the microbiome of the human intestines, resulting in a reduction of isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia. The probiotics complex intervention group showed a significant increase in the quantities of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, in comparison to the control group. Hence, the use of probiotics complex to alter gut bacteria and enhance the conversion of BAs could be a promising approach to mitigate metabolic disorders in individuals.

Effect of a multi-strain probiotic mixture consumption on anxiety and depression symptoms induced in adult mice by postnatal maternal separation

BackgroundIntestinal microbial composition not only affects the health of the gut but also influences centrally mediated systems involved in mood, through the “gut-brain” axis, a bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and the brain.In this context, the modulation of intestinal microbiota and its metabolites through the administration of probiotics seems to represent a very promising approach in the treatment of the central nervous system alterations.Early postnatal life is a critical period during which the brain undergoes profound and essential modulations in terms of maturation and plasticity. Maternal separation (MS), i.e., the disruption of the mother–pup interaction, represents a pivotal paradigm in the study of stress-related mood disorders, by inducing persistent changes in the immune system, inflammatory processes, and emotional behavior in adult mammals.ResultsWe conducted experiments to investigate whether sustained consumption of a multi-strain probiotic formulation by adult male mice could mitigate the effects of maternal separation. Our data demonstrated that the treatment with probiotics was able to totally reverse the anxiety- and depressive-like behavior; normalize the neuro-inflammatory state, by restoring the resting state of microglia; and finally induce a proneurogenic effect. Mice subjected to maternal separation showed changes in microbiota composition compared to the control group that resulted in permissive colonization by the administered multi-strain probiotic product. As a consequence, the probiotic treatment also significantly affected the production of SCFA and in particular the level of butyrate.ConclusionGut microbiota and its metabolites mediate the therapeutic action of the probiotic mix on MS-induced brain dysfunctions. Our findings extend the knowledge on the use of probiotics as a therapeutic tool in the presence of alterations of the emotional sphere that significantly impact on gut microbiota composition.AdianNxLDM2uLY8oFPQcaDVideo

Microbial Composition of Water Kefir Grains and Their Application for the Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1.

Water kefir grains (WKGs), the starter used to develop a traditional beverage named water kefir, consist of a symbiotic mixture of probiotics with diverse bioactivities, but little is known about their abilities to remove mycotoxins that have serious adverse effects on humans and animals. This study investigated the ability of WKGs to remove aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most toxic mycotoxins, under different settings, and determined the mechanism of absorption mediated by WKGs and the effect of WKGs on the toxicity induced by AFB1 and the reduction in AFB1 in cow milk and tea soups. The results showed the WKGs used herein were dominated by Lactobacillus, Acetobacter, Phenylobacterium, Sediminibacterium, Saccharomyces, Issatchenkia, and Kodamaea. HPLC analysis demonstrated that the WKGs effectively removed AFB1 at concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 µg/mL, pH values ranging from 3 to 9, and temperatures ranging from 4 to 45 °C. Additionally, the removal of AFB1 mainly depended on absorption, which was consistent with the Freundlich and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Moreover, only 49.63% of AFB1 was released from the AFB1-WKG complex after four washes when the release of AFB1 was non-detectable. Furthermore, WKG treatment caused a dramatic reduction in the mutagenicity induced by AFB1 according to an Ames test and reduced more than 54% of AFB1 in cow milk and three tea soups. These results suggested that WKGs can act as a potential bio-absorbent with a high binding ability to detoxify AFB1 in food and feed via a chemical action step and multi-binding sites of AFB1 absorption in a wide range of scenarios.

Neuroprotective Effect of a Multistrain Probiotic Mixture in SOD1G93A Mice by Reducing SOD1 Aggregation and Targeting the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons. A bidirectional communication system known as the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis has a regulatory function in neurodegenerative disorders. The impact of probiotics on ALS through the "microbiota-gut-brain" axis remains uncertain. A longitudinal investigation was conducted to examine the alterations in the structure of the ileum and colon in mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A) transgenic mice models of ALS by using immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Subsequently, the mice were administered a multistrain probiotic mixture (LBE) or vehicle orally, starting from 60 days of age until the terminal stage of the disease. The effects of these agents on the behavior, gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and pathological processes of the spinal and intestine of SOD1G93A mice were analyzed, with a focus on exploring potential protective mechanisms. SOD1G93A mice exhibit various structural abnormalities in the intestine. Oral administration of LBE improved the proinflammatory response, reduced aberrant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) aggregation, and protected neuronal cells in the intestine and spinal cord of SOD1G93A mice. Furthermore, LBE treatment resulted in a change in intestinal microbiota, an increase in short-chain fatty acid levels, and an enhancement in autophagy flux. SOD1G93A mice exhibited various structural abnormalities in the intestine. LBE can improve the proinflammatory response, reduce aberrant SOD1 aggregation, and protect neuronal cells in the spinal cord and intestine of SOD1G93A mice. The positive effect of LBE can be attributed to increased short-chain fatty acids and enhanced autophagy flux.

A Review of the Effect of Synbiotic Foods on Reducing and Treating Constipation in Fasted People during the Month of Ramadan

Background: Fasting during Ramadan is an obligatory duty for all Muslims in the world. One of the most common side effects of fasting is constipation if fasted people do not follow a proper diet. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review the effect of synbiotic foods on reducing and treating constipation in fasted people during Ramadan. Methods: Search engines including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Google scholar, Magiran, and scientific information database (SID) were applied with keywords such as Fasting, Synbiotics, Constipation, Ramadan, Digestive System, Probiotics and Prebiotics to find related articles published up to 2022. Finally, 45 articles were included in the review. Results: Synbiotics are actually oral supplements and a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics. The use of these compounds, in addition to reducing the complication of constipation, has other benefits that can be a step towards reducing the use of drugs and changing lifestyle not only this month but also at other times. Conclusion: The use of fiber-containing compounds, beneficial for the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, both microbial and to improve its peristalsis, is especially necessary in the elderly, whose peristalsis has decreased due to aging. The placement of synbiotic foods such as synbiotic dairy products will help to control this complication due to the presence of prebiotics and beneficial probiotics.

Dietary Bacillus spp. supplementation to both sow and progenies improved post-weaning growth rate, gut function, and reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokine production in weaners challenged with Escherichia coli K88

BackgroundThe use of probiotics (PRO) in late gestation sow and their impact on progenies’ performance during the post-weaning stage has received more attention from the researchers recently. This study aimed to analyze the effect of probiotic mixture (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis) on both sow and offspring’s performance.MethodsFirst experiment (Exp.1) was conducted from the 100th day of gestation through to post-weaning. A total of twenty sows and their litters were assigned to one of two dietary treatments, Control (CON) based diet and PRO− CON+ 0.05% probiotic mixture. Dietary treatments were arranged in a split-plot pattern with sow and weaner treatment (CON and PRO diet) as the main and sub plot. Exp.2. E. coli challenge study was carried out two weeks after weaning with 40 piglets. Dietary treatments remained same while all pigs were orally administered with a 1.5 ml suspension of 1010 CFU of K88 strain of E. coli per ml.ResultPRO group sow showed significantly decreased backfat thickness difference and body weight difference after farrowing and at the end of weaning d21. The nutrient digestibility of PRO group sows was significantly higher at the end of weaning. Moreover, piglets born from PRO group sow showed higher weaning weight and tend to increase average daily gain at the end of d21. The addition of mixed probiotic in sow and weaner diet had suppressed the production of TNF-α and interleukin-6 in E. coli challenged pigs. The phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in E. coli -challenged pigs were highly abundant while, the relative abundance of clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 at genus level was significantly reduced by the inclusion of probiotic in both the sow and weaner diet. Also, taxonomic distribution analysis showed significantly lower prevalence of Clostridium and Brachyspira and higher prevalence of Lactobacilli in E. coli-challenged pigs that were born from PRO group sow and fed CON and PRO weaner diet.ConclusionThis study reveals that the inclusion of 0.05% mixed probiotics (Bacillus spp.) to both sow and their progenies diet would be more beneficial to enhance the post-weaning growth rate, gut health, and immune status of E. coli challenged pigs.

Cereal-based fermented synbiotic instant powders: a dessert practice

Objective: This study was aimed to develop synbiotic and probiotic instant powder mixtures that can be used in food products to meet the increasing interest of consumers in functional foods. Materials and Methods Cereal flours (oat, rice, wheat), sesame, cranberry, chestnut and milled germinated grains (lentil, mung bean) were blended and autoclaved then subjected to fermentation process using the Lactobacillus plantarum strain. A part of the porridge was conventionally dried (FPP) and skim milk powder+fructooligosaccharide+inulin mixture as prebiotic sources were added to the other part and subjected to freeze drying (FSP). The viability of probiotics in the gastrointestinal environment and the Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and bile-acid binding capacities of the powders after in vitro digestion were analyzed. The sensory acceptability of the desserts was evaluated. Results: FSP contained a higher number of viable cells than FPP after in vitro digestion. Relative bile-acid binding and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition capacities of samples were confirmed as their cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-regulating potential. The panelists rated the dessert samples enriched with 5-15% FPP and FSP as 'liked'. Conclusion: The integration of these powders into a variety of food products will provide consumers with healthier dietary choices that support their overall health goals.

Promise of Synbiotic in Gut-Kidney Axis

Human microbiota plays a role in protecting human health. Change in the microbial composition will lead to an imbalance between the beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria, leading to “dysbiosis”. The pathogenic interconnection between gut microbiota and kidney diseases is called the gut–kidney axis, which is implicated in a wide range of clinical manifestations such as CKD (chronic kidney disease), AKI (acute kidney injury), hypertension, nephrolithiasis, IgA nephropathy, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis. Synbiotic, a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics are reported to be beneficial in human health via the gut-kidney axis.

Mixed probiotics modulated gut microbiota to improve spermatogenesis in bisphenol A-exposed male mice

Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental endocrine disruptor (EDC), has been implicated in impairing intestinal and male reproductive dysfunction. The efficacy of gut microbiota modulation for BPA-exposed testicular dysfunction has yet to be verified through research. Therefore, this study explored the potential of mixed probiotics in restoring spermatogenesis damage through the gut-testis axis under BPA exposure. We selected two probiotics strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum) with BPA removal properties in vitro and the BPA-exposed male mice model was established. The probiotics mixture effectively reduced BPA residue in the gut, serum, and testis in mice. Through 16 S rDNA-seq and metabolomics sequencing, we uncovered that vitamin D metabolism and bile acid levels in the gut was abolished under BPA exposure. This perturbation was linked to an increased abundance of Faecalibaculum and decreased abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Ligilactobacillus. The probiotics mixture restored this balance, enhancing intestinal barrier function and reducing oxidative stress. This improvement was accompanied by a restored balance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Remarkably, the probiotics ameliorated testicular dysfunction by repairing structures of seminiferous tubules and reversing arrested spermiogenesis. Further, the probiotics mixture enhanced testosterone-driven increases in spermatogonial stem cells and all stages of sperm cells. Testicular transcriptome profiling linked these improvements to fatty acid degradation and peroxisome pathways. These findings suggest a significant interplay between spermatogenesis and gut microbiota, demonstrating that probiotic intake could be a viable strategy for combating male subfertility issues caused by BPA exposure.

Effect Of Supplementation Of Β-Galacto-Oligosaccharide And Probiotic Mixture On Growth Performance Of Physiologically Stressed Rabbits

This study explored the effects of prebiotic β-Galacto-oligosaccharide (β-GOS) and probiotic supplementation as a nutritional strategy to mitigate stress-induced impacts on growth performance in rabbits. Twenty male rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups: A (negative control, no stress), B (positive control, Dexa-stressed 15 mg/kg [D-S 15], C (D-S 15 + probiotic mixture), and D (D-S 15 + 0.2% β-GOS). Initial body weight did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the groups. However, a significant difference (P < 0.05) in weekly body weight was observed from weeks 1 to 12. Body weight increased linearly across all groups, with the final body weight at week 12 being highest in group A (2.32±0.52 g), followed by group C (2.09±0.32 g) and group D (2.01±0.51 g), while group B had the lowest weight (1.87±0.61 g). A significant difference (P < 0.05) in average daily gain was also recorded, with group A showing the highest gain (5.7±0.43 g), while groups C and D showed lower gains (5.3±0.24 g and 5.0±0.61 g, respectively). Group B exhibited the lowest daily gain (4.2±0.17 g). Feed intake followed a similar pattern, with group A having the highest intake at week 12 (126±0.13 g), followed by groups C (124±0.13 g), D (123±0.03 g), and B (116±0.09 g). Feed efficiency was significantly different (P < 0.05), with group A showing the best feed efficiency (4.9±0.14), while group B recorded the poorest efficiency (5.0±0.17). Overall, stress significantly reduced growth performance in rabbits by decreasing body weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency, while probiotic and prebiotic β-GOS supplementation improved these parameters, indicating its potential to mitigate the adverse effects of stress.

Nile Tilapia Treated with QZ Toss and Biocure: Growth Performance and Intestinal Histomorphology

The goal of the current study was to determine how the products QZ Toss and Biocure may affect the Nile tilapia's (Oreochromis niloticus) growth, and health feature. Six of the seven fish groups that received the QZ Toss supplement for 35 days either on feed or in water were kept on a control diet. Growth and histopathological intestinal assessment significantly increased with the addition of oregano and/or probiotic mixture. Regardless of the amount of bioorgano utilized, the histological analysis showed that the groups treated with oregano had better intestinal epithelial state than the other groups. Additionally, the length of the intestinal villi increased. Therefore, as an effective way to accomplish practical and sustainable fish production, we may advise adding Biocure to aqua-feed in addition to applying QZ Toss to rearing water.

Effect of Specific Probiotic Mixture on Coronavirus (FCoV) Viral Load in 25 Naturally-Infected, Clinically Healthy, Purebred Birman Cats

Effect of Specific Probiotic Mixture on Coronavirus (FCoV) Viral Load in 25 Naturally-Infected, Clinically Healthy, Purebred Birman Cats

In a rodent model of autism, probiotics decrease gut leakiness in relation to gene expression of GABA receptors: Emphasize how crucial the gut-brain axis.

Rodent models may help investigations on the possible link between autism spectrum disorder and increased permeability of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract since autistic patients frequently manifested GI troubles as comorbidities. Forty young male western Albino rats, weighing approximately 60-70 g and aged 3-4 weeks, were used. In each of the six experimental groups, eight animals were treated as follows. The mice in the control group (I) received phosphate-buffered saline orally. For 3 days, the animals in the propionic acid (PPA)-treated groups (II and III) were given an oral neurotoxic dose of PPA (250 mg/kg body weight each day). Group II was euthanized after 3 days; however, Group III was left alive to be euthanized alongside the other groups. The animals were kept at 22 ± 1°C and allowed to access water and normal food as needed. Identical dosages of PPA were given to the rats in the three treatment groups (IV, V, and VI), and for 3 weeks, they were given the following treatments: 0.2 g/kg body weight of pure Bifidobacterium infantis, a probiotic mixture of PROTEXIN®, Somerset, UK and pure Lactobacillus bulgaricus, respectively. The six groups underwent measurements of serum zonulin and occludin as variables associated with leaky gut, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and catalase as oxidative stress-related variables, with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor gene expression. This study demonstrated the potential effects of pure or mixed probiotics in lowering zonulin and occludin as markers of increased intestinal permeability, enhancing GABA receptor expression, and reducing oxidative stress as neurotoxic effects of PPA. This study demonstrates that various probiotics protect gut barrier function and could be used to alleviate increased intestinal permeability caused by oxidative stress and impaired GABA signaling as a result of PPA neurotoxicity, addressing the clinical implications of probiotic supplements.

Therapeutic effects of orally administration of viable and inactivated probiotic strains against murine urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly prevalent bacterial infections that pose significant health risks. Specific probiotic strains have been recommended for UTI control and management of antibiotic resistance. Otherwise, para-probiotics, defined as inactivated probiotic cells, offer potential advantages by minimizing risks associated with live microorganisms. However, the effectiveness of heat-killed probiotic strains against UTIs remains uncertain. Additionally, lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein, exhibits immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, we had developed recombinant LF-expression probiotics, which can display considerate antibacterial activities against select food-borne pathogens in vitro. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of heat-killed natural and recombinant LF-expressing probiotics against UTIs in vitro and in vivo. Firstly, using in vitro assays, we assessed the antibacterial activity of heat-killed natural and recombinant LF-expressing probiotics against uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Among the tested probiotics, 10 heat-killed LF-expressing strains displayed superior antibacterial efficacy compared to 12 natural probiotics. Based on their potent in vitro activity, selected probiotics were formulated into three probiotic mixtures: viable probiotic mixture (LAB), heat-killed probiotic mixture (HK-LAB), and heat-killed LF-expressing probiotic mixture (HK-LAB/LF). To further evaluate the therapeutic potential of these probiotic mixtures in vivo, we established a murine model of UTIs by intraurethral administration of E. coli to 40 female C57BL/6JNarl mice on day 0. Subsequently, mice received oral gavage of placebo, LAB, HK-LAB, or HK-LAB/LF for 21 consecutive days (n = 8 per group). An additional control group (n = 8) received ampicillin treatment for 7 days. To assess protective effects against re-infection or UTI relapse, all mice were challenged with E. coli on day 22 and E. coli plus K. pneumoniae on day 25. Results from the murine UTI model demonstrated that placebo administration did not reduce bacteriuria throughout the experiment. Conversely, supplementation with ampicillin, HK-LAB/LF, HK-LAB, or LAB significantly (p < 0.05) reduced daily bacteriuria by 103 to 104-fold on days 1, 3, 5, and 14, respectively. Furthermore, all four therapeutic treatments improved the bacteriological cure rate (BCR) with varying levels of efficacy. For the 7-day treatment course, the BCR was 25% (placebo), 62.5% (ampicillin), 37.5% (LAB), 37.5% (HK-LAB), and 62.5% (HK-LAB/LF). For the 21-day treatment course, the BCR was 25% (placebo), 75% (ampicillin), 37.5% (LAB), 37.5% (HK-LAB), and 75% (HK-LAB/LF). Notably, HK-LAB and HK-LAB/LF demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy compared to viable LAB in treating UTIs. Overall, regarding BCR, the three probiotic mixtures can provide benefits against UTI in mice, but ampicillin therapy remains the most efficient among the four treatments. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between pre- and post-challenge courses for the two instances of re-challenging uropathogens in all mice groups, as bacteriuria levels remained below 103 CFU/mL, implying that adaptive responses of mice may help reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs. In conclusion, our results provide new evidence that oral administration of heat-killed probiotic mixtures can confer significant therapeutic efficacy against UTIs in a murine model.

Modulating the Gut Microbiome in Multiple Sclerosis Management: A Systematic Review of Current Interventions.

This review attempted to explore all recent clinical studies that have investigated the clinical and autoimmune impact of gut microbiota interventions in multiple sclerosis (MS), including dietary protocols, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and intermittent fasting (IF). Methods: Thirteen studies were held between 2011 and 2023 this demonstrated interventions in gut microbiome among patients with MS and their impact the clinical parameters of the disease. These included specialized dietary interventions, the supply of probiotic mixtures, FMT, and IF. Results: Dietary interventions positively affected various aspects of MS, including relapse rates, EDSS disability scores, MS-related fatigue, and metabolic features. Probiotic mixtures showed promising results on MS-related fatigue, EDSS parameters, inflammation; meanwhile, FMT-though a limited number of studies was included-indicated some clinical improvement in similar variables. IF showed reductions in EDSS scores and significant improvement in patients' emotional statuses. Conclusions: In dietary protocols, clinical MS parameters, including relapse rate, EDSS, MFIS, FSS, and MSQoL54 scales, were significantly improved through the application of a specific diet each time. Probiotic nutritional mixtures promote a shift in inflammation towards an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile in patients with MS. The administration of such mixtures affected disability, mood levels, and quality of life among patients with MS. FMT protocols possibly demonstrate a therapeutic effect in some case reports. IF protocols were found to ameliorate EDSS and FAMS scores. All interventional means of gut microbiome modulation provided significant conclusions on several clinical aspects of MS and highlight the complexity in the relationship between MS and the gut microbiome.