Number Of Bifidobacteria Research Articles

Biodiversity of colon microbiota in residents of Arkhangelsk

Relevance. The colon microbiota represents the richest human biotope in its biodiversity. The region of residence, particularly the Arctic zone, takes part in its formation. Currently, there are few studies examining the nature of the intestinal microbiota in individuals exposed to severe climatic conditions in northern regions.Aim. To study the biodiversity of the colon microbiota in permanent and temporary residents of one of the Arctic regions (the city of Arkhangelsk).Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 participants. A PCR study tested feces from 45 permanent and 45 temporary residents, with the reasearch of 33 indicators of microbial composition. The sample included young people from 18 to 45 years old, BMI within normal limits, without acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Data presented in the form of quantitative data (lg CFU/g) and categorical (not detected, normal, less and more than normal). Statistical analysis included the use of Pearson and Mann-Whitney chi-square tests.Results. Study showed common features among all residents of this region – a deficiency of obligate representatives of microflora: lactobacilli, enterococci, a reduced number of bifidobacteria, and functional Escherichia coli. Also, temporary residents had a higher number of B. thethaiotaomicron (p=0.005), Ruminococcus spp. (p = 0.01), F. nucleatum (p = 0.039), F.prausnitzii (p = 0.029), A.rectalis (p=0.042), Bacteroides spp. (p = 0.048), below A.municiphila (p = 0.057), Enterococcus spp. were more often detected (p = 0.008). Moreover, the results are comparable with data from residents of Irkutsk, St. Petersburg and Canadian Inuit, which indicates a tendency towards a decrease in obligate representatives of the microbiota among residents of the northern regions and an increase in opportunistic flora.Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrate differences in the microbial composition of the colon in permanent and temporary residents of the city of Arkhangelsk, which belongs to the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Additional study of the diet of the subjects will allow us to analyze the hypothesis about the geographical features of this region and the impact of factors on the number of obligate representatives of microflora: lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, E. coli, enterococci.

Effect of Different Doses of Ge Citrate and Probiotic Lactobacillus casei B-7280 on the Phospholipid Composition of Bees Tissues

Aim. To investigate changes in the phospholipid composition of bee body tissues under the influence of the lyophilized probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei IMV B-7280 in combination with nanotechnological Ge citrate in laboratory conditions. Methods. The research was conducted on honey bees of the Carpathian breed. Bees of the control group were fed with 60% sugar syrup in the amount of 1 cm3/group/day. Experimental 1 group of bees (E 1), in addition to 1 cm3 of sugar syrup, received 0.1 μg of Ge in the form of nanotechnological citrate and a solution of the probiotic L. casei B-7280 at a concentration of 106 CFU/cm3; experimental group 2 of bees (E 2), in addition to 1 cm3 of sugar syrup, received 0.2 μg of Ge in the form of citrate and L. casei B-7280 at a concentration of 106 CFU/cm3. Drinking sugar syrup, Ge citrate, and probiotics lasted 34 days. In the preparatory period and at the end of the experimental period, live bees were selected from the control and experimental groups for physiological and biochemical studies to determine the content of total phospholipids and the ratios of their classes in tissue homogenates of the entire organism. The content of total phospholipids was determined by the amount of inorganic phosphorus in the lipid extract. Thin-layer chromatography on silica gel was used to separate phospholipids. Rf values identified individual phospholipids. Quantitative analysis of phospholipid subclasses was performed using the TotalLab software, which was expressed as a percentage of total content. Results. The research results showed that in the homogenates of bee body tissues in the research groups, an increase in the content of total phospholipids was established relative to the preparatory period. In the fractional composition of phospholipids, an increase in the content of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine was established in the tissues of bees of groups E 1 and E 2 concerning the preparatory period. An increase in the content of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine and a decrease in phosphatidylinositol in body tissue lipids of group E 2 compared to the control group were noted. A decrease in the content of phosphatidylinositol in the tissues of group E 2 bees relative to the preparatory period was also established. The content of sphingomyelin and lysophosphatidylcholine decreased in tissue lipids of bees of groups E 1 and E 2 as compared to the preparatory period. The use of lactobacillus casei strain B-7280 and Ge citrate led to an increase in the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in both parts of the intestine, as well as to a decrease in the number of staphylococci, streptococci, and microscopic fungi. Conclusions. Nanotechnological Ge citrate and probiotic L.casei in the applied doses under the conditions of their feeding with sugar syrup in a laboratory thermostat for 34 days show a dose-dependent biological effect on honey bees by increasing the content of total phospholipids and changing the ratios of individual subclasses of phospholipids. However, it also indicates a shift in the spectrum of different fractions of phospholipids to a decrease in the content of hard-to-oxidize lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin while increasing easy-to-oxidize phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, which may indicate stabilization of compensatory mechanisms for supporting cell membranes. The use of Lactobacillus casei B-7280 and Ge citrate for feeding bees under the conditions of the laboratory thermostat led to quantitative changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota of bees, in particular to an increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, as well as a decrease in the number of some other groups of microorganisms in the intestine.

Regulation of the gastrointestinal microbiome and body metabolism in calves

Relevance. The dietary supplements containing active metabolites of a consortium of probiotic microorganisms are important in regulating the formation and colonization of the gastrointestinal tract.Methods. The object of the research was calves 3–90 days old. They received a liquid biologically active additive, which includes the following components: extract of sprouted naked oats — 90%; molasses beetroot — 10%; metabolites of probiotic microorganisms B. bifidum strain — 1; L. plantarum for the formation of the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract (3–42 days) and B. subtilis strain DSM-32424 for regulation calves’ body metabolism (42–90 days).Results. In the regulation of the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract of calves (3–42 days), the determining factor is the use of probiotic microorganisms B. bifidum strain — 1, L. plantarum in a feed additive. The study found that before the start of the experiment, the number of bifidobacteria in the intestines of calves of the two groups was 3.1 × 106 CFU/g, lactobacilli — 3.5 × 105 CFU/g.The dynamics of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the control and experimental groups has a positive tendency to increase with the age periods of calves. In the experimental group of calves, the indicators of the number of lactoand bifidobacteria on day 42 were: Lactobacillus spp. — 4.2 × 109 CFU/g; Bifidobacterium spp. — 3.2 × 109 CFU/g.The regulation of metabolism is associated with the additional intake of protein-forming amino acids into the body, which positively affect metabolism and increase animal body weight gain. In calves from the 3rd to the 42nd day of life, who received dietary supplement 1 for the formation of the microbiome, the average daily weight gain was significantly higher — by 21.70%. In calves that received dietary supplements 2 for metabolic correction from day 42 to day 90, the average daily weight gain was significantly higher — by 16.58%.

ОЦЕНКА ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ВЛАЖНОСТИ МОЛОЧНОЙ ЗАКВАСКИ ПРИ ХОЛОДНОЙ ИНФРАКРАСНОЙ СУШКЕ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ФУНКЦИИ ГАУССА

The article is devoted to the issues of cold infrared drying of milk starter culture. The results of laboratory studies on the determination of the law of changes in the moisture content of the milk starter during its drying are presented. In the article, using the method of correlation and regression analysis, a connection was established between the parameters of the technological process of cold infrared drying of dairy starter cultures, implemented using film electric heaters in a chamber-tray type installation developed by scientists of the Institute of Agroengineering of the South Ural State Agrarian University of Chelyabinsk. Having obtained a graph of the dynamic change in the moisture content of the product, using the Elvis moisture analyzer, the authors were able to estimate the drying end time, establish its relationship with the model parameters with an accuracy of 1 %. The object of the study was selected, the milk starter The First Taste of Detox Menu classic 1 % fat content produced by JSC “Group of Companies “Russian Milk” in Chelyabinsk. The object of the study is a pasty living medium, in the form of a concentrate of bifidobacteria B. Adolescentis, the number of lactic acid microorganisms in which is not less than 1*108 CFU/g, and the number of bifidobacteria is not less than 1*106 CFU/g. Empirically, a high degree of correspondence of the moisture change curve to the unbiased Gaussian function has been established. The research was carried out at the expense of a grant from the Russian Science Foundation No. 24-26-20060, https://rscf.ru/project/24-26-20060.

FEATURES OF THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOME FORMATION AND THE LEVEL OF INTESTINAL INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE IN NEWBORNS

Objectives. We aim to explore the relationship between the composition of the faecal bacterial flora and the level of faecal calprotectin (FC) in sequential assessments of healthy term newborns. Methods. The study was conducted thrice during the second, third, and fifth weeks of life. Culture method was used to identify the composition of intestinal microbiome indicators. FC levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mixed-effects linear modelling were applied to test for associations between calprotectin and various clinically relevant covariates/factors. Results. Thirty-two infants were studied. Levels of Bifidobacterium was for children two weeks old (mean, standard deviation) – 8.91±1.47 CFU/g, for three weeks old – 8.44±1.58 CFU/g and for five weeks old – 8.09±1.49 CFU/g and Lactobacilli number for two weeks old – 7.69±1.15 CFU/g was higher than for three weeks old – 7.13±1.45 CFU/g and for five weeks old – 6.75±1.87 CFU/g. Level of FC for two weeks old was 280.6±123.68 mg/l, for three weeks old – 195.3±115.5 mg/l and for five weeks old – 153.5±34.6 mg/l. FC decreased with time and was higher in the presence of colonisation with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli, E.coli, and Opportunistic/Conditional pathogens. Conclusions. The number of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli decreased during the neonatal period. FC also decreased but was higher in newborns colonised with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli, E.coli, and Opportunistic/Conditional pathogens, which apparently reflected stabilised composition of the microbiome and associated change in inflammatory processes.

Effects of Cordyceps cicadae Polysaccharide on Gut Microbiota, the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier, and Inflammation in Diabetic Mice.

Background: Polysaccharides produced by the edible fungus Cordyceps cicadae can regulate blood sugar levels and may represent a suitable candidate for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. However, there is limited information available about the mechanism of how C. cicadae polysaccharide (CCP) might improve diabetic conditions. Methods: This study investigated its effects on the intestinal microbiota, intestinal mucosal barrier, and inflammation in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced by streptozotocin, and its potential mechanisms. Results: Compared with the DC (diabetes model control group), CCPH oral treatment significantly increased the number of beneficial bifidobacteria, bifidobacteria, and lactobacilli (p < 0.01), restored the diversity of intestinal microorganisms in diabetic mice, and the proportions of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (34.36%/54.65%) were significantly lower than those of the DC (52.15%/32.09%). Moreover, CCPH significantly reduced the content of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and D-lactic acid(D-LA) (p < 0.05), the activities of antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased (p < 0.01), and the content of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were reduced by 42.05%, 51.28%, and 52.79%, respectively, compared with the DC. The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, as a therapeutic target for diabetic intestinal diseases, plays a role in regulating the inflammatory response and protecting the intestinal barrier function. Molecular mechanism studies showed that oral treatment with CCPH down-regulated the expression of NF-κB, TLR-4, and TNF-α genes by 18.66%, 21.58%, and 34.87%, respectively, while up-regulating the expression of ZO-1 and occludin genes by 32.70% and 25.11%, respectively. CCPH regulates the expression of short-chain fatty acid levels, increases microbial diversity, and ameliorates mouse colon lesions by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions: In conclusion, it is demonstrated that in this murine model, the treatment of diabetes with C. cicadae polysaccharide can effectively regulate intestinal microbiota imbalance, protect intestinal mucosal barrier function, and reduce inflammation in vivo, suggesting this natural product can provide a suitable strategy for the treatment of T2D-induced gut dysbiosis and intestinal health.

Significant difference in gut microbiota Bifidobacterium species but not Lactobacillus species in colorectal cancer patients in comparison with healthy volunteers using quantitative real-time PCR.

Colorectal cancer (CRC), with a growing incidence trend, is one of the most diagnosed cancers and the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The literature has frequently focused attention on the correlation between the gut microbiota imbalance and CRC. The genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have recently received increasing attention because of their potential in restoring alterations in the gut microflora. Therefore, this study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the presence of lactobacilli and bifidobacterial strains in the fecal samples of CRC patients compared to healthy volunteers. From 2018 to 2019, 25 confirmed CRC patients and 25 age- and gender-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the fecal samples and the presence of lactobacilli and bifidobacterial strains were quantitatively determined using quantitative real-time PCR using genus-specific 16S rDNA primers. A significant decline in the abundance of bifidobacteria in CRC patients compared to healthy individuals (p value<0.003) was observed; however, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the abundance of lactobacilli (p value<0.163). Correlation analysis showed a positive association between the lack of genetic history of CRC and the numbers of gut bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. As a putative gut probiotic, depletion of bifidobacteria showed significant correlation to the development and progression of CRC; therefore, therapeutic use of these probiotic bacteria could be considered a possible adjuvant approach in disease management through modulation of the microbiota.

The effect of high levels of Glycyrrhiza glabra powder on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immunity, intestinal microbial flora, intestinal morphology and breast muscle fatty acid profile in broilers

In order to investigate the effect of licorice medicinal plant on performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile of breast muscle, intestinal microbial flora, blood constitutes and immunity of broiler chickens, an experiment using a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 4 replications, 10 chicks per repetition and a total of 120 pieces of one-day-old male broiler chickens of commercial strain Ross 308 were performed for 42 days. Experimental treatments included three different levels of licorice (0, 300 and 400 mg/kg feed). Data was analyzed using SAS statistical software and averages were compared at the 5% probability level with Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that although variation in feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion ratio was not significant in any of the rearing periods (P≥0.05), the highest feed consumption, weight gain and the best feed conversion ratio was observed in the final period of chickens were fed with Diet containing 400mg/kg licorice. Also, according to the data, the best European index was related to this treatment. In addition, the use of two levels of licorice had no significant effect on carcass characteristics or intestinal microbial flora; however, the highest increase in body weight and the lowest number of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria were observed at the higher level of licorice. However, these high levels did not lead to a decrease in abdominal fat. According to the results obtained, different levels of licorice led to a significant reduction of harmful fats such as cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and LDL (P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, although the level of HDL was not significant (P≥ 0.05), its highest amount was seen at high levels of licorice. In addition, the lowest amount of total protein, albumin and globulin was observed at the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice. According to these results, although the amount of glucose was lowest its level was not significant (P≥0.05), Also, the use of this same level of licorice had no significant effect on the function of the humoral immune system in response to antigen injection (SRBC Antibody against sheep red blood cell) or antibody titer against Newcastle virus and influenza (P≥0.05). Nevertheless, according to the data, the highest antibody titer against Newcastle virus and SRBC antigen was associated with this treatment. These results also showed that high levels of licorice led to an increase in the number of Bifidobacterium. Villi width and crypt depth decreased at the high dose of licorice, but the ratio of villi length to crypt depth increased. In addition, the use of different levels of licorice could not reduce the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids compared to the control group. Therefore, based on the results of this research, it is recommended to use the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice to supplement the diet of broilers of Ross 308 strain.

Zonulin — effective biomarker for the diagnosis of intestinal lesions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in COVID‑19

The SARS‑CoV‑2 virus mainly attacks the respiratory system, but can also affect several organs, in particular, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain in the early stages of the disease. Intestinal dysfunction leads to a change in intestinal microorganisms and an increase in the content of inflammatory cytokines. Liver dysfunction is also relatively common in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). Objective — to investigate the efficacy of zonulin in determining intestinal damage in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with COVID‑19. Materials and methods. The study included 76 patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who had complaints indicating intestinal disorders during the outpatient stage of follow‑up after ­COVID‑19. From the anamnesis, it was found that all examined patients had a confirmed diagnosis of infection with SARS‑CoV‑2 virus. All patients had a mostly mild course of COVID‑19, which did not require hospitalization. Patients with NAFLD were divided into two groups depending on defecation violation: group I — 36 patients who, after an acute respiratory infection caused by the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, developed periodic diarrhea (on average, in (38.7±5.2) days after a negative PCR result for SARS‑CoV‑2 virus); group II — 40 patients with constipation, which began to bother on average in (86.9±7.4) days after a negative PCR result. The control group included 20 practically healthy individuals. The level of zonulin was determined in blood serum and faeces by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. Patients underwent faecal culture to assess the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora. Results. During the anthropometric examination, overweight and first‑degree obesity were detected more frequently in patients of both groups: overweight was diagnosed most frequently in patients of group I (38.9%) and first‑degree obesity in patients of group II (35.0%). The microbiological examination of faeces in both groups of patients revealed a decrease in the number of bifidus and lactobacilli, as well as Enterococcus and E. coli with normal enzymatic properties. In group I patients, Citrobacter and Staphylococcus were statistically significantly (p &lt;0.05) more often detected in increased concentrations in faeces, whereas in group II patients Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium were detected (p &lt;0.05). Significant changes were found in the analysis of zonulin levels in both serum and faeces in patients with NAFLD after COVID‑19. Serum zonulin levels in patients of group I increased 6.5‑fold, and in patients of group II—8.6‑fold (p &lt;0.001). An increase in the concentration of zonulin in the faeces was also detected — by 7.5 and 9.7 times, respectively (p &lt;0.001). A correlation was established between the level of zonulin in both blood serum and faeces and a decrease in the number of bifidus and lactobacilli in faeces in patients of both groups. Also, a strong correlation was found between the number of Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium and a medium intensity correlation between the number of Staphylococcus in the faeces in patients of group ІІ. In patients of group І, a correlation was found between the number of Staphylococcus and Citrobacter. The level of zonulin (both in blood serum and faeces) directly depended on changes in body mass index in the patients we examined, namely, overweight in patients of group І and obesity of the first degree in patients of group ІІ. Conclusions. In patients with NAFLD after COVID19, changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora were found in the intestinal lesions, including a decrease in the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, as well as an increase in the content of Staphylococcus and Citrobacter in the faeces in patients with predominant diarrhoea and Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium in patients with predominant constipation. An increase in the level of zonulin in the blood serum and faeces in patients with NAFLD after ­COVID‑19 was detected. A more pronounced deviation from the norm was found in patients of group ІІ (with complaints of constipation). A direct correlation was established between the level of zonulin in the blood serum and faeces and changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora, as well as an increase in body mass index in patients with NAFLD after ­COVID‑19.

Effect of metformin on gut microbiota imbalance in patients with T2DM, and the value of probiotic supplementation.

Effect of metformin on gut microbiota imbalance in patients with T2DM, and the value of probiotic supplementation.

Effect of Hafnia alvei on Morphophysiologic Parameters and Gut Microbiota of Mice with Inherited Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Inbred mouse strains KK.Cg-a/a and KK.Cg-Ay/a known as genetic models of type 2 diabetes mellitus significantly surpassed the control strain C57BL/6J in the body weight, relative weight of extractable fat, and basal blood glucose levels. Real-timePCR of fecal samples from KK.Cg-a/a and KK.Cg-Ay/a mice revealed dysbiosis typical of type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans and animals. Long-term intragastric administration of a suspension of Hafnia alvei bacteria had no effect on the above morphometric and biochemical parameters. At the same time, recovery of the Bacteroides spp. population in KK.Cg-Ay/a mice and a decrease in the number of Bifidobacterium spp. in KK.Cg-a/a mice were observed. The possibility of therapeutic use of the probiotic based on H. alvei is discussed.

Clinical and microbiological features of patients with irritable bowel syndrome after previous COVID‑19

Objective — to investigate clinical and microbiological features in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19). Materials and methods. Examinations involved 68 patients aged 22 to 85 with IBS, including 37 (54.4%) women and 31 (43.6%) men. In 32 patients IBS occurred after COVID‑19 within a year before the study, and the other 36 patients had IBS without a history of COVID‑19. The control group included 30 practically healthy patients without gastrointestinal complaints. All patients were clinically diagnosed with IBS by the Rome criteria IV revision. Fecal samples were taken from each patient for further laboratory testing by a polymerase chain reaction to determine the representatives of obligate and opportunistic microflora. The statistical processing of the study data was performed using the Statistica software. Results. Diarrhea as the leading syndrome was recorded in 81.3% of cases in patients with post‑covid IBS, while patients with IBS without COVID‑19 more often had constipation — in 83.3% of cases. Changes were found in the number of obligate microorganisms during microbiome research: a decrease in the number of Bifidobacterium spp. in the group of patients with post­­COVID‑19 IBS compared to the other two groups, an increase in non‑pathogenic Escherichia coli was also recorded in this group compared to the other two groups, the lowest level of Bacteroides fragilis group was found in patients with non‑post‑COVID‑19 IBS, the highest level was observed in the group of healthy patients. No significant difference was found in the number of pathogenic microflora in all groups. Healthy patients had the greatest diversity of the studied microflora. Conclusions. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome that occurred after COVID‑19 had diarrhea as the most common symptom. The microbiome of such patients showed a decrease in the number of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium spp. and an increase in the level of non‑pathogenic Escherichia coli. The number of pathogenic microorganisms did not differ from that in other study groups.

Modern approaches to restoring vaginal microbiocenosis

The article presents literary data on the morphology and types of vaginal lactobacilli, pathological changes in the vaginal environment, as well as modern possibilities of restoring the vaginal microflora of a woman’s organism. Certain regularities regarding the connection of bacterial vaginosis with intestinal dysbiosis have been observed, which indicates a single dysbiotic process in the organism with a dominant manifestation either in the sexual or digestive system.A review of scientific publications of recent years shows the significant influence of intestinal dysbiosis, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines, as well as the oral use of antibacterial drugs on the quantitative and qualitative composition of the vaginal microflora in women. It was found that an increased number of opportunistic microorganisms (85%) and a decreased number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (less than 70%) in the intestine are associated with a rise in the content of opportunistic microorganisms in the vaginal biota in women with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system. This is explained by the ability of saprophytes and opportunistic microorganisms to penetrate into the reproductive organs of women by increasing the permeability of the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall, as well as into the vascular bed, which can be observed, for example, on the background of antibiotic use. The antibiotic use in a number of cases leads to a closed circle, when the need for antibacterial therapy to eliminate one infection leads to a deepening of dysbiosis and an increased number of other pathogens.Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of selective decontamination (selective elimination of pathogens) in combination with a probiotic, prebiotic or synbiotic to restore vaginal microbiocenosis.Our experience of using an oral synbiotic (1 capsule contains 5 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus plantarum lyophilizate pcs. 8Р-AZ, Lactobacillus fermentum pcs. 90Т-С4 and prebiotic inulin, once a day 30 minutes before meal for 7–10 days) in a complex therapy of bacterial vaginosis in non-pregnant women of reproductive age indicates faster elimination of systemic dysbiosis and restoration of normal intravaginal flora. Thus, regression of complaintsand normalization of objective data was determined on average for 2.9 days versus 4.7 days in women who were not administered the drug.The obtained data show that a systemic synbiotic containing a lyophilized microbial mass of probiotic lactobacteria, products of their metabolism and inulin (prebiotic) creates an additional effect in restoring normal biocenosis and the immune mechanism of ensuring colonization resistance of the body’s mucous membranes.

Diversity Analysis of Intestinal Bifidobacteria in the Hohhot Population.

(1) Background: Bifidobacterium plays a pivotal role within the gut microbiota, significantly affecting host health through its abundance and composition in the intestine. Factors such as age, gender, and living environment exert considerable influence on the gut microbiota, yet scant attention has been directed towards understanding the specific effects of these factors on the Bifidobacterium population. Therefore, this study focused on 98 adult fecal samples to conduct absolute and relative quantitative analyses of bifidobacteria. (2) Methods: Using droplet digital PCR and the PacBio Sequel II sequencing platform, this study sought to determine the influence of various factors, including living environment, age, and BMI, on the absolute content and biodiversity of intestinal bifidobacteria. (3) Results: Quantitative results indicated that the bifidobacteria content in the intestinal tract ranged from 106 to 109 CFU/g. Notably, the number of bifidobacteria in the intestinal tract of the school population surpassed that of the off-campus population significantly (p = 0.003). Additionally, the group of young people exhibited a significantly higher count of bifidobacteria than the middle-aged and elderly groups (p = 0.041). The normal-weight group displayed a significantly higher bifidobacteria count than the obese group (p = 0.027). Further analysis of the relative abundance of bifidobacteria under different influencing factors revealed that the living environment emerged as the primary factor affecting the intestinal bifidobacteria structure (p = 0.046, R2 = 2.411). Moreover, the diversity of bifidobacteria in the intestinal tract of college students surpassed that in the out-of-school population (p = 0.034). This was characterized by a notable increase in 11 strains, including B. longum, B. bifidum, and B. pseudolongum, in the intestinal tract of college students, forming a more intricate intestinal bifidobacteria interaction network. (4) Conclusions: In summary, this study elucidated the principal factors affecting intestinal bifidobacteria and delineated their characteristics of intestinal bifidobacteria in diverse populations. By enriching the theory surrounding gut microbiota and health, this study provides essential data support for further investigations into the intricate dynamics of the gut microbiota.

Taurine Regulates the Expression of Interleukin -17/10 and Intestinal Flora and Protects the Liver and Intestinal Mucosa in a Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rat Model.

To investigate the intestinal inflammatory response and the abundance of intestinal bacteria in rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and assess the intervention effects of taurine (TAU). Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: group I, normal diet and normal saline gavage; group II, normal diet and TAU gavage; group III, HFD and normal saline gavage; group IV, HFD and TAU gavage (from the 1st week); group V, HFD and TAU gavage (from the 10th week). At the end of the 16th week, all the animals were sacrificed. Body weight, liver weight, liver function, and serum lipid levels were measured. The histopathologies of the liver and ileum were observed. The mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin 17 (IL-17) and IL-10 in the ileum were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Three types of bacteria were detected in intestinal feces using the 16S rDNA qPCR method. The ileal IL-17 level in group III was significantly higher than those in the other four groups (P < 0.01). The ileal IL-10 mRNA levels in group IV was significantly higher than those in groups III and V (P < 0.05), and IL-10 protein MOD levels in group III was significantly lower than those in the other four groups (P < 0.01). The numbers of Lactobacillus in group III were significantly lower than those in the other four groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The numbers of Bifidobacteria in groups IV and V were significantly increased compared with that in group III (P < 0.05). TAU may down-regulate the expression of IL-17, up-regulate the expression of IL-10 and regulate the intestinal flora, and alleviate the liver and intestinal damage in rats with HFD-induced NAFLD.

The dysfunction in intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activity as significant contributors to diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome.

To investigate the pathogenesis of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome by examining characteristic changes in intestinal microorganisms, enzyme activities, oxidative stress, and metabolism indices. Twenty mice were randomly and equally divided into control group (NC) and model group (NM). Mice in NM group received adenine suspension at a dosage of 50 mg/(kg⋅day) by gavage, 0.4 mL/time, once a day for 14 days, and Folium sennae decoction at a dosage of 10 g/(kg⋅day) by gavage, 0.4 mL/time, once a day for 7 days, starting on 8th day. Mice in NC group were administered an equivalent amount of sterile water by gavage once a day for 7 days, and twice a day from the 8th day. After modeling, assessments encompassed microbial culture, organ index calculation, microbial and enzyme activity detection, malondialdehyde (MDA) content determination, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, blood biochemical tests, and observation of kidney tissue pathological changes. The results showed that in NM group, a reduction in the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria was noted, accompanied by an increase in the number of bacteria and E. coli. Xylanase activity in the intestinal contents and mucosa, protease activity in the intestinal mucosa, and intestinal mucosa microbial activity were diminished. Conversely, the activities of amylase, sucrase, and lactase increased in intestinal mucosa. Additionally, there was an elevation in the level of MDA. Renal tubular dilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the renal interstitium. These dysfunctions in intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activities suggest potential involvement in diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome.

Analysis of the influence of enzyme preparations produced using technological microorganisms on the microbiome and cellular immunity of rats

The observed increase in the production of enzyme preparations (EP) using mutant and genetically modified microorganisms makes it necessary to assess their risks to consumer health. However, at present, their possible influence on the microbiome, immune status of the macroorganism has not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of the research was to assess the effect of two EP - the complex of hydrolases with proteolytic and nuclease activity from the Aspergillus oryzae RCAM 01134 mutant strain (EP1) and the neutral protease - bacillolysin and serine protease from the Bacillus subtilis-96 (VKM B-3499D) mutant strain (FP2) on the intestine microbiome and cellular immunity indices of the experimental animals. Material and methods. The experiment on the subacute toxicity of EP1 and EP2 was carried out for 30 days using Wistar rats (7 groups of 10 males each). EP was administered to animals intragastrically in doses 0 (control - saline solution); 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight per day. The composition of the cecum microbiocenosis was studied by inoculating tenfold dilutions of the cecum contents on the differential diagnostic media. The quantitative content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA - acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, valerianic acids) in the colon contents was determined by highperformance gas chromatography. The expression of T- and B-lymphocyte and NK-cell receptors (CD45RА+, CD3+, CD161+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+) in rat peripheral blood was determined using an FC-500 flow cytometer. Results. The data obtained as a result of the microbiocenosis studies of the cecum contents indicate that EP1 and EP2 administration had a reliable effect on the quantitative and qualitative composition of aerobic microorganisms, including opportunistic microorganisms, as well as it lead to a weak increase in the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. The development of an inflammatory process in animals of all experimental groups have been caused by the changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of various groups of microorganisms in the cecum contents, SCFA level in the faeces and indicators of cellular immunity under intragastric administration of FP1 and FP2 for 30 days. Conclusion. The revealed difference in the composition of the cecum microbiocenosis, SCFAs produced by the intestinal microflora, and the cellular immunity indices of the experimental animals under EP1 and EP2 administration, in our opinion, is due to the spectrum of metabolites produced by the intestinal microflora, as well as strains of Aspergillus oryzae RCAM 01134 and Bacillus subtilis-96 (VKM B-3499D). The features of the relationship between the spectrum of SCFAs produced by the intestinal microflora, their quantity and the percentage of T- and B-lymphocytes in the blood of rats indicate different mechanisms of the influence of EP1 and EP2 on the microbiome and immune status of the macroorganism.

Astragaloside IV Mediates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway to Alleviate Injury and Modulate the Composition of Intestinal Flora in ApoE-/- Atherosclerosis Model Rats.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease with a complex pathogenesis. Astragaloside IV (AST IV), the primary active component of Astragalus, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This research aims to investigate the outcome of AST IV on AS and its potential molecular mechanism. A high-fat diet (21% fat, 50% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 0.15% cholesterol, and 34% sucrose) was utilized to feed Apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE-/-) SD rats for 8 weeks, followed by continuous intragastric administration of AST IV for 8 weeks. Biochemical detection was conducted for serum lipid levels and changes in vasoactive substances. After Masson staining, aortic root oil red O staining, and Hematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining, the efficacy of AST IV was verified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors and endothelial dysfunction-related biomarkers in rat aortic root tissues were appraised. The changes in the composition of intestinal flora in rats after AST IV treatment were appraised using Image J (Multi-point Tool). Western blot was used to evaluate phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway-related protein levels in rat aortic root tissues. AST IV administration alleviated the pathological symptoms of AS rats. AST IV administration reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin (Ang)-II (Ang-II) levels, and augmented serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. At the same time, AST IV administration inhibited the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MCP-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the aortic root tissue of AS rats. In addition, the intestinal flora changed significantly after AST IV administration. The number of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides augmented significantly, and Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Fusobacterium, and Clostridium significantly decreased. Mechanistically, AST IV administration inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in AS rats. When combined with Dactolisib (BEZ235) (a PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitor), AST IV could further inhibit phosphorylation and reduce inflammation. AST IV has a potential anti-AS effect, which can improve the pathological changes of the aorta in ApoE-/- rats fed with a high-fat diet, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, and modulate the composition of intestinal flora via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Use of Saccharomyces boulardii to Prevent Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea in Children with Pneumonia and Bronchitis

In recent years, an increase in the prevalence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in children has been registered. In modern conditions, there are changes in the microbial spectrum of AAD pathogens and their sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs. This indicates the need for further research on the effectiveness and safety of the use of antidiarrheal drugs, in particular Saccharomyces boulardii (SB), in clinical practice. The objective: to analyze the clinical effectiveness and safety of the use of SB in the prevention of AAD manifestations in children. Materials and methods. The results of examination and treatment of 84 children aged 1 to 16 years with pneumonia (n=50) and acute bronchitis of bacterial etiology (n=34) were analyzed. Patients comparable in age, gender, etiology and clinical form of acute respiratory disease were divided into two research groups: I (main) group – 44 children who received SB for a course of 10–12 days in complex treatment (antibacterial and symptomatic therapy) and II (control) group – 40 patients who received only antibiotic therapy and did not take probiotic drugs. During the study, the condition of the digestive tract (appetite, presence of nausea and vomiting, frequency and severity of diarrhea), skin (dryness, drowsiness), nervous system (sleep disturbances, restlessness) was assessed. Results. At the beginning of the study there was no statistical difference between the frequency of pathological symptoms in the research groups. In the course of treatment, positive dynamics of clinical manifestations of respiratory tract lesions were observed in children in the groups. In the patients of the I group who received SB, on the 10th day all patients had formed stools, while in the II group, on the 10th day diarrhea was detected in 12 (30%) of 40 children (p&lt;0.01). In the dynamics of treatment on the 10th–12th day, the decrease in the number of bifidobacteria (&lt;1010) was found in 2 (6.7%) of 30 children of the I group and in 15 (60%) of the 25 children of the II group (р&lt;0.01). A decrease in the number of lactobacilli (&lt;107) was found in 1 (3.3%) of 30 children of group I and in 9 (36.0%) of 25 patients of group II (p&lt;0.05). On the 10th–12th day, it was possible to achieve complete normalization of intestinal function in almost all children of the I group. There were no side effects during the use of the drug. Conclusions. The use of SB simultaneously with antibacterial therapy made it possible to reliably reduce flatulence and intestinal colic in 86.4–88.6% of children on the 5th day of complex treatment. In the main group the frequency and consistency of bowel movements quickly normalized. Such dynamics of clinical symptoms was not observed in the comparison group.

Effect of Continuous Ingestion of Bifidobacteria and Dietary Fiber on Improvement in Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 has been shown to have some positive effects on health, including improved defecation frequency and reduced visceral fat. These effects are thought to be due to GCL2505's unique ability to reach the intestine in a viable form and proliferate after a single intake. This leads to an increased number of intestinal bifidobacteria. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted to confirm that intake of GCL2505 and inulin (a prebiotic) improve cognitive function (n = 80). Participants consumed test drinks containing 1 × 1010 colony-forming units of GCL2505 per 100 g and 2.0 g of inulin per 100 g for 12 weeks. The change in cognitive function assessment scores was set as the primary endpoint. There were significant improvements in scores in the neurocognitive index domain, which is an assessment of overall cognitive function, in addition to overall attention, cognitive flexibility, and executive function domains. The intervention significantly increased the number of fecal bifidobacteria and affected the levels of several inflammatory markers. These results suggest that intake of GCL2505 and inulin improves cognitive function by improving the intestinal environment and alleviating inflammation.