Number Of Lactobacilli Research Articles

Relationship between intestinal mucosa associated microbiota and clinical manifestations in the patients with ulcerative colitis

Objective To investigate the changes of the intestinal mucosa-associated microbiota in the patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to explore their correlation with the clinical manifestations. Methods From June to October 2016, at Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University, 28 patients with UC and 16 healthy individuals who underwent colonoscopy examination were enrolled. The mucosa specimens of them were collected for fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The bacterial flora were observed and counted, the correlation between the bacterial flora and the clinical manifestations were analyzed. Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman rank correlation analysis were performed for statistical analysis. Results Among 28 patients with UC, 16 were at active phase and 12 at remission phase. The number of total bacteria flora, Escherichia coli, Clostridium and Bacteroides of the active UC group and remission UC group were all more than those of healthy control group; however the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria were less than those of healthy control group, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=23.34, 19.94; 23.40, 12.96; 23.39, 19.16; 23.32, 10.46; 23.19, 4.25; 18.94, 12.33; all P<0.05). The number of total bacteria flora, Escherichia coli and Bacteroides of the active UC group were more than those of the remission UC group, however the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria were less than those of the remission UC group, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=7.32, 5.63, 5.62, 20.38 and 4.82; all P<0.05). In the patients with UC, the defecation frequency was positively correlated with the count of Bacteroides (r=0.459, P=0.014) and was negatively correlated with the count of Lactobacillus (r=-0.634, P<0.01). In UC patients, bloody stool, endoscopic appearance and total Mayo score were positively correlated with the counts of universal bacteria, Escherichia coli and Bacteroides (r=0.469, 0.403, 0.376; 0.604, 0.562, 0.475; 0.551, 0.463, 0.461; all P <0.05); and which were negatively correlated with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria (r=-0.570, -0.413; -0.899, -0.458; -0.862, -0.480; all P<0.05). The evaluation by the doctors was positively correlated with the counts of Escherichia coli (r=0.415, P=0.028), however was negatively correlated with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteri (r=-0.841, -0.529; both P<0.01). Conclusion The intestinal microbiota have sigificantly changed in patients with UC which are correlated with some clinical manifestations of UC. Key words: Colitis, ulcerative; In situ hybridization, fluorescence; Mucosa associated microbiota; Clinical manifestations

Bacillus subtilis in broiler diets with different levels of energy and protein.

The present study evaluated the impacts of Bacillus subtilis (BAS) inclusion in broiler diets with standard nutrient content or nutrient deficiency (ND) on growth performance (GP) and nutrient digestibility. The 42 d experiment consisted of 6 experimental diets, a diet with standard nutrient content, and 2 diets with different levels of energy and protein deficiency, without or with BAS. At the end of experiment, apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AIDC) of starch, crude protein (CP), and gross energy (GE) were determined. Furthermore, impacts of BAS supplementation in standard diets on gut histomorphology, bacterial metabolic activity, and composition were evaluated. Performance and AIDC data were subjected to ANOVA using GLM procedure with a 3 (nutrient levels) × 2 (BAS presence/absences) factorial arrangement of treatments. Gut histomorphology and microbiology data, obtained from broilers fed standard diets without (S) and with BAS (SB), were assessed by an independent Student's t-test. The ND in diets was effective enough to cause nutritional stress and negatively affect performance. Inclusion of BAS in both types of diet improved GP, which was due to the fact that adding BAS in these diets led to improvements in AIDC of CP, starch, and GE (P ≤ 0.05). Comparing only 2 experimental groups, S and SB, revealed no impact on bacterial composition and metabolism in the ileum and cecum, except a reduction in ileal lactobacilli number for SB group. Adding BAS to standard diet reduced crypt depth (CD) and increased villus length to CD ratio in the duodenum, whereas it had no impact on other histomorphological variables in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In conclusion, supplementation of broiler diets with probiotic BAS can positively affect growth performance and nutrient digestibility and this positive impact might even be more pronounced in nutrient-deficient diets. However, the extent of the alleviating ability of BAS in nutrient-deficient diets as well as the biological mechanisms for such a phenomenon needs to be studied further.

Comparison of vaginal microbial community structure of beef cattle between luteal phase and follicular phase

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the vaginal microbial community structure in beef cattle between follicular and luteal phase. Fifteen healthy beef cattle were subjected to an estrus synchronization protocol, and vaginal samples were collected in the follicular and luteal phases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and real-time PCR were used to determine the vaginal community structure. The results showed that the vaginal microflora of beef cattle mainly comprised of Aerococcus vaginalis, Aerococcus viridans, Haemophilus somnus, Streptococcus pluranimalium, Psychrobacter marincola, Escherichia coli, and Sphingomonas roseiflava. There was no significant difference in the total number of bacteria in the vaginas of beef cattle between the follicular and luteal phase. The quantity of vaginal Streptococcus spp. in the luteal phase was significantly higher than in the follicular phase, while the number of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. in the follicular phase was significantly higher than in the luteal phase. The results indicated that there was moderate significant difference in the structure of the vaginal microbial community in beef cattle between the luteal phase and follicular phase.

Dynamics of a microbial community during ensiling and upon aerobic exposure in lactic acid bacteria inoculation-treated and untreated barley silages

This study investigated the effects of lactic acid bacteria on bacterial and fungal community during the fermentation process and aerobic exposure phase of barley ensiled with preparation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The inoculated silages displayed higher contents of lactic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid as well as a greater number of lactic acid bacteria during ensiling. LAB-treated silage decreased the bacterial diversity during both ensiling and aerobic exposure but increased the fungal diversity during ensiling of barley. LAB-treated silage during ensiling increased the abundance of Lactobacillus but decreased that of Weissella. After aerobic exposure, LAB-treated silage increased the abundance of Lactobacillus but decreased that of Acinetobacter. Acinetobacter, Enterococcus, Providencia, and Empedobacter were the dominant bacteria after aerobic exposure. In conclusion, LAB-treated silage enhanced the number of desirable Lactobacillus and inhibited the growth of undesirable microorganisms, such as Acinetobacter.

Effects of Bifidobacteria Use After Gastric Cancer Surgery on Intestinal Flora and Serum Corticotropin-Releasing Factor

We evaluated the effects of bifidobacteria use after gastric cancer surgery on intestinal flora and serum expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). The patients treated with bifidobacteria were significantly less prone to complications such as reflux, vomiting, abdominal distention, diarrhea and constipation than the control group. After treatment, the numbers of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Eubacterium and Peptococcus in the treatment group were significantly higher than in the control group and the numbers of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus and Clostridium were significantly lower. The serum CRF expression levels of treatment and control groups were (265.34 ± 31.78) and (286.25 ± 25.92) ng/mL respectively after treatment, which were both significantly lower than those before treatment, i.e. (310.54 ± 30.75) ng/mL and (309.65 ± 30.87) ng/mL (P &lt; 0.05). Administering patients after gastric cancer surgery with bifidobacteria can effectively restore the intestinal flora imbalance and promote the reduction of serum CRF expression, thereby reducing the incidence of complications and benefiting the prognosis.

PO-128 Effects of 30%, 50%, 70%VO2 max treadmill exercises on gut microbiome of atherosclerotic mice

Objective To observe the dynamic changes of gut microbiome in mice before and after different intensities of treadmill exercises, and to explore the effects of different intensities of treadmill exercises on gut microbiome of atherosclerotic (AS) mice.&#x0D; Methods The 50 male ApoE-/- mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into 2 groups, 10 mice in the general feeding group and the other 40 mice in the AS group, which were fed with normal and high-fat diet for 4 weeks respectively. Weight and blood test were taken before and after 4 weeks feeding. The serum Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were examined by blood test in ApoE-/- mice model, and atherosclerotic disease degeneration score of adult mice was used to determine the success of modeling after 4 weeks feeding. Then two mice selected from the normal and high-fat group respectively selected to test the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) by the reformative Bedford method, and the running platform speed and slope corresponding to 30%, 50% and 70%VO2 max were determined. The 40 AS mice were randomly divided into the model blank group, the low-intensity exercise group, the medium-intensity exercise group and the high-intensity exercise group according to their weight for 4 weeks of exercises, respectively. The low-intensity exercise group was 30% VO2 max, with a slope of 10 degrees and a speed of 10 m/min. The medium intensity exercise group was 50% VO2 max with a slope of 10 degrees and a speed of 15 m/min. The high-intensity exercise group was 70% VO2 max with a slope of 10 degrees and a speed of 20 m/min. The exercises were performed for 4 weeks, 5 days a week, 20 minutes a day. The fresh feces were collected from 5 groups of mice before and after 4 weeks treadmill exercises. The number of gut Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Firmicutes, Bifidobacterium, Verrucomicrobiaceae, Akkermansia , Escherichia coli, Collinsella and Clostridium in AS mice were analyzed by 16s sequencing. &#x0D; Results 1. The TG, TC and LDL-C were significantly increased in the blood serum of the mice after the modeling, and the HDL-C was decreased, and the atherosclerotic disease degeneration score was significantly increased in the adult mice, and the modeling was successful. 2. The different intensity treadmill exercises can increase the number of gut probiotics in mice and decrease the number of harmful bacteria. The beneficial bacteria in gut tract of AS mice with moderate intensity of 50% VO2max was observed in the experiment: Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Verrucomicrobiaceae, Akkermansia were significantly increased, P&lt;0.05. The harmful bacteria:Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Collinsella and Clostridium were significantly decreased, P&lt;0.05. The ratio of Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes was increased.&#x0D; Conclusions 1. High-fat diet can lead to AS in ApoE-/- mice. 2. The different intensity treadmill exercises can reduce the weight of AS mice. 3. The number and abundance of probiotics of gut microbiome of AS mice could be promoted by different intensity treadmill exercises, among which the medium intensity aerobic exercise can significantly increase the number of beneficial bacteria such Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacteria, Verrucomicrobiaceae and Akkermansia, meanwhile, the structure of gut microbiome in AS mice was improved as well.

PO-259 Effect of 30%，50% and 70% VO2 max treadmill exercises on gut microbiome in hypertensive mice

Objective Gut microbiome has a significant impact on human health through the interaction with host and environment, which is closely related to a series of chronic diseases. The diversity of gut microbiome and its metabolic disorder are the risk factor of hypertension. The changes of gut microbiome structure and abundance are closely related to the pathogenesis of hypertension, in which Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria can bind with the hypotensive substances to show the hypotensive therapy. However, the diet and exercise have great impact on the structure and function of gut microbiome, and of which aerobic exercise could increase the ratio of gut beneficial bacteria to harmful bacteria effectively. The effect of treadmill exercise on gut microbiome of hypertensive mice was studied in this paper, which provided a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of hypertension by gut microbiome.&#x0D; Methods SPF Kunming mice were fed with 8% high salt diet for 6 weeks to make the hypertension model. Compared with the blood pressure of mice before the formal experiment, The standard was that the blood pressure of the experimental mice was increased by SBP &gt;15% or DBP &gt; 5%, which was indicated the model of hypertension was established successfully. The motion slope and velocity of the maximum oxygen uptake of 30%, 50%, and 70% were measured respectively. The mice were divided into 4 groups randomly according to their body weight, 10 mice/group. The 30% VO2 max, 50% VO2 max, and 70% VO2 max were exercised for 6 weeks as well as the control group. The mice were divided into cages and fed in accordance with the national standard rodent diet. The blood pressure of mice was measured weekly by tail pressure method (Tail-cuff).The abundance of Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and Enterobacter in the gut microbiome of mice feces were tested by 16S sequencing every two weeks. The ratio of Firmicute / Bacteroides (F/B ratio) was also measured by sequencing as a parameter to reflect the disorder of gut microbiome. The ratio of Firmicutes / Bacteroides is almost equal 1, and the present study found that the F/B increased significantly in the hypertensive group. Real-time PCR was used to detect the changes of plasma inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-ɑ. The previous study had shown that the intestinal disorders can lead to an increase in pathogenic bacteria, further leading to the inflammation. Finally, the experimental data were analyzed by independent sample t-test.&#x0D; Results (1) After six weeks of exercise intervention, the blood pressure (132.87mm Hg±5.23mm Hg) of the exercise group was significantly lower than the control group (99.57mm Hg±7.47mm Hg), especially in the 50%VO2 max mice. (2) Compared with the rest group, the abundance of gut microbiome in the exercise group was increased, among which the number of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides were increased significantly, of which 50% of VO2 max group increased most significantly, and the number of Enterobacter was less than the control group (p&lt;0.05). (3) Compared with the control group, the ratio of F/B in the exercise groups were lower than the control group, but the 50% VO2 max group was decreased most obviously (p &lt; 0.05). (4) Compared with the control group, the plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-ɑ in exercise groups were significantly lower than the control group (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions (1) The aerobic exercise could change the abundance and structure of gut microbiome in hypertensive mice, increase the beneficial bacteria Bifidobacteria and lactobacillus in the intestinal tract of mice, and reduce the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides, improving the gut microbiome disorder. (2) The aerobic exercise could alleviate the inflammatory reaction of the body by regulating the structure of gut microbiome of hypertensive mice, improving the blood pressure of mice; (3) 50%VO2 max was the most significant exercise intensity to improve the abundance and structure of gut microbiome in hypertensive mice.&#x0D;

Expression of Toll-like Receptors, Pro-, and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Relation to Gut Microbiota in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Evidence for Its Micro-organic Basis.

Background/AimsA Subset of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have mild inflammation due to immune activation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytokines may cause intestinal inflammation. We studied their expression in relation to gut microbiota.MethodsExpression of TLRs and cytokines was assessed in 47 IBS patients (Rome III) and 25 controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was further performed to confirm the expression of TLR-4 and TLR-5.ResultsOf 47 patients with IBS, 20 had constipation (IBS-C), 20 diarrhea (IBS-D), and 7 unclassified (IBS-U). The mRNA levels of TLR-4 and TLR-5 were up-regulated in IBS patients than controls (P = 0.013 and P < 0.001, respectively). Expression of TLR-4 and TLR-5 at protein level was 4.2-folds and 6.6-folds higher in IBS-D than controls. The mRNA levels of IL-6 (P = 0.003), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL-11) (P < 0.001) and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR-3) (P < 0.001) were higher among IBS patients than controls. Expression of IL-6 (P = 0.002), CXCL-11 (P < 0.001), and CXCR-3 (P < 0.001) were up-regulated and IL-10 (P = 0.012) was down-regulated in IBS-D patients than controls. Positive correlation was seen between TLR-4 and IL-6 (P = 0.043), CXCR-3, and CXCL-11 (P = 0.047), and IL-6 and CXCR-3 (P = 0.003). Stool frequency per week showed positive correlation with mRNA levels of TLR-4 (P = 0.016) and CXCR-3 (P = 0.005), but inversely correlated with IL-10 (P = 0.002). Copy number of Lactobacillus (P = 0.045) and Bifidobacterium (P = 0.011) showed correlation with IL-10 in IBS-C, while Gram-positive (P = 0.031) and Gram-negative bacteria (P = 0.010) showed correlation with CXCL-11 in IBS-D patients.ConclusionsAltered immune activation in response to dysbiotic microbiota may promote intestinal inflammation in a subset of patients with IBS.

Synbiotics modulate gut microbiota and reduce enteritis and ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with sepsis: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCommensal microbiota deteriorate in critically ill patients. The preventive effects of probiotic/synbiotic therapy on microbiota and septic complications have not been thoroughly clarified in patients with sepsis. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether synbiotics have effects on gut microbiota and reduce complications in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis.MethodsSepsis patients who were mechanically ventilated in the intensive care unit (ICU) were included in this randomized controlled study. Patients receiving daily synbiotics (Bifidobacterium breve strain Yakult, Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, and galactooligosaccharides) initiated within 3 days after admission (the Synbiotics group) were compared with patients who did not receive synbiotics (the No-Synbiotics group). The primary outcome was infectious complications including enteritis, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and bacteremia within 4 weeks from admission. The secondary outcomes included mortality within 4 weeks, fecal bacterial counts, and organic acid concentration. Enteritis was defined as the acute onset of continuous liquid stools for more than 12 h.ResultsSeventy-two patients completed this trial; 35 patients received synbiotics and 37 patients did not receive synbiotics. The incidence of enteritis was significantly lower in the Synbiotics than the No-Synbiotics group (6.3% vs. 27.0%; p < 0.05). The incidence of VAP was also significantly lower in the Synbiotics than the No-Synbiotics group (14.3% vs. 48.6%; p < 0.05). The incidence of bacteremia and mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the analysis of fecal bacteria, the number of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the Synbiotics group was significantly higher than that in the No-Synbiotics group. In the analysis of fecal organic acids, total organic acid concentration, especially the amounts of acetate, were significantly greater in the Synbiotics group than in the No-Synbiotics group at the first week (p < 0.05).ConclusionsProphylactic synbiotics could modulate the gut microbiota and environment and may have preventive effects on the incidence of enteritis and VAP in patients with sepsis.Trial registrationUMIN, R000007633. Registered on 29 September 2011.

INFLAMMATORY PROCESSES AND POTENTIALLY PATHOGENIC MICROFLORA AT POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME UNDER CONDITIONS OF INCREASED EXPOSURE BY MANGANESE AND NICKEL

Objective. Investigation of the frequency of inflammatory processes and indices of potentially pathogenic microflora in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) under conditions of increased exposure of manganese and nickel.Material and methods. Two groups of women were selected. The first control group consisted of 57 healthy women of reproductive age. The second group is 64 women with PCOS. Both groups did not differ in body weight. The analysis of the frequency of inflammatory processes was carried out according to the microscopic characteristics of vagina’s microbiocenosis. The presence of pathogenic infections (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydiales, Trichomoniasis, Herpes 1 and 2 types, Cytomegalovirus, M. genitalium) was excluded using the Real-Time PCR method and quantitative evaluation of the Gardnerella vaginalis + Prevotella bivia + Porphyromonas spp., Candida spp., Ureaplasma spp ., Mycoplasma hominis and Lactobacillus spp.was conducted. The validity of the results was evaluated using the criteria of U-Mann-Whitney and t-Student.Results. In the absence of sexual pathogenic infections in women with PCOS, signs of inflammatory processes of the vagina are much more common. In control, pathological samples were found in 10.52%, in women with PCOS - 84.38% (P = 0.000). Inflammatory processes in women with PCOS are accompanied by a decrease in the number of lactobacillus and an increase in the number of obligate anaerobic bacterias and Mycoplasms. In women with PCOS, fungi of the genus Candida are more often detected, but no increase in quantitative indicators was found.Conclusion. Inflammatory processes with PCOS are accompanied by violations of vaginal biocenosis. The elevated exposure level of manganese and nickel can be considered as a cofactor of microflora disturbances in the body.

Correlation of liver function with intestinal flora, vitamin deficiency and IL-17A in patients with liver cirrhosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of liver function, intestinal flora, vitamin D and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels in patients with liver cirrhosis. A total of 52 patients diagnosed with posthepatitic cirrhosis and admitted into Yantai Infectious Disease Hospital (Yantai, China) from January to December in 2012 (liver cirrhosis group), and 52 patients with chronic hepatitis B (hepatitis group), and 40 healthy volunteers receiving physical examination in the hospital (normal control group) were selected into the study. The liver function, hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) level, intestinal flora distribution, vitamin D and IL-17A levels of all patients were detected, and the correlation among them was analyzed via Pearson's analysis. The number of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces in hepatitis and liver cirrhosis groups was significantly greater than in the normal control group (P<0.05), but the number of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium was significantly decreased (P<0.05); the serum IL-17A levels in hepatitis and liver cirrhosis were obviously higher than that in the normal control group (P<0.05), but the serum vitamin D 25(OH) D and 1,25(OH)2D levels were obviously lower than that in the normal control group (P<0.05). In patients with liver cirrhosis, Enterobacteriaceae was positively correlated with prothrombin time (PT), Enterococcus was positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, Bifidobacterium was negatively correlated with AST, alkline phosphatase (AKP) and HBV DNA levels, and Bacteroides was negatively correlated with AST level and PT. There was a significant negative correlation between serum IL-17A and total bilirubin in patients with liver cirrhosis, and 25(OH) D was negatively correlated with AST, AKP and HBV DNA levels. In patients with liver cirrhosis, there was significant positive correlation between Enterococcus and IL-17A, and between Lactobacillus and 25(OH)D, but other bacteria were not obviously associated with IL-17A and vitamin D. Intestinal flora imbalance, vitamin D deficiency and IL-17A imbalance play an important role in the evolution of liver cirrhosis.

The dynamics of vaginal and rectal Lactobacillus spp. flora in subsequent trimesters of pregnancy in healthy Polish women, assessed using the Sanger sequencing method

BackgroundLactobacilli play an important role in maintaining vaginal health and protection against bacterial infections in the genital tract. The aim of this study is to show the dynamics of changes of the vaginal and rectal Lactobacillus flora during pregnancy by using the Sanger sequencing method.MethodThe study included 31 healthy pregnant women without clinical signs of genitourinary infections. The material was taken in the three trimesters of pregnancy by vaginal and rectal swabs and grown on the MRS agar quantitatively to estimate the number of Lactobacillus spp. [CFU/ml]. Afterwards, 3 to 8 morphologically different lactobacilli colonies were taken for identification. Bacterial species identification was performed by 16 s rDNA sequence fragment analyses using the Sanger method.ResultsAmong the patients tested, the most common species colonizing the vagina in the first trimester were: L. crispatus 29%, L. gasseri 19.4% and L. rhamnosus 16.1%, in the second trimester: L. crispatus 51.6%, L. gasseri 25.8%, L. rhamnosus 19.4% and L. amylovorus 16.1%, and in the third trimester the most common Lactobacillus species were: L. crispatus 25.8%, L. gasseri 25.8% and L. johnsonii 19.4%. In rectal species, the number decreased in the second and third trimesters in comparison to the first trimester (p = 0.003). An analysis of rectal dynamics showed that in the first trimester, the most common species were: L. johnsonii 19.4%, and L. plantarum 9.7%, in the second trimester: L. crispatus 9.7% and L. mucosae 6.5%, and in the third trimester: L. casei 9.7% and L. rhamnosus 9.7%. Individual dynamics of the Lactobacillus species composition showed variability, characterized by continuous, intermittent, or periodic colonization. The patients examined were mostly colonized by three Lactobacillus species in vagina (32.3%), whereas for the rectum, one Lactobacillus species during the whole pregnancy duration was common (32.3%).ConclusionThis study showed that in the examined group of healthy, pregnant Polish women, the vaginal Lactobacillus flora, both qualitative and quantitative, was stable during the three subsequent trimesters. In contrast, the number of rectal Lactobacillus species dramatically decreased after the first trimester.

The effects of tempe fermented with Rhizopus microsporus, Rhizopus oryzae, or Rhizopus stolonifer on the colonic luminal environment in rats

Tempe fermented with Rhizopus microsporus has several health benefits. However, the effects of tempe fermented with other fungal species of the genus Rhizopus are largely unknown. Rats were fed a high-fat diet, which was supplemented with 20% tempe fermented with either R. microsporus (RM), R. oryzae (RO), or R. stolonifer (RS). Rats fed tempe RS had markedly elevated cecal numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, whereas other tempe did not. The numbers of Enterobacteriaceae markedly decreased with three types of tempe, whereas those of Akkermansia muciniphila decreased with tempe RM and RS. Cecal levels of propionate and acetate increased from diets with three types of tempe. The levels of fecal mucins were significantly increased by tempe RM, but not by other tempe. Taken together, the different types of tempe appear to have distinct benefits for colon health, and tempe RS may exert noteworthy beneficial effects on features important to colonic health.

The association between fecal microbiota and different types of colorectal polyp as precursors of colorectal cancer

BackgroundColon cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disorder, arising from precursors-adenoma and serrated polyp. Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between the human gut microbiota and CRC; however, its correlation to the different early precursors of CRC is not properly understood. Here, we studied the relationship between targeted gut bacteria and different colorectal polyp types, location, size and grade of dysplasia. Material and methodsIn the present case-control descriptive study, selected fecal bacteria were assessed in 118 patients, referred for standard screening colonoscopy, including 31 normal controls, 21 hyperplastic polyp (HP), 16 sessile serrated polyp (SSA), 29 tubular adenoma (TA) and 21 villous/tubuvillous polyp (VP/TVP) cases, between 2015 and 2017, by absolute quantitative real time PCR technique (q PCR) in different ethnicity of Iranian population. The panel of bacteria was including Streptococcus bovis/gallolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF), Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas spp., Lactobacillus spp., Roseburia spp., and Bifidobacterium spp. ResultsHigher numbers of F. nucleatum, E. feacalis, S. bovis, ETBF and Porphyromonas spp. were detected in AP cases, consisting TA and especially VP/TVP, in contrast to samples from the normal, HP and SSA groups (P < 0.001). On the contrary, lower number of Lactobacillus spp., Roseburia spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were detected in AP, compared to the normal, HP and SSA. Surprisingly, a significant correlation was found among selected gut bacterial quantity, the size, location and grade of dysplasia of polyp cases. DiscussionThese findings suggest that gut bacteria might contribute in early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis through the development of AP, but not SSA. In fact, AP and SSA are also different in terms of molecular pathways and tendencies to present in specific colorectal location. Overall, these findings may lead to development of CRC prevention therapies, targeting early protagonist bacteria of colorectal carcinogenesis from AP.

Potential of Fructooligosaccharides and Xylooligosaccharides as Substrates To Counteract the Undesirable Effects of Several Antibiotics on Elder Fecal Microbiota: A First in Vitro Approach.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and xylooligosaccharides (XOS) were employed as substrates for in vitro fermentations to assess their capacity to counteract the effects caused by three antibiotics (ABs) at different doses on the elderly gut microbiota and its metabolic activity. The AB type and dose scarcely affected the total bacterial numbers and the microbiota composition after 24 h. However, in the presence of ABs, the relative percentages of Lactobacillus decreased (from 11.4% to 3.2% in the presence of XOS1), as well as the butyrate production, whereas the population of Bacteroides increased significantly in the presence of XOS1 (from 27.5% to 55.7%). FOS were able to counteract these effects by increasing the butyrate production and the number of Lactobacillus, while maintaining the number of Bacteroides almost constant and decreasing the clostridia. XOS2 (mainly DP = 2-4) also showed ability to increase the percentages of Bifidobacterium and the production of both butyrate and acetate.

Human colonic microbiota modulation and branched chain fatty acids production affected by soy protein hydrolysate

SummarySeveral functional properties have been attributed to soy protein hydrolysates (SPHs); however, their gut fermentation needs to be investigated. This study aimed to determine the effect of hypo‐allergic pepsin‐educed SPH on the growth of gut microbiota, SCFA and BCFA production in a pH‐controlled, stirred, batch culture fermentation system compared with commercial SPH and soy protein isolate (SPI). The results showed that all substrates affected gut bacteria. SPH selectively increased the number of lactobacilli (log 9.61 to log 9.84) at 72‐h fermentation, but not for bifidobacteria. This is in accordance with increased BCFAs yield of 15.54 ± 0.00 mm (isobutyrate) and 465.59 ± 1.42 mm (isovalerate). The gut microbial balance index (GMBI) of SPH was 0.23, thus suggesting its gut microbial modulation. Therefore, SPH has potential for modulation or balance of gut microbiota, which may be used as functional ingredient for emerging market of nutraceuticals and nutri‐pharmaceutical industry.

Standards and risk factors for reducing the amount of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in bronchoalveolar lavage in young patients with recurrent bronchitis

The role of normal microflora of the respiratory tract in maintaining the homeostasis of an organism is extremely important. The upper respiratory tract have a high microbial burden, since their mucus membrane is the first to resist the actions of various environmental factors.The objective: to study parameters of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in bronchoalveolar lavage, in young people without respiratory diseases, and to identify the risk factors for decreasing the normal flora in patients with recurrent bronchitis.Materials and methods. For the period from November, 2015 to May 2017, a survey of 108 patients aged 18 to 35 years old was conducted. Of these, men – 61% (56,5±4,8), women – 47% (43,5±4,8) with recurrent bronchitis (ICD-10 J40). In addition, 20 patients in the control group with a diagnosis were examined «Third-party respiratory tract» were examined, among which 35,0% (7/20) were males and 65,0% (13/20) women.Results. The norm for lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in bronchoalveolar lavage in individuals from 18 to 35 years old was first established. The positive result of this study allows us to recommend this rate norm for use in the practice of family physician and pulmonologist. The revealed risk factors for reducing the number of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in recurrent bronchitis in young patients.Conclusions. The presence of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in degree 105 and above can be considered as a variant of the norm among the population aged 18 to 35 years, without diseases of the lower respiratory tract. Overweight is a risk factor for reducing lactobacillus and bifidobacterium by 1.3 times. The fact of smoking, like the fact of antibiotic therapy, increases the risk of lactobacillus reduction in patients with recurrent bronchitis by 1,5 times.

Analysis of the Vaginal Microecological Status and Genital Tract Infection Characteristics of 751 Pregnant Women.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the differences in vaginal microecological factors and genital tract infections among pregnant women of different ages.Material/MethodsThis study included 751 pregnant women from West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, China, from January 2015 to April 2017. After gram staining, the vaginal microecological factors of these cases were observed, including vaginal cleanliness, lactobacillus number, bacterial density, flora diversity, dominant bacteria, pH, clue cells, Candida species, and Trichomonas vaginalis.ResultsThere was no significant difference in bacterial density, flora diversity, vaginal cleanliness, or lactobacillus number among pregnant women of different age groups. Of the 32.62% of pregnant women who had genital tract infections, the incidence of bacterial vaginosis, Candida albicans infection, non-albicans Candida infection, and T. vaginalis infection were 20.91%, 14.91%, 4.26%, and 1.73%, respectively. The amalgamative incidence of bacterial vaginosis was 9.19%. The incidence of non-albicans Candida infection in the optimum reproductive age group was higher than in the older age group (P=0.0433). The incidence of T. vaginalis infection in the younger age group was higher than in the optimum reproductive age group and higher than in the older age group (P=0.0010 and P=0.0041).ConclusionsThe microecological status of pregnant women was basically the same as that of normal women. The most frequent genital tract infection was bacterial vaginosis. While bacterial vaginosis is amalgamative with vulvovaginal candidiasis and T. vaginalis infection, there was no significant difference in vaginal microecological observations among pregnant women in different age groups except that the non-albicans Candida infection incidence in the optimum reproductive age group and the T. vaginalis infection incidence in the younger age group was higher than in the other groups.

The Polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula Modulates the Immunity and Intestinal Microbiota of Cyclophosphamide-Treated Immunosuppressed Mice.

Based on previous studies about microflora regulation and immunity enhancement activities of polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen (CPP), there is little study on intestinal mucosal immunity, which is a possible medium for contacting microflora and immunity. In the present study, the BALB/c mice were divided into five groups (eight mice in each group), including a normal group (Con), a model control group (Model), and model groups that were administered CPP (50, 100, 200 mg/kg/d) orally each day for seven days after intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg BW/d cyclophosphamide (CP) for three days. CPP recovered the spleen index and restored the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, as well as serum IgG. In addition, it elevated ileum secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), the number of Lactobacillus and acetic acid content in cecum. These results indicated that CPP plays an important role in the protection against immunosuppression, especially mucosa immune damage, and the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria colonization, which could be considered a potential natural source of immunoregulator.

Effects of dietary phytoncides extracted from Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) cone on performance, egg quality, gut microflora, and immune response in laying hens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary phytoncides extracted from discarded Korean pine cones (Pinus koraiensis) on the performance, egg quality, immune response and gut microflora in laying hens. A total of 400 Hy-Line brown laying hens (50-week old) were allotted into four dietary treatments including a control diet or a diet supplemented with phytoncides at 0.002%, 0.004% and 0.008%. During the 6weeks of experimental feeding, 0.008% of dietary phytoncides improved egg production, feed conversion ratio (p<0.05), but not feed intake, egg weight or feed efficiency. Although dietary phytoncides had no effect on egg quality, decreases in Haugh units depending on storage periods were improved by 0.008% of dietary phytoncides (p<0.05). To investigate the roles of dietary phytoncides on the alteration of the immune response during inflammation, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline was intraperitoneally injected into 10 hens per diet group on the end date of the experimental feeding period. Serum immunoglobulins and splenic cytokine expression at mRNA levels were then measured at 4hr postinjection. Although the levels of IgA were decreased by LPS injection in all dietary groups, dietary phytoncides at 0.008% showed a higher level of IgA by LPS (p<0.05). Interestingly, although LPS injection resulted in an enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6, dietary phytoncides at 0.008% showed less increased levels of them (p<0.05). Gut microflora was examined from 10 hens per diet group at the end of the experimental period. While the number of Lactobacillus spp. was increased (p<0.05), Escherichia coli counts in the cecal contents were decreased by 0.008% of dietary phytoncides. Taken together, these results demonstrate that dietary supplementation of 0.008% phytoncides improved the egg production, immune responses during inflammation and gut microflora in laying hens.