Number Of Lactobacilli Research Articles

An integrated approach to the preservation of reproductive material in patients with oncological pathology

Background. Every year, the number of patients who face cancer without having time to realize their reproductive function increases. In view of this, there is a growing need to develop and improve various ways to preserve fertility in this category of patients. The most common techniques are in vitro maturation of oocytes and controlled ovarian stimulation followed by vitrification of oocytes and embryos. At the same time, transvaginal puncture (TVP) has a risk of developing complications such as bleeding or an infectious process. Disorders of the vaginal microflora also increase the likelihood of inflammatory diseases. In this regard, the correction of vaginal dysbiosis is an integral part of the protocols of assisted reproductive technologies before the TVP. Aim. Development of an integrated approach to the preservation of reproductive material in patients with oncological pathology. Materials and methods. A prospective randomized study of 39 women with an identified oncological process and bacterial vaginosis was conducted. The patients were divided into 2 groups: oral probiotic was added to clindamycin therapy in group 1, and vaginal probiotic in group 2. The ovarian reserve was examined for everyone, the qualitative composition of the vaginal microflora was determined, pH-metry was performed and related specialists were consulted if necessary. Results. The patients are comparable in age and ovarian reserve. When using an oral probiotic, an improvement in the qualitative composition of the microflora was noted due to a decrease in opportunistic flora (Gardnerella vaginalis) and an increase in the number of lactobacilli. The vaginal probiotic showed comparable results, but the recurrence rate was 28%, while in group 1 it was 18%. It was noted that when taking Enterolactis Duo, the symptoms associated with chemotherapy treatment decrease. During the study, 396 oocytes were obtained, of which 212 are suitable for vitrification and fertilization. Conclusion. Currently, the development of oncofertility methods and their improvement remain one of the urgent problems. Taking an oral probiotic helps to normalize the vaginal microflora, neutralize the risks of infectious complications in TVP, reduce the likelihood of recurrence of dysbiosis and the development of adverse events associated with chemotherapy. The use of ovulation stimulation demonstrates higher rates compared to in vitro maturation. However, a combination of these procedures can be used to increase the amount of material obtained, which is subsequently used in assisted reproductive technology protocols.

Effect of gut microbiota intervention on inflammatory responses and cellular immune function in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing radiotherapy

ObjectiveTo analyze the changes in nutritional status, inflammatory response and cellular immune status of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients who received radiotherapy under GMB intervention and to clarify the effect of GMB intervention on HCC. MethodsNinety-two patients with HCC receiving radiotherapy were randomized into study and observation groups, 46 in each group. The control group used conventional radiotherapy, and the study group used the gut microbiota intervention. The gut microbiota before and after radiotherapy, and the liver function, clinical efficacy, inflammatory response, cellular immunity, and nutritional status before and after treatment were compared. ResultsCompared with the control group, the number of lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium increased significantly, the clinical efficacy was significantly enhanced, the liver function, cellular immunity and nutritional status were significantly improved, and the inflammatory response was significantly reduced, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Conclusiongut microbiota intervention can improve the effect of radiotherapy and improve liver function in patients, and the mechanism is related to regulating cellular immune function of patients and inhibiting inflammatory response in patients.

Extraction, pharmacological prediction and experimental verification of Coreopsis tinctoria flowers

Coreopsis tinctoria (C. tinctoria) is a traditional plant with high medicinal value and edible value. It has the effect of invigorating spleen and stomach and has the potential to develop into flower tea. Therefore, the extraction process of C. tinctoria extract (CTA) was optimised by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with orthogonal test, and its activity was predicted by network pharmacology and verified by experiments. The optimal extraction conditions: temperature of 80 °C, extraction period of 10 min, solid-liquid ratio of 1:70 and times 2. CTA had no gastrointestinal irritation and can significantly increase the faecal water content of mice, inhibit amylase activity, increase protease, xylanase and cellulase activity, increase the number of intestinal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, reduce the number of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus. In summary, CTA can effectively improve the intestinal digestive enzyme activity and the number of probiotics and has the potential to treat gastrointestinal diseases.

The Effect of Food Matrix Taken with Probiotics on the Survival of Commercial Probiotics in Simulation of Gastrointestinal Digestion

The adequate survival of probiotics in the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays a crucial role in the expression of their functional properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the survival of commercial probiotics during digestion using a standardised INFOGEST 2.0 model extended with three food matrices simulating three scenarios for the consumption of probiotics: on an empty stomach, with juice, or with food (porridge). All eight products matched the bacterial content stated on the label. After simulated digestion, we observed an average decrease in viability of 1.6 log10 colony forming units (CFU) when the product was co-digested with water, a 2.5 log10 CFU decrease in the presence of juice, and a 1.2 log10 CFU decrease in the presence of porridge. The survival rate of the probiotics was statistically higher in the test samples with porridge (91.8%) than in those with juice (79.0%). For two products, the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains after digestion was less than &lt;3 × 105 CFU, which can be considered insufficient. The present study has shown that the survival of probiotic strains during GI passage depends not only on their ability to withstand these harsh conditions but may also be influenced by the manufacturing process and by the foods consumed together with the probiotics.

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.

Is there any difference in Lactobacillus abundance between age groups during ovarian stimulation in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles?

To investigate an influence of age and body mass index (BMI) as determinants of infertility treatment success in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures confirmed so far, on the amount of Lactobacilus spp. (LS) and Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) in the endometrium in fresh IVF cycles at the time of embryo transfer. This a prospective single-centre study included patients who underwent fresh embryo transfer (ET) in a private IVF Centre. A catheter tip for embryo transfer was used for collecting samples from the endometrial cavity. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) was used to determine LS and GV quantity. Patients were divided into two age groups: <35 years and ≥ 35 years. Normal BMI group included patients with 18.-24.9 kg/m2, and the increased BMI group patients with BMI ≥ 25kg/m2. Tips for embryo transfer catheters were positive on LS in 55 (96.4%) patients. The median of quantification cycle of RT-PCR (Cq RT-PCR) for LS was 33, and 31 for the younger and older groups, respectively. Twenty-one (36.8%) patients tested positive for GV. The median of Cq RT-PCR for GV was 33 and 34 for the younger and older groups, respectively. There were 36 patients with normal and 18 with increased BMI. BMI showed no correlation with LS amount in the endometrial cavity. Aging affects the endometrial microbiome resulting in an increase of Lactobacillus number, but not the number of GV.

The Presence of Lactobacillus spp. and its Effect on the Occurrence of Other Microorganisms in the Reproductive Tract of Polish Women.

Disorders of the vaginal microbiota can lead to many complications and affect fertility. This study evaluates the role of Lactobacillus in the vagina and its impact on the incidence of colonization by pathogenic microorganisms, analyzing the results of 1,039 women of reproductive age (18-49 years) who underwent a microbiological examination of the reproductive tract in 2020. Samples were examined by microscopy, culture, and NAAT. As the number of Lactobacillus increases, the chance of developing symptoms decreases. In fact, it has been shown that the higher the number of Lactobacillus spp. the less frequently Gardnerella vaginalis and Streptococcus group B are observed. As the concentration of Lactobacillus spp. increases by one category, the risk of G. vaginalis after adjustment to age and pH decreases by 80% (p < 0.001). Similarly, the correlation between Lactobacillus spp. and vaginal pH was shown. After adjustment to age, the odds of prevalence pH > 4.5 for people with Lactobacillus category higher 1 is 76% lower.

Microbial and Metabolic Profiling of Obese and Lean Luchuan Pigs: Implications for Phenotypic Divergence.

Luchuan (LC) pigs are a Chinese breed renowned for their distinctive black and white coloring, superior meat quality and rapid reproduction, but their growth rate is slow. Over the course of approximately two decades of controlled breeding, the LC pigs maintained at the Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Shanghai, China) have diverged into two phenotypes: one characterized by obesity (FLC) and the other by leanness (LLC). Recent studies indicate a correlation between microorganisms and the differentiation of host phenotypes. In this study, we examined the fecal microbiota profiles and serum metabolites of FLC and LLC pigs. The body weight, chest circumference, and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme activities were increased in the FLC pigs compared to the LLC pigs. Conversely, the levels of the Fusobacterium and Streptococcus genera were lower in the FLC pigs, while the number of Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, Phascolartobacterium, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group members were higher. A total of 52 metabolites were altered between the two groups, with many playing crucial roles in prolactin signaling, oocyte meiosis, and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption pathways. The correlation analyses demonstrated a significant association between the modified microbiota and metabolites and the phenotypic variations observed in the LC pigs. Specifically, Jeotgalicoccus was positively correlated with the body weight and chest circumference, but was negatively correlated with metabolites such as 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and N1-pyrazin-2-yl-4-chlorobenzamide, which were positively associated with Bacteroides. These results provide compelling evidence for a novel relationship between the gut microbiome and metabolome in the phenotypic differentiation of LC pigs.

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

To investigate the effect of metformin on gut microbiota imbalance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the value of probiotic supplementation. A total of 84 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were randomly divided into probiotics group, metformin group, and control group, with 28 patients in each group. The blood glucose control, islet function, gut microbiota, and inflammatory factors were compared between three groups. After 3 months of treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (2-h PG), and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were evidently decreased in both probiotics and metformin groups (P < 0.05) and were lower than that in the control group prior to treatment. Besides, FPG, 2-h PG, and HbA1c were lower in the metformin group than that in the control group. FPG, 2-h PG, and HbA1c were further lower in the probiotic group than in the metformin group (P < 0.05). Fasting insulin (FINS) and islet β cell (HOMA-β) -function were dramatically increased in the same group (P < 0.05), while insulin-resistant islet β cells (HOMA-IR) were significantly lower in the same group (P < 0.05); FINS and HOMA-β were significantly higher, while HOMA-IR was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in both groups than in the control group prior to treatment. HOMA-IR was also lower in the probiotic group than in the metformin group after treatment (P < 0.05); the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria increased (P < 0.05) in both probiotic and metformin groups than in the control group prior to treatment, and the number of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus was lower in the control group prior to treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria was higher and the number of enterobacteria and enterococci was lower in the probiotic group than that in the metformin group after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were lower in both probiotic and metformin groups (P < 0.05). The serum LPS, IL-6, and CRP levels were lower in both probiotic and metformin groups, compared to the control group prior to the treatment (P < 0.05). Metformin while treating T2DM assists in improving the imbalance of gut microbiota.

The effectiveness of vaginal microbiota transplantation for vaginal dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis: a scoping review.

To comprehensively summarize the existing evidence on the effectiveness of vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) in treating vaginal dysbiosis (VD) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review was conducted through October 10, 2023, using the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China NationalKnowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, SinoMed, Weipu (VIP), ClinicalTrials.gov and the Chinese clinical trial registry. A total of 12 studies were included, of which 7 were published (comprising 3 human and 4 animal studies), and 5 were ongoing registered trials (human). Of the published human studies involving 36 women, one focused on VD, and two investigated BV. These studies reported that VMT restored the Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota, alleviating symptoms. In animal studies with 145 female rats or mice, VMT was explored for one case of VD and three cases of BV, demonstrating a reduction in the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. Additionally, two of the animal studies also indicated an increase in the number of Lactobacilli following VMT. The ongoing registered trials involved 556 women, with two focusing on VD and three targeting BV. VMT shows promise in restoring the Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota among women with VD or BV. Moreover, animal studies have indicated an increase in the number of Lactobacilli and a decrease in the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α following VMT. Ongoing registered trials are expected to provide comprehensive evidence regarding the efficacy of VMT.

Effect of Triticale Grain in Diets on Performance, Development of Gastrointestinal Tract and Microflora in Crop and Ileum of Broiler Chickens.

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of the use of a diet containing 30% triticale grain. In an experiment lasting 28 days, 180 one-day Ross-308 chickens (sex ratio 1:1) with an average initial body weight in treatment of 44.6 g were randomly assigned to 30 metabolic cages/replications, 6 birds in each. To compare the results between treatments, a one-way ANOVA was used with uneven replication numbers. The control group (I) received a standard diet containing maize and soybean meal. In the other treatments, 30% of different cereals were used: II-wheat, III-barley, and IV-triticale. Significant differences in body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed on the 4th day of the life of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Differences were determined between the control group (90.7 g BW and 1.32 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and birds receiving barley (93.0 g BW and 1.29 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR), compared to chickens fed diets with a 30% share of wheat grain (86.2 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and triticale (86.6 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR). Later, the differences in performance of birds between treatments did not occur (p > 0.05). In the nutrition of broiler chickens, control or 30% of the triticale diet caused a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of the number of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the crop of broiler chickens (0 log cfu/g), compared to birds obtaining feed with 30% of wheat (1.78 log cfu/g). The diet containing triticale also reduced the number of E. coli (p < 0.05) within the ileum (0.78 log cfu/g) compared to chickens obtaining barley grain in the diet (2.12 log cfu/g). As a result of the use of triticale grain (p < 0.05), the total length of the bird intestines (199.64 cm) was compared to 30% of barley grain (209.76 cm). The increase in the length of the large intestine of broiler chickens in treatments was positively correlated (r = 0.613, p < 0.05) with the number of Lactobacillus sp. in the ileum. Triticale increased the pH in the crop of broilers chickens. The research results indicate that triticale, after longer storage, can be used in amounts of 30% of the diet without significant effect on the performance of broiler chickens, with a reduction in E. coli in crop in comparison with wheat and in ileum with barley.

Modern trends in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in primigravida in the first half of gestation

Pregnancy with bacterial vaginosis (BV) is accompanied by a high risk of various obstetric and perinatal complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth, placental dysfunction, premature rupture of membranes, chorionamnionitis, polyhydramnios, etc. Screening for BV is carried out in the first half of pregnancy during the registration of a woman, however, taking into account the gestational age, many drugs with antimicrobial and antiseptic effects are categorically contraindicated, as they have an embryo- and fetotoxic effect.Timely detection and correction of microbiocenosis disorders of the birth canal is an extremely important element to prevent a number of obstetric and perinatal complications. A balanced approach in the treatment of vaginal dysbiosis consists in the use of modern combined antiseptic preparations for local treatment, which do not contain antibacterial components and are safe for use during pregnancy.The objective: to determine the effectiveness of the treatment of BV in primigravida women in the first half of pregnancy.Materials and methods. 126 primigravida women aged 18–35 years in the first half of pregnancy were examined during pregnancy registration. The participants were selected randomly.The main group included 36 primigravida women with a gestation period of up to 20 weeks with a diagnosis of BV according to the Amsel and Hay–Ison criteria, who were treated with a combined antiseptic drug (chlorhexidine and chlorophyllipt) – suppository vaginally twice a day, the course of treatment – 5 days. The control group included 30 primigravida women with a gestational age of up to 20 weeks with vaginal normocenosis.For all women the pH of vaginal secretions was determined, followed by microscopy of a native smear, stained according to Gram, and a cultural study was performed. Adherence to the Amsel criteria was also determined, followed by evaluation by the Hay–Ison criteria. The clinical effect was evaluated according to clinical examination data before and on the 6th day of treatment with a combined antiseptic drug (chlorhexidine and chlorophyllipt) using bacterioscopic and bacteriological methods.Results. A normal pH was observed only in every fifth part of examined pregnant woman (28 women – 22.2%), while in the rest patients the acidity of the vaginal environment was not normal. Normocenosis was observed only among 1/3 of primigravida women (37 women – 29.4%). A third of the patients were diagnosed with BV (36 women - 28.6%), every fifth pregnant woman – vulvovaginal candidiasis (28 women - 22.2%).In healthy pregnant women (control group, n=30), the main component of the microbiocenosis was Lactobacillus spp. with a small content of facultatively anaerobic microorganisms. In the main group Atopobium vaginae (38.9%), Gardnerella vaginalis (33.3%), Prevotella bivia (27.8%), Candida spp. (22.2%), as well as Lactobacillus spp. in low titers were dominated. Before the treatment all 36 pregnant women of the main group corresponded to the 3rd type according to the Hay–Ison criteria with the dominance of Gardnerella vaginalis and/or Mobiluncus morphotypes and a small number or complete absence of lactobacilli, which served as the basis for establishing the diagnosis of BV. After treatment type 1 (94.4%) was found in 34 pregnant women, and type 2 (5.6%) – in 2 pregnant women.The results of the microbiological study indicate the normalization of the content of the biotope with the predominance of Lactobacillus spp. in women of the main group, in whom the indicators were similar to the control group.Conclusions. Since pregnancy with BV is accompanied by a high risk of obstetric and perinatal complications, the premorbid background of which is laid already in the first half of pregnancy, there is an urgent need to carry out the birth canal sanitation. The drugs of choice for the BV in the first half of pregnancy are local combined agents of a wide spectrum of action.A universal antiseptic with an anti-inflammatory effect, which includes two components – chlorhexidine and chlorophyllipt, fully meets the recommendations for efficiency and safety and can be used for the BV in the first half of pregnancy.

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.

Reduction of microorganisms in carious dentin by photodynamic therapy mediated by potassium iodide added to methylene blue and red laser

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the association of potassium iodide to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on human carious dentin produced with a microcosm biofilm model. MethodsA microcosm biofilm model was used to generate a caries lesion on human dentin. Pooled human saliva diluted with glycerol was used as an inoculum on specimens immersed on McBain artificial saliva enriched with 1 % sucrose (24 h at 37 °C in 5 % CO2). After refreshing culture media for 7 days, the dentin specimens were divided in 5 groups (3 specimens per group, in triplicate; n = 9): C (NaCl 0.9 %), CX (2 % chlorhexidine), PKI (0.01 % methylene blue photosensitizer+50 mM KI), L (laser at 15 J, 180 s, 22.7 J/cm2), and PKIL (methylene blue + KI + Laser). After the treatments, dentin was collected, and a 10-fold serial dilution was performed. The number of total microorganisms, total lactobacilli, total streptococci, and Streptococcus mutans was analyzed by microbial counts (CFU/mL). After normality and homoscedasticity analysis, the Welch's ANOVA and Dunnett's tests were used for CFU. All tests used a 5 % significance level. ResultsCX and PKIL groups showed significant bacterial decontamination of dentin, compared to group C (p < 0.05) reaching reductions up to 3.8 log10 for CX for all microorganisms’ groups and PKIL showed 0.93, 1.30, 1.45, and 1.22 log10 for total microorganisms, total lactobacilli, total streptococci, and S. mutans, respectively. ConclusionaPDT mediated by the association of KI and methylene blue with red laser reduced the viability of microorganisms from carious dentin and could be a promising option for cavity decontamination.

Bio-fermented milk product based on &lt;i&gt;L. acidophilus&lt;/i&gt; fortified by &lt;i&gt;Sanguisorba officinalis&lt;/i&gt; extract

The development of new functional food products containing probiotics and prebiotics of plant origin has actual scientific and practical values. The presented study purpose is the creation of fermented milk products based on L.acidophilus with the introduction of an extract of the Sanguisorba officinalis or great burnet as a prebiotic. Extracts from the great burnet rhizomes and roots have an antimicrobial activity, specifically against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus with pronounced bactericidal effect on various microbes of the dysenteric and paratyphoid groups, a detrimental effect on Trichomonas, fungi of the genus Candida and Giardia. Physicochemical and microbiological indicators during ripening and storage of the obtained fermented milk products based on L.acidophilus with great burnet extracts are considered. Titratable acidity, water-holding capacity, the number of lactobacilli, viscosity, and organoleptic values of fermented milk products are analyzed. It is established that the product with great burnet dry extract at a concentration of 10^-3 g/cm^3 has maximum scores for organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological indicators. The developed bio-fermented milk product enriched by antioxidants from extracts of biologically active compounds of great burnet will meet the national and international consumers’ demands with recommendations for therapeutic and preventive nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study assessing the impact of probiotic supplementation on antibiotic induced changes in the gut microbiome

The human gut microbiome, crucial for health, can be disrupted by antibiotic treatment, leading to various health issues and the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study investigates the impact of a probiotic on the gut microbiome’s composition and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) content following antibiotic treatment. Conducted as a single-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, adults taking oral antibiotics were allocated into a probiotic or placebo group. Evaluations included viable cell enumeration and shotgun metagenomic sequencing for microbiome analysis, along with ARG assessment. The probiotic maintained the numbers of lactobacilli, significantly increased the Bacteroides population and decreased numbers of enterobacteria. The lactobacilli and enterococci numbers decreased in the placebo. The alpha diversity remained stable in the probiotic group throughout the study, but significant reductions were observed in the placebo group post antibiotic treatment. There was significant spatial separation in beta diversities between groups at the end of the study. Compared to baseline levels, there was a significant reduction in the abundance of ARGs in the probiotic group at the end of the study, while ARG abundance in the placebo group was comparable with baseline levels at the end of the study. Co-occurrence network analysis observed consistent betweenness centrality and node degree within group in the probiotic group whereas scores decreased in the placebo group. This study suggests that the probiotic may minimize the disruption of antibiotic treatment on the gut microbiome by preserving microbial diversity and reducing ARG abundance.

Gastrodin ameliorates depressive-like behaviors via modulating gut microbiota in CUMS-induced mice

PurposeDepression is a psychiatric disorder and the treatment of depression is an urgent problem that need to be solved. Gastrodin (GAS) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine from an orchid and is used for neurological diseases, including depressive disorders. MethodsTo assess the effect of GAS on gut microbiota of depressive mice, we established a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced mouse model, and GAS was administered to one group of the mice. Animal behavior experiments were used to detect depressive-like behaviors, and 16 S rRNA gene analysis was applied to detect the gut microbiota of each group. All raw sequences were deposited in the NCBI Sequence Read Archive under accession number SRP491061. ResultsGAS treatment significantly improved depressive-like behaviors as well as the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota. The depressive-like behaviors of the CUMS-GAS group were improved in different degrees compared with the CUMS group. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of the gut microbiota showed that the makeup of the gut microbiota in mice changed dramatically in the CUMS-GAS group, compared with the CUMS group, Bacteroides (LDA = 3.94, P < 0.05) were enriched in the CUMS-GAS group at the genus level. In comparison to the CUMS group, the CUMS-GAS group had a greater concentration numbers of Lactobacillus, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Bacteroides, Psychrobacter, and Alistipes. ConclusionOur results suggested that GAS improved depressive-like behaviors in mice and impacted the microbial composition of the gut. Our research indicated that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota may be affected by GAS treatment, which improved depressive-like behaviors in the CUMS-induced mouse model of depression.

Comparing the effects of empagliflozin and liraglutide on lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora in diabetic mice.

Recent studies have shown that the imbalance of intestinal flora is related to the occurrence and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and can affect lipid metabolism. Sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist are commonly used hypoglycemic drugs and have excellent renal safety. The purpose of this study was to compare the protective effects of empagliflozin and liraglutide on kidneys, lipid metabolism, and intestinal microbiota in diabetic mice. We established a mouse model of type two diabetes by feeding rats a high-fat diet (HFD) followed by an intraperitoneal injection of STZ. The mice were randomly divided into groups: normal control (NC), diabetic model (DM), liraglutide treatment (LirT), empagliflozin treatment (EmpT), and liraglutide combined with empagliflozin treatment (Emp&LirT) groups. Blood glucose, lipids, creatinine, and uric acid, as well as urinary nitrogen and albumin levels were measured. The renal tissues were subjected to HE, PAS and Masson's staining. These parameters were used to evaluate renal function and histopathological changes in mice. Mice feces were also collected for 16sRNA sequencing to analyze the composition of the intestinal flora. All the indexes related to renal function were significantly improved after treatment with drugs. With respect to lipid metabolism, both drugs significantly decreased the serum triglyceride levels in diabetic mice, but the effect of liraglutide on reducing serum cholesterol was better than that of empagliflozin. However, empagliflozin had a better effect on the reduction of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The two drugs had different effects on intestinal flora. At the phylum level, empagliflozin significantly reduced the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota, but no effect was seen with liraglutide. At the genus level, both of them decreased the number of Helicobacter and increased the number of Lactobacillus. Empagliflozin also significantly increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Muribaculum, Olsenella, and Odoribacter, while liraglutide significantly increased that of Ruminococcus. Liraglutide and empagliflozin were both able to improve diabetes-related renal injury. However, the ability of empagliflozin to reduce LDL was better compared to liraglutide. In addition, their effects on the intestine bacterial flora were significantly different.

Microbial viability and nutritional content of water kefir grains under different storage conditions.

Water kefir grains are an important source of probiotics, mainly containing lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in microbial and chemical properties of water kefir grains during 1-month storage at +4°C and -18°C. The initial content of lactobacilli, lactococci, and yeast in water kefir grains was 6.06, 6.33, and 5.93 log CFU/g, respectively. The number of lactobacilli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium spp. in the water kefir grains were comparable, with slight changes at the end of refrigerated storage (p > .05). Lactococci and yeasts decreased significantly after both storage conditions compared to the initial content (p < .05). The dry matter and ash contents remained unchanged during storage (p > .05). Water kefir grains contained significant amounts of calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, and vitamin B12. Storage at both +4°C and -18°C did not affect the mineral and vitamin contents, except for Cu and Vitamin B2. The results indicate that the water kefir grains remained viable after storage at both temperatures. If water kefir grains need to be stored, it is recommended to store them at +4°C in sugared water as it ensures better survivability of the microbiota of the grains.

Irritable bowel syndrome in children: pathogenetic significance of disorders of intestinal microbiota

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional disorder of the intestine in children. In recent years, IBS has been defined as functional pathology of the intestine, manifested by visceral recurrent pain that occurs at least once per week, characterized by the following two or more signs: associated with defecation; with changes in the frequency and shape of stools. These symptoms had to be noted in the patient for the last 3 months, with a total duration of at least 6 months, without signs of organic damage to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The gut microbiota is of particular importance in the pathogenesis of IBS. In patients with IBS, an increase in Enterobacteriaceae, Ruminococcus, Clostridium, Dorea species and a decrease in the number of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium species were found. At the same time, a similar microbial profile was found in patients with different subtypes of IBS. The established patterns of changes in the composition of the microbiota in IBS in children and adults indicate IBS and functional disorders of the GIT to have a pronounced microbial pathogenesis. In this regard, the personalized use of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation can effectively affect the intestinal microbiome in IBS. &#x0D; Conclusion. Correction of disorders of intestinal microbiota is the most important method of treating IBS in children. Determining the patterns of formation of changes in the intestinal microbiome in IBS children creates new opportunities for improving methods of their correction.