Adhesion Of Pathogenic Bacteria Research Articles

Роль D-маннозы и проантоцианидинов клюквы в профилактике рецидивов инфекции мочевыводящих путей.

Introduction. Prevention of urinary tract infections (UTI) is an urgent problem due to their high prevalence. Regular use of antibiotics, especially when recurrent urinary tract infections occur, contributes to the formation of resistant strains of microorganisms and the development of antibiotic cross-resistance. Thus, the relevance of finding alternative approaches for the treatment and prevention of such diseases is increasing. Materials and methods. Literature review from eLibrary.ru and PubMed revealed insufficient study of the use of D-mannose and proanthocyanidins of cranberry. Results. D-mannose is a simple sugar that has structural similarity to the mannose residues of uroplakin-1a, which coats the surface of urothelial umbrella epithelial cells. D-mannose is able to saturate FimH-adhesins, which prevents E. coli attachment mediated by FimH and type 1 fimbriae through a competitive inhibition mechanism, and excrete pathogens with urine. Cranberry consumption also inhibits bacterial adhesion. Although roanthocyanidins contained in cranberries do not have their own antibacterial activity, they prevent the attachment of uropathogenic E. coli by blocking the P-type fimbriae. Knowledge of the mechanisms of action of D-mannose and proanthocyanidins of cranberry, which exert their anti-adhesive effect by interacting with different types of fimbriae, suggests that the combination of these substances can bring much greater benefit and maximally block the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria. Conclusion. The published results of clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of prescribing D-mannose and cranberry proanthocyanidins for the prevention of UTIs, but further reliably designed clinical trials of the combined use of different prophylactic methods to control urinary tract infection are needed.

235 Interactive Effects of Zinc Oxide and Mannan Oligosaccharides on Nursery Swine Performance

Abstract Peer-reviewed data have suggested that Mannan oligosaccharide [Actigen (ACT)] could positively influence gut barrier function and limit pathogenic bacteria adhesion to epithelial cells, thus representing a feasible alternative or a complement to pharmacological concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) in nursery swine diets. To scrutinize this hypothesis, a total of 2,592 pigs (initial BW 6.9 ± 0.4 kg) were used in a 37-day trial to determine the interactive effects of ZnO and ACT on nursery pig performance. Pens of 36 mixed sex pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 12 replications per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with main effects of zinc (100 or 3,000 ppm) and ACT (0, 400, and 800 ppm). Diets were fed in two phases: phase 1 from d 0 to d 21 and phase 2 from d 22 to d 37, which represented the experimental and common diets, respectively. No significant ZnO × ACT interactions (P > 0.10) were observed in growth performance or dead and removals in this study (Table 1). From d 0 to d 21, pigs fed diets with 3,000 ppm Zn had greater (P < 0.0001) ADFI, greater (P < 0.0001) ADG, and improved (P < 0.0001) feed efficiency compared with pigs fed diets containing 100 ppm Zn. From d 22 to d 37, pigs initially fed diets with 3,000 ppm Zn had reduced (P = 0.009) ADG and poorer (P = 0.0009) G:F, without evidence for differences (P = 0.615) in ADFI, compared with pigs fed diets containing 100 ppm of Zn. Additionally, pigs fed diets containing 3,000 ppm of Zn marginally increased (P = 0.077) removals prevalence compared with pigs fed diets with less Zn concentration. However, pigs fed diets with 3,000 ppm Zn and incremental levels of ACT marginally decreased (linear, P = 0.083) dead and removals prevalence. In conclusion, pigs fed pharmacological ZnO concentration increased overall growth performance, yet it was drastically worsened when Zn was reduced to basal levels, despite ACT supplementation. Additionally, whereas pigs fed the greatest Zn level marginally increased morbidity occurrence, ACT marginally reduced morbidity and mortality.

Bio-Based Electrospun Fibers from Chitosan Schiff Base and Polylactide and Their Cu2+ and Fe3+ Complexes: Preparation and Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities.

The Schiff base derivative (Ch-8Q) of chitosan (Ch) and 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxaldehyde (8QCHO) was prepared and fibrous mats were obtained by the electrospinning of Ch-8Q/polylactide (PLA) blend solutions in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Complexes of the mats were prepared by immersing them in a solution of CuCl2 or FeCl3. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis was performed to examine the complexation of Cu2+(Fe3+) in the Ch-8Q/PLA mats complexes. The morphology of the novel materials and their surface chemical composition were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The performed microbiological screening demonstrated that in contrast to the neat PLA mats, the Ch-8Q-containing mats and their complexes were able to kill all S. aureus bacteria within 3 h of contact. These fibrous materials had efficiency in suppressing the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria S. aureus. In addition, Ch-8Q/PLA mats and their complexes exerted good anticancer efficacy in vitro against human cervical HeLa cells and human breast MCF-7 cells. The Ch-8Q-containing fibrous materials had no cytotoxicity against non-cancer BALB/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. These properties render the prepared materials promising as wound dressings as well as for application in local cancer treatment.

Growth promoting activity, anti-biofilm effect, and down regulation of papC and rcsA genes expression by Medicago sativa (alfalfa) extract

Consumption of Medicago sativa (alfalfa) has been linked to infection control in livestock. Therefore, studying the mechanism of this action may lead to the development of enriched food supplements. The purpose of this study was to investigate how M. sativa extract affects the growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The effects of M. sativa extract on the bacterial cell adherence to Caco-2 cells (Human colon epithelial adenocarcinoma cell lines) and expression of genes involved in the formation of E. coli biofilm were also studied. Generally, in concentrations lower than 100 mg/ml, alfalfa extract had no antimicrobial effect on the probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. However, it not only acted as a growth promoter for two probiotic strains at 2.5% concentration but also increased the antibacterial effect of probiotics supernatants. Furthermore, alfalfa extract reduced the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to Caco-2 cells. M. sativa extract was identified to inhibit the biofilm formation by E. coli through decreasing the genes expression, papC, and rcsA. As a result, it looks that alfalfa can improve the growth and function of beneficial bacteria, but further studies are needed to elucidate its mechanism of action.

Statherin and alpha-amylase levels in saliva from patients with gingivitis and periodontitis

ObjectivesSalivary statherin and alpha-amylase play significant roles in biofilm formation and pathogenic bacteria adhesion. Examination of these proteins may provide information on their roles in periodontal diseases. The present study was based on the hypothesis that; the salivary proteins -statherin and alpha-amylase- effective on biofilm formation, may play important roles in the etiology of periodontal disease. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the differences in periodontal diseases compared to periodontal health in order to search their roles in periodontal disease. MethodsPatients with gingivitis (n = 26) and periodontitis (n = 20), and periodontally healthy individuals (n = 21) were included in this study. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were obtained from a total of 67 individuals. Salivary statherin level and alpha-amylase activity were determined using ELISA and enzymatic methods, respectively. ResultsStatherin levels in saliva were significantly higher in the periodontitis group compared to the gingivitis group (p = 0.014), while alpha-amylase activities and total protein levels were slightly higher in the periodontitis and gingivitis groups compared to controls, without significant differences among the groups (p = 0.295 and p = 0.019, respectively). Statherin levels showed positive correlations with gingival and plaque indices in the disease groups. ConclusionsThe results suggest that statherin level in saliva increase to provide a protective effect against periodontitis, and higher salivary statherin level is related to the degree of gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation.

Probiotic Adhesion to Skin Keratinocytes and Underlying Mechanisms.

Simple SummaryThe use of probiotics to ameliorate skin conditions has been suggested. This is based in the fact that they compete with pathogenic bacteria for adhesion sites, thereby displacing unwanted microorganisms. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus was able to adhere effectively to keratinocytes decreasing the number of adherent pathogenic bacteria. In the presence of pathogens all tested probiotics decreased invasion by S. aureus, one of the most relevant skin pathogens. Ex vivo models also showed wound healing capacity of L. rhamnosus with a concomitant decrease in the viable numbers of S. aureus, suggesting it is a good candidate as a co-adjuvant in the treatment of skin infections by this pathogen.The effects of probiotics on the skin are not yet well understood. Their topical application and benefits derived thereafter have recently been investigated. Improvements in different skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, acne, eczema, and psoriasis after their use have, however, been reported. One of the mechanisms through which such benefits are documented is by inhibiting colonization by skin pathogens. Bacterial adhesion is the first step for colonization to occur; therefore, to avoid pathogenic colonization, inhibiting adhesion is crucial. In this study, invasion and adhesion studies have been carried out using keratinocytes. These showed that Escherichia coli is not able to invade skin keratinocytes, but adhered to them. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Propioniferax innocua decreased the viable counts of the three pathogens under study. L. rhamnosus significantly inhibited S. aureus adhesion. P. innocua did not inhibit pathogenic bacteria adhesion, but when added simultaneously with S. aureus (competition assay) a significant adhesion reduction (1.12 ± 0.14 log10CFU/mL) was observed. Probiotic bacteria seem to use carbohydrates to adhere to the keratinocytes, while S. aureus uses proteins. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus showed promising results in pathogen inhibition in both in vitro and ex vivo experiments and can potentially be used as a reinforcement of conventional therapies for skin dysbiosis.

Dual-functional antibacterial hybrid film with antifouling and NIR-activated bactericidal properties

The adhesion of pathogenic bacteria and the consequent formation of biofilms on biomedical materials and devices continue to be a significant concern in biomedical applications. Thus, it is critical to design antibacterial surfaces that limit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The current study effectively fabricates a universal dual-functional antibacterial film with antifouling and photothermal bactericidal activity using a simple and ecologically friendly sequential deposition of polydopamine (PDA) layer and phase-transited bovine serum albumin (PTB) film. Because of the excellent antifouling characteristic of PTB film, hybrid surfaces can resist the initial attachment of majority of bacteria, however, a small number of bacteria adhering to the surface will be killed by near-infrared (NIR) irradiation due to the excellent photothermal effect of PDA layer. Compared to single-functional antibacterial surfaces with either antifouling or bactericidal qualities, this dual-functional surface demonstrated superior antibacterial performance and antibiofilm ability. Additionally, the hybrid surface can be utilized for many substrata despite the surface chemistry or topography. It exhibits negligible cytotoxicity and high histocompatibility, presenting a novel approach to eliminate surface-attached bacteria occurring in various healthcare applications.

Novel Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker, Tegoprazan, Protects Against Colitis by Improving Gut Barrier Function.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterized by prolonged inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD can result from gut barrier dysfunction, altered gut microbiota, and abnormal intestinal immunity induced by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as rabeprazole are frequently employed for gastric acid inhibition. However, long-term PPI administration can alter the intestinal microbiome composition, possibly worsening IBD severity. The present study revealed that tegoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, significantly improved colitis in mice and enhanced the intestinal epithelial barrier function. Tegoprazan alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis and enhanced the growth of Bacteroides vulgatus. In turn, B. vulgatus alleviated intestinal inflammation by inhibiting epithelial adhesion of pathogenic bacteria. Unlike rabeprazole, tegoprazan did not induce gut dysbiosis. Our findings provide novel insights into the potential role of tegoprazan as an intestinal protectant for IBD and as a therapeutic agent for gastric acid-related diseases.

Effects of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis on Gut Barrier Function, Proinflammatory Response, ROS Production and Pathogen Inhibition Properties in IPEC-J2-Escherichia coli/Salmonella Typhimurium Co-Culture.

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance raises serious concerns worldwide. Probiotics offer a promising alternative to enhance growth promotion in farm animals; however, their mode of action still needs to be elucidated. The IPEC-J2 cell line (porcine intestinal epithelial cells) is an appropriate tool to study the effect of probiotics on intestinal epithelial cells. In our experiments, IPEC-J2 cells were challenged by two gastrointestinal (GI) infection causing agents, Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). We focused on determining the effect of pre-, co-, and post-treatment with two probiotic candidates, Bacillus licheniformis or Bacillus subtilis, on the barrier function, proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and IL-8) response, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of IPEC-J2 cells, in addition to the adhesion inhibition effect. Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) proved to be anti-inflammatory and had an antioxidant effect under certain treatment combinations, and further effectively inhibited the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria. Interestingly, they had little effect on paracellular permeability. Based on our results, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis are both promising candidates to contribute to the beneficial effects of probiotic multispecies mixtures.

Biosurfactants as inhibitors of the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria

Biosurfactants have gained more attention in the past decade as possible medical resources. They are useful therapeutic agents againstmany infections because of their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Additionally, the anti-adherent activities of thesecompounds counter to a number of pathogens suggest that they could be useful as an anti-adherent coating for medical inserts, helpingto prevent infections in hospitals without the use of chemicals. This study aims to investigate the antiadhesive activities of biosurfactantsextracted from Lactobacillus brevis and Bacillus sp. against seven clinical pathogens. Biosurfactants at different concentrations wereapplied to polystyrene surfaces, and then the attachment of pathogenic strains was evaluated. The adhesion of microbes to n-hexadecanewas also studied. As a result, the bacterial strains with 50 mg/ml of Lactobacillus brevis biosurfactant displayed a 69–73% reduction inadhesion. In contrast to the first biosurfactant, a biosurfactant extracted from Bacillus sp. significantly reduced bacterial attachment at allconcentrations studied, although to a lesser extent. As the concentration was increased in surface conditioning tests, the anti-adhesiveactivity increased, showing the significance of considering this. In summary, both biosurfactants demonstrated excellent potential asanti-adhesive compounds that can prevent microbial contamination. Our findings provided evidence that biosurfactants could be used inmedical applications.

Research Progress on the pathogenic mechanism of Streptococcus suis 2

Streptococcus suis (S.suis) is an important zoonotic pathogen that can cause many diseases in pigs, such as sepsis, arthritis, endocarditis, and meningitis, of which meningitis is the most serious. There are 35 serotypes, and serotype two is the most virulent. At the same time, Streptococcus suis serotype 2(SS2) can also infect humans, causing severe public health problems. Although SS2 has attracted significant attention worldwide, the research on its pathogenesis is still limited. The adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to the surface of host cells or tissues and its subsequent invasion and diffusion are the critical steps of pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, the interaction between pathogen and host is involved in these processes. Therefore, to study the pathogenic mechanism of pathogenic bacteria is to study the interaction between pathogenic bacteria and host. This paper described several common virulence factors, such as CPS, SLY, MRP, EF, SAO, Srt, FBPS, SadP, and Eno. Under the actions of virulence factors, SS2 adheres and colonizes to the mucosal and epithelial surface of host cells. Then SS2 invades into deeper tissues and bloodstream. If SS2 in the blood does not cause fatal sepsis, It can go to the third stage. The third stage is to cross the BBB and access the CNS and ultimately causes meningitis. During pathogenesis, SS2 interacts with multiple host cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, epithelial cells, and microvascular endothelial cells to evade the innate or adaptive immunity of the host.

Effect of yeast cell wall supplementation on intestinal integrity, digestive enzyme activity and immune traits of broilers

ABSTRACT 1. The protective layer formed by intestinal epithelial cells acts as a barrier preventing the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, aids digestion and passage of nutrients and reduces damage caused from toxins on the gastrointestinal tract. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a yeast cell wall-based product (YCW), on broiler intestinal integrity, digestive enzyme capacity and immune function. 2. A 35-d trial involving 246, one-d-of-hatch male broiler chickens was carried out at a trial facility at Agri-Food Biosciences Institute (AFBI, Belfast, UK). Birds were randomly allocated into 6 pens at day of hatch (41 birds/pen; 123 birds/group). Pens were divided into two groups: (1) basal diet and (2) basal diet that incorporated YCW at the manufacturers’ recommended inclusion levels (Alltech Inc., Lexington, Kentucky, USA). 3. In this study, YCW supplementation affected broiler intestinal morphology resulting in greater crypt depth, villus height and surface area, goblet cell density and mucus layer thickness and lower muscularis mucosae thickness. The digestive enzymes, maltase, sucrase and alkaline phosphatase, were significantly higher in the YCW supplemented group compared to the control. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-12 and IL-18, were significantly lower as was necroptotic cell death in YCW supplemented birds. 4. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, YCW supplementation positively affected intestinal health parameters in broilers following 35-d supplementation.

Horizontally Acquired Polysaccharide-Synthetic Gene Cluster From Weissella cibaria Boosts the Probiotic Property of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are probiotic bacteria, maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier, and preventing the infection of pathogenic bacteria. Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are often involved in the probiotic property of L. plantarum. Here, we identified a new EPS-synthetic gene cluster, cpsWc, carrying 13 genes, laid on a large plasmid in a well-characterized probiotic L. plantarum strain LTC-113. The cpsWc gene cluster was horizontally acquired from Weissella cibaria, enhancing the biofilm formation ability of the host strain and its tolerance to harsh environmental stresses, including heat, acid, and bile. Transfer of cpsWc also conferred the probiotic properties to other L. plantarum strains. Moreover, cpsWc strengthened the adhesion of LTC-113 to intestinal epithelial cells. Both the cpsWc-carrying LTC-113 and its EPSs per se effectively attenuated the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory effect of intestinal epithelial cells, and inhibited the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, such as S. typhimurium and E. coli by exclusion and competition. The newly identified cpsWc gene cluster emphasized the contribution of mobile EPS-synthetic element on the probiotic activity of L. plantarum, and shed a light on the engineering of probiotic bacteria.

Inhibitory effect of different chicken-derived lactic acid bacteria isolates on drug resistant Salmonella SE47 isolated from eggs.

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) regulate and maintain the stability of healthy microbial flora, inhibit the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria and promote the colonization of beneficial micro-organisms. The drug resistance and pathogenicity of Salmonella enteritis SE47 isolated from retail eggs were investigated. Meanwhile, Enterococcus faecalis L76 and Lactobacillus salivarius LAB35 were isolated from intestine of chicken. With SE47 as indicator bacteria, the diameters of L76 and LAB35 inhibition zones were 12mm and 8·5mm, respectively, by agar inhibition circle method, which indicated that both of them had inhibitory effect on Salmonella, and L76 had better antibacterial effect; two chicken-derived lactic acid bacteria isolates and Salmonella SE47 were incubated with Caco-2. The adhesion index of L76 was 17·5%, which was much higher than that of LAB35 (10·21%) and SE47 (4·89%), this experiment shows that the higher the bacteriostatic effect of potential probiotics, the stronger the adhesion ability; then Caco-2 cells were incubated with different bacteria, and the survival of Caco-2 cells was observed by flow cytometry. Compared with Salmonella SE47, the results showed that lactic acid bacteria isolates could effectively protect Caco-2 cells; finally, after different bacteria incubated Caco-2 cells, according to the cytokine detection kit, the RNA of Caco-2 cells was extracted and transcribed into cDNA, then detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR, the results showed that L76 could protect Caco-2 cells from the invasion of Salmonella SE47, with less cell membrane rupture and lower expression of MIF and TNF genes. Therefore, the lactic acid bacteria isolates can effectively inhibit the adhesion of Salmonella and protect the integrity of intestinal barrier.

Probiotic properties of yeasts isolated from Brazilian fermented table olives.

To investigate the probiotic potential of yeasts isolated from naturally fermented Brazilian table olives. Eighteen yeast strains were tested in terms of: safety; survival of gastrointestinal and digestion conditions; antimicrobial activity; cellular hydrophobicity; autoaggregation ability and adhesion to epithelial cells; coaggregation and inhibition of pathogenic bacteria adhesion. Six yeasts showed favourable results for all probiotic attributes: Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 1746, Pichia guilliermondii CCMA 1753, Candida orthopsilosis CCMA 1748, Candida tropicalis CCMA 1751, Meyerozyma caribbica CCMA 1758 and Debaryomyces hansenii CCMA 1761. These yeasts demonstrated resistance to 37°C, pH 2·0 and bile salts, and survived in vitro digestion (≥106 CFU per ml). Furthermore, the yeasts exhibited a hydrophobic cell surface (42·5-92·2%), autoaggregation capacity (41·0-91·0%) and adhesion to Caco-2 (62·0-82·8%) and HT-29 (57·6-87·3%) epithelial cell lines. Also, the strains showed antimicrobial activity against Salmonella Enteritidis as well as the ability to coaggregate and reduce the adhesion of this pathogen to intestinal cells. Autochthonous yeasts from naturally fermented Brazilian table olives have probiotic properties, with potential for development of new probiotic food products. These data are important and contribute to the knowledge of new potential probiotic yeasts capable of surviving gastrointestinal tract conditions and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria.

Hierarchical Surface Inspired by Geminized Cationic Amphiphilic Polymer Brushes for Super-Antibacterial and Self-Cleaning Properties.

Pathogenic bacteria adhesion and formation of biofilm on the implant are the most common reasons for healthcare-associated device failure. Cationic amphiphilic polymer brushes containing covalently linked quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) are considered to be the most promising bactericidal materials, but these surfaces still suffer from incomplete bactericidal ability and serious microorganism accumulation. With this in mind, a novel kind of hierarchical surface integrating both geminized cationic amphiphilic antibacterial upper layer and zwitterionic antifouling sublayer has been developed in this study. Measurements of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, water contact angle, and surface ζ-potential were performed to investigate the surface functionalization process. The thicknesses and grafting densities of the pAGC8 upper blocks have been optimized to avert the mutual interference among different components. The optimal hierarchical surface exhibits an ultrahigh antibacterial activity and a potent self-cleaning functionality against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, as well as a certain protein repellence ability. Such a novel hierarchical architecture provides innovative guidance for the construction of super-antibacterial and self-cleaning brushes in many biomedical applications.

Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Effects of Bifidobacterium Strains: A Review.

Bifidobacterium strains can provide several health benefits, such as antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. Some strains inhibit growth or cell adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, including multidrug-resistant bacteria, and their antibacterial activity can be intensified when combined with certain antibiotics. In addition, some strains of bifidobacteria reduce viral infectivity, leading to less epithelial damage of intestinal tissue, lowering the virus shedding titer, and controlling the release of antiviral substances. Furthermore, bifidobacteria can modulate the immune system by increasing immunoglobulins, and inducing or reducing pro- or antiinflammatory cytokines, respectively. In particular, these anti-inflammatory effects are helpful in the treatment of patients who are already suffering from infection or inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the antimicrobial effects and mechanisms, and immunomodulatory effects of Bifidobacterium strains, suggesting the potential of bifidobacteria as an alternative or complementary treatment option.

Probiotics in the treatment of vaginal infections: efficacy from the perspective of evidence-based medicine

The problem of vaginal infections in women (BV and VVC) remains relevant due to both the high prevalence and the lack of effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy and the risk of recurrence. One solution is to use probiotics, in particular probiotic lactobacilli that protect the vaginal environment from pathogens. The group of vaginal lactobacteria is dominated by L. crispatus, L. iners, L. jensenii, L. gasseri. Lactobacteria in the vaginal environment provide important protective functions against pathogens due to the production of lactic and other organic acids that maintain pH < 4.5, high ability to adhere to epithelium and aggregation, with the formation of biofilm and biosurfactants, inhibition of binding and adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, as well as products of antimicrobial substances such as H2O2, bacteriocins, and regulation of local epithelial immunity. Probiotic lactobacteria can be used both vaginally and orally, effectively colonizing the vaginal environment. Several meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were performed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in combination with antibiotics and in monotherapy. The efficacy of probiotics in BV was confirmed in 4 meta-analyses, which showed a significant increase in the frequency of treatment (RR more than 1.53), including in monotherapy without antibiotics (RR more than 2.57). The efficiency of probiotics in oral use exceeded vaginal forms. In one meta-analysis of RCTs the efficacy of probiotic lactobacteria in VVC was confirmed both in achieving a higher cure rate in oral and vaginal use (RR 1,41 and RR 1,11 respectively), and in reducing the frequency of relapse (RR 0,34). Probiotics are included in clinical recommendations of the USA, Canada with the level of evidence I-II, as well as in domestic recommendations as the second stage of treatment after antimicrobial therapy. Thus, the use of probiotics represents an alternative strategy and helps to improve treatment results through the restoration of the vaginal ecosystem.

Effects of Cortex Phellodendri extract on post-weaning piglets diarrhoea.

The diarrhoea incidence rate is often high among weaning piglets. In light of the fact that Cortex phellodendri has long been used to treat diarrhoea in China, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cortex Phellodendri Extract (CPE) on diarrhoea in weaning piglets and the mechanism behind such effects. In the first trial, 36 diarrhoeal weaning piglets were randomly divided into three groups. The control group was injected with 20 mg oxytetracycline/kg BW, while the two treatment groups were orally administered with 10 mg and 20 mg CPE/kg BW respectively. In the second trial, 96 weaning piglets were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed basal diet, while 300 mg CPE/kg BW was added to the diet of the treatment group. The pathogenic bacteria were then isolated and identified from the diarrhoeal faecal samples. Cell adhesion and RT‐PCR tests were used to investigate the effect of CPE on the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to IPEC‐J2 cells. 16S rDNA‐based high‐throughput sequencing was used to analyse faecal microflora. The results showed that CPE reduced the diarrhoea incidence rate (p < 0.05) and diarrhoea index (p < 0.05) compared to control group, and increased the richness and evenness of weaning piglets’ gut microbiota. Escherichia coli (E. coil) was identified as the causative organism. Cell adhesion and RT‐PCR tests suggested that CPE reduced the adhesion of E. coli to IPEC‐J2 cells (p < 0.05) and the expression of fae and faeG gene (p < 0.05) responsible for encoding E. coli fimbriae protein.

Passiflora edulis extract effects on probiotic and pathogenic modulation for healthier microbiota

The mechanism of adhesion of pathogenic bacteria in intestinal epithelial cells is essential in the process of colonization by these pathogens and subsequent intestinal infection. On the other hand, adhesion of probiotic bacteria can inhibit pathogen adhesion and infection by blocking specific receptors by competitive exclusion mechanisms and confers health benefits by other means. To find a safe product that would be able to promote, simultaneously, the adhesion of probiotic strains and inhibit the adhesion of pathogens was the main goal of this work. We evaluated the effects of Passiflora edulis leaf aqueous extract on the adhesion of three probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, MB154; Lactobacillus casei, MB151; and Bifidobacterium lactis) and four pathogenic strains (Escherichia coli 11229, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritidis, and Salmonella typhimurium) to Caco-2 monolayers, in vitro human intestinal epithelial model. Passiflora edulis extract (5 and 10 mg mL−1) increased the adhesion of all probiotic strains tested in a range from around 150 up to 880%, depending on the strain tested. For the pathogenic strains, on the other hand, the extract mainly decreased adhesion in significant rates for all tested microorganisms. Passiflora edulis leaf extract is an interesting source of phenolic compounds that showed to be a potential microbiota-modulating product, stimulating the adhesion of probiotic bacteria, and inhibits the adhesion of pathogens strains. This extract has a great potential for the development of a symbiotic supplement, along with probiotic supplementation.