Pentosus Strain Research Articles

Sulforaphane enhances apoptosis induced by Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 via the TNFα pathway in human colon cancer cells.

Sulforaphane and Lactobacilli induce apoptosis in several cancer cells. Sulforaphane, a dietary isothiocyanate, is an attractive agent due to its potent anticancer effects. Sulforaphane suppresses the proliferation of various cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The present study investigated the effect of sulforaphane and a co-culture with Lactobacillus-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in human colon cancer cells. The combination markedly induced apoptosis in human colon cancer HCT116 and SW480 cells. A pan-caspase inhibitor markedly inhibited apoptosis, and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor/Fc chimera partially inhibited apoptosis in both cells. The amount of TNFα secretion in the culture supernatant was significantly increased by co-culture with Lactobacillus-treated normal human PBMCs. On the other hand, the expression of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis-2 (cIAP-2), an anti-apoptotic protein, was increased by co-culture with Lactobacillus-treated PBMCs in colon cancer cells, but sulforaphane treatment significantly suppressed the induction of cIAP-2. The present results revealed that sulforaphane enhances apoptosis in human colon cancer cells under co-culture with Lactobacillus-treated PBMCs via the TNFα signaling pathway.

Innovative and practical conditioning beverages for public health and athletic performance: Focus on immunopotentiation by lactic acid bacteria B240.

[Purpose]Functional beverages are a protective or enhancing factor influencing not only public health but also athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to highlight the new conditioning beverage of the Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 (B240) with electrolytes or proteins, which strengthens immune functions to improve the quality of life.[Methods]ISeveral related studies systematically reviews three main issues associated with conditioning beverages: (a) utilization and availability of the functional beverage; (b) significance of B240 in immune strengthening; and (c) availability and application of conditioning drinks in the daily life and sports field.[Results]Intake of B240 led to greater enhancements, including blood T-helper, NK cell, IgA and IgG level in conjunction with strengthen immune func¬tions. These results speculated that the practical application of B240 contained beverages on physiological health and performance.[Conclusion]BODYMAINTÉ, this novel conditioning beverage is expected biological utility responsible for improved sports performance as a functional drink and has potential health-related implications.

Lactobacillus pentosus isolated from Muntingia calabura shows inhibition activity toward alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase in intra and extracellular level

Lactobacillus pentosus is one of the most prevalence lactic acid bacterium which available in plant-based fermentation. Here, we reported that the cell extract and cell-free supernatant of L. pentosus strain TL 2.7, TL 5.8 and TL 7.8 isolated from Kersen (Muntingiacalabura L.) showed potential anti-diabetic properties by inhibition of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase activity in vitro. All isolated also enhanced the antioxidant capacity through DPPH in vitro test. This initial study will be beneficial for screening and application of functional food with anti-diabetic properties.

Adhesion Ability and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Lactobacillus Strains Isolated from Malaysian Fermented Fish (Pekasam) on HT-29 and CCD-18CO Intestinal Cells

Bacterial adhesion to host cells is the most important probiotic character. However, the adhesion of probiotic should not affect the viability of the host cells. In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum strain L8, Lactobacillus plantarum strain L20 and Lactobacillus pentosus strain S1 were tested for their cytotoxic effects through MTT assay and their ability to adhere and colonize on HT-29 and CCD-18Co intestinal cells as detected microscopically using light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). No cytotoxicity effects were observed on both intestinal cells following 24 h treatment with all Lactobacillus strains. Additionally, all strains demonstrated strong adhesive activity where more than 100 bacteria adhered to both intestinal cells although differences in the adhesion scores observed among different strains. The adhesion as observed via SEM showed an autoagreggative pattern and adhered as clusters on the surface of both intestinal cells. In conclusion, all three Lactobacillus strains are non-cytotoxic to both cells with strong adhesion ability on intestinal cells and this study also proved that Malaysian fermented fish are good source of probiotic bacteria.

Effect of Spanish-style processing steps and inoculation with Lactobacillus pentosus starter culture on the volatile composition of cv. Manzanilla green olives

The effects of the main steps of Spanish-style processing (alkaline treatment and fermentation) on the volatile composition of cv. Manzanilla green olives were studied. Both spontaneous and controlled fermentations were considered. In the latter case, a Lactobacillus pentosus strain from green olive fermentation brine was used as starter culture. The volatile profile was determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Most of the volatile compounds detected in fresh olives decreased or were undetected after alkaline treatment, while several compounds (mostly acetic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, and ethanol) were formed as a result of this treatment. Over 50 new volatile components, mostly esters and phenols, appeared as a result of fermentation. The most outstanding finding was a considerable increase in 4-ethyl phenol (almost 100-fold increase) in inoculated olives compared to the uninoculated product. However, a sensory panel did not find significant differences in odor perception.

Lactobacillus Pentosus Strain S-PT84 Attenuates Insulin Resistance and Steatohepatitis by Maintaining Gut Permeability and Polarizing M2 Macrophages

Obesity or high-fat diet enhances gut permeability and metabolic endotoxemia, which can trigger insulin resistance and NASH. However, there are few promising treatments targeting lipotoxicity-mediated endotoxemia in NASH. The Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 has immunomodulatory functions including Th1/Th2 balance modulatory effects and natural killer (NK)/NKT cell activation. In this study, we examined the effect of S-PT84 on diet-induced NASH. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-cholesterol/high-fat diet (CL) alone or with 1×1010 S-PT84 (CL + S-PT) for 22 weeks. We quantified intrahepatic immune cells using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). S-PT84 administration improved hepatic steatosis by decreasing TG and FFA levels by 34% and 37%, respectively. S-PT84 also inhibited the development of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, lowering F4/80+ macrophage/Kupffer cell infiltration and the hydroxyproline content of the liver. S-PT84 administration in mice fed a CL diet led to improved hyperinsulinemia as well as enhanced hepatic insulin signal assessed by phospho-Akt. FACS analysis revealed that mice fed the CL+S-PT had 71% more CD11c-CD206+ M2 macrophages than mice fed the CL diet, resulting in a predominance of the M2 over the M1 macrophage population. S-PT84, however, showed little effect on NK/NKT cell and T regulatory cell populations in the liver. Furthermore, CL diet increased intestinal permeability as measured with the carboxyfluoresce assay and increased plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) levels. S-PT84 diminished increased intestinal permeability and plasma LBP levels. Additionally, S-PT84 reduced IL-17 producing T cells and increased ZO-1, occludin, and claudin proteins constituting tight junction in colon. In conclusion, S-PT84 treatment attenuated lipotoxicity-induced insulin resistance and NASH by maintaining gut permeability and polarizing M2 liver macrophages. Disclosure Y. Sakai: None. M. Nagashimada: None. T. Ota: None.

In vitro investigation on probiotic, anti-Candida, and antibiofilm properties of Lactobacillus pentosus strain LAP1

ObjectiveTo investigate the probiotic characteristics, anti-Candida activity, and antibiofilm attributes of Hentak derived Lactobacillus pentosus strain LAP1. DesignThe probiotic properties of strain LAP1 were depicted by adapting standard protocols. The anti-Candida and antibiofilm properties of isolate were determined using agar well diffusion assay and ELISA reader test, respectively. The time-kill assay was performed using viable colony count assay. Further, the co-aggregation property of strain LAP1 was determined based on standard methodology. ResultsStrain LAP1 exhibited not only tolerance to acidic pH but also showed resistivity (P ≤ 0.05) to simulated gastric juice exposure. Similarly, the strain was able to tolerate bile salt, showed hyperproteolytic activity, and also depicted susceptibility to most of the antibiotics tested. Auto-aggregation phenomenon (37.5–60%), hydrophobicity nature (42.85%), and survival potentiality of strain LAP1 under freeze-dried condition (9.0 ± 0.01 log CFU/ml) made the isolate a promising probiotic candidate. Cell-free neutralized supernatant (CFNS) of strain LAP1 exhibited potent antifungal activities against C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei with arbitrary unit of 150 ± 4.34, 200 ± 5.21, and 130 ± 5.13 AU/ml, respectively and depicted remarkable reduction in the biofilm formation of respective Candida sp. in a concentration dependent manner. Moreover, time-kill assay data provided the growth inhibition of all Candida sp. in a time dependent manner. Additionally, strain LAP1 revealed significant co-aggregate percentage with C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei. ConclusionsL. pentosus strain LAP1 exhibited a good probiotic characteristics, potent anti-Candida activity, and significant antibiofilm property that could be undoubtedly recommended for its vast applications not only in food industries but also as biotherapeutic agent against Candida infections in pharmaceutical industries.

Phytate dephosphorylation by Lactobacillus pentosus CFR3

SummaryStudies on phytate‐degrading enzymes from lactobacilli are scarce, despite its potential in improving the nutritional quality of plant‐based foods. Therefore, the current investigation deals with the phytate‐degrading enzyme produced by a native Lactobacillus pentosus strain. Phytase activity was highest towards the end of the exponential phase. Activity increased in the presence of maltose (381.1%) compared with glucose. The presence of phytate in the media stimulated the enzyme production. The enzyme of interest was a 70 kDa protein with a pH and temperature optima of 5.0 and 55–60 °C, respectively. It retained 46% of activity after exposure to 70 °C for 20 min and also showed broad substrate specificity. It was completely inhibited by Hg2+, Fe2+ and PMSF while being activated by Co2+. This report is the first to show dephytinisation of autoclaved finger millet flour either by fermentation with L. pentosus or by treatment with the corresponding cell‐free extract.

Anti-stress effect of the Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 in mice.

We investigated if the orally administered Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 (S-PT84) might show anti-stress activity and ameliorate stress-induced immune suppression in mice. Stress of mice induced an increase in serum corticosterone and a decrease in splenic natural killer activity and in the number of splenocytes versus control mice. However, these changes were not observed in stressed mice that had been administered S-PT84. Furthermore, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-10 production, which was downregulated in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages from stressed mice, was maintained at control levels in the macrophages of stressed mice that had been fed S-PT84. Interferon-γ production, which was downregulated in concanavalin A-activated splenocytes from stressed mice, tended to be maintained at control levels in stressed mice that had been fed S-PT84, although IL-4 production by these cells was not influenced by S-PT84 administration. Additionally, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased in serum and peritoneal macrophages from stressed mice versus controls, but these GSH levels were significantly higher in stressed animals that had been administered S-PT84 compared with those that had not. These results suggest that S-PT84 exerts anti-stress activity through immune modulation and/or antioxidative activity.

Isolation, Biochemical Identification and Antioxidant Activity of Locally Isolated Lactobacillus spp in Garmian Area

The study was conducted in the Biology research laboratory in Garmian University during the period of summer to autumn 2016, which aimed to the isolation and biochemically identification of Lactobacillus sp. and comparing their antioxidant activity with Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 23272, as well as both of the isolates and reference strain with ascorbic acid which used as a control. Out of 25 samples were collected from different sources such as vaginal swabs, infant stool, sheep and cow’s milk, six strains of Lactobacillus sp were Identified according to their colony morphology on MRS agar along with microscopic examination. Further identification strategies are carried out by biochemical analysis including catalase, oxidase, and API 50 CHL kit system through which strains as L. pentosus, L.acidophilus, L. collinoides, L. fermentum, L. salivarius and L. brevis were identified. The results of antioxidant activity which carried out by 2,2-DiPhenyl-2-Picryl hydrazyl hydrate ( DPPH) assay for all six isolated strains revealed that the best antioxidant activity was recorded by L. pentosus strain IC50=0.0464 which showed no-significantly differences with the ascorbic acid antioxidant activity IC50 = 0.0186, on the other hand, Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 23272 exhibited antioxidant activity about IC50=1.998, in addition, other isolated strains L. acidophilus, L. fermentum, L. salivarius, L. collinoides and L. brevis demonstrates good antioxidant activity with IC50= 0.2311, 0.2792, 0.3707, 3.744 and 5.766 respectively.

Biological potency and characterization of antibacterial substances produced by Lactobacillus pentosus isolated from Hentak, a fermented fish product of North-East India.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from various foods are important due to their potential to inhibit microorganisms, including drug-resistant bacteria. The objectives of this investigation were to isolate and identify antibacterial substances producing LAB from Hentak, a traditional fermented fish product of Manipur (North-East India), and to optimize the production of antagonistic substances present in cell free neutralized supernatant (CFNS) against enteric bacterial pathogens using the ‘one factor at a time’ (OFAT) method. Out of 10 LAB, the most potent bacterium producing antibacterial substances was isolated and identified as Lactobacillus pentosus strain LAP1 based upon morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization. MRS (de Man, Ragosa and Sharpe) medium was determined to provide better bactericidal activity (AU/ml) than other tested media against the indicator enteric bacteria, including Staphylococcus epidermidis MTTC 3615, Micrococcus luteus MTCC 106, Shigella flexneri MTCC 1457, Yersinia enterocolitica MTCC 840 and Proteus vulgaris MTCC 1771. The culture conditions (pH: 5, temperature: 30 °C and inoculum volume: 1 %) and medium components (carbon source: lactose and nitrogen source: ammonium chloride) were observed to be the most influential parameters of significant antagonistic activity of CFNS against the enteric pathogens. MRS medium supplemented with Tween20 effectively stimulated the yield of antibacterial substances. The CFNS of strain LAP1 exhibited sensitivity to proteolytic enzyme (pepsin) treatment and heat treatment (60 °C for 60 min, 100 °C for 30 min and 121 °C for 15 min) and lost its inhibitory properties. The CFNS was active at an acidic (pH 3.0) to neutral pH (pH 7.0) but lost its antagonistic properties at an alkaline pH. The CFNS obtained from strain LAP1 scavenges the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl) significantly in a concentration-dependent manner within the range of 8.8 ± 0.12–57.35 ± 0.1 %. The OFAT-based approach revealed the baseline for statistical optimization, the scale-up process and efficient production of CFNS by L. pentosus strain LAP1, which could be used as a potential antibacterial and free radical scavenging agent.

Complete Genome Sequence of a Potential Probiotic, Lactobacillus pentosus MP-10, Isolated from Fermented Aloreña Table Olives.

We report here a 3,698,214-bp complete genome sequence of a potential probiotic Lactobacillus pentosus strain, MP-10, isolated from brines of naturally fermented Aloreña green table olives; it is considered the largest sequenced genome among lactobacilli to date. The annotated genome sequence revealed the presence of 3,558 open reading frames (ORFs) and 87 structural RNAs.

Isolation, characterization and evaluation of probiotic lactic acid bacteria for potential use in animal production

In livestock production, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common microorganisms used as probiotics. For such use, these bacteria must be correctly identified and characterized to ensure their safety and efficiency. In the present study, LAB were isolated from broiler excreta, where a fermentation process was used. Nine among sixteen isolates were identified by biochemical and molecular (sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene) methods as Lactobacillus crispatus (n=1), Lactobacillus pentosus (n=1), Weissella cibaria (n=1), Pediococcus pentosaceus (n=2) and Enterococcus hirae (n=4). Subsequently, these bacteria were characterized for their growth capabilities, lactic acid production, acidic pH and bile salts tolerance, cell surface hydrophobicity, antimicrobial susceptibility and antagonistic activity. Lactobacillus pentosus strain LB-31, which showed the best characteristics, was selected for further analysis. This strain was administered to broilers and showed the ability of modulating the immune response and producing beneficial effects on morpho-physiological, productive and health indicators of the animals.

Immunoprotective effects of oral intake of heat-killed Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 in elderly adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial - CORRIGENDUM.

Oral intake of Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 (b240) has been shown to enhance the secretion of salivary secretory IgA in elderly adults. However, its clinical benefits remain to be determined. We tested the hypothesis that b240 exerts a protective effect against the common cold in elderly adults. The design of the present study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) with parallel three-group comparison. For this purpose, 300 eligible elderly adults were randomly allocated to one of three groups, namely a placebo, low-dose or high-dose b240 group. Participants in the low-dose and high-dose b240 groups were given tablets containing 2 × 10 9 or 2 × 10 10 cells, respectively, of heat-killed b240, while those in the placebo group were given tablets without b240. Each group consumed their respective tablets once daily for 20 weeks. The common cold was assessed on the basis of a diary. Change in quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 ® . Of the total participants, 280 completed the 20-week RCT. The accumulated incidence rate of the common cold was 47·3, 34·8 and 29·0 % for the placebo, low-dose b240 and high-dose b240 groups, respectively ( P for trend = 0·012). Lower incidence rates were consistently observed throughout the experimental period in the b240 groups (log-rank test, P = 0·034). General health perception, as determined by the SF-36 ® , dose-dependently increased in the b240 groups ( P for trend = 0·016). In conclusion, oral intake of b240 significantly reduced the incidence rate of the common cold in elderly adults, indicating that b240 might be useful in improving resistance against infection through mucosal immunity.

Supplementation with Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 and Vitamin B Mixture Enhances Natural Killer Cell Activity in Healthy Humans

Background: The maintenance of natural killer cell (NK) activity is critical for health, because NK cells target infected cells and cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effect on human NK activity of supplementation with a combination of S-PT84 and vitamin B mixture (VBM: vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)). Methods: We designed randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparative studies. In the first study, we recruited healthy middle-aged (30- to 69-year-old) subjects who had low NK activity (Study 1). Subjects received a combination of S-PT84 (1.5 × 109 cells) and VBM or placebo supplement (derived from dextrin) for 4 weeks, with a 4-week follow-up phase. In the second study, healthy middle-aged (40- to 69-year-old) subjects received a combination of S-PT84 and VBM or placebo supplement for 12 weeks (Study 2). In both studies, we measured NK activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using the 51Cr-release assay, and assessed safety by comprehensive analysis of blood hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, and physical state. Results: In Study 1, supplementation with 1.5 × 109 cells of S-PT84 and VBM enhanced NK activity during the dosing interval; NK activity subsequently returned to baseline during the wash-out period. In Study 2, supplementation with S-PT84 and VBM enhanced NK activity during the 12 weeks of ingestion. The increase of NK activity in the placebo group (r=-0.193, p<0.01) and S-PT84-VBM group (r=-0.352, p<0.01) was inversely correlated with NK activity at baseline, respectively. Moreover, the regression coefficient of S-PT84-VBM’s regression line was smaller than that of placebo’s significantly (t=2.14, p=0.03). No adverse effects were observed in either study. Conclusions: These results suggest that daily supplementation with 1.5 × 109 cells of S-PT84 and VBM enhances NK activity in humans, even during long-term (12-week) administration. Therefore, our results indicate that S-PT84 and vitamin B supplementation may promote healthy state.

Bacteriocin-producing probiotics enhance the safety and functionality of sturgeon sausage

Sturgeon sausages were manufactured by fermentation technology using eight probiotic cultures including, Lactobacillus paraplantarum S4, L-ZS9, Lactobacillus pentosus strain 31-1, Lactobacillus plantarum Y9, pl-2, L. paraplantarum P, Lactobacillus acidophilus N4, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG. The microbiological, chemical, and sensory properties of the sturgeon sausage were investigated. Results show that all starter cultures grew rapidly, and the viable count of probiotics in sturgeon sausages were 8.41–8.71 log CFU/g at 24–48 h. The pH of probiotics fermenting sturgeon sausage was 4.01–4.28, whereas the control samples showed a pH of 6.14. The growth of Enterobacteriaceae and accumulation of total volatile base nitrate were inhibited in sturgeon sausages fermented with bacteriocin-producing starter cultures. The sensory properties of the fermented sturgeon were improved, evidenced by white color, good consumer acceptability, and relatively high hardness (2554–3719 g) and springiness (7.42–10.28 mm). Our study suggests that bacteriocin-producing starter cultures can be used in the manufacture of sturgeon sausage to improve its safety and functionality.

Lactobacillus pentosus strain LPS16 produces lactic acid, inhibiting multidrug-resistant Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori is a human gastric pathogen. Antibiotic resistance of H. pylori has become a problem increasing the failure of H. pylori eradication. Therefore alternative approaches are required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-H. pylori activity of Lactobacillus pentosus strain LPS16 and the mechanism of its killing effect. The anti-H. pylori activity of LPS16 was determined by the disc diffusion test and time killing assay. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was used to analyze the secreted compounds of LPS16. Sixty H. pylori strains isolated from different gastric diseases, having different antibiotic susceptibility were collected to analyze the spectrum of anti-H. pylori activity of LPS16. Adhesion ability of LPS16 to gastric epithelial cell lines was assayed by flow cytometry. The anti-H. pylori activity of LPS16 depended on the secreted component, and lactic acid mediated bactericidal activity against H. pylori. The bactericidal activity did not vary significantly among the strains isolated from different diseases having different antibiotic susceptibility. Moreover, LPS16 can adhere on gastric epithelial cell lines AKG and MKN45. L. pentosus strain LPS16 had the broad-spectrum anti-H. pylori activity, suggesting that it can be used to prevent H. pylori infection.

Role of Lactobacillus pentosus Strain b240 and the Toll-Like Receptor 2 Axis in Peyer's Patch Dendritic Cell-Mediated Immunoglobulin A Enhancement

Lactic acid bacteria are well known to possess immune-modulating effects, but the mechanisms underlying their modulation of the gut immune system are not fully understood. Here, we examined the localization of heat-killed Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 (b240) in intestinal tissues and the effect of b240 on adaptive immune cascades in the gut. Histological analysis showed that b240 co-localized with dendritic cells (DCs) in the subepithelial dome region of Peyer's patches (PPs). In a PP cell culture system, b240 promoted the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor, but not IL-4, IL-5, B-cell activating factors, IFN-α, IFN-β, and transforming growth factor-β1. The enhanced IgA production by b240 was attenuated by neutralizing IL-6, a potent IgA-enhancing cytokine. b240 stimulated DCs to produce an elevated amount of IL-6 in a Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2-, but not TLR4- or TLR9-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrated that TLR2-mediated IL-6 production from PP DCs in response to b240 activated B cells to produce a large amount of IgA in a DC-B cell co-culture system. Our findings open up the possibility that the heat-killed form of Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 can be used as a TLR2-mediated DC-activating biologic for enhancing IgA production in the intestine.

Optimization of water curing for the preservation of chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) and evaluation of microbial dynamics during process

Chestnuts are very perishable fruits, whose quality may be compromised during postharvest handling. Damage can be caused both by insects and fungi. Water curing, a commonly used postharvest method, is based on soaking fruits in water typically for about one week. Factors that affect effectiveness of water curing have only been explained partially. A decrease in pH, likely imputable to a light fermentation caused by lactic acid bacteria, may inhibit the growth of moulds. In this study a Lactobacillus pentosus strain was selected for its ability to inhibit fungi, and used as a starter culture during water curing. As second goal, a reduction of the environmental impact of the process was evaluated by using water that had been re-cycled from a previous curing treatment. Experiments were performed on pilot as well as on farm scale. In all trials, microbial dynamics were evaluated by means of a polyphasic approach including conventional and molecular-based analyses. According to results, the employment of an adjunct culture appears as a very promising opportunity. Even if no reduction in the duration of the process was achieved, waters exhibited a minor microbial complexity and fruits did not lose the natural lustre after the process.

The effect of the sympathetic nervous system on splenic natural killer cell activity in mice administered the Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84

Splenic sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) modulates cellular immune functions such as splenic natural killer cell activity. Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 enhances splenic natural killer cell activity. Here, we examined whether S-PT84 affects splenic natural killer activity through splenic SNA in BALB/c mice. Splenic SNA was significantly decreased following the administration of S-PT84. This phenomenon was inhibited by pretreatment with thioperamide (histamine H3 receptor antagonist), suggesting that S-PT84 directly affected splenic SNA. Thioperamide also inhibited the increase in splenic natural killer activity by S-PT84. Thus, the change in splenic natural killer activity by S-PT84 may be partially modulated through SNA.