Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus Research Articles

Potential oral probiotic Lactobacillus pentosus MJM60383 inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation by inhibiting sucrose decomposition

ABSTRACT Streptococcus mutans is known as a contributor to dental caries. In this work, Lactobacillus pentosus MJM60383 was selected for its strong antagonistic activity against S. mutans and was characterized by good oral probiotic properties including lysozyme tolerance, adhesive ability to oral cells, good aggregation (auto-aggregation, co-aggregation) ability, hydrogen peroxide production and inhibition of biofilm formation of S. mutans. L. pentosus MJM60383 also exhibited safety as a probiotic characterized by no hemolytic activity, no D-lactate production, no biogenic amine production, and susceptibility to antibiotics. Furthermore, the biofilm formation of S. mutans was also significantly inhibited by the supernatant of L. pentosus MJM60383. An anti-biofilm mechanism study revealed that sucrose decomposition and the production of water-insoluble exopolysaccharides by S. mutans were inhibited by the treatment with L. pentosus MJM60383 supernatant. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that the supernatant of L. pentosus MJM60383 significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of S. mutans glycosyltransferases, which synthesize glucan to construct biofilm architecture and mediate bacterial adherence. Our study demonstrated L. pentosus MJM60383 as a potential oral probiotic and revealed its anti-biofilm mechanism.

Characterization of Short Chain Fatty Acids Produced by Selected Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus Strains.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, have received considerable attention with regard to their anti-cancer efficacy in delaying or preventing colorectal cancer. Several studies have reported that certain probiotic strains could produce SCFAs; however, different strains yielded different amounts of SCFAs. This study explored the ability to produce SCFAs of the following probiotic strains: Lacticaseibacillus paracasei SD1, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD4, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD11, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. L. paracasei SD1 and L. rhamnosus SD11 exhibited high butyrate production, particularly when the strains were combined. The functions of the SCFAs were further characterized; the SCFAs exerted a positive anti-cancer effect in the colon via various actions, including inhibiting the growth of the pathogens related to colon cancer, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis; suppressing the growth of cancer cells; and stimulating the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and antimicrobial peptides, especially human β-defensin-2. In addition, the SCFAs suppressed pathogen-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-8. The results of this study indicated that selected probiotic strains, particularly L. paracasei SD1 in combination with L. rhamnosus SD11, may serve as good natural sources of bio-butyrate, which may be used as biotherapy for preventing or delaying the progression of colon cancer.

Protective effect of probiotic and prebiotic fermented milk containing Lactobacillus fermentum against obesity-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, with major economic and health implications. The complex pathophysiology of obesity explains the difficulty provided to health policy for its clinical management. Increasing data show that obesity and metabolic abnormalities are intimately connected to differences in consumption of probiotics, its relevance to gut microbiota activity and composition. The goal of this investigation was to assess the effect of oral delivery of indigenous probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400 and prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) on obesity-associated hepatic steatosis and inflammation produced by a high-fat diet (HFD). C57BL/6 mice treated with L. fermentum NCDC 400 either independently or in conjunction with FOS demonstrated reduced body weight and abdominal obesity after 24 weeks of treatment. Also, the anti-oxidative enzyme activity went down, and the inflammatory profile got better, with less fat getting into the hepatocytes. The lipid profile changed, with HDL cholesterol going up and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels going down. Further, L. fermentum NCDC 400 and FOS combinations decreased fasting glucose, gHbA1c, gastric inhibitory peptide, and insulin levels in mice fed with HFD, thus improving glucose homeostasis. Overall, consumption of L. fermentum NCDC 400 alone or its combinational effects had a protective role on obesity-associated hepatic steatosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The potential indigenous probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400 and prebiotic FOS had a preventive role in obesity-induced hepatic steatosis and improves anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in HFD-fed obese mice. Our finding would be helpful to prevent obesity-associated hepatic steatosis and inflammation upon supplementation of pre- and pro-biotics (synbiotics).

Screening and Safety Evaluation of Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum in Sichuan Paocai

Screening and Safety Evaluation of Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum in Sichuan Paocai

Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Lactobacillus Acidophilus as an Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antibiofilm Agent Against Multi-drug Resistant Enteroaggregative Escherichia Coli.

The present study was envisaged to employ the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the potential probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus, to assess its antibacterial as well as antibiofilm activity against multi-drug-resistant enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (MDR-EAEC) strains and to investigate their antioxidant activity. In this study, AgNPs were successfully synthesized through an eco-friendly protocol, which was then confirmed by its X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. A weight loss of 15% up to 182°C with a narrow exothermic peak between 170°C and 205°C was observed in thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), while aggregated nanoclusters were observed in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging of AgNPs revealed a spherical morphology and crystalline nature with an optimum size ranging from 10 to 20nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of green synthesized AgNPs against the MDR-EAEC strains were found to be 7.80mg/L and 15.60mg/L, respectively. In vitro time-kill kinetic assay revealed a complete elimination of the MDR-EAEC strains after 180min on co-incubation with the AgNPs. Moreover, the green synthesized AgNPs were found safe by in vitro haemolytic assay. Besides, the green synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant biofilm inhibition (P < 0.001) formed by MDR-EAEC strains. Additionally, a concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was observed in 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Hence, this study demonstrated potential antibacterial as well as antibiofilm activity of green synthesized AgNPs against MDR-EAEC strains with antioxidant properties and warrants further in-depth studies to explore it as an effective antimicrobial agent against MDR infections.

Peptidomic Characteristic of Peptides Generated in Dry-Cured Loins with Probiotic Strains of LAB during 360-Days Aging

Peptidomics refers to the comprehensive profiling of endogenous peptides obtained from biological sources. The formation of endogenous peptides is dependent on not only endogenous factors but also exogenous factors such as microbial proteases or process conditions, including fermentation. This study analyzed the probiotic strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LOCK900 (LOCK), Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 (BB12), and potential probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus Bauer Ł0938 (BAUER) to assess their ability of fermentation and peptide production in dry-cured pork loin. The peptides obtained after in vitro digestion were characterized by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the sequences identified, the degree of similarity or differences between the peptides was determined and presented graphically on the factor plane. The charts showed that the meat products aged for 180 and 270 days were the most diverse when BB12 or BAUER were used as starter cultures. Myosin and keratin were identified as the most likely precursors of bioactive peptides in products obtained using this strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The knowledge acquired from this study may contribute to the design of functional meat products as the results revealed not only the peptidogenic potential of the LAB strains indicated on their beneficial effect on the bioactivity of peptides.

Milk chocolate matrix as a carrier of novel Lactobacillus acidophilus LDMB-01: Physicochemical analysis, probiotic storage stability and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Milk chocolate can be formulated with the addition of probiotics. This study was conducted to investigate the physicochemical properties, sensory attributes, and probiotic viability in milk chocolates during storage and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Probiotic milk chocolate was prepared by adding the potential probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus LDMB-01 and stored at 4 and 25 °C for up to 90 days. Control milk chocolate was prepared without probiotics. The stored chocolate samples were analysed for viscosity, pH, water activity, sensory properties, and probiotic viability. The viscosity of probiotic chocolate declined steadily as the storage time progressed, with water activity being slightly increased and pH was unaffected during refrigerated storage up to 90 days. The probiotic cell was found to be viable up to 90 days of storage at 4 °C (>6 log CFU g −1 ) which is sufficient in number to provide potential health benefits to the consumer. As a carrier, chocolate matrix showed a protective effect to the novel probiotics in the gastrointestinal environments compared to free cells. The overall sensory results suggested that the probiotic supplementation had no significant effect on sensory attributes. This study concludes that milk chocolate matrix can potentially be used as a carrier of novel probiotics L. acidophilus LDMB-01 with optimum probiotic viability and unaltered physicochemical properties. • A probiotic milk chocolate was made by adding Lactobacillus acidophilus LDMB-01, a potential novel probiotic, and storing it between 4 and 25 °C for 90 days. • The probiotic cell was proven to be viable after being stored at 4 °C for 90 days (>6 log CFU g −1 ). • An in vitro gastrointestinal digestion experiment showed that chocolate improved probiotic survivability. • The probiotic supplementation had no significant effect on sensory attributes and was widely accepted by the 50-member panel.

A Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5 Improves Longevity and Healthy Aging by Modulating Antioxidative, Innate Immunity and Serotonin-Signaling Pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Since the hypothesis of Dr. Elie Metchnikoff on lactobacilli-mediated healthy aging, several microbes have been reported to extend the lifespan with different features of healthy aging. However, a microbe affecting diverse features of healthy aging is of choice for broader acceptance and marketability as a next-generation probiotic. We employed Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to understand the potential of Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5 (LPJBC5), isolated from fermented food sample on longevity and healthy aging as well as their underlying mechanisms. Firstly, LPJBC5 enhanced the mean lifespan of C. elegans by 27.81% compared with control (untreated). LPBC5-induced longevity was accompanied with better aging-associated biomarkers, such as physical functions, fat, and lipofuscin accumulation. Lifespan assay on mutant worms and gene expression studies indicated that LPJBC5-mediated longevity was due to upregulation of the skinhead-1 (skn-1) gene activated through p38 MAPK signaling cascade. Secondly, the activated transcription factor SKN-1 upregulated the expression of antioxidative, thermo-tolerant, and anti-pathogenic genes. In support, LPJBC5 conferred resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses such as oxidative, heat, and pathogen. LPJBC5 upregulated the expression of intestinal tight junction protein ZOO-1 and improved gut integrity. Thirdly, LPJBC5 improved the learning and memory of worms trained on LPJBC5 compared with naive worms. The results showed upregulation of genes involved in serotonin signaling (ser-1, mod-1, and tph-1) in LPJBC5-fed worms compared with control, suggesting that serotonin-signaling was essential for LPJBC5-mediated improved cognitive function. Fourthly, LPJBC5 decreased the fat accumulation in worms by reducing the expression of genes encoding key substrates and enzymes of fat metabolism (i.e., fat-5 and fat-7). Lastly, LPJBC5 reduced the production of reactive oxygen species and improved mitochondrial function, thereby reducing apoptosis in worms. The capability of a single bacterium on pro-longevity and the features of healthy aging, including enhancement of gut integrity and cognitive functions, makes it an ideal candidate for promotion as a next-generation probiotic.

Immunomodulatory and antitumor activities of the exopolysaccharide produced by potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum YW11 in a HT-29 tumor-burdened nude mouse model

In this study, the exopolysaccharides (EPSs)-producing L. plantarum YW11 was initially evaluated for its tolerance to simulated artificial gastric juice and bile salts, and cell surface hydrophobicity. Subsequent study using a HT-29 tumor-burdened nude mouse model showed that the EPS had potent immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. Administration of the EPS had no influence on body weight of the mice, and it could significantly prevent HT-29 tumor cells induced acute liver and kidney damages. The purified EPS at a dose of 5 mg/mL was able to enhance effectively the killing activities of splenic natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocyte, and to stimulate the secretion of serum cytokines IL-2 and TNF-α. As evidenced by a cell culture assay, the EPS exhibited obvious inhibition on growth of colon cancer HT-29 cells treated with 600 μg/mL of the EPS for 72 h with an inhibition rate of 58.02%. Administration of the EPS obviously inhibited growth of HT-29 xenograft tumor to an extent near that of the positive control (5-Fu, 25 mg/kg bw). Therefore, the results of this study indicated the important roles of the EPS in the potential probiotic functions of the strain.

Lactobacillus acidophilus ameliorates obesity in mice through modulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal permeability

Obesity associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis is considered as a worldwide public health crisis. In the meanwhile, different probiotics have demonstrated beneficial effects on this condition, thus increasing the interest in the development of probiotic treatments. In this context, the aim of this study is to investigate the anti-obesity effects of potential probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus isolated from the porcine gut. Then, it is found that L. acidophilus reduces body weight, fat mass, inflammation and insulin resistance in mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), accompanied by activation in brown adipose tissue (BAT) as well as improvements of energy, glucose and lipid metabolism. Besides, our data indicate that L. acidophilus not only reverses HFD-induced gut dysbiosis, as indicated by the decreased Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratios and endotoxin bearing Gram-negative bacteria levels, but also maintains intestinal barrier integrity, reduces metabolic endotoxemia, and inhibits the TLR4 / NF- κB signaling pathway. In addition, the results of microbiome phenotype prediction by BugBase and bacterial functional potential prediction using PICRUSt show that L. acidophilus treatment improves the gut microbiota functions involving metabolism, immune response, and pathopoiesia. Furthermore, the anti-obesity effect is transmissible via horizontal faeces transfer from L. acidophilus-treated mice to HFD-fed mice. According to our data, it is seen that L. acidophilus could be a good candidate for probiotic of ameliorating obesity and associated diseases such as hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, and insulin resistance through its anti-inflammatory properties and alleviation of endothelial dysfunction and gut dysbiosis.

In vitro Effects of Prebiotics and Synbiotics on Apis cerana Gut Microbiota.

This study aimed to investigate in vitro effects of the selected prebiotics alone, and in combination with two potential probiotic Lactobacillus strains on the microbial composition of Apis cerana gut microbiota and acid production. Four prebiotics, inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides, xylo-oligosaccharides, and isomalto-oligosaccharides were chosen, and glucose served as the carbon source. Supplementation of this four prebiotics increased numbers of Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria while decreasing the pH value of in vitro fermentation broth inoculated with A. cerana gut microbiota compared to glucose. Then, two potential probiotics derived from A. cerana gut at different dosages, Lactobacillus helveticus KM7 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri LP4 were added with isomalto-oligosaccharides in fermentation broth inoculated with A. cerana gut microbiota, respectively. The most pronounced impact was observed with isomalto-oligosaccharides. Compared to isomalto-oligosaccharides alone, the combination of isomalto-oligosaccharides with both lactobacilli strains induced the growth of Bifidobacterium, LAB, and total bacteria and reduced the proliferation of Enterococcus and fungi. Consistent with these results, the altered metabolic activity was observed as lowered pH in in vitro culture of gut microbiota supplemented with isomalto-oligosaccharides and lactobacilli strains. The symbiotic impact varied with the types and concentration of Lactobacillus strains and fermentation time. The more effective ability was observed with IMO combined with L. helveticus KM7. These results suggested that isomalto-oligosaccharides could be a potential prebiotic and symbiotic with certain lactobacilli strains on A. cerana gut microbiota.

Biodegradable properties of organophosphorus insecticides by the potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum WCP931 with a degrading gene (opdC)

An organophosphorus (OP) insecticide-mineralizing strain, Lactobacillus plantarum WCP931, harboring a new OP hydrolase (opdC) gene, was isolated during kimchi (Korean traditional food) fermentation. Strain WCP931 exhibited a significant survival rate of 51 to 96% under artificial gastric acid conditions at pH 2 to 3 after 3 h. The opdC gene, consisting of 831 bp encoding 276 amino acids, was cloned from strain WCP907. Recombinant Escherischia coli harboring the opdC gene depleted 77% chlorpyrifos (CP) in M9 minimal medium after 6 days of incubation. The OpdC enzyme represents a novel member of the GHSQG family of esterolytic enzymes or a new Opd group. The OpdC molecular mass was estimated to be approximately 31 kDa by SDS-PAGE and showed maximum activity at pH 6 and 35 °C. The mutated OpdC (Ser116 → Ala116) enzyme had no activity towards OP insecticides and ρ-nitrophenol-β-butyrate. Importantly, the relative activity of OpdC protein against chlorpyrifos, coumafos, diazinon, fenamifos, methyl parathion, and parathion was higher than that against cadosafos, dyfonate, and ethoprofos insecticides. These results suggested the involvement of OpdC in the biodegradation of OP insecticide-contaminated cabbage during fermentation. The new OpdC enzyme expands the heterogeneity of the lactic acid bacterial Opd enzyme group in nature.

Amino Acids, Solubility, Bulk Density and Water Holding Capacity of Novel Freeze-Dried Cow’s Skimmed Milk Fermented with Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Bu-Eg5 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Bu-Eg6

Lactobacillus plantarum Bu-Eg5 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Bu-Eg6 showed a potential probiotic role in vivo and in vitro in a preliminary unpublished work. This study demonstrated that Lactobacillus plantarum Bu-Eg5 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Bu-Eg6 mediated modifications of the physicochemical properties of fermented skimmed cow’s milk. Skim milk was inoculated with 1% (w/v) of Lactobacillus plantarum Bu-Eg5 (T 1 ), 1% (w/v) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Bu-Eg6 (T 2 ) and 1% (w/v) of 1:1 Lactobacillus plantarum Bu-Eg5 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Bu-Eg6 (T 3 ). After that, fresh skimmed milk control (C), T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 were freeze-dried (Zirbus Technology model: VaCo 5-D, S/N: COM98754, Germany). The resulting freeze-dried fresh and fermented milks powders were evaluated for their solubility index, bulk density and water holding capacity (WHC). The amino acids compositions of the freeze-dried treatments were analyzed using High Performance Amino Acid Analyzer (Biochrom 30). The microbiological quality of freeze-dried fresh and fermented milks powders was measured by enumerating lactic acid bacteria, yeast & mould and coliform bacteria. The total protein content of fresh freeze-dried skimmed milk (38.69%) was higher than that of fermented freeze-dried skimmed milk powders. The bulk density was 16.67 g/mL for all treatments. The solubility of fresh freeze-dried skimmed milk was the highest (100%), followed by the other treatments (78.95%). The WHC of fresh freeze-dried skimmed milks (11.16%) was lower than the other samples. The highest total essential amino acids were observed in fresh freeze-dried skimmed milk sample (17.26%) followed by the freeze-dried skimmed milk fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum Bu-Eg5 (16.22%) while the lowest recorded in the freeze-dried skimmed milk sample fermented with 1:1 Lactobacillus plantarum Bu-Eg5 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Bu-Eg6 (12.87%), there was a very low bacterial count in the control treatment (1.09 log CFU/ml). Yeast & mould and coliforms were not detected in all samples.

Characterization of Iturin V, a Novel Antimicrobial Lipopeptide from a Potential Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus sp. M31

Members of lactic acid bacteria group are known to produce various antimicrobial substances. Cyclic lipopeptides are one such potent class of amphipathic natural biosurfactants that exhibit bactericidal and immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities of a lipopeptide secreted by a LAB isolate strain M31 identified as a member of the genus Lactobacillus. The lipopeptide that was purified using a combination of chromatographic techniques and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight of pure lipopeptide displayed a molecular weight of 1002Da. MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of 7 amino acids (Asp-Tyr-Asp-Val-Pro-Asp-Ser) and a C13 beta-hydroxy fatty acid. The amino acid composition assigned lipopeptide to iturin class. However, the replacement of Gln with Val revealed it to represent a novel iturin named as iturin V. Iturin V showed antibacterial activity and did not cause hemolysis or cytotoxicity upto 125µg/mL. It induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-12 in murine dendritic cells. Probiotic features of strain M31 coupled with notable activity of iturin V against species of the genera Pseudomonas and Vibrio suggest that strain M31 has potential application for pathogen intervention treatments in processing of aquatic food products.

Effects of two potential probiotic Lactobacillus bacteria on adipogenesis in vitro

AimsOverweight is a major global health problem. Various methodologies to get rid of the extra fat are available, but usually, those are associated with adverse side effects. Probiotics, on the contrary, seem to have the potential to help reduce fat accumulation without much apparent adversity. In this study, we have evaluated a pair of well-documented probiotics for their anti-obesogenic effects. Main methodsWe used strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) and a cocktail (LDB-ST) of Lactobacillus delbruckei sp. bulgaricus (LDB) and Streptococcus thermophilus (ST) in this study. The murine pre-adipocyte cell line 3T3-L1 was terminally differentiated to matured adipocytes to use as a model to evaluate the bacteria's anti-obesogenic effects. The optimal dose for treatment of both the probiotics was determined using a cell viability assay. We assessed the probiotic internalization potential of differentiated 3T3-L1 cells by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and cell lysis method. We determined the lipolytic and anti-adipogenic potential of probiotics by intracellular lipid staining, spectrophotometry, and gene expression analysis. Key findingsBoth probiotics were effective lipolytic agents as revealed by reducing cellular lipids and down-regulation of mammalian adipogenesis marker genes in terminally differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. SignificancePrevious studies from our group had proven the immune-modulatory properties of these probiotics on an immune-biased mouse model. The present study demonstrates LA and LDB-ST to be effective against adipogenesis. Further in vivo studies will be conducted to strengthen this claim.

Growth and adhesion inhibition of pathogenic bacteria by live and heat-killed food-origin Lactobacillus strains or their supernatants.

The study aimed to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the antimicrobial capacity of 10 potential probiotic Lactobacillus strains against model enteropathogens and spoilage microorganisms. The probiotic strains (live and heat-killed forms) were also assessed for their ability to inhibit adhesion of selected pathogens to Caco-2 cells. The largest inhibition zones (the diffusion method) were connected with the usage of whole bacteria cultures (WBC), also high and moderate with cell-free supernatant (CFS) and the lowest with cell-free neutralized supernatant (CNS). The highest antagonistic activity of Lactobacillus strains was observed against L. monocytogenes strains, moderate activity against Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and, the lowest against S.aureus, Bacillus and Enterococcus. The inhibition of adhesion to Caco-2 cells was very high in the case of E. coli, Salmonella and L. monocytogenes, and moderate in the case of S.aureus. On average, the inhibition effect was higher when pathogenic bacteria were treated by WBC, than heat-killed Lactobacillus. Although, in most samples, the effect was not significantly different (P> 0.05). The strains Lb. brevis O24 and Lb. rhamnosus K3 showed the biggest overall antimicrobial properties, and were most effective in adherence inhibition of investigated indicator strains. These bacteria or their metabolites can be used for the production of various foods or pharmaceutical products.

Lactobacillus fermentum MCC2759 and MCC2760 Alleviate Inflammation and Intestinal Function in High-Fat Diet-Fed and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The growing incidence of type 2 diabetes and obesity has become a worldwide crisis with increased socio-economic burden. Changes in lifestyle and food habits resulting in dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and low-grade inflammation are linked to the rising incidence. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of potential probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum MCC2759 and MCC2760 on intestinal markers of inflammation using a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed model and a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model. Lact. fermentum administration showed improved oral glucose tolerance compared with the model controls of HFD (AUC 1518) and STZ (628.8). Plasma insulin levels improved in the Lact. fermentum treated groups of HFD + MCC2759 (129 ± 4.24 pmol/L) and HFD + MCC2760 (151.5 ± 9.19 pmol/L) in HFD study, while in STZ diabetic study, the insulin levels were normalized with Lact. fermentum administration, for D + MCC2759 (120.5 ± 7.77) and D + MCC2760 (138 ± 5.65 pmol/L) groups. The results showed reduction in inflammatory tone in liver, muscle, and adipose tissues of rats in both models with stimulation of anti-inflammatory IL-10 by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, the potential probiotic cultures also displayed normalization of markers related to intestinal barrier integrity (ZO-1), TLR-4 receptor, and insulin sensitivity (GLUT-4, GLP-1, adiponectin). Thus, the results suggest that Lact. fermentum could act as potential probiotic for lifestyle-related disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome as both prophylactic and adjunct therapies.

Protective effects of potential probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MTCC-5897) fermented whey on reinforcement of intestinal epithelial barrier function in a colitis-induced murine model.

Fermented foods provide essential nutritional components and bioactive molecules that have beneficial effects on several gastrointestinal disorders. In the present investigation, the potential protective effects of whey fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus MTCC-5897 on gastrointestinal health in a murine ulcerative colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were evaluated. Pre-consumption of whey fermented with probiotic L. rhamnosus (PFW) before colitis induction significantly reduced (p < 0.01) the disease activity index and improved (p < 0.05) the hematological parameters and histological scores. The considerably diminished levels (p < 0.01) of pro-inflammatory markers (IL-4, TNF-α, CRP and MPO activity) and the enhanced (p < 0.05) levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β with IgA in the intestine upon feeding PFW appeared to prevent inflammation on colitis induction. Transcriptional modulations in pathogen recognition receptors (TLR-2/4) and tight junctional genes (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1) along with localized distribution of junctional (claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1) and cytoskeleton (actin) proteins improved immune homeostasis and intestinal barrier integrity. Besides, significantly reduced (p < 0.05) levels of the FITC-dextran marker in serum upon consumption of PFW directly confirmed the healthy status of the host gut.

Effects of a Potential Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 33323 on Helicobacter pylori-Induced Inflammatory Response and Gene Expression in Coinfected Gastric Epithelial Cells.

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of a potential probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 33323 on Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammatory response and gene expression in human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell line. The gastric epithelial cells were coinfected with a collection of H. pylori clinical strains alone or in combination with L. gasseri at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1:100 for each bacterium, and incubated for different time points of 3, 6, and 12h. IL-8 secretion from coinfected AGS cells after incubation at each time point was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of IL-8, Bcl-2, β-catenin, integrin α5, and integrin β1 genes was determined by quantitative RT-PCR amplification of total RNA extracted from coinfected epithelial cells. L. gasseri significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) decreased the production of IL-8 in AGS cells coinfected with H. pylori strains at 6h post-infection. We also detected that L. gasseri significantly (P<0.05) down-regulated the gene expression level of IL-8 in H. pylori-stimulated AGS cells after 6 and 12h of coinfection. Similarly, L. gasseri caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in mRNA expression of Bcl-2, β-catenin, integrin α5, and integrin β1 genes in AGS cells at 3 and 6h after infection with H. pylori strains as compared with non-infected control cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that L. gasseri amelioratesH. pylori-induced inflammation and could be developed as a supplementation to the current treatment regimens administrated against H. pylori infection.

Impact of Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus Strains on Host Growth and Development in a Drosophila melanogaster Model.

Lactobacillus paracasei SD1, Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11, and Lactobacillus gasseri SD12 were proposed as potential probiotics for oral health. However, the effects of them on host physiology are still unknown. This study aimed to select strains that can promote host growth and development in monocolonized Drosophila model compared with axenic and the commercial Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG-treated flies. The morphogenesis and growth of axenic Drosophila melanogaster were assessed from embryo to adult stage when provided with each probiotic strain-supplemented food. The colonization and persistence of probiotic in fly gut were also evaluated. The results indicated that axenic condition caused the lowest adult weight and emergence rate. All probiotic groups had higher weight than axenic group. Lact. rhamnosus SD11 group presented high adult emergence rate equivalent to Lact. rhamnosus GG group, which is significantly higher than the others. However, Lact. gasseri SD12 group had significantly lower adult weight and emergence rate when compared with Lact. rhamnosus GG group. The gut probiotics levels were rapidly increased within the first day after receiving probiotics. After probiotic cessation, their number in gut decreased and was maintained at low level, except for Lact. gasseri SD12, which completely vanished since day one. In conclusion, Lact. paracasei SD1, Lact. rhamnosus SD11, and Lact. rhamnosus GG can affect morphogenesis and weight of flies when fed since immature stage and have short period gut colonization. The findings of this study could possibly imply comparable health-promoting effects between Lact. paracasei SD1 and Lact. rhamnosus SD11 to commercial strain in Drosophila model.