Probiotic Potential Research Articles

Enhancing Food Sustainability through Probiotics Isolated from Fermented Cauliflower

In the face of increasing challenges to sustainable food production, biotechnology offers solutions to support the environmental and health aspects of the food industry. This study explores the probiotic potential of L. plantarum and L. brevis isolated from fermented cauliflower. The probiotic properties of the strains and their biochemical characteristics were comprehensively assessed. They have been shown to be resistant to conditions in the human gastrointestinal tract and are able to adhere to colonic epithelial cells. Beneficial properties, such as antimicrobial activity and the production of phenolic acid and exopolysaccharides, were confirmed. The safety of these isolates was established, highlighting their suitability as pro- and prebiotics, and as fermentation starters. In particular, C5 and C2 strains have shown promising industrial potential, with C5 excelling in overall performance and C2 exhibiting strong antagonism to pathogenic strains and superior adhesion to intestinal cells. The resilience of strain C5 under various stress conditions and the exceptional exopolysaccharide production by strain C2 further underscore their unique capabilities and potential applications. These distinct properties make them particularly suitable for applications in functional foods and health-oriented products. These results emphasize the importance of fermented foods in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and consumer health, contributing to a more sustainable food industry.

A New Combination of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactococcus lactis Strains with Synergistic Effects Alleviates Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer.

Chronic inflammation is a factor in the development of cancer, and probiotics play a role in preventing or treating inflammation as an adjuvant therapy. To investigate potential probiotics for the prevention of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), Bifidobacterium bifidum H3-R2 and Lactococcus lactis KLDS4.0325 were used to examine the effects on colon cancer cells and in an inflammation-related cancer animal model. The results revealed that B. bifidum H3-R2 in combination with L. lactis KLDS4.0325 caused apoptosis in colon cancer cells by increasing caspase-3 and caspase-9 protein levels, enhancing Bax expression, and lowering Bcl-2 expression. In addition, the combination of the two strains relieved the tissue damage; reduced proinflammatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) level; upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines; increased colonic tight junction protein expression; regulated intestinal homeostasis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway; and improved the imbalance of gut microbiota in animal models. Moreover, the combination of the two strains had a greater preventive impact than each strain alone. These findings are supportive of clinical studies and product development of multi-strain probiotic preparations for diseases associated with colitis.

Administration of Lacticaseibacillus casei CSL3 in Swiss Mice with Immunosuppression Induced by Cyclophosphamide: Effects on Immunological, Biochemical, Oxidative Stress, and Histological Parameters.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Lacticaseibacillus casei CSL3 in Swiss mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide on immunological, biochemical, oxidative stress, and histological parameters. The animals were distributed into four groups (control, CSL3, cyclophosphamide, and CSL3 + cyclophosphamide), where two groups were treated with L. casei CSL3 (10 log CFU mL-1) for 30days, and two groups received chemotherapy (days 27 and 30-total dose of 250mgkg-1). Counts of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bile-resistant LAB in stool samples; blood count (erythrogram, leukogram, and platelets); serum total cholesterol levels; catalase enzyme activity; and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in liver, kidney, and brain; IL-4 expression; IL-23, TNF-α, NF-κβ in the spleen; and histological changes in the liver, kidneys, and intestine were evaluated. The CSL3 + cyclophosphamide group showed a significant increase in bile-resistant LAB counts in feces (p = 0.0001), leukocyte counts, and expression of IL-23, TNF-α, and NF-κβ (p < 0.05) significantly reduced total cholesterol levels (p = 0.001) and protected liver damage of supplemented animals. For oxidative stress damage, the bacterium did not influence the results. It is concluded that the bacterium is safe at a concentration of 10 log CFU mL-1 and has probiotic potential due to its positive influence on the immune response and lipid metabolism.

Probiotic properties, whole-genome sequence analysis, and safety assessment of BreviBacillus borstelensis S8

In previous studies, BreviBacillus borstelensis S8 exhibited favorable enzyme production characteristics. In this study, the whole genome of Br borstelenensis S8 was sequenced to analyze its genomic sequence information and functions, investigating its genotype and potential probiotic properties. The whole genome sequence of S8 was determined to be 5,559,180 bp with an average GC content of 51.5%. A total of 5406 protein-coding genes were identified and annotated using NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation. By comparing it with the complete genome sequences of Bacillus cereus strains, 1911 orthologous gene families were recognized. Genome analysis revealed the absence of active antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factor genes, and toxin-encoding genes. Safety assessments included hemolytic assays, antibiotic resistance tests, and evaluations of biogenic amine production. Functional gene analysis highlighted S8's metabolic pathways based on its genomic features. The presence of adhesion-related genes, stress response genes (e.g., acid and bile salts), antimicrobial gene clusters, and genes involved in vitamin and essential amino acid synthesis in the genome showcased the probiotic potential of S8. Simultaneously, analysis of hemolytic activity, biogenic amines production ability, acid and bile salt tolerance for the strain S8 also demonstrated its probiotic traits. The genomic exploration and probiotic activity of S8 revealed its potential as a probiotic, offering valuable genomic insights and a foundation for its safe utilization in the food industry.

Unlocking the Potential of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BIONCL17752 strain on Fumonisin B1 production by Fusarium verticillioides

Mycotoxins are the potent toxic chemical agent's linked to food safety, pose a serious risk to human and animal health globally. The management of toxigenic fungi is a challenging task in food and feed industries. The present investigation aimed to use probiotic potentials of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and fermented cell-free broth as antifungal agents and neutralization of carcinogenic mycotoxin, fumonisin B1 (FB1) in food and feed considered as “turned waste into treasure”. We strived to investigate the probiotic potential of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BIONCL17752 strain on prevention of growth and neutralization of FB1 produced by Fusarium verticillioides BIONCL4 strain to emulate as as a food grade bio-preservative. The BIONCL17752 strain exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against BIONCL4 strain. It was cultivated in MRS medium, and obtained cells pellet (CP) and cell-free supernatant (CFS) was lyophilized, and used for their antifungal activity against BIONCL4 strain. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) determined as 12.5 μg/mL. Nevertheless, CFS assessed for neutralization of FB1 production which exhibited complete inhibition and downregulation of FB1 encoding FUM1 gene expression using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Furthermore, CFS induced transcriptomic studies against BIONCL4 strain endorsed a significant downregulation of virulence, FB1, fusaric acid, fusarin, and chitin biosynthetic pathway genes. The CFS and cells reticent spore germination and FB1 production in the range of 40–61% and 74–85%, respectively under stored maize for 60 days. The current findings suggest BIONCL17752 strain apprehend the fungal growth and inhibit the FB1, and other toxigenic molecules biosynthesis, and can be employed as food grade preservative in the food industries to ensure the food safety and human health.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri Alleviates Anxiety-like Behavior and Intestinal Symptoms in Two Stressed Mouse Models.

Limosilactobacillus (Lm.) reuteri is a widely utilized probiotic, recognized for its significant role in alleviating symptoms associated with gastrointestinal and psychiatric disorders. However, the effectiveness of Lm. reuteri is strain-specific, and its genetic diversity leads to significant differences in phenotypes among different strains. This study aims to identify potential probiotic strains by comparing the strain-specific characteristics of Lm. reuteri to better understand their efficacy and mechanisms in alleviating stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms. We cultivated 11 strains of Lm. reuteri from healthy human samples and conducted phenotypic and genomic characterizations. Two strains, WLR01 (=GOLDGUT-LR99) and WLR06, were screened as potential probiotics and were tested for their efficacy in alleviating anxiety-like behavior and intestinal symptoms in mouse models subjected to sleep deprivation (SD) and water avoidance stress (WAS). The results showed that the selected strains effectively improved mouse behaviors, including cognitive impairment and inflammatory response, as well as improving anxiety and regulating gut microbiota composition. The improvements with WLR01 were associated with the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the SD model mice and were associated with visceral hypersensitivity and intestinal integrity in the WAS model mice. In summary, this study identified the Lm. reuteri strain WLR01 as having the potential to alleviate anxiety-like behavior and intestinal symptoms through the analysis of Lm. reuteri genotypes and phenotypes, as well as validation in mouse models, thereby laying the foundation for future clinical applications.

Branched Short-Chain Fatty Acid-Rich Fermented Protein Food Improves the Growth and Intestinal Health by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Young Pigs.

The diet in early life is essential for the growth and intestinal health later in life. However, beneficial effects of a diet enriched in branched short-chain fatty acids (BSCFAs) for infants are ambiguous. This study aimed to develop a novel fermented protein food, enriched with BSCFAs and assess the effects of dry and wet ferment products on young pig development, nutrient absorption, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota and metabolites. A total of 18 young pigs were randomly assigned to three groups. The dry corn gluten-wheat bran mixture (DFCGW) and wet corn gluten-wheat bran mixture (WFCGW) were utilized as replacements for 10% soybean meal in the basal diet. Our results exhibited that the WFCGW diet significantly increased the growth performance of young pigs, enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins, and regulated associated cytokines expression in the colonic mucosa. Simultaneously, the WFCGW diet led to elevated levels of colonic isobutyric and isovaleric acid, as well as the activation of GPR41 and GPR109A. Furthermore, more potential probiotics including Lactobacillus, Megasphaera, and Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group were enriched in the WFCGW group and positively associated with the beneficial metabolites such as 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid. Differential metabolite KEGG pathway analysis suggested that WFCGW might exert gut health benefits by modulating tryptophan metabolism. In addition, the WFCGW diet significantly increased ghrelin concentrations in serum and hypothalamus and promoted the appetite of young pigs by activating hypothalamic NPY/AGRP neurons. This study extends the knowledge of BSCFAs and provides a reference for the fermented food application in the infant diet.

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION AND DETERMINATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF PROBIOTIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM TRADITIONAL DAIRY AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

The objective of the present study was to isolate, identify, and characterize probiotic Lactic acid bacterial strains from traditional dairy and commercial products and determine their antagonistic activity against pathogenic bacteria. Fifty-five lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains were isolated, and fifteen strains were selected based on probiotic potential after that antimicrobial activity was measured against bacterial pathogens. Among fifteen isolates, five isolates showed good (above 15 mm zone) antimicrobial activities against the tested pathogenic strains of humans. After the preliminary antimicrobial activity, the best five isolates were selected for the production of different antibacterial compounds such as bacteriocin, hydrogen peroxide, and organic acid. Two isolates showed bacteriocin production and one isolate gave maximum bacteriocin activity against most pathogens and was further identified as Enterococcus faecalis JY32 using 16 S rRNA sequencing. The study reveals that in comparison to commercial products, traditional products of dairy could be an alternative and readily available resource for probiotic bacteria with interesting functional characteristics.

Candidate-Probiotic Lactobacilli and Their Postbiotics as Health-Benefit Promoters.

Lactobacillus species are widely recognized for their probiotic potential, focusing on their mechanisms of health benefits and protection. Here we conducted an in vitro investigation of the probiotic potential with a role in microbiome homeostasis of four strains: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L6 and F53, Ligilactobacillus salivarius 1, and Lactobacillus helveticus 611. A broad spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal activity was determined. The strain-specific inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and saprophytic/toxigenic fungi makes them promising as protective cultures. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid) measurements showed that tested samples had strain-specific capacity for scavenging of radicals. The molecular base for the antioxidant potential of two lyophilized forms of active strains was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, with fractions of the most active postbiotics obtained by SEC-FPLC (fast protein liquid chromatography) analysis, showed a wide variety of effects on the growth of a K562 myeloid leukemia cell line. The IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of L. salivarius 1 was determined to be 46.15 mg/mL. The proven in vitro functionality of the selected lactobacilli make them suitable for development of target probiotics with specific beneficial effects expected in vivo. Further investigations on produced postbiotics and safety have to be completed before they can be considered as scientifically proven probiotic strains.

Various steaming durations alter digestion, absorption, and fermentation by human gut microbiota outcomes of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharides.

Different steaming durations dramatically alter the structure of Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharides (PCPs). This study aimed to compare characteristics of digestion, absorption, and fermentation by gut microbiota across four representative PCPs from different steaming durations (0, 4, 8, and 12 h), each with unique molecular weights and monosaccharide profiles. Chemical composition of the four PCPs was analyzed. Digestibility was evaluated using an in vitro saliva-gastrointestinal digestion model. Absorption characteristics were assessed with a Caco-2 monolayer model, and impacts on gut microbiota composition and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were analyzed using in vitro fermentation with human gut microbiota. Longer steaming durations altered the chemical profiles of PCPs, reducing carbohydrate content (84.87-49.58%) and increasing levels of uronic acid (13.99-19.61%), protein (1.07-5.43%), and polyphenols (0.05-2.75%). Four PCPs were unaffected by saliva digestion but showed enhanced gastrointestinal digestibility, with reducing sugar content rising from 4.06% (P0) to 38.5% (P12). The four PCPs showed varying absorption characteristics, with P0 having the highest permeability coefficient value of 9.59 × 10-8 cm/s. However, all PCPs exhibited poor permeability, favoring gut microbiota fermentation. The four PCPs altered gut microbiota composition and elevated SCFA production, but levels declined progressively with longer steaming durations. All PCPs significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteriota, making them the dominant bacterial phyla. Additionally, all PCPs significantly increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, and Faecalibacterium compared to the control group, which, along with Bacteroides, became the dominant microbiota. Increasing the steaming duration led to a reduction in Prevotella levels, with PCPs from raw rhizomes showing the highest relative abundance at 24.90%. PCPs from moderately steamed rhizomes (4 h) led to a significant rise in Faecalibacterium (7.73%) among four PCPs. P8 and P12, derived from extensively steamed rhizomes (≥8 h), exhibited similar gut microbiota compositions, with significantly higher relative abundances of Bacteroides (20.23-20.30%) and Bifidobacterium (21.05-21.51%) compared to P0 and P4. This research highlights the importance of adjusting steaming durations to maximize the probiotic potential of P. cyrtonema polysaccharides, enhancing their effectiveness in modulating gut microbiota and SCFA levels.

In Vitro Probiotic Characterization of Yeasts with their Postbiotics' Antioxidant Activity and Biofilm Inhibition Capacity.

This study evaluated the in vitro probiotic potential and postbiotic properties of yeast strains isolated from traditional fermented foods, emphasizing antioxidant activity (AOA) and biofilm inhibition capacity (BIC). The yeasts were molecularly confirmed using start codon targeted polymorphisms as Kluyveromyces lactis (n = 17), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (n = 9), Pichia kudriavzevii (n = 6), P. fermentans (n = 4), Wickerhamomyces anomalus (n = 2), and Torulaspora delbrueckii (n = 1). The probiotic assessment of live cells included viability in simulated gastric and pancreatic juices, autoaggregation, hydrophobicity, and AOA, using S. boulardii MYA-796 as reference. Additionally, cell-free supernatants (CFS) were tested for AOA and BIC against Cronobacter sakazakii, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Several strains exhibited significantly higher in vitro probiotic characteristics compared to S. boulardii MYA-796 (P < 0.05), particularly in gastric and pancreatic survival, hydrophobicity, and AOA. Notably, CFS exhibited greater AOA than live cells and strong BIC, especially against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. Multivariate analysis identified K. lactis TC11, S. cerevisiae M33T1-2, P. kudriavzevii S96, W. anomalus OB7Y1, and T. delbrueckii KY31 as having superior probiotic properties, attributed to enhanced gastric survival, autoaggregation, and AOA. CFS of S. cerevisiae M33T1-2 and T. delbrueckii KY31 demonstrated significant BIC, with over 60% inhibition across all tested pathogens.

Cross-talk between macrophages and gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease: a dynamic interplay influencing pathogenesis and therapy.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a group of chronic immune-mediated gastrointestinal disorders. The etiology of IBD is multifactorial, involving genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and a complex interplay between the gut microbiota and the host's immune system. Intestinal resident macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis and progress of IBD, as well as in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and facilitating tissue repair. This review delves into the intricate relationship between intestinal macrophages and gut microbiota, highlighting their pivotal roles in IBD pathogenesis. We discuss the impact of macrophage dysregulation and the consequent polarization of different phenotypes on intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, we explore the compositional and functional alterations in gut microbiota associated with IBD, including the emerging significance of fungal and viral components. This review also examines the effects of current therapeutic strategies, such as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), antibiotics, steroids, immunomodulators, and biologics, on gut microbiota and macrophage function. We underscore the potential of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics as innovative approaches to modulate the gut microbiome in IBD. The aim is to provide insights into the development of novel therapies targeting the gut microbiota and macrophages to improve IBD management.

PSIX-8 A multistrain probiotic modifies fecal microbial populations of healthy adult cats

Abstract Probiotics can modulate the intestinal microbiota and benefit the host’s health, whereas environmental stressors can negatively impact the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), most commonly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, are well-known organisms with probiotic potential. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on the fecal microbial population of healthy Cats, after ingestion of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202. Thirty adult cats (15 male, 15 female; mean BW=3.39 kg; mean age=3.3 y) were enrolled in this placebo-controlled and blinded study. After a 7-d washout period, cats were allocated into two groups similar in terms of body weight, age, and sex. Cats were fed a complete dry extruded diet and at time 0 h on d-0 received orally 4 g of a placebo paste or probiotic paste corresponding to the target dose of 4x107 total CFU. Administration of the placebo or probiotic was repeated 12 h and 24 h after the first dose. Afterward, fecal scores were evaluated daily for 7 days. Fresh fecal samples were collected on days 0, 3, and 7 for microbial enumerations and fecal metabolite measurements. Fecal microbial count data did not conform to the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variances, consequently, non-parametric tests were performed for comparisons. Fecal scores, dry matter, and metabolites were not different between groups. Fecal counts of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. were greater on both d-3 and d-7 (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in cats that consumed probiotics. Fecal counts of both Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were fewer (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in cats that consumed probiotics. In conclusion, the consumption by cats on d-0 of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202 modified the intestinal microbiota up to 7 days after consumption, as evidenced by the increase of lactic acid bacteria and the decrease of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens in feces.

PSIX-7 A multi-strain probiotic modifies fecal microbial populations of healthy adult dogs

Abstract Probiotics can modulate the intestinal microbiota and benefit the health of the host, whereas environmental stressors can negatively impact the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), most commonly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, are well-known organisms with probiotic potential. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on the fecal microbial population of healthy dogs, after ingestion of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202. Adult dogs [n = 30; 15 male, 15 female; mean body weight (BW) = 14.7 kg; mean age = 3.3 yr) were enrolled in this placebo-controlled and blinded study. After a 7-d washout period, dogs were allocated into two groups similar in terms of breed, BW, age, and sex. Dogs were fed a complete dry extruded diet and at time 0 h on d 0 received orally 4 g of a placebo paste or probiotic paste corresponding to the target dose of 4x107 total CFU. Administration of the placebo or probiotic was repeated 12 h and 24 h after the first dose. Afterward, fecal scores were evaluated daily for 7 d. Fresh fecal samples were collected on d 0, 3, and 7 for microbial enumerations and fecal metabolite measurements. Fecal microbial count data did not conform to the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variances, consequently, non-parametric tests were performed for comparisons. Fecal scores, dry matter, and metabolites were not different between groups. Fecal counts of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. were greater on both d 3 and d 7 (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in dogs that consumed probiotics. Fecal counts of both Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were fewer (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in dogs that consumed probiotics. In conclusion, the consumption by dogs on d 0 of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202 modified the intestinal microbiota up to 7 d after consumption, as evidenced by the increase of lactic acid bacteria and the decrease of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens in feces.

Solid-state fermentation with Bacillus subtillis co-cultured with probiotic Lactobacillus spp. enhances the bioactive peptides, nutritional and antioxidative potentials of tamarind seed

The effect of natural or controlled solid-state fermentation using single or mixed probiotic strains on the nutritional, bioactive and phytochemical constituents, and antioxidant activities of tamarind seeds was evaluated. Tamarind seeds were subjected to either controlled solid-state fermentation (37 °C, 72 h) using either Bacillus subtilis only or Bacillus subtilis co-cultured with probiotics Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii) or natural fermentation while unfermented tamarind seeds served as control. The changes in the nutritional composition, peptide content, antioxidative properties (Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activities) and total viable count of probiotics in fermented tamarind seed were evaluated using standard methods. The peptide content, crude protein, fat, and fibre (100.19 mg/g, 51.35, 9.50 and 5.10%), and FRAP and DPPH (0.55 and 21.60%) in unfermented tamarind seed were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than fermented tamarind seed (271.00–308 mg/g, 12, 62.84–64.02, 12.21–13.11 and 6.01–6.90, and 1.42–2.92 and 26.66–35.70%, respectively), after 72 h of fermentation. The total viable count in the tamarind seed fermented with Bacillus subtilis only was 1.2 × 109 CFU/g while that co-cultured with probiotics ranged from 6 × 108 to 9.9 × 108 CFU/g after 72 h of fermentation. This study showed that a controlled solid-state fermentation using probiotics Lactobacillus co-cultured with Bacillus subtilis can significantly increase the peptide contents, and enhance the nutritional and antioxidant activities of tamarind seed while producing a condiment with significant probiotic potential.

Si-Ni-San ameliorates cholestatic liver injury by favoring P. goldsteinii colonization

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurrent treatment options for cholestatic liver diseases are limited, and addressing impaired intestinal barrier has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach. Si-Ni-San (SNS) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula commonly utilized in the management of chronic liver diseases. Our previous studies have indicated that SNS effectively enhanced intestinal barrier function through the modulation of gut microbiota. Aim of the studyThis study aims to verify the therapeutic effects of SNS on cholestatic liver injury, focusing on elucidating the underlying mechanism involving the gut-liver axis. Materials and methodsThe 16s RNA gene sequencing, non-targeted metabolomics were used to investigate the effects of SNS on the gut microbiota dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was conducted to identify potential beneficial probiotics underlying the therapeutic effects of SNS. ResultsOur results demonstrated that SNS significantly ameliorated cholestatic liver injury induced by partial bile duct ligation (pBDL). Additionally, SNS effectively suppressed cholestasis-induced inflammation and barrier dysfunction in both the small intestine and colon. While SNS did not impact the intestinal FXR-FGF15-hepatic CYP7A1 axis, it notably improved gut microbiota dysbiosis and modulated the profile of microbial metabolites, including beneficial secondary bile acids and tryptophan derivatives. Furthermore, gut microbiota depletion experiments and FMT confirmed that the therapeutic benefits of SNS in cholestatic liver disease are dependent on gut microbiota modulation, particularly through the promotion of the growth of potential probiotic P. goldsteinii. Moreover, a synergistic improvement in cholestatic liver injury was observed with the co-administration of P. goldsteinii and SNS. ConclusionOur study underscores that SNS effectively alleviates cholestatic liver injury by addressing gut microbiota dysbiosis and enhancing intestinal barrier function, supporting its rational clinical utilization. Furthermore, we highlight P. goldsteinii as a promising probiotic candidate for the management of cholestatic liver diseases.

Dietary supplementation of Roseovarius litoreus improves survival and immune defense of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus

The aquaculture of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus is challenged by vibriosis, and Rhodobacteraceae strains play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and enhancing the immunity of crustaceans. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Roseovarius litoreus, a member of Rhodobacteraceae, on the survival and immune defense of the swimming crab. The results showed that 60-day dietary supplementation of R. litoreus resulted in a marked increase in the mRNA expression of gut ZO-1. Meanwhile, R. litoreus increased zero-radius operational taxonomic unit (ZOTU) richness and changed the gut bacterial community, which was manifested by the enriched Carboxylicivirga and Roseovarius and depleted Photobacterium and Vibrio, thereby upregulating functional potentials of the gut bacterial community in the immune system and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. After a 72-h V. parahaemolyticus challenge, R. litoreus-supplemented crabs had an increased survival rate, reduced histological damage of hepatopancreas and gut, and improved expressions of immune-related genes and lysozyme activity. Moreover, R. litoreus-supplemented crab gut still harbored more Carboxylicivirga and Roseovarius but had fewer Vibrio gene copies than control crabs, which led to similar changes in functional potentials. Notably, all ZOTUs that were positively correlated with immune-related genes and lysozyme activity belonged to Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidales, or Carboxylicivirga. Taken together, we highlight the probiotic role of R. litoreus in the survival and immune defense of the swimming crab. These findings may contribute to the development of indigenous bacteria of the swimming crab as potential probiotics for the control of vibriosis.

Evaluation of probiotic efficacy of indigenous yeast strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y-89 isolated from a traditional fermented beverage of West Bengal, India having protective effect against DSS-induced colitis in experimental mice.

Increasing awareness regarding health promotion and disease prevention has driven inclusion of fermented foods and beverages in the daily diet. These are the enormous sources of beneficial microbes, probiotics. This study aims to isolate yeast strains having probiotic potential and effectivity against colitis. Initially, ninety-two yeast strains were isolated from Haria, an ethnic fermented beverage of West Bengal, India. Primary screening was done by their acid (pH 4) and bile salt (0.3%) tolerance ability. Four potent isolates were selected and found effective against Entamoeba histolytica, as this human pathogen is responsible to cause colitis. They were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. They showed luxurious growth even at 37 oC, tolerance up to 5% of NaCl, resistance to gastric juice and high bile salt (2.0%) and oro-gastrointestinal transit tolerance. They exhibited good auto-aggregation and co-aggregation ability and strong hydrophobicity. Finally, heat map and principal component analysis revealed that strain Y-89 was the best candidate. It was further characterised and found to have significant protective effects against DSS-induced colitis in experimental mice model. It includes improvement in colon length, body weight and organ indices; reduction in disease activity index; reduction in cholesterol, LDL, SGPT, SGOT, urea and creatinine levels; improvement in HDL, ALP, total protein and albumin levels; decrease in coliform count and restoration of tissue damage. This study demonstrates that the S. cerevisiae strain Y-89 possesses remarkable probiotic traits and can be used as a potential bio-therapeutic candidate for the prevention of colitis.

Temperature-regulated cascade reaction for homogeneous oligo-dextran synthesis using a fusion enzyme

Based on the principle of cascade reaction, a fusion enzyme of dextransucrase and dextranase was designed without linker to catalyze the production of oligo-dextran with homogeneous molecular weight from sucrose in one catalytic step. Due to the different effects of temperature on the two components of the fusion enzyme, temperature served as the “toggle switch” for the catalytic efficiency of the two-level fusion enzyme, regulating the catalytic products of the fusion enzyme. Under optimal conditions, the fusion enzyme efficiently utilized 100 % of the sucrose, and the yield of oligo-dextran with a homogeneous molecular weight reached 70 %. The product has been purified and characterized. The probiotic potential of the product was evaluated by analyzing the growth of 10 probiotic species. Its cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities were also determined. The results showed that the long-chain oligo-dextran in this study had significantly better probiotic potential and anti-inflammatory activity compared to other oligosaccharides. This study provides a strategy for the application of oligo-dextran in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Characterization of indigenous lactobacilli from dairy fermented foods of Haryana as potential probiotics utilizing multiple attribute decision-making approach

The interest in region-specific ethnic fermented foods and their functional microbiota is rising. The demands for functional foods are continuously rising, so research is going on to develop nutritious food with many beneficial attributes and low safety concerns. The present study was designed to isolate and characterize lactobacilli probiotic candidates from locally resourced fermented foods (dahi, lassi, and raabadi) to make ready-to-eat fermented functional products later. Cultures were isolated from 82 fermented food samples collected from different villages. The initial experiments of gram staining, catalase test, and carbohydrate fermentation were assessed for the morphology, purity, and primary characterization on the genus level, which was verified through molecular characterization using PCR. Seven lactobacilli strains (no. MS001-MS007) were then assessed for safety, probiotic candidacy, phytase degradation, and biofilm forming abilities. All seven bacterial cultures showed no hemolytic activity and antibiotic sensitivity against more than 14 antibiotics out of 20. All seven lactobacilli isolates were able to tolerate pH 3.0, 0.3% bile 0.5% pancreatin, lysozyme (100 mg/L to 300 mg/L) and also shown possessed phytase degradation ability. All the cultures showed antioxidative potential and biofilm formation ability. Culture MS007 showed considerably higher bile salt hydrolase activity among all the isolates, whereas MS005 possessed excellent phytate degradation ability among others. Bacterial strains were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, the order of preference of isolates was calculated using the multidimensional Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) based on probiotic and other functional properties. The most promising attributes showing cultures were recognised as Limosilactobacillus fermentum MS005 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MS007, which could be further used for functional food product development.Graphical