Prebiotic Inulin Research Articles

Effects of pH and sugar supplements on bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance production by Pediococcus pentosaceus.

To improve bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) production by Pediococcus pentosaceus ATCC 43200, the influence of pH as well as the addition of sugars-either prebiotic (inulin) or not (sucrose)-on its metabolism were investigated. This strain was grown at pH 5.0 or 6.0 either in glucose-based MRS medium (control) or after addition of 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5% (w/w) sucrose and inulin (GSI-MRS) in the same percentages. In the control medium at pH 5.0, cell mass concentration after 48h of fermentation (Xmax = 2.26g/L), maximum specific growth rate (µmax = 0.180h-1) and generation time (Tg = 3.84h) were statistically coincident with those obtained in supplemented media. At pH 6.0 some variations occurred in these parameters between the control medium (Xmax = 2.68g/L; µmax = 0.32h-1; Tg = 2.17h) and the above supplemented media (Xmax = 1.90, 2.52 and 1.86g/L; µmax = 0.26, 0.33 and 0.32h-1; Tg = 2.62, 2.06 and 2.11h, respectively). Lactate production was remarkable at both pH values (13 and 16g/L) and improved in all supplemented media, being 34 and 54% higher than in their respective control media, regardless of the concentration of these ingredients. Cell-free supernatant of the fermented control medium at pH 5.0 displayed an antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus 101 5.3% higher than that at pH 6.0 and even 20% higher than those of all supplemented media, regardless of the concentration of supplements. BLIS production was favored either at pH 5.0 or in the absence of any additional supplements, which were able, instead, to stimulate growth and lactate production by P. pentosaceus.

Effect of Prebiotic on Microbiota, Intestinal Permeability, and Glycemic Control in Children With Type 1 Diabetes.

Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have lower microbiota diversity and distinct gut microbial profiles that have been linked to changes in intestinal permeability. Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates that alter gut microbiota and could potentially improve glycemic control and reduce intestinal permeability and thereby insulin sensitivity. To determine the effect of prebiotics on glycemic control, gut microbiota, and intestinal permeability in children with T1D. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in children 8 to 17 years of age with T1D using placebo or prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin for 12 weeks. Baseline, 3-month, and 6-month assessments included HbA1c, C-peptide, gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and severe hypoglycemia. Forty-three subjects were randomized and 38 completed the study. The groups were similar at baseline: prebiotic (N = 17), age 12.5 years (SD of 2.8), HbA1c 8.02% (SD of 0.82); placebo (N = 21), age 12.0 years (SD of 2.6), HbA1c 8.08% (SD of 0.91). No significant differences were found in the frequency of DKA or severe hypoglycemia. At 3-months, C-peptide was significantly higher (P = 0.029) in the group who received prebiotics, which was accompanied by a modest improvement in intestinal permeability (P = 0.076). There was a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium within the prebiotic group at 3 months that was no longer present after the 3-month washout. The placebo group had significantly higher relative abundance of Streptococcus, Roseburia inulinivorans, Terrisporobacter, and Faecalitalea compared with the prebiotic group at 3 months. Prebiotics are a potentially novel, inexpensive, low-risk treatment addition for T1D that may improve glycemic control. Further larger-scale trials are needed.

N-acetyl cysteine, inulin and the two as a combined therapy ameliorate cognitive decline in testosterone-deprived rats.

Our previous studies reported that testosterone-deprived rats developed cognitive decline as a result of increased brain oxidative stress, microglia hyperactivity, and hippocampal dysplasticity. In addition, gut dysbiosis occurred in these rats. Previous studies demonstrated that n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and a prebiotic (inulin) improved cognition in several pathological conditions. However, its effects on cognition in the testosterone-deprived condition have never been investigated. This study hypothesized that the administration of NAC, inulin, and a combined therapy improved cognition in castrated rats. Here we report that metabolic disturbance was not observed in the ORX rats, but gut dysbiosis was found in these rats. ORX rats developed blood-brain-barrier (BBB) breakdown, and increased brain oxidative stress as indicated by increased hippocampal production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in brain malondialdehyde level. ORX rats also demonstrated glia hyperactivation, resulting in hippocampal apoptosis, hippocampal dysplasticity, and cognitive decline. All treatments equally ameliorated cognitive decline by improving gut dysbiosis, alleviating BBB dysfunction, decreasing hippocampal ROS production, decreasing hippocampal apoptosis, and reducing microglia and astrocyte activity. These findings suggest that NAC, inulin, and the combined therapy ameliorated the deleterious effects on the brain in castrated male rats similar to those treated with testosterone.

The Prebiotic Inulin Beneficially Alters the Gut Microbiome and Associated Metabolites in an APOE4 Mouse Model (P08-133-19)

ObjectivesThe APOE4 allele is a genetic risk factor for certain diseases, due in part to alterations in lipid and glucose metabolism. The gut microbiota is also known to impact metabolic and can be beneficially modulated by prebiotics. Prebiotics are fermented into metabolites by the gut microbiota. These metabolites act as gut-brain axis components. However, the interaction of the APOE4 allele, gut microbiota, and prebiotics are unknown. The goal of the study was to use prebiotic diet to restore the gut microbiome of mice with human APOE4 (E4FAD) genes. We hypothesized that the microbial compositions of E4 mice fed inulin, compared to control fed, will correlate to metabolites being produced by the microbiome that confer benefit to host metabolism. MethodsAt 3 months of age the E4FAD mice were fed for 4 months with either control or inulin diet. We used 16S rRNA sequencing to determine gut microbiota diversity and species variations; non-targeted UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS analysis was used to determine metabolic profiles of blood. ResultsThe inulin fed mice showed a more beneficial microbial taxa profile than those mice that were control fed. Control mice showed higher levels of dimethylglycine, choline, creatine and the polyamine spermine. Higher levels of spermine, specifically, correlate to higher levels of the Proteobacteria which has been implicated in GI disorders. E4 inulin fed mice showed higher levels of bile acids, short chain fatty acids and metabolites involved in energy, increased levels of tryptophan metabolites and robust increases in sphingomyelins. Specifically in E4 inulin fed mice we saw increases in certain genera of bacteria, all of which have been implicated in being beneficial to the composition of the microbiome and producing one or more of the above mentioned metabolites. ConclusionsWe believe the disparities of microbial metabolite production between E4 inulin fed mice and E4 control fed mice can be attributed to differences in certain taxa that produce these metabolites, and that higher levels of these taxa are due to the dietary intervention of inulin. Despite the APOE4 allele increasing one’s risk for certain diseases, we believe that beneficially modulating the gut microbiota may be one way to enhance host metabolism and decrease disease risk over time. Funding SourcesNIH/NIDDK T323048107792, NIH/NIA R01AG054459, NIEHS/NIH P42ES007380. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪

Low-Dose Stevia (Rebaudioside A) Consumption Perturbs Gut Microbiota and the Mesolimbic Dopamine Reward System.

Stevia is a natural low-calorie sweetener that is growing in popularity in food and beverage products. Despite its widespread use, little is understood of its impact on the gut microbiota, an important environmental factor that can mediate metabolism and subsequent obesity and disease risk. Furthermore, given previous reports of dysbiosis with some artificial low-calorie sweeteners, we wanted to understand whether prebiotic consumption could rescue potential stevia-mediated changes in gut microbiota. Three-week old male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to consume: (1) Water (CTR); (2) Rebaudioside A (STV); (3) prebiotic (PRE); (4) Rebaudioside A + prebiotic (SP) (n = 8/group) for 9 weeks. Rebaudioside was added to drinking water and prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin added to control diet (10%). Body weight and feces were collected weekly and food and fluid intake biweekly. Oral glucose and insulin tolerance tests, gut permeability tests, dual X-ray absorptiometry, and tissue harvest were performed at age 12 weeks. Rebaudioside A consumption alone did not alter weight gain or glucose tolerance compared to CTR. Rebaudioside A did, however, alter gut microbiota composition and reduce nucleus accumbens tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter mRNA levels compared to CTR. Prebiotic animals, alone or with Rebaudioside A, had reduced fat mass, food intake, and gut permeability and cecal SCFA concentration. Adding Rebaudioside A did not interfere with the benefits of the prebiotic except for a significant reduction in cecal weight. Long-term low-dose Rebaudioside A consumption had little effect on glucose metabolism and weight gain; however, its impact on gut microbial taxa should be further examined in populations exhibiting dysbiosis such as obesity.

Impact of Milk Fortification on the Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Set-Type Skimmed Yoghurt Using Three Commercial Soluble Prebiotics.

The impact of milk fortification on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of a set-type skimmed yoghurt using three commercial soluble prebiotics (inulin, iso-malto-oligosaccharides, and xylo-oligosaccharides) at either 3 or 5 g/kg was assessed. The three prebiotics had an insignificant impact on yoghurt fermentation because all yoghurt samples had similar titratable acidity and similar pH values after their lactic acid fermentation. Regarding the control yoghurt samples without prebiotics usage, the prebiotics-fortified yoghurt samples showed no difference in their main chemical compositions, hardness, syneresis extent, and apparent viscosity (p > 0.05), but had a slightly higher lactic acid content and a viable quantity of starter strains. All yoghurt samples had the same acetic acid content, while propionic and butyric acids were not produced. Yoghurt storage at 4 °C for 21 day gave these yoghurt samples decreased pH values and a viable quantity of starter strains (especially Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) and unchanged acetic acid; however, it increased lactic acid contents. Overall, prebiotics fortification up to 5 g/kg had a completely insignificant impact on the fermentation and quality attributes of yoghurt samples but could possibly improve the health of consumers due to higher dietary fibers and starter strain populations.

Turmeric Extract: Potential Use as a Prebiotic and Anti-Inflammatory Compound?

Prebiotics are regarded as the non-digestible food constituents that are selectively consumed by health-promoting bacteria (probiotics). In fact, a number of active metabolites is released due to intensive interaction between prebiotics and probiotics in the gut which exert local and systemic beneficial effects including regulation of intestinal disorders and modulation of host immunity. Turmeric is one of the most important medicinal herbaceous that is derived from Curcuma longa rhizome. Curcumin is a well-recognized component of turmeric which contributes to the prevention of multiple inflammatory diseases. Despite curcumin as a well-known compound, few researches have focused on the turmeric extract (TE) and its potential as prebiotic and anti-inflammatory compound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prebiotic potential and some functional-structural properties of TE. The Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum of TE showed identical peaks that belonged to β configuration in pyranose and glycosidic bonds. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed the presence of potent phenolic and flavonoid anti-oxidants and curcuminoids, and some functional monosaccharides. TE demonstrated excellent resistance to artificial human gastric and intestine juice compared to the standard prebiotic (inulin) (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, our time course experiment showed that TE not only is digested by probiotics including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis BB12, but also supports the growth of these bacteria even after 72h (p ≤ 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report evaluating prebiotic potential of TE and exploring its suppressive effects on LPS induced IL-8 production in HT29-19A cell line.

Elaboração e caracterização físico-química e sensorial de iogurte prebiótico de tamarindo

Os consumidores vêm se tornando cada vez mais exigentes na busca por alimentos que, além de nutritivos, promovam saúde e bem-estar. Assim, a indústria de laticínios tem buscado desenvolver produtos com essas características, os alimentos funcionais. Diante disso, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho a elaboração e caracterização, físico-química e sensorial, de iogurtes de tamarindo enriquecidos com prebióticos (inulina e fruto-oligossacarídeo). Foram elaboradas três formulações: A (sem adição dos prebióticos), B (acrescido de 3% de inulina) e C (com 3% de frutooligossacarídeo) que, por sua vez, foram submetidas às análises físico-químicas de umidade, cinzas, pH, acidez titulável e lipídeos; e à análise sensorial de aceitação e intenção de compra. A partir dos resultados, pode-se perceber que não houve diferença estatística nos parâmetros avaliados, exceto a umidade, que apresentou uma diferença entre as amostras. Quanto aos resultados da avaliação sensorial, observou-se que, estatisticamente, a adição dos prebióticos não promoveu interferência significativa (p < 0,05) em nenhum dos quesitos sensoriais avaliados, mostrando que todas as amostras foram bem aceitas, com índice de aceitabilidade > 70%. As formulações com adição dos prebióticos obtiveram aceitações semelhantes ao produto padrão, além de apresentar boas expectativas de comercialização. Dessa forma, foi possível perceber a viabilidade da adição de prebióticos em formulações de iogurte saborizado com tamarindo, contribuindo para a diversificação do setor lácteo e de alimentos funcionais.

Production of prebiotic gluten-free bread with red rice flour and different microbial transglutaminase concentrations: modeling, sensory and multivariate data analysis.

The aim of this study was to develop gluten-free bread formulated with red rice flour and microbial transglutaminase and prebiotic (inulin). First, the physicochemical analysis of minerals present in red rice flour was performed. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the effects of microbial transglutaminase (MTgase) [0.5; 1.0 and 1.5%] in combination with fermentation time (FT) [60; 80 and 100min] on the quality parameters of gluten-free bread. Acceptance test was used to evaluate the sensory characteristics of breads together with multivariate analysis of data. The addition of MTgase increased bread volume, hardness and chewiness. However, the cohesiveness and springiness of all breads remained unaffected. The formulation (1.0% MTgase and 80min FT) presented the best sensory attributes through PCA (principal component analysis) and greater acceptance. Overall, red rice flour, prebiotic and MTgase are promisingly useful ingredients for the production of gluten-free quality bread.

The Profile of Urinary Headspace Volatile Organic Compounds After 12-Week Intake of Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin by Children and Adolescents with Celiac Disease on a Gluten-Free Diet: Results of a Pilot, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

The concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can inform about the metabolic condition of the body. In the small intestine of untreated persons with celiac disease (CD), chronic inflammation can occur, leading to nutritional deficiencies, and consequently to functional impairments of the whole body. Metabolomic studies showed differences in the profile of VOCs in biological fluids of patients with CD in comparison to healthy persons; however, there is scarce quantitative and nutritional intervention information. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of a gluten-free diet (GFD) with prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin (Synergy 1) on the concentration of VOCs in the urine of children and adolescents with CD. Twenty-three participants were randomized to the group receiving Synergy 1 (10 g per day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Urinary VOCs were analyzed using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Sixteen compounds were identified and quantified in urine samples. The supplementation of GFD with Synergy 1 resulted in an average concentration drop (36%) of benzaldehyde in urine samples. In summary, Synergy 1, applied as a supplement of GFD for 12 weeks had a moderate impact on the VOC concentrations in the urine of children with CD.

Selected prebiotics and synbiotics administered in ovo can modify innate immunity in chicken broilers

BackgroundA previous study showed that prebiotics and synbiotics administered in ovo into the egg air cell on the 12th day of incubation enhance the growth and development of chickens. However, the influence of this procedure on the development and efficiency of the innate immune system of broiler chickens is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether the early (on the 12th day of embryo development) in ovo administration of selected prebiotics (inulin − Pre1 and Bi2tos − Pre2) and synbiotics (inulin + Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IBB SL1 − Syn1 and Bi2tos + L. lactis subsp. cremoris IBB SC1 − Syn2) influences the innate immune system.ResultsChickens (broiler, Ross 308) that were treated with Pre1 exhibited a decreased H/L ratio on D7, but an increased H/L ratio was observed on D21 and D35. In the remaining experimental groups, an increase in the H/L ratio was observed on D21 and D35. The oxidative potential of leukocytes measured using the NBT test increased on D21 in Pre2 and Syn1 groups. The rate of the phagocytic ability of leukocytes increased in Pre1 and Syn1 groups on D21. The phagocytic index decreased in Pre1 and Syn2 groups on D21 and D35. Concurrently, the count of WBC in circulating blood decreased on D21 in Pre1, Pre2, and Syn1 groups. The hematocrit value was increased in Syn1 chickens on D21, in Pre1 chickens on D35, and in Syn2 chickens on both time points.ConclusionsEarly in ovo treatment of chicken embryos with prebiotics and synbiotics may temporarily modulate not only the production/maturation of leukocytes but also their reactivity.

Daily oligofructose-enriched inulin intake impacts bone turnover markers but not the cytokine profile in pediatric patients with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet: Results of a randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Bone metabolism disturbances are commonly observed in patients with newly diagnosed celiac disease (CD). The only available treatment for CD-the intake of a gluten-free diet (GFD)-has been found to be insufficient in effectively improving bone health in some patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to modify the GFD so as to allow for the provision of all the necessary nutrients and improved absorption. Prebiotics intake reportedly improves the absorption of bone-related vitamin D and calcium as well as bone metabolism. The effect of prebiotic intake on bone health in CD patients has not been studied yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oligofructose-enriched inulin intake on bone metabolism and immune response in children with CD on a GFD. A total of 34 children with CD were randomised into two groups receiving 10 g of oligofructose-enriched inulin (Synergy 1) or a placebo (maltodextrin) for three months, together with a strict GFD. The children's bone metabolism marker levels and cytokine profiles were analysed before and after the intervention. After supplementation, the concentration of osteocalcin increased significantly in children receiving Synergy 1, while the concentration of bone alkaline phosphatase increased in both groups, independent of supplementation. After the intervention, the level of pyridinoline increased significantly in the placebo group, resulting in a concentration that was two times higher than that in the Synergy 1 group, in which it remained stable. Moreover, the plasma concentrations of N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen decreased in both the groups, whereas the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b level increased particularly in the Synergy 1 group. The intervention did not lead to immunological response changes. The proposed supplementation beneficially altered bone metabolism, through increased bone formation rates and decreased bone resorption process rates. Supplementation of GFD with prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin may be a promising auxiliary therapy for bone metabolism improvements in children with CD.

Effect of high-intensity ultrasound on the nutritional profile and volatile compounds of a prebiotic soursop whey beverage

This study evaluated the nutritional profile and volatile compounds present in a novel prebiotic (inulin) soursop whey beverage, due to the effects of high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS). The prebiotic soursop whey beverage was produced and processed by non-thermal high-intensity ultrasound varying the power (0, 200, 400 and 600 W) and by high-temperature short time (72 °C for 15 s) thermal treatment. Total acidity, pH, ascorbic acid content, total phenolics compounds content, antioxidant activity, hypertensive activity, fatty acid profile, volatile organic compounds, macro and micro minerals, as well as the heavy metals in these products, were analyzed. Overall, the HIUS technology induced some positive changes in the nutritional profile of the soursop whey beverage including beneficial effects, e.g., increase of phenolic content, improvement of the antioxidant and anti-hypertensive activity and reduction of undesired minerals. Although some negative changes, such as degradation of the ascorbic acid, decrease of some minerals and production of certain volatile compounds were found, the beneficial effects were prominent, thus, opening new opportunities to develop healthy functional beverages.

The results of multicenter study of efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, conducted according to the recommendations of Maastricht V Consensus Report

Objective — to study efficacy and safety of two weeks quadruple therapy with high doses of pantoprazole, bismuth subcitrate, clarithromycin, amoxicillin with concomitant adjuvant symbiotic therapy (Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, prebiotic inulin) in the eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori.Materials and methods. In five centers, thirty patients aged 18 — 65 years with Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases (functional dyspepsia, chronic antral gastritis and peptic duodenal ulcers) were diagnosed and treated. The Helicobacter pylori status was confirmed by rapid urease test, 13С-Urea breath test, enzyme immunoassay with detection of IgG antibodies for Helicobacter pylori. Efficacy of eradication evaluated after four weeks of treatment’s termination with 13С-Urea breath test of Stool Antigen Helicobacter pylori test.Results. Twenty-nine patients completed the treatment protocol in full. H.pylori infection eradication was confirmed in 96.5 % of patients, compliant with the protocol. The mild transitory side effects of therapy were reported in 11 patients (36.6 %), mostly often diarrhea, nausea and black coloring of the feces. Four patients (13 %) reported about appearance of two side effects. The treatment was preliminary terminated in one case because of side effect due to severe nausea on the tenth day of treatment.Conclusions. The studied regimen of quadruple eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection with high doses of pantoprazole, bismuth subcitrate, clarithromycin and amoxicillin with adjuvant treatment by symbiotic Opephera provided eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in 96.5 % of patients.

Impact of prebiotics on the rheological characteristics and volatile compounds of Greek yogurt

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of prebiotics (xylooligosaccharide, galactooligosaccharide, polydextrose, fructooligosaccharide, or inulin) on the quality parameters of Greek yogurt. Composition, rheological parameters, and the volatile compounds profile were evaluated. The effect of prebiotic addition was dependent on the type of the component used. The addition of galactooligosaccharide, polydextrose, and inulin resulted in more consistent (increase in k and decrease in n), elastic (increase in G′), viscous (decrease in tan δ) and firm products (increase in G * and z). In addition, the volatile compounds profile was diverse, with the appearance of isobutyric acid, 5-hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-4-octanone, 2 (5H) -furanone and/or 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone, which contributes to the sweet aroma, sweet taste, and buttery flavor of the products. The addition of fructooligosaccharides had a negative impact on the rheological parameters, resulting in less consistent, elastic, viscous, and firm products. The addition of xylooligosaccharide resulted in products with intermediate characteristics. Therefore, galactooligosaccharide, polydextrose, and inulin proved to be technological and interesting alternatives for the manufacture of prebiotic Greek yogurts.

Prebiotic protects against anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles-induced microbiota-mediated colonic barrier defects

Ingestion of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) can affect gut microbiota composition, and gut bacteria influences colonic epithelial function. The colonic mucus layer is a physical barrier that separates trillions of gut bacteria from the host intestinal epithelial cells. However, the interaction between titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs, gut microbiota, and intestinal barrier function is less clear. Here we show that short-term ingestion of TiO2 NPs (1 mg/kg/day for 7 days) led to increased Ti burden in male adult murine blood and intestine tissue, as well as colonic epithelial injury, suppressed expression levels of tight junction proteins, and reduced thickness of the luminal mucus layer. Accordingly, male adult mice fed TiO2 NPs had an altered gut microbiota composition, in which the richness of Bifidobacterium was significantly reduced, compared with controls. Mucus layer deterioration can be induced by transplanting microbiota from TiO2 NPs-exposed mice. Prebiotic inulin supplementation prevented TiO2 NPs-induced colonic barrier dysfunction. We hypothesize that the presence of distinct bacteria is crucial for maintaining the mucus layer and prebiotic supplementation can protect against engineered NPs-induced epithelial injury. Our finding may help to better understand the safety of NPs through ingestion.

Effects of Carbohydrates, Prebiotics and Salts on Survival of Saccharomyces boulardii During Freeze-Drying

Abstract Saccharomyces boulardii, as a probiotic yeast, had been commonly used in food, medicine and feed to treat diarrhea in humans or livestock. However, there are few researches focusing on the preparation of its freeze-drying S.boulardii powder. In this study, the effect of carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose, maltose, fructose, lactose, mannose and trehalose), prebiotics (isomalto-oligosaccharide, xylo-oligosaccharide, raffinose, stachyose, inulin, galacto-oligosaccharide and fructo-oligosaccharide) and salts (NaHCO3, MgSO4, sodium glutamate, sodium ascorbate, and phosphate buffer) on the freeze-dried survival of S. boulardii were investigated to screen the cryoprotectant by using single factor experiments. As the result, trehalose and XOS had better protective effect, the survival rate was 23.72% and 20.70% respectively, the number of viable cells reached 0.91×1010 CFU/g and 0.85×1010 CFU/g respectively; the addition amount of NaHCO3 was 0.3%, the freeze-dried survival rate reached the maximum value of 12.92%. The phosphate buffer additive amount and the bacterial sludge weight were 0.8:1, the freeze-dried survival rate reached a maximum of 14.14%, the freeze-dried survival rate of sodium glutamate, sodium ascorbate and MgSO4 groups was increasing, reaching a maximum of 20.26%, 16.47% and 6.29% when the addition amount was 2%, 10%, 0.5%.

Beneficial Effect of Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin on Vitamin D and E Status in Children with Celiac Disease on a Long-Term Gluten-Free Diet: A Preliminary Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Nutritional Intervention Study

Prebiotics have been shown to improve absorption of some nutrients, including vitamins. This pilot study evaluated the effect of the prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin (Synergy 1) on fat-soluble vitamins status, parathormone, and calcium-related elements in pediatric celiac disease (CD) patients (n = 34) on a strict gluten-free diet (GFD). Participants were randomized into a group receiving 10 g of Synergy 1 or placebo (maltodextrin) together with a GFD. At baseline and after 3 months of intervention, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathormone, vitamin E and A, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, total protein, and albumin were determined. Concentration of 25(OH)D increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 42% in CD patients receiving Synergy 1 in GFD, whereas no change was observed in placebo. Vitamin D status reached an optimal level in 46% of patients receiving Synergy 1. No significant difference in parathormone, calcium, and phosphate levels was observed. Concentration of vitamin E increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 19% in patients receiving Synergy 1, but not in the placebo. Vitamin A levels were not changed. Supplementation of GFD with Synergy 1 improved vitamin D and vitamin E status in children and adolescents with CD and could be considered a novel complementary method of management of fat-soluble vitamins deficiency in pediatric CD patients.

Environmental pollutant-mediated disruption of gut microbial metabolism of the prebiotic inulin

Exposure to environmental pollutants is associated with a greater risk for metabolic diseases including cardiovascular disease. Pollutant exposure can also alter gut microbial populations that may contribute to metabolic effects and progression of inflammatory diseases. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced from gut fermentation of dietary carbohydrates, such as inulin, exert numerous effects on host energy metabolism and are linked to a reduced risk of diseases. The hypothesis was that exposure to dioxin-like pollutants modulate gut microbial viability and/or fermentation processes. An inulin-utilizing isolate was collected from murine feces, characterized and used in subsequent experiments. Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl, PCB 126 impeded bacterial viability of the isolate at concentrations of 20 and 200 μM. PCB 126 exposure also resulted in a significant loss of intracellular potassium following exposure, indicating cell membrane disruption of the isolate. Furthermore, total fecal microbe samples from mice were harvested, resuspended and incubated for 24 h in anaerobic media containing inulin with or without PCB 126. HPLC analysis of supernatants revealed that PCB 126 exposure reduced succinic acid production, but increased propionate production, both of which can influence host glucose and lipid metabolism. Overall, the presented evidence supports the idea that pollutant exposure may contribute to alterations in host metabolism through gut microbiota-dependent mechanisms, specifically through bacterial fermentation processes or membrane disruption.

The prebiotic inulin modulates gut microbiota but does not ameliorate atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice

Gut microbiota have been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Since the prebiotic inulin is thought to beneficially affect gut microbiota, we aimed to determine the effect of inulin supplementation on atherosclerosis development in APOE*3-Leiden.CETP (E3L.CETP) mice. Female E3L.CETP mice were fed a western-type diet containing 0.1% or 0.5% cholesterol with or without 10% inulin. The effects of inulin were determined on: microbiota composition, cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, plasma lipid levels, atherosclerosis development, hepatic morphology and hepatic inflammation. Inulin with 0.5% dietary cholesterol increased specific bacterial genera and elevated levels of cecal SCFAs, but did not affect plasma cholesterol levels or atherosclerosis development. Surprisingly, inulin resulted in mild hepatic inflammation as shown by increased expression of inflammation markers. However, these effects were not accompanied by increased hepatic macrophage number. Analogously, inulin induced mild steatosis and increased hepatocyte size, but did not affect hepatic triglyceride content. Inulin with 0.1% dietary cholesterol did not affect hepatic morphology, nor hepatic expression of inflammation markers. Overall, inulin did not reduce hypercholesterolemia or atherosclerosis development in E3L.CETP mice despite showing clear prebiotic activity, but resulted in manifestations of hepatic inflammation when combined with a high percentage of dietary cholesterol.