Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus Plantarum Research Articles

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of prenylated flavanones from Macaranga tanarius

BackgroundThe emergence of antibiotic resistant microorganisms presents a worldwide problem that requires novel antibiotic and non-antibiotic strategies, and biofilm formation is a mechanism of drug resistance utilized by diverse microorganisms. The majority of microorganisms live in biofilms that help their survival against starvation, antimicrobial agents, and immunological defense systems. Therefore, it is important novel compounds be identified that inhibit biofilm formation and cell survival without drug resistance. Study designIn this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of five prenylated flavanones (Okinawan propolins) isolated from fruits of Macaranga tanarius (L.) were investigated against 14 microorganisms including 10 pathogens. ResultsOf these five propolins, propolin D at 5–10 µg/ml significantly inhibited biofilm formation by three Staphylococcus aureus strains, a Staphylococcus epidermidis strain, and a Candida albicans with MICs from 10 to 50 µg/ml, and in C. albicans, propolin D was found to inhibit biofilm formation by reducing cell aggregation and downregulated the expressions of hypha/biofilm-related genes including ECE1 and HWP1. Interestingly, at sub-MIC concentrations (10–50 µg/ml), propolin D significantly inhibited biofilm formation by enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7, uropathogenic E. coli O6:H1, and Acinetobacter baumannii without affecting planktonic cell growth, but did not inhibit biofilm formation by a commensal E. coli K-12 strain, three probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strains, or two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. And, propolin D reduced fimbriae production by E. coli O157:H7 and repressed gene expression of curli fimbriae genes (csgA and csgB). Also, propolin D was minimally toxic in a Caenorhabditis elegans nematode model. ConclusionThese findings show that prenylated flavanones, especially propolin D from Macaranga tanarius (Okinawan propolis), should be considered potential candidates for the development of non-toxic antibacterial and antifungal agents against persistent microorganisms.

Combinatorial effect of probiotics and some medicinal oils on pathogenic bacteria

Probiotics (PB) and medicinal oils (MO) have beneficial effects against microbial gut infections. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro combined antibacterial activities of PB and MO against pathogenic strains. Antibacterial activities of three probiotic strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and five MO (Bitter almond, Clove, Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Thyme oils) were investigated using agar well diffusion method. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) from PB combined with MO showed antagonistic effects against most of the tested pathogenic strains. Thyme and clove oils showed the highest activity. The combinations of CFS from PB and MO were tested by agar well diffusion method. These combinations showed synergistic activity against the S. aureus especially combinations containing clove, peppermint and thyme oils. Combinations were investigated also by Checkerboard dilution method. Most of CSF significantly lowered the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MO against the tested bacteria and fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs) for these combinations ranged from 0.12 to 0.75. Most of the tested CFS-MO combinations showed marked synergistic activity against S. aureus, E.coli and K. pneumoniae. In a conclusion, in vitro antibacterial study for CFS-MO combinations in our ongoing work suggests the possibility of using these combinations in clinical urinary and gastrointestinal tract infections.

Stability of microencapsulated lactic acid bacteria under acidic and bile juice conditions

SummaryThe probiotic strains Lactobacillus brevis CCMA1284 and Lactobacillus plantarum CCMA0359 were microencapsulated by spray drying using different matrices – whey powder (W), whey powder with inulin (WI) and whey powder with maltodextrin (WM). Viability of the microencapsulated strains in acid and bile juices and during 90 days of storage (seven and 25 °C) was evaluated. The two strains exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (> 86%) by spray drying. The different matrices maintained L. plantarum viability above six log CFU g−1 at 7 °C for 90 days, whereas similar results for L. brevis were observed only for W. The use of inulin as matrix of encapsulation did not enhance bacterial viability in the evaluated conditions. In general, the use of W and WM as matrices was effective for L. plantarum viability. However, only W was effective for L. brevis in the evaluated conditions. The spray drying technique was successfully adopted for the encapsulation of L. plantarum CCMA0359 and L. brevis CCMA1284 strains.

Molecular Switch Controlling Expression of the Mannose-Specific Adhesin, Msa, in Lactobacillus plantarum.

Some lactic acid bacteria, especially Lactobacillus spp., possess adhesive properties enabling colonization of the human gastrointestinal tract. Two probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strains, WCSF1 and 299v, display highly different mannose-specific adhesion, with L. plantarum 299v being superior to L. plantarum WCFS1 based on a yeast agglutination assay. A straightforward correlation between the mannose adhesion capacity and domain composition of the mannose-specific adhesin (Msa) in the two strains has not been demonstrated previously. In this study, we analyzed the promoter regions upstream of the msa gene encoding a mannose-specific adhesin in these two strains. The promoter region was mapped by primer extension and DNA sequence analysis, and only a single nucleotide change was identified between the two strains. However, Northern blot analysis showed a stronger msa transcript band in 299v than in WCFS1 correlating with the different adhesion capacities. During the establishment of a high-throughput yeast agglutination assay, we isolated variants of WCFS1 that displayed a very strong mannose-specific adhesion phenotype. The region upstream of the msa gene in these variants showed an inversion of a 104-bp fragment located between two perfectly inverted repeats present in the untranslated leader region. The inversion disrupts a strong hairpin structure that otherwise most likely would terminate the msa transcript. In addition, the ribosome binding site upstream of the msa gene, which is also masked within this hairpin structure, becomes accessible upon inversion, thereby increasing the frequency of translation initiation in the variant strains. Furthermore, Northern blot analysis showed a higher abundance of the msa transcript in the variants than in the wild type, correlating with a strong-Msa phenotype.IMPORTANCE Probiotic strains possess adhesive properties enabling colonization of the human intestinal tract through interactions between molecules present on the probiotic bacteria and components of the epithelial surface. In Lactobacillus plantarum, interaction is mediated through bacterial surface proteins like Msa, which binds to mannose residues present on the intestinal cells. Such interactions are believed to be important for the health-promoting effects of probiotics, including displacement of pathogens, immunomodulation, and protective effects on the intestinal barrier function. In this study, we have identified a new molecular switch controlling expression of the msa gene in L. plantarum strain WCFS1. Strains with increased msa expression could be valuable in the development and manufacture of improved probiotic products.

Pectin-decorated magnetite nanoparticles as both iron delivery systems and protective matrices for probiotic bacteria

The goal of this work was to investigate biophysical stability of iron-pectin nanoparticles and analyze the feasibility of using them as delivery systems for the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum CIDCA 83114. Iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized from 0.25M FeCl2/0.5 M FeCl3.6H2O, and coated with citrus pectins. Their physico-chemical properties [FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ζ-potential, particle size, SEM, TEM] and their effect on bacterial stabilization (viability after freeze-drying/storage, stability when exposed to simulated gastro-intestinal conditions) were assessed.XRD indicated the almost exclusive presence of magnetite crystalline phases. FTIR spectra confirmed the adsorption of pectin on magnetite nanoparticles surface. SEM and TEM images evidenced agglomerated nanoparticles, and a morphological surface change after adsorption of pectin. DLS and ζ-potential results proved the solvation of the ionizable groups in the hydrophilic network which induced chain expansion and agglomeration.Iron from nanoparticles demonstrated to be non-toxic for microorganisms up to 1.00 mg/mL. Simulated saliva and gastric solutions prevented nanoparticles from dissolution. The higher pH of the intestinal conditions (solvated -COO- and Fe-O- groups) facilitated the dispersion and partial dissolution of nanoparticles. Pectins adsorption on magnetite nanoparticles significantly enhanced electrostatic repulsion, which aided the solvation of ionized iron forms. The soluble species diffused out from the aggregates, being detected in the simulated intestinal fluid. Regarding bacterial viability, no decays were observed neither when pectin-decorated nanoparticles were exposed to simulated fluids nor when stored at 4 °C for 60 days.The composites engineered in this work appear as adequate delivery systems for probiotic bacteria, whose target is the gut.

Incorporation of probiotic strain in raw minced beef meat: Study of textural modification, lipid and protein oxidation and color parameters during refrigerated storage

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum TN8 on the quality and safety of raw minced beef after 10 days of refrigerated storage. The obtained results showed that the incorporation of the probiotic strain can inhibit the proliferation of spoilage microorganisms, such Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., delay the lipid oxidation, improve texture parameters, and extend the shelf life of these products during storage. We also examined the correlations between protein and lipid oxidation, texture profile and color parameters of raw minced beef meat inoculated with L. plantarum TN8. The incorporation of strain at 108 CFU/g resulted in better quality inclusive color, lipid oxidative stability, and texture parameters notably cohesiveness, adhesiveness, hardness and chewiness. Overall, the findings demonstrated that TN8 can be used as a biopreservative agent for extending the safety and quality of refrigerated raw minced beef meat.

Reinforcement of the Antioxidative Properties of Chickpea Beverages Through Fermentation Carried Out by Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v

Reinforcement of the Antioxidative Properties of Chickpea Beverages Through Fermentation Carried Out by Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v

Fermentation parameters, antioxidant capacities, and volatile flavor compounds of tomato juice-skim milk mixtures fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum ST-III.

This study evaluated the influence of tomato juice enriched with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum ST-III on the flavor and health-promoting effects of fermented skim milk. Fermentation parameters, such as titratable acidity, viable cell counts, antioxidant activity, and volatile components, were examined. The viable bacterial cell counts of 40% tomato juice samples were significantly higher than those in the control group, peaking at 1.09 × 109CFU/mL after 48h, and the titratable acidity was increased by 2.76-fold versus the control value. The antioxidant ability of fermented milk was correlated with the tomato juice content in addition to fermentation time in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays; for these methods, the scavenging activities of 40% samples were 1.18- and 1.28-fold higher than the control values, respectively, at 24h. Moreover, abundant flavor components, especially aldehydes, were detected after the addition of L. plantarum ST-III-supplemented tomato juice.

Hypocholesterolaemic action of Lactobacillus plantarum VJC38 in rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet

This study was conducted to evaluate hypocholesterolaemic activity of probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum VJC38 and VJI21 in Wistar albino rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet. The experimental animals were divided into five groups (n = 6) viz., normal diet control group (NDC), hypercholesterolaemic diet (HD) control group (HDC), HD supplemented with 3 × 108 CFU/ml of L. plantarum VJC38 group (HD-C38), HD supplemented with 3 × 108 CFU/ml of L. plantarum VJI21 group (HD-I21), and HD supplemented with 3 × 108 CFU/ml of L. rhamnosus GG group (HD-GG) as positive control. Animals were administered bacterial culture by oral gavage once daily for 45 days. After trial, animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Serum total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, glucose, glutamyl pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and glutamyl oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) levels were determined. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were estimated using the Friedewald’s equation. Liver and fecal lipid contents and fecal cholic acids were measured. Serum T-CHO levels were significantly decreased by 15.6 and 17.4% in the HD-GG and HD-C38 groups, respectively, but not in the HD-I21 group compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). HD-GG and HD-C38 groups showed 26.3 and 27.2% reduction in serum LDL cholesterol, respectively when compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). Serum LDL cholesterol levels in HD-I21 group were not significantly different from HDC group. Serum TG levels in the HD-GG and HD-C38 were decreased by 14.2 and 22.8%, respectively compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). Liver T-CHO and TG levels in the HD-GG, HD-C38, and HD-I21 were reduced significantly compared with the HDC group (P < 0.05). Atherogenic coefficient values of HD-GG, HD-C38, and HD-21 were significantly decreased compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). Serum GPT levels in the HD-GG, HD-C38, and HD-I21 were decreased by 20.6, 10.9, and 20.6%, respectively, vs. the HDC group. Serum GOT levels were not significantly different among the groups. Serum glucose levels were significantly low in HD-GG, HD-C38, and HD-I21 compared with HDC group (P < 0.05). Fecal cholesterol and cholic acid levels were significantly higher in the HD-C38 and HD-GG groups than other groups (P < 0.05). This study suggests that L. plantarum VJC38 exhibits hypocholesterolaemic effect through hydrolysis of conjugated bile acids in the small intestine and excretion of cholesterol in feces. Lactobacillus plantarum VJC38 could be used as a potential cholesterol-lowering probiotic after validation of the hypocholesterolaemic activity in placebo-controlled human clinical trials.

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) juice fermented with autochthonous Lactobacillus plantarum S-811.

The present study aimed at investigating the lactic fermentation of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit juice with the autochthonous and potentially probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum S-811. L. plantarum S-811 was able to quickly acidify the juice with a decrease in the pH from 5.5 to 3.7 and a production of 5.06 g l-1 of lactic acid. Fermentation of cactus pear juice led to conservation of its health-promoting properties and it markedly promoted antioxidant mechanisms in yeast cells, showing in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model a protective effect of up to 11 times against H2O2 (4 mM), compared to yeasts not supplemented with the fermented juice. Administration of fermented juice to obese mice caused a significant decrease in the body weight gain and ameliorated the insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipemia that characterize obesity. These results reveal the potential of the cactus pear juice fermented with L. plantarum S-811 as a functional beverage for the prevention of obesity and related pathologies.

Potential of the Probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum ATCC 14917 Strain to Produce Functional Fermented Pomegranate Juice.

In this research survey the application of probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 in pomegranate juice fermentation is sought. Pomegranate juice was fermented for 24 h and then it was stored 4 for 4 weeks. Cell viability retained in high levels after the 24 h of fermentation and storage for 4 weeks (above 8.8 log cfu/mL), while fermented pomegranate juice was scored better at the 4th week of storage compared to non-fermented pomegranate juice. The probiotic strain was effective regarding lactic acid fermentation as was proved through sugar and organic acids analysis. Concentration of ethanol was maintained at low levels (0.3–1% v/v). Fermented pomegranate juice contained more and in higher percentages desirable volatile compounds (alcohols, ketones and esters) even at the 4th week of cold storage compared to non-fermented juice. Antioxidant activity (150.63 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 mL at the 2nd week) and total phenolic content (206.46 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 mL at the 2nd week) were recorded in higher levels for all the storage time compared to non-fermented juice.

Enhancement in Iron Absorption on Intake of Chemometrically Optimized Ratio of Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v with Iron Supplement Pearl Millet.

This research article aims to establish the intake ratio of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v with iron supplement pearl millet by central composite design of response surface methodology so as to enhance iron absorption. In anemic rat models, the food intake pattern, body weight, hemoglobin content, and hematocrit values were found to be significantly increased on treatment with pearl millet:probiotic; however, incorporation of probiotics at lower dose (0.5g) was significantly (p < 0.05) effective in enhancing iron absorption, and further increment in probiotic doses (1.0g) did not produce significant increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit values as evidenced by the experimental findings.

Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Promotes Intestinal Barrier Function by Strengthening the Epithelium and Modulating Gut Microbiota.

Weaning disturbs the intestinal barrier function and increases the risk of infection in piglets. Probiotics exert beneficial health effects, mainly by reinforcing the intestinal epithelium and modulating the gut microbiota. However, the mechanisms of action, and especially, the specific regulatory effects of modulated microbiota by probiotics on the intestinal epithelium have not yet been elucidated. The present study aimed to decipher the protective effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strain ZLP001 on the intestinal epithelium and microbiota as well as the effects of modulated microbiota on epithelial function. Paracellular permeability was measured with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD-4). Gene and protein expression levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins, proinflammatory cytokines, and host defense peptides were determined by RT-qPCR, ELISA, and western blot analysis. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were measured by ion chromatography. Fecal microbiota composition was assessed by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that pretreatment with 108 colony forming units (CFU) mL−1 of L. plantarum ZLP001 significantly counteracted the increase in gut permeability to FD-4 induced by 106 CFU mL−1 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). In addition, L. plantarum ZLP001 pretreatment alleviated the reduction in TJ proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1) and downregulated proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, and TNFα expression and secretion caused by ETEC. L. plantarum ZLP001 also significantly increased the expression of the host defense peptides pBD2 and PG1-5 and pBD2 secretion relative to the control. Furthermore, L. plantarum ZLP001 treatment affected piglet fecal microbiota. The abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria Anaerotruncus and Faecalibacterium was significantly increased in L. plantarum ZLP001-treated piglets, and showed a positive correlation with fecal butyric and acetic acid concentrations. In addition, the cell density of Clostridium sensu stricto 1, which may cause epithelial inflammation, was decreased after L. plantarum ZLP001 administration, while the beneficial Lactobacillus was significantly increased. Our findings suggest that L. plantarum ZLP001 fortifies the intestinal barrier by strengthening epithelial defense functions and modulating gut microbiota.

ESTUDIO SOBRE LAS CARACTERISTICAS FISICOQUÍMICAS DE Lactobacillus plantarum 299V EN CINÉTICAS DE AGREGACION EN INANICIÓN Y A DIFERENTES PH

Bacterial aggregation and adhesion are ruled by specific and nonspecific adhesion mechanisms. In the case of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) the biochemistry of adhesion has been previously studied and s-layer proteins have been identified. However, physic-chemical mechanisms which ruled the aggregation and adhesion phenomena able to change through the time under different pH conditions have not been completely elucidated. The non-specific adhesion mechanisms (hydrophobicity, zeta potential and morphology) of Lp299v auto-aggregates over time (24 h) at different pH levels (from 5.0 to 9.0) on starvation were described. Auto-aggregation resulted in greater dependency on time. The Lp299v cell surface showed a higher level of affinity with chloroform than n-hexadecane, while the zeta potential was a negative charge in all cases. Size and shape parameters were found to be dependent on time and pH. A strong Pearson correlation (0.991) was observed between circularity and auto-aggregation. In conclusion, Lp299v’s nonspecific adhesion mechanism was found to be more related to time than pH levels, indicating that Van der Waals and hydrophobic forces and shape parameters have the potential to dominate the autoaggregation of Lp299v. However, the predictive model presented shows that lower pH may promote auto-aggregation and thus facilitate the colonization at the upper level of the digestive system.

Susceptibility to antibiotics in isolates of Lactobacillus plantarum RAPD-type Lp299v, harvested from antibiotic treated, critically ill patients after administration of probiotics.

Recultured Lactobacillus plantarum 299v‐like strains were tested regarding antibiotic susceptibility, and no decrease was detected. Antibiotics are frequently used to treat patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and are associated with a significant risk of selection of resistant bacterial strains. In particular, it is possible that genetic transfer of antibiotic resistance to the resident gastrointestinal flora, as well as to administered probiotics, may be increased in the ICU setting. The aim of the present investigation was to detect possible changes in antimicrobial susceptibility in reisolates of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) given to antibiotic treated, critically ill patients. Lp299v‐like strains were identified in cultures of biopsies and fecal samples from 32 patients given the probiotic strain enterally in two previous ICU studies. The patients received a variety of antibiotics. Isolates with the same genomic RAPD profile (RAPD‐type) as Lp299v were obtained to enable monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility by E‐tests. Forty‐two isolates, collected throughout the course of illness, were tested against 22 different antibiotics. No obvious decrease in susceptibility was found for 21 of the tested antibiotics. There was a tendency toward decreased susceptibility to ampicillin. The stable antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the Lp299v‐like isolates studied here suggests this probiotic is less likely to acquire resistance when administered to critically ill patients treated with broad‐spectrum antibiotics.

Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Organoleptic Characterization of a Skimmed Goat Milk Fermented with the Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus plantarum C4.

The benefits of goat milk, fermented milks, and probiotics for the humans are well documented. In this study, a novel fermented goat milk was manufactured with the putative probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum C4 together with L. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Ultrafiltration was chosen as the skimmed milk concentration method because it produced the best viscosity and syneresis and a high casein content. The viability rate of all bacterial strains was >107 cfu/mL, even after 5 weeks of storage or after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, which is especially important for exertion of the probiotic strain functionalities. This fermented milk is also a good source of nutrients, having a low lactose and fat content, high protein proportion, and good mineral concentration. According to these data and the overall acceptability described by panelists, this fermented milk is a healthy dairy product comparable with commercially available fermented milks.

Xylooligosaccharides production by fungi cultivations in rice husk and their application as substrate for lactic acid bacteria growth

We describe a three-steps bioprocess to convert rice husk as source of xylooligosaccharides and then used these prebiotics to grow lactic acid bacteria as a model to produce probiotics from vegetal sources. First, Aspergillus brasiliensis BLf and the recombinant Aspergillus nidulans XynC A773 strains were solid-state cultivated in rice husk to produce xylanases (234.7 ± 0.01 U·g−1 and 192 ± 0.03 U·g−1 substrate, respectively). These enzymatic preparations were directly applied to rice husk to hydrolyze its hemicellulosic structure and obtain xylooligosaccharides (37.25 mg XOS·g−1 substrate and 75.92 mg XOS·g−1 substrate, respectively). Prebiotic effect of XOS was tested by cultivating probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum BL011 and Bifidobacterium lactis B-12, which grew in this substrate. The results in this work showed that it is possible to produce xylooligosaccharides and then proceed to use these prebiotic sugars to grow probiotic bacteria using the same agro-residue, being possible their use in food related applications.

Development of surfactant-coated alginate capsules containing Lactobacillus plantarum

A novel concept is proposed in which alginate capsules containing a model probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strain are coated with different surfactants with the aim to enhance cell survival during passage initially through simulated gastric (SGF) and then intestinal (SIF) fluid. The surfactants investigated included the anionic sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and ammonium lauryl sulphate (ALS), the cationic dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride (DDAC), benzalkonium chloride (BZK) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and the zwitterionic lecithin. Coating the alginate capsules with CTAB, BZK, ALS and SDS resulted in worst survival (∼4–9 log CFU/g decrease) compared to uncoated capsules (∼3 log CFU/g decrease), after 1 h exposure to SGF and two hours in SIF, which was most likely associated with their gradual penetration inside the microcapsules, as shown by confocal microscopy, and their antimicrobial effects. Coating the alginate capsules with DDAC improved cell survival compared to uncoated capsules (∼1.2 CFU/g decrease), whereas coating with lecithin improved cell survival considerably, resulting in almost complete recovery of viable cells in SGF and SIF (∼0.3 log CFU/g decrease). Although the interaction between alginate and lecithin was relatively weak as demonstrated by turbidity and contact angle measurements, it is likely that the protection was associated with the fact that lecithin was able to penetrate into the capsule rapidly, an observation that was supported by the fact that lecithin enhanced the viability of free cells in SGF and SIF. Lecithin has significant potential of being used as a coating material for probiotic containing capsules.

Anti-inflammatory potential of Lactobacillus plantarum LS/07 in acute colitis in rats

Abstract To evaluate the efficiency of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum LS/07 in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) induced acute colitis selected biochemical (activity of β-glucuronidase), microbiological (counts of lactobacilli and coliforms), and immunological (IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, NF-κB, MPO) parameters were assessed. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups: Control, Acute colitis, and Probiotic. Acute colitis was induced using 5% DSS in drinking water for 7d. DSS induced an inflammatory process in the colonic tissue, increased the activity of β-glucuronidase (p&lt;0.001), increased the counts of coliform bacteria and decreased lactobacilli counts (p&lt;0.05), and activated the production of the measured parameters (NF-κB, MPO, IL-6, IL-8) except of IL-13. Lactobacillus plantarum LS/07 in the diet alleviated the DSS induced inflammatory process by inhibiting the production of IL-6, IL-8, the activities of NF-κB and MPO, and stimulated the production of IL-13. The probiotic reduced the activity of β-glucuronidase (p&lt;0.05), increased lactobacilli counts and decreased coliform bacteria. These results indicate that dietary intake of Lactobacillus plantarum LS/07 suppressed the expression of markers playing an important role in the inflammatory process. We conclude that the anti-inflammatory properties of Lactobacillus plantarum LS/07 makes its suitable for the prevention or treatment of colitis.

New evidence on oral L. plantarum P17630 product in women with history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC): a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

To evaluate activity and tolerability of an oral product containing the specific probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum P17630 on vaginal colonization of lactic acid bacteria. L. plantarum P17630 (5x109 CFU/capsule) or placebo were formulated in capsules and administrated orally to a total of 93 women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis over a period of 3 treatment cycles (15 days/cycle) separated by 15-day wash-out intervals. Vulvovaginal examinations and vaginal mycological culture, including Nugent score and Lactobacillary grade (LBG), were assessed at baseline, at day 45 and at day 90 (end of the study). Probiotic intake significantly improved lactobacilli colonization on vaginal epithelial cells. The results demonstrated a significant difference in LBG score when comparing day 0 to day 45 (p=0.000016) and to day 90 (p=0.001415) in women treated with L. plantarum P17630. No evidence of improvement in LBG score was recorded in women who received placebo (p<0.005). The increased lactobacilli adhesion was associated with the improvement of clinical signs such as redness, swelling, and discharge. This study demonstrates that the administration of oral probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum P17630 improves vagina colonization of acid lactic bacteria (an increase of vaginal LBG score) and suggests the use of this oral product to successfully prevent episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The clinical study described in this article is registered in the ISRCTN registry with trial registration ID ISRCTN12669692.