Probiotic Pediococcus Acidilactici Research Articles

Effects of Free or Immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 on Corinthian Currants on Gut Microbiome of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a dietary intervention including free or immobilized cells of the presumptive probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 on Corinthian currants, a food with beneficial impact in the condition of Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), on the microbiome composition of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): healthy animals, which received the free (H_FP) or the immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 cells (H_IPC), and diabetic animals, which received the free (D_FP) or the immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 cells(D_IPC) for 4 weeks (109 cfu/day, in all groups). At the end of the dietary intervention, the D_IPC group exerted a lower concentration of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta compared to D_FP. Consumption of immobilized P. acidilactici ORE5 cells on Corinthian currants by diabetic animals led to increased loads of fecal lactobacilli and lower Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and Escherichia coli levels, while Actinobacteria phylum, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium genera abundances were increased, and fecal lactic acid was elevated. Overall, the results of the present research demonstrated that functional ingredients could ameliorate gut dysbiosis present in T1DM and could be used to design dietary patterns aiming at T1DM management. However, well-designed clinical trials are necessary, in order to confirm the beneficial effects in humans.

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Pediococcus acidilactici CCFM6432 in alleviating depression

Aim: Accumulating evidence highlights the crucial role of the “gut-brain axis” and emphasizes the potential of dietary interventions to improve brain health through this pathway. This study assesses the effects of the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici CCFM6432 on mood, sleep, and gastrointestinal function in patients with depressive disorder. Methods: This clinical trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled study (Registration: ChiCTR2300071025). It enrolled 39 adult patients diagnosed with depressive disorder, who were randomly assigned to either the placebo control group (n = 19) or the CCFM6432 intervention group (n = 20). The intervention period spanned four weeks. Assessments were conducted at both the beginning and end of the trial, including comprehensive questionnaire evaluations and the collection of serum and fecal samples. Results: In comparison to the placebo, treatment with CCFM6432 significantly decreased depression and anxiety scores, as well as ameliorated gastrointestinal dysfunction and poor sleep quality commonly associated with mood disorders. Microbiota analysis revealed an increase in species richness without notable changes in overall diversity, yet Pediococcus species was found to be more abundant post-treatment. Functional analysis indicated reduced activity in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects induced by the probiotic. Metabolomic profiling identified elevated levels of fecal lactic acid, which correlated with lower Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores, thereby linking probiotic metabolism to mood enhancement. Conclusion: These findings imply that CCFM6432 may improve brain function by modulating gut microbiota and their mediated immune homeostasis, underscoring its potential as an adjunctive treatment for mental disorders.

The Impact of Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 Supplementation on Production Performance and Quality of Japanese Quail Eggs

Probiotic supplementation in feed is currently under extensive research and development, particularly to improve egg production performance and enhance the quality of quail eggs. This study aimed to determine the effects of Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 supplementation on production performance, weight, fat, and cholesterol content of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) eggs. This study used four treatments and probiotic supplementation was performed using drinking water at four different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3%). The supplementation of Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 demonstrated a significant difference (P<0.05) in both egg production and cholesterol content, yet did not yield a significant difference (P>0.05) in egg weight and lipid content. Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 supplementation at concentrations of 2% and 3% resulted in an increase in egg production from 60.85% to 84.52% and led to a reduction in cholesterol content by more than 50% (from 215.43 to 98.57 mg/dL) compared to the control group. Consequently, the administration of the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 up to a concentration of 3% influenced on egg production and egg cholesterol content in Japanese quail.

Probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici Strains Exert Anti-inflammatory Effects by Regulating Intracellular Signaling Pathways in LPS-Induced RAW 264.7 Cells.

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Pediococcus acidilactici strains isolated from fermented vegetables on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, the probiotic characteristics and safety were evaluated. Our results show that Ped. acidilactici strains possess high survivability in simulated gastrointestinal environments and strong attachment to HT-29 cells. All Ped. acidilactici strains exhibited γ-hemolysis and resistance to gentamicin, kanamycin, and streptomycin, a characteristic commonly observed in lactic acid bacteria. Treatment with Ped. acidilactici inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, leading to a subsequent reduction in nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production. Furthermore, the strains downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels, ultimately suppressing their production. We demonstrated that Ped. acidilactici strains could modulate the activation of nuclear factor-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and activator protein-1, which are known to regulate inflammatory responses. Consequently, the anti-inflammatory properties of Ped. acidilactici strains in this study support their potential application as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases, providing molecular insights into next-generation functional probiotic products.

Impact of Pediococcus acidilactici GLP06 supplementation on gut microbes and metabolites in adult beagles: a comparative analysis.

There is growing interest in the potential health benefits of probiotics for both humans and animals. The study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding the canine-derived probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici GLP06 to adult beagles by analysing the microbiome and metabolome. Twenty-four healthy adult beagles were randomly assigned to four groups. The CK group received a standard diet, while the three probiotic groups, the LG group (2 × 108 CFU/day/dog), MG group (2 × 109 CFU/day/dog), and HG group (2 × 1010 CFU/day/dog), received the standard diet supplemented with varying amounts of probiotics. The results show that, compared to the CK group, total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the MG and HG groups (p < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly increased in the HG group (p < 0.05). Compared to the CK group, malondialdehyde and blood urea nitrogen content were significantly decreased in the MG and HG groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, secretory immunoglobulin A activity was significantly increased in the HG group compared to the CK and LG groups (p < 0.05), and immunoglobulin G activity was significantly increased in the HG group compared to the CK, LG, and MG groups (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with the CK group, the abundance of Faecalitalea and Collinsella increased in the LG group, and the relative abundance of Tyzzerella and Parasutterella increased in the MG group. The α diversity and the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A1316, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005) were higher in the HG group than in the CK group. Furthermore, acetic acid content was significantly increased in the HG group compared to the CK, LG, and MG groups (p < 0.05). Butyric acid, isobutyric acid, and the total SCFA content were significantly increased in the HG group compared to the CK group (p < 0.05). Moreover, metabolome analysis revealed 111 upregulated and 171 downregulated metabolites in the HG group. In conclusion, this study presents evidence that supplementing with P. acidilactici GLP06 can have a positive impact on antioxidant activity, immunoproteins, SCFAs, and gut microbiota in adult beagles. These findings highlight the potential of probiotics as a dietary intervention to enhance gut health and overall wellbeing in companion animals.

The Response of the Honey Bee Gut Microbiota to Nosema ceranae Is Modulated by the Probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici and the Neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam.

The honey bee Apis mellifera is exposed to a variety of biotic and abiotic stressors, such as the highly prevalent microsporidian parasite Nosema (Vairimorpha) ceranae and neonicotinoid insecticides. Both can affect honey bee physiology and microbial gut communities, eventually reducing its lifespan. They can also have a combined effect on the insect's survival. The use of bacterial probiotics has been proposed to improve honey bee health, but their beneficial effect remains an open question. In the present study, western honey bees were experimentally infected with N. ceranae spores, chronically exposed to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam, and/or supplied daily with the homofermentative bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M thought to improve the honey bees' tolerance to the parasite. Deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing allowed the response of the gut microbiota to be investigated with a taxonomic resolution at the species level. All treatments induced significant changes in honey bee gut bacterial communities. Nosema ceranae infection increased the abundance of Proteus mirabilis, Frischella perrara, and Gilliamella apicola and reduced the abundance of Bifidobacterium asteroides, Fructobacillus fructosus, and Lactobacillus spp. Supplementation with P. acidilactici overturned some of these alterations, bringing back the abundance of some altered species close to the relative abundance found in the controls. Surprisingly, the exposure to thiamethoxam also restored the relative abundance of some species modulated by N. ceranae. This study shows that stressors and probiotics may have an antagonistic impact on honey bee gut bacterial communities and that P. acidilactici may have a protective effect against the dysbiosis induced by an infection with N. ceranae.

Dietary inclusion of Pediococcus acidilactici probiotic promoted the growth indices, hemato-biochemical indices, enzymatic profile, intestinal and liver histomorphology, and resistance of Nile Tilapia against Aspergillus flavus

This study investigated the effect of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622 on the water quality, growth indices, hematological parameters, biochemical profile, innate immunity (lysozyme (LYZ) and immunoglobulin M (IgM)), and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX)) and digestive enzymes activity, with reference to the intestinal and liver histology of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), as well as disease resistance against Aspergillus flavus. A field trial was carried out for 56 days in which Nile tilapia fingerlings (4.0 ± 0.3 g) were randomly distributed into three replicate concrete ponds which were subdivided into four treatment groups, receiving P. acidilactici CNCM I-4622 at 0 (T0), 2.0 (T1), 2.5 (T2), and 3.0 (T3) g/kg diet, respectively. The obtained results revealed a significant amelioration in growth, feed utilization, body composition, and blood profiles, including erythrocytes and leukocyte counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit concentration in the probiotics-treated groups compared to the control group. Dietary P. acidilactici at 2.5 and 3 g/kg diets enhanced the digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, and protease) relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Biochemical parameters (total protein and albumin levels, and globulin) were notably increased, meanwhile, total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly decreased in T3 supplemented group with a marked decrease in the levels of AST and ALT. Nevertheless, the serum activity of SOD, CAT, and GPX enzymes as well as LYZ and IgM were increased by P. acidilactici at 2.5 and 3 g/kg relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Also, a markedly increased length of the intestinal villi was prominent in treated fish with P. acidilactici at 2.5 and 3 g/kg. Feeding P. acidilactici at 3 g/kg significantly decreased the cumulative mortalities after the A. flavus challenge. In conclusion, our results presented the beneficial effects of P. acidilactici as a potent probiotic on growth indices, feed utilization, antioxidant properties, gut and liver health, and fungal resistance of Nile tilapia.

Gut microbial shifts by synbiotic combination of Pediococcus acidilactici and lactulose in weaned piglets challenged with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

Development of alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in the swine industry have been the focused of many pig gut microbiota studies to improve animal health. In this study, we evaluated the effects of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (PRO), prebiotic lactulose (PRE), and their synbiotic combination (SYN) on gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in weaned piglets challenged with Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Our data showed that prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics improved the intestinal health in weaned piglets. No significant differences were observed in species richness and species diversity in weaned piglets fed prebiotics, probiotics and their synbiotic combination. However, beta diversity analysis revealed distinct clustering of the microbiota of according to dietary treatment and by oral challenge of STEC. At the phylum level, Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was lower in the dietary treatment groups than the control group. Oral supplementation of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics enriched the abundance of Prevotella and Roseburia. Succinivibrio was elevated in PRO group; however, Phascolarctobacterium was depleted with STEC challenge regardless of dietary treatment. Overall, our data showed that administration of synbiotics in piglets improved intestinal health through gut microbiota modulation. Our data indicated that prebiotics, probiotics and their synbiotic combination could promote intestinal health through gut microbiota modulation in weaned piglets.

Effect of fermented milk Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 on cholesterol and microbiota in Wistar mice intestine.

This study examines the effect of fermented milk containing the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 on cholesterol and intestinal microbiota. 24 male rats weighing an average of 200 gm each spent 1 week in a cage adapting to their new environment. They were fed standard feed daily and were allowed to drink ad libitum. For 3 weeks, rats were divided into four groups (doses of fermented milk): M+ (control), M1 (0.35 ml), M2 (0.70 ml), and M3 (1.05 ml). The analysis includes bodyweight determination, serum biochemical analysis, and intestine microbiota analysis. The results indicated that while P. acidilactici BK01 fermented milk did not affect body weight or high-density lipoprotein, it did have a beneficial effect on total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, treatment of fermented milk with P. acidilactici BK01 has been shown to increase the total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the intestine, as indicated by changes in the intestinal villi. Administering fermented milk (P. acidilactici BK01, 1.05 ml) can reduce total serum cholesterol and increase the number of LAB in intestinal villi in experimental animals, so it has the potential to be a probiotic.

Evaluation of Pediococcus acidilacticiAS185 as an adjunct culture in probiotic cheddar cheese manufacture.

A novel probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici AS185, isolated from traditional Chinese fermented foods, was used as an adjunct culture for probiotic cheddar cheese production. The physicochemical composition, textural, free amino acids (FAAs), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profiles, sensory properties, and microbial survival, was evaluated during the 90-day ripening period. The addition of P. acidilactici AS185 did not influence the physicochemical composition of cheddar cheese but significantly decreased the hardness without affecting its textural profile. During ripening, P. acidilactici AS185 was able to grow and promote the generation of FAAs and SCFAs, but did not alter the overall sensory properties; it rather improved the flavor and taste of cheese. In addition, the cheese matrix protected strain P. acidilactici AS185 during transit throughout the simulated gastrointestinal system. These results demonstrated that P. acidilactici AS185 adjunct cultures might be useful for producing high-quality probiotic cheddar cheese.

Low intestinal inflammation model (HP48) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and inflammatory mitigation by Bactocell

Moderate levels of intestinal damage and inflammation are often seen in intensive fish aquaculture. The causes may be due to antinutrients from plant meals, stress or other causes. There is currently a lack of good models to explore these effects and so how to mitigate the consequences. Most studies have used full-fat soy or other compounds that cause intestinal damage that are likely not reversible. In this study we have explored the possibility of using soybean HP48, made from solvent extracted peeled soybeans, as a low-inflammation model in post-smolt Atlantic salmon, and then investigated whether supplementation of the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622 – MA 18/5 M (Bactocell) could diminish this effect. The fish were fed triplicate diets. A Control diet containing 18.08% soy protein concentrate (SPC), a HP48 diet where most of the SPC was replaced by HP48 (5.00% SPC and 17.68% HP48), and a Bactocell diet that was identical to the HP48 diet but contained 0.03% Bactocell. After 10 weeks of feeding, the mid- and hind-intestinal health were assessed by histology, integrity (Ussing chamber) and gene expression (RNAseq). Transcriptomic and integrity data suggests that HP48 led to a disturbed mid-intestinal homeostasis with impaired cellular integrity and increased inflammation and cell turnover. Most of the transcriptomic effects were reversed with Bactocell including downregulation of immune genes and upregulation of transmembrane proteins such as type IV collagen, which is important in restoring epithelial homeostasis. In the hind-intestine, the HP48 diet led to deleterious morphological changes such as widening of lamina propria and stratum granulosum, disrupted mucosal folds, loss of absorptive vacuoles, and upregulation of several immune regulated genes and downregulation of genes involved in solute- and water transport. The intestinal integrity assessed by Ussing chamber was not affected. Bactocell supplementation did alleviate several of the morphological effects. However, it was not able to completely reverse the expression of immune- or transport related genes, suggesting a higher effect of probiotic supplement in the mid-intestine compared to the hind-intestine. This study demonstrates that the level of HP48 used here is sufficient to create low-level intestinal changes in Atlantic salmon, which is within range for functional feed ingredients to reverse.

Physicochemical properties, sensory characteristics, and antioxidant activity of the goat milk yogurt probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 on the addition of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum rhizoma).

Background and Aim:Yogurt contains beneficial probiotics. Addition of red ginger to yogurt as an antioxidant source becomes a way to improve the flavor and functional properties of yogurt. This study aimed to examine yogurt processing and the effect of adding red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum rhizoma), as an antioxidant source, on Pediococcus acidilactici BK01. It sought to observe the physicochemical and sensory qualities during storage (4°C).Materials and Methods:Goat milk was obtained from local farmers in Lubuk Minturun, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The yogurt was divided into two factors. Factor A was supplemented with red ginger in various concentrations: A (0% – as control), B (1%), C (2%), and D (3%). On the other hand, Factor B was subjected to variations in storage time: A (1 day), B (15 days), and C (30 days). Each treatment was conducted in triplicate. Physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity [TTA], and proximate analysis), sensory characteristics, and antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity) were measured using the standard tests. The data were analyzed through analyzing multivariate (analysis of variance) supported by Duncan’s multiple range test.Results:The addition of red ginger juice increased the antioxidant activity, TTA, and water holding capacity (WHC) (p<0.05), while syneresis was significantly decreased; however, it had no effect on the total lactic acid bacteria. At the end of this research (day 30), the yogurt was still suitable for consumption, with the following composition: Antioxidant activity 48.39%, pH 4.3, TTA 1.716, water content 80%, protein 3%, fat 3%, syneresis 28%, WHC 63%, and total lactic acid bacteria 89×108 colony-forming units/mL. Furthermore, yogurt supplemented with red ginger changed its color into red blush.Conclusion:Yogurt red ginger juice is recommended as a functional drink, as it contains probiotics P. acidilactici BK01 and antioxidants to support human health. The addition of up to 3% ginger juice and a storage period of 30 days are still favored by the panelists and meet the quality standard of yogurt. We have not conducted the study on active compounds so, further research could be conducted on the components of the active compounds found in red ginger yogurt.

In vitro studies on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities of potential probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici NCDC 252

Probiotics are live microbes which positively influence the health when consumed in adequate amount. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used probiotics and are generally found in yogurt and fermented foods. They provide barrier for pathogens by secreting peptides and other metabolites. Pediococcus acidilactici NCDC 252 is a LAB of dairy origin with probiotic attributes. NCDC 252 was studied for in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied by human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method, protein (albumin) denaturation inhibitory activity and heat induced haemolysis. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by α, α-diphenyl-β- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assays. Alpha amylase inhibition assay was performed to examine antihyperglycemic effect. NCDC 252 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory but moderate antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities as compared to control. NCDC 252 exhibited 65%, 70% and 49% membrane stabilization, protein denaturation and heat induced activity respectively. Scavenging effect was 45 % and 60% in H2O2 and DPPH assays respectively. Alpha amylase inhibition was 48 %. These results suggest therapeutic potential of NCDC 252 and open new avenues to treat disorders related to free radical generation such as inflammation and diabetes mellitus after in vivo evaluation of NCDC 252 to confirm its efficacy in animals.

Probiotic effect of fermented milk from Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 in fecal wistar rat microflora

Microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when consumed in the right proportions are called Probiotics. Certain lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been considered probiotics with proven health benefits. These probiotics have been used extensively for human health. In this study, in vivo evaluation was conducted to determine the count of microflora in the fecal of Wistar rats, which were given fermented milk with probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici BK01. Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 is a LAB with probiotic use, isolated from Bekasam (fermented fish). This research was conducted in vivo on 24 male rats (Wistar Rat). This study contain in 4 treatment groups. Each group contains six male rats. The results showed a significant increase in the group of rats given fermented milk compared to the control group (without fermented milk). The probiotics of fermented milk have significantly reduced the count of E.coli and not on the total aerobic bacteria. The conclusion of this study, probiotic of fermented milk Pediococcus acidilactici BK01, can increase the total microflora of lactic acid bacteria and reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria.

Effect of adding Pediococcus acidilactici at low plant protein diets on growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings

In the present study effects of adding the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (PA), on growth performance, feed utilization and carcass composition of Nile tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings were investigated. Four experimental diets were formulated, as isocaloric (4417.23 Kcal/kg diet), containing 25% crude protein (CP), and 23% crude protein (CP), each was either addition or not with Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) at 1g /kg diet (T1, T2, T3 and T4), respectively and fed to monosex Nile tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings with average weight (2.60 ±0.01g/fish). Total of 240 fingerlings were random distributed in four treatments, triplicate groups each with twenty fish/ aquarium. The experiment period was lasted for 71 days. The results indicated that fish fed low level of crude protein (23%) in tilapia diet without Pediococcus acidilactici recorded the worst values of growth performance and feed utilization parameters. Also, fish fed with P. acidilactici presented higher weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) and the best feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratios (PER), protein productive value (PPV % ) and energy utilization compared to the control diet. The results indicated that the use of 1× 109 cuf kg-1 dry feed probiotics improved growth parameters and feed utilization in Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Evaluation of the Effects of Pediococcus acidilactici Isolated from Wara, a Nigerian Milk Product, in the Prevention of Diarrhea and the Modulation of Intestinal Microflora in Wistar Rats

Animals have been used in the evaluation of probiotic potentials of lactic acid bacteria for the development of functional food as only in-vitro tests may not be enough to ascertain the probiotic ability of an organism and its safety in a living host. The action of a probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici strain isolated from Wara, a Nigerian milk product, in the treatment of Diarrhea in wistar rats infected orally with Diarrhoeagenic Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli as well as the survival and microflora modulation of the probiotic strain in the gastrointestinal tract were evaluated. Five groups of seven rats each were infected and treated as the case may be with the pathogen and probiotic respectively. Each group received specific treatments for 30 days, during which the animals were closely monitored and the faecal samples were analyzed for the trend of E. coli and LAB counts. Also, specific organs of the Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) were examined for any histomorphological disparity after 30 days of daily treatment. Clinical signs were observed in the pathogen challenged animals while the probiotic treated groups displayed less pronounced Diarrheal symptoms and a negligible E. coli count. The strain adhered to the mucosal wall and did not initiate any adverse effect on the organs of the GIT after treatment. It was concluded that Pediococcus acidilactici isolated from Wara, a Nigerian milk product, was able to improve gut health through pathogen exclusion and had no adverse effect on the general health of the host.

Purification, partial structural characterization and health benefits of exopolysaccharides from potential probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici NCDC 252

Probioceuticals are probiotic-derived biologically active compounds that positively influence human health. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are long chain polymers of sugars and their derivatives with diverse biological functions. The objective of this work was to study EPS from Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) NCDC 252, a potential probiotic. In silico analysis of PA NCDC 252 genome revealed an EPS gene cluster (10 genes) and genes were further analysed for their functional domains and products. EPS from PA NCDC 252 were purified by ethanol precipitation and gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G-100. Molecular mass of purified EPS was 89.1 KDa as determined by gel filtration chromatography. Structural and component analysis by FTIR, NMR and UPLC revealed purified EPS to be linear homopolysaccharides (α-glucans) with few α-(1→3) branches. in vitro studies showed anti-oxidant, reduction potential and anti-cancer activity in dose dependent manner. Total antioxidant potential of EPS was 11.9 %. In-vitro cell viability assay revealed anti-proliferative effect of EPS on human colon cancer cell line (HCT116). At 10 and 100 μg/mL, EPS inhibited HCT116 cells up to 67.1 % and 87.3 % respectively. These results suggest that PA EPS can be therapeutically used as anti-oxidant and anticancer agent after in vivo studies.

The effect of Pediococcus acidilactici MA 18/5M on immune responses and mRNA levels of growth, antioxidant and immune-related genes in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

This study investigated the influence of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici MA 18/5 M on the metabolic enzyme activities and mRNA levels of growth, immunity, and antioxidative-related genes in zebrafish. Zebrafish fed with diets containing P. acidilactici MA 18/5 M at 0, 107, 108, and 109 CFU/g levels for eight weeks. The obtained results revealed that the creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase remained unchanged in all groups (P > 0.05). Dietary P. acidilactici enhanced protease activity relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the non-treated group, lysozyme activity increased in fish fed with high and medium doses of P. acidilactici, but the mRNA level of lysozyme gene was only up-regulated in the fish received the high dose of P. acidilactici (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, gene expressions of IGF-1, TNF-α, GH-1, and catalase were increased by P. acidilactici at 107 CFU/g relative to the control group. Conversely, the expression of glutathione S-reductase (GSR) decreased in zebrafish fed with medium and high doses of P. acidilactici compared to the control group. Thus, dietary administration of P. acidilactici MA 18/5 M, especially at 107 CFU/g diet, could improve the growth, immunity, and health status of zebrafish.

Effects of dietary probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici) supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, and body composition in laying hens fed diets varying in energy density

This study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) strain MA18/5M supplementation of diets with different dietary energy levels on productive performance, egg quality, and body composition in Hy-Line Brown hens during a 16-week period from 32 to 47 wk of age. The experimental treatments with a 2 × 2 factorial design received a 2 wheat–corn–soybean diet: a moderately low energy density diet with 2,650 kcal ME/kg (M-LED) and a low energy density diet based on the M-LED diet with 2,550 kcal ME/kg (LED), each diet without and with probiotic supplementation (M-LED, LED, M-LEDp, and LEDp, respectively). Reduced dietary energy levels had a particularly negative effect on egg weight (61.7 vs. 63.3 g; −2.6%, P < 0.001), egg mass output (1.67 vs. 1.71 kg; −2.4%, P = 0.015), and FCR (2.01 vs. 1.97 kg feed/kg egg; +2%, P = 0.028). In hens administered the LED diet, deteriorated productive performance was accompanied by greater body weight loss (P < 0.001) and reduced abdominal fat content (P < 0.033) as compared with the M-LED group. Dietary probiotic inclusion increased egg weight (P = 0.015), including relative eggshell weight (P = 0.008) and eggshell thickness (P = 0.002) and significantly improved FCR (P = 0.010). No interactions between the PA-based probiotic and dietary energy levels were found in any of the tested parameters. Adding the probiotic on top of the M-LED diet improved layers performance but resulted in nonbioequivalence for the egg weight, egg mass output, and FCR compared with this group without probiotic. Probiotic supplementation of the LEDp diet improved all performance parameters except for egg weight. As a result, the laying rate, egg mass output, daily feed intake, and FCR in the LEDp treatment were bioequivalent to those noted in the M-LED group without the probiotic. The results of a bioequivalence test suggest that a low energy diet fed to laying hens promoted a probiotic response to improve energy utilization by birds.

Influence of Dietary Supplementation of Probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M During the Transition From Freshwater to Seawater on Intestinal Health and Microbiota of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.).

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the transfer from freshwater to seawater on the distal intestinal bacterial communities of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M (at 1.19 × 106 CFU/g). In this context, fish health and antiviral response were also investigated. A 12-week feeding trial was conducted in a flow-through rearing system involving 6 weeks in freshwater and 6 weeks in seawater. Fish received a control and probiotic diet. The composition of the salmon gut bacterial communities was determined by high-throughput sequencing of digesta and mucosa samples from both the freshwater and seawater stage. The main phyla detected during both freshwater and seawater stages were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Significant differences were observed between the intestinal microbiota in the digesta and the mucosa. Both probiotic supplementation and the seawater transfer (SWT) had a substantial impact on the microbial communities, with most pronounced changes detected in the mucosal communities after SWT. This last finding together with a significantly higher antiviral response (mx-1 and tlr3 gene expression) in the distal intestine of fish fed the probiotic diet suggest a causal link between the microbiota modulation and activation of antiviral response. Feeding probiotics during the freshwater stage did not significantly increase survival after infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) challenge after SWT, although higher survival was observed in one out of two replicate challenge tanks. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that both dietary probiotic supplementation and transfer from freshwater to seawater have an important role in modulating the bacterial communities in the distal intestine of Atlantic salmon. Furthermore, supplementation of the diet with P. acidilactici MA18/5M can modulate antiviral response.