Probiotic Supplementation Research Articles

Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Sarcopenia Parameters in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

There is scarce evidence about which probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic supplementation is the most appropriate to improve sarcopenia parameters, and this presents a challenge. The effects of consumption of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on sarcopenia, muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance and function were assessed in this study. In addition, another aim of the study was to determine the best probiotic, prebiotic, and/or synbiotic for the management of sarcopenia in older adults. A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS databases, and other sources (eg, references obtained from articles identified in databases). The search was limited from 2000 to 2023 and was based on sarcopenia parameters, and probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics supplementation. The quality of each included study also was assessed. A meta-analysis was performed with the Review Manager program and publication bias and sensitivity analysis were performed. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review and 4 in the meta-analysis. Results showed that probiotics supplementation improved muscle strength and physical performance and function and suggested a beneficial effect on muscle mass. Prebiotics are suggested to be effective on muscle strength. The meta-analysis also determined that probiotic interventions were effective in increasing muscle strength by handgrip strength (mean difference [MD], 2.50 kg [95% CI, 1.33-3.66]; P < .0001) and physical performance and function by gait speed (MD, 0.10 m/s [95% CI, 1.33-3.66]; P < .0001) and physical performance and function by gait speed (MD, 0.10 m/s [95%CI, 0.03-0.16]; P = .003), but when sensitivity analysis was applied, the effectiveness was only maintained for gait speed. Nutritional strategies based on probiotic supplementation seem to improve muscle strength and physical function. More robust research is needed with high-quality RCTs to confirm probiotics' effects. There is still limited evidence about prebiotic and synbiotic strategies, and more evidence is needed to elucidate their effects on sarcopenia parameters. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022360514.

Initial Study on the Impact of Probiotics on Postoperative Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Gut Microbiota after Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Placebo-Controlled Study.

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become the predominant bariatric surgery, leading to significant weight loss and reductions in obesity-related complications. However, postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation and bloating are common. This study aims to evaluate the impact of probiotic supplementation on postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms in patients undergoing SG. The secondary aim is to analyze laboratory and stool test results. This prospective, placebo-controlled study included patients undergoing SG at a single center. Participants were adults without specific gastrointestinal diseases. They were randomly assigned to either the Probiotics or Controls group. Gastrointestinal symptoms and laboratory and stool tests were assessed before surgery and one month after. Thirty-one patients participated, with 15 in the Probiotics group and 16 in the Controls group. Probiotic supplementation significantly increased the number of stools per week (p = 0.027) and reduced constipation incidence (p = 0.002). Patients in the Probiotics group reported easier defecation and greater bowel movement completeness (p = 0.015, p = 0.004). No significant differences in weight loss or laboratory tests were observed between the groups. Stool microbiota analysis showed a return to normal levels of Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, and Clostridium perfringens in the Probiotics group and an increase in the Controls group. Probiotic supplementation after SG significantly reduces constipation without adverse effects. These findings suggest that incorporating probiotics into postoperative care protocols can enhance patient comfort and recovery.

Targeting the Intestinal Microbiota: A Novel Direction in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Over the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease. It has been suggested that multifactorial interactions of environmental factors, genetic factors, immune response and intestinal microbiota are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. It is widely recognized that the intestinal microbiota are essential for human metabolism, the immune system and pathogen resistance, and are integral to human health. Therefore, the dysbiosis of the microbiota is a critical step leading to intestinal mucosal damage and a key factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Regulating the microbiota through interventions such as enteral nutrition, fecal microbiota transplantation, and probiotic supplementation has the potential to prevent or even reverse intestinal dysbiosis, opening up new perspectives for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Acetamiprid elicits oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory response, and cellular proliferation in human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro and in silico: alleviative implications of the mixture of heat-killed Lactobacillus strains

BackgroundAcetamiprid (ACE), a neonicotinoid insecticide, has been extensively used to control pests in agricultural and industrial environments. It has been reported that ACE is detrimental to the lungs. Nevertheless, the extent to which the activation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular proliferation contributes to the pulmonary toxicity induced by ACE exposure remains insufficiently understood. This study explored the mechanism of toxicological consequences after ACE exposure in bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B cells). The research also examined the potential ameliorative effects of the mixture of heat-killed Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactobacillus fermentum (HKL) on the toxicities of ACE.ResultsFollowing 14 days of exposure to ACE at 0.5 and 1 μM, oxidative stress was induced, as evidenced by the decreased levels of reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, along with increased levels of malondialdehyde. Also, ACE exposure results in overexpression and raised protein levels of the IL-25, NF-κB1, NF-κB2, IL-33, TSLP, and NF-κB target genes, which induce inflammatory responses. In addition, ACE boosted Ki-67-positive BEAS-2B cells. The molecular docking of ACE with target genes and their proteins demonstrated a potent binding affinity, further supported by the presence of hydrophobic contacts, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonds. The post-treatment of HKL following the ACE (1 μM) exhibited its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities in suppressing ACE-induced toxicity.ConclusionsOur research revealed that ACE toxicity in BEAS-2B cells is caused by driving oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory response, and cellular proliferation. This study would give us a strategy to alleviate ACE-induced lung impairment by heat-killed probiotic supplements. As a result, dietary supplements that contain these microorganisms may potentially be beneficial in countries with high levels of pesticide contamination.

The Microbiota and Microbiome in COVID-19 in Adults and Children and Potential Therapeutic Interventions: A Review

The work presented is a comprehensive review of the role of the human microbiota in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A diverse microbial community heavily colonizes the human body called the microbiota, with the gut microbiota being the most diverse. The composition of the microbiota varies in different parts of the body and changes with age, diet, and other environmental factors. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in modulating the host immune response and may influence the severity of COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 have significant alterations in their gut and respiratory microbiota, characterized by a depletion of beneficial commensal bacteria and an enrichment of opportunistic pathogens. These changes in microbiota composition are associated with elevated inflammatory markers, a dysregulated immune response, and more severe disease outcomes. In addition, changes in the gut microbiota can affect lung and brain function, influencing the severity of COVID-19 cases and neurological symptoms, as well as long-term neurological complications associated with the disease. Due to the importance of the microbiota in COVID-19, several therapeutic approaches targeting the microbiota have been proposed to improve outcomes in this disease, including fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, postbiotic or microbiota-derived metabolite supplementation, dietary interventions, and lifestyle strategies. Overall, the review highlights the critical role of the human microbiota in the pathogenesis and progression of COVID-19 and the potential of microbiota-targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes. HIGHLIGHTS COVID-19 causes gut microbiota dysbiosis, associated with elevated inflammatory markers, a dysregulated immune response, and more severe disease outcomes. Gut microbiota dysbiosis due to COVID-19 affects lung and brain function, which is associated with the severity of COVID-19 cases. Gut microbiota is crucial in COVID-19, so several strategies have been developed to regulate it in COVID-19 cases, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and prebiotics, among others. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Bridging the GAP: Probiotic Douches Redefining the Feminine Hygiene.

Vaginal douching is a centuries-old practice which is still in use, especially among adolescents. "Probiotic douches" are the vaginal douches that are formulated with probiotics and are intended to restore or maintain the vaginal microbiome balance. Probiotic douches are a new type of feminine hygiene product that claims to promote a balanced vaginal microbiome and improve overall well-being. However, the evidence supporting the use of probiotics for vaginal health is limited because of the variability in probiotic strains and dosages studied, and the lack of more comprehensive, long-term clinical trials. Most of the existing scientific literature on probiotics focuses on oral probiotic supplements and vaginal probiotic suppositories. Some potential benefits of probiotic douches include restoring a balanced vaginal microbiota, preventing, or managing infections, supporting local immune function, reducing odor and discharge, and enhancing overall vaginal comfort. However, it is important to note that these benefits have not been definitively proven and remain a subject of ongoing research. There are also potential risks associated with their use including disruption of the natural vaginal ecosystem by introducing foreign substances, risk of infection, and stability issues with the formulation that may lead to negative consequences. This review attempts to comprehend the critical need for robust scientific research to guide the safe and effective incorporation of probiotic douches into modern feminine hygiene practices, revolutionizing women's health, and well-being.

The effect of probiotic supplementation on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score in patients attending a tertiary hospital clinic in Cairo, Egypt.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation (> 5% of liver tissue) in the absence of alcohol abuse or other chronic liver diseases. NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of probiotic (lactobacillus) supplementation on NAFLD fibrosis score. A double-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in the family medicine clinic of a tertiary hospital, enrolling patients with sonographic evidence of NAFLD. Fifty patients were divided into two groups: the Probiotic group received lifestyle modification instructions along with daily probiotic supplementation for twelve weeks, with regular monthly follow-up visits. The Standard Treatment group received low-fat diet and lifestyle modification instructions only. The mean age of participants was 46.10 years (SD 10.11), with 70% females and 30% males. The study found a statistically significant difference in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and BMI in the probiotic group before and after intervention. However, there was no significant difference in NAFLD fibrosis score between the two groups. Short-term probiotic treatment resulted in improvements in ALT, AST, and BMI in the probiotic group, but did not significantly affect NAFLD fibrosis score. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted. The clinical trial was registered at Protocol Registration and Results System with number NCT06074094 (12/09/2021).

Impact of Commercial and Traditional Probiotic Supplementation on Performance, Histomorphology Meat Quality of Broiler

Impact of Commercial and Traditional Probiotic Supplementation on Performance, Histomorphology Meat Quality of Broiler

The Effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPC100 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP140 on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Objectives: modulation of gut microbiota by probiotics has been proposed as a target for intervention to reduce bone mineral density (BMD) loss in the postmenopausal period. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Lacticaseibacillus (L.) paracasei LPC100 and Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum LP140 on BMD in postmenopausal women in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: the primary outcome was the change in T-score of the lumbar spine measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessed after twelve-month probiotic supplementation. Secondary outcomes included changes in serological markers of inflammation and calcium–phosphate metabolism, body mass index, gastrointestinal symptoms, and satisfaction with the intervention. Results: a decrease in T-score indicating the progressive bone demineralization reached a statistically significant difference in the placebo group (from mean values of 0.06 ± 1.04 to −0.28 ± 1.12, p = 0.041) but not in the probiotic group (0.19 ± 0.99 and −0.08 ± 1.05, respectively, p = 0.125) with a p-value = 0.089 between the groups. No significant differences were found in secondary outcomes with the exception of vitamin D concentration and a significant reduction in some gastrointestinal symptoms in the probiotic group. A significant decrease in vitamin D level was observed only in the placebo group (p = 0.014). Probiotics were safe and well tolerated. Conclusions: this study suggests that the oral administration of L. paracasei LPC100 and L. plantarum LP140 may be a viable strategy to prevent BMD loss and vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women, but further research is necessary to confirm clinical benefits and to know the mechanism of action [ClinicalTrial.gov NCT06375668].

The importance of gut microbiome in the perinatal period.

The perinatal period is a pivotal phase for the formation and growth of the neonatal microbiome,profoundly impacting long-term health outcomes. •The perinatal period is a critical phase for the development of the neonatal microbiome, with factors such as mode of delivery, maternal diet, antibiotic exposure, and feeding practices influencing its composition and diversity, which has significant implications for long-term health. • The neonatal microbiome plays a vital role in shaping the immune system, metabolism, and neurodevelopment of infants. • Recent studies have highlighted the potential of targeted interventions, such as probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, and innovative practices like maternal vaginal seeding, to optimize microbiome development during the perinatal period. • Emerging evidence suggests that specific bacterial genera and species within the neonatal microbiome are associated with reduced risks of developing chronic conditions, indicating new avenues for promoting long-term health starting from early life.

Eight-Week Supplementation With Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Functional Constipation

Probiotic supplementation may improve bowel movements. However, large, properly designed studies are lacking. To evaluate the potential benefit of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis HN019 on constipation, expressed as complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs). This randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with 2 weeks of run-in and 8 weeks of intervention was conducted from December 25, 2020, to February 28, 2022, at 5 hospitals in Shanghai, China. Participants included healthy volunteers with functional constipation according to Rome III criteria, 18 to 70 years of age, and a body mass index (calculated as the weight in kilograms divided by the height in meters squared) of less than 30.0. Eligibility after the run-in phase required the randomized participants to have 3 or fewer CSBMs/wk. Data were analyzed from September 29, 2022, to March 23, 2023, and reported as intention to treat. Participants were randomized to receive probiotic (B lactis HN019, 7.0 × 109 colony forming units (CFU)/d in maltodextrin at the start of the study and 4.69 × 109 CFU/d at the end of the study or maltodextrin placebo once a day for 8 weeks. Primary outcome was change in CSBMs. Secondary outcomes included use of rescue medication, stool consistency, degree of straining for each bowel movement, abdominal pain, and bloating. Further, dietary habits and physical activity were recorded. Fecal samples were analyzed for moisture content, short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain fatty acids, microbiota composition, and calprotectin. Of the 283 individuals assessed for eligibility, 229 were randomized to either the placebo (n = 117) or the HN019 (n = 112) group. One participant in the placebo group discontinued due to COVID-19 restrictions. The 229 participants (194 [84.7% female) had a median age of 45 (38-52) years, mean (SD) BMI of 22.8 (2.5), and a mean (SD) of 0.77 (1.0) CSBM/wk. There was no difference in the change of weekly CSBMs from baseline to the end of study between the HN019 (least-square mean change, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.54-1.05]) and placebo (least-square mean change, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.41-0.90]) groups. Although probiotics have been reported to improve bowel function, this large, well-conducted randomized clinical trial did not confirm such results. Daily consumption of B lactis HN019 at the tested dose of 4.69 × 109 CFU did not outperform placebo to increase CSBMs. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000029215.

Performance, ruminal and fecal microbiome of lambs fed diets supplemented with probiotics.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of adding two doses of a commercial probiotic on productive performance, ruminal and fecal microbiome in growing lambs. Forty-two Texel or Ile de France crossbred lambs aged 86.9 ± 8.0days (body weight: 27.4 ± 3.7kg) were distributed into three groups: basal diet without probiotic supplementation (CG); basal diet + 1g/animal/day of probiotic (GP1) and basal diet + 5g/animal/day of probiotic (GP5). The experimental period was 84days. The weight was evaluated weekly and dry matter intake (DMI) and leftovers were measured daily. At the end of the experiment, lambs were slaughtered. Feces and rumen fluid were collected for microbiome analysis and rumen fragments for histological evaluation. The use of probiotics did not affect weight gain, but GP1 showed a higher silage and DMI intake than CG (p < 0.001). The CG had a greater thickness of keratinized epithelium and stratum corneum (< 0.001) than GP1 and GP5, and greater total papilla width (p = 0.039) than GP1. There was no difference in the general abundance in the rumen and fecal microbiomes. GP5 had a higher proportion of Azoarcus and Dialister taxa in the rumen fluid (p = 0.012 and p = 0.017, respectively) and higher proportion of Treponema and Fibrobacter taxa in the fecal microbiome (p = 0.015 and p = 0.026, respectively), whereas CG had a higher proportion of Anaeroplasma than the other groups (p = 0.032). These results demonstrated the benefits of probiotics for ruminal epithelium protection and microbial diversity. However, there was no effect on performance parameters.

Effect of Oral Powder Preserving Probiotic Lactobacillus casei Extract on the Lipid Profile in Hyperlipidemic Rat

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Although there is no cure for it, controlling lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise is essential. One potential approach for treating hypercholesterolemia is developing novel delivery platforms incorporating probiotics. Probiotics have been shown to significantly reduce lipid profiles due to their antioxidant properties. Objectives: In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of oral supplementation with the lyophilized probiotic extract (LPE) of Lactobacillus casei on reducing lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic rats fed a fatty diet and fructose. Methods: This study involved 40 adult male Wistar rats, randomly divided into five groups: A negative control, a sham, and three treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3). The rats in the treatment groups received doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg/mL of LPE, respectively. Hyperlipidemia was induced in all groups by administering a mixture of 0.5% cholesterol, 30% tallow, and 20% fructose. The LPE supplementation was given orally once a day for two weeks. After the treatment period, blood samples were taken from all the rats 15 days later. Results: The results indicated that hyperlipidemia led to a significant increase in total blood cholesterol levels, including TG, LDL, and ALP (P &lt; 0.001). Lyophilized probiotic extract supplementation significantly decreased total blood cholesterol levels (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The study demonstrated that LPE can reduce lipid levels and have a hypolipidemic effect in hyperlipidemic rats. Additionally, histopathology showed that a 540 mg/kg dose of LPE had an effective liver-protective effect.

Effect of Personalized Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplements on the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Open-Label, Single-Arm, Multicenter Clinical Trial.

Prebiotics and probiotics have been reported to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Nevertheless, the effects of prebiotics/probiotics can vary depending on the IBS subtypes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of personalized prebiotic and probiotic supplements based on intestinal microbiota and IBS subtypes in patients. Patients with diarrhea-type IBS (IBS-D), constipation-type IBS (IBS-C), and mixed-type IBS (IBS-M) were enrolled (n = 40 per group; total: n = 120). Personalized prebiotic and probiotic supplements were determined according to the IBS subtypes and intestinal microbiota. The patients received supplements for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the IBS-severity scoring system from baseline to week 4. The IBS-severity scoring system significantly decreased in all patients (-38.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): -53.6, -22.4]; p < 0.001), in patients with IBS-D (-44.5 [95% CI: -70.6, -18.5]; p = 0.004) and IBS-C (-51.2 [95% CI: -79.4, -22.9]; p = 0.002), but not in those with IBS-M (-20.0 [95% CI: -48.0, 8.1]; p = 0.47). In this study, no serious adverse events were observed that had a causal relationship with the intervention. In conclusion, personalized prebiotic and probiotic supplements selected according to individual intestinal microbiota and IBS subtype may alleviate the severity of IBS symptoms, particularly in patients with IBS-C and IBS-D.

Clinical effects of three dietary models with and without probiotic supplementation in diabetic and overweight patients: A nutritional intervention study

Clinical effects of three dietary models with and without probiotic supplementation in diabetic and overweight patients: A nutritional intervention study

Effect of caloric restriction and probiotic supplementation on preservation of muscle quality of men living with obesity: Preliminary data from a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

Effect of caloric restriction and probiotic supplementation on preservation of muscle quality of men living with obesity: Preliminary data from a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

Influence of equation selection on adaptive thermogenesis in obese men: Effects of caloric restriction and probiotic supplementation

Influence of equation selection on adaptive thermogenesis in obese men: Effects of caloric restriction and probiotic supplementation

Neuronutritional Approach to Fibromyalgia Management: A Narrative Review.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex and common syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and various functional symptoms without clear structural or pathological causes. Affecting approximately 1-5% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in women, FM significantly impacts patients' quality of life, often leading to considerable healthcare costs and loss of productivity. Despite its prevalence, the etiology of FM remains elusive, with genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, including nutrition, being implicated. Currently, no universally accepted treatment guidelines exist, and management strategies are often symptomatic. This narrative review explores the potential of a neuronutritional approach to FM management. It synthesizes existing research on the relationship between FM and nutrition, suggesting that dietary interventions could be a promising complementary treatment strategy. Various nutritional interventions, including vitamin D, magnesium, iron, and probiotics supplementation, have shown potential in reducing FM symptoms, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, weight loss has been associated with reduced inflammation and improved quality of life in FM patients. The review highlights the anti-inflammatory benefits of plant-based diets and the low-FODMAPs diet, which have shown promise in managing FM symptoms and related gastrointestinal disorders. Supplements such as vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin B12, coenzyme Q10, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, S-adenosylmethionine, and acetyl-L-carnitine are discussed for their potential benefits in FM management through various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of neurotransmitters, and improvement of mitochondrial function. In conclusion, this review underscores the importance of considering neuronutrition as a holistic approach to FM treatment, advocating for further research and clinical trials to establish comprehensive dietary guidelines and to optimize management strategies for FM patients.

Osteopontin associated Bifidobacterium bifidum microencapsulation modulates infant fecal fermentation and gut microbiota development

Probiotic supplementation is an effective method for improving infant gut health, and probiotic encapsulation can enhance probiotic viability under adverse environmental conditions while ensuring an adequate amount of probiotic is delivered to the target site to confer a health benefit for the host. In this study, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 was microencapsulated using pectin or alginate, combined bovine milk osteopontin (OPN) as an excipient during the microencapsulation process. The microencapsulated probiotics were subjected to in vitro simulated infant gastrointestinal digestion and a fecal fermentation model to assess survival capacity and their impact on gas and organic acid production, as well as the development of gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that microencapsulation in the presence of osteopontin increased simulated gastrointestinal survival. During infant fecal fermentation, a significant increase in total gas production (5.5–9.1 mL) was observed for the microencapsulated probiotic with even higher level of gas production observed for osteopontin associated microencapsulated probiotic during the late stage of fermentation (8–24 h). Infant fecal fermentation of the microencapsulated probiotic also produced substantial amounts of acetate (8–17 mM) and lactate (12–35 mM), along with minor amounts of succinate (1–2 mM) and propionate (0.5–2 mM). A positive correlation was observed between metabolite production and the number of viable B. bifidum R0071 entering colon fermentation, which significantly increased with the use of OPN in the microencapsulation process. The osteopontin associated microencapsulated probiotic also significantly elevated the relative abundance of Veillonella, which, along with Bifidobacterium, influenced gas and metabolite production. Overall, our findings demonstrate that incorporating OPN as an excipient in the microencapsulation of Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 enhances probiotic viability and positively influences the development of infant gut microbiota, highlighting its potential application in promoting infant health.

The Role of Microbiome and Probiotics in Chemo-Radiotherapy-Induced Diarrhea: A Narrative Review of the Current Evidence.

In this article, we review the most recent research on probiotics effects on diarrhea in both human and animal models of the condition along with the therapeutic potential of these compounds based on their findings. Nearly 50%-80% of cancer patients experience chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID), serious gastrointestinal toxicity of chemotherapeutic and radiation regimens that leads to prolonged hospitalizations, cardiovascular problems, electrolyte imbalances, disruptions in cancer treatment, poor cancer prognosis, and death. CID is typically categorized as osmotic diarrhea. The depletion of colonic crypts and villi by radiotherapy and chemotherapy agents interferes with the absorptive function of the intestine, thereby decreasing the absorption of chloride and releasing water into the intestinal lumen. Probiotic supplements have been found to be able to reverse the intestinal damage caused by chemo-radiation therapy by promoting the growth of crypt and villi and reducing inflammatory pathways. In addition, they support the modulation of immunological and angiogenesis responses in the gut as well as the metabolism of certain digestive enzymes by altering the gut microbiota. Beyond the benefits of probiotics, additional clinical research is required to clarify the most effective strain combinations and dosages for preventing chemotherapy and radiotherapy diarrhea.