Probiotic Treatment Research Articles

Probiotic interventions and quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal diseases: A comprehensive review.

Gastrointestinal disorders manifest through disruptions in gastrointestinal functionality accompanied by dysbiosis within the microbiome. Probiotics are considered biological agents with potential therapeutic efficacy in managing gastrointestinal pathologies by modulating the gut microbiota. Nevertheless, several hurdles, such as safety considerations, resilience to stressors, post-colonization quantifications, and evaluative modalities, may impede the adoption of probiotics for gastrointestinal disorders. Herein, we performed online research using 6 databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid. Inclusion criteria were mostly articles published in the years 2015-2024, concerning the association between probiotics and gastrointestinal diseases. This review aimed to provide comprehensive data regarding the latest studies in this area. Additionally, this review delineates the various aspects of probiotic use, including both the positive and negative aspects, as well as the role of probiotics in immune system modulation and the prevention of various diseases. Also, we comprehensively discuss the prophylactic and supportive therapeutic role of probiotics in the management of COVID-19. Given the extensive adoption of probiotic formulations as microecological interventions for gastrointestinal disorders, a comprehensive understanding of the challenges inherent in their application and the implementation of contemporary methodologies to enhance probiotic colonization and evaluation systems are paramount for harnessing probiotics as viable biotherapeutic agents. However, there is a need for additional studies to confirm the potential role of probiotics as a suitable target in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

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).

Optimization of a gelatin/carboxymethylcellulose-based probiotic microcapsule and its application in preventing dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.

Oral administration of probiotics has demonstrated substantial potential in alleviating colitis. However, most of the ingested microorganisms struggle to survive the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased efficacy. In the present study, using double emulsification (W1/O/W2) and complex coacervation methods, we developed a gelatin/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based probiotic microcapsule and analyzed the efficacy of encapsulated probiotics in preventing dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Our results reveal that nearly 90% of the encapsulated probiotics remained viable after 30-day storage at 4°C and approximately 38.1% of viable bacteria (4.0 × 108 cfu/g) survived after 4-h simulated gastrointestinal digestion. In a DSS-induced colitis model, pretreatment with probiotics exerted significant protective effects, with the bacterial microcapsule-treated group having superior outcomes to those of the bacterial suspension plus empty carrier group. Probiotic treatments, especially those administered in the encapsulated form, significantly increased fecal short-chain fatty acid contents, and altered the intestinal microbial composition. The family Muribaculaceae, dominant bacteria in the mouse gut, may be the key microorganism involved in the BM regulation process. Our study presents an alternative approach to treating colitis using probiotics. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The encapsuled probiotic showed remarkable storage stability at 4°C, maintained good vitality after simulated digestion, and gained superior outcomes in preventing colitis. Our results offer an alternative approach for the probiotic preparations aiming to prevent the intestinal inflammation.

Effects of complex probiotics on intestinal function and its regulatory mechanism in patients with constipation.

Chronic constipation is a multi-symptomatic, multifactorial, and heterogeneous gastrointestinal disorder. Current pharmacological treatments for chronic constipation are limited and might negatively impact the patients' quality of life. Although probiotics have been shown to improve constipation symptoms, their specific regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. This study sought to explore how probiotic complexes may affect chronic constipation by improving patients' defecation habits. Furthermore, microbial profiles and non-targeted metabolites were assessed to explore the metabolic pathways involved in the improvement of constipation by probiotics. Patients with chronic constipation were treated using a single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial design. The experimental group was administered Lactobacillus powder prepared from 15 probiotic products, and maltodextrin was used as a placebo. Samples were collected twice daily for 4 weeks, and faecal samples were analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolic histology. Probiotic treatment changed the makeup of the gut microbiota, enhanced the quantity of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and markedly reduced clinical symptoms. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed that the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Prevotella increased while that of Thickettsia declined. Moreover, there was a decrease in the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis identified several differential metabolites, including succinic acid, fumaric acid, cholesterol, xanthurenic acid, 3-alpha,7-alpha-trihydroxy-5beta-cholestan-26-oic, and N-methyltryptamine. KEGG analysis showed that these metabolites were mainly associated with metabolic pathways such as primary bile acid biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and propanoate metabolism. In this study, gut microbiome and non-targeted metabolome analyses were performed on collected faecal samples to compare characteristic microorganisms and differential metabolites to provide new insights and references for probiotic intervention in constipation. Trial registered at chictr.org.cn under number: ChiCTR2200056274.

Preweaning Megasphaera elsdenii Supplementation in Dairy-Beef Calves: Impact on Performance, Behavior, and Rumen Development

This study evaluates the effects of an oral probiotic capsule containing a live culture of M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 on performance, feeding behavior, rumen pH VFA, and development of dairy-beef crossbred calves. Thirty-one male dairy-beef crossbred calves (Holstein x Angus; mean ± SD; 45.3 ± 7.1 kg; 8.2 ± 2.0 d old) were enrolled in a blinded, 76-d randomized trial. Calves were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: placebo, probiotic capsule administration on d 15, or probiotic capsule on d 15 plus a second capsule on d 39 of the study. Calves were housed individually with ad libitum access to water and calf starter and were fed 7L/d of milk replacer (1050g of powder/d) in 2 meals until d 41, then 3.5L/d in 2 meals until weaning on d 56. Behavioral observations were recorded in 1-min intervals using a wall-mounted camera. Rumen fluid samples were collected on d 14, 35, 49, 58, and 70, and analyzed for pH and VFA. Upon euthanasia on d 77, forestomach weights were recorded, and rumen papillae dimensions were measured. Mixed linear models were used for statistical analysis. Probiotic treatment resulted in greater daily solid feed DMI and ADG, particularly during weaning and postweaning periods. Additionally, probiotic treated calves spent more time drinking water and tended to have lower rumen pH compared with control. Empty rumen weight and papillae area were greater in calves supplemented with the probiotic capsule on d 15 compared with the other treatments. These findings suggest that preweaning M. elsdenii supplementation enhances performance and rumen development in dairy-beef crossbred calves. However, the impacts of timing and number of capsule applications on rumen development and calf performance should be further investigated. Further research should also investigate the probiotic's impact on the rumen microbiome and fermentation dynamics throughout the rearing period using detailed microbiome analysis.

Investigating the effects of combined treatment of mesalazine with Lactobacillus casei in the experimental model of ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a common gastrointestinal disorder in affluent nations, involves chronic intestinal mucosal inflammation. This research investigated the effects of combined probiotic treatment of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) and mesalazine on disease activity index and inflammatory factors in the UC model. 20 male BALB/c mice were utilized and divided into four groups. To induce UC, all groups received 100 μL of 4% acetic acid (AA) intra-rectally. The first group received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (as a control group), the second group was treated with L. casei, the third group was treated with mesalazine and, the fourth group was treated with L. casei and mesalazine. Treatment with L. Casei and mesalazine commenced after the manifestation of symptoms resulting from UC induction. Finally, the mice were euthanized and the disease activity index, myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide rate, cytokines level (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and, gene expression (iNOS, COX-2, and cytokines) were evaluated. The combined treatment of L. casei and mesalazine led to a significant decrease in the levels of NO, MPO and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the expression of cytokines, iNOS and COX-2 genes decreased in mice treated with the combination. This study shows that combined treatment of L. casei and mesalazine improves of experimental UC, which can be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of L. casei and mesalazine. In conclusion, this combination therapy can be considered a suitable option for the management of UC.

Positive impact of early-probiotic administration on performance parameters, intestinal health and microbiota populations in broiler chickens

Minimizing the utilization of antibiotics in animal production is crucial to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistances. Thus, research on alternatives is needed to maintain productivity, sustainability, and animal health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of probiotics' modes of action on performance, intestinal microbiota, and gut health in poultry, 3 probiotic strains (Enterococcus faecalis CV1028 [EntF], Bacteroides fragilis GP1764 [BacF], and Ligilactobacillus salivarius CTC2197 [LacS]) were tested in 2 in vivo trials. Trial 1 comprised of a negative control group fed basal diet (BD) and 3 treatment groups that received BD with EntF, BacF and LacS. Trial 2 included a negative control group, a positive control group with Zinc-Bacitracin as antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), and 2 groups treated with a blend of probiotics (EntF+BacF+LacS) during 0 to 10 or 0 to 35 d, respectively. Wheat-soybean-rye based diets without exogenous enzymes were used as a challenge model to induce intestinal mild- or moderate-inflammatory process in the gut. In Trial 1, individually administered probiotics improved FCR at 8 d compared to Control, but these positive effects were lost in the following growing periods probably due to the high grade of challenging diet and a too low dose of probiotics. In Trial 2, both Probiotic treatments, administered only 10 or 35 d, significantly improved FCR to the same extent as of the Antibiotic group at the end of the trial. Although the performance between antibiotic and probiotic mixture showed similar values, microbiota analysis revealed different microbial composition at 7 d, but not at 21 d. This suggests that modes of action of the AGP and the tested probiotic blend differ on their effects on microbiome, and that the changes observed during the first days' posthatch are relevant on performance at the end of the study. Therefore, the probiotics administration only during the first 10 d posthatch was proven sufficient to induce similar performance improvements to those observed in birds fed antibiotic growth promoters throughout the whole experimental trial.

Participant Personal Characteristics and Adherence to Oral Capsules: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Antenatal Probiotics.

Adherence to study interventions is critical to the conduct of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The relationships between participant characteristics and intervention adherence are understudied in pregnant populations. The purpose of this study was to conduct a secondary analysis of adherence to study capsules in a double-masked, placebo-controlled RCT of a probiotic intervention to reduce antenatal Group B Streptococcus colonization, in relationship to participant characteristics. We analyzed the relationship between capsule adherence rates and demographic characteristics among 81 RCT participants. Categorical variables were reported using counts and percentages, and continuous variables were expressed as means along with their standard deviations. For the univariate analyses, we compared demographic variables with adherence scores. A multivariate linear regression model was used to identify predictors of adherence. Average adherence was similar for control and probiotic group participants (P =.86) Univariate analysis showed that average adherence increased directly with age, education, and income. Participants who were partnered or living with others had higher average adherence compared with those who were single and living alone. Asian and White participants had the highest and Black participants had the lowest average, and there was no difference based on Hispanic ethnicity. Adjusting for all the variables in the regression, participants who identified as Black were significantly less likely to adhere to capsules than White participants, and those who were married or living with partners were more likely to adhere than the single participants. Diverse participants are critically important to RCTs. This secondary analysis provides evidence that participant characteristics and the social determinants of health play an important role in adherence to self-administered interventions in RCTs, although more research is needed. Our findings suggest that intentional consideration of RCT participant characteristics may allow for the development and tailoring of strategies to enhance intervention adherence. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03696953) on January 10, 2018.

Effect of probiotic supplementation on hospital admission frequency and inflammatory markers in allergic rhinitis and irritable bowel syndrome patients

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of short-term (3-6 months) probiotic use on patients with recurrent allergic rhinitis (AR) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), focusing on changes in inflammation indices and hospital admission frequency. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with IBS and AR between 2020 and 2021, who used probiotic supplements for 3 to 6 months. Clinical data, including demographic characteristics, systemic inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), hemograms before and after probiotic use, and AR-related admission numbers, were collected. The probiotic intervention was compared to a control group receiving standard IBS treatment without probiotics. Results: Of the 135 patients evaluated, a significant reduction in AR-related hospital admission frequency was observed in the probiotic-treated group compared to the control group (p

A Probiotic Mixture Decreases Neuropathy and Oxidative Stress Markers in Diabetic Rats

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a type of nerve damage caused by long-term hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus (DM). The gut microbiota alters in DM. Therefore, improvement of the gut flora may affect neuropathic pain and oxidative biomarkers' responsiveness to the probiotic treatment. The present study aimed to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on neuropathic pain and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetic rats’ serum. Forty-eight rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 12 per group) to examine the effects of the probiotics mixture as follows: the control group (CO), and the diabetic groups received 1 ml probiotics mixture (DP) containing <em>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</em>, <em>Lactobacillus acidophilus</em>, <em>Lactobacillus delbrueckii</em>, <em>Lactobacillus plantarum</em>, and <em>Bifidobacterium bifidum</em> (10<sup>9</sup> CFU of each), 100 mg/kg Gabapentin (DG), or normal saline (DM) daily. The study used animals with plasma glucose concentrations between 70 and 100 mg/dl. Behavioral tests, including mechanical allodynia, cold allodynia, and thermal hyperalgesia, were used to evaluate the pain on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 of the study. After that, the serum's biochemical analysis was completed. Taking the probiotics mixture decreased mechanical and cold allodynia as well as thermal hyperalgesia. The probiotics group also showed significant reductions in lipid peroxidation levels and increases in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities compared to the DM group. Our results showed that supplementation with the probiotics mixture could reduce pain-related behaviors in diabetic rats by enhancing the antioxidant capacity in their serum.

Diesel exhaust particle inhalation in conjunction with high-fat diet consumption alters the expression of pulmonary SARS-COV-2 infection pathways, which is mitigated by probiotic treatment in C57BL/6 male mice

BackgroundBoth exposure to air pollutants and obesity are associated with increased incidence and severity of COVID-19 infection; however, the mechanistic pathways involved are not well-characterized. After being primed by the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) or furin protease, SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 receptor to enter respiratory epithelial cells. The androgen receptor (AR) is known to regulate both TMPRSS2 and ACE2 expression, and neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a proposed coreceptor for SARS-CoV-2; thus, altered expression of these factors may promote susceptibility to infection. As such, this study investigated the hypothesis that inhalational exposure to traffic-generated particulate matter (diesel exhaust particulate; DEP) increases the expression of those pathways that mediate SARS-CoV-2 infection and susceptibility, which is exacerbated by the consumption of a high-fat (HF) diet.MethodsFour- to six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice fed either regular chow or a HF diet (HF, 45% kcal from fat) were randomly assigned to be exposed via oropharyngeal aspiration to 35 µg DEP suspended in 35 µl 0.9% sterile saline or sterile saline only (control) twice a week for 30 days. Furthermore, as previous studies have shown that probiotic treatment can protect against exposure-related inflammatory outcomes in the lungs, a subset of study animals fed a HF diet were concurrently treated with 0.3 g/day Winclove Ecologic® Barrier probiotics in their drinking water throughout the study.ResultsOur results revealed that the expression of ACE2 protein increased with DEP exposure and that TMPRSS2, AR, NRP1, and furin protein expression increased with DEP exposure in conjunction with a HF diet. These DEP ± HF diet-mediated increases in expression were mitigated with probiotic treatment.ConclusionThese findings suggest that inhalational exposure to air pollutants in conjunction with the consumption of a HF diet contributes to a more susceptible lung environment to SARS-CoV-2 infection and that probiotic treatment could be beneficial as a preventative measure.

Combined Treatment with Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid and SCD Probiotics Reduces Oxidative Stress in Lung Tissue of Aged Rats

Aging is associated with an increased level of oxidative stress, resulting from an elevated production of reactive oxygen species, which can lead to cellular and tissue damage, particularly in the lungs. This study examined the effects of Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and SCD Probiotics, both individually and in combination, on oxidative stress markers in the lung tissue of aged Sprague-Dawley rats. The primary objective was to assess the potential of these agents in reducing malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, which are indicative of oxidative damage and inflammation. The results showed that TUDCA significantly decreased MDA and AOPP levels, suggesting its role in maintaining mitochondrial stability and inhibiting apoptotic pathways. SCD Probiotics also demonstrated a reduction in AOPP levels, highlighting their immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, the combined treatment of TUDCA and SCD Probiotics led to a more pronounced decrease in both MDA and AOPP levels, along with a significant reduction in MPO activity. This suggests a synergistic interaction that enhances the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the individual treatments. These findings support the therapeutic potential of TUDCA and SCD Probiotics in mitigating oxidative damage in aging lung tissues, proposing that their concurrent use could be an effective strategy against age-related oxidative stress. Further research is warranted to explore these effects across different models and long-term applications.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Microbiome Analysis and Probiotic Interventions—An Overview and Perspective Based on the Current State of the Art

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining human health and influencing disease states. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have opened new avenues for exploring the intricate functionalities of the gut microbiota. This article aims to provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art applications of AI in microbiome analysis, with examples related to metabolomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and genomics. It also offers a perspective on the use of such AI solutions in probiotic interventions for various clinical settings. This comprehensive understanding can lead to the development of targeted therapies that modulate the gut microbiota to improve health outcomes. This article explores the innovative application of AI in understanding the complex interactions within the gut microbiota. By leveraging AI, researchers aim to uncover the microbiota’s role in human health and disease, particularly focusing on CIDs and probiotic interventions.

Evaluating the Effect of a Probiotic on Prevention of Diarrhea, Stress Response, and Social Interactions in a Colony of Macaca fascicularis

Background: Social housing changes are associated with diarrhea in macaques, presumably due to stress. Objective: Since probiotics are utilized in humans for diarrhea, we tested the effectiveness of a species- specific probiotic, SDPro™ (composition: ~2 billion CFU each of live Lactobacillus reuteri and Saccharomyces boulardii), to prevent relocation-associated diarrhea. Assessments of the gutmicrobiome and diarrhea severity were made. Behavioral observations and cortisol levels were examined after relocation to test the effects of the probiotic treatment. Methods: The probiotic was administered to 60 juvenile macaques of both sexes (Probiotic +) and outcomes were compared to 60 control (Probiotic -) macaques. The effects on gut microbiome composition were analyzed via 16s microbiome analysis in half the animals from both groups. Social behaviors were monitored twice-weekly in the morning and afternoon for five weeks following 10- days of SDPro™ administration in 56 subjects and hair cortisol was assayed. Results: Probiotic administration altered beta, but not alpha, diversity, and caused changes in taxa abundance at the phylum, genus, and species levels. The Probiotic + group was enriched in Firmicutes, Clostridium, and Lactobacillus and diminished in Bacteriodies (p’s < 0.05) compared to controls. Although SDPro™ did not alter diarrhea incidence following relocation, it reduced diarrhea severity in males only. Males also exhibited higher cortisol levels than females but there was no probiotic effect. Probiotic treatment had minor behavioral effects; the typical reduction in locomotion seen in the afternoon was eliminated. Conclusion: The results suggest that SDPro™ may be a viable tool to prevent relocation-induced diarrhea in juvenile male macaques.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Latest Advances in Treatment

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviours. Despite the global prevalence of ASD, its diagnosis and treatment remain challenging due to the absence of specific biomarkers and the heterogeneity of symptoms. ASD is incurable and current management options aim to minimize the symptoms and maximize the patients’ ability to function. There is no one standardized treatment for ASD at present, recommended medical interventions involve various therapies which include cognitive behavioral therapy alongside additional personalized pharmacological symptomatic treatments. New approach for ASD management includes sensory integration therapy (SIT) as well as dietary interventions, like gluten-free, casein-free and ketogenic diets. Other innovative treatment strategies are targeted at gut microbiome and include probiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplant. In this review possible genetic variants associated with ASD are discussed as well as their influence on the manifestation and management of clinical symptoms. For a better understanding on how genetic variables impact drug effectiveness in individuals and the importance of pharmacogenetics in ASD. This paper aims to explore the available and possible treatment options as well the genetic components associated with ASD. In summary, this paper reviews the current and emerging treatment options for ASD.

Butyrate-producing bacteria as probiotic supplement: beneficial effects on metabolism and modulation of behaviour in an obesity mouse model.

Obesity is a risk factor for cardio-metabolic and neurological disease. The contribution of gut microbiota to derangements of the gut-brain axis in the context of obesity has been acknowledged, particularly through physiology modulation by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Thus, probiotic interventions and administration of SCFAs have been employed with the purpose of alleviating symptoms in both metabolic and neurological disease. We investigated the effects of four butyrate-producing bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family on the development of metabolic syndrome and behavioural alterations in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Male mice were fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or an ingredient-matched control diet for 2 months, and bacteria cultures or culture medium were given by gavage to HFD-fed mice every second day. Mice were assessed through a battery of metabolic and behaviour tests, and fluxes through the gut barrier and blood-brain barrier were determined using Dextran-based tracers. One of the administered bacteria from the Coprococcus genus, which produces butyrate and formate, afforded some degree of protection against the development of obesity and its complications. Results from this study, however, are insufficient to support brain health benefits of the bacteria tested. None of the bacteria modulated permeability through the gut or blood-brain barriers. Our results suggest health benefits of a bacteria from Lachnospiraceae family, and encourage further exploration of its use as probiotic.

Topical Probiotics Reduce Atopic Dermatitis Severity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease that commonly appears during childhood but can present at any age. There are interventions that are effective in treating AD in children, but it has been difficult to find effective treatments for adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to determine the efficacy of topical probiotic treatment for AD in adult populations. A database search was conducted of peer-reviewed, double-blind clinical trials, and studies underwent a systematic exclusion and inclusion process, yielding four that met the criteria. Disease severity, as measured by a standardized scoring tool SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis), was culled from each study and compared to placebo at two-week and four-week time points. All studies showed improvement in SCORAD in the treatment groups compared to baseline at all time points. Two showed significant decreases in SCORAD after two weeks of treatment, and three studies showed long-lasting improvement after four weeks of treatment. Interestingly, while each study showed a reduction in the severity of AD at the two- and four-week time points, a pooled meta-analysis did not show a statistically significant difference between treatment and control at four weeks of treatment. Clinically, there may be benefits to topical probiotic usage as evidenced by the individual studies; more studies need to be performed including adults to show statistical significance.

Nutraceuticals and pharmacological to balance the transitional microbiome to extend immunity during COVID-19 and other viral infections

Abstract Scope The underlying medical conditions and gut dysbiosis is known to influence COVID-19 severity in high-risk patients. The current review proposed the optimal usage of nutraceuticals & pharmacological interventions can help regulate the protective immune response and balance the regulatory functionality of gut microbiota. Summary Many studies have revealed that the probiotic interventions viz., Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. plantarum & other bacterial spp. reduce IFNγ & TNF-α and increase IL-4 & IL-10 secretions to control the immunostimulatory effects in upper respiratory tract infection. Dietary fibres utilized by beneficial microbiota and microbial metabolites can control the NF-kB regulation. Vitamin C halts the propagation of pathogens and vitamin D and A modulate the GM. Selenium and Flavonoids also control the redox regulations. Interferon therapy can antagonize the viral replications, while corticosteroids may reduce the death rates. BCG vaccine reprograms the monocytes to build trained immunity. Bifidobacterium and related microbes were found to increase the vaccine efficacy. Vaccines against COVID-19 and season flu also boost the immunity profile for robust protection. Over all, the collective effects of these therapeutics could help increase the opportunities for faster recovery from infectious diseases. Conclusion The nutraceutical supplements and pharmacological medicines mediate the modulatory functionalities among beneficial microbes of gut, which in turn eliminate pathogens, harmonize the activity of immune cells to secrete essential regulatory molecular receptors and adaptor proteins establishing the homeostasis in the body organs through essential microbiome. Therefore, the implementation of this methodology could control the severity events during clinical sickness and reduce the mortalities.

When less is more for dietary Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC 501: The complex role gut microbiota play in energy budgets and allostasis of early juvenile Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

In aquaculture, exposure to stressors results in heightened neuroendocrine responses, increasing metabolic activities and reducing growth to offset additional stressor-related energetic costs for allostasis. Supplementation with probiotics increases metabolic expenditures from elevated fish digestion and upregulated immune systems, but effects of the probiotics concentrations on energy budgets remains unknown. This study used respirometry to determine the effects of five different probiotic concentrations: T0 control (0 × 1011 CFU/g), T1 (5 × 1011 CFU/g), T2 (10 × 1011 CFU/g), T3 (15 × 1011 CFU/g), and T4 (20 × 1011 CFU/g) of a dietary single-strain probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC 501) on feed consumption, and the proportion of feed intake energy (C) allocated to growth (G), and routine metabolic rates (Rr), in the energy budgets of early juvenile (1-3 g wet weight) Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), weekly over a 28-day experimental period. Two-factor ANOVA analyses revealed that the amount of feed intake energy (C) increased in probiotic treatments over controls. Allocation of feed energy for growth (G) differed among treatments, but not with time, but for routine metabolic activities (Rr), allocation of feed energy differed among treatments and over time. Increases of somatic tissue (TTW) was highest in the T2 treatment (intermediate concentration), while Rr was highest in the T3 and T4 (highest concentration) treatments, but only after 14–21 days of supplementation. Within energy budgets, the highest proportion of feed energy was allocated to growth in all treatments (G; mean ± SE, 43.0 ± 3.1 %), followed by routine metabolic activities (Rr; mean ± SE, 26.12 ± 2.1 %). Overall, the mean net mass-specific cost of growth (cr) (mgO2l−1 g−1) was highest, and the net growth efficiency (% KN) was lowest, in the T3 and T4 treatments indicating that higher probiotic concentrations were related to higher allostatic loads (AL) compared to lower probiotic treatments (T1, T2). Overall, our results revealed that the proportion of C allocated to G and Rr varied differently with probiotic concentration, was tightly related to gut bacteria metabolic expenditures, and highlighted the importance of carefully evaluating the probiotic concentrations for optimization of growth performance in Mozambique tilapia aquaculture.

Evaluating the coral microbiome during cryopreservation

Coral reefs are threatened by various local and global stressors, including elevated ocean temperatures due to anthropogenic climate change. Coral cryopreservation could help secure the diversity of threatened corals. Recently, isochoric vitrification was used to demonstrate that coral fragments lived to 24 hr post-thaw; however, in this study, they were stressed post-thaw. The microbial portion of the coral holobiont has been shown to affect host fitness and the impact of cryopreservation treatment on coral microbiomes is unknown. Therefore, we examined the coral-associated bacterial communities pre- and post-cryopreservation treatments, with a view towards informing potential future stress reduction strategies. We characterized the microbiome of the Hawaiian finger coral, Porites compressa in the wild and at seven steps during the isochoric vitrification process. We observed significant changes in microbiome composition, including: 1) the natural wild microbiomes of P. compressa were dominated by Endozoicomonadaceae (76.5 % relative abundance) and consistent between samples, independent of collection location across Kāneʻohe Bay; 2) Endozoicomonadaceae were reduced to <6.9 % in captivity, and further reduced to <0.5 % relative abundance after isochoric vitrification; and 3) Vibrionaceae dominated communities post-thaw (58.5–74.7 % abundance). Thus, the capture and cryopreservation processes, are implicated as possible causal agents of dysbiosis characterized by the loss of putatively beneficial symbionts (Endozoicomonadaceae) and overgrowth of potential pathogens (Vibrionaceae). Offsetting these changes with probiotic restoration treatments may alleviate cryopreservation stress and improve post-thaw husbandry.