Benefits Of Probiotics Research Articles

Exploring microbial diversity in Kermanshah province’s Kermanshahi oil through DGGE and sequencing analysis

BackgroundGhee, known as “roghane heiwâni,” or “Kermanshahi oil” is a traditional fermented butter-like product highly esteemed for its nutritional value. Ghee is prepared using traditional methods and has substantial potential as a reservoir of probiotic microorganisms. Previous research delved into isolating and identifying lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in Kermanshahi through culture and PCR sequencing. This study seeks to elucidate the microbial profiles and diversity within Kermanshahi using culture, Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), and sequencing methodologies.MethodsTwenty samples of Kermanshahi oil were meticulously gathered from diverse locales across Kermanshah province. These samples were cultivated under specialized conditions in MRS and M17 environments spanning 24 to 72 h. Following DNA extraction, amplification of the 16SrRNA gene sequences was performed, culminating in sequencing for conclusive identification of the isolates. Furthermore, the DGGE technique was directly employed to separate and identify various species present in the oil samples utilizing bioinformatics software.ResultsSequencing outcomes revealed a diverse array of microorganisms among the isolates, with Lactobacillus constituting 43%, Streptococcus comprising 27.6%, Enterococcus at 4.61%, and yeasts at 7.6%. Other species exhibited lower frequencies, encompassing Rhizobium, Bacillus coagulans, and Staphylococcus hominis.ConclusionsThe isolation of a diverse spectrum of probiotic microorganisms underscores their potential utility in the realm of industrial dairy product production. These findings allude to the possibility of integrating these valuable microorganisms, which have historically been associated with traditional products, into the contemporary dairy industry. As consumer interest in probiotic-enriched products surges, the insights gained from this study pave the way for harnessing the benefits of Kermanshahi-derived probiotics.

The pros and cons of probiotic use in pediatric oncology patients following treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, involving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy (antibiotics, antineoplastics) perturbs the gut microbiota in pediatric patients, with enduring effects post-treatment. ALL treatments diminish microbial richness and diversity, favoring pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics may offer promise in mitigating these disruptions and associated side effects. This mini-review explores the impact of ALL treatment on the gut microbiota and the potential benefits of probiotics in pediatric oncology. Probiotics have shown promise in restoring gut microbial balance, reducing treatment-associated side effects, and potentially improving quality of life. However, potential adverse effects, particularly in immunocompromised patients, warrant caution. Notably, there's emerging interest in probiotics’ role in bone health and mineral bioaccessibility. Further research is needed to elucidate probiotics’ mechanisms and their broader impact on pediatric health. Integration of probiotics into ALL treatment and post-treatment regimens offers significant potential for improving patient outcomes and reducing treatment-related complications and long-lasting disruptions, although careful monitoring is essential.

Bacillus clausii: A Review into Story of Its Probiotic Success and Potential Food Applications

Probiotics are live microbiota that can confer their hereditary health benefits upon the host. They can positively alter the diversity of the host’s gut microbiota population. Bacillus clausii is a spore-producing potential probiotic. Its application in the food industry has been highly recommended. Clausii spores are greatly resistant to harsh food processing treatment (heat and industrial pressure) and they can maintain their physiological traits (acid, bile salt) inside the human gut. The utilization of spores can enhance the nutritional viability of livestock, as well as the functionality of on-shelf products. This contemporary review covers the great attributes of B. clausii, including physiological characteristics, modes of action, probiotics benefits, a safety assessment, and the bacteria food industry applications for the purposes of producing enhanced functional foods known as probiotic foods. To our knowledge, although B. clausii has been widely applied in food industry, the amount of the literature that is dedicated to its role in sustainable food production and addresses its potential sporogenous probiotic behavior is fewer as compared to non-sporogenous lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.). In our review, we also discovered a lack of empirical evidence on the synbiotic and synergistic behavior of clausii in combination with other active nutrients. Therefore, our review suggests that more studies should be conducted on the potential probiotic contribution of B. clausii in sustainable food production and its synergistic and synbiotic behavior in conjunction with other active nutrients.

Pharmacists' Knowledge, Perception, and Prescribing Practice of Probiotics in the UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The human body is a complex and interconnected system where trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, coexist with these cells. Besides maintaining digestive health, this relationship also impacts well-being, including immune function, metabolism, and mental health. As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists are pivotal in promoting the benefits of probiotics for immune support. This study explored pharmacists' knowledge, perception, and practice behavior in the UAE towards the implication of probiotic application beyond digestive health, such as cardiovascular and mental health impacts and their diverse dosage forms. An online self-administered survey was distributed among pharmacists in the UAE. Data were collected through personal visits to pharmacies, where pharmacists were approached and asked to complete the questionnaire. The sample size included 407 pharmacists, determined using the formula for proportions with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics and survey responses. The knowledge levels were categorized into poor, moderate, and good. Chi-square analysis was employed to investigate associations between demographic factors and knowledge levels, with a significance level set at p < 0.05, enhancing the robustness of the study's findings. This study included 407 completed eligible responses. About 63.56% of participants were female, with 52.1% employed in pharmacy chains. While 91.2% of pharmacists recognized probiotics' role in immune support, only 30% were aware of their cardiovascular benefits. Moreover, chewing gum was the least known dosage form of probiotics, recognized by only 16.7% of respondents. Additionally, only 57% of the participants recognized liposomes as a dosage form. In practice, most pharmacists recommended storing probiotics at room temperature, accounting for 66.6%. The most prevalent misconception encountered in the pharmacy setting was the belief that probiotics are primarily intended for gastrointestinal tract problems, at 79.1% of the respondents. Regarding perception, the agreement was observed regarding the safety of probiotics for all ages. Perceived barriers included the high cost of probiotics, with the majority (86.5%) indicating this as a significant obstacle, while lack of demand was identified as the minor barrier by 64.6%. Additionally, an association was found at a significance level of p < 0.05 with knowledge, gender, educational level, type and location of pharmacy, and source of information. The study highlights knowledge gaps in pharmacists' understanding of probiotic applications beyond digestive health, particularly cardiovascular health and depression. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to address these gaps. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing professional development for pharmacists, enhancing their role in patient education and the promotion of probiotics for overall health.

Benefit of Probiotics on Cardiovascular Health- A Narrative Review

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death globally and a prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in which plaque buildup in artery walls results in inadequate blood flow. Risk factors for CAD include hypertension, inflammation, diabetes, and poor diet. In the past few decades, research has emerged on the employment of probiotics in cardiovascular health, particularly focused on methods for using probiotics as preventative measures for the risk factors of CAD. Probiotics can reduce hypertension and inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and possibly reduce salt levels in individuals with high-sodium diets. Still, more research needs to be done on the safety and considerations of administering probiotics and their underlying mechanisms since the evidence is predominantly experimental. Probiotics have proven to be a valuable research point given the urgency and incidence rates of coronary artery disease.

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.

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.

Determination of the effects of novel paraprobiotic supplement of Lactobacillus plantarum on soy dairy-free beverage by physicochemical, antioxidant, sensory analyses, and Raman spectroscopy technique.

Paraprobiotics are inactivated microbial cells that improve the health status of consumers when taken in adequate doses. They can be used instead of probiotics to eliminate disadvantages such as instability in production and storage difficulties. They can also be an alternative nutritional supplement for individuals sensitive to fermented products. In this study, a paraprobiotic supplement obtained from Lactobacillus plantarum was added to a soy dairy-free beverage at two concentrations of 108 and 109 CFU/mL. Then, total soluble solids, pH, color, titratable acidity, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content of the beverage were measured, and sensory analysis was also performed. The results indicate that paraprobiotic addition significantly increased (p<0.05) the antioxidant activity (75.44±0.23µmol TE/g sample), total phenolic content (834.32±6.69mg GAE/g), protein (3.28±0.18%), fat (2.35±0.06), and ash content (0.57±0.08). These results were also validated using the Raman spectroscopy technique. The paraprobiotic-supplemented soy dairy-free beverage had the highest taste and overall impression values. Since the parabiotic addition did not affect the physicochemical properties of the beverage, manufacturers can develop commercial products containing paraprobiotics without altering the production process. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Paraprobiotics provide an alternative for individuals sensitive to fermented products but still desire the health benefits of probiotics. They additionally provide practical and technological advantages, including a longer shelf life without a need for a cold chain to preserve the viability and stability of microorganisms. The results of this study can be a reference for the industry to develop food products containing paraprobiotics with increased antioxidative and nutritional properties.

Efficacy of Probiotics in Overweight and Obesity Control: An Umbrella Review and Subgroup Meta-Analysis.

Numerous primary and secondary studies have consistently demonstrated that probiotics, including lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, possess a potential anti-obesity effect. However, it is worth noting that some studies have yielded contrasting results. Considering this, our study aims to present a comprehensive overview of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses, focusing on the efficacy and safety of probiotics in managing obesity. To achieve this objective, we conducted an umbrella review following the PRISMA protocol and Cochrane guidelines. We searched databases such as Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in English, without imposing any date restrictions. Our inclusion criteria encompassed studies evaluating the anti-obesity impact of probiotics, with a specific focus on changes in body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage (FMP), body weight (BW), and body fat mass (BFM). These studies were meticulously reviewed by two independent reviewers. Our analysis included five systematic reviews and 18 meta-analyses that met the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The meta-analyses revealed statistically significant reductions in the following parameters: BMI, a decrease of 0.30kg/m2 (p < 0.00001, 95% CI - 0.36 to - 0.25); BFM, a reduction of 0.86kg (p < 0.00001, 95% CI - 1.02 to - 0.71); BW, a decrease of 0.59kg (p < 0.00001, 95% CI - 0.74 to - 0.44); and FMP, a substantial decline of 78% (p < 0.00001, 95% CI - 1.02 to - 0.54). In summary, our umbrella review suggests that existing evidence supports the potential benefits of probiotics in managing obesity and overweight. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the credibility of this evidence is somewhat limited due to the inclusion of studies with poor-quality designs and relatively small participant numbers. To establish the true efficacy of probiotics in obesity management, we recommend conducting robust studies involving larger participant cohorts.

The Antifungal Activity of Chitosan Nanoparticle-Incorporated Probiotics Against Oral Candidiasis.

Candida species, especially Candida albicans, cause oral candidiasis, also known as oral thrush. It affects the elderly, newborns, patients under antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, and patients with weaker immune systems. Although successful, traditional antifungal medications are available, they may have negative effects and do not prevent recurrence. Conventional antifungal medications have a restricted range of effectiveness; hence, the need for a novel antifungal agent arises. Chitosan, a natural polymer made from chitin found in crustaceans, kills fungal cells by damaging membranes. Excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability make it a promising medical material. Probiotics, live bacteria, compete with pathogenic microbes for adhesion sites and nutrients, produce antimicrobials such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins, and modulate the host's immunological response. Adding probiotics to chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) boosts their antifungal activity against Candida species and increases their stability and transport to the infection site. The antifungal activity was evaluated through in vitro experiments utilizing Candida strains that are significant to oral candidiasis. Different concentrations of CSNPs and formulations loaded with probiotics were examined to assess their effectiveness. The antifungal properties were assessed using microbiological assays, specifically agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The study demonstrated a notable fungicidal impact of CSNPs combined with probiotics against oral candidiasis. Furthermore, the MICvalues were lower for the probiotic-loaded CSNPs than for chitosan alone or probiotics alone. The combination of CSNPs and probiotics shows potential in effectively combating oral candidiasis by inhibiting fungal growth. This novel method offers a promising strategy for creating therapeutic treatments for oral candidiasis by utilizing the combined benefits of chitosan and probiotics to combat fungal infections effectively.

How Do Socio-Demographic Factors, Health Status, and Knowledge Influence the Acceptability of Probiotics Products in Hong Kong?

In recent years, due to growing interest in gut health, the potential benefits of probiotics on the gut have received much attention. Probiotics, now readily available in both dietary supplements and a variety of foods, have become a focal point of consumer health choices. This study aims to explore the impact of consumer-related factors, including socio-demographic profiles, health status, and probiotics knowledge, on the acceptance of probiotics products in Hong Kong. A total of 385 participants engaged in a survey, providing data for an in-depth analysis of how these factors influence attitudes toward probiotics. Findings revealed a general confidence in the safety of probiotics products among respondents; however, there was a noticeable gap in probiotics understanding. The study highlighted a correlation between probiotics knowledge and specific socio-demographic attributes, with higher educational attainment positively linked to greater probiotics awareness. Furthermore, the research indicated that women exhibit higher health consciousness and a greater propensity for probiotics consumption compared to men. Consequently, promoting enhanced probiotics education and fostering increased health awareness are crucial steps to prevent the misuse of probiotics and optimize health outcomes.

PSVI-25 The benefits of probiotics (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) supplement in growth, nutrient absorption, gas emission, and gut microbiome diversity in weaning pigs

Abstract Antibiotics are widely used as growth promoters (AGPs) in livestock production to improve animal performance and health. However, pig producers today face the prohibition of in-feed antimicrobials and have to find safe and effective alternatives. Lactobacillus species are active microorganisms that convey multiple beneficial effects to the host and are one of the most promising AGPs replacements. Herein, we aimed to comprehensively assess the effects of Lactobacillus spp. (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) supplementation on growth, nutrient absorption, gas emission, and gut microbiota diversity in weaning pigs. Weaning pigs (n = 160) were randomly allocated into four groups and allowed to be fed four different diets. The test treatments were basal diet (TRT1), basal + 0.25% antibiotic (TRT2), basal + 0.1% probiotics (TRT3), and basal + 0.2% probiotics (TRT4). Our results demonstrated that the inclusion of 0.2% Lactobacillus spp. supplementation significantly improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the growth performance and blood lymphocytes and reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emission. In microbiome analysis, Shannon index, Simpson index, and Bray-Curtis showed that probiotics enhanced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) microbial richness and diversity, indicating a unique microbial profile induced by probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, our findings provide concrete evidence of the growth-promoting effects of Lactobacillus spp. supplementation in piglets and a better understanding of the potential of Lactobacillus-based probiotics as AGPs alternatives in pig production.

PSVI-26 The benefits of probiotics (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) supplement in growth performance, egg production, gas emission and gut microbiome diversity in Hy-Line brown laying hens

Abstract During the past few decades, antibiotics have been widely used at subtherapeutic doses to improve growth rates and performance in the poultry industry. However, antibiotics can result in side effects including bacterial resistance; these side effects often have detrimental consequences for human health. Thus, the poultry sector was urged to seek alternative strategies to promote animal performance. One environmentally friendly approach to growth promotion involves the use of probiotics, which have been used in the poultry industry for decades. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus spp. (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) on growth performance, egg production, gas emission and gut microbiota diversity in laying hens. A total of 192 Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly divided into four groups and assigned to one of four dietary treatments for 12 wk. The test treatments were basal diet (TRT1), basal + 0.25% antibiotic (TRT2), and basal + 0.1% probiotics (TRT3), and basal + 0.2% probiotics (TRT4). Laying hens fed a diet supplemented with 0.2% probiotics showed increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) egg production in wk 9, 10, and 12. Moreover, fecal ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions were reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the probiotic groups. Microbiome analysis showed increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) species richness in the probiotic groups, as indicated by Chao1 and Shannon indices, but a decrease (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in species diversity according to the Simpson index, suggesting a specific microbial community development due to probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, this study provides us with an insight into the potential use Lactobacillus spp. probiotic as a food supplement in the laying hen industry also provides us with a better understanding of the interplay between Lactobacillus spp. and the gut microbiome diversity in laying hens.

In Vitro evaluation of probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from juçara fruit native to the Atlantic Forest

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the microorganisms most commonly used as probiotics. Since probiotic benefits are strain-dependent, there is a continuous need for research into new cultures with probiotic properties. Fruits such as juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius), a palm species from the Atlantic Forest threatened with extinction, are rich niches for microorganisms, including LAB. This study investigated the probiotic properties of Lactococcus lactis J7 and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides JF17 strains isolated from juçara fruits native to the Atlantic Forest. Probiotic characteristics, such as tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal fluids or juices, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, coaggregation properties, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and technological properties were evaluated. The survival rate of L. lactis J7 and L. pseudomesenteroides JF17 decreased after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions; however, L. lactis J7 was more resistant, maintaining viability at the end of the enteric phase of 6.07 ± 0.16 log CFU mL-1. The J7 strain also exhibited the highest values in hydrophobicity (12.55 ± 0.52%), autoaggregation (25.63 ± 0.75%), and coaggregation capacity with E. coli ATCC 25922 (21.52 ± 0.98%) and S. Enteritidis ATCC 13076 (22.68 ± 1.01%). Both J7 and JF17 strains demonstrated antimicrobial activity, confirmed by the multilayer agar plate system. Additionally, the growth of the strains was temperature-dependent, and they were able to thrive in high concentrations of sodium chloride (6%). Thus, L. lactis J7 is a promising probiotic candidate for the development of functional products. Nevertheless, further studies using animal models are necessary to explore the properties of these probiotic bacteria. Novel strains isolated from fruits should be studied to broaden the application of probiotic microorganisms in the development of foods and medicines.

P112 SUPPRESSION OF PROTEIN KINASE RNA-LIKE ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM KINASE BY PROBIOTICS CIRCUMVENTS CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PROFILE IN EXPERIMENTALLY-INDUCED PCOS MODEL

Background and Objective: The global cause of death attributable to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). including in women of reproductive age is alarming. Individuals with PCOS usually present CVD as a long-term life-threatening effect of PCOS. Protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) has been implicated in cardiomyopathy. However, its role in PCOS-induced CVD risk has not been established. Studies have shown that probiotics improves metabolic-related disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the role of PERK in CVD risk associated with PCOS in experimental rat model, and the therapeutic benefits of probiotics. Methods: Eight-week-old female Wistar rats were assigned into four groups (n=6). Polycystic ovarian syndrome was induced by uninterrupted administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days, thereafter, probiotics (2 x 107 CFU) was administered for 6 weeks. Gene expression, biochemical parameters and histological evaluations were performed with Western blot, ELISA, and H&amp;E staining techniques Results: The present findings revealed that animals with PCOS were characterized with phenotypic features such as hyperandrogenemia and multiple cysts in the ovaries. In addition, PCOS rats manifested insulin resistance and increase in glucose regulatory protein (GRP78), together with increased levels of circulating corticosterone, cardiac triglyceride, inflammatory mediators (NF- kappaB/TNF-alpha), TGF-beta1, Caspase-6, and HDAC2, while a decrease in HIF-1alpha and NrF2 was observed when compared with control animals. These were accompanied by elevated expression of PERK. However, treatment with probiotics reversed these systemic, endocrine, metabolic and cardiac anomalies. Conclusion: The present study suggests that probiotics attenuates CVD risk profile in experimental PCOS rat model by suppression of PERK/HDAC2-dependent pathway.

Probiotics in the Management of Vulvovaginal Candidosis.

Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) represents a frequent and cumbersome vaginal infection. Recurrent and/or persistent infections remain common among a significant number of patients despite the use of antifungals. Probiotics offer a promising adjunctive or alternative therapeutic strategy to antifungals in the management of VVC. We aimed to explore and thoroughly examine the various roles and potential applications of probiotics in VVC. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant clinical trials and systematic reviews that examine the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment and prevention of VVC and recurrent VVC (rVVC). Following the initial screening of 4563 articles, a total of 25 clinical studies and seven systematic reviews were finally included in this analysis. The studies reviewed provide a generally positive yet inconsistent view of the efficacy of probiotics in managing VVC, including clinical, mycological response, and prevention perspectives. Nonetheless, fluconazole remains more effective than probiotics in treating VVC, while the combination of the two seems to reduce recurrence and improve symptoms significantly. For prevention, probiotics seem to improve vaginal health and reduce symptoms, while safety and tolerability are consistently reported across the studies, affirming that probiotics represent a low-risk intervention. However, clear conclusions are difficult to establish since relative studies explore different clinical endpoints and follow-up times, variable populations are included, different probiotics are used, and diverse schedules and regimens are administered. We propose that future studies should study the benefit of probiotics in well-defined categories such as (1) treatment with acute probiotics instead of antifungals, (2) adjuvant probiotic therapy together or after antifungals, and (3) VVC recurrence prevention using probiotics.

Probiotic therapy modulates the brain-gut-liver microbiota axis in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury

The interplay between gut microbiota and host health is crucial for maintaining the overall health of the body and brain, and it is even more crucial how changes in the bacterial profile can influence the aftermath of traumatic brain injury (TBI). We studied the effects of probiotic treatment after TBI to identify potential changes in hepatic lipid species relevant to brain function. Bioinformatic analysis of the gut microbiota indicated a significant increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the probiotic-treated TBI group compared to sham and untreated TBI groups. Although strong correlations between gut bacteria and hepatic lipids were found in sham mice, TBI disrupted these links, and probiotic treatment did not fully restore them. Probiotic treatment influenced systemic glucose metabolism, suggesting altered metabolic regulation. Behavioral tests confirmed memory improvement in probiotic-treated TBI mice. While TBI reduced hippocampal mRNA expression of CaMKII and CREB, probiotics reversed these effects yet did not alter BDNF mRNA levels. Elevated pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL1-β in TBI mice were not significantly affected by probiotic treatment, pointing to different mechanisms underlying the probiotic benefits. In summary, our study suggests that TBI induces dysbiosis, alters hepatic lipid profiles, and preemptive administration of Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum probiotics can counter neuroplasticity deficits and memory impairment. Altogether, these findings highlight the potential of probiotics for attenuating TBI's detrimental cognitive and metabolic effects through gut microbiome modulation and hepatic lipidomic alteration, laying the groundwork for probiotics as a potential TBI therapy.

Probiotics as a Therapeutic Approach for Non-infectious Gastric Ulcer Management: a Comprehensive Review.

A gastric ulcer is a stomach lining or nearby intestine disruption caused by acid and pepsin. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and NSAIDs are the primary culprits behind stomach infections that can lead to gastric ulcers and other digestive disorders. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumptionand cigarette smoking, stress, and exposure to cold environments can also contribute to non-infectious gastric ulcers. Various treatments are available for gastric ulcers, including antibiotics, anticholinergics, and antacids. However, potential concerns include antibiotic resistance, side effects, and treatment failure. Considering this, there is a need for an alternative approach to manage it. Fortunately, probiotics, typically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, show potential for healing gastric ulcers, offering a non-invasive alternative to conventional treatments. A notable concern arises from applying probiotic bacteria stemming from the propensity of pathogenic bacteria to develop antimicrobial resistance in response to antibiotic therapies. Therefore, the use of yeast becomes more imperative due to its natural resistance to antibacterial antibiotics for antibacterial-treated patients. Probiotic bacteria and yeasts could heal gastric ulcers by regulating the immune response, reducing inflammation, and restoring the balance between defensive and aggressive factors of the gastric layer. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the benefits of probiotics and their potential as a therapeutic treatment for non-infectious gastric ulcers, along with other probiotic options. In particular, this review provides a succinct summary of multiple literature studies on probiotics, emphasising the distinctive properties of yeast probiotics, as well as their (bacteria and yeasts) application in the management of non-infectious gastric ulcers.

Strain-Dependent Adhesion Variations of Shouchella clausii Isolated from Healthy Human Volunteers: A Study on Cell Surface Properties and Potential Probiotic Benefits.

The probiotic potential of Shouchella clausii is widely recognized, but little is known about its adhesive properties. Hence, this study aims to investigate the adhesion potential and cell surface properties of four human-origin S. clausii strains (B619/R, B603/Nb, B106, and B637/Nm). We evaluated epithelial adhesion, Extracellular Matrix (ECM) binding, aggregation ability, and cell surface hydrophobicity and used genome analysis for validation. Our results demonstrate that adhesion capability is a strain-specific attribute, with significant variations observed among the four strains. B619/R, B603/Nb, and B106 displayed stronger adhesion properties than B637/Nm. Supplementary adhesion assays showed that B637/Nm displayed high hydrophobicity, significant auto-aggregation, and significant mucin-binding abilities. Conversely, B619/R, B603/Nb, and B106 had mildly hydrophobic surfaces and low aggregation abilities. Genome annotation revealed the presence of various adhesion proteins in four strains. Notably, the reduced adhesion potential of B637/Nm was supported by the absence of the cell wall surface anchor family protein (LPxTG motif), which is crucial for interactions with intestinal epithelial cells or mucus components. Further, docking studies provided insights into the interaction of adhesion proteins with gut mucins. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how S. clausii strains interact with the gut environment, facilitating the development of probiotic formulations tailored for improved gut health and well-being.

SICKO: Systematic Imaging of Caenorhabditis Killing Organisms.

Caenorhabditis elegans are an important model system for research on host-microbe interaction. Their rapid life cycle, short lifespan, and transparent body structure allow simple quantification of microbial load and the influence of microbial exposure on host survival. C. elegans host-microbe interaction studies typically examine group survival and infection severity at fixed timepoints. Here we present an imaging pipeline, Systematic Imaging of Caenorhabditis Killing Organisms (SICKO), that allows longitudinal characterization of microbes colonizing isolated C. elegans, enabling dynamic tracking of tissue colonization and host survival in the same animals. Using SICKO, we show that Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa gut colonization dramatically shortens C. elegans lifespan and that immunodeficient animals lacking pmk-1 are more susceptible to colonization but display similar colony growth relative to wild type. SICKO opens new avenues for detailed research into bacterial pathogenesis, the benefits of probiotics, and the role of the microbiome in host health.