Synbiotic Formulation Research Articles

Synbiotic‐induced alterations in fecal microbiota are associated with increased ANGPTL4 levels in healthy overweight adults (647.46)

Gut bacteria may influence diet‐related obesity, partly via ANGPTL4, a circulating lipoprotein lipase (LPL) inhibitor that regulates fat‐storage in the adipose. Modulating gut flora for stimulatory activity towards ANGPTL4 may thus serve a protective function. We have previously shown that bioactives from Bifidobacterium sp. increased the levels of enterocytic ANGPTL4 in vitro. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether a synbiotic formulation containing probiotic Bifidobacterium sp. along with prebiotics inulin and galactooligosacharides can enhance ANGPTL4 in human subjects, by potentially enriching Bifidobacterium in their gut. 57 healthy overweight adults participated in this 12‐week parallel, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study, by adding the synbiotic or placebo to their habitual diet. Fecal samples, plasma samples, colonocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from subjects at 0 and 12‐weeks for assessing changes in fecal microbiota, ANGPTL4 gene‐expression and plasma ANGPTL4. The synbiotic group demonstrated significant increases in Bifidobacterium numbers, ANGPTL4 gene‐expression in PBMCs, and plasma ANGPTL4 levels compared to placebo. Also, a significant positive correlation was seen between Bifidobacterium numbers and plasma ANGPTL4 levels in the synbiotic group. Bifidogenic diets may thus lower LPL‐mediated fat‐storage.

Development of a novel synbiotic dark chocolate enriched with Bacillus indicus HU36, maltodextrin and lemon fiber: Optimization by response surface methodology

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotic Bacillus indicus HU36 and dietary fibers (maltodextrin and lemon fiber) addition on color and organoleptic quality properties of dark chocolate. The viability of B. indicus HU36 in dark chocolate was examined as well in the study. Three-level [1.5, 3.5, 5.5 (g/100 g)], two factorial (maltodextrin, lemon fiber) Central Composite Design (CCD) was performed for developing synbiotic chocolate formulation. According to our results, B. indicus HU36 showed survival rate between 88 and 91% in samples. Descriptive sensory analysis (QDA®) and color analysis were performed to examine the effects of factors and their levels on quality attributes and describe developed chocolates in detail. While bacteria and dietary fiber addition did not show any negative effects on product sensory and color properties; dietary fiber addition improved some sensorial features significantly i.e. sweetness, firmness and adherence, The validation of the model had been accomplished by applying the conditions generated by the RSM model. This study is the first report on the use of B. indicus HU36 in potentially probiotic chocolate production.

Synbiotic formulation of probiotic and lactulose combination for hepatic encephalopathy treatment: A realistic hope?

Gut-produced ammonia plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy because cirrhotic liver fails to clear toxic metabolites. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and delayed gastrointestinal transit time in cirrhosis add to the pathogenesis. Lactulose is a mainstay in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Another benefit of lactulose is its prebiotic effect on probiotics that reduce the activity of bacterial urease, resulting in decreased hyperammoneamia and increased elimination of ammonia and other nitrogenous waste through enteric toxin reduction technology. Synbiotic formulation of probiotic and lactulose can synergistically/additively reduce ammonia production, increase utilization and excretion of ammonia and other nitrogenous wastes, thereby improving the well-being of patients with hepatic encephalopathy. We hypothesize that oral administration of a synbiotic formulation prepared from a combination of selected microbial strains of probiotics and lactulose will offer additional protection against hepatic encephalopathy via intra-intestinal extraction of toxic solutes in patients with cirrhosis.

Newly Developed Synbiotics and the Chemotherapy-Damaged Gut

Mucositis is a common side-effect of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Features of mucositis include erythema, ulceration, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract accompanied by clinical symptoms of abdominal pain and digestive disturbances. New treatment strategies are required. Experimental evidence is accumulating showing therapeutic promise for new nutraceutical agents including probiotic bacteria, probiotic-derived factors, prebiotics, and plant extracts. However, the targeted development of new combinations of these agents (synbiotics) to combat mucositis remains largely unexplored. The current review addresses the potential for these nutraceutical agents to reduce the severity of chemotherapy-damaged mucositis by strategically aligning their underlying mechanism of action with features of mucositis pathogenesis. The potential for certain plant extracts to act as prebiotics, in combination with probiotics or their derived factors, is further investigated. These unique synbiotic formulations could form the basis of a new naturally sourced adjunctive approach to cancer chemotherapy.

Randomized pilot trial of a synbiotic dietary supplement in chronic HIV-1 infection

BackgroundInfection with HIV-1 results in marked immunologic insults and structural damage to the intestinal mucosa, including compromised barrier function. While the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been a major advancement in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, the need for novel complementary interventions to help restore intestinal structural and functional integrity remains unmet. Known properties of pre-, pro-, and synbiotics suggest that they may be useful tools in achieving this goal.MethodsThis was a 4-week parallel, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot trial in HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy. A synbiotic formulation (Synbiotic 2000®) containing 4 strains of probiotic bacteria (1010 each) plus 4 nondigestible, fermentable dietary fibers (2.5 g each) was provided each day, versus a fiber-only placebo formulation. The primary outcome was bacterial translocation. Secondary outcomes included the levels of supplemented bacteria in stool, the activation phenotype of peripheral T-cells and monocytes, and plasma levels of C-reactive protein and soluble CD14.ResultsMicrobial translocation, as measured by plasma bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA concentration, was not altered by synbiotic treatment. In contrast, the synbiotic formulation resulted in significantly elevated levels of supplemented probiotic bacterial strains in stool, including L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus, with the colonization of these two species being positively correlated with each other. T-cell activation phenotype of peripheral blood lymphocytes showed modest changes in response to synbiotic exposure, with HLA-DR expression slightly elevated on a minor population of CD4+ T-cells which lack expression of HLA-DR or PD-1. In addition, CD38 expression on CD8+ T-cells was slightly lower in the fiber-only group. Plasma levels of soluble CD14 and C-reactive protein were unaffected by synbiotic treatment in this study.ConclusionsSynbiotic treatment for 4 weeks can successfully augment the levels of probiotic species in the gut during chronic HIV-1 infection. Associated changes in microbial translocation appear to be absent, and markers of systemic immune activation appear largely unchanged. These findings may help inform future studies aimed at testing pre- and probiotic approaches to improve gut function and mucosal immunity in chronic HIV-1 infection.Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov: NCT00688311

Protective effects of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) intake on experimental colon carcinogenesis

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), a tuberous root native to the Andean region of South America, contains high concentration of fructans with potential for colon cancer prevention. This study investigated the potential beneficial of yacon intake on colon carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in male Wistar rats. After 4weeks of DMH-initiation, groups were fed basal diet (G1 and G6) or basal diet containing dried extract of yacon root at 0.5% (G2), 1.0% (G3 and G5) or a synbiotic formulation (G4) (1.0% yacon plus Lactobacillus casei at 2.5×1010CFU per g diet) for 13weeks. At week 20, a significant reduction in number and multiplicity of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and in number of invasive adenocarcinomas was observed in the groups orally treated with 1.0% yacon (G3) or the synbiotic formulation (G4) (0.05<p<0.001). Tumor multiplicity (noninvasive plus invasive) was significantly lower in the group fed synbiotic formulation (p<0.02). A significant reduction in cell proliferation in colonic crypts and tumors and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) caecal contents was observed in the groups orally treated with 1.0% yacon (G3) or the synbiotic formulation (G4). Therefore, the findings this study indicate that yacon and yacon plus L. casei intake may reduce the development of chemically-induced colon cancer.

Randomised clinical trial: efficacy of a new synbiotic formulation containing Lactobacillus paracasei B21060 plus arabinogalactan and xilooligosaccharides in children with acute diarrhoea

Acute diarrhoea is a frequent problem in children with heavy economic burden for families and society. To test the efficacy of a new synbiotic formulation containing Lactobacillus paracasei B21060, arabinogalactan and xilooligosaccharides in children with acute diarrhoea. Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, including children (age 3-36 m) with acute diarrhoea who were allocated to placebo or synbiotic group. Major outcome was resolution rate of diarrhoea at 72 h. Total duration of diarrhoea, daily stool outputs, stool consistency, working days lost by parents, adjunctive medications, and hospitalisation were also assessed. We enrolled 55 children in placebo group and 52 in synbiotic group. The two groups were similar for demographic and clinical characteristics. Resolution rate of diarrhoea at 72 h was significantly higher in synbiotic group (67%) compared to placebo group (40%, P = 0.005). Children in synbiotic group showed a significant reduction in the duration of diarrhoea (90.5 h, 78.1-102.9 vs. 109.8 h, 96.0-123.5, P = 0.040), daily stool outputs (3.3, 2.8-3.8 vs. 2.4, 1.9-2.8, P = 0.005) and stool consistency (1.3, 0.9-1.6 vs. 0.6, 0.4-0.9, P = 0.002) compared to placebo group (data expressed as mean, 95% CI). Rate of parents that missed at least one working day (41.8% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.003), rate of children that needed adjunctive medications (25.5% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.005) or hospitalisation (10.9% vs. 0%, P = 0.014) after the first 72 h of treatment, were reduced in synbiotic group. The synbiotic formulation studied is effective in children with acute diarrhoea. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12611000641998).

Prebiotic effect of soluble fibres from modern and old durum‐type wheat varieties on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains

Wheat grains are a rich source of dietary fibres, particularly in the western human diet. Many of the health effects attributed to dietary fibres are believed to be related to their microbial fermentation in the gut. This study evaluated the ability of two potentially probiotic strains, Lactobacillus plantarum L12 and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum B7003, to ferment soluble dietary fibres (SDFs) from modern and ancient durum-type wheat grains. Fibre microbial utilisation was highly variable and dependent on the strain. SDFs from the varieties Svevo and Solex supported the growth of L. plantarum L12 the best, whereas those from the varieties Anco Marzio, Solex and Kamut(®) Khorasan were good carbohydrate substrates for B. pseudocatenulatum B7003. The highest prebiotic activity scores (describing the extent to which prebiotics support selective growth of probiotics) for B7003 were obtained with SDFs from the varieties Solex (0.57), Kamut(®) Khorasan (0.56) and Iride (0.55), whereas for L12 the highest scores were achieved with the varieties Orobel (0.63), Kamut(®) Khorasan (0.56) and Solex (0.53). The present study has identified some SDFs from durum-type wheat grains as suitable prebiotic substrates for the selective proliferation of B. pseudocatenulatum B7003 and L. plantarum L12 in vitro. The results provide the basis for the potential utilisation of wheat-based prebiotics as a component of synbiotic formulations.

Probiotic Attributes of Lactobacillus rhamnosus of Dairy Origin and Effectiveness of Almond in Stimulation of its Growth in vitro

Three strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus of dairy origin and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) as a reference organism, were compared for their probiotic attributes viz., acid tolerance, bile salt tolerance, cell surface hydrophobicity and antimicrobial activity. Among the different organisms, Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC 17 was found to be the best strain in acid tolerance and antimicrobial activity and exhibited good bile salt tolerance and cell surface hydrophobicity. Prebiotic effectiveness of almond for stimulation of growth of L. rhamnosus NCDC 17 and LGG was also investigated in vitro. Almond supplementation to basal medium at the level of 2% (w/ v) exhibited stimulatory effect on proliferation of both the strains. However, LGG fared comparatively better than L. rhamnosus NCDC 17 as indicated by an increase in viable counts to the extent of 1.3-1.5 log cycles as compared to an increment of around 0.9-1.1 log cycles in case of L. rhamnosus NCDC 17 after 12 h of incubation. Inulin was not found to support the growth of any of the L. rhamnosus strains. Almond may serve as a natural source of prebiotic which may be used in combination with health promoting probiotic lactobacilli in synbiotic formulations for a wide range of health attributes.

Effect of a multi-species synbiotic formulation on fecal bacterial microbiota of healthy cats and dogs as evaluated by pyrosequencing

The effect of a multi-species synbiotic on the fecal microbiota of healthy cats (n=12) and dogs (n=12) was evaluated. The synbiotic (containing 5×10(9) CFU of a mixture of seven probiotic strains, and a blend of fructooligosaccharides and arabinogalactans) was administered daily for 21days. Fecal and serum samples were collected before, during, and up to 3weeks after administration. Changes in the fecal microbiota were analyzed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, 16S rRNA gene libraries, quantitative real-time PCR, and 16S rRNA gene 454-pyrosequencing. Probiotic species were detectable in 10/12 dogs and 11/12 cats during product administration. Abundances of Enterococcus and Streptococcus spp. were significantly increased in at least one time point during administration, and returned to baseline abundance after treatment was discontinued. No changes in the major bacterial phyla were identified on 454-pyrosequencing. No adverse gastrointestinal effects were recorded and no significant changes in gastrointestinal function or immune markers were observed during the study period. This study shows that while the ingestion of probiotics and prebiotics does not appear to alter the predominant bacterial phyla present in feces, supplementation with the investigated synbiotic leads to an increased abundance of probiotic bacteria in the feces of healthy cats and dogs.

Development of freeze dried synbiotic formulation using a probiotic strain of Lactobacillus plantarum

Synbiotics offer potential in the prophylactic management of gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, present study evaluates the effect of prebiotics (inulin and gum acacia) on Lactocaillus plantarum for developing a freeze-dried synbiotic product from the selected culture. L. plantarum exhibited the highest specific growth rate (0.23/h) in presence of inulin followed by gum acacia (0.22/h) and glucose (0.22/h). Preparation of the lyophilized synbiotic powder incorporating inulin or gum acacia and using non fat dry milk as base material was standardized. Throughout refrigerated storage for 90days, viable counts (i. e. 8 to 9log cfu/g) of the probiotic bacteria in the product remained high, while a considerable reduction in the counts was observed in the product stored at room temperature (25 ± 1°C).

Growth kinetics on oligo- and polysaccharides and promising features of three antioxidative potential probiotic strains

To determine the antioxidative activity, glutathione production, acid and bile tolerance and carbohydrate preferences of Lactobacillus plantarum LP 1, Streptococcus thermophilus Z 57 and Bifidobacterium lactis B 933. The intact bacteria exhibited antioxidative capacity against linolenic acid and ascorbate oxidation. The antioxidative activity of cell-free extracts was determined by chemiluminescent assay and agreed with total glutathione content. Superoxide dismutase was negligible in all the strains. Bile and gastric juice resistance was tested in vitro to estimate the transit tolerance in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Bifidobacterium lactis B 933 and L. plantarum LP 1 were more acid tolerant than S. thermophilus Z 57. All the strains were resistant to bile. Among 13 indigestible carbohydrates, galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides were utilized by all the strains and did not affect survival in human gastric juice. These potential probiotic strains exhibited antioxidative properties and good viability in gastric juice and bile may indicate tolerance to the transit through the upper gastrointestinal tract. Galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides are the most appropriate prebiotics to be used in effective synbiotic formulations. These results outline promising strains with antioxidative properties. Carbohydrate preferences can be exploited in order to develop synbiotic products.

A New Chance of Preventing Winter Diseases by the Administration of Synbiotic Formulations

The efficacy of probiotics is currently well documented with regard to the improvement of gastrointestinal functions, whereas their potential role in the prevention of infectious respiratory diseases has not been sufficiently analyzed. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY AND METHODS: A 3-stage prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out with several synbiotic preparations containing 3 to 5 strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium lactis, lactoferrin and prebiotics such as either FOS (short-chain fructooligosaccharides) or GOS (galactooligosaccharides). The study was performed over 3 different winter seasons between 2003 and 2007, and was aimed at assessing the ability of the different preparations to improve intestinal functions and to increase the body's defences against respiratory infections. In 2003/04 (stage 1; 237 healthy volunteers) an active formulation (A) containing 3 probiotic strains and FOS was used versus placebo; in 2005/06 (stage 2; 234 healthy volunteers) the same formulation versus a similar preparation enriched with lactoferrin (B), and versus placebo; in 2006/07 (stage 3; 250 healthy volunteers), 2 new synbiotic formulations each containing 5 probiotics and FOS (C) or GOS (D), respectively, versus placebo. In stage 1, bowel functions improved (P=0.004) in terms of reduced bloating and more regular intestinal motility. The length of acute respiratory infection episodes considered as a whole (-0.97 d; P=0.007) and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs, -1.96 d; P=0.044) were significantly decreased in the synbiotic group. The severity of episodes recorded a statistically significant drop in both episodes considered as a whole (3.21 average score vs. 3.98 in the placebo group, P<0.001) and in URTI (2.56 vs. 3.82; P=0.004) and flu classes (3.80 vs. 4.67, P=0.001). In stage 2, improvement of bowel functions was statistically significant (P=0.005) in synbiotic preparation A. A statistically significant reduction in the number of respiratory tract infections episodes was noted with both the two active formulations (P=0.002 in group A and P=0.003 in group B). The duration of episodes considered as a whole (-1.12 d in one of the 2 active formulation groups; P=0.005), URTIs (-2.08 d in group A; P=0.036) and influenza-like illness episodes (-1.40 d in group A; P=0.049) was significantly decreased in the synbiotic group. A reduction trend in cold episodes was also recorded. The severity of episodes recorded a statistically significant drop in episodes considered as a whole (-0.73 in group A, P=0.003; -0.65 in group B, P=0.004) and in the case of flu (-1.25 in group A, P<0.001; -1.18 in group B, P<0.001). In stage 3, the improvement of bowel functions was confirmed for both active formulations (P<0.001). A significant decrease in the total length of respiratory episodes (-1.51 d; P<0.001 in the group C and -1.39 d; P<0.001 in the group D) and in the length of cough (-3.08 d; P<0.001 in group C; -2.83 d; P<0.001 in group D), cold (-1.02 d; P=0.019 in group C; -1.32 d; P=0.001 in group D) and flu episodes was reported. The severity of episodes recorded a statistically significant drop in regard to episodes considered as a whole, the cold and flu classes in both groups and for cough too in group C. The number of episodes also dropped considerably in terms of overall episodes, cold (group C) and flu. These results demonstrate that a regular, long-term intake of various synbiotics may improve health by reducing the incidence and severity of respiratory diseases during the cold season.

Effect of inulin and Lactobacillus paracasei on sensory and instrumental texture properties of functional chocolate mousse

AbstractBACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of a potentially probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LBC 82), added solely or together with the prebiotic ingredient inulin on instrumental texture attributes and sensory properties of a functional chocolate mousse during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for up to 28 days.RESULTS: The addition of Lactobacillus paracasei resulted in a firmer and more adhesive chocolate mousse. This effect was intensified with the presence of inulin in the synbiotic formulation (5.24 N and − 0.956 N, respectively, for firmness and adhesiveness after 28 days of storage) (P &lt; 0.05). L. paracasei population did not vary (P &gt; 0.05) during storage (always between 7.27 and 7.35 log cfu g−1), both for the probiotic and the synbiotic mousses. Synbiotic mousse differed from control and probiotic mousses during storage with respect to the color attribute. Moreover, both probiotic and synbiotic mousses presented taste, aroma and texture perceptions which were different from one another and from the control mousse after 14 and 21 days of storage.CONCLUSION: The use of inulin, together with the potentially probiotic strain of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, is advantageous, conferring potentially symbiotic potential to the chocolate mousse, as well as favorable texture and sensory properties. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

In vivo association to human colon of Lactobacillus paracasei B21060: Map from biopsies

Background Adhesion to the intestinal mucosa is one of the main suitable properties for probiotic bacteria. Several in vitro studies have been published, but a very few data are available about the in vivo adhesion to intestinal surfaces of probiotics. Moreover, there are no data regarding the distribution of a probiotic strain along the entire intestine. Aim The present study aimed to preliminary evaluate the intestinal recovery of a new synbiotic formulation containing Lactobacillus paracasei B21060. Methods Seven volunteers participated in the study. Subjects assumed three times a day for 15 days a sachet with a synbiotic preparation containing 5 × 10 9 CFUs of Lactobacillus paracasei strain B21060. Samples were recovered from the faeces and from the cecum, transverse, descending and sigmoid colon. Results Identification at strain level showed that following administration, strain B21060 could be recovered from all sampled sites (except in one subject), representing 66.6% of the total vancomycin insensitive CFUs isolated from faecal samples, and 74.7% isolated from colonic samples. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that Lactobacillus paracasei B21060 probiotic strain is able to temporarily associate throughout the different sites of the entire intestinal tract.

In vitrogrowth behaviour of probiotic bacteria in culture media with carbohydrates of prebiotic importance

The influence of a variety of prebiotic sugars (galacto-, manno-, fructooligosaccharides, lactulose and others) and basic carbohydrates on the growth of a selection of probiotic bifidobacteria (9 strains), Lactobacillus acidophilus (8 strains) and other lactobacilli (9 strains) was investigated by applying in vitro methodologies based on optical density measurement. It has been shown that some of the bacteria could markedly utilize the substrates but with pronounced variation, depending on the individual nature of the strains. Besides their capability to grow in galacto- and fructooligosacharide containing media, a distinct growth in lactulose-based substrates was evident for most of the strains tested. Results presented can be used for selecting probiotic strains and prebiotic sugars to form synbiotic formulations. Keywords: probiotic bacteria, prebiotic carbohydrates, growth.