Use Of Probiotics Research Articles (Page 2)

This study evaluated the effects of a combination of alpha monolaurin (AML) and probiotics (P) as a replacement for the antibiotic growth promoter, Zinc bacitracin (ZnB), on the growth performance and gut microbiota of broilers. Two hundred forty male Cobb broilers (day-old) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments, namely: a control group supplemented with ZnB (1000 g/t) and a treatment group supplemented with AML+P (250 g/t). Each group was replicated ten (10) times with twelve (12) broilers each. The average daily gain and average feed consumption of the broilers were comparable between the two groups, but the feed conversion ratio was superior for those supplemented with AML+P than those supplemented with ZnB. Income over feed cost was higher by 3.71% for AML+P than for the ZnB supplemented broilers. Microbiota analysis of broilers’ digesta (17, 19, 24, 26, and 31 d) showed that AML+P reduced lactic acid bacteria population on day 31 and affected non-detectable population of C. perfringens at any of the measurement periods. Based on the results, AML+P was a satisfactory replacement for ZnB supplement in the broiler diet. Keywords: Gastrointestinal infections, bacitracin, broiler performance, gut health, medium-chain fatty acids, probiotics.

Dietary nitrate, primarily sourced from vegetables, is reduced by oral bacteria to nitrite and subsequently to nitric oxide (NO), a molecule with antimicrobial and immunoregulatory properties, as well as vasodilatory and other cardiometabolic effects. Studies have shown that nitrate supplementation can lower blood pressure, reduce gingival inflammation, and lead to a shift toward microbial eubiosis in the periodontium. However, a paradox arises: nitrate and nitrite-when produced via NO synthase (NOS) activity during chronic inflammation-can serve as biomarkers of periodontitis. This narrative review aims to (1) examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of NO, particularly those stimulated by nitrate-rich vegetable intake; and (2) explore how chronic inflammation can alter the local environment leading to nitrate and nitrite accumulation. A targeted literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar to identify articles related to NO, nitrate metabolism, inflammation, and/or periodontitis. Under homeostatic conditions, NO can react with bacterial iron-sulfur clusters, promoting the elimination of sensitive species, and with host soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), activating cGMP signaling pathways that suppress inflammation. In contrast, the inflammatory milieu of periodontitis is characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free heme, both of which act as NO scavengers, thereby diminishing its bioavailability. Importantly, the reaction of NO with ROS generates various reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which differ functionally from NO. These RNS can be converted into nitrate and/or nitrite (e.g., peroxynitrite, ONOO-, decomposes into nitrate), contributing to their accumulation. Additionally, oxidative stress promotes NOS uncoupling, converting NOS from a NO-producing to a ROS-producing enzyme. Furthermore, periodontitis is associated with an impaired nitrate-reduction capacity of the oral microbiota, further decreasing NO levels. Oxidative stress and reduced NO availability may drive periodontal dysbiosis and contribute to the systemic impact of periodontitis. These disease-related conditions could be mitigated through dietary interventions with nitrate-rich vegetables and adjunctive use of nitrate-reducing probiotics, which warrants further investigation.

Background: Globally, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, while over 20 million infants are born with low birth weight (LBW). The worldwide prevalence of preterm birth (PTB) is about 10.6%, with South Asia contributing to over one-third of these cases.[1] In India, between 2019 and 2021, around 12% of births were preterm, and 18% of newborns had low birth weight. Additionally, nearly 3 million stillbirths occur globally each year, with 98% taking place in developing countries.[2] Aim- To assess the role of probiotics usage on length of stay in preterm and low birth weight neonates in a tertiary care centre- a randomized control study. Materials and methods : Neonates born between 28–36 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1800 grams, admitted to the NICU at Sharda Hospital and meeting the inclusion criteria, were enrolled after obtaining informed parental consent. Data were recorded using a structured case form. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (A and B) using computer-generated block randomization, with allocation concealed in sealed, numbered envelopes. Blinding was maintained for both the medical team and investigators. Bacillus clausii (probiotic) and sterile water (placebo) were identically coded and dispensed, with only the designated nurse aware of group assignments. Each neonate received 2.5 mL of the assigned preparation orally every 12 hours with feeds, continued until discharge or death, and temporarily withheld during feed interruptions. Results During the study period, a total of 112 neonates were enrolled and evenly distributed into two groups: Group A (placebo, n = 56) and Group B (probiotic, n = 56). The baseline demographic characteristics, including gestational age, gender, and birth weight, were comparable between the two groups, indicating effective randomization. A statistically significant reduction in the number of NICU stay days was observed in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group, suggesting a potential benefit of probiotic supplementation in reducing hospital stay duration among preterm and low birth weight neonates. Conclusion : The findings of this study indicate that probiotic supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in the duration of NICU stay among preterm and low birth weight neonates. This suggests that probiotics may serve as an effective adjunct in improving clinical outcomes by shortening hospitalization in this vulnerable population.

Background: Preterm birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) and low birth weight (under 2500 grams) are major contributors to infant mortality worldwide, particularly in developing countries. India alone sees around 12% of births as preterm and 18% as low birth weight, making this a significant public health concern. Aim: To assess the role of probiotics usage on the mortality in preterm and low birth weight neonates in a tertiary care centre- a randomized control study. Methodology: The study involved newborns between 28–36 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1800 grams, admitted to the NICU at Sharda Hospital and meeting specific inclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent from parents, data was collected using a structured case form. Participants were randomly assigned to two equal groups (A and B) through a computer-generated block randomization method, with allocation concealed in sealed, numbered envelopes. To ensure objectivity, both the medical team and investigators were blinded to group assignments. The probiotic (Bacillus clausii) and placebo (sterile water) were coded and packed separately, with only the designated nurse aware of which was which. Each baby received 2.5 mL of either the probiotic or placebo orally every 12 hours along with feeds, continued until discharge or death, and paused if feeds were stopped. Results: A total of 112 neonates were enrolled, equally divided into placebo (n=56) and probiotic (n=56). 9 neonates died in placebo group, 1 died in probiotic group and 102 were discharged. Demographics: Gestational age, gender, and birth weight were comparable in both groups. Mortality: Significantly lower in the probiotic group. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the administration of probiotics was associated with reduced mortality rates. Mortality was notably higher in the placebo group compared to the probiotic group

Abstract Background and objectives Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) includes persistent fatigue, significantly affecting quality of life. The role in diet in immune function suggests nutritional strategies might alleviate post-COVID-19 fatigue (PCF). This study aimed to assess the impact of pro- and anti-inflammatory diets on PCF severity. Methods The study included patients with a documented history of COVID-19 infection, as registered in the Egyptian Ministry of Health database. All eligible participants were invited to complete the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index (eDII) questionnaires. Results The study included 235 patients, mean age 31.68 years, BMI 27.06 kg/m2, 57.45% female, and 91.49% non-smokers. Fatigue was widespread, with 55.32% reporting "sometimes" experiencing it. Physical exhaustion was common (63.83%). Diet analysis revealed moderate to high consumption of pro-inflammatory foods, while anti-inflammatory food intake was moderate to low. Higher BMI correlated with lower fatigue, while males and non-smokers reported higher fatigue. Severe post COVID-19 infections and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes) were linked to increased fatigue, however, receiving probiotic as add-on therapy for COVID-19 disease decreased the fatigue score. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods was associated with lower fatigue levels, whereas a pro-inflammatory diet correlated with higher fatigue. The dietary inflammatory index showed a significant positive correlation with fatigue severity (r = 0.23, p = 0.04). Conclusion Post-COVID-19 fatigue was common particularly in those with severe infections and underlying comorbidities. Dietary patterns played a significant role, with higher intake of pro-inflammatory foods and lower consumption of anti-inflammatory foods associated with greater fatigue severity. Probiotic use and anti-inflammatory food intake were linked to reduced fatigue, highlighting the potential role of diet and microbiome support in recovery.

BackgroundAlterations in the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome (i.e., dysbiosis) are a feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Diet is a known modifier of the GI microbiome, and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has been associated with adverse changes in GI microbial composition. This study aimed to determine whether UPF consumption affects the GI microbiota and GI symptoms in patients with SSc.MethodsAdult SSc patients provided stool samples and completed both the Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ-2) and the UCLA Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract Instrument (GIT 2.0). Shotgun metagenomics were performed using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 with a target depth of 10 million 150x2 sequences per sample. UPF items (N=54) on the DHQ-2 were identified using the NOVA scale of food classification, and UPF intake was calculated as gram-per-week consumption according to patient reported frequency. General linear models were created to identify differentially abundant species based on UPF consumption and to evaluate the relationship between UPF consumption and GI symptoms as measured by the GIT 2.0. These models adjusted for body mass index (BMI), current proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, current probiotic use, current or prior immunomodulatory therapy, and presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).ResultsOf the 65 total SSc patients included, 84.6% were female. The mean age was 53.83 ± 13.19 years, and the mean BMI was 25.25 ± 4.75. The median UPF consumption was 2395.82 g/week. Increased UPF consumption was significantly associated with increased GI symptoms in our multivariate model (β=0.34; p<0.01). Among 257 species analyzed, 5 bacterial species were significantly associated with UPF consumption in the multivariate models, including Limosilactobacillus fermentum (β=0.32; p<0.01) and Faecalicatena fissicatena (β= -0.36; p-value<0.01), while the abundance of 6 bacterial species was significantly associated with GI symptom severity after adjusting for the aforementioned covariates.ConclusionsSSc patients reporting a higher UPF consumption demonstrated alterations in GI microbial composition as well as increased GI symptoms, even after adjusting for factors known to affect the microbiota of patients with SSc. Future studies are needed to determine whether interventions aimed at lowering UPF consumption may improve GI outcomes for patients with SSc.

Context: There is a common connection between the liver and the intestine, which is the main factor in the health of both organs. The bacterial flora in the intestine plays a very important role in improving the functions of liver cells; any change in the number and type of these microorganisms causes significant disorders in the liver. Methods: This study was conducted by searching for articles on various sites with keywords in Persian and English. Results: The results of various studies showed that the use of combination treatments with probiotic bacteria can have good protective effects against liver diseases, including hepatitis. Preliminary studies and clinical trials have shown that probiotics can reduce liver damage and accelerate cell repair by reducing systemic inflammation, improving intestinal barrier function, and regulating the immune response. In various liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic hepatitis, the use of probiotics has had positive results. Liver biomarkers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are sensitive and reliable indicators of liver cell damage, whose levels increase during inflammation and injury. A faster decrease in these enzymes can indicate a quicker recovery of liver damage. Therefore, examining the effect of probiotics on changes in these biomarkers and also determining the time required for enzymes to return to normal levels can more accurately determine the role of this intervention. Conclusions: In addition to helping to better understand the mechanisms of action of probiotics, the results of this study can provide valuable guidance for physicians in choosing adjuvant treatments and improving the quality of life of people with this disease. Finally, this study can play an important role in the development of health and medical policies at the national level and serve as a basis for future research in the field of the use of probiotics in viral liver diseases of patients.

PurposeThis study investigates the effects of oral administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the clearance of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and cervical cytology outcomes.Patients and MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, histology results were analyzed from patient files and pathology reports of 218 patients who were positive for cervical HR-HPV DNA and had no evidence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions. The study group (n=105) consisted of patients who had used V-Flora oral capsules containing L. rhamnosus and zinc for three months. We compared HR-HPV DNA and cervical cytology results between the study and control groups at 6 and 12 months.ResultsNo significant differences were found in HR-HPV clearance or cervical cytology results between users and non-users of L. rhamnosus at both 6 and 12 months (6 months hazard ratio: −0.0228, 95% CI: −0.1623 to 0.1167, p=0.777 and 12 months hazard ratio: −0.1165, 95% CI: −0.3467 to 0.1088, p=0.295). The hazard ratios and p-values indicate no significant impact on HR-HPV clearance or cytology outcomes, including in patients who remained HPV positive after 6 months (hazard ratio: −0.1167, 95% confidence interval: −0.3500 to 0.1165; p=0.333).ConclusionThe anticipated beneficial effects of oral administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on HR-HPV clearance and cervical cytology outcomes were not demonstrated in this study. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

The human microbiome is a dynamic, polymicrobial ecosystem that plays an essential role in nutrition, immune development, barrier integrity, and host physiology, acting as a mutualistic partner under balanced conditions. However, its ecological complexity, genetic adaptability through horizontal gene transfer, and interactions with other prokaryotes as well as protozoan and metazoan parasites can transform commensals into pathobionts, resulting in weakened host's barriers, immunity declines with the progression of age, and community composition shifts toward dysbiosis. Factors such as diet, genetics, aging, immune-senescence, impaired autophagy, and environmental exposure, all influence this delicate balance, determining whether the microbiome remains protective or becomes an opportunistic source of inflammation and disease. This review focuses on the study of the intestinal microbiome in humans. Maintaining microbiome homeostasis is promoted through (a) dietary diversity, (b) limited antimicrobial use, (c) use of probiotics, (d) support for gut barrier function, and (e) healthy lifestyle improvements. These actions and considerations are critical to prevent the emergence of pathogenic states and preserving the microbiome's vital role in host health throughout life.

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties of many probiotic microbes and their ability to modulate the composition of intestinal flora suggest that they have the potential to prevent and/or treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study provides evidence that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HP-B1280 can significantly reduce fat accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration within the hepatocytes of fatty liver mice and thus may have potential application value in the prophylaxis and treatment of NAFLD disease. HP-B1280 also exhibits an extremely high level of resistance to acids and bile salts. The fermentation broth of HP-B1280 cultures is effectively suppresses the growth of a variety of common human pathogens. A comprehensive analysis of the complete genome sequence of L. plantarum HP-B1280 was conducted. Results indicated that the genome of L. plantarum HP-B1280 was devoid of resistance genes, drug resistance genes, as well as virulence factors. The annotation of the genome provides a foundation for further studies on the mechanism underlying the prevention and treatment of NAFLD by L. plantarum HP-B1280. In summary, the findings of the present study provides valuable insights into the potential use of probiotics, such as L. plantarum HP-B1280 in the amelioration and prophylaxis of NAFLD.

A BSTRACT Patients with liver cirrhosis experience a significantly reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to a multifaceted interaction of physiological, psychological, and social factors. Identifying these key determinants is crucial for enhancing care strategies and treatment outcomes. This study systematically explored the factors influencing both negative and positive aspects of HRQoL in patients with liver cirrhosis. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, focusing on original research published since January 1, 2021. Studies involving sarcopenia in cirrhosis and its impact on HRQoL, including various subgroups and influencing factors, were included to ensure a wide-ranging analysis. The review identified multiple significant risk factors associated with poor HRQoL in cirrhotic patients. These included advanced age, female gender, lower socioeconomic status, low body mass index, and the presence of comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, complications like ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, abnormal endoscopic findings, higher disease severity scores, sarcopenia, disturbed sleep, impaired sexual function, muscle cramps, and elevated levels of bilirubin, prothrombin time, and albumin-bilirubin ratio were linked to diminished HRQoL. On the other hand, interventions such as increased physical activity, liver transplantation, stem cell therapy, mindfulness practices, and the use of probiotics, rifaximin, and lactulose showed positive effects on HRQoL. These insights underscore the importance of adopting a comprehensive management approach for liver cirrhosis that addresses not only physical health but also psychological and social well-being. Future research should aim at developing targeted interventions to reduce the burden of these risk factors and promote overall quality of life in this patient population.

Probiotics: An adjuvant treatment strategy for chronic respiratory diseases.

Assessment of probiotic and prebiotic use in gynecologic cancer patients: a systematic review.

The increasing use of probiotics in livestock necessitates rigorous safety assessments to mitigate risks such as their inadvertent contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This study employs whole-genome sequencing using both long-read (GridION, Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and short-read (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) platforms to assess the genomic and plasmidome profiles of five Thai strains of Pediococcus acidilactici, that previously have been evaluated for probiotic potential in livestock. Our comprehensive analysis identified genes encoding AMR, virulence factors, and probiotic-related genes. Notably, strains AF2519 and AF2019 harbored plasmid-borne tet(M) and erm(B) genes, with tet(M) embedded in a novel composite genetic arrangement flanked by mobile elements, suggesting historical recombination and altered mobility potential. Strains IAF6519, IAF5919, and P72N, free from plasmid-borne AMR genes, emerged as safer candidates, lacking virulence genes. Phenotypic tests revealed discrepancies with genomic data; for instance, AF2019 was resistant to clindamycin without detectable genes, and showed susceptibility to tetracycline despite the presence of tet(M). The absence of complete transfer machinery in AF2519 and AF2019 suggests a reduced HGT risk. These findings underscore the importance of integrating genomic and phenotypic approaches in probiotic safety evaluations. The presence of plasmid-borne AMR genes in certain strains advises caution in their use, impacting probiotic selection and regulatory compliance in agriculture. This research informs policies and best practices for safe probiotic deployment, ensuring both efficacy and safety.

Hypertension remains a significant global health burden and is closely linked to cardiovascular morbidity. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays an essential role in modulating blood pressure, particularly through the use of probiotics and prebiotics. This study investigated the relationship between the frequency of probiotic consumption and blood pressure control in patients with essential hypertension. A total of 100 hypertensive adults participated in this cross-sectional study, and data were collected through structured interviews, food frequency questionnaires, and blood pressure assessments. Statistical analyses included Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests. The results demonstrated a significant association between higher frequency of probiotic intake and better blood pressure control (p = 0.008), with a moderate negative correlation (r = –0.45) observed between intake duration and systolic blood pressure. Additionally, individuals who consumed both probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods exhibited enhanced blood pressure improvement. These findings support the potential of probiotic-prebiotic synergy in modulating gut microbiota to regulate blood pressure. The incorporation of prebiotics is essential, as they serve as substrates that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, thereby optimizing the efficacy of probiotic supplementation. The study highlights the practical implications of dietary interventions targeting the gut environment as a complementary strategy in hypertension management. Keywords: Hypertension, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut microbiota, Blood pressure

The increasing use of probiotics in livestock necessitates rigorous safety assessments to mitigate risks such as their inadvertent contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This study employs whole-genome sequencing using both long-read (GridION, Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and short-read (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) platforms to assess the genomic and plasmidome profiles of five Thai strains of Pediococcus acidilactici, that previously have been evaluated for probiotic potential in livestock. Our comprehensive analysis identified genes encoding AMR, virulence factors, and probiotic-related genes. Notably, strains AF2519 and AF2019 harbored plasmid-borne tet(M) and erm(B) genes, with tet(M) embedded in a novel composite genetic arrangement flanked by mobile elements, suggesting historical recombination and altered mobility potential. Strains IAF6519, IAF5919, and P72N, free from plasmid-borne AMR genes, emerged as safer candidates, lacking virulence genes. Phenotypic tests revealed discrepancies with genomic data; for instance, AF2019 was resistant to clindamycin without detectable genes, and showed susceptibility to tetracycline despite the presence of tet(M). The absence of complete transfer machinery in AF2519 and AF2019 suggests a reduced HGT risk. These findings underscore the importance of integrating genomic and phenotypic approaches in probiotic safety evaluations. The presence of plasmid-borne AMR genes in certain strains advises caution in their use, impacting probiotic selection and regulatory compliance in agriculture. This research informs policies and best practices for safe probiotic deployment, ensuring both efficacy and safety.

Catfish farming with the biofloc system is increasingly used because it can increase feed efficiency. However, the main challenge in this system is optimal water quality, especially in relation to the presence of pathogenic bacteria such as coliform. This study aims to determine the effect of giving probiotics to feed with high, low, and control protein content on water quality, water and intestinal TPC, and the level of coliform bacteria in the anus of catfish. The method used in this study is experimental in the laboratory of Trunojoyo Madura University. This research was carried out using 3 treatments, namely control, low, and high protein feed. Data related to the results of measuring water quality parameters pH, temperature are presented in the form of a graph. The results data for detecting pathogenic bacteria in sangkuriang catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were analyzed qualitatively by calculating the Total Plate Count (TPC) value of heterotrophic bacteria growing in Nutrient Agar (NA) media and pathogenic bacteria growing in Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMBA). The results of this study are expected to provide a better understanding of how the use of probiotics affects. Temperature values ​​ranged from 26.71-28.83°C, and pH ranged from 8.34-9.45. Bacterial TPC values ​​ranged from 8.03 to 16.94 CFU/ml. The TC value of bacteria in catfish anus samples ranged from 3.81-7.00 CFU/ml. This study can be a practical solution for farmers to improve sustainable catfish cultivation

Research objectives: To synthesise recent evidence on microbiome-brain relationships across Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, depression and schizophrenia; to summarise therapeutic strategies (diet, probiotics/prebiotics, psychobiotics, faecal microbiota transplantation) and biological mechanisms; and to outline translational considerations relevant to technology and society. Methods: Structured narrative review with a PRISMA-style workflow. Sources: PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science (Core Collection), plus handsearch/citation chasing (English/Polish; 1 Jan 2013–31 Mar 2025). Ten authors performed duplicate screening and data charting. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. Included n=21 studies after databases identified n=1,500 records, duplicates n=540, screened n=960, and full texts assessed n=252 (databases) and n=48 from other sources; the reference list also cites background/methodological works not counted in PRISMA. Key findings: Across conditions, a consistent signal is loss of short-chain-fatty-acid (SCFA)–producing taxa, increased intestinal permeability and immune activation. High-fibre/polyphenol diets and multi-strain probiotics/prebiotics show the clearest-though modest-improvements in inflammatory markers and selected mood/quality-of-life outcomes; cognitive effects are mixed. Psychobiotics show preliminary benefits; faecal microbiota transplantation remains experimental in neurology. Mechanistic strands include SCFAs, tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism, vagal signalling and HPA-axis modulation. Conclusions: The gut microbiome is a modifiable contributor to brain health. Low-risk dietary optimisation is warranted, and probiotic use should be strain-specific. Priorities include adequately powered, preregistered trials with harmonised microbiome pipelines and mechanistic endpoints, plus evaluation of precision-nutrition and data-driven decision support under robust privacy governance.

The paper presents the results of a scientific experiment on two-year-old carp (Cyprinus carpio), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), performed based on RUE “Institute of Fisheries” RUE “Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on Animal Husbandry”. The aim of the research was to study the effect of the probiotic Natupro on the natural resistance of fish and the possibility of its use for the prevention of infectious diseases. Probiotic Natupro was added to the diets of two-year-old carp, rainbow trout and sterlet in dosages of 500 and 800 g/ton of feed. The use of the additive at a dosage of 500 g/t of feed provided an increase in the bactericidal activity of blood serum in sterlet and carp by 38.4% (p &lt; 0.05) and 38.4% (p &lt; 0.05), respectively, relative to the control values. The sensitivity of pathogenic strains of bacteria-pathogens of fish Yersinia ruckeri, Shewanella putrefaciens, Aeromonas salmonicida, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas protegens to the effects of the additive Natupro was revealed. In experiments with experimental infection of fish with Aeromonas salmonicida No. 56, it was found that the use of probiotics in dosages of 500 and 800 g/ton of feed reduced the death of trout by 80%, sterlet by 70–90%, carp by 50–90%.

Background. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide, affecting approximately 32–35 % of the adult population. The purpose of this review article is to conduct a thorough analysis of epidemiological trends, to identify the main metabolic and gut microbiota-associated risk factors for the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and to summarize current scientific evidence regarding the pathophysiological role of intestinal microbiota and its therapeutic modulation potential in this condition. Materials and methods. This narrative review was based on a structured search, selection, and analysis of scientific publications indexed in international databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and open-access Ukrainian medical resources. Only peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical practice guidelines, and multicenter research results published between 2010 and 2025 were included, with priority given to studies from the last five years. A comparative analytical methodology was applied to identify consistencies and contradictions across international and local recommendations. In total, over 80 publications were examined, and 38 of the most relevant and methodologically sound sources were selected for detailed analysis. Results. A strong association with metabolic comorbidities such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and central obesity has been established. Gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in disease progression through the activation of inflammatory pathways and promotion of fibrosis and steatohepatitis. Promising therapeutic strategies include the use of probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Non-invasive diagnostic indices like FIB-4, NAFLD Fibrosis Score, Hepamet, and ELF are effective tools for early detection and risk stratification. In Ukraine, the lack of standardized clinical algorithms for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease management highlights the necessity for adaptation of international guidelines. The results of this review provide a scientific basis for future clinical strategies aimed at improving diagnosis, monitoring, and prevention of complications such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusions. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is a pressing global health issue that is closely linked to metabolic disorders and gut microbiota imbalance. This review confirms the pivotal role of the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis and progression of this condition and highlights the promising potential of its therapeutic modulation.