Search Results (56)

The exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides SJC113 is a glucan with α-1,6 and α-3,6 branched glycosidic linkages that may promote human health. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the antioxidant, cholesterol-binding, and prebiotic activities of this EPS and its effect on the gut microbiota. The EPS exhibited moderate antioxidant activity, showing free radical scavenging activity (10.94 ± 1.33%) and hydroxyl scavenging activity (6.29 ± 1.59%) at 1 mg/mL. Notably, it showed high cholesterol-binding activity, lowering cholesterol levels by 40% at 1 mg/mL EPS. Ln. mesenteroides SJC113 showed strong adhesion to mucin, and its EPS enhanced the adhesion of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. The application of this EPS stimulated the growth of several lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains in vitro, indicating its potential as a prebiotic. In addition, the use of a human gastrointestinal simulator inoculated with fecal microbiota showed that the EPS favored the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. and lactobacilli while reducing Enterobacteriaceae. These results emphasize the multifunctional nature of the EPS produced by Ln. mesenteroides SJC113 with antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, and prebiotic properties. Further research is required to investigate the specific mechanisms of action and health benefits in vivo. Full article

Previous studies of direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplements showed variable effects on the microbiota and physiology of dairy cows. The main aims of this study were to investigate the milk microbiota of cows supplemented with a lactobacilli-based DFM compared to untreated cows; describe the changes; and quantify the association between the taxa and cow productivity. The study followed seventy-five Holstein–Friesian dairy cows supplemented with a DFM over 16 months compared to seventy-five non-supplemented cows. Twenty-five cows from each group were sampled for microbiota analysis. The top taxa significantly associated with the variables were as follows: Age (Mammaliicoccus_319276, Turicibacter), milk production (Turicibacter, Bifidobacterium_388775), DIM (Stenotrophomonas_A_615274, Pedobacter_887417), milk fat percentage (Pseudomonas_E_647464, Lactobacillus), calendar month (Jeotgalicoccus_A_310962, Planococcus), milk protein percentage (Tistrella, Pseudomonas_E_650325), experimental group (Enterococcus_B, Aeromonas), SCC (Paenochrobactrum, Pseudochrobactrum), and trimester of pregnancy (Dyadobacter_906144, VFJN01 (Acidimicrobiales)). These were identified using multivariable analysis. Twenty-six genera were associated with the differences between experimental groups, including Pseudomonas, Lactococcus and Staphylococcus. Microbial taxa that changed in relative abundance over time included Atopostipes, Brevibacterium and Succinivibrio. Many of these genera were also part of the core microbiota. Supplementation with the DFM significantly altered the milk microbiota composition in the dairy cows, highlighting the impact of long-term DFM supplementation on microbial communities. Full article

Constipation affects around 30% of children and in 95% of cases is functional (FC), a consequence of alterations in digestive tract peristalsis, modulated by the immune and nervous systems, bile acid metabolism, and the gut microbiota. The aim of this review was to assess the role of gut microbiota and the use of probiotics in children with constipation. The current treatment involves education, toilet training, and oral laxatives, effective in only 50% of patients. In chronic FC, the composition of the microbiota is altered, with increased abundance of Bacteroidetes, Enterobacteriaceae, and Firmicutes and decreases in Prevotella, Bifidobacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Clostridium leptum. Probiotics replenish lacking beneficial resident bacteria, downregulate mucosal inflammation, or produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Probiotics like Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium longum increase the defecation frequency and decrease the episodes of both fecal incontinence and abdominal pain. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 improves the gut microbiota by upregulating SCFA genes and downregulating those related to methane metabolism. Lactobacilli produce organic acids that stimulate bowel peristalsis and augment fecal bolus moisture. The heterogeneity of the current studies involving pediatric subjects thus far hinders the use of probiotics as a standard in the management of children with constipation. Full article

Host-specific Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species constitute the core microbiota of the honey bee digestive tract and are recognized for their probiotic properties. One of the properties of these bacteria is the inhibition of bacterial pathogens such as Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius, the causative agents of American and European foulbrood, respectively. Additionally, Serratia marcescens has emerged as a relevant opportunistic pathogen. Although several previously published studies have examined the inhibition of selected bacterial pathogens of bees by members of the bee physiological microbiota, none have simultaneously investigated the inhibition of multiple clinical isolates of P. larvae, M. plutonius, and S. marcescens using a wide range of bifidobacterial and lactobacilli strains isolated from various locations within a single country. Thus, this study evaluated the antimicrobial potential of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains against these pathogens, with a focus on strain-dependent inhibition. A total of 111 bacterial strains (62 Lactobacillus and 49 Bifidobacterium) were isolated from the digestive tracts of honey bees collected from eight sites across the Czech Republic. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolates were classified and tested in vitro against four P. larvae isolates, one M. plutonius isolate, and the S. marcescens strain sicaria in modified BHI medium. Twenty-eight strains (~26%) exhibited strong inhibition (≥21 mm) against at least two P. larvae isolates, while 12 strains showed moderate inhibition (16–20 mm) against all four isolates. Inhibition of M. plutonius and S. marcescens was observed in three and twenty strains, respectively. The most effective strains belonged to Bifidobacterium asteroides, B. choladohabitans, B. polysaccharolyticum, Lactobacillus apis, L. helsingborgensis, L. kullabergensis, and L. melliventris. These results underscore the strain-dependent nature of antimicrobial activity and highlight the importance of selecting probiotic strains with broad-spectrum pathogen inhibition to support honey bee health. Full article

Background and aims: Vaginal microbiomes have been classified into five different general categories, termed Community State Type (CSTs), with CST-III and CST-IV often associated with vaginal dysbiosis which makes women more prone to recurrent infections and assisted reproductive technology (ART) failure. Since a healthy microbiome is one of the key steps for successful reproduction, we investigated the impact of modulating the vaginal microbiota through the oral administration of probiotic formula consisting of a consortium of vaginal-specific lactobacilli and prebiotics (Personal Flora 2^®). Methods: We recruited 32 women who had previous failed IVF cycles and were scheduled to undergo ART. We examined the composition of the vaginal microbiota before and after oral probiotic supplementation using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing technology. Results: Our data show a noticeable modulation of the vaginal microbiome upon probiotic supplementation. In particular, precision probiotic intervention lowers the species diversity, favoring the dominance of Lactobacillus (p = 0.015) and Bifidobacterium (p = 0.000) whilst decreasing the percentage of Atopobium (p = 0.003), Gardnerella (p = 0.022), and Prevotella (p = 0.000). Conclusions: Although CST-III and CST-IV are generally considered detrimental, gynecologists should not refrain from performing IVF in these women if they have been previously subjected to a consortium of precision probiotics treatments, as the administration of specific probiotics reduces the presence of pathogenic bacteria promoting the increase in lactobacilli associated with a healthy vaginal ecosystem, which could impact pregnancy success. Full article

Background: Previous work has shown that the mostly beneficial modulation of intestinal microbiota generally found with legume-based diets is likely to be due, at least in part, to their constituent protein components. Objectives: The faecal microbiota composition was studied in rats fed diets differing only in their constituent proteins. Methods: Rats (n = 10/group) were fed for 28 days diets based in milk [(lactalbumin (LA), casein (CAS)], or white lupin (Lupinus albus) protein isolate (LPI). Results: Significant differences among the three groups in bacteria composition and functionality were found by both qPCR and Illumina sequencing analysis. Significant (p < 0.01) differences were found by ANOSIM and Discriminant Analysis among groups at the family, genus and species levels in both microbiota composition and functionality. A number of groups able to explain the differences between animal (casein, lactalbumin) and lupin proteins were revealed by LEfSe and PCA analysis. Specifically, feeding the CAS diet resulted in lower Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli compared to the other diets, and the LPI diet gave place to lower Enterobacteria than CAS, and lower Escherichia/Shigella than LA and CAS. Differences in the LA group were attributable to Bifidobacterium spp., Collinsella spp. (in particular C. stercoris), Bacteroides spp., Eubacterium spp. (in particular E. dolichum), Roseburia spp. (in particular R. faecis), and Oscillospira spp. In the case of the CAS group, the organisms were Parabacteroides spp., Blautia spp., Enterobacteriaceae spp., Turicibacter spp., species from Christenellaceae, species from Alphaproteobacteria and Mogibacteriaceae, Coprobacillus spp. and Dorea spp. In the case of the LPI group, the organisms were Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillus spp. and L. reuteri), species from Clostridiaceae, species from Peptostreptococcaceae, species from Erysipelotrichaceae, and Adlercreutzia spp. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, LPI is likely to beneficially modulate the intestinal microbiota composition in rats. Additionally, LA-based diet was associated to a healthier microbiota composition than CAS, although the CAS diet also modulated the intestinal microbiota to a composition compatible with improved bowel movement frequency and lipid metabolism. Full article

Objective: During pregnancy, vulvovaginal infections (VVIs), including abnormal vaginal flora (AVF), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), are associated with serious complications and discomfort. We aimed to elucidate the effectiveness of oral probiotics in secondary prevention of VVIs in pregnant women. Study design: A multicenter prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at three medical centers between 2016 and 2021. Women who complained of vaginal symptoms with positive smear for AVF/BV and/or candida were treated with antibiotics or an antimycotic agent, respectively. After confirmation of VVI eradiation by repeated vaginal smear, the women were divided into a research group, receiving two capsules/day of oral probiotic formula containing Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus and Streptococcus thermophilus (>6 × 10⁹ CFU/capsule), and a control group, receiving a placebo (two capsules/day) until delivery. At least once a month or following complaints, a vaginal smear was taken to assess vaginal microbiota. If VVIs were found, they were treated with antibiotics/antimycotics, and eradication was assessed by a repeated vaginal smear. Lactobacilli vaginal colonization, including the specific strains from the probiotic capsules, were detected using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF-MS). The primary outcome was the rate of women who developed VVI during the study period until delivery. Results: Twenty-three and twenty-four women were analyzed in the probiotic and placebo cohorts, respectively. There was no difference in the rate of any VVI between the probiotic and placebo cohorts (16 (67%) versus 11 (48%), respectively; p = 0.19), time until first infection or pregnancy outcomes. The lactobacilli strains that colonized the vagina were similar at baseline and following probiotic or placebo administration. No woman was detected with vaginal colonization of the strains from the capsule, although the probiotics were taken for about 4 months. Conclusions: The oral probiotic product tested in this study did not reduce the recurrence rate of VVIs in pregnant women following eradication. Full article

Background/Objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oral probiotic supplementation in preventing vulvovaginal infections (VVIs) in pregnant women, specifically focusing on abnormal vaginal flora (AVF), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Methods: A multicenter-prospective-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted during 2016–2019. Women with normal vaginal flora (Nugent score < 4 and no candida) were divided into a research group, receiving 2 capsules/day of oral probiotic formula containing Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Streptococcus thermophilus, or a control group, receiving a placebo until delivery. Once a month and following complaints, a vaginal smear was taken to assess vaginal flora. Vaginal colonization with the specific lactobacilli from the probiotic capsules was detected using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The primary outcome was the rate of women who developed VVI. Results: Forty-nine and fifty-one women were analyzed in the probiotic and placebo cohorts, respectively. There was no difference in the rate of VVI between probiotic and placebo groups (14 (29%) versus 14 (27%), respectively; p = 0.80). No woman had vaginal colonization with lactobacilli from the probiotic capsule. Conclusions: The tested oral probiotic product did not reduce the rate of VVI in pregnant women with normal vaginal flora. Full article

Background/Objectives: The cause of ulcerative colitis (UC) may be related to commensal bacteria in genetically susceptible patients. We previously demonstrated that triple antibiotic combination therapy induces remission in patients with active UC in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Now, we investigate changes in the gut microbiota of patients who responded to the antibiotic combination therapy. Methods: Thirty-one patients with UC given ATM/AFM (amoxicillin, metronidazole, and tetracycline or fosfomycin) therapy for two weeks were enrolled in this study. The clinical conditions of these UC patients were evaluated by the partial Mayo score. The gut microbiota was compared via the metagenomic shot gun analysis of fecal samples. Results: Of the 31 patients, 16 and 8 experienced complete and partial remission, respectively, over three months in response to ATM/AFM therapy, whereas ATM/AFM showed no efficacy in 7 patients. The dysbiosis before treatment in the active stage could be associated with increased populations of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Rickenella, Clostridium, Flavonifractor, Pelagibacter, Bordetella, Massilia, and Piscrickettsia species. Metagenomic analysis revealed dramatic changes in the gut microbiota at an early stage, that is, just two weeks after starting ATM/AFM therapy. After treatment in the responder group, the populations of bifidobacterium and lactobacilli species were significantly increased, while the population of bacteroides decreased. Conclusions: These results suggest that metagenomic analysis demonstrated a marked change in the gut microbiota after antibiotic combination treatment. In the triple antibiotic combination therapy, remission was associated with an increase in bifidobacterium and lactobacilli species. Full article

Background: Current treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are relatively futile and the extended use of drugs may reduce effectiveness. Several probiotic strains have shown promise in relieving/treating IBD symptoms. Objectives: The current study investigated the impact of fermented soymilk with a mixture of probiotic starter cultures containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. casei, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and B. animalis subsp. lactis in rats with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis compared to control. Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to five groups (5 rats/group; n = 25): G1: negative normal control; G2: positive control (DSS); G3: DSS with sulfasalazine (DSS-Z); G4: DSS with soymilk (DSS-SM), and G5: DSS with fermented soymilk (DSS-FSM). Parameters monitored included the following: the disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic and histological assessments of colitis, and a fecal microbial analysis performed to assess the severity of inflammation and ulceration. Results: The DSS-FSM rats group exhibited lower DAI scores (p < 0.05) than other treated groups during the induction period. A macroscopical examination revealed no ulceration or swelling in the intestinal mucosa of rats in the DSS-FSM-treated group, resembling the findings in the negative control group. In the positive control (DSS group), the colon tissue showed increased inflammation (p < 0.05), whereas those in the DSS-SM- and DSS-FSM-treated rats groups did not show significant macroscopic scores of colitis. The positive DSS control and DSS-Z groups had crypt erosion and ulceration areas, severe crypt damage, and epithelial surface erosion, which were absent in the negative control and DSS-FSM groups. The counts of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. remained stable in both G1 and G5 over 4 weeks. The consumption of fermented soymilk with a mixture of probiotics could minimize the severity of DSS-induced colitis in rats. Conclusion, it was found that fermented soymilk containing Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium might be an effective vehicle for reducing the severity of DSS-induced colitis in rats. Full article

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a dietary intervention including free or immobilized cells of the presumptive probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 on Corinthian currants, a food with beneficial impact in the condition of Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), on the microbiome composition of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): healthy animals, which received the free (H_FP) or the immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 cells (H_IPC), and diabetic animals, which received the free (D_FP) or the immobilized Pediococcus acidilactici ORE5 cells(D_IPC) for 4 weeks (10⁹ cfu/day, in all groups). At the end of the dietary intervention, the D_IPC group exerted a lower concentration of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta compared to D_FP. Consumption of immobilized P. acidilactici ORE5 cells on Corinthian currants by diabetic animals led to increased loads of fecal lactobacilli and lower Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and Escherichia coli levels, while Actinobacteria phylum, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium genera abundances were increased, and fecal lactic acid was elevated. Overall, the results of the present research demonstrated that functional ingredients could ameliorate gut dysbiosis present in T1DM and could be used to design dietary patterns aiming at T1DM management. However, well-designed clinical trials are necessary, in order to confirm the beneficial effects in humans. Full article

Three strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and three bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium subtile) were used as target strains; in addition, for each microorganism, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) was produced and used as an ingredient of the growth medium. Namely CFSs from lactobacilli were used on bifidobacteria and CFSs from bifidobacteria were used on lactobacilli. The viable count was assessed, and the data were modelled through a reparametrized Gompertz equation cast both in the positive and negative form to evaluate the parameters t-7log, which is the time after which the viable count was 7 log CFU/mL, and the t-7log*, which is the time after which the viable count was below 7 log CFU/mL; the difference between the t-7log* and t-7log defines the stability time. Statistics through a multiparametric ANOVA (analysis of variance) provided evidence for the presence of a bifidogenic and/or bioactive factor produced by bifidobacteria and active on lactobacilli, and vice versa (bioactive factor of lactobacilli with a functional effect on bifidobacteria), although further studies are required to better explain the mechanisms beyond the positive effects. In addition, the influence on the target strains can be found during the growth phase (stimulation), as well as during senescence and death phase (protective effect), with a strong strain/species dependence on both CFS production and target strain. Full article

Background: In the last two decades, the consumption of plant-based dairy substitutes in place of animal-based milk has increased in different geographic regions of the world. Dairy substitutes of vegetable origin have a quantitative composition of macronutrients such as animal milk, although the composition of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as bioactive components, is completely different from that of animal milk. Many milk components have been shown to have relevant effects on the intestinal microbiota. Methods: Therefore, the aim of this review is to compare the effects obtained by previous works on the composition of the gut microbiota after the ingestion of animal milk and/or vegetable beverages. Results: In general, the results obtained in the included studies were very positive for animal milk intake. Thus, we found an increase in gut microbiota richness and diversity, increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids, and beneficial microbes such as Bifidobacterium, lactobacilli, Akkermansia, Lachnospiraceae or Blautia. In other cases, we found a significant decrease in potential harmful bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Erysipelotrichaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae or Clostridium perfingens after animal-origin milk intake. Vegetable beverages have also generally produced positive results in the gut microbiota such as the increase in the relative presence of lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium or Blautia. However, we also found some potential negative results, such as increases in the presence of potential pathogens such as Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella and Fusobacterium. Conclusions: From the perspective of their effects on the intestinal microbiota, milks of animal origin appear to be more beneficial for human health than their vegetable substitutes. These different effects on the intestinal microbiota should be considered in those cases where the replacement of animal milks by vegetable substitutes is recommended. Full article

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of XG addition on low-fat yogurt (LFY) properties. Pasteurized skimmed buffalo milk (SBM) was heated to 95 ± 2 °C for 16 s, cooled to 40 ± 1 °C, and then divided into six treatment lots. The treatments included the following: T1 (control), T2 (0.2% XG), T3 (0.4% XG), T4 (0.6% XG), T5 (0.8% XG), and T6 (1% XG). A proportion of 2% of a mixed starter culture from Streptococcus thermophilus (ST), Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB), and Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB) in the ratio 1:1:1 was added. Yogurt was manufactured following the standard manufacturing protocol. Chemical composition and texture were determined at fresh time, while water-holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, and syneresis % were determined at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. Total bacterial counts (TBC), lactobacilli, streptococci, and bifidobacteria counts were determined at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. Sensory analysis was performed immediately upon the cooling stage (time zero) and then after 14 and 21 days of storage. The experiment was performed in trice. The results obtained showed that the addition of XG in LFY significantly (p < 0.05) decreases the pH, total protein (TP), and ash, and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the total solids (TS). Additionally, the addition of XG led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in hardness, WHC, and viscosity; however, syneresis significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The addition of higher amounts of XG led to a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the TBC and led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in counts of ST, LB, and BB during the first two weeks of the storage period. Sensory evaluation revealed that increasing the XG concentration up to 0.8% increased the product’s acceptability among panelists; however, further increasing the concentration to 1% had a detrimental impact on its acceptability. To conclude, this study showed that XG can be used as a stabilizer in the manufacturing of LFY as well as a prebiotic for starter culture and improve the quality of LFY. Full article

This study investigates the potential of formulated systems utilising haskap berry leaf extracts and dextran as carriers, to modulate both antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory activities and their impact on the growth of specific bacterial strains. The analysis of antioxidant capacity, assessed through ABTS, CUPRAC, DPPH, and FRAP assays, revealed varying but consistently high levels across extracts, with Extract 3 (loganic acid: 2.974 mg/g, chlorogenic acid: 1.125 mg/g, caffeic acid: 0.083 mg/g, rutin: 1.137 mg/g, and quercetin: 1.501 mg/g) exhibiting the highest values (ABTS: 0.2447 mg/mL, CUPRAC: 0.3121 mg/mL, DPPH: 0.21001 mg/mL, and FRAP: 0.3411 mg/mL). Subsequent enzymatic inhibition assays demonstrated a notable inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase (1.4915 mg/mL, expressed as acarbose equivalent), hyaluronidase (0.2982 mg/mL, expressed as quercetin equivalent), and lipase (5.8715 µg/mL, expressed as orlistat equivalent). Further system development involved integration with dextran, showcasing their preserved bioactive compound content and emphasising their stability and potential bioactivity. Evaluation of the dextran systems’ impact on bacterial growth revealed a significant proliferation of beneficial strains, particularly the Bifidobacterium and lactobacilli genus (Bifidobacterium longum: 9.54 × 10⁷ to 1.57 × 10¹⁰ CFU/mL and Ligilactobacillus salivarius: 1.36 × 10⁹ to 1.62 × 10¹⁰ CFU/mL), suggesting their potential to modulate gut microbiota. These findings offer a foundation for exploring the therapeutic applications of haskap berry-based dextran systems in managing conditions like diabetes, emphasising the interconnected roles of antioxidant-rich botanical extracts and dextran formulations in promoting overall metabolic health. Full article