Search Results (128)

Allergy is recognized as a public health problem with pandemic consequences and is estimated to affect more than 50% of Europeans in 2025. Prebiotic and probiotic food implementation has recently emerged as an alternative strategy to promote immunomodulatory beneficial effects in allergic patients. Among prebiotics, Phaeophyceae algae represent a niche of research with enormous possibilities. The present study aims to evaluate the in vitro prebiotic potential of fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus, Macrocystis pyrifera, and Undaria pinnatifida algae, to promote the growth of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG as probiotic bacteria added to the formulation of a novel yogurt. Concentrations of fucoidan of 100 and 2000 µg/mL were added to reference growth media and kinetic growth curves for both microorganisms were fitted to the Gompertz equation. Optimized prebiotic conditions for fucoidan were selected to validate in vitro results by means of the formulation of a novel fermented prebiotic yogurt. Conventional yogurts (including Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subs. bulgaricus) were formulated with the different fucoidans, and production batches were prepared for L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri. Increased L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus populations in 1.7–2.2 log₁₀ cycles just after 48 h of in vitro exposure were detected in fucoidan supplemented yogurt. M. pyrifera and U. pinnatifida fucoidans were the most effective ones (500 µg/mL) promoting probiotic growth in new formulated yogurts (during the complete shelf life of products, 28 days). Diet supplementation with fucoidan can be proposed as a strategy to modulate beneficial microbiota against allergy. Full article

This study aimed to microencapsulate Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 to enrich soy yogurt flavored with peach jam. The effect of three concentrations of alginate and coating chitosan were evaluated in terms of probiotic viability, and the physicochemical and sensory properties of soy yogurt. Lim. reuteri was microencapsulated in alginate (1, 2, and 3%) and coated with chitosan (0, 0.4, and 0.8%). Soymilk was fermented using Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Soy yogurt was combined with probiotic beads and peach jam and stored for 27 days at 4 °C. The pH, titratable acidity, and probiotic viability of probiotic peach soy yogurt (PPSY) were determined during storage. Alginate at 3% and alginate (2%) coated with 0.4% chitosan maintained probiotic counts at 8 and 7.5 log CFU/g after 27 days. The pH of PPSY decreases rapidly and drastically during storage when probiotic-free cells are added. The PPSY containing alginate (3%) beads, alginate (2%) coated with chitosan (0.4%), and probiotic-free cells had a similar level of acceptance in color, texture, and odor (p > 0.05), while flavor and overall acceptability were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in PPSY with probiotic beads. These findings support the use of microencapsulation strategies in developing functional plant-based probiotic foods. Full article

The development of bakeable foods supplemented with probiotics requires novel strategies to preserve the functionality of probiotic cells during thermal and gastrointestinal stress conditions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of multilayer double emulsions (W₁/O/W₂) stabilized with pectin-protein complexes on the viability of Limosilactobacillus reuteri (Lr) under thermal treatment (95 °C, 30 min), storage (4 °C, 28 d), and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Emulsions were prepared with whey protein isolate (WPI) or sodium caseinate (Cas) as outer aqueous phase emulsifiers, followed by pectin coating and ionic gelation with calcium. All emulsions were stable and exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (>92%) with initial viable counts of 9 log CFU/mL. Double emulsions coated with ionically gelled pectin showed the highest protection against heat stress and gastrointestinal conditions due to the formation of a denser layer with lower permeability, regardless of the type of protein used as an emulsifier. At the end of storage, Lr viability exceeded 7 log CFU/mL in cross-linked pectin-coated microcapsules. These microcapsules maintained >6 log CFU/mL after thermal treatment, while viability remained >6.5 log CFU/mL during digestion and >5.0 log CFU/mL after consecutive heat treatment and simulated digestion. According to these results, the combination of double emulsion, multilayer formation and ionic crosslinking emerges as a promising microencapsulation technique. This approach offers enhanced protection for probiotics against extreme thermal and digestive conditions compared to previous studies that only use double emulsions. These findings support the potential application of this encapsulation method for the formulation of functional bakeable products. Full article

Background: Probiotics have recently emerged as promising agents in the prevention and treatment of various human diseases. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Weizmannia coagulans SA9 in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: The in vitro antidiabetic activity of W. coagulans SA9 was primarily assessed via its α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity, complemented by metabolomic profiling to identify putative bioactive metabolites. The antidiabetic efficacy was further evaluated in a db/db mouse model, focusing on glucose tolerance, inflammatory biomarkers, and gut microbiota composition. Results: W. coagulans SA9 showed significant inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and DNJ and other active substances were detected in its culture supernatant. After 6 weeks of continuous administration, the fasting blood glucose level, glucose tolerance, and inflammation indexes of mice were significantly improved. Beneficial changes in the structure of the intestinal flora occurred after the probiotic intervention, as evidenced by a significant decrease in harmful bacteria (e.g., Aerococcus urinaeequi) and a significant enrichment of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Limosilactobacillus reuteri). Conclusions: W. coagulans SA9 exerts robust antidiabetic effects and holds promise as a novel strategy for the prevention and management of T2DM. Full article

Probiotics have been widely adopted due to their beneficial health properties. Here, we investigated the interactions of a probiotic Limosilactobacillus (Lactobacillus) reuteri M4-100, with a translocating Escherichia coli strain HMLN-1, in a co-culture of cells, representing the intestinal epithelium, and identified molecular mechanisms associated with the host response. A co-culture of Caco-2:HT29-MTX cells was exposed to the HMLN-1 strain and the route of translocation was studied. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed the adhesion of the strain to the microvilli, the establishment of close contact with the co-culture prior to being taken up by membrane-bound vesicles, and translocation via the intracellular pathway. When the HMLN-1 strain was challenged with L. reuteri M4-100 in co- and pre-inoculation experiments, its adhesion to the co-culture of cells was significantly reduced (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in the invasion of the HMLN-1 strain was also observed upon the inoculation of L. reuteri M4-100 with the co-culture 60 min prior to HMLN-1 exposure (p < 0.0001). The L. reuteri M4-100 strain also significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced the translocation of the HMLN-1 strain in both co- and pre-inoculation experiments. Differential gene expression studies identified key cellular responses to the interaction with these bacteria, both alone. These data demonstrate the efficacy of L. reuteri M4-100 to reduce or inhibit the interaction of E. coli HMLN-1 with the intestinal epithelium. A prophylactic role of this probiotic strain is postulated as these effects were more pronounced in pre-inoculation experiments. Full article

Background: Biochar has gained increasing attention for its potential benefits in improving animal health. Its physical and chemical properties depend on the starting biomass and production technology. This study investigates its functional properties versus bacteria. Methods: The morphology and physical properties of biochar from vine pruning were evaluated by SEM. The adsorption capacity for pathogenic E. coli F4+ and F18+ and probiotic microorganisms such as Lactobacillus sp. was assessed by plate count after contact with biochar. The growth activity on pathogenic and probiotic bacteria was tested after in vitro digestion. Results: Biochar from grapevine pruning did not maintain the original structure and showed both smooth and rough surfaces. The binding capacity varied across bacterial species. At concentrations of 20 mg/mL, up to 74% of E. coli adhered to the biochar surface, while the maximum adsorption rate of Lactobacillus sp. was around 38%. An inhibitory activity against E. coli (maximum reduction: 35%) and a growth-promoting effect for Lactobacillus sp. were observed (maximum promotion: 6%). Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of biochar as a functional feed ingredient and that its functional properties are preserved after in vitro digestion. Full article

Lactobacillus spp. and other beneficial bacteria are predominant in the vaginal microbiota and represent an opportunity to correct dysbiosis if administered intravaginally. Since no commercial formulations are available, developing magistral formulations is an option, provided that they ensure viability and therapeutic efficacy. To evaluate their stability and culturability, four magistral formulations containing 10⁹ microorganisms were tested: vaginal capsules, vaginal ointment, gelatinous ovules, and waxy ovules. Certified strains of L. crispatus, L. johnsonii, L. gasseri, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, as well as a combination of the five, were used. The formulations were tested for pharmaco-technical stability using average weight and disintegration tests, as well as evaluation organoleptic. In addition, microbial recovery was evaluated by counting Colony-Forming Units (CFUs). All forms, except the gelatinous ovules, allowed microbial recovery at concentrations from 10⁷ to 10⁹ CFUs, ensuring stability for 60 days. The recovery varied depending on the strains and dosage forms employed, with the most favorable outcomes for vaginal capsules. This highlights the need for standardized strains and excipients in magistral formulations. Further studies are needed to evaluate the viability of other strains of different excipients, vehicles, or different storage; however, capsules have demonstrated efficacy and are an excellent candidate for vaginal use formulations of Lactobacillus spp. Full article

This study aims to clarify the use of Limosilactobaillus reuteri (Lmb. reuteri) in dairy products, emphasizing its main characteristics and limitations through a comprehensive literature review. Lmb. reuteri, previously classified as Lactobacillus reuteri, is a lactic acid bacterium (LAB) generally present in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other animals, such as sheep, chickens, and rodents. Lmb. reuteri was reclassified as part of the genus Limosilactobacillus in April 2020, reflecting advancements in biomolecular research that identified distinct metabolic and biochemical characteristics among strains. This species is an important producer of reuterin, an antimicrobial compound facilitated through glycerol fermentation via specific enzymatic pathways. In addition, selected strains of Lmb. reuteri can be considered probiotic bacteria with numerous health benefits and that lead to well-being improvements. It is consistently related to improvements in gut health, immune function enhancement, and cholesterol reduction. Furthermore, its application in dairy products has gained prominence and is increasingly reported in the literature due to its technological and sensory benefits. Despite the challenges of its incorporation into the dairy matrix, largely due to the need to supplement these products, it has already demonstrated significant effects on several dairy products’ technological, sensory, and quality characteristics. Future research should address challenges like strain-specific efficacy and regulatory hurdles for the application of Lmb. reuteri in foods. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the host’s gut microbiota. In this study, the anti-inflammatory properties of Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR20-6 and Lacticplantibacillus plantarum L272 were evaluated using a mouse model of diarrhea induced by Escherichia coli. We also investigated their effects on gut microbiota regulation. The results indicated that both Lacticplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactobacillus reuteri could reduce inflammation by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and blocking the MyD88 and NF-kB/p65 signaling pathways. Additionally, after intervention with these strains, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly increased. This suggested that Lacticplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactobacillus reuteri could mitigate the severity of E. coli-induced diarrhea and enhance the abundance of beneficial probiotics in the gut of animals. Full article

Biochar is potentially a functional ingredient in animal nutrition that offers health benefits such as detoxification, while also promoting environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration, emission reduction, and its circular production. However, the heterogeneity of commercially available biochar products requires a detailed assessment of their functional properties for applications in animal feed. This study evaluates chestnut biochar from morphological, chemical, and metabolomic perspectives and assesses its functional properties. Metabolomic analysis of a water extract using QTOF HPLC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, such as hydroxybenzoic and succinic acids, highlighting its potential as a functional feed ingredient. The chestnut biochar inhibited the growth of the pathogenic E. coli strains F18+ and F4+, with maximum inhibition rates of 15.8% and 28.6%, respectively, after three hours of incubation. The downregulation of genes associated with quorum sensing (MotA, FliA, FtsE, and HflX, involved in biofilm formation and cellular division) suggests that biochar interferes with several aspects of the pathogenic process. Importantly, biochar was not found to adversely affect beneficial probiotic bacteria, such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactobacillus reuteri. These findings support the potential of chestnut biochar as a versatile ingredient for sustainable animal nutrition, thus promoting animal welfare while offering environmental benefits. Full article

Oral candidiasis is one of the most common infections in the immunocompromised. Biofilms of Candida species can make treatments difficult, leading to oral infection recurrence. This research aimed to isolate a Lactobacillus with anti-Candida effects from the oral cavity. An oral Lactobacillus was isolated in caries-free individuals. The best isolate was evaluated against Candida spp. planktonic and biofilm forms. The bacterial impacts on Candida biofilms’ adhesion to acrylic discs were analyzed through an in vitro test. L. reuteri AJCR4 had the best anti-Candida activity in the preliminary screening. Results were promising in both planktonic and biofilms, particularly with C. albicans SC5314 and C. tropicalis ATCC750, where no viable cells were detected when using the cell-free supernatant (undiluted). In C. glabrata ATCC2001 and C. parapsilosis ATCC22019 biofilms, reductions of 3 Log₁₀ and more than 2 Log₁₀, respectively, were noted when using a cell suspension of L. reuteri ACJR4 (10⁸ CFU/mL). On polymethyl methacrylate acrylic discs, the cell-free supernatant reduced Candida adhesion, resulting in no viable cell detection on the surface. In conclusion, L. reuteri AJCR4 demonstrated notable antifungal activity against Candida biofilms. This oral isolate and its postbiotic can be a potential alternative strategy to oral candidiasis, especially to treat recalcitrant infections. Full article

The seasonal variations that occur in the gut microbiota of healthy adult rhesus monkeys kept in outdoor groups under conventional rearing patterns and how these variations are affected by environmental variables are relatively poorly understood. In this study, we collected 120 fecal samples from 30 adult male rhesus monkeys kept in outdoor groups across four seasons and recorded the temperature and humidity of the housing facilities, as well as the proportions of fruit and vegetables in their diet. A 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota of the rhesus monkeys was higher in winter and spring than in summer and autumn. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) further demonstrated notable seasonal variations in the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota in the rhesus monkeys. The phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and the genus Prevotella 9 were the significantly dominant groups in all 120 fecal samples from the rhesus monkeys. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis (LDA > 4) indicated that at the phylum level, Firmicutes was significantly enriched in winter, Bacteroidetes was significantly enriched in summer, and Proteobacteria and Campylobacter were significantly enriched in spring. At the genus level, Helicobacter and Ralstonia were significantly enriched in spring; Prevotella 9, Streptococcus, and Prevotella were significantly enriched in summer; and UCG_005 was significantly enriched in autumn. The beneficial genera Lactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, and Ligilactobacillus and the beneficial species Lactobacillus johnsonii, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Ligilactobacillus murinus, and Lactobacillus amylovorus all showed the same seasonal trend; namely, their average relative abundance was markedly greater during the winter months compared to other seasons. Compared with other seasons, carbohydrate metabolic function was significantly upregulated in winter (p < 0.01), amino acid metabolic function was relatively increased in spring, and energy metabolic function and the metabolic function of cofactors and vitamins were significantly downregulated in winter and relatively upregulated in summer. A variance partitioning analysis (VPA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the proportions of fruits and vegetables in the diet, but not climatic factors (temperature and humidity), significantly influenced the seasonal changes in the gut microbiota. These variations were related to changes in the proportions of fruits and vegetables. This research presents novel findings regarding the influence of external environmental factors on the gastrointestinal environment of rhesus monkeys. Full article

Limosilactobacillus reuteri, a recognized probiotic, improves intestinal health in animals, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates the mechanisms by which L. reuteri ZY15, isolated from healthy pig feces, mitigates intestinal barrier damage and inflammation caused by oxidative stress in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88-challenged mice. The results indicated that L. reuteri ZY15 increased antioxidant capacity by reducing serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. L. reuteri ZY15 enhanced the intestinal barrier by upregulating mucin 1, mucin 2, occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and claudin-1 expressions in protein and mRNA levels. It significantly alleviated intestinal inflammation by reducing the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) mRNA and protein levels. Notably, L. reuteri ZY15 suppressed intestinal inflammation by inhibiting AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α/RORγt/IL-17 pathway activation. Additionally, it significantly altered the structure of gut microorganisms by enriching Akkermansia and Clostridia_UCG.014, and thereby re-establishing colonization resistance and alleviating ETEC K88-induced intestinal barrier damage and inflammation in mice. Taken together, our findings reveal the protective mechanism of L. reuteri ZY15 in mice challenged with ETEC K88 by regulating AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α/RORγt/IL-17 signaling and microbial imbalance. Leveraging these properties, live L. reuteri ZY15 offers a promising alternative treatment for Escherichia coli-induced diarrhea in weaned piglets. Full article

Studies on the gastric microbiota associated with gastric precancerous lesions remain limited. This study aimed to profile the gastric mucosal microbiota in patients with Helicobacter pylori-negative precancerous lesions. Gastric mucosal samples were obtained from 67 H. pylori-negative patients, including those with chronic gastritis (CG), intestinal metaplasia (IM), and dysplasia. The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced and analyzed. No significant difference was observed in the alpha or beta diversity of the gastric microbiota among the groups. However, a taxonomic analysis revealed a significant enrichment of Lautropia mirabilis and the depletion of Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Solobacxterium moorei, Haemophilus haemolyticus, and Duncaniella dubosii in the IM and dysplasia groups compared to those in the CG group. Prevotella jejuni and the genus Parvimonas were enriched in the IM group. A predictive functional analysis revealed enrichment of the ornithine degradation pathway in the IM and dysplasia groups, suggesting its role in persistent gastric mucosal inflammation associated with gastric precancerous lesions. The gastric microbiota associated with H. pylori-negative gastric precancerous lesions showed an increased abundance of oral microbes linked to gastric cancer and a reduction in anti-inflammatory bacteria. These alterations might contribute to chronic gastric mucosal inflammation, promoting carcinogenesis in the absence of H. pylori infection. Full article

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been attributed to health-promoting properties and has received attention from the food industry as an attractive bioactive compound for the development of functional foods. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce GABA through a glutamate decarboxylase encoded by gadB and a glutamate/GABA antiporter encoded by gadC. In this study, we develop a molecular screening method based on a polymerase chain reaction able to detect those genes in different LAB species through the use of novel multispecies primers. PCR was performed in 92 LAB strains of six different species. The primer pair designed for gadB allowed its identification in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactococcus cremoris, Lactococcus lactis, Levilactobacillus brevis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains. For gadC, two different primer pairs were designed for its detection in different species. Glutamate decarboxylase activity (GAD assay) and GABase enzymatic quantification were also assessed. Among those strains showing glutamate decarboxylase activity, 93.2% harbored the gadB gene, and those showing GABA production had the gadB gene and exhibited glutamate decarboxylase activity. PCR detection of gadB correlates strongly with GABA production and constitutes a good strategy for the selection of LAB with high yields (>18 mM) that could be used for the development of GABA-enriched functional foods. Full article