Search Results (83)

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

Background/Objectives: Obesity is increasingly recognized as a global health concern due to its association with metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis. While probiotics offer promise in regulating gut microbiota and improving host metabolism, strain-specific effects remain underexplored, particularly for canine-derived probiotics. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a novel probiotic strain, Ligilactobacillus animalis LA-1, and evaluate its anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods: LA-1 was isolated from the feces of a healthy dog and assessed for probiotic potential in vitro, including gastrointestinal tolerance, bile salt hydrolase activity, cholesterol-lowering capacity, and fatty acid absorption. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a standard chow diet or an HFD for 16 weeks, with HFD mice receiving oral LA-1 supplementation (2 × 10⁹ CFU/day). Multi-omics analyses, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification, and untargeted liver metabolomics, were employed to investigate the effects of LA-1 on gut microbiota composition, metabolic pathways, and obesity-related phenotypes. Results: LA-1 supplementation significantly alleviated HFD-induced weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, and adipose tissue hypertrophy, without affecting food intake. It improved serum lipid profiles, reduced liver injury markers, and partially restored gut microbiota composition, decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriching SCFA-producing genera. Total SCFA levels, particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, increased following LA-1 treatment. Liver metabolomics revealed that LA-1 modulated pathways involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, resulting in decreased levels of acetyl-CoA, triglycerides, and bile acids. Conclusions: L. animalis LA-1 exerts anti-obesity effects via gut microbiota modulation, enhanced SCFA production, and hepatic metabolic reprogramming. These findings highlight its potential as a targeted probiotic intervention for obesity and metabolic disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1231 (Lj CRL1231) is a strain with feruloyl esterase (FE) activity that enhances ferulic acid (FA) release from wheat bran (WB) and has potential as a probiotic for metabolic syndrome (MS). Given the potential health benefits of FA and its microbial metabolites, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Lj CRL1231 co-administered with WB in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: Mice were divided into three groups and fed for 14 weeks as follows: the Control group (standard diet), the MS group (HFD+WB), and the MS+Lj group (HFD+WB and Lj CRL1231-dose 10⁸ cells/day). Specifically, we analyzed the changes in the intestinal microbiota (IM), colonic FE activity, generation of FA-derived and fermentation metabolites, and metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Results: Improvements in the MS+Lj group compared to the MS group included the following: a—a 38% increase in colonic FE activity, leading to elevated levels of FA-derived metabolites (e.g., dihydroferulic, dihydroxyphenylpropionic, and hydroxyphenylpropionic acids); b—a significant shift in the IM composition, with a 3.4-fold decrease in Firmicutes and a 2.9-fold increase in Bacteroidetes; c—a decrease in harmful bacteria (Desulfovibrio) by 93%, and beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium increased significantly (6.58 log cells/g); d—a 33% increase in total SCFAs; e—a 26% reduction in the adiposity index; f—a 12% increase in HDL cholesterol and a 19% reduction in triglycerides; g—normalized glucose and insulin resulting in a 2-fold lower HOMA-IR index; h—an improved inflammatory profile by decreasing TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 (3-, 5-, and 2-fold, respectively) and increasing IL-10 by 2-fold; i—alleviation of liver damage by normalizing of transaminases AST (19.70 ± 2.97 U/L) and ALT (13.12 ± 0.88 U/L); j—evidence of reduced oxidative damage. Conclusions: The co-administration of L. johnsonii CRL1231 and WB exerts a synergistic effect in mitigating the features of MS in HFD-fed mice. This effect is mediated by modulation of the gut microbiota, increased release of bioactive FA-derived compounds, and restoration of metabolic and inflammatory homeostasis. This strategy represents a promising dietary approach for MS management through targeted microbiota–metabolite interactions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bariatric surgery improves weight and metabolic health in individuals with severe obesity; however, challenges like gut dysbiosis and nutrient deficiencies persist postoperatively. Probiotic supplementation may enhance recovery by modulating gut microbiota. This updated meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of probiotics/synbiotics on metabolic, anthropometric, and nutritional outcomes after bariatric surgery. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and CENTRAL through December 2024. Studies comparing probiotics/synbiotics (which contain both probiotics and prebiotics) versus a placebo in adults post-bariatric surgery were included. Meta-analyses were conducted, with subgroup analyses by surgery type, the timing of the intervention, and probiotic formulation (PROSPERO ID: CRD420251019199). Results: Thirteen RCTs involving 809 patients were included in the analysis. Probiotic use significantly reduced BMI (MD = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.00), HbA1c (MD = −0.19%, 95% CI: −0.36 to −0.01), triglycerides (MD = −16.56 mg/dL), and AST levels (MD = −3.68 U/L), while increasing ALP (MD = 8.12 U/L) and vitamin D (MD = 13.68 pg/mL). Ferritin levels were significantly lower (MD = −18.89 µg/L) in the probiotic group. A subgroup analysis showed enhanced benefits in patients undergoing mini-gastric bypass, with perioperative or synbiotic interventions specifically improving triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HbA1c. Conclusions: Probiotics may offer modest but significant improvements in BMI, glycemic control, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and vitamin D levels after bariatric surgery. These findings support the potential role of probiotics/synbiotics as an adjunct therapy, though further large-scale trials are warranted to confirm long-term benefits. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition defined by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation. Kefir, a fermented beverage rich in probiotics and beneficial compounds, has emerged as a functional food that may offer metabolic advantages. Nevertheless, preclinical results have been variable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the influence of kefir and its derived compositions on parameters associated with MetS, inflammation, and oxidative stress in rodent studies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, AMED, and LILACS through June 2024. Eligible studies involving kefir interventions in rodent MetS models were included. Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines, with the risk of bias assessed using the CAMARADES and SYRCLE tools. Meta-analyses were performed with a random effects model. Thirty-eight studies involving 1462 rodents (mice and rats) were analyzed. Kefir significantly reduced body weight gain in both mice (MD = –3.33; 95% CI: –4.89 to –1.77) and rats (MD = –41.53; 95% CI: –54.33 to –28.72). In mice, triglycerides and LDL-C levels decreased significantly; in rats, kefir lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides. Insulin levels were reduced (MD = –0.69; 95% CI: –1.16 to –0.22), suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. Several studies also reported reductions in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Despite promising results, the high heterogeneity and methodological variability emphasize the need for standardized preclinical protocols and clinical validation. These findings support the role of kefir as a functional food for metabolic health promotion. Full article

Trace mineral supplementation is critical for shrimp aquaculture sustainability, yet the bioavailability of conventional inorganic forms remains suboptimal. The study investigated the effects of inorganic (IM) and organic (OM) trace mineral premixes at varying doses on growth, physiological responses, and gut microbiota in white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Five experimental diets were formulated: a basal control (no supplementation), full-dose IM (IM100), half-dose IM (IM50), half-dose OM (OM50), and one-third dose OM (OM33). A total of 800 shrimp were randomly distributed into 20 tanks for an 8-week feeding experiment. The results showed that shrimp fed diets OM50 and IM100 had significantly higher total protein content in the plasma, lower levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, and enhanced antioxidant capacity and immune response (greater activities of T-SOD, GPX, and PO, lower content of MDA, higher content of hemocyanin, and upregulated expression of cat, gpx, and Hemo). Furthermore, OM50 group showed superior mineral bioaccumulation, particularly for Zn in the hepatopancreas and whole body, and Cu in the whole body, accompanied by upregulated expression of mineral transporter-related (ZIP14, ZnT6, and MT). Moreover, diet OM50 resulted in a higher abundance of potential probiotic bacteria (including Pseudomonas and Enterococcus) and a lower abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria (including Vibrio and Planctomicrobium). The findings indicated that organic trace minerals premix at half the conventional dosage can effectively enhance its bioavailability, significantly improve the health status, and beneficially modify intestinal microbiota communities of shrimp, suggesting superior efficiency compared to inorganic forms. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of encapsulated postbiotics derived from various probiotic microorganisms, alone or in combination with inulin, on the growth performance, carcass traits, organ weights, blood parameters, and mRNA expression of selected hormones in broilers. A total of 588 one-day-old male Ross-308 chicks were randomly designated to six replicates of seven dietary treatments (initial body weight: 40.85 ± 0.56 g, per replicate, n = 14 chicks). The treatments consisted of a basal diet (C), supplemented with encapsulated postbiotics (0.30%) derived from Lactobacillus plantarum (ELP), Bacillus subtilis (EBS), or Enterococcus faecium (EEF), as well as combinations of these encapsulated postbiotics with 1.0% inulin (ELPI, EBSI, and EEFI) for six weeks. The results demonstrated that the body weight and body weight gain of birds that were fed diets supplemented with encapsulated postbiotics or their combinations with inulin significantly increased in comparison to the C group (p < 0.001). Feed intake (FI) remained unaffected during days 1–21, as did feed conversion ratios (FCR) during days 22–42, and days 1–42 demonstrated no significant differences (p > 0.05). However, FCR improved during days 1–21, and FI increased during days 22–42 and 1–42 (p < 0.05). Carcass yield, including breast, thigh, and abdominal fat yields, was enhanced (p < 0.001). Although the relative weights of the heart, spleen, pancreas, and liver were unaffected (p > 0.05), the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius increased (p < 0.001). Serum antioxidant status and immunoglobulin A and M levels were higher, while liver enzymes, cholesterol, triglycerides, and total oxidant status were lower in the supplemented groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Serum glucose and protein levels remained unchanged (p > 0.05). The mRNA expression of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor was upregulated in the supplemented groups (p < 0.001). In conclusion, encapsulated postbiotics (0.30%) derived from different probiotics, alone or combined with inulin (1.0%), positively influenced growth performance, carcass traits, and immunity in male broilers. Full article

Background: Berberine has extremely low oral bioavailability, but shows a potent lipid-lowering effect, indicating its potential role in regulating intestinal microbiota, which has not been investigated. Methods: In the present study, five experimental diets, a control diet (Con), a high-lipid diet (HL), and high-lipid·diets·supplemented with an antibiotic cocktail (HLA), berberine (HLB), or both (HLAB) were fed to zebrafish (Danio rerio) for 30 days. Results: The HLB group showed significantly greater weight gain and feed intake than the HLA and other groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Hepatic triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, lipogenesis, and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression were significantly upregulated by the high-lipid diet, but significantly downregulated by berberine supplementation. Conversely, the expression levels of intestinal and/or hepatic farnesoid X receptor (fxr), Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (tgr5), lipolysis genes, and zonula occludens 1 (zo1) exhibited the opposite trend. Compared with the HLB group, the HLAB group displayed significantly greater hepatic TG content and proinflammatory cytokine expression, but significantly lower intestinal bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity and intestinal and/or hepatic fxr and tgr5 expression levels. The HL treatment decreased the abundance of certain probiotic bacteria (e.g., Microbacterium, Cetobacterium, and Gemmobacter) and significantly increased the pathways involved in cytochrome P450, p53 signaling, and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. The HLB group increased some probiotic bacteria abundance, particularly BSH-producing bacteria (e.g., Escherichia Shigella). Compared with the HLB group, the abundance of BSH-producing bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus) and pathways related to Notch signaling and Wnt signaling were reduced in the HLAB group. Conclusions: This study revealed that berberine’s lipid-lowering and intestine-protective effects are closely related to the intestinal microbiota, especially BSH-producing bacteria. Full article

Bile salt hydrolase (BSH; EC 3.5.1.24) is the microbial enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of primary bile acids (BAs) into secondary ones, promoting microbial adaptation and modulating several host’s biological functions. Probiotics with BSH activity are supposed to survive harsh intestinal conditions and exert a cholesterol-lowering effect. Here, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains (VB4 and VB1), isolated from the vaginal ecosystem, were submitted to a genomic survey, in vitro BSH activity, and BAs tolerance assay to unravel their probiotic potential as BAs modulators. The draft genomes of Lcb. rhamnosus VB4 and VB1 strains comprised 2769 and 2704 CDSs, respectively. Gene annotation revealed numerous strain-specific genes involved in metabolism and transport, as well as in DNA recombination. Each strain harbors a single bsh gene, encoding a C-N amide hydrolase, which conserved the essential residues required in the BSH core site. According to the results, compared to VB1, the VB4 strain tolerated better BAs stress and was more active in deconjugating BAs. However, BAs stress increased the bsh gene transcription in the VB1 strain but not in the VB4 strain, suggesting a partially nonlinear relationship between BSH activity and gene expression. In conclusion, despite the complexity of the BSH transcriptional system, the results support the VB4 strain as a promising BAs-deconjugating probiotic candidate. Full article

Hyperlipidemia poses significant risks for cardiovascular diseases, with emerging evidence underscoring the critical role of gut microbiota in metabolic regulation. This study explores Lactobacillus casei CAAS36, a probiotic strain with promising cholesterol-lowering capabilities, assessing its impact on hyperlipidemic hamsters. Utilizing 1H NMR-based metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we observed that L. casei CAAS36 treatment not only altered metabolic pathways but also reshaped gut microbiota composition. Notably, the treatment restored the balance between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and significantly increased the abundance of propionate-producing Muribaculaceae. Metabolically, L. casei CAAS36 administration led to the normalization of key lipid markers, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides (29.9%, 29.4% and 32.6%), while enhancing the protective HDL-C levels. These effects were accompanied by significant increases in beneficial metabolites such as propionate and succinate, which are known for their roles in preventing metabolic disorders. These findings highlight the dual regulatory effects of L. casei CAAS36 on the metabolic profile and gut microbiota, suggesting a substantial potential for this probiotic in the management of hyperlipidemia and possibly other metabolic diseases. Future applications may include its use as a natural therapeutic agent in clinical settings, aiming to reduce reliance on conventional pharmaceuticals and their associated side effects. Full article

L-Carnitine, sourced from red meat, dairy, and endogenous synthesis, plays a vital role in fatty acid metabolism and energy production. While beneficial for cardiovascular, muscular, and neural health, its interaction with the gut microbiota and conversion into trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) raise concerns about heart health. TMAO, produced through the gut-microbial metabolism of L-carnitine and subsequent liver oxidation, is associated with cardiovascular risks, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke. It contributes to cholesterol deposition, vascular dysfunction, and platelet aggregation. Omnivorous diets, rich in L-carnitine, are associated with higher TMAO levels compared to plant-based diets, which are linked to lower cardiovascular disease risks. Dietary interventions, such as increasing fiber, polyphenols, and probiotics, can modulate the gut microbiota to reduce TMAO production. These strategies seek to balance L-carnitine’s benefits with its potential risks related to TMAO production. Future research should focus on personalized approaches to optimize L-carnitine use while mitigating its cardiovascular impacts, exploring microbial modulation and dietary strategies to minimize the TMAO levels and associated risks. Full article

Introduction: Consuming hypercaloric diets during pregnancy induces metabolic, immune, and maternal intestinal dysbiosis disorders. These conditions are transferred to the offspring through the placenta and breastfeeding, increasing susceptibility to metabolic diseases. We investigated the effect of L. rhamnosus GG supplementation on offspring maternally programmed with a hypercaloric diet. Methods: Our study involved sixteen female Wistar rats aged ten weeks, which were divided into four groups based on their diets: control (Ctrl), cafeteria (CAF), control + probiotic (PRO), and cafeteria + probiotic (CPRO). The control + probiotic and cafeteria + probiotic groups received a daily oral administration of 250 μL of L. rhamnosus GG cell suspension (equivalent to 10⁹ UFC) for nine weeks. The body weight of the animals was recorded weekly, and their food intake was monitored every 24 h. An oral glucose tolerance test was conducted on the offspring at seven weeks of age. At the ninth week of age, animals were euthanized, and blood, tissues, and organs were collected. Results: Maternal supplementation with L. rhamnosus GG decreased food intake and the average birth weight, improved glucose sensitivity, and lowered the levels of LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, and mesenteric adipose tissue in offspring compared with the control and cafeteria groups. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that supplementing with LGG during maternal programming could protect offspring from metabolic disruptions caused by a hypercaloric maternal diet. Full article

(1) Background: Depression, metabolic alternations, and liver diseases are highly comorbid. Studies have shown that probiotics might be helpful in the treatment of the above-mentioned states. The aim of this secondary analysis was to search for possible predictors of probiotics’ efficacy on liver-related outcome measures. (2) Methods: Data from 92 subjects from a randomized clinical trial on the effect of probiotics on depression were analyzed. The shift in liver steatosis and fibrosis indices was assessed in the context of baseline immunometabolic, psychometric, dietary, and intestinal permeability factors. Correlation analysis and linear regression models were used. (3) Results: A total of 30% of the variance of the improvement in the score of the aspartate transferase to platelet ratio index was explained by probiotic use, higher pre-intervention triglycerides, cholesterol, C-reactive protein levels, increased cereal intake, and a lower consumption of sweets. Then, the model of the change in alanine transferase indicated that probiotics were efficient when used by subjects with higher basal levels of intestinal permeability markers. (4) Conclusions: Probiotics being used along with a healthy diet may provide additional benefits, such as decreased cardiovascular risk, for patients with measures consistent with the immunometabolic form of depression. Probiotic augmentation may be useful for liver protection among subjects with a suspected “leaky gut” syndrome. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04756544. Full article

The trillions of microbes that constitute the human gut microbiome play a crucial role in digestive health, immune response regulation, and psychological wellness. Maintaining gut microbiota is essential as metabolic diseases are associated with it. Functional food ingredients potentially improving gut health include prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics (PPSPs). While probiotics are living bacteria that provide health advantages when ingested sufficiently, prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that support good gut bacteria. Synbiotics work together to improve immunity and intestinal health by combining probiotics and prebiotics. Postbiotics have also demonstrated numerous health advantages, such as bioactive molecules created during probiotic fermentation. According to a recent study, PPSPs can regulate the synthesis of metabolites, improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier, and change the gut microbiota composition to control metabolic illnesses. Additionally, the use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) highlights the potential for restoring gut health through microbiota modulation, reinforcing the benefits of PPSPs in enhancing overall well-being. Research has shown that PPSPs provide several health benefits, such as improved immunological function, alleviation of symptoms associated with irritable bowel disease (IBD), decreased severity of allergies, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite encouraging results, many unanswered questions remain about the scope of PPSPs’ health advantages. Extensive research is required to fully realize the potential of these functional food components in enhancing human health and well-being. Effective therapeutic and prophylactic measures require further investigation into the roles of PPSPs, specifically their immune-system-modulating, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Full article

Kefir, a fermented milk beverage, is recognized for its potential health benefits, including its cholesterol-lowering properties. This study demonstrated that selected kefir starter cultures, including Lactococcus strains and yeasts, significantly reduce cholesterol-binding capacity under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, underscoring the challenges of probiotic delivery. We compared the performance of these cultures under laboratory conditions (growth broths) and simulated digestive juice models. Lactococcus strains showed significant differences in cholesterol binding between the two environments, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on laboratory testing. Yeast cultures also exhibited greater cholesterol binding in their native broths, but their survival was limited in digestive models. Our findings suggest that effective probiotic formulations should prioritize strains with high cholesterol-binding capacity and robust survival rates throughout the digestive tract. This study provides valuable insights for future research on the mechanisms behind these functionalities and the potential of kefir yeast strains for use in human digestive models. Our results can be used to inform the development of improved probiotic formulations for cholesterol management. Full article