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Obesity is characterized by specific changes in the composition of the gut microbiota (GM). Exercise can contribute to the modulation of GM. This is the first case study to analyze the composition and metabolism of the GM of an obese runner in a single‐stage mountain ultramarathon (MUM) with a mileage of 217 km. Fecal samples were collected 7 days before the race (T0), 15 min after the end of the race (T1), and 7 days after the end of the race (T2). GM composition was analyzed by real‐time PCR and shotgun sequencing. We observed a decrease in Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio and α‐diversity after the race. After the 217‐km MUM, we observed a decrease in symbiont microorganisms and a notable increase in harmful bacteria. In conclusion, we found that the 217‐km MUM may have contributed to the intestinal dysbiosis of the obese runner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eriocitrin (eriodictyol 7‐O‐β‐rutinoside), a citrus flavonoid from lemon juice and peel, reduces hyperglycemia and improves diabetes‐related biomarkers in prediabetes patients. Eriocitrin is first metabolized by gut microbiota, producing energy for gut cells and short chain fatty acids that play a relevant role in glycemic control. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Eriomin®, a nutraceutical composed of 70% eriocitrin, 5% hesperidin, and 4% naringin, on the microbiota of prediabetic patients. Patients were randomly divided into two groups and received unlabeled capsules of Eriomin® (200 mg/day) or placebo during 12 weeks. After treatment with the nutraceutical, it was a 6% decrease of hyperglycemia and 22% increase of GLP‐1 blood levels of (p <.05). The profile of intestinal microorganisms, obtained by 16S rRNA sequencing of the patients' feces extract, showed changes in microbiota composition, such as lower growth of Firmicutes and less abundance of the Lachnospiraceae family. The family Ruminococcaceae increased and Blautia genus reduced with Eriomin® supplementation. In additional, Blautia was positively correlated with hyperglycemia reduction. In conclusion, the nutraceutical Eriomin® moderately reduced the growth of microorganisms associated with intestinal dysbiosis and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Changes promoted mainly by the flavonoid eriocitrin in the microbiota were related to a lower glycemic level and increased production of GLP‐1 in patients with prediabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) processing generates a by-product (CB) with potential for health benefits and that could be a favorable ingredient to be added to a probiotic food matrix. This study aimed to assess the functional attributes of CB in fermented milk with a probiotic and a starter culture using in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. Two formulations were tested, without CB (Control Formulation—CF) and with CB (Test Formulation—TF), and the two strains most adapted to CB, the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei F19® and the starter Streptococcus thermophilus ST-M6®, were chosen to be fermented in the CF and the TF. During a 28-day period of refrigeration (4 °C), both strains used in the CF and TF maintained a population above 8.0 log CFU/mL. Strains cultured in the TF had a significant increase in total phenolic compounds and greater antioxidant potential during their shelf life, along with improved survival of F19® after in vitro-simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Our study revealed the promising potential of CB in the probiotic beverage. The CB-containing formulation (TF) also exhibited higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, it acted as a protector for bacteria during gastrointestinal simulation, highlighting its potential as a healthy and sustainable product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by dysbiosis in the gut, which may lead to systemic inflammation. Therefore, the use of probiotics may help to achieve a balanced microbiota and improve glycemic control. The aim of this study was to verify the impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus—La5 on the gut microbiome of type 2 diabetes adults using the Human Gut Microbial Ecosystem Simulator (SHIME®) and compare this to the microbiome of healthy subjects. Four groups (Control Group: NormoGlycemic; Treatment Group: T2D) were evaluated in SHIME® for 6 weeks. After 7 and 14 days of colonic fermentation, the intestinal microbiota (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and metabolites (short-chain fatty acids) were analyzed. La5 altered the composition of the microbiota after 14 days of treatment for both groups, by increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Firmicutes in the NormoGlycemic. Treatment with La5 resulted in a shift in the microbial community of NormoGlycemic with increased abundance of Bacteroides and Mitsuokella and a decrease in Achromobacter and Catabacter, whereas T2D gut microbiome was enriched with Faecalibacterium and reduced in Bacteroides. Megasphaera spp. stimulated with La5 treatment in NormoGlycemic has already been reported to produce intestinal metabolites and recognized to contribute to increased anti-inflammatory and immune responses. Faecalibacterium, on the other hand, can modulate the intestinal epithelium and be a major butyrate product in the microbiota. Finally, this study showed a positive and promising result of La5 treatment in increasing intestinal homeostasis in the microbiota of T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active packaging aims to best respond against adversity by inserting nanoparticles with barrier and antimicrobial properties. Silver nanoparticles act against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, one of the most applied metallic nanoparticles in antimicrobial packaging. This work reports the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles and their application in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films. The methodology consists of obtaining PVC films with SiO2/Ag immobilized by the casting method and available antimicrobial concentrations against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. The effect of nanoparticle ratio on the film was verified employing 12.5, 25, and 100 µg mL−1 of SiO2/Ag, according to the JIS Z 2801:2000 test. The morphological characterization observed the SiO2/Ag particles were detected internally and superficially in all the films. Additionally, the SiO2/Ag increased concentration promotes the particles were found more preferentially on the surface. As a result, the higher value of 100 µg mL−1 SiO2/Ag decreased to 97.9% colony-forming units (CFU) for S. aureus. This result was superior to E. coli, showing only a 10% growth reduction attributed to the distinct composition of the membrane microbial. Thus, the present study could verify that an activity antimicrobial in PVC films is influenced by SiO2/Ag concentration and the ability to allow the microorganism contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-diabetes is recognized as an altered metabolic state, which precedes type 2 diabetes, and it is associated with great dysfunction of the intestinal microbiota, known as dysbiosis. Natural compounds, capable of reducing blood glucose without side effects and with a beneficial effect on the microbiota, have been studied as substitutes or adjuvants to conventional hypoglycemic agents, such as metformin. In this work, the effect of the nutraceutical Eriomin®, a mixture of citrus flavonoids (eriocitrin, hesperidin, naringin, and didymin), which reduces glycemia and increases glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in pre-diabetic patients, was tested in the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®), inoculated with pre-diabetic microbiota. After treatment with Eriomin® plus metformin, a significant increase in acetate and butyrate production was observed. Furthermore, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of the microorganisms showed that Eriomin® plus metformin stimulated the growth of Bacteroides and Subdoligranulum genera. Bacteroides are the largest fraction of the intestinal microbiota and are potential colonizers of the colon, with some species producing acetic and propionic fatty acids. In addition, Subdoligranulum species are associated with better host glycemic metabolism. In conclusion, Eriomin® associated with metformin improved the composition and metabolism of the intestinal microbiota, suggesting a potential use in pre-diabetes therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychobiotics are probiotics that have the characteristics of modulating central nervous system (CNS) functions or reconciled actions by the gut–brain axis (GBA) through neural, humoral and metabolic pathways to improve gastrointestinal activity as well as anxiolytic and even antidepressant abilities. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 on the gut microbiota of mildly anxious adults using SHIME®. The protocol included a one-week control period and two weeks of treatment with L. helveticus R0052 and B. longum R0175. Ammonia (NH4+), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), cytokines and microbiota composition were determined. Probiotic strains decreased significantly throughout the gastric phase. The highest survival rates were exhibited by L. helveticus R0052 (81.58%; 77.22%) after the gastric and intestinal phase when compared to B. longum (68.80%; 64.64%). At the genus level, a taxonomic assignment performed in the ascending colon in the SHIME® model showed that probiotics (7 and 14 days) significantly (p < 0.005) increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Olsenella and significantly decreased Lachnospira and Escheria-Shigella. The probiotic treatment (7 and 14 days) decreased (p < 0.001) NH4+ production when compared to the control period. For SCFAs, we observed after probiotic treatment (14 days) an increase (p < 0.001) in acetic acid production and total SCFAs when compared to the control period. Probiotic treatment increased (p < 0.001) the secretion of anti-inflammatory (IL-6 and IL-10) and decreased (p < 0.001) pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha) when compared to the control period. The gut–brain axis plays an important role in the gut microbiota, producing SCFAs and GABA, stimulating the production of anti-anxiety homeostasis. The signature of the microbiota in anxiety disorders provides a promising direction for the prevention of mental illness and opens a new perspective for using the psychobiotic as a main actor of therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strenuous physical activity, sleep deprivation and psychological stress are common features of military field training. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with a synbiotic ice cream on salivary IgA, gastrointestinal symptoms, well-being indicators and gut microbiota in young military participants undergoing field training. Sixty-five military completed the study: one group was supplemented for 30 d with synbiotic ice cream containing: 2·1 × 108 CFU/g for Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and 2·7 × 109 CFU/g for Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12 and 2·3 g of inulin in the 60 g of ice cream at manufacture, and the other with a placebo ice cream. Volunteers were evaluated at pre-supplementation (baseline), post-supplementation and after a 5-d military training. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera were measured in stool samples and both showed a higher differential abundance post-supplementation and training. Salivary IgA and gastrointestinal symptoms decreased at post-training in both groups (P < 0·05; main effect of time); however, supplementation with synbiotic did not mitigate this effect. Tenseness and sleepiness were decreased in the synbiotic-treated group, but not in the placebo group at post-military training (P = 0·01 and 0·009, respectively; group × time effect). The other well-being indicators were not affected by the synbiotic supplementation. In conclusion, 30 d of synbiotic ice cream supplementation containing inulin, L. acidophilus LA-5 and B. animalis BB-12 favourably modulated gut microbiota and improved tenseness and sleepiness in healthy young military undergoing a 5-d field training. These improvements may be relevant to this population as they may influence the decision-making process in an environment of high physical and psychological stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in human health, adjusting its composition and the microbial metabolites protects the gut against invading microorganisms. Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) is an important diarrheagenic pathogen, which may cause acute or persistent diarrhea (≥14 days). The outbreak strain has the potent Shiga toxin, forms a dense biofilm and communicate via QseBC two-component system regulating the expression of many important virulence factors. Results: Herein, we investigated the QseC histidine sensor kinase role in the microbiota shift during O104:H4 C227–11 infection in the colonic model SHIME® (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) and in vivo mice model. The microbiota imbalance caused by C227–11 infection affected ỿ-Proteobacteria and Lactobacillus spp. predominance, with direct alteration in intestinal metabolites driven by microbiota change, such as Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). However, in the absence of QseC sensor kinase, the microbiota recovery was delayed on day 3 p.i., with change in the intestinal production of SCFA, like an increase in acetate production. The higher predominance of Lactobacillus spp. in the microbiota and significant augmented qseC gene expression levels were also observed during C227–11 mice infection upon intestinal depletion. Novel insights during pathogenic bacteria infection with the intestinal microbiota were observed. The QseC kinase sensor seems to have a role in the microbiota shift during the infectious process by Shiga toxin-producing EAEC C227–11. Conclusions: The QseC role in C227–11 infection helps to unravel the intestine microbiota modulation and its metabolites during SHIME® and in vivo models, besides they contribute to elucidate bacterial intestinal pathogenesis and the microbiota relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in human health, adjusting its composition and the microbial metabolites protects the gut against invading microorganisms. Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) is an important diarrheagenic pathogen, which may cause acute or persistent diarrhea (≥14 days). The outbreak strain has the potent Shiga toxin, forms a dense biofilm and communicate via QseBC two-component system regulating the expression of many important virulence factors. Results: Herein, we investigated the QseC histidine sensor kinase role in the microbiota shift during O104:H4 C227–11 infection in the colonic model SHIME® (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) and in vivo mice model. The microbiota imbalance caused by C227–11 infection affected ỿ-Proteobacteria and Lactobacillus spp. predominance, with direct alteration in intestinal metabolites driven by microbiota change, such as Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). However, in the absence of QseC sensor kinase, the microbiota recovery was delayed on day 3 p.i., with change in the intestinal production of SCFA, like an increase in acetate production. The higher predominance of Lactobacillus spp. in the microbiota and significant augmented qseC gene expression levels were also observed during C227–11 mice infection upon intestinal depletion. Novel insights during pathogenic bacteria infection with the intestinal microbiota were observed. The QseC kinase sensor seems to have a role in the microbiota shift during the infectious process by Shiga toxin-producing EAEC C227–11. Conclusions: The QseC role in C227–11 infection helps to unravel the intestine microbiota modulation and its metabolites during SHIME® and in vivo models, besides they contribute to elucidate bacterial intestinal pathogenesis and the microbiota relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to compare the capacity to modulate the intestinal microbiota and the production of metabolites after 14 d administration of a commercial dietary supplement and a manufactured ice cream, both containing the same quantity of inulin and the same viable counts of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12, using the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) model. Samples of the colonic contents were evaluated microbiologically by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and next-generation sequencing and chemically by the production of SCFA (acetate, propionate and butyrate) and ammonium ions ($\text{NH}_4^ + $). Statistical analyses were carried out for all the variables using the two-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey multiple comparisons test (P < 0·05) for metabolite production, qRT-PCR and the bioinformatics analysis for microbiota diversity. Dietary supplement and ice cream were able to deliver the probiotic L. acidophilus and B. animalis to the simulated colon and modulate the microbiota, increasing beneficial micro-organisms such as Bifidobacterium spp., Bacteroides spp. and Faecalibacterium spp. for dietary supplement administration, and Lactobacillus spp. for ice cream supplementation. However, the ice cream matrix was probably more favourable for the maintenance of the metabolic activity of the probiotics in the SHIME® model, due to the larger amounts of acetate, propionate, butyrate and ammonium ions obtained after 14 d of supplementation. In conclusion, both ways of probiotic supplementation could be efficient, each with its own particularities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is constantly increasing, and it has become a major concern, with several implications for public health, economy, and social well-being. It is well-known that several factors such as lifestyle, increased intake of fat and sugar-rich foods, and host genetics can lead to T2DM. Some recent studies have suggested that the composition of the intestinal microbiota can trigger T2DM. Since then, considerable effort has been made to understand the link between the composition of intestinal microbiota and T2DM, as well as the role of probiotics in modulation of intestinal microbiota. This mini-review summarizes the major findings and discusses the close relationship between intestinal microbiota, probiotics, and T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we first investigated the survival of three probiotic strains, individually and combined with acerola by-product during simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Next, we investigated the effects of acerola by-product combined with Bifidobacterium longum BB-46 on a gut microbiota model (SHIME®). Chemical composition, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity of the acerola by-product and microbial counts, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), ammonium ions ( NH4+ ) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis of the SHIME® samples were performed. Acerola by-product revealed high protein and fibre, reduced lipid contents, and showed to be an excellent source of total phenolic compounds with high in vitro antioxidant activity. A decreased amount of NH4+ in the ascending colon and an increase (p < .05) in SCFAs were observed in the three regions of colon during treatment with BB-46 and acerola by-product. BB-46 combined with acerola by-product showed positive effects on the gut microbiota metabolism in SHIME® model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising worldwide prevalence of obesity has become a major concern having many implications for the public health and the economy. It is well known that many factors such as lifestyle, increased intake of foods high in fat and sugar and a host's genetic profile can lead to obesity. Besides these factors, recent studies have pointed to the gut microbiota composition as being responsible for the development of obesity. Since then, many efforts have been made to understand the link between the gut microbiota composition and obesity, as well as the role of food ingredients, such as pro- and prebiotics, in the modulation of the gut microbiota. Studies involving the gut microbiota composition of obese individuals are however still controversial, making it difficult to treat obesity. In this sense, this mini-review deals with obesity and the relationship with gut microbiota, summarising the principal findings on gut microbiome approaches for treating obesity in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three treatments, i.e., Bifidobacterium longum BB-46 (T1), B. longum BB-46 combined with the pectin (T2), and harsh extracted pectin from lemon (T3) on obesity-related microbiota using the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®). The effects of the treatments were assessed by the analysis of the intestinal microbial composition (using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) and the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and ammonium ions (NH4+). Treatments T2 and T3 stimulated members of the Ruminococcaceae and Succinivibrionaceae families, which were positively correlated with an increase in butyric and acetic acids. Proteolytic bacteria were reduced by the two treatments, concurrently with a decrease in NH4+. Treatment T1 stimulated the production of butyric acid in the simulated transverse and descending colon, reduction of NH4+ as well as the growth of genera Lactobacillus, Megamonas, and members of Lachnospiracea. The results indicate that both B. longum BB-46 and pectin can modulate the obesity-related microbiota; however, when the pectin is combined with B. longum BB-46, the predominant effect of the pectin can be observed. This study showed that the citric pectin is able to stimulate butyrate-producing bacteria as well as genera related with anti-inflammatory effects. However, prospective clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the anti/pro-obesogenic and inflammatory effects of this pectin for future prevention of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbiota composition from days 0 to 3 p.i with strain C227-11 infection, respectively, phyla and genera (a and b), and with strain C227-11:qseC infection, respectively, phyla and genera (c and d). Microbiota composition from days 0 to 3 p.i with strain C227-11 infection, respectively, phyla and genera (a and b), and with strain C227- 11:qseC infection, respectively, phyla and genera (c and d). [Extracted from the article]

Background: How to maintain "gut health" is a goal for scientists throughout the world. Therefore, microbiota management models for testing probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have been developed. Methods: The SHIME® model was used to study the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus 1014 on the fermentation pattern of the colon microbiota. Initially, an inoculum prepared from human feces was introduced into the reactor vessels and stabilized over 2-wk using a culture medium. This stabilization period was followed by a 2-wk control period during which the microbiota was monitored. The microbiota was then subjected to a 4-wk treatment period by adding 5 mL of sterile peptone water with L. acidophilus CRL1014 at the concentration of 108 CFU/mL to vessel one (the stomach compartment). Plate counts, Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and ammonium analyses were carried out for monitoring of the microbial community from the colon compartments. Results: A significant increase (p < 0.01) in the Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. populations was observed during the treatment period. The DGGE obtained showed changes in the lactobacilli community from the colon compartments of the SHIME® reactor. The (SCFA) concentration increased (p < 0.01) during the treatment period, due mainly to significant increased levels of acetic, butyric, and propionic acids. However, ammonium concentrations decreased during the same period (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study showed the beneficial influence of L. acidophilus CRL 1014 on microbial metabolism and lactobacilli community composition for improving human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Food & Nutrition / Alimentos e Nutrição is the property of Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, UNESP and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Food & Nutrition / Alimentos e Nutrição is the property of Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, UNESP and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Orange juice is a natural source of sugars, vitamins, minerals and flavanones and is associated with health benefits. In addition, in-vitro study suggested that orange juice could modulate intestinal microbiota. This study investigated the impact of habitual consumption of 100% pure orange juice (OJ) on the intestinal microbiota and metabolic outcomes in a controlled clinical trial. Ten women were on regular diet without OJ (OJ free-diet) for 30 days followed by regular diet supplemented with 300 ml of orange juice for 60 days (OJ-diet) and a 30-day washout period without OJ (Washout). Biochemical, anthropometric and dietary parameters were monitored and samples of blood, urine and feces were taken at the beginning and every 30 days. Urinary metabolites were identified by UHPLC and the microbiota composition was evaluated by RNAr 16S. Analysis of the biochemical variables at the end of OJ-diet showed a decrease in glucose (-6.5%), insulin (-33%) and, insulin resistance (-44%). There was also reduction of total cholesterol (-14%), LDL (-16%) and triglycerides (-30%). After Washout, all biochemical parameters returned to the initial values. No changes on body weight and body fat were observed during the experimental time. Intestinal bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillaceae increased with daily consumption of orange juice, and were negatively correlated with blood serum triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-C, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR, but positively correlated with HDL-C. In conclusion, daily consumption of orange juice did not influenced the body weight or body composition of healthy women, and showed a prebiotic effect on the intestinal microbiota, improving microbial colonization, and modulating the metabolic profile, by reducing glucose and lipids in the blood of young and healthy women. It is also suggested that, to obtain such benefits, orange juice should be consumed regularly and in moderate amounts along with a balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange juice is a natural source of sugars, vitamins, minerals and flavanones and is associated with health benefits. In addition, in-vitro study suggested that orange juice could modulate intestinal microbiota. This study investigated the impact of habitual consumption of 100% pure orange juice (OJ) on the intestinal microbiota and metabolic outcomes in a controlled clinical trial. Ten women were on regular diet without OJ (OJ free-diet) for 30 days followed by regular diet supplemented with 300 ml of orange juice for 60 days (OJ-diet) and a 30-day washout period without OJ (Washout). Biochemical, anthropometric and dietary parameters were monitored and samples of blood, urine and feces were taken at the beginning and every 30 days. Urinary metabolites were identified by UHPLC and the microbiota composition was evaluated by RNAr 16S. Analysis of the biochemical variables at the end of OJ-diet showed a decrease in glucose (-6.5%), insulin (-33%) and, insulin resistance (-44%). There was also reduction of total cholesterol (-14%), LDL (-16%) and triglycerides (-30%). After Washout, all biochemical parameters returned to the initial values. No changes on body weight and body fat were observed during the experimental time. Intestinal bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillaceae increased with daily consumption of orange juice, and were negatively correlated with blood serum triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-C, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR, but positively correlated with HDL-C. In conclusion, daily consumption of orange juice did not influenced the body weight or body composition of healthy women, and showed a prebiotic effect on the intestinal microbiota, improving microbial colonization, and modulating the metabolic profile, by reducing glucose and lipids in the blood of young and healthy women. It is also suggested that, to obtain such benefits, orange juice should be consumed regularly and in moderate amounts along with a balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: How to maintain "gut health" is a goal for scientists throughout the world. Therefore, microbiota management models for testing probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have been developed.Methods: The SHIME model was used to study the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus 1014 on the fermentation pattern of the colon microbiota. Initially, an inoculum prepared from human feces was introduced into the reactor vessels and stabilized over 2-wk using a culture medium. This stabilization period was followed by a 2-wk control period during which the microbiota was monitored. The microbiota was then subjected to a 4-wk treatment period by adding 5 mL of sterile peptone water with L. acidophilus CRL1014 at the concentration of 10⁸ CFU/mL to vessel one (the stomach compartment). Plate counts, Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and ammonium analyses were carried out for monitoring of the microbial community from the colon compartments.Results: A significant increase (p < 0.01) in the Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. populations was observed during the treatment period. The DGGE obtained showed changes in the lactobacilli community from the colon compartments of the SHIME reactor. The (SCFA) concentration increased (p < 0.01) during the treatment period, due mainly to significant increased levels of acetic, butyric, and propionic acids. However, ammonium concentrations decreased during the same period (p < 0.01).Conclusions: This study showed the beneficial influence of L. acidophilus CRL 1014 on microbial metabolism and lactobacilli community composition for improving human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]