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The inhaled delivery of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) probiotics has been demonstrated to exert therapeutic benefits to the lungs due to LAB's immunomodulatory activities. The development of inhaled probiotics formulation, however, is in its nascent stage limited to nebulized LAB. We developed a dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) intended for bronchiectasis maintenance therapy by spray freeze drying (SFD). The optimal DPI formulation (i.e., LGG: mannitol: lactose: leucine = 35: 45: 15: 5 wt.%) was determined based on the aerosolization efficiency (86% emitted dose and 26% respirable fraction) and LGG cell viability post-SFD (7 log CFU/mL per mg powder). The optimal DPI formulation was evaluated and compared to lyophilized naked LGG by its (1) adhesion capacity and cytotoxicity to human lung epithelium cells (i.e., A549 and 16HBE14o- cells) as well as its (2) effectiveness in inhibiting the growth and adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to lung cells. The optimal DPI of LGG exhibited similar non-cytotoxicity and adhesion capacity to lung cells to naked LGG. The DPI of LGG also inhibited the growth and adhesion of P. aeruginosa to the lung cells as effectively as the naked LGG. The present work established the feasibility of delivering the LAB probiotic by the DPI platform without adversely affecting LGG's anti-pseudomonal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying a saturated potassium iodide (KI) solution immediately after silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application may affect the inhibitory effects of SDF on biofilm formation. This study compared the efficacy of 38% SDF with and without KI on preventing mixed-species biofilm formation on human root dentin surfaces and assessed ion incorporation into root dentin. The biofilms, composed of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Actinomyces naeslundii, were grown on specimen surfaces treated with either SDF or SDF + KI. After 24 h, the biofilms were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, live/dead staining, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assays, colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the results between the groups. Ion incorporation was assessed using an electron probe microanalyzer. The relative ATP content in the SDF + KI group was significantly higher than that in the SDF group (p < 0.05). However, biofilm morphology and the logarithmic reduction in CFUs and bacterial DNA were comparable across the groups. The SDF + KI treatment resulted in less silver and fluoride ion incorporation than that yielded by SDF alone. The inhibitory effects of SDF and SDF + KI on mixed-species biofilm formation were almost equivalent, although KI application affected the ion incorporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As gut dysbiosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), probiotic supplementation might be a potential treatment for this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of single- and mixed-strain probiotics on the severity of NASH induced by a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet and their mechanisms of action. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 7 per group): control group, NASH group, NASH + single-strain group, and NASH + mixed-strain group. In the single-strain and mixed-strain groups, rats received Lactobacillus plantarum B7 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus L34 + Lactobacillus paracasei B13 by oral gavage once daily, respectively. The duration of the study was 6 weeks. Liver tissue was used for histopathology, hepatic fat content was assessed by Oil Red O staining and hepatic free fatty acid (FFA), and hepatic TLR4 and CD14 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Fresh feces was collected for gut microbiota analysis. Liver histology revealed a higher degree of fat accumulation, hepatocyte ballooning, and lobular inflammation in the NASH group, which improved in probiotics-treated groups. The amounts of hepatic fat droplets and hepatic FFA levels were more pronounced in the NASH group than in the control and treatment groups. Serum TNF- α levels were significantly higher in the NASH group than in control and probiotic groups. The expression of CD14 and TLR4 increased in the NASH group as compared with the control and probiotics-treated groups. Alpha diversity was reduced in the NASH group, but increased in both treatment groups. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus significantly decreased in the NASH group, but increased in both treatment groups. The relative abundance of Akkermansia significantly increased in the NASH group, but decreased in both treatment groups. In conclusion, both single-strain and mixed-strain probiotics could improve NASH histology by suppressing inflammatory responses in the liver, with this improvement potentially being associated with changes in the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Given the autoimmune nature of Alopecia Areata (AA) and the immunomodulatory properties of probiotics, this trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic mixture, consisting of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum strains, as an adjuvant treatment in a group of AA patients. (2) Method: This study was a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Twenty-six patients with AA were included in this study, and their clinical progression, along with changes in gut and skin microbiota, were analyzed. (3) Results: A higher proportion of AA patients treated with the probiotic formula showed improvement compared to the placebo group, based on both the reduction in the number of AA plaques (56% vs. 30%) and the affected scalp surface area (45% vs. 20%). For "activity", "inactivity", and "regrowth", an improvement in 55%, 67%, and 55% of patients was, respectively, observed in the probiotic group, compared to 50%, 40%, and 30% in the placebo group. No changes were observed in the gut microbiota during the intervention period. Regarding skin microbiota, changes were detected in the probiotic group, with reductions in characteristic genera during the study. (4) Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial assessing the efficacy of a probiotic product in patients with AA. This probiotic mixture in a routine clinical practice setting appears to improve the course of patients. In addition, the skin microbiota of scalp lesions was modified using the probiotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a global contaminant found in crop residues, grains, feed, and animal and human food. Biodegradation is currently the best solution for addressing DON pollution. However, efficient detoxification bacteria or enzymes that can be applied in complex matrices are lacking. The aim of this study was to isolate a DON-detoxifying probiotic strain with a high degradation rate, a good safety profile, and a clear genetic background. One hundred and eight bacterial strains were isolated from 300 samples collected from a school farm and surrounding livestock farms. A new DON-degrading strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus MY-1 (L. rhamnosus MY-1), with a degradation rate of 93.34% after 48 h and a comprehensive degradation method, was identified. Then, MY-1 at a concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/mL was administered to mice in a chronic intoxication experiment for 28 days. The experimental group showed significantly higher weight gain and exhibited good production performance compared to the control group. The length of the ileal villi in the experimental group was significantly longer than that in the control group. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines decreased, while the expression of anti-inflammatory factors increased in the experimental group. Whole-genome analysis revealed that most of the MY-1 genes were involved in carbohydrate metabolism and membrane transport, with a cluster of secondary metabolite genes encoding antimicrobial properties. In summary, this study successfully identified a Lactobacillus strain with good safety performance, high DON degradation efficiency, and a clear genetic background, providing a new approach for the treatment of DON contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and public health. This study investigated the protective effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus against MCLR-induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish larvae. Zebrafish larvae were exposed to various concentrations of MCLR (0, 0.9, 1.8, and 3.6 mg/L) with or without L. rhamnosus from 72 to 168 h post-fertilization (hpf). Probiotic supplementation significantly improved survival, hatching, and growth rates and reduced malformation rates in MCLR-exposed larvae. L. rhamnosus alleviated MCLR-induced oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and enhancing glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity. Probiotics also mitigated MCLR-induced lipid metabolism disorders by regulating key metabolites (triglycerides, cholesterol, bile acids, and free fatty acids) and gene expression (ppara, pparb, srebp1, and nr1h4). Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that L. rhamnosus modulated the gut microbiome structure and diversity in MCLR-exposed larvae, promoting beneficial genera like Shewanella and Enterobacter and inhibiting potential pathogens like Vibrio. Significant correlations were found between gut microbiota composition and host antioxidant and lipid metabolism parameters. These findings suggest that L. rhamnosus exerts protective effects against MCLR toxicity in zebrafish larvae by alleviating oxidative stress, regulating lipid metabolism, and modulating the gut microbiome, providing insights into probiotic-based strategies for mitigating MCLR toxicity in aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcoholic liver damage is caused by long-term or heavy drinking, and it may further progress into alcoholic liver diseases (ALD). Probiotic supplements have been suggested for the prevention or improvement of liver damage. This study was designed to consider the ameliorative effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus NKU FL1-8 isolated from infant feces against alcoholic liver damage. The mice were gavaged with a 50% ethanol solution and treated with 109 CFU of L. rhamnosus NKU FL1-8 suspension. The factors for liver function, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut microbiota composition, and intestinal barrier integrity were measured. The results showed that L. rhamnosus NKU FL1-8 could decrease the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to 61% and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to 50% compared with ethanol given by gavage. It could inhibit the expression level of malondialdehyde (MDA), increase superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) to relieve oxidative stress, and down-regulate the cytokines to decrease hepatic inflammation. After treatment, the level of triglycerides was reduced, and the expression levels of adenosine 5′ -monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) pathway were up-regulated. Additionally, the 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that L. rhamnosus NKU FL1-8 increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Ruminococcaceae, etc. At the same time, L. rhamnosus NKU FL1-8 could significantly reduce lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and enhance intestinal tight junction proteins. These results demonstrated that L. rhamnosus NKU FL1-8 could reduce the level of oxidative stress, fat accumulation, and liver inflammation caused by alcohol in the host. The underlying mechanism could be that L. rhamnosus NKU FL1-8 inhibits LPS by regulating the gut microbiota and repairing the intestinal barrier. Thereby, these findings support L. rhamnosus NKU FL1-8 as a potential functional food for the relief of ALD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: The titanium–aluminum–vanadium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) is frequently used in implantology due to its biocompatibility. The use of 3D printing enables the mechanical modification of implant structures and the adaptation of their shape to the specific needs of individual patients. Methods: The titanium alloy plates were designed using the 3D CAD method and printed using a 3D SLM printer. Qualitative tests were performed on the material surface using a microcomputed tomography scanner. The cytotoxicity of the modular titanium plates was investigated using the MTT assay on the L929 cell line and in direct contact with Balb/3T3 cells. Cell adhesion to the material surface was evaluated with hFOB1.19 human osteoblasts. Microbial biofilm formation was investigated on strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans using the TTC test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The surface analysis showed the hydrophobic nature of the implant. The study showed that the titanium plates had no cytotoxic properties. In addition, the material surface showed favorable properties for osteoblast adhesion. Among the microorganisms tested, the strains of S. mutans and S. epidermidis showed the highest adhesion capacity to the plate surface, while the fungus C. albicans showed the lowest adhesion capacity. Conclusions: The manufactured modular plates have properties that are advantageous for the implantation and reduction in selected forms of microbial biofilm. Three-dimensional-printed modular titanium plates were investigated in this study and revealed the potential clinical application of this type of materials, regarding lack of cytotoxicity, high adhesion properties for osteoblasts and reduction in biofilm formation. The 3D CAD method allows us to personalise the shape of implants for individual patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using milk thistle endosperm (MTE) extract with a protein content of >2 g/100 mL to obtain a fermented product, an alternative to milk beverages. Directed lactic fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus was carried out. The course of the process was monitored. The changes in pH, the saturation of the medium with dissolved oxygen, and temperature were measured. The values of the main nutritional parameters, silymarin content, amino acid profile/content, and the PDCAAS value (Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score) were determined in the extract before and after fermentation. The lactic acid fermentation of the MTE extract took place in four phases, with the activity of L. rhamnosus being the most intense between 4 and 8 h into the process. As a result of fermentation, there were changes in the total amino acid content in the tested medium, suggesting the catabolism of aspartic acid, arginine, proline, and isoleucine via LAB took place. Particularly significant was the increase in the content of lysine and valine (4.95 and 4.68 g/100 g of total AA, respectively), which are the limiting amino acids in MTE. Although MTE contained approximately 1% silymarin, no presence of this flavonolignan complex was found in the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive dietary fat intake is closely associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal diseases, and certain types of cancer. The administration of multi-strain probiotics has shown a significantly beneficial effect on the mitigation of obesity induced by high-fat diets (HFDs). In this study, Amuc_1100, an outer membrane protein of Akkermansia muciniphila, was fused with green fluorescent protein and LPXTG motif anchor protein and displayed on the surface of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (pLR-GAA) and Lactobacillus plantarum (pLP-GAA), respectively. The localization of the fusion protein on the bacterial cell surface was confirmed via fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting. Both recombinant strains demonstrated the capacity to ameliorate hyperglycemia and decrease body weight gain in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, daily oral supplementation of pLR-GAA or pLP-GAA suppressed the HFD-induced intestinal permeability by regulating the mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins and inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing gut microbiota-derived lipopolysaccharide concentration in serum and mitigating damage to the gut, liver, and adipose tissue. Compared with Lactobacillus rhamnosus treatment, high-dose pLR-GAA restored the expression level of anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 in the intestine. In conclusion, our approach enables the maintenance of intestinal health through the use of recombinant probiotics with surface-displayed functional protein, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for HFD-induced obesity and associated metabolic comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulva rigida green macroalgae contain a variety of polysaccharides. A recent study investigated the optimum concentration and yield of polysaccharide extraction from oven-dried U. rigida biomass using a water-soluble polysaccharide extraction method that adhered to safety standards. This study utilised complete factorial experiments to examine the effects of varying factors on polysaccharide extraction. Results showed a positive correlation between increased levels of all factors and higher polysaccharide extraction yield. This study also found that the main factors and their interaction had a significant impact on the extracted polysaccharides from U. rigida. The highest polysaccharide content and yield were 9.5 mg/mL and 189 mg/g, respectively. Water-soluble polysaccharides demonstrated the presence of reducing sugar (8 mg/g), phenolics (0.69 mg/g) and flavonoids (1.42 mg/g) and exhibited antioxidant properties. Results revealed that freeze-dried polysaccharide powders were primarily composed of the monosaccharide rhamnose. Preliminary results on the effect of these powders on probiotics demonstrated that supplementation of polysaccharides from U. rigida promoted viable Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 growth during cultivation. This discovery has the potential to revolutionise the human food industry and promote the development of functional ingredients for novel and future food products, with numerous applications in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global increase in hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, there is an urgent need to explore dietary interventions targeting the inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and lipid digestion and absorption. This study investigated how Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) affects various aspects of black goji berry (BGB) (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) juice, including changes in physicochemical and functional properties, as well as microbiological and sensory attributes. Throughout the fermentation process with 2.5–10% (w/v) BGB, significantly improved probiotic viability, lactic acid production, and decreased sugar content. While total flavonoids increase, anthocyanins decrease, with no discernible change in antioxidant activities. Metabolite profiling reveals elevated phenolic compounds post-fermentation. Regarding the inhibition of lipid digestion and absorption, fermented BGB exhibits improved bile acid binding, and disrupted cholesterol micellization by approximately threefold compared to non-fermented BGB, while also increasing pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, a decrease in cholesterol uptake was observed in Caco-2 cells treated with fermented BGB (0.5 mg/mL), with a maximum reduction of 16.94%. Fermented BGB also shows more potent DPP-IV inhibition. Sensory attributes are significantly improved in fermented BGB samples. These findings highlight the potential of BGB as a bioactive resource and a promising non-dairy carrier for LGG, enhancing its anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae is one of the plants rich in bioactive compounds that have beneficial effects on the skin. Fermented plant extracts (FPEs) obtained from this plant have recently been exploited as new cosmetic ingredients. The concept of our study was related to the use of clove buds in the fermentation process in order to obtain new cosmetic raw materials with high antioxidant potential. The focus was on evaluating antioxidant activity (AA), total polyphenol content (TPC), and lactic acid efficiency (LAe). For this purpose, the most favourable technological parameters of the fermentation process of clove buds were determined, including the type of microorganisms, initial sugar content, plant raw material content, and fermentation time. The most favourable parameters were correlated with the optimal parameters, which were determined based on response surface methodology (RSM). Based on DPPH and Folin–Ciocalteu assays and GC-MS analysis, optimal points of antioxidant activity against reactive oxygen species (analysed with RSM) were successfully selected, enabling quantitative mathematical representations. The optimisation revealed that using a strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus MI-0272 in lactic fermentation and plant material (6.40%) and beet molasses (3.20%) results in the highest antioxidant potential of FPE (33.90 mmol Tx/L) and yielding LA with the highest efficiency (96%). The optimised FPE had higher polyphenol content (11.60 mmol GA/L ± 0.14), chelating and antioxidant activity (0.32 mmol Fe2+/L ± 0.01 and 11.60 mmol Tx/L ± 0.09), and Fe3+ ion reduction (49.09 mmol Fe3+/L ± 0.16) than the PE. In addition, the possibility of using the spent plant material remaining after the extraction process to prepare activated carbons capable of treating wastewater was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaginally administered postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus were recently demonstrated to be effective in alleviating bacterial vaginosis and increasing pregnancy rates. However, their potential effect on sperm quality has not been well investigated. This controlled in vitro study aimed to assess the dose- and time-dependent effects of postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on sperm quality parameters. The experiment was conducted in vitro to eliminate potential confounding factors from the female reproductive tract and vaginal microbiota. Sperm samples from 18 healthy donors were subjected to analysis using Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) in various concentrations of postbiotics and control mediums at baseline, 60 min, and 90 min of incubation. Results indicated that lower postbiotic concentration (PB5) did not adversely affect sperm motility, kinematic parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and normal morphology at any time. However, concentrations exceeding 15% demonstrated a reduction in progressively motile sperm and a negative correlation with non-progressively motile sperm at all time points. These findings underscore the importance of balancing postbiotic dosage to preserve sperm motility while realizing the postbiotics' vaginal health benefits. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and refine practical applications in reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is applied as a probiotic to alleviate various metabolic, gastrointestinal, and psychological symptoms and diseases, and its probiotic effectiveness is strain-specific. In this study, we obtained 21 strains of Ls. rhamnosus, and their genomes were sequenced. We defined the pan- and core-genomes of Ls. rhamnosus. Phenotypes such as the assimilation of carbohydrates and antibiotic resistance were experimentally characterized and associated with genome annotations. Nine strains were selected and tested for growth rates, tolerance to acidity/alkalinity and bile acids, the production of short-chain fatty acids, and competition with pathogenic microbes. Strains WL11 and WL17 were targeted as potential probiotics and were applied in mouse model tests for the alleviation of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The results showed that WL11 and WL17 effectively alleviated slow body weight gain, anxiety, poor memory, and cognitive impairment in CFS mouse models. They also reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α and IL-6, and alleviated intestinal peristalsis, visceral hypersensitivity, and anxiety-like behavior in IBS mouse models. This study reports new Ls. rhamnosus strain resources and their effect on alleviation of both IBS and CFS symptoms with mouse models; the probiotic functions of those strains in human patients remain to be further tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) rank among the most prevalent bacterial infections in children. Probiotics appear to reduce the risk of recurrence of UTIs. This study aimed to evaluate whether probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus PL1 and Lactobacillus plantarum PM1 therapy prevent UTIs in the pediatric population compared to a placebo. A superiority, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. In total, 54 children aged 3–18 years with recurrent UTIs or ≥one acute pyelonephritis and ≥one risk factor of recurrence of UTIs were randomly assigned (27 patients in each arm) to a 90-day probiotic or placebo arm. The age, sex, diagnosis, renal function, risk factors, and etiology of UTIs did not vary between the groups. During the intervention, 26% of children taking the probiotic had episodes of UTI, and it was not significantly less than in the placebo group. The number of UTI episodes during the intervention and the follow-up period decreased significantly in both groups, but the difference between them was insignificant. We observed a decrease in UTIs during the study of almost 50% in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. Probiotics can be used as natural, safe prophylaxis for children with risk factors for UTIs in whom antibiotic prevention is not indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotic feed additives have attracted considerable research interest in recent years because the effectiveness of probiotics can differ across microbial strains and the supplemented macroorganisms. The present study was conducted on 16 lambs divided equally into two groups (C—control and E—experimental). The examined lambs were aged 11 days at the beginning of the experiment and 40 days at the end of the experiment. The diet of group E lambs was supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus plantarum AMT14, Lactobacillus plantarum AMT4, Lactobacillus rhamnosus AMT15, and Bifidobacterium animalis AMT30), whereas group C lambs did not receive the probiotic additive. At the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and on experimental days 15 and 30, blood was sampled from the jugular vein to determine and compare: phagocytic activity (Phagotest) and oxidative metabolism (Phagoburst) of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes by flow cytometry. An analysis of the phagocytic activity of granulocytes and monocytes revealed significantly higher levels of phagocytic activity (expressed as the percentage of phagocytic cells and mean fluorescence intensity) in lambs that were administered the multi-strain probiotic formulation compared with lambs in the control group. The probiotic feed additive also exerted a positive effect on the oxidative metabolism of both granulocytes and monocytes (expressed as the percentage of oxidative metabolism and mean fluorescence intensity) after stimulation with Escherichia coli bacteria and with PMA (4-phorbol-12-β-myristate-13-acetate). These findings suggest that the tested probiotic formulation may have a positive effect on the immune status of lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high prevalence of constipation after fracture surgery brings intolerable discomfort to patients on the one hand, and affects post-surgery nutrient absorption on the other hand, resulting in poor prognosis. Given the acknowledged probiotic properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, 100 fracture patients with post-surgery constipation were centrally enrolled and administered orally with L. rhamnosus JYLR-127 to assess the efficacy of probiotic-adjuvant therapy in alleviating post-fracture constipation symptoms. The results showed that L. rhamnosus JYLR-127 improved fecal properties, promoted gastrointestinal recovery, and relieved constipation symptoms, which were mainly achieved by elevating Firmicutes (p < 0.01) and descending Bacteroidetes (p < 0.001), hence remodeling the disrupted intestinal microecology. In addition, blood routine presented a decrease in C-reactive protein levels (p < 0.05) and an increase in platelet counts (p < 0.05) after probiotic supplementation, prompting the feasibility of L. rhamnosus JYLR-127 in anti-inflammation, anti-infection and hemorrhagic tendency prevention after fracture surgery. Our study to apply probiotics in ameliorating constipation after fracture surgery is expected to bless the bothered patients, and provide broader application scenarios for L. rhamnosus preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a time-dependent complex biological process of organisms with gradual deterioration of the anatomical and physiological functions. The role of gut microbiota is inevitable in the aging process. Probiotic interventions improve gut homeostasis and support healthy aging by enhancing beneficial species and microbial biodiversity in older adults. The present preliminary clinical trial delves into the impact of an 8-week Lactobacillus rhamnosus intervention (10 × 109 CFU per day) on the glycaemic index, lipid profile, and microbiome of elderly subjects. Body weight, body fat, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are assessed at baseline (Week 0) and after treatment (Week 8) in placebo and probiotic groups. Gaussian regression analysis highlights a significant improvement in LDL cholesterol in the probiotic group (p = 0.045). Microbiome analysis reveals numeric changes in taxonomic abundance at various levels. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria increases its relative frequency (RF) from 14.79 ± 5.58 at baseline to 23.46 ± 8.02 at 8 weeks, though statistically insignificant (p = 0.100). Compared to the placebo group, probiotic supplementations significantly increased the proteobacteria abundance. Genus-level analysis indicates changes in the abundance of several microbes, including Escherichia-Shigella, Akkermansia, and Bacteroides, but only Butyricimonas showed a statistically significant level of reduction in its abundance. Probiotic supplementations significantly altered the Escherichia-Shigella and Sutterella abundance compared to the placebo group. At the species level, Bacteroides vulgatus substantially increases after probiotic treatment (p = 0.021). Alpha and beta diversity assessments depict subtle shifts in microbial composition. The study has limitations, including a small sample size, short study duration, single-strain probiotic use, and lack of long-term follow-up. Despite these constraints, the study provides valuable preliminary insights into the multifaceted impact of L. rhamnosus on elderly subjects. Further detailed studies are required to define the beneficial effect of L. rhamnosus on the health status of elderly subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate flower extract, rich in anthocyanins, demonstrates beneficial health-promoting properties such as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant effect, among others. However, the potential health-promoting properties may be hindered by the low stability of anthocyanins. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess whether stabilizing carriers, namely HP-γ-cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD), α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Me-β-CD), Inulin (Inu) and Arabic gum (AGu) affect the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of lyophilized pomegranate flower extract, how they influence stability, release profile, and whether the systems exhibit prebiotic activity. Interactions between pomegranate flower extract and these factors were analyzed using FT-IR. The structures were examined through microscopic imaging while for the prepared prebiotic systems, antidiabetic activity was determined and confirmed by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase; antioxidant activity was expressed by DPPH and CUPRAC assays. The content of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside in these systems was assessed using the HPLC method. The release profiles of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside were examined in a medium at pH = 6.8 and pH = 1.2, and the stability was assessed after subjecting the systems to high temperatures (T = 90 °C). The prebiotic potential was evaluated for 10 prebiotic bacterial strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis Lactobacillus rhamnosus gg, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum lf, Streptococcus thermophilus). As a result of the conducted research, better functionalities of the obtained systems containing Pomegranate flower extract were proven in terms of prebiotic and antidiabetic effects. The obtained delivery systems for pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside allow for better use of its health-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caries and periodontitis are the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide. Major factors contributing to the development of these oral conditions include poor oral hygiene, dental biofilm formation, high carbohydrates diet, smoking, other systemic diseases, and genetic factors. Various preventive measures have been established to mitigate the risk of caries and periodontal disease development. The present review aims to discuss the role of the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum in the prevention and treatment of caries and periodontal diseases. The study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. The search involved PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus and considered the PICO format. Studies were screened by two reviewers independently, and disagreements were solved by consensus with a third reviewer. Data extraction included details about the type of probiotics, strains, and purpose of administration. A total of 15 RCTs were included, of which just 1 was about tooth cavities. Overall, 87% of the included studies were good-quality papers regarding the Jadad Scale. Several studies agreed on the potential of probiotics L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum, both alone and combined, to prevent and improve clinical outcomes in caries and periodontal treatments, weaker evidence is provided for the microbiological benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria are considered an inexhaustible source of bioactive compounds; indeed, products from their metabolism are known to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity. Recently, we demonstrated that Cell-Free Supernatants (CFS) obtained from Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus, Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus (L.) rhamnosus, and Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri can impair Candida pathogenic potential in an in vitro model of epithelial vaginal infection. This effect could be ascribed to a direct effect of living lactic acid bacteria on Candida virulence and to the production of metabolites that are able to impair fungal virulence. In the present work, stemming from these data, we deepened our knowledge of CFS from these four lactic acid bacteria by performing a metabolomic analysis to better characterize their composition. By using an untargeted metabolomic approach, we detected consistent differences in the metabolites produced by these four different lactic acid bacteria. Interestingly, L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus showed the most peculiar metabolic profiles. Specifically, after a hierarchical clustering analysis, L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus showed specific areas of significantly overexpressed metabolites that strongly differed from the same areas in other lactic acid bacteria. From the overexpressed compounds in these areas, inosine from L. rhamnosus returned with the best identification profile. This molecule has been described as having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and neuroprotective properties. The biological significance of its overproduction by L. rhamnosus might be important in its probiotic and/or postbiotic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of probiotic-containing products are on the market, and their use is increasing. Probiotics are thought to support the health of the gut microbiota, which in turn might prevent or delay the onset of gastrointestinal tract disorders. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, autism, osteoporosis, and some immunological illnesses are among the conditions that have been shown to possibly benefit from probiotics. In addition to their ability to favorably affect diseases, probiotics represent a defense system enhancing intestinal, nutritional, and oral health. Depending on the type of microbial strain utilized, probiotics can have variable beneficial properties. Although many microbial species are available, the most widely employed ones are lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. The usefulness of these bacteria is dependent on both their origin and their capacity to promote health. Probiotics represent a valuable clinical tool supporting gastrointestinal health, immune system function, and metabolic balance. When used appropriately, probiotics may provide benefits such as a reduced risk of gastrointestinal disorders, enhanced immunity, and improved metabolic health. Most popular probiotics, their health advantages, and their mode of action are the topic of this narrative review article, aimed to provide the reader with a comprehensive reappraisal of this topic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely agreed that microbial biofilms play a major role in promoting infection and delaying healing of chronic wounds. In the era of microbial resistance, probiotic strains or their metabolic products are emerging as an innovative approach for the treatment of hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds due to their antimicrobial, healing, and host immune-modulatory effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of cell-free supernatants (CFS) from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG against mono- and dual-species biofilms of wound pathogens in a 3D in vitro infection model. Mature biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were obtained on collagen scaffolds in the presence of a simulant wound fluid (SWF) and treated with CFS at different doses and time intervals. At 1:4 dilution in SWF, CFS caused a marked reduction in the colony forming-unit (CFU) numbers of bacteria embedded in mono-species biofilms as well as bacteria released by the biofilms in the supernatant. CFU count and electron microscopy imaging also demonstrated a marked antibiofilm effect against dual-species biofilms starting from 8 h of incubation. Furthermore, CFS exhibited acceptable levels of cytotoxicity at 24 h of incubation against HaCaT cells and, differently from ciprofloxacin, failed to induce resistance after 15 passages at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Overall, the results obtained point to L. rhamnosus GG postbiotics as a promising strategy for the treatment of wound biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop bioactive bi-layer edible films based on starch (primary layer) and LAB-fermented whey and/or mango pulp powder solutions (secondary layer). Bioactive bi-layer edible films were evaluated for their physical properties, mechanical properties, antioxidant capacity, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus availability for 28 days (4 and 20 °C). Selected bioactive bi-layer edible film was applied to sushi to evaluate its sensory acceptance. The results indicated that bi-layer edible films based on LAB-fermented whey/mango solutions presented a higher quantity of phenolic compounds (95.87–107.67 mg GAE/100 g) and higher antioxidant capacity (74.84–77.64%). In addition, the higher viability (106–107 CFU/g) of L. rhamnosus after edible film production was obtained in those formulated with whey. After the storage period, the antioxidant capacity of all edible films was significantly affected by the storage time, while edible films containing whey in their formulation and stored at 4 °C had a L. rhamnosus count higher than 6 log cycles, which is the minimum required threshold to exert its beneficial effects in humans. The sushi covered with the selected bi-layer edible film was well accepted by the consumers, showing acceptance values between "I like it" and "I like it much". Therefore, the developed bi-layer edible films can serve as an alternative for adding health-promoting compounds to sushi with an adequate sensory acceptance of the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is a vital trace element that plays an important role in humans and other organisms. It plays an active role in the growth, development, and reproduction of bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria. Iron deficiency or excess can negatively affect bacterial hosts. Studies have reported a major role of iron in the human intestine, which is necessary for maintaining body homeostasis and intestinal barrier function. Organisms can maintain their normal activities and regulate some cancer cells in the body by regulating iron excretion and iron-dependent ferroptosis. In addition, iron can modify the interaction between hosts and microorganisms by altering their growth and virulence or by affecting the immune system of the host. Lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), and Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) were reported to increase trace elements, protect the host intestinal barrier, mitigate intestinal inflammation, and regulate immune function. This review article focuses on the two aspects of the iron and gut and generally summarizes the mechanistic role of iron ions in intestinal immunity and the remodeling of gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the development of a new combined polysaccharide-matrix-based technology for the immobilization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) bacteria in biofilm form. The new composition allows for delivering the bacteria to the digestive tract in a manner that improves their robustness compared with planktonic cells and released biofilm cells. Granules consisting of a polysaccharide matrix with probiotic biofilms (PMPB) with high cell density (>9 log CFU/g) were obtained by immobilization in the optimized nutrient medium. Successful probiotic loading was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The developed prebiotic polysaccharide matrix significantly enhanced LGG viability under acidic (pH 2.0) and bile salt (0.3%) stress conditions. Enzymatic extract of feces, mimicking colon fluid in terms of cellulase activity, was used to evaluate the intestinal release of probiotics. PMPB granules showed the ability to gradually release a large number of viable LGG cells in the model colon fluid. In vivo, the oral administration of PMPB granules in rats resulted in the successful release of probiotics in the colon environment. The biofilm-forming incubation method of immobilization on a complex polysaccharide matrix tested in this study has shown high efficacy and promising potential for the development of innovative biotechnologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation and β-galactosidase catalysis methods were combined to increase the lactulose concentration and reduce the galactose and lactose content in a hot-alkaline-based system. The optimal conditions for chemical isomerization were 70 °C for 50 min for lactulose production, in which the concentration of lactulose was 31.3 ± 1.2%. Then, the selection and identification of LAB, which can utilize lactose and cannot affect lactulose content, were determined from 451 strains in the laboratory. It was found that Lactobacillus salivarius TM-2–8 had weak lactulose utilization and more robust lactose utilization. Lactobacillus rhamnosus grx.21 was weak in terms of lactulose utilization and strong in terms of galactose utilization. These two strains fermented the chemical isomerization system of lactulose to reduce the content of lactose and galactose. The results showed that the lactose concentration was 48.96 ± 2.92 g/L and the lactulose concentration was 59.73 ± 1. 8 g/L for fermentation lasting 18 h. The β-galactosidase was used to increase the content of lactulose in the fermented system at this time. The highest concentration of 74.89 ± 1.68 g/L lactulose was obtained at an enzymatic concentration of 3 U/mL and catalyzed at 50 °C for 3 h by β-galactosidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinician's choice of hypoallergenic formulas in the first-line management of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) should be informed by evidence on clinical efficacy and costeffectiveness. Objective: We compare the cost-effectiveness of amino acid-based formula (AAF), extensively hydrolyzed casein formula with Lactobacillus rhamnosus Gorbach Goldin (EHCF+LGG), extensively hydrolyzed whey formula (EHWF), and rice hydrolyzed formula (RHF) in non-breastfed children in France. Methods: Immunotolerance and atopic manifestations' prevalence were based on a prospective non-randomized study with a 36-month follow-up. Resource utilization was sourced from a survey of French clinicians, and unit costs were based on national data. Costs and health consequences were discounted at 2.5% annually. Results were reported using the Collective and French National Health Insurance perspectives. Results: Children receiving EHCF+LGG were predicted to require less healthcare resources, given their reduced prevalence of CMPA symptoms at 3 years. In the base case, EHCF+LGG led to savings of at least €674 per child compared to AAF, EHWF, and RHF at 3 years, from both perspectives. Nutrition had the highest economic burden in CMPA, driven by hypoallergenic formulas and dietetic replacements costs. Results were robust to one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: EHCF+LGG was associated with more symptom-free time, higher immune tolerance, and lower costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance remains one of the greatest public health concerns. Biofilm formation has been postulated as a mechanism of microbial pathogens to resist antimicrobial agents. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and their metabolites have been proposed to combat bacterial biofilms due to their antimicrobial activity. In this vein, the aim of the present study was to investigate the biofilm removal potential of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of five wild-type Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains, isolated from Greek natural products, in comparison to the commercially available L. rhamnosus GG strain, against biofilms formed by common foodborne pathogens (Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus). The biofilm removal activity of LAB was assessed on a two-day-old mature biofilm using a microtiter plate-based procedure. Both non-neutralized and neutralized CFSs removed biofilms in a concentration-dependent manner. The biofilm removal activity of the non-neutralized CFSs was significantly higher compared to the neutralized CFSs, as expected, with ranges of 60–89% and 30–80%, respectively. The biofilm removal efficiency of L. rhamnosus OLXAL-3 was significantly higher among the wild-type L. rhamnosus strains tested (20–100% v/v). In conclusion, our results suggest the great potential of the application of wild-type L. rhamnosus strain' CFSs as effective natural agents against pathogenic bacterial biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that pineapple (Ananas comosus) contains healthy nutrients and phytochemicals associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. However, a substantial amount of pineapple residue is produced due to a lack of valorization applications at the industrial scale, resulting in the loss of valuable nutrients. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is proposed as an innovative strategy to enhance the release of bound phenolics from pineapple residues. In this work, the effects of SSF of pineapple peels with Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Aspergillus oryzae on the release of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated, respectively. Pineapple peel extracts after SSF showed an increase in the release of phenolic compounds (248.11% with L. plantarum, 182% with A. oryzae, and 180.10% with L. rhamnosus), which led to an increase in the cellular antioxidant (81.94% with L. rhamnosus) and anti-inflammatory potential (nitric oxide inhibition of 62% with L. rhamnosus) compared to non-fermented extracts. Therefore, SSF of pineapple peels with L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and A. oryzae thrives as a new approach for the production of secondary metabolites with remarkable biological benefits, which can be the precursors for novel biofortified and nutraceutical-enriched foods that meet the needs of the most demanding and health-conscious consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotic bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus spp. are important producers of bioactive molecules, known as postbiotics, that play essential roles in the immunological support of the intestinal mucosa. In this study, the system of co-culture of intestinal epithelial cells with macrophage cells in vitro was used to study the potential effect of postbiotic fractions of L. rhamonosus and L. plantarum on the modulation of the immune response induced by pro-inflammatory stimuli. This study's results revealed that the presence of probiotic bacterial components on the mucosal surface in the early and late stage of inflammatory conditions is based on cellular interactions that control inflammation and consequent damage to the intestinal epithelium. In our studies, heat killed fractions of probiotic bacteria and their extracted proteins showed a beneficial effect on controlling inflammation, regardless of the strain tested, consequently protecting intestinal barrier damage. In conclusion, the presented results emphasize that the fractions of probiotic bacteria of L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus may play a significant role in the regulation of LPS-mediated cytotoxic activity in intestinal epithelial cells. The fractions of probiotic strains of L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum showed the potential to suppress inflammation, effectively activating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and modulating the IL-18-related response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The various forms of interactions that microorganisms engage in within fermented foods result in distinct metabolic product patterns. Fermentation products often feature both yeasts and bacteria, each possessing characteristics that can enhance the overall quality of the food, thus benefiting consumers. Kefir, a fermented milk originating from grains containing a unique and intricate blend of bacteria and yeasts living in a symbiotic relationship, is a valuable model for studying the evolution of the interactions between yeasts and bacteria. Targeted metagenomics was applied to investigate the microbiome of a batch of traditional Romanian kefir and further examine the growth and metabolic properties of the dominant yeast and bacterial strains isolated from this batch. In contrast to yeast, which is either unaffected or harmed by the presence of bacteria, our study revealed that a specific strain of Lactobacillus (L. rhamnosus) derived from the kefir batch benefited from the presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by in vitro cultures of these two chosen strains indicated significant changes in SCFA levels compared to single cultures. The dynamic interactions described in this and other studies on kefir emphasize the importance of a more profound comprehension of the ecological mechanisms governing interactions between yeast, bacterial, and mammalian cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, whey protein-based nanofibers were fabricated to encapsulate Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Purposely, different ratios of PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and WPI (whey protein isolate) were blended to fabricate nanofibers. Nanofiber mats were characterized in terms of particle size, diameter, tensile strength, elongation at break, and loading efficiency. Morphological and molecular characterizations were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Moreover, in vitro viability under simulated gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and thermal stability were also assessed. The results reveal that by increasing the PVA concentration, the conductivity increased while the viscosity decreased. SEM micrographs showed that probiotics were successfully loaded within the nanofiber. The FTIR spectra show strong bonding between the encapsulating materials with the addition of probiotics. In vitro and thermal analyses revealed that the survival of encapsulated probiotics significantly (p < 0.05) improved. In a nutshell, PVA–WPI composite nanofibers have promising potential when used to enhance the viability and stability of probiotics under adverse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LBS) is a well-documented probiotic strain in oncology and has a pivotal role in clinical applications. Here, we have investigated the protective effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on intestinal mucositis induced by cisplatin (CP) and explored the underlying mechanisms targeting inflammatory proteins, as well as the histological changes in the intestinal tissue of mice, in addition, the bacterial strains that may be related to the health-enhancing properties. BALB/c mice were pre-treated with or without LBS via oral gavage, followed by mucositis induction with cisplatin. Our results revealed that the LBS-treated groups significantly attenuated proinflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) compared to the CP group. Furthermore, LBS mitigated the damaged tight junction integrity caused by CP via up-regulating the levels of claudin, occludin, ZO-1, and mucin-2 protein (MUC-2). Finally, the 16S rRNA fecal microbiome genomic analysis showed that LBS administration enhanced the growth of beneficial bacteria, i.e., Firmicutes and Lachnospiraceae, while the relative abundance of the opportunistic bacteria Bacteroides and Proteobacteria decreased. Collectively, LBS was found to beneficially modulate microbial composition structure and functions and enrich the ecological diversity in the gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to assess the efficacy and safety of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) (previously known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) for the eradication of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in colonized carriers. We searched Cochrane Central, EMBASE, and the PubMed Library from inception to 21 August 2023, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of LGG for the eradication of gastrointestinal carriage of VREfm. An initial screening was performed followed by a full-text evaluation of the papers. Out of 4076 articles in the original screening, six RCTs (167 participants) were included in the review. All were placebo-controlled RCTs. The meta-analysis was inconclusive with regard to the effect of LGG for clearing VREfm colonization. The overall quality of the evidence was low due to inconsistency and the small number of patients in the trials. We found insufficient evidence to support the use of LGG for the eradication of VREfm in colonized carriers. There is a need for larger RCTs with a standardized formulation and dosage of LGG in future trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Salmonella species and Escherichia coli infections in pigs can result in substantial economic losses and frequently necessitate antibiotic treatment. The misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, and residues in the human food chain may appear. It is pivotal for the swine industry to seek feed additives that can contribute to the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics are promising candidates for this purpose. Probiotic bacteria offer various advantageous effects, including the prevention of pathogen adhesion, the promotion of heat shock proteins, the modulation of cytokine production, antioxidative qualities, and the reinforcement of barrier function. The beneficial effect of probiotics is species/strain specific; the potential benefits need to be individually assessed for each probiotic strain or species. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in in vitro porcine gastrointestinal infection models. Two economically significant swine pathogens, namely Escherichia and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, were applied to model gastrointestinal infections. L. rhamnosus demonstrated numerous advantageous effects, such as its antioxidative properties, ability to inhibit pathogens, anti-inflammatory characteristics, and capacity to enhance barrier function. This study makes a substantial contribution to the understanding of the specific advantageous effects associated with L. rhamnosus (which has relevance when choosing a probiotic in practice) and serves as a basis for further in vivo research. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest health challenges nowadays. Probiotics are promising candidates as feed additives contributing to the health of the gastrointestinal tract. The beneficial effect of probiotics is species/strain specific; the potential benefits need to be individually assessed for each probiotic strain or species. We established a co-culture model, in which gastrointestinal infection was modeled using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. enterica serovar Typhimurium). Using intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), the effects of pre-, co-, and post-treatment with Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus on the barrier function, intracellular (IC) reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and IL-8) response, and adhesion inhibition were tested. E. coli- and S. Typhimurium-induced barrier impairment and increased ROS production could be counteracted using L. rhamnosus (p < 0.01). S. Typhimurium-induced IL-6 production was reduced via pre-treatment (p < 0.05) and post-treatment (p < 0.01); increased IL-8 secretion was decreased via pre-, co-, and post-treatment (p < 0.01) with L. rhamnosus. L. rhamnosus demonstrated significant inhibition of adhesion for both S. Typhimurium (p < 0.001) and E. coli (p < 0.001 in both pre-treatment and post-treatment; p < 0.05 in co-treatment). This study makes a substantial contribution to the understanding of the specific benefits of L. rhamnosus. Our findings can serve as a basis for further in vivo studies carried out in pigs and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The milk's natural flora, or the starter, can preserve cheesemaking and allow for microbial competition. This investigation aimed to improve cheese safety and assess its characteristics using probiotic cell pellets (LCP) or cell-free extracts (CFS). Cheese samples were collected from different areas to investigate the current contamination situation. Six CFSs of probiotics were assessed as antifungal against toxigenic fungi using liquid and solid media and their aflatoxin reduction impact. The most effective CFS was chosen for cheese coating in nanoemulsion. Coated cheese with CFS, LCP, and LCP-CFS was assessed against control for changes in chemical composition, ripening indications, rheological properties, and microbiology. Results showed significant contamination levels in the collected samples, and toxic fungi were present. Lactobacillus rhamnosus CFS has aflatoxins reducibility in liquid media. During cheese ripening, uncoated cheese showed higher fat, protein, salt content, soluble nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, tyrosine, and tryptophan contents than coated samples, except for LCP-coating treatment. Cheese rheology indicated that coating treatments had the lowest hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and springiness compared to uncoated cheese. Uncoated cheese had the highest yeast and mold counts compared to the treated ones. The LCP-CFS-coated cheese showed no Aspergillus cells for up to 40 days. Uncoated Ras cheese recorded slightly lower flavor, body, texture, and appearance scores than coated cheeses. In conclusion, coating cheese with L. rhamnosus nanoemulsion has antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic properties, even for LCP, CFS, and CFS-LCP, which could extend cheese shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses the extensive research conducted on probiotics and their effects on human and animal health. Over 17,000 publications have been indexed in PubMed on this topic, covering a wide range of subjects such as the mechanisms of probiotic activity, clinical trials, and animal observations. The editorial highlights the importance of postbiotics, which have similar health benefits to probiotics but offer broader applicability and stability. The journal Microorganisms has published a special issue on the effects of probiotics on health, which includes various research papers, reviews, and systematic reviews. The editorial also emphasizes the need for further exploration and research on probiotics to better understand their specific activities and how different strains complement each other. [Extracted from the article]

This work analyzed the antidiabetic activity of peptides from whey proteins after hydrolysis by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Streptococcus thermophilus SY-102, emphasizing the differences between the proteolytic systems of both bacteria. Peptide fractions from whey proteins may have biological functions, such as antidiabetic functions, which inhibit the DPP-IV enzyme, and lactic acid bacteria could release them. A whey solution of 10% was fermented with selected lactic acid bacteria in monoculture and coculture, analyzing kinetic parameters and the proteolytic profile, using the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid technique for free amino groups' determination and Tris-tricine polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. An in vitro inhibition assay of the DPP-IV enzyme was used. The kinetic parameters showed a faster duplication rate in the monoculture with L. rhamnosus GG than in the co-culture, which was related to lactic acid production. Co-culture does not have the highest production of free amino groups and peptides. Still, peptide fractions with lower molecular weight (<2 kDa) were found and showed a high DPP-IV inhibitory capacity that was maintained from the middle of the fermentation to the end (55.4%). In comparison, the monoculture of L. rhamnosus GG increased from 0 to 63.3%. This demonstrates that the proteolytic capacity and the proteolytic system of each lactic acid bacteria determine the structure of the released peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclophosphamide causes side effects in cancer patients, including hepatotoxicity. Probiotics have recently emerged as potential approaches for the administration of many diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 against cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury and elucidate the underlying mechanism. In this study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG were pre-administered to mice with varying duration (1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks) before being intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day for 7 days to induce liver injury. Results demonstrated that cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury was characterized by histopathological disorders, including irregular central venous shape and hepatic vascular rupture, as well as a severe inflammation response and oxidative stress. The administration of probiotics for 3 weeks exerted the most significant improvements in alleviating liver injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation when compared to the shorter intervention duration. Notably, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 exhibited more pronounced effects than Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Furthermore, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 enhanced the antioxidant defense system by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, ultimately alleviating hepatotoxicity and hepatocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, this study highlighted the potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 to alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides (SFPs) have multiple activities. The fermentation of S. fusiforme by Lactobacillus can alter its polysaccharide properties and biological activities. In this study, three different Lactobacillus species (Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR)) were selected to ferment S. fusiforme. The polysaccharides SFP (unfermented) and FSFP (fermented by LP, LA, or LR denoted as LP-SFP, LA-SFP, and LR-SFP, respectively) were extracted, and their physicochemical properties and biological activities were investigated. According to the results, fermentation caused significant changes in the physicochemical properties and biological activities of SFP. Specifically, FSFP showed a significant increase in uronic acid and fucose content and a significant decrease in molecular weight; LA-SFP and LR-SFP had stronger DPPH scavenging abilities; LR-SFP had the strongest inhibition of ROS production and cell mortality; LP-SFP and LR-SFP significantly increased SOD activity in zebrafish; LA-SFP had a significant effect on the proliferation of Lactobacillus plantarum; LP-SFP had a significant effect on the proliferation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus; and LA-SFP had a stronger food-excretion-promoting activity. In conclusion, the fermentation of Lactobacillus for the preparation of SFPs can change the physicochemical properties of polysaccharides and has broad potential for improving their biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel antimicrobial peptide, GAPI, has been developed recently by grafting gallic acid (GA) to polyphemusin I (PI). The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of GAPI on common oral pathogens. This laboratory study used minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations to assess the antimicrobial properties of GAPI against common oral pathogens. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the bacterial morphology both before and after GAPI treatment. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 20 μM (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) to 320 μM (Porphyromonas gingivalis), whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration ranged from 80 μM (Lactobacillus acidophilus) to 640 μM (Actinomyces naeslundii, Enterococcus faecalis, and Porphyromonas gingivalis). Transmission electron microscopy showed abnormal curvature of cell membranes, irregular cell shapes, leakage of cytoplasmic content, and disruption of cytoplasmic membranes and cell walls. In conclusion, the GAPI antimicrobial peptide is antibacterial to common oral pathogens, with the potential to be used to manage oral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk contaminated with aflatoxin can lead to liver cancer. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a serious animal feed contaminant, is transformed into Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and secreted in milk. In this study, a biological method using probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae), was used to assess their antiaflatoxigenic effect in animal milk. A Box–Behnken design was used to establish the optimal ratio of L. rhamnosus and S. cerevisiae, incubation time, and temperature for efficient AFM1 detoxification from milk. To achieve this, the primary, interaction, and quadratic effects of the chosen factors were investigated. To investigate the quadratic response surfaces, a second-order polynomial model was built using a three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design. The quantity of AFM1 was detected by the ELISA technique. The results of these experiments obtained an optimum condition in AFM1 detoxification of the three tested factors in order to maximize their effect on AFM1 detoxification in milk. The model was tested in three highly contaminated milk samples to assure the efficacy of the model. AFM1 detoxification was up to 98.4% in contaminated milk samples. These promising results provide a safe, low-cost, and low-time-consuming solution to get rid of the problem of milk contamination with AFM1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reproductive tract microbiota that evolved as an integrative component has been studied intensively in the last decade. As a result, novel research, clinical opportunities, and perspectives have been derived following the close investigation of this microecological environment. This has paved the way for an update to and improvement of the management strategies and therapeutic approaches. However, obscurities, contradictions, and controversies arise regarding the ascension route from the vagina to the endometrium via the cervix, with finality in adverse obstetric outcomes. Methods: Starting from these considerations, we aimed to gather all existing data and information from four major academic databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) published in the last 13 years (2010–2023) using a controlled vocabulary and dedicated terminology to enhance the coverage, identification, and sorting of potentially eligible studies. Results: Despite the high number of returned entries (n = 804), only a slight percentage (2.73%) of all manuscripts were deemed eligible following two rounds of evaluation. Cumulatively, a low level of Lactobacillus spp. and of other core microbiota members is mandatory, with a possible eubiosis-to-dysbiosis transition leading to an impairment of metabolic and endocrine network homeostasis. This transposes into a change in the pro-inflammatory landscape and activation of signaling pathways due to activity exerted by the bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs)/endotoxins that further reflect a high risk of miscarriage in various stages. While the presence of some pathogenic entities may be suggestive of an adverse obstetric predisposition, there are still pros and cons of the role of specific strains, as only the vagina and cervix have been targeted as opposed to the endometrium, which recently started to be viewed as the key player in the vagina–cervix–endometrium route. Consequently, based on an individual's profile, diet, and regime, antibiotics and probiotics might be practical or not. Conclusions: Resident bacteria have a dual facet and are beneficial for women's health, but, at the same time, relaying on the abundance, richness, and evenness that are definitory indexes standing as intermediaries of a miscarriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bee bread is a valuable product obtained from the hive on a relatively small scale, while bee pollen is more easily available. Therefore, an effective laboratory method of converting pollen into a bee bread substitute is desired. The aim of the research was to verify the influence of selected factors (temperature, ultrasound) on the quality of obtained product using Lactobacillus rhamnosus inoculum. The composition of the fermented pollen was analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Raman spectroscopy, and SDS-PAGE and compared to natural bee bread and the original pollen. In vitro biological activity was assessed as antioxidant activity using a yeast model (BY4741 and sod1∆ strains). Fermentation of pollen occurred spontaneously and after inoculation, as demonstrated by lower pH and higher lactic acid content. Raman spectroscopy and ICP-OES confirmed changes in composition compared to the initial pollen. Compared to bee bread, the fermented pollen showed a higher content of polyphenols and comparable antioxidant activity; moreover, it accelerated yeast growth rate. In addition, a protective effect was observed for Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase 1 (sod1∆ yeast mutant exposed to hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress). The higher fermentation temperature (25 °C) produces a more bee-bread-like product, while the use of ultrasound and starter culture seems to have no positive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a homofermentative probiotic strain that was previously demonstrated to grow on lignocellulosic-derived raw materials and to convert glucose into L-lactic acid (LA) with yields that vary between 0.38 and 0.97 g/g. Lactic acid is a key platform chemical, largely applied in different biotechnological fields (spanning from the pharmaceutical to the food sector) and also as a building block for the production of biodegradable polymers. In the present study, grape stalks were evaluated as sources of fermentable sugars for the growth of L. rhamnosus IMC501 and for the production of LA, since millions of hectoliters of wine are produced every year worldwide, generating a huge amount of waste. Although grape stalks are quite recalcitrant, the combination of a steam explosion pre-treatment with optimized two-step hydrolysis and commercial enzymes (Cellic-CTec2) allowed us to obtain a cellulose conversion efficiency of about 37% and to develop small-scale 2 L batch fermentation processes. Results successfully demonstrate that L. rhamnosus IMC501 can tolerate biomass-derived inhibitors and grow on grape stalk hydrolysate without the need for additional sources of nitrogen or other nutritional elements, and that the strain can convert all glucose present in the medium into LA, reaching the maximal theoretical yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant biomass colonized by macrofungi can contain molecules with bioactive properties with applications to human/animal health. This work aimed to verify antibacterial activities from aqueous extracts from oil seed cakes of Jatropha curcas (JSC) and cottonseed (CSC), fermented by macrofungi for probiotic bacteria cultivation. Coriolopsis sp., Tyromyces sp., Panus lecomtei, and Pleurotus pulmonarius were cultivated in solid and submerged media. The aqueous extract of unfermented JSC was more efficient than glucose for the growth of all probiotic bacteria. Extracts from four macrofungi fermented in CSC favored Lactobacillus acidophilus growth. In solid fermentation, macrofungi extracts cultivated in JSC favored Bifidobacterium lactis growth. All fungi extracts showed more significant growth than carbohydrates among the four probiotic bacteria evaluated. Regarding antimicrobial activities, no fungal extract or bacterial supernatant showed a more significant inhibition halo for enteropathogenic bacteria than ampicillin (control). Extracts from P. lecomtei and Coriolopsis sp. in CSC showed inhibition halos for Salmonella enterica. Supernatants from L. acidophilus, B. lactis, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus resulted in more significant inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus than the control, which indicates possible antimicrobial activity. Unfermented JSC supernatant showed better results for bacterial growth, while supernatants and aqueous extracts from CSC fermentation can be used for probiotic bacteria culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel probiotics-derived protein, P8, suppresses the growth of colorectal cancer (CRC). P8 can penetrate the cell membrane via endocytosis and cause cell cycle arrest in DLD-1 cells through down-regulation of CDK1/Cyclin B1. However, neither the protein involved in the endocytosis of P8 nor the cell cycle arrest targets of P8 are known. We identified two P8-interacting target proteins [importin subunit alpha-4 (KPNA3) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β)] using P8 as a bait in pull-down assays of DLD-1 cell lysates. Endocytosed P8 in the cytosol was found to bind specifically to GSK3β, preventing its inactivation by protein kinases AKT/CK1ε/PKA. The subsequent activation of GSK3β led to strong phosphorylation (S33,37/T41) of β-catenin, resulting in its subsequent degradation. P8 in the cytosol was also found to be translocated into the nucleus by KPNA3 and importin. In the nucleus, after its release, P8 binds directly to the intron regions of the GSK3β gene, leading to dysregulation of GSK3β transcription. GSK3β is a key protein kinase in Wnt signaling, which controls cell proliferation during CRC development. P8 can result in a cell cycle arrest morphology in CRC cells, even when they are in the Wnt ON signaling state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the potential anti-obesity efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus BST-L.601 and its fermented product (named SPY) with mashed sweet potato paste were investigated using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high-fat diet (HD)-induced obese mice. SPY (0–0.5 mg/mL) dose-dependently and significantly reduced lipid accumulation and TG content and the expression of adipogenic markers (C/EBPα, PPAR-γ, and aP2) and fatty acid synthetic pathway proteins (ACC and FAS) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, demonstrating that SPY suppresses adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis. Oral administration of SPY (4 × 107 CFU/kg body weight) to HD-induced obese mice for 12 weeks significantly reduced the body and liver weight, the size of adipocytes, and the weight of epididymal, visceral, and subcutaneous fat tissues. SPY was more effective in decreasing body weight gain in HD mice than in treatment with BST-L.601 alone. Administration of SPY or BST-L.601 also reduced the serum level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and leptin secretion at a similar level. These results revealed that both SPY and BST-L.601 effectively suppress HD-induced adipogenesis and lipogenesis, suggesting that these materials would be useful in the functional foods industry to ameliorate and/or prevent obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]