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Alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of mortality. Gut barrier dysfunction–induced bacterial translocation and endotoxin release contribute to the pathogenesis of ALD. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is known to be beneficial on experimental ALD by reinforcing the intestinal barrier function. In this study, we aim to investigate whether the protective effects of LGG on intestinal barrier function is mediated by exosome‐like nanoparticles (ELNPs) released by LGG. Intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages were treated with LGG‐derived ELNPs (LDNPs) isolated from LGG culture. LDNPs increased tight junction protein expression in epithelial cells and protected from the lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response in macrophages. Three‐day oral application of LDNPs protected the intestine from alcohol‐induced barrier dysfunction and the liver from steatosis and injury in an animal model of ALD. Co‐administration of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibitor abolished the protective effects of LDNPs, indicating that the effects are mediated, at least in part, by intestinal AhR signaling. We further demonstrated that LDNP administration increased intestinal interleukin‐22‐Reg3 and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)–tight junction signaling pathways, leading to the inhibition of bacterial translocation and endotoxin release in ALD mice. This protective effect was associated with LDNP enrichment of bacterial tryptophan metabolites that are AhR agonists. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the beneficial effects of LGG and their supernatant in ALD are likely mediated by bacterial AhR ligand–enriched LDNPs that increase Reg3 and Nrf2 expression, leading to the improved barrier function. These findings provide a strategy for the treatment of ALD and other gut barrier dysfunction–associated diseases.

Skin pigmentation is resulted from several processes, such as melanin synthesis transportation and abnormal melanin accumulation in keratinocytes. Various studies have suggested that seven traditional Chinese herbal extracts from Atractylodes macrocephala, Paeonia lactiflora, Bletilla striata, Poria cocos, Dictamnus dasycarpus, Ampelopsis japonica and Tribulus terrestris (which we collectively named ChiBai), show several protective effects toward skin-related diseases. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a lactic acid bacterium, has been reported to treat skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis. In this study, the broth produced by the cofermentation of ChiBai with Lactobacillus rhamnosus was studied for its effects on skin pigmentation through in vitro and in vitro experiments. In the in vitro experiments, we found that the fermented broth of ChiBai (FB-ChiBai) suppressed alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F0 murine melanoma cells without any cytotoxicity at a concentration of 0.5%. FB-ChiBai significantly attenuated melanin production, tyrosinase activities and melanogenesis-related signaling pathways. Treatment with FB-ChiBai also reduced the nuclear translocation and promoter binding activities of MITF. In the in vivo experiments, FB-ChiBai was topically applied to the dorsal skin of C57BL/6J nude mice and concurrently irradiated with UVB, three times a week for 8 weeks. The results indicated that FB-ChiBai alleviated UVB-induced hyperpigmentation by reducing epidermal hyperplasia and inhibiting the CREB/MITF/tyrosinase pathway. In conclusion, our data indicated that the anti-melanogenic effects of FB-ChiBai are mediated by the inhibition of CREB/MITF/tyrosinase signaling pathway. The findings suggest that FB-ChiBai can protect against UV-B irradiation and that it might be used as an agent in cosmetic products to protect against UVB-induced hyperpigmentation.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a crucial factor that leads to skin photoaging and results in increased DNA damage, oxidative stress, and collagen degradation. Jasmine flowers have been utilized as a traditional medicine in Asia to treat various diseases, including dermatitis, diarrhea, and fever. Furthermore, the fermented broth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been reported to exert protective effects on the skin. In the present study, jasmine flower extract was fermented with L. rhamnosus. We investigated the antioxidant and collagen-promoting effects on UVB/H2 O2 -induced HS68 dermal fibroblast cell damage. The results indicated that treatment with the fermented flower extracts of Jasminum sambac (F-FEJS) could enhance the viability of HS68 cells. Furthermore, the UVB/H2 O2 -induced excessive production of reactive oxygen species, degradation of collagen, activation of MAPKs, including P38, ERK, and JNK, and premature senescence were remarkably attenuated by F-FEJS in dermal fibroblast cells. The nuclear accumulation of p-c-jun, which is downstream of MAPK, and the inactivation of p-smad2/3, which is one of the crucial transcription factors that enhance collagen synthesis, were reversed in response to F-FEJS treatment in UVB/H2 O2 -exposed cells. Notably, the expression of antioxidant genes, such as HO-1, and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 were further enhanced by F-FEJS in UVB/H2 O2 -treated cells. Interestingly, the F-FEJS-induced increase in ARE luciferase activity indicated the activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that F-FEJS can effectively ameliorate UVB/H2 O2 -induced dermal cell aging and may be considered a promising ingredient in skin aging therapy.

Background Probiotics regulate host immune balance, which may reduce immune-related diseases. The effects and mechanisms of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 2016SWU.05.0601 (Lr-0601) on the immune response in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were explored. Results Lr-0601 reduced serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E and OVA-IgE and attenuated the alteration in lung pathology in OVA-sensitized mice. Lr-0601 blocked OVA-induced up-regulation in serum T helper (Th) 2 and Th17 cytokines but increased the serum levels of Th1 and regulatory T (Treg) cytokines in OVA-sensitized mice. OVA also markedly reduced the protein levels of spleen T-box transcription factor and forkhead/winged helix transcription factor p3, leading to the reduced mRNA expression of interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-10. By contrast, OVA markedly increased the protein expression of spleen GATA-binding protein 3 and retinoid-related orphan receptor γt, as well as the mRNA expression of spleen IL-4 and IL-17. These changes induced by OVA were reversed by Lr-0601. Moreover, Lr-0601 helped alleviate OVA-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. A correlation was found between specific genera and immune-associated cytokines. Conclusion The combined results indicate that Lr-0601 modulated the balance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 in OVA-sensitized mice, which was associated with the regulation of immune-related transcription factors and gut microbiota. Lr-0601 can potentially be used as a probiotic for preventing immune-related diseases. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background Probiotic therapies, mainly live bacteria, have been proven to be effective in treating atopic dermatitis (AD) with some controversies. Killed probiotics or postbiotics would have immunomodulatory effect in allergic diseases including AD. This study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of tyndallized Lactobacillus rhamnosus (IDCC 3201, isolated from the feces of a Korean breastfed infant, repeated heat-treated and incubated, RHT3201) in children with AD. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, RHT3201 at a dose of 1.0 × 1010 CPU/d or placebo was given in children (aged 1-12 years) with moderate AD for 12 weeks. SCORing of AD (SCORAD) scores, allergic inflammatory markers, and safety parameters were evaluated. Results For evaluating the therapeutic effects of RHT3201, 33 subjects in each group were analyzed. The change of SCORAD total score at 12 weeks (primary outcome) from baseline was significantly greater in the RHT3201 group (-13.89 ± 10.05) compared to the control group (-8.37 ± 9.95). Levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and interleukin (IL)-31 showed tendency to decrease in the RHT3201 group and significant decreases in subgroup analysis in AD for ≥50 months. For safety analysis, a total of 100 subjects (50 in the treated group and 50 in the control group) were evaluated, and there were no significant differences in safety parameters between two groups. Conclusion In children with moderate AD, oral administration of RHT3201 showed the therapeutic effect on AD, the effects in part correlated with decrement of ECP and IL-31, and the effect was more remarkable in subgroup analysis.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of different biopolymer systems on the viability of two probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Streptococcus thermophilus) during storage and in vitro digestion. Methylcellulose (MC), sodium alginate (SA), and whey protein (WP)-based structures were designed and characterized in terms of pH, rheological properties, and visual appearance. Results The results highlighted that the WP-system ensured probiotic protection during both storage and in vitro digestion. This result was attributed to a combined effect of the physical barrier offered by the protein gel network and whey proteins as a nutrient for microbes. On the other hand, surprisingly, the viscous methylcellulose-based system was able to guarantee good microbial viability during storage. However, this was not confirmed during in vitro digestion. The opposite results were obtained for sodium alginate beads. Conclusion The results suggest that the capacity of a polymeric structure to protect probiotic bacteria is a combination of structural organization and system formulation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Introduction Gymnemagenin is the bioactive metabolite found in Gymnema sylvestre leaves and possesses different therapeutic potential. Due to its lower abundance and higher market potential, gymnemagenin was obtained from chemical conversion and bacterial biotransformation. Objective To obtain the probiotic-based fermentative conversion of gymnemic acid-enriched G. sylvestre leaf extract to gymnemagenin-containing nutraceuticals and its metabolites based chromatographic comparison. Material and methods Gymnema sylvestre leaves were extracted through soxhalation, and the extract was prepared and characterised. Gymnemic acid was fermented, separately, by Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and by their mix co-culture. The fermented materials were analysed for their gymnemagenin content, antioxidant potential, antidiabetic potential, and metabolomics analysis. Results Extraction yielded about 35% w/w of raw plant material, and 8.5% was found to be as total saponin content. Extract at higher concentration (≥ 5%, w/v) significantly altered the growth behaviour of probiotics. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) based quantification of gymnemagenin revealed that a maximum increase of 95.5% gymnemagenin was found in extract incubated with B. bifidum followed by mix co-culture containing (B. bifidum, L. casei, and L. rhamnosus), L. casei, and L. rhamnosus. However, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis resulted in the identification of a total of 56 metabolites. Conclusion Chromatographically profiled, and probiotic-based fermented G. sylvestre leaves can be used as a potent nutraceutical for diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Scope This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of a specific probiotic strain on suppression of adipogenesis and inflammatory response in white adipose tissue (WAT) of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Methods and results Eight strains were screened in vitro for candidates of potential probiotics. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRH05 and Lactobacillus reuteri LR47 were screened out with lower triglyceride expression in vitro. The mice were fed a control diet (CD), high-fat diet, or HFD supplemented with a dose of LRH05 or LR47 at 109 CFU per mouse per day for 10 weeks (n = 8), respectively. The results demonstrated that LRH05, but not LR47, significantly reduced body weight gain and the weight of WAT, as well as improved hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance. LRH05 regulated the Mogat1, Igf-1, Mcp-1, and F4/80 mRNA expression and decreased macrophage infiltration in WAT. LRH05 showed an increase in butyric and propionic acid-producing bacteria, including Lachnoclostridium, Romboutsia and Fusobacterium that was coincident with the increased fecal propionic acid and butyric acid levels. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved CONCLUSION: LRH05 showed a strain-specific effect on ameliorating the pro-inflammatory process by reducing inflammatory macrophage infiltration and the expression of inflammation-related genes in mice. Thus, LRH05 could be considered a potential probiotic strain to prevent obesity.

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for renewal of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (formerly Lactobacillus rhamnosus) NCIMB 30121 as a technological additive for all animal species. The additive aims to improve the production of silage and is authorised without a minimum inclusion level. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently on the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. There was no new evidence to lead the FEEDAP Panel to reconsider its previous conclusions. Thus, the Panel concluded that the additive remains safe for all animal species, consumers and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. Regarding user safety, the additive should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. No conclusions could be drawn on the eye and skin irritancy potential of the additive. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

BACKGROUND Probiotics may alter the gut microbiota and may reduce antibiotic-related dysbiosis after H. pylori eradication. However, whether probiotics are effective in reducing the bacterial load of H. pylori and modifying the gut microbiota remains unknown. We aimed to assess the efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus in reducing the bacterial load of H. pylori and modifying the gut microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited 40 adult subjects with moderate to high bacterial loads of H. pylori, defined as a mean delta over baseline (DOB) value of the 13 C-urea breath test (13 C-UBT) of 10 or greater every 4 days 6 times. Eligible subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus or placebo twice daily for 4 weeks. 13 C-UBT was measured weekly from the beginning of treatment to 2 weeks after treatment. Amplification of the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA was performed for fecal microbiota. RESULTS A total of 40 subjects were randomized to receive probiotics or placebo. The DOB value was significantly lower in the probiotic group than in the placebo group after 4 weeks of treatment (26.0 vs. 18.5, p = .045). The DOB value was significantly reduced compared to that at baseline in the probiotic group (18.5 vs. 26.7, p = .001) but not in the placebo group (26.0 vs. 25.0, p = .648). However, the eradication rate for H. pylori was 0% in both groups. There was no significant difference in the DOB values between the two groups 1 and 2 weeks after discontinuation of the probiotics. There were also no significant changes observed in the α-diversity and β-diversity at week 4 compared to baseline in the probiotic group (p = .77 and 0.91) and the placebo group (p = .26 and 0.67). CONCLUSIONS Although the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus may reduce the bacterial load of H. pylori, there were no significant changes in the composition of gut microbiota. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02725138.

Silage quality remains an important issue in farming, as do limitations in the range of products suitable for animal fodder. We therefore explored the microorganisms that are critical for the fermentation quality of paper mulberry silage. Low (unwilted) and high (wilted) dry matter (DM) paper mulberry were harvested at two cutting times. These were ensiled for 0, 3, 7, 14, and 56 days, respectively. Compared with unwilted silages, wilting significantly decreased (p

The aim of the study was to assess the hepatotoxicity, and therefore pharmacological safety of probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum (AdF10) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for potential use in colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. Thirty‐six female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups: normal control, AdF10‐ treated, LGG treated, 1,2‐Dimethyl hydrazine (DMH)‐treated, AdF10 + DMH‐ treated, and LGG + DMH‐treated groups. Antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid proxidation, and liver function were assessed. Administration of probiotics in both AdF10 + DMH‐treated and LGG + DMH‐treated groups downregulated DMH induced a rise in lipid peroxide (LPO), glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and increased the diminished glutathione reduced (GSH) content and catalase (CAT), glutathione‐transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. DMH‐treated rats receiving the probiotic treatment suffered less liver damage when compared with rats that did not receive probiotics. In conclusion, the study identifies the use of probiotics as an effective and nontoxic chemo‐preventive interventional in CRC.

Background Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection is the most direct and effective way for preventing gastric cancer. Lactic acid bacteria are considered as alternative therapeutic agents against H. pylori infection. Methods Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB3 (LR-JB3) on the virulence gene expression of H. pylori and infection-induced cellular responses of AGS cells were investigated by co-cultivating infected AGS cells with different multiplicity of infections (MOIs) of LR-JB3. Results LR-JB3, specifically at a MOI of 25, suppressed the association ability of H. pylori and its induced IL-8 levels, as well as the mRNA levels of vacA, sabA, and fucT of H. pylori, infection-induced Lewis (Le)x antigen and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expressions in AGS cells. However, the apoptosis mediated by infection was inhibited by LR-JB3 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, autoinducer (AI)-2 was observed to have increased the association ability and fucT expression of H. pylori, and Lex antigen and TLR4 expression of AGS cells. Interestingly, an unknown bioactive cue was hypothesized to have been secreted from LR-JB3 at a MOI of 25 to act as an antagonist of AI-2. Conclusions LR-JB3 possesses various means to interfere with H. pylori pathogenesis and infection-induced cellular responses of AGS cells to fight against infection.

Background Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), a primary antiretroviral agent used to treat AIDS, triggers systematic bone loss. However, the effect of TDF on osteopenia or osteoporosis in the jaw remains unclear. TDF-induced bone loss in the jaw, if any, likely involves mandible-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MMSCs), which play a key role in jawbone metabolism. Probiotics prevent long bone loss, and could prove efficacious in treating TDF-induced mandibular bone loss. Objectives To determine whether TDF triggers mandibular bone loss, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and study the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on TDF-induced bone loss in the jaw. Methods Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was administered orally daily and LGG semiweekly from eight weeks to the end of the study (LGG group) to male C57BL6/J mice. The mice were sacrificed, and body weight (BW) and serum Ca and P were measured. Mandibular histomorphometry was evaluated by micro-CT. MMSCs and LGG culture supernatants were isolated, and MMSC proliferation and ALP production when treated with different concentrations of LGG supernatant and/or TDF were measured. Relative abundance of osteogenic markers was assessed by qPCR. Results Orally administered LGG protected against bone mass loss and deterioration of bone microarchitecture and increased serum P levels. The BW of the TDF group was highest among the study groups. TDF partially impaired osteogenesis and proliferation of MMSCs. LGG culture supernatant rescued MMSC osteogenesis and proliferation, and osteogenic gene expression. Conclusions Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG protected against tenofovir-induced mandibular bone loss in mice by rescuing MMSC proliferation and osteogenesis.

Lactobacillus is the dominant genus during fruit and vegetable juices (FVFs) fermentation, which are the key factors for taste and flavor. This study was performed to investigate the effects of different Lactobacillus spp. on profile of volatile flavor compounds and nonvolatile taste compounds in FVFs fermentation. A total of 14 compounds were identified as discriminant flavor and taste markers for fermented FVFs via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS)‐based multimarker profiling. The PCA score plot and PLS‐DA showed that different FVFs were divided into three distinct types, suggesting that the different species significantly affect the volatile and nonvolatile compounds profiles of FVFs. Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Type A FVFs) might make a greater contribution to the umami taste. Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus (Type B FVFs) make a greater contribution to the sour taste. Lactobacillus fermentum may be an potential critical contributor to produce volatile compounds. We reveal that different Lactobacillus strains play different roles in modifying these compounds related to flavor and taste features.

Reconstituted goat whey was fermented with the starter Streptococcus thermophilus TA‐40 in co‐culture with four probiotic adjuncts (independent treatments): Lactobacillus casei BGP93 (T1), Lactobacillus paracasei BGP1 (T2), Lb. paracasei LPC37 (T3) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR32 (T4). Lactobacillus populations were higher than 7 log cfu/mL after fermentation and storage. Proteolysis increased significantly (P

Selected physico‐chemical and proteolysis‐related parameters were evaluated in dry‐cured loins inoculated with probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus LOCK900, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12) and potentially probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus Bauer Ł0938) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and compared with a control sample at five different storage times (28, 90, 180, 270 and 360 days). Physico‐chemical parameters of dry‐cured loins were significantly (P

Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain ASCC 1520 with high soy isoflavone transformation ability was used to ferment soymilk and added to the diet of mice. The impact of L. rhamnosus fermentation on soy isoflavone metabolites and intestinal bacterial community, in conjunction with fecal enzyme activity and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) excretion was evaluated. Antibiotics intervention resulted in a decrease in fecal enzyme activities and SCFA. Although long-term intake of soymilk or L. rhamnosus-fermented soymilk did not affect the fecal β-glucuronidase and β-galactosidase activities, it improved the β-glucosidase activity when antibiotics were concomitantly administered. Soymilk or fermented soymilk administration increased the isoflavone metabolites (O-DMA and equol) excreted in urine. Antibiotics decreased the daidzein excretion and its metabolites but showed little effect on glycitein and genistein excretion. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) of the 16s rRNA gene sequencing data found a remarkable shift in gut microbiota after soymilk administration and antibiotics treatment. Matastats test of the relative abundance of bacterial taxa revealed Odoribacter (Bacteroidales family), Lactobacillus (Lactobacillales order), and Alistipes (Rikenellaceae family) were enriched in soymilk while bacterial taxa from Bacteroides and Lactobacillus were enriched in L. rhamnosus-fermented soymilk. Furthermore, there was less decrease in bacterial taxa with fermented soymilk group even when antibiotics were concomitantly administered. Overall, this study revealed that the gut microbiota of a healthy host is enough for the whole isoflavone metabolism under normal conditions. Feeding mice with L. rhamnosus-fermented soymilk improved fecal enzyme activity and kept the balance of the gut mirobiota when antibiotics were used. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Feeding mice with L. rhamnosus-fermented soymilk improved fecal enzyme activity and kept the balance of the gut mirobiota when antibiotics were used.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a lactic acid bacterium (LAB) that survives diverse ecological niches, including the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. L. rhamnosus is an acidogenic bacterium that produces copious amounts of lactic acid. The organism is also considered as an aciduric, since it can survive prolonged exposure to an acidic environment. For a probiotic bacterium such as L. rhamnous, it is necessary to understand how this organism survives acid stress. In this study we used L. rhamnous LRB to isolate one spontaneous mutant that was sensitive to acid stress. The mutant, which we named RBM1, also displayed sensitivity to a wide range of stresses including osmotic, thermal, and other stresses. Using whole genome sequencing, we mapped the putative mutations in the mutant strain. It appears that three single nucleotide substitutions occurred in the mutant as compared to the wild type LRB strain. Among those, the most relevant mutation occurred in the ftsH gene that created a single amino acid change in the protein. We performed a comparative proteomic study to understand the molecular basis for stress sensitivity and found that ~ 15% of the proteome is altered in the mutant strain. Our study suggests that generation of spontaneous mutants during L. rhamnosus colonization could drastically affect bacterial physiology and survival under stress conditions.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the effect of the consumption of a probiotic on the clinical characteristics of Candida-associated denture stomatitis (DS) and to determine the impact of a protocol of self-care measures in oral/prosthetic hygiene in institutionalized elders that wear removable prostheses (RP). The current treatment for DS is the systemic use of antifungals, as well as the replacement of these devices together with oral/prosthetic hygiene instructions. METHODS This study was a randomized, controlled and triple-blind trial. Thirty-six elders presenting DS of different severity and who carried RP consumed milk with/without the probiotic L. rhamnosus SP1. The prevalence and severity of DS and prevalence of Candida were determined and all participants/caregivers were trained in oral/prosthetic hygiene. RESULTS In both groups a decrease in the prevalence of DS was observed (P

BACKGROUND Recently, evidence from a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) negated efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for treating acute gastroenteritis in children. AIM To review RCTs in which L rhamnosus GG was used to treat acute gastroenteritis in children. METHODS The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched from May 2013 (end of last search) to January 2019. The primary outcomes were stool volume and duration of diarrhoea. RESULTS Eighteen RCTs (n = 4208) were included. Compared with placebo or no treatment, L rhamnosus GG use had no effect on stool volume but was associated with a reduced duration of diarrhoea (15 RCTs, n = 3820, mean difference, MD -0.85 day, 95% CI -1.15 to -0.56). L rhamnosus GG was effective when used at a daily dose of ≥1010 CFU or

Effects of probiotics on the intestinal microbiota of foals are yet insufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to investigate whether supplementation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (DSM 7133) and Enterococcus faecium (DSM 7134) influences the bacterial composition of the faecal microbiota of foals. A total of 34 newborn foals were randomly assigned to the placebo group (PG, n = 16) and the treatment group (TG, n = 18). From day 1 to day 14 of life, foals orally received 3 ml of either a probiotic preparation (1.05 × 109 CFU E. faecium and 4.50 × 108 CFU L. rhamnosus) or placebo (carrier) once a day. Faeces were collected directly from the rectum immediately after birth (meconium) and at day 14 and day 56 of life. Samples of 12 foals per group were selected for microbiological analysis. DNA was extracted and used for polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and quantitative PCR. No DNA or amplicons were obtained from meconium. There were no differences in richness of bands and Shannon index of diversity regarding the Clostridium cluster XIVa between groups. Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis of DGGE data showed a clear effect of age. Band-based similarity of bacterial clusters (Dice coefficient) decreased from day 14 to day 56 of life (p < 0.001) in PG foals only resulting in lower similarity in PG versus TG foals when 2 month old (p < 0.01). Five of thirty re-amplified bands were identified on species level. Others were assigned either to family (mainly Lachnospiraceae) or genus level (Akkermansia). The bands related to Akkermansia muciniphila or Akkermansia spp. appeared almost in all DGGE profiles. Two-week supplementation of the probiotic preparation to foals had no significant impact on the composition of the faecal microbiota but it appears to have prevented the reduction of bacterial similarity between 2 and 8 weeks of age observed in not treated foals.

Background Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a recurrent vaginal condition in childbearing women. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of an oral formulation containing Lactobacillus acidophilus GLA-14, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and bovine lactoferrin on symptoms and recurrence of VVC as adjuvant therapy to topical clotrimazole. Patients/methods Forty-eight women positive for C. albicans, symptoms of VVC and documented history of recurrences were randomised into 2 groups receiving verum or placebo (2 capsules/day for 5 days followed by 1 capsule/day for additional 10 days) as adjuvant treatment to clotrimazole (induction phase) followed by a maintenance cycle of 6 months (1 capsule/day verum or placebo for 10 consecutive days each month). Symptoms, overall cure rate and recurrence rate were assessed. Results After clotrimazole therapy, a significant improvement of symptoms was shown in both groups. However, only women treated with probiotics and lactoferrin showed a significant improvement of itching and discharge at 3 and 6 months. During the six-month follow-up, recurrences were significantly less in the intervention group vs placebo (33.3% vs 91.7% after 3 months and 29.2% vs 100% after 6 months). Conclusions The results show that the investigated lactobacilli mixture in combination with lactoferrin represents a safe and effective adjuvant approach for reducing symptoms and recurrences of RVVC.

Antibiotic treatment, commonly prescribed for bacterial infections, depletes and subsequently causes long-term alterations in intestinal microbiota composition. Knowing the importance of the microbiome in the regulation of bone density, we investigated the effect of postantibiotic treatment on gut and bone health. Intestinal microbiome repopulation at 4-weeks postantibiotic treatment resulted in an increase in the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio, increased intestinal permeability, and notably reduced femoral trabecular bone volume (approximately 30%, p < 0.01). Treatment with a mucus supplement (a high-molecular-weight polymer, MDY-1001 [MDY]) prevented the postantibiotic-induced barrier break as well as bone loss, indicating a mechanistic link between increased intestinal permeability and bone loss. A link between the microbiome composition and bone density was demonstrated by supplementing the mice with probiotic bacteria. Specifically, Lactobacillus reuteri, but not Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or nonpathogenic Escherichia coli, reduced the postantibiotic elevation of the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio and prevented femoral and vertebral trabecular bone loss. Consistent with causing bone loss, postantibiotic-induced dysbiosis decreased osteoblast and increased osteoclast activities, changes that were prevented by both L. reuteri and MDY. These data underscore the importance of microbial dysbiosis in the regulation of intestinal permeability and bone health, as well as identify L. reuteri and MDY as novel therapies for preventing these adverse effects. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Bacteria of Lactobacillus rhamnosus B 442 were enriched with zinc ions using a pulsed electric field technology. The strain was added to the mix and used for the production of two types of ice cream: unfermented and fermented. Zinc content in the ice cream varied from 0.962 mg·100 g⁻¹ to 1.81 mg·100 g⁻¹. Differences were observed in some properties of unfermented and fermented ice cream. Lower fat content (from 4.86% to 4.92%) and lower hardness (3.88 N–4.32 N) were determined for the fermented ice cream, whereas the unfermented samples had higher meltability (1880s–1936s) and adhesiveness (from 29.66 Ns to −28.27 Ns). There was no statistically significant effect of the type of ice cream and Zn²⁺ addition on protein, ash and carbohydrate content in the final product. The viability of the bacteria was at a high level (4.09·10⁸–3.26·10¹²).

Background In a two-centre randomized placebo-controlled trial of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) (6 × 109 colony-forming units [cfu]) or Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (HN019) (9 × 109 cfu) taken daily from 35-week gestation to 6 months' post-partum in mothers while breastfeeding and from birth to age 2 years in infants, we showed that HN001 significantly protected against eczema development at 2, 4 and 6 years and atopic sensitization at 6 years. There was no effect of HN019. We report here the findings for 11 year outcomes. Methods At age 11 years, eczema was defined as previously using the UK Working Party's Diagnostic Criteria. Asthma, wheeze, hay fever and rhinitis were defined based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questions. Atopic sensitization was defined as one or more positive responses (mean wheal diameter ≥3 mm) to a panel of food and aeroallergens. Analysis was intention-to-treat using hazard ratios to assess probiotic effects on the 11-year lifetime prevalence and relative risks for point or 12-month prevalence at 11 years. Results Early childhood HN001 supplementation was associated with significant reductions in the 12-month prevalence of eczema at age 11 years (relative risk [RR] = 0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.86, P = 0.015) and hay fever (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.53-1.00, P = 0.047). For the lifetime prevalence, HN001 was associated with a significant reduction in atopic sensitization (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-1.00, P = 0.048), eczema (HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.82, P = 0.002) and wheeze (HR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.57-0.99, P = 0.046). HN019 had no significant effect on these outcomes. Conclusion This is the first early probiotic intervention to show positive outcomes for at least the first decade of life across the spectrum of allergic disease.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Sorbiflore® ADVANCE when used as a zootechnical feed additive for chickens for fattening. Sorbiflore® ADVANCE is an additive resulting from the fermentation of milk‐based broth with Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I‐3698 and Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM I‐3699. Sorbiflore® ADVANCE is intended for use in feed for chickens for fattening at the minimum concentration of 5 × 107 Viable Forming Units (VFU)/kg and the maximum concentration of 2 × 108 VFU/kg complete feed. The data submitted did not allow a full characterisation of the additive, and therefore, uncertainty remains on the nature of the product in terms of viability, on the ratio between the active agents and on the stability and homogeneity of the additive. The active agents fulfil the requirements of the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach to the assessment of safety and no concerns are expected from other components of the additive. Consequently, Sorbiflore® ADVANCE is presumed to be safe for the target animals, consumers of products from animals receiving the additive and the environment. The additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the irritancy of Sorbiflore® ADVANCE to skin and eyes and on its dermal sensitisation potential. Sorbiflore® ADVANCE at 2 × 108 VFU/kg feed has the potential to be efficacious in chickens for fattening.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Sorbiflore® ADVANCE when used as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned piglets. Sorbiflore® ADVANCE results from the fermentation of milk based‐broth with Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I‐3698 and Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM I‐3699. The additive is intended for use in feed for weaned piglets at the minimum concentration of 1.25 × 108 viable forming units (VFU)/kg and the maximum concentration of 5 × 108 VFU/kg complete feed. The data submitted did not allow a full characterisation of the additive, and therefore, uncertainty remains on the nature of the product in terms of viability, on the ratio between the active agents and on the stability of the additive. The active agents fulfil the requirements of the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to the assessment of safety and no concerns are expected from other components of the additive. Consequently, Sorbiflore® ADVANCE is presumed to be safe for the target animals, consumers of products from animals receiving the additive and the environment. The additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. In the absence of data, no conclusions could be drawn on the irritancy of Sorbiflore® ADVANCE to skin and eyes and on its dermal sensitisation potential. Sorbiflore® ADVANCE at 1.25 × 108 VFU/kg feed has the potential to be efficacious in weaned piglets.

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder, which still lacks effective therapy. We aimed to investigate the effects of a novel formulation of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 with vitamin B6 (LBB) on symptoms, intestinal permeability, cultivable bacteria and metabolome in IBS subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five IBS patients (Rome IV criteria) (M:F = 8:17; age 48 years ± 11 SD) were randomized to treatment (LBB) or placebo (one month each) in a crossover randomized double-blind controlled trial. Symptoms, intestinal habits, disease severity, intestinal permeability and intestinal microbiota were analysed at 0, 30, 45 and 60 days. RESULTS Percentage decrease from baseline of abdominal pain (-48.8% vs -3.5%), bloating (-36.35% vs +7.35%) and severity of disease (-30.1% vs -0.4%) was significantly (P

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is increasingly applied in functional food products and acts as a probiotic model in nutritious and clinical studies. Increasing evidences have revealed the immune modulation of LGG on macrophages. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of LGG on macrophage polarization of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). BMDMs were treated with 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml LGG for 1.5, 3, and 6 hr. Results showed that LGG obviously upregulated the mRNA expression of M1-associated cytokines (p .05), including arginase 1 (Arg1), mannose receptor, and chitinase-like protein 3 (YM1). Furthermore, LGG markedly increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12p40, cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], and interferon-I³ [IFN-I³]) (p

Here, we investigated the effect of prophylactic oral treatment with carbonate apatite-based particles (ID35caps) containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG-derived immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides (ID35) when used in mice with acute colitis. Mice were administered orally with control particles (carbonate apatite particles, Caps), ID35, or ID35caps for 2 days, and then were given free access to drinking water containing 3% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days (Days 0-5) to induce acute colitis. Body weight change, fecal bleeding, and stool consistency were monitored and scored as a disease activity index (DAI) to assess symptoms of colitis. On Day 10, animals were euthanized and the colon length was measured to evaluate inflammatory tissue injury. Prophylactic oral treatment with ID35caps significantly suppressed DSS-induced elevation of the DAI score and shortening of the colon compared to the respective parameters in DSS-exposed mice treated with Cap or ID35. We conclude that oral priming with ID35caps attenuates symptoms and inflammatory colonic injury in a mouse model of DSS-induced acute colitis. This finding suggests that ID35caps may be a new oral agent for preventing intestinal inflammation.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a lactic acid bacterium with a diverse ecological habitat. We recently isolated a L. rhamnosus strain (LRB) from a healthy baby-tooth that had naturally fallen out. We determined the whole genome sequence of LRB and found that the isolate is closely genetically related to an intestinal isolate, L. rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103). However, the LRB genome had lost about a 75-kb segment and undergone a genomic rearrangement. We assessed LRB's capacity to survive in the gut environment, at least temporarily. We found that LRB, like the intestinal isolate ATCC 53103, showed resistance to low pH but sensitive to bile salt. Surprisingly, we found that this oral isolate LRB showed strong antimicrobial activity against a variety of oral streptococci including Streptococcus mutans. The production of antimicrobial activity is dependent on media composition since some media supported the production while others did not. The production of antimicrobial activity is also dependent on growth temperature, with optimal production at 37°C. The antimicrobial activity was not restricted to streptococci, but effective against a variety of organisms, including ESKAPE pathogens.

Uncontrolled inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) could cause dysfunction in multiple organs. T helper 17 (Th17) cells are a main branch of inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of SLE, and by producing interleukin 17 (IL-17), represent a major functional tool in the progression of inflammation. Animal models provide a special field for better studies of the pathogenesis of diseases. Tolergenic probiotics could decrease inflammation in autoimmune diseases by modulating the immune system and maintaining homeostasis. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii on Th17 cells and their related mediators in a pristane-induced BALB/c mice model of SLE. The mice were divided into pretreatment groups, which received probiotics or prednisolone at Day 0, and treatment groups, which received probiotics and prednisolone 2 months after injection. The presence of antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), and anti-ribonucleoprotein (anti-RNP) and lipogranuloma was evaluated; also, the population of Th1-Th17 cells as well as interferon γ (IFN-γ), IL-17, and IL-10 levels, and the expression of RAR-related orphan related receptor gamma (RORγt) and IL-17 were determined. We observed that probiotics and prednisolone could delay SLE in pretreatment and treatment mice groups, with a reduction in ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, and mass of lipogranuloma. Probiotics and prednisolone decreased the population of Th1-Th17 cells and reduced IFN-γ and IL-17 as inflammatory cytokines in the pretreatment and treatment groups in comparison with SLE-induced mice. Our results indicated that, due to their anti-inflammatory properties and reduction of Th17, Th1, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) cells, the use of these probiotics could probably represent a new tool for the better management of SLE.

The probiotic potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus RVP1 isolated from Sardinella longiceps was investigated in vitro. The bacterium exhibited highest tolerance at low pH, high bile salt concentration and demonstrated good antioxidant activity, hydrophobicity and inhibited both gram-negative and gram-positive indicator bacteria. To aid in process design and to unravel the fermentation kinetics, response surface methodology was devised to optimize the EPS production from L. rhamnosus and mechanistic models were developed to describe the fermentation kinetics. The optimum pH, dextrose and peptone concentrations for EPS production were 7.07, 19.995 g/L and 23.4 g/L, respectively, with a predicted yield of 724 mg/L. The actual yield under these conditions was 708±29 mg/L which was within the 95% confidence interval. The simulated mechanistic model fit the experimental values with a high degree of correlation with R2 = 0.99, 0.96 and 0.97 for the logistic growth, substrate consumption and EPS production and degradation curves respectively. The kinetic constants μ_max = 0.29 hr-1 , Xmax = 3.44 g/L, kf = 348 mg of EPS/ g of dry biomass and kd = 0.53 hr-1 were derived from the model. The EPS administration improved the survival of irradiated mice by 50% proving it radioprotective potential and showed positive effects on structural integrity of intestinal tissue. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Biological preservation with probiotic bacteria has arisen as an alternative to control the growth of foodborne pathogens on food. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of postharvest calcium application and biopreservation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on the quality and bioaccessibility of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in fresh-cut pears.; Results: The immersion of whole pears in a calcium chloride solution did not provide added value. Despite the increase in observed activity of PME and PPO enzymes in fresh-cut pears during storage, the browning index and firmness values were constant for all samples. The antioxidant properties, including antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and vitamin C content, were maintained during storage, but a significant decrease was observed after in vitro simulated digestion. Ca/LGG samples showed the lowest calcium content (1.75 ± 0.00 g kg-1 ) after 9 d of storage at 4 °C. In general, the overall visual quality scores were higher in fresh-cut pears treated with L. rhamnosus GG than in non-treated pears, with the highest values in the NoCa/LGG (7.7 ± 0.2) samples after 9 d at 4 °C.; Conclusion: Fresh-cut pears with a postharvest treatment of calcium and immersed in a solution containing antioxidant agents and probiotic bacteria could be a suitable alternative to dairy products for maintaining the overall quality of fruit for up to 9 d of storage. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Foal first diarrhoea is one of the most prominent problems in the early life of horses. Probiotics might have the potency to prevent or at least diminish neonatal diarrhoea. We hypothesised that the treatment of foals with probiotic strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Enterococcus faecium starting early after birth and then daily over 2 weeks would prevent or mitigate foal heat diarrhoea. The influence of this probiotic treatment on diarrhoea incidence and growth and health performance of young foals was investigated. Thirty-four foals were randomly allocated to two groups. From day 1 to 14 of life, the foals received either placebo (PG, n = 16) or the probiotic treatment (TG, n = 18). Clinical examination was performed, and the faeces consistency score (FCS, 1-5; with diarrhoea defined by ≤3) was recorded once per day in weeks 1 and 2 and once weekly in weeks 3-8 of life (WL). The body height was measured at birth and after two and eight WL. Diarrhoea occurred in the 1st WL in 19% and 61% of PG and TG foals respectively. In the 1st WL, diarrhoea lasted 0.3 ± 0.8 and 1.6 ± 1.4 days in PG and TG foals respectively. In the 2nd WL, diarrhoea occurred in 94% and 84% of PG and TG foals, respectively, and lasted for 3.0 ± 1.5 and 3.7 ± 1.6 days respectively. At least two periods of diarrhoea developed in 33% and 65% of PG and TG foals respectively. The TG foals grew slightly slower than the PG foals. The results indicated that the probiotic treatment of neonatal foals as performed in this study was not suitable to reduce diarrhoea within the first two WL, because contrary to the hypothesis, the TG foals suffered more frequently and for longer periods from diarrhoea than the PG foals.