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According to previous research, the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) decreases after supplementation with probiotics. However, few studies have considered the equivalence or otherwise of different strains of probiotics in this respect. Accordingly, this prospective observational study was conducted in a cohort of 245 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) new-borns to assess the prevalence of NEC after supplementation with the probiotic Inforan® (Berna Biotech, Madrid, Spain) 250 mg capsules containing 109 cfu of Lactobacillus acidophilus (ATCC 4356) and 109 cfu of Bifidobacterium bifidum (ATCC 15696); or with Bivos® (Ferring, Madrid, Spain) containing Lacticaseibacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) rhamnnosus (LGG) (ATCC 53103) (109 cfu); or with no probiotic supplementation. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariant regression for the duration of parenteral nutrition, length of neonatal intensive care unit stay, use of oxygen therapy and presence of chorioamnionitis. Of the VLBW new-borns in the study group, 65 received Infloran, 108 received Bivos and 72 received no probiotic. A significant association was observed between a reduced presence of NEC Stage ≥2 and probiotic supplementation. The odds risk (OR) obtained was 0.174 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.032-0.936) for Infloran and 0.196 (95%CI: 0.053-0.732) for Bivos. Therefore, both probiotics are associated with a lower prevalence of NEC in VLBW new-borns, with no significant differences.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION Metformin is associated with the risk of gastrointestinal complications, and probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) can improve the symptoms of diarrhea. This study aimed to clarify the effects of probiotic BBG9-1 on the gastrointestinal symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using metformin. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this open-label single-arm exploratory study, 40 patients (mean age 64.0 ± 9.4 years) were given probiotic BBG9-1 for 10 weeks. Changes in the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale total score, which was the primary end-point, gastrointestinal symptom rating scale subscale scores, glycated hemoglobin levels and gut microbiota after the administration of probiotic BBG9-1 were evaluated by the Student's t-test. RESULTS The gastrointestinal symptom rating scale total score significantly improved (from 2.02 ± 0.51 to 1.59 ± 0.43, change, -0.43 ± 0.49, P

The treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and COVID-19-associated diarrhea remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic in the treatment of COVID-19. This was a randomized, controlled, single-center, open-label trial (NCT04854941). Inpatients with confirmed COVID-19 and pneumonia were randomly assigned to a group that received a multi-strain probiotic (PRO group) or to the control group (CON group). There were 99 and 101 patients in the PRO and CON groups, respectively. No significant differences in mortality, total duration of disease and hospital stay, incidence of intensive care unit admission, need for mechanical ventilation or oxygen support, liver injury development, and changes in inflammatory biomarker levels were observed between the PRO and CON groups among all included patients as well as among subgroups delineated based on age younger or older than 65 years, and subgroups with chronic cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Diarrhea on admission was observed in 11.5% of patients; it resolved earlier in the PRO group than in the CON group (2 [1–4] vs. 4 [3–6] days; p = 0.049). Hospital-acquired diarrhea developed less frequently in the PRO group than in the CON group among patients who received a single antibiotic (0% vs. 12.5%; p = 0.023) unlike among those who received > 1 antibiotic (10.5% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.696). The studied probiotic had no significant effect on mortality and changes in most biomarkers in COVID-19. However, it was effective in treating diarrhea associated with COVID-19 and in preventing hospital-acquired diarrhea in patients who received a single antibiotic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12602-021-09858-5.

In this study, the effect of aqueous extract of green tea on the viability of probiotic bacteria including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum and the sensory and physicochemical and functional properties of synbiotic yogurt was investigated during 4 weeks of storage. L. acidophilus and B. bifidum counts did not significantly change in yogurt containing 0.5% and 1% of the extract during storage. Also, the addition of the extract to yogurt highly increased the phenolic compounds, since the amount of phenolic compounds in yogurt containing 0.5% and 1% extract was 660 and 1,123 mg gallic acid/kg, respectively. In addition, a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of yogurt containing green tea extract was observed in comparison with the control. The amount of antioxidant activity increased during 4 weeks of storage, which reached to 4,193 and 7,337 mg BHT eq./kg in probiotic yogurt containing 0.5% and 1% extract, respectively. The acidity increased during 4 weeks of storage, while the pH decreased. Addition of the extract significantly increased the acidity of probiotic yogurt compared with the control (p

One of the most significant challenges within production of probiotic products is the survival and functionality of probiotic bacteria during processing and shelf life. In this research, the probiotic bacterium Bifidobacterium bifidum was used as adjunct culture for the production of Iranian white cheese containing different percentages of Allium ampeloprasum L. ssp. iranicum Wendelbo extracts (1% and 2% in fresh and dried form). The effects of the plant extract on bacterial growth and sensory properties of the model cheese were investigated. The in vitro experiments showed that probiotic bacteria growth was influenced by the presence of the plant extract. The highest bacterial growth (Δ growth = 25.82%) was observed when the probiotic was cultured in the medium supplemented with 1 g/L of plant extract. At time 0, the cheese samples were characterized by a pH value between 5.7 and 6.3 and a probiotic concentration of about 9 log cfu/g. Results showed that after 45 d of shelf life, the cheese model containing 1% dry extract had the best survival of probiotic B. bifidum (7–8 log cfu/g) and the most appreciated sensory properties. The findings of this study support the idea that A. ampeloprasum extract, acting as prebiotic substance, exerts a beneficial effect on probiotic bacteria.

Relevance. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are common in children and often progress with secondary complications such as otitis media, bronchitis, or pneumonia, especially in children with recurrent URTIs. Probiotics displayed immunomodulatory effects in children and adults, supporting immune functions to prevent winter diseases or common colds. Objectives. We assessed the effectiveness of a 6-week prophylaxis with probiotics (Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52, Bifidobacterium infantis Rosell®-33 and Bifidobacterium bifidum Rosell®-71) for preventing primary infections and/or secondary complications in URTI-prone children. Methods. URTI-prone children were randomly divided into the probiotics (3×109 CFU/day; 6 weeks) or control arm (no preventive intervention). The number of URTIs, duration and related complications were monitored for 6 months. Resistance index, number of medical visits, and antibiotics prescriptions were also recorded. Results. After 2 months, probiotics reduced the number of URTIs (-2.34±0.13 vs -0.24±0.14; P

Актуальность. Статья посвящена проблеме профилактики развития и терапии неалкогольной жировой болезни печени (НАЖБП) у детей с ожирением по алиментарно-конституциональному типу. Цель: изучение эффективности и безопасности использования препаратов омега-3 полиненасыщенных жирных кислот (ПНЖК) с витамином Е и мультипробиотического комплекса, обогащенного витаминами, для профилактики развития и прогрессирования стеатогепатоза. Материалы и методы. Под наблюдением находились 55 детей с избыточной массой тела. Всем пациентам была назначена медикаментозная терапия с использованием препарата омега-3 ПНЖК Рейтоил и комплексного пробиотика Бревелак (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Lactococcus lactis ssp. Lactis R1058, Bifidobacterium longum R0175, Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011, Bifidobacterium breve R0070, Streptococcus thermophilus R0083, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071, Lactobacillus casei R0215, Lactobacillus plantarum R1012) на фоне модификации образа жизни. Результаты. Течение НАЖБП у детей в большинстве случаев не имеет характерной клинической симптоматики и выраженного синдрома цитолиза. Структурно-функциональные изменения в печени при НАЖБП могут вызывать метаболические нарушения с формированием выраженной атерогенной дислипидемии. Трехмесячный курс терапии НАЖБП препаратами омега-3 ПНЖК Рейтоил в сочетании с использованием комплексного пробиотического препарата Бревелак показал достоверное снижение активности печеночных цитолитических ферментов и улучшение показателя липидного спектра крови. Выводы. Назначение препаратов омега-3 ПНЖК в сочетании с комплексом штаммов пробиотических культур с доказанной клинической эффективностью при НАЖБП на фоне модификации образа жизни способствует эффективной профилактике и лечению данной патологии у детей.

The effects of 6-gingerol on adhesive ability of probiotics to colonic epithelial cells in vitro were explored. Two strains of probiotics were Lactophilus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. NCM 460 cells (normal colonic epithelial cells) and Caco-2 cells (colon cancer cells) were used in this study. Effect of 6-gingerol (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 μg/mL on NCM 460 cells and effect of 6-gingerol (10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175 μg/mL) on Caco-2 cells were investigated. MTT assay was adopted to analyze cell proliferation. Methods of Gram staining and plate counting were used to analyze the probiotic adhesion to colonic epithelial cells. Results showed that 6-gingerol had no inhibitory effect on colonic epithelial cells within the non-cytotoxic dose range. 6-gingerol could promote the adhesion of probiotics to colon epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner, which would be benefit for probiotics to exert continuous probiotic activity in the intestinal tract.

Background and Objective: Wound healing is the result of interactions between cytokines, growth factors, blood, and extracellular matrix. Facing this challenging issue has become one of the essential concerns in health and medical fields, needing different remedies. One of the newest treatments in wound healing is the application of probiotic bacteria. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotic bacteria on acute wound healing and exploring the potential of their supernatant on increasing angiogenesis in female mice in the form of biological dressing. Materials and Methods: 44 female BALB/c mice were studied into six groups in two phases of 7 and 14 days. After the wounding process, wound sizes were measured by a digital caliper every 48 hours. Mice were dressed and treated. Histological samples were studied, and the results were analyzed statistically. Results: Bifidobacterium bifidum probiotic bacteria not only show exciting potential as a therapeutic and effective agent but also our examination proved that application of this probiotic plus Aloe vera hydrogel (experimental group 1) can significantly reduce the wound healing duration and increases angiogenesis (P

The gut microbiome plays significant role in the function and integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. They also maintain immune homeostasis and host energy metabolism. The metabolic products of these intestinal microbes can alter carbohydrate metabolism, nutrient absorption and reduce appetite to promote healthy lifestyle. Intestinal disbiosis observed in metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. Restoration of dysbiosed gut microbiome through oral administration of probiotics that may have profound health effect in diabetes. In case of diabetes, reports postulated impaired level of incretin, therefore we explored the effect of oral administration of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus casei NCDC 017 (LC017) and Bifidobacterium bifidum NCDC 231 (BB231) alone and in combination on secretion of incretin hormones such as glucagon like peptide-1 and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Thirty six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups and diabetes was induced by single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight) in experimental rats intraperitonially except a group of healthy rats. The diabetic rats were daily administered orally with single dose (~107cfu/ml) of LC017 and BB231 alone and in combination for 28 days. Also, one group of diabetic rats was treated with an anti-diabetic drug, acarbose (10mg/kg body weight) and used a standard control. The change in body weight, sucrose tolerance test, GLP-1, GIP level in serum and GLP-1 level in different part of intestine were observed. The results have shown reduction in body weight in diabetic rats as compared to non-diabetic rats but improved after treatment of probiotic bacteria. Administration of LC017 and BB231 significantly improved GLP-1 and GIP level which were initially impaired in diabetic rats and their combination significantly decreased glucose level in sucrose tolerance test. This study indicated that LC017 and BB231 have significant hypoglycaemic potential in diabetic rats by increasing GLP-1 and GIP level. These findings offered a base for the use of LC017 and BB231 for improvement and treatment of diabetes.

This study aimed to determine the effects of 8 weeks of an administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus plantarum combined with exercise training on neurotoxicity of Aβ, spatial learning, acetylcholine (ACH), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in Alzheimer rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 5 in each): (1) healthy control (control), (2) Alzheimer disease (AD), (3) AD with treadmill exercise (AD + Exe), (4) AD with probiotic (combined administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus plantarum) treatment (AD + Pro), and (5) AD with treadmill exercise and probiotic treatment (AD + Exe + Pro). AD was induced by intra-cerebroventricular injection of Aβ1-42 peptide. Then, the training groups exercised on treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days per weeks. The rats were treated daily with probiotic supplements via gavage for 8 weeks. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was administered to measure spatial learning. Then, the animals were sacrificed and Vegf and ACH were analyzed using the qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods, respectively. Results showed that the β-amyloid plaques were significantly increased in the brains of the AD group compared with the control group (p

The objective of this work was to study the effect of different concentrations of inulin (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%) on the viability of probiotic bacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum) and sensory characteristics of probiotic yogurt. The yogurt was manufactured with Lactobacillus delbruckii ssp. bulgaricus (Lb), Streptococcus thermophilus (St), and Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bb). Raw milk was received, heated to 90°C, and divided into 4 aliquots portions. All portions were inoculated with 5.11 log cfu of Lb and St combined and 5 log cfu of Bb per kg of milk. The first portion was utilized as control (T1) while 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% of inulin were added to the second (T2), third (T3), and fourth (T4) portions, respectively. All treatments were incubated at 40°C until a pH of 4.6 was reached. Subsequently, the yogurt was cooled and stored at 4°C for 16 days. Titratable acidity, total bacterial count (TBC), Bb count, yeast count, mold count, and sensory evaluation were determined during the storage. The results showed that the addition of inulin and the storage period have significant effects (p .05) in the sensory evaluation of all treatments. We conclude that inulin can be utilized in the manufacturing of probiotic yogurt as a prebiotic, which, inturn, enhances the growth of Bb and increase the shelf‐life., Inulin can be used in making yogurt to increase the viability of probiotic bacteria, as well as, increase the nutritional value of the product.

In this study, the effect of free and microencapsulated extract of pennyroyal on the viability of Bifidobacterium bifidum and physicochemical and sensory properties of probiotic yogurt were evaluated. For this purpose, pennyroyal extract (PE) was extracted using ultrasound method. The amount of phenolic compounds of PE was 75.64 ± 1.25 mg/g gallic acid and the PE was microencapsulated with maltodextrin-whey protein concentrate. According to the results, the particle size was 100.14 nm, zeta potential was 17.44 mV and microencapsulation efficiency was 60.06%. Then, the antioxidant properties of the PE and nano-PE were determined. The results showed that the both of them had high antioxidant properties and the antioxidant activity of nano-PE was significantly higher than the PE (P

Objective: This study assessed the anti-pathogenic potential of culture supernatants from three probiotic strains viz. Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Enterococcus faecium against five different gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Methods: The effect of probiotic culture supernatants on growth and production of quorum sensing (QS)-regulated pigments was assessed through broth dilution assay. In vivo anti-infective efficacy of these supernatants was evaluated by challenging the model nematode host Caenorhabditis elegans with pathogenic bacteria pre-treated with probiotic culture supernatants, and worm survival was monitored over a period of 8 days. Results: All the probiotic culture supernatants (at 5-10 %v/v) exhibited bactericidal activity against four of the test pathogens (including three multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria) and they (at ≥ 1%v/v) could also modulate QS in pathogenic bacteria. Pre-treatment with culture supernatants from all the three probiotic strains were able to attenuate virulence of four of the test pathogens towards C. elegans. Worms challenged with supernatant-pre-treated pathogens recorded 75-100% better survival than those challenged with pathogens receiving no such pretreatment. Virulence-attenuating effect of the culture supernatants was also carried forward to daughter populations of the supernatant-treated parent pathogens. Lactic acid seemed to contribute notably towards anti-virulence activity of the culture supernatants, but acidic pH did not seem to be important for such activity. Conclusions: Culture supernatants of probiotic strains used in this study can be said to possess appreciable virulence-attenuating potential. Further investigation for characterization of these supernatants and identification of the bioactive constituents is warranted. Elucidation of the molecular basis associated with the anti-pathogenic potential of these supernatants may lead to the identification of novel targets in pathogenic bacterial populations.

The gut microbiome can influence the development of tumours and the efficacy of cancer therapeutics1-5; however, the multi-omics characteristics of antitumour bacterial strains have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we integrated metagenomics, genomics and transcriptomics of bacteria, and analyses of mouse intestinal transcriptome and serum metabolome data to reveal an additional mechanism by which bacteria determine the efficacy of cancer therapeutics. In gut microbiome analyses of 96 samples from patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, Bifidobacterium bifidum was abundant in patients responsive to therapy. However, when we treated syngeneic mouse tumours with commercial strains of B. bifidum to establish relevance for potential therapeutic uses, only specific B. bifidum strains reduced tumour burden synergistically with PD-1 blockade or oxaliplatin treatment by eliciting an antitumour host immune response. In mice, these strains induced tuning of the immunological background by potentiating the production of interferon-γ, probably through the enhanced biosynthesis of immune-stimulating molecules and metabolites.

Bifidobacterium bifidum OLB6378 (OLB6378) was selected as a strain that enhances the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) in vitro. This ability of non-live OLB6378 has been shown by a clinical trial in preterm infants. In the present study, we examined whether non-live OLB6378 also enhances the production of secretory IgA, even in full-term infants. One hundred full-term infants were allocated to receive formula with (BbF group, 49 infants) or without non-live OLB6378 (PF group, 51 infants). Breastfeeding was prioritised, so infant formula was used for infants with breastfeeding difficulties. The intervention was initiated by five days of age. The faecal IgA concentration and OLB6378 level were determined at one, two, four, and eight weeks of age. Faecal IgA in the BbF group (1.04 ± 0.47 mg/g of faeces, n=45) was significantly higher than that in the PF group (0.85 ± 0.42 mg/g of faeces, n=49) at four weeks of age (p=0.047). OLB6378 was not detected in faeces at any age. This indicated that production of secretory IgA in full-term infants may also be enhanced by non-live OLB6378 intake.

Introduction: The purpose of this double-blind clinical trial, was to examine the effect of supplementation with the synbiotic and probiotic on the mental health, quality of life, and anemia in HD patients. Methods: Seventy-five HD patients were randomly assigned to receive the synbiotic (n = 23) as 15 g of prebiotics, 5 g of probiotic powder containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Bifidobacterium longum (2.7 × 107 CFU/g each); probiotics (n = 23) as 5 g probiotics similar to the synbiotic group with 15 g of maltodextrin as placebo; and placebo (n = 19) as 20 g of maltodextrin. Serum hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) were measured. Beck depression and anxiety index (BDI/BAI) was used to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the questionnaire SF-36. Results: From baseline to 12 weeks, synbiotic and probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in BDI and BAI score in comparison to the placebo (P < 0.05). Between and intergroup comparison showed no significant changes between the groups in terms of HRQoL. However, the serum Hb level increased significantly in the synbiotic and probiotic group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Overall, 12 weeks of synbiotic and probiotic supplementation resulted in an improvement in mental health and anemia compared with the placebo, whereas they failed to enhance the quality of life in HD patients.

In order to understand the efficacy of probiotics against dry eye syndrome, we selected anti-inflammatory probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum NK151 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NK175, which increased the ratio of IL-10 to TNF-α expression, from the human gut bacteria collection and examined their effects on tear secretion and cornea/conjunctiva inflammation in mice with excision of the unilateral exorbital lacrimal gland and 1% atropine and 0.1% benzalkonium chloride solution (ELA)-induced dry eye. Exposure to ELA significantly reduced tear secretion in mice, assessed by the phenol red thread tear test. However, oral gavage of NK151 and/or NK175 significantly increased ELA-suppressed tear secretion, IL-10 expression, and goblet cell population and decreased the ELA-induced corneal fluorescein-staining score, IL-1β and TNF-α expression in the conjunctiva. They also suppressed ELA-induced myeloperoxidase, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression. In particular, they increased the ratio of IL-10 to TNF-α expression in the colon. Their treatments increased ELA-induced α-diversity reduction to that of the control group and partially restored ELA-shifted β-diversity to that of the control group. Oral gavage of NK151 and/or NK175 reduced ELA-induced Verrucomicrobia and Actinobacteria populations at the phylum level. Furthermore, they reduced ELA-induced Bacteroidaceae, Akkemansiaceae, and AC160630_f populations and increased ELA-suppressed Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae populations at the family level. These gut bacteria populations exhibited significant correlation with the tear secretion volume. In conclusion, NK151 and/or NK175 alleviated dry eye by modulating the expression ratio of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and gut microbiota composition.

The present investigation aimed to explore the impact of dietary graded levels of 2 types of probiotic bacteria (Bacillus toyonensis [BT] and Bifidobacterium bifidum [BB]) on growth, carcass traits, meat quality, and bacteriology of growing Japanese quail reared under the cage system. One thousand three hundred sixty Japanese quail day-old chicks were randomly divided into 10 groups (8 replicates each). Birds were fed a basal diet (control, T1) and the basal diet plus 0.05, 0.075, 0.10, and 0.125% BT (T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively), 0.10% BB (T6), and the same previous doses of BT plus 0.05% BB (T7, T8, T9, and T10, respectively). Results showed a significant (P < 0.001) increase in final BW and weight gain because of probiotic supplementation (except T2 for weight gain). Both feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ during the overall experimental period (1–42 D of age) except feed intake that was reduced in T2 and increased in T5 and T9 groups. All carcass traits studied were significantly (P

Chronic constipation is a functional disorder that decreases a patient's quality of life (QOL). Because dysbiosis has been associated with constipation, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) in improving QOL in patients with constipation. This was a prospective, single-center, non-blinded, single-arm feasibility trial. A total of 31 patients with constipation and decreased QOL received BBG9-1 treatment for 8 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period. The primary endpoint was change in the overall Japanese version of the patient assessment of constipation of QOL (JPAC-QOL) score after probiotic administration relative to that at baseline. Secondary endpoints included changes in gut microbiota, stool consistency, frequency of bowel movement, degree of straining, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and frequency of rescue drug use. The overall JPAC-QOL scores and frequency of bowel movement significantly improved after BBG9-1 administration from those at baseline (p

Constipation is a condition with a high prevalence rate worldwide and may occur in men and women of any age. Bifidobacterium bifidum has been shown to have a relieving effect on constipation, but the underlying mechanism is still unknown. This study explored the effects of gavage of three strains of B. bifidum (CCFM668, FHNFQ25M12 and FXJCJ32M2) from different sources in mice with loperamide-induced constipation. After 38 days of intervention, B. bifidum CCFM668, FHNFQ25M12 and FXJCJ32M2 showed the ability to modify the levels of gastrointestinal active peptides and promote the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT or serotonin) receptor 4 (5-HT4R), thereby promoting small intestinal peristalsis. The strains could also effectively increase the thickness of the colonic mucosa. However, what was different from previous studies was that these results were independent of the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and 5-HT. Further analysis of the intestinal flora revealed that the relative abundances of the genera Faecalibaculum and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014 in the constipated mice increased significantly, whereas that of Erysipelatoclostridium decreased. A correlation analysis between the intestinal flora and evaluated gastrointestinal indicators demonstrated that the relative abundances of the genera Anaerotruncus, Angelakisella, Erysipelatoclostridium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014 were negatively correlated with the levels of gastrointestinal active peptides. B. bifidum FXJCJ32M2 can increase the relative abundances of Turicibacter and Dubosiella, and this was positively correlated with the expression of aquaporin 8 and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1 but could not effectively alleviate faecal dryness or promote colonic motility. These findings suggest that B. bifidum shows significant intraspecific differences in the remission mechanism and provides a theoretical basis for subsequent population experiments and personalised treatment for constipation.

The target of the research was to analyze the effect of antidiarrheal feed additives on calves average daily weight gain. In the study, 120 calves were analyzed. Newborns were selected into 3 treatment groups, control (without supplementation) and group with Ascophyllum nodosum (prebiotics), and mixture of Lactobacillus sporogenes, Enterococcus faecalis and Bifidobacterium bifidum (probiotics). Individual body weight of animal were determined after 2 hours post-partum. Monitoring of the growth intensity, as well as health status were done till 56 days of age. Significant effects (P

The specific microclimate of poultry premises contributes to the accumulation of microflora, which may contain pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. The concentration of microorganisms in poultry houses increases over time and reduces the resistance of the bird. Researchers have reported very high growth rates of mesophilic aerobic microorganisms, which include most pathogenic bacteria, namely: gram-positive cocci (staphylococci, enterococci) and gram-negative bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Salmonella spp.). Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., and Pseudomonas spp. The goal of our research was to investigate and compare the effectiveness of two probiotics for turkeys, one of which contains recombinant strains of lactic acid microorganisms of intestinal intestinal symbionts, and the other based on a mixture of biologically active substances based on natural components of organo-mineral origin. The task of our work: 1. To study the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract during the use of probiotics after the use of antiparasitic drugs in nematode invasion of turkeys. 2. Compare the growth of young animals with the use of probiotics and provide suggestions on the prospects for the most effective use of probiotics in the cultivation of turkeys. 3. Investigate changes in the physicochemical properties of turkey meat when using probiotics and compare them with controls. To conduct the experiment, three experimental groups of turkeys cross Hybrid converter, 14 days old, each with 10 heads. The first and second experimental groups were given an antiparasitic drug containing levamisole hydrochloride at a dose of 5 ml per 5 liters of water once. After that, probiotics were used for each experimental group of birds. Two types of probiotics were used in the experiments: the first contains recombinant strains of lactic acid microorganisms of intestinal intestinal symbionts: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bacillus thermophilus, Bacillus coagulance, Bacillus subtilis. Has antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant activity; the second preparation contains a mixture of biologically active substances, based on natural ingredients of organo-mineral origin, which includes organic substances – fulvic and humic acids. The third group (control) used only the above antiparasitic drug. After the experiment, at the age of 78 days, poultry was slaughtered and studies of the effect of probiotics on weight, physicochemical parameters of meat. When testing turkeys for helminths. As a result of research, helminths were identified, which were attributed to the causative agent of heterakidosis - Heeterakis gallibarum. After that, it was decided to carry out deworming with levamisole hydrochloride. After a course of treatment, it was found that no deaths were observed in the first experimental group; in the second experimental group, one head died, and in the third control group, which did not use probiotics, the death was two heads. The use of probiotics due to competition reduces the level of total bacterial contamination and coliform bacteria in the experimental groups. And the level of lactic acid bacteria in the experimental groups was higher than in the control. The use of probiotics had a positive effect on weight gain of experimental turkeys, compared with the control group, where probiotics were not used. The difference in the first experimental group compared with the control averaged 618 g, and in the second group – 198 g. Post-mortem examination of turkey carcasses showed that the indicators of the experimental and control groups differ. In terms of external organoleptic characteristics, the meat obtained from the slaughter of experimental birds does not differ from the meat of poultry in the control group. Conclusions and prospects for further research. The use of probiotics based on lactic acid bacteria proved to be the most effective and ensured the complete preservation of livestock. Due to competition, it reduced the level of coliform bacteria by an average of 6.67 % in the experimental groups; the level of lactic acid bacteria in the experimental groups was 4.89 % higher than in the control. The use of probiotics increased the weight gain of poultry by 3.28 %. No significant effect on the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of meat was observed.In the future it is planned to study the microflora of turkey slaughter products.

This study used bifidobacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from the selected strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum WBBI01 and WBIN03, Bifidobacterium breve WBBR04, Bifidobacterium infantis WBAN07 and Bifidobacterium longum WBLO01 to explore the EPSs regulatory effect on anaphylaxis in mice. First of all, allergy mouse models were established via subcutaneous injection followed by OVA gavage, and then the EPSs from the five Bifidobacteria were fed into the mice via continuous gavage. Samples were taken from the mice periodically to determine the changes of cytokine levels in serum, including those of IgE, IgG, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and INF-γ. The test revealed that the EPSs from B. breve WBBR04 could considerably relieve food allergy in the mouse models, but the effect of B. infantis WBAN07 was unsatisfactory. Based on the above conclusions, the EPSs of B. bifidum WBBR04 and WBIN03, B. breve WBBR04, and B. longum WBLO01 were respectively incubated with the small intestine tissue sections of an allergic mouse model. The resulting culture supernatants were then tested. Based on the above, it can be concluded that EPS of B. breve WBBR04 can enhance the intestinal barrier integrity by attaching themselves onto the inner walls of the small intestine, hence effectively isolating the allergens and preventing food allergy.

A simple accelerated method for determining «self/non-self» microorganisms by using the agglutination reaction (RA) and therapeutic/prophylactic serum (Immunoglobulin complex preparation, lyophilized IgG, IgA, IgM immunoglobulins, developed by CSC Immuno-Gem, Moscow) is proposed to test for pathogenic, opportunistic and dominant probiotic Bifidobacteria spp. In parallel, all the microbial cell cultures examined were registered in the databases of Russia-wide and international collections and tested by the intermicrobial “self/non-self” recognition method, previously developed by us. 16 collection strains of various microorganisms were assessed by the RA with relevant therapeutic and prophylactic serum. Biological samples were obtained from the collection bacterial strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum 791, Escherichia coli LEGM-18, Klebsiella pneumoniae 278, Lactobacillus fermentum 90T-C4, Bifidobacterium longum MC-42, Escherichia coli M-17, Shigella sonnei 177b, Shigella flexneri 170, Escherichia coli 157, Staphylococcus aureus 209, Candida albicans 10231 and Salmonella serovar Enteritidis ATCC 10708. In addition, cell cultures obtained from the Museum of the Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis UB RAS such as Bifidobacterium longum ICIS-505, Lactobacillus acidophilus ICIS-1127, Bifidobacterium bifidum ICIS-202, Bifidobacterium bifidum ICIS-310 were also included into the study. To assess microbial peptidoglycan foreignness, the intermicrobial “self/non-self” recognition method was also used based on inducing metabolites produced by the “dominant” test strain Bifidobacterium longum MC-42 after pre-incubation with metabolites collected from the studied cell cultures (“associates”) followed by established “dominant-associate” feedback loop. The data were evaluated by assessing change-fold in reproduction (growth/replication) and adaptation (biofilm formation and anti-lysozyme test) of microbial cultures in accordance with the described technique followed by comparing these two methods for intermicrobial “self/non-self” recognition. All the RA data were found to fully agree with those obtained after previous studies by using intermicrobial “self/non-self” recognition method coupled to “dominant-associate” system. Moreover, compared to analogous “intermicrobial recognition” method (5 days), ease of use and test timeframe (24 hours) allow to consider RA attractive for screening studies to select strains for scientific and industrial purposes.

Bifidobacterium selectively colonizes the infants' intestinal tract, and the relevant coliform bacteria in adults are particularly beneficial because of their enhanced capability to prevent pathogens of gastro intestine by direct antimicrobial action and relieve infection, which led to their intensification, the antibacterial activities of titanium nanoparticles producing by some bacteria, makes them attractive as a new agent against pathogenic bacteria. In our present study, we used a probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium bifidum which was isolated from the commercial market capsule to produce TiO2 nanoparticles and study the biologically characterized nanoparticle using various techniques like Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and study its antimicrobial activity against a bacteria isolated from the stool of patients suffering from acute diarrhea. The results showed that the morphological characteristics of nanoparticles were found to have a spherical shape and mean size of 81 nm by AFM while scanning electron microscope viewed as an oval shape with anatase form synthesized by B. bifidum. TiO2-NP synthesized by B. bifidum had an inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa, A. baumanii, K. pneumonia at a concentration 16 mg/ml and 32 mg/ml towards E. coli and S. typhi, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against pathogenic bacteria isolated from acute diarrhea included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii, Klebsiella pneumonia, E.coli and salmonella typhi was utilized to determine the antibacterial impact of the synthesized TIO2 nanoparticles. Our biologically synthesized titanium nanoparticles were effective against all the tested pathogenic bacteria at various degrees and had a probable role in significantly greater antimicrobial efficacy against all isolates under study. This trial may have considerable significance for the prevention of antibiotic resistance associated diarrhea in hospitals.

Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of low fat probiotic yoghurt fortified with mango pulp powder were investigated. Mango pulp powder was added at ratios of 1, 2 and 3 %. Yoghurt treatments were analyzed when fresh and after 5, 10 and 15 days of storage at 5 ± 1˚C. Fortification of low fat yoghurt with mango pulp powder increased the total solids, protein, ash, pH, dietary fiber, viscosity, phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. Increments were proportional to the mango pulp powder fortification concentration. On the other hand, the acidity and synersis decreased with the increase of the added mango pulp fiber. Fortification of low fat yoghurt with mango pulp powder improved the via­bility of Streptococcus thermophiles, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum and this improvement was proportional to the concentration of mango pulp powder. Low fat yoghurt made with added of 3% of mango pulp powder achieved the highest scores for sensory properties, compared to other treatments. It could be concluded that mango pulp powder can be used at a rate of 3% as a source of bioactive components and dietary fiber in making of low fat yoghurt, which enhanced its physicochemical, microbiological, antioxidant and sensory properties.

Background Salep is obtained by grinding dried orchid tubers and used as a valuable ingredient in the food industry. Because of the glucomannan content of salep, it is thought to have prebiotic potential. However, there is little information in studies concerning the fermentation characteristics and potential prebiotic properties of salep. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of salep on bifidobacterial growth by measuring the highest optical density (OD), calculating the specific growth rates, and determining the production of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic, and butyric acid) as a result of bacterial fermentation. Result The OD and pH values obtained in this study showed that salep was utilized as a source of assimilable carbon and energy by the Bifidobacterium species (BS). All Bifidobacterium strains produced lactic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acid, indicating that salep is readily fermented by these bacteria. Salep at 1% (w/v) showed a similar effect on bifidobacterial growth as that promoted by 1% (w/v) glucose used as a traditional carbon source. Conclusions Bifidobacterium species can develop in media containing salep as well as in glucose and exhibit the potential to be used as new sources of prebiotics. How to cite: Usta-Gorgun B, Yilmaz-Ersan L. Short-chain fatty acid production by the Bifidobacterium species in the presence of salep. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.06.004 .

The microflora of the intestinal tract is vital to many physiological functions, mainly fermentation and processing of dietary components, control of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, development of the immune system, and protection against pathogens. Plant extracts have potential for treatment options that protect commensal or beneficial microflora in the intestines while eliminating pathogens. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of Pinus brutia (Turkish red pine) bark extract containing phenolic compounds on some commensal and pathogenic bacteria from the intestinal microflora using a microdilution method. P. brutia bark extract did not completely inhibit any intestinal bacteria. However, the extract showed a potential inhibitor activity on Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus from 75 µg/mL, on Escherichia coli and Fusobacterium nucleatum from 150 µg/mL, and on Clostridium perfringens from 300 µg/mL concentrations (P

Cancer is one of the main causes of mortality. Therapeutic importance in some diseases, especially cancers has led to considering the anti-cancer effects of probiotics more than ever. Probiotics have stimulatory effects on the immunity and suppressor effects on cancer activity. Various studies report that probiotic bacteria have cytotoxicity effects on different types of solid tumors. In this research, we evaluated the synergic effect of secretory chemicals of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria on cytotoxic potency of breast and gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus were cultured in MRS broth. Cytotoxicity assay was performed on AGS, MCF-7 cell lines, and peripheral mononuclear cells after treatment with bacteria extractions by MTT test. β-actin, Bcl2, Bax, TNF-α, and IFN-γ gene expression levels were evaluated in treated cell lines by real-time PCR method. The result of cytotoxicity assay showed that the obtained extraction from the bacterial cultures has a higher killing effect on cancer cells compared with normal cells. Results of gene expression indicated a significant increase in Bax and Bcl2 gene expression in cancer cells. TNF-α gene expression increased significantly as compared with the control group. The obtained extraction from probiotics culture can induce death in cancer cells through the apoptosis mechanism and improve the cellular immune response, i.e., T helper 1 cytokine profile.

Background Vaginal yeast is frequently found with Lactobacillus-dominant microbiota. The relationship between vaginal yeast and other bacteria has not been well characterized. Methods These analyses utilized data from the Preventing Vaginal Infections trial. Relative abundance of vaginal bacteria from 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene amplicon sequencing and quantities of 10 vaginal bacteria using taxon-directed polymerase chain reaction assays were compared at visits with and without detection of yeast on microscopy, culture, or both. Results Higher relative abundances of Megasphaera species type 1 (risk ratio [RR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–0.95), Megasphaera species type 2 (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67–0.98), and Mageeibacillus indolicus (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25–0.83) were associated with lower risk of detecting yeast. In contrast, higher relative abundances of Bifidobacterium bifidum, Aerococcus christensenii, Lactobacillus mucosae, Streptococcus equinus/infantarius/lutentiensis, Prevotella bivia, Dialister propionicifaciens, and Lactobacillus crispatus/helveticus were associated with yeast detection. Taxon-directed assays confirmed that increasing quantities of both Megasphaera species and M indolicus were associated with lower risk of detecting yeast, whereas increasing quantities of L crispatus were associated with higher risk of detecting yeast. Conclusions Despite an analysis that examined associations between multiple vaginal bacteria and the presence of yeast, only a small number of vaginal bacteria were strongly and significantly associated with the presence or absence of yeast.

Enteric glial cells (EGCs) and enteric glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are directly involved in intestinal inflammation. In this study, we sought to examine the possible mechanisms for how Bifidobacterium bifidum (B.b.) and Bacteroides fragilis (B.f.) influence EGC regulation. In this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were used as exogenous stimuli of EGCs to establish an intestinal inflammation model. After stimulation with LPS and IFN-γ, B.b. and B.f. supernatants were used to activate EGCs and to examine EGC immune mechanisms. For this purpose, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) were used to detect the expression of NLRP3, NLRP6, NGF, NT-3, IL-18, IL-1β, and caspase-1. We found that EGCs, after stimulation with LPS and IFN-γ, could express NLRP3, NLRP6, NT-3, NGF, IL-18, IL-1β, and caspase-1 through LSCM. In intestinal inflammation, B.b. and B.f. could trigger an increase in NGF and NT-3 expression in EGCs in order to protect the intestine. Furthermore, B.b. and B.f. could upregulate NLRP3 expression in EGCs and promote an inflammatory response. B.b. had a dual regulatory role in EGC NLRP6 expression, while B.f. inhibited NLRP6 protein expression. Moreover, B.b. could decrease the expression of IL-18, IL-1β, and caspase-1 in EGCs in order to inhibit the inflammatory response. Contrary to this, B.f. could upregulate IL-18, IL-1β, and caspase-1 expression in EGCs in order to promote the inflammatory response. B.b. and B.f. can influence the expression of NGF, NT-3, NLRP3, NLRP6, IL-18, IL-1β, and caspase-1 in EGCs in order to inhibit or promote intestinal inflammation.

Insufficient efficiency and safety of cellular probiotics encourages the search for new effective means of correction of microecological disorders. Most of the beneficial effects of probiotics are due to the biological activity of their structural components and metabolites. Recently, great hope is pinned on postbiotic products as a means of restoring the balance of intestinal microbial populations. The data obtained in this experimental study demonstrate the ability of cell-free extracts from Bifidobacterium bifidum 1 and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 cultures, cultivated in their own disintegrates supplemented with ascorbic acid, to provide anti-infection protection and correct microecological disturbances at modeling an infectious process against a background of antibiotic-induced dysbiosis in mice. The beneficial effects of cell-free extracts showed up in the acceleration of the pathogen elimination and an increase in the number of representatives of the positive intestinal microbiota. The results of the study justify the need for further clinical trials to determine the therapeutic efficacy of cell-free extracts when included in the protocols of dysbiosis treatment.

Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can alleviate upper gastrointestinal injury but paradoxically exacerbate aspirin (ASA)-induced small intestine injury. In this study, our goal was to simulate this exacerbation by developing an appropriate animal model, which may help in establishing treatments. Methods: Male mice were fed a 60% fructose diet for 9 weeks, then administered 200 mg/kg ASA 3 h before sacrifice. The PPI omeprazole was administered intraperitoneally once daily for 9 weeks. Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 was administered orally for the last week. In addition, Akkermansia muciniphila was administered orally for 9 weeks instead of omeprazole. Results: ASA-induced small-intestine injury was observed in high-fructose fed mice. Omeprazole exacerbated ASA-induced intestinal damage, significantly decreased Bifidobacteria levels, and significantly increased A. muciniphila counts in the jejunum. The direct administration of A. muciniphila caused thinning of the jejunum mucus layer, which was also observed in mice that received ASA and omeprazole. On the other hand, the administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 inhibited A. muciniphila growth and reduced thinning of the mucus layer. The number of goblet cells in the jejunum was reduced by the administration of ASA and omeprazole, while Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 prevented the reduction. Conclusions: These results suggest that omeprazole-induced gut dysbiosis promotes Akkermansia growth and inhibits Bifidobacterium growth, leading to a thinning of the mucus layer through a reduction in goblet cells in the small intestine. Probiotics are, therefore, a promising approach for the treatment of small intestine injury.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of chickpea as a prebiotic, antioxidant and thickener agent on the probiotic viability and physicochemical properties of stirred bio-yoghurt. Stirred bio-yoghurts were made using probiotic cultures (Bifidobacterium bifidum and a mixture of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus) with chickpea flour at different concentrations (1, 2 and 3%). Physicochemical, antioxidant, rheological, microbiological and sensorial properties of stirred bio-yoghurt were evaluated during storage. The obtained results showed that the chickpea flour stimulated the growth of probiotic bacteria. The bacterial counts in bio-yoghurt made using Bifidobacterium bifidum were log 8.28, 8.12, 8.04 and 7.32 CFUg−1 with 3, 2, 1% chickpea flour and control respectively. Stirred bio-yoghurt supplemented with chickpea flour received high values of antioxidant capacity (91, 83 and 76.6%) at concentrations of 3%, 2% and 1% chickpea flour respectively, while control received low value (31.12%). The viscosity of stirred bio-yoghurt was enhanced by chickpea supplementation. The sensory evaluation revealed that samples with 1 and 2% chickpea flour were preferred by panelists in texture and flavour properties. The obtained results concluded that the chickpea flour could replace the skimmed milk powder at concentrations of 1 or 2% to enhance the quality of stirred bio-yoghurt and reduce the production cost.

PurposeThe effect of pomegranate whole and inside peels before and after extraction of the tannic acid have been carried out in stimulated media and in gastrointestinal conditionsDesign/methodology/approachAdding pomegranate peels with and without tannins at different levels to bio-stirred yoghurt to study its effect as prebiotic, in addition to evaluating the effect on physiochemical, sensorial and rheological propertiesFindingsThe results reveal that pomegranate peels before and after removing tannins had no effect on the viability of a single strain of Lb. acidophilus in stimulated media, while the growth of mixed probiotic culture (Lb.acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) was enhanced when pomegranate peels (whole and inside part) free from tannins were used. Tannin-free pomegranate peels enhanced the viability of probiotic culture under gastrointestinal conditions. In this study, all probiotic cultures were maintained counts around log 8 cfu /g in stirred bio-yoghurt supplements with pomegranate peels after 21days. Bio-yoghurt supplemented with pomegranate peels at 0.5% gained high scores for overall acceptability.Originality/valuePomegranate has been recognized as a good source of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Some researchers have utilized pomegranate peel in fermented milk, but most of the studies have found that tannins inhibit the bacterial culture. This study recommended that the supplementation of low-fat bio-yoghurt with tannin-free pomegranate peels enhanced the texture properties, viscosity of the product, as well as the viability of probiotic culture during shelf life. Therefore, the tannin-free pomegranate peel could be used as a prebiotic in functional fermented dairy products.

Probiotic microorganisms are known to be able to exhibit antioxidant activity. Most of beneficial probiotics effects are due to the action of their derivatives (structural components and metabolites). The aim of the work was to investigate the antiradical activity of cell-free extracts containing bacterial derivatives of Bifidobacterium bifidum 1 and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 probiotic strains, by their hydroxyl radical scavenging activity in the model system of their generation. Cell-free extracts were obtained from disintegrators and cultures of probiotic bacteria cultured in the disintegrators of their own cells. A metabiotic HYLAK FORTE was chosen as the reference drug. At a concentration 20% vol. in the incubation medium the hydroxyl radical scavenging by L. reuteri cell-free extracts was at a level of 75–90 %, and the hydroxyl radical scavenging by B. bifidum cell-free extracts was at a level of 50–60%. The metabiotic provided the same level of the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity when its content in the incubation medium was lower in 1.5 – 2.5 times. Extracts obtained from disintegrators showed a more pronounced antiradical activity than extracts from probiotic cultures. Based on the weight of the dry residue, concentrations for 50% hydroxyl radical scavenging (ІС50) by extracts and metabiotic were calculated. According to this indicator, L. reuteri extract obtained from disintegrate was the most effective (IC50 = 1.57 mg/ml). Other investigated derivative-containing products were arranged in decreasing order of antiradical activity as follows: B. bifidum extract from disintegrate (IC50 = 1, 64 mg/ml) > B. bifidum extract from culture (IC50 = 1, 75 mg/ml) > L. reuteri extract from culture (IC50 = 1, 86 mg/ml) > HYLAK FORTE (IC50 = 11, 03 mg/ml). Thus, all the studied extracts showed antiradical activity with respect to the most reactive hydroxyl radical. The obtained results encourage further study of the antioxidant properties of L. reuteri and B. bifidum cell-free extracts in order to elucidate the mechanisms of their biological activity and justify the appropriateness of their therapeutic use.

Probiotics have been proposed to ameliorate cognitive impairment and depressive disorder via the gut–brain axis in patients and experimental animal models. However, the beneficial role of probiotics in brain functions of healthy older adults remains unclear. Therefore, a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled multicenter trial was conducted to determine the effects of probiotics on cognition and mood in community-dwelling older adults. Sixty-three healthy elders (≥65 years) consumed either placebo or probiotics containing Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI for 12 weeks. The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics. Brain functions were measured using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s disease, Satisfaction with life scale, stress questionnaire, Geriatric depression scale, and Positive affect and negative affect schedule. Blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relative abundance of inflammation-causing gut bacteria was significantly reduced at Week 12 in the probiotics group (p < .05). The probiotics group showed greater improvement in mental flexibility test and stress score than the placebo group (p < .05). Contrary to placebo, probiotics significantly increased serum BDNF level (p < .05). Notably, the gut microbes significantly shifted by probiotics (Eubacterium and Clostridiales) showed significant negative correlation with serum BDNF level only in the probiotics group (RS = −0.37, RS = −0.39, p < .05). In conclusion, probiotics promote mental flexibility and alleviate stress in healthy older adults, along with causing changes in gut microbiota. These results provide evidence supporting health-promoting properties of probiotics as a part of healthy diet in the older adults.

At least a half million children in the world are suffering from TB every year and 64.000 children died from TB in 2011. Previous works indicated the ability of probiotic in stimulating the production of IL-12 and IFN-γ which subsequently increased the role of type Th1 responses and improved the balance of Th1-Th2. Antigen combination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) initiated synergistic increase of IFN-γ bigger than the level induced by Mtb or LAB. This study aimed to analyze the administration effects of LAB multi cultures (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus thermophilus) to the secretion of IFN-γ on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture supernatant of childhood tuberculosis patients under medication. The PBMC of the patients isolated from whole blood was culture-treated in 4 groups: (1) without treatment (-MtbCell, -LAB), (2) incubation with Mtb, without LAB administration (+MtbCell, -LAB), (3) with LAB administration, without incubation with Mtb(- MtbCell, +LAB), and (4) incubation with Mtb and LAB administration (+MtbCell, +LAB), to subsequently be taken the supernatant and to examine IFN-γ by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was a significant difference in IFN-γ assay (p = 0.006) between group (1) compared to the group (4). Addition of the LAB multi cultures increased the secretion of IFN-γ supernatant on the PBMC culture supernatant of childhood tuberculosis patients under medication. The LAB increased 6.31% of IFN-γ level, while treatment with LAB and Mtb increased IFN-γ level up to 15.79% compared to IFN- γ level in the PBMC without treatment.

The effect of Auricularia auricula aqueous extract (AAE) on the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-12, and on chemical and sensory properties of yogurt was investigated during 28 days of storage at 4°C. The use of 0.05% of AAE improved the survival of L. acidophilus La-5 and B. bifidum Bb-12 about 0.35 and 0.58 log CFU/g, respectively. However, AAE in 0.1% concentration enhanced the survival of L. acidophilus La-5 and B. bifidum Bb-12 about 0.43 and 0.51 log CFU/g, respectively. Moreover, 0.1% concentration of AAE drastically increased antioxidant activity and total phenolic content to 115.30 mg BHT eq./kg and 1,057.6 mg Gallic acid/kg after 28 days, respectively. Addition of AAE to the yogurt significantly decreased sensorial acceptance while increased syneresis compared to the control group (p

Healthy human bodies are inhabited by over 100 trillion bacterial cells [1]. The study of the symbiotic relationship between humans and these unicellular organisms has become of great importance in the medical field. In fact, the pathology of many diseases involves perturbation of the intestinal flora [1]. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychotropic ingredient of cannabis, has caught the attention of healthcare researchers given its ability to increase appetite, and reduce nausea and inflammation [2]. THC has also been associated with modulating the effects arising in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), however, its ability to affect bacteria growth has not been studied [3]. This proposed experiment seeks to explore the growth and vitality of beneficial gut microbiota (Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA), Akkermansia muciniphila (AM), Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB), and Streptococcus thermophilus (ST)) upon exposure to THC [4]. Through utilizing an experimental approach, beneficial bacterial cultures will be collected to study the growth of the microorganisms incubated with THC, relative to a positive and negative control. The results of the proposed study could inform future experiments investigating the treatment of a range of diseases with cannabis. The benefits of these treatments could also be extended to improving the daily health of the general population.

Metformin is associated with risks of gastrointestinal complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. In contrast, probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) could improve the symptoms of diarrhea caused by metformin in animal models. Thus, the primary outcome of this study will be the effect of the probiotic BBG9-1 on gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, in patients with type 2 diabetes who use metformin. This open-label, single-arm, and exploratory study will examine 40 patients with type 2 diabetes who use metformin and have symptoms of constipation or diarrhea. After the baseline examination (objective 1), patients will be administered probiotic BBG9-1 for 10 ± 2 weeks. Then, examinations will be performed (objective 2). The primary outcome will be changes in the symptoms of constipation or diarrhea from objective 1 to objective 2. Secondary outcomes will include changes in gut microbiota, and correlations between changes in fecal properties and biomarkers, including HbA1c level and body mass index. This is the first study to investigate the effect of probiotic BBG9-1 on the change in the symptom of constipation or diarrhea in patients with type 2 diabetes who use metformin.

Recent studies of metformin, the first-line drug for type 2 diabetes, have reported the involvement of gut microbiota in the mechanism underlying its antihyperglycemic effect. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of diarrhea and bloating, which are adverse effects of metformin, are unclear, and these effects decrease the quality of life of metformin-receiving patients with diabetes. In this study, we focused on the effects of metformin on gut microbiota. Namely, we examined the effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1), which has the ability to improve dysbiosis, on the changes in gut microbiota and occurrence of soft feces (increased fecal water content) during the administration of metformin. The results showed that coadministration of BBG9-1 and metformin suppressed metformin-mediated changes in the gut microbiota and, thus, soft feces. Meanwhile, BBG9-1 did not influence the antihyperglycemic effect of metformin. Based on these results, we believe that BBG9-1, which could improve gut microbiota, suppresses metformin-induced soft feces without influencing the drug's antihyperglycemic effect.

Salmonellosis is the most prevalent bacterial foodborne disease in many countries worldwide. Utilization of probiotics is one of the most accepted ways to reduce Salmonella, especially lactic acid bacteria, as it has proven to reduce the enteric pathogens in monogastric and ruminant livestock animals through different mechanisms such as antimicrobials production, competitive adhesion to the gastrointestinal tract, and immune stimulation. Prebiotics could be utilized solely for health benefits as an alternative to probiotics or in addition to probiotics for a synergistic effect known as synbiotics. The aim of this study was to compare effects of different probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus (La-14), Lactobacillus paracasei (Lpc-37), Streptococcus thermophiles (St-21), Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bb-06), and Aspergillus niger (ATCC&#17416888TM) and without prebiotics (Mannose; Xylose; Galactooligosaccharides GOS; Inulin; and Dandelion extract) on lowering Salmonella heidelberg CFU in vitro. Different inhibition levels probiotic strains were assessed and compared in the presence and absence of 2.5% prebiotic compounds using cross-streaking and agar well diffusion assays. Recommendations for the growth of selected microorganisms such as temperature and oxygen conditions were taken into consideration. All the analysis was conducted in triplicates. The results showed that all the probiotics strains except S. thermophiles were able to significantly (P < 0.05) inhibit the growth of S. heidelberg in at least one of the assays. The difference in inhibition percentage confirms that probiotic strains have multiple inhibition mechanisms, such as production of antimicrobials, lower pH by producing organic acids (acetic acid, lactic acid, etc.), and inhibition of pathogen’s virulence factor expression, and production of lipopolysaccharide solubilizing compounds.