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Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major risk factors associated with the emergence and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and atherosclerosis. The hypocholesterolemic effects of probiotics have been indicated by numerous studies. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and cytochrome P450 7A1 or cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) are two important genes in choletsterol metabolism. In this study, the effects of Bacillus subtilis JQ61816 on lipid panel, hepatic enzymes and expression levels of HMGCR and CYP7A1 were investigated. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were randomly allotted to 3 experimental groups; a) negative control group (ND) fed with normal diet, b) high-fat diet group (HFD) fed with high cholesterol diet, and c) probiotic group (BS) fed with high cholesterol diet supplemented with probiotic B. subtilis. Serum analysis of treatment groups was performed to measure fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile parameters, hepatic enzymes, urea, and uric acid. Our results showed that B. subtilis could reduce the level of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL and it also could increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. Moreover, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and uric acid were significantly lower in BS group compare to HFD group. Furthermore, up-regulation of HMGCR and down-regulation of CYP7A1 were observed in BS group. The results of our study suggest that consumption of probiotic B. subtilis JQ61816 may prevent or decline the development of hypercholesterolemia and other cardiovascular diseases.

Skin plays an essential role in the prevention of pathogenic microorganisms entrance. It is also considered as the first line of immune defense in our body. The therapeutic effects of probiotics on wound healing are well reported over the past decade. Nevertheless, there are limited publications about the impact of probiotics on skin wound healing. Here we assessed the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei TD3 on cutaneous wound healing in male Wistar rats. During this research, thirty-six male Wistar rats grouped into control positive, control negative, and trial groups, then the skins of rats were incised to make a full-thickness wound. An ointment produced from probiotic L. paracasei TD3 was administrated to the trial group, and immunohistological factors of each host were evaluated and compared with control groups. The final results showed that although L. paracasei TD3 could proceed the wound closure earlier than other groups and could induce angiogenesis in trial group, it could not cause any significant changes in the levels of monocytes, lymphocyte, mast cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the trial group compared to control groups. This probiotic bacterium may be effective besides other probiotic bacteria.

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is an important neuropsychiatric disorder worldwide. Common treatments of OCD include serotonergic antidepressants, which can cause potentially serious side effects. We assessed the effects of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) Shirota consumption in an animal model of OCD. OCD-like symptoms were induced in rats by the chronic injection of the D2/D3 dopamine agonist quinpirole hydrochloride. Rats were classified into five groups of 6 rats. Four groups were injected chronically with quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg, twice weekly for 5 weeks). They were fed with L. casei Shirota (109 CF/g, daily for 4 weeks) (group 1), fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, daily for 4 weeks) (group 2), combination of L. casei Shirota and fluoxetine (group 3), and normal saline (positive control group). The last group did not receive dopamine agonist and was only injected with saline (negative control group). Expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), solute carrier family 6 member 4 (Slc6a4), and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor type 2A (Htr2a) were assessed in orbitofrontal cortex tissues of all rats. Behavioral tests showed improvement of OCD signs in rats treated with L. casei Shirota, fluoxetine, and a combination of drugs. Quantitative PCR analysis showed a remarkable decrease in the expression of Bdnf and an increase in the expression of Htr2a in quinpirole-treated rats. After treatment with L. casei Shirota and fluoxetine, the expression level of Bdnf was increased remarkably, whereas Htr2a expression was decreased. The current study showed the effectiveness of L. casei Shirota in the treatment of OCD in a rat model. The beneficial effects of this probiotic are possibly exerted through the modulation of serotonin-related genes expression.

Burn wound infection by A. baumannii is one of the predominant cause of mortality worldwide. The present investigation aimed at determination of antimicrobial resistance profile and expression of the biofilm-related genes in A. baumannii isolated from hospitalized patients with burn wound infection in Kermanshah hospitals. Sixty four isolates of A. baumannii were recovered from burn wound of hospitalized patients at hospitals in Kermanshah. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed. Biofilm formation was measured and antibiotic resistance was compared between before and after of biofilm formation. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Real-Time PCR were performed to detect of abaI and pgaD genes. The biofilm producer isolates and the most resistant isolates were exposed to ozone gas .More than 70% strains were resistance to Erythromycin, Ofloxacin, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, and Ticarcillin-clavulanic acid and 50% isolates were resistant to Imipenem. Thirty one (48.4%) isolates were biofilm producer. The pgaD and abaI genes were positive in 29 (45.3%) and 9 (14%) isolates, respectively. Real time PCR demonstrated that the copy numbers of the pgaD and abaI genes after biofilm formation were increased. After exposure to ozone, biofilm formation reduced in all very strong biofilm producing isolates. Our results showed that after biofilm formation, an increased resistance was observed in most isolates. Also rising expression of abaI gene was associated with biofilm formation and an increase of antibiotic resistance. In the current study, both biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance were reduced after O3 exposure.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes among subjects with gestational diabetes (GDM).This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was done among 60 subjects with GDM who were not on oral hypoglycemic agents. Patients were randomly allocated to intake either probiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum (2 × 10Compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (-5.3 ± 6.7 vs. +0.03 ± 9.0 mg/dL, p = .01), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (-2.2 ± 2.7 vs. +0.5 ± 2.4 μg/mL, p .001), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (-0.1 ± 0.8 vs. +0.5 ± 1.5 μmol/L, p = .03) and MDA/TAC ratio (-0.0003 ± 0.0008 vs. +0.0009 ± 0.002, p = .004), and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (+65.4 ± 103.3 vs. -37.2 ± 143.7 mmol/L, p = .002). Probiotic supplementation did not affect pregnancy outcomes.Overall, probiotic supplementation among women with GDM for six weeks had beneficial effects on FPG, serum hs-CRP, plasma TAC, MDA and oxidative stress index, but did not affect pregnancy outcomes.

Background The incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity has been rising dramatically; however, their pathogenesis is particularly intriguing. Recently, dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota has emerged as a new candidate that may be linked to metabolic diseases. We hypothesize that selective modulation of the intestinal microbiota by probiotic or synbiotic supplementation may improve metabolic dysfunction and prevent diabetes in prediabetics. In this study, a synthesis and study of synbiotics will be carried out for the first time in Iran. Methods/Design In a randomized triple-blind controlled clinical trial, 120 adults with impaired glucose tolerance based on the inclusion criteria will be selected by a simple random sampling method and will be randomly allocated to 6 months of 6 g/d probiotic, synbiotic or placebo. The fecal abundance of bacteria, blood pressure, height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences will be measured at baseline and following treatment. Also, plasma lipid profiles, HbA1C, fasting plasma glucose, and insulin levels, will be measured and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) will be calculated at baseline and will be repeated at months 3, 6, 12, and 18. The data will be compared within and between groups using statistical methods. Discussion The results of this trial could contribute to the evidence-based clinical guidelines that address gut microbiota manipulation to maximize health benefits in prevention and management of metabolic syndrome in prediabetes. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT201511032321N2. Registered on 27 February 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1885-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

This study determined the effects of probiotic supplementation on glycemic control, lipid concentrations, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in 60 diabetic patients on hemodialysis in a parallel randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were initially matched based on sex, duration of dialysis and diabetes, body mass index and age. Subsequently, they were randomly divided into two groups to take either a capsule containing the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus , Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum or placebo for 12 weeks. Based on three-day dietary records throughout the trial, there was no significant change in dietary macro- and micro-nutrients or total dietary fiber to confound results. After the 12 weeks, analysis of patients who received probiotic supplements compared with the placebo showed they had significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (–22.0 vs. +6.6 mg/dl), serum insulin (–6.4 vs. +2.3 μIU/ml), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (–2.9 vs. +2.5), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated beta-cell function (–14.1 vs. +6.1) and HbA1c (–0.4 vs. –0.1%,), and improved quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.03 vs. –0.02). Additionally, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in significant reductions in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (–1933 vs. +252 ng/ml), plasma malondialdehyde (–0.3 vs. +1.0 μmol/l), subjective global assessment scores (–0.7 vs. +0.7) and total iron binding capacity (–230 vs. +33 μg/dl), and a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (+15 vs. –88 mmol/l). Thus, probiotic supplementation for 12 weeks among diabetic hemodialysis patients had beneficial effects on parameters of glucose homeostasis, and some biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Probiotics and/or prebiotics could be a promising approach to improve metabolic disorders by favorably modifying the gut microbial composition. To assess the effects of probiotics and synbiotic on glycemic indices in prediabetic individuals who are at risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel-group clinical trial, 120 prediabetic adults participated and were randomly allocated to receive either probiotics or synbiotic or placebo supplements for 24 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, food record, physical activity and glycemic biomarkers including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin levels (FIL), homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and β-cell function (HOMA-B) were assessed at baseline and repeated at 12 and 24 weeks and compared within and between three groups using repeated measure ANOVA. Compared with the placebo, synbiotic supplementation resulted in a higher significant reduction in FPG (− 6.5 ± 1.6 vs. − 0.82 ± 1.7 mg/dL, P = 0.01), FIL (− 2.6 ± 0.9 vs. − 0.8 ± 0.8 µIU/mL, P = 0.028), and HOMA-IR (− 0.86 ± 0.3 vs. − 0.16 ± 0.25, P = 0.007), and a significant elevation in the QUICKI (+ 0.01 ± 0.003 vs. + 0.003 ± 0.002, P = 0.006). In addition, significant decreases in HbA1C was seen following the supplementation of probiotics and synbiotic compared with the placebo (− 0.12 ± 0.06 and − 0.14 ± 0.05 vs. +0.07 ± 0.06%, P = 0.005 and 0.008, respectively). HOMA-B was not found to be different between or within the three groups. Glycemic improvement by probiotics and particularly synbiotic supplements in prediabetic individuals has been supported by current study. However, further studies are required for optimal recommendations in this important area of patient treatment. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT201511032321N2, Date registered February 27, 2016.

The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on weight loss, glycaemia and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 women with PCOS were randomized to receive probiotic capsule (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Consumption of probiotic supplements resulted in a significant reduction in weight (-0.5 ± 0.4 vs. +0.1 ± 1.0 kg, p = 0.004) and BMI (-0.2 ± 0.2 vs. +0.03 ± 0.4 kg/m

Background This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on wound healing and metabolic status in subjects with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Methods This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted among 60 subjects (aged 40‐85 years old) with grade 3 diabetic foot ulcer. Individuals were randomly divided into 2 groups (30 subjects each group) to receive either probiotic or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Results After the 12‐week intervention, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation led to significant reductions in ulcer length (−1.3 ± 0.9 vs. −0.8 ± 0.7 cm, P = .01), width (−1.1 ± 0.7 vs. −0.7 ± 0.7 cm, P = .02), and depth (−0.5 ± 0.3 vs. −0.3 ± 0.3 cm, P = .02). Furthermore, significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (−29.6 ± 30.3 vs. −5.8 ± 39.8 mg/dL, P = .01), serum insulin concentrations (−4.3 ± 7.9 vs. +0.4 ± 8.5 μIU/mL, P = .03), and haemoglobin A1c (−0.6 ± 0.5 vs. −0.2 ± 0.4%, P = .003) and a significant rise in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.01 vs. −0.01 ± 0.02, P = .003) were seen following supplementation of probiotic compared with the placebo. Additionally, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in significant decreases in serum total cholesterol (−4.8 ± 16.1 vs. +7.0 ± 27.1 mg/dL, P = .04), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (−9.0 ± 14.7 vs. −1.7 ± 8.6 mg/L, P = .02), plasma malondialdehyde (−0.8 ± 0.8 vs. −0.2 ± 0.8 μmol/L, P = .001), and significant increases in plasma nitric oxide (+6.2 ± 8.2 vs. +0.8 ± 8.0 μmol/L, P = .01) and total antioxidant capacity concentrations (+179.3 ± 97.2 vs. −85.1 ± 203.4 mmol/L, P < .001). Conclusions Overall, probiotic supplementation for 12 weeks among subjects with diabetic foot ulcer had beneficial effects on ulcer size, glycaemic control, total cholesterol, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, plasma nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels. Keywords diabetic foot metabolic status probiotic administration wound healing Funding Information

BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a commonly-encountered gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glandular and stromal cells outside of the uterus. Several studies have been conducted on endometriosis, however its molecular mechanism and pathogenesis are still not completely clear. The role of ELAM-1 gene in mediating the adhesion of tumor cells to endothelial cells by binding to ELAM-1 ligands expressed by eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cell effectors, T lymphocyte cells, and cancer (progenitor/stem) cells is well studied. Our hypothesis proposes that the alteration in ELAM-1 mRNA level is a significant point in successful transplantation deregulations of effective migration genes, which may be related to endometrial proliferative disorders such as endometriosis. METHODS In this study, real time-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry have been used in order to determine the expression pattern of ELAM-1 gene in 22 patients. For the validation study, a control group of 8 healthy women was recruited. Comparison of the prognostic accuracy of ELAM-1 with other clinical and pathological risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS The endometriosis tissues from women aged 33±7 years (mean ± SEM) were assessed. The results showed that the ELAM-1 mRNA expression is significantly higher in patients group compare control group (P=0.0001). Moreover, in the samples of stages III and IV, ELAM-1 gene has expressed more (P

This trial was performed to evaluate the effects of probiotic intake on disability, mental health and metabolic condition in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS).This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 60 MS patients. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either a probiotic capsule (n = 30) or placebo containing starch (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scoring and parameters of mental health were recorded at the baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention.Compared with the placebo, probiotic intake improved EDSS (-0.3 ± 0.6 vs. +0.1 ± 0.3, P = 0.001), beck depression inventory (-5.6 ± 4.9 vs. -1.1 ± 3.4, P 0.001), general health questionnaire (-9.1 ± 6.2 vs. -2.6 ± 6.4, P 0.001) and depression anxiety and stress scale (-16.5 ± 12.9 vs. -6.2 ± 11.0, P = 0.001). In addition, changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-1.3 ± 3.5 vs. +0.4 ± 1.4 μg/mL, P = 0.01), plasma nitric oxide metabolites (+1.0 ± 7.9 vs. -6.0 ± 8.3 μmol/L, P = 0.002) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (+0.009 ± 0.4 vs. +0.3 ± 0.5 μmol/L, P = 0.04) in the probiotic group were significantly different from the changes in these parameters in the placebo group. Additionally, the consumption of probiotic capsule significantly decreased serum insulin (-2.9 ± 3.7 vs. +1.1 ± 4.8 μIU/mL, P 0.001), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (-0.6 ± 0.8 vs.+0.2 ± 1.0, P = 0.001), Beta cell function (-12.1 ± 15.5 vs. +4.4 ± 17.5, P 0.001) and total-/HDL-cholesterol (-0.1 ± 0.3 vs.0.1 ± 0.3, P = 0.02), and significantly increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.02 vs. -0.005 ± 0.01, P 0.001) and HDL-cholesterol levels (2.7 ± 3.4 vs. 0.9 ± 2.9 mg/dL, P = 0.02) compared with the placebo.Our study demonstrated that the use of probiotic capsule for 12 weeks among subjects with MS had favorable effects on EDSS, parameters of mental health, inflammatory factors, markers of insulin resistance, HDL-, total-/HDL-cholesterol and MDA levels.

Objective This study was performed to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on clinical and metabolic status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Sixty patients with RA aged 25–70 years were assigned into two groups to receive either probiotic capsules (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients in the probiotic group received a daily capsule that contained three viable and freeze-dried strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (2 × 109 colony-forming units [CFU]/g), Lactobacillus casei (2 × 109 CFU/g) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (2 × 109 CFU/g) for 8 weeks. The placebo group took capsules filled with cellulose for the same time period. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and the end of the study to quantify related markers. Results After 8 weeks of intervention, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in improved Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS-28) (−0.3 ± 0.4 vs. −0.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.01). In addition, a significant decrease in serum insulin levels (−2.0 ± 4.3 vs. +0.5 ± 4.9 μIU/mL, P = 0.03), homeostatic model assessment-B cell function (HOMA-B) (−7.5 ± 18.0 vs. +4.3 ± 25.0, P = 0.03) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations (−6.66 ± 2.56 vs. +3.07 ± 5.53 mg/L, P < 0.001) following the supplementation of probiotics compared with the placebo. Subjects who received probiotic capsules experienced borderline statistically significant improvement in total- (P = 0.09) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (P = 0.07) compared with the placebo. Conclusion Overall, the results of this study indicated that taking probiotic supplements for 8 weeks among patients with RA had beneficial effects on DAS-28, insulin levels, HOMA-B and hs-CRP levels.

Background To our knowledge, data on the effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid concentrations in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are scarce. Aim The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in GDM patients. Methods Sixty pregnant women with GDM, primigravida and aged 18–40years, were divided into two groups to receive either probiotic capsules ( n =30) or a matching placebo ( n =30) in this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients in the probiotic group took a daily capsule that contained three viable freeze-dried strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (2×10 9 CFU/g), L . casei (2×10 9 CFU/g) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (2×10 9 CFU/g) for 6weeks. The placebo group took capsules filled with cellulose for the same time period. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study to quantify the relevant markers. Results After 6weeks of intervention, probiotic supplementation vs a placebo resulted in significant decreases in fasting plasma glucose (−9.2±9.2mg/dL vs +1.1±12.2mg/dL, P P =0.01), homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) for insulin resistance (−0.4±0.9 vs +1.1±2.5, P =0.003) and HOMA for β-cell function (+1.1±9.8 vs +18.0±42.5, P =0.03), and a significant increase in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.007±0.01 vs −0.01±0.02, P =0.007). In addition, significant decreases in serum triglycerides (−1.6±59.4mg/dL vs +27.1±37.9mg/dL, P =0.03) and VLDL cholesterol concentrations (−0.3±11.9mg/dL vs +5.4±7.6mg/dL, P =0.03) were seen following supplementation with the probiotics compared with the placebo. However, no significant changes in other lipid profiles were seen with the intervention. Conclusion Overall, the results of our study have demonstrated that taking probiotic supplements for 6weeks in patients with GDM had beneficial effects on glycaemic control, triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol concentrations, although there was no effect on other lipid profiles.

Background: Probiotic microorganisms are selected based on their long history of use as well as their lack of side effects. Nowadays, the consumption of probiotic products is growing intensively in developing countries. Researchers who work in the food industry and research centers pay more attention to the identification of new probiotic bacteria with better performance characteristics as well as investigation of their performance because these findings can be very effective in promoting sale and consumption of these products. Objectives: Hence, this study was performed following these objectives: isolating indigenous lactic acid bacteria from traditional dairy products in Markazi Province, screening strains with probiotic characteristics, identifying strains and performing microbial collection of probiotic strains with indigenous potential. Materials and Methods: In this study, the samples were screened from traditional dairy products, such as fresh yogurt, curd, Tarhana and Ghareghoroot of Markazi Province villages. Samples were enriched in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth, and different strains were isolated and purified from this culture on MRS agar medium. Isolated strains were investigated by microscopic observations, considering the following factors: catalase capability, resistance to acid and bile, bile salt hydrolysis and antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Results: Nineteen Gram-positive and catalase-negative strains belonging to the Lactobacillus genus were isolated from the above- mentioned diary samples. Seven strains were resistant to acid and bile in which acid resistance was between 21.08% and 122.33% and bile resistance was between 94.08% and 152.93%, respectively. All isolated strains were susceptible to different antibiotics and a small percentage had the ability to hydrolyze Sodium Taurocholate. Conclusions: There are many of different species of Lactobacillus probiotics in traditional dairy products of the Markazi province, based on the findings of this study. It is recommended for researchers to isolate these strains and investigate their probiotic characteristics in order to reproduce them for use in food production as well as for medical treatment.