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Summary: Although fermented dairy products with health benefits are the most popular market, the demand for plant‐based products is rapidly growing. The current study investigates the effect of involving Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Bifidobacterium and Propionibacterium strains on rice milk fermentation. Rice's milks were characterised in terms of nutritional value. The acidification process, growth of beneficial bacteria, physicochemical alteration and sensory characteristics of fermented beverages produced from the milk of different types of boiled rice were investigated. The results revealed that changes in all these characteristics depend on the bacterial strain and the rice variety. The highest increase in antioxidant activity after fermentation was shown by Bifidobacterium longum B379M, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii KM‐186 for Krasnodar, basmati and black rice, respectively. The use of chosen bacteria for red rice milk fermentation led to a decrease in antioxidant activity. The highest values for polyphenol content were for samples fermented by Bacillus coagulans MTCC5856 and Streptococcus thermophilus. The greatest increase in bacterial growth during fermentation was demonstrated by the sample fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, B. bifidum and P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii KM‐186. The highest acidification rate values, the most favourable doubling time and the specific growth rate were for samples fermented with L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus H9, B. coagulans MTCC 5856, B. bifidum, P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii KM‐186 depending on the rice type. Considering all data obtained, including sensory characteristics, the most promising bacteria for fermentation are B. bifidum and B. longum B379M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, has become a significant research focus, particularly in fermented products. This study aims to investigate the content of menaquinone‐7 (MK‐7), an essential form of vitamin K, and other fat‐soluble vitamins (A, D, E) during the fermentation of various fermented milk products. The vitamin contents of six fermented milk products were analyzed: two yogurt samples (produced with commercial starter and probiotic starter), two kefir samples (produced with commercial starter and kefir grain), and milk fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidum. Throughout the fermentation process, continuous pH monitoring was conducted, and fermentation was terminated based on pH levels. Fat‐soluble vitamins and vitamins K1, K2 were extracted from samples taken at specific fermentation periods and quantitatively determined using the reverse phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) method. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines. Simultaneously, the microbial content of the samples was analyzed. Among the fermented dairy products analyzed, the highest MK‐7 content (4.82 μg/100 g) was found in the kefir sample produced with kefir grain (KG). The diverse microorganisms in kefir grains necessitated detailed research to explain their role in this complex mechanism. In yogurt samples, the presence of L. acidophilus in the YB sample suggests that this bacterium may be responsible for the observed differences. This is supported by the LA sample, where production with L. acidophilus strain showed an increase from 0.97 to 1.70 at the 20th hour of fermentation. It was noted that the concentration of menaquinone‐7 increased throughout the fermentation period. Given the critical health effects of essential fat‐soluble vitamins and MKs, determining their content in commonly consumed fermented dairy products and understanding the influence of starter cultures, which are potential probiotics, on vitamin production underscores the importance of this research. It is important to highlight the potential of fermented products in nutritional recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work is devoted to the development of probiotic microencapsulation systems with the co-encapsulation of a plant extract, which can increase the survival of beneficial bacteria and are suitable for potential applications in the enrichment of fermented beverages based on acid whey. The encapsulation process exhibited a high level of effectiveness, achieving 83.0% for Bifidobacterium (BB), 89.2% for Stevia leaf extract (SE), and 91.3% for their combination (BB + SE). The FTIR analysis verified substantial interactions between the encapsulated agents and the polymer matrix, which enhanced the stability of the microcapsules. The BB + SE microcapsules exhibited reduced swelling and moisture content, indicating a denser structure compared to separately encapsulated BB and SE. Comparison of release kinetics of BB, SE and BB + SE loaded microcapsules showed that the combination of active agents has a quicker initial release, reaching 60% release within the first 2 h, and this value increased to 70% after 4 h. The release kinetics studies demonstrated a controlled release of active substances over 24 h. A morphology analysis shows that the surfaces of the dry microcapsules containing BB, SE, and their combination BB + SE have a porous structure. For encapsulated agents, the size of the capsules produced with BB and SE are smaller than those produced with two components (BB + SE), the sizes of which are between 760 µm and 1.1 mm. Modeling of the behavior of microcapsules in a simulated gastrointestinal tract provides information on swelling and active agents release rates as a function of pH in real biological environments. Thus, the new formulations of microcapsules with microorganisms and plant extracts have great potential for the development of fermented whey-based beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation is a factor in the development of cancer, and probiotics play a role in preventing or treating inflammation as an adjuvant therapy. To investigate potential probiotics for the prevention of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), Bifidobacterium bifidum H3-R2 and Lactococcus lactis KLDS4.0325 were used to examine the effects on colon cancer cells and in an inflammation-related cancer animal model. The results revealed that B. bifidum H3-R2 in combination with L. lactis KLDS4.0325 caused apoptosis in colon cancer cells by increasing caspase-3 and caspase-9 protein levels, enhancing Bax expression, and lowering Bcl-2 expression. In addition, the combination of the two strains relieved the tissue damage; reduced proinflammatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) level; upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines; increased colonic tight junction protein expression; regulated intestinal homeostasis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway; and improved the imbalance of gut microbiota in animal models. Moreover, the combination of the two strains had a greater preventive impact than each strain alone. These findings are supportive of clinical studies and product development of multi-strain probiotic preparations for diseases associated with colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets and Jin Gui Ren Qi Pill on intestinal flora and metabolism in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Methods: In the study conducted at Heping Hospital of Changzhi Medical College from March 2021 to December 2022, 30 cases of patients diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy were meticulously selected as study subjects. Employing a double-blind randomized table method, these patients were randomly allocated into three groups: the control group (n = 10), the Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets group (n = 10), and the Jin Gui Ren Qi Pill group (n = 10). The control group received standard western medical treatments for diabetic nephropathy, including serum glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure management, and other conventional therapies. In addition to the standard treatments, the Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets group received Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets, while the Jin Gui Ren Qi Pill group received Jin Gui Ren Qi Pill. Before and after a 4-week treatment period, various baseline parameters were assessed, including fasting blood glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, triglycerides, serum total cholesterol, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, random urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), blood creatinine (SCr), and traditional Chinese medicine evidence scores. Stool specimens were collected from all three groups before and after treatment for 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing, followed by comprehensive analyses including OUT clustering, Alpha diversity, Beta diversity, species composition analysis, LEfSe analysis, and KEGG function prediction. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to explore the relationship between intestinal flora and clinical indicators. Furthermore, fasting peripheral venous blood was collected from patients in the Bifidobacterium tetrapunctate tablets group and the control group before and after intervention to measure the optical density values of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) using the Beijing Biolite ELISA kit. This study was conducted with the approval of the Ethics Committee of Changzhi Medical College. Results: 1. The 2hPBG, total cholesterol and LDL levels were observed among patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) across all groups: the Jin Gui Ren Qi Pill group, the Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets group, and the control group (p < 0.05). 2. The Jin Gui Ren Qi Pill demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating TCM symptoms and reducing the ACR compared to both the Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets group and the control group. Conversely, Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets exhibited a more pronounced reduction in TC levels compared to both the Jin Gui Ren Qi Pill and control groups. Notably, Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets effectively decreased (IL-2) levels in patients with DKD. 3. Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets also demonstrated efficacy in reducing IL-2 levels in DKD patients. 4. Analysis of intestinal microorganism abundance and diversity before and after the intervention, as well as among the three groups, revealed no significant alterations. Similarly, comparisons of ACE, Chao, Simpson, and Shannon indices showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). 5. Qualitative analysis of intestinal microorganisms before and after intervention, as well as among the three groups, indicated no significant differences. Anosim test results also did not reveal qualitative distinctions (Anosim test R = 0.021, p = 0.215). 6. LEfSe analysis unveiled a noteworthy increase in Prevotella_ 7 abundance within the Jin Gui Ren Qi Pill group post-intervention (p < 0.05). 7. Furthermore, Chinesemedicine evidence scores, body mass index, TC, and LDL levels correlated positively with the relative abundance of Tyzzerella_3 bacterial flora. Conversely, age, disease duration, and 2hPBG correlated positively with the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R_7 flora, while TC and LDL levels displayed a negative correlation with the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R_7 flora. Conclusion: The combination of Jin Gui Ren Qi Pill with western medical treatment exhibited superior efficacy in ameliorating clinical symptoms and reducing the ACR in patients with DKD compared to western medical treatment alone. Furthermore, this combination therapy led to an increase in the abundance of Prevotella_7 within the intestinal flora of patients, suggesting a potential enhancement in carbohydrate metabolism by the intestinal microbiota. On the other hand, Bifidobacterium bifidum tetragonum tablets bacterial tablets combined with western medical treatment demonstrated enhanced efficacy in reducing TC levels in DKD patients compared to western medical treatment alone. Additionally, this combination therapy effectively reduced the levels of IL-2 in DKD patients, thus mitigating inflammation in these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacteria are well known as common and abundant colonizers of the human gut and are able to exert multiple beneficial effects on their host, although the cooperative and competitive relationships that may occur among bifidobacterial strains are still poorly investigated. Therefore, to dissect possible molecular interactions among bifidobacterial species that typically colonize the human gut, three previously identified bifidobacterial prototypes, i.e., B. bifidum PRL2010, B. breve PRL2012, and B. longum PRL2022 were cultivated individually as well as in bi- and tri-association in a human gut-simulating medium. Transcriptomic analyses of these co-associations revealed up-regulation of genes predicted to be involved in the production of extracellular structures including pili (i.e., flp pilus assembly TadE protein gene), exopolysaccharides (i.e., GtrA family protein gene) and teichoic acids (i.e., ABC transporter permease), along with carbohydrate, amino acid and vitamin metabolism-related genes (i.e., exoalpha- sialidase; beta-galactosidase and pyridoxamine kinase), suggesting that co-cultivation of bifidobacteria induces a response, in individual bifidobacterial strains, aimed at enhancing their proliferation and survival, as well as their ability to cooperate with their host to promote their persistence. Furthermore, exposure of the selected prototypes to human cell line monolayers unveiled the ability of the bifidobacterial tri-association to communicate with their host by increasing the expression of genes involved in adherence to/interaction with intestinal human cells. Lastly, bifidobacterial tri-association promoted the transcriptional upregulation of genes responsible for maintaining the integrity and homeostasis of the intestinal epithelial barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to establish the optimal production conditions for mealworm chitosan oligosaccharides (MCOS) using the response surface methodology and measure the prebiotic effect of MCOS prepared on cecal microbiota through in vitro anaerobic fermentation. The optimal conditions for MCOS production using chitosanase were 2.5% substrate, 30 mg/g enzyme, and 6 h reaction time. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and in vitro assays to confirm that the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of MCOS are similar to those of commercially available chitosan oligosaccharides. The growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum was increased by MOCS and confirmed that the prebiotic effect of MCOS was significant in a concentration-dependent manner. The addition of 1% and 2% MCOS to in vitro anaerobic fermentation resulted in changes in the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and an increase in Verrucomicrobiota abundance compared with the control. In the case of Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and Akkermansia, a significant increase was confirmed in the MCOS-containing groups compared to that in the control group. Compared to 2% MCOS, 1% MCOS more significantly affected Lactobacillus levels. MCOS produced by chitosanase under optimal conditions contains oligosaccharides with 2–6 degree of polymerization and exerts a prebiotic effect that affects changes in the SCFA content and microbiota composition in the cecum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has risen annually, yet due to the intricacies of its pathogenesis and therapeutic challenges, there remains no definitive medication for this condition. This review explores the intricate relationship between the intestinal microbiome and the pathogenesis of NAFLD, emphasizing the substantial roles played by Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These probiotics manipulate lipid synthesis genes and phosphorylated proteins through pathways such as the AMPK/Nrf2, LPS-TLR4-NF-κB, AMPKα/PGC-1α, SREBP-1/FAS, and SREBP-1/ACC signaling pathways to reduce hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, key components of NAFLD progression. By modifying the intestinal microbial composition and abundance, they combat the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, alleviating the inflammatory response precipitated by dysbiosis and bolstering the intestinal mucosal barrier. Furthermore, they participate in cellular immune regulation, including CD4+ T cells and Treg cells, to suppress systemic inflammation. L. plantarum and B. bifidum also modulate lipid metabolism and immune reactions by adjusting gut metabolites, including propionic and butyric acids, which inhibit liver inflammation and fat deposition. The capacity of probiotics to modulate lipid metabolism, immune responses, and gut microbiota presents an innovative therapeutic strategy. With a global increase in NAFLD prevalence, these insights propose a promising natural method to decelerate disease progression, avert liver damage, and tackle associated metabolic issues, significantly advancing microbiome-focused treatments for NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following on from our pilot studies, this study aimed to test the efficacy of a combination of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus), magnesium orotate and coenzyme 10 for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) through a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. The participants were 120 adults diagnosed with MDD randomised to daily oral administration, over 8 weeks, of either the intervention or placebo, with a 16-week follow-up period. Intent-to-treat analysis found a significantly lower frequency of the presence of a major depressive episode in the intervention group compared with placebo at the end of the 8-week treatment phase, with no difference between the two conditions at 8-week follow-up. Both the categorical and continuous measure of depressive symptoms showed a significant difference between the two conditions at 4 weeks, but not 8 and 16 weeks. The secondary end-point was demonstrated with an overall reduction in self-rated symptoms of anxiety and stress in the active treatment group compared with placebo. These findings suggest that the combination of probiotics, magnesium orotate and coenzyme 10 may be an effective treatment of MDD over an 8-week period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholera is a diarrheal disease recognized for being caused by toxin-producing Vibrio (V.) cholerae. This study aims to assess the vibriocidal and immunomodulatory properties of derived cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of Bifidobacterium (B.) bifidum and Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs) against clinical multi-drug resistance (MDR) isolates of V. cholerae O1 El Tor. Methods: We synthesized CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs using the ionic gelation technique. The newly nanostructures were characterized for size, surface zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficacy (EE), stability in different pH values and temperatures, release profile, and in vitro cytotoxicity. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of the obtained nanocomposites on clinical MDR isolates (N = 5) of V. cholerae E1 Tor O1 were investigated by microbroth dilution assay and crystal violet staining, respectively. We conducted quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze the relative gene expressions of Bap, Rbmc, CTXAB, and TCP in response to CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs. Additionally, the immunomodulatory effects of formulated structures on the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 genes in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) were studied. Results: Nano-characterization analyses indicated that CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs exhibit spherical shapes under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, with mean diameters of 98.16 ± 0.763 nm and 83.90 ± 0.854 nm, respectively. Both types of nanoparticles possess positive surface charges. The EE% of CFSb-CsNPs was 77 ± 4.28%, whereas that of CFSa-CsNPs was 62.5 ± 7.33%. Chitosan (Cs) encapsulation leads to increased stability of CFSs in simulated pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract in which the release rates for CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs were reached at 58.00 ± 1.24% and 55.01 ± 1.73%, respectively at pH = 7.4. The synergistic vibriocidal effects observed from the co-administration of both CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs, as evidenced by a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.57, resulting in a significantly lower MIC of 2.5 ± 0.05 mg/mL (p < 0.0001) compare to individual administration. The combined antibacterial effect of CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs on Bap (0.14 ± 0.05), Rbmc (0.24 ± 0.01), CTXAB (0.30 ± 0.09), and TCP (0.38 ± 0.01) gene expression was significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, co-administration of CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs also demonstrated the potency of suppressing TLR 2/4 (0.20 ± 0.01 and 0.12 ± 0.02, respectively) gene expression (p = 0.0019) and reduced Caco-2 cells attached bacteria to 526,000 ± 51,46 colony-forming units/mL (11.19%) (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our study revealed that encapsulating CFSs within CsNPs enhances their vibriocidal activity by improving stability and enabling a controlled release mechanism at the site of interaction between the host and bacteria. Additionally, the simultaneous use of CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs exhibited superior vibriocidal potency against MDR V. cholerae O1 El Tor strains, indicating these combinations as a potential new approach against MDR bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxicity activity of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from probiotics, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum , and Saccharomyces cerevisiae against multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli evaluated in current research. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the CFSs were determined by analyzing inhibition zone formation using agar disk diffusion for antibacterial activity, microtiter plate for biofilm analysis, and auto-aggregation were done. CFSs substances were analyzed by GC-MS. The MTT assay on HEK293 cells investigated CFS's influence on cell viability. CFSs were examined for biofilm-related virulence genes, including aggR and fimH using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). All CFSs had bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. The B. bifidum exhibited the highest antibiofilm activity compared to the others. Bifidobacterium bifidum, L. plantarum , and S. cerevisiae produce 19, 16, and 11 mm inhibition zones against E. coli , respectively. GC-MS indicated that Hydroxyacetone, 3-Hydroxybutyric acid, and Oxime-methoxy-phenyl-dominated CFSs from L. plantarum, B. bifidum , and S. cerevisiae CFSs, respectively. The MTT test demonstrated a cell viability rate of over 90%. Statistically, adding all CFSs lowered the relative expression of both aggR and fimH virulence genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its low dietary impact and bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, white kidney bean extract is an attractive raw material for fermented drinks. It can be utilized either on its own or blended with cow's milk, offering a promising solution to help meet dairy product demand during mid-season shortages. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the physicochemical characteristics, sensory properties, and microbiological profile of fermented milk-like drinks made from white kidney bean extract, cow's milk and their blends during 28 days of storage at 4 °C. Three blends of fermented milk-like drinks (FMLDs) were prepared from different ratios of cow's milk (CM) and kidney bean extract (BE): FMLD1 (CM 30%:BE 70%); FMLD2 (CM 50%:BE 50%), FMLD3 (CM 70%:BE 30%), along with plain fermented kidney been extract (FBE; CM 0%:BE 100%), and plain fermented cow's milk (FCM; CM 100%:BE 0%). The mixtures were pasteurized at 92 °C for 25 min and fermented with a probiotic-type starter culture (S. thermophilus, B. bifidum, L. acidophilus) at 43 °C. FBE exhibited the lowest levels of carbohydrates (2.14%), fat (0.11%), and protein (1.45%) compared to fermented cow's milk and blends. The FBE and the fermented blends with a higher ratio of bean extract had lower viscosity and lactic acid contents, greener hue, more pronounced aftertaste and off-flavors, and received lower overall acceptability scores. Although the FCM had higher counts of S. thermophilus and L. acidophilus, the FBE displayed significantly higher counts of B. bifidum. This study demonstrated the potential of using white kidney bean extract and its blends with cow's milk to create unique fermented products with a lower dietary impact, highlighting the importance of further optimizing the formulations to enhance sensory qualities and reduce the beany off-flavors in the products with added kidney bean extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cholera is a diarrheal disease recognized for being caused by toxin-producing Vibrio (V.) cholerae. This study aims to assess the vibriocidal and immunomodulatory properties of derived cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of Bifidobacterium (B.) bifidum and Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs) against clinical multi-drug resistance (MDR) isolates of V. cholerae O1 El Tor. Methods We synthesized CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs using the ionic gelation technique. The newly nanostructures were characterized for size, surface zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficacy (EE), stability in different pH values and temperatures, release profile, and in vitro cytotoxicity. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of the obtained nanocomposites on clinical MDR isolates (N = 5) of V. cholerae E1 Tor O1 were investigated by microbroth dilution assay and crystal violet staining, respectively. We conducted quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze the relative gene expressions of Bap, Rbmc, CTXAB, and TCP in response to CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs. Additionally, the immunomodulatory effects of formulated structures on the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 genes in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) were studied. Results Nano-characterization analyses indicated that CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs exhibit spherical shapes under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, with mean diameters of 98.16 ± 0.763 nm and 83.90 ± 0.854 nm, respectively. Both types of nanoparticles possess positive surface charges. The EE% of CFSb-CsNPs was 77 ± 4.28%, whereas that of CFSa-CsNPs was 62.5 ± 7.33%. Chitosan (Cs) encapsulation leads to increased stability of CFSs in simulated pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract in which the release rates for CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs were reached at 58.00 ± 1.24% and 55.01 ± 1.73%, respectively at pH = 7.4. The synergistic vibriocidal effects observed from the co-administration of both CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs, as evidenced by a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.57, resulting in a significantly lower MIC of 2.5 ± 0.05 mg/mL (p

Research has showcased a correlation between disruptions in gut microbiota and primary membranous nephropathy (pMN), giving rise to the concept of the 'gut-kidney axis'. However, the precise relationship between gut microbiota and pMN remains elusive. Hence, this study endeavors to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between gut microbiota and pMN utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The primary method employed for MR analysis is the inverse variance weighting method, supplemented by MR-Egger and the weighted median method, to infer causality. This approach was validated within the pMN cohort across two distinct populations. At the species level, the abundance of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Alistipes indistinctus was negatively correlated with the risk of pMN. Conversely, pMN was positively associated with Bacilli abundance at the class level, Lachnospiraceae abundance at the family level, and Dialister abundance at the genus level. Specifically, at the species level, pMN was positively correlated with the abundance of Ruminococcus lactaris, Dialister invisus, and Coprococcus sp ART55_1. These findings lay the groundwork for future research exploring the interplay between pMN and the gut microbiota, with substantial implications for the prevention and treatment of pMN and its associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a variety of probiotic strains, including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum, were utilized for soymilk fermentation both as free cells and as synbiotics on agro-industrial residuals such as okara, whey protein, banana peels, apple pomace, sugarcane bagasse, orange peels, and lemon peels. Among these, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus emerged as the most significant strain for soymilk fermentation, exhibiting a viability of 10.47 log cfu/mL, a pH of 4.41, total acidity of 1.12%, and organic acid contents (lactic and acetic acid) of 11.20 and 7.50 g/L, respectively. As a synbiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus immobilised on okara, showed even more impressive results, with a viability of 12.98 log cfu/mL, a pH of 4.31, total acidity of 1.27%, and organic acid contents of 13.90 and 9.30 g/L, respectively. Over a 12-h fermentation period, cell viability values increased by 10.47-fold in free cells and 11.19-fold in synbiotics. Synbiotic supplementation of fermented soymilk proved more beneficial than free cells in terms of viability, acidity, and organic acid content. Furthermore, when synbiotic fermented soymilk was freeze-dried to simulate the digestive system in vitro, synbiotics and freeze-dried cells demonstrated superior gastrointestinal tract survival compared to free cells. Both the probiotic bacteria and the synbiotics exhibited cytotoxicity against colon and liver cancer cell lines, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 41.96 to 61.52 μL/well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain functional fermented dairy products with strong probiotic proliferation and high antioxidant ability, the proliferation ability of oligosaccharides on probiotics and their DPPH radical scavenging ability were studied. Key functional oligosaccharides (galactooligosaccharide and galactomannan oligosaccharide) and probiotics (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) were selected. The orthogonal experimental design of L9(34) was employed to study the optimal process, which was adding 5 g/L galactomannan oligosaccharide and 5 g/L galactooligosaccharide in reconstituted milk, inoculating 1% Streptococcus thermophilus, 1% Lactobacillus bulgaricus and 1% probiotics (B. bifidum and L. acidophilus = 2:1) and fermenting for 6 h. This work is important for preparing functional fermented dairy products with a high content of probiotics and strong antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The most common cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea is Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), which causes severe and recurring symptoms. The increase of antibiotic-resistant C. difficile requires alternate treatments. Postbiotics, metabolites produced by probiotics, fight CDI owing to their antibacterial capabilities. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-toxigenic potential of postbiotics in combating CDI. Materials and Methods: GC-MS evaluated postbiotics from Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus plantarum. Disk diffusion and broth microdilution determined C. difficile antibacterial inhibition zones and MICs. Microtiter plates assessed antibiofilm activity. MTT assay evaluated postbiotics anti-viability on HEK293. ELISA testing postbiotic detoxification of toxins A and B. Postbiotics were examined for tcdA and tcdB genes expression using real-time PCR. Results: The most identified B. bifidum and L. plantarum postbiotic compounds were glycolic acid (7.2%) and butyric acid (13.57%). B. bifidum and L. plantarum displayed 13 and 10 mm inhibition zones and 2.5 and 5 mg/ml MICs against C. difficile. B. bifidum reduced biofilm at 1.25 mg/ml by 49% and L. plantarum by 31%. MTT assay showed both postbiotics had little influence on cell viability, which was over 80%. The detoxification power of postbiotics revealed that B. bifidum decreased toxin A and B production more effectively than L. plantarum, and also their related tcdA and tcdB genes expression reduction were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Postbiotics' ability to inhibit bacterial growth, biofilm disruption, and toxin reduction makes them a promising adjunctive for CDI treatment and a good solution to pathogens' antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising interest in functional foods has increased the use of probiotics and prebiotics in fermented dairy products to enhance gut health. This study focuses on developing a symbiotic fermented milk product using Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum activated with hawthorn extract as a prebiotic. Three versions of the product were tested: a control and two variants with B. bifidum activated with 10−5 g/cm3 and 10−10 g/cm3 hawthorn extract, respectively. Key characteristics such as microbiological safety, sensory properties, amino acid profile, vitamin and mineral content, antioxidant capacity, and nutritional values were evaluated. Results showed that products enriched with hawthorn extract had favorable sensory properties and sustained high levels of lactic acid bacteria while being free of pathogens. Product 1 based on L. acidophilus and enriched with B. bifidum activated with hawthorn extract at a concentration of 10−5 g/cm3 demonstrated significant increases in L. acidophilus (24.1%) and B. bifidum (14.7%) after 7 days compared to the control. Both enriched products exhibited slower titratable acidity increases and higher viscosities over 14 days, indicating better preservation and texture stability. Product 1 was notably enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, alongside enhanced antioxidant properties due to increased flavonoid content. The technology developed ensures probiotic viability at 109–1010 CFU/cm3 after 14 days, making it viable for dairy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics restore gut microbial balance, thereby providing health-promoting effects to the host. They have long been suggested for managing intestinal disorders caused by pathogens and for improving gut health. This study evaluated the probiotic properties and anti-pathogenic effects of specific probiotic strains against the intestinal pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The tested strains—Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LC27, Limosilactobacillus reuteri NK33, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NK210, Bifidobacterium longum NK46, and Bifidobacterium bifidum NK175—were able to survive harsh conditions simulating gastric and intestinal fluids. These strains exhibited good auto-aggregation abilities (41.8–92.3%) and ideal hydrophobicity (30.9–85.6% and 38.3–96.1% for xylene and chloroform, respectively), along with the ability to co-aggregate with S. aureus (40.6–68.2%) and E. coli (38.6–75.2%), indicating significant adhesion levels to Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, these strains' cell-free supernatants (CFSs) demonstrated antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Additionally, these strains inhibited gas production by E. coli through fermentative activity. These findings suggest that the strains tested in this study have potential as novel probiotics to enhance gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To exert their beneficial effects, microorganisms used in live bacteria-containing products must be viable and present in certain amounts. In this study, we developed a viability assay based on quantitative PCR coupled with propidium monoazide for the identification and enumeration of viable Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. In order to optimize the protocol, the thermal inactivation conditions for the two target microorganisms and the PMA concentration inhibiting DNA amplification from the dead cells while allowing it from the live cells were first determined. The viability-PCR protocol was then applied to analyze a commercial product containing the two microorganisms. The quantities of both microorganisms determined using viability-PCR in the tested product were significantly higher than those obtained using the standard plate count, suggesting the presence of bacteria in a viable but non-culturable physiological state. Moreover, lower amounts of the two microorganisms were detected using viability-PCR compared to those achieved using quantitative PCR, possibly because of the presence of dead cells in the samples. Our results suggest that the viability-PCR method proposed here is a suitable alternative for rapid and accurate quantification and assessment of the viability of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum and could be easily adopted in the quality control screening of live bacteria-containing products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch undergoes dynamic conformational changes that modulate downstream gene expression. Traditional structural methods such as crystallography capture the bound conformation at high resolution, and additional efforts would reveal details from the dynamic transition. Here, we revealed a transcription-dependent conformation model for Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch. In this study, we combine small-angle X-ray scattering, chemical probing, and isothermal titration calorimetry to unveil the ligand-binding properties and conformational changes of the Bifidobacterium bifidum SAM-VI riboswitch and its variants. Our results suggest that the SAM-VI riboswitch contains a pre-organized ligand-binding pocket and stabilizes into the bound conformation upon binding to SAM. Whether the P1 stem formed and variations in length critically influence the conformational dynamics of the SAM-VI riboswitch. Our study provides the basis for artificially engineering the riboswitch by manipulating its peripheral sequences without modifying the SAM-binding core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lactose intolerance—as a limiting factor for dairy milk consumption—has a high prevalence worldwide. Dairy milk and milk-derived products are major sources of multiple inorganic compounds and nutrients and thus are considered to be functional foods. β-galactosidases are able to hydrolyze lactose and are therefore widely applied for the production of lactose-free products. In addition, they are capable of the synthesis of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs); thus, the dairy industry has a special interest in applying them for the enrichment of dairy products with prebiotic GOSs. In this work, we studied two commercially available β-galactosidase products: Saphera 2600L and Nola Fit 5500. Both enzyme solutions contain a recombinant β-galactosidase of Bifidobacterium bifidum and have already been authorized for food industrial application, but the information about their hydrolytic and/or synthetic activities is only limited. After immobilization on chitosan beads, the enzymes were used for lactose hydrolysis and simultaneous synthesis of GOSs, by performing the reactions in pasteurized milk (skim milk). Both immobilized β-galactosidase exhibited elevated lactose hydrolysis (vmax increased from ~ 1 to ~ 4 mM/min) and GOS synthesis as compared to the free enzymes. The enzyme-coated beads were efficiently re-used at least 15 cycles; the residual lactose concentration was < 2 mg/ml after each cycle. After treatment, GOSs were present in ≤ 9% of the total sugar content, indicating that the prepared low-lactose milks were enriched in prebiotic GOSs. The application of immobilized Saphera 2600L and Nola Fit 5500 β-galactosidases may be implemented for the large-scale production of GOS-enriched low-lactose milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tear matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is an inflammatory signal in patients with dry eye (DE). In the present study, to understand the action mechanism of probiotic LB101 (Lactobacillus plantarum NK151 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NK175 [4:1] mix) against DE, we investigated its effect on tear amount and inflammatory marker expression levels in mice with unilateral exorbital lacrimal gland excision/atropine-benzalkonium chloride application (EB) or fecal microbiota transplantation from mice with EB (eFMT). Oral gavage of LB101 increased EB-suppressed tear amount and decreased EB-induced blinking number. Furthermore, LB101 decreased EB-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9 expression, TNF-α+ and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell populations, and edema in the conjunctiva, while EB-suppressed IL-10 and occludin expression increased. LB101 also decreased EB-induced TNF-α and IL-1β expression and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell population in the colon. eFMT also decreased tear amount and increased blinking number in the transplanted mice. eFMT increased TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9 expression and TNF-α+ and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell populations in the conjunctiva and TNF-α and IL-1β expression and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell populations in the colon. Oral gavage of LB101 increased eFMT-suppressed tear amount and decreased eFMT-induced blinking number. Furthermore, LB101 decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and MMP-9 expression, TNF-α+ and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell populations, and edema in the conjunctiva and TNF-α and IL-1β expression and NF-κB+CD11c+ cell population in the colon, while eFMT-suppressed IL-10 and occludin expression decreased. Furthermore, LB101 increased eFMT-suppressed Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Lactobacillaceae populations in the gut microbiota, while eFMT-induced Bacteroidaceae population decreased. These findings suggest that DE may cause gut dysbiosis, which may be a risk factor for DE, and LB101 may alleviate DE with gut inflammation by suppressing the expression of MMP-9 and proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β with the regulation of gut microbiota-involved NF-κB signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of probiotics is emerging as an innovative approach to managing oral health issues and mediating the immune system. The current study assessed the in vitro impacts of non-orally isolated probiotics on periodontitis and tooth decay pathogens. Methods: Briefly, the persistence of probiotics in exposure to oral cavity enzymes, hydrogen peroxide, and saliva samples was examined. It was also investigated the biofilm formation and aggregation ability of probiotics, the adherence of probiotics in human gingival fibroblast cell (HGFC) lines and molar teeth samples, and the potential of probiotics to co-aggregate with oral pathogens. Additionally, the current study evaluated the effects of live probiotics on virulence gene expression, biofilm production of main oral pathogens, and changes in inflammation markers. Results: The probiotics remained alive when exposed to enzymes in the oral cavity, hydrogen peroxide, and saliva at baseline, 1, 3, and 5 h after incubation at 37°C (p-value <0.05). Probiotics demonstrated to produce biofilm and aggregation, as well as adherence to HGFCs and maxillary molars (p-value >0.05). They showed significant co-aggregation with oral pathogens, which were recorded as 65.57% for B. bifidum 1001 with S. mutans, 50.06% for B. bifidum 1005 with P. gingivalis, 35.6% for L. plantarum 156 with F. nucleatum, and 18.7% for B. longum 1044 with A. actinomycetemcomitans after 8 h of incubation. A balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, along with inhibition of biofilm formation and changes in virulence gene transcripts, were observed. However, most of these changes were not statistically significant (p-value >0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the direct link between adhesiveness, aggregation, and biofilm formation with probiotic antibacterial activity. In addition to the careful selection of suitable probiotic strains, the concentration and origin of probiotic isolates should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of gelatin film containing Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteria on the survival of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria inoculated into rainbow trout meat as well as its physicochemical characteristics for 12 days during storage at refrigerator. Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated into fish samples with a concentration of 10 6 log cfu/ml. Then the treatments (control group, rainbow trout samples packed with gelatin film, gelatin film containing each probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus rhamnus with a concentration of 10 9 log cfu/ml separately and gelatin film containing both probiotics) were prepared. Samples were packed in polythene bags and stored in refrigerator. Probiotic bacteria viability and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria count, pH, TVB -N, PV and TBARS were evaluated. According to the results, the survival of probiotic bacteria showed a decreasing trend during the study, and it was found that the survival of Bifidobacterium bifidum bacteria in gelatin film treatment and gelatin film treatment containing both probiotics on the last day respectively 6.81 log cfu/g and 5.37 log cfu/g and the viability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteria was also reduced by 7.43 log cfu/g and 6.31 log cfu/g respectively in the mentioned treatments. Compared to the control group, probiotic films controlled the microbial growth of fish fillets well, while the gelatin film treatment containing both probiotics had the lowest rate. Chemical tests also had an increasing trend and their changes in all treated fish fillets were significantly lower than the untreated group ( P<0.05). It was found that gelatin films containing probiotics, especially gelatin films containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which had worked more successfully, had an effective antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and this films can increase the shelf life of rainbow trout and this The category of products has a good effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cesarean section is considered a possible trigger of atopy and gut dysbiosis in newborns. Bifidobacteria, and specifically B. bifidum, are thought to play a central role in reducing the risk of atopy and in favoring gut eubiosis in children. Nonetheless, no trial has ever prospectively investigated the role played by this single bacterial species in preventing atopic manifestations in children born by cesarean section, and all the results published so far refer to mixtures of probiotics. We have therefore evaluated the impact of 6 months of supplementation with B. bifidum PRL2010 on the incidence, in the first year of life, of atopy, respiratory tract infections, and dyspeptic syndromes in 164 children born by cesarean (versus 249 untreated controls). The results of our multicenter, randomized, and controlled trial have shown that the probiotic supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of atopic dermatitis, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and signs and symptoms of dyspeptic syndromes. Concerning the gut microbiota, B. bifidum supplementation significantly increased α-biodiversity and the relative values of the phyla Bacteroidota and Actinomycetota, of the genus Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and of the species B. bifidum and reduced the relative content of Escherichia/Shigella and Haemophilus. A 6-month supplementation with B. bifidum in children born by cesarean section reduces the risk of gut dysbiosis and has a positive clinical impact that remains observable in the following 6 months of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the benefits of supplementing Nile tilapia diets with probiotics Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB) in terms of growth, antioxidant status, immune-related genes, and resistance against heat stress. Fish (with an initial weight of 3.85 ± 0.50 g) organized into four triplicate treatment groups defined as control (T0, no supplementation), Saccharomyces boulardii (T1, 1010 CFU/g), Bifidobacterium bifidum (T2, 1.5×10 8 CFU/ mL) and a mixture of both (T3). This trial continued over a 56-day feeding period and fish were sampled for analysis and thereafter, Nile tilapia was exposed to heat shock under a high temperature of 32°C for 48 hours. Results revealed that the highest final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) as well as significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in the T3 compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Alternative complement activity (ACH50), total Protein (TP), and lysozyme (LZM) improved in fish-fed supplemented diets, and the highest value was observed in T2 and T3 (P < 0.05). Moreover, this combination enhanced antioxidant status, as evidenced by elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT), reflecting improved defense against oxidative stress (P < 0.05). Gene expression analyses revealed increased expression of immune-related genes such as Interleukin 8, Interleukin10, Interleukin1β, tumor necrosis factor, and LYZ as well as antioxidant genes including CAT, Gpx, glutathione-disulfide reductase, SOD, in test groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The survival rate in Nile tilapia after heat stress was significantly higher in T3 compared to other groups (P < 0.05). It was concluded from this experiment that dietary inclusion of the probiotics species in combination could be promote growth and immune responses of O. niloticus.

ABSTRACTHepatic immunity is one of the driving forces for the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and targeting gut microbiota is believed to affect the hepatic immune constitution. Here, we aimed to investigate the hepatic immunological state in NASH, with a specific emphasis on natural killer (NK) cells. In addition, we aimed to identify the contributing species that target hepatic immunity to provide new directions and support the feasibility of immunotherapy for NASH. A possible NASH population was determined by combination of long-term severe fatty liver, metabolic disorders and increased serum CK18 to detect serum immune factors and gut microbiota. NASH was induced in mice fed a high-fat diet to verify the prophylactic effect of the functional species on the immunopathology and development of NASH. Hepatic immunologic state was examined, and the effector functions of NK cells were detected. Hepatic transcriptome, proteomic, and fecal metagenome were performed. We observed a statistical increase in serum IL-10 (p

Introduction: The gut microbiota (GM) influences the occurrence and progression of lung cancer (LC), with potential involvement of immune cells (IC). We aimed to investigate the causal impact of GM on LC and identify potential immune cell mediators. Methods: The utilized data for the Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) were summarized as follows: gut microbiota data from the Dutch Microbiome Project (DMP) (N = 7,738), lung cancer data from the Transdisciplinary Research in Cancer of the Lung (TRICL) and International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO) (Ncase = 29,266, Ncontrol = 56,450) included four types of cancer: NSCLC, LUAD, LUSC, and SCLC, and immune cell data from European populations (N = 3,757). We employed bi-directional two-sample univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR), multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR), and mediation analysis to assess the causal relationship between GM and LC and potential immune cell mediators. Results: Bi-directional UVMR analysis revealed that 24 gut microbiota species can affect LC, while LC can affect the abundance of 17 gut microbiota species. Mediation analysis demonstrated that six immune cells mediated the causal relationships of seven gut microbiota species on LC: "CCR7 on naive CD8+ T cell" mediated the causal relationship between s_Alistipes_putredinis and LUAD, with a mediation proportion of 9.5% and P = 0.018; "IgD-CD27-B cell %lymphocyte" mediated the causal relationships between g_Gordonibacter and s_Gordonibacter_pamelaeae with LUSC, with mediation proportions of 11.8% and 11.9%, respectively and P = 0.029; "CD20-CD38-B cell %lymphocyte" mediated the causal relationship between s_Bacteroides_clarus and SCLC, with a mediation proportion of 13.8% and P = 0.005; "CD20 on IgD+ CD38- unswitched memory B cell" mediated the causal relationship between s_Streptococcus_thermophilus and SCLC, with a mediation proportion of 14.1% and P = 0.023; "HLA DR on CD14- CD16+ monocyte" mediated the causal relationship between s_Bifidobacterium_bifidum and SCLC, with a mediation proportion of 8.7% and P = 0.012; "CD45 on Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells" mediated the causal relationship between f_Lactobacillaceae and SCLC, with a mediation proportion of 4.0% and P = 0.021. Conclusion: This Mendelian randomization study identified several specific gut microbiotas that exhibit causal relationships with lung cancer and potentially mediate immune cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhancing our understanding of the underlying influences of medical interventions on the microbiome, resistome and mycobiome of preterm born infants holds significant potential for advancing infection prevention and treatment strategies. We conducted a prospective quasi-intervention study to better understand how antibiotics, and probiotics, and other medical factors influence the gut development of preterm infants. A controlled neonatal mice model was conducted in parallel, designed to closely reflect and predict exposures. Preterm infants and neonatal mice were stratified into four groups: antibiotics only, probiotics only, antibiotics followed by probiotics, and none of these interventions. Stool samples from both preterm infants and neonatal mice were collected at varying time points and analyzed by 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing, ITS amplicon sequencing and whole genome shotgun sequencing. Results: The human infant microbiomes showed an unexpectedly high degree of heterogeneity. Little impact from medical exposure (antibiotics/probiotics) was observed on the strain patterns, however, Bifidobacterium bifidum was found more abundant after exposure to probiotics, regardless of prior antibiotic administration. Twenty-seven antibiotic resistant genes were identified in the resistome. High intra-variability was evident within the different treatment groups. Lastly, we found significant effects of antibiotics and probiotics on the mycobiome but not on the microbiome and resistome of preterm infants. Conclusions: Although our analyses showed transient effects, these results provide positive motivation to continue the research on the effects of medical interventions on the microbiome, resistome and mycobiome of preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of probiotics administration on clinical status and metabolic profiles in diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 72 DR patients. Subjects received probiotics including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium langum, Bifidobacterium lactis daily (2 × 109 CFU/each strain) (n = 36) or placebo (starch) (n = 36) and were instructed to take one capsule daily for 12 weeks. Finally, 55 participants [probiotic group (n = 30) and placebo group (n = 25)] completed the study. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to determine metabolic profiles. To determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on clinical symptoms and biochemical variables, we used one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation significantly decreased means serum insulin concentrations (Probiotic group: -4.9 ± 6.5vs. Placebo group: 3.0 ± 7.7 µIU/mL, Ptime×group<0.001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (Probiotic group: -2.5 ± 3.8 vs. Placebo group: 1.1 ± 2.7, Ptime×group<0.001) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) (Probiotic group: -0.4 ± 0.7 vs. Placebo group: -0.02 ± 0.2%, Ptime×group=0.01), and significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (Probiotic group: 0.02 ± 0.03 vs. Placebo group: -0.03 ± 0.04, Ptime×group<0.001). There was no significant effect of probiotic administration on other metabolic profiles and clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, probiotic supplementation after 12 weeks in DR patients had beneficial effects on few metabolic profiles. This study was registered under the Iranian website for clinical trials as http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20130211012438N29. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional relationship between the microbiota and the brain; genes related to the brain and gut synaptic formation are similar. Research on the causal effects of gut microbiota on human behavior, brain development, and function, as well as the underlying molecular processes, has emerged in recent decades. Probiotics have been shown in several trials to help reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Because of this, probiotic combinations have been tested in in vitro models to see whether they might modulate the gut and alleviate depression and anxiety. Therefore, we sought to determine whether a novel formulation might affect the pathways controlling anxiety and depression states and alter gut barrier activities in a 3D model without having harmful side effects. Our findings indicate that B. bifidum novaBBF7 10 mg/mL, B. longum novaBLG2 5 mg/mL, and L. paracasei TJB8 10 mg/mL may influence the intestinal barrier and enhance the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, the probiotics studied did not cause neuronal damage and, in combination, exert a protective effect against the condition of anxiety and depression triggered by L-Glutamate. All these findings show that probiotics can affect gut function to alter the pathways underlying anxiety and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of yogurt prepared with the addition of Persian shallot and probiotic bacteria. The effect of Persian shallot on the viability of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) was evaluated. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effects of shallot and probiotic bacteria on Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli species were investigated. The experiments were performed on days 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21. The results showed that the survival of lactic acid bacteria increased significantly in the presence of shallots (p <.05). The addition of two different probiotic bacteria to the yogurt samples inhibited the pathogenic bacteria. While E. coli bacteria had a 3‐log reduction, L. monocytogenes did not grow at all in the presence of probiotic bacteria and shallots. Based on these experiments, it was concluded that the addition of shallots not only increased the survival of probiotic bacteria but also reduced the growth of food‐borne pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the addition of probiotic bacteria increased the acceptance of sensory properties of yogurt samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of Bifidobacterium species and microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and human milk oligosaccharides in controlling intestinal inflammation and the pathogenesis of obesity and type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been largely studied in recent years. This paper discusses the discovery of signature biomarkers for obesity and T1D based on data from a novel test for profiling several Bifidobacterium species, combined with metabolomic analysis. Through the NUTRISHIELD clinical study, a total of 98 children were recruited: 40 healthy controls, 40 type 1 diabetics, and 18 obese children. Bifidobacterium profiles were assessed in stool samples through an innovative test allowing high taxonomic resolution and precise quantification, while SCFAs and branched amino acids were measured in urine samples through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). KIDMED questionnaires were used to evaluate the children's dietary habits and correlate them with the Bifidobacterium and metabolomic profiles. We found that B. longum subs. infantis and B. breve were higher in individuals with obesity, while B. bifidum and B. longum subs. longum were lower compared to healthy individuals. In individuals with T1D, alterations were found at the metabolic level, with an overall increase in the level of the most measured metabolites. The high taxonomic resolution of the Bifidobacterium test used meant strong correlations between the concentrations of valine and isoleucine, and the relative abundance of some Bifidobacterium species such as B. longum subs. infantis, B. breve, and B. bifidum could be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, microbiological content, sensory evaluation and consumer preferences of both standard and probiotic cultured yogurts prepared by adding 15% strawberry or blackberry puree as forest fruit were examined. In standard yogurt production, Streptococcus thermophilus (S thermophilus) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. bulgaricus) cultures, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 (L. acidophilus) and Bifidobacterium bifidum BB-12 (B. Bifidum) cultures were used in the production of probiotic yogurt. As a result of the analyzes performed on all yogurt samples on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st days; It was determined that antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were higher in probiotic yogurt with strawberry puree. Both forest berry purees added to the probiotic yogurt effectively supported the growth of probiotic bacteria. Notably, the probiotic bacteria number in the strawberry-added PSY yogurt sample reached maximum values of 8.11 log cfu/g for L. acidophilus and 7.58 log cfu/g for B. bifidum on the 7th day. Blackberry puree added probiotic yogurt with received the highest score in the sensory evaluation made by trained panelists. In terms of consumer preferences, both standard and probiotic yogurts with blackberry puree added were preferred more than control and strawberry puree yogurt samples. In addition, in this study, it was determined that in addition to improving the functional properties in fruit yogurt production, the selection of fruit types to be added is important in terms of sensory evaluation and consumer preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Synbiotic foods refers to food ingredients or dietary supplements includes probiotics and prebiotics in a form of synergism; therefore, synbiotics are mixtures of probiotics and prebiotics that beneficially affect the host by improving the survival and implantation of live microbial dietary supplements in the gastrointestinal tract, by selectively stimulating the growth and/or by activating the metabolism of one or a limited number of healthpromoting bacteria, thus improving host welfare Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of oat, rice, and barley bran on the proliferation and activity of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum in milk. Methods: Experimental treatments in this research include lecithincholesterol ratios (30-30, 40-20, 50-10 and 60-0). Due to the incompatibility of beta-carotene with water, nanoliposome formulations were produced using the combined method of thinlayer hydration-sonication. Results: The highest survival rate of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum was observed in the samples containing 7.5% oat bran, rice and barley during the entire storage period in the refrigerator, and Lactobacillus casei had a higher potential for survival than Bifidobacterium bifidum. Barley bran showed more prebiotic activity in stimulating the growth and survival of studied probiotic bacteria, followed by barley bran and rice bran. The highest value titratable acidity was obtained in the samples treated with 5 and 7.5% of the brans, which contained higher bacterial populations than the control and other samples. The content of group B vitamins was significantly higher in the samples containing rice bran, followed by the samples containing barley and oat bran. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, rice, barley, and oats bran have prebiotic activity and stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of XG addition on low-fat yogurt (LFY) properties. Pasteurized skimmed buffalo milk (SBM) was heated to 95 ± 2 °C for 16 s, cooled to 40 ± 1 °C, and then divided into six treatment lots. The treatments included the following: T1 (control), T2 (0.2% XG), T3 (0.4% XG), T4 (0.6% XG), T5 (0.8% XG), and T6 (1% XG). A proportion of 2% of a mixed starter culture from Streptococcus thermophilus (ST), Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB), and Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB) in the ratio 1:1:1 was added. Yogurt was manufactured following the standard manufacturing protocol. Chemical composition and texture were determined at fresh time, while water-holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, and syneresis % were determined at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. Total bacterial counts (TBC), lactobacilli, streptococci, and bifidobacteria counts were determined at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. Sensory analysis was performed immediately upon the cooling stage (time zero) and then after 14 and 21 days of storage. The experiment was performed in trice. The results obtained showed that the addition of XG in LFY significantly (p < 0.05) decreases the pH, total protein (TP), and ash, and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the total solids (TS). Additionally, the addition of XG led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in hardness, WHC, and viscosity; however, syneresis significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The addition of higher amounts of XG led to a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the TBC and led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in counts of ST, LB, and BB during the first two weeks of the storage period. Sensory evaluation revealed that increasing the XG concentration up to 0.8% increased the product's acceptability among panelists; however, further increasing the concentration to 1% had a detrimental impact on its acceptability. To conclude, this study showed that XG can be used as a stabilizer in the manufacturing of LFY as well as a prebiotic for starter culture and improve the quality of LFY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Bifidobacterium plays a pivotal role within the gut microbiota, significantly affecting host health through its abundance and composition in the intestine. Factors such as age, gender, and living environment exert considerable influence on the gut microbiota, yet scant attention has been directed towards understanding the specific effects of these factors on the Bifidobacterium population. Therefore, this study focused on 98 adult fecal samples to conduct absolute and relative quantitative analyses of bifidobacteria. (2) Methods: Using droplet digital PCR and the PacBio Sequel II sequencing platform, this study sought to determine the influence of various factors, including living environment, age, and BMI, on the absolute content and biodiversity of intestinal bifidobacteria. (3) Results: Quantitative results indicated that the bifidobacteria content in the intestinal tract ranged from 106 to 109 CFU/g. Notably, the number of bifidobacteria in the intestinal tract of the school population surpassed that of the off-campus population significantly (p = 0.003). Additionally, the group of young people exhibited a significantly higher count of bifidobacteria than the middle-aged and elderly groups (p = 0.041). The normal-weight group displayed a significantly higher bifidobacteria count than the obese group (p = 0.027). Further analysis of the relative abundance of bifidobacteria under different influencing factors revealed that the living environment emerged as the primary factor affecting the intestinal bifidobacteria structure (p = 0.046, R2 = 2.411). Moreover, the diversity of bifidobacteria in the intestinal tract of college students surpassed that in the out-of-school population (p = 0.034). This was characterized by a notable increase in 11 strains, including B. longum, B. bifidum, and B. pseudolongum, in the intestinal tract of college students, forming a more intricate intestinal bifidobacteria interaction network. (4) Conclusions: In summary, this study elucidated the principal factors affecting intestinal bifidobacteria and delineated their characteristics of intestinal bifidobacteria in diverse populations. By enriching the theory surrounding gut microbiota and health, this study provides essential data support for further investigations into the intricate dynamics of the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacteria are the predominant bacteria in the infant gut and have beneficial effects on host physiology. Infant cohort studies have demonstrated that a higher abundance of bifidobacteria in the gut is associated with a reduced risk of disease. Recently, bifidobacteria-derived metabolites, such as organic acid, have been suggested to play crucial roles in host physiology. This review focuses on an investigation of longitudinal changes in the gut microbiota and organic acid concentrations over 2 years of life in 12 Japanese infants and aims to identify bifidobacteria that contribute to the production of organic acid in healthy infants. Acetate, lactate, and formate, which are rarely observed in adults, are characteristically observed during breast-fed infancy. Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis and the symbiosis of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve efficiently produce these organic acids through metabolization of human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) with different strategies. These findings confirmed that HMO-utilizing bifidobacteria play an important role in regulating the gut organic acid profiles of infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the physical, chemical, and microbiological features of bio-yoghurt that had been air-oven-dried at three temperatures (40, 50, and 60 °C) to those of fresh bio-yoghurt. The results showed that drying bio-yoghurt at 40–60 °C decreased the number of probiotic starter bacteria in dried yoghurt products compared to fresh bio-yoghurt. The dried yoghurt's moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and ash contents were 4.16–4.55%, 38.22–40.02%, 1.33–1.43%, 47.94–49.45%, and 6.37–6.55%, respectively. The pH and total acidity levels of dried yoghurt were within acceptable ranges at various temperatures and storage durations. At different temperatures, the viscosity values of the products decreased by 620–550 cp; however, the hygroscopicity values remained constant. During a 90-day storage period, the dried yoghurt product's physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics remained within acceptable levels. Using a drying temperature of 40–50 °C kept the number of live bacteria below acceptable ranges during storage periods. Lactobacillus acidophilus counts were 6.75 and 6.70 log CFU/g, respectively, whereas Bifidobacterium bifidum numbers were 6.66 and 6.08 log CFU/g, respectively. In conclusion, drying bio-yoghurt in an air oven at 40–50 °C provided a dried product with a high number of viable probiotic bacteria and satisfactory physicochemical characteristics after 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic organisms including the gut microbiota have an essential antioxidant status, as a result of which these bacteria protect organisms from various pathologies and diseases. The goal of the given investigation is (1) the isolation and purification of the isoforms of endogenous О2−-producing associate from gastrointestinal bacteria (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum); (2) determination of the effective concentrations of exogenous О2− produced by a complex of NADPH-containing protein component and Fe(III) (NPC-Fe(III)) from raspberries on the growth of the gastrointestinal bacteria in a nutrient medium in vitro. Ion-exchange chromatography on cellulose DE-52 and gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 at the pH of 9.5 was used to isolate and purify the NLP-Nox isoforms. Specific maximal optical absorption spectra of the Nox isoforms were observed in a weakly opalescent aqueous solution of the NLP-Nox isoforms. The specific contents of these NLP-Nox isoforms, as well as their composition, the stationary concentration of produced О2−, and the mechanism of О2− production were determined. The stimulating effect on the growth of these gastrointestinal bacteria in the nutrient medium of MRS broth and MRS agar in vitro under the influence of О2−, as a product of a new thermostable and acid-stable complex NPC-Fe(III) was determined. The NPC-Fe(III) complex, from raspberries was determined as well. Thus, for the first time, the isolation and purification of О2−- producing thermostable NADPH-containing lipoprotein–NADPH oxidase (NLP-Nox) associate from gastrointestinal bacteria membranes (continuously producing О2− under the aerobic conditions), and the stimulation of these bacteria growth by О2− formed by the complex from raspberries were demonstrated. The О2−-producing associate NLP-Nox was isolated and purified from the gut microbiota. NLP-Nox associate produces О2− by using a protein-bound non-free NADPH as a substrate. The NPC-Fe(III) isolated from raspberries generates О2−. The effective quantities of О2− promotes the growth and development of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of aqueous extract of Arctium lappa root (ALE) on the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus La‐5 and Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb‐12 probiotic bacteria and sensory and physicochemical properties of synbiotic yogurt was evaluated during 4 weeks storage at 4°C. According to this study, using 0.5% and 1% ALE significantly affected the survival of La‐5 and Bb‐12 during storage. The results showed that 1% of ALE counting of La‐5 and Bb‐12 has been reached from 6.96 and 8.14 Log CFU/g to 7.3 and 7.30 Log CFU/g after 28 days of storage. Moreover, adding 1% ALE to yogurt enhanced antioxidant activity and phenolic content to 1299.8 mg gallic acid/kg and 392.8 mg BHT eq./kg compared with the control (without extract) after storage, respectively. In general, in yogurt containing ALE, a decrease in Syneresis, undesirable changes in taste, texture, and appearance, and reduced overall acceptances were observed compared to the control. In conclusion, using this prebiotic compound (ALE) can improve nutritional properties and probiotic protection in yogurt during long time storage; thus, it is a good choice for application in the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesalamine is a first-line drug for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, its premature release associated with marketed formulations leads to adverse effects like gastric trouble, vomiting, and diarrhoea. To minimize these side effects, colon-targeted drug delivery is essential. Besides conventional pharmacotherapy, bifidogenic probiotics with anti-inflammatory activity has been reported to elicit a significant impact on the remission of ulcerative colitis. Bifidogenic probiotics being acid-labile necessitate developing a gastro-resistant formulation for enhancing the delivery of viable cells to the colon. The present study was aimed at developing a fixed-dose unit dosage form of mucoadhesive hydrogel beads loaded with mesalamine and Bifidobacterium bifidum further encapsulated in Eudragit® capsules for the targeted drug delivery at colonic pH. The hydrogel beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation, with the effect of single and dual-crosslinking approaches on various formulation characteristics studied. Standard size 00 Eudragit® gastro-resistant capsules were prepared and the dried beads were filled inside the capsule shells. The formulation was then evaluated for various parameters, including physicochemical characterization, in vitro biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory activity. No interaction was observed between the drug and the polymers, as confirmed through FTIR, XRD, and DSC analysis. The mean particle size of the beads was ~ 457–485 µm. The optimized formulation showed a drug entrapment efficiency of 95.4 ± 2.58%. The Eudragit® capsule shells disintegrated in approximately 13 min at pH 7.4. The mucoadhesive hydrogel beads sustained the drug release above 18 h, with 50% of the drug released by the end of 12 h. The optimized formulation demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) gastro-resistance, biocompatibility, sustained drug release, cell viability, and anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To exert their beneficial effects, microorganisms used in live bacteria-containing products must be viable and present in certain amounts. In this study, we developed a viability assay based on quantitative PCR coupled with propidium monoazide for the identification and enumeration of viable Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. In order to optimize the protocol, the thermal inactivation conditions for the two target microorganisms and the PMA concentration inhibiting DNA amplification from the dead cells while allowing it from the live cells were first determined. The viability-PCR protocol was then applied to analyze a commercial product containing the two microorganisms. The quantities of both microorganisms determined using viability-PCR in the tested product were significantly higher than those obtained using the standard plate count, suggesting the presence of bacteria in a viable but non-culturable physiological state. Moreover, lower amounts of the two microorganisms were detected using viability-PCR compared to those achieved using quantitative PCR, possibly because of the presence of dead cells in the samples. Our results suggest that the viability-PCR method proposed here is a suitable alternative for rapid and accurate quantification and assessment of the viability of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum and could be easily adopted in the quality control screening of live bacteria-containing products.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant consequence of metabolic dysfunction, often associated with changes in the intestinal microbiota. Prebiotics and probiotics have shown promise in NAFLD management. This study evaluated a silymarin-based herbal remedy with piperine and fulvic acid, alongside a probiotic blend of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Using a NAFLD mouse model induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet, we assessed biochemical parameters, liver function, glucose levels, and conducted histological analysis. Stool samples underwent 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis to explore changes in microbiota composition. Mice on the high-fat diet exhibited elevated lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose, with reduced high-density lipoprotein levels (with p value

Дослідження пробіотичних мікроорганізмів, виділених з меду бджолиного, останнім часом набуло значного поширення в світі і становить значний інтерес як для профілактики та лікування захворювань бджіл, так і як джерело пробіотиків для конструювання препаратів, корисних для людини і тварин. Однак, не було проведено досліджень з вивчення тривалості зберігання пробіотичних бактерій в меді після його відкачування зі стільників. Проведено дослідження трьох видів меду (акацієвий, соняшниковий та різнотрав’я) з визначення інтенсивності росту пробіотичних бактерій на першу, другу, третю та четверту добу після відкачування, а також після зберігання меду впродовж 6 місяців у запечатаних стільниках. Проби меду готували у розведенні з МРС-бульйоном, висівали на тверде поживне середовище, облік результатів проводили через 48 годин за підрахунку колоній різних видів. Виділені культури характеризували за культурально-морфологічними та біохімічними властивостями. Встановлено, що бактерії виділяються впродовж перших 3-х діб після відкачування меду, натомість на 4-ту добу зберігання ріст пробіотичних бактерій відсутній, що свідчить про неможливість їх отримання. Доведено перспективу використання меду різного ботанічного походження для виділення пробіотичних бактерій. Дослідження меду, що зберігався в запечатаних стільниках впродовж 6-ти місяців, підтвердило гіпотезу про те, що бактерії нормофлори, які мають пробіотичні властивості, зберігаються в стільниках впродовж тривалого часу і такий мед можна застосовувати для їх виділення, ідентифікації та подальшого використання. У процесі дослідження вдосконалено та відпрацьовано методику виділення бактерій нормофлори кишківника бджіл, а саме Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum та Enterococcus faecium зі свіжовідкачаного меду.

The development of probiotic products has attracted more and more attention. Products made from goat milk powder and probiotics can combine nutrition and health care functions. In this paper, the effects of different sugars, alcohols and antioxidants on the preparation goat milk tablets containing Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01 were studied by single factor experiment. The results showed that the appropriate addition of sugars, alcohols and antioxidants were as follows: sucrose 5 %, glucose 1.5 %, xylitol 3 %, ascorbic acid 0.03 %, D-sodium ascorbate 0.09 %, sodium ascorbate 0.03 %, microcrystalline cellulose 0.5 %, D-mannitol 0.1 %. According to the formulation, goat milk tablets with high Bifidobacterium activity were developed, and had appropriate hardness, friability and good sensory quality.