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The complex interactions between intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders are well-documented, with implications for glucose metabolism, energy expenditure, and intestinal permeability. Prebiotics induce beneficial changes in gut microbiota composition in prediabetes, while postbiotics can enhance gut barrier function, complementing each other to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week dietary fibre (DF) supplement on gut health, metabolic function, and diet. The supplement contained konjac glucomannan (KGM), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs), and exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from Bifidobacterium breve. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, 53 prediabetic volunteers were randomly assigned to either a daily DF supplement (YMETA) or a placebo (cellulose microcrystalline) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up. Measurements included gut microbiota composition, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), plasma lipids, anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, and dietary intake. The intervention group showed a significant increase in alpha diversity and butyrate-producing bacteria, with reductions in HbA1c and FPG levels below prediabetes thresholds. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. This study suggests that manipulating the human gut microbiome through dietary interventions could be a promising therapeutic approach to managing prediabetes and preventing or delaying diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk promotes the growth of bifidobacteria in the infant gut. Adding bifidobacterial species to infant formula may contribute to increasing their presence in the gut of formula-fed infants. Therefore, the safety and anti-infectious effects of Bifidobacterium breve DSM32583, a breast milk isolate, were assessed in a pilot trial involving 3-month-old infants. The infants were randomly assigned to either the probiotic (PG) or the control (CG) groups. All the infants consumed the same formula, although it was supplemented with the strain (1 × 107 cfu/g of formula) in the PG. Overall, 160 infants (80 per group) finished the intervention. Infants in CG gained more weight compared to PG (p < 0.05), but the weights for age Z-scores at 6 months were within the normal distribution for this age group. The rates of infections affecting the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and antibiotic therapy were significantly lower in the PG. The bifidobacterial population and the level of short-chain fatty acids were higher (p < 0.05) in the fecal samples of PG infants. No adverse events related to formula consumption were observed. In conclusion, the administration of an infant formula with B. breve DSM32583 was safe and exerted potential beneficial effects on gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacterium breve, one of the main bifidobacterial species colonizing the human gastrointestinal tract in early life, has received extensive attention for its purported beneficial effects on human health. However, exploration of the mode of action of such beneficial effects exerted by B. breve is cumbersome due to the lack of effective genetic tools, which limits its synthetic biology application. The widespread presence of CRISPR-Cas systems in the B. breve genome makes endogenous CRISPRbased gene editing toolkits a promising tool. This study revealed that Type I-C CRISPRCas systems in B. breve can be divided into two groups based on the amino acid sequences encoded by cas gene clusters. Deletion of the gene coding uracil phosphoribosyl- transferase (upp) was achieved in five B. breve strains from both groups using this system. In addition, translational termination of uracil phosphoribosyl-transferase was successfully achieved in B. breve FJSWX38M7 by single-base substitution of the upp gene and insertion of three stop codons. The gene encoding linoleic acid isomerase (bbi) in B. breve, being a characteristic trait, was deleted after plasmid curing, which rendered it unable to convert linoleic acid into conjugated linoleic acid, demonstrating the feasibility of successive editing. This study expands the toolkit for gene manipulation in B. breve and provides a new approach toward functional genome editing and analysis of B. breve strains. IMPORTANCE The lack of effective genetic tools for Bifidobacterium breve is an obstacle to studying the molecular mechanisms of its health-promoting effects, hindering the development of next-generation probiotics. Here, we introduce a gene editing method based on the endogenous CRISPR-Cas system, which can achieve gene deletion, single-base substitution, gene insertion, and successive gene editing in B. breve. This study will facilitate discovery of functional genes and elucidation of molecular mechanisms of B. breve pertaining to health-associated benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Fermenting bacilli producing lactic acid, including Bifidobacterium spp., are supposed to have low pathogenicity and no virulence for humans. Probiotics consisting of those fermenting bacilli can prevent and treat symptomatic gastrointestinal conditions, such as diarrhea. We use probiotics even in cancer patients, those who are immunocompromised, because a preferable effect to the intestinal commensal microbiome has been shown in a recent report. Some case reports warn of a rare risk of bloodstream infection caused by probiotics. However, complete prohibition of probiotic use in cancer patients abandons the benefits. Case Report: A 75-year-old Japanese woman with malignant lymphoma was treated with immune-chemotherapy regimen consisting of rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP). The patient had onset of febrile neutropenia during chemotherapy and had Bifidobacterium breve bloodstream infection on day 8 after the eighth R-CHOP treatment. She had usually eaten commercial yogurt every morning. This yogurt was produced from only Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. It did not contain Bifidobacterium breve. The bloodstream infection in this case looked like it derived from her food; however, it was not associated with her habitual foods. The patient was treated with meropenem for 8 days and experienced complete remission of the bloodstream infection. Conclusions: We speculate that fermenting bacilli can also be a source of bloodstream infection, not necessarily associated with probiotic strains, in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Additionally, we recommend that probiotics can alleviate alimentary tract symptoms in immunocompromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Recent studies suggest that postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have the potential as an adjunct therapy for CRC. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) postbiotics on the HT-29 cell line. Materials and Methods: Through MTT and scratch assay, we investigated the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of B. breve and L. rhamnosus postbiotics on HT-29 cells. Furthermore, postbiotic-mediated apoptosis was assessed by analyzing the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3. We also investigated the effects of B. breve postbiotics on the expression of three important genes involved in metastasis, including RSPO2, NGF, and MMP7. Consequently, we validated the expression of selected genes in twelve adenocarcinoma tissues. Results: The results demonstrated the significant impact of postbiotics on HT-29 cells, highlighting their ability to induce anti-proliferation, anti-migration, and apoptosis-related effects. Notably, these effects were more pronounced using B. breve postbiotics than L. rhamnosus. Additionally, B. breve postbiotics could inhibit metastasis through upregulation of RSPO2 while downregulating NGF and MMP7 expression in HT-29 cells. Conclusion: Our research suggests that postbiotic metabolites may be effective biological products for the prevention and treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioactive conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) can be microbiologically produced by different probiotic strains when in the presence of α-linolenic acid (α-LNA). Food matrices are a good vector, such as has been previously demonstrated with fermented milk enriched with microbial CLNA by Bifidobacterium breve DSM 20091 from lipase-hydrolyzed flaxseed oil. The aim of the present work was to further assess the nutritional, biochemical and organoleptic properties of the developed dairy product, as well as its storage stability throughout 28 days at 4 °C, proving its suitability for consumption. Milk lactose hydrolyzed into glucose (0.89 g/100 g) and galactose (0.88 g/100 g), which were further metabolized into lactic (0.42 g/100 g), acetic (0.44 g/100 g) and propionic (0.85 g/100 g) acids. Titratable acidity reached 0.69% and pH 4.93. Compared with the control (no CLNA), fat content was slightly higher (2.0 g/100 g). Acetic acid was the major volatile (83.32%), lacking important dairy flavor contributors, like acetaldehyde. Sensory analysis revealed predominant astringency and bitterness. No microbial concerns arose during storage, but the CLNA content increased, and some saturated fatty acids seemed to oxidize. In conclusion, the CLNA-enriched fermented milk revealed reasonable compositional properties, yet further improvements are needed for optimal consumer acceptance and a prolonged shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the anatomical separation, strong evidence suggested a bidirectional association between gut microbiota and central nervous system. Cross-talk between gut microbiota and brain has an important role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders and regenerative processes. However, choosing the appropriate probiotics and combination therapy of probiotics to provide a synergistic effect is very crucial. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) and Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) on alternation performance, oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers, the extent of demyelination, and the expression level of HO-1, Nrf-2, Olig2, MBP, PDGFRα, and BDNF in cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demyelination model of rat corpus callosum. In order to induce this model, rats received oral administration of CPZ 0.6% w/w in corn oil for 28 days. Then, L. casei, B. breve, or their combinations were orally administrated for 28 days. Y maze test was performed to investigate the alternation performance. Oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers were determined by colorimetric methods. Extent of demyelination was investigated using FluoroMyelin staining. The genes' expression levels of antioxidant and myelin lineage cells were assessed by quantitative real time PCR. The results showed the probiotics supplementation significantly improve the alternation performance and antioxidant capacity in demyelinated corpus callosum. Interestingly, B. breve supplementation alleviated demyelination and oxidative stress levels more than the administration of L. casei alone or the combination of two probiotics. These observations suggest that B. breve could provide a supplementary strategy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis by increasing antioxidant capacity and remyelination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex interactions between intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders are well-documented, with implications for glucose metabolism, energy expenditure, and intestinal permeability. Prebiotics induce beneficial changes in gut microbiota composition in prediabetes, while postbiotics can enhance gut barrier function, complementing each other to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week dietary fibre (DF) supplement on gut health, metabolic function, and diet. The supplement contained konjac glucomannan (KGM), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs), and exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from Bifidobacterium breve. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, 53 prediabetic volunteers were randomly assigned to either a daily DF supplement (YMETA) or a placebo (cellulose microcrystalline) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up. Measurements included gut microbiota composition, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), plasma lipids, anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, and dietary intake. The intervention group showed a significant increase in alpha diversity and butyrate-producing bacteria, with reductions in HbA1c and FPG levels below prediabetes thresholds. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. This study suggests that manipulating the human gut microbiome through dietary interventions could be a promising therapeutic approach to managing prediabetes and preventing or delaying diabetes.

Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Recent studies suggest that postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have the potential as an adjunct therapy for CRC. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) postbiotics on the HT-29 cell line. Materials and Methods: Through MTT and scratch assay, we investigated the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of B. breve and L. rhamnosus postbiotics on HT-29 cells. Furthermore, postbiotic-mediated apoptosis was assessed by analyzing the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3. We also investigated the effects of B. breve postbiotics on the expression of three important genes involved in metastasis, including RSPO2, NGF, and MMP7. Consequently, we validated the expression of selected genes in twelve adenocarcinoma tissues. Results: The results demonstrated the significant impact of postbiotics on HT-29 cells, highlighting their ability to induce anti-proliferation, anti-migration, and apoptosis-related effects. Notably, these effects were more pronounced using B. breve postbiotics than L. rhamnosus. Additionally, B. breve postbiotics could inhibit metastasis through upregulation of RSPO2 while downregulating NGF and MMP7 expression in HT-29 cells. Conclusion: Our research suggests that postbiotic metabolites may be effective biological products for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Aim: To evaluate the structure and functions of capsular exopolysaccharide (CPS) from Bifidobacterium breve NCIM 5671. Methods and results: A CPS produced by the probiotic bacteria B. breve NCIM 5671 was isolated and subjected to characterization through GC analysis, which indicated the presence of rhamnose, fucose, galactose, and glucose in a molar ratio of 3:1:5:3. The average molecular weight of the CPS was determined to be ∼8.5 × 105 Da. Further, NMR analysis revealed the probable CPS structure to be composed of major branched tetra- and penta-saccharide units alternately repeating and having both α- and β-configuration sugar residues. CPS displayed an encouraging prebiotic score for some of the studied probiotic bacteria. Compared to standard inulin, CPS showed better resistance to digestibility against human GI tract in vitro. DPPH, total antioxidant, and ferric reducing assays carried out for CPS displayed decent antioxidant activity too. Conclusion: This study indicates that the CPS from B. breve NCIM 5671 has the potential to be utilized as a prebiotic food supplement. It is a high-molecular-weight (∼8.5 × 105 Da) capsular heteropolysaccharide containing rhamnose, fucose, galactose, and glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and its resultant low birthweight (LBW) are at a higher risk of developing various health problems later in life, including renal diseases, metabolic syndrome, and sarcopenia. The mechanism through which LBW caused by intrauterine hypoperfusion leads to these health problems has not been properly investigated. Oral supplementation with probiotics is expected to reduce these risks in children. In the present study, rat pups born with FGR-LBW after mild intrauterine hypoperfusion were supplemented with either Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) or a vehicle from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P21. Splanchnic organs and skeletal muscles were evaluated at six weeks of age. Compared with the sham group, the LBW-vehicle group presented significant changes as follows: overgrowth from infancy to childhood; lighter weight of the liver, kidneys, and gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles; reduced height of villi in the ileum; and increased depth of crypts in the jejunum. Some of these changes were milder in the LBW-B.breve group. In conclusion, this rat model could be useful for investigating the mechanisms of how FGR-LBW leads to future health problems and for developing interventions for these problems. Supplementation with B. breve in early life may modestly attenuate these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk promotes the growth of bifidobacteria in the infant gut. Adding bifidobacterial species to infant formula may contribute to increasing their presence in the gut of formula-fed infants. Therefore, the safety and anti-infectious effects of Bifidobacterium breve DSM32583, a breast milk isolate, were assessed in a pilot trial involving 3-month-old infants. The infants were randomly assigned to either the probiotic (PG) or the control (CG) groups. All the infants consumed the same formula, although it was supplemented with the strain (1 × 107 cfu/g of formula) in the PG. Overall, 160 infants (80 per group) finished the intervention. Infants in CG gained more weight compared to PG (p < 0.05), but the weights for age Z-scores at 6 months were within the normal distribution for this age group. The rates of infections affecting the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and antibiotic therapy were significantly lower in the PG. The bifidobacterial population and the level of short-chain fatty acids were higher (p < 0.05) in the fecal samples of PG infants. No adverse events related to formula consumption were observed. In conclusion, the administration of an infant formula with B. breve DSM32583 was safe and exerted potential beneficial effects on gut health.

Background and Aim: Bifidobacterium breve was the first bacteria isolated in the feces of healthy infants and is a dominant species in the guts of breast‐fed infants. Some strains of B. breve have been shown to be effective at relieving intestinal inflammation, but the modes of action have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of action of B. breve CBT BR3 isolated from South Korean infant feces in relieving colitis in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Colitis was induced in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, in vitro FITC‐dextran flux permeability assay, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) luciferase assay are performed using Caco‐2 cells and HT29‐Lucia™ AhR cells. Results: B. breve CBT BR3 was orally administered. B. breve CBT BR3 improved colitis symptoms in both DSS‐ and DNBS‐induced colitis models. B. breve CBT BR3 increased the number of goblet cells per crypt. B. breve increased the mRNA expressions of Notch, Spdef, Muc5, and Il22. The mRNA expressions of Occludin, which encodes a membrane tight‐junction protein, and Foxo3, which encodes a protein related to butyrate metabolism, were also increased in the DSS‐ and DNBS‐induced colitis models. B. breve CBT BR3 protected inflammation‐induced epithelial cell permeability and improved goblet cell function by inducing aryl hydrocarbon receptor in vitro. Conclusions: These results indicate that B. breve CBT BR3 is effective at relieving intestinal inflammation by augmenting goblet cell regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed to assess the efficacy of the parabiotic Bifidobacterium breve IDCC 4401, named BBR 4401, for lowering cholesterol levels. The 66 subjects (per protocol set, n = 60) with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels between 100 mg/dL and 150 mg/dL were enrolled after a 4-week run-in period (e.g., no probiotics, low cholesterol diet and no food affecting lipid profiles). The two groups were prescribed 1 × 1010 (low-dose) and 1 × 1011 CFU (high-dose), whereas the placebo group was prescribed 97% (w/w) of maltodextrin for 4 weeks. The compliance rates exceeded 97% in the subjects who completed the study. Comparison of the mean changes from baseline between the placebo group and test groups after the 12 weeks of BBR 4401 consumption showed a statistically significant reduction in LDL-C (up to −10.8%, p-value = 0.008) and apolipoproteinB (up to −8.1%, p-value = 0.008). Meanwhile, there were no clinically significant changes in vital signs, clinical pathology tests or electrocardiograms and no significant adverse events were reported during the study period. Concerning bowel habits, the consumption of BBR 4401 alleviated defecation strain, distension and watery feces in the high-dose group. Thus, BBR 4401 may be a safe and functional food for adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most frequent and dangerous gastrointestinal emergency in newborns is Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC). A novel and promising strategy for preventing NEC is enterally given probiotics. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in preterm neonates in the prevention of NEC and to assess the time of achievement of full feeds and duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay. Materials and Methods: The present study was a parallel design single-centre randomised controlled trial, conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Department of Paediatrics, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, from November 2018 to April 2020. Total of 130 newborns were included after inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomised into two groups: that is probiotic (group I, n=61) and non probiotic (group II, n=69) groups. The probiotic group was given probiotics with breastmilk and non probiotic group were given only breastmilk. Probiotic (Bifidobacterium breve M16V) 0.5 g was mixed with breastmilk and given twice daily till full feeds were reached. All neonates were followed-up on daily basis for the appearance of features of NEC. Other parameters like time of achievement of full feeds and duration of ICU stay were compared between the two groups. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out in the present study. Results: Out of total sample, majority of babies belonged to the gestational age group of 30-33 weeks i.e., 30 (49.2%) in group I and 30 (43.5%) in group II. There were 29 (47.5%) females and 32 (52.5%) males in group I and, 32 (46.4%) females and 37 (53.6%) males in group II. There was a significant reduction of incidence of NEC (p-value=0.024) and earlier achievement of full feeds in the probiotic group (p-value=0.003) when compared to non probiotic group. The mean duration of ICU stay compared between the two groups was not statistically significant (p-value=0.366). Conclusion: Supplementation of probiotics to the preterm Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies helps in the reduction of incidence of NEC and also helps in earlier achievement of full feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence supports the importance of the breast milk microbiome in seeding the infant gut. However, the origin of bacteria in milk and the process of milk microbe-mediated seeding of infant intestine need further elucidation. Presumed sources of bacteria in milk include locations of mother-infant and mother-environment interactions. We investigate the role of mother-infant interaction on breast milk microbes. Shotgun metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified milk microbes of mother-infant pairs in breastfed infants and in infants that have never latched. Although breast milk has low overall biomass, milk microbes play an important role in seeding the infant gut. Breast milk bacteria were largely comprised of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacter primarily derived from maternal areolar skin and infant oral sites in breastfeeding pairs. This suggests that the process of breastfeeding is a potentially important mechanism for propagation of breast milk microbes through retrograde flux via infant oral and areolar skin contact. In one infant delivered via Caesarian section, a distinct strain of Bifidobacteria breve was identified in maternal rectum, breast milk and the infant's stool potentially suggesting direct transmission. This may support the existence of microbial translocation of this anaerobic bacteria via the enteromammary pathway in humans, where maternal bacteria translocate across the maternal gut and are transferred to the mammary glands. Modulating sources of human milk microbiome seeding potentially imply opportunities to ultimately influence the development of the infant microbiome and health.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most highly prevalent metabolic disorders worldwide. Uncontrolled T2DM can lead to other health threats such as cardiac arrest, lower-limb amputation, blindness, stroke, impaired kidney function, and microvascular and macrovascular complications. Many studies have demonstrated the association between gut microbiota and diabetes development and probiotic supplementation in improving glycemic properties in T2DM. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of Bifidobacterium breve supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile, and microbiome of T2DM subjects. Forty participants were randomly divided into two groups, and they received probiotics (50 × 109 CFU/day) or placebo interventions (corn starch; 10 mg/day) for 12 weeks. The changes in the blood-urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine levels, and other factors such as body-mass index, visceral fat, body fat, and body weight were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. B. breve supplementation significantly reduced BUN, creatinine, LDL, TG, and HbA1c levels compared to the placebo group. Significant changes were observed in the microbiome of the probiotic-treated group compared to the placebo group. Firmicutes and proteobacteria were predominant in the placebo and probiotic-treated groups. Genera Streptococcus, Butyricicoccus, and species Eubacterium hallii were significantly reduced in the probiotic-treated group compared to the placebo. Overall results suggested that B. breve supplementation could prevent worsening of representative clinical parameters in T2DM subjects. The current study has limitations, including fewer subjects, a single probiotic strain, and fewer metagenomic samples for microbiome analysis. Therefore, the results of the current study require further validation using more experimental subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the dose–response effect of Bifidobacterium breve CCFM683 on relieving psoriasis and its underlying patterns. Specifically, the expression of keratin 16, keratin 17, and involucrin were substantially decreased by administration of 109 CFU and 1010 CFU per day. Moreover, interleukin (IL)-17 and TNF-α levels were substantially decreased by 109 and 1010 CFU/day. Furthermore, the gut microbiota in mice treated with 109 or 1010 CFU/day was rebalanced by improving the diversity, regulating microbe interactions, increasing Lachnoclostridium, and decreasing Oscillibacter. Moreover, the concentrations of colonic bile acids were positively correlated with the effectiveness of the strain in relieving psoriasis. The gavage dose should be more than 108.42 CFU/day to improve psoriasis according to the dose–effect curve. In conclusion, CCFM683 supplementation alleviated psoriasis in a dose-dependent manner by recovering microbiota, promoting bile acid production, regulating the FXR/NF-κB pathway, diminishing proinflammatory cytokines, regulating keratinocytes, and maintaining the epidermal barrier function. These results may help guide probiotic product development and clinical trials in psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheese has recently been the focus of a number of marketing and scientific investigations, due to its effectiveness in delivering probiotics to the digestive tract. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of using yeast extract (YE) 0.1, 0.5, and 1% with cheese cultures (Lactococcus lactis sub sp lactis 2% and Lactococcus lactis sub sp cremoris 2%) and Bifidobacterium breve at 1, 3, and 5% on the chemical composition, microbiological quality, organoleptic properties, and shelf-life stability of probiotic soft cheese (PSC) during storage at 5˚± 2˚C for 60 days. The acidity, moisture, salt, Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count, total bacterial count (TBC), Bif. breve count, yeasts & molds, coliform count, and organoleptic properties were examined in the PSC after 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days of storage. The addition of YE increased the total CFU of Bif. breve, LAB, TBC, content of salt, and development titratable acidity (DTA) during storage. On the other side, moisture content was decreased (P < 0.05) during storage. The antimicrobial activity of Bif. breve delayed the growth of yeast, molds, and coliform bacteria during storage. The overall acceptability of PSC had improved (P < 0.05) by the addition of synbiotics (Bif. breve and YE), as compared with the control. using 5% Bif. breve + 0.1, 0.5, and 1% YE and 3% Bif. breve +1% YE resulted increase in significant flavor, texture, and overall acceptability, compared with the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 has been shown to improve memory and prevent brain atrophy in populations with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Preclinical in vivo studies using Alzheimer's disease (AD) models indicate that this probiotic protects against brain inflammation. There is growing evidence that lipid droplets are associated with brain inflammation, and lipid-associated proteins called perilipins could play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. In this study, we found that B. breve MCC1274 cell extracts significantly decreased the expression of perilipin 4 (PLIN4), which encodes a lipid droplet docking protein whose expression is known to be increased during inflammation in SH-SY5Y cells. Niacin, an MCC1274 cell extract component, increased PLIN4 expression by itself. Moreover, MCC1274 cell extracts and niacin blocked the PLIN4 induction caused by oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells, reduced lipid droplet formation, and prevented IL-6 cytokine production. These results offer a possible explanation for the effect of this strain on brain inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacteria, a major bacterial group, have several beneficial impacts on health, such as enhancing the intestinal flora by limiting the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms and stimulating the immune system. As a result, bifidobacteria have been extensively included in various food products. In this study, Bifidobacterium breve TISTR 2130 was microencapsulated using an emulsion technique with sodium alginate and calcium lactate in green soybean milk as wall materials. This study found that microbeads prepared with 2.0% (w/v) sodium alginate and 2.0% (w/v) calcium lactate had the highest microencapsulation efficiency (MEE) of 99.8% ± 0.07%. In addition, the viability of microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 and free cells was evaluated following a simulated gastrointestinal treatment. Microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 showed higher cell viability than free cells under the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The viability reduction of free cells dropped substantially to zero after 1 h of incubation in simulated gastrointestinal juice (SIJ), while the viable cell count of microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 remained greater than 5 log CFU/mL and the survival rate was greater than 64% at the end of the sequential digestion. During refrigerated storage of green soybean yogurt (GSY) fortified with microencapsulated B. breve, the viability of B. breve TISTR 2130, syneresis, and acidity decreased, while the pH and viscosity increased. Microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 has the potential to be used as a probiotic fortification in GSY since the viability remained above the recommended minimal limit of 6 log CFU/mL for 10 days during refrigerated storage. The present study demonstrated that the optimized microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 sodium alginate matrix could survive the human gastrointestinal tract to provide health benefits and the possibility of incorporation into functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most frequent and dangerous gastrointestinal emergency in newborns is Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC). A novel and promising strategy for preventing NEC is enterally given probiotics. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in preterm neonates in the prevention of NEC and to assess the time of achievement of full feeds and duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay. Materials and Methods: The present study was a parallel design single-centre randomised controlled trial, conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Department of Paediatrics, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, from November 2018 to April 2020. Total of 130 newborns were included after inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomised into two groups: that is probiotic (group I, n=61) and non probiotic (group II, n=69) groups. The probiotic group was given probiotics with breastmilk and non probiotic group were given only breastmilk. Probiotic (Bifidobacterium breve M16V) 0.5 g was mixed with breastmilk and given twice daily till full feeds were reached. All neonates were followed-up on daily basis for the appearance of features of NEC. Other parameters like time of achievement of full feeds and duration of ICU stay were compared between the two groups. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out in the present study. Results: Out of total sample, majority of babies belonged to the gestational age group of 30-33 weeks i.e., 30 (49.2%) in group I and 30 (43.5%) in group II. There were 29 (47.5%) females and 32 (52.5%) males in group I and, 32 (46.4%) females and 37 (53.6%) males in group II. There was a significant reduction of incidence of NEC (p-value=0.024) and earlier achievement of full feeds in the probiotic group (p-value=0.003) when compared to non probiotic group. The mean duration of ICU stay compared between the two groups was not statistically significant (p-value=0.366). Conclusion: Supplementation of probiotics to the preterm Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies helps in the reduction of incidence of NEC and also helps in earlier achievement of full feeds.

The bioactive conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) can be microbiologically produced by different probiotic strains when in the presence of α-linolenic acid (α-LNA). Food matrices are a good vector, such as has been previously demonstrated with fermented milk enriched with microbial CLNA by Bifidobacterium breve DSM 20091 from lipase-hydrolyzed flaxseed oil. The aim of the present work was to further assess the nutritional, biochemical and organoleptic properties of the developed dairy product, as well as its storage stability throughout 28 days at 4 °C, proving its suitability for consumption. Milk lactose hydrolyzed into glucose (0.89 g/100 g) and galactose (0.88 g/100 g), which were further metabolized into lactic (0.42 g/100 g), acetic (0.44 g/100 g) and propionic (0.85 g/100 g) acids. Titratable acidity reached 0.69% and pH 4.93. Compared with the control (no CLNA), fat content was slightly higher (2.0 g/100 g). Acetic acid was the major volatile (83.32%), lacking important dairy flavor contributors, like acetaldehyde. Sensory analysis revealed predominant astringency and bitterness. No microbial concerns arose during storage, but the CLNA content increased, and some saturated fatty acids seemed to oxidize. In conclusion, the CLNA-enriched fermented milk revealed reasonable compositional properties, yet further improvements are needed for optimal consumer acceptance and a prolonged shelf-life.

Millet is the sixth-highest yielding grain in the world and a staple crop for millions of people. Fermentation was applied in this study to improve the nutritional properties of pearl millet. Three microorganism combinations were tested: Saccharomyces boulardii (FPM1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae plus Campanilactobacillus paralimentarius (FPM2) and Hanseniaspora uvarum plus Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis (FPM3). All the fermentation processes led to an increase in minerals. An increase was observed for calcium: 254 ppm in FPM1, 282 ppm in FPM2 and 156 ppm in the unfermented sample. Iron increased in FPM2 and FPM3 (approx. 100 ppm) with respect the unfermented sample (71 ppm). FPM2 and FPM3 resulted in richer total phenols (up to 2.74 mg/g) compared to the unfermented sample (2.24 mg/g). Depending on the microorganisms, it was possible to obtain different oligopeptides with a mass cut off ≤10 kDalton that was not detected in the unfermented sample. FPM2 showed the highest resistant starch content (9.83 g/100 g) and a prebiotic activity on Bifidobacterium breve B632, showing a significant growth at 48 h and 72 h compared to glucose (p < 0.05). Millet fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae plus Campanilactobacillus paralimentarius can be proposed as a new food with improved nutritional properties to increase the quality of the diet of people who already use millet as a staple food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and its resultant low birthweight (LBW) are at a higher risk of developing various health problems later in life, including renal diseases, metabolic syndrome, and sarcopenia. The mechanism through which LBW caused by intrauterine hypoperfusion leads to these health problems has not been properly investigated. Oral supplementation with probiotics is expected to reduce these risks in children. In the present study, rat pups born with FGR-LBW after mild intrauterine hypoperfusion were supplemented with either Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) or a vehicle from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P21. Splanchnic organs and skeletal muscles were evaluated at six weeks of age. Compared with the sham group, the LBW-vehicle group presented significant changes as follows: overgrowth from infancy to childhood; lighter weight of the liver, kidneys, and gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles; reduced height of villi in the ileum; and increased depth of crypts in the jejunum. Some of these changes were milder in the LBW-B.breve group. In conclusion, this rat model could be useful for investigating the mechanisms of how FGR-LBW leads to future health problems and for developing interventions for these problems. Supplementation with B. breve in early life may modestly attenuate these problems.

Functional proteins with the ability to isomerise free linoleic acid (LA) to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are termed linoleic acid isomerases (LAI). BBI is a novel LAI from Bifidobacterium breve with unique advantages in the production of a single CLA isomer; however, its complex membrane-bound form hampers over-expression of the protein in its natural host. To overcome this challenge, heterologous expression of BBI in Pichia pastoris was studied. Further, to investigate the influence of His-tags on the heterologous expression of BBI, three P. pastoris recombinant strains carrying either a C-terminal His-tag, an N-terminal His-tag, or none were constructed. The expression of recombinant proteins was analysed by dot and western blotting, and the enzyme activity was determined by GC-MS. The results show that the three P. pastoris recombinant strains successfully expressed the recombinant protein and had LAI activity. Compared with those BBIs without a His-tag or carrying a His-tag on the C-terminus, the BBI carrying an N-terminal His-tag had reduced expression and enzyme activity and that was also explained by the protein modelling analysis. Moreover, this study highlights the advantages of using P. pastoris for BBI expression to achieve efficient production of c9, t11-CLA monomers; the highest conversion rate of the substrate LA was over 80%, resulting in the production of 0.81 mg of c9, t11-CLA per mg of crude enzyme.

Background: Bifidobacterium breve is an obligate anaerobic gram-positive bacillus mainly found in the gastrointestinal tract of human infants. Few cases of necrotizing fasciitis caused by B. breve have been reported. Case presentation: A 42-year-old Japanese man with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, cellulitis of the back, and subcutaneous abscess of the right inguinal region presented with rapidly developing erythema, swelling and severe pain in the right inguinal region. Computed tomography showed widespread gas in the right leg region. Cultures of blood and a swab of the wound abscess grew gram-positive bacilli. Mass spectrography and 16 S rDNA analysis confirmed the gram-positive bacilli as B. breve. The patient recovered following extensive debridement and antibacterial therapy. Conclusion: Unidentified necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by B. breve, especially in compromised hosts.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by behavioral and cognitive impairments and its increasing prevalence imposes a healthcare burden on society. To date, most intervention studies have only focused on a single ADrelated factor and have yielded modest cognitive improvements. Here, we show that environmental enrichment (EE) training combined with Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 intervention significantly alleviated amyloid-b (Ab)-induced cognitive impairment and inhibited neuroinflammation in mice. Moreover, we found that EE combined with B. breve CCFM1025 treatment restored ADassociated gut microbiota dysbiosis and reversed microbial metabolites changes. By integrating behavioral and neurological data with metabolomic profiles, we corroborated the microbiota-metabolite-brain interactions, with acetate and tryptophan metabolism as potential drivers. Taken together, our results provide a promising multidomain intervention strategy to prevent cognitive decline and delay the progression of AD through a combination of dietary microbiome-based approaches and lifestyle interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore the different intestinal barrier repair mechanisms of Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) H4-2 and H9-3 with different exopolysaccharide (EPS) production in mice with colitis. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IEC-6 cell inflammation model and dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced mice colitis model were used. Histopathological changes, epithelial barrier integrity, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content, cytokine levels, NF-κB expression level, and intestinal flora were analyzed to evaluate the role of B. breve in alleviating colitis. Cell experiments indicated that both B. breve strains could regulate cytokine levels. In vivo experiments confirmed that oral administration of B. breve H4-2 and B. breve H9-3 significantly increased the expression of mucin, occludin, claudin-1, ZO-1, decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and increased IL-10. Both strains of B. breve also inhibited the expression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, B. breve H4-2 and H9-3 intervention significantly increased the levels of SCFAs, reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidea, and increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae. These results demonstrate that EPS-producing B. breve strains H4-2 and H9-3 can regulate the physical, immune, and microbial barrier to repair the intestinal damage caused by DSS in mice. Of the two strains, H4-2 had a higher EPS output and was more effective at repair than H9-3. These results will provide insights useful for clinical applications and the development of probiotic products for the treatment of colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacterium breve is among the first microorganisms colonizing the intestinal tract in humans and is a predominant species in the gut microbiota of newborns and children. This bacterium is widely used in the probiotic industry due to its capacity to improve host health. The search for new targets with probiotic properties is an increasing trend with the help of next-generation sequencing as they facilitate the characterization of the bacterial features. B. breve 1101A was isolated from the faeces of healthy children in Brazil and therefore could play a protective role in the gut. To investigate the beneficial properties of this strain, the present study performed a comprehensive characterization of the genetic features involved in the bacterium resistance and adaptation to gastrointestinal conditions, production of nutrients, and immunomodulatory compounds. Furthermore, this study carried out the prediction of genomic elements (plasmids, prophages, CRISPR-Cas systems, insertion sequences, genomic islands, antibiotic resistance genes) to evaluate the safety of B. breve 1101A. A comparative genomics approach using 45 B. breve complete genomes based on pangenome and phylogenomic analysis was also performed to identify specific genes in B. breve 1101A. The prediction of genetic elements, possibly safety-related, did not detect plasmids, but only one incomplete prophage, two non-functional CRISPR systems, and seven genomic islands. Additionally, three antibiotic resistance genes were identified: ileS (resistance to mupirocin), rpoB, and erm(X). In the comparative genomic analysis, the pangenome was revealed to be open, and B. breve 1101A presented 63 unique genes associated with several processes, such as transmembrane transport, membrane components, DNA processes, and carbohydrate metabolism. In conclusion, B. breve 1101A is potentially safe and well-adapted for intestinal disorder therapeutics, although the role of its unique genetic repertoire needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of obesity in dogs is increasing worldwide. This study evaluated the effects of a mixed probiotic formula on the weight, body condition score (BCS), blood metabolite profiles, and gut microbiota of overweight and obese dogs over a 12-week supplementation period to determine the anti-obesity effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CBT LP3 and Bifidobacterium breve CBT BR3. This was a community-based, randomized study that sampled 41 overweight and obese dogs with a veterinarian-determined BCS of 6 or more. The physical activity of all the subjects was measured using a pedometer designed exclusively for dogs. The food intake was measured using the developed application. Only the treatment group received the mixed probiotic formula twice daily (3 g per dose). A significant decrease in body weight (p < 0.0001), BCS (p < 0.0001), serum TG (p < 0.0001), serum TC (p = 0.0400), and serum leptin (p = 0.0252), and a significantly increased serum adiponectin levels (p = 0.0007) were observed in the treatment group compared with the values in the control group. Microbiota analysis showed that Lactiplantibacillus increased and Erysipelatoclostridium, Staphylococcus, and Gemella decreased more significantly in the treatment group than in the control group. These results suggested that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CBT LP3 and Bifidobacterium breve CBT BR3 may be effective in alleviating obesity in dogs., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Postbiotics were defined in 2021 by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as a "preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their cellular components that confers a health benefit to the host." The field of postbiotics is a new area within the biotics family; numerous products have already been developed for clinical applications, such as immune stimulation, the management of diarrhea in children and adults, the management of irritable bowel syndrome, and 3 infant formulas. In particular, infant formulas with postbiotics obtained from milk fermented with Bifidobacterium breve C50 and Streptococcus thermophilus O65 -and their metabolites-, including the oligosaccharide 3'-GL, have demonstrated to be safe and to contribute to the development of the gut microbiota and the gutassociated immune system. These modifications help to prevent and manage functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

Purpose: Our study aimed to explore the efficacy of Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 on specific neurotransmitters and hormones and the ability to regulate lifestyle behaviors in healthy adults., Methods: In total, 120 healthy adults with high mental stress, overweight, insomnia, and constipation were randomly assigned to receive low-dose B. breve 207-1 (LD, n = 40), high-dose B. breve 207-1 (HD, n = 40), or placebo (n = 40) for 28 days. Fecal and blood samples were collected and questionnaires were answered before and after the trial. Neurotransmitters and serum hormones were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16 S rRNA sequencing. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations were determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)., Results: The primary outcome of our study was changes in mental wellness, including neurotransmitters, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrena (HPA) axis hormones, and the psychological scales. The results showed that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) increased significantly and the HPA axis hormones were suppressed overall in the probiotic groups while 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) did not change significantly. However, there was no significant change in mood scale scores. The secondary outcome focused on the ability of 207-1 to regulate the body and lifestyle of healthy adults (e.g., sleep, diet, exercise, etc.). The PSQI scores in the probiotics groups significantly decreased, indicating improved sleep quality. Meanwhile, the probiotic groups had a slight increase in exercise consumption while dietary intake stabilized. By physical examination, the participants showed weight loss although no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. Then, validated by gut microbiota, changes in the gut microbiota were observed under the effective intervention of 207-1 while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) increased in the LD group, particularly acetic and propionic acids. There was a slight decrease in alpha-diversity in the HD group., Conclusion: Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 entered the organism and affected neurotransmitter and the HPA axis hormone levels via the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Meanwhile, 207-1 supplementation improved daily lifestyle behaviors in healthy adults, which may in turn lead to changes in their bodies (e.g. weight and lipid metabolism). However, this study did not find significant mood-modulating efficacy. The mechanism of the overall study is unclear, but we hypothesize that SCFAs may be the key pathway, and more experiments are needed for validation in the future., Trial Registration: This trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under the accession number ChiCTR2300069453 on March 16, 2023., (© 2024. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Red pitaya has been demonstrated to strongly inhibit α-glucosidase activity; however, the impact of red pitaya fermentation by probiotic bacteria on α-glucosidase inhibition remains unclear. In this study, six strains of lactic acid bacteria ( Lactiplantibacillus plantarum , Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus , Lactobacillus bulgaricus , Lacticaseibacillus casei , Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilus ) and one strain of Bifidobacterium breve were utilized for the fermentation of red pitaya pulp. The α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition rates of red pitaya pulp were significantly greater after fermentation by Bifidobacterium breve and Lacticaseibacillus casei than by the other abovementioned strains. The LC group exhibited an α-glucosidase inhibition rate of 99%, with an α-amylase inhibition rate of 89.91%. In contrast, the BB group exhibited an α-glucosidase inhibition rate of 95.28%, accompanied by an α-amylase inhibition rate of 95.28%. Moreover, red pitaya pulp fermented with Bifidobacterium breve and Lacticaseibacillus casei produced a notable quantity of oligosaccharides, which was more than three times greater than that in the other groups. Furthermore, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing analysis was conducted to assess alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota. This revealed an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium in the pulp fermented by Bifidobacterium breve and Lacticaseibacillus casei , whereas the abundance of Sutterella decreased. Further analysis at the species level revealed that Bifidobacterium longum , Faecalibacterium prausnitzii , and Lactobacillus zeae were the dominant strains present during colonic fermentation. These results indicate a beneficial health trend associated with probiotic bacterial fermentation of red pitaya pulp, which is highly important for the development of functional products.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed to assess the efficacy of the parabiotic Bifidobacterium breve IDCC 4401, named BBR 4401, for lowering cholesterol levels. The 66 subjects (per protocol set, n = 60) with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels between 100 mg/dL and 150 mg/dL were enrolled after a 4-week run-in period (e.g., no probiotics, low cholesterol diet and no food affecting lipid profiles). The two groups were prescribed 1 × 1010 (low-dose) and 1 × 1011 CFU (high-dose), whereas the placebo group was prescribed 97% (w/w) of maltodextrin for 4 weeks. The compliance rates exceeded 97% in the subjects who completed the study. Comparison of the mean changes from baseline between the placebo group and test groups after the 12 weeks of BBR 4401 consumption showed a statistically significant reduction in LDL-C (up to −10.8%, p-value = 0.008) and apolipoproteinB (up to −8.1%, p-value = 0.008). Meanwhile, there were no clinically significant changes in vital signs, clinical pathology tests or electrocardiograms and no significant adverse events were reported during the study period. Concerning bowel habits, the consumption of BBR 4401 alleviated defecation strain, distension and watery feces in the high-dose group. Thus, BBR 4401 may be a safe and functional food for adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia.

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Over the past decades, the prevalence of allergic diseases noticeably increased in industrialized countries. The Th2 immune response plays a central role in these pathologies and its modulation using pro-/postbiotics constitutes a promising approach to prevent or alleviate disease symptoms. The aim of this in vitro study, was to investigate the ability of human milk-derived Bifidobacterium breve DSM 32583 (Bb) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (Lf), to modulate the Th2 induced responses. To this end, Th2 cells were generated by co-culturing of human naïve Th cells with monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) either stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus or IL-33. The immunomodulatory effects of pro-/postbiotic preparations of Bb and Lf on moDCs and Th2 cells were evaluated in terms of maturation markers expression and cytokines production. Remarkably, the tested strains induced the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in moDCs, in a strain-, dose- and viability-dependent manner with no significant upregulation of IL-12p70 nor CD83, CD86 or HLA-DR. Interestingly, Bb and Lf postbiotics were able to dampen the Th2/Th1 response induced upon S. aureus - or IL-33 stimulation. They were also able to synergistically induce IL-10 in moDCs and T cells, upon co-stimulation with LPS. Finally, we observed that live probiotics triggered a mild Th1 response that was attenuated in the presence of galacto-oligosaccharides. Altogether, Bb and Lf pro-/postbiotics exhibited remarkable immune regulatory effects on both moDCs and Th2 cells. Therefore, further in vivo studies should be considered to validate these findings and assess their ability to prevent allergy or alleviate its symptoms in affected patients. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to measure consumption and absorption of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in a cohort of premature infants treated with probiotic Bifidobacterium breve.MethodsTwenty-nine premature infants (median gestational age 28 weeks, range 23-32 weeks) cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit of the King Edward and Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth, Australia, were treated with B breve at a dose of 1.66 billion organisms per day. Samples of feces, urine, and milk were obtained at initiation of the probiotic and again 3 weeks later. 16S ribosomal RNA from the feces was analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Quantitation of HMO content of the milk, urine, and feces was performed using nano-high-performance liquid chromatography-chip/time-of-flight mass spectrometry.ResultsThere was heterogeneity in colonization with bifidobacteria. "Responders" received milk with higher percentages of fucosylated HMOs and had higher percentages of bifidobacteria and lower percentages of Enterobacteriaceae in their feces than "nonresponders." Several individual HMOs in the milk were associated with changes in fecal bifidobacteria over time. Changes over time in milk, fecal, and urine HMOs suggested heterogeneity among HMO structures in consumption by microbes in the gut lumen and absorption from the intestine.ConclusionsColonization of the premature infant intestinal tract with probiotic B breve is influenced by prebiotic HMOs. B breve is a selective consumer of HMOs in the premature infant.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most highly prevalent metabolic disorders worldwide. Uncontrolled T2DM can lead to other health threats such as cardiac arrest, lower-limb amputation, blindness, stroke, impaired kidney function, and microvascular and macrovascular complications. Many studies have demonstrated the association between gut microbiota and diabetes development and probiotic supplementation in improving glycemic properties in T2DM. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of Bifidobacterium breve supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile, and microbiome of T2DM subjects. Forty participants were randomly divided into two groups, and they received probiotics (50 × 109 CFU/day) or placebo interventions (corn starch; 10 mg/day) for 12 weeks. The changes in the blood-urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine levels, and other factors such as body-mass index, visceral fat, body fat, and body weight were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. B. breve supplementation significantly reduced BUN, creatinine, LDL, TG, and HbA1c levels compared to the placebo group. Significant changes were observed in the microbiome of the probiotic-treated group compared to the placebo group. Firmicutes and proteobacteria were predominant in the placebo and probiotic-treated groups. Genera Streptococcus, Butyricicoccus, and species Eubacterium hallii were significantly reduced in the probiotic-treated group compared to the placebo. Overall results suggested that B. breve supplementation could prevent worsening of representative clinical parameters in T2DM subjects. The current study has limitations, including fewer subjects, a single probiotic strain, and fewer metagenomic samples for microbiome analysis. Therefore, the results of the current study require further validation using more experimental subjects.

There has been a rising interest in studying how Bifidobacterium breve can affect the immune system over the years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of B. breve on the immune system and to explore the mechanism in a mouse model of cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression. The results of the study showed that B. breve CCFM1310 significantly increased the thymus index (p < 0.05), promoting the secretion of immunoglobulins and the number of immune cells in the blood. Moreover, B. breve CCFM1310 could repair the spleen injury. It increased the mRNA expression level of T-bet (p < 0.05) and decreased the mRNA expression level of TGF-β and FOXP3 (p < 0.05). B. breve CCFM1310 alleviated oxidative stress by increasing enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT and T-AOC and reducing the concentration of MDA. Moreover, it repaired intestinal damage by increasing the number of goblet cells, upregulating mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). B. breve CCFM1310 could regulate the gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (p < 0.05) and decreasing the relative abudance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group. Overall, our study suggests that B. breve CCFM1310 could enhance immunity in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice by affecting immune responses, oxidative stress and gut microbiota. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the dose–response effect of Bifidobacterium breve CCFM683 on relieving psoriasis and its underlying patterns. Specifically, the expression of keratin 16, keratin 17, and involucrin were substantially decreased by administration of 109 CFU and 1010 CFU per day. Moreover, interleukin (IL)-17 and TNF-α levels were substantially decreased by 109 and 1010 CFU/day. Furthermore, the gut microbiota in mice treated with 109 or 1010 CFU/day was rebalanced by improving the diversity, regulating microbe interactions, increasing Lachnoclostridium, and decreasing Oscillibacter. Moreover, the concentrations of colonic bile acids were positively correlated with the effectiveness of the strain in relieving psoriasis. The gavage dose should be more than 108.42 CFU/day to improve psoriasis according to the dose–effect curve. In conclusion, CCFM683 supplementation alleviated psoriasis in a dose-dependent manner by recovering microbiota, promoting bile acid production, regulating the FXR/NF-κB pathway, diminishing proinflammatory cytokines, regulating keratinocytes, and maintaining the epidermal barrier function. These results may help guide probiotic product development and clinical trials in psoriasis.

Bifidobacteria, a major bacterial group, have several beneficial impacts on health, such as enhancing the intestinal flora by limiting the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms and stimulating the immune system. As a result, bifidobacteria have been extensively included in various food products. In this study, Bifidobacterium breve TISTR 2130 was microencapsulated using an emulsion technique with sodium alginate and calcium lactate in green soybean milk as wall materials. This study found that microbeads prepared with 2.0% (w/v) sodium alginate and 2.0% (w/v) calcium lactate had the highest microencapsulation efficiency (MEE) of 99.8% ± 0.07%. In addition, the viability of microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 and free cells was evaluated following a simulated gastrointestinal treatment. Microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 showed higher cell viability than free cells under the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The viability reduction of free cells dropped substantially to zero after 1 h of incubation in simulated gastrointestinal juice (SIJ), while the viable cell count of microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 remained greater than 5 log CFU/mL and the survival rate was greater than 64% at the end of the sequential digestion. During refrigerated storage of green soybean yogurt (GSY) fortified with microencapsulated B. breve, the viability of B. breve TISTR 2130, syneresis, and acidity decreased, while the pH and viscosity increased. Microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 has the potential to be used as a probiotic fortification in GSY since the viability remained above the recommended minimal limit of 6 log CFU/mL for 10 days during refrigerated storage. The present study demonstrated that the optimized microencapsulated B. breve TISTR 2130 sodium alginate matrix could survive the human gastrointestinal tract to provide health benefits and the possibility of incorporation into functional foods.

Consumption of Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 has been shown to improve memory and prevent brain atrophy in populations with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Preclinical in vivo studies using Alzheimer’s disease (AD) models indicate that this probiotic protects against brain inflammation. There is growing evidence that lipid droplets are associated with brain inflammation, and lipid-associated proteins called perilipins could play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. In this study, we found that B. breve MCC1274 cell extracts significantly decreased the expression of perilipin 4 (PLIN4), which encodes a lipid droplet docking protein whose expression is known to be increased during inflammation in SH-SY5Y cells. Niacin, an MCC1274 cell extract component, increased PLIN4 expression by itself. Moreover, MCC1274 cell extracts and niacin blocked the PLIN4 induction caused by oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells, reduced lipid droplet formation, and prevented IL-6 cytokine production. These results offer a possible explanation for the effect of this strain on brain inflammation.

ABSTRACT Probiotics have been widely used to prevent primary Clostridioides difficile infection (pCDI); however, there are fewer studies on their therapeutic aspects for pCDI. In this study, high doses of Bifidobacterium breve YH68 were used alone or in combination with vancomycin (VAN) and metronidazole (MTR) to treat pCDI mice. Mouse feces were collected from preinfection, postinfection, and posttreatment stages. Subsequently, the C. difficile number and toxin level in feces were detected by plate count method and C. difficile toxin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Simultaneously, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were employed to explore the changing patterns and characteristic markers of fecal microbiota and metabolome. The results indicated that high doses of YH68 used alone or in combination with VAN and MTR were more effective than the combination of VAN and MTR for pCDI mice and improved their final survival rate. This probiotic strain and its combination with antibiotics reduced C. difficile numbers and toxin levels in the feces, downregulated proinflammatory cytokine levels in colon tissue, and alleviated cecum tissue hyperplasia. Meanwhile, the level of fecal microbiota diversity increased significantly in pCDI mice after treatment, with an increase in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, Oscillospira, unidentified_S24-7, and Ruminococcus, and this process was accompanied by elevated levels of secondary bile acid, butyric acid, and gentamicin C1a and reduced levels of primary bile acid and indoles. Most notably, the combination of YH68 with VAN and MTR diminished the damaging effect of antibiotic treatment alone on the microbiota. Our findings suggested that high doses of YH68 used in combination with VAN and MTR have a better therapeutic effect on pCDI mice than the combination of VAN and MTR alone. IMPORTANCE Many studies have focused on the preventive effects of probiotics against pCDI, but few studies have investigated in depth the therapeutic effects of probiotics, especially at the postinfection stage. We demonstrated that high doses of Bifidobacterium breve YH68 used alone or in combination with vancomycin (VAN) and metronidazole (MTR) exerted outstanding efficacy in the treatment of pCDI mice. This probiotic-antibiotic combination regimen has the potential to be a new option for the clinical treatment of pCDI.

Probiotic bacteria have potential use as immunomodulators but comparative data on their immunological effects are very limited. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of oral administration of probiotic strains, alone or as mixtures, on systemic and organ-specific immune responses. For this purpose, healthy C57BL/6 mice were perorally administered probiotics for 3 weeks. A total of five common probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus species GG (LGG) and LC705, Bifidobacterium breve 99 (Bb99), Propionibacterium freudenreichii Shermanii JS (PJS), and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), and two of their mixtures, were tested. Livers, spleens, and blood were collected for investigation. A number of five treatments increased the abundance of the natural killer (NK) cells. Bb99 had the most prominent effect on hepatic NK cells (20.0 ± 1.8%). LGG (liver: 5.8 ± 1.0%; spleen: 1.6 ± 0.4%), Bb99 (liver: 13.9 ± 4.3%; spleen: 10.3 ± 3.7%), and EcN (liver: 8.5 ± 3.2%; spleen: 1.0 ± 0.2%) increased the percentage of both the hepatic and splenic T-helper 17 cells. Moreover, LGG (85.5 ± 3.0%) and EcN (89.6 ± 1.2%) increased the percentage of splenic regulatory T-cells. The tested mixtures of the probiotics had different immunological effects from their individual components on cell-mediated responses and cytokine production. In conclusion, our results confirm that the immunomodulatory potential of the probiotics is strain- and organ/tissue-specific, and the effects of probiotic mixtures cannot be predicted based on their single constituents.

Objective: To evaluate changes in peripheral immunological response (decrease in blood proinflammatory cytokines) and fecal microbiota (especially Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes) after administration of probiotics in children with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet. Data source: The databases MEDLINE, LILACS, Springer and SciELO were used for this review, with the descriptors "celiac disease AND probiotics". At the end of the search, 168 articles were retrieved, four of which were included in the final qualitative synthesis, having as inclusion criteria randomized clinical trials and pediatric population (1-19 years) and, as exclusion criteria, interventions other than probiotics, studies with patients with other diseases associated with celiac disease, or patients who did not meet the diagnostic criteria. All elected studies were published until September 2020, without language restriction, with patients receiving strains of Bifidobacterium breve or B. longum and on a gluten-free diet. Data synthesis: The studies show that the administration of probiotics along with a gluten-free diet, can approximate the fecal microbiota of celiac patients to typical conditions of healthy individuals, by restoring the abundance of some microbial communities that characterize the typical physiological condition. In addition, the administration of probiotics can reduce serum proinflammatory cytokines (mainly TNF-alpha). Conclusions: Despite the positive correlation between probiotics and fecal microbiota/serological markers in pediatric patients with celiac disease, we emphasize the need for future multicentric studies that should include a larger number of patients and a longer follow up period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]