Search

A study published in the journal Allergy investigated the potential immune-regulating genes that may alleviate Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCPsis) symptoms through the intake of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YIT 0132 (LP0132), a type of lactic acid bacteria. The study found that the downregulation of IDO1 and upregulation of FOXP3 may be associated with the alleviation of JCPsis symptoms by LP0132 intake. However, the study did not compare results with individuals without JCPsis and did not clarify the gene expression profile in immune cells or local changes in mucosa. The study was funded by Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. and the authors declare no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

Certain strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have beneficial effects on Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCPsis), which is a major concern in Japan. Heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum YIT 0132 (LP0132), selected for its ability to induce interleukin (IL)-10, has been shown to suppress JCPsis symptoms. Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS), a popular probiotic, potentially induces a high level of IL-12 and is reported to delay the onset of JCPsis symptoms. However, it is unclear whether a combination of different types of LAB exerts additional effects without interfering with the benefits of each individual LAB. Thus, we conducted a pilot study to investigate the effects of LP0132- fermented citrus juice on JCPsis during simultaneous consumption of LcS-fermented milk. Fifty-nine subjects with JCPsis were allocated to two groups after a 2-week preconsumption period: one group consumed LP0132- fermented citrus juice and LcS-fermented milk (LcS+LP0132 group) for 12 weeks, while the other consumed LcS-fermented milk alone (LcS group). JCPsis symptoms, JCPsis-associated quality of life (QOL) impairment, and bowel movements were assessed by questionnaires. Compared with the LcS group, the LcS+LP0132 group showed significant alleviation of total symptoms and total ocular symptoms during the consumption period, as well as relief of impaired QOL. Bowel movements were significantly improved during the consumption period compared with the baseline in a combined analysis of all subjects in the two groups. In conclusion, LP0132- fermented citrus juice appears to have positive effects on some JCPsis symptoms and QOL in a population consuming immunomodulating probiotics such as LcS-fermented milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From these findings, we speculate that LP0132 may have an immunological effect, other than inducing the expansion of Treg cells, which may contribute to the alleviation of JCPsis symptoms in the early phase. In this trial, the specific subtypes of Treg cells induced by LP0132 to alleviate JCPsis symptoms were not examined. In summary, citrus juice fermented with LP0132 alleviated JCPsis symptoms in the early season and suppressed reduction in circulating Treg cells in the peak season. [Extracted from the article]

Interest is growing in the relationship of the microbiota and intestinal environment with health in companion animals. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), typical prebiotics, are expected to provide benefits in dogs. Previous studies of GOS in dogs have involved dogs with similar rearing conditions and diets, which may have biased the results. We conducted an open study of 26 healthy dogs kept in households with diverse rearing environments in order to evaluate how the intake of a GOS-containing syrup affects the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites. Each dog was fed 1.2-4.8 g of the GOS-containing syrup (GOS 0.5-2.0 g equivalent) for 8 weeks. Fecal microbiota, fecal concentrations of organic acids and putrefactive products, fecal odor, and serum uremic toxin concentrations were evaluated before intake (0 weeks), during the 8-week intake period (4 and 8 weeks), and 4 weeks after intake (12 weeks). The activity of N -benzoyl-DL-arginine peptidase in dental plaque, which may be associated with periodontal disease, was evaluated at 0 and 8 weeks. Continuous intake of GOS resulted in changes in fecal microbiota, with a particularly marked increase in the abundance of Megamonas , which produces propionic acid. Other findings included a significant increase in the fecal acetic, propionic, and n -butyric acid concentrations. Additionally, significant decreases in fecal odor, fecal phenol concentration, and serum indoxyl sulfate concentration. Intake of GOS was also associated with a significant decrease in N -benzoyl-DL-arginine peptidase activity in dental plaques. These results suggest that continuous intake of GOS may contribute to canine health., (©2024 BMFH Press.)