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Background and Aim: The use of drugs as a therapy for traumatic ulcers may lead to drug resistance and other side effects. Lactobacillus casei Shirota can affect the number of fibroblasts and blood vessels in wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in the number of fibroblast cells and blood vessels after the topical and systemic administration of L. casei Shirota probiotics in Wistar rats with traumatic ulcer. Materials and Methods: Overall, 36 healthy male Wistar rats aged 2-3 months old and weighing 175-250 g in body weight were used as a sample. Traumatic ulcer was made on the labial fornix incisive inferior. The subject rats were divided into groups: (1) A control group over 3 days, (2) a group that used distilled water over 7 days, (3) a group that underwent topical treatment over 3 days, (4) a group that used probiotics administered topically over 7 days, (5) a group that underwent systemic treatment over 3 days, and (6) a group that took oral probiotics for the traumatic ulcers over 7 days. The number of fibroblasts and blood vessels was observed through a hematoxylin-eosin examination. Results: Based on the results of the study, a significant difference was observed in the number of fibroblasts (p=0.00) and blood vessels (p=0.018) in the 3-day topical group that underwent a 3-day systemic administration of probiotics compared with the number of fibroblast cells in the 7-day topical group and 7-day systemic group (p=0.00). Conclusion: Overall, significant differences were observed in the number of fibroblasts and blood vessels in Wistar rats with traumatic ulcer after undergoing the topical and systemic administration of L. casei Shirota probiotics.

Abstract Background To evaluate the effect of oral Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) administration on recovery of hand functions in senior patients diagnosed with an acute distal radius fracture. Methods This clinical trial is double-blind and placebo-controlled, in which 293 senior patients with distal radius fracture were initially enrolled. After exclusion, 264 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive oral placebo or LcS daily for a period of 3 months after the fracture. Treatment outcomes were Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) score, radial deviation and inclination, and ulnar deviation and variance, all of which were monitored and measured every month. Results Throughout the length of this study, MHQ score, radial deviation and inclination, and ulnar deviation and variance of patients on oral LcS displayed a significantly faster improvement in comparison to those receiving placebo, over the 3-month intervention period. Conclusion Oral administration of LcS dramatically accelerated hand function recovery in senior patients with distal radius fracture.

Microencapsulation is a promising method that has considerable effects on protection of probiotic viability. A variety of coating materials have been utilized to enhance the stability of probiotic microorganisms during the transition through gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this research was to determine optimum coating material combinations for probiotic microencapsulation against gastric conditions. Fructooligosaccharides, peptide, sodium alginate, gelatin and gellan gum were used as entrapment substances to microencapsulate Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei Shirota with extrusion technique. The response surface technique was applied to detect the optimum proportion of encapsulation substances against gastric condition. Microencapsulation protected probiotic cultures against stress factors such as simulated gastric juice and bile-salt solution. Optimum rate of encapsulation substances varied according to the type of probiotic bacteria. Test results showed that L. plantarum should be coated with 1.5% alginate, 0.92% gellan gum, 0.18% gelatin, 0.36% peptide and 1.31% fructooligosaccharides for highest protection. L. casei Shirota should also be coated with 2% alginate, 0.98% gellan gum, 0.51% gelatin, 0.86% peptide and 1.98% fructooligosaccharides for highest protection. This research concluded that microencapsulation with encapsulation materials at optimum concentration provided improved protection for the probiotics.

Background and Aim: The use of drugs as a therapy for traumatic ulcers may lead to drug resistance and other side effects. Lactobacillus casei Shirota can affect the number of fibroblasts and blood vessels in wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in the number of fibroblast cells and blood vessels after the topical and systemic administration of L. casei Shirota probiotics in Wistar rats with traumatic ulcer. Materials and Methods: Overall, 36 healthy male Wistar rats aged 2-3 months old and weighing 175-250 g in body weight were used as a sample. Traumatic ulcer was made on the labial fornix incisive inferior. The subject rats were divided into groups: (1) A control group over 3 days, (2) a group that used distilled water over 7 days, (3) a group that underwent topical treatment over 3 days, (4) a group that used probiotics administered topically over 7 days, (5) a group that underwent systemic treatment over 3 days, and (6) a group that took oral probiotics for the traumatic ulcers over 7 days. The number of fibroblasts and blood vessels was observed through a hematoxylin-eosin examination. Results: Based on the results of the study, a significant difference was observed in the number of fibroblasts (p=0.00) and blood vessels (p=0.018) in the 3-day topical group that underwent a 3-day systemic administration of probiotics compared with the number of fibroblast cells in the 7-day topical group and 7-day systemic group (p=0.00). Conclusion: Overall, significant differences were observed in the number of fibroblasts and blood vessels in Wistar rats with traumatic ulcer after undergoing the topical and systemic administration of L. casei Shirota probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Background/purpose: Yakult is a well-known probiotic beverage consisting of a single live bacterial species, Lactobacillus casei Shirota. However, the potential cariogenic/cariostatic effects of Yakult intake among children have not been studied yet. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of short-term Yakult intake on oral biofilm acidogenicity, cariogenic bacterial counts, and caries risk in children. Materials and methods: Eighteen children, 7–11 years of age, consumed standard Yakult daily for 7 days. Prior to and after intervention, functional oral biofilm acidogenicity characterized by the Stephan curve, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans counts, and caries risk were determined. Results: Probiotic intervention demonstrated significant increase in minimum pH from 4.88 to 5.14 (P=0.02), 18.2% reduction in area under the Stephen curve [area under the curve (AUC)], and 29.3% decrease in pH recovery time, although these two differences were not statistically significant. No difference was observed in S. mutans and Lactobacillus counts or caries risk after intervention (all P>0.05). However, on subgroup analysis using “reduction of AUC” to separate “responders” from the “nonresponders”, the significant cariostatic effects on oral biofilm acidogenicity, among “responders”, were revealed by an increase in minimum pH (P=0.005) and a reduction in pH recovery time (P=0.003). Conclusion: There may be a potential cariostatic effect of short-term Yakult intake in reducing functional biofilm acidogenicity in children with certain oral biofilm and risk profile. Further studies may be needed to validate this probiotic effect. Quality risk assessment may be critical prior to prescribing/recommending Yakult as an adjunct caries-preventive treatment for children.

In this study, the effects of various matrices consisting of maltodextrin and reconstitute skim milk and their binary and ternary mixtures with gum Arabic in the microencapsulation of Lactobacillus casei Shirota by freeze-drying technique were assessed. Microcapsules produced with reconstitute skim milk showed high viability (>99%) after freeze drying. While the free cells were completely inactivated after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the survival rates of microencapsulated L. casei Shirota were found high for all microcapsules except for maltodextrin and maltodextrin:gum Arabic formulas. The viability of microencapsulated L. casei Shirota during storage at refrigerate and room temperatures decreased between 0.39 and 2.43 log cycles and microcapsules produced with reconstitute skim milk:gum Arabic was found more durable at the both storage conditions. Reduction in the number of free cells was higher than encapsulated L. casei Shirota numbers during production of dessert, however the viability of encapsulated L. casei Shirota was found stable for 14 days of storage and consequently desserts containing encapsulated L. casei Shirota (except maltodextrin) showed stable pH values. This study revealed that combination of reconstitute skim milk:gum Arabic was an effective wall matrix for microencapsulation of L. casei Shirota by freeze drying and also very resistant against gastrointestinal fluids and storage conditions in view of protection of L. casei Shirota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three yeast strains were isolated from the spontaneous fermentation of guajillo pepper: Hanseniaspora opuntiae, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Wickerhamomyces anomalus, which were identified by amplification of the ITS/5.8S ribosomal DNA. Some probiotic characteristics of these strains were evaluated and compared with one commercial probiotic yeast (Saccharomyces boulardii). The survival percentage of all the yeasts was similar to that of the commercial product. They showed different hydrophobicity characteristics with hydrocarbons, autoaggregation > 90%, and characteristics of co-aggregation with pathogenic microorganisms. The adhesion capacity to mucin of the three yeast samples was similar to the reference yeast. The antioxidant activity of the yeasts varied between 155 and 178 μM Trolox equivalents. All exhibited cholesterol reduction capacity, and W. anomalus was able to decrease up to 83% of cholesterol after 48 h of incubation. The 7.5-fold concentrated H. opuntiae supernatant had antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Candida albicans ENCBDM2; tests suggest this activity against S. Typhimurium is due to a proteinaceous metabolite with a weight between 10 and 30 kDa. Among the yeasts, P. kudriavzevii exhibited the highest protective effect on the viability of Lactobacillus casei Shirota in gastric and intestinal conditions. These results suggest that yeasts isolated from guajillo pepper may have a probiotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microencapsulation is a promising method that has considerable effects on protection of probiotic viability. A variety of coating materials have been utilized to enhance the stability of probiotic microorganisms during the transition through gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this research was to determine optimum coating material combinations for probiotic microencapsulation against gastric conditions. Fructooligosaccharides, peptide, sodium alginate, gelatin and gellan gum were used as entrapment substances to microencapsulate Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei Shirota with extrusion technique. The response surface technique was applied to detect the optimum proportion of encapsulation substances against gastric condition. Microencapsulation protected probiotic cultures against stress factors such as simulated gastric juice and bile-salt solution. Optimum rate of encapsulation substances varied according to the type of probiotic bacteria. Test results showed that L. plantarum should be coated with 1.5% alginate, 0.92% gellan gum, 0.18% gelatin, 0.36% peptide and 1.31% fructooligosaccharides for highest protection. L. casei Shirota should also be coated with 2% alginate, 0.98% gellan gum, 0.51% gelatin, 0.86% peptide and 1.98% fructooligosaccharides for highest protection. This research concluded that microencapsulation with encapsulation materials at optimum concentration provided improved protection for the probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of probiotic drink on factors affecting dental caries. Materials and Method: A three phase study where 12 volunteers were recruited with a DMFT score >3.The unstimulated saliva samples were collected prior to the start of intervention .The saliva samples were also collected after two weeks of consumption of the probiotic drink, Yakult (Yakult Honsha co.,Ltd) and after wash out period of two weeks .These samples were cultured to detect the Streptococcus mutans level by colony count and to detect pH using pH strips. The volunteers were also asked to maintain a diet chart to determine sugar exposure. Results: The mean of Streptococcus mutans colony count has significantly decreased from 27.17 (baseline count) to 2.50 (two weeks of intervention) respectively and has increased to 11.75 (washout period of two weeks). The mean of pH at baseline,after two weeks of intervention and after washout period were 6.08,6.92 and 7.00 respectively. The correlation coefficient of dietary sugar exposure with Streptococcus mutans count for baseline and after two weeks of intervention were -.227 and -.007 respectively. Conclusion: Probiotics when used as a regular drink reduces the Streptococcus mutans count in the oral cavity. People who have high sugar exposure can also control the oral microbiome with regular usage of probiotic with no significant variation in the salivary pH. It exhibits transient colonisation and lacks substantivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of probiotic as dietary approach to prevent exposure to food contaminant, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has greatly increased. Several studies found that AFB1 binding to the bacterial cell wall is strain-specific. Moreover, the interaction between AFB1 and bacterial cell wall is not well-understood, thus warrants further investigation. This research was conducted to assess the ability of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Lcs) to bind AFB1 at different concentrations and to determine AFB1 binding efficiency of different Lcs cell components including live cell, heat-treated, and cell wall. In addition, the interaction between AFB1 and Lcs was also evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and through an animal study. The binding of AFB1 by all Lcs cell components depends on the concentration of available AFB1. Among all Lcs cell components, the live Lcs cells exhibited the highest binding efficiency (98%) toward AFB1. Besides, the SEM micrographs showed that AFB1 induced structural changes on the bacterial cell surface and morphology including rough and irregular surface along with a curve rod-shaped. In vivo experiment revealed that Lcs is capable to neutralize the toxicity of AFB1 on body weight and intestine through the binding process. The animal’s growth was stunted due to AFB1 exposure, however, such effect was significantly (p < 0.05) alleviated by Lcs. This phenomenon can be explained by a significant (p < 0.05) decreased level of blood serum AFB1 by Lcs (49.6 ± 8.05 ng/mL) compared to AFB1-exposed rats without treatment (88.12 ± 10.65 ng/mL). Taken together, this study highlights the potential use of Lcs as a preventive agent against aflatoxicosis via its strong binding capability.

Inflammation persists in patients infected with HIV. Reduction of inflammatory cytokines and microbial translocation might be one way that this could be managed. Purpose: The anti-inflammatory properties of certain probiotic strains prompted us to investigate whether a probiotic could reduce the inflammatory index of HIV-infected patients. Methods: The study involved 30 HIV+ males on antiretroviral therapy, who were given one bottle of fermented milk Yakult Light® containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) twice a day for four weeks. Results: The probiotic LcS was associated with an increase of T lymphocytes and a significant increase of CD56+ cells (p = 0.04). There was also a significant decrease of mRNA levels of TGFβ, IL-10 and IL-12 (p < 0.001) and IL-1β expression (p < 0.001) and an increase of serum IL-23 (p = 0.03). In addition, decreased inflammation and cardiovascular risk were observed, as shown by a reduction of cystatin C (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These data provide preliminary evidence that probiotic supplementation may modulate certain immunological parameters and some of the cytokines that were analyzed. Thus, we propose that LcS may be an inexpensive and practical strategy to support the immune function of HIV+ patients.

Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) is a probiotic strain typically consumed with dairy products. In this study 142 hospitalized patients with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis were included. Patients in the LcS group received twice daily 65 ml of a commercial beverage containing L. casei Shirota. The treatment with LcS resulted in a significantly decreased daily average (−5.42 vs. −4.40) and cumulative rate of bowel movements (−32.49 vs. −26.43) and improvement of the glomerular filtration rate (after 24 hours: 41.9 ± 2.8 vs. 25.9 ± 4.2 ml/min, p

Abstract: Considerate proportion of elderly patients with a rib fracture is susceptible to pulmonary complications, especially pneumonia. We aimed to assess the effect of oral administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on pneumonia and pulmonary functions among elderly patients with single rib fracture. The current study including 204 eligible elderly patients with a single rib fracture was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral administration of skimmed milk containing either a commercial probiotic LcS or placebo daily for 1 mo after the fracture, followed by pneumonia assessments, pulmonary function testing including forced expiratory volume (FEV), negative inspiratory pressure (NIP), and forced vital capacity (FVC), as well as evaluation of potential adverse effects including myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, nonunion of fractured bone, or stroke. After 1 mo consumption, patients in the LcS group exhibited decreased pneumonia and increased recovery of pulmonary functions, in terms of FEV, FVC, and NIP, compared to the placebo group. No difference was observed in incidence of adverse events between the 2 groups. In patients with a single rib fracture, oral administration of the probiotic LcS was associated with a lower incidence of pneumonia and increased pulmonary functions without causing severe adverse effects. Practical Application: To conclude, after 1‐mo LcS consumption, in patients with a single rib fracture, oral administration of the probiotic LcS was associated with a lower incidence of pneumonia and increased pulmonary functions without causing severe adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of probiotic as dietary approach to prevent exposure to food contaminant, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has greatly increased. Several studies found that AFB1 binding to the bacterial cell wall is strain-specific. Moreover, the interaction between AFB1 and bacterial cell wall is not well-understood, thus warrants further investigation. This research was conducted to assess the ability of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Lcs) to bind AFB1 at different concentrations and to determine AFB1 binding efficiency of different Lcs cell components including live cell, heat-treated, and cell wall. In addition, the interaction between AFB1 and Lcs was also evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and through an animal study. The binding of AFB1 by all Lcs cell components depends on the concentration of available AFB1. Among all Lcs cell components, the live Lcs cells exhibited the highest binding efficiency (98%) toward AFB1. Besides, the SEM micrographs showed that AFB1 induced structural changes on the bacterial cell surface and morphology including rough and irregular surface along with a curve rod-shaped. In vivo experiment revealed that Lcs is capable to neutralize the toxicity of AFB1 on body weight and intestine through the binding process. The animal’s growth was stunted due to AFB1 exposure, however, such effect was significantly (p < 0.05) alleviated by Lcs. This phenomenon can be explained by a significant (p < 0.05) decreased level of blood serum AFB1 by Lcs (49.6 ± 8.05 ng/mL) compared to AFB1-exposed rats without treatment (88.12 ± 10.65 ng/mL). Taken together, this study highlights the potential use of Lcs as a preventive agent against aflatoxicosis via its strong binding capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) show an increase in bowel aerobic bacteria that produce uremic toxins and decreased anaerobic bacteria as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus. The latter can be used as probiotics. The probiotic with greater availability in Mexico, is the lactobacillus casei shirota (LcS), currently there is no known LcS specified dose that produces a benefit to the patient with CKD. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of two different LcS doses in achieving a decrease in urea concentrations of at least 10% in patients with KDOQI stage 3 and stage 4 CKD. Metodology: A simple randomized, controlled clinical trial. Outpatients treated at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran in Mexico D.F. Patients were provided the LcS, as follows: Group A: 8 x 10(9) colony-forming units (CFU) and Group B: 16 x 10(9) CFU. Patients were followed-up for eight weeks, and baseline and final samples were obtained to calculate the basal and final concentrations, respectively, of blood urea and serum creatinine (CrS). During the follow-up, both groups consumed a diet of 30 kcal/kg/weight and 0.8 g/kg/weight of protein, and a food diary was made to assess both the adherence to the diet and LcS. Results: Thirty patients with CKD were evaluated. When analyzing the percentage change between the different doses, a decrease > 10% was found in the blood urea concentrations for patients treated with the 16 x 10(9) dose, which was significant with respect to the baseline measurement. Conclusion: There was a > 10% decrease in the serum urea concentrations with LcS in patients with stage 3 and 4 CRF.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a ubiquitous carcinogenic food contaminant. Gut microbiota is of vital importance for the host’s health, regrettably, limited studies have reported the effects of xenobiotic toxins towards gut microbiota. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the interactions between AFB1 and the gut microbiota. Besides, an AFB1-binding microorganism, Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Lcs) was tested on its ability to ameliorate the changes on gut microbiota induced by AFB1. The fecal contents of three groups of rats included an untreated control group, an AFB1 group, as well as an Lcs + AFB1 group, were analyzed. Using the MiSeq platform, the PCR products of 16S rDNA gene extracted from the feces were subjected to next-generation sequencing. The alpha diversity index (Shannon) showed that the richness of communities increased significantly in the Lcs + AFB1 group compared to the control and AFB1 groups. Meanwhile, beta diversity indices demonstrated that AFB1 group significantly deviated from the control and Lcs + AFB1 groups. AFB1-exposed rats were especially high in Alloprevotella spp. abundance. Such alteration in the bacterial composition might give an insight on the interactions of AFB1 towards gut microbiota and how Lcs plays its role in detoxification of AFB1.

Lactic acid (LA) fermentation performances and characteristics of Streptococcus thermophilus YI-B1 and Lactobacillus casei Shirota were evaluated by the development of unstructured models including both substrate and product inhibitions on semi-defined medium. Cell growth was ceased at 300 g L −1 of glucose, 320 g L −1 of fructose and 101.1 g L −1 of LA for L. casei Shirota, while in the case of S. thermophilus YI-B1 they were 180 g L −1 for glucose and 49.9 g L −1 for LA. An unstructured modified Monod expression was used to predict the fermentation process. The obtained R 2 values for the fitted models were 0.95 for L. casei Shirota and 0.80 for S. thermophilus YI-B1. Since L. casei Shirota was more tolerant than S. thermophilus YI-B1, it was chosen for further examination in a laboratory-scale bioreactor. With the re-optimisation of a few model parameters, the unstructured models had shown a good agreement between experimental data and model simulations by using both semi-defined medium and complex media derived from food waste. Future work could further expand this dynamic model to predict fed-batch fermentation and investigate the fermentation characteristics using other carbon sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different combinations of maltodextrin (MD), reconstitute skim milk (RSM), and gum arabic (GA) on physical of microcapsules, cell viability under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions and storage stability of Lactobacillus casei Shirota microencapsulated by spray drying were evaluated and cells incorporated into Pudding was also studied. Microcapsules containing typical concavities of atomized powders showed to be spherical with no surface fissures or visible cracks. The addition of GA to RSM or MD was decreased the bulk density and L* values of powders, but more protected the viability after exposure to in vitro gastrointestinal juice. During storage at 4 and 24°C, RSM was found to be the best media for the protection of probiotic bacteria. Microencapsulated cell counts in pudding samples decreased at the 14th day and then increased at the end of the storage. pH value of sample containing RSM:GA capsules was found more stable. Practical applications Microencapsulation is described as a technique that has been used to improve probiotic survival by encapsulating in a biopolymer. However, the choice of a biopolymer for encapsulation of probiotic bacteria is very important. So that, the effect of some polymers on the encapsulation of Lactobacillus casei Shirota by spray drying was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose Yakult is a well-known probiotic beverage consisting of a single live bacterial species, Lactobacillus casei Shirota. However, the potential cariogenic/cariostatic effects of Yakult intake among children have not been studied yet. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of short-term Yakult intake on oral biofilm acidogenicity, cariogenic bacterial counts, and caries risk in children. Materials and methods Eighteen children, 7–11 years of age, consumed standard Yakult daily for 7 days. Prior to and after intervention, functional oral biofilm acidogenicity characterized by the Stephan curve, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans counts, and caries risk were determined. Results Probiotic intervention demonstrated significant increase in minimum pH from 4.88 to 5.14 (P = 0.02), 18.2% reduction in area under the Stephen curve [area under the curve (AUC)], and 29.3% decrease in pH recovery time, although these two differences were not statistically significant. No difference was observed in S. mutans and Lactobacillus counts or caries risk after intervention (all P > 0.05). However, on subgroup analysis using “reduction of AUC” to separate “responders” from the “nonresponders”, the significant cariostatic effects on oral biofilm acidogenicity, among “responders”, were revealed by an increase in minimum pH (P = 0.005) and a reduction in pH recovery time (P = 0.003). Conclusion There may be a potential cariostatic effect of short-term Yakult intake in reducing functional biofilm acidogenicity in children with certain oral biofilm and risk profile. Further studies may be needed to validate this probiotic effect. Quality risk assessment may be critical prior to prescribing/recommending Yakult as an adjunct caries-preventive treatment for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate the gastrointestinal survival of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) in healthy Vietnamese adults, a fermented milk drink containing LcS was administered daily for 14 days. Twenty-six healthy Vietnamese adults took part in the study. Each participant consumed 65 mL of a fermented milk drink containing LcS daily for 14 days. The drink contained a dose of 10 8 CFU/mL LcS. Fecal samples were collected before, during and after consuming the fermented milk drink. LcS was confirmed by culture and ELISA. After 7 and 14 days of ingesting fermented milk drink, LcS was recovered from fecal samples at average of 5.0×10 7 CFU/g feces (n=26) and 5.4×10 7 CFU/g feces (n=26), respectively. LcS persisted in 8 voluteers until day 42 (after 14 days stopping fermented milk drink) at 0.0033×10 7 CFU/g feces (n=8). We confirmed survival of LcS after passage through the gastrointestinal tract of Vietnamese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste recycling via fungal hydrolysis and lactic acid (LA) fermentation has been investigated. Hydrolysates derived from mixed food waste and bakery waste were rich in glucose (80.0–100.2 g L −1 ), fructose (7.6 g L −1 ) and free amino nitrogen (947–1081 mg L −1 ). In the fermentation with Lactobacillus casei Shirota, 94.0 g L −1 and 82.6 g L −1 of LA were produced with productivity of 2.61 g L −1 h −1 and 2.50 g L −1 h −1 for mixed food waste and bakery waste hydrolysate, respectively. The yield was 0.94 g g −1 for both hydrolysates. Similar results were obtained using food waste powder hydrolysate, in which 90.1 g L −1 of LA was produced with a yield and productivity of 0.92 g g −1 and 2.50 g L −1 h −1 . The results demonstrate the feasibility of an efficient bioconversion of food waste to LA and a decentralized approach of food waste recycling in urban area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Probiotic bacteria are thought to reduce the risk of some infectious diseases. Recently, the probiotics and their effect on oral health have been a focus of numerous trials. The documented trials have been reported from developing countries, such as India, with its focus on pediatric population. This study was done to evaluate the effects of short term consumption of probiotic milk containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota, and its effects on the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans in children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 20 healthy subjects and was followed for 7 days. The assessment of S. mutans in saliva was done at baseline, 1 h after consumption of probiotic milk and after 7-day of intervention period using mitis salivarius bacitracin agar. The colonies of S. mutans were identified and counted using a digital colony counter. Results: A statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans was recorded after consumption of the probiotic milk. The comparison between baselines versus follow-up salivary S. mutans count after consumption of probiotic milk was found to be statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Based on observations of this study - Short term consumption probiotic milk reduced the growth of salivary S. mutans levels. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of the dental practitioners about this aspect of oral therapy and encourage the implementation of the concept of "food rather than medicine." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human exposure to aflatoxin is through the diet, and probiotics are able to bind aflatoxin and prevent its absorption in the small intestine. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a fermented milk drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) (probiotic drink) to prevent aflatoxin absorption and reduce serum aflatoxin B1-lysine adduct (AFB1-lys) and urinary aflatoxin M1 concentrations. The present study was a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study with two 4-week intervention phases. In all, seventy-one subjects recruited from the screening stage were divided into two groups – the Yellow group and the Blue group. In the 1st phase, one group received probiotic drinks twice a day and the other group received placebo drinks. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline, 2nd and 4th week of the intervention. After a 2-week wash-out period, the treatments were switched between the groups, and blood and urine samples were collected at the 6th, 8th and 10th week (2nd phase) of the intervention. No significant differences in aflatoxin biomarker concentrations were observed during the intervention. A within-group analysis was further carried out. Aflatoxin biomarker concentrations were not significantly different in the Yellow group. Nevertheless, ANOVA for repeated measurements indicated that AFB1-lys concentrations were significantly different (P=0·035) with the probiotic intervention in the Blue group. The 2nd week AFB1-lys concentrations (5·14 (sd 2·15) pg/mg albumin (ALB)) were significantly reduced (P=0·048) compared with the baseline (6·24 (sd 3·42) pg/mg ALB). Besides, the 4th week AFB1-lys concentrations were significantly lower (P<0·05) with probiotic supplementation than with the placebo. Based on these findings, a longer intervention study is warranted to investigate the effects of continuous LcS consumption to prevent dietary aflatoxin exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental caries is one of the most common health problems in the world. Probiotics are one the various preventive methods to reduce dental caries. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of probiotic ice cream and drink on salivary Streptococcus mutans levels in children of 6-12 years age group. Materials and Methods: A three phase study was carried out in children (n = 50) of 6-12 years age with zero decayed missing filled teeth (dmft)/DMFT. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. Saliva samples were collected before the consumptions of probiotic ice cream and probiotic drink. Colony count obtained was recorded as baseline data. For both groups probiotic ice cream and drink was given randomly for 7 days and a washout period of 90 days were given and then the saliva samples were collected and colony counting was done. Results: Statistical analysis was performed using Student's paired t-test and multiple comparisons by Tukey's honest significant difference test which showed, there is a significant reduction in salivary S. mutans level in both groups after 7 days period. However, after washout period only probiotic ice cream showed reduction whereas drink did not. Also, there was no significant difference between probiotic ice cream and drink. Conclusion: Probiotic organisms definitely have a role in reducing the salivary S. mutans level and ice cream would be a better choice than drink. However, the prolonged use of the agents and their effects on caries is still to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus casei Shirota ( Lc S) is a probiotic strain typically consumed with dairy products. In this study 142 hospitalized patients with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis were included. Patients in the Lc S group received twice daily 65 ml of a commercial beverage containing L. casei Shirota. The treatment with Lc S resulted in a significantly decreased daily average (−5.42 vs. −4.40) and cumulative rate of bowel movements (−32.49 vs. −26.43) and improvement of the glomerular filtration rate (after 24 hours: 41.9 ± 2.8 vs. 25.9 ± 4.2 ml/min, p < 0.01). Furthermore, treatment with Lc S resulted in a significant decrease of CRP on days five, six and seven. Leukocyte counts decreased in all groups, while on day three the effect was significantly higher in the Lc S group receiving antibiotics. In our study, L. casei Shirota administration twice a day had positive effects on the reduction of bowel movements, improvement of kidney function and inflammation compared to the control group. Hence, we would suggest that additional Lc S administration might be considered in those patients with acute gastroenteritis who present with high inflammation markers and/or acute impaired kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to investigate the recovery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS)from the intestine of healthy Indonesian volwiteers after consumption offerme?ited milk containing LcS, and its impact on the population of Enterobacteriaceae faecal microbiota. Twenty six healthy individuals were selected and asked not to consume fermented milk for 10 days as washout period, follotved by 10 days of daily consumption of fermented milk containing 6.5 x109 CFU LcS as ingestion period, and 10 days of not consuming fermented milk follow up period). Feces of volunteers were collected three times i. e., at the ends of wash out period, ingestion period, and follow up period. This study showed that consumption of fermented milk for ten days was able to bring feces of all the volunteers with the level of LcS reaching to 6.6 ± 0.6 lo10 CFUIg wetfeces. The presence of this bacteria indicated that LcS was able to colonize in the gastrointestinal tract. This study also observed the decrease in the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, and Coliform non E.coli in almost half of the volunteers after ingestion of fermented milk containing LcS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptides which inhibit the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) may be released during milk fermentation, and the micro-organisms or fermentation conditions influence the specific peptides produced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ACE inhibitory and antithrombotic activities of a fermented milk product commercially available in Mexico. Viable cell numbers, protein hydrolysis and the pH remained constant during refrigerated storage. The IC50 of ACE inhibitory activity was 31.38 mg/mL. Eight peptide fractions exhibited ACE inhibitory activity and six showed antithrombotic activity. Two fractions showed both. This is the first time that both activities have been reported in a commercial probiotic product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) show an increase in bowel aerobic bacteria that produce uremic toxins and decreased anaerobic bacteria as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus. The latter can be used as probiotics. The probiotic with greater availability in Mexico, is the lactobacillus casei shirota (LcS), currently there is no known LcS specified dose that produces a benefit to the patient with CKD. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of two different LcS doses in achieving a decrease in urea concentrations of at least 10% in patients with KDOQI stage 3 and stage 4 CKD. Metodology: A simple randomized, controlled clinical trial. Outpatients treated at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán in México D.F. Patients were provided the LcS, as follows: Group A: 8 x 109 colony-forming units (CFU) and Group B: 16 x 109 CFU. Patients were followed-up for eight weeks, and baseline and final samples were obtained to calculate the basal and final concentrations, respectively, of blood urea and serum creatinine (CrS). During the follow-up, both groups consumed a diet of 30 kcal/kg/weight and 0.8 g/kg/weight of protein, and a food diary was made to assess both the adherence to the diet and LcS. Results: Thirty patients with CKD were evaluated. When analyzing the percentage change between the different doses, a decrease > 10% was found in the blood urea concentrations for patients treated with the 16 x 109 dose, which was significant with respect to the baseline measurement. Conclusion: There was a > 10% decrease in the serum urea concentrations with LcS in patients with stage 3 and 4 CRF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a fermented milk drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on the bowel habit (with emphasis on stool consistency) o f subjects suffering from hard stools. Secondly, it was tested whether the probiotic strain (LcS), was able to survive throughout the gastrointestinal tract. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was carried out over an eight-week period in subjects with symptoms o f constipation (n=120). To all subjects, 65 ml/day of a probiotic fermented milk drink containing LcS or a placebo was administered. Patients completed a questionnaire to assess the consistency o f their stools. In half of the study population, the survival of the probiotic strain (LcS) was tested using (i) culture and (ii) an LcS specific monoclonal antibody to identify the cultured colonies as LcS (ELISA). There was a significant decrease in stool hardening when consuming a fermented milk drink containing LcS. The observed clinical effect went hand in hand with the observed microbiological effect as the number of viable LcS bacteria in the faeces increased when consuming fermented milk drink containing LcS and decreased during wash-out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is growing evidence that probiotics confer health benefits to the host by modulating immune function, especially in older people, where immunosenescence is a feature even of healthy ageing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) on immune function in a healthy non-immunocompromised older population. Methods: Thirty healthy old volunteers were recruited into a randomized placebo-controlled, single-blind crossover study. The volunteers were supplemented with the probiotic drink containing 1.3 × 10 10 CFU LcS or skimmed milk per day for 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of washout and were crossed over to the other treatment. Peripheral blood and saliva samples were collected at baseline and end of each treatment. Results: Probiotic consumption was associated with a significant increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity relative to baseline and a significant decrease in the mean fluorescence intensity of CD25 expression in the resting T cells compared with placebo. Additionally, there was a trend towards an increased ratio of IL-10 to IL-12 relative to baseline after LcS intake. Conclusions: Consumption of a probiotic drink containing LcS improved NK cell activity and tended to produce a more anti-inflammatory cytokine profile in an older population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Once patients have had Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), recurrence rates are high with many patients experiencing a relapse of their disease. Lactobacillus casei Shirota is a probiotic that reduces rates of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. There have been no studies analyzing the use of this probiotic in patients who have had an episode of CDI to prevent relapse. This study was a single site, cohort-control study of patients with CDI and treated with either antibiotics alone or antibiotics and probiotics (L. casei Shirota). 66 patients were included for analysis in this study, 31 had probiotics and antibiotics and 35 who had no-probiotics. The median age of the patients was 78 years and 33.3 % were male. Rates of recurrent CDI were significantly lower in the probiotics cohort, 3.2% vs 20.0% (p=0.007). We conclude, patients who have had CDI have a high rate of early re-admissions to hospital with significant morbidity and mortality. This study suggests that the use of the widely available probiotic strain L. casei Shirota at the time of initial infection may be associated with lower rates of CDI recurrence and lower readmission rates. Further prospective studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To test the hypothesis that Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Lcs) protects against the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a mouse model of fructose-induced steatosis, C57BL/6J mice were either fed tap water or 30% fructose solution +/- Lcs for 8 weeks. Chronic consumption of 30% fructose solution led to a significant increase in hepatic steatosis as well as plasma alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) levels, which was attenuated by treatment with Lcs. Protein levels of the tight junction protein occludin were found to be markedly lower in both fructose treated groups in the duodenum, whereas microbiota composition in this part of the intestine was not affected. Lcs treatment markedly attenuated the activation of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signalling cascade found in the livers of mice only treated with fructose. Moreover, in livers of fructose fed mice treated with Lcs peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ activity was markedly higher than in mice only fed fructose. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that the dietary intake of Lcs protects against the onset of fructose-induced NAFLD through mechanisms involving an attenuation of the TLR-4-signalling cascade in the liver. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on animal studies, intake of probiotic bacteria was suggested to improve insulin sensitivity by reducing endotoxinemia and inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) over 12 wk on insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction parameters in subjects with metabolic syndrome. In a randomized-controlled study, 30 subjects with metabolic syndrome either received Lactobacillus casei Shirota 3 times daily for 12 wk or served as controls with standard medical therapy. Fasting blood samples were taken and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed to derive indices for insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. In addition, parameters to assess endothelial function and inflammation markers were determined. Even though the insulin sensitivity index significantly improved after 3 mo of probiotic supplementation (0.058 ± 0.021 vs. 0.038 ± 0.025), the change was not significantly different compared with the control group. No improvements were seen in additional indices of insulin sensitivity (quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, insulin sensitivity by oral glucose tolerance test, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance) and β-cell function (first and second phase insulin secretion, and homeostasis model assessment for β-cell function). Probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) level (1,614 ± 343 vs. 1,418 ± 265 ng/ mL). No significant changes in parameters used to assess low-grade inflammation or endothelial dysfunction were observed. Intake of LcS for 12 wk in subjects with metabolic syndrome did not improve insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, endothelial function, or inflammation markers in this trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the past decade, the use of probiotic-containing products has been explored as a potential alternative in oral health therapy. A widely available probiotic drink, Yakult, was evaluated for oral health applications in this longitudinal study. Selected oral health parameters, such as levels and composition of salivary and tongue plaque microbiota and of malodorous gases, in dentate healthy individuals were investigated for changes. The persistence of the probiotic strain in the oral cavity was monitored throughout the study period. Methods: A three-phase study (7 weeks) was designed to investigate simultaneously the effect of 4-week consumption of the probiotic-containing milk drink Yakult on the microbiota of saliva and dorsum tongue coating in healthy dentate people (n=22) and levels of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in morning breath. Study phases comprised one baseline visit, at which ‘control’ levels of oral parameters were obtained prior to the probiotic product consumption; a 4-week period of daily consumption of one 65 ml bottle of Yakult, each bottle containing a minimum of 6.5 × 109 viable cells of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS); and a 2-week washout period. The microbial viability and composition of saliva and tongue dorsum coating were assessed using a range of solid media. The presence of LcS in the oral cavity was investigated using a novel selective medium, ‘LcS Select’. Portable sulphur monitors Halimeter® and OralChroma™ were used to measure levels of VSCs in morning breath. Results: Utilization of the LcS Select medium revealed a significant (p <0.05) but temporary and consumption-dependent presence of LcS in saliva and tongue plaque samples from healthy dentate individuals (n=19) during the probiotic intervention phase. LcS was undetectable with culture after 2 weeks of ceasing its consumption. Morning breath scores measured with Halimeter and OralChroma were not significantly affected throughout the trial, except in a small number of individual cases where Halimeter scores were significantly reduced during the probiotic intervention period. Natural fluctuations in resident acidogenic populations, and numbers of Candida and anaerobic species, including malodourous Gram-negative anaerobes, were unaffected. Conclusion:While no broad ecological changes in the mouth were induced by consumption of Yakult in healthy dentate individuals, findings of this study confirm the temporary and intake-dependent presence of LcS. Future studies could focus on subjects at greater risk of oral infection, where ill-defined microbiota (e.g. an increased presence of periopathogens) or clinically diagnosed halitosis might be significantly affected by consumption of this probiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary probiotics supplementation exerts beneficial health effects. Since cigarette smoking reduces natural killer (NK) activity, we evaluated the effect of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) intake on NK cytotoxic activity in male smokers. The double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised study was conducted on seventy-two healthy Italian blue-collar male smokers randomly divided for daily intake of LcS powder or placebo. Before and after 3 weeks of intake, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and NK activity and CD16+ cells' number were assessed. Daily LcS intake for 3 weeks significantly increased NK activity (P < 0·001). The increase in NK activity was paralleled by an increase in CD16+ cells (P < 0·001). Before intake, NK cytotoxic activity inversely correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked (R − 0·064). LcS intake prevented the smoke-dependent expected NK activity reduction. The analysis of the distribution of changes in smoke-adjusted NK activity demonstrated that the positive variations were significantly associated with LcS intake, while the negative variations were associated with placebo intake (median value of distributions of differences, 20·98 lytic unit (LU)/107 cells for LcS v. − 4·38 LU/107 cells for placebo, P = 0·039). In conclusion, 3 weeks of daily LcS intake in Italian male smokers was associated with a higher increase in cytotoxic activity and CD16+ cells' number in comparison to the placebo intake group. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This study aimed to develop a solid culture medium for differential isolation of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) and for selective cultivation of lactobacilli present in oral samples. Type strains of lactobacilli and isolates from commercial probiotic products were inoculated onto modified de Man Rogosa Sharpe agar (termed ‘LcS Select’), containing bromophenol blue pH indicator, vancomycin and reducing agent L-cysteine hydrochloride for differential colony morphology development. L. casei Shirota cultured on the novel medium produced distinctive colony morphologies, different from other lactobacilli tested. LcS-characteristic colonies were recovered on LcS Select medium from samples of saliva and tongue plaque following a four-week probiotic intervention study. The viable count of presumptive LcS colonies correlated with those isolated on a non-commercial lactitol-LBS-vancomycin agar (LLV) developed for a selective isolation of LcS from faeces. The novel LcS Select medium proved suitable for differential isolation of the probiotic strain L. casei Shirota from oral samples containing mixed microbial populations. It can also be used for selective growth of vancomycin-resistant lactobacilli. There are few available culture media that are sufficiently selective to enable isolation of probiotic strains from mixed populations. LcS Select medium provides a cheaper, yet effective tool in this context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: It is acknowledged that oral and general health status declines with age. The global population of denture wearers is increasing, so is the incidence of denture biofilm-related problems, such as denture-associated stomatitis, aspiration pneumonia and malodour. It has been suggested that consumption of probiotic bacteria may improve oral health. However, the effects of probiotics on the oral microbiota of denture wearers have received little attention. Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of consumption of a commercial probiotic product (Yakult) on microbiota of saliva, tongue and denture biofilm in healthy complete denture wearers. Eight healthy complete denture-wearing National Health Service (NHS) patients undertook a 7-week trial comprising three phases: baseline; 4-week consumption of one bottle of Yakult per day, each containing a minimum 6.5×109 viable cells of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS); 4-week washout period. The microbial viability and composition of saliva, tongue dorsum coating and denture biofilm were assessed using a range of solid selective and indicator media. Questionnaires were used to explore participants' denture cleaning habits and impact of wearing dentures on their life quality and well-being [modified oral health impact profile (OHIP-14)] prior to and after the study. Results: Seven volunteers (1 male, 6 females) completed the trial. LcS temporarily colonised oral cavity and denture surface. There was no significant change in the viability of Streptococcus mutans, acidogenic microorganisms, total anaerobic species and Gram-negative obligate anaerobes between study phases. There was no obvious effect of LcS on occurrence and viability of Candida. Participants presented a good general knowledge of denture hygiene and their responses to OHIP-14 questionnaires improved after completing the study (p=0.16). Conclusion: It appeared that 4-week consumption of probiotic drink had no overall effect on selected oral parameters in healthy denture wearers despite temporary presence of LcS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been demonstrated that probiotic supplementation has positive effects in several murine models of disease through influences on host immune responses. This study examined the effect of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota ( L. casei Shirota) on the blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), and body weight among STZ-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg BW) in male Sprague- Dawley rats. Streptozotocin caused a significant increase in the blood glucose levels, CRP, and IL-6. L. casei Shirota supplementation lowered the CRP and IL-6 levels but had no significant effect on the blood glucose levels, body weight, or IL-4. Inflammation was determined histologically. The presence of the innate immune cells was not detectable in the liver of L. casei Shirota-treated hyperglycemic rats. The probiotic L. casei Shirota significantly lowered blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CRP) and neutrophils in diabetic rats, showing a lower risk of diabetes mellitus and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the influence of gastrointestinal environmental factors (pH, digestive enzymes, food components, medicaments) on the survival of Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Lactobacillus casei LC01, using a semi-dynamic in vitro model that simulates the transit of microorganisms through the human GIT. The strains were first exposed to different simulated gastric juices for different periods of time (0, 30, 60 and 120 min), and then to simulated intestinal fluids for zero, 120, 180 and 240 min, in a step-wise format. The number of viable cells was determined after each step. The influence of food residues (skim milk) in the fluids and resistance to medicaments commonly used for varied therapeutic purposes (analgesics, antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, antihistaminics, proton pump inhibitors, etc.) were also evaluated. Results indicated that survival of both cultures was pH and time dependent, and digestive enzymes had little influence. Milk components presented a protective effect, and medicamenthets, especially anti-inflammatory drugs, influenced markedly the viability of the probiotic cultures, indicating that the beneficial effects of the two probiotic cultures to health are dependent of environmental factors encountered in the human gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modulation of gut microbiota and proteome due to aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1) by probiotics remains unclear. This study investigated the alterations of gut microbiota and proteome in AFB 1 -exposed rats treated with probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Lcs). Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8) comprised control, AFB 1 , AFB 1 +activated charcoal, AFB 1 +Lcs, and Lcs groups. The rats were subjected to different treatments via oral gavage for four weeks. Urine and serum were collected for the measurement of AFB 1 biomarkers and organs were harvested for histological analysis. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on fecal samples to profile gut microbiota. Besides, AFB 1 most affected organ i.e. jejunum was subjected to proteomic analysis. The results indicated that Lcs intervention significantly reduced AFB 1 biomarkers. H&E-stained intestine showed Lcs alleviated AFB 1 -induced inflammation and abnormal cell growth, particularly at the jejunum. Although AFB 1 increased potentially pathogenic bacteria and reduced beneficial bacteria abundance in feces, the microbiota composition was normalized with Lcs treatment. The gut proteome analysis of the jejunum sample showed several pathways of AFB 1 toxicity, wherein Lcs treatment demonstrated its protective effect. It is concluded that metagenomic and proteomic approaches are useful tools to understand AFB 1 -Lcs interaction and detoxification mechanism in the gut. AFB 1 -induced toxicity towards gut microbiota and proteome. AFB 1 was introduced into the rat via oral gavage. A significant alteration in the gut microbiota composition was observed where the abundance of beneficial microorganisms was reduced, while the abundance of potentially pathogenic organisms was elevated in AFB 1 -exposed rats. However, the alteration in gut microbiota was alleviated upon Lcs intervention. Besides, the gut proteome was altered by AFB 1 , leading to the occurrence of inflammation, cancer, and ROS generation. Such events induced inflammation and reactive cells in the intestine. Lcs, on the other hand, alleviated the negative impacts of AFB 1 towards the intestine. [Display omitted] • Lcs intervention reduced serum AFB 1 and urinary AFM 1 • Lcs intervention normalized the gut microbiota altered by AFB 1 • Gut proteome analysis showed several pathways of AFB 1 toxicity • Alleviation of gut damage in jejunum was seen with Lcs treatment • Metagenomic and proteomic approaches showed Lcs protective effect of AFB 1 toxicity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Probiotics are claimed to beneficially affect the immune system and their involvement in allergy prevention is being investigated extensively. However, the efficacy of probiotics in allergy prevention remains controversial. We investigated whether the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) could modulate the food allergic response against peanut extract (PE) in Brown Norway (BN) rats. For this purpose BN rats were sensitized to PE (0, 1 and 10mg/(ratd)) by daily oral gavage and the LcS-groups were additionally orally dosed with 1×109 colony forming units LcS/(ratd). LcS administration had minor effects in animals that were not sensitized. LcS increased Th1-(PE-specific IgG1), whereas the Th1/Th2 ratio based on PE-specific IgG1/PE-specific IgG2a shifted towards Th2 dominance in rats sensitized to PE in the presence of LcS as compared to rats that were sensitized to PE only. LcS stimulated PE-specific IgG2a; but for PE-specific IgE the effect was less clear; whereas there was no overall effect, two rats did not show detectable specific IgE antibodies, whereas the remainder showed significantly increased levels. LcS also resulted in increased numbers of basophilic granulocytes in blood. Furthermore, LcS increased levels of both Th1-(IFN-γ) and Th2-(IL-4) related cytokines in PE stimulated spleen and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells, but predominantly IL-4 levels in the supernatants of both spleens and MLNs. Our study does not support the hypothesis that LcS down-regulates food allergic responses in a BN rat model for food allergy to peanut. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival of two probiotic micro-organisms, Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Bifidobacterium animalis subspp. lactis , in a milk-based dessert (2.7% fat) with cranberry sauce added. B. lactis had a final concentration of 1.99 × 106 cfu/g after 21 days of study, with a logarithmic decrease of 8.87%. On other hand, L. casei Shirota had a final concentration of 2.05 × 107 cfu/g at the end of the same period, a logarithmic decrease of 8.41%. Statistical analysis showed that significant differences existed between both micro-organisms and over various storage times, the more viable micro-organism being L. casei Shirota , which decreased less than one logarithmic cycle after 21 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the release characteristics of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LCS) from chitosan-coated alginate-starch (CCAS) capsule in different regions of ex vivo porcine gastrointestinal (GI) contents. Methods and Results: A 0·1 g of CCAS encapsulated bacteria (containing c. 108 CFU of LCS) were incubated in different sections of ex vivo porcine GI contents (10 ml) anaerobically at 37°C. Samples were taken from different GI contents at different time intervals (up to 24 h) and estimated for the release of LCS from capsules. There was almost a complete release (1·1 × 108 CFU) of LCS from capsules within 8 h of incubation in ileal contents, while it took nearly 12 h to release the completely encapsulated bacteria in colon content under similar conditions. There was only a partial release of encapsulated LCS, incubated in duodenal and jejunal contents, while there was no significant ( P > 0·05) release of encapsulated bacteria in gastric contents even after 24 h of incubation. Conclusions: The capsules were able to release viable probiotic cells completely in ex vivo porcine ileal and colon contents. Significance and Impact of the Study: CCAS capsule can be an effective way of protecting probiotic bacteria from adverse gastric conditions and delivering viable bacteria to the host intestinal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]