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Abstract Background An important aspect in the microbiology of the reproductive system of small animals is the potential occurrence of probiotic bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of the genus Lactobacillus. The presence of these microorganisms is significant due to their strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. This study aimed to select probiotic strains from the oral cavity and vagina that have outstanding antibacterial properties against typical genital pathogens of the female dog reproductive tract. Results The antagonistic activity of ten LAB strains was tested against seven etiological agents isolated from the genital tract of female dogs with signs of inflammation. LAB strains with the greatest ability to inhibit the growth of indicator bacteria were Lactobacillus plantarum and L. acidophilus, while L. fermentum and L. brevis strains inhibited growth the least. Almost all strains showed a complete lack of adherence to Caco-2 epithelial cells. Conclusions All tested LAB isolates inhibited the in vitro growth of either Gram-positive or Gram-negative pathogens, suggesting that potential probiotic strains could contribute to the balance of the normal vaginal microbiota. Furthermore, they could be considered for use as prophylactic agents or as an alternative to antibiotic therapy for infections in dogs.

Introduction: Biofilm-associated infections persist as a therapeutic challenge in contemporary medicine. The efficacy of antibiotic therapies is ineffective in numerous instances, necessitating a heightened focus on exploring novel antibiofilm medical strategies. Among these, iminosugars emerge as a distinctive class of compounds displaying promising biofilm inhibition properties. Methods: This study employs an in vivo wound infection mouse model to evaluate the effectiveness of PDIA in treating biofilm-associated skin wound infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Dermic wounds in mice were infected with biofilm-forming strains, specifically S. aureus 48 and P. aeruginosa 5, which were isolated from patients with diabetic foot, and are well-known for their strong biofilm formation. The subsequent analysis included clinical, microbiological, and histopathological parameters. Furthermore, an exploration into the susceptibility of the infectious strains to hydrogen peroxide was conducted, acknowledging its potential presence during induced inflammation in mouse dermal wounds within an in vivo model. Results: The findings revealed the efficacy of PDIA iminosugar against the S. aureus strain, evidenced by a reduction in bacterial numbers within the wound and the inflammatory focus. Discussion: This study suggests that PDIA iminosugar emerges as an active and potentially effective antibiofilm agent, positioning it as a viable treatment option for staphylococcal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the foremost causes of cancer-related deaths. Lately, a close connection between the course of CRC and the intestinal microbiota has been revealed. Vitamin K2 (VK2) is a bacterially derived compound that plays a crucial role in the human body. Its significant anti-cancer properties may result, inter alia, from a quinone ring possessing a specific chemical structure found in many chemotherapeutics. VK2 can be supplied to our body exogenously, i.e., through dietary supplements or fermented food (e.g., yellow cheese, fermented soybeans -Natto), and endogenously, i.e., through the production of bacteria that constantly colonize the human microbiome of the large intestine. This paper focuses on endogenous K2 synthesized by the most active members of the human gut microbiome. This analysis tested 86 intestinally derived bacterial strains, among which the largest VK2 producers (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus) were selected. Moreover, based on the chosen VK2-MK4 homolog, the potential of VK2 penetration into Caco-2 cells in an aqueous environment without the coexistence of fats, pancreatic enzymes, or bile salts has been displayed. The influence of three VK2 homologs: VK2-MK4, VK2-MK7 and VK2-MK9 on apoptosis and necrosis of Caco-2 cells was tested proving the lack of their harmful effects on the tested cells. Moreover, the unique role of long-chain homologs (VK2-MK9 and VK2-MK7) in inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 (for Caco-2 tissue) and IL-6 and TNFα (for RAW 264.7) has been documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin K2 (VK2) is one of two natural forms of vitamin K, necessary for the proper functioning of organisms. Currently, it is sourced from chemical synthesis, nonetheless, it is worth reaching out to its natural sources. The aim of the study was to devise a voltammetric procedure for the determination of vitamin K2 (VK2) produced by bacteria in order to find the strain that exhibits the highest efficiency of VK2 production. Bacillus subtilis, isolated from traditional Japanese food (Nattō), was chosen as a model strain. Employment of the Controlled Growth Mercury Drop Electrode (CGMDE) was crucial, as it is the only electrode that allows performing the measurement on the surface specifically renewed directly before, thus minimizing the influence of interferents. This new method was successfully applied for VK2 determination in supernatant samples. Developed procedure is robust and easily adjustable for the variety of biological matrixes. Strong differences in VK2 production depending on cultivation time were observed, but no direct correlation between the VK2 concentration in the breeding medium and the cultivation time was found. The devised protocol will be used in further measurements with different bacteria species that have the ability to produce VK2 and settle in the human intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]