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Background: Sepsis, a severe inflammatory response to infection, is a global health priority due to its high mortality and long-term disability rates. Its pathophysiology involves both inflammation and immune suppression. Managing sepsis requires significant healthcare resources and expenditure, with sepsis being a leading cause of hospital costs. Gut microbiotas play a crucial role in sepsis, and probiotics show promise in managing it by restoring microbial balance. Despite advances, targeted therapies for sepsis remain elusive, necessitating innovative approaches such as probiotic therapy. Method: Fifty-four eligible patients with sepsis will be randomly assigned to either the synbiotic or placebo group. The synbiotic supplement, KidiLact, comprises ten probiotic strains and prebiotic fructooligosaccharides. Participants will receive two sachets daily for 7 days, mixed with sterile water and administered orally or via gavage. Inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) will be evaluated. Anthropometric measurements, nutritional assessment, biochemical analysis, and clinical evaluation will be conducted to assess treatment outcomes. Statistical analysis will be performed to compare results between the two groups, employing SPSS version 19 with a significance level of P <.05. Conclusion: This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate synbiotic supplementation effects on inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in pediatric sepsis patients in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Probiotics have shown promise in reducing proinflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP, which are vital in the inflammatory response. Synbiotics can enhance gut integrity, preventing pathogen translocation and reducing inflammation. If our expectations regarding the effects of probiotics are correct, we can use them as a cost-effective supplement to improve the condition of pediatric sepsis in hospitals. Trial registration: IRCT,IRCT20230523058266N1 Registered 30 October 2023, https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/71397. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical Application Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects various organs in the body. In SLE, inflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in initiating and sustaining the inflammatory process. Synbiotics may help modulate these inflammatory cytokines. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the impact of synbiotics intervention on interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) levels, disease activity, and inflammatory factors in patients with SLE. Fifty SLE patients were randomly assigned to receive either standard therapy plus synbiotics (consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides) or standard therapy alone for 2 months. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in both protein and mRNA levels of IL‐17A, as well as in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 score, within the synbiotics group after the intervention compared to baseline. In contrast, the placebo group did not experience significant changes in IL‐17A levels or disease activity. Synbiotic supplementation shows potential as an adjunctive therapeutic approach for SLE management; however, further research is needed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.This study explores the use of synbiotics as a supplementary treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus, which is typically managed with immunosuppressive therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of health issues, driven by sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets in modern society, has led to a growing demand for natural dietary supplements to support overall health and well‐being. Probiotic dietary supplements have garnered widespread recognition for their potential health benefits. However, their efficacy is often hindered by the hostile conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. To surmount this challenge, biomaterial‐based microencapsulation techniques have been extensively employed to shield probiotics from the harsh environments of stomach acid and bile salts, facilitating their precise delivery to the colon for optimal nutritional effects. With consideration of the distinctive gastrointestinal tract milieu, probiotic delivery systems have been categorized into pH‐responsive release, enzyme‐responsive release, redox‐responsive release and pressure‐triggered release systems. These responsive delivery systems have not only demonstrated improved probiotic survival rates in the stomach, but also successful release in the intestines, facilitating enhanced adhesion and colonization of probiotics within the gut. Consequently, these responsive delivery systems contribute to the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation in intervening with gastrointestinal diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse oral responsive delivery systems tailored for probiotics targeting the intestinal tract. Furthermore, the review critically examines the limitations and future prospects of these approaches. This review offers valuable guidance for the effective delivery of probiotics to the intestinal tract, enhancing the potential of probiotics as dietary supplements to promote gastrointestinal health and well‐being. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\nHIGLIGHTSThe imbalance of gut microbiota can significantly exacerbate or even directly contribute to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Modulating the gut microbiota through dietary interventions, such as supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics presents a promising strategy to enhance treatment efficacy and mitigate the adverse effects of CRC therapies. This review outlines the significant potential of dietary interventions (supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics) in preventing or ameliorating CRC by modulating the gut microbiota. On the one hand, this review illustrates the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and CRC, as well as the carcinogenic mechanisms mediated by these microbial communities. On the other hand, the application prospects and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analyses of dietary interventions in preventing CRC are reviewed in detail. In conclusion, this review provides new preventive and mitigative strategies for improving the safety and efficiency of CRC therapy/prevention through dietary interventions. It also expands the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, or postbiotics in dietary nutritional interventions. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is one of the important causes of colorectal cancer (CRC).Dietary interventions are highly associated with the modulation of gut microbiota.Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics can prevent/ameliorate CRC.The use of dietary interventions to prevent/mitigate CRC has both pros and cons.Gut microbiota dysbiosis is one of the important causes of colorectal cancer (CRC).Dietary interventions are highly associated with the modulation of gut microbiota.Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics can prevent/ameliorate CRC.The use of dietary interventions to prevent/mitigate CRC has both pros and cons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Diet is one of the major determinants of the composition and function of the gut microbiome, and diverse studies have established directional connections between gut microbiome dysbiosis and skin dyshomeostasis. Furthermore, a significant link between the gut and certain skin-related disorders has been reported. This work reviews the mechanisms underlying the relationship between nutritional factors, gut microbiome, and certain skin diseases such as acne vulgaris, alopecia, and atopic dermatitis. In addition, it explores how the modulation of the gut microbiome and human skin through diet and various microbial strategies, including probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, may serve as future treatments for skin diseases, possibly replacing traditional methods such as antibiotic, topical corticosteroid, and laser therapies. Results: The adequate intake of certain foods can promote a balanced gut microbiome, potentially reducing skin inflammation and improving overall skin health, while poor dietary choices may lead to worse outcomes by disrupting gut homeostasis. In this regard, diets high in antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients appear to be beneficial for enhancing skin health and preventing associated comorbidities. In addition, the administration of probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics in the treatment of cutaneous diseases has been shown to restore skin dyshomeostasis and to improve the symptoms of the reviewed skin conditions. Conclusions: Consuming a healthy, plant-based diet can reduce skin inflammation and enhance overall skin health. Although the application of probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics has demonstrated promise in modulating inflammation, enhancing tissue regeneration, and inhibiting pathogenic colonization, further research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of combining professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) with probiotics compared to PMPR + placebo on probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Randomized controlled trials published until November 2023 were searched across electronic databases, peer-reviewed journals, and grey literature. Two authors independently selected, extracted data, and assessed bias risk. Primary outcomes were mean changes in PPD and CAL. Secondary outcomes included mean changes in bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index, and colony-forming units. Network meta-analysis with the frequentist weighted least squares approach evaluated the data quantitatively, and CINeMA framework evaluated the quality of evidence. In 33 articles involving 1290 patients, results were stratified by follow-up period (short and long-time studies) and sensitivity analyses conducted based on probiotic therapy duration (1 month reference). Network meta-analysis revealed significant mean differences in PPD for nine probiotic interventions, CAL for eighteen interventions, and BOP for eight interventions, with Lactobacillus demonstrating the most substantial effects. Combining PMPR with probiotics as adjuvants to subgingival instrumentation may be more effective in improving PPD and CAL. Lactobacillus emerged as the most comprehensive and effective among the studied probiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota changes and brain-gut-axis (BGA) dysregulation are common in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Probiotics and prebiotics are emerging as a potential therapeutic approach for PD patients. The aim of this paper was to assess the neurological and gastroenterological effects in PD patients with constipation after the administration of a synbiotic product, with a focus on behavioral and cognitive symptoms. We enrolled patients with stable PD who met diagnostic criteria for functional constipation and/or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation according to Rome IV Criteria. Patients received a synbiotic treatment (Enterolactis Duo, containing the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei DG and the prebiotic fiber inulin) for 12 weeks. A neurological and a gastroenterological evaluation were collected before and after the treatment. In addition, 16S rRNA gene profiling and short chain fatty acid quantification were performed to characterize the microbial ecosystem of fecal samples collected before (n = 22) and after (n = 9) the synbiotic administration. 30 patients were consecutively enrolled. After treatment, patients performed better in MDS-UPDRS part 1 (p = 0.000), SCOPA-AUT (p = 0.001), TAS-20 (p = 0.014), HAM-D (p = 0.026), DIFt (p = 0.003), PAS-A (p = 0.048). Gastroenterological evaluations showed improvements in PAC-SYM score (p < 0.001), number of complete bowel movement (p < 0.001) and BSFS (p < 0.001). After the synbiotic administration, we observed a significant increase in the abundance of the order Oscillospirales, as well as the Oscillospiraceae family and the species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii within this order in fecal samples. Synbiotic treatment demonstrates potential efficacy in ameliorating non-motor features in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Feasibility of using konjac glucomannan hydrolysate (KGMH) as prebiotics and wall material for encapsulating probiotics was investigated. Prebiotic activity scores (PASs) were determined for KGMH, inulin, fructooligosaccharides and konjac glucomannan to assess their effectiveness in promoting growth of probiotics and inhibiting enteric mixture. Thermal tolerances of probiotics were also assessed. Lactobacillus rhamnosus L34 and L. acidophilus LA5 exhibited higher PASs and thermal tolerances and were selected for encapsulation; freeze drying and spray drying were used to form and dry encapsulated probiotics. Maltodextrin (MD), soy protein isolate (SPI) and KGMH, either individually or in combination, were comparatively used as wall materials. Freeze drying with SPI and KGMH resulted in highest survival rates for L. rhamnosus L34 (97.92%) and L. acidophilus LA5 (88.94%). In case of spray drying, MD, KGMH and combination of MD and KGMH resulted in drying yields of 55–71%; SPI‐containing formula resulted in lower yields (20–23%). Spray‐dried probiotics exhibited lower survival rates compared to their freeze‐dried counterpart. KGMH, particularly in combination with SPI, emerged as promising material for enhancing probiotics survival during encapsulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using different vegetable brans as organic carbon source in synbiotic system fertilization on the nitrification process, plankton composition, and growth of Penaeus vannamei in the nursery phase, also comparing it with the biofloc system. An extended nursery rearing was carried out for 53 days, at a density of 2000 shrimp m−3 (initial weight: 0.03 ± 0.01 g). The following treatments were established, with five repetitions: CW, clear water (control); BFT, biofloc system; RB, synbiotic system fertilized with rice bran; SB, synbiotic system fertilized with soybean bran; and WB, synbiotic system fertilized with wheat bran. The synbiotic fertilization protocol used a commercial blend of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, molasses, sodium bicarbonate as buffer, and water. The fertilizers were processed by an anaerobic (24 h) and an aerobic (24 h) phase. BFT treatment used molasses as organic carbon source. At the end of the trial, final weight was higher in CW, BFT, and RB treatments than in WB. In RB, SB, and WB treatments, TAN was controlled between days 10 and 14 and NO2−-N was controlled from day 40 of the trial, resembling a newly started system. At the end of the trial, a higher abundance of coccoid and bacillus was observed in the RB treatment, while a higher abundance of vibrio bacteria was observed in WB. Rice bran proved to be the best alternative for the synbiotic fertilization, as it presented a final weight (3.27 g) similar to BFT and CW treatments, and higher than WB (2.61 g). Also, the use of rice bran produced a high load of microorganisms, which can improve shrimp growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aging global population, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a significant social and economic burden, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) synbiotics, a combination of NMN, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CGMCC 1.16089, and lactulose, in mitigating AD pathology. APP/PS1 mice were supplemented with NMN synbiotics and compared against control groups. The effects on amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, intestinal histopathology, tight junction proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed. NMN synbiotics intervention significantly reduced Aβ deposition in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus by 67% and 60%, respectively. It also ameliorated histopathological changes in the colon, reducing crypt depth and restoring goblet cell numbers. The expression of tight junction proteins Claudin-1 and ZO-1 was significantly upregulated, enhancing intestinal barrier integrity. Furthermore, NMN synbiotics decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and reduced ROS levels, indicative of attenuated oxidative stress. The reduction in Aβ deposition, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, decrease in neuroinflammation, and alleviation of oxidative stress suggest that NMN synbiotics present a promising therapeutic intervention for AD by modulating multiple pathological pathways. Further research is required to elucidate the precise mechanisms, particularly the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, which may offer a novel target for AD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy products such as yogurt are considered as one of the most popular foods in the world. Beside the probiotics, functional ingredients such as prebiotics are also used in various products. One of the functional ingredients is propolis which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anti-viral and anti-tumor properties, and in addition to this properties it can be a prebiotic which can have beneficial effects on the human digestive system. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of propolis extract on the physicochemical, sensory and microbial characteristics of synbiotic yogurt inoculated with Lactobacillus casei. This study was conducted in five treatments (control (A), 1% (B), 2% (C), 3% (D), 4% (E)) and three replications. Physical and chemical properties such as antioxidant activity and total polyphenol, acidity and pH, syneresis, texture (hardness, adhesiveness, springiness and chewiness), probiotics survival as well as sensory properties (taste, odor, texture, color and general acceptance) of yogurt samples in days 1, 7, 14 and 21 were measured. According to the results of the sensory evaluation team, the highest level of sensorial favorability was related to the control treatment. The lowest pH value in the control sample was 1% and showed a significant difference with the 2%, 3% and 4% treatments. The results of the survival of L. casei on different days showed that the effect of time and propolis percentage on the survival of probiotic was significant. The highest count of L. casei was observed in 4% treatment. It can be concluded that propolis can be used as a prebiotic in yogurt, which can improve the functional and textural properties of yogurt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activities such as childbirth and breastfeeding can cause severe oxidative stress and inflammatory damage to the mother during early lactation, and can affect animal milk production, and the growth and development of offspring. Trehalose alleviates damage to the body by endowing it with stress resistance. In this study, we used trehalose combined with Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to explore whether dietary intervention can alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in early lactation and to evaluate the growth ability, acid production ability, antioxidant ability, non-specific adhesion ability, antibacterial ability, and other parameters to determine the optimal combinations and proportions. The results showed that the synbiotics composed of 2.5% trehalose and 1 × 107 cfu/g of Bifidobacterium longum could regulate the gut microbiota, and promote mammary gland development in dams by reducing progesterone (PROG) content in the blood, increasing prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) content, enhancing their antioxidant and immune abilities, and effectively increasing the weight and lactation of early lactating dams. In addition, it can also affect the growth of offspring and the development of the intestinal barrier. These results indicate that trehalose synbiotics have great potential in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in early lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Human milk is the optimal source of nutrition and protection against infection for infants. If breastfeeding is not possible, standard and hydrolyzed infant formulas (IF) are an alternative. Extensively hydrolyzed IFs (eHFs) contain bioactive peptides, but their activities have rarely been evaluated. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the bioactive peptide profiles of different eHFs and standard IFs before and after in vitro digestion. Methods: Two forms, liquid and powder, of intact protein formula (iPF) and eHF were subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, mimicking a young infant's gut (age 0–4 months) and an older infant's gut (>6 months). Bioactive peptides of in vitro digested and undigested formulas were analysed with Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS). Results: In all samples, a variety of peptides with potential bioactive properties were found. Immuno-regulatory peptides, followed by antimicrobial and antioxidative peptides were most frequent, as were peptides promoting wound healing, increasing mucin secretion, regulating cholesterol metabolism, and preventing bacterial infection. Peptides typically found in yoghurt and colostrum were identified in some formula samples. Conclusions: The high amounts of bioactive peptides with various properties in eHFs and iPFs indicate a possible contribution to infection protection, healthy gut microbiomes, and immunological development of infants. eHFs showed similar compositions of bioactive peptides to iPFs, with intermittently increased peptide variety and quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacteria offer remarkable health benefits when added to probiotic formulations, contributing to the burgeoning market driven by increased awareness among consumers and healthcare providers. However, several pivotal challenges must be crossed: strain selection, encapsulation wall materials, compatible food matrices, and the intricate interplay among these factors. An approach to address these challenges involves exploring bifidogenic substrates as potential encapsulation materials. This strategy has the potential to enhance bifidobacteria viability within the demanding gastrointestinal environment, extend shelf life, and promote synergistic interactions that promote bifidobacteria survival. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the relationship between bifidogenic substrates and bifidobacterial metabolism is complex and multifaceted. Consequently, despite the promising outlook, it is important to emphasize that this approach requires in-depth investigation, as the intricate interplay between these elements constitutes a rich area of ongoing research. This pursuit aims to ultimately deliver consumers a product that can genuinely improve their health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prematurity remains one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Approximately two thirds of preterm births are spontaneous, i.e. secondary to preterm labour, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) or cervical insufficiency. Etiologically, the vaginal microbiome plays an important role in spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Vaginal dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis are well-known risk factors for ascending lower genital tract infections and sPTB, while a Lactobacillus crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiome is associated with term deliveries. Synbiotics may help to achieve and/or maintain a normal, Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiome. Methods: We will perform a multi-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Women aged 18 years or older with a singleton pregnancy are eligible for inclusion at 80/7–106/7 weeks gestational age if they have one or more of the following risk factors for sPTB: previous sPTB at 240/7–356/7 weeks, prior PPROM before 360/7 weeks, or spontaneous pregnancy loss at 140/7–236/7 weeks of gestation. Exclusion criteria are multiple gestation, cervix conisation, inflammatory bowel disease, uterine anomaly, and the use of pro-/pre-/synbiotics. Patients will be randomised to oral synbiotics or placebo, starting before 11 weeks of gestation until delivery. The oral synbiotic consists of eight Lactobacillus species (including L. crispatus) and prebiotics. The primary outcome is the gestational age at delivery. Vaginal microbiome analysis once per trimester (at approximately 9, 20, and 30 weeks) and delivery will be performed using metataxonomic sequencing (16S rRNA gene) and microbial culture. Secondary outcomes include PPROM, the use of antibiotics, antenatal admission information, and neonatal outcomes. Discussion: This study will evaluate the effect of oral synbiotics on the vaginal microbiome during pregnancy in a high-risk population and correlate the microbial changes with the gestational age at delivery and relevant pregnancy outcomes. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05966649. Registered on April 5, 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin D and/or synbiotics on the response to treatment, cytokines profile and hormonal biomarkers in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. A total of 76 patients were recruited and completed the course of the intervention between 2019 and 2021 in Kerman, Iran. breast cancer patients were randomly enrolled in this study. Patients divided into four groups to receive one of the following regimens: placebo, vitamin D, synbiotics and a combination of vitamin D and synbiotics. clinicopathologic parameters, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers and hormonal levels were measured at the baseline and four months after intervention. The study results found no clear link between the interventions and achieving pathological complete response (pCR), and a similar trend was observed in Ki-67 index examination. After neoadjuvant therapy, TNF-α concentrations decreased, with vitamin D supplementation moderating this decline. Vitamin D supplemented groups showed a significant increase in serum IL-6 levels. While IL-10 levels decreased in the placebo group, all intervention groups were protected from this decline. Moreover, there was a notable increase in the anti-inflammatory index, particularly in the group receiving both vitamin D and synbiotic supplementation, suggesting potential synergistic anti-inflammatory effects from their combined administration. The outcomes suggest a potential anti-inflammatory function of this combination. Consequently, more extensive studies with prolonged follow-up periods and substantial sample sizes are warranted to thoroughly evaluate their potential benefits for breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and oxidative stress has been shown in numerous studies. It has been shown that probiotics could be the effective treatment strategy in improving oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the effects of a new developed synbiotic yogurt on oxidative stress status in adults with MetS. Forty-four individuals were assigned into two groups and given 300 g of synbiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pentosus, and Chloromyces marcosianos yeast or regular yogurt for 12 weeks in this randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Before and after the intervention, biochemical parameters were assessed. Daily consumption of synbiotic yogurt in adults with MetS showed a statistically significant improvement in the level of glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.01) and total oxidant status (p = 0.006) compared to the regular yogurt. Total Antioxidant Capacity and superoxide dismutase levels increased significantly (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02, respectively) in the intervention group compared to the baseline levels. In adults with MetS, daily consumption of the synbiotic yogurt containing native strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus pentosus, and Chloromyces marcosianos yeast for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in oxidative stress status. Trial registration number: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220426054667N1) (18/05/2022) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synbiotics are mixtures of prebiotics and probiotics that enhance the activity of probiotic bacteria when co-administered to provide greater benefits to the host. Traditionally, the synbiotics that have been discovered enhance gut probiotic strains and are nutritionally complex molecules that survive digestive breakdown until they reach the later stages of the intestinal tract. Here, we screened and identified sugars or sugar substitutes as synbiotics for the oral probiotic strains Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12 and BLIS M18. Using a modified deferred antagonism assay, we found that 0.5% (w/v) galactose and 2.5% (w/v) raffinose were the best candidates for use as synbiotics with BLIS K12 and M18, as they trigger enhanced antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria representing species from the mouth, gut, and skin. Using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR, we found that this enhanced antimicrobial activity was caused by the upregulation of the lantibiotic genes salA, salB, and sal9 in either K12 or M18. This led to the conclusion that either 2.5% (w/v) raffinose or 0.5% (w/v) galactose, respectively, are suitable synbiotics for use in conjunction with BLIS K12 and M18 to enhance probiotic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the outcomes associated with the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for the treatment of chronic constipation in adults. Methods: We searched eight electronic databases from database inception to July 11, 2023, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that report efficacy and safety for the treatment of chronic constipation. The risk of bias in the included RCTs was evaluated according to the Cochrane tool, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis framework. The analysis was conducted using R version 4.3.0. Results: Out of the 37 RCTs, a total of 21 different types of interventions were reported, involving 3,903 patients. This NMA demonstrated that both prebiotics and synbiotics resulted in an increase in frequency of stool movements per week. Compared to placebo, lactulose (Mean difference [MD] = 3.39, 95% Confdence interval [CI] [1.13, 5.65], moderate certainty), mix2 (consisting of Lactulose and Bacillus coagulans) (MD = 3.63, 95% CI [1.37, 5.89], moderate certainty), mix6 (consisting of Lactulose and Bifidobacterium coagulans) (MD = 4.30, 95% CI [1.04, 7.54], low certainty), and mix7 (consisting of Lactulose, Bifidobacterium subtilis, and Enterococcus faecium) (MD = 4.58, 95% CI [1.35, 7.78], moderate certainty) exhibited a significant effect. Notably, mix7 demonstrated the highest probability of being the most effective intervention (94.8%). Furthermore, when compared to L. plantarum, four probiotics and two synbiotics showed significant advantages in the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) score. L. reuteri (MD = -13.74, 95% CI [-22.20, -4.66], very low certainty) exhibited a significant effect in improving the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL) score. In terms of safety, there were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in all adverse event analyses. Conclusions: Moderate to very low evidence supports the use of lactulose and synbiotics to increase the number of weekly stool movements in patients, particularly highlighting the significant impact of synbiotics in increasing the number of weekly stool movements in patients with constipation. The use of L. paracasei showed improvements in PAC-SYM scores, while L. reuteri demonstrated enhancements in PAC-QoL scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder whose prevalence has become a worrying condition in recent decades. Chronic diabetes can result in serious health conditions such as impaired kidney function, stroke, blindness, and myocardial infarction. Despite a variety of currently available treatments, cases of diabetes and its complications are on the rise. This review article provides a comprehensive account of the ameliorative effect of prebiotics and probiotics individually or in combination i.e. synbiotics on health complications induced by Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Recent advances in the field underscore encouraging outcomes suggesting the consumption of synbiotics leads to favorable changes in the gut microbiota. These changes result in the production of bioactive metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (crucial for lowering blood sugar levels), reducing inflammation, preventing insulin resistance, and encouraging the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 in the host. Notably, novel strategies supplementing synbiotics to support gut microbiota are gaining attraction as pivotal interventions in mitigating T2DM-induced health complications. Thus, by nurturing a symbiotic relationship between prebiotics and probiotics i.e. synbiotics, these interventions hold promise in reshaping the microbial landscape of the gut thereby offering a multifaceted approach to managing T2DM and its associated morbidities. Supporting the potential of synbiotics underscores a paradigm shift toward holistic and targeted interventions in diabetes management, offering prospects for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for affected individuals. Nevertheless, more research needs to be done to better understand the single and multispecies pre/pro and synbiotics in the prevention and management of T2DM-induced health complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rampant use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug resistance and is often coupled with gut dysbiosis. To circumvent the harmful impact of antibiotics, probiotics have emerged as an effective intervention. However, while the new probiotics are being added to the list, more recently, the nature and role of their counterparts, viz. prebiotics, postbiotics and parabiotics have also drawn considerable attention. As such, intricate relationships among these gut-biotics vis-à-vis their role in imparting health benefits is to be delineated in a holistic manner. Prebiotic dietary fibers are selectively fermented by probiotics and promote their colonization in the gut. The proliferation of probiotics leads to production of fermentation by-products (postbiotics) which affect the growth of enteropathogens by lowering the pH and producing inhibitory bacteriocins. After completing life-cycle, their dead remnants (parabiotics e.g. exopolysaccharides and cell wall glycoproteins) also inhibit adhesion and biofilm formation of pathogens on the gut epithelium. These beneficial effects are not just endemic to gut but a systemic response is witnessed at different gut-organ axes. Thus, to decipher the role of probiotics, it is imperative to unravel the interdependence between these components. This review elaborates on the recent advancements on various aspects of these gut-biotics and the mechanism of potential attributes like anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, anti-lipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synbiotics are complex preparations of prebiotics that can be selectively utilized by live microorganisms to improve host health. Synbiotics are divided into complementary synbiotics, which consist of probiotics and prebiotics with independent functions, and synergistic synbiotics, which consist of prebiotics that are selectively used by gut microorganisms. Complementary synbiotics used in human clinical trials include Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. as probiotics, and fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, and inulin as prebiotics. Over the past five years, synbiotics have been most commonly used in patients with metabolic disorders, including obesity, and immune and gastrointestinal disorders. Several studies have observed alterations in the microbial community; however, these changes did not lead to significant improvements in disease outcomes or biochemical and hematological markers. The same synbiotics have been applied to individuals with different gut environments. As a result, even with the same synbiotics, there are non-responders who do not respond to the applied synbiotics due to the different intestinal environment for each individual. Therefore, to obtain meaningful results, applying different synbiotics depending on the individual is necessary. Synergistic synbiotics are one solution to circumvent this problem, as they combine elements that can effectively improve health, even in non-responders. This review aims to explain the concept of synbiotics, highlight recent human clinical trials, and explore the current state of research on synergistic synbiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prebiotics have gained attention for their potential to modulate intestinal microbiota and promote gut health. This study explores the prebiotic potential of mango, banana, and olive fruit peels and their synbiotic relationship with probiotic strains. Fruit peels were analyzed for their composition, functional properties, and antioxidant potential. Results showed variations in moisture, ash, protein, fiber, fat, and carbohydrate content among the fruit peel powders. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity showed significant differences. Functional groups and phytochemical compounds in the peel powders were identified by FTIR and GC-MS. The synbiotic relationship between the fruit peel powders and probiotic strains was investigated. Supplementation of the fruit peel powders significantly increased probiotic counts, indicating potential synbiotic effects. The proliferation of probiotic strains varied depending on the strain, peel powder concentration, and incubation time. Mango and banana peel powders showed promising effects on promoting probiotic proliferation, while olive peel powder generally exhibited less impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a contradiction in the use of microbiota-therapies, including probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, to improve the condition of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of microbiota-therapy on liver injury, inflammation, and lipid levels in individuals with NAFLD. Methods: Using Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on the use of prebiotic, probiotic, or synbiotic for the treatment of patients with NAFLD up to March 2024. Results: Thirty-four studies involving 12,682 individuals were included. Meta-analysis indicated that probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation significantly improved liver injury (hepatic fibrosis, SMD = -0.31; 95% CI: -0.53, -0.09; aspartate aminotransferase, SMD = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.55, -0.15; alanine aminotransferase, SMD = -0.48; 95% CI: -0.71, -0.25; alkaline phosphatase, SMD = -0.81; 95% CI: -1.55, -0.08), lipid profiles (triglycerides, SMD = -0.22; 95% CI: -0.43, -0.02), and inflammatory factors (high-density lipoprotein, SMD = -0.47; 95% CI: -0.88, -0.06; tumour necrosis factor alpha, SMD = -0.86 95% CI: -1.56, -0.56). Conclusion: Overall, supplementation with probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic had a positive effect on reducing liver enzymes, lipid profiles, and inflammatory cytokines in patients with NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome could play a role in cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of synbiotics on serum paraoxonase 1(PON1), soluble CD163/soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sCD163/sTWEAK), and lipid profile, which are involved in heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure. In this triple-blind randomized clinical trial, 90 eligible patients were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to receive one capsule (500 mg) of synbiotics or a placebo daily for ten weeks. Serum PON1, sCD163/sTWEAK, and lipid profiles were measured at the beginning and end of the study. The data were analyzed by SPSS 24, and the p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among 90 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 80 completed the study. The primary outcomes showed a small effect on sTWEAK, with an adjusted standard mean difference (SMD) of 0.2. However, no significant changes were observed in sCD163/sTWEAK (SMD: 0.16). Secondary outcomes indicated no changes in PON1, total cholesterol (TC), or LDL-C levels. However, there was an increase in HDL-C levels (adjusted SMD: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.02–0.91) and a decrease in TG and TC/HDL levels (adjusted SMD: − 0.5 and − 0.3, respectively) in the synbiotic group. A favorable effect of synbiotics on sTWEAK, HDL, TG, and TC/HDL of patients with heart failure was observed, but no statistically significant effect was found on sCD163/sTWEAK, PON1, LDL, and TC factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

During the last years, growing interest in the use of mare's milk in food production is observed. The subject of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of mare's milk for the production of yogurt ice cream and synbiotic ice cream. Four variants of mare's milk ice cream were developed: ice cream with yogurt bacteria without inulin (YO) and with 2% of inulin (YO+I), synbiotic ice cream with 2% inulin and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (LCR+I) and with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP+I). Ice creams were enriched with inulin in order to evaluate its influence on the viability of LAB and on the product quality. Physicochemical, textural and sensory analyses were performed. Count of viable bacteria cells was also evaluated. Obtained ice creams did not differ in terms of protein, fat and total solids content (1.85–1.91%, 7.33–7.58% and 24.66–26.96% respectively), but differed in acidity. Ice cream YO, the only one without inulin, had the highest acidity, what suggests that inulin decrease this parameter. Regardless the type of LAB starter culture and inulin addition, samples had the same range of overrun (35.20–44.03%) and melting rate (73.49–79.87%). However the variant of ice cream influenced textural properties and colour parameters. All obtained mare's milk ice creams had high overall sensory quality. It was noticed, that ice cream with inulin had higher count of LAB (>7logCFU/g), than sample without inulin (>6logCFU/g). In conclusion, mare's milk may be considered as feasible raw material for yogurt ice cream and synbiotic ice cream production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance health benefits, a probiotic can be co-administered with a metabolizable prebiotic forming a synergistic synbiotic. We assessed the synergies resulting from combining Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis LMG 11588 and an age-adapted blend of six human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in ex vivo colonic incubation bioreactors seeded with fecal background microbiota from infant and toddler donors. When HMOs were combined with B. infantis LMG 11588, they were rapidly and completely consumed. This resulted in increased short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production compared to the summed SCFA production from individual ingredients (synergy). Remarkably, HMOs were partially consumed for specific infant donors in the absence of B. infantis LMG 11588, yet all donors showed increased SCFA production upon B. infantis LMG 11588 supplementation. We found specific bacterial taxa associated with the differential response pattern to HMOs. Our study shows the importance of carefully selecting pre- and probiotic into a synergistic synbiotic that could benefit infants. An ex vivo study shows that B. infantis synergistically increases short chain fatty acid production when combined with a mix of HMOs. Where HMOs were partially consumed by fecal background microbiota, full consumption was achieved upon B. infantis supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein investigated Lactobacillus rhamnosus as a probiotic, paraprobiotic and their synbiotic combination in the diet of dourado Salminus brasiliensis. Two hundred and forty juvenile S. brasiliensis with average weight and length of 6.78 ± 1.65 g and 8.97 ± 0.42 cm were randomly distributed in 16 experimental units (300 L) under four treatments: diet without additive (control), 0.02% probiotic (L. rhamnosus 108 CFU), 2.0% paraprobiotic (inactive L. rhamnosus 1010 CFU) and synbiotic (probiotic + paraprobiotic), all in quadruplicate, for 45 days. Then, zootechnical performance, hemato-biochemicals (pre-and post-challenge), intestinal and hepatic histomorphometric analyses were performed, in addition to a bacterial challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. The feed intake was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the probiotic group. The allomeric condition factors were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fish from the paraprobiotic and synbiotic groups. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the blood count between the supplemented groups and the control group. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the blood count between the pre- and post-challenge periods. Fish in the synbiotic groups had higher total villi height and villi height when compared to fish in the probiotic and control group. The serosa were significantly (p < 0.05) thicker in the intestines of fish from the probiotic and synbiotic groups. Goblet cells were significantly numerous (p < 0.05) in fish from the synbiotic group. In conclusion, the use of 0.02% probiotic, 2.0% paraprobiotic, and synbiotic proved to be a promising practice due to their action on productive performance, enabling weight gain similar to that of control group with lower feed intake. In addition to improving intestinal immune-histomosphometric parameters, possibly promoting an improved condition in facing intestinal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of synbiotic microcapsules through feed on growth performance and immune response of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in field testing during IMNV disease outbreaks and fluctuating weather. Four groups of shrimps (4.11 ± 0.05 g) with four replicates were fed with different doses of synbiotic microcapsules SIN 0 (0%), SIN 0.5 (0.5%), SIN 1 (1%), and SIN 1.5 (1.5%) for 60 days with a feeding frequency of 4 times a day (07.00, 11.00, 15.00, and 19.00) based on a feeding rate from 4% (w/w) for average body weight < 4 g, 3% (w/w) for average body weight 4–10 g, and reduced until 2% (w/w) for average body weight 10–25 g, depending on the feed index adapting to operational standards procedures for Pacific white shrimp cultivation production from PT Steladus. The synbiotic microcapsules consisted of prebiotic mannan oligosaccharide/MOS, probiotic Pseudoalteromonas piscicida (1UB), and Bacillus cereus (BR2). This study focused on parameters of growth performance (survival rate/SR, specific growth rate/SGR, feed conversion ratio/FCR), immune response (total hemocyte count/THC, differential hemocyte count/DHC, respiratory burst/RB, phenoloxidase/PO activity, phagocytic activity/PA), microbiology (total bacterial count/TBC, 1UB + BR2 TetR count, total Vibrio count/TVC), and histopathology. The results showed significant results that synbiotic microcapsules increased SR, SGR also reduced FCR with the best results in SIN 1.5 (SR: 93.50 ± 1.30%, SGR: 4.83 ± 0.01% days−1, and FCR: 1.16 ± 0.02). Immune response of THC, RB, PO, and PA in the synbiotic microcapsule treatment showed higher values with the best results in the SIN 1.5 treatment, while DHC had no significant difference. TBC, 1UB, and BR2 TetR count values increased until the 60th day, with the highest value in the SIN 1.5, while TVC showed the lowest value in both intestinal and hepatopancreas organs. Histopathological results showed that hepatopancreas and intestinal organs experienced tissue damage in all treatments, with synbiotic microcapsules showing less damage when compared to SIN 0. In conclusion, supplementation of dual-species synbiotic microcapsules through feed can improve growth performance and immune response and suppress Vibrio during the outbreak with the best dose of 1.5% synbiotic microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Treatment with a synbiotic was beneficial for the management of subjects with ADHD and/or BPD and high levels of irritability. • The synbiotic also improved emotional symptoms, emotional dysregulation, inattention, functioning and perceived stress levels. • Lower baseline RANK-L levels were associated with a higher response rate in the synbiotic group. • Higher baseline IL-17A levels were associated with a higher improvement in emotional dysregulation in the placebo group. • The synbiotic was safe and well tolerated. Irritability worsens prognosis and increases mortality in individuals with Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). However, treatment options are still insufficient. The aim of this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the superiority of a synbiotic over placebo in the management of adults with ADHD and/or BPD and high levels of irritability. The study was conducted between February 2019 and October 2020 at three European clinical centers located in Hungary, Spain and Germany. Included were patients aged 18–65 years old diagnosed with ADHD and/or BPD and high levels of irritability (i.e., an Affectivity Reactivity Index (ARI-S) ≥ 5, plus a Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) score ≥ 4). Subjects were randomized 1(synbiotic):1(placebo); the agent was administered each day, for 10 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome measure was end-of-treatment response (i.e., a reduction ≥ 30 % in the ARI-S total score compared to baseline, plus a Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) total score of < 3 (very much, or much improved) at week 10). Between-treatment differences in secondary outcomes, as well as safety were also investigated. Of the 231 included participants, 180 (90:90) were randomized and included in the intention-to-treat-analyses. Of these, 117 (65 %) were females, the mean age was 38 years, ADHD was diagnosed in 113 (63 %), BPD in 44 (24 %), both in 23 (13 %). The synbiotic was well tolerated. At week 10, patients allocated to the synbiotic experienced a significantly higher response rate compared to those allocated to placebo (OR: 0.2, 95 % CI:0.1 to 0.7; P = 0.01). These findings suggest that that (add-on) treatment with a synbiotic may be associated with a clinically meaningful improvement in irritability in, at least, a subgroup of adults with ADHD and/or BPD. A superiority of the synbiotic over placebo in the management of emotional dysregulation (−3.6, 95 % CI:-6.8 to −0.3; P = 0.03), emotional symptoms (−0.6, 95 % CI:-1.2 to −0.05; P = 0.03), inattention (−1.8, 95 % CI: −3.2 to −0.4; P = 0.01), functioning (−2.7, 95 % CI: −5.2 to −0.2; P = 0.03) and perceived stress levels (−0.6, 95 % CI: −1.2 to −0.05; P = 0.03) was also suggested. Higher baseline RANK-L protein levels were associated with a significantly lower response rate, but only in the synbiotic group (OR: 0.1, 95 % CI: −4.3 to – 0.3, P = 0.02). In the placebo group, higher IL-17A levels at baseline were significantly associated with a higher improvement in in particular, emotional dysregulation (P = 0.04), opening a door for new (targeted) drug intervention. However, larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm the findings. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03495375. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a synbiotic coating of flaxseed mucilage, defatted rice bran carbohydrate, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BB12 was fabricated for coating dried mango slices (M‐P‐C). The control samples contained only probiotic bacteria without coating (M‐P). Several quality parameters (moisture, weight loss, shrinkage percentage, pH, firmness, and color) were assessed on specific storage circumstances (25°C, relative humidity (RH) = 22%.). In addition, the survival of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BB12 was evaluated on storage and under simulated gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. According to the results, the log number of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis BB12 reached 8.1 and 6.2 for coated and uncoated samples, respectively, during the 45 days storage at 25°C (>6 log CFU (log colony‐forming units)/g) and at finished stage of in vitro gastrointestinal circumstances, the log number of probiotic bacterial count reached 6.8 and 4 for coated and uncoated samples, respectively. The coating resulted in significantly less weight loss, moisture loss, and shrinkage of the mango slices than uncoated ones (p <.05). The growth of yeasts and molds was undetectable in both samples. The results of acceptance experiments for M‐P and M‐P‐C dried mango samples showedthat there were no significant differences between M‐P and M‐P‐C samples (p >.05), indeed in the case of purchase intention and overall acceptability. After reading the text highlighting, there was no significant difference in all attributes of M‐P‐C samples pre and post of reading text highlighting. It could be concluded that the synbiotic coating of mango slices improved the quality characteristics of the dried mango as well as viability of the probiotic bacteria at storage time and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amount, confer health benefits on the host". They can be found in certain foods like yogurt and kefir and in dietary supplements. The introduction of bacterial derivatives has not only contributed to disease control but has also exhibited promising outcomes, such as improved survival rates, immune enhancement, and growth promotion effects. It is interesting to note that the efficacy of probiotics goes beyond the viability of the bacteria, giving rise to concepts like paraprobiotics, non-viable forms of probiotics, and postbiotics. Paraprobiotics offer various health benefits in children with intestinal dysbiosis, contributing to improved digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being. In this review, the potential of these therapeutic applications as alternatives to pharmacological agents for treating pediatric intestinal dysbiosis will be thoroughly evaluated. This includes an analysis of their efficacy, safety, long-term benefits, and their ability to restore gut microbiota balance, improve digestive health, enhance immune function, and reduce inflammation. The aim is to determine if these non-pharmacological interventions can effectively and safely manage intestinal dysbiosis in children, reducing the need for conventional medications and their side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S61 and prebiotic Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) on the physicochemical (pH, Titratable acidity, and °Brix), functional (color, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, Vitamin C content), and sensory properties of orange juice during fermentation at 37 °C for 48 h. The fermented juice displayed favorable physicochemical characteristics (pH, Titratable acidity, and °Brix), important growth of the probiotic L. plantarum S61 (p < 0.05), and enhanced color and shelf life of the final product. The results showed that the values of total phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and Vitamin C range between 55.33 and 38.50 µM, 50.68–63.57%, and 17.5-23.75 mg/100 g, respectively, at the end of the fermentation. Furthermore, Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) the total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity, and preserved the degradation of Vitamin C during fermentation. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the formulations regarding color, texture, and overall acceptance (p > 0.05). Consequently, the orange juice supplemented Xylooligosaccharide (prebiotic) and probiotic cultures could be applied to develop a new non-dairy synbiotic beverage product with important and high functional values and acceptance sensory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Intestinal microbiome dysbiosis in human patients with chronic liver disease is known to influence disease progression. Several studies show benefits from administering probiotics/prebiotics. Similar intestinal dysbiosis was identified in dogs with chronic liver disease, but clinical trials evaluating the benefits of gut microbiome modulation in these patients are lacking. In the study, 32 dogs with chronic hepatobiliary disease were divided into two groups: one treated with a probiotics/prebiotics complex for 4–6 weeks and untreated control group. All dogs underwent clinical evaluation, complete anamnesis, bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, fecal bile acids, and gut microbiome evaluation. Treated dogs showed a significant reduction in biochemical markers of liver injury and resolution of gastrointestinal signs compared to the control group. Some qualitative modifications of the gut microbiome were observed, but no significant changes in the fecal bile acids profile were detected in association with the probiotics/prebiotics administration. Alteration in the gut microbiome in human patients with chronic liver disease is a well-known pathophysiological mechanism. Therefore, it represents both a diagnostic and therapeutical target. Intestinal dysbiosis has also been identified in dogs with chronic liver disease, but clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of synbiotic administration are lacking. Thirty-two dogs with chronic hepatobiliary disease were equally randomized into two groups: one treated with a synbiotic complex for 4–6 weeks (TG) and one untreated control group (CG). All dogs underwent clinical evaluation, complete anamnesis, bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, fecal bile acids, and gut microbiome evaluation at T0–T1 (after 4–6 weeks). Treated dogs showed a significant reduction in ALT activity (p = 0.007) and clinical resolution of gastrointestinal signs (p = 0.026) compared to control dogs. The synbiotic treatment resulted in a lower increase in Enterobacteriaceae and Lachnospiraceae compared to the control group but did not affect the overall richness and number of bacterial species. No significant changes in fecal bile acids profile were detected with synbiotic administration. Further studies are needed to better evaluate the effectiveness of synbiotic administration in these patients and the metabolic pathways involved in determining the clinical and biochemical improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of konjac glucomannan (KGM)-based synbiotics on yogurt quality is not well understood. This study investigated the effects of a synbiotic mixture of KGM and the selected probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SHY130 on the physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties of yogurt. The results showed that KGM significantly promoted the growth of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SHY130. The synbiotics dramatically enhanced the count of lactic acid bacteria in yogurt during the 14 days of storage. Texture analysis indicated that the synbiotic supplement had no impact on springiness and cohesiveness but resulted in notable reductions in hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. The synbiotics did not significantly affect the water-holding capacity and syneresis. While the synbiotics initially decreased yogurt viscosity, it increased with storage time. Furthermore, the synbiotics significantly improved the yogurt's antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the supplementation of the synbiotics did not adversely affect sensory properties, although the synbiotics containing 0.02% KGM negatively impacted overall acceptability. Overall, these findings elucidate the effects of KGM-based synbiotics on yogurt quality, providing a foundation for developing novel synbiotic yogurt products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Sepsis, a severe inflammatory response to infection, is a global health priority due to its high mortality and long-term disability rates. Its pathophysiology involves both inflammation and immune suppression. Managing sepsis requires significant healthcare resources and expenditure, with sepsis being a leading cause of hospital costs. Gut microbiotas play a crucial role in sepsis, and probiotics show promise in managing it by restoring microbial balance. Despite advances, targeted therapies for sepsis remain elusive, necessitating innovative approaches such as probiotic therapy. Method Fifty-four eligible patients with sepsis will be randomly assigned to either the synbiotic or placebo group. The synbiotic supplement, KidiLact, comprises ten probiotic strains and prebiotic fructooligosaccharides. Participants will receive two sachets daily for 7 days, mixed with sterile water and administered orally or via gavage. Inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) will be evaluated. Anthropometric measurements, nutritional assessment, biochemical analysis, and clinical evaluation will be conducted to assess treatment outcomes. Statistical analysis will be performed to compare results between the two groups, employing SPSS version 19 with a significance level of P

Abstract This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of combining professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) with probiotics compared to PMPR + placebo on probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Randomized controlled trials published until November 2023 were searched across electronic databases, peer-reviewed journals, and grey literature. Two authors independently selected, extracted data, and assessed bias risk. Primary outcomes were mean changes in PPD and CAL. Secondary outcomes included mean changes in bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index, and colony-forming units. Network meta-analysis with the frequentist weighted least squares approach evaluated the data quantitatively, and CINeMA framework evaluated the quality of evidence. In 33 articles involving 1290 patients, results were stratified by follow-up period (short and long-time studies) and sensitivity analyses conducted based on probiotic therapy duration (1 month reference). Network meta-analysis revealed significant mean differences in PPD for nine probiotic interventions, CAL for eighteen interventions, and BOP for eight interventions, with Lactobacillus demonstrating the most substantial effects. Combining PMPR with probiotics as adjuvants to subgingival instrumentation may be more effective in improving PPD and CAL. Lactobacillus emerged as the most comprehensive and effective among the studied probiotic.

Synbiotics are mixtures of prebiotics and probiotics that enhance the activity of probiotic bacteria when co-administered to provide greater benefits to the host. Traditionally, the synbiotics that have been discovered enhance gut probiotic strains and are nutritionally complex molecules that survive digestive breakdown until they reach the later stages of the intestinal tract. Here, we screened and identified sugars or sugar substitutes as synbiotics for the oral probiotic strains Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12 and BLIS M18. Using a modified deferred antagonism assay, we found that 0.5% (w/v) galactose and 2.5% (w/v) raffinose were the best candidates for use as synbiotics with BLIS K12 and M18, as they trigger enhanced antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria representing species from the mouth, gut, and skin. Using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR, we found that this enhanced antimicrobial activity was caused by the upregulation of the lantibiotic genes salA, salB, and sal9 in either K12 or M18. This led to the conclusion that either 2.5% (w/v) raffinose or 0.5% (w/v) galactose, respectively, are suitable synbiotics for use in conjunction with BLIS K12 and M18 to enhance probiotic performance.

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the effect of vitamin D and/or synbiotics on the response to treatment, cytokines profile and hormonal biomarkers in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. A total of 76 patients were recruited and completed the course of the intervention between 2019 and 2021 in Kerman, Iran. breast cancer patients were randomly enrolled in this study. Patients divided into four groups to receive one of the following regimens: placebo, vitamin D, synbiotics and a combination of vitamin D and synbiotics. clinicopathologic parameters, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers and hormonal levels were measured at the baseline and four months after intervention. The study results found no clear link between the interventions and achieving pathological complete response (pCR), and a similar trend was observed in Ki-67 index examination. After neoadjuvant therapy, TNF-α concentrations decreased, with vitamin D supplementation moderating this decline. Vitamin D supplemented groups showed a significant increase in serum IL-6 levels. While IL-10 levels decreased in the placebo group, all intervention groups were protected from this decline. Moreover, there was a notable increase in the anti-inflammatory index, particularly in the group receiving both vitamin D and synbiotic supplementation, suggesting potential synergistic anti-inflammatory effects from their combined administration. The outcomes suggest a potential anti-inflammatory function of this combination. Consequently, more extensive studies with prolonged follow-up periods and substantial sample sizes are warranted to thoroughly evaluate their potential benefits for breast cancer patients.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for innovative strategies to mitigate the severe complications associated with infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Developing empirical studies posited that the gut microbiota play a key role in modulating the immune response and overall health. This review explores the potential of synbiotics, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, as a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate COVID-19 complications. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to assess the impact of synbiotics on key aspects of the pathogenesis of this disease. Several studies indicate that synbiotics can bolster the gut microbiome, enhance mucosal barrier function, and regulate the immune system. These effects may be particularly beneficial in COVID-19, where immune dysregulation and cytokine storm are implicated in severe disease. We discuss the mechanisms through which synbiotics influence the gut axis, modulating the immune response and potentially reducing the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and other complications. Furthermore, synbiotics may help manage gastrointestinal symptoms often associated with COVID-19 and support the recovery of patients. While current research is promising, further clinical trials are needed to validate the safety and efficacy of synbiotics in the context of COVID-19. This review underscores the potential of synbiotics as an adjunctive therapy to conventional treatments for COVID-19, offering a novel and integrated approach to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this health challenge worldwide.

The gut microbiota participates in all metabolic processes in the human body, and its state determines the course of pathological processes. Intestinal infections, IBS, IBD, SIBO, diverticular disease, celiac disease, cancer, food intolerance, allergies, liver and pancreatic diseases, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hematological, cardiological, genitourinary, rheumatological, neurological, neuropsychiatric and other disorders are associated with dysbiosis and increased permeability of the intestinal barrier. The means of correcting the gut microbiota are constantly being improved. The importance and expediency of using pro- and prebiotics as part of the complex therapy of many diseases is currently confirmed not only by large international clinical studies, but also by modern methods of diagnosing microbiota disorders. The review article presents clinically confirmed data on the effectiveness of the use of synbiotic Maxilac® for the correction of gut microbiota disorders and increased intestinal permeability in infectious diseases, postCOVID syndrome, IBS, including post-infectious IBS, as well as in severe atopic dermatitis in children.

Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the impact of synbiotics on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by evaluating changes in lipid, glucose, and inflammatory profiles. A search across PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Cambridge Core, and CINAHL yielded 302 articles, with 11 meeting the criteria for randomized controlled trials. The studies consistently reported that synbiotic treatment for NAFLD led to a reduction in liver enzymes ALT and AST, with significant effect sizes (SMD = -1.27, 95% CI: -2.07 to -0.46, P = .002; SMD = -0.67, 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.47, P = .00001). Additionally, synbiotics demonstrated a favorable impact on lipid profiles, lowering TC and LDL levels (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.56 to -0.07, P = .01; SMD = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.90 to -0.21, P = .002). The treatment also improved glucose profiles, as evidenced by reduced Glucose and HOMA-IR levels (SMD = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.04, P = .02; SMD = -2.45, 95% CI: -3.79 to -1.11, P = .0003), while pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, decreased significantly (SMD = -1.01, 95% CI: -1.32 to -0.71, P = .00001). In conclusion, synbiotic therapy emerges as a promising approach for enhancing liver function and metabolic profiles in NAFLD patients, as supported by the findings of this review.

Manipulation of the gut microbiome using live biotherapeutic products shows promise for clinical applications but remains challenging to achieve. Here, we induced dysbiosis in 56 healthy volunteers using antibiotics to test a synbiotic comprising the infant gut microbe, Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis), and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). B. infantis engrafted in 76% of subjects in an HMO-dependent manner, reaching a relative abundance of up to 81%. Changes in microbiome composition and gut metabolites reflect altered recovery of engrafted subjects compared with controls. Engraftment associates with increases in lactate-consuming Veillonella, faster acetate recovery, and changes in indolelactate and p-cresol sulfate, metabolites that impact host inflammatory status. Furthermore, Veillonella co-cultured in vitro and in vivo with B. infantis and HMO converts lactate produced by B. infantis to propionate, an important mediator of host physiology. These results suggest that the synbiotic reproducibly and predictably modulates recovery of a dysbiotic microbiome.

The food industry is faced with a significant challenge in maintaining the viability and stability of probiotics during processing and in model food. Encapsulation technology offers a promising solution to this issue. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Sodium Alginate (SA) and arabinoxylan (AX) composite encapsulation on the viability & stability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. The AX was extracted from maize and characterized, and then the SA-AX composite was used to encapsulate the probiotics. The resulting microbeads were analyzed for their morphological, molecular, and physicochemical properties. The MAX-SA microbeads demonstrated the highest efficiency at 97.9 ± 0.6%, followed by MAX at 95 ± 1.5% and SA at 92 ± 1.4%. The FTIR spectra revealed specific functional groups in the samples. The MAX-SA and MSA matrices had a dispersed structure, while the MAX matrix had a smooth microstructure. The microcapsules had an average size ranging from 718 ± 2 mm to 734 ± 2 mm. The viability of the encapsulated probiotics was assessed under storage conditions, simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and model food. Encapsulated probiotics showed higher viability than free probiotics in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and pineapple juice fortified with encapsulated probiotics showed a higher probiotic count. Overall, the study found that MAX-SA was the most effective in maintaining probiotic viability under stressed conditions.

Aims: The review aimed to summarise and discuss findings focused on therapeutic probiotic and prebiotic interventions in eating disorders (ED). Methods: Using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science all published studies were retrieved until February 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. From the 111 initial studies, 5 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results: All studies included in this narrative review were focused on anorexia nervosa (AN). Three longitudinal, randomised, controlled trials aimed to evaluate interventions with probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri, yoghurt with Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus) in children and adolescents. These studies primarily emphasised medical outcomes and anthropometric measures following the administration of probiotics. However, the findings yielded mixed results in terms of short‐term weight gain or alterations in specific immunological parameters. With a lower level of evidence, supplementation with synbiotics (probiotic + prebiotic) has been associated with improvements in microbiota diversity and attenuation of inflammatory responses. Conclusions: Research on probiotics and prebiotics in ED is limited, primarily focussing on anorexia nervosa (AN). Their use in AN regarding medical and anthropometric outcomes needs further confirmation and future research should be warranted to assess their impact on psychological and ED symptomatology, where there is a notable gap in the existing literature. Highlights: Research based on probiotic and prebiotic therapeutic interventions in eating disorders (ED) is still scarce.Available evidence comes particularly from randomised controlled trials in anorexia nervosa (AN), evaluating the effects of probiotics on medical outcomes and anthropometric measures.Future studies should explore the impact of probiotic and prebiotic interventions specifically on eating psychopathology in AN and other ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Antibiotics have been used for many years in animal production to treat infectious diseases and as growth promoters. However, the misuse of antibiotics causes problems such as bacterial antibiotic resistance. Also, the possible accumulation of antibiotic residues in livestock products is risky for consumers. After the ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters in 2006, there was a need to use substitutes in animal feed to replace antibiotics. These alternatives include prebiotics, probiotics, phytobiotics and synbiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in sufficient amounts, have beneficial effects on the host by creating a microbial balance in the gut. The purpose of probiotics is to create a competition between the species that are naturally present in the intestinal flora of broilers. The most important advantage of probiotics is that they do not remain in animal products. Prebiotics are feed compounds that are not digested by the host when consumed but can support beneficial bacteria. These compounds are short-chain carbohydrates such as non-digestible oligosaccharides that cannot be digested by animal enzymes. Compounds containing prebiotics and probiotics used in nutrition are called synbiotics. Phytobiotics include a wide range of plant-derived products with bioactive compounds. Plant feed additives (PFAs) are widely effective in improving gut health, increasing digestibility and thus growth performance. These bioactive compounds include secondary metabolites (phenolic and flavonoid). In recent years, various marine organisms have been considered as valuable biological compounds for livestock. Marine algae, due to a wide range of bioactive components such as flavonoid, carotenoid, phenolic compounds, tocopherol, peptide and various sulfated and carboxylated polysaccharides such as alginate and fucoidan with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviruses have beneficial effects on health. Brown macroalgae such as Sargassum angustifolium have beneficial effects on health due to a wide range of bioactive components such as fucoidan, fucose sulfate and polysaccharides. Also, this group of algae is a rich source of sodium alginate oligosaccharides.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the form of a completely randomized design, lasted for 42 days at the Ali Abad Kamin research farm of the Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Shiraz, Iran. A total of 240 Ross 308 broilers were distributed in five treatments, four replications and 12 birds per replication. The dietary treatments included: 1 basal diet, without additives, 2 basal diet + 0.05% Oxytetracycline, 3 basal diet + 0.2% brown algae Sargassum and treatments 4 and 5 the basal diet was + 1% and 1.5% of synbiotics Limax, respectively. Ingredients and chemical composition of the ration are presented in (Table 1). At the end of each period, chickens in each group were weighed and the average body weight gain (g/b) in each period was calculated. Feed intake in each period was calculated and expressed as g/b/d. Based on weight gain and feed intake in each period, the FCR values of each group were calculated. Tow representative chickens from each group were selected for carcass analysis representing the average weight and variability of each group. The data obtained on various parameters studied during this experimental trial were analyzed statistically with SAS software.Results and Discussion: The results showed that the treatments had no significant effect on the feed conversion ratio of the birds. In the finisher period (25-42 days) and total period (1-42 days), oxytetracycline and Limax 1% treatments had the highest and lowest average daily weight gain, respectively. There wasn't any significant difference between average daily weight gain of the oxytetracycline treatment and other experimental treatments. In the finisher period, the highest amount of feed intake was for the control treatment and the lowest for the Limax 1% treatment (P

Introduction: Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Liver Disease (MASLD) represents a spectrum of conditions from simple fat accumulation to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The possible role of the intestinal microbiome on MASLD development has been in focus. Our study aimed to examine the effects of synbiotics on the liver steatosis, inflammation, and stool microbiome.