Potential preventive role of lactic acid bacteria against Aflatoxin M1 immunotoxicity and genotoxicity in mice

Abstract

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is a mycotoxin produced by numerous Aspergillus species in pre- or post-harvest cereals and milk. Exposure to AFM₁ imparts potent economic losses in the livestock industry. Toxicologically, it also causes severe immune system problems. The aims of this study were to evaluate a new AFM₁-binding/degrading microorganism for biologic detoxification, to examine its ability to degrade AFM₁ in liquid medium, and to evaluate its potential for in vivo preventative effects against AFM₁-induced immunotoxicity and genotoxicity in mice. Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 (LP) isolated from Tunisian artisanal butter was found to display significant binding ability to AFM₁ in PBS (93%) within 24?h of incubation. Further, the LP was able to tolerate gastric acidity, bile salts, and adhere efficiently to Caco-3 cells in vitro. The in vivo study used Balb/c mice that received either vehicle (control), LP only (at 1?×?10^9?CFU/L, ～1?mg/kg bw), AFM₁ (100?mg/kg bw), or AFM₁?+?LP daily for 15 days (by gavage); two other groups received a single dose of colchicine (4?mg/kg) or mitomycin C (1?mg/kg) as positive controls for induction of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations, respectively. The results showed that, compared to in control mice, AFM₁ treatment led to significantly decreased body weight gains, and caused cytotoxic/genotoxic effects as indicated by increases in frequencies of polychromatic erythrocytes, as well as those with micronucleation (PCEMN) and chromosomal aberrations, among bone marrow cells. The concurrent administration of LP with AFM₁ strongly reduced the adverse effects of AFM₁ on each parameter. Mice receiving AFM₁?+?LP co-treatment displayed no significant differences in the assayed parameters as compared to the control mice. By itself, the bacteria caused no adverse effects. Based on the data, it is concluded that the test bacteria could potentially be beneficial in the detoxification of AFM₁-contaminated foods and feeds for humans and animals.     

Ability of Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 to mitigate aflatoxins (B1 and M1) immunotoxicities in mice

Abstract

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and M₁ (AFM₁) are mycotoxins produced by numerous Aspergillus species in pre- or post-harvest cereals and milk. AFB₁ and AFM₁ display a potent economic loss in livestock and also cause severe immunological problems. The aims of this study were to: evaluate a new AFB₁ and AFM₁-binding/degrading micro-organism for biological detoxification; examine its ability to degrade AFB₁ and AFM₁ in liquid medium; and evaluate its potential for in vivo preventative effects against AFB₁- and AFM₁-induced immunomodulation in mice. Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 (LP) isolated from Tunisian artisanal butter was found to display significant binding ability to AFB₁ and AFM₁ in PBS (i.e. 82% and 89%, respectively) within 24?h of incubation and able to tolerate gastric acidity, have strongly hydrophilic cells surface properties, and adhere efficacy to Caco-3 cells in vitro. The in vivo study was conducted using Balb/c mice that received by oral gavage vehicle (control), LP only (2?×?10⁹ CFU/L, ～2?g/kg BW), AFB₁ or AFM₁ alone (0.25 and 0.27?mg/kg, respectively), or AFB₁?+?LP or AFM₁?+?LP daily for 15 days. Compared to in control mice, treatments with AFB₁ and AFM₁ led to significantly decreased body weight gains, histopathological changes, and decrements in all hematologic and immune parameters assessed. Co-treatment with LP strongly reduced the adverse effects of each mycotoxin. In fact, the mice receiving AFB₁?+?LP or AFM₁?+?LP co-treatment displayed no significant differences in the assayed parameters as compared to the control mice. By itself, the bacteria alone had no adverse effects in the mice. From these data, it is concluded that the tested bacteria could be beneficial in biotechnology detoxification of contaminated food and feed for humans and animals.     

Further Survey of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk Powders by ELISA

A survey of AFM₁ residues in 58 commercial milk powder samples was carried out using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a monoclonal antibody against aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁). The samples were collected from the USA (10), China (28), Italy (14), New Zealand (3) and Poland (3). The ELISA was performed without the need for clean‐up procedures. The data revealed that 4 (US), 21 (Chinese) and 1 (Polish) samples were positive for AFM₁, with an average of 95.5, 102.8 and 85.0 pg g^‐1 of the AFM₁respectively.     

Occurrence and seasonal variation of aflatoxin in dairy cow feed with estimation of aflatoxin M1 in milk from Iran

The aims of the present study were to investigate the occurrence of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), aflatoxin B₂ (AFB₂), aflatoxin G₁ (AFG₁) and aflatoxin G₂ (AFG₂) in dairy cow feedstuff samples collected from four west provinces in Iran and estimate the corresponding concentrations of aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in milk during winter and summer in 2014. A total of 160 feed samples consisting of corn silage (n?=?40), alfalfa hay (n?=?40), straw (n?=?40) and barley (n?=?40) were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector method. AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁ and AFG₂ were detected in 82.5%, 69.37%, 43.12% and 41.87% of the feed samples, respectively. The concentration of AFB₁ in 65% (26/40) and 10% (4/40) of corn silage and straw samples was higher than the European Union limit, respectively. Estimation of the total corresponding concentration of AFM₁ in milk was evaluated as 20.16 and 35.68?ng/l during summer and winter, respectively.     

Occurrence and analysis of aflatoxin M1 in milk produced by Indian dairy species

A total of 600 samples of milk from different species [buffalo (150), cow (150), goat (150), and sheep (150)] were analyzed for aflatoxin M1 (AFM₁) contamination using high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. AFM₁ contamination was found in buffalo (38.6%), cow (45.3%), goat (33.3%), and sheep (36.6%) milk. The mean value of AFM₁ was 0.026?µg?L^?1 in buffalo, 0.018?µg?L^?1 in cow, 0.014?µg?L^?1 in goat, and 0.017?µg?L^?1 in sheep milk. In all types of milks, the level of AFM₁ concentration was higher in milk obtained from urban and semi-urban areas, whereas it was found minimal in milk from rural areas. The results of the analysis of AFM₁ level by the ELISA analysis (ng?L^?1) was observed in 46.5% of all samples. The amount of AFM₁ in 16% buffalo, 44% cow, 10% goat, and 12% sheep milk samples was above the maximum tolerance limit accepted by the European Union.     

Development of chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay for the determination of aflatoxin M1 in milk products

In this study, an indirect competitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (ic-CLEIA) for determining aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in milk products has been developed. A luminol–hydrogen peroxide chemiluminescence system catalysed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used as the signal detecting system. The effects of several factors, including concentration and pH of phosphate buffer, dilution ratio of antibody and antigen and other relevant variables on the immunoassay, were studied and optimised by single-factor experiments. The developed method presented an IC₅₀ of 0.05 ng/mL, a detection limit of 0.01 ng/mL and a linear range from 0.018 to 0.13 ng/mL. This method has been successfully applied to the evaluation of AFM₁ in milk products, the recoveries ranging from 71.9% to 109.0%. A good correlation with the commercial available ELISA kit for AFM₁ (r = 0.9978) was obtained, indicating that the ic-CLEIA method developed can be used to determine AFM₁ in real samples.     

Aflatoxin M1: Prevalence and decontamination strategies in milk and milk products

Abstract

Aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in milk is among the most carcinogenic compounds, relatively high levels being consumed, especially by the most vulnerable age groups, i.e. infants and the elderly. Reports on its prevalence are constantly being received from various parts of the world compelling nations to establish their own standard limits for AFM₁. Global review of the literature indicates the existence of methods of partial decontamination of AFM_1, however; evidence based studies do not suggest that any single strategy as a coherent and complete solution to the issue. Microbial decontamination of AFM₁ has emerged as the most suitable method up to now but the stability of toxin-microbial cell complexes still remains questionable. This review discusses the chemical nature, established maximum permissible limits and prevalence of AFM₁ in various countries from 2009 to 2014. Moreover, the possible mechanisms for AFM₁ reduction mainly the microbial decontamination and the stability and bioaccessibility of microbial-AFM₁ complexes are also discussed.     

Interaction of Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 with Tunisian Montmorillonite clay and ability of the composite to immobilize Zearalenone in vitro and counteract immunotoxicity in vivo

Background and aim: The present study was conducted to determine the abilities of the living Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 (LP) cells, Tunisian montmorillonite clay and their composites to accumulate Zearalenone (ZEA) from a liquid medium and elucidate the preventive effect of their composite in ZEA-contaminated balb/c mice showing immunotoxicity disorders.

Materials and methods: In the in vitro study, LP (2 × 10⁹ CFU/mL), TM (0.5 mg) and LP+TM were incubated with 50 µg mL^?1 ZEA for 0, 12 and 24 h. For the in vivo study, the composite MT+LP was evaluated also for possible protection regarding ZEA-immunotoxicity in Balb/c mice as a sensitive model.

Results: Results indicated that TM and LP+TM had a high capacity of adsorbing ZEA 87.2 ± 2.1 and 94.2 ± 2.1%, respectively. However, LP alone able to remove only 78% after 24 h of incubation. The quantity of adsorbed ZEA by LP, TM and LP+TM were 39, 43,5 and 47 µg mL^?1 of PBS, respectively. The in vivo results indicated that mice orally exposed to ZEA- (40 mg/kg bw) for 2 weeks showed severe immunotoxicity typical of fusarotoxicosis regarding thymocytes and splenocytes cell viability count, IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α production and B-cell activation. Mice treated with LP and TM alone, and LP+MT in combination with ZEA were comparable to the control.

Conclusion: Both LP and TM are safe by themselves and their composite succeeded to exert a potential prevention by counteracting ZEA-immunotoxicity and can be implicated in the biotechnology of ZEA removal in human food and animal feed.     

Lactobacillus paracasei BEJ01 prevents immunotoxic effects during chronic zearalenone exposure in Balb/c mice

Abstract

Background and aim: Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by numerous Fusarium species in pre- or post-harvest cereals. ZEN displays a potent estrogenicity in livestock and also causes severe immunological problems. The aims of this study were to isolate a new ZEN-degrading micro-organism for biological detoxification, to examine its ability to degrade ZEN in liquid medium, and to evaluate its potential for in vivo preventitive effects against ZEN (as would occur with contaminated feed)-induced immunomodulation in mice.

Materials and methods: Lactobacillus paracasei BEJ01 (LP) isolated from Tunisian artisanal butter was found to display significant binding ability to ZEN in phosphate-buffered saline (i.e. 96.6%) within 24?h of incubation. The in vivo study was conducted using Balb/c mice that received either vehicle (control), LP only (at 2?×?10^9?cfu/l, ～2?mg/kg BW), ZEN alone (at 40?mg/kg BW), or ZEN?+?LP daily for 15?d.

Results: Compared to control mice, ZEN treatment led to significantly decreased body weight gains and decrements in all immune parameters assessed. The addition of LP to ZEN strongly reduced the adverse effects of ZEN on each parameter. In fact, mice receiving ZEN?+?LP co-treatment displayed no significant differences in the assayed parameters as compared to the control mice. The exposures to the bacteria alone had no adverse effects in the mice.

Conclusion: From these data, we conclude that LP bacteria could be beneficial in human and animals for protection against immunotoxicity from ZEN at high levels and during chronic exposures.     

Supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Bifidobacterium lactis probiotics in pregnancy increases cord blood interferon‐γ and breast milk transforming growth factor‐β and immunoglobin A detection

Background This study explored the effects of maternal probiotic supplementation on immune markers in cord blood (CB) and breast milk. Methods CB plasma and breast milk samples were collected from a cohort of women who had received daily supplements of either 6 × 10⁹ CFU/day Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (n=34), 9 × 10⁹ CFU/day Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 (n=35) or a placebo (n=36) beginning 2–5 weeks before delivery and continuing for 6 months in lactating women. CB plasma and breast milk (collected at 3–7 days, 3 months and 6 months postpartum) were assayed for cytokines (IL‐13, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐10, TGF‐β1) and sCD14. Breast milk samples were also assayed for total IgA. Results Neonates of mothers who received a probiotic had higher CB IFN‐γ levels (P=0.026), and a higher proportion had detectable blood IFN‐γ levels, compared with the placebo group (P=0.034), although levels were undetectable in many infants. While this pattern was evident for both probiotics, when examined separately only the L. rhamnosus HN001 group showed statistically significant higher IFN‐γ levels (P=0.030) compared with the placebo group. TGF‐β1 levels were higher in early breast milk (week 1) from the probiotic groups (P=0.028). This was evident for the B. lactis HN019 group (P=0.041) with a parallel trend in the L. rhamnosus HN001 group (P=0.075). Similar patterns were seen for breast milk IgA, which was more readily detected in breast milk from both the B. lactis HN019 (P=0.008) and the L. rhamnosus HN001 group (P=0.011). Neonatal plasma sCD14 levels were lower in the B. lactis HN019 group compared with the placebo group (P=0.041). Conclusion The findings suggest that supplementation with probiotics in pregnancy has the potential to influence fetal immune parameters as well as immunomodulatory factors in breast milk.     

Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from food and human origin on reduction of IgE-dependent hypersensitivity in Balb/c mice

Capacity and ability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus probiotic strains isolated from some human and food sources were evaluated for modulating and regulating the immune system against hypersensitivity type 1 (dependent on IgE). In this study, given the probiotic properties of the strains and the use of mouse models, the strains were orally administered (1×10⁹ cfu/ml) during 45 days with gavage needles. Levels of total IgE antibodies, cytokines TGF-β, INF-?, and IL-4 were measured by ELISA and compared with control groups. In addition, the nasopharyngeal lavage (total and differential count) was evaluated. Among the strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum a7 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus M1 had the highest suppression of IL-4 cytokine production in splenocytes from ovalbumin-sensitized mice in vitro. Also, a7 and M1 had a significant (P < 0.0001) effect on reducing total IgE levels compared to the control group (OVA). Further, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum M8, a7 and M1 enhanced the production of INF-? and TGF-β cytokines. Examination of nasal lavage results revealed that the total cell count in the a7, M1 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus RHM groups and eosinophil cells in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LF57, a7, and M1 significantly decreased compared to the control group. It was observed oral feeding of the isolated strains had a beneficial effect on reducing the total count on Plate Count Agar (PCA) and Mac Conkey Agar in mice feces during 7 days. M1 and a7 showed the highest level of Lactic Acid Bacteria at 7.28 and 6.9 Log cfu/g on day14, respectively. In conclusion, the animals that received the strains M1 and a7 (isolated from cow's milk and infant's small intestine) had the highest count of lactic acid bacteria in the mice gastrointestinal tract on day 14 (7.28 and 6.9 Log cfu/g), respectively. In addition, the mentioned strains can modulate immune system of mice by suppressing IL-4 production, increasing INF-? and TGF-β cytokines, and reducing total IgE levels.     

Human vaginal Lactobacillus rhamnosus harbor mutation in 23S rRNA associated with erythromycin resistance

Little is known about the diversity and distribution of resistance determinants in human commensal bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular mechanism responsible for high-level erythromycin resistance among five human vaginal Lactobacillus rhamnosus isolates. PCR screening for the presence of ermA, ermB and ermC methylase genes revealed no determinants responsible for detected erythromycin resistance. Therefore, sequences of 23S rRNA genes from L. rhamnosus strains were studied by PCR–RFLP analysis and sequencing of 23S rRNA genes. According to the results, in all erythromycin-resistant L. rhamnosus strains, the presence of a A → G transition mutation at position 2058 was discovered. Additionally, the isolates exhibited heterozygosity for the A2058/G2058 mutation among 23S rRNA gene copies. Presumably, the greatest number of mutated 23S rRNA operons was observed for the L. rhamnosus BGHV1’ strain that also had the highest MIC for erythromycin (MIC = 2048 μg mL⁻¹). This study reports the presence of transition mutations in the V region of 23S rRNA genes that most probably account for high-level erythromycin resistance observed for the first time in human vaginal lactobacilli.     

Dichotomy between<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Lactobacillus rhamnosus</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Klebsiella pneumoniae</Emphasis> on dendritic cell phenotype and function

The reaction of the intestinal immune system to intestinal bacteria shows striking differences between various bacterial strains. Whereas Klebsiella pneumoniae induces a fierce proinflammatory reaction, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus has clear anti-inflammatory effect in gastrointestinal disease and allergy. The molecular basis for this dichotomy is poorly understood but is likely to involve different modulation of antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DC) by L. rhamnosus and K. pneumoniae. Hence we evaluated phenotypic and functional characteristics of DC matured in the presence of L. rhamnosus and K. pneumoniae. Monocyte-derived immature DC were cultured in the presence of live bacteria to obtain mature DC. Both micro-organisms induced maturation of immature DC as shown by CD83 and CD86 expression, but receptors involved in activation of Th1 cells were expressed predominantly on DC exposed to K. pneumoniae. In contrast to K. pneumoniae, maturation with L. rhamnosus resulted in lower TNF-, IL-6, and IL-8 production by immature DC and lower IL-12 and IL-18 production by mature DC. Moreover, L. rhamnosus led to the development of T cells without a typical Th phenotype whereas K. pneumoniae induced a Th1 immune response, dependent mainly on IL-12 production. Thus our results strongly support the concept that differential modulation of DC explains the differences in the immune response to various bacterial strains and indicates that K. pneumoniae induces Th1 immune responses via DC.Abbreviations DC Dendritic cell - FACS Fluorescence-activated cell sorter - ICAM Intercellular adhesion molecule - IFN Interferon - IL Interleukin - LPS Lipopolysaccharide - MFI Mean fluorescence intensity - PAMP Pathogen associated molecular pattern - Th T helper cell - TNF Tumor necrosis factor     

Immunostimulating effects of protein A in immunosurpressed aflatoxin-intoxicated rats

Aflatoxin B₁, the potent carcinogenic compound produced by the Aspergillus flavus group of fungi on food and feed, induces immunosuppressive effects in rodents. In this communication, we report an immunomodulatory approach to abrogate aflatoxin B₁-induced immunotoxicity in rats using protein A of Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1. We have earlier demonstrated that protein A can protect the animals from toxicities induced by a number of drugs, chemicals and toxins. In the present study various combinations of aflatoxin B₁ exposure and protein A treatment in animals were used. It was observed that protein A could provide protection to animals from aflatoxin B₁-induced immunotoxicity, as measured by a battery of tests assessing cell-mediated immunity (CMI) profile of the host. Various parameters showing suppression of CMI following aflatoxin B₁ exposure were reverted back towards normalcy in protein A-treated animals. It is concluded that protein A may prove to be a useful agent to protect the host from aflatoxin immunotoxicity, in view of its stimulatory effects on various immune functions even after their initial depression due to aflatoxin B₁.     

Immuno-physiological alterations from AFB1 in rats counteracted by treatments with Lactobacillus paracasei BEJ01 and montmorillonite clay mixture

High contamination by aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) has been detected in Beja province (Tunisia) in many dairy products and animal feed, which has resulted in many tons of cereals and cereals being removed from the market, causing economic loss. While removal represents a means of reducing risk, exposures still occur. Studies have increasingly focused on means of AFB₁ biodegradation/elimination using lactic acid bacteria and clay mineral. In the study here, Lactobacillus paracasei BEJ01 (LP) and montmorilonite clay (MT) were used to reduce the physio-/immunotoxicologic disorders that could develop in rats that underwent AFB₁ exposures for a total of 7 consecutive days. The results indicated that rats treated with AFB₁ (80?μg/kg BW) alone had significant decreases in lymphocytes in their blood (including B-lymphocytes, CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ T-lymphocyte subtypes, and NK cells), immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) and pro-inflammatory cytokines; these rats also had altered oxidative stress status. In contrast, in rats treated with LP?+?MT (2?×?10⁹?cfu/ml [～ 2?mg/kg] + 0.5?mg MT/kg BW) for a total of 7 days before, concurrent with or after AFB₁ treatment, there was a significant blockade/mitigation of each AFB₁-impacted parameter. Moreover, treatment with the mixture at any point in relation to AFB₁ treatment expectedly caused enhanced TNFα and IL-1β expression relative to control values; all other parameters were comparable to values noted in control rats. Alone, the mixture had no impact on host parameters. From the results here it may be concluded the the LP?+?MT mixture was effective in protecting these hosts against AFB₁-induced immunologic/physiologic disorders and that LP?+?MT could prevent and/or mitigate AFB₁ toxicities in vivo.     

Isolation and preliminary probiotic selection of lactobacilli from koumiss in Inner Mongolia

From 16 samples of traditional fermented koumiss collected in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, forty‐eight lactobacilli strains were isolated and phenotypically characterized by their abilities to ferment different carbohydrates and by additional biochemical tests. The dominant lactobacilli species were identified as L. casei (17 strains), L. helveticus (10 strains) and L. plantarum (8 strains), with a lower frequency of isolation for L. coryniformis subsp. coryniformis (5 strains), L. paracasei (3 strains), L. kefiranofaciens (2 strains), L. curvatus (1 strain), L. fermentum (1 strain) and W. kandleri (1 strain). The pH values of all these samples were ranging from 3.37 to 3.94. In isolates, L. casei Zhang, L. helveticus ZL12‐1, and L. plantarum BX6‐6 were selected as potentially probiotic strains through the preliminary tests including resistance to low acid, abilities to grow in MRS with bile salts, antimicrobial activities and the viabilities during prolonged cold storage in fermented milk. Moreover 16S rDNA was conducted to confirm the identification. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A novel αvβ3-blocking disintegrin containing the RGD motive, DisBa-01, inhibits bFGF-induced angiogenesis and melanoma metastasis

The integrin α_vβ₃ is involved in multiple aspects of malignant cancer, including tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, which makes the receptor a key target for the development of anti-cancer therapies. We report here on the production, the characterization and the in vivo anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic properties of a novel α_vβ₃-binding disintegrin, DisBa-01, isolated from a cDNA library made with RNAs from the venom gland of Bothrops alternatus. The 11,637 Da-recombinant monomeric form of DisBa-01 displayed an RGD motif and interacted with purified α_vβ₃ integrin in surface plasmon resonance studies, in a dose-dependent and cation sensitive manner. A three-dimensional molecular model of DisBa-01 in complex with α_vβ₃ predicted a large surface of contacts with the β₃ subunit. DisBa-01 inhibited the adhesion of α_vβ₃-expressing human microvascular endothelial cell line-1 (HMEC-1) and murine melanoma cell line B16F10 to vitronectin (IC₅₀ = 555 nM and 225 nM, respectively), and transiently inhibited their proliferation without direct cell toxicity, but did not affect the binding nor the proliferation of a human breast cancer-derived cell line (MDA-MB-231) not expressing α_vβ₃. In vivo, DisBa-01 dose-dependently decreased bFGF-induced angiogenesis in a matrigel plug assay in athymic nude mice (IC₅₀ = 83 nM). When injected intravenously to C57BL/6 mice together with B16F10 melanoma cells, DisBa-01 time- and dose-dependently inhibited lung metastasis monitored by bioluminescent imaging. We conclude that DisBa-01 is a potent new inhibitor of α_vβ₃-dependent adherence mechanisms involved in neo-vascularization and tumor metastasis processes. Oscar H. P. Ramos and Alexandre Kauskot contributed equally to this work.     

Anti-scratching behavioral effect of Lactobacillus plantarum PM008 isolated from kimchi in mice

To isolate antipruritic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from kimchi, a traditional Korean food, we investigated the interleukin (IL)-4 production-inhibitory effect in the colon of mice for previously isolated LAB. Orally administered Lactobacillus plantarum PM008 potently inhibited the expression of IgE-switching cytokine, IL-4, and of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α, in the colon of mice. Its inhibitory effect was dependent on the dosage and administration period. When PM008 was orally administered to mice, the number of PM008 detected in the intestine and feces by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methods was dependent on the administration dosage and period. The number of PM008 attached in the intestine was gradually decreased with increasing time after completion of its oral administration. PM008 dose-dependently inhibited the scratching behavior induced by histamine or compound 48/80. PM008 treated at a dose of 1?×?10¹⁰ CFU for 14 days inhibited the histamine- and compound 48/80-induced scratching behaviors by 32.8% and 48.6%, respectively. This inhibitory effect continued, although reduced, at 7 days after stopping the oral administration of PM008 attached in the intestine. Based on these findings, L. plantarum PM008 may improve pruritus by inhibiting IL-4 expression.     

Disease-Dependent Adhesion of Lactic Acid Bacteria to the Human Intestinal Mucosa

Their adhesion to the intestinal mucosa is considered one of the main reasons for the beneficial health effects of specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB). However, the influence of disease on the mucosal adhesion is largely unknown. Adhesion of selected LAB to resected colonic tissue and mucus was determined in patients with three major intestinal diseases (i.e., diverticulitis, rectal carcinoma, and inflammatory bowel disease) and compared to healthy control tissue. All strains were observed to adhere better to immobilized mucus than to whole intestinal tissue. Two strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG and L. reuteri) were found to exhibit disease-specific adhesion to intestinal tissue. All tested strains, with the exception of L. rhamnosus strain GG, displayed disease-specific adhesion to intestinal mucus. These results suggest that strains with optimal binding characteristics for a particular intestinal disease can be selected.