Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 Protects against Antibiotic-Induced Functional and Compositional Changes in Human Fecal Microbiome

The administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is often associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and impacts gastrointestinal tract homeostasis, as evidenced by the following: (a) an overall reduction in both the numbers and diversity of the gut microbiota, and (b) decreased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Evidence in humans that probiotics may enhance the recovery of microbiota populations after antibiotic treatment is equivocal, and few studies have addressed if probiotics improve the recovery of microbial metabolic function. Our aim was to determine if Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12)-containing yogurt could protect against antibiotic-induced fecal SCFA and microbiota composition disruptions. We conducted a randomized, allocation-concealed, controlled trial of amoxicillin/clavulanate administration (days 1–7), in conjunction with either BB-12-containing or control yogurt (days 1–14). We measured the fecal levels of SCFAs and bacterial composition at baseline and days 7, 14, 21, and 30. Forty-two participants were randomly assigned to the BB-12 group, and 20 participants to the control group. Antibiotic treatment suppressed the fecal acetate levels in both the control and probiotic groups. Following the cessation of antibiotics, the fecal acetate levels in the probiotic group increased over the remainder of the study and returned to the baseline levels on day 30 (−1.6% baseline), whereas, in the control group, the acetate levels remained suppressed. Further, antibiotic treatment reduced the Shannon diversity of the gut microbiota, for all the study participants at day 7. The magnitude of this change was larger and more sustained in the control group compared to the probiotic group, which is consistent with the hypothesis that BB-12 enhanced microbiota recovery. There were no significant baseline clinical differences between the two groups. Concurrent administration of amoxicillin/clavulanate and BB-12 yogurt, to healthy subjects, was associated with a significantly smaller decrease in the fecal SCFA levels and a more stable taxonomic profile of the microbiota over time than the control group.     

Evaluation of the immune benefits of two probiotic strains Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, BB-12® and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, L. casei 431® in an influenza vaccination model: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

The present study investigated the ability of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BB-12?) and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei (L. casei 431?) to modulate the immune system using a vaccination model in healthy subjects. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted in 211 subjects (56 % females, mean age 33·2 (sd 13·1) years). Subjects consumed a minimum of 10? colony-forming units of BB-12? (capsule) or L. casei 431? (dairy drink) or a matching placebo once daily for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks, a seasonal influenza vaccination was given. Plasma and saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 6 weeks for the analysis of antibodies, cytokines and innate immune parameters. Changes from baseline in vaccine-specific plasma IgG, IgG1 and IgG3 were significantly greater in both probiotic groups v. the corresponding placebo group (L. casei 431?, P = 0·01 for IgG; P < 0·001 for remaining comparisons). The number of subjects obtaining a substantial increase in specific IgG (defined as ≥ 2-fold above baseline) was significantly greater in both probiotic groups v. placebo (BB-12?, P < 0·001 for IgG, IgG1 and IgG3; L. casei 431?, P < 0·001 for IgG1 and IgG3). Significantly greater mean fold increases for vaccine-specific secretory IgA in saliva were observed in both probiotic groups v. placebo (BB-12?, P = 0·017; L. casei 431?, P = 0·035). Similar results were observed for total antibody concentrations. No differences were found for plasma cytokines or innate immune parameters. Data herein show that supplementation with BB-12? or L. casei 431? may be an effective means to improve immune function by augmenting systemic and mucosal immune responses to challenge.     

Lactobacillus acidophilus 74-2 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis DGCC 420 modulate unspecific cellular immune response in healthy adults

OBJECTIVE: It was determined whether a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) 74-2 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis DGCC 420 (B. lactis 420) affect the faecal microbiota as well as immunological parameters and blood lipids in healthy adults. DESIGN: A placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized crossover trial was conducted. SUBJECTS: Twenty-six healthy volunteers (mean age 25 years) were recruited by advertising in academical buildings. All of them completed the study. METHODS: After 3-week run-in period, half of the volunteers consumed 300 g/day of yoghurt supplement containing probiotic strains L. acidophilus 74-2 and B. lactis 420, and the other half received the placebo product for a period of 5 weeks. The two groups were crossed during the following 5-week period. Blood and faecal samples were collected at the end of each period. The faecal content of probiotic bacteria, faecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), serum lipids and plasma immune system biomarkers were evaluated. RESULTS: Faecal proportions of L. acidophilus and of B. lactis increased significantly from 0.02 to 0.19 and 0.4 to 1.4% (P<0.05), respectively. Percentages of granulocytes and monocytes showing phagocytic activity were significantly elevated from 92 to 95% during probiotic intervention, whereas their oxidative burst activity and specific immune parameters remained unaffected. Fecal SCFA and serum cholesterol levels were not influenced by the probiotics. However, serum concentrations of triacylglyceroles decreased significantly by 11.6% (P<0.05) in the probiotic supplementation period. CONCLUSIONS: L. acidophilus and B. lactis were recovered in faeces in significantly elevated numbers after supplementation. They are able to modulate unspecific cellular immune response indicated by the increased phagocytic activity.     

A probiotic mixture including galactooligosaccharides decreases fecal β-glucosidase activity but does not affect serum enterolactone concentration in men during a two-week intervention

A high serum concentration of enterolactone, an enterolignan produced by colonic microbiota from precursors in cereals, vegetables, and fruits, is associated with reduced risk of acute coronary events. Probiotics and prebiotics modify colonic metabolism and may affect the serum enterolactone concentration. The effects of a probiotic mixture alone and with galactooligosaccharides (GOS) on serum enterolactone concentration and fecal metabolism were investigated in 18 healthy men. Participants received 3 interventions, each for 2 wk: 1) probiotics [Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains GG (LGG) and LC705, Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS, and Bifidobacterium breve Bb99, for a total amount of 2 × 10(10) CFU/d]; 2) probiotics and GOS 3.8 g/d; 3) probiotics, GOS, and rye bread (minimum 120 g/d). Serum enterolactone and fecal dry weight, enzyme activities, pH, SCFA, lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, propionibacteria, and the strains LGG and LC705 were determined. The serum enterolactone concentration (nmol/L) tended to be decreased from baseline [mean (95% CI) 18.6 (10.8-26.4)] by probiotics alone [15.2 (7.8-22.7); P = 0.095], was not significantly affected by probiotics with GOS [21.5 (13.2-29.8)], and was increased by probiotics with GOS and rye bread [24.6 (15.4-33.7); P < 0.05]. Probiotics alone did not affect fecal β-glucosidase activity and bifidobacteria, but probiotics with GOS decreased β-glucosidase activity and increased bifidobacteria compared with baseline (P < 0.05) and with probiotics alone (P < 0.01). In conclusion, this probiotic mixture with or without GOS does not significantly affect serum enterolactone concentration. Because probiotics with GOS decreased fecal β-glucosidase activity but not serum enterolactone, the reduced fecal β-glucosidase, within the range of activities measured, does not seem to limit the formation of enterolactone.     

Consumption of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bifidobacterium animalis</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">lactis</Emphasis> BB-12 in yogurt reduced expression of TLR-2 on peripheral blood-derived monocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in young adults

Purpose

Probiotic bacteria modulate immune parameters and inflammatory outcomes. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the matrix used to deliver probiotics may influence the efficacy of probiotic interventions in vivo. The aims of the current study were to evaluate (1) the effect of one species, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 at a dose of log10 ± 0.5 CFUs/day on immune responses in a randomized, partially blinded, 4-period crossover, free-living study, and (2) whether the immune response to BB-12 differed depending on the delivery matrix.

Methods

Healthy adults (n = 30) aged 18–40 years were recruited and received four treatments in a random order: (A) yogurt smoothie alone; smoothie with BB-12 added (B) before or (C) after yogurt fermentation, or (D) BB-12 given in capsule form. At baseline and after each 4-week treatment, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, and functional and phenotypic marker expression was assessed.

Results

BB-12 interacted with peripheral myeloid cells via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2). The percentage of CD14⁺HLA-DR⁺ cells in peripheral blood was increased in male participants by all yogurt-containing treatments compared to baseline (p = 0.0356). Participants who consumed yogurt smoothie with BB-12 added post-fermentation had significantly lower expression of TLR-2 on CD14⁺HLA-DR⁺ cells (p = 0.0186) and reduction in TNF-α secretion from BB-12- (p = 0.0490) or LPS-stimulated (p = 0.0387) PBMCs compared to baseline.

Conclusions

These findings not only demonstrate a potential anti-inflammatory effect of BB-12 in healthy adults, but also indicate that the delivery matrix influences the immunomodulatory properties of BB-12.

     

Improvement of the probiotic effect of micro-organisms by their combination with maltodextrins,fructo-oligosaccharides and polyunsaturated fatty acids

Probiotics could represent an effective alternative to the use of synthetic substances in nutrition and medicine. The data concerning the efficacy of probiotics are often contradictory. This paper focuses on the enhancement of the efficacy of probiotics by their combination with synergistically acting components of natural origin. Maltodextrins can be obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of starch and are suitable for consumption. Administration of Lactobacillus paracasei together with maltodextrin decreased the number of Escherichia coli colonising the jejunal mucosa of gnotobiotic piglets by 1 logarithm compared to the control group. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are naturally occurring oligosaccharides, mainly of plant origin. L. paracasei administered in combination with FOS significantly increased counts of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., total anaerobes and total aerobes compared to the control group as well as the L. paracasei group. It also significantly decreased Clostridium and Enterobacterium counts in the faeces of the weanling piglets compared with the control group. Dietary lipids influence the gastrointestinal microbiota and specifically the population of lactic acid bacteria. In gnotobiotic piglets the oral administration of an oil containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) significantly increased the number of L. paracasei adhering to jejunal mucosa compared to the control group. Our results showed that maltodextrin KMS X-70 and PUFA can be used to enhance the effect of probiotic micro-organisms in the small intestine, and similarly FOS enhance the effect of probiotic micro-organisms in the large intestine.     

The Impact of Multispecies Probiotics on Calcium and Magnesium Status in Healthy Male Rats

Although probiotics have been discovered in numerous diseases in the last decade, there is little consensus on the relationship between probiotic properties and minerals balance and their distribution in the organism. This research aimed to evaluate the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) status in rats on a diet containing multispecies probiotics. Thirty male 10-week-old Wistar rats were selected and divided into three groups (n = 10 rats)—a group fed a standard diet (C), a group fed a low-dose of multispecies probiotics with 2.5 × 10⁹ CFU per day (LD), and a group fed high-dose of multispecies probiotics 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU per day (HD) for 6 weeks. The results revealed that HD intake significantly increased the Ca concentration in hair and Mg concentration in femur bones. A significant positive correlation was found between calcium and magnesium levels in hair. The Ca/Mg molar ratio was lower in testicles in the groups with probiotics. In conclusion, multispecies probiotics altered the Ca concentration in hair and Mg level in femur bone, and also changed the molar ratio of these elements in testicles in male rats.     

Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in bovine manure using Whatman FTA card technology and Lightcycler real-time PCR

A modified forensic DNA extraction and real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction assay has been evaluated for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in bovine fecal samples using primers and fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes targeting the IS900 gene sequence of MAP. DNA was successfully extracted from manure samples by utilizing the Whatman FTA card technology, which allows for simple processing and storage of samples at room temperature. The FTA cards were washed and subjected to a Chelex-100 incubation to remove any remaining polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors and to elute the DNA from the FTA card. This isolated DNA was then subjected to direct real time fluorescent PCR analysis. Detection of MAP DNA from bovine fecal samples spiked with known concentrations of viable MAP cells was obtained. The detection limits of the assay was consistently found to be between 10(2) and 10(4) colony forming units [CFU]/g, with some samples containing as low as 10 CFU/g, yielding positive assay results. This cost-efficient assay allows reporting of results as early as 4 h after fecal collection, which can be particularly useful in highthroughput herd screening.     

Synergy between Lactobacillus paracasei and its bacterial products to counteract stress-induced gut permeability and sensitivity increase in rats

Stressful events result in the alteration of gut permeability and sensitivity. Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461 (Lpa) therapy prevents antibiotic-induced visceral hyperalgesia in mice. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of 3 probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium lactis NCC362, Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC533, and Lpa on stress-mediated alterations of colorectal hyperalgesia, on gut paracellular permeability and whether bacteria and/or bacterial products present in the spent culture medium (SCM) were involved in the antinociceptive properties of the effective strain. Rat pups were separated from their mothers 3 h/d during postnatal d 2-14. At wk 13, gut paracellular permeability was determined as a percentage of urinary excreted (51)Cr-EDTA and visceral sensitivity to colorectal distension (CRD), assessed by abdominal muscle electromyography. Visceral sensitivity was also analyzed in adults rats subjected to partial restraint stress (PRS, 2 h restriction of body movements). Rats received either the probiotics resuspended in SCM or fresh growth medium as control for 2 wk. Maternal deprivation significantly increased colonic sensitivity in response to CRD and enhanced gut paracellular permeability compared with control rats. Only Lpa treatment significantly improved stress-induced visceral pain and restored normal gut permeability. Similarly, among the 3 probiotics tested, only Lpa prevented PRS-mediated visceral hyperalgesia. Both bacteria and bacterial products present in Lpa SCM were required for the antinociceptive properties against PRS. This study illustrates strain-specific effects and suggests a synergistic interplay between L. paracasei bacteria and bacterial products generated during fermentation and growth that confers the ability to suppress PRS-induced hypersensitivity in rats.     

The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis is increased following probiotic administration to preterm pigs

Preterm birth and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with inappropriate gut colonization and immunity, which may be improved by probiotic bacteria. Using a preterm pig model of NEC, we investigated the effects of probiotics on intestinal structure, function, microbiology, and immunology in the immediate postnatal period. Just after birth, caesarean-delivered preterm pigs were inoculated with Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacteria animalis, and Streptococcus thermophilus (total 2.4 × 10(10)/d) either as live (ProLive, n = 14) or gamma-irradiated dead bacteria (ProDead, n = 12) and compared with controls (n = 14). All pigs received parenteral nutrition for 2 d followed by enteral formula feeding until tissue collection on d 5. Compared with control pigs, intestinal weight was lower and NEC incidence was higher in both groups given probiotics (64-67 vs. 14%; P<0.01). Hexose absorption, brush border enzyme activities, and gut barrier function were lower in the ProDead group compared with the other groups (P < 0.05), whereas live probiotics induced higher expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α and IL-6 (P < 0.05). Probiotics minimally affected gut colonization, except that live probiotics induced a higher density of B. animalis and lower bacterial diversity in the distal intestinal mucosa and lower SCFA concentrations in the colon (P < 0.05). The detrimental effects of probiotic bacteria in this study may relate to the specific strain and dose combination and may have involved the very immature gut immune system and low NEC incidence in the control group. It remains to be determined whether similar adverse responses to probiotics occur in preterm infants.     

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PS23 Effectively Modulates Gut Microbiota Composition and Improves Gastrointestinal Function in Aged SAMP8 Mice

Probiotics are reported to improve gastrointestinal (GI) function via regulating gut microbiota (GM). However, exactly how probiotics influence GM and GI function in elders is poorly characterized. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the effect of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PS23 (LPPS23) on the GM and GI function of aged mice. There were four groups of senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice (n = 4): a non-treated control group, a saline control group, a low dose LPPS23 group (1 × 10⁸ colony-forming unit (CFU)/mouse/day), and a high dose LPPS23 group (1 × 10⁹ CFU/mouse/day). Non-treated mice were euthanized at 16 weeks old, and others were euthanized at 28 weeks old. The next-generation sequencing results revealed that LPPS23 enriched Lactobacillus and Candidatus_Saccharimonas, while the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_UCG_001 decreased in aged mice given LPPS23. The abundance of Lactobacillus negatively correlated with the abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae. Moreover, LPPS23 improved the GI function of aged mice due to the longer intestine length, lower intestinal permeability, and higher phagocytosis in LPPS23-treated mice. The ELISA results showed that LPPS23 attenuated the alterations of pro-inflammatory factors and immunoglobulins. The abundance of LPPS23-enriched Lactobacillus was positively correlated with healthy GI function, while Lachnospiraceae_UCG_001, which was repressed by LPPS23, was negatively correlated with a healthy GI function in the aged mice according to Spearman’s correlation analysis. Taken together, LPPS23 can effectively modulate GM composition and improve GI function in aged SAMP8 mice.     

Supplementation of food with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) stimulates immune functions in young dogs

The gut microflora play a crucial role in several physiologic functions of the host, including maturation of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues during the first months of life. Oral administration of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) modulates the immune system of humans and some laboratory animals. This effect has never been examined in dogs; therefore, our aim was to study the capacity of a probiotic LAB to stimulate immune functions in young dogs. Puppies were allotted to two groups receiving either a control diet or a diet supplemented with 5 x 10(8) colony forming units (cfu)/d of probiotic Enterococcus faecium (SF68) from weaning to 1 y of age. Fecal and blood samples were collected from the dogs at different time points for the measurement of fecal immunoglobulin (Ig)A, circulating IgG and IgA, and the proportions of lymphoid cell subsets. Fecal IgA and canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine-specific circulating IgG and IgA were higher in the group receiving the probiotic than in controls. There were no differences in the percentages of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells between the groups, but the proportion of mature B cells [CD21(+)/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II(+)] was greater in those fed the probiotic. These data show for the first time that a dietary probiotic LAB enhance specific immune functions in young dogs, thus offering new opportunities for the utilization of probiotics in canine nutrition.     

Oral immunoadjuvant activity of Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei in dextran-fed layer chickens

We recently reported that synbiotic Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei together with specific substrate dextran elicited an enhancement in humoral immune response against bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model antigen in BALB/c mice. The present study was designed to evaluate the oral immunoadjuvant effects of the synbiotic in layer chickens. Using a PCR assay, L. casei subsp. casei was detected specifically in the intestinal chyme of chickens (10 d of age, Julia strain) fed ad libitum on a diet supplemented with 75 mg dextran/kg (dextran-supplemented diet, DSD) and administered orally with 10(7) colony-forming units (CFU) L. casei subsp. casei in 0.1 ml PBS with the aid of an intubation needle at 1, 2 and 3 d of age. Furthermore, oral administration of 10(7) CFU L. casei subsp. casei at 1-3 d of age significantly enhanced the production of anti-BSA antibody in DSD-fed chickens (60 d of age) administered orally with 1 mg BSA at 32 and 33 d of age and subcutaneously with 5 microg BSA at 33 d of age. In addition, among bacterial numbers tested, 10(6) CFU L. casei subsp. casei together with dextran induced an effective increase in humoral immune response to mixed inactivated vaccines against Newcastle disease and avian infectious bronchitis, and the treatment may be advantageous in protecting against these infectious diseases in chickens in actual application. These results suggest that dietary supplementation of L. casei subsp. casei with dextran leads to immunomodulation of humoral immune responses.     

A Combined Supplement of Probiotic Strains AP-32, bv-77, and CP-9 Increased Akkermansia mucinphila and Reduced Non-Esterified Fatty Acids and Energy Metabolism in HFD-Induced Obese Rats

Obesity is referred to as a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that it causes negative impacts on health. The formation of body fat is regulated by complicated networks in relation to energy metabolism, and gut microbiota have been regarded as a key player. Studies have shown that supplements of probiotics provide benefits to health, including an improvement in metabolic syndrome and the control of body weight. In the present study, three probiotic strains, AP-32, bv-77, and CP-9, stood out from nine candidates using a lipid consumption assay, and were subsequently introduced to further animal tests. A rodent model of obesity was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and three probiotic strains were administered either separately or in a mixture. A low dose (5 × 10⁹ CFU/kg/day) and a high dose (2.5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/kg/day) of probiotics were orally provided to obese rats. The bioeffects of the probiotic supplements were evaluated based on five aspects: (1) the body weight and growth rate; (2) ketone bodies, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and feed efficiency; (3) blood biochemistry; (4) fat content; and (5) gut microbiota composition. Our results demonstrated that the supplement of AP-32, CP-9, and bv-77 alleviated the increasing rate of body weight and prevented the elevation of NEFAs and ketone bodies in obese rats. Although the effect on fat content showed a minor improvement, the supplement of probiotics displayed significant improvements in HFD-induced poor blood biochemical characteristics, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate Transaminase (AST), and uric acid, within 4 weeks. Furthermore, the combined supplement of three strains significantly increased Akkermansia mucinphila as compared with three individual strains, while its enrichment was negatively correlated with NEFAs and energy metabolism. In general, a mixture of three probiotic strains delivered a better outcome than a single strain, and the high dose of supplements provided a more profound benefit than the low dose. In conclusion, three probiotic strains, AP-32, bv-77, and CP-9, can alleviate body fat formation in obese rats. Furthermore, a combined supplement of these three probiotic strains may have potential in treating or controlling metabolic disorders.     

Effects of infant formula containing a mixture of galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides or viable Bifidobacterium animalis on the intestinal microflora during the first 4 months of life

Adding prebiotics or probiotics to infant formula to improve the intestinal flora of formula-fed infants is considered to be a major innovation. Several companies have brought relevant formulations onto the market. However, comparative data on the effects of pre- and probiotics on the intestinal microflora of infants are not available. The present study aimed to compare the effects of infant formula containing a mixture of galacto- and fructo-oligosaccharides or viable Bifidobacterium animalis on the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microflora. Before birth, infants were randomised and double blindly allocated to one of three formulas. The prebiotic (GOS/FOS) group (n 19) received regular infant formula supplemented with a mixture of galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides (6 g/l). The probiotic (Bb-12) group (n 19) received the same formula supplemented with 6.0x10(10) viable cells of B. animalis per litre. The standard group (n 19) received non-supplemented regular formula. A group of sixty-three breast-fed infants was included as a reference group. Faecal samples were taken at postnatal day 5 and 10, and week 4, 8, 12 and 16. Compared with the groups fed Bb-12 and standard formula, the GOS/FOS formula group showed higher faecal acetate ratio (69.7 % (sem 2.7), 69.9 % (sem 3.9) and 82.2 % (sem 5.3); P<0.05) and lactate concentration (11.3 (sem 7.9), 3.1 (sem 2.3) and 34.7 (sem 10.7) mmol/kg faeces) and lower pH (6.6 (sem 0.2), 7.1 (sem 0.2) and 5.6 (sem 0.2); P<0.05) at 16 weeks. Differences in percentage of bifidobacteria between the GOS/FOS (59.2 % (sem 7.7)), Bb-12 (52.7 % (sem 8.0)) and the standard (51.8 % (sem 6.4)) groups were not statistically significant at 16 weeks. Feeding infants GOS/FOS formula resulted in a similar effect on metabolic activity of the flora as in breast-fed infants. In the Bb-12 group, composition and metabolic activity of the flora were more similar to those of the standard group.     

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on plasma lipids

OBJECTIVE: To select a probiotic bacteria that would reduce serum lipids in hypercholesterolaemic volunteers. DESIGN: A strain of lactobacillus was selected for its ability to metabolise cholesterol under varying conditions in vitro. Freeze-dried Lactobacillus acidophilus or placebo were then given in a double-blind randomised crossover study to volunteers with high cholesterols. SUBJECTS: A total of 80 volunteers with elevated cholesterols. INTERVENTIONS: Volunteers were randomly allocated to receive either two capsules containing freeze-dried L. acidophilus 3 x 10(10) CFU or placebo three times a day for 6 weeks. After a 6-week washout period, volunteers were crossed over to another 6 weeks of capsules. Serum lipids were measured at the beginning and end of each interventional period. RESULTS: L. acidophilus was able to reduce cholesterol and survive in an acid and bile environment. No changes in anthropomorphic measurements or in dietary records were seen between the baseline and final records or between the two sets of baseline records. There were no changes in serum lipids seen throughout the study. CONCLUSION: Despite the ability in vitro for L. acidophilus to reduce cholesterol, no effect was seen in volunteers.     

Probiotics in the gastrointestinal diseases of the elderly

Changes of the gut microflora in elderly appear to involve a reduction in numbers of healthy bacteria (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) and an increase in numbers of potentially pathogenic species. These changes are generally described as gastrointestinal disorders and infections. This review analyses benefits of probiotics in old people, with particular interesting for the latest researches relevant to elderly people, e.g. trials examining enteric infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea, functional bowel problems (constipation and irritable bowel syndrome), inflammatory bowel diseases, stimulation of the immune system and prevention of cancer. A growing number of researches indicates that some probiotic strains may help to maintain the health in old people, suggesting both health and cost-saving benefits in offering fermented dairy products. These benefits include: establishment of balanced intestinal microflora; improving colonization resistance and or prevention of diarrhea; reduction of fecal enzymes; reduction of serum cholesterol; reduction of potential mutagenes; reduction of lactose intolerance; synthesis of vitamins; predigestion of proteins.     

The Use of Probiotics Combined with Exercise Affects Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis,an Oxidative Stress Parameter

Background: Intestinal microbiota play a role in the health and performance of athletes, and can be influenced by probiotics. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the use of probiotics combined with chronic exercise on the thiol/disulfide homeostasis, a novel marker of oxidative stress. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (Cn), exercise (Ex), probiotics (P), and probiotics + exercise (PEx). A capsule containing 6 × 10⁸ CFU of L. rhamnosus, L. paracasei, L. acidophilus, and B. lactis was given daily for eight weeks to all the experimental animals. The total thiol (TT, μmol/L) and native thiol (NT, μmol/L) concentrations were measured to determine the oxidative stress parameters. The dynamic disulfide (DD, %), reduced thiol (RT, %), oxidized thiol (OT, %), and thiol oxidation reduction (TOR, %) ratios were analyzed. Results: The TT level was found to be significantly higher in the Ex group (p = 0.047, η² = 0.259). The DD level, a marker of oxidation, was significantly lower in the PEx group (p = 0.042, η² = 0.266); the highest value of this parameter was found in the Ex group. The use of probiotics alone had no effect on thiol/disulfide homeostasis. Conclusions: We showed, for the first time, that probiotics administered “with exercise” decreased dynamic disulfide and significantly reduced oxidative damage. Therefore, we speculate that the use of probiotics in sports involving intense exercise might be beneficial to reduce oxidative stress.     

A Four-Probiotic Regime to Reduce Surgical Site Infections in Multi-Trauma Patients

Investigations that focused on the protective role of probiotics against Surgical Site Infections (SSI) in multiple-trauma (MT) patients are generally few, probably due to the complexity of the concept of trauma. We aimed to assess the efficacy of a four-probiotic regime to reduce the incidence of SSI in MT patients, with a brain injury included. MT patients, being intubated and expected to require mechanical ventilation for >10 days, were randomly allocated into placebo (n = 50) or probiotic treatment (n = 53) comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 (1.75 × 10⁹ cfu), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UBLP-40 (0.5 × 10⁹ cfu), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (1.75 × 10⁹ cfu), and Saccharomyces boulardii Unique-28 (1.5 × 10⁹ cfu) in sachets. All patients received two sachets of placebo or probiotics twice/day for 15 days and were followed-up for 30 days. The operations were classified as neurosurgical, thoracostomies, laparotomies, orthopedics, and others; then, the SSI and the isolated pathogen were registered. A total of 23 (46.0%) and 13 (24.5%) infectious insults in 89 (50 placebo patients) and 88 (53 probiotics-treated) operations (p = 0.022) were recorded, the majority of them relating to osteosynthesis—17 and 8, respectively. The most commonly identified pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. Our results support published evidence that the prophylactic administration of probiotics in MT patients exerts a positive effect on the incidence of SSI.