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Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 decreases subjective academic stress in healthy adults: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Wauters, L, Van Oudenhove, L, Accarie, A, Geboers, K, Geysen, H, Toth, J, Luypaerts, A, Verbeke, K, Smokvina, T, Raes, J, et al
Gut microbes. 2022;14(1):2031695
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Previous research has shown a bidirectional relationship between the gut and psychological stress, which could be mediated by intestinal permeability followed by an immune and inflammatory response. However, the exact mechanisms of this relationship are yet to be elucidated. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 on intestinal permeability and stress markers during a public speech in healthy students. Participants consumed either milk containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 or acidified milk twice daily for four weeks to assess subjective and objective stress markers and markers of intestinal permeability. Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 reduced the stress-induced hyperpermeability to mannitol and subjective stress markers (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory/ STAI). A subgroup of healthy students with stress-induced cortisol >P90 of baseline showed a reduction in perceived stress score following Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 intervention. To evaluate the additional effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 on stress and gut health, further robust studies are needed. Healthcare professionals can use the findings of this study to understand the anxiolytic effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690.
Abstract
Psychological stress negatively affects the intestinal barrier function in animals and humans. We aimed to study the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 on intestinal permeability and stress-markers during public speech. Healthy students were randomized to L. rhamnosus-containing (test) or acidified (placebo) milk consumed twice daily for 4 weeks, with 46 subjects per treatment group. Small intestinal permeability was quantified by a 2 h urinary lactulose-mannitol ratio (LMR, primary outcome), fractional excretion of lactulose (FEL) and mannitol (FEM). Salivary cortisol, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Perceived Stress scores (PSS) were collected. No between-treatment differences were found for LMR (p = .71), FEL or FEM. Within-treatment analyses showed similar LMR and FEL but a stress-induced increase of FEM with the placebo (p < .05) but not test product. Despite a similar increase in salivary cortisol, the stress-induced increase in STAI was significantly lower with the test product vs. placebo (p = .01). Moreover, a stress-preventative effect of the probiotic was found for PSS and more pronounced in subjects with high stress-induced cortisol (p = .01). While increased FEM was mediated by salivary cortisol levels, the effect of the test product on subjective stress was not mediated by changes in FEM. No serious adverse events occurred. In conclusion, we demonstrated that L. rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 prevented stress-induced hyperpermeability to mannitol. Subjective but not objective stress-markers were reduced with L. rhamnosus vs. placebo, suggesting anxiolytic effects, which were independent of barrier stabilization and attractive for the reduction of stress in both health and disease. Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT03408691.
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Clinical applications of detecting IgG, IgM or IgA antibody for the diagnosis of COVID-19: A meta-analysis and systematic review.
Chen, M, Qin, R, Jiang, M, Yang, Z, Wen, W, Li, J
International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases. 2021;104:415-422
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The rapidly spreading nature of COVID-19 has put an emphasis on the importance of fast diagnosis. Gold standard diagnosis is through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, which aims to detect the presence of COVID-19. However, challenges with collection techniques and when in the disease lifecycle these tests are taken, can affect their reliability, highlighting a need for alternative methods of testing. Other testing methods exist, which involve testing the body’s own immune response to the presence of COVID-19, however these may also have their limitations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of testing the body’s own immune reaction for the presence of COVID-19. The results showed that testing the body’s immune reaction was effective, however if the person being tested is at an early stage in the disease, then it may be misdiagnosed. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that the use of any type of COVID-19 testing may have its limitations, and although a person may test negative, there is still a possibility that they have the infection if symptoms exist
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a devastating impact worldwide, and timely detection and quarantine of infected patients are critical to prevent spread of disease. Serological antibody testing is an important diagnostic method used increasingly in clinics, although its clinical application is still under investigation. METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the diagnostic performance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 antibody tests in patients with COVID-19. The test results analysed included: (1) IgM-positive but IgG-negative (IgM+IgG-); (2) IgG-positive but IgM-negative (IgG+IgM-); (3) both IgM-positive and IgG-positive (IgM+IgG+); (4) IgM-positive without IgG information (IgM+IgG+/-); (5) IgG-positive without IgM information (IgG+IgM+/-); (6) either IgM-positive or IgG-positive (IgM+ or IgG+); and (7) IgA-positive (IgA+). RESULTS Sixty-eight studies were included. Pooled sensitivities for IgM+IgG-, IgG+IgM-, IgM+IgG+, IgM+IgG+/-, IgG+IgM+/-, and IgM+ or IgG+ were 6%, 7%, 53%, 68%, 73% and 79% respectively. Pooled specificities ranged from 98% to 100%. IgA+ had a pooled sensitivity of 78% but a relatively low specificity of 88%. Tests conducted 2 weeks after symptom onset showed better diagnostic accuracy than tests conducted earlier. Chemiluminescence immunoassay and detection of S protein as the antigen could offer more accurate diagnostic results. DISCUSSION These findings support the supplemental role of serological antibody tests in the diagnosis of COVID-19. However, their capacity to diagnose COVID-19 early in the disease course could be limited.
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Diagnostic Accuracy of IgA Anti-Transglutaminase and IgG Anti-Deamidated Gliadin for Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in Children under Two Years of Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Catassi, GN, Pulvirenti, A, Monachesi, C, Catassi, C, Lionetti, E
Nutrients. 2021;14(1)
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Celiac disease typically develops within the first two years of life, however testing for it in children of this age is controversial. The immune test that is currently recommended for diagnosis in children, is both reliable and cost effective in adults, however, may not be suitable in this age group. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether extra immune testing is needed in children in addition to the more commonly recommended immune test. The results showed that based upon the 15 articles that were found, children with early celiac disease are possibly being mis-diagnosed due to a failure in the currently recommended testing not being sensitive enough. If a second immune test was added in combination with traditionally used tests, then it may ensure that diagnosis is more successful. This study could be used by healthcare practitioners to understand that current methods of testing for celiac disease in children, may give a false negative. To avoid this, it is recommended that children under two years of age have a combination of immune tests.
Abstract
The need of adding the determination of anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgG to anti-transglutaminase (TTG) IgA antibodies for diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) in children <2 years of age is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate, by head-to-head comparison, the diagnostic accuracy of TTG IgA and DGP IgG antibodies. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases up to January 2021. The diagnostic reference was intestinal biopsy. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of these tests and the odds ratio (OR) between the tests. Fifteen articles were eligible for the systematic review and ten were eligible for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.91-0.98) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.85-0.99) for DGP IgG and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88-0.97) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99) for TTG IgA, respectively. TTG IgA specificity was significantly higher (OR 9.3 (95% CI, 2.3-37.49); p < 0.001) while the sensitivity of DGP IgG was higher without reaching statistical significance (OR: 0.6 (95% CI, 0.24-1.51); p = 0.28). Both the meta-analysis and the systematic review showed that some children with early CD are missed without the DGP IgG test. In children <2 years of age, TTG IgA is the best CD screening test; however, the addition of DGP IgG may increase the diagnostic sensitivity.
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The Effect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Immune Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.
Fantacone, ML, Lowry, MB, Uesugi, SL, Michels, AJ, Choi, J, Leonard, SW, Gombart, SK, Gombart, JS, Bobe, G, Gombart, AF
Nutrients. 2020;12(8)
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Vitamins and minerals are essential for a healthy immune system. The prevalence of vitamin and mineral deficiencies increases with age, and this may contribute to age-related decline of the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a daily multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplement could improve the immune function of older people. 42 healthy adults aged between 55 and 75 took part in this single-centre, two-armed, parallel, randomised, double-blinded study. Half of the group was given a MVM supplement called Redoxon Vita Immune (VI) containing the vitamins A, D, E, C, B6, B12 and folate plus iron, copper, zinc and selenium daily for 12 weeks, whilst the other half was given placebo tablets for 12 weeks. Participants were instructed to avoid certain foods high in vitamins and minerals such as oily fish, red meat, liver, and citrus fruits during the study period. Blood and saliva samples were taken from all participants at the beginning and end of the study period, to measure vitamin and mineral status and markers of immune function. Participants also kept a diary to record any illnesses or symptoms. At the end of the study, participants given the MVM supplement had increased their blood levels of vitamin C by 126% and zinc by 43%. There was no significant change in blood levels of vitamin D. There was no significant difference in the potential of blood to kill the introduced bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, or in neutrophil activity, nor were there any significant changes in blood levels of cytokines and chemokines. Participants taking the supplement did however report a shorter length, and lower severity of illnesses compared to those taking the placebo. The authors concluded that their findings support further research to test whether MVM supplementation can improve immune outcomes in older adults.
Abstract
Older adults are at increased risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies that contribute to age-related immune system decline. Several lines of evidence suggest that taking a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement (MVM) could improve immune function in individuals 55 and older. To test this hypothesis, we provided healthy older adults with either an MVM supplement formulated to improve immune function (Redoxon® VI, Singapore) or an identical, inactive placebo control to take daily for 12 weeks. Prior to and after treatment, we measured (1) their blood mineral and vitamin status (i.e., vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D); (2) immune function (i.e., whole blood bacterial killing activity, neutrophil phagocytic activity, and reactive oxygen species production); (3) immune status (salivary IgA and plasma cytokine/chemokine levels); and (4) self-reported health status. MVM supplementation improved vitamin C and zinc status in blood and self-reported health-status without altering measures of immune function or status or vitamin D levels, suggesting that healthy older adults may benefit from MVM supplementation. Further development of functional assays and larger study populations should improve detection of specific changes in immune function after supplementation in healthy older adults. Clinical Trials Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02876315.
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The Differences between Gluten Sensitivity, Intestinal Biomarkers and Immune Biomarkers in Patients with First-Episode and Chronic Schizophrenia.
Dzikowski, M, Juchnowicz, D, Dzikowska, I, Rog, J, Próchnicki, M, Kozioł, M, Karakula-Juchnowicz, H
Journal of clinical medicine. 2020;9(11)
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Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous neuroimmune disorder with unknown mechanisms and aetiology. The goal of this clinical study was to compare and evaluate IgG and IgA sensitivity, inflammation, and gut integrity between 52 first episode Schizophrenia patients, 50 chronic Schizophrenia patients, and 60 healthy controls to explain whether there were any associations between these markers. Study results show that antigliadin IgG and IgA antibodies, as well as inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP and IL-6, were significantly higher in the first episodes of schizophrenia and chronic schizophrenia patients when compared to the healthy controls. Schizophrenia risk was 4-7% higher among those with elevated Antigliadin IgG and IgA antibody levels. In addition, smoking cigarettes has been shown to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. Patients with chronic schizophrenia showed elevated levels of anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody and soluble CD14, indicating bacterial translocation and immune activation. To understand the mechanisms behind chronic Schizophrenia, which link inflammation, immune responses, and the gut-brain axis, further robust larger studies are necessary. The results of this study can be used by healthcare professionals to understand the relationship between intestinal permeability, inflammation, and food hypersensitivity.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder without a fully elucidated etiology and mechanisms. One likely explanation for the development of schizophrenia is low-grade inflammation, possibly caused by processes in the gastrointestinal tract related to gluten sensitivity. The aims of this study were to: (1) compare levels of markers of gluten sensitivity, inflammation and gut permeability, and (2) determine associations between gluten sensitivity, inflammation, and intestinal permeability in patients with first-episode/chronic (FS/CS) schizophrenia and healthy individuals (HC). The total sample comprised 162 individuals (52 FS; 50 CS, and 60 HC). The examination included clinical variables, nutritional assessment, and serum concentrations of: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble CD14 (sCD14), anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA), antigliadin antibodies (AGA) IgA/IgG, antibodies against tissue transglutaminase 2 (anti-tTG) IgA, anti-deamidated gliadin peptides (anti-DGP) IgG. A significant difference between groups was found in sCD14, ASCA, hs-CRP, IL-6 and AGA IgA levels. AGA IgG/IgA levels were higher in the FS (11.54%; 30.77%) and CS (26%; 20%) groups compared to HC. The association between intestinal permeability and inflammation in the schizophrenic patients only was noted. The risk for developing schizophrenia was odds ratio (OR) = 4.35 (95% confidence interval (CI 1.23-15.39) for AGA IgA and 3.08 (95% CI 1.19-7.99) for positive AGA IgG. Inflammation and food hypersensitivity reactions initiated by increased intestinal permeability may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The immune response to gluten in FS differs from that found in CS.
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Effects of Euglena gracilis EOD-1 Ingestion on Salivary IgA Reactivity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Humans.
Ishibashi, KI, Nishioka, M, Onaka, N, Takahashi, M, Yamanaka, D, Adachi, Y, Ohno, N
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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Euglena gracilis is a single cell algae which inhabits most garden ponds. Euglena is rich in several nutrients and produces paramylon, a type of carbohydrate known as β-glucan, which has been shown in animal studies to have several health benefits. This study looked at the effects of E. gracilis on the immune system and quality of life (QOL) in humans. Seven healthy men aged 30-70 completed the study. Subjects were split into two groups and instructed to take 500mg/day of either the E. gracilis or a placebo (cornstarch) for 4 weeks. After a break, the groups were swapped, and the experiment repeated for another 4 weeks. The researchers found that ingestion of the algae increased the amount of salivary s-IgA secretion, and was able to activate the mucosal immune system in such a way that could potentially enhance the immune response against microbial infections such as Candida and Aspergillus. Ingestion of the algae also improved scores in both mental and physical health. Due to the limited number and diversity of subjects, further studies with a larger number of more diverse subjects are needed. The researchers suggest that Euglena gracilis would be a useful functional food for humans.
Abstract
Euglena gracilis EOD-1, a microalgal strain known for high yields of the β-1, 3-glucan paramylon, is suggested to function as a dietary fiber and enhance immunity. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of E. gracilis EOD-1 biomass (EOD1BM) ingestion on immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody titers in saliva, its reactivity, and the health-related quality of life (QOL) in humans. Reacting human immunoglobulin preparations and saliva with paramylon granules revealed the presence of anti-paramylon antibodies in the blood and saliva. We conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study involving 13 healthy subjects who ingested the placebo or EOD1BM for 4 weeks. Saliva was collected from each subject before and after ingestion, and IgA titers and E. gracilis EOD-1 paramylon (EOD1PM) reactivity were compared. In the EOD1BM Ingestion group, the anti-EOD1PM IgA content and titer increased after EOD1BM ingestion. No such change was observed in the Placebo group. Furthermore, the health-related QOL, especially mental health, increased in the EOD1BM Ingestion group. Thus, EOD1BM ingestion led to the production of paramylon (PM)-specific IgA antibody and increased salivary IgA antibody titers. We demonstrate that EOD1BM ingestion enhanced the immunity in the mucosal surface, evoked an antigen-specific response, and increased the health-related QOL, thereby contributing to health improvement.
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A Randomised Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of a Nucleotide- Containing Supplement Nucell® on Symptoms of Participants with the Common Cold - A Pilot Study®
The society of E-Cronicon is dedicated towards the promotion of open access publication of research that reduces the frontier to assess the dossier needed. As availability and accessibility of information is the fundamental source to carry out the research work in any field, E-Cronicon facilitates the exchange of knowledge and ideas. E-Cronicon is an internationally driven journal strongly committed towards open access publishing with an intense desire of disseminating vital research to the broadest community that is a key to build a safe and healthy society.
2019
Abstract
Nucleotides are the structural units used to manufacture genetic material (DNA and RNA). They are made in the body and are therefore not considered essential dietary nutrients. However, they become essential when internal supplies cannot meet demand from rapidly proliferating cells, such as raising an immune system response. This double-blind, randomised controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of nucleotide supplementation (Nucell, 135mg nucleotides daily) on the symptoms and duration of the common cold in otherwise healthy individuals. 36 individuals completed the trial. There was no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups in terms of duration of cold symptoms. However, the severity of self-reported symptoms were significantly reduced in the treatment group during the first week of supplementation, particularly in relation to taste, painful sinuses and earache. There were no significant differences in relation to total or white blood cell counts. Although this was a small trial, Nutrition Practitioners may want to consider the use of nucleotides in supporting acute phase immune system stress, to reduce the severity of symptoms of the common cold.
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Ratios of specific IgG4 over IgE antibodies do not improve prediction of peanut allergy nor of its severity compared to specific IgE alone.
Datema, MR, Eller, E, Zwinderman, AH, Poulsen, LK, Versteeg, SA, van Ree, R, Bindslev-Jensen, C
Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2019;49(2):216-226
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Ara h 1, 2, 3 and 6 are major peanut allergens. Peanut allergy sufferers are sensitized to at least one of these allergens, which can increase their risk of allergy symptoms and anaphylactic reactions. A component-resolved diagnosis using IgE has become an indispensable tool for distinguishing between tolerance, allergy, and risk of severe reactions. The blocking antibodies IgG4, IgG, and IgA may counteract IgE antibodies. This clinical trial, therefore, investigated the associations between component-specific IgG, IgE, IgG4, IgA antibodies and whole peanut extract by analysing the severity of the outcome and assessing the diagnostic accuracy of antibody levels and ratios to determine the severity level of peanut allergy. One hundred and sixty-two peanut sensitised tolerant and allergic subjects were examined using immunoCAP for specific antibody isotypes against peanut extract, Ara h1, 2, 3, 8 and 9. According to the study, specific IgE against Ara h 2 is the best biomarker to diagnose peanut allergy, distinguish peanut-allergic subjects from tolerant sensitised subjects, and estimate the severity of the reaction. Additionally, the ratio of IgG and IgG4 antibodies over IgE did not improve predictive accuracy. This study provides healthcare professionals with insight into the role of different antibody isotypes in testing and diagnosing peanut allergies.
Abstract
BACKGROUND IgG4 antibodies have been suggested to play a protective role in the translation of peanut sensitization into peanut allergy. Whether they have added value as diagnostic read-out has not yet been reported. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether (a) peanut-specific IgG, IgG4 and/or IgA antibodies are associated with tolerance and/or less severe reactions and (b) they can improve IgE-based diagnostic tests. METHODS Sera of 137 patients with challenge-proven peanut allergy and of 25 subjects that tolerated peanut, both with known IgE profiles to peanut extract and five individual peanut allergens, were analyzed for specific IgG and IgG4 . Antibody levels and ratios thereof were associated with challenge outcome including symptom severity grades. For comparison of the discriminative performance, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used. RESULTS IgE against Ara h 2 was significantly higher in allergic than in tolerant patients and associated with severity of reactions (P < 0.001) with substantial diagnostic capability (AUC 0.91, 95%CI 0.87-0.96 and 0.80, 95%CI 0.73-0.87, respectively). IgG and IgG4 were also positively associated albeit significantly weaker (AUCs from 0.65 to 0.72). On the other hand, ratios of IgG and IgG4 over IgE were greater in patients that were tolerant or had mild symptoms as compared to severe patients but they did not predict challenge outcomes better than IgE alone (AUCs from 0.54 to 0.89). CONCLUSION IgE against Ara h 2 is the best biomarker for predicting peanut challenge outcomes including severity and IgG and IgG4 antibody ratios over IgE do not improve these outcomes.
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Is perceived intolerance to milk and wheat associated with the corresponding IgG and IgA food antibodies? A cross sectional study in subjects with morbid obesity and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Kvehaugen, AS, Tveiten, D, Farup, PG
BMC gastroenterology. 2018;18(1):22
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Dairy and gluten are the most common triggers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the general population. Food intolerance is generally detected by IgG antibodies, but the test is controversial. In this cross-sectional study, 97 obese subjects (82.4% women) were included, of which 72.1% had gastrointestinal symptoms, 35.7% had IBS, 31.4% had symptoms of milk intolerance, 28.6% had symptoms of wheat intolerance, and 15.7% had symptoms of intolerance to both milk and wheat. The study examined the association between IgA and IgG antibodies corresponding to milk and wheat in subjects with and without gastrointestinal issues and with and without perceptions of food sensitivity. The results of this study found no association between s-IgG and s-IgA antibodies and perceived food intolerances to milk and wheat among morbidly obese subjects. Although IgA against gliadin correlated with increased levels of zonulin, a marker of intestinal permeability, tight-junctional gut permeability inversely correlated with wheat intolerance. Furthermore, the study results revealed a significant correlation between hypothyroidism and IgG against wheat and a marginal correlation between hypothyroidism and IgG against gluten. Further robust research is needed to confirm these findings. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the current developments and the controversy surrounding food intolerance testing.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum IgG and IgA food antibodies have been used for dietary advice to subjects with gastrointestinal symptoms and perceived food intolerance, but the role of these antibodies in mediating intolerance is controversial. The present study investigated associations between perceived gastrointestinal intolerance to milk-or wheat and the corresponding s-IgG and s-IgA food antibodies in subjects with morbid obesity. METHODS Subjects with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 or ≥35 kg/m2 with obesity-related complications) were included. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) was diagnosed based on the Rome III criteria. Severity of specific gastrointestinal symptoms were measured with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)-IBS. S-IgG against cow's milk, cheese, wheat and gluten, and s-IgA against casein and gliadin were measured. RESULTS Ninety-seven subjects (80 females) with mean age 45 (SD 8.4) years were included, 70 had gastrointestinal complaints, 25 had IBS, and 22 and 20 reported milk- and wheat- intolerance respectively. There were no significant differences in serum concentrations or proportions of subjects above defined cut-off values for the antibodies between subjects with and without gastrointestinal complaints. In the group with gastrointestinal complaints, no significant differences were found between subjects with and without perceived food intolerance. Except for a significant correlation between IgG against cheese and GSRS-diarrhea (Rho: -0.25, P = 0.04), no significant correlations were found between the antibodies and type or degree of gastrointestinal symptoms, including IBS. CONCLUSIONS The study showed no associations between perceived milk or wheat intolerance and the corresponding s-IgG and s-IgA food antibodies in subjects with morbid obesity.