-
1.
Gender medicine: the impact of probiotics on male patients.
Pacifici, L, Santacroce, L, Dipalma, G, Haxhirexha, K, Topi, S, Cantore, S, Altini, V, Pacifici, A, De Vito, D, Pettini, F, et al
La Clinica terapeutica. 2021;(1):e8-e15
Abstract
PURPOSE Numerous studies in the literature confirm the importance of the use of probiotics in inflammatory states of the prostate in humans. Our pilot study aimed to test probiotics strains ability to improve urinary bacterial load in male subjects. METHODS Twenty healthy men aged 55-65 years, with recurrent urinatory infections were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups. Urine culturing to detect Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia Coli and Enterococcus faecalis) was performed at baseline and at 12 weeks after the starting of the study. RESULTS We found that taking the probiotic reduces the bacterial load of E. coli and E. faecalis in urine cultures. The use of the probiotic in these inflammatory states does not affect the change in weight in the tested subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm and improve the main results reported in the scientific literature on the importance of taking probiotics in prostatitis.
-
2.
Use, Acceptability, Performance, and Health Impact of Hollow Fiber Ultrafilters for Water Treatment in Rural Kenyan Households, 2009-2011.
Fagerli, K, Gieraltowski, L, Nygren, B, Foote, E, Gaines, J, Oremo, J, Odhiambo, A, Kim, S, Quick, R
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene. 2020;(1):465-471
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Diarrheal illness remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children < 5 years in developing countries, and contaminated water contributes to diarrhea risk. To address this problem, a novel hollow fiber ultrafilter (HFU) was developed for household water treatment. To test its impact on water quality and infant health, we conducted a cluster-randomized longitudinal evaluation in 10 intervention and 10 comparison villages in Kenya, attempting to enroll all households with infants (< 12 months old). We conducted a baseline survey, distributed HFUs to intervention households, made biweekly home visits for 1 year to assess water treatment practices and diarrhea in infants, and tested water samples from both groups every 2 months for Escherichia coli. We enrolled 92 infants from intervention households and 74 from comparison households. During the 1-year study period, 45.7% of intervention households and 97.3% of comparison households had at least one stored water sample test positive for E. coli. Compared with comparison households, the odds of E. coli contamination in stored water was lower for intervention households (odds ratio [OR]: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.74), but there was no difference in the odds of reported diarrhea in infants, adjusting for covariates (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.90). Although nearly all water samples obtained from unprotected sources and filtered by the HFU were free of E. coli contamination, HFUs alone were not effective at reducing diarrhea in infants.
-
3.
Intestinal-borne dermatoses significantly improved by oral application of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917.
Manzhalii, E, Hornuss, D, Stremmel, W
World journal of gastroenterology. 2016;(23):5415-21
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the effect of oral Escherichia coli (E. coli) Nissle application on the outcome of intestinal-borne dermatoses. METHODS In a randomized, controlled, non-blinded prospective clinical trial 82 patients with intestinal-borne facial dermatoses characterized by an erythematous papular-pustular rash were screened. At the initiation visit 37 patients entered the experimental arm and 20 patients constituted the control arm. All 57 patients were treated with a vegetarian diet and conventional topical therapy of the dermatoses with ointments containing tetracycline, steroids and retinoids. In the experimental arm patients received a one month therapy with oral E. coli Nissle at a maintenance dose of 2 capsules daily. The experimental group was compared to a non-treatment group only receiving the diet and topical therapy. The primary outcome parameter was improvement of the dermatoses, secondary parameters included life quality and adverse events. In addition the immunological reaction profile (IgA, interleucin-8 and interferon-α) was determined. Furthermore the changes of stool consistency and the microbiota composition over the time of intervention were recorded. RESULTS Eighty-nine percent of the patients with acne, papular-pustular rosacea and seborrhoic dermatitis responded to E. coli Nissle therapy with significant amelioration or complete recovery in contrast to 56% in the control arm (P < 0.01). Accordingly, in the E. coli Nissle treated patients life quality improved significantly (P < 0.01), and adverse events were not recorded. The clinical improvement was associated with a significant increase of IgA levels to normal values in serum as well as suppression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 (P < 0.01 for both parameters). In the E. coli Nissle treated group a shift towards a protective microbiota with predominance of bifidobacteria and lactobacteria (> 10(7) CFU/g stool) was observed in 79% and 63% of the patients, respectively (P < 0.01), compared to no change in the control group without E. coli Nissle. Moreover, the detection rate of a pathogenic flora dropped from 73% to 14 % of the patients in the experimental arm (P < 0.01) with no significant change in the control arm (accounting 80% before and 70% after the observation period, P > 0.05). Accordingly, stool consistency, color and smell normalized in the E. coli Nissle treated patients. CONCLUSION E. coli Nissle protects the mucus barrier by overgrowth of a favorable gut microbiota with less immunoreactive potential which finally leads to clinical improvement of intestinal borne dermatoses.
-
4.
Effects of probiotics (cultured Lactobacillus subtilis/Streptococcus faecium) in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis: randomized-controlled multicenter study.
Han, SH, Suk, KT, Kim, DJ, Kim, MY, Baik, SK, Kim, YD, Cheon, GJ, Choi, DH, Ham, YL, Shin, DH, et al
European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology. 2015;(11):1300-6
Abstract
BACKGROUND Probiotics might reduce gut-derived microbial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by restoring bowel flora in patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH). We evaluated the therapeutic effects of probiotics in patients with AH. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between September 2010 and April 2012, 117 patients (probiotics 60 and placebo 57) were prospectively randomized to receive the 7 days of cultured Lactobacillus subtilis/Streptococcus faecium (1500 mg/day) or placebo. All patients were hospitalized and were not permitted to consume alcohol for the 7 days of the study. Liver function test, proinflammatory cytokines, LPS, and colony-forming units by stool culture were examined and compared after therapy. RESULTS In both groups, the mean levels of aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin, and prothrombin time were significantly improved after 7 days of abstinence. In the probiotics group (baseline and after), albumin (3.5 ± 0.7 and 3.7 ± 0.6 g/dl, P=0.038) and tumor necrosis factor-α (121 ± 244 and 71 ± 123 pg/ml, P=0.047) showed differences. In addition, the number of colony-forming units of Escherichia coli was significantly reduced (435 ± 287 and 168 ± 210, P=0.002). In the placebo group, the level of LPS (1.7 ± 2.8 and 2.0 ± 2.7 EU/ml) was significantly increased. In the intergroup comparison, significant differences in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (P=0.042) and LPS (P=0.028) were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION Immediate abstinence is the most important treatment for patients with AH. In addition, 7 days of oral supplementation with cultured L. subtilis/S. faecium was associated with restoration of bowel flora and improvement of LPS in patients with AH.
-
5.
Soluble Immune Mediators and Vaginal Bacteria Impact Innate Genital Mucosal Antimicrobial Activity in Young Women.
Pellett Madan, R, Dezzutti, CS, Rabe, L, Hillier, SL, Marrazzo, J, McGowan, I, Richardson, BA, Herold, BC, ,
American journal of reproductive immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989). 2015;(4):323-32
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Innate activity against Escherichia coli in female genital secretions may represent contributions from vaginal bacteria and host soluble immune mediators. We analyzed the relationship between E. coli inhibitory activity, soluble immune mediators, and vaginal bacteria in participants in MTN-004, a placebo-controlled trial of VivaGel(®) , a candidate product for topical HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. METHODS Escherichia coli inhibitory activity was quantified by colony reduction assay. Endocervical concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), lactoferrin, and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) were quantified to generate a cumulative mediator score. Vaginal bacteria were characterized by quantitative cultures. RESULTS In the two placebo arms, higher soluble immune mediator score was associated with greater E. coli inhibitory activity (β = 17.49, 95% CI [12.77, 22.21] and β = 13.28, 95% CI [4.76, 21.80]). However, in the VivaGel arm, higher concentrations of E. coli (β = -3.80, 95% CI [-6.36, -1.25]) and group B Streptococcus (β = -3.91, 95% CI [-6.21, -1.60]) were associated with reduced E. coli inhibitory activity. CONCLUSIONS Both host mediators and vaginal bacteria impact E. coli inhibition in genital secretions. The relative contributions of host mediators and bacteria varied between women who used VivaGel vs placebos.
-
6.
Tolerability and clinical outcome of coseasonal treatment with Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 in grass pollen-allergic subjects.
Dölle, S, Berg, J, Rasche, C, Worm, M
International archives of allergy and immunology. 2014;(1):29-35
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonpathogenic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) has immunomodulatory properties and can act on different cells which are important for the allergic immune response. Herein, we investigated the efficacy and tolerability of EcN in subjects with grass pollen-dependent allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. METHODS Grass pollen-allergic subjects were randomly allocated to receive EcN in a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner. The treatment was performed from 2 months before onset until the end of one grass pollen season (in total: 6 months). The clinical symptom score and the intake of symptomatic medications were assessed. A skin prick test and grass pollen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E and IgA were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS Our results show that coseasonal treatment with EcN in grass pollen-allergic subjects was not superior to placebo as assessed using the symptom-medication score (p = 0.257). Interestingly, an increase [median (range)] in grass pollen-specific IgA was detectable in the EcN group [20,556 LU/ml (1,812-60,800)] versus placebo [5,246 LU/ml (944-50,467)] (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that 6 months of coseasonal nonspecific immunomodulation by EcN is not sufficient to achieve clinical efficacy in grass pollen-allergic subjects. Future approaches in which such immunomodulators are combined with an allergen-specific protocol might enhance the clinical efficacy of the allergen-specific treatment.
-
7.
Container type and bactericidal activity of human milk during refrigerated storage.
Takci, S, Gulmez, D, Yigit, S, Dogan, O, Hascelik, G
Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association. 2013;(3):406-11; quiz 424-6
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refrigeration of human milk has been recommended for its short-term storage. It has been shown that some nutritional, immunological, and bioactive properties and bactericidal activity of human milk can be altered during refrigeration. Pyrex bottles and polyethylene bags are 2 commonly used containers for human milk storage. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the association between storage container type on the bactericidal activity of human milk for different durations of refrigeration (fresh, and at 24 and 48 hours). METHODS Forty-four samples of human milk were collected from 22 lactating mothers. Two samples of breast milk (approximately 10 mL each) were obtained by manual expression from each mother. One was collected directly into sterile Pyrex bottles and the other into polyethylene bags. One mL of human milk from each container was processed immediately after arrival to the laboratory. The remaining human milk was kept in the Pyrex and polyethylene containers at 4°C until analysis at 24 and 48 hours. The bactericidal activity of each sample was studied. A strain of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was used to determine the bactericidal effect of human milk. RESULTS Bactericidal activity was significantly reduced in milk samples stored in polyethylene bags compared to those stored in Pyrex bottles when milk samples were stored at 4°C for 24 and 48 hours (P < .05). CONCLUSION Short-term storage of human milk in Pyrex bottles is more appropriate than polyethylene bags for preserving its bactericidal activity against E coli.
-
8.
A double-blind placebo-controlled trial to study therapeutic effects of probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 in subgroups of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Kruis, W, Chrubasik, S, Boehm, S, Stange, C, Schulze, J
International journal of colorectal disease. 2012;(4):467-74
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the therapeutic effects of probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and identify subgroups benefiting most. BACKGROUND Some trials investigating therapeutic effects in irritable bowel syndrome have shown benefits in IBS subgroups only. Probiotic treatment seems to be promising. METHODS Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (120; Rome II) were recruited to a prospective double-blind study and randomized to either EcN (n = 60) or placebo (n = 60) given for 12 weeks. Objectives were to describe efficacy and safety of EcN in different groups of irritable bowel syndrome. Outcome was assessed by 'Integrative Medicine Patient Satisfaction Scale'. RESULTS Altogether, the responder rate was higher in the EcN than in the placebo group. However, only after 10 and 11 weeks, the differences were significant (Δ 20.0% points [95% CI 2.6; 37.4], p = 0.01 and Δ 18.3% points [95% CI 1.0; 35.7], p = 0.02, respectively). The best response was observed in the subgroup of patients with gastroenteritis or antibiotics prior to irritable bowel syndrome onset (Δ 45.7% points, p = 0.029). No significant differences were observed in any other subgroup. Both treatment groups showed similar adverse events and tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Probiotic EcN shows effects in irritable bowel syndrome, especially in patients with altered enteric microflora, e.g. after gastroenterocolitis or administration of antibiotics.
-
9.
Effect of cranberry drink on bacterial adhesion in vitro and vaginal microbiota in healthy females.
Jass, J, Reid, G
The Canadian journal of urology. 2009;(6):4901-7
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE Cranberries have been shown to produce urinary metabolites that influence uropathogen adhesion and prevent urinary tract infections. This study was designed to determine if consuming reconstituted, unsweetened cranberry drink from extract retained its bioactive properties by reducing uropathogen adhesion without adversely affecting urinary calcium, magnesium and the vaginal microflora. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized crossover study was undertaken in 12 healthy women consuming reconstituted unsweetened cranberry drink, CranActin or water. The urine was collected at 4 hours and 1 week of consumption and evaluated for antiadhesive properties and urinary pH, calcium and magnesium. Vaginal swabs were collected after 1 week of treatment to assess the vaginal microbiota by DGGE. RESULTS The resultant urine produced by subjects who consumed 500 ml reconstituted cranberry extract twice per day, significantly reduced the adherence to epithelial cells of P-fimbriated uropathogenic Escherichia coli and showed a tendency towards significance for two E. coli strains expressing fimbriae and an Enterococcus faecalis isolate. The cranberry drink treatment did not alter urinary pH, but reduced calcium and magnesium concentrations compared to water, although not to statistical significance. The reconstituted cranberry drink had no apparent detrimental effect on the vaginal microbiota. However, consuming twice daily resulted in an apparent loss of a potential pathogen from the vagina in 42% subjects. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that reconstituted cranberry drink may retain the ability to reduce the risk of UTI by inhibiting pathogen adhesion while not detrimentally affecting urinary pH or vaginal microbiota, or the risk of calculi.
-
10.
A mixture of Escherichia coli (DSM 17252) and Enterococcus faecalis (DSM 16440) for treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome--a randomized controlled trial with primary care physicians.
Enck, P, Zimmermann, K, Menke, G, Müller-Lissner, S, Martens, U, Klosterhalfen, S
Neurogastroenterology and motility. 2008;(10):1103-9
Abstract
Therapy trials with bacterial compounds in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have produced conflicting results. This study was performed in 1988 and 1989, and was re-analysed according to current IBS standards. Two hundred ninety-seven patients with lower abdominal symptoms diagnosed as IBS were treated for 8 weeks by the compound ProSymbioflor((R)) (Symbiopharm GmbH, Herborn, Germany), an autolysate of cells and cell fragments of Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, or placebo in a double-blinded, randomized fashion. Patients were seen weekly by the physician, who assessed the presence of core IBS symptoms. Responders had at least a 50% decrease in global symptom score (GSS) and in abdominal pain score (APS) reports at ≥1 visit during treatment. The responder rate in GSS to the drug was 102/149 (68.5%) in comparison to placebo with 56/148 (37.8%) (P < 0.001), the improvement in APS was 108/149 (72.5%) and 66/148 (44.6%) respectively (P = 0.001). The number-needed-to-treat was 3.27 for GSS and 3.59 for the APS report. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a mean response time of 4-5 weeks for active treatment and more than 8 weeks for placebo (P < 0.0001). Treatment of IBS with the bacterial lysate ProSymbioflor is effective and superior to placebo in reducing typical symptoms of IBS patients seen by general practitioners.