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Effects of Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 on the Immune Response of Elderly Subjects to COVID-19 Vaccination: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Fernández-Ferreiro, A, Formigo-Couceiro, FJ, Veiga-Gutierrez, R, Maldonado-Lobón, JA, Hermida-Cao, AM, Rodriguez, C, Bañuelos, O, Olivares, M, Blanco-Rojo, R
Nutrients. 2022;(1)
Abstract
Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, with a high risk of developing severe disease and a reduced immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to assess the effect of the consumption of the probiotic Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 on the immune response generated by the COVID-19 vaccine in an elderly population was performed. Two hundred nursing home residents >60 yrs that had not COVID-19 were randomized to receive L. coryniformis K8 or a placebo daily for 3 months. All volunteers received a complete vaccination schedule of a mRNA vaccine, starting the intervention ten days after the first dose. Specific IgG and IgA antibody levels were analyzed 56 days after the end of the immunization process. No differences between the groups were observed in the antibody levels. During the intervention, 19 subjects had COVID-19 (11 receiving K8 vs. 8 receiving placebo, p = 0.457). Subgroup analysis in these patients showed that levels of IgG were significantly higher in those receiving K8 compared to placebo (p = 0.038). Among subjects >85 yrs that did not get COVID-19, administration of K8 tended to increase the IgA levels (p = 0.082). The administration of K8 may enhance the specific immune response against COVID-19 and may improve the COVID-19 vaccine-specific responses in elderly populations.
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Characterization of Lactobacilli isolated from carious dentin after selective caries removal and cavity sealing.
Damé-Teixeira, N, Ev, LD, Bitello-Firmino, L, Soares, VK, Dalalba, RS, Rup, AG, Maltz, M, Parolo, CCF
Archives of oral biology. 2021;:104988
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize lactobacilli isolated from residual carious dentin after selective caries removal (SCR), by observing the changes detected in their prevalence, diversity, and cariogenic potential after starvation stress caused by cavity sealing (CS). DESIGN Lactobacilli were cultured from carious dentin lesions (n = 16 patients) treated in a clinical trial, three months before and after CS. Presumptive lactobacilli were selected, isolated, and analyzed by Gram staining. Housekeeping gene sequences were used to identify the species (groEL, rpoA, pheS, and 16S rRNA). RESULTS N = 86 Lactobacillus spp. (n = 41 before and n = 45 after sealing) were genotyped by AP-PCR and analyzed for their cariogenic potential (acid production and acid tolerance). The proportion of lactobacilli to the total anaerobic counts was high, and a significant decrease was observed after sealing (median before sealing = 78.9; 25th-75th = 60.25-97.35; median after sealing = 0.00; 25th-75th = 0.00-77.08; p = 0.001). L. paracasei was the most prevalent species of lactobacilli in carious dentin (p = 0.02). L. rhamnosus prevalence increased to a proportion similar to L. paracasei after CS (p = 0.001). A total of 28 and 14 different genotypes were found before and after CS, respectively. There was no difference between the L. paracasei and the L. rhamnosus isolated from carious dentin, neither regarding acid production nor acid tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Although there was a significant reduction in lactobacilli in the residual carious dentin after SCR, some strains were capable of surviving after three months of CS. However, the sealed available nutrients are low and not sufficient for caries progression. Also, we believe that a longer follow up period may eliminate all the residual lactobacilli. L. paracasei prevailed in carious dentin in a proportion similar to L. rhamnosus in the sealed dentin. Characterization of lactobacilli after SCR and sealing may help the understanding the importance of genotyping of lactobacilli in carious microbiota.
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Regulation of Alcohol and Acetaldehyde Metabolism by a Mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Species in Human.
Jung, SJ, Hwang, JH, Park, EO, Lee, SO, Chung, YJ, Chung, MJ, Lim, S, Lim, TJ, Ha, Y, Park, BH, et al
Nutrients. 2021;(6)
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alcohol is oxidized to toxic and carcinogenic acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and further oxidized to a non-toxic acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). There are two major ALDH isoforms, cytosolic and mitochondrial, encoded by ALDH1 and ALDH2 genes, respectively. The ALDH2 polymorphism is associated with flushing response to alcohol use. Emerging evidence shows that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species encode alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) mediate alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism, respectively. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial was designed to study the effects of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic mixture in humans and assessed their effects on alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism. Here, twenty-seven wild types (ALDH2*1/*1) and the same number of heterozygotes (ALDH2*2/*1) were recruited for the study. The enrolled participants were randomly divided into either the probiotic (Duolac ProAP4) or the placebo group. Each group received a probiotic or placebo capsule for 15 days with subsequent crossover. Primary outcomes were measurement of alcohol and acetaldehyde in the blood after the alcohol intake. Blood levels of alcohol and acetaldehyde were significantly downregulated by probiotic supplementation in subjects with ALDH2*2/*1 genotype, but not in those with ALDH2*1/*1 genotype. However, there were no marked improvements in hangover score parameters between test and placebo groups. No clinically significant changes were observed in safety parameters. These results suggest that Duolac ProAP4 has a potential to downregulate the alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations, and their effects depend on the presence or absence of polymorphism on the ALDH2 gene.
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Lactobacillus Kefiri LKF01 (Kefibios®) for Prevention of Diarrhoea in Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy: A Prospective Study.
Ghidini, M, Nicoletti, M, Ratti, M, Tomasello, G, Lonati, V, Ghilardi, M, Parati, MC, Borgonovo, K, Cabiddu, M, Petrelli, F
Nutrients. 2021;(2)
Abstract
Diarrhoea is one of the main side effects that cancer patients face. The literature showsthat the incidence of chemotherapy (CT)-induced diarrhoea (grade 3-4) in treated patients is in the range of 10-20%, particularly after 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) bolus or some combination therapies of irinotecan and fluoropyrimidines. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Lactobacillus kefiri LKF01 (Kefibios®) in the prevention or treatment of CT-related diarrhoea in the cancer population. We conducted a prospective observational study. Patients enrolled were adults treated for at least four months with 5-FU-based CT. Kefibios® was administered to patients every day. The primary outcome was the evaluation of the incidence of grade 3-4 CT-induced diarrhoea. We included 76 patients in the final analysis. A 6.6% incidence of high-grade diarrhoea was found in the evaluated population (4.7% of patients treated with 5-FU-based therapy and 8.5% of patients treated with capecitabine-based CT). The overall incidence of high-grade diarrhoea observed was higher in the 1st and 2nd cycles (3.9%), with a subsequent sharp reduction from the 3rd cycle (1.3%) and negativisation from the 5th cycle. Lactobacillus kefiri LKF01 (Kefibios®) is safe and effective in preventing severe diarrhoea in cancer patients receiving 5-FU or capecitabine-based treatment.
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5.
Natural and engineered promoters for gene expression in Lactobacillus species.
Peirotén, Á, Landete, JM
Applied microbiology and biotechnology. 2020;(9):3797-3805
Abstract
Lactobacillus species are attractive hosts for the expression of heterologous proteins, antigens, vaccines, and drugs due to their GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status. The bioengineering techniques open new possibilities of improving Lactobacillus strains. In this regard, the control of the gene expression in Lactobacillus strains through the adequate native or engineered promoters acquires a key role in the development of biotechnological applications and for their function as probiotic bacteria. Depending on the objective sought, the protein produced and the strain used, inducible or constitutive promoters can be chosen. Whereas, when a fine-tuning of gene expression is required, the development of synthetic promoter libraries could be the best approach. In this work, we revise the main constitutive and inducible natural promoters from Lactobacillus strains or from other genus that have been applied in Lactobacillus, as well as the few engineered promoters developed for these bacteria.
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6.
The Evolution of Human Probiotics: Challenges and Prospects.
Trush, EA, Poluektova, EA, Beniashvilli, AG, Shifrin, OS, Poluektov, YM, Ivashkin, VT
Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins. 2020;(4):1291-1299
Abstract
In recent years, the intestinal microbiota has been found to greatly influence a number of biological processes important for human health and longevity. Microbial composition changes easily in response to external factors, such as an unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking. Probiotics are a key factor in maintaining the optimal composition of the intestinal microbiota. However, a number of important questions related to probiotics, such as indication for prescription, comparative efficacy of monostrain and multistrain probiotics, methods of delivery, and shelf life, remain unresolved. The aim of this review is to highlight existing issues regarding probiotic production and their prescription. The review presents the most recent findings regarding advantages and efficacy of monostrain and multistrain probiotics, preservation of probiotic strains in capsules and microcapsules, production of probiotics in the form of biofilms for improved efficacy and survival, and results of clinical studies evaluating the benefits of probiotics against different pathologies. We believe that this work will be of interest to physicians and researchers alike and will promote the development of new probiotics and ensuing regimens aimed at the treatment of various diseases.
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7.
Fourteen steps to relevance: taking probiotics from the bench to the consumer.
Reid, G
Canadian journal of microbiology. 2020;(1):1-10
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Abstract
Much is made of the need to translate scientific research into improved care of people or other life forms. Grant applications invariably start with the extent of a problem and end by claiming that their work will or could result in making an impact. In truth, very few projects ever lead to translation at the level of the host, nor was that really their intent. For those who are focused on applied science, there are many ways to reach the desired goal, sometimes through serendipity or by logical stepwise progress. The following paper will provide personal insight into the stages, pitfalls, and ultimate assessment of relevance in the context of using probiotic lactobacilli for human health and other applications.
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Lactobacillus-Derived Bioactive Metabolites for the Regulation of Periodontal Health: Evidences to Clinical Setting.
Sulijaya, B, Takahashi, N, Yamazaki, K
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2020;(9)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in regulating host metabolism that affects the systemic health. To date, several studies have confirmed the fact that microbiota interacts with host, modulating immunity, controlling the homeostasis environment, and maintaining systemic condition. Recent studies have focused on the protective function of poly unsaturated fatty acids, 10-oxo-trans-11-oxadecenoic acid (KetoC) and 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid (HYA), generated by gut microbiota on periodontal disease. Nevertheless, the mechanism remains unclear as investigations are limited to in vivo and in vitro studies. In this present review, we found that the administration of metabolites, KetoC and HYA, by a probiotic gut microbiota Lactobacillus plantarum from linoleic acid is found to inhibit the oxidation process, possess an antimicrobial function, and prevent the inflammation. These findings suggest the promising use of functional lipids for human health. CONCLUSION Protective modalities of bioactive metabolites may support periodontal therapy by suppressing bacterial dysbiosis and regulating periodontal homeostasis in the clinical setting.
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Exopolysaccharides from probiotic bacteria and their health potential.
Angelin, J, Kavitha, M
International journal of biological macromolecules. 2020;:853-865
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Abstract
Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are extracellular macromolecules excreted as tightly bound capsule or loosely attached slime layer in microorganisms. They play most prominent role against desiccation, phagocytosis, cell recognition, phage attack, antibiotics or toxic compounds and osmotic stress. In the last few decades, natural polymers have gained much attention among scientific communities owing to their therapeutic potential. In particular the EPS retrieved from probiotic bacteria with varied carbohydrate compositions possess a plenty of beneficial properties. Different probiotic microbes have unique behavior in expressing their capability to display significant health promoting characteristics in the form of polysaccharides. In this new era of alternative medicines, these polysaccharides are considered as substitutes for synthetic drugs. The EPS finds applications in various fields like textiles, cosmetics, bioremediation, food and therapeutics. The present review is focused on sources, chemical composition, biosynthetic pathways of EPS and their biological potential. More attention has been given to the scientific investigations on antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-biofilm, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.
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Recent Insights on the Maternal Microbiota: Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes.
Di Simone, N, Santamaria Ortiz, A, Specchia, M, Tersigni, C, Villa, P, Gasbarrini, A, Scambia, G, D'Ippolito, S
Frontiers in immunology. 2020;:528202
Abstract
Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy are linked with modifications in the maternal microbiota. We describe the importance of the maternal microbiota in pregnancy and examine whether changes in maternal microbiotic composition at different body sites (gut, vagina, endometrium) are associated with pregnancy complications. We analyze the likely interactions between microbiota and the immune system. During pregnancy, the gastrointestinal (gut) microbiota undergoes profound changes that lead to an increase in lactic acid-producing bacteria and a reduction in butyrate-producing bacteria. The meaning of such changes needs clarification. Additionally, several studies have indicated a possible involvement of the maternal gut microbiota in autoimmune and lifelong diseases. The human vagina has its own microbiota, and changes in vaginal microbiota are related to several pregnancy-related complications. Recent studies show reduced lactobacilli, increased bacterial diversity, and low vaginal levels of beta-defensin 2 in women with preterm births. In contrast, early and healthy pregnancies are characterized by low diversity and low numbers of bacterial communities dominated by Lactobacillus. These observations suggest that early vaginal cultures that show an absence of Lactobacillus and polymicrobial vaginal colonization are risk factors for preterm birth. The endometrium is not a sterile site. Resident endometrial microbiota has only been defined recently. However, questions remain regarding the main components of the endometrial microbiota and their impact on the reproductive tract concerning both fertility and pregnancy outcomes. A classification based on endometrial bacterial patterns could help develop a microbiota-based diagnosis as well as personalized therapies for the prevention of obstetric complications and personalized treatments through nutritional, microbiotic, or pharmaceutical interventions.