The protective role of prebiotics and probiotics on diarrhea and gut damage in the rotavirus-infected piglets

Rotavirus is one of the pathogenic causes that induce diarrhea in young animals, especially piglets, worldwide. However, nowadays, there is no specific drug available to treat the disease, and the related vaccines have no obvious efficiency in some countries. Via analyzing the pathogenesis of rotavirus, it inducing diarrhea is mainly due to disturb enteric nervous system, destroy gut mucosal integrity, induce intracellular electrolyte imbalance, and impair gut microbiota and immunity. Many studies have already proved that prebiotics and probiotics can mitigate the damage and diarrhea induced by rotavirus infection in hosts. Based on these, the current review summarizes and discusses the effects and mechanisms of prebiotics and probiotics on rotavirus-induced diarrhea in piglets. This information will highlight the basis for the swine production utilization of prebiotics and probiotics in the prevention or treatment of rotavirus infection in the future.

A plausible pathway to prebiotic peptides via amino acid amides on the primordial Earth

The prebiotic synthesis of peptides prior to ribosome-catalyzed processes remains an enigma.The synthesis of abiotic peptides from amino acids(AAs)is primarily constrained by high activation energies and unfavorable thermodynamics,necessitating the identification of plausible prebiotic alternatives for synthesizing prebiotic peptides.Here we present a plausible pathway to the formation of prebiotic peptides,wherein oligopeptides,oligopeptide amides,and cyclic oligopeptides can be directly synthesized from amino acid amides(AA-NH2)under wet–dry cycle conditions without the need for any enhancers.The subsequent investigation revealed that AA-NH2 demonstrated more favorable thermodynamic reaction effects than AAs in peptide formation.In contrast to the polymerization of AAs,the process of peptide formation through the polymerization of AA-NH2 was significantly simplified.Additionally,AA-NH2 was discovered to function as a“bridge”for the formation of peptides from AAs,thereby facilitating their participation in the synthesis of intricate peptide structures.On the basis of these findings,a plausible mechanism for the prebiotic origin network of peptides under primordial Earth conditions has been proposed.Overall,this research presents a plausible pathway for the generation of prebiotic peptides and peptide libraries within prebiotic environments.

Structural characterization and prebiotic potential of polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum

Polygonatum sibiricum has been widely used due to its excellent biological activities.We prepared a novel polysaccharide from P.sibiricum(PSP)in this study.According a monosaccharide composition analysis,PSP was mainly composed of fructose and glucose with a molar percentage of 93.81:5.12.The main linkage types were identified asα-D-Glcp-1→and→2-β-D-Fruf-1→.The molecular weight of PSP showed no significant change after simulated salivary and gastrointestinal digestion.However,PSP could be broken down by intestinal bacteria.Our findings revealed that PSP administration increased the abundance of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium.Furthermore,the results showed that gut microbes could utilize PSP to produce short-chain fatty acids including acetic acid,propionic acid,and butyric acid.Also,the PSP fermentation broth displayed an excellent scavenging effect on free radicals,including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical,superoxide radical,and hydroxyl radical.In summary,this study will help to promote the application of PSP as prebiotics in functional food and the medical industry.

Discharge plasma for prebiotic chemistry: Pathways to life’s building blocks

Discharge plasmas, recognized as unique platforms for investigating the origins of chemical life, have garnered extensive interest for their potential to simulate prebiotic conditions. This paper embarks on a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the plasma-enabled synthesis of life’s building blocks, charting the complex environmental parameters believed to have surrounded life’s inception. This discussion elaborates on the fundamental mechanisms of discharge plasmas and their likely role in fostering conditions necessary for the origin of life on early Earth. We consider a variety of chemical reactions facilitated by plasma, specifically the synthesis of vital organic molecules - amino acids, nucleobases, sugars, and lipids. Further, we delve into the impact of plasmas on prebiotic chemical evolution. We expect this review to open new horizons for future investigations in plasma-related prebiotic chemistry that could offer valuable insights for unraveling the mysteries of life's origin.

Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and prebiotics in inflammatory bowel disease

It has been presumed that aberrant immune response to intestinal microorganisms in genetically predisposed individuals may play a major role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel disease, and there is a good deal of evidence supporting this hypothesis. Commensal enteric bacteria probably play a central role in pathogenesis, providing continuous antigenic stimulation that causes chronic intestinal injury. A strong biologic rationale supports the use of probiotics and prebiotics for inflammatory bowel disease therapy. Many probiotic strains exhibit anti-inflammatory properties through their effects on different immune cells, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion depression, and the induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines. There is very strong evidence supporting the use of multispecies probiotic VSL#3 for the prevention or recurrence of postoperative pouchitis in patients. For treatment of active ulcerative colitis, as well as for maintenance therapy, the clinical evidence of efficacy is strongest for VSL#3 and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. Moreover, some prebiotics, such as germinated barley foodstuff, Psyllium or oligofructose-enriched inulin, might provide some benefit in patients with active ulcerative colitis or ulcerative colitis in remission. The results of clinical trials in the treatment of active Crohn’s disease or the maintenance of its remission with probiotics and prebiotics are disappointing and do not support their use in this disease. The only exception is weak evidence of advantageous use of Saccharomyces boulardii concomitantly with medical therapy in maintenance treatment.

Probiotics and prebiotics in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases

The prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells of the colon exist in a highly complex, but harmonious relationship. Disturbances in this remarkable symbiosis can result in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Although the etiology of IBD is not entirely understood, it is known that the chronic inflammation of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and chronic pouchitis are a result of an overly aggressive immune response to the commensal intestinal flora in genetically susceptible hosts. Recent studies have enhanced our ability to understand the interaction between the host and its intestinal microflora and the role the microflora plays in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. As we begin to understand the benefi ts conferred to the intestine by the microflora, the notion of modifying the composition of the bacterial load to improve human health has arisen. A signifi cant body of research now exists investigating the role of probiotics and prebiotics in ameliorating chronic intestinal inflammation. This article will begin with an overview of the role of the commensal microflora in maintaining mucosal immune homeostasis, and how a dysregulated immune response to the intestinal microflora results in IBD. This will be followed by a summary of the use of probiotics and prebiotics in experimental and human IBD.

Comparison of early enteral nutrition in severe acute pancreatitis with prebiotic fiber supplementation versus standard enteral solution:A prospective randomized double-blind study

AIM: To compare the benefi cial effects of early enteral nutrition (EN) with prebiotic fiber supplementation in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (AP).METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with severe AP, who required stoppage of oral feeding for 48 h, were randomly assigned to nasojejunal EN with or without prebiotics. APACHE Ⅱ score, Balthazar’s CT score and CRP were assessed daily during the study period.RESULTS: The median duration of hospital stay was shorter in the study group [10 ± 4 (8-14) d vs 15 ± 6 (7-26) d] (P < 0.05). The median value of days in intensive care unit was also similar in both groups [6 ± 2 (5-8) d vs 6 ± 2 (5-7) d]. The median duration of EN was 8 ± 4 (6-12) d vs 10 ± 4 (6-13) d in the study and control groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Deaths occurred in 6 patients (20%), 2 in the study group and 4 in the control group. The mean duration of APACHE Ⅱ normalization (APACHE Ⅱ score < 8) was shorter in the study group than in the control group (4 ± 2 d vs 6.5 ± 3 d, P < 0.05). The mean duration of CRP normalization was also shorter in the study group than in the control group (7 ± 2 d vs 10 ± 3 d, P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Nasojejunal EN with prebiotic fiber supplementation in severe AP improves hospital stay, duration nutrition therapy, acute phase response and overall complications compared to standard EN therapy.

Fiber and prebiotic supplementation in enteral nutrition:A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM:To investigate fiber and prebiotic supplementation of enteral nutrition(EN) for diarrhea,fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs).METHODS:MEDLINE,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,CINAHL,Academic Search Premier,and Web of Science databases were searched for human experimental and observational cohort studies conducted between January 1990 and June 2014.The keywords used for the literature search were fiber,prebiotics and enteral nutrition.English language studies with adult patient populations on exclusive EN were selected.Abstracts and/or full texts of selected studies were reviewed and agreed upon by two independent researchers for inclusion in the meta-analysis.Tools used for the quality assessment were Jadad Scale and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network Critical Appraisal of the Medical Literature.RESULTS:A total of 456 possible articles were retrieved,and 430 were excluded due to lack of appropriate data.Of the 26 remaining studies,only eight investigated the effects of prebiotics.Results of the meta-analysis indicated that overall,fiber reduces diarrhea in patients receiving EN(OR = 0.47;95%CI:0.29-0.77;P = 0.02).Subgroup analysis revealed a positive effect of fiber supplementation in EN towards diarrhea in stable patients(OR = 0.31;95%CI:0.19-0.51;P < 0.01),but not in critically ill patients(OR = 0.89;95%CI:0.41-1.92;P = 0.77).Prebiotic supplementation in EN does not improve the incidence of diarrhea despite its manipulative effect on bifidobacteria concentrations and SCFA in healthy humans.In addition,the effect of fiber and/or prebiotic supplementation towards fecal microbiota and SCFA remain disputable.CONCLUSION:Fiber helps minimize diarrhea in patients receiving EN,particularly in non-critically ill patients.However,the effect of prebiotics in moderating diarrhea is inconclusive.

Role of probiotics,prebiotics and synbiotics in chemoprevention for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer.Current treatments are all associated with a high risk of complications and a low success rate.Recently,synbiotics have been proposed as a new preventive and therapeutic option.There is no direct experimental evidence for cancer suppression in humans as a result of the consumption of pro-,pre-or synbiotics.However,there is a wealth of evidence emerging from laboratory studies.The mechanisms by which pro-,pre-and synbiotics may inhibit colon cancer are now beginning to be understood and will be addressed in the present review.

Prebiotic UG1601 mitigates constipation-related events in association with gut microbiota: A randomized placebo-controlled intervention study

BACKGROUND Constipation is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder and its etiology is multifactorial.Growing evidence suggests that intestinal dysbiosis is associated with the development of constipation.Prebiotics are subjected to bacterial fermentation in the gut to produce short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),which can help relieve constipation symptoms.The prebiotic UG1601 consists of inulin,lactitol,and aloe vera gel,which are known laxatives,but randomized,controlled clinical trials that examine the effects of this supplement on gut microbiota composition are lacking.AIM To assess the efficacy of the prebiotic UG1601 in suppressing constipation-related adverse events in subjects with mild constipation.METHODS Adults with a stool frequency of less than thrice a week were randomized to receive either prebiotics or a placebo supplement for 4 wk.All participants provided their fecal and blood samples at baseline and at the end of intervention.Gastrointestinal symptoms and stool frequency were evaluated.The concentrations of serum endotoxemia markers and fecal SCFAs were determined.The relative abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria and the gut microbial community in the responders and non-responders in the prebiotics supplementation group were evaluated.RESULTS There were no significant differences in gastrointestinal symptoms between groups,although the prebiotic group showed greater symptom improvement.However,after prebiotic usage,serum cluster of differentiation(CD)14 and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)concentrations were significantly decreased(CD14,P=0.012;LPS,P<0.001).The change in LPS concentration was significantly larger in the prebiotic group than in the placebo group(P<0.001).Fecal SCFAs concentrations did not differ between groups,while the relative abundance of Roseburia hominis,a major butyrate producer,was significantly increased in the prebiotic group(P=0.045).The abundances of the phylum Firmicutes and the family Lachnospiraceae(phylum Firmicutes,class Clostridia)(P=0.009)were decreased in the responders within the prebiotic group.In addition,the proportions of the phylum Firmicutes,the class Clostridia,and the order Clostridiales were inversely correlated with several fecal SCFAs(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Alterations in gut microbiota composition,including a decrease in the phylum Firmicutes and an increase in butyrate-producing bacteria,following prebiotic UG1601 supplementation might help alleviate symptom scores and endotoxemia.

Gut microbiota and obesity:Impact of antibiotics and prebiotics and potential for musculoskeletal health

Obesity is a complex disease with multiple contributing factors.One of the most intensely studied factors during the past decade has been the gut microbiota,which is the community of all microbes in the intestinal tract.The gut microbiota,via energy extraction,inflammation,and other actions,is now recognized as an important player in the pathogenesis of obesity.Dysbiosis,or an imbalance in the microbial community,can initiate a cascade of metabolic disturbances in the host.Early life is a particularly important period for the development of the gut microbiota,and perturbations such as with antibiotic exposure can have long-lasting consequences for host health.In early life and throughout the life span,diet is one of the most important factors that shape the gut microbiota.Although diets high in fat and sugar have been shown to contribute to dysbiosis and disease,dietary fiber is recognized as an important fermentative fuel for the gut microbiota and results in the production of short-chain fatty acids that can act as signaling molecules in the host.One particular type of fiber,prebiotic fiber,contributes to changes in the gut microbiota,the most notable of which is an increase in the abundance of Bifidobacterium.This review highlights our current understanding of the role of gut microbiota in obesity development and the ways in which manipulating the microbiota through dietary means,specifically prebiotics,could contribute to improved health in the host,including musculo skeletal health.

The influence of in ovo injection with the prebiotic DiNovoon the development of histomorphological parameters of the duodenum, body mass and productivity in large-scale poultry production conditions

Background: Among various feed additives currently used in poultry nutrition, an important role is played by bioactive substances, including prebiotics. The beneficial effect of these bioactive substances on the gastrointestinal tract and immune system give rise to improvements in broiler health and performance nutrition, thus increasing the productivity of these birds. An innovative method for introducing bioactive substances into chickens is the in ovo injection into eggs intended for hatching. The aim of the study was to evaluate the development of histomorphological parameters of the duodenum and productivity in chickens injected in ovo with the prebiotic DiNovo~?(extract of Laminaria species of seaweed, BioA tlantis Ltd., Ireland) on d 12 of incubation, under large-scale, high density poultry production conditions.Results: There was no significant impact of the injection of DiNovo~? prebiotic on the production parameters of broiler chickens(body weight, FCR, EBI and mortality) obtained on d 42 of rearing. No significant impact of the DiNovo~? injection on the duodenum weight and length was observed, as wel as on the CSA, diameter and muscular layer thickness of the duodenum. The in ovo injection of DiNovo~? significantly increased the width of the duodenal vil i(P < 0.05) and crypt depth(P < 0.01) of chickens on d 21 of rearing. Other histomorphological parameters of duodenal vil i at d 42 of chickens rearing such as: the height, width, and cross section area of vil i were significantly greater in chickens from the control group compared to those from the DiNovo~? group(P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that injection of DiNovo~? prebiotic into the air chamber of egg significantly influences the histomorphological parameters on d 21 of rearing without negatively affecting productivity in chickens at the end of rearing.

Microbiota shaping — the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplant on cognitive functions: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Dementia is a chronic progressive neurological disease affecting millions of people worldwide,and represents a relevant economic burden for healthcare systems.Although its pathogenesis is still unknown,recent findings have reported that a dysregulated gut-brain axis communication,a fundamental relationship mediated by several host and microbial molecules,is associated with cognitive disorders.In addition,gut microbiota manipulation reduces neuroinflammation,improving cognitive function by restoring the functional gut-brain axis.AIM To better define the effects of probiotics,prebiotics,synbiotics,and fecal microbiota transplant(FMT)on cognitive function.METHODS We performed a literature search of human randomized clinical trials to examine the effects of the administration of probiotics,prebiotics,synbiotics,or FMT on cognition outcomes in healthy or sick people of every age,sex,and nationality.We systematically searched Embase,Medline/PubMed,Cochrane Library,central and clinicaltrials.gov databases with a combination of comprehensive terms related to cognition and gut microbiota manipulation.Then we carefully reviewed and synthesized the data by type of study design and setting,characteristics of the studied population,kind of intervention(strain type or mixture type,dosage,and frequency of administration),control treatment,inclusion and exclusion criteria,follow-up duration,and cognitive or memory outcomes.RESULTS After examining the titles and abstracts,the initial literature screening identified 995 articles,but we added 23 papers in our systematic review.The analyses of these selected studies highlighted that both probiotic supplementation and FMT improved cognitive function regardless of the type and posology of administration and the adopted cognitive tests and questionnaires.We found that most of the studies conducted in healthy people showed a significant positive effect of the intervention on at least one of the performed cognitive tests.Regarding unhealthy subjects,while FMT and especially probiotic administration had multiple beneficial effects on different cognitive functions,supplementation with prebiotics did not provide any cognitive improvement.CONCLUSION Probiotic supplementation and FMT may represent a promising strategy to restore gut eubiosis and enhance the cognitive functions of healthy people and patients with neurological disorders.

In vitro prebiotic effects of seaweed polysaccharides

Although prebiotic activities of alginate and agar oligosaccharides isolated from seaweeds have been reported, it remains unknown whether seaweed polysaccharides have prebiotic activity. In this study, we isolated polysaccharides from four species of seaweeds, such as Grateloupia fi licina(GFP), Eucheuma spinosum(ESP), Ulva pertusa(UPP), and A scophyllum nodosum(ANP), and characterized their structures and prebiotic ef fects in vitro. The results showed that these polysaccharides were dif ferent in total sugar and sulfate contents as well as monosaccharide composition. GFP and ESP significantly promoted bifi dobacterium proliferation and 0.1% ESP and 0.4% GFP resulted in the highest proliferation rates of beneficial bacteria, whereas UPP and ANP inhibited the growth of beneficial bacteria at all tested concentrations(0.1%–0.5%). The different behaviors of the four seaweed-originated polysaccharides might be refl ected by differences in monosaccharide composition and structure. Therefore, polysaccharides isolated from GFP and ESP could be utilized as prebiotics. However, more studies must be carried out in vivo.

The Importance of Prebiotics in Functional Foods and Clinical Practice

Prebiotics are substances that can promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, mainly in the intestinal tract, and will modify the colonic microbiota. The following health benefits are attributed to prebiotics: relief from poor digestion of lactose, increased resistance to bacterial infection, better immune response and possible protection against cancer, reduction of the risk of diseases such as intestinal disease, cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis. This article presents a discussion of prebiotics, with descriptions of the concepts and its use in clinical practice, and a review of some recent research showing the benefits that these ingredients provide to human health and providing data on the recommended intakes for consumption.

Resolution of acute gastroenteritis symptoms in children and adults treated with a novel polyphenol-based prebiotic

AIM: To test efficacy and durability of a polyphenol-based prebiotic treatment for acute gastroenteritis in a 300 patient double-blinded clinical study.

Prebiotic-Like Effects of SweetPearl&#174;Maltitol through Changes in Caecal and Fecal Parameters

Prebiotic-like effects of maltitol were investigated supplementing two groups of rats with either 5% maltodextrin (control group) or 5% maltitol (maltitol group). A third group was supplemented with 5% maltitol at first and then with 5% maltodextrin (maltitol/maltodextrin group). Faecal parameters were monitored throughout the experiment and caecal parameters at the end. The weights of caecal content and caecal wall were significantly higher in the maltitol group than in the control group, but not in the maltitol/maltodextrin group. Propionic acid concentration was significantly higher in the maltitol group compared to both control and maltitol/maltodextrin group. Faecal parameters were also influenced by the dietary supplementation with maltitol: the amount of dry matter in feces decreased and alpha-glucosidase activity increased. These effects lasted 28 days in the maltitol only group, whereas they stopped some days after the switch to maltodextrin in the maltitol/maltodextrin group. Maltitol could induce prebiotic-like effects.

Immunomodulation by probiotics and prebiotics in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most prevalent primary malignancy in patients suffering from chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis.Recent attention has been paid to the involvement of the gut-liver axis(GLA)in HCC pathogenesis.This axis results from a bidirectional,anatomical and functional relationship between the gastrointestinal system and the liver.Moreover,the complex network of interactions between the intestinal microbiome and the liver plays a crucial role in modulation of the HCC-tumor microenvironment,contributing to the pathogenesis of HCC by exposing the liver to pathogen-associated molecular patterns,such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides,DNA,peptidoglycans and flagellin.Indeed,the alteration of gut microflora may disturb the intestinal barrier,bringing several toll-like receptor ligands to the liver thus activating the inflammatory response.This review explores the new therapeutic opportunities that may arise from novel insights into the mechanisms by which microbiota immunomodulation,represented by probiotics,and prebiotics,affects HCC through the GLA.

Influence of Dietary Probiotic Bacillus TC22 and Prebiotic Fructooligosaccharide on Growth,Immune Responses and Disease Resistance against Vibrio splendidus Infection in Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

The effects of probiotic Bacillus TC22 (isolated from intestine of infected sea cucumber) and prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth, immunity and disease resistance in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus were studied. Six experimental diets were formulated with combinations of three levels of TC22 (0, 107 and 109 CFU g-1 diet) and two levels of FOS (0 and 0.5%) in a 3 × 2 factorial experiment. At the end of the 8-week feeding trial,animals were challenged by injecting Vibrio splendidus. The results revealed that the specific growth rates (SGR) of sea cucumbers were not affected by TC22 and FOS, or the interaction between TC22 and FOS (P > 0.05). However,there were significant interactions between TC22 and FOS for immune response and disease resistance in sea cucumbers (P < 0.05). When sea cucumbers were fed with TC22 at 109 CFU g?1 feed and 0.5% FOS alone or in combination, the phagocytosis, respiratory burst and phenoloxidase activity of sea cucumber coelomocytes were significantly enhanced;the disease resistance against V. splendidus infection was also increased significantly (P < 0.05).However, dietary combination of TC22 at 109 CFU g-1 diet and 0.5% FOS did not yield significantly higher efficiency than either TC22 at 109 CFU g-1 diet or 0.5% FOS used alone (P > 0.05). Therefore, further studies should examine the effects of combinations of other levels of FOS(> 0.5% or < 0.5%) and TC22 on the immunity and disease resistance of sea cucumbers.

Chemopreventive Potential of Probiotics and Prebiotics

Utilization of probiotics and prebiotics in food products and in the diet supplemental form continues to gain interest because of their health benefits. Cancer is the leading cause of death and strategies for chemoprevention are important to reduce mortality and morbidity. Probiotics are gaining attention to use as preventive agents. Efficacy of their use as chemopreventive agents was established through research. This review focused on the mechanisms of prebiotics and probiotics action against cancer. Benefits of probiotics against cancer are attributed to competitive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria, direct physical binding to carcinogens, altering intestinal environment to modulate the production enzymes, antioxidant activity and immune modulation. Prebiotics are indigestible food components that could promote the growth of probiotics. Chemopreventive properties of prebiotics are due to their production of short chain fatty acids and enhancing the immunity of the host. Anticarcinogenic properties of pre- and probiotics result from a combination of events rather from a single event.