Amelioration of dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis in mice by treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri:intraspecific and interspecific patterns

Lactobacillus rhamnosus(Rh)and Lactobacillus reuteri(Re)are well-known probiotic species in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)research.The variations between these species’efficacy against colitis,and their model of action in this regard,are intriguing and enable treatment to be individually tailored to patients.In this study,four strains each of Rh and Re were isolated from fecal samples and their draft genomes were sequenced.The anti-colitis activities of both strains involved various aspects of intestinal immune,physical,chemical,and biological barrier function.Strikingly,the tested strains exhibited considerable interspecies and intraspecies specificity in colitis amelioration.Rh strains significantly outperformed Re strains in terms of short-chain fatty acid synthesis.Nevertheless,Re strains were more effective than Rh strains in inhibiting production of inflammatory factors;promoting production of intestinal mucus,antimicrobial peptides,and tight junction proteins;and supporting the stem cell compartment.This accounts for the anti-colitis outcomes of Re strains being superior to those of Rh strains.In addition,the effective Rh and Re strains were found to express high concentrations of specific carbohydrate metabolism-and prophage-related genes,respectively.Taken together,the results of this study could assist researchers in developing effective therapies for IBD.

Effect of fructooligosaccharides on the colonization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus AS 1.2466^(T) in the gut of mice

Lactobacillus rhamnosus and fructooligosaccharides(FOS)have been widely studied so far.However,the effects of L.rhamnosus on the intestinal microecological environment at the species level and the effect of different proportions of FOS on L.rhamnosus colonization in different parts of mice intestine are still unclear.The study results indicated that the specific bands of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction(ERIC-PCR)in the L.rhamnosus(LR)group significantly increased at 7 days.Although the number of bands was similar to the natural recovery(NR)group,the brightness of few bands significantly enhanced in the later stage of recovery.Besides,Southern-blot maps showed strong signals,indicating that the ERIC-PCR fingerprint could accurately reflect the changes in the mouse gut microbiota diversity.Further,the high-throughput results confirmed that the Lactobacillus and Akkermansia had different changes at different periods,but all of them showed an upward trend,while the Klebsiella were inhibited,thereby maintaining the intestinal microecology balance.Moreover,FOS exerted a positive effect on L.rhamnosus colonization in the gut.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 attenuates foodborne Bacillus cereus-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activity in bovine mammary epithelial cells by protecting intercellular tight junctions

Background:Bacillus cereus is an important pathogen that causes human food poisoning,specifically diarrhea and vomiting.B.cereus can also induce mastitis in dairy cows and has a strong survival ability in milk,as it cannot be inactivated by high-temperature short-time pasteurization.Therefore,B.cereus can enter the market through pasteurized milk and other dairy products,imposing enormous hidden dangers on food safety and human health.Results:In this study,B.cereus 2101(BC)was isolated from milk samples of cows with mastitis.BC grew rapidly with strong hemolysis,making it difficult to prevent mastitis and ensure food security.MAC-T cells were treated with BC and/or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1(LGR-1).Pretreatment with LGR-1 protected the integrity of tight junctions and the expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin destroyed by BC.Furthermore,LGR-1 pretreatment reduced the expression of NOD-like receptor family member pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3),caspase recruitment and activation domain(ASC),Caspase-1 p20,gasdermin D(GSDMD)p30,inflammatory factors(interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-18),and cell death induced by BC.Moreover,LGR-1 pretreatment reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activity and increased expressions of ZO-1 and occludin induced by lipopolysaccharides(LPS)+ATP stimulation.MAC-T cells were transfected with NLRP3 si RNA or MCC950 and/or treated with BC and/or LGR-1.NLRP3-si RNA transfection and MCC950 attenuated BC-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activity.Expression of inflammatory cytokines and cell death suggested that the inflammatory pathway might play an important role in the induction of the NLRP3 inflammasome by BC and the protection of LGR-1.Conclusions:These results suggest that LGR-1 might be a probiotic alternative to antibiotics and could be administered to prevent mastitis in dairy cows,thus ensuring food security.

Exopolysaccharides of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorate Salmonella typhimurium-induced intestinal inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway

Background Salmonella typhimurium(S.T),as an important foodborne bacterial pathogen,can cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis in humans and animals.Numerous studies have confirmed that exopolysaccharides(EPSs)have various biological functions,but the mechanism through which EPSs improve the immunity of animals against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria is unclear.Here,we explored the protective effect of EPSs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG(LGG)on the S.T-infected intestine.Methods Mice received adequate food and drinking water for one week before the start of the experiment.After 7 d of prefeeding,2×108 CFU/mL S.T solution and an equivalent volume of saline(control group)were given orally for 1 d.On the fourth day,the mice were treated with 0.5 mg/mL EPSs,1.0 mg/mL EPSs,2.0 mg/mL EPSs,or 2.0 mg/mL penicillin for 7 d.Finally,the body and relative organ weight,histological staining,and the levels of antioxidant enzyme activity and inflammatory cytokines were determined.Results The S.T-infected mice exhibited symptoms of decreased appetite,somnolence,diarrhea and flagging spirit.Treatment with EPSs and penicillin improved the weight loss of the mice,and the high dose of EPSs showed the best therapeutic effect.EPSs significantly ameliorated S.T-induced ileal injury in mice.High-dose EPSs were more effective than penicillin for alleviating ileal oxidative damage induced by S.T.The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in the ileum of mice showed that the regulatory effects of EPSs on inflammatory cytokines were better than those of penicillin.EPSs could inhibit the expression and activation of key proteins of the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway and thereby suppress the level of S.T-induced ileal inflammation.Conclusions EPSs attenuate S.T-induced immune responses by inhibiting the expression of key proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.Moreover,EPSs could promote bacterial aggregation into clusters,which may be a potential strategy for reducing the bacterial invasion of intestinal epithelial cells.

Ehealth:Low FODMAP diet vs Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in irritable bowel syndrome

AIM: To investigate the effects of a low fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet (LFD) and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates DON-induced intestinal damage depending on the enrichment of beneficial bacteria in weaned piglets

Background: Deoxynivalenol(DON) is one of the most common environmental pollutants that induces intestinal inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG(LGG) is a probiotic that not only has anti-inflammatory effects, but also shows protective effect on the intestinal barrier. However, it is still unknown whether LGG exerts beneficial effects against DON-induced intestinal damage in piglets. In this work, a total of 36 weaned piglets were randomized to one of four treatment groups for 21 d. The treatment groups were CON(basal diet);LGG(basal diet supplemented with 1.77 × 10^(11)CFU/kg LGG);DON(DON-contaminated diet) and LGG + DON(DON-contaminated diet supplemented with 1.77 × 10^(11)CFU/kg LGG).Result: Supplementation of LGG can enhance growth performance of piglets exposed to DON by improving intestinal barrier function. LGG has a mitigating effect on intestinal inflammation induced by DON exposure, largely through repression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, supplementation of LGG increased the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria(e.g., Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus_torques_group and Anaerofustis), and decreased the relative abundances of harmful bacteria(e.g., Parabacteroides and Ruminiclostridium_6), and also promoted the production of SCFAs.Conclusions: LGG ameliorates DON-induced intestinal damage, which may provide theoretical support for the application of LGG to alleviate the adverse effects induced by DON exposure.

Effects of the viability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on rotavirus infection in neonatal rats

AIM:To study the effects of live and dead Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG(GG) on rotavirus infection in a neonatal rat model.METHODS:At the age of 2 d,suckling Lewis rat pups were supplemented with either live or dead GG and the treatment was continued daily throughout the experi-ment.At the age of 5 and 6 d the pups received oral rotavirus(RV) SA-11 strain.The pups were sacrificed at the age of 7 or 8 d by decapitation.The gastrointestinal tract was removed and macroscopic observations were done.The consistency of feces in the colon was classified using a four-tier system.RV was detected from the plasma,small intestine,colon and feces by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR).RESULTS:In this neonatal rat model,RV induced a mild-to-moderate diarrhea in all except one pup of the RV-inoculated rats.RV moderately reduced body weight development from day 6 onwards.On day 7,after 2 d of RV infection,live and dead GG groups gained significantly more weight than the RV group without probiotics [36%(P = 0.001) and 28%(P = 0.031),respectively].In addition,when compared with the RV control group,both live and dead GG reduced the weight ratio of colon/animal body weight to the same level as in the healthy control group,with reductions of 22%(P = 0.002) and 28%(P < 0.001),respectively.Diarrhea increased moderately in both GG groups.However,the diarrhea incidence and severity in the GG groups were not statistically significantly different as compared with the RV control group.Moreover,observed diarrhea did not provoke weight loss or death.The RV control group had the largest amount of RV PCR-positive samples among the RV-infected groups,and the live GG group had the smallest amount.Rats receiving live GG had significantly less RV in the colon(P = 0.027) when compared with the RV control group.Live GG was also more effective over dead GG in reducing the quantity of RV from plasma(P = 0.047).CONCLUSION:Both live and dead GG have beneficial effects in RV infection.GG may increase RV clearance from the body and reduce colon swelling.

Lactic Acid Fermentation from Coffee Ground Waste Hydrolysate by Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Lactic acid is an important organic acid that is widely used in the food,pharmaceutical,and cosmetic industries.Lactic acid was produced from coffee ground waste which contains fermentable sugars and is increasingly generated from our daily dietary life.Among 114 strains of Lactobacillus species,Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 10863 was selected for the production of lactic acid from coffee ground waste.Through alkali pretreatment and saccharification,cellulose and hemicellulose in coffee ground waste were converted into fermentable sugars.Pretreatment experiments were conducted at various alkali solution,concentrations,and times.Alkali pretreatment with 35 g/L of KOH at 121oC for 60 min,the highest concentration of fermentable sugars was produced.The optimum concentration of Viscozyme L was 2%when saccharification was proceeded at 55oC for 7 days.The productivity of lactic acid fermentation was the highest(0.59 g/L/h)at 100 g of coffee ground waste(1x concentration),whereas the lactic acid concentration was the highest at 600 g of coffee ground waste(6x concentration).As the concentration of coffee ground increased,the lactic acid concentration was also increased,however,the amount was not proportional to the coffee ground waste used.In this study,it was found that coffee ground waste could be used as a culture medium for Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 10863 through pretreatment and saccharification for the production of lactic acid.

Effect of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG intervention on global serum lipidomic profiles in healthy adults

AIM: To investigate the effect of three weeks’ intervention with a probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) bacteria on global serum lipidomic profiles and evaluate whether the changes in inflammatory variables (CRP, TNF-α and IL-6) are reflected in the global lipidomic profiles of healthy adults. METHODS: We performed UPLC/MS-based global lipidomic platform analysis of serum samples (n = 26) in a substudy of a randomised, double-blind, placebo- controlled 3-wk clinical intervention trial investigating the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics in healthy adults. RESULTS: A total of 407 lipids were identified, corresponding to 13 different lipid classes. Serum samples showed decreases in the levels of lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoGPCho), sphingomyelins (SM) and several glycerophosphatidylcholines (GPCho), while triacylglycerols (TAG) were mainly increased in the probiotic LGG group during the intervention. Among the inflammatory variables, IL-6 was moderatelyassociated by changes in global lipidomic profiles, with the top-ranked lipid associated with IL-6 being the proinflammatory LysoGPCho (20:4). There was a weak association between the lipidomic profiles and the two other inflammatory markers, TNF-α and CRP. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to investigate the effects of probiotic intervention on global lipidomic profiles in humans. There are indications that probiotic LGG intervention may lead to changes in serum global lipid profiles, as reflected in decreased GPCho, LysoGPCho and SM as well as mainly increased TAG.

Soothing Efficacy and Tolerability of a Skin Care Product Containing Live Lactobacillus rhamnosus Bacteria and Berry Seed Oils on Atopic Dermatitis Lesions

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic inflammatory skin disease characterized by a reduced microbiome diversity which favours the skin colonization with pathogenic bacteria, mainly with Staphylococcus aureus. A novel approach to the management of several skin diseases, including AD, involves the use of specific beneficial probiotic bacteria aimed at restoring the skin microbiome balance and decreasing the skin colonization with pathogens. Objective: This study assessed the soothing efficacy and tolerability of a new probiotic-based skin care product combining two live Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains and berry seed oils on eczematous lesions in subjects with atopic skin. Patients and Methods: Twenty-five adults with atopic skin and presenting at least one inflammatory lesion applied the product on the defined lesion for 28 days, once to twice daily. Severity of eczema signs (EASI score) and intensity of pruritus (VAS) were assessed, and digital images were captured following treatment. Cutaneous tolerability and subject satisfaction were also investigated. Results: A statistically significant decrease in mean EASI score was observed after 28 days (-27%, p = 0.011). A visible improvement in skin aspect was observed in 67% of the subjects on week 4. On average, the intensity of pruritus decreased by 57% as compared to baseline (p = 0.011). This effect was observed in 86% of the subjects. No relevant adverse reactions were observed following treatment with the skin care product and the majority of the subjects appreciated the product for its general characteristics, properties, and efficacy. Conclusion: The results suggest that this skin care product containing two live Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains and berry seed oils could be used for the treatment of eczematous lesions in subjects with atopic skin.

Interaction between Dairy Yeasts and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in Milk

The presence of Geotrichum candidum in fresh cheese is considered to be a contaminant and may lead to the product spoilage. The oxidative yeast Candida maltosa firstly isolated from the spoiled fruit yoghurt surface in Slovakia belongs to the yeast contaminants of fermented dairy products. The effect of the cultivation temperature and the presence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on the growth of dairy spoilage yeasts in ultrapasteurized milk was studied. Addition of Lb. rhamnosus GG in milk caused partial inhibition of the yeast growth dynamics in milk. The water activity transformation of Gibson model after the temperature modification （Tw） was applied to model growth dynamics of G. candidum in pure and mixed culture, respectively： In μ_Gc=-5.0376＋2.7281 Tw-0.4217Tw^2, lnμ_CC_LGG=-6.0033＋3.2996Tw-0.5553Tw^2. The effect of different Lb. rhamnosus GG addition and the incubation temperature on the C. maltosa growth dynamics was analyzed by linear regression methodology and described by using following equations： lnGr1=-5.3674＋0.2341T＋0.2599N0-0.0032T^2-0.0492N0^2-0.0068TN0 and lnGr11=-9.5457-0.249T＋2.3823N0 ＋0.0099T^2-0.2324N0^2＋0.0098TN0 Based on the principles of predictive microbiology, the mutual microbial interactions and potential application of the lactobacillus strains in food protection are discussed.

Lactobacillus intestinalis/Lactobacillus rhamnosus protects against AFB_(1)-induced liver damage:involvement of intestinal mucosal barrier

Aflatoxin B1(AFB1)is a widely spread mycotoxin that poses a threat to the healthy to human and animals.The liver is the main target organ for AFB1-induced damage,primarily causing inflammatory injury and oxidative stress.When AFB1 enters the body,it can damage the intestinal barrier function,and its metabolites are transported to the liver.Therefore,the damage to the liver is closely associated with intestinal barrier impairment.Lactobacillus plays a crucial role in mitigating liver damage by improving the intestinal barrier function.In our previous report,we reported that Lactobacillus reduces liver damage caused by AFB1.However,it is still unclear how the intestinal barrier contributes to the protective effects of Lactobacillus against AFB1.To investigate the protective effects and intestinal barrier mechanisms of Lactobacillus intestinals/rhamnosus against AFB1-induced liver damage,we orally administered AFB1 and Lactobacillus intestinals/rhamnosus to male SD rats.Then the body weight,organ index,histopathological changes in the liver and gut,liver and kidney function indicators,intestinal mucosal barrier indicators,serum AFB1 content and inflammatory factors,liver oxidative stress index,and short-chain fatty acids content were analyzed.Our findings demonstrate that exposure to AFB1 resulted in changes in liver histopathology and biochemical functions,altered inflammatory response and oxidative stress,compromised the intestinal mucosal barrier,and induced the accumulation of inflammatory factor and inflammation in the liver.However,supplementation with Lactobacillus intestinals or Lactobacillus rhamnosus significantly prevented AFB1-induced liver injury,alleviated histopathological changes and hepatic injury by the maintenance of intestinal mucosal barrier integrity.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to newborn piglets augments gut barrier function in pre-weaning piglets

To understand the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG(ATCC 53103)on intestinal barrier function in pre-weaning piglets under normal conditions,twenty-four newborn littermate piglets were randomly divided into two groups.Piglets in the control group were orally administered with 2 mL 0.1 g/mL sterilized skim milk while the treatment group was administered the same volume of sterilized skim milk with the addition of viable L.rhamnosus at the 1st,3rd,and 5th days after birth.The feeding trial was conducted for 25 d.Results showed that piglets in the L.rhamnosus group exhibited increased weaning weight and average daily weight gain,whereas diarrhea incidence was decreased.The bacterial abundance and composition of cecal contents,especially Firmicutes,Bacteroidetes,and Fusobacteria,were altered by probiotic treatment.In addition,L.rhamnosus increased the jejunal permeability and promoted the immunologic barrier through regulating antimicrobial peptides,cytokines,and chemokines via Toll-like receptors.Our findings indicate that oral administration of L.rhamnosus GG to newborn piglets is beneficial for intestinal health of pre-weaning piglets by improving the biological,physical,and immunologic barriers of intestinal mucosa.

A cellular chip-MS system for investigation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and irinotecan synergistic effects on colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is still the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, but the clinical effect of drug therapy such as irinotecan is not an ideal way at present. In recent years, probiotics have attracted much attention, and the combination of probiotics may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of CRC. This work proposed a cellular chip-MS system, to study the synergistic effects of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG(L.GG) and irinotecan on HCT116 cells by cell viability and on-line mass spectrometry(MS) analysis. The double-layer chip sandwiched with a polycarbonate membrane can coculture HCT116 cells and L.GG. And the solid phase microextraction chip can be used for desalination and concentration. Finally, the extracted chemicals were entered the electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight MS to detect irinotecan metabolites. The results showed that with the increasing concentration of co-cultured L.GG, the percentage of living HCT116 cells decreased, but the relative amount of metabolized SN-38 by HCT116 cells increased. Therefore, the microfluidic system can be used to detect and monitor the synergistic effect of irinotecan-L.GG combination on HCT116 cells. In summary, our study provided experimental evidence for the first time with potential applications of irinotecan-L.GG combination in CRC treatment, and the cellular chip-MS system as a powerful tool can be used in the experiments of probiotics as new drugs.

Probiotics for gastrointestinal disorders: Proposed recommendations for children of the Asia-Pacific region

Recommendations for probiotics are available in several regions. This paper proposes recommendations for probiotics in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. Epidemiology and clinical patterns of intestinal diseases in Asia-Pacific countries were discussed. Evidence-based recommendations and randomized controlled trials in the region were revised. Cultural aspects,health management issues and economic factors were also considered. Final recommendations were approved by applying the Likert scale and rated using the GRADE system. Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745(Sb) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG(LGG) were strongly recommended as adjunct treatment to oral rehydration therapy for gastroenteritis. Lactobacillus reuteri could also be considered. Probiotics may be considered for prevention of(with the indicated strains): antibiotic-associated diarrhea(LGG or Sb); Clostridium difficile-induced diarrhea(Sb); nosocomial diarrhea(LGG); infantile colic(L reuteri) and as adjunct treatment of Helicobacter pylori(Sb and others). Specific probiotics with a history of safe use in preterm and term infants may be considered in infants for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis. There is insufficient evidence for recommendations in other conditions. Despite a diversity of epidemiological,socioeconomical and health system conditions,similar recommendations apply well to Asia pacific countries. These need to be validated with local randomized-controlled trials.

Microbiota modification by probiotic supplementation reduces colitis associated colon cancer in mice

AIM To investigate the effect of probiotic supplementation during the development of an experimental model of colitis associated colon cancer(CAC). METHODS C57 BL/6 mice received an intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane(10 mg/kg), followed by three cycles of sodium dextran sulphate diluted in water(5% w/v). Probiotic group received daily a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacil us rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Microbiota composition was assessed by 16 Sr RNA Illumina Hi Seq sequencing. Colon samples were collected for histological analysis. Tumor cytokines was assessed by Real Time-PCR(Polymerase Chain Reaction); and serum cytokines by Multiplex assay. All tests were two-sided. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Graphs were generated and statistical analysis performed using the software Graph Pad Prism 5.0. The project was approved by the institutional review board committee. RESULTS At day 60 after azoxymethane injection, the mean number of tumours in the probiotic group was 40% lower than that in the control group, and the probiotic group exhibited tumours of smaller size(< 2 mm)(P < 0.05). There was no difference in richness and diversity between groups. However, there was a significant difference in beta diversity in the multidimensional scaling analysis. The abundance of the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum, Clostridium XI and Clostridium XVⅢ increased in the probiotic group(P < 0.05). The microbial change was accompanied by reduced colitis, demonstrated by a 46% reduction in the colon inflammatory index; reduced expression of the serum chemokines RANTES and Eotaxin; decreased p-IKK and TNF-α and increased IL-10 expression in the colon. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a potential chemopreventive effect of probiotic on CAC. Probiotic supplementation changes microbiota structure and regulates the inflammatory response, reducing colitis and preventing CAC.

Meta-analysis of single strain probiotics for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and prevention of adverse events

AIM:To assess the efficacy and safety of single strain probiotics for the:(1) eradication of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori);(2) prevention of adverse events;and(3) prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea associated with eradication therapy.METHODS:We searched Pub Med(1960-2014),EMBASE(1974-2014),Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews(1990-2014),and ISI Web of Science(2000-2014).Additionally,we conducted a grey literature search including contact with National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry,abstracts from annual infectious disease and gastroenterology meetings,experts in the field and correspondence with authors.Randomized controlled trials of H.pylori positive adults or children treated with eradication therapy and assessing the adjunctive therapy with a single strain of probiotics were included.The primary outcomes were the rates of eradication of H.pylori and frequency of patients with adverse events or antibiotic-associated diarrhea.Outcomes were pooled using fixed or random-effects models to calculate the relative risk and corresponding 95%CI and weighted on study size.To explore possible explanations for heterogeneity,a priori subgroup analyses were conducted on daily probiotic dose,study population,and quality of the study.The overall quality of the evidence for each probiotic strain was assessed using the GRADE criteria.RESULTS:A total of 25 randomized controlled trials(28 treatment arms,with a total of 3769 participants) assessed one of six single probiotic strains as adjunctive treatments to standard eradication therapy.Only one probiotic strain significantly improved H.pylori eradication rates:Saccharomyces boulardii(S.boulardii) CNCM I-745 [pooled relative risks(p RR) = 1.11,95%CI:1.07-1.16].Only one probiotic strain(S.boulardii CNCM I-745) significantly prevented any adverse events(p RR = 0.42,95%CI:0.28-0.62).Both S.boulardii CNCM I-745 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG significantlyreduced antibiotic-associated diarrhea(p RR = 0.47,95%CI:0.37-0.60 and p RR = 0.29,95%CI:0.17-0.48,respectively) associated with H.pylori eradication therapy.Meta-regression of sub-groups did not detect significant differences by dose,adult vs pediatric,symptom status,or study quality,but did find significant differences by the strain of probiotic.Potential mild publication bias was found for antibiotic-associated diarrhea,but not for eradication or adverse event outcomes.Analysis of the study quality illuminated areas for improvement in future studies(use of placebos,study size calculations,attrition reasons and discussion of limitations and generalizability).CONCLUSION:The pooled evidence suggests that the adjunctive use of a few probiotic strains may improve H.pylori eradication rates and prevent the development of adverse events and antibiotic-associated diarrhea in those treated with standard eradication therapies.The type of probiotic strain was the most important factor in predicting efficacy.

Preventing pediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infections with probiotics: A metaanalysis

AIM： To assess the effcacy and safety of probiotics for preventing pediatric： （1） antibiotic associated diarrhea and （2） Clostridium diffcile （C. diffcile） infections.METHODS： On June 3, 2013, we searched PubMed （1960-2013）, EMBASE （1974-2013）, Cochrane Da-tabase of Systematic Reviews （1990-2013）, CINAHL （1981-2013）, AMED （1985-2013）, and ISI Web of Science （2000-2013）. Additionally, we conducted an extensive grey literature search including contact with National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry, abstracts from annual infectious disease and gastroen-terology meetings, experts in the feld and correspondence with authors. The primary outcomes were the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea （AAD） and C. difficile infections （CDI）. Dichotomous outcomes （e.g. , incidence of AAD or CDI） were pooled using a random-effects model to calculate the relative risk and corresponding 95% confidence interval （95%CI） and weighted on study quality. To explore possible explanations for heterogeneity, a priori subgroup analysis were conducted on probiotic strain type, daily dose, quality of study and safety of probiotics. The overall quality of the evidence supporting each outcome was assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation criteria.RESULTS： A total of 1329 studies were identifed with 22 trials （23 treatment arms and 4155 participants） meeting eligibility requirements for our review of prevention of AAD and 5 trials （1211 participants） for the prevention of CDI. Trials in adult populations, trials of uncertain antibiotic exposure or studies which did not provide incidence of AAD were excluded. We found 12 trials testing a single strain of probiotic and 10 trials testing a mixture of probiotic strains. Probiotics （all strains combined） signifcantly reduced the incidence of pediatric AAD （pooled RR = 0.42, 95%CI： 0.33-0.53） and significantly reduced pediatric CDI （pooled RR = 0.35, 95%CI： 0.13-0.92）. Of the two strains with multiple trials, both signifcantly reduced pediatric AAD： Sac-charomyces boulardii lyo （pooled RR = 0.43, 95%CI： 0.32-0.60） and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG （pooled RR = 0.36, 95%CI： 0.19-0.69）. There was no significant effect by type of antibiotic, or by duration or dose of probiotic. No adverse events associated were found in the 22 controlled trials relating to the use of probiotics.CONCLUSION： This meta-analysis found that probiotics signifcantly prevented pediatric antibiotic associated diarrhea and pediatric CDI, but the effcacy varies signifcantly by the strain of the probiotic.

Fermented rice bran prevents atopic dermatitis in DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice

The fermentation of natural plants has a favorable effect on the functional and biological activities of living systems. These include anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet aggregation activities. This is attributed to the chemical conversion of the parent plants to functional constituents, which show more potent biological activity. In our study, rice bran along with oriental medicinal plants （Angelicae gigantis, Cnidium officinale, Artemisia princeps, and Camellia sinensis） was fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Pichia deserticola （FRBE）. We evaluated the effects of oral administration of FRBE on atopic dermatitis in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene （DNCB）-treated NC/Nga mice. FRBE significantly ameliorated the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of skin lesions in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis and reduced levels of serum immunoglobulin E and the differential white blood cell count. In addition, it reduced skin thickness compared to that of atopic dermatitis-affected skin. FRBE treatment also reduced mast cell incorporation in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis. The total cell number in dorsal skin tissue and the axillary lymph node increased following DNCB application, and this was normalized by FRBE treatment. Moreover, it decreased the levels ofCD8＋ helper T cells and Gr-1 ＋/CD1 lb＋ B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and skin lesions in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, we demonstrated that FRBE significantly inhibited mRNA expression of cytokines （e.g., interleukin-5 and interleukin-13） and cyclooxygenase-2 in AD skin lesions. These results suggest that FRBE could be a valuable herbal remedy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Improving the Health of Teeth in Cats and Dogs with Live Probiotic Bacteria

Background: Periodontal infections are the most common disease of cats and dogs. About 70% - 80% of them suffer from these infections during their lifetime. These infections occur in two forms, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a reversible inflammation of the gingiva which can be cured. As with humans, the harmful bacteria can cause infections also in organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. Besides veterinary treatment, also the owner’s everyday care is essential. Objective: The aim of the study was to develop and clinically test easy home care probiotic product for cats’ and dogs’ oral health. Methods: Nine cats and thirteen dogs were given a combination of selected bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus SP4, Lactobacillus plantarum 14D and Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 (Petguide powder) in powder form daily for four weeks on top of the dry feed. Microbiological samples were taken before and after the intervention from each dog and cat. The samples were analyzed with flow cytometric analysis using Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium sp. as indicators for oral health. Results: The home care treatment with these specific, live probiotic bacteria was shown to prevent the growth of infectious bacteria within four weeks. Petguide probiotic powder reduced the relative abundance of infectious microbes significantly (p = 0.005) in cats and dogs. Conclusion: The results suggest that the probiotic product with three live strains of probiotic bacteria prevents the growth of infectious bacterial species that are known to cause infections in pets’ mouths. Therefore, this probiotic combination could be used to improve the oral health of pets and increase their quality of life.