probiotics

Helicobacter pylori is a significant contributor to a range of gastrointestinal conditions, with conventional treatment methods primarily relying on antibiotics. However, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains has necessitated the exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches.

To determine the in vitro antibacterial potential of probiotic bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus BLRH 260 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri) and four propolis extracts against H. pylori and to analyze their impacts on body weight index and histopathological changes in H. pylori-challenged Wistar rats.

The inhibitory effects of probiotic bacteria (L. rhamnosus BLRH 260 and L. reuteri) and propolis extracts on the growth of H. pylori were evaluated using an agar well diffusion assay. In vivo analysis involved fifty-four male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g) infected with an H. pylori suspension (108 CFU/mL) and orally administered propolis or probiotics (108 CFU/mL) via gavage for 21 days. The effects of different treatments on body weight and histopathological changes in gastric tissue samples were assessed, and the results were statistically analyzed.

The tested propolis extracts and the supernatant fluids from the mentioned probiotic strains showed significant antibacterial activity against H. pylori in the agar well diffusion assay, with notable variations. In vivo, the findings demonstrated that oral administrations of propolis and probiotics, either separately or in combination, led to significant increases in body weight and amelioration of histopathological changes in gastric tissue samples, particularly in terms of erosion depth, hemorrhagic inflammation, and apoptosis in the infected animals. Histopathological differences between antibiotic-treated animals and those receiving other treatments were observed, with significant differences.

The results of this study underscore the potential therapeutic benefits of propolis and probiotics in addressing H. pylori-induced gastropathy. Additional research is necessary to clarify the mechanisms involved and to refine dosage and treatment protocols for optimal effectiveness.

To date, few studies have evaluated the effects of probiotics in women at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB), which have presented contradictory results.

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of administrating probiotics together with 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP) on spontaneous PTB and related pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women at high risk for PTB.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 118 pregnant women at high risk for PTB (with a history of PTB or pregnancy termination in the second trimester) receiving 17α-OHP injection (250 mg, IM). They were assigned to probiotic group (n=58) and placebo group (n=60). The probiotic group received a 500 mg Lactofem bio-capsules orally and daily, containing Lactobacillus acidophilus 2×109 cfu/g, Bifidobacterium bifidus 2×109 cfu/g, Lactobacillus rutri 2×109 cfu/g, Lactobacillus fermentum 2×109 cfu/g, from the 16th to the 37th week of pregnancy. The placebo capsules contained starch powder. The obstetric outcomes included Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM), PTB and mode of delivery. The neonatal outcomes included anthropometric characteristics and Apgar score (at 1 and 5 minutes after birth). The obtained data were analyzed using t-test and chi-square test. The significance level was set at 0.05.

The mean age of the participants was 30.27±7.56 and 28.93±7.32 years in the probiotic and control groups, respectively. Their mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.80±2.12 and 26.74±2.98 kg/m2, respectively. Also, 8.62% and 15% of women in the probiotic and placebo groups had PTB before the 34th week of pregnancy, while 12.06% and 16.7% had PTB from the 34th to the 37th week of pregnancy, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in these obstetric outcomes. After delivery, the newborn’s weight was 2928.07±454.83 and 2879.16±348.27; head circumstance was 33.39±1.15 and 33.46±1.46; height was 49.58±1.30 and 49.93±1.45; Apgar score at 1 minute after birth was 8.7±0.6 and 8.6±0.5, and Apgar score at 5 minutes after birth was 9.8±0.6 and 8.9±0.8, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in these neonatal outcomes.  

The use of probiotic adjuvant in combination with 17α-OHP injection from the 16th to the 37th week of pregnancy cannot reduce the risk of spontaneous PTB or improve neonatal and obstetric outcomes in women at high risk for PTB.

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and abdominal obesity, which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic syndrome may play a critical role in the cancer progressionand contribute to higher mortality rates. Emerging researches highlight the essential role of the gut microbiota in maintaining health, with dysbiosis being linked to various chronic diseases. This review focused on the potential therapeutic roles of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in the management and prevention of metabolic syndrome and its associated conditions. Prebiotics support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, while probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits. Synbiotics, combinations of prebiotics and probiotics, have demonstrated promise in improving gut health and managing metabolic disorders. The article synthesizes clinical and preclinical evidences regarding the effects of these supplements on obesity, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular diseases, and diarrhea. It reviews the efficacy of specific prebiotics (such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides), probiotics (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), and synbiotics, highlighting their mechanisms of action and clinical outcomes. Additionally, the review emphasized the need for more rigorous clinical trials to establish the safety, efficacy, and optimal use of these supplements in the management of metabolic and chronic diseases.In conclusion, prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics hold significant potential for improving metabolic health and managing chronic diseases. Future researches should prioritize well-designed clinical trials to fully explore their therapeutic potential and refine treatment strategies.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of early time?restricted eating (eTRE) and eTRE plus probiotic supplementation to daily caloric restriction (DCR) alone in terms of biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS), antioxidant capacity, inflammation, and blood pressure (BP) in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The research was conducted as a randomized, parallel, placebo?controlled clinical trial with an 8?week follow?up period. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 14:10 eTRE with probiotic supplementation (n = 30), 14:10 eTRE with placebo supplementation (n = 30),or DCR with placebo supplementation (n = 30). At the beginning and 8 weeks of the intervention, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP, inflammation, and OS parameters were evaluated.

A total of 90 participants (mean age, 30.49 years and mean weight, 81.45 kg) were enrolled in this trial. After 8?week intervention, we observed SBP significantly decreased in both the eTRE + probiotic group (?0.31 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): ?0.55, ?0.07]) and the eTRE + placebo group (?0.24 mmHg [95% CI: ?0.43, 0.04]), with no significant differences observed between groups. Moreover, C?reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly reduced in all groups (P < 0.005). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) also showed notable improvement in both the eTRE + probiotic group (P = 0.012) and the DCR group (P = 0.032). However, there were no significant differences between the three groups regarding BP, OS, TAC, and CRP markers.

It was not found that eTRE alone or eTRE with probiotics intervention resulted in improving BP, inflammatory, OS, and antioxidant capacity biomarkers than a standard DCR diet among obese women with PCOS. The present study did not reveal significant improvements in BP, inflammatory markers, OS, or antioxidant capacity with either eTRE alone or eTRE combined with probiotics compared to a standard DCR among obese women diagnosed with PCOS.Trial Register no: IRCT20121110011421N5.

The potential of polyphenols to enhance the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria through direct co-utilization by bacteria and their ability to inhibit pathogenic species is a topic of significant interest. Recently, the term “Duplibiotic” has been proposed to describe a nonabsorbable substance that regulates the gastrointestinal microbiome through both antimicrobial and prebiotic mechanisms.

This study aimed to assess the prebiotic and antipathogenic effects of the aqueous extract of Cydonia oblonga Mill.

This study examined the impact of an extract derived from C. oblonga Mill, a medicinal plant from the Rosaceae family, on the proliferation of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus reuteri, as well as its antibacterial properties against six bacteria (enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Clostridium difficile, and Streptococcus mutans). Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the C. oblonga Mill extract against these six bacteria was determined.

In general, various extract concentrations of the C. oblonga Mill were found to inhibit the growth of enterohemorrhagic E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, C. difficile, and S. mutans, while significantly enhancing the growth of L. plantarum, L. reuteri, and L. acidophilus.

The primary components of C. oblonga such as polyphenols may have a significant impact on biological properties. We suggest that the extract of C. oblonga Mill be considered a “Duplibiotic” compound, which refers to a non-absorbable substrate that modulates the gut microbiota through both antimicrobial and prebiotic mechanisms. The Duplibiotic effect of polyphenols is believed to contribute to reducing metabolic disorders and intestinal dysbiosis, positioning these compounds as nutritional interventions with medicinal capability.

Asthma, a prevalent chronic condition in children, poses significant challenges in management. While conventional treatments like inhaled corticosteroids and beta-agonists are standard, there is increasing interest in the role of herbal medicine and probiotics as complementary therapies. This paper reviews the impact of herbal remedies—such as Butterbur, Ginger, Turmeric, Boswellia, Licorice, and Ephedra—and probiotics on pediatric asthma. Evidence suggests these therapies may reduce inflammation and improve respiratory function, potentially benefiting asthma management. However, variability in product quality and study designs necessitates further research. Future studies should focus on validating these interventions through rigorous clinical trials to better integrate herbal medicine and probiotics into comprehensive asthma care for children.

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) is a chemical contaminant found in many food products, including infant formulas. Given the vital contribution of milk and its products to the human diet, particularly for children, the presence of 3-MCPD in dairy products poses a significant public health concern. Therefore, it is crucial to explore natural compounds for 3-MCPD removal. This study investigates the effect of probiotic microorganisms (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus murinus, and Yarrowia lipolytica) on reducing 3-MCPD levels in infant formula containing various 3-MCPD concentrations.

L. plantarum, L. murinus bacteria, and Y. lipolytica yeast were prepared as active cultures. Subsequently, various 3-MCPD concentrations were added to the infant formula, and the effect of the bacteria and the yeast on 3-MCPD reduction was investigated using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID).

L. plantarum, L. murinus, and Y. lipolytica demonstrated the ability to reduce 3-MCPD levels in the infant formula at different concentrations and contact times. L. plantarum and Y. lipolytica were found to be more effective in reducing 3-MCPD in the infant formula compared to L. murinus.

The results indicate that probiotic bacteria can effectively mitigate the toxic effect of 3-MCPD. These findings have potential applications in the food industry, particularly in dairy products.

The introduction of the gut-skin axis as a new concept casts light on the complex relationship between dermatological maladies and the human intestinal microbiome. A wealth of evidence now substantiates the crucial involvement of the gut microbiota in the development of psoriasis, emphasizing the need for further exploration in this field. The development of psoriasis involves a combination of factors, making its pathogenesis multifactorial. In addition, psoriasis has been connected to several comorbid conditions. The intricate connection between gut health and skin homeostasis is established through the alteration of immune functions, highlighting the reciprocal nature of this association. This review delves into how an imbalanced gut microbiome can have detrimental effects on psoriasis. Furthermore, this review seeks to discuss potential and emerging therapeutic interventions, encompassing dietary approaches, probiotic supplementation, orally administered engineered bacteria, and phage therapy.

The most common method to combat microorganisms that cause tooth decay is the use of antibiotics. However, despite the benefits of antibiotics, their use has significant disadvantages, such as the increased resistance of microorganisms to these chemicals.

A promising and safer alternative is the use of probiotics and prebiotics, which can reduce or inhibit the growth of disease-causing oral microorganisms. Streptococcus salivarius is one such probiotic, while inulin and nisin are the prebiotics commonly recommended for this purpose.

Several assays, including agar bilayer interference, agar well penetration, and microdilution, were used to assess the antibacterial activities of S. salivarius K12 and S. salivarius M18 probiotics, as well as those of the prebiotics nisin and inulin. Additionally, bile salt and low pH tolerance assessments were conducted for the probiotics, and the synthesis of bacteriocins by the probiotics was verified using proteolytic and enzymatic activity assays.

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay revealed that S. mutans growth was inhibited by S. salivarius K12 and S. salivarius M18 at a concentration of 75%, and by nisin and inulin at 200 IU/mL. In the well penetration assay, S. salivarius K12 exhibited significantly better results compared to S. salivarius M18. Nisin had significantly greater inhibitory effects on S. mutans compared to inulin. A combination of all four components ( S. salivarius K12, S. salivarius M18, nisin, and inulin) resulted in maximum antibacterial activity, indicating a synergistic effect. Based on the agar bilayer assay and the growth inhibition zone diameters, nisin showed the highest antibacterial activity against S. mutans , followed by S. salivarius K12, inulin, and S. salivarius M18. Enzymatic digestion and proteolytic activity assays confirmed the synthesis of bacteriocins by S. salivarius K12 and S. salivarius M18. Both probiotics demonstrated bile salt tolerance at a concentration of 0.3% and surviving rates of 36% and 33%, respectively, at pH 2.

The most important finding of the current study is the synergistic effect between the highlighted prebiotics and probiotics, which may offer a novel and effective combination for preventing tooth decay.

The present study aimed to review the effect of short-term probiotic consumption on aerobic and anaerobic capacity and delayed-onset muscle soreness in football players.  A total of 30 male football players in the youth age group were selected by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two supplement and placebo groups. Blood samples were gathered before and after the football simulation workout to measure the creatine kinase levels. In addition, muscle pain was measured 24, 48, and 72 hours after the workout. In addition, aerobic and anaerobic capacities were measured 24 hours before the pre-test and post-test. The subjects participated in the supplementation program specific to their group between the pre-test and the post-test for two weeks so that one group received a probiotic supplement and the other group received a placebo (starch powder) in the same way (two caps received a dose of 2 108 microorganisms per day).  Short-term consumption of probiotic supplements led to a slight increase in aerobic capacity (P=0.078) and anaerobic capacity (P=0.11) in football players, but this increase was not statistically significant. However, a significant reduction in muscle pain (P=0.001) and serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) (P=0.001) was observed in the supplement group compared to the placebo group.  Based on the results, short-term consumption of probiotic supplements reduced DOMS after intense exercise in young football players, probably due to probiotics' antioxidant properties.

  Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a concern for world health since it may impact both the upper (nose, throat, sinuses) and lower (trachea, lungs) respiratory tracts. Death (at a rate of 10%), respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are among the problems that might arise. Recent years have seen a global spread of zoonotic coronaviruses, which have caused human epidemics such as MERS and SARS. Various clinical symptoms may be seen in this sickness because to the numerous changes in intestinal homeostasis caused by SARS-CoV-2. Because of the beneficial impact that probiotics have on the host immune system, gastrointestinal disorders may now be effectively treated. This article discusses the close relationship between what we eat, the bacteria in our gut, and the risk of contracting the COV-19 virus.

The relationship between gut microbiota, dietary factors, and COVID-19 severity indicates that the microbiome may influence immune regulation. Imbalances in microbial communities and reduced diversity can intensify inflammation, potentially worsening COVID-19 outcomes. Strategies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary changes might provide therapeutic benefits by improving gut health and strengthening immune defenses. However, further research is required to clarify these mechanisms and establish effective interventions.