Nutrients

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16 pages, 1603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunostimulatory Effects of Live Lactobacillus sakei K040706 on the CYP-Induced Immunosuppression Mouse Model

by Seo-Yeon Kim, Ji-Sun Shin, Kyung-Sook Chung, Hee-Soo Han, Hwi-Ho Lee, Jeong-Hun Lee, Su-Yeon Kim, Yong Woo Ji, Yejin Ha, Jooyeon Kang, Young Kyoung Rhee and Kyung-Tae Lee

Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3573; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113573 - 22 Nov 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4072

Abstract

Our previous studies have shown that heat-killed Lactobacillus sakei K040706 exerts immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory activities in macrophages, cyclophosphamide (CYP)-treated mice, and dextran sulfate sodium–induced colitis mice. However, the immunostimulatory effects of live Lactobacillus sakei K040706 (live K040706) against CYP-induced immunosuppression and its underlying [...] Read more.

Our previous studies have shown that heat-killed Lactobacillus sakei K040706 exerts immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory activities in macrophages, cyclophosphamide (CYP)-treated mice, and dextran sulfate sodium–induced colitis mice. However, the immunostimulatory effects of live Lactobacillus sakei K040706 (live K040706) against CYP-induced immunosuppression and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the immunostimulatory effects of live K040706 (10⁸ or 10⁹ colony forming unit (CFU)/day, p.o.) in CYP-induced immunosuppressed mice. Oral administration of live K040706 prevented the CYP-induced decreases in body weight, thymus index, natural killer (NK) cell activity, T and B cell proliferation, and cytokine (interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-12) production. The administration of live K040706 also exerted positive effects on the gut microbiota of CYP-induced mice, resulting in a microbiota composition similar to that of normal mice. Moreover, live K040706 significantly enhanced IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) production in the splenocytes and Peyer’s patch (PP) cells of mice and increased bone marrow (BM) cell proliferation. Taken together, our data indicate that live K040706 may effectively accelerate recovery from CYP-induced immunosuppression, leading to activation of the immune system. Therefore, live K040706 may serve as a potential immunomodulatory agent against immunosuppression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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12 pages, 15766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Synbiotic Containing Lactobacillus paracasei and Opuntia humifusa on a Murine Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

by Gyeol Seong, Seungbaek Lee, Yang Won Min, Yeon Sil Jang, So-Young Park, Cheol-Hyun Kim, Chansu Lee, Sung Noh Hong and Dong Kyung Chang

Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 3205; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103205 - 20 Oct 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3681

Abstract

The administration of a combination of probiotics and prebiotics is expected to be a promising strategy for improving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a synbiotic containing Lactobacillus paracasei and Opuntia humifusa extract for symptomatic improvement [...] Read more.

The administration of a combination of probiotics and prebiotics is expected to be a promising strategy for improving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a synbiotic containing Lactobacillus paracasei and Opuntia humifusa extract for symptomatic improvement of IBS in a murine model and to evaluate the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of this synbiotic. A total of 20 male Wistar rats aged 8 weeks with IBS induced by restraint stress were assigned into four groups and administered L. paracasei as a probiotic and O. humifusa extract as a prebiotic for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was stool consistency at week 4. To evaluate the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of the synbiotic, fecal microbial analysis was conducted, and the serum corticosterone levels, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the colon tissue, and expression of tight junction proteins were investigated. All three treatment groups showed significantly lower scores for stool consistency than the control group at week 4 (all p < 0.001). When compared with the control group, the synbiotic groups showed a significantly greater abundance of L. paracasei in fecal microbial analysis, lower serum corticosterone levels, lower TNF-α levels in the colon tissue, and higher expression of tight junction proteins. This novel synbiotic containing L. paracasei and O. humifusa extract can improve the stool consistency in a murine model of IBS. It may be a promising treatment option for IBS, and human studies are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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17 pages, 2601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactobacillus reuteri Ameliorates Intestinal Inflammation and Modulates Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Disorders in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

by Gang Wang, Shuo Huang, Shuang Cai, Haitao Yu, Yuming Wang, Xiangfang Zeng and Shiyan Qiao

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2298; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082298 - 31 Jul 2020

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 7332

Abstract

Lactobacillus reuteri, a commensal intestinal bacteria, has various health benefits including the regulation of immunity and intestinal microbiota. We examined whether L. reuteri I5007 could protect mice against colitis in ameliorating inflammation, modulating microbiota, and metabolic composition. In vitro, HT-29 cells were [...] Read more.

Lactobacillus reuteri, a commensal intestinal bacteria, has various health benefits including the regulation of immunity and intestinal microbiota. We examined whether L. reuteri I5007 could protect mice against colitis in ameliorating inflammation, modulating microbiota, and metabolic composition. In vitro, HT-29 cells were cultured with L. reuteri I5007 or lipopolysaccharide treatment under three different conditions, i.e., pre-, co- (simultaneous), and posttreatment. Pretreatment with L. reuteri I5007 effectively relieves inflammation in HT-29 cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide. In vivo, mice were given L. reuteri I5007 by gavage throughout the study, starting one week prior to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment for one week followed by two days without DSS. L. reuteri I5007 improved DSS-induced colitis, which was confirmed by reduced weight loss, colon length shortening, and histopathological damage, restored the mucus layer, as well as reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Analysis of 16S rDNA sequences and metabolome demonstrates that L. reuteri I5007 significantly alters colonic microbiota and metabolic structural and functional composition. Overall, the results demonstrate that L. reuteri I5007 pretreatment could effectively alleviate intestinal inflammation by regulating immune responses and altering the composition of gut microbiota structure and function, as well as improving metabolic disorders in mice with colitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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10 pages, 408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Heat-Killed Pediococcus acidilactici K15 for Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections among Preschool Children

by Haruka Hishiki, Tadaomi Kawashima, Noriko M. Tsuji, Naho Ikari, Ryo Takemura, Hiroshi Kido and Naoki Shimojo

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 1989; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071989 - 3 Jul 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4553

Abstract

Although some probiotic bacteria have been reported to prevent infections in children, there are few well-designed double-blind studies. Here we evaluated the effects of a probiotic strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Pediococcus acidilactici K15, on viral respiratory tract infections in preschool children. [...] Read more.

Although some probiotic bacteria have been reported to prevent infections in children, there are few well-designed double-blind studies. Here we evaluated the effects of a probiotic strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Pediococcus acidilactici K15, on viral respiratory tract infections in preschool children. A four-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in 172 healthy children aged 3 to 6 years. Subjects were administered dextrin alone or dextrin including heat-killed K15 (5 × 10¹⁰ bacteria). The number of febrile days was the primary outcome. The number of absent days from preschools and the influenza incidence were secondary outcomes. Secretory IgA (sIgA) concentrations in saliva were measured as an exploratory outcome. The primary and secondary outcomes were not significantly different between both groups. Analyses in children with little intake of fermented foods including LAB showed that the duration of a fever significantly decreased by K15 intake. The salivary sIgA level in the K15 group was maintained significantly higher than it was in the placebo group. The effects of K15 on preventing viral respiratory tract infections were not observed without the restriction of fermented foods intake. However, K15 supported anti-infectious immune systems in children who took less fermented foods and the maintenance of salivary sIgA levels in all subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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17 pages, 1905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Daily Probiotics Supplementation on Anxiety Induced Physiological Parameters among Competitive Football Players

by A.M.G.C.P. Adikari, Mahenderan Appukutty and Garry Kuan

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071920 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8194

Abstract

Competitive football players who undergo strenuous training and frequent competitions are more vulnerable to psychological disorders. Probiotics are capable of reducing these psychological disorders. The present study aimed to determine the effect of daily probiotics supplementation on anxiety induced physiological parameters among competitive [...] Read more.

Competitive football players who undergo strenuous training and frequent competitions are more vulnerable to psychological disorders. Probiotics are capable of reducing these psychological disorders. The present study aimed to determine the effect of daily probiotics supplementation on anxiety induced physiological parameters among competitive football players. The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 20 male footballers who received either probiotics (Lactobacillus Casei Shirota strain 3 × 10¹⁰ colony forming units (CFU) or a placebo drink over eight weeks. Portable biofeedback devices were used to measure the electroencephalography, heart rate, and electrodermal responses along with cognitive tests at the baseline, week 4, and week 8. Data were statistically analyzed using mixed factorial ANOVA and results revealed that there is no significant difference between the probiotic and placebo groups for heart rate (61.90 bpm ± 5.84 vs. 67.67 bpm ± 8.42, p = 0.09) and electrodermal responses (0.27 µS ± 0.19 vs. 0.41 µS ± 0.12, p = 0.07) after eight weeks. Similarly, brain waves showed no significant changes during the study period except for the theta wave and delta wave at week 4 (p < 0.05). The cognitive test reaction time (digit vigilance test) showed significant improvement in the probiotic group compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings suggest that daily probiotics supplementation may have the potential to modulate the brain waves namely, theta (relaxation) and delta (attention) for better training, brain function, and psychological improvement to exercise. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of current findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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11 pages, 654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactobacilli Supplemented with Larch Arabinogalactan and Colostrum Stimulates an Immune Response towards Peripheral NK Activation and Gut Tolerance

by Tsvetelina Velikova, Kalina Tumangelova-Yuzeir, Ralitsa Georgieva, Ekaterina Ivanova-Todorova, Elena Karaivanova, Ventsislav Nakov, Radislav Nakov and Dobroslav Kyurkchiev

Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1706; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061706 - 7 Jun 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5047

Abstract

Probiotics possibly affect local and systemic immune reactions and maintain the intestinal immune homeostasis in healthy individuals and patients with diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this single-center, blinded trial, we enrolled 40 individuals (20 patients with IBS and 20 healthy [...] Read more.

Probiotics possibly affect local and systemic immune reactions and maintain the intestinal immune homeostasis in healthy individuals and patients with diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this single-center, blinded trial, we enrolled 40 individuals (20 patients with IBS and 20 healthy individuals) whose blood and fecal samples were collected before and after a 21-day administration of a product comprising Lactobacillus spp., larch arabinogalactan, and colostrum. The percentage of HLA-DR+ natural killer (NK) cells was higher in healthy individuals (p = 0.03) than in patients with IBS after product supplementation. In the fecal samples of patients with IBS, we observed a decline in IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and secretory IgA levels and, simultaneously, an increase in IL-10 and IL-17A levels after supplementation, although non-significant, whereas, in healthy individuals, we observed a significant decline in IL-6 and IFN-γ levels after supplementation (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, we observed a clinical improvement of symptoms in 65–75% of patients with IBS and the complete resolution of the initial symptoms in five of the 20 patients. We also observed a possible prophylactic effect by the inducing system antiviral impact accompanied by a trend for local immune tolerance in the gut in healthy individuals, where it is the desirable state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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12 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) for the Management of Infantile Colic: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Francesco Savino, Paola Montanari, Ilaria Galliano, Valentina Daprà and Massimiliano Bergallo

Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061693 - 5 Jun 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 8968

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 together with the maternal diet avoidance of cow’s milk in treating infantile colic. Methods: Forty-five colicky breastfed infants were consecutively randomized to receive L. rhamnosus for 28 [...] Read more.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 together with the maternal diet avoidance of cow’s milk in treating infantile colic. Methods: Forty-five colicky breastfed infants were consecutively randomized to receive L. rhamnosus for 28 days at a dosage of 5 × 10⁹ cfu per day or placebo. Faecal samples were collected from each subject before starting supplementation and at the end of the study period and were immediately analysed. Faecal calprotectin was detected via a quantitative assay. The total bacterial load and selected bacterial species were evaluated using real-time TaqMan PCR. Results: After supplementation for 28 days with Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103, median full-force daily crying was reduced (104 versus 242 min, p < 0.001) and the values of faecal calprotectin decreased significantly (p = 0.026). Furthermore, the probiotic increased the abundance of Lactobacillus (p = 0.048) and total bacteria (p = 0.040); all these effects were not observed in the placebo group. Conclusion: Infants treated with Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 for 28 days, in association with the elimination of cow’s milk from the maternal diet, presented some interesting features related to the effect of this probiotic treatment: reductions in crying time and faecal calprotectin, with increased total bacteria and Lactobacillus. To validate these results, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on a larger cohort is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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14 pages, 1117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Probiotic NVP-1703 Alleviates Allergic Rhinitis by Inducing IL-10 Expression: A Four-week Clinical Trial

by Min-Gyu Kang, Seung-Won Han, Hye-Ryun Kang, Seok-Jin Hong, Dong-Hyun Kim and Jeong-Hee Choi

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051427 - 15 May 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8606

Abstract

Although several recent studies reported that probiotics might be beneficial for allergic rhinitis (AR), the effect of probiotics on AR is not consistent and have not been reproduced between studies. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of probiotic NVP-1703, a mixture [...] Read more.

Although several recent studies reported that probiotics might be beneficial for allergic rhinitis (AR), the effect of probiotics on AR is not consistent and have not been reproduced between studies. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of probiotic NVP-1703, a mixture of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus plantarum, in subjects with perennial AR. Adult subjects with perennial AR received either NVP-1703 (n = 47) or placebo (n = 48) for four weeks. Total nasal symptom scores (TNSS), rhinitis control assessment test (RCAT), blood eosinophil count, allergen-specific IgE, and immunological parameters in serum and urine were compared at baseline and after four weeks. TNSS changes from baseline at weeks 1, 3, and 4 were significant between the NVP-1703 and placebo groups (p = 0.033, 0.031, and 0.029, respectively). RCAT score showed significant differences between the NVP-1703 and placebo groups (p = 0.049) at week 4. Dermatophagoides farinae-specific IgE levels and serum IL-10 levels were significantly different between the NVP-1703 and placebo groups (p = 0.033 and p = 0.047, respectively). IL-10/IL-4 and IL-10/IL-13 ratios were different between the NVP-1703 and placebo groups at week 4 (p = 0.046 and 0.018, respectively). NVP-1703 treatment reduced urinary prostaglandin F_2α and leukotriene E₄ levels (p > 0.05). Therefore, NVP-1703 can be treatment option for perennial AR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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13 pages, 447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactobacillus Acidophilus/Bifidobacterium Infantis Probiotics Are Beneficial to Extremely Low Gestational Age Infants Fed Human Milk

by Ingmar Fortmann, Janina Marißen, Bastian Siller, Juliane Spiegler, Alexander Humberg, Kathrin Hanke, Kirstin Faust, Julia Pagel, Leila Eyvazzadeh, Kim Brenner, Claudia Roll, Sabine Pirr, Dorothee Viemann, Dimitra Stavropoulou, Philipp Henneke, Birte Tröger, Thorsten Körner, Anja Stein, Christoph Derouet, Michael Zemlin, Christian Wieg, Jan Rupp, Egbert Herting, Wolfgang Göpel and Christoph Härtel Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2020, 12(3), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030850 - 22 Mar 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6091

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the nutrition-related effects of prophylactic Lactobacillus acidophilus/Bifidobacterium infantis probiotics on the outcomes of preterm infants <29 weeks of gestation that receive human milk and/or formula nutrition. We hypothesize that human-milk-fed infants benefit from probiotics in terms of sepsis prevention [...] Read more.

Objective: To evaluate the nutrition-related effects of prophylactic Lactobacillus acidophilus/Bifidobacterium infantis probiotics on the outcomes of preterm infants <29 weeks of gestation that receive human milk and/or formula nutrition. We hypothesize that human-milk-fed infants benefit from probiotics in terms of sepsis prevention and growth. Methods: We performed an observational study of the German Neonatal Network (GNN) over a period of six years, between 1 January, 2013 and 31 December, 2018. Prophylactic probiotic use of L. acidophilus/B. infantis was evaluated in preterm infants <29 weeks of gestation (n = 7516) in subgroups stratified to feeding type: (I) Exclusively human milk (HM) of own mother and/or donors (HM group, n = 1568), (II) HM of own mother and/or donor and formula (Mix group, n = 5221), and (III) exclusive exposure to formula (F group, n = 727). The effect of probiotics on general outcomes and growth was tested in univariate models and adjusted in linear/logistic regression models. Results: 5954 (76.5%) infants received L. acidophilus/B. infantis prophylactically for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Probiotic use was associated with improved growth measures in the HM group (e.g., weight gain velocity in g/day: effect size B = 0.224; 95% CI: 2.82–4.35; p < 0.001) but not in the F group (effect size B = −0.06; 95% CI: −3.05–0.28; p = 0.103). The HM group had the lowest incidence of clinical sepsis (34.0%) as compared to the Mix group (35.5%) and the F group (40.0%). Only in the Mix group, probiotic supplementation proved to be protective against clinical sepsis (OR 0.69; 95% CI: 0.59–0.79; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our observational data indicate that the exposure to L. acidophilus/B. infantis probiotics may promote growth in exclusively HM-fed infants as compared to formula-fed infants. To exert a sepsis-preventive effect, probiotics seem to require human milk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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14 pages, 1964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Daily Intake of Fermented Milk Containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Lcs) Modulates Systemic and Upper Airways Immune/Inflammatory Responses in Marathon Runners

by Mauro Vaisberg, Vitoria Paixão, Ewin B. Almeida, Juliana M. B. Santos, Roberta Foster, Marcelo Rossi, Tania C. Pithon-Curi, Renata Gorjão, Cesar M. Momesso, Marília S. Andrade, José R. Araujo, Maurício C. Garcia, Moises Cohen, Elizabeth C. Perez, Alana Santos-Dias, Rodolfo P. Vieira and André L. L. Bachi

Nutrients 2019, 11(7), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11071678 - 22 Jul 2019

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 8932

Abstract

Background. Although Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) can benefit the immune status, the effects of LcS in the immune/inflammatory responses of marathon runners has never been evaluated. Therefore, here we evaluated the effect of daily ingestion of fermented milk containing or not LcS in [...] Read more.

Background. Although Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) can benefit the immune status, the effects of LcS in the immune/inflammatory responses of marathon runners has never been evaluated. Therefore, here we evaluated the effect of daily ingestion of fermented milk containing or not LcS in the systemic and upper airway immune/inflammatory responses before and after a marathon. Methods. Forty-two male marathon runners ingested a fermented milk containing 40 billion of LcS/day (LcS group, n = 20) or placebo (unfermented milk, n = 22) during 30 days pre-marathon. Immune/inflammatory parameters in nasal mucosa and serum, as well as concentrations of secretory IgA (SIgA) and antimicrobial peptides in saliva, were evaluated before and after fermented milk ingestion, immediately, 72 h, and 14 d post-marathon. Results. Higher proinflammatory cytokine levels in serum and nasal mucosa, and also lower salivary levels of SIgA and antimicrobial peptides, were found immediately post-marathon in the placebo group compared to other time points and to LcS group. In opposite, higher anti-inflammatory levels and reduced neutrophil infiltration on nasal mucosa were found in the LcS group compared to other time points and to the placebo group. Conclusion. For the first time, it is shown that LcS is able to modulate the systemic and airways immune responses post-marathon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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Review

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19 pages, 540 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Probiotics in Stimulating the Immune System in Viral Respiratory Tract Infections: A Narrative Review

by Liisa Lehtoranta, Sinikka Latvala and Markus J. Lehtinen

Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 3163; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103163 - 16 Oct 2020

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 14204

Abstract

Viral respiratory tract infection (RTI) is the most frequent cause of infectious illnesses including the common cold. Pharmacological solutions for treating or preventing viral RTIs are so far limited and thus several self-care products are available in the market. Some dietary supplements such [...] Read more.

Viral respiratory tract infection (RTI) is the most frequent cause of infectious illnesses including the common cold. Pharmacological solutions for treating or preventing viral RTIs are so far limited and thus several self-care products are available in the market. Some dietary supplements such as probiotics have been shown to modulate immune system function and their role in reducing the risk and the course of RTIs has been investigated extensively within the past decade. However, the mechanism of action and the efficacy of probiotics against viral RTIs remains unclear. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge for pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating the effect of probiotics on respiratory virus infections, immune response, and the course of upper and lower respiratory tract illness. The literature summarized in this narrative review points out that specific probiotic strains seem effective in pre-clinical models, through stimulating the immune system and inhibiting viral replication. Clinical studies indicate variable efficacy on upper respiratory illnesses and lack proof of diagnosed viral infections. However, meta-analyses of clinical studies indicate that probiotics could be beneficial in upper respiratory illnesses without specific etiology. Further studies aiming at discovering the mechanisms of action of probiotics and clinical efficacy are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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26 pages, 1166 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effectiveness of Probiotics in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)—A Critical Review

by Dominika Jakubczyk, Katarzyna Leszczyńska and Sabina Górska

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 1973; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071973 - 2 Jul 2020

Cited by 194 | Viewed by 19118

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which affects millions of people worldwide, includes two separate diseases: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Although the background (chronic inflammatory state) and some of the symptoms of CD and UC are similar, both diseases differ from each [...] Read more.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which affects millions of people worldwide, includes two separate diseases: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Although the background (chronic inflammatory state) and some of the symptoms of CD and UC are similar, both diseases differ from each other. It is becoming clear that a combination of many factors, in particular genetic background, host immune response and microbial reduced diversity status are associated with IBD. One potential strategy to prevent/treat IBD is gut modulation by probiotics. Over the last twenty years, many publications have focused on the role of probiotics in the course of IBD. The review discusses the utility of different strains of probiotics, especially Bifidobacterium spp., in all factors potentially involved in the etiology of IBD. The probiotic modulatory properties among different study models (cell lines, animal models of colitis, clinical study) are discussed and probiotic usefulness is assessed in relation to the treatment, prevention, and remission of diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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18 pages, 295 KiB

Open AccessReview

Can Probiotics and Diet Promote Beneficial Immune Modulation and Purine Control in Coronavirus Infection?

by Ana H. A. Morais, Thais S. Passos, Bruna L. L. Maciel and Juliana K. da Silva-Maia

Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061737 - 10 Jun 2020

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 8757

Abstract

Infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus worldwide has led the World Health Organization to declare a COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is no cure or treatment for this virus, it is emergingly urgent to find effective and validated methods to prevent and treat COVID-19 [...] Read more.

Infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus worldwide has led the World Health Organization to declare a COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is no cure or treatment for this virus, it is emergingly urgent to find effective and validated methods to prevent and treat COVID-19 infection. In this context, alternatives related to nutritional therapy might help to control the infection. This narrative review proposes the importance and role of probiotics and diet as adjunct alternatives among the therapies available for the treatment of this new coronavirus. This review discusses the relationship between intestinal purine metabolism and the use of Lactobacillus gasseri and low-purine diets, particularly in individuals with hyperuricemia, as adjuvant nutritional therapies to improve the immune system and weaken viral replication, assisting in the treatment of COVID-19. These might be promising alternatives, in addition to many others that involve adequate intake of vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds from food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and Probiotics Improves Immunity)

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